Imponerande dikt från WSOP!

[Muffmull]

The Big One

By Peter Costa

 

Five hundred and twelve took their chance

They took a seat and made their stance

All with just one goal in mind

All are set for the long hard grind

 

To show their skill and that they're able

To earn a seat at the final table

To get lucky with no bad beat

To fight for the right to earn that seat

 

It's high noon the showdown starts

The pulse is raised from beating hearts

Cards in the air, let's start dealing

They've waited a year to feel this feeling

 

They call, they check, they raise and fold

Some run hot while others cold

They call, they check, they raise and muck

They all need help from lady luck

 

One by one they drop away

And most are gone by second day

All have stories, some are sad

A real bad beat or just played bad

 

Some had a draw some had the nuts

But you cannot win on ifs and buts

Some lost their heads, some had to bluff

But they all knew this would be tough

 

Some got tired while others battled

Some stayed cool while others rattled

Some just threw their stacks away

Some made it through by solid play

 

As the numbers are decreased

So the tensions are increased

And with each and brand new flop

More and more begin to drop

 

For those that make last forty-five

They know its good to be alive

For even though first place they yearn

They all have made a small return

 

As to the final six we go

The rewards in dollars starts to grow

Position play becomes the game

And holding on becomes the aim

 

The final six now take the table

Each has shown that they are able

In seat one there is "Jesus" Chris

Who must have dreamed of a day like this

 

In seat two, there is Hasan Habib

Learned to play the game from his crib

Next to him is Jim McManus

A great poker brain with great poker manners

 

In seat four it's T.J. Cloutier

Lowest stack, but always there

In seat five there's Roman Abinsay

Who hopes that is may be his day

 

Finally, Steve Kaufman from Ohio

All six are seated; let's start the show

Good luck to each one and all

Deal the cards let's have a ball

 

"Jesus", with help from above

Is in a position that we would love

He's stacked high, the others low

He sits there while out they go

 

One by one they drop away

On this crucial final day

First to go was Abinsay

His Ace and Queen did not play

 

The first bad beat of the final day

Helped to send McManus on his way

He was there to write a book

As fifth place he proudly took

 

Hasan Habib finally took fourth place

As he constantly ran into an over-raise

His cards were good, the board was mean

As he went out searching for a Queen

 

The final three, the money's fair

As Kaufman's all-in with top pair

But it is Kaufman's final bet

As "Jesus" Chris, flops a set

 

The stage is set; we're down to two

Now any decent hand will do

A pair's a pair an Ace an Ace

Now with any hand they raise

Just so they know what this is all for

Out comes the money, the spoils of war

"Jesus" has amassed an awesome lead

But T.J. is one of a special breed

 

"Jesus" is set for a real hard day

As T.J. takes him all the way

The chips go back to and fro

And then to level stacks they go

 

"Jesus" looks down and finds an Ace

He makes a move with a hefty raise

T.J. looks and likes his hand

It's now time to make his stand

 

Over the top, all-in he raises

Both players have one of the Aces

It's down to luck, down to the kicker

Who is strong and who is weaker?

 

Lets see the cards on their backs

And see how you gamble with your stacks

It's looking good for you T.J.

This could really be your day

 

All of T.J's past frustration

Could now change to pure elation

His Ace and Queen is looking fine

As "Jesus" shows an Ace and Nine

 

The flop's no help to either player

But "Jesus" hasn't got a prayer

The "Turn" card comes; it's not a Nine

T.J is looking more than fine

 

T.J. made his stand; will luck deliver?

Just the final card to turn; the "River"

The crowd is tense, totally absorbed

As the last card's turned to hit the board

 

If it doesn't pair the board or it's not a Nine

The congrats for T.J., can form a line

But that's not the case; it's not meant to be

As a Nine is turned by destiny

 

There are no words, what can you say?

Lady luck has ruled the day

But all is fair in love and poker

As the final handshake is now over

 

What a final, what great fun

Thanks to each and every one

Thanks to Benny for his effort and vision

And for giving us all, our yearly mission

 

It's now time to mourn and wait

For one long year to evaporate

Then once again we can embrace

This very special poker race

 

So I wish well to one and all

And see you here in the fall

For the return of the "Hall of Fame"

To enjoy more of this special game

 

To continue the success of our beloved poker

We need to add a slight makeover

By showing respect to our fellow man

And to being as pleasant as we can

 

For after all, it's just a game

So lose your chips, but not your name

And win or lose it with a smile

And do it all with charm and style