I was invited to a charity poker tournament at the Grand Sierra.  I have played poker since I was about 11 years old but I am not that good.  In the last five years I have probably played in a dozen "all in" tournaments.  They have always been in a friends basement, never for more than a five dollar buy in and never with more than six people.  

By some miracle, I won the 32 person tournament.  Reno Active 20-30 was the charity that I was playing for.  I am happy to say that dozens of disadvantaged kids will get new school supplies thanks to the $5000 cash prize.

It was a lot of fun, which is probably because I got A LOT of good cards.  And who doesn't like to win once in a while?

The casino took a bunch of great photos....so here you go.

I never thought I would win, so I figured...If I can't be a high roller, I can at least look like one...so I dressed for success.  Maybe thats what did it for me.  Or maybe it was all the pocket pairs I was dealt. 

The final table. 

The final two...heads up poker.  I was down in chips 2-1 and we were all in.  If I didn't get a ten or a queen on the river he had me beat.  The dealer turned over the final card, it was a queen.  I jumped out of my seat with excitement! I hadn't won yet, but I had survived and I now was in the drivers seat. 

The winning had was an Ace/King suited...I told you I got good cards!

I got a little goofy after I won.