Now playing High Stakes No Limit Hold'em

Early Saturday morning I called Tina Tellone, a close friend of mine, to see about her joining me in Daytona Beach Kennel Club for a day of poker action.  Tina arrived 45 minutes late and on her 4^th hand found herself on the button with pocket kings.  Five women limped in to the hand with her and the blinds to go, she announced, “this is NOT a button raise I just happen to be sitting where it is located.”  With a raise of $600 everyone called including the blinds.  The flop came with an Ace, as if there would be any doubt.  The small blind let out with $600 and everyone folded to Tina you could see the steam shooting out of her ears and she called the bet.  Later I asked why and she said, “I had to see what Ace was so valuable on a 50/100 blind level with a pre-flop raise of $600“.  They checked it down from the flop and the woman turned over Ace/Eight off-suit.

After the hand I hear from the table where she was, “just so you know my chips have GPS tracking in them and I will be getting them back”.  Sure enough Tina did just that. The very next level got them all back and then some!  She did it by limping in with pocket 8’s and spiking a set on the flop! The poker gods were smiling as she boated against the woman’s nut flush at the river.  Tina doubled up through the very woman who cracked her Kings.

Way to go, Tina!

She was definitely on her game correctly calling hole cards hand after hand, she was unstoppable.  Accurately assessing the final table Tina offered the woman expected to make it to heads up a chop.  No thanks! Final table action lasted 45 minutes and it was Tina vs. the reluctant chopper. This woman wasn’t willing to concede the trophy or title even though Tina had the chip advantage.  Tina laughingly said, “That’s fine, I’ll win it outright” and it only took 14 hands.

I am reminded of a similar reluctant chopper story from my background.  It was the 2008 WSOP Ladies circuit event at Harrah’s New Orleans.  First place was $16,700 with $9,185 for second.  After clearing most of the final table I ended heads up.  I offered my opponent very generous even money deal with me retaining the title and the gold WSOP Circuit pendant necklace. She declined even though I had 85% of the chips. I won the tournament two hands later.

Tina was on Cloud 9 with her win and decided pickup some extra funds from the cash game.  I think she was more excited about winning the trophy than the cash.  Trophies are tangible reminders allowing  us bragging rights and reminiscent feelings of triumph.  Congratulations, Tina!  Love you!

I am in New Orleans for the WSOP circuit events. I will be in town until May 19th and will be at the tables as much as my body allows!

There are 19 events, plus daily mega satellites and second chance tournaments spread over nineteen days.  There are a variety of event types to appeal to all players: No limit hold em, Pot limit Omaha, Seniors, Ladies, Re-buy,  Shootout,  Heads  Up, Mixed, and more.  The structure of the events are great.  Come join me in the Bayou!

Jena Delk took a day off from playing the WSOP Circuit Events in New Orleans poker to give back to the military troops stationed at Camp Shelby, MS. Delk toured the USS Alabama with the master trainers of the 3-347th Regiment in honor of Armed Forces Day,

This unit, normally stationed in Orlando, has been called to active duty to ready Guardsmen and Reservist post-mobilization training in support of GWOT (Global War on Terror). The troops called to active duty spend two month of intense 7-day a week combat training prior to their final deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of May. In 1949, when this holiday was created to honor those serving in the five U.S. military branches, this day was meant to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard days of observances. However, those branches still observe their own days in addition to Armed Forces Day.

On behalf of the poker community, we salute our Servicemen.

Today was Event #3 -$500 + $50 No Limit Hold ‘em (6-handed) at Harrah’s in New Orleans. I did not last very long in the event. My table mates were all good players who seemed able to read my cards before I could. I probably should have stayed in bed, which is something I strongly considered.

I stopped by the poker room after my early exit from Event #3. I sat down to a very sick $1/$2 game. Every hand had 4-5 limpers and then someone would bump it up. Nearly all the limpers would call a raise up to $20. There was just no folding pre-flop at this game.

Even though the table was a bit wild, they seemed to respect my game a bit too much (i.e. no action on my good hands) I knew I needed to mix up my game a bit if I was ever going to make some money. So when I peeked down to QQ from middle position, I limped, making me the third limper in the hand. I fully prepared to call the expected raise and fold if an ace or king arrived on the flop. Two more limp after me and the big blind bumps it up to $20. The UTG player calls. I call. The rest of the players uncharacteristically fold. We see a flop of J 7 8 rainbow. The big blind bets $55 and the UTG player min-raised to $110. I respond with an all in bet of $360. The big blind folds and the UTG calls. The turn is a 4 and river is a 3. The UTG player had A J, hitting top pair, top kicker. Whew!

Oh, by the way, have you ever seen a stack of blackies (20 – $100 chips) in a $300 capped $1/2 game? Come to New Orleans to play and you will! Crazy stuff.

I am in New Orleans for the WSOP circuit events. I will be in town until May 19th and will be at the tables as much as my body allows!

There are 19 events, plus daily mega satellites and second chance tournaments spread over nineteen days.  There are a variety of event types to appeal to all players: No limit hold em, Pot limit Omaha, Seniors, Ladies, Re-buy,  Shootout,  Heads  Up, Mixed, and more.  The structure of the events are great.

Come join me in the Bayou!

C.P.A. From Florida Takes First Place at Harrahs New Orleans by Staff filed under World Series of Poker on 2008-05-19 [Originally appeared in the July 28, 2003 issue of Poker Player]

The “Cajun Queen Classic,” which is the fourteenth event on the 2008 Bayou Poker Challenge schedule, concluded today. Jena Delk won the $200 buy-in Ladies Only No-Limit Hold’em competition. The tournament was hosted by the Harrahs New Orleans Casino and Resort. First place paid $16,700. Ms. Delk was also presented with a gold ladies pendant, presented annually to each female champion at the World Series of Poker Circuit here in New Orleans.

World Series of Poker Circuit

2007-2008 Season

Harrah’s New Orleans

The Fifth Annual Bayou Poker Challenge

Cajun Queen Classic

Event #14

No-Limit Hold’em

Buy-In: $200 + $30

Number of Entries: 269

Total Prize Money: $52,186

May 18, 2008

Official Results:

1 Jena Delk Merrit Island, FL $16,700

2 Rae Payne Mandeville, LA 9,185

3 Elizabeth “Lizzie G” Germann LaFayette, LA 4,697

4 Carol Bollinger Mandeville, LA 3,653

5 Kimberly Zobrist Dunedin, FL 3,131

6 Sherrie Aiken Biloxi, MS 2,609

7 Sue Grisham Houston, TX 2,087

8 Sherri Maycroft Killen, TX 1,566

9 Dr. Tricia A. Gardner Round Rock, TX 1,044

10 Rene Gaston 626

11 Rhonda Schroeder 626

12 Elizabeth McDaniel 626

13 Sandy Sims 522

14 Tonic Williams 522

15 Tabatha Michel 522

16 Sheila Leleaux 417

17 Michelle Baxter 417

18 Paula Halata 417

19 Judy LeBlanc 313

20 Rachel Boudreaux 313

21 Tina Koxfong 313

22 Sheila Gattes 313

23 Lindsey Breaud 313

24 Terry Howard 313

25 Tammi Walkup 313

26 Kristin Weeks 313

27 Jerianne Ranieri 313

For more information, please contact:

Nolan Dalla — WSOP Media Director at (702) 358-4642

Or visit the official website: www.worldseriesofpoker.com

Harrah’s New Orleans Poker Room Manager – Rick Korte

Bayou Poker Challenge Tournament Director – Raymond Gasser

Jeffrey Pollack – Commissioner, WSOP

Ty Stewart – Director, Sponsorship and Licensing, WSOP

Craig Abrahams – Director, Broadcasting and New Media, WSOP

Seth Palansky – Director of Communications, WSOP

I busted out of Event #11 pretty fast. So I went back to the Hilton to rest.  After several hours resting on my very comfortable Serenity bed, I got up and showered. Then I rested some more!  Still loving those room darkening shades. Then I got a great burger and fries (with mayo- yum) from Fuddruckers located inside Harrah’s New Orleans. 

8 PM

I decided to play some cash.  While I had some great hands (quad Jacks!), so did others. I ended up down for the night. Looks like I will be grinding in the cash games tomorrow afternoon if I can drag myself out of my  room.  I am having great physical challenges in the casino tonight.

Thursday-6 AM

I arrive at the River Blend Café, looking for something good to eat and maybe some coffee. There are two gentlemen are sharing a coffee while looking over their newspapers.  The place is quiet in the early morning hour. I enjoy looking over the many baked goods.  A friendly voice calls out, “Turn away, don’t do it.  Just walk away” as I salivate over the cinnamon pecan sticky bun.  I look up and smile at the lady.  I am finally able to pull myself away from the high calorie glorious treat and select a banana nut muffin, strawberry yogurt, and a large coffee. 

8:11 AM

Finally made it to bed.  Now if I could just sleep.

10:12 AM

Pain continues. Sleep eludes.

6:31 PM

I was able to get some sleep this afternoon.  Then I probably spent way too much time on Facebook and Twittering.  I really enjoy networking and keeping track of my friends and family.  My body is still not ready to venture from my hotel room or even my bed.  Good thing it is very comfortable. 

9:07 PM

I am still in bed.  I am watching the season finale of Grey’s Anatomy.  I am a bit lonely.  Life on the poker road can get that way sometimes. I hope I am well enough to play tomorrow’s noon event at the Bayou Poker Challenge.

What does a mother of four, grandmother of one, do on Mother’s Day?  Hmmm, let’s see. I got up at 11 am.  My daughter Katie was the first to call to wish me a Happy Mother’s day. I had to cut the conversation short in order to have time to write this blog.   

I am in New Orleans playing the WSOP circuit preliminary events—-ALONE.  Yes, that’s right; I generally travel without my husband.  Shocking!  Good thing we have one of the strongest marriages I can imagine.  Mike is an amazing man.  Wish every wife could have a husband treat them like Mike treats me.  The world would be a much happier place, that’s for sure!

I walked outside the casino last night around 2 am.  There was a lovely moon glow in the warm New Orleans air.  The man in the moon was smiling down on me.  Looking at the moon, tears welled up in my eyes as I said out loud, “Happy Mother’s Day, Mom”.  I sure do miss my Mom. She passed away way too soon. 

11:45 am: It looks like the Moms and wives are winning this Mother’s Day. Bet there are lots of church going and brunch eating today! Only 96 players have registered for event 4.  There is only 15 minutes before its scheduled start. Yesterday there were 331 for the same buy in amount.  So, will this field be full of single dads and hardcore poker players with very few ladies sprinkled in?  Let’s go see.

12:30 pm:  Gerard Melancon just came into the theater. (Oh, the theater is the room where the tournaments are being held)  One excellent jockey, that man. Gerard always adds fun to any game he is a part of. Beautiful wife and family too.  Good people.1:07 pm:  Just won a huge pot AJ suited vs. KQ off suit in a multiway pot. The blinds are 100/200. 5 limpers.  I bumped it up to 1100 on the button. The quiet short stack in the 6th seat pushes it all in.  I call.  Flop K Q 10. Knocked the guy and got to stack a 6,000 pot.

Level 8: I go all in with 12 big blinds from middle position. The big stack in the cut off seat smooth calls. Blinds 300/600/75 at a 9-handed table. Everyone else folds.

      Flop Q 7 J

      Turn 2.

      Asshole at the end of the table calls for a king. 

     River: K

     Out in 46th place.

     Trip queens NO GOOD!

Ah well, wishing you all a Happy Mother’s Day….now go play like a girl!

I arrived in New Orleans yesterday morning at 9:30 am.  Too tired to play the noon event in the New Orleans WSOP circuit event.  So, I checked into the Hilton Riverfront and went straight to bed.  I woke up at 4 pm!  Exhausted for sure.   Thank goodness for these wonderful pillows and room darkening curtains.

I went to Harrah’s last night to check out the action around 8 pm.  The poker room is packed with a huge waiting list.  I play $1/2 NLH for an hour, making $72.  Not too bad.  Went card dead and getting really bored, which is a bad combination for  me.    At the dealer change the calling station picked up his stack, so I got up too.  No reason to pay time if my target is leaving and I am on the verge of playing bad. 

Jena outside Harrah

Then I went to the Theater to see what is going on with the prelims and SNG’s. I am happy to see a line for the SNG’s and a full room of players.  I get in line for the $120, and am seated in less than 10 minutes.  I didn’t cash in this one.  It’s now about 11 pm, so I decide to go back to my room.  Gotta get some rest to play the noon event.

I am preparing to play the $550 NLH event today by listening to Tips From The Bear.  Really good stuff!  Thanks Barry.

Bobby Knight, famous college basketball coach, said, “The will to win wasn’t as important as the will to prepare to win.”

The will to win has always been with me, within all of us. It is the preparation both mentally and emotionally that separates those who have the will to win, and those who can actually close the deal. I have the will to prepare to win.  So let’s get on with that win!

I have begun poker preparations for my trip to New Orleans for the last WSOP circuit event May 8th – 20th, 2009. Not only will I be participating in the preliminary events, as well as, the main event, but I will ultimately be defending my title as the Cajun Classic Queen. I earned this title in May of 2008 when I had the honor of winning the Ladies Only NLH event.

Jena Wins 2008 Cajun Queen Classic

I woke up around noon today, but was slow to get out of bed.  Mike and Jack had left the house very early for their usual Saturday fishing outing.  The sun was shining brightly and the breeze gently dancing through the palm trees. Looking out the window gazing at the beautiful view from my bedroom window I am finally able to drag myself from bed.  While tending to my personal needs, I planned my day.  I am going to re-read notes, review flashcards, and play online.

When writing up an article, I start with the title of the article, date written, and authors name.  Most of my notes are taken from Cardplayer and Bluff magazines.  There is an occasional note from Poker Pages, as well.  I enjoy reading from the poker greats.  Many of my favorite’s contemporary authors have done well for themselves over the past three years.

I have taken copious notes on my readings (both poker magazines and books) since I took up the hobby of playing poker. To date I have filled 4 steno pads with important concepts and ideas.  Before a major tournament, I like to re-read these notes. These annotations allow me to prepare myself mentally for my upcoming journey through the unending tsunami of red and black cards to come.

Being a Hoosier I understand all too well the importance of preparation as quoted by Bobby Knight. It is the groundwork of the game which will in turn lead to the greatest satisfaction of all, the win.