Students take risks at Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament

The gamblers, dressed to the nines, took their seats at the round table. Facing the dealer, one took out his fancy Cuban cigar and lit it with his gold-plated lighter. The room smelled of smoke and the low, slow music was being played by the usual guy over on the old, baby grand piano in the corner. The dealer fluidly dealt out two cards to each player and the high-stakes game commenced.

Well, maybe it didn’t happen exactly that way, but many CSC students did have a great time at the Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, Friday. The Student Center Ballroom was filled with upbeat music and snacks were provided for the “gamblers.” Each student, upon entry to the room, received a set amount of chips that they could use as they pleased. The stakes were high, with prizes such as a blender, a Keurig coffee maker, various video games, and many others to be won.

At the first hand at a beginners table, Ryan Ackerman, senior of Alliance, dealt out cards to a group of girls. Sarah Blackstone, freshman of Castle Rock, Colo., started the game with a small opening bet. Erin Vacha, sophomore of Alliance, answered back and upped the stakes quite a bit. Everyone else at the table folded while Vacha revealed that she had been bluffing and took all the chips. The other tables had some more experienced players, but as the night went on, many students found that they had a hidden talent for poker.

Lauren Moller, sophomore of Alliance, was pleasantly surprised to win second place after receiving a donation of a large amount of chips from a friend. She used this to her advantage and went home with the blender as her prize.

The tournament is a late night event sponsored by Kent Hall. The Resident Advisers acted as dealers and were dressed to impress. The students seemed to have fun regardless of previous Texas Hold ‘Em playing experience.