Birthday Boy Shares His Presence

  After enjoying a cigar and some pregame beverages, I was ready for event number two. Since it was my birthday, I was hoping some luck would come along for the ride. As we sat down for the beginning of the event, the first bit of luck fell into place. Apparently, Mr. Kraft was unable to make the event due to some pressing needs his place of employment. As it turns out, the money we give him on a bi-weekly basis is not quite enough to live on. I was especially grateful to Terry who provided me with some flip top Grolsch and a decent amount of his chips. Some outlandish statements were made, bets were placed, and some of us were left shaking our heads. As play continued, I found my way into a hand with chip leader, Billy. After flopping top pair with flush draw, I sense my opportunity to relieve Bill of Terry's chips. My joy from Billy's announcement of "I call" was quickly tempered upon his shoulder shrug and revealing his set of eights. His set turned out to be no match for the birthday luck. My stellar play was rewarded with a river flush. With my new found chips, I was ready to make some noise.
  Unfortunately for me, Dennis had already been eliminated thus leaving Neil and JP amped for raising. As the pizza awaited our arrival to the table, I was in a hand with the Dread Pirate Parmentier. Thinking I had an advantage--since I could actually see my cards--I call his predictably arbitrary raise. The flop fell 7-7-2. JP makes a rather large bet at the pot. I go in the tank. I start muttering and drop the nugget, "I just don't think I have to ability in my game to call your next bet, but I think I have you." I fold and JP mockingly prompts, "I had you" and flips over the A-K off suit. Upon seeing this, I attempt to test the craftsmanship of the drink holders of the wooden umbrella that is JP’s poker table. With a slight tap of the table, my biggest fears were realized. The drink holders were just not deep enough. Neil's fresh beer escaped from the bottle creating a slight concern. But this time, I had my way from the table to avoid cleaning up. After enjoying dinner, we settled in for the rest of the event. As my chips dwindled, I began to channel former USJPL member, Russ.
  I came to the conclusion, that I only had one move. As JP and Neil continue to win pots and frustrate Darren, I bid my time for the big hand that will move the chips back in my clutches. It is just a matter of time until I look down and spot the A-J of spades. Since I only have one move, I am trying to figure out how to get a caller. Out of absolutely nowhere, JP throws out a rare raise. I counter with "All In". Thinking I would get a call from JP no matter what, I am shocked when he actually tries to decide if it is worth a call. After picking up each card to peer at it with his one good eye, JP gives the dreaded, "I shouldn't really call, but hopefully I have live cards." With a patented shrug of his shoulders (so as not to disturb his new friend Polly), he turns over K-10 off-suit. Being a veteran of USJPL events and countless other encounters with JP, I feel as though I am a 5-1 underdog in this instance. Much to my surprise the flop reveals an Ace and three different suits. My confidence starts to build. Before the next card can be peeled off, the peanut gallery pipes up. Neil takes a quick look at the board and announces the end of the hand since there is nothing that can help JP. Just as the words escape Neil's mouth the turn reveals a 10. Neither Ben Mezrich nor M. Night Shyamalan could not have written a better ending for JP. To the amazement of absolutely no one (except a few African tribes that still believe the sun and moon are carted across the sky), the river brings a King and the end of my quest for a birthday win. The only joy taken comes from the chorus of onlookers that scream, “You got JP'd.” That even brings a hint of a smile to my face. In the end, I am just happy to be part of the legend that is JP.