Erin M. Droste

Ashkahn Negahban, Tulsa, Okla., senior, checks his cards before placing his bet in a hand of Texas Hold 'em Poker at Abe and Jake’s Landing last night. The University Daily Kansan sponsored the event to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.

Players eagerly shuffled chips between their fingers as they waited for the sign to shuffle and the hand to begin.

Organizers of the charity Texas Hold ’em Tournament, which took place last night at Abe and Jake’s Landing, 8 E. 6th St., expected to bring in 100 people.

The tournament met that target number 12 minutes to go before the event began.

Lines wrapped around the building with people waiting to get inside. The tournament could handle 120 people at most, but when players kept coming, the organizers began taking down names for fill-in positions.

Those names filled three pages.

Twenty minutes after the event was supposed to start, the staff gave potential players the news that the tournament was at capacity.

“We had to turn away around 50 to 75 people,” said Chris Pumpelly, University Daily Kansan promotions manager.

The staff gave apologies and free t-shirts to those who were denied seats.

Players represented a variety of seasoned veterans and new players still figuring out their own style.

“I play about three times a week,” Mike Rubaie, Overland Park senior, said. “I think the experience helps, and I really want to win an iPod.”

He started to play the game more than a year ago after he saw it on television. The skill and luck involved make the game fun, Rubaie said. Skills of each player were tested against seven others at each table.

Each player received the equivalent of $2,000 in chips. Players place antes, or blinds, which were gradually increased to speed along games.

“It really helps to have a few wins in the beginning,” Rubaie said. “That way when the blinds are raised you don’t have to win.”

Players improve as they play and try to identify other techniques and bluffs at the table. Rubaie said it helped identify weak and strong players.

“I really haven’t played that much,” John Pierron, St. Louis, Mo., senior, said. “This is the third time I’ve ever played in one of these.”

Both Rubaie and Pierron started with the same amount of chips. Though Rubaie was more experienced, he had $2,325 in chips while Pierron had $3,600 in chips.

Money raised through the optional $10 entry donations will go to the KU Habitat for Humanity.

Last night’s tournament was the Kansan’s second. Last semester’s tournament raised $1,000 for Andy Marso, a 2004 KU graduate who survived meningitis.

Erin M. Droste

Mike Rubaie, Overland Park senior, evaluates his hand before placing his bet. Rubaie played at the Texas Hold 'Em Tournament at Abe and Jake’s Landing last night.

Pumpelly said the staff would consider another tournament later this semester because of the large turn-out.