The NHASED General Convention and Crete Ceremony was held the weekend of August 10-11. Again this year, it was well attended by Tallahassee residents and out-of-towners. Many thanks to all who participated.
The NHASED convention was called to order at our official bar and grill, the Corner Pocket on Friday night. Bill H reserved the back room for the group and we filled it up. We enjoyed good food, drink and conversation. During the evening, we congratulated the 2023 winners and conducted the Premier League draw. Our new tradition continued with our 2022 champion, Bill H, passing the champion's jacket to our 2023 winner, Beth D.
On Saturday, we held the annual NHASED Texas Hold 'em Poker Championship at the Commissioner's house. Matt D and Kelly provided a smoked brisket for our main course, and sides were provided by the hosts, and other attendees. Ryan (and family), from Atlanta, and Matt D/Becki (and family) from Orlando were acknowledged for traveling the farthest distance to the convention.
A few members and guests did not play cards, but we still filled two tables of poker players to start the tournament. Thank you to Jason C for helping divvy up the chips and coordinating the start of the tournament. For the first hour, as a warmup, we played limit poker. We then had a chip add-on, and moved to no-limit stakes. The field was soon whittled down to a "final table" and fabulous prizes were awarded. Play continued until we were left with only 3: Beth D, Ryan, and Steve H, who were assured prize money. The championship came down to Steve and Ryan, with Steve winning the champion's bracelet early in the head-to-head showdown.
Continuing the new tradition, our 2022 champion, Bill H, passed the winner's jacket to our 2023 champion, Beth D.
Our 2023 Crete Champion, Beth D with our 2022 Champion, Bill H.
The Friday night group posed for a picture.
From left to right: Jesse, Dave H, Andrew, Bill H, Ed B, Steve H, Beth D, Chad, Duski, Matt D, Kristin, Nick, Kelly, Jason C, Becki (and future NHASEDer, Ellie)
Not Pictured, but attended: Michele S., Nikki, Jenn E., Todd
The final table at the NHASED Texas Hold 'em tournament
Seated (clockwise from left): Ryan, Olivia, Nick, Steve H, Andrew, Matt D, Beth D
Standing (clocwise from left): Dave H, Kelly, Chris H
Poker players who didn't make the final table: Dave B, Duski, Jesse, Ian, Kevin, Jason C
Others in attendance: Kim, Becki, Kristin, Tyler, Kelly, Melissa, and several future NHASEDers
The final 3 at the NHASED Texas Hold 'em tournament
Left to Right: Steve H, Beth D, Ryan
Ryan and Steve outlasted the field to move to head-to-head.
