The NHASED General Convention and Crete Ceremony was held the weekend of August 15-16 in Tallahassee, Florida. Thanks to all who came out Friday night and Saturday.
The NHASED convention was called to order at our official bar and grill, the Corner Pocket on Friday night. Though he was on vacation celebrating his anniversary, Bill H reserved the back room for the group. We enjoyed good food, drink and conversation. During the evening, we congratulated the 2024 winners and conducted the Premier League draw. Our outgoing champion, Beth D, was there to pass along the champion's jacket to our incoming champion, Jason R. But, Jason was not able to attend due to an out-of-town soccer tournament for one of his future NHASEDers. Our second place finisher, Becki, stepped up to accept on Jason's behalf.
On Saturday, we held the annual NHASED Texas Hold 'em Poker Championship at the Commissioner's house. The Drums brought a brisket that Tim H smoked throughout the weekend. It was ready just in time for the meet and greet. The hosts provided sides and we had plenty of food for the guests. A rookie, Doug, attended from Tybee Island, Georgia, and the Drums drove up from Orlando, Florida and were acknowledged for traveling the farthest distance to the convention.
After the meal, we drew for the poker table assignments. We had 18 players this year and filled up 2 tables to start. To celebrate the 30th season of NHASED, fabulous prizes were awarded to all contestants (not just the final table as per tradition). As per the NHASED poker tournament tradition, the first hour was limit poker for a couple of social rounds and warmup. We then had a chip add-on, and moved to no-limit stakes. The field was soon whittled down to a final table. Play continued until we were left with only 3: Beth D, Nick, and Ian, who were assured prize money. The championship came down to Ian and Beth, with Ian winning the champion's bracelet with a pair of Aces as his hole cards.
Our 2023 champion, Beth D, passed the jacket to the 2024 runner up, Becki, who accepted the jacket on behalf of our champion, Jason R. (sorry Becki, the champion does not have to be present to be crowned.)
The Friday night group posed for a picture.
Front row (l-r): Kellan and Ellie (future NHASEDers).
Middle row (l-r): Tyler, Jenn E, Kristin, Duski, Becki (holding jacket), Steve H, Beth D.
Back row (l-r): Matt D, Nick, Jesse, Sean, Tim H, Doug, Dave H, Andrew, Jason C, Ed B.
The final table at the NHASED Texas Hold 'em tournament
Seated (l-r): Nick, Dave H, Ben (non-NHASEDer)
Standing (l-r): Sean, Andrew, Chris H, Beth D, Ian, Olivia, Kim (non-NHASEDer)
Poker players who didn't make the final table: Steve H, Tim H, Jesse, Doug, Tyler, Dave B (non-NHASEDer), Kevin (non-NHASEDer), Jason C
Others in attendance: Becki, Kristin, Matt D, and several future NHASEDers
The final 3 at the NHASED Texas Hold 'em tournament
Left to Right: Ian, Nick, Beth D
Ian drew pocket Aces in the first hand of the head-to-head round and defeated Beth D.
Ian won the coveted NHASED bracelet.
Each participant in the poker tournament received a commemorative coaster representing NHASED's thirtieth season.
