The NHASED General Convention and Crete Ceremony was held the weekend of August 14-15 in Tallahassee, Florida. Thanks to all who came out to the events on Friday night and Saturday.
The NHASED convention was called to order at our official bar and grill, the Corner Pocket on Friday night. Many thanks to Bill H for reserving the back room for our group. We enjoyed good food, drink and conversation. During the evening, we congratulated the 2025 winners and conducted the Premier League draw. Our outgoing champion, Jason R, was there to pass along the champion's jacket to our incoming champion, Dave H. Dave unfortunately was out of town and unable to accept the jacket at the convention. The Crete trophy and jacket are at the commissioner's house in case he'd like to make arrangements to collect.
On Saturday, we held the annual NHASED Texas Hold 'em Poker Championship at the Commissioner's house. We honored the 250th birthday of the USA with a cookout themed party. The hosts grilled burgers, hot dogs, and sausages, and we had plenty of side dishes. Jason C brought his famous desserts to the event.
After the meal, we drew for the poker table assignments. We had 12 players this year and started with 2 tables. To celebrate the 31st season of NHASED, fabulous prizes were awarded to all contestants (not just the final table). 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 and a commemorative group photo was taken. Play continued until we were left with only 3: Olivia, Ed B, and Dave B, who were assured prize money. The championship came down to Ed and Dave, with Dave winning the champion's bracelet with 4-of-a-kind Jacks as the winning hand.
The Friday night group posed for a picture.
Left to Right: Bill H, Ed B, Matt D (back), Chad, Kristin, Tyler (back), Jenn E, Becki, Michele S, Duski, Jason R, Steve H, Nina (non-NHASEDer), Nick (back), Andrew, Jason C
The final table at the NHASED Texas Hold 'em tournament
Seated (l-r): Colton (future NHASEDers)
Standing (l-r): Dave B (non-NHASEDer), Ed B, Ian, Olivia, Nick, Kim (non-NHASEDer), Steve H, Andrew, Jason C
Poker players who didn't make the final table: Chris H, Wyatt (non-NHASEDer)
Others in attendance: Kristin
The final 3 at the NHASED Texas Hold 'em tournament
Seated: Dave B (non-NHASEDer)
Standing (l-r) Olivia, Ed B
Dave B defeated Ed B with 4 Jacks to win the coveted NHASED bracelet.
Each participant in the poker tournament received a commemorative magnet honoring NHASED's thirty-first season and America's 250th birthday.
