$75,000 reasons to play Dynasty Blackjack

A Korean national walked away with $75,000 and one heck of a story for his family when he won the most recent running of the Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino Blackjack Tournament sponsored by Miller Lite.

In the final round of tournament play, the gamer (wishing to remain anonymous) was cheered onto victory by his wife, as he held on to hold off a run by the second place finisher, ending the round with a pile of chips that totaled roughly $8,500.

He was joined at the awards ceremony by the second and third place finishers who were just as happy, walking away with $30,000 and $17,000 respectively.

It was a night unlike any other at the casino. As per the norm, gamers were smiling, laughing, and winning—thoroughly enjoying themselves. Sounds of tokens spilling from the slot machines, the smacking sounds of chips being stacked on top of each other, and dealer cries of blackjack filled the air.

There were more people in the casino than usual, but the difference this night was that someone was guaranteed to walk away with $75,000.

There was an air of anticipation as the players took their seats for the opening hand of the final round. When the dealer finished shuffling, the clock struck eight, and the colorful cards met the green felt table to get the action underway.

One could see the anticipation in the faces of the competitors as they awaited their cards. Once they got them, the players scrutinized their moves, studied their hands and counted the chips on the table, devising the strategies that would make them rich.

Of the seven players at the final table, six had the good fortune to make their way through the tournament competition to earn a shot at the big money. The final player was selected as a “wildcard” entry, adding to the drama of the event.

The Dynasty Room was crowded with spectators trying to get a glimpse of the action. Though they were separated from the players, the onlookers stood atop chairs and others leaned over the railing as far as they could to sneak a peak of the game.

The growing crowd watched as the players bet from stacks of green, gray, and orange chips that valued $25, $100, and $1,000 respectively.

Players laid down their bets, ranging from the $25 minimum bet per hand was to the maximum bet of $1,000. Winnings were amplified as standard rules for the casino that had the house paying 1 1/2-to-1 for blackjack were raised to 2-to-1 for pairing.

With all of the excitement and high stakes competition, the players certainly got every penny of their $1,000 entrance fee worth out of the tournament.

The players at the table dwindled quickly to six when the wildcard entrant couldn’t keep the pace. It then dropped to five when the mysterious woman in the green dress found herself without a chip.

When the yellow card appeared during the deal, it signified that there were only five hands remaining in the tournament.

“Toward the end it becomes less of a blackjack game and more about money management,” said Casino General Manager Ken Barberis.

The well-dressed businessman won when he went for a bet of $1,000 on the fifth from the final hand to draw him closer. Another split his cards in the fourth, losing on both, but it was a risk he had to take.

The businessman went for it again with two hands remaining, splitting his cards and betting $550 on each. He lost. It was frantic, only tow hands left and $1,000 chips were being placed everywhere as the players tried to bridge the gap created by the crafty Korean.

After the final count, the man from Seoul was declared the winner and the crowd loudly acknowledged his accomplishment with a round of applause and cheers.

This year’s tournament had 126 players, and Barberis believes that this was the best yet.

“Due to the enormous turnout, the prize money for the tournament was increased from $40,000 to $75,000 for first place, $16,000 to $30,000 for second place, and $10,000 to $17,000 for third place. The casino is not keeping any of the higher than anticipated entrance money. We are instead giving it back to the players in terms of the additional prize money,” Barberis said.

Tournament Director Paul Clark agreed with Barberis stating, “This was one of the best we’ve ever had. The crowd was hyped.”

If the opportunity to win $75,000 is enough to get you on the edge of entering a tournament, the $100,000 in total prize money for the Baccarat tournament in the fall should send you over it. The TDHC Baccarat Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 9 and conclude Sunday, October 10. If you are interested in more information or registering in the tournament, contact the Tinian Dynasty by calling (670) 328-2273 or 2205 and ask for VIP Services or Marketing and Promotion Manager Das Krishnan.