Event 9: Crazy, Crazy 8s

$630 + $70 (NL)

As the money approaches, players are fighting not only to cash, but to be in position to win the tournament. And it won't hurt to have pocket 8s along the way.

First at table 1, Mike Beasley reraise shoves 31k on Keith Crowder who tanks and calls another 22k. Beasley's pocket 8♣ 8♠ hold against Crowder who picks up straight and flush draws with 8♦ 10♦ after the turn, but doesn't connect.

Seconds later at table 2, James Boyle goes in the tank when his opponent 4 bet shoves for 68k more. Boyle chastises himself as time winds down and he can't make a decision. "I'm putting myself on the clock," he says. "I'll make a decision when time runs out."

After another 2 miutes (4-5 total) and the clock hits triple zeros, Boyle makes the call and is relieved to see A♣ K♥ against his 8♠ 8♦. The board runs clean and Boyle delivers the knockout to reduce the field to 21 players.

Boyle now has 220k and is well above the chip average of 113k. "I'm back from the dead," he says, "I had 20k just a little while ago."

We're now three players away from the money and play will stop when 18 players remain, regardless of how long it takes.

Level 15 (2k/4k/400 ante) underway.