Ocean's Eleven Hosts Record-Breaking California Ladies State Poker Championship

More than 200 women anted up $175 to take a shot at becoming the California Ladies State Poker Champion, but only Ruby Lewison can claim that title. Her win netted her $10,400, plus lots of goodies, including a $1,000 paid entry into the 2005 World Series of Poker ladies event and two nights' accommodations (as well as a freeroll into any ladies event in California in 2005 that she chooses to enter), a $250 paid entry into the Ladies International Poker Series Grand Championship, a custom-made Ocean's Eleven jacket with her title embroidered on it, a beautiful trophy, and a watch.

More than 200 women competed in the 2004 California Ladies State Poker Championship.

The weekend began with more than 160 women showing up for a seminar conducted by Jan Fisher and me, in which we presented tournament tips to a very enthusiastic crowd. After that, the women were eager to practice their skills in satellites for the championship event. The party animals danced all night until the lounge closed, but were up bright and early for a scrumptious champagne brunch the next day.

Marketing Director Star McCormick, who is the ultimate hostess, headed up a very professional tournament staff. The tournament was played on two consecutive days, with a break when they got down to 36 players so that the women could enjoy a wine tasting/cocktail party in the Rat Pack lounge, complete with hors d'oeuvres fit for a queen. The next morning, we were treated to another champagne brunch, and those who weren't still in the tournament were taken on a scenic bus trip by the ocean that ended up being a shopping excursion at one of the nearby outlet malls.

The tournament room was transformed into a "Broadway Theater" on the last evening, and a magnificent dinner was served for the ladies and their guests. After dessert, we were entertained by volunteer employees displaying their talent in a "Give My Regards to Broadway" musical production. It was very impressive, indeed! Bob Moyer, Haig Kelegian, and Dan Dreger then showed us that in addition to running a great casino and poker room, they can party with the best, as they demonstrated their smooth moves on the dance floor.

The California Ladies State Poker Championship holds special memories for all who participated. Kudos to Star for her attention to every single detail, and to the entire staff of Ocean's Eleven for throwing such a great party. I can't wait to see what is in store for next year.

The official results of the California State Ladies Poker Championship were as follows:

Ruby Lewison

1. Ruby Lewison, Oceanside, CA – $10,400

2. London Gallagher, Torrance, CA – 4,900

3. Deb Stone, Mission Viejo, CA – 3,370

4. Lulan Swanson, Oceanside, CA- 2,600

5. Kim Fontes, Oceanside, CA – 2,160

6. DeVona Cole, Mission Viejo, CA – 1,680

7. Ivon Sparks, Pacific Beach, CA – 1,380

8. Judy Lamarche, Vista, CA – 1,070

9. Sheri Quinn, Phoenix, Arizona – 920

10. Zelda Colville, Manhattan Beach, CA – 300

Change of subject - The World Poker Players Conference is almost here. You are invited to attend this full day of poker seminars on Nov. 6 at Bellagio in Las Vegas, presented by well-known poker players and poker authors, including Doyle Brunson, Mike Caro, Roy Cooke, George Epstein, Jan Fisher, Mark Gregorich, Jennifer Harman, Linda Johnson, Lee Jones, Mike Sexton, Barry Tanenbaum, and Mark Tenner. Topics discussed will include poker strategies, play of the hand, money management, tournament tips, online poker, and the poker lifestyle. There will be time to meet and ask questions of each speaker. Regardless of your skill level, your game will improve if you attend this conference. The $99 early-bird special ends Nov. 1; tickets will be $129 after that date and at the door.

Now, let's play poker!