East Coast Grinders
It's no secret that Seven Card Stud is one of the most popular poker games played on the East Coast; in fact, it's hard to picture Atlantic City without thinking about their bounty of Stud games. For years East Coast grinders have been making the trek across the country to test their skills in the desert, and they continue to prove their mettle time and again.
Chris Reslock, a former Atlantic City taxi driver, took down this event in 2007 for $258,453, and then two years later a 74-year-old real estate broker by the name of Freddie Ellis captured the bracelet and $373,751 first-place prize. Both of these men are in action today and looking to capture the title for a second time, while a pair of East Coast newcomers are looking to stop them.
Bill "Bumpereno" Munley of Pennsylvania has been playing at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs recently, even hosting a $150/$30 H.O.S.E. game, but he's been playing for much longer at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Last night Munley satellited his way into today's event by winning a 72-player tournament, and by winning we mean he finished in the top six. It was a great investment, but only time will tell if he can parlay it into a big payday.
Likewise, Jim "Mailman" Paluszek is an East Coast grinder who has put in many hours at the Borgata. The mailman from Philadelphia bought his way into today's tournament and is looking to impress his girlfriend, Susan, who is back in Philly sweating the action.
With so many players from out East in action today, we wouldn't be surprised to see at least one of them make a run at the bracelet.