King of the Zoo Final Standings

[eMarkM]

I owe Fmonti an apology. The night of the championship event I told him he just needed 2nd to win the overall points race. Then it turned out he only needed 3rd. Well, I was wrong again. I did not compute how much Sheriff Fatman would get by winning the event and when I did the calculations today I was stunned when his name appeared at the top. I should have know he had a shot, but I didn't bother to figure out his score that night for some reason.

I've held back the final standings, because I don't want to screw this up again. So I waited until Simon and I did our own separate tallies before presenting the official final standings for King of the Zoo 2004.

That's right, by winning the final event outright, Sheriff Fatman takes over the lead in the final standings, just edging out Fmonti by a slim three point margin. He had to win the final event to take the crown and his accomplishment is spectacular given that he had to win it all to have a chance. If only he knew at the time...

I wish I had realized Sheriff had a shot there. It's tough, since I'm playing in the event and trying to keep everyone up to date on their chances to win. I don't know how things will shape up until an event starts since the number of participants is a major factor in our calculations. I punch various scenarios into my spreadsheet while I play and on this occasion I never fiddled with Sheriff's score to see what he needed. So again my sincere apologies to you Fmonti for getting your hopes up, I really feel like crap having to snatch this away from you like this.

Congratulations to Sheriff for a remarkable finish to a fantastic 2004 season. Sheriff, much like myself, played in most all of the events, but came up short of the money several times. He maintained good position in the standings all year by finishing in the top half in most events with four final table appearances. The championship event was only his 2nd in-the-money for the year, but it was enough to put him over the top. Congrats again, I will be in contact with you to get your name and address info. One thing that I ask you do is to send me a digital picture of yourself holding the trophy so that we can post it on the web site in the upcoming "Hall of Champions".

I've already sent the schedule for 2005 to Stars and I will be posting that to a response to this thread. Thank you all for playing this year and I look forward to playing with you all next year as we begin a new season of King of the Zoo.

So here then are the final standings:

<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
Sheriff Fatman 17 1345.6 $803.05
Fmonti 13 1342.6 $890.55
eMarkM 17 1317.0 $216.00
VinnyTheFish 18 1314.9 $729.75
KurnsonofMogh 17 1266.1 $282.00
mrbaseball 15 1195.8 $776.00
AAmaz0n 13 1187.5 $652.80
William 12 1140.2 $585.20
ohkanada 17 1111.4 $399.00
wayabvpar 17 1096.2 $263.00
CCass 13 1086.9 $332.40
dogsballs 11 1073.3 $510.40
C M Burns 15 1066.5 $294.75
MicroBob 11 1063.5 $429.60
CrackerZack 9 1061.9 $1,225.80
jedi 10 1026.7 $416.20
Lori 17 1023.4 $102.30
Rob Blackburn 9 871.6 $445.20
skaboomizzy 12 860.4 $203.40
mosch 11 849.5 $721.80
morgant 10 841.0 $162.00
ZeeJustin 9 820.6 $190.80
Simon Diamond 10 819.6 $501.15
ClemsonAce 7 794.2 $872.00
steeser 10 790.7 $241.20
Nottom 11 784.2 $233.70
Myrtle 11 777.4 $200.00
DrSavage 8 763.7 $285.60
bubu 7 762.3 $467.00
Jim Kuhn 8 735.0 $303.60
dogmeat 9 729.9 $211.20
davidross 6 688.2 $536.40
Al_Capone_Junior 6 686.2 $624.15
Joe Tall 9 658.2 $0.00
TylerD 7 640.1 $231.20
Stagemusic 9 619.4 $222.75
jpg777 10 603.5 $0.00
Toro 9 599.7 $456.00
David 7 585.2 $51.45
DougBrennan 5 569.5 $540.00
Acesover8s 7 453.1 $0.00
jek187 7 452.3 $68.80
TheGrifter 6 451.2 $65.60
Havanabanana 7 445.9 $144.00
whiskeytown 5 434.3 $0.00
sawil 5 425.0 $0.00
</pre><hr />

Note: the top ten is "official". Any other standings I still need to confirm with Simon.

[eMarkM]

Here is the schedule for 2005. I mixed a couple events from last year up, but we are playing the same mix of games in 2005. The points system will remain the same (despite the controversy my initial post here may stir up). I'm negotiating sponsership to pay for the trophy for next year and I hope to have an annoucement on that before the first event next year.

Our kick off event will be NLHE on January 6th. See you there!

$30 No Limit Hold'em, Jan 6th

$30 Pot Limit Hold'em, Jan 27th

$20 Pot Limit Omaha/8, Feb 17th

$30 Limit Hold'em, Mar 10th

$30 No Limit Hold'em, Mar 31st

$20 Stud, Apr 21st

$30 Pot Limit Hold'em, May 12th

$30 Limit Hold'em, Jun 2nd

$20 Pot Limit Omaha, Jun 23rd

$30 No Limit Hold'em, Jul 14th

$30 Pot Limit Hold'em, Aug 4th

$20 Stud/8, Aug 25th

$30 Limit Hold'em, Sep 15th

$10 No Limit Hold'em with Rebuys, Sep 29th

$20 Limit Omaha/8, Oct 20th

$30 Pot Limit Hold'em, Nov 10th

$20 NLHE Heads up Matches, Dec 1st

$50 No Limit Hold'em, Dec 15th

[VinnyTheFish]

Congrats! Sheriff Fatman

Sorry ... Fmonti.
Sorry Emark.

it was fun, looking forward to next year!

[CCass]

Firstly - Congrats to Sheriff, what a way to close out the championship.

Secondly - A big thanks to Ed for taking the time to head this up, you do a great job.

Lastly - my goal was to finish in the top 10, and I just missed, didn't get to play in all the events 'cause Thurs is a bad night for me.


Looking forward to 2005.

[lorinda]

Shall we have the Brits turn up this year, or would you guys like a chance?

Huge congrats to Sheriff, and a big /images/graemlins/frown.gif for Fmonti too, but even Sheriff didn't seem to think he could win going in, so I don't think you should be too harsh on yourself for overlooking it.

Lori

[jasonHoldEm]

I think fmonti deserves a runner-up trophy, 3 points is a ridiculously small margin considering the competition. I'll donate $10 to the cause if we can get some other people on board.

J

[MicroBob]

I am right with CCass on everything (including just missing on my goal to finish in the top 10).

thanks again emark.
congrats to the King SherriffFatman. fmonti, emark and vinny all had great years as well.

Looking forward to getting clobbered by you guys in 2005.

Where I can find info on the points structure? could find it on the website but I might not have been looking in the right place.
Sorry for the stupid question.

[daryn]

nice one sheriff. have fun being the king!

i want to get into this but i can never bring myself to play seriously /images/graemlins/frown.gif.

next year baby...

[Sheriff Fatman]

OMFG!

Just stumbled across this while bleary eyed before work and it all feels a bit surreal!

I suppose I have mixed feelings at the moment. Thrilled as I am to have won it feels a bit like I've snatched the title away on a technicality, similar to an athlete who gets the gold after a failed drug test. Commiserations to fmonti for all the confusion.

I do need to point out one correction in Ed's post - I cashed 3 times, not 2, over the year (KotZ 1, 16 and 18) but in the end it looks like playing the extra events made the difference!

At least all those 2am starts weren't for nothing!

Big thanks once again to Ed &amp; Simon for their efforts. I look forward to being shot at by you all over the next 12 months!

Sheriff

PS: Thanks to all who have posted for their good wishes.

[whiskeytown]

since I went to graveyard shift on Thursday nights, for work, I was unable to participate as much as I wanted in the zoo tourneys, and will be doing so much less in the future as they won't let me sign on and play at work /images/graemlins/grin.gif

good luck to all in 2005 - I'll watch from the sidelines.

pax
RB

[Odogg]

How does one get involved in this? Is it open to anyone? What sites are these tournaments on?

[MicroBob]

KOTZ

The KOTZ is the King of the Zoo tournament on one of the poker sites which is for regulars on this forum.

The password is obtained by finding the current organiser and asking him to add you to the mailing list.
You will usually need to have made at least 25 posts before being considered, but all are welcome.


http://www.kotz.co.uk/

[MEbenhoe]

[ QUOTE ]
OMFG!

Just stumbled across this while bleary eyed before work and it all feels a bit surreal!

I suppose I have mixed feelings at the moment. Thrilled as I am to have won it feels a bit like I've snatched the title away on a technicality, similar to an athlete who gets the gold after a failed drug test. Commiserations to fmonti for all the confusion.

I do need to point out one correction in Ed's post - I cashed 3 times, not 2, over the year (KotZ 1, 16 and 18) but in the end it looks like playing the extra events made the difference!

At least all those 2am starts weren't for nothing!

Big thanks once again to Ed &amp; Simon for their efforts. I look forward to being shot at by you all over the next 12 months!

Sheriff

PS: Thanks to all who have posted for their good wishes.

[/ QUOTE ]

Congrats Sheriff,

You do realize of course that I'm taking you down in 2005. None of these wussy Top 10 goals for me, win or bust baby!!

[beerbandit]

what site are these events played on -- stars?

how might one go about participating in the events?


thanks

beer

[tyfromm]

You don't become king by winning a game.

It's War.

When he least expects it, I shall drop a Battle of Hastings on Sheriff Fatso. The crown shall be mine. /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[MicroBob]

they are private tourneys on stars.

pm emarkm to get on the list to receive the password.

all are welcome (at emarkm's discretion) as long as they have 25 posts. You obviously qualify.

[HavanaBanana]

ConGratuLations Sheriff!
Regretfully I was not able to participate in many KOTZ this year, having a day job has some benefits compared to being a Online Pro, but KOTZ had to suffer.
Always great Fun to play people one 'Knows' hopefully I will be able to take part in some events next year, can't let the brots win every year /images/graemlins/wink.gif

ToT

[wayabvpar]

Congrats Sherriff! Thanks again to Ed for all the work he does. And yay- I squeaked into the top 10! Playing all but 1 event helped I guess /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[fnord_too]

[ QUOTE ]
KOTZ

The KOTZ is the King of the Zoo tournament on one of the poker sites which is for regulars on this forum.

The password is obtained by finding the current organiser and asking him to add you to the mailing list.
You will usually need to have made at least 25 posts before being considered, but all are welcome.


http://www.kotz.co.uk/

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm interested in doing this in 2005, who is going to be the commisioner next year? eMarkM?

[Fmonti]

(And I had a spot all picked out) Just got back from a successful day at Foxwoods and noticed that I did't win the overall afterall. Well Ed you can't blame yourself, if you recall you did say during the course of the final tourney that I had to come in 1st or 2nd to take the overall, in addition I missed 5 of the events...so a belated congratulations to Sheriff Fatman..Will get you next year...Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all the Zooers...

[skaboomizzy]

These were a blast.

It's a shame I missed most of them after August. Hopefully I'll be around for all of them in '05 so you can kick me around some more. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Lurshy]

fmonti,

Congratulations on your almost Kotz Title!

You were on my left last week at foxwoods, I'll be there again on Tuesday.

GL in next years!

Happy Holidays,

Lurshy

[eMarkM]

Congrats again SF.

Oh crap, you're in the UK. Here I was all set for an American winner so this would be simple. Figures. Shipping and handling is going to be a fortune from here. The company that makes the trophy I was thinking of getting doesn't ship internationally, so I'll probably have to have them send to me and then I ship it to you. Now, I can go for the less expensive spade trophy (http://www.crystalartusa.com/browseproducts/Spade-Shaped-Souvenir..HTML) and use the leftover for S&amp;H. Or we may open up the pledge drive again to get the one I want to send him, and maybe even the 2nd place trophy (something like this (http://www.issaquahtrophy.com/product.php?product_id=7073)) for Fmonti as Jason suggested. Let me see what all this is going to cost first. Maybe I can get our pending sponser involved. With the holidays I probably won't get to this until early next week. I will post updates to this thread.

[eMarkM]

I'm getting quite a few requests from new players eager to try for next year's trophy (actually, we'll probably have two) in the form of PMs requesting passwords. That's great, but to ensure that you get on the password distribution list you have to send me email at kotz_td@yahoo.com

I sometimes forget to cut &amp; paste your address from a PM to my email account, but if you send me a note to the address I can add you in one click. What PMs I have received I will respond to after Christmas.

Please include your 2+2 name and your Stars Id. You must have at least 25 posts on 2+2 to qualify.

Happy Holidays everyone.

[eMarkM]

And also a big thanks should go to Simon for doing a great job on the web site.

[eMarkM]

Excellent suggestion. I am committed to doing this. See my other post about S&amp;H to UK for the other trophy as we may have to open up the pledge drive again anyway. So why not another $30 for a runner up trophy while we're at it. We can plan for this for next year, too. A really nice one for the winner and a lesser expensive one for the runner up.

[Skjonne]

At what time of the day are these tourneys played?

Thx

[MicroBob]

All the tourneys are on Thursdays (he listed next year's schedule already).

The start-time is 9pm Eastern.

So the Californians need to hustle home from work to make it by 6pm Pacific. And the Brits and other europeans need to brew-up some coffee to handle the 2am or 3am start or whatever it is over there....man you guys are dedicated.

[Skjonne]

Thanks Bob. That's 3am for me. How long do they normally last? I need to leave for work at around 8am you see.

Just kidding, I'm out /images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Sheriff Fatman]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Bob. That's 3am for me. How long do they normally last? I need to leave for work at around 8am you see.

Just kidding, I'm out /images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I have exactly the same problem - 2am tourney start (3am occasionally when the clocks change), 8am work start the next day (you're one hour worse off than me!) Its still feasible to compete in these tourneys, although far from ideal. The latest I've had to stay up was 6am I think - limit tourneys are normally the worst offenders.

I just go to bed early and try and sleep in two shifts when there's a KotZ event on. I doubt that any of the following work days have been my most productive ever but I've managed to survive.

Thank God I'm only an Air Traffic Controller! /images/graemlins/blush.gif

Sheriff

[Skjonne]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Bob. That's 3am for me. How long do they normally last? I need to leave for work at around 8am you see.

Just kidding, I'm out /images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Its still feasible to compete in these tourneys, although far from ideal.

[/ QUOTE ]

"Feasible"?? You won the lot didn't you? That's amazing!

[ QUOTE ]

Thank God I'm only an Air Traffic Controller! /images/graemlins/blush.gif

Sheriff

[/ QUOTE ]

LMAO! Stansted or Heathrow? Just in case I'm going to London soon /images/graemlins/cool.gif

[VinnyTheFish]

[ QUOTE ]
beer

[/ QUOTE ]

Beer is good!
We welcome beer!
We already have Whiskey!

[eMarkM]

Sheriff sent me a PM that he will be in Vegas after Christmas. We're going to see if I can rush it over to him while he's there for the week.

[BUCKS COUNTY, PA]

Other than the buy-ins and payouts at Stars is the 1st place trophy (and bragging rights of course) all that's at stake?

[eMarkM]

I ordered the trophy (http://www.crystalartusa.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&amp;ProdID=183) from Crystal Arts USA today. I have to say I'm impressed with their turnaround. I called this morning from my cell phone while Christmas shopping at the mall and I'm glad I did. I was informed this was their last working day of the year before they shut down for the holidays. With Fatman coming to the States for some poker action next week, it was a perfect opportunity to get it to him at a reasonable S&amp;H price. But to get it done in one day and shipped to him?

But they said they'd do all the engraving today and ensured me that they will get it out to him in time. That includes the engraving of the two cards. I went with AsKs. I didn't get a chance to get Fatman's input in time since I was away from my computer at the mall (he said he wanted Qs5s anyway--blech). At first I said black Aces, but the represenative said I should go with a King as the face card would look a lot better. I agreed. Then she said I should make them the same suit as this is a better poker hand! I swear she said this, LOL, now that's service. The trophy is engraved on the base with the following:

King of the Zoo
2004 Champion
[Fatman's Real Name]

So this should reach Fatman when he's on the Strip hopefully killing the tables in Vegas.

I had to send it to him 3-day so it cost a little more for S&amp;H, but we had the extra cash to cover it. I want to send Fmonti a runner-up (http://www.issaquahtrophy.com/product.php?product_id=7073) trophy. This one would be ~$40 with tax and S&amp;H. So here's how we stand money-wise:

Cash on Hand: $250.67
1st Place Trophy: $236.07
2nd Place Trophy: $40
Shortfall: $25.40

So we need to raise another $25 to get Fmonti his prize. I prefer new contributors, not the ones who've already made a donation. I'm sure there are a couple of you out there that can help us out. Please transfer funds to my account at Stars for a maximum of $10 per person. Please respond to this post if you are making a contribution so we know when we have enough. Here are our contributors to date:

<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>
jasonHoldem 10
Fmonti 10
joetall 10
lorinda 12
theR 10
debaser 10
morgant 10
jpg777 8.67
Zorac 10
TheStrength 10
CCass 10
dogsballs 20
ohKanada 10
nolanfan34 10
VinnyTheFish 10
Zimba 10
kdog 10
Silvur 10
MobyDick 10
wayabvpar 10
nottom 10
Toro85 10
GrannyMae 10
eMarkM 10
</pre><hr />

[eMarkM]

Just got this in my email inbox. Fatman, I'll send you the tracking number.

Sweeeeeet!

Your Order #[omitted]
was shipped on 12/23/2004

Service: 3 Day Select

Tracking Number: [omitted]
To track your packages, please visit www.ups.com (http://www.ups.com)
Or call 1-800-PICK-UPS.

Thank you for your business.
Crystal Art USA, LLC.
www.crystalartusa.com (http://www.crystalartusa.com)

[Mike Haven]

i was most impressed by the graciousness shown by Fmonti after he received what must have been very upsetting news to him, so i'm pleased to transfer $10 to you towards his trophy

[eMarkM]

This is the proof Crystal Arts sent me of the trophy.

http://www.crystalartusa.com/proofs/proof2004q34/proofOrder_Ed_May_v1.jpg

[BUCKS COUNTY, PA]

Nice looking trophy. Sorry to be redundant but I'm interested in joining the fray. Is there any side $ involved or are we only playing for the trophy and bragging rights in 05? Thanks.

[MicroBob]

[ QUOTE ]
Other than the buy-ins and payouts at Stars is the 1st place trophy (and bragging rights of course) all that's at stake?

[/ QUOTE ]


Pretty much yes.

Some players put together bounties and last-longer bets, etc.
But, for the most part, these are just informal gatherings that we have formalized every 3rd Thursday.
There is no advance fee or anything like that.
We are just keeping standings on our own little tournaments....but you aren't obligated to play in all of them. You can play in just 1 or 2....or you can play in all of them. Up to you.


It's fun to socialize at the tables with other 2+2'ers.
The omaha H/L and stud H/L type tourneys are especially enjoyable because we are all trying to out-do each other's claims of how much we suck at those games.

Jbenhoe (or whatever his name is) who had 1 drink for each pot he won in the first hour (total of 15) was pretty amusing in the last KOTZ.

Swing on by the first KOTZ event of 2005 (Jan 5 I believe) and check it out yourself. You need to get on the password e-mail list of course....see earlier in the thread for where to send your e-mail to in order to get involved in the upcoming exciting season of KOTZ.

[BUCKS COUNTY, PA]

Bob thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

[Sheriff Fatman]

Nice gesture Mike.

I don't mind contributing again if there's a shortfall, given the circumstances. However, I won't be back at my PC until Boxing Day to be able to do this.

Sheriff

[eMarkM]

Well, they're real money tourneys on Stars. $30 for HE events, $20 for non-HE events with all money getting split up to the top finishers typical of any Stars tourney. Our top cash winner took home +$1200 over the course of this past year.

You can join, but you need at least 25 posts here on 2+2 to qualify.

[Jayhawk]

[ QUOTE ]
I ordered the trophy (http://www.crystalartusa.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&amp;ProdID=183) from Crystal Arts USA today. I have to say I'm impressed with their turnaround.
I went with AsKs. At first I said black Aces, but the represenative said I should go with a King as the face card would look a lot better. I agreed. Then she said I should make them the same suit as this is a better poker hand! I swear she said this, LOL, now that's service. </pre><hr />

[/ QUOTE ]

My wife owns crystal art usa. I am happy to hear that the years of trying to tell her about poker hands at least made her aware that suited cards were better than unsuited!!!

I hope you like the trophy. It is truly a work of art.

Maybe I will be able to play in next years tournaments. I just need to get to 25 posts? I have been a lurker for several years on the site, and post under my brothers ID in the NL forum sometimes (gomberg).

[dogsballs]

'Curtis Ledger"..?

Shouldn't it be "Sheriff Fatman"?

[dogsballs]

[ QUOTE ]
My wife owns crystal art usa. I am happy to hear that the years of trying to tell her about poker hands at least made her aware that suited cards were better than unsuited!!!

[/ QUOTE ]



Hi Jayhawk.

Does this mean we could design something thru forum/KOTZ consensus and you guys could make it for next years..?

[Jayhawk]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
My wife owns crystal art usa. I am happy to hear that the years of trying to tell her about poker hands at least made her aware that suited cards were better than unsuited!!!

[/ QUOTE ]



Hi Jayhawk.

Does this mean we could design something thru forum/KOTZ consensus and you guys could make it for next years..?

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't know why not? Although the trophy she made for this year looks really good. The cards are pretty big, and it is all optic crystal. Whoever wins next year can pick whatever cards they want...

[Rob Blackburn]

Congrats to SF, I was upset I missed the final. I had to pick up my parents from the airport for my graduation and miscalculated the time. My goal as a noob was to make top 25 and I got 18th unofficially with a few clams to boot.

My favorite KOTZ moment of 04', KOTZ #10 at the final table down to 6, my 2+2 heros davidross on my right and MSSunshine on my left stealing my blinds like it was their jobs and never having a hand to even attempt to protect with and the feeling that I was way out of my league.

[eMarkM]

I know, like I said in my update post, I was pressed for time to get the order in. Personally, I think it's more classy to put your own real name on it since it will be displayed in your own home. And I would have gone with whatever Fatman wanted, but I didn't have the time.

[Jim Kuhn]

Count me in for $10 and $20 if needed for a shortfall.

Thank you,

Jim Kuhn
Catfish4u

[Bubu]

Thanks to all ! I had a great time playing. Hope to play again next year.

Bubu

[Chief911]

Sent you $10 Ed.

Looking forward to playing in more this upcoming year!

Nick

[Keith Fellmy]

My 25th post. I will see you all at the tourneys.

[eMarkM]

All of the tourneys have been set up for the year by Stars. You can see them on Stars Tourney/Private tab. I will send out the password via e-mail on the Sunday/Monday prior to the Thursday start.

Anyone who wants to be on the password distribution list must send me email at kotz_td@yahoo.com in order to get the password.

[eMarkM]

Got this PM from Fatman today:
====================================
The trophy arrived safely and is excellent. Will take some pics and post them on my return to the UK next week.

Thanks for your efforts.

Happy New Year

[eMarkM]

Our latest contributors:

Chief911, 10
bubu, 10

After paying for the first place trophy and getting these contributions, we now have $34.60. This is close enough for me to go ahead and order the runner up trophy for Fmonti. Fmonti, I need you to send me your name/address info so I can get it to you. I was going to have it inscribed similarly to the 1st place trophy:

King of the Zoo
2004 Runner-Up
[Your name]

Or we can put your 2+2 handle on it instead, or both.

[eMarkM]

[ QUOTE ]
I hope you like the trophy. It is truly a work of art.

[/ QUOTE ]

I knew that was the one I wanted the second I saw it. To tell the truth your wife appears to have a lock on the high end crystal poker trophy market. I couldn't find a thing that even came close to this kind of quality and craftsmanship. I did plenty of searching, too. I really wanted something that was poker related, not just some generic cup.

I like the idea of exploring a custom design for KotZ since you're affliated with 2+2. But just getting that same one again would be fine as well. Actually, maybe something a little on the lower end that we could use as a runner up trophy. We can revisit this sometime later next year.

[eMarkM]

I have emailed the password to this year's first event. It's $30+1 NLHE this Thursday on Stars at 9PM ET. Please email me at kotz_td@yahoo.com if you would like to be added to the distribution list.