[MicroBob]

can't respond to the other questions and this is going to be quite smart-assish but if I don't say it someone else will.....


your money is very possibly gone for good.
I have NEVER loaned money to someone in a card-room.

He 'ran it up' to $800?? You didn't cut him off at some point before this?


I would think that most responses to your questions won't be any more helpful than just "you have to really be firm with him. and if you see him playing at the table then you have to get some of that money back no matter what."
Otherwise...the guy is playing you....is probably a losing player....and you are likely out $800.
Lesson learned.

(even if you do get paid back this should be a lesson regarding the risks and inconvenience involved with loaning money)