The Blue Water Classic XII is fast approaching at Point Edward Casino Ontario, with 3 poker events held over 5 days ranging in buy-ins from $150+20 up to $600+70 for the 2 starting day championship. The series anticipates a combined prize-pool of just under $200,000, if the events sell out. Ontario poker series more often than not, tend to fill to capacity. As of today, a full two weeks before the games begin; 42%-67% of each event day’s available seats have already been spoken for.
In addition, a unique “series points system” that tracks player finishes from last to first place adds extra incentive to play on all available days , as 5% of the over-all prize pool is divided amongst the top 5 highest ranking and most consistent players. 40% of the “points” pot goes to first, 25% to second, 3rd place receives 15%, 4th claims 12% and 5th gets the remaining 8%. Players must report to the tournament director as they are eliminated to receive points. Additional points are awarded for finish order on the final day of the Main Event.
Each event day can accommodate a maximum of 120 players, with 12 table starting fields. All 3 events are No Limit Texas Hold’em. Winners Circle Rewards Card Members will receive a discount on registration fees if presented at the time of registration.
Wednesday the 23rd is $150+20 NLH with 5000 starting chips and 30 minute blind levels and an $18,000 dollar prize-pool on sell-out.
Thursday the 24th takes it up a notch with a $300+35 No Limit Hold ‘em that has 7000 starting chips and 30 minute blind levels. If the event caps, the total pot will be $36,000.
Friday and Saturday are two separate start days for the $600+70 Main Event. Players start with 10,000 tournament chips and blind levels increase every 30 minutes. No more than 15 players advance each day to the finals on Sunday, March 27th, where 30 spots will pay if the field cap is met. Should there be less than 120 seats for the tournament sold, 10% of the field, rounded up, will be paid out according to finish order. 1st place also receives a $600 Blue Water Classic Trophy. A maxed starting field on both days will build a total prize pool of $144,000.
Another unique rule at this particular event is that players can choose to play the second “qualifying” day of the main event, even if they have already advanced to Sunday’s “Final Showdown”. If a player qualifies a second time, the higher chip stack is carried forward and the player is awarded an equal share of the lowest payouts added together and split evenly amongst any other players that also qualified twice. Players can also choose to register for both days and if they advance on the first day receive a refund for the second day’s entry, less registration fee.
Point Edward is located just west of London and Toronto Ontario, very close to the Michigan border at a southern tip of Lake Huron.
What do you think of some of the less common rules and ways the tournament money is divided? Post your thoughts and queries in our forum!
