Tournament Poker Club’s next tournament is Jan. 3

Those who would like to play a fun and friendly game of Texas Hold ‘Em with the Tournament Poker Club for a $5 buy-in should make plans to play at the next tournament on Saturday, Jan. 3. Regular tournaments are held on the first three Saturdays of every month and start at 10 a.m. with coffee/treats and registration. Cards are in the air at 10:30. There is a no late seating policy for tournament play. Play is now at seating capacity. Late arrivals have a good chance of not being able to play.

On Dec. 6, the club had a great turnout for the last regular tournament of 2025. Special prizes for the highest hands winners went to Joe Krausman (AA- A-K-K), Renato Villanueva (A-A-A-7-7) and Gary Fiorelli (A-A-A-4-4). Young Cho won a prize for playing and winning with the promo hand of 5-10.

The final table players were Scott Johnson, first place; Nancy Floyd, second; Wayne Casper, third; Bob Konier, fourth; Debbie Barner, fifth; Doug Wolfe, sixth; Young Cho, seventh; Namil Shin, eighth; and Ming Lon, ninth. Play continued at the final table until Johnson and Floyd were head’s up. Johnson had a pair of kings—including a K of clubs, and Floyd was holding Q-5. The flop came 4-9-A all clubs. Floyd went all in, and Johnson was quick to call with his kings. An 8 of hearts turn was no help to either player but the river a 6 of clubs gave Johnson the win with an ace high flush.

Johnson has lived in Leisure World for about eight months and been a member of the Tournament Poker Club for one month. This was his first final table win at a regular tournament. Johnson is also part of the Pickleball Club and enjoys bowling and hiking.

—Deborah Barner