CHRISTINA KENNEDY WINS AT CARRIGAN ARMS

A handshake is usually a pretty good sign that a heads-up battle is over. But Wednesday night at the Carrigan Arms, somebody was a little too quick to declare the sheriff dead!

Christina Kennedy was all-in pre-flop with Q♣J♣, and Phil Thornton called with ace-queen offsuit. Phil had Christina dominated, and when an ace appeared on the flop, it looked like he had the tournament all but wrapped up. Unfortunately for Phil, that flop also brought two clubs, and a third came riding down the river like the cavalry arriving just in time!

Somehow, neither gunslinger noticed that Christina had made a flush! The two shook hands, apparently ready to declare Phil the winner and send Christina off into the sunset. That's when I had to step in and point out that the lady they'd just buried was still very much alive!

Moral of the story? Before you declare a winner, make sure you've counted all the suits. Those little clubs can be mighty sneaky!

With her tournament life restored, Christina finished the job and rode off with the victory!

WTG, Christina! 

It was her tenth career DMHP tournament win and her second of this Harvest Moon season. She also jumped from 13th to sixth in the standings. Not bad for somebody who'd already shaken hands on her own execution!

Phil has now finished fifth and second in his first two appearances this season. That's a pretty respectable return to the poker frontier, even if the sheriff's badge slipped through his fingers Wednesday night!

Alex Tikk claimed third place in his season debut, while his father Rein Tikk finished eighth, earning his first career final table in his own season debut. Apparently, the Tikk family decided to ride into town together and make themselves right at home!

Meanwhile, Gord Douglas finished sixth at his first career final table, collecting enough points to take over the New Players standings from Steve Horbatiuk. Welcome to the final table, Gord! You haven't been in town long, but you're already rearranging the furniture! 🤠♠️