Poker leader flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct

We have news of what may be a poker first -- at least for organized tournament poker. Yesterday, at a World Series of Poker circuit event at Caesars Atlantic City, the chip leader at the final table of a major event was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct.


The player, who is identified in the WSOP press release as a general contractor from Richmond, Va., was thrown out of the game and "forcefully removed from the tournament room" at a point when five players remained in the opening event of the WSOP Circuit tournament that had a $300 buy-in and started with more than 1,000 players.

At the point the Richmond man, Lesley Thornburg, was disqualified, he had earned about $19,000 for his fifth-place standing. The winner, a 76-year-old retiree from Brick, N.J., collected a little more than $76,000.

According to the official tournament report, Thornburg had been given two warnings for unsportmanlike behavior the previous day. The behavior was described thusly: "Ceaseless display of loud comments and baiting tactics lasting several hours."

The final straw came when Thornburg was actually the beneficiary of great luck twice. On one all-in, his ace-7 was dominated by an opponent's ace-queen, but Thornburg caught a 7 to grab the chip lead. Then, two hands later, he knocked out a player in sixth place when Thornburg had 4-4 against 7-7 and caught a 4.

But then Thornburg lost control, the report said, and he "began jamming chips into the pot with reckless abandon." He was warned by tournament officials and finally, when he shoved half his stack into the pot and announced "all in," officials ejected him for the "annoying and confusing antics."

Thronburg may consider himself lucky. In the Old West, all this would have ended much differently.

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Five Must-Have Christmas Gifts for the Poker Player

Christmas is a great time for folks to get together for fun, and especially nice when your poker-playing loved ones have the chance to enhance their games! The following is a list of five gift ideas for fans of poker and other card games:

1. A gift for the poker player who wants to stand out: Custom Chips
Give your poker lovers a chance to express him or herself with a unique style. Instead of the same old poker chips, you can give them chips that are designed according to your own artwork submissions, or have a professional brainstorm the design.

2. A gift for the beginning poker player: Instructional and Entertaining DVDs, Videos, and Software Programs
Now your poker-playing friends and family members can hone their games with these helpful multimedia guides. They can watch and learn how to play like pros from these in-depth references, but watch out: if these gifts are for your own poker buddies, they may just put you at a great disadvantage!

3. A gift for the messy, disorganized player: Card Cases, Chip Trays and Holders, Chip Cases, and Money Drop Boxes and Toke Boxes
Your poker-playing loved ones will kiss you for helping them sort through the many cards, chips, and bills that clutter up the table. The money and toke boxes also offer some security and peace of mind while people are enjoying their games.

4. A gift for the high-roller player: Poker Tables
For those players who crave the authentic experience of Vegas playing, offer them the opportunity to play on a real table exclusively for card-playing! Some are light and convenient with fold-up legs, while others are crafted in high-quality wood and equipped with amenities such as cup holders and padded armrests.

5. A gift for the more humble player: Poker Table Tops
Not every poker player needs to give up a little luxury due to expense. A poker table top is a more affordable alternative to the complete table. Not only will these fine game accessories provide a true game atmosphere, but they are also conveniently portable for games that are played on the road!

These are just a few wonderful gifts that you can offer to the card players in your life. And when it's time to have that holiday break party, break them out for a grand old time!