“Down to the Wire: Thirty Hit, Freeroll Locked, and McQueen Strikes”

Thirty Strong and Rolling Toward the Freeroll!

With more on the line this Tuesday night than the usual points and prizes, the Mavericks faced a different kind of challenge—could they rally thirty strong to unlock a $250 freeroll on March 17?

The clock was ticking.

With just ten minutes before shuffle-up-and-deal, the count sat at twenty-four. The buzz in the room carried a hint of doubt. Would they get there? Chairs were filled, chips were stacked, and hopeful glances kept drifting toward the door. At game time, we stood at twenty-eight. Close… but not quite.

And then—right on cue—two more walked in, including new player Don McQueen, pushing the total to the magical number: thirty!

Mission accomplished, Mavericks.

Mark your calendars for March 17—the $250 freeroll is officially on. More details to come, but you already know… it’s going to be a blast.

The Cards Hit the Air

After the celebration settled, it was time to get down to business.

Game one saw the “old guard” remind everyone why they’ve been fixtures at the top. Rick Hoag, Jim Elwart, and James Ramsey each took down their tables with steady, composed play. Experience matters.

But as every Maverick knows, one win doesn’t seal the night—consistency is king.

Game two flipped the script. Brad Binder Sr., Candace Sutter, and Mike Nass stepped up with table wins of their own, turning the evening into another certified barn burner.

When the points were tallied heading into game three, it was Hoag holding the lead thanks to two strong performances, with Candace breathing down his neck just one point back. Elwart and McQueen lurked within striking distance.

And then came game three… the graveyard of point leaders.

The Final Showdown

As has been the trend, the leaders stumbled when it mattered most. Hoag couldn’t get traction and was first out at his table. Candace followed shortly after. Suddenly, players who started the round four or five points back saw the door swing wide open.

Mike Nass seized his opportunity, winning his table and planting himself firmly in the clubhouse with the overall points lead.

But at the other table? Heavy hitters.

With the final three—McQueen, Iler, and Pjeter—it was simple: win the table, win the night.

Pjeter fell first, leaving Lew Iler and Jim McQueen to battle it out. Chips moved. Pressure mounted. And on the final hand, McQueen delivered the knockout blow, eliminating Iler and capturing his first nightly win!

Congratulations, Jim! You’ve officially punched your ticket to the Tournament of Champions on April 11!

Lew Iler claimed second, while Mike Nass, fueled by his game three victory, secured third place honors.

Season Standings & What’s Ahead

The season leaderboard still finds Rick Hoag perched at the top, with Jim Elwart, Cliff Jones, Lew Iler, and Mike Pjeter rounding out a tightly packed top five.

And here’s the kicker…

Next week is Double Points Night.

With over a month left in the season, anyone who catches fire could take control. The big question now: Can Hoag pull off back-to-back season titles? Or is a new name ready to rise?

One thing’s certain—the race is heating up.

See you on the felts, Mavericks.