Robb Ends Day 1b With Monster Lead
Day 1b of the Mid-States Poker Tour Golden Gates in Black Hawk, Colorado attracted 138 runners, and after 15 levels of play, Jay Robb bagged up a monster chip lead with 470,000. The total puts the Denver native more than 120,000 clear of Matt Bingel, who bagged 316,500 to top Day 1a. Robb has experienced success at the venue before, having headed a six-way chop at the main event of Colorado Poker Championship 7 for $28,174. A win here figures to net him far more.
In total, 28 players advanced, making it an even 50 after two Day 1 flights. Others making it through included Jason Burruss (374,000), Jon Cohen (260,000), Eric Maier (231,000), Bryan Devonshire (205,000), Travis Northrope (159,500), Will Givens (140,000), Mark Hodge (138,500), and Bruce Carter (98,500).
Devonshire, a well-known pro who has north of $3 million in combined live and online tournament cashes, punctuated his night with a huge bluff just before the buzzer sounded. In the final level of the night (1,500/3,000/500), he bet 8,500 from the button after Carter checked to him out of the big blind on a flop of 
. Carter came alive with a raise to 20,000, Devonshire decided to see the turn, and the 
arrived. Carter bet 20,000 again, and Devonshire asked to see his stack. Carter moved his arms then returned them.
"Can I see your stack again please?" Devonshire asked. It looked to be around 120,000, and Devonshire shoved for slightly less, 112,400.
"I told myself I was going to call if you did that," Carter said with a sigh after about a four-minute tank. "So gross."
"Will you show me if I lay it down?" Carter said after another minute or so. Devonshire remained motionless.
Carter did decide on a fold, mucking 
face-up, and Devonshire turned over 
before dragging the pot.
Hodge, meanwhile, seeks to add to his already-sizable lead in the MSPT Player of the Year race. He's already scored two final tables plus a third cash this season, though he's yet to taste victory, with fourth being his best result. A late double with 
against a player holding 
propelled him to a solid finish, with Hodge making an unbeatable full house on the turn.
Defending champ Reza Yazdi, last time's third-place finisher Max Chrisp, Jason Vanstrom, James Wilson, Nader Wahdan, Kris Wagner, Phanora Prom, and Brian Hartner were among those falling during the course of play. Yazdi looked to be on his way to a great day after amassing a huge stack early, but he opened for 4,000 under the gun during Level 12 (600/1,200/200) and then called the shove of Mike Harris, who put him at risk for about 100,000. Yazdi's jacks were crushed by two kings, and he busted out, hopping in the qualifier shortly after.
The players who make it through that qualifier will be playing Day 1c at noon on Saturday, and PokerNews will be on hand for live updates of the final Day 1.