In these large tournament fields with relatively small starting stacks, winning that first coin flip is a crucial step in playing your way down to the final table. During the first two levels of play in the $2K a couple of P5ers were on both sides of the race situation with very different results.

Nick “fu_15″ Maimone knew he was in a coin flip situation when he got it all-in pre-flop with his pocket tens against his opponent’s A-K. As he contemplated whether or not to call the other player’s all-in, he eventually put his chips in the middle as he told the table, “I’ll gamble.” The gamble paid off and his tens held, increasing his chip stack to 7K (well above the current average).  Another player who is already off to a great start is Jared “TheWacoKidd” Hamby–he already has 14K.

Scott “stsitron” Sitron found himself in a similar situation when he got it all in on a 10-8-4 board with his A-K.  Unfortunately for him, his opponent held pocket tens and Sitron was sent to the rail.  Other early eliminations include Mike “Wiscomurray” Murray, Mike “UNCC” Sowers, and Shane “shaniac” Schleger.

Justin Shronk (pictured right) also made an early exit from the tournament, but his final hand was not exactly a race situation.  With the blinds at 50/100 a player raised to 250 in early position and the player on the button called.  Shronk moved all-in for 1625 from the small blind with A-J off suit.  The initial raiser then reraised all-in for around 6K chips and the button folded.  The other player showed 10-7 off suit and flopped a 10, sending Shronk to the rail.

• June 12, 2008 -- Ryan Doubles Alongside Maimone’s Big Stack
• June 14, 2008 -- Gbmantis Preys on TheWacoKidd; Seiver Scores
• June 13, 2008 -- Harrington on Helium
• June 13, 2008 -- Titan Tom