Yin/Yang at Club One

In the Chinese tradition, yin and yang represent “two opposing and, at the same time, complementary aspects of any one phenomenon." Yin qualities are characterized as “passive, dark, feminine, negative, downward-seeking, consuming and correspond[ing] to the night.” Yang qualities are characterized as “active, light, masculine, positive, upward-seeking, producing and correspond[ing] to the daytime.” (quotes from Wikipedia).

On Saturday, the 5th Annual Flop ‘til You Drop Charity Tournament was held at the Club One Casino in Fresno, California. Councilman Mike Dages (District 5) sponsored the event which included a buffet dinner and poker tournament in which prize money was paid to the charities of the contestants’ choice. Club One matched the prize money, dollar for dollar, and the event raised over $28,000 for local charities.

Special guests included some local celebrities and Fresno native and 2007 WSOP Main Event Champion, Jerry Yang. Yang was a huge hit with both participants and spectators and graciously posed for photos and signed autographs for several hours. He was the invited guest of one of the councilmen and, as it turns out, was related (distantly) to one of our casino hostesses.

I knew I was doomed to a brief and unimpressive showing when once again I was seated at a “featured” table. My tablemates included a judge, the former sheriff, the councilman’s lovely wife (a fine player) and Jerry. The WSOP champ exited relatively early when, short stacked, he shoved A9s and ran into TT, held by the eventual winner of the event. I busted out shortly thereafter when, 12BB deep, I raised from MP with ATo, whiffed the ragged flop and shoved the T on the turn. My opponent showed QQ, and I was back to running chips and busing tables.

The City took some of the sting of my exit away when, in a bizarre and unexpected twist, the Council proclaimed April 5, 2025 to be EdmondDantes Day and, in a separate proclamation, Jerry Yang Day. Now I don’t know if there was some subtle yin/Yang message that the Council was attempting to convey, but it was generally agreed that Yang was a bright, positive influence on the event. Well, if I’m the darker and more negative of the pairing, so be it. It was an honor to share the day with such a courteous and charming guy.

Edmond

P.S. Photos of the event, Yang and plaque confirming the proclamation (no, I’m not kidding) to follow…

7 Comments

Comments

ClubOne says

Very cool. The Yang part anyways.

I can't wait to see the pictures.

04/07/08

lakeoffire says

Are u kidding me? Edmond Dantes Day? That is the coolest!

04/07/08

EdmondDantes says

Well, they actually put my alter ego on the plaque, but hey...I'll take it. It's better than being hauled before the judge by the former sheriff for some featured table misdeeds, right?

04/07/08