Just a minute or so after noon, the players were allowed in the Amazon Room to find their seats. After a bit of confusion over table numbers and section colors, everyone was in place and the intros began.

Tournament Director Jack Effel said a few words, and Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack introduced Wayne Newton. Yes, the Wayne Newton! Maybe I’m old school (no jokes on my birthday, please!), but Wayne is a classic. And from my close-up view, despite the heavy make-up, his skin was flawless and he was full of energy and smiles. It didn’t hurt his look to be surrounded by about 10 dancers from the Jubilee show at Bally’s, either. There was also an appearance by the UNLV marching band, but to be honest, I was a little too mesmerized by Mr. Las Vegas to know what song they played.

After Wayne did the “Shuffle up and deal!” honors, the cards were in play.

Numbers? We certainly won’t have anything official until after the first break, but initial rumblings have the number at only 1400. The cap would have been 2700. E-gads. With that said, most players I know have signed up for Day 1C or 1D, so the numbers could definitely pick up as the days go by. But right now, the final number is anyone’s guess.

We’ll keep you updated as the day progresses and as I irritate myself by humming “Danke Schoen” over and over…