The History
Twenty-plus years of bad beats, worse decisions, and friendships that somehow survived all of it.
Exhibit · The League
How it started
A few guys, a folding table, and the deeply mistaken belief that everyone was good at this. Two decades later the belief is exactly as mistaken as it ever was — and the chase for Chief Donkey is exactly as fierce.
The originals
Only a handful of the original crew are still in it. Chief among them is James “JD” DeBeck, who decamped to Las Vegas and “retired” — which mostly means he shows up when he can and reminds everyone he was here first. His wife Crystal used to play too.
The greatest fold in league history
February 8, 2008. Mid-tournament, Crystal’s water broke at the table. She and JD racked up and walked out to deliver their daughter Maisie — later a 4.95 GPA valedictorian. The only correct laydown anyone here has ever made.
Milestones
20+ seasons and counting. Countless rebuys, at least one legendary bad beat per season, and zero lessons learned. Got a night that belongs here? Tell the league — this archive grows.