JD is ready for war, but can he defeat an opponent that is Heaven sent?

If one word describes them, it’s “opposite”. JD “The Chip Nazi” Deckard, the pretentous, egotistical, high-handed know-it-all defined by his OCD-like command over the pot, and his Phil Helmuth-esque tantrums and chip throwing versus Mike “Daggum” Krisle, the even-keeled, mild mannered, humble, and gracious man of God who meets adversity and calamity with a simple “daggum!”

Deckard, who built his reputation in the early days of a watered down 3(615) mafia talent pool, managed to end the longest losing streak of his career last week by drubbing former UFC-er and reality show has-been “The Lowdown Dirty” Shane Primm. But was his last minute win before The Big River Showdown too little to late? Or perhaps the start of another lengthy run?

The answer to that begins with Krisle, the man who will oppose Deckard in the inaugural round of what has shaped up to be the most highly anticipated events in AGP history. Krisle, who skyrocketed up the league standings through quiet, yet amazingly consistent play, enters the contest as a overwhelming underdog, and has managed, in true Daggum fashion, to stay out of the limelight and avoid any controversy as AGPnation has Deckard as a favorite to survive the entire bracket and enter the finals for the first in a long line of Big River Showdown Championship match-ups.

When asked about the nearly insurmountable odds, Krisle answered with a simple “Daggum”.

While other match-ups may be more explosive, or tranquilizing in the case of Buzz vs Five Dollars, this match-up features a picture perfect portrait of polar opposites waging a war of attrition against the yin to their yang. The fire to their ice. The good to their evil. And in the end, one man will advance as an odds on favorite for a finals appearance while the other hits the rail.

Time to get Buzzed?

Shane Primm couldn’t resist the urge to add his input as to who will survive the BRS.

Shane has #1 Troy over #8 Dan, #4 JD beating #5 Daggum, #2 Jeff topping #7 Tony, and his upset pick of #6 Ricky knocking out #3 Mark.

His semi-finals have an upset win by #4 JD over #1 Troy and #2 Buzz stopping #6 Ricky.

Shane puts his money on Buzz Finger to beat JD in the championship to become the first ever Big River Showdown champion!

Shane said ” I can’t pick you or Troy. I don’t even like the two of you! Time to get Buzzed!”

Heather picks JD for the BRS

Players from past and present have been submitting their brackets for AGP’s version of March Madness, The Big River Showdown.

Alan Dennis picked two big upsets in round one with #8 Dan over #1 Troy, and #6 Ricky topping #3 Red. He also has the 4 seed JD over Daggum, and #2 Buzz getting by Tony.

Round 2 sees JD beating long time rival Dan and Ricky buzzing by Finger.

Alan’s championship is Ricky beating JD

“It seemed really obvious when I looked at it. Ricky is due” said Alan.

Heather Estok weighed in too with her picks.

She has an all top seed semi with #1 Troy, #2 Buzz, #3 Mark, and #4 JD

After JD disposes of Troy and Buzz squeaks by Mark, JD and buzz meet for the championship.

Heather put her vote behind JD to knock off Buzz in the finals.

“I really only picked that to upset Buzz. I’m not a fan of his” quoted Heather.

The most improved player is armed with confidence heading into the BRS

Last year's regular season champ is in for a fight

Part 3 of our 4 part series previewing The Big River Showdown makes its way to #3 seed Mark “Red” Herring versus #6 seed Ricky “the poker God” Hodge.

Mark has decided to take measures into his own hands by submitting the following statements:

1. Just 3 more days before I sit in front of the poker God. Just me and the poker God. If Ricky is everything godly to poker, then I must be the anti- Christ. For everything good he represents, I am the anti. Bad hands, bad cards, bad play, bad luck and mostly drunk I am, but there I’ll be sitting in front of the poker God. Ricky you may need to borrow Mike’s bible. It’s in his car underneath his girlfriend’s panties. Daggum. I’ll take all my winnings from the poker God and spend it at Dollar General.

2. Mark’s prayer to the anti-God #1… Oh hellish anti-God, please give me the wisdom and strength to counter all that is good of the poker God. For every good hand he plays, every good raise he raises, every good bluff he bluffs, may I counter with bad. Sooo bad, oh mighty anti-God, that he storms out in an over reaction Buzz style fit of rage. In anti-God’s name I pray, amen.

3.  Mark’s prayer to the anti-God #2… Oh all mighty anti-God please give me the ability to have enormous overreacting rage, like Buzz. Give me the what the f*#k arrogance of JD ( but not the penis envy stuff, please). Give me the ability to always feel forgiven no matter who I play poker with, like Mike. Give me the ability to never worry about being pulled over and searched for drugs, like $5. Give me the ability to mooch off others and take, take, take, then sit on the couch and watch Fox news, like Dan. Give me the ability to drink massive amounts of beer until I practically pass out at the table and still win, like Troy. Lastly, give me the ability anti-God to have so much self esteem that I can put on a Walmart shirt and wear it public, like Ricky. Oh all mighty anti-God, amen. The Red.

Ricky could not be reached for comment. Actually, he could be, but Mark pretty much slayed him with his letters. Therefore, it was pointless.

$5 and his beer

Part 2 of our 4 part series previewing The Big River Showdown is the first round match-up of #2 seed Buzz Finger against #7 seed Tony $5 Porter.

Truly a match-up of the most, umm…

These two guys are, well…

This one time they totally…

During a hand once, crap…

Alright, I got nothing. These are the two quietest players in AGP history. Frankly, someone will have to check to make sure they are breathing during the game. Captain Charisma and the Tazmanian Devil they aren’t.

The only sure bet is the loser will be stoned!

Follow Troy on Twitter @tsteffyATO

Follow Dan on Twitter @danmartin74

Part 1 of our 4 part series previewing The Big River Showdown begins with the top seed Troy KOP Steffy against #8 Dan Mags Martin.

This opening round match-up pairs two of the original three members (JD Deckard).  Dan and Troy have had a history of meeting up during big game moments. The original Big Game Championship had the two heads up for the win. Dan made quick work of Troy and the animosity has been present since.

” I have owned this game ever since. Have you looked at the points? Look at his points. I’ll make Dan my b**ch! This interview is over! Pardon me, how do I get out of here? ” quoted Troy during an attempted interview.

Dan said ” Honestly, I’ve felt cursed after winning The Big Game. I can’t get motivated. Beating Troy shouldn’t be a problem though. Let’s face it, his good run doesn’t equal my major win. I’m in his head. His family must be ashamed of his cocky attitude.”

Dan has tried to connect with Troy through Twitter in an attempt to put the hard feelings behind them, but Troy refuses to speak. Troy said ” I need to get my game face on, so Dan can suck it til Tuesday. I’ll speak volumes then by getting my revenge.”

Troy’s bitterness over Dan’s win has haunted him for months. His chance for redemption is Tuesday night.

JD defeated Shane inside the rectangle(gon) to gain his first win of 2011

JD finally returned to past glory with a much needed win last night. The final game before the BRS ended with JD beating scab Shane heads up. ” I was doubting my own ability to be honest” quoted JD. He’s now armed with confidence heading into the BRS.

Other players showed a return to form with Ricky and Dan having strong showings. Mark continued his solid play with a ko bounty and 4th place finish. Troy went into rest mode apparently by getting knocked out early. “I’m saving myself for next week. Gotta be mentally prepared to beat Mr. Martin” said Troy.