1996 & 2004 Champs. Last year they finished in second place. They have placed in 13 of their 18 tournmanets and with 91 games of Rook Tournment experience we expect them once again to be playing at the end for the trophy.
Sally & Phyllis have managed just a 3-4 record in two Tournaments since coming out of retirement in 2004. Last year they finished a strong third and have been a top three finisher in ten of their twelve Tournaments. We expect nothing different in 2007.
After the top three seeds the success rate of winning a tournament drops off substancially. Only two of the remaining teams seeded have won the Tournament both times in the prior millenium. Kristy & Tiffany hold the distinction of being the team that has played the most games (64) without winning a Tournament. However since 2000 they have the best record (18-14) of the remaining teams. In 2000 they made the finals and in 2003 they finished 3rd.
Ben and Kyle at 15-14 have played fairly consistent in their seven Tournaments. They have placed twice (Fourth in 2002 and Third in 2005) and we think it is just a matter of time before we see them in the championship.
Another team in the middle of the pack that just needs to figure out somehow get to the next level. Ashley will be making her thirteenth Rook Tournament appearance.
Cindy & Kathy make their 18th appearance. Since winning the Tournament in 1999, they have managed just a 13-14 record with two third place finshes and a fourth place finish. We seeded them 7th last year and will continue to do so until they break out of their slump.
Last minute team as we wondered what Bob would do this year without long time partner Richard who is away in Italy. Normally a new team regardless of experience is seeded toward the bottom but we seeded this team at #8 because of the Bob factor. Brooke is entering her fourth Tournament and getting to play with her dad is only going to increase her value in the future.
A team still hoping to get the Rook card and still learning when to play it. Keeny has 21 wins in 14 Tournaments. James with three Tournaments under his belt and ten games experience will have to carry this team.
This is about where they need to be. Luke and Chad have played in eleven Tournaments and have won only ten games (three in 2005 when they finished 4th).
Scott & Scottie make their Rook Tournament debut as the #11 seed. Scott has 40 games experience with two championships with Brian Peacock in 2002 & 2003. However, before the championship run Scott was 0-4 with Debbie and was 9-8 with Brian before they got hot. We hear that Scottie plays in family Rook Tournaments in Texas, but will have to make the adjustment to Beach House Tournament rules and the media exposure the internet brings.
Kent & Paula return for their second Tournament. In their debut in 2004 they shocked the Tournamnet by knocking off top seed Sally & Phyllis but then lost two straight.
Sara and Katie make their fourth Tournament appearance. They won their initial game in 2004 but have lost six straight. They look to break the streak this year so watch out!
Mary & Amanda just met last night and have decided to take the plunge and play in the Tournament. Rumor has it that both have played spades before. Everyone will want to play these two rookies but be nice!