What began as a field of nearly 15 hundred players was narrowed to just under 300 at the start of today.

The North Dakota Texas Hold 'Em Championship is now in its final hours of competition, with one eventual winner taking home over 37 thousand dollars.

Unfortunately, not everyone can win, but as Dan Erdmann tells us, one family is just happy to play the game.

(Dan Erdmann, KX News) You wouldn't say the chips were stacked in their favor...

(Barb Cuthill, Poker Player) "Un-heard of. This our fifth year, this is the first time that I've ever made the second day."

(Dan Erdmann, KX News) But when 3 out of 4 family members advance to the final day of the country's largest charity poker tournament, you've gotta believe they're doing something right.

(Barb Cuthill, Poker Player) "We have as good of a chance as anybody to win money. That makes it interesting."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Douglas and Barb Cuthill and their two sons, Charles and Darren, have made this poker tournament an annual family tradition. Each year, the group makes the journey from Welwyn, Saskatchewan to play a game they've come to love.

(Barb Cuthill, Poker Player) "It was like yeah, that's a really good game, why don't we play that?"


(Douglas Cuthill, Poker Player) "We play at home once in awhile, we started out with home games, we've travled to the odd casino. We enjoy it, we have a lot of fun at it."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) When today's play began, Douglas, Barb, and oldest son, Charles were still in the running for a spot at tonight's final table. Unfortunately, by early afternoon, only one Cuthill remained.

(Charles Cuthill, Poker Player) "We always hope that one of us does well. I think since the first year that dad finished 14th, this is the farthest any of us have made it."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) And of course, mom's cheering section was a little larger than most.

(Darren Cuthill, Poker Player) "Well, it's exciting. You hope that she wins, or she does good."


(Charles Cuthill, Poker Player) "Oh yeah, we'll be pulling for her definitely."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Despite the extra support, Barb's day finished in the same fashion as her husband and sons. Mom may not have the jackpot, but she does have bragging rights for the long ride home.

(Douglas Cuthill, Poker Player) "Well, she's the luckiest." watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list