It was about 15 minutes before the weekly WWdN started that I signed up. I wasn't necessarily in the mood to play poker but there was little else to do. Tuesday night TV is a barren dessert. There is really nothing on. I mean absolutely nothing.
So I figured I might as well play and see what happens. It hadn't dawned on me that I hadn't played in a tournament for well over a week. I wonder why? I had no reason to not play when given the chance for poker. I just had been playing ring games instead.
I think it showed early on. Though I was a couple of early pots, they were all tiny. The table seemed tight so I started playing loose and raising with just about anything. Until I started bleeding chips. So after 45 minutes of not getting any action on big hands, and drawing out on crap hands, I decided to go to push mode. That didn't net me any more than the big hands and I ended up at the break under 800. Most good tournament players will tell you that you should be able to double up in the first round, which puts your in a great spot for the second session where people get tighter. They are right. So why had I done the opposite?
As the second session began, I knew I had to push to get back in. So with any decent hand or position, I was shoving chips in. Got back to 1500, then 2000, then back to 1700. My yo yo impression was pretty good. Then I caught my first break. I got a caller with A A. His 8s did not crack my boys so I doubled through to just under 3k.
Then I got lucky. I stayed aggressive and kept making raises. This time however, I kept an eye on where the big stacks were. I tried to key up my moves only when they acted first whether they had limped, or raised. If they folded, I could try to pound the smaller stacks behind me. This is where I got lucky a couple of times. A 8s beats J J by filling a gutshot straight on the river. K 5 suited (bad steal attempt but I had to only call a little more) defeated A high with a flush on the turn. Add a bluff or two in and suddenly I was up in 2nd place.
I was taking some chances that I wouldn't when I was playing tighter. Some paid off, others didn't. But sometimes you know that if you miss the chance to knock someone out, and suddenly you drop 3000 to them, you feel inside that the game is still flowing in your direction. You know you can either bully the table or the cards will come. It isn't about whether you will get that 3000 back, but how long will it take. That is a nice comfort zone to be in.
In the end, I finished in 4th place when my 5 5 lost the flip to A J. I didn't like the way I played that final table though. I started ok but I wasn't focusing on trying to win. Sounds stupid to play all that way and not try to win. But I realized that is what I was doing. I shoved with the 5s when I could have made a standard raise or limped. I think the blinds were 600-1200 at the time. Shoving isn't a bad move, but if I do a normal raise, I can get away from the overcards on the flop and find a better spot to push with. It may not have mattered but I wouldn't have been left with the bad taste of pushing with a small pair of 5s.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Nice Party
I don't know why I was trying to clear the Party bonus. It was only $30. I hate the software, hate the annoying players talking trash, hate the fishiness that always seems to suck out on me. Why was I playing there?
That $30 carrot they were dangling in front of me annoyed me. I think it was the number I saw in Poker Track that did it. It was in red. Yes, I admit it, I am a losing player on Party. I could rattle off bad beat story after bad beat story but I would own too many people money that I would have to go to the Summer Classic and hand out dollar bills like an ATM.
I was grinding out 300 hands at the 3/6 tables for the last week. Except for one ugly hand (typical of the Party player), I had a nice run, more than doubling what I had at Party. I had only one losing session and that wasn't too bad. I stayed aggressive and pounded people for trying to draw out with their anything suited hands.
It felt good to play some solid poker. Not perfect but good enough to make some coin. And I will take that any day.
That $30 carrot they were dangling in front of me annoyed me. I think it was the number I saw in Poker Track that did it. It was in red. Yes, I admit it, I am a losing player on Party. I could rattle off bad beat story after bad beat story but I would own too many people money that I would have to go to the Summer Classic and hand out dollar bills like an ATM.
I was grinding out 300 hands at the 3/6 tables for the last week. Except for one ugly hand (typical of the Party player), I had a nice run, more than doubling what I had at Party. I had only one losing session and that wasn't too bad. I stayed aggressive and pounded people for trying to draw out with their anything suited hands.
It felt good to play some solid poker. Not perfect but good enough to make some coin. And I will take that any day.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Maybe this time, I can show up at the beginning
I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker!
This Online Poker Tournament is a No Limit Texas Holdem event exclusive to Bloggers.
Registration code: 7330476
Good to see PokerStars is throwing another blogger appreciation party. Maybe I can remember to show up for the start of this tournament. Last time I thought it started at 5, just to realize I was 2 hours late. I played exactly one hand, pushing my short stack in with K K, just to run into A A. Funny how this game can be.
I did however win a fleece for best essay. My teachers would have been so proud.
This time around I have the time correct. I just need to make sure I am back in town. I think I am off camping that weekend.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Twice the pain
What can I say about the Gemini tournament last night? Hmm... interesting idea, but overall I didn't care for it. I give Biggestron credit for being creative but this was not a realistic tournament idea. I hope this isn't attempted again.
If a tournament cannot be held in the same format live, then it shouldn't be done. Yes, we mostly play internet poker but the way this tournament was set up, it took away one major skill set needed to play successful tournament poker. Focus. With two tables going, it was hard to stay focused on what was happening at what table. Many times you were prompted to act at the same time. For me, this lead to wasting time banks on one table as I made a decision on the other.
It also took me out of the flow at one table. People would fold around and before you know it, it was time to act again. But you didn't see what was happening because of the play at your other table. I think there were some great stealing opportunities lost because of this.
I also didn't care for starting with the same players at both tables. That took some strategy out of it. Once the table changes started, it got better, though it was fun trying to pull off the same move on the same person at two different tables.
The tilt factor was interesting. If you got a beat at one table, it could affect you at the other. I went out 20 in one, 10 in the other. I took a bad card at the river, double pairing the board and making my opponent's A kicker come into play (I had 6 6, he A J, board ended up with Ks and 7s). That had an effect at first at the other table where I was in a good spot. I can't complain because I did crack SoxLover's A A, and later someone's K K.
Patience, discipline, and focus are key for doing well in these tourneys. Take one out of the mix and it becomes more of a crapshoot.
Just my opinion. I would rather stick to current formats instead of creating them.
If a tournament cannot be held in the same format live, then it shouldn't be done. Yes, we mostly play internet poker but the way this tournament was set up, it took away one major skill set needed to play successful tournament poker. Focus. With two tables going, it was hard to stay focused on what was happening at what table. Many times you were prompted to act at the same time. For me, this lead to wasting time banks on one table as I made a decision on the other.
It also took me out of the flow at one table. People would fold around and before you know it, it was time to act again. But you didn't see what was happening because of the play at your other table. I think there were some great stealing opportunities lost because of this.
I also didn't care for starting with the same players at both tables. That took some strategy out of it. Once the table changes started, it got better, though it was fun trying to pull off the same move on the same person at two different tables.
The tilt factor was interesting. If you got a beat at one table, it could affect you at the other. I went out 20 in one, 10 in the other. I took a bad card at the river, double pairing the board and making my opponent's A kicker come into play (I had 6 6, he A J, board ended up with Ks and 7s). That had an effect at first at the other table where I was in a good spot. I can't complain because I did crack SoxLover's A A, and later someone's K K.
Patience, discipline, and focus are key for doing well in these tourneys. Take one out of the mix and it becomes more of a crapshoot.
Just my opinion. I would rather stick to current formats instead of creating them.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Freerolling once again
Absolute Poker hosted the Poker Source Online blogger free roll. Only 118 showed up. The site said they had 460 registered. Maybe next time they will not have it on a Saturday night
I was taking it easy to begin with. In the first hand, I was pretty sure I had the best hand from the blinds with 7 4 and a flop of 2 2 4. But with the min-raise in mid position and the overbet on the flop, I decided not to go to battle on the first hand. Why bother?
An interesting thing happened about 10 minutes into the tournament. All the no shows were removed. Just like that 40 people were gone. I don't know if I like that or not. It prevents people was collecting chips on dead players but if you were just running late you got screwed.
They also posted the payouts. 27 places would pay with first place paying $540. Not bad.
I could check all of this out and more because I folded for the next 15 minutes. Man, what crappy cards! I steal a hand or two. This is getting boring. To lighten things up, I suggest to the table that we get everyone to chop the prize pool and head out for beers. That would be interesting if somehow we could get the entire tourney to agree to a big distribution of the prize money.
If I wasn't able to go on a nice rush of stealing blinds, I would be below the starting stack. And bored. The Absolute software isn't the best. Feels slow and clunky. Don't care for it. Or the cards I am getting.
I finally hit a big pot. Note I said big pot, not a big hand. With A Q clubs, I raise to 350. BB calls. Flop comes out with 2 clubs. The BB bets out. With just 1200 behind and the pot at 1050, I push. He calls and shows the J 10 of clubs. No J or 10 hits and I suddenly double up. I was shocked by this. Not the call but to suddenly bump up after hardly playing is a nice surprise.
I go back into my folding game for a while. Then 9 9 comes along. I bump it up to 400. Only problem is the SB goes all in. I don't feel like gambling here and fold. A raise of 2000 here seems fishy. Of course I don't get any action when I get K K a couple of hands later.
I finished in 35th when I made a bad read. I tried to limp with A 4s. The button raised and I called. Flop came 5 Q Q. I called his min bet. I put him on A K right away. The turn was a 4. I check-raised him all in. He insta called with A Q. Oops. Wrong read.
Oh well. I didn't play bad for what I got dealt. One bad read sent me to the rail. This tourney was easy money. Then again, I guess not if I didn't get any.
I was taking it easy to begin with. In the first hand, I was pretty sure I had the best hand from the blinds with 7 4 and a flop of 2 2 4. But with the min-raise in mid position and the overbet on the flop, I decided not to go to battle on the first hand. Why bother?
An interesting thing happened about 10 minutes into the tournament. All the no shows were removed. Just like that 40 people were gone. I don't know if I like that or not. It prevents people was collecting chips on dead players but if you were just running late you got screwed.
They also posted the payouts. 27 places would pay with first place paying $540. Not bad.
I could check all of this out and more because I folded for the next 15 minutes. Man, what crappy cards! I steal a hand or two. This is getting boring. To lighten things up, I suggest to the table that we get everyone to chop the prize pool and head out for beers. That would be interesting if somehow we could get the entire tourney to agree to a big distribution of the prize money.
If I wasn't able to go on a nice rush of stealing blinds, I would be below the starting stack. And bored. The Absolute software isn't the best. Feels slow and clunky. Don't care for it. Or the cards I am getting.
I finally hit a big pot. Note I said big pot, not a big hand. With A Q clubs, I raise to 350. BB calls. Flop comes out with 2 clubs. The BB bets out. With just 1200 behind and the pot at 1050, I push. He calls and shows the J 10 of clubs. No J or 10 hits and I suddenly double up. I was shocked by this. Not the call but to suddenly bump up after hardly playing is a nice surprise.
I go back into my folding game for a while. Then 9 9 comes along. I bump it up to 400. Only problem is the SB goes all in. I don't feel like gambling here and fold. A raise of 2000 here seems fishy. Of course I don't get any action when I get K K a couple of hands later.
I finished in 35th when I made a bad read. I tried to limp with A 4s. The button raised and I called. Flop came 5 Q Q. I called his min bet. I put him on A K right away. The turn was a 4. I check-raised him all in. He insta called with A Q. Oops. Wrong read.
Oh well. I didn't play bad for what I got dealt. One bad read sent me to the rail. This tourney was easy money. Then again, I guess not if I didn't get any.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Another 8
Finished 8th in the WWdN tourney tonight. GRob did a good job of pushing the table around at the end. He is my hero.
Not unhappy with the way I played. It just rough when I stopped hitting flops and my bets were raised. Felt like any respect or image I had was suddenly gone. Like they were looking at my cards.
8 isn't bad especially considering I got knocked around again in the Full Tilt token tournies. For the life of me I cannot win one of those things again. I get in with the best hand just to lose. Frustrating. But it has to be temporary. I hope.
Not unhappy with the way I played. It just rough when I stopped hitting flops and my bets were raised. Felt like any respect or image I had was suddenly gone. Like they were looking at my cards.
8 isn't bad especially considering I got knocked around again in the Full Tilt token tournies. For the life of me I cannot win one of those things again. I get in with the best hand just to lose. Frustrating. But it has to be temporary. I hope.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
8th
Haven't been playing much lately. So with it all rainy and cold outside, I figured it would be a good day to waste away on this game.
I cleared the PokerStars bonus thanks to their double points giveaway. At the same time I noticed an email from Titan giving me a whole $10. Curious as to whether I still had some cash over there, I logged in to see I did have just under $25. So to get my game back in shape, I hopped into a $5 MTT that was about to start. I had been avoiding the low buy in tournies because of the donkey play but felt I need to get my feet back under me after the absence.
I was hitting some flops pretty well early. Like first hand when I see a set of 8s. I pushed when the first guy bet the pot. Quick and easy double especially when I see guy had top pair only. But he didn't disappear. I forgot that most of the Titan tournies are rebuys. Damn!
I don't care for rebuy tournaments too much. Play is usually erratic and one bad beat can really tilt you. But then I thought of Speaker's posts on the Paradise rebuy and figured he may be right about taking advantage of the donktastic play. So leaned back and got into rock mode.
By the first break, I had only double up to over 2k so I too the add on. My investment was $10.50 of Titan's money. I would need to get to 30 to win $23.70. Not quite life changing.
One other aspects of rebuys that I find intriguing is the people who can shift their games once the rebuy period is over. Some still are terrible while you can see the shift to playing poker in others. I stuck to my the tight image I was trying to portray but started to steal more. Thankfully no one called me down with my K 9o.
Before I knew it we hit the second break and people were falling like rocks. Then we hit the money and more people dropped like flies. Blinds were going up every 10 minutes. With people taking too much time to fold, there was barely an orbit of play before blinds went up again. It became push poker. You could barely get above an M of 5.
I kept hitting the all in button like a slot player in their tournaments. Made the final table too. Went out in 8th when A K ran into A A. Oh well. Earned a $94.80 prize for my efforts. Only problem is that I now need to play on Titan to clear the money for withdrawal. Not quite sure how many hands I have to play either.
Funny how a cash can force me to play more at a site I had deserted.
I cleared the PokerStars bonus thanks to their double points giveaway. At the same time I noticed an email from Titan giving me a whole $10. Curious as to whether I still had some cash over there, I logged in to see I did have just under $25. So to get my game back in shape, I hopped into a $5 MTT that was about to start. I had been avoiding the low buy in tournies because of the donkey play but felt I need to get my feet back under me after the absence.
I was hitting some flops pretty well early. Like first hand when I see a set of 8s. I pushed when the first guy bet the pot. Quick and easy double especially when I see guy had top pair only. But he didn't disappear. I forgot that most of the Titan tournies are rebuys. Damn!
I don't care for rebuy tournaments too much. Play is usually erratic and one bad beat can really tilt you. But then I thought of Speaker's posts on the Paradise rebuy and figured he may be right about taking advantage of the donktastic play. So leaned back and got into rock mode.
By the first break, I had only double up to over 2k so I too the add on. My investment was $10.50 of Titan's money. I would need to get to 30 to win $23.70. Not quite life changing.
One other aspects of rebuys that I find intriguing is the people who can shift their games once the rebuy period is over. Some still are terrible while you can see the shift to playing poker in others. I stuck to my the tight image I was trying to portray but started to steal more. Thankfully no one called me down with my K 9o.
Before I knew it we hit the second break and people were falling like rocks. Then we hit the money and more people dropped like flies. Blinds were going up every 10 minutes. With people taking too much time to fold, there was barely an orbit of play before blinds went up again. It became push poker. You could barely get above an M of 5.
I kept hitting the all in button like a slot player in their tournaments. Made the final table too. Went out in 8th when A K ran into A A. Oh well. Earned a $94.80 prize for my efforts. Only problem is that I now need to play on Titan to clear the money for withdrawal. Not quite sure how many hands I have to play either.
Funny how a cash can force me to play more at a site I had deserted.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Interview
If I wasn't in such an alcoholic daze through the weekend, I would have posted the interview I did with Biggestron. So without further delay, here it is. I will take my 15 minutes of internet fame. It comes with a six pack so that is good.
Otherwise I haven't played much poker lately. The real world is exerting pressure on me. Some shit hit the fan over the weekend. Thankfully nothing too serious but some matters that need to be dealt with.
When I have found a chance to get some time in, I have been struggling. I took a small whooping at 5/10 so I dropped back again. I continue to play a bit of NL ring but not much to make a difference. Even the number of tournaments I have been in has fallen off. Like most of the time, I have no focus on what to play.
Let's hope I can get lucky somewhere and make a nice score.
Otherwise I haven't played much poker lately. The real world is exerting pressure on me. Some shit hit the fan over the weekend. Thankfully nothing too serious but some matters that need to be dealt with.
When I have found a chance to get some time in, I have been struggling. I took a small whooping at 5/10 so I dropped back again. I continue to play a bit of NL ring but not much to make a difference. Even the number of tournaments I have been in has fallen off. Like most of the time, I have no focus on what to play.
Let's hope I can get lucky somewhere and make a nice score.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
What is worse?
I haven't been playing all that much poker lately. It is nicer outside and other things have needed a tending too. I am not hooked on poker; I immensely enjoy playing it. I have noticed that right now I am not missing it much. Maybe cuz I am not making any money playing. Nor am I losing. Status quo. Except for the Peep tournies where I cannot earn a chip to save my life lately. That is frustrating.
I pose this question to all. After reading Joe Speaker talk about how he had a group of morons at his table to open a MTT on Full Tilt, I wondered what was worse....
1. Having a group of morons at your table and you are card dead. You watch people pushing with J 3o or 4 4 from early position; extremely non-sensical moves. You are begging to get a high pair or any group A hand just so you can take advantage of the situation and chip up early. Alas, those cards only come after the table dramatically tightens up.
or
2. On the first hand, you are dealt A A. MP pushes (yes, he puts all 1500 in) with 3 3 or A Jo. He proceeds to hit his 3, a straight or runner runner Js to knock you out.
Which is worse...not getting a hand to beat the moron with or having the moron crack your aces?
Both painfully brutal in their own way.
I pose this question to all. After reading Joe Speaker talk about how he had a group of morons at his table to open a MTT on Full Tilt, I wondered what was worse....
1. Having a group of morons at your table and you are card dead. You watch people pushing with J 3o or 4 4 from early position; extremely non-sensical moves. You are begging to get a high pair or any group A hand just so you can take advantage of the situation and chip up early. Alas, those cards only come after the table dramatically tightens up.
or
2. On the first hand, you are dealt A A. MP pushes (yes, he puts all 1500 in) with 3 3 or A Jo. He proceeds to hit his 3, a straight or runner runner Js to knock you out.
Which is worse...not getting a hand to beat the moron with or having the moron crack your aces?
Both painfully brutal in their own way.
Monday, May 01, 2006
7 card folding game
The Stud game was interesting last night. I played well, but with stud not being my game, I ended up in 15th. Congrats to SoxLover for reeling in a victory. This coming after I made a comment that New Yorkers had no clue on how to play stud since Pauly, Derek, and the Rooster had just busted out in the low 30s. Of course, they have probably forgotten more about stud than I learned from reading the book yesterday morning.
I had every intention to be the tightest player in the game. It was easy to do early when I was watching the Sopranos. I folded like a champ. I was getting crap cards so it wasn't too hard to do. Nothing was high or connected or suited. Then I caught some hands and chipped up a bit. I catch my first big hand, the Anti Christ 6 6 6. It would fill to a full house and I would suddenly be on top.
I then loosened up a bit and stole a couple of pots. Then my hands didn't complete and I fell back a bit. Stakes had risen nicely so I knew I had to really make a move if I was going to have a chance to make the final table. I thought it came when I had two kinds. Early position raised, and then there was re-raise. I raised again to isolate what appeared to be a pair of queens. But EP came along for two more bets. 4th street didn't appear to improve any of us and I bet it out again. But on 5th, EP suddenly bet out. I had a feeling that I was now behind to 3 of a kind. I should have folded but instead decided to jam. A fold would leave me with just over 1000. Betting was at 200/400 and the pot already had over 4k in it. Sure enough, EP had stayed in to 5th just to get lucky. I didn't get a 3rd king and was done.
I was somewhat disappointed. I should have stopped when I knew I was behind. I don't think his play with the 9s was that great either. He put in a lot of chips to try and hit his 2 outer.
I still am proud that I reside on the top of the WPBT POY board. Staying on top is not going to be easy, especially with just 4 months down, 8 to go. All I can do is continue to give it my best. If I end up on top, it will be a great honor and accomplishment. If not, I know I made a good showing. There are a lot of cards yet to be dealt. And I intend to get my fair share of those cards.
I had every intention to be the tightest player in the game. It was easy to do early when I was watching the Sopranos. I folded like a champ. I was getting crap cards so it wasn't too hard to do. Nothing was high or connected or suited. Then I caught some hands and chipped up a bit. I catch my first big hand, the Anti Christ 6 6 6. It would fill to a full house and I would suddenly be on top.
I then loosened up a bit and stole a couple of pots. Then my hands didn't complete and I fell back a bit. Stakes had risen nicely so I knew I had to really make a move if I was going to have a chance to make the final table. I thought it came when I had two kinds. Early position raised, and then there was re-raise. I raised again to isolate what appeared to be a pair of queens. But EP came along for two more bets. 4th street didn't appear to improve any of us and I bet it out again. But on 5th, EP suddenly bet out. I had a feeling that I was now behind to 3 of a kind. I should have folded but instead decided to jam. A fold would leave me with just over 1000. Betting was at 200/400 and the pot already had over 4k in it. Sure enough, EP had stayed in to 5th just to get lucky. I didn't get a 3rd king and was done.
I was somewhat disappointed. I should have stopped when I knew I was behind. I don't think his play with the 9s was that great either. He put in a lot of chips to try and hit his 2 outer.
I still am proud that I reside on the top of the WPBT POY board. Staying on top is not going to be easy, especially with just 4 months down, 8 to go. All I can do is continue to give it my best. If I end up on top, it will be a great honor and accomplishment. If not, I know I made a good showing. There are a lot of cards yet to be dealt. And I intend to get my fair share of those cards.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
I am a Stud
What: WPBT-POY Seven-card Stud Event
When: Sunday April 30th at 9:30pm EST
Where: Poker Stars
Tourney Info: #21991049 (Look under Private tab)
How Much: $20 + 2
Password: wpbt72Attire: Pants optional
Lifted straight from Dr. Pauly's site is the reminder above. Since I sent Pauly to the rail on Monday, I figure I can help make a donation come Sunday in his effort to final tabling in the Stud event.
What do I know about Stud? Very little. About the same as Omaha and look what happened with that. So I will go with the tried and true formula. I will pick up Phil Hellmuth's book on Sunday and read all about Stud strategy. If possible, I will play a warm up SnG on Stars before the tournament. Do they even have Stud SnGs?
That would be something though. To win a Stud event after reading Hellmuth's book. Can lightening strike twice?
When: Sunday April 30th at 9:30pm EST
Where: Poker Stars
Tourney Info: #21991049 (Look under Private tab)
How Much: $20 + 2
Password: wpbt72Attire: Pants optional
Lifted straight from Dr. Pauly's site is the reminder above. Since I sent Pauly to the rail on Monday, I figure I can help make a donation come Sunday in his effort to final tabling in the Stud event.
What do I know about Stud? Very little. About the same as Omaha and look what happened with that. So I will go with the tried and true formula. I will pick up Phil Hellmuth's book on Sunday and read all about Stud strategy. If possible, I will play a warm up SnG on Stars before the tournament. Do they even have Stud SnGs?
That would be something though. To win a Stud event after reading Hellmuth's book. Can lightening strike twice?
Monday, April 24, 2006
DADI
Played in my first DADI event. It was being held in conjunction with the weekly WWdN and WPBT POY. A battle royal of poker blogging events. 77 people came to take a chance to win a $1500 seat at the WSOP. Plus, there were some other prizes involved as well. Big thanks for TripJax and Jordan for getting this together.
A battle royal would best describe my first table. The venerable Dr. Pauly was on my right but he was busy working at the Bellagio. If you are not reading Pauly's reports, then you are wastig time on the net. Pauly has gotten even better after his brief hiatus. Poker as never reported before. But back to the table. WillWonka was to my left, followed by SlimeFace, yosoyveneno, LaParka, and RandomSam. I have played with each of them, except for LaParka before. I knew I was going to have to be good to survive. This is one tough table to start at.
Soon Garthmeister and Iggy would show as well. It wouldn't get any easier.
I basically kept folding a lot of hands. Tried to see some cheap flops (had deep stacks of 3000 instead of 1500) so I could play a tad loose but not
Scored my first knockout when I called a raise from the big blind with 3 3 and promptly flopped a set. Garthmeister had outs as he showed the K Q. The diamonds on the board gave me a chance for the flush. Luckily for me, he didn't his his outs and I moved up nicely, knocking him out.
I would get lucky again when A 9 flops two pair. But the 10 on the board had me worried about A 10. I bet the flop and was quickly raised. Confident he just had a high ace. Made most of my move on the turn betting just under the pot. Slimeface raised to 2000. I felt my two pair was good. I raised it back to 3000. All the money was in on the river. My read was right. His A K was no good.
I was at over 10k now and in first. But too many players are still in. Time for me to really mix my game up. I am able to drop the Hammer but that was really about it. The cards I was getting were ugly. Anything decent had me out of position. So instead of being loose, wild, and free, I sat back looking for spots to hit. I hit the first break just over the 10k mark and in second place.
After the break, those pocket 3s would visit again and win me a nice pot. With 1 raiser and 3 callers ( I called from the SB ), it somehow checked around on a K high flop. The 3 on the turn had me betting the pot, hoping to make it look like I was buying it. Instead, I was taking down 1200.
I knocked out Pauly by busting his Hilton Sisters. From the BB I was dealt A K. With Pauly busy blogging the WPT event, I figured he may have been just trying to make a move. I re-raised his bet from 600 to 2000. Thus I was a bit shocked when he re-raised me all in. Uh oh, he had a hand. I called the remaining amount and was glad to see an A hit right away. Lucky for me, no Q or running clubs and I had eliminated Dr. Pauly. Somehow I have a feeling I was getting booed in the Fontana room.
That also could be why I then tried to make a move on Bobby Bracelet next. With K Js, I raised from early position and then called his all in bet for just 1100 more. He had me dominated when he showed A J. Even more so when he flopped an A. I tried. I would tangle with Bob again in a losing manner. Maybe I will think twice next time.
I steal some blinds here and there and work on defending my own. I get lucky when I call a 3x bet with A 7. A flop of Q A 10 looks good. I doubt he raised with K J. I bet it out and get called. On the turn I decide to push. I feel he may have a better ace. He claimed to have K K so I didn't get paid.
I then waste K K when no one raises or limps with me in the SB. So I then steal with K J the next hand. A couple hands later I still can't get any action with A K. I then get complacent and try with A 4o but fold to a re-raise. Time to tighten up again. I feel like I have been card dead for the last 30 minutes. At the second break, I am in 5th with 11500. Very little improvement in the second session. Pitiful in fact.
I would soon take my first bad beat of the tournament. With K K, I raised it to 800 (100/200 25) and have one caller. On a 10 high flop, I bet the pot. My opponent calls. The turn is an A, the one card I don't want to see. So I try to act like I have A K and push. He calls with A J. WTF? You call a pot sized bet with just overcards? Of course, no K and I am hurt. And totally pissed off. I just about tilt my remaining chips to Iggy on the next hand but suck out a straight on the river. But he didn't pay me.
Even an orbit after the hand, I am still steaming. Just wrong. I need another Maker's and ginger and then maybe I will relax. Work may suck tomorrow at this pace. Should I have pushed with the kinds to protect my hand?
I then watch another call of a pot sized bet where someone just have overcards. I just don't see that as being smart. In this case he did have a huge stack but not the best play I would think. Yeah, still on tilt. I do get some blinds with A 10 and A Q so that helps a bit. Then I get to keep my BB and the antes. Weeeeeee!
I then start to steal more. Any suited ace looks good. Hopefully I can change my image from tight to loose and then hit the jackpot. Heck, I even raise with the hand I hate most- Q 10. I also learn that you cannot type in kung fu on PokerStars. The fu is no good and will be blocked out. Very interesting.
I steal the blinds with A K and then defend with A 10. One limper in EP so I pushed not wanting to see a flop. Just trying to get my chips back. I then go on further tilt when I see my chips go across the board when the guy who busted my kings calls an all in bet with 3 3. WTF??? Made little sense to me, but what do I know.
I then had my first table change. There was Gracie, Drizz and Katitude. Apologies to those that I do not know of your blogs. I make a quick steal here. I like that move. Stealing blinds on the first hand you get dealt at a new table.
At the third break, I am handing by a thread. In last place with just under 5K. What a freefall. But I have hope. I just need to double up 5 times. That is all.
But that doesn't happen. From the button, I push with K J. Drizz calls with A 9 suited. No help for either of us and his ace high is more than good. Done in 12th. Not quite what I was hoping for. Oh well, always the next one.
A battle royal would best describe my first table. The venerable Dr. Pauly was on my right but he was busy working at the Bellagio. If you are not reading Pauly's reports, then you are wastig time on the net. Pauly has gotten even better after his brief hiatus. Poker as never reported before. But back to the table. WillWonka was to my left, followed by SlimeFace, yosoyveneno, LaParka, and RandomSam. I have played with each of them, except for LaParka before. I knew I was going to have to be good to survive. This is one tough table to start at.
Soon Garthmeister and Iggy would show as well. It wouldn't get any easier.
I basically kept folding a lot of hands. Tried to see some cheap flops (had deep stacks of 3000 instead of 1500) so I could play a tad loose but not
Scored my first knockout when I called a raise from the big blind with 3 3 and promptly flopped a set. Garthmeister had outs as he showed the K Q. The diamonds on the board gave me a chance for the flush. Luckily for me, he didn't his his outs and I moved up nicely, knocking him out.
I would get lucky again when A 9 flops two pair. But the 10 on the board had me worried about A 10. I bet the flop and was quickly raised. Confident he just had a high ace. Made most of my move on the turn betting just under the pot. Slimeface raised to 2000. I felt my two pair was good. I raised it back to 3000. All the money was in on the river. My read was right. His A K was no good.
I was at over 10k now and in first. But too many players are still in. Time for me to really mix my game up. I am able to drop the Hammer but that was really about it. The cards I was getting were ugly. Anything decent had me out of position. So instead of being loose, wild, and free, I sat back looking for spots to hit. I hit the first break just over the 10k mark and in second place.
After the break, those pocket 3s would visit again and win me a nice pot. With 1 raiser and 3 callers ( I called from the SB ), it somehow checked around on a K high flop. The 3 on the turn had me betting the pot, hoping to make it look like I was buying it. Instead, I was taking down 1200.
I knocked out Pauly by busting his Hilton Sisters. From the BB I was dealt A K. With Pauly busy blogging the WPT event, I figured he may have been just trying to make a move. I re-raised his bet from 600 to 2000. Thus I was a bit shocked when he re-raised me all in. Uh oh, he had a hand. I called the remaining amount and was glad to see an A hit right away. Lucky for me, no Q or running clubs and I had eliminated Dr. Pauly. Somehow I have a feeling I was getting booed in the Fontana room.
That also could be why I then tried to make a move on Bobby Bracelet next. With K Js, I raised from early position and then called his all in bet for just 1100 more. He had me dominated when he showed A J. Even more so when he flopped an A. I tried. I would tangle with Bob again in a losing manner. Maybe I will think twice next time.
I steal some blinds here and there and work on defending my own. I get lucky when I call a 3x bet with A 7. A flop of Q A 10 looks good. I doubt he raised with K J. I bet it out and get called. On the turn I decide to push. I feel he may have a better ace. He claimed to have K K so I didn't get paid.
I then waste K K when no one raises or limps with me in the SB. So I then steal with K J the next hand. A couple hands later I still can't get any action with A K. I then get complacent and try with A 4o but fold to a re-raise. Time to tighten up again. I feel like I have been card dead for the last 30 minutes. At the second break, I am in 5th with 11500. Very little improvement in the second session. Pitiful in fact.
I would soon take my first bad beat of the tournament. With K K, I raised it to 800 (100/200 25) and have one caller. On a 10 high flop, I bet the pot. My opponent calls. The turn is an A, the one card I don't want to see. So I try to act like I have A K and push. He calls with A J. WTF? You call a pot sized bet with just overcards? Of course, no K and I am hurt. And totally pissed off. I just about tilt my remaining chips to Iggy on the next hand but suck out a straight on the river. But he didn't pay me.
Even an orbit after the hand, I am still steaming. Just wrong. I need another Maker's and ginger and then maybe I will relax. Work may suck tomorrow at this pace. Should I have pushed with the kinds to protect my hand?
I then watch another call of a pot sized bet where someone just have overcards. I just don't see that as being smart. In this case he did have a huge stack but not the best play I would think. Yeah, still on tilt. I do get some blinds with A 10 and A Q so that helps a bit. Then I get to keep my BB and the antes. Weeeeeee!
I then start to steal more. Any suited ace looks good. Hopefully I can change my image from tight to loose and then hit the jackpot. Heck, I even raise with the hand I hate most- Q 10. I also learn that you cannot type in kung fu on PokerStars. The fu is no good and will be blocked out. Very interesting.
I steal the blinds with A K and then defend with A 10. One limper in EP so I pushed not wanting to see a flop. Just trying to get my chips back. I then go on further tilt when I see my chips go across the board when the guy who busted my kings calls an all in bet with 3 3. WTF??? Made little sense to me, but what do I know.
I then had my first table change. There was Gracie, Drizz and Katitude. Apologies to those that I do not know of your blogs. I make a quick steal here. I like that move. Stealing blinds on the first hand you get dealt at a new table.
At the third break, I am handing by a thread. In last place with just under 5K. What a freefall. But I have hope. I just need to double up 5 times. That is all.
But that doesn't happen. From the button, I push with K J. Drizz calls with A 9 suited. No help for either of us and his ace high is more than good. Done in 12th. Not quite what I was hoping for. Oh well, always the next one.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Cards weren't smokin
The smoker was all that I expected it to be. Bad players, bad plays, and unfortunately bad cards. Not quite sure how I lasted 2 hours without dragging a single pot. I think it was the break for dinner that made it feel like I was there longer than I needed to be.
I know that I saw 3 flops. I opened with a bet just once (with A Jo ) and had to fold to a re-raise that would have committed me (he had K K). Other than that I saw a flop from the big blind and I limped with J 10 on the button once. Didn't win a single pot. Didn't see a pocket pair all night. Didn't do much beside take up space.
It was frustrating to say the least. In the first orbit, A A showed up 3 times. In each instance, I thought they were poorly misplayed. On the first hand, 2 limpers so the guy limped as well- no raise. He ended up losing to a rivered straight. He bet the flop, checked the turn, and called a river bet. I was laughing inside at how he played that hand. Laughing and licking my chops.
The second time, same thing happened. A loose passive guy had them. He was luckier than CJ last night. He did the same thing. No preflop raise- just called- and made only one bet after the flop. His aces held up though. Then the guy who got them on the first hand got aces again on the 5th hand and limped. He dragged a little pot.
I was shocked to not only see aces that many times right away but at how bad they played the hands. In fact, it wasn't until the second orbit that someone raised preflop. This table was very passive. I was very pissed that I couldn't take advantage of it.
I got blinded down with very little play. When all was said and done I went in with A 2 and just twice the BB. Loose guy calls with Q J. Has two pair on the flop and then a full house on the turn. IGHN.
I did make some money playing in a SnG afterwards so the evening was profitable. My friend Brian cashed in 8th so that was good too.
But if only I could have had some decent hands to play. This is such an easy field. I know I will be back.
I know that I saw 3 flops. I opened with a bet just once (with A Jo ) and had to fold to a re-raise that would have committed me (he had K K). Other than that I saw a flop from the big blind and I limped with J 10 on the button once. Didn't win a single pot. Didn't see a pocket pair all night. Didn't do much beside take up space.
It was frustrating to say the least. In the first orbit, A A showed up 3 times. In each instance, I thought they were poorly misplayed. On the first hand, 2 limpers so the guy limped as well- no raise. He ended up losing to a rivered straight. He bet the flop, checked the turn, and called a river bet. I was laughing inside at how he played that hand. Laughing and licking my chops.
The second time, same thing happened. A loose passive guy had them. He was luckier than CJ last night. He did the same thing. No preflop raise- just called- and made only one bet after the flop. His aces held up though. Then the guy who got them on the first hand got aces again on the 5th hand and limped. He dragged a little pot.
I was shocked to not only see aces that many times right away but at how bad they played the hands. In fact, it wasn't until the second orbit that someone raised preflop. This table was very passive. I was very pissed that I couldn't take advantage of it.
I got blinded down with very little play. When all was said and done I went in with A 2 and just twice the BB. Loose guy calls with Q J. Has two pair on the flop and then a full house on the turn. IGHN.
I did make some money playing in a SnG afterwards so the evening was profitable. My friend Brian cashed in 8th so that was good too.
But if only I could have had some decent hands to play. This is such an easy field. I know I will be back.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Smokin again
Off to another smoker tonight. I earned a freeroll into this one so what I cash will be nice. Hopefully the guys will remember they promised me the free entry. I have it confirmed by email but I wasn't able to get it printed. I don't anticipate it being a problem.
I am looking forward to playing aggressively tonight. The crowd that plays is below average in skill. The majority of the guys show up again and again and have little understanding of basic strategy. Play tight early and push your big hands hard.
If I make the final table, I hope to be super aggressive. The last two times I have been card dead so I am begging for a change. I know I can run over a final table with just good hands, not even great.
If I do bust out, hopefully there will be some hockey on. I wonder if the SpaceMan would like to put a little wager on who last longer, my team or his.
I am looking forward to playing aggressively tonight. The crowd that plays is below average in skill. The majority of the guys show up again and again and have little understanding of basic strategy. Play tight early and push your big hands hard.
If I make the final table, I hope to be super aggressive. The last two times I have been card dead so I am begging for a change. I know I can run over a final table with just good hands, not even great.
If I do bust out, hopefully there will be some hockey on. I wonder if the SpaceMan would like to put a little wager on who last longer, my team or his.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Ever get one of those sessions...
where you get total crap for cards? I mean, absolute crap!
I just had one. Played 54 minutes. In that time span, I raised exactly 0 times. Limped in 4 times with suited connectors or a suited ace and won one pot from the BB when I flopped two pair with Q 7o.
What a waste of time. Amazing how bad these cards were. Maybe I was being way too tight, but I don't think so.
Hopefully this means I get hit silly by the deck the next time.
I just had one. Played 54 minutes. In that time span, I raised exactly 0 times. Limped in 4 times with suited connectors or a suited ace and won one pot from the BB when I flopped two pair with Q 7o.
What a waste of time. Amazing how bad these cards were. Maybe I was being way too tight, but I don't think so.
Hopefully this means I get hit silly by the deck the next time.
Monday, April 17, 2006
A good run
Made a good run in EasyCure's tournament to Hammer Out Cancer last night. Finished 7th and barely made back some money. Beside winning it (of course!), I was hoping to make enough money where I would donate some money to the cause after getting my entry back. Instead, I barely got my entry back for 7th. The classy Dr. Pauly did donate half of what he won for coming in 2nd. The good doctor. One very charitable dude.
Must also give props to Frankl for winning. Nice job! Beside congratulating him for his victory, check out the half nekkid women. You know you will be adding it to your favorites now.
Finally, thank Biggestron for all the WPBT POY work he does. I have clawed back to the top of the leaderboard. Lucky for me the year ends after the DADI event on the 24th. The trophy is all locked up in my greedy little paws!
Wait, you mean it goes for all of 2006? Uh..yeah, I knew that.
I was quite happy with my play last night. I took my time with playing some hands instead of rushing in to satisfy my action jones. I chipped up a bit just to give it all back with some loose calls. I had my aces cracked the first two times they arrived. I feel lucky that I was up against small stacks only at the time. Aces continue to be just what they are. A 33% favorite. It wasn't until the 3rd time they arrived that they help up. That got me into the game and help propel me to the final table. A fourth time didn't hurt either.
If only my A Ko would have held up on BG's A 10. I would have been in position to win. With about 9300 left and blinds 500/1000, I just raised pot from the button. My thought was that if I pushed, it would look like a strong hand (my thinking at least). I decided to just raise pot to make it look like a steal, hoping I would be called by a weak ace. It appeared to work as BG pushed. I liked seeing A 10, but not liking went away with the flopped 10. Oh well.
I found myself replaying the hand in my head. If I push, will I get called. Yes, I am pretty sure he would have called. I would have called from the BB too in that position. Thus it wouldn't have really mattered. I do think that pushing was the right way to go now. A Ko is strong but it needs help to win.
As always, it was a good time playing. This tournies are more competitive that most I see. The skill set is always on the rise. If you don't bring your A game, you won't be around for long.
Must also give props to Frankl for winning. Nice job! Beside congratulating him for his victory, check out the half nekkid women. You know you will be adding it to your favorites now.
Finally, thank Biggestron for all the WPBT POY work he does. I have clawed back to the top of the leaderboard. Lucky for me the year ends after the DADI event on the 24th. The trophy is all locked up in my greedy little paws!
Wait, you mean it goes for all of 2006? Uh..yeah, I knew that.
I was quite happy with my play last night. I took my time with playing some hands instead of rushing in to satisfy my action jones. I chipped up a bit just to give it all back with some loose calls. I had my aces cracked the first two times they arrived. I feel lucky that I was up against small stacks only at the time. Aces continue to be just what they are. A 33% favorite. It wasn't until the 3rd time they arrived that they help up. That got me into the game and help propel me to the final table. A fourth time didn't hurt either.
If only my A Ko would have held up on BG's A 10. I would have been in position to win. With about 9300 left and blinds 500/1000, I just raised pot from the button. My thought was that if I pushed, it would look like a strong hand (my thinking at least). I decided to just raise pot to make it look like a steal, hoping I would be called by a weak ace. It appeared to work as BG pushed. I liked seeing A 10, but not liking went away with the flopped 10. Oh well.
I found myself replaying the hand in my head. If I push, will I get called. Yes, I am pretty sure he would have called. I would have called from the BB too in that position. Thus it wouldn't have really mattered. I do think that pushing was the right way to go now. A Ko is strong but it needs help to win.
As always, it was a good time playing. This tournies are more competitive that most I see. The skill set is always on the rise. If you don't bring your A game, you won't be around for long.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Not happy
I am going to focus on playing some more tournaments instead of ring games. Just part of my indecisive nature right now. Doesn't help that I am getting knocked around a bit in the ring games.
I made the money in the Full Tilt 5k yesterday. But I wasn't happy. 14 was ok, but I played rather crappily. Two hands in particular pissed me off. One where I raised with K J off (yeah, I know) UTG and was re-raised. I knew I was so beat and was going to fold. But then I thought "let's see a flop" and made the call. It totally misses me and I fold. But I put 4000 in for what?
In another hand I set my bluff up and didn't execute. From the big blind, I called a min-raise. Flop came with 2 diamonds. I checked and called the min bet. Another diamond on the turn. I bet out, bluffing the flush. I bet 3/4 of the pot. He thinks and calls. River is a blank. Instead of firing away, I checked. He checked behind and showed two pair. I don't think he would have called a bet there. I was so pissed at myself. I set up the bluff and didn't execute.
Today I played better but got sucked out on. What is with all the limp-call the big raise with a small pair shit going on? Makes no sense. Some schmuck cracked my Hiltons with his pair of 3s when he flopped a set. I had kept an eye on the guy for over an hour and knew how to play him. He was in practically every hand and folded to raises. But how do you call with a pair of 3s?
I think this has convinced me that there is no such thing as table image online. I have watched people play maybe 1 hand every half hour. Each time they have monsters. But people are calling their bets and sucking out. Amazing how bad it can be. It is brutal to watch.
Quite strange. To play bad and make some money. To play much better and get knocked out by a clown. Man, do I hate this game!
Come play EasyCure's Hammer out Cancer tourney tomorrow at Full Tilt. It is for a great cause!
I made the money in the Full Tilt 5k yesterday. But I wasn't happy. 14 was ok, but I played rather crappily. Two hands in particular pissed me off. One where I raised with K J off (yeah, I know) UTG and was re-raised. I knew I was so beat and was going to fold. But then I thought "let's see a flop" and made the call. It totally misses me and I fold. But I put 4000 in for what?
In another hand I set my bluff up and didn't execute. From the big blind, I called a min-raise. Flop came with 2 diamonds. I checked and called the min bet. Another diamond on the turn. I bet out, bluffing the flush. I bet 3/4 of the pot. He thinks and calls. River is a blank. Instead of firing away, I checked. He checked behind and showed two pair. I don't think he would have called a bet there. I was so pissed at myself. I set up the bluff and didn't execute.
Today I played better but got sucked out on. What is with all the limp-call the big raise with a small pair shit going on? Makes no sense. Some schmuck cracked my Hiltons with his pair of 3s when he flopped a set. I had kept an eye on the guy for over an hour and knew how to play him. He was in practically every hand and folded to raises. But how do you call with a pair of 3s?
I think this has convinced me that there is no such thing as table image online. I have watched people play maybe 1 hand every half hour. Each time they have monsters. But people are calling their bets and sucking out. Amazing how bad it can be. It is brutal to watch.
Quite strange. To play bad and make some money. To play much better and get knocked out by a clown. Man, do I hate this game!
Come play EasyCure's Hammer out Cancer tourney tomorrow at Full Tilt. It is for a great cause!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Bad donkey, bad
I don't know why I tried the WWdN tonight. I wasn't in the right frame of mind. I tried to hit the PokerSavvy freeroll but those bastards never sent me the password and I didn't realize it until 10 minutes before it started.
I basically donked my chips away trying to be too aggressive. Not good.
I haven't played much poker lately. Just busy with other things and taking it easy. I know the bug will bite soon enough and I will dive back in. I just need to get in the right frame of mind.
I bought a copy of the new Richard Marcus book, Dirty Poker. If it is anything like American Roulette, I will be happy. It does have an interesting start. It basically infers that Jennifer Tilly's win at the WSOP was fixed. That she paid off the table so she could win to boost her career.
I basically donked my chips away trying to be too aggressive. Not good.
I haven't played much poker lately. Just busy with other things and taking it easy. I know the bug will bite soon enough and I will dive back in. I just need to get in the right frame of mind.
I bought a copy of the new Richard Marcus book, Dirty Poker. If it is anything like American Roulette, I will be happy. It does have an interesting start. It basically infers that Jennifer Tilly's win at the WSOP was fixed. That she paid off the table so she could win to boost her career.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Friday, April 07, 2006
Slapped back down
I tried to move up to the 5/10 game. After a couple of sessions with results that were not favorable, I backed down. I took some big beats, made some overly aggressive plays and flat out didn't do well. I found myself losing a big pot early and having to work to make up the losses. I was playing from behind too many times.
I will go back once I get my game in order. I need to move some money to take on the game properly. I am confident I can do well. I just need to be in the right frame of mind.
I have also dabbled a little into NL ring as well. This is definately my weakest area, yet the area that is so profitable right now. I have read many a trip report that tells of the soft tables in Vegas. A little online play can only help to make that transition to live come July. The way I see it, I can afford to lose a buy in or two, but I rather be ready for the game.
Some WPBT POY coming up soon. Check out Easy Cure's Hammer out Cancer Tournament on Full Tilt. That is on April 16. Come play for a great cause. If I make the final table, I will donate half of whatever I win. So feel free to dump some chips to me. :)
I will go back once I get my game in order. I need to move some money to take on the game properly. I am confident I can do well. I just need to be in the right frame of mind.
I have also dabbled a little into NL ring as well. This is definately my weakest area, yet the area that is so profitable right now. I have read many a trip report that tells of the soft tables in Vegas. A little online play can only help to make that transition to live come July. The way I see it, I can afford to lose a buy in or two, but I rather be ready for the game.
Some WPBT POY coming up soon. Check out Easy Cure's Hammer out Cancer Tournament on Full Tilt. That is on April 16. Come play for a great cause. If I make the final table, I will donate half of whatever I win. So feel free to dump some chips to me. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
