Monday, July 21, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Snakster Family Death Match Part II
My son, knowing an easy mark when he sees one, challenged me to a dollar tournament again tonight. I reluctantly agreed, and we ended up playing twice. So I flip for deal, yadda yadda yadda, I'm out $2 and I still have not won a hand against him in real money play.
The big hand in the first match is when all the money went in preflop. I was short stacked and shove with A-3. It not being a big raise, he rightfully called with ATC. His ATC happened to be 10-3 and I'm digging my dominating position. I'm digging it more when the flop comes A3x. Turn 10...ummmmm. River 10. Ooooooooooo-kay.
Game 2 more of the same. The big hand was me flopping top pair of Queens and I watch the pot grow through the river. He tables Q-4 which I soon discover is two pair. Thank you come again.
Final updated score: three $1 games, three losses. Hands won: zero. I think I'm going to have him play the next BBT game for me.
The big hand in the first match is when all the money went in preflop. I was short stacked and shove with A-3. It not being a big raise, he rightfully called with ATC. His ATC happened to be 10-3 and I'm digging my dominating position. I'm digging it more when the flop comes A3x. Turn 10...ummmmm. River 10. Ooooooooooo-kay.
Game 2 more of the same. The big hand was me flopping top pair of Queens and I watch the pot grow through the river. He tables Q-4 which I soon discover is two pair. Thank you come again.
Final updated score: three $1 games, three losses. Hands won: zero. I think I'm going to have him play the next BBT game for me.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Pippet!! Here Pippet!!!!!
I suspect there will come a day when young men will realize beforehand that taunting large, wild, carnivorous animals is not a wise recreational activity. Fortunately for this dude there is no picture #4 of the crocodile shitting him out. For the full play by play, go here.
BBT3 Debut Tonght!!!
God willing and the powder stays dry, I should be in the Mookie tonight. It will be real interesting to see how big the field gets.
Okay, that's it for the good news. Now I shall relate to you all how deeply I have descended into the bowels of patheticalness. It's bad enough that I was sitting at my computer last night watching the "skill series" game and listening to Buddy Dank Radio. (The radio part was good, but listening to riggstad talking through what sounded like an empty tin can connected by twine with a half a tin of Skoal in his lip was enough to make me try to scoop out my inner ear with a grapefruit spoon.) Anyway, that was bad enough, but then I started playing Main Event Race freerolls. I think that pretty much defines "rock bottom".
Interestingly....or not....I almost advanced to round 2 in one of them when I finished 4th (top 2 advanced). I'm actually trying to figure out now which path to the WSOP is the biggest lottery...it's a horse race at this point.
Speaking of horse races, The second of three Kentucky Derby Future Wagers pools starts tomorrow and ends Sunday. I was unable to get to the Turf Club for the first one. I was gonna put some down on two horse that time. I'm half glad I didn't. I wouldn't touch the one with a 10 foot riding crop now. But I still might put some on my other horse this time if his number is still decent. For the record, that would be El Gato Malo. Pyro is really starting to look like the strong favorite, but his number is so low, it doesn't make sense to put anything on him at this time. I'll probably find a second horse to take a flyer on before I head out. Frankly, I'm really just looking forward to a good mint julep.
Lastly, I am at work all alone today, and will be for the rest of the week. It seems the place I am working at (not working for) met their performance goals last year, so the company packed them all up and shipped them to Atlantis in the Bahamas for 4 days. They promised to bring me back some sand. I suggested that them bringing back malaria might make me happier.
Okay, that's it for the good news. Now I shall relate to you all how deeply I have descended into the bowels of patheticalness. It's bad enough that I was sitting at my computer last night watching the "skill series" game and listening to Buddy Dank Radio. (The radio part was good, but listening to riggstad talking through what sounded like an empty tin can connected by twine with a half a tin of Skoal in his lip was enough to make me try to scoop out my inner ear with a grapefruit spoon.) Anyway, that was bad enough, but then I started playing Main Event Race freerolls. I think that pretty much defines "rock bottom".
Interestingly....or not....I almost advanced to round 2 in one of them when I finished 4th (top 2 advanced). I'm actually trying to figure out now which path to the WSOP is the biggest lottery...it's a horse race at this point.
Speaking of horse races, The second of three Kentucky Derby Future Wagers pools starts tomorrow and ends Sunday. I was unable to get to the Turf Club for the first one. I was gonna put some down on two horse that time. I'm half glad I didn't. I wouldn't touch the one with a 10 foot riding crop now. But I still might put some on my other horse this time if his number is still decent. For the record, that would be El Gato Malo. Pyro is really starting to look like the strong favorite, but his number is so low, it doesn't make sense to put anything on him at this time. I'll probably find a second horse to take a flyer on before I head out. Frankly, I'm really just looking forward to a good mint julep.
Lastly, I am at work all alone today, and will be for the rest of the week. It seems the place I am working at (not working for) met their performance goals last year, so the company packed them all up and shipped them to Atlantis in the Bahamas for 4 days. They promised to bring me back some sand. I suggested that them bringing back malaria might make me happier.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Belated Report
Well, I have mixed reviews of my trip to Harrah's Marina on Sunday. I like the poker room there. It is cozy (read: small) yet comfortable. It certainly is not on the scale of the Borgata or the Taj, but I don't suppose they are shooting for the clientele of those rooms. The dealers were okay; some were a little challenged when guiding novices on what was and was not acceptable, but no major faux pas. However some seemed to be a little disinterested in their task.
The tournament itself was worse than expected. It turns out the opening blinds were 100-200. So in essence, it was a $50 Riverchaser tournament (before RPT raised their starting stacks to 200 this year). I was disappointed with how I played my uber-passive table. I took a few pots down preflop with aggression, but could have done much more. Overall I played terribly and got what I deserved, which was a fairly early exit.
Not too many good stories to relate. But there were some players who clearly had no idea what they were doing. Botched raise attempts were frequent. "I see the 200 and raise 800." Ummmm.....no you don't.
If I go back there, I do not plan on playing that tourney again. The juice is too high (as a percentage) and the structure is terrible for a casino tournament. I would be happy to bring extra money though and sit at the cash tables. Just casual observation leads me to believe the game there is soft and profitable. Apparently you get free drinks if you're sitting at a poker table too. Why don't people tell me these things?
Moving on...the BBT seems to be a hit so far. 105 players for the Big Game, and 103 last night for the MATH. I plan on making my debut in the Mookie on Wednesday. This may be my only shot this week. I'm not too comfortable dropping $11 on Thursday to play a PLO tourney (how pathetic is that?). Such is the life of a low-roller who doesn't want to deposit any money. I'll make do with what I have (such as it is) for as long as I can.
The tournament itself was worse than expected. It turns out the opening blinds were 100-200. So in essence, it was a $50 Riverchaser tournament (before RPT raised their starting stacks to 200 this year). I was disappointed with how I played my uber-passive table. I took a few pots down preflop with aggression, but could have done much more. Overall I played terribly and got what I deserved, which was a fairly early exit.
Not too many good stories to relate. But there were some players who clearly had no idea what they were doing. Botched raise attempts were frequent. "I see the 200 and raise 800." Ummmm.....no you don't.
If I go back there, I do not plan on playing that tourney again. The juice is too high (as a percentage) and the structure is terrible for a casino tournament. I would be happy to bring extra money though and sit at the cash tables. Just casual observation leads me to believe the game there is soft and profitable. Apparently you get free drinks if you're sitting at a poker table too. Why don't people tell me these things?
Moving on...the BBT seems to be a hit so far. 105 players for the Big Game, and 103 last night for the MATH. I plan on making my debut in the Mookie on Wednesday. This may be my only shot this week. I'm not too comfortable dropping $11 on Thursday to play a PLO tourney (how pathetic is that?). Such is the life of a low-roller who doesn't want to deposit any money. I'll make do with what I have (such as it is) for as long as I can.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Atlantic City Tomorrow
Looks like I'll be making my first foray down to AC tomorrow. My buddy (millerd33 on FT) is looking to get some big stack practice in, so he's heading to Harrah's tomorrow to play in a 40+10. Yes it's kind of a rip off with a $10 fee for a $40 tourney, but I guess it's a moneymaker for them. I'm sure each casino down there needs to find a niche and I guess Harrah's is a cheapo daily tourney for tourists. Anyway, the starting stack is 10K (though I'm willing to wager starting blinds are 50-100 so what's the point?). There are also no antes, so that's a plus.
I expect the play to be at least as bad as the freerolls run by Riggstad's RPT. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it's worse. I fully expect a tourist paradise in this tourney, full of people whose poker knowledge comes solely from watching the World Poker Tour final tables.
But a trip is a trip and it will be nice to get down to AC. Hopefully I'll get a good story or two out of it to relay. Good luck me.
I expect the play to be at least as bad as the freerolls run by Riggstad's RPT. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it's worse. I fully expect a tourist paradise in this tourney, full of people whose poker knowledge comes solely from watching the World Poker Tour final tables.
But a trip is a trip and it will be nice to get down to AC. Hopefully I'll get a good story or two out of it to relay. Good luck me.
Friday, February 29, 2008
A for Effort
Or perhaps that should be E for Effortless. After all, it doesn't take much effort to fold crap. Perhaps the best paraphrased cliche' to describe the RPT for me last night is, Slow and Steady but loses a Race.
Here is my tournament in a nutshell. The first river I saw was the 4th hand after the second break (which I believe was hand 138 or so of the tournament). By rights, I shouldn't have seen that river either. I was in the SB and it folded to me so I raise it up about 4x with Kh8h. The BB repops and I tank. I know I should just let it go, but this exact thing happened on the last hand before the second break. I think I had something like A8 on that hand and decided I didn't want to go busto on the last hand before the break, and I'd hate to make a stand by calling all-in with A8.
With that in mind it made sense to fold the K8 suited, but I pretty much decided to gamble. Up to that point I had not had a hand better than one pair. I had seen only 3 turns, and as I mentioned, no rivers. So I put the rest of my money in and he calls the extra couple hundred. I find, not unexpectedly, that I am up against AQ. Miraculously I river a flush and keep going.
An orbit or so later I flop an open end straight draw and bet out with one caller. The turn gives me the nut straight, but puts three hearts on board (I had one heart but it was fairly weak). I am relieved when my turn bet gets a fold and not a shove. That was the second of the only two hands in which I had better than one pair...out of a total of 190+ hands.
I somehow managed to squirm my way into the final table with a decent stack; a little better than 12K. But my final table experience did not last long. In the BB I get 77. It is folded to the button who position raises. The SB reraises to about 4k or so. I figure the button will fold his position raise, and I put the SB on a big Ace (at least that's what I was hoping), so I make a move and shove with my 77. The SB goes in the tank, and I figure I was right, but I'm still begging for no call. Ultimately he decided to call with his AJ and spiked a Jack on the flop; thanks for playing. The downside of Pyrrhic victories, is that the victor gets destroyed.
All in all, I should be relatively happy with the run I made considering I got virtually no help from the deck. But at the end of the day, it's another non-cash and that doesn't help my BBT3 schedule. Congratulations to whomever the donkey was who ended up winning.
Here is my tournament in a nutshell. The first river I saw was the 4th hand after the second break (which I believe was hand 138 or so of the tournament). By rights, I shouldn't have seen that river either. I was in the SB and it folded to me so I raise it up about 4x with Kh8h. The BB repops and I tank. I know I should just let it go, but this exact thing happened on the last hand before the second break. I think I had something like A8 on that hand and decided I didn't want to go busto on the last hand before the break, and I'd hate to make a stand by calling all-in with A8.
With that in mind it made sense to fold the K8 suited, but I pretty much decided to gamble. Up to that point I had not had a hand better than one pair. I had seen only 3 turns, and as I mentioned, no rivers. So I put the rest of my money in and he calls the extra couple hundred. I find, not unexpectedly, that I am up against AQ. Miraculously I river a flush and keep going.
An orbit or so later I flop an open end straight draw and bet out with one caller. The turn gives me the nut straight, but puts three hearts on board (I had one heart but it was fairly weak). I am relieved when my turn bet gets a fold and not a shove. That was the second of the only two hands in which I had better than one pair...out of a total of 190+ hands.
I somehow managed to squirm my way into the final table with a decent stack; a little better than 12K. But my final table experience did not last long. In the BB I get 77. It is folded to the button who position raises. The SB reraises to about 4k or so. I figure the button will fold his position raise, and I put the SB on a big Ace (at least that's what I was hoping), so I make a move and shove with my 77. The SB goes in the tank, and I figure I was right, but I'm still begging for no call. Ultimately he decided to call with his AJ and spiked a Jack on the flop; thanks for playing. The downside of Pyrrhic victories, is that the victor gets destroyed.
All in all, I should be relatively happy with the run I made considering I got virtually no help from the deck. But at the end of the day, it's another non-cash and that doesn't help my BBT3 schedule. Congratulations to whomever the donkey was who ended up winning.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Let the Games Begin
The BBT3 is here and better than ever, I look forward to it all. Thank you long-haired hippy freak.
As much as I'm looking froward to it though, I feel like a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest. Why snak? Good question. It's because I know that I will play at best 30% of these games. And that may be extraordinarily optimistic. But I don't mope (much). Instead I will happily take my shots when they come. If I succeed, so much the better. If not, c'est la vie. There are worse things. I reserve the right to adjust this estimate if I go deep and cash big in an early contest.
I have come to realize lately that there is a downside to semi-retirement from online poker. It doesn't give you a whole hell of a lot to write about. I am reduced to giving sickbay reports (by the way, my son officially has the flu), or making stabs at humor with semi-fictitious stories (sounds like the real Olga was more worth writing about). What's next? More song parodies? (I'm doing my best to refrain.)
Hopefully my part-time participation in the BBT3 will spawn some new material. Good luck to all, and I'll see you (sometimes) at the tables.
As much as I'm looking froward to it though, I feel like a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest. Why snak? Good question. It's because I know that I will play at best 30% of these games. And that may be extraordinarily optimistic. But I don't mope (much). Instead I will happily take my shots when they come. If I succeed, so much the better. If not, c'est la vie. There are worse things. I reserve the right to adjust this estimate if I go deep and cash big in an early contest.
I have come to realize lately that there is a downside to semi-retirement from online poker. It doesn't give you a whole hell of a lot to write about. I am reduced to giving sickbay reports (by the way, my son officially has the flu), or making stabs at humor with semi-fictitious stories (sounds like the real Olga was more worth writing about). What's next? More song parodies? (I'm doing my best to refrain.)
Hopefully my part-time participation in the BBT3 will spawn some new material. Good luck to all, and I'll see you (sometimes) at the tables.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Out Sick
Well it was a glorious weekend of fevers, body aches and productive coughing. I don't believe anyone in the house is completely healthy at this point. Let me say right now, there is nothing quite as annoying as a nagging illness. I can't wait until my chest REALLY starts hurting from the continuous coughing.
As a result I was really in no mood to play anything over the weekend. A lot of sleeping was done. The shoveling I did on Saturday morning was a real treat. I think my heart was moments away from jumping out of my chest, wrestling away the shovel, and beating me to death with it.
I hope to achieve a level resembling normal in a day or two.
As a result I was really in no mood to play anything over the weekend. A lot of sleeping was done. The shoveling I did on Saturday morning was a real treat. I think my heart was moments away from jumping out of my chest, wrestling away the shovel, and beating me to death with it.
I hope to achieve a level resembling normal in a day or two.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Snakster Family Death Match
So I'm sitting on the couch last evening, minding my own business, when my 6-year old son walks up with a dollar in his hand and asks if I want to play poker.
GAME ON!!!!!
So I divy up some chips, flip for deal, yadda yadda yadda, he's stuffing $2 into his new wallet.
I'd like to say it was an epic, competitive battle, but I didn't win a hand. The coup de grace was when I flopped top pair with AK and he turned trip 4s. Live poker is so fixed.
GAME ON!!!!!
So I divy up some chips, flip for deal, yadda yadda yadda, he's stuffing $2 into his new wallet.
I'd like to say it was an epic, competitive battle, but I didn't win a hand. The coup de grace was when I flopped top pair with AK and he turned trip 4s. Live poker is so fixed.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Red Menace
Nothing is quite as coincidental as life's great coincidences. Case in point:
Earlier today I was reading Poker Degenerate's post (yes, I'm the one) on team, Sputnik speaking poker at a Washington card room. An interesting and amusing little anecdote to be sure. But then tonight, I'll be damned if I don't have a similar experience. Just a little while ago, I went out to do some quick gocery shopping at the new local Giant.
What? A guy can't do grocery shopping? Are you and me going to have a problem about that? Then shut your piehole and let me finish.
Anyway, I was at the Giant. I'm minding my own business, humming to a tune, when this lady walks by me in the opposite direction talking Russian into her cell phone. Needless to say, I was floored. Still jacked up by Degen's story, I couldn't let it slide. So I say...
"HEY........OLGA! NO FREAKIN' SPUTNIK IN THE DAIRY AISLE!!!!!!"
Instantly she stopped dead in her tracks...completely silent. Everyone else went quiet too. Clearly they felt the same as me, but were probably too polite to say anything. She was staring at me in disbelief. I'm quite certain this was the first time somebody pushed back at her non-conforming behavior. Not wanting to lose my advantage, I continued...
"This is America...we speak ENGLISH here, capisce? You know the rules so take your bolshevik babbling back to the third world where it belongs. And that goes for the produce department too!!!"
She s-l-o-o-o-o-w-w-w-w-l-y closed her phone and started to back away. I think she got the message. But just to make sure, I saw some pock-faced 17 year-old kid in an apron walking near by. "Hey Floor!!" I called, "C'mere." I told him the whole story. He looked pretty stunned. I guess he didn't think something like that would happen in his place. So I gave him a fiver and suggested he have the eye in the sky keep an eye on her.
Feeling pretty good about myself, I finished my shopping. I hate having to be the grocery police, but I'm a stickler for rules...just my nature I guess.
Earlier today I was reading Poker Degenerate's post (yes, I'm the one) on team, Sputnik speaking poker at a Washington card room. An interesting and amusing little anecdote to be sure. But then tonight, I'll be damned if I don't have a similar experience. Just a little while ago, I went out to do some quick gocery shopping at the new local Giant.
What? A guy can't do grocery shopping? Are you and me going to have a problem about that? Then shut your piehole and let me finish.
Anyway, I was at the Giant. I'm minding my own business, humming to a tune, when this lady walks by me in the opposite direction talking Russian into her cell phone. Needless to say, I was floored. Still jacked up by Degen's story, I couldn't let it slide. So I say...
"HEY........OLGA! NO FREAKIN' SPUTNIK IN THE DAIRY AISLE!!!!!!"
Instantly she stopped dead in her tracks...completely silent. Everyone else went quiet too. Clearly they felt the same as me, but were probably too polite to say anything. She was staring at me in disbelief. I'm quite certain this was the first time somebody pushed back at her non-conforming behavior. Not wanting to lose my advantage, I continued...
"This is America...we speak ENGLISH here, capisce? You know the rules so take your bolshevik babbling back to the third world where it belongs. And that goes for the produce department too!!!"
She s-l-o-o-o-o-w-w-w-w-l-y closed her phone and started to back away. I think she got the message. But just to make sure, I saw some pock-faced 17 year-old kid in an apron walking near by. "Hey Floor!!" I called, "C'mere." I told him the whole story. He looked pretty stunned. I guess he didn't think something like that would happen in his place. So I gave him a fiver and suggested he have the eye in the sky keep an eye on her.
Feeling pretty good about myself, I finished my shopping. I hate having to be the grocery police, but I'm a stickler for rules...just my nature I guess.
Marking Time
Just counting down the days until Thursday and the RPT. The thing about semi-retirement from online poker...it cramps my content style.
I did play a little bit at the nickel-dime tables last night. Lost a stack at the NLHE table by constantly getting second best hands. Then made most of it back at a PLO table. Exciting, I know.
I have been spending a lot of time recently researching something new. No point saying what it is yet, because so far I haven't really done anything. Perhaps it will come to light in the near future. But man can I get obsessive when looking at something new.
Other than that, nothing to see here. If I don't fall asleep early I may be on a PLO table again tonight. Feel free to join me if you don't mind playing in the kiddie pool.
I did play a little bit at the nickel-dime tables last night. Lost a stack at the NLHE table by constantly getting second best hands. Then made most of it back at a PLO table. Exciting, I know.
I have been spending a lot of time recently researching something new. No point saying what it is yet, because so far I haven't really done anything. Perhaps it will come to light in the near future. But man can I get obsessive when looking at something new.
Other than that, nothing to see here. If I don't fall asleep early I may be on a PLO table again tonight. Feel free to join me if you don't mind playing in the kiddie pool.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Quiet Evening on the Rail
As I was still a bit fatigued from the previous night, I limited myself to the rail last night. I was watching Chad's progress in the FTOPS Main Event and Riggstad at the .50-1 NL table. At least I did until I found a good movie on the tube.
Riggs was at about 100 when I popped in and was down to about half that by the time I popped out. I think at one point he was sucked out on 5 or 6 hands in a row. It was actually pretty sick to watch. The impressive part was, many people we know would have gone broke on several of those hands. It was impressive how he was able to minimize his losses, although he admitted to misplaying a couple of the hands. Even on an off night I find things to learn from him.
Chad did a nice job in the ME. I kept the window open so I could see how it finished. I noticed he finished in the money in the second level. Well played sir.
Riggs was at about 100 when I popped in and was down to about half that by the time I popped out. I think at one point he was sucked out on 5 or 6 hands in a row. It was actually pretty sick to watch. The impressive part was, many people we know would have gone broke on several of those hands. It was impressive how he was able to minimize his losses, although he admitted to misplaying a couple of the hands. Even on an off night I find things to learn from him.
Chad did a nice job in the ME. I kept the window open so I could see how it finished. I noticed he finished in the money in the second level. Well played sir.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
And one Rye, and one Tequila, and one more Bourbon for good measure.
Good time last night. We ended up playing a little short handed (6) for most of the night due to a couple late cancellations. I was up about 70 or 75 early, but lost two large pots to the same person and ended up only $6 on the evening. After 3 people departed, the remaining 3 of us played PLO until 4:30. I was essentially card dead for the last 5 hours or so, able to pick up a few small pots here and there to tread water. A couple of occasions where I decided to win the pot before the cards were dealt, and fortunately no one woke up with a hand. That kind of thing.
Two new faces last night who brought solid play to the table to make for an enjoyable poker experience. I generally get compliments for the game I host because it usually includes solid players and people who are capable of letting go marginal hands. Hopefully I'll have another one scheduled in 2 or 3 weeks; just need to check the calendar to see which one works best.
No online poker this weekend, and I'm just trying to eliminate the poison from my body today.
Good time last night. We ended up playing a little short handed (6) for most of the night due to a couple late cancellations. I was up about 70 or 75 early, but lost two large pots to the same person and ended up only $6 on the evening. After 3 people departed, the remaining 3 of us played PLO until 4:30. I was essentially card dead for the last 5 hours or so, able to pick up a few small pots here and there to tread water. A couple of occasions where I decided to win the pot before the cards were dealt, and fortunately no one woke up with a hand. That kind of thing.
Two new faces last night who brought solid play to the table to make for an enjoyable poker experience. I generally get compliments for the game I host because it usually includes solid players and people who are capable of letting go marginal hands. Hopefully I'll have another one scheduled in 2 or 3 weeks; just need to check the calendar to see which one works best.
No online poker this weekend, and I'm just trying to eliminate the poison from my body today.
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Bar is Open
Here are the beverages available for enjoyment on Saturday night:
And here are the chips used at the Manor:
Yes....I'm a geek.
Delayed Retirement
Thanks to a 4th place, in the money, finish in the RPT last night, my retirement has been delayed. It was a tough beat that put me on the felt 4 handed (AQ < AJ), but I was the beneficiary on several occasions of cards falling my way, so I can't complain. I was done in when my JJ couldn't hold against KQ. Congratulations to whomever won. Zeem had the big stack 3 handed, and the deck seemed to be smacking him almost as hard as it was smacking me.
Ironically, I probably played worse last night than I have in weeks, yet I finished better. A number of misplays on my part were not punished, and I often found myself wiping my brow and sighing relief. However, as I noted to Riggstad on AIM after I called a shove four handed with Ace-rag (and lost to a bigger Ace), bad play only gets you so far. I promised him that was my last call of an all-in 4 handed with Ace-rag. Perhaps if he wasn't so loaded, he would have berated me more. I was certainly deserving
My only regret was that it was not a KO tourney. I lost count of how many people I took out. It was at least 7 and there were only 31 in the tourney. Good times though. I guess I'll see you for a few more weeks (until the money runs out).
I'm looking forward to the cash game at my house tomorrow night. It has been too long since the last one. I'll try to keep notes in case anything entertaining happens.
Ironically, I probably played worse last night than I have in weeks, yet I finished better. A number of misplays on my part were not punished, and I often found myself wiping my brow and sighing relief. However, as I noted to Riggstad on AIM after I called a shove four handed with Ace-rag (and lost to a bigger Ace), bad play only gets you so far. I promised him that was my last call of an all-in 4 handed with Ace-rag. Perhaps if he wasn't so loaded, he would have berated me more. I was certainly deserving
My only regret was that it was not a KO tourney. I lost count of how many people I took out. It was at least 7 and there were only 31 in the tourney. Good times though. I guess I'll see you for a few more weeks (until the money runs out).
I'm looking forward to the cash game at my house tomorrow night. It has been too long since the last one. I'll try to keep notes in case anything entertaining happens.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
All Systems Down
I got home last night to discover that my Verizon FiOS was down (is that Riggstad I hear laughing in the background?). That means Internet, Television and Phone…all out. Of course the phone wasn’t a big deal, but the other two were a bummer. I called verizon up to see if I was an isolated victim, or if it was a broader issue. I was relieved to find out it was a broader issue. This was the first time FiOS has crapped out on me, and the weather has been pretty crappy. No biggie…THIS time.
My wife, bless her heart, was concerned about whether I was going to miss a tournament. Fortunately the answer was no (sorry Mookie). It was all just as well. I had an errand to run after scraping up something to eat, then I had to pick up my daughter and her friend from a Wednesday night activity. I got home to see my son had taken over the TV (again) with a Scooby Doo video.
After I got everyone safely off to bed, I popped in A Few Good Men; one of my comfort movies. It’s like potato chips for the mind. I think this was the first time I watched it on my big screen TV. Quick review: it’s still good. The good news is services were restored by the time I woke up this morning. I should be good to go for the RPT this evening.
I was a little perturbed this morning when I did a quick read of the Riverchaser message boards. A gentleman was taking Riggs to task over the absence (so far) of the top 100 freerolls for the online tour. Apparently the only reason he played that particular $10 tournament was to qualify for the freeroll and the big payday that it represents (sarcasm intended). It seems he’s deep enough to play any other $10 tournament he wants, but played this one for the big payoff at the end. Well bully for you. But here’s a question: how many of those other tournaments offered you an opportunity to play in a freeroll with 1 in 28 chance of winning an $18K Aussie Millions package? What’s that? SPEAK UP YOU UNGRATEFUL TWIT!!
Part an parcel to his criticism was the brushing aside of the participation of the RPT online tour on the BBT for an Aussie Millions package. At the risk of confirming myself as one of the RPT management ass kissers he refers to, I have this to say: go fornicate yourself. Are people really that stupid to not understand that these packages and freerolls are offered by a stand alone entity and that these are provided at their pleasure? Full Tilt doesn’t just give these things away because they think Al is a groovy guy. These are business decisions. The work and effort behind the Aussie Package (and future packages) can’t possibly be slam dunks. If the timing of a freeroll suffers so I can compete for a mega package so be it.
So if I may presume to speak for those who provide us with great opportunities, let me leave with a quote from another superb movie, Snatch: “Listen, you f**king fringe, if I throw a dog a bone, I don't want to know if it tastes good or not.”
My wife, bless her heart, was concerned about whether I was going to miss a tournament. Fortunately the answer was no (sorry Mookie). It was all just as well. I had an errand to run after scraping up something to eat, then I had to pick up my daughter and her friend from a Wednesday night activity. I got home to see my son had taken over the TV (again) with a Scooby Doo video.
After I got everyone safely off to bed, I popped in A Few Good Men; one of my comfort movies. It’s like potato chips for the mind. I think this was the first time I watched it on my big screen TV. Quick review: it’s still good. The good news is services were restored by the time I woke up this morning. I should be good to go for the RPT this evening.
I was a little perturbed this morning when I did a quick read of the Riverchaser message boards. A gentleman was taking Riggs to task over the absence (so far) of the top 100 freerolls for the online tour. Apparently the only reason he played that particular $10 tournament was to qualify for the freeroll and the big payday that it represents (sarcasm intended). It seems he’s deep enough to play any other $10 tournament he wants, but played this one for the big payoff at the end. Well bully for you. But here’s a question: how many of those other tournaments offered you an opportunity to play in a freeroll with 1 in 28 chance of winning an $18K Aussie Millions package? What’s that? SPEAK UP YOU UNGRATEFUL TWIT!!
Part an parcel to his criticism was the brushing aside of the participation of the RPT online tour on the BBT for an Aussie Millions package. At the risk of confirming myself as one of the RPT management ass kissers he refers to, I have this to say: go fornicate yourself. Are people really that stupid to not understand that these packages and freerolls are offered by a stand alone entity and that these are provided at their pleasure? Full Tilt doesn’t just give these things away because they think Al is a groovy guy. These are business decisions. The work and effort behind the Aussie Package (and future packages) can’t possibly be slam dunks. If the timing of a freeroll suffers so I can compete for a mega package so be it.
So if I may presume to speak for those who provide us with great opportunities, let me leave with a quote from another superb movie, Snatch: “Listen, you f**king fringe, if I throw a dog a bone, I don't want to know if it tastes good or not.”
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Worst Damn Poker Show
I had the misfortune last night of witnessing quite probably the worst poker television show ever conceived. Ironically, the title of this debacle is The Best Damn Poker Show. This particular disaster features both Annie Duke and Phil Helmuth sitting in a back room watching and critiquing amateurs playing poker. Apparently, based on their judgement, they are allowed to eliminate the worst players at the table and the best move on to some future round. I have no idea what that entails. God willing, I never will.
The production value was so bad, it looked like the budget was about $400. The video may as well have been recorded with $300 Korean camcorder. They were using chips that you could get at Wal Mart for $20. Neither Annie (whose failed solo show held the previous title as worst poker show) nor Phil could be bothered to dress like they were going to be on television. It appeared as if they rolled out of bed on a Saturday morning, put the clothes on they wore the night before, and hurried over to the filming. The location seemed to be half of a banquet room at a Holiday Inn. Plus we get to see Annie slugging down a large coffee that she must have bought at the 7-11 on the way in.
To sum it up, this show sucked from top to bottom. The teaser for the next episode showed a big blow up by Annie Duke over Phil's constant yammering. Ooh, how could I possibly not tune in to catch that forced exchange? Do yourself a favor if you make a wrong turn and find this show on your screen: change the channel immediately! Otherwise you may be tempted to shove long metal spikes into your eyes.
The production value was so bad, it looked like the budget was about $400. The video may as well have been recorded with $300 Korean camcorder. They were using chips that you could get at Wal Mart for $20. Neither Annie (whose failed solo show held the previous title as worst poker show) nor Phil could be bothered to dress like they were going to be on television. It appeared as if they rolled out of bed on a Saturday morning, put the clothes on they wore the night before, and hurried over to the filming. The location seemed to be half of a banquet room at a Holiday Inn. Plus we get to see Annie slugging down a large coffee that she must have bought at the 7-11 on the way in.
To sum it up, this show sucked from top to bottom. The teaser for the next episode showed a big blow up by Annie Duke over Phil's constant yammering. Ooh, how could I possibly not tune in to catch that forced exchange? Do yourself a favor if you make a wrong turn and find this show on your screen: change the channel immediately! Otherwise you may be tempted to shove long metal spikes into your eyes.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Family Style
This just in...my brother just AIMed me that he finished 4th in a $55 tournament on PartyPoker (no, he doesn't live in the U.S.). 586 started and he cashed a cool $1767.
Congratulations to you sir.
Congratulations to you sir.
Having Some Fun Again
I have found my happy place, and it's at the nickel dime PLO table. A sense of sanity has been restored. My sanity anyway; the people who play these tables suck, but they generally suck in a good way. I'm certainly not going to get rich at these tables. Even if I go on a sick run (which I haven't yet), I'd only be looking at 10-20 bucks. As it is, I walk away ahead a few bucks, but I believe I'm learning some things.
For example, I am getting a much better sense of pot management playing these games. Although it's true others may be pot button mashers, I am using the opportunity to hone MY game as best I can. I also believe I am getting a better feel for PLO. While others at the table may not be all that concerned with improvement, it is always my goal. The most important thing I have learned is that improvement can be pursued even at the smallest of games...if it's the right game.
Riggstad has been kind enough to join me at these tables from time to time. We have a lot of fun laughing at the other players. It really is amazing what people will call off their money with in Omaha. Gotta love people who bring their Hold 'em game to an Omaha table. Anyway, these small successes are delaying my ultimate retirement. Here's a hand from last night (I folded it of course). I'm quite certain someone at the table would have played it. Heck I stacked a guy who played 3 aces; none of them suited to the 4th card.
I decided to bag the RPT game on Thursday. As I've stated before, I have no great love for Stud at this juncture in my life. Some day. I railed the donkament a little last night. Kat must have lost in every way imaginable. That's no way to treat the host. It was like watching Marvis Frazier try to fight Mike Tyson. Just ugly.
For example, I am getting a much better sense of pot management playing these games. Although it's true others may be pot button mashers, I am using the opportunity to hone MY game as best I can. I also believe I am getting a better feel for PLO. While others at the table may not be all that concerned with improvement, it is always my goal. The most important thing I have learned is that improvement can be pursued even at the smallest of games...if it's the right game.
Riggstad has been kind enough to join me at these tables from time to time. We have a lot of fun laughing at the other players. It really is amazing what people will call off their money with in Omaha. Gotta love people who bring their Hold 'em game to an Omaha table. Anyway, these small successes are delaying my ultimate retirement. Here's a hand from last night (I folded it of course). I'm quite certain someone at the table would have played it. Heck I stacked a guy who played 3 aces; none of them suited to the 4th card.
I decided to bag the RPT game on Thursday. As I've stated before, I have no great love for Stud at this juncture in my life. Some day. I railed the donkament a little last night. Kat must have lost in every way imaginable. That's no way to treat the host. It was like watching Marvis Frazier try to fight Mike Tyson. Just ugly.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A Bernard Hopkins Kind of Retirement
I have achieved a nice sense of inner peace since my retirement from online poker. So far it is going extremely well, probably because I'm still playing. That is I have been playing some nickel/dime omaha to pass the time. It is a nice way to try to clear some bonus money. I'm still running uber-badly, but I don't really care now. The race is on between the leak of my roll and the bump from bonus. It's like trying to walk up a down escalator.
I shall also be spreading my chips around at the RPT tomorrow night. Come early if you want some. I shall not be playing the Mookie tonight, but I'll probably rail a little just to make smart ass remarks. It keeps me warm.
Part and parcel to my retirement from online poker is a hopeful increase in live play. I've been able to go out to the bars to play a little more recently. It's nice to be able to build up a stack to show that you can, than donk them off without remorse when you get bored. As riggstad put it the other night, it's like a cat batting around a crumpled up paper ball.
Also I have been able to schedule my first home ring game in a couple months. Things have just been too busy and I got away from it. I anticipate bringing it back to its semi-regular status now. First up...February 16. Participants TBD, but the list is growing fast. That should be fodder for a week's worth of posts.
I shall also be spreading my chips around at the RPT tomorrow night. Come early if you want some. I shall not be playing the Mookie tonight, but I'll probably rail a little just to make smart ass remarks. It keeps me warm.
Part and parcel to my retirement from online poker is a hopeful increase in live play. I've been able to go out to the bars to play a little more recently. It's nice to be able to build up a stack to show that you can, than donk them off without remorse when you get bored. As riggstad put it the other night, it's like a cat batting around a crumpled up paper ball.
Also I have been able to schedule my first home ring game in a couple months. Things have just been too busy and I got away from it. I anticipate bringing it back to its semi-regular status now. First up...February 16. Participants TBD, but the list is growing fast. That should be fodder for a week's worth of posts.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Wits End
I simply can't take it anymore. I'm done. Finis. You won't have Dick Nixon to kick around anymore.
I made the decision yesterday to essentially divorce myself from online poker. I can not take the play at the low levels in which I live, and I am not about to make an investment to play higher. I am too tired of only winning 20% of the time in situations where I am 80% and 75%. I realize 75% and 80% is not 100%, but it's not 20% either.
I know I am not a pro caliber player, but I can't take the level of play anymore at these micro levels. I am doing myself no good by continuing to subject myself to the idiocy. So I am out. Kaput. Good game Japan.
Well almost. I have decided to continue to play the RPT until that time in which my roll finally drains. I also may be playing some cash games for the next couple weeks because I have bonuses I can clear. After that, it's over. So whether it's RPT or cash games that finally put me out, I will be doing it no longer.
I will continue to have cash games at my house, and I'll play the occasional Riverchaser bar tourney. These too are increasingly difficult to play in, but when I get bored, I don't mind donking off the stack and leaving. I will also try to get to AC fairly regularly. Once a month may be a stretch, but more than my current once a year ought to be obtainable.
So search for me when you're online. Then you can say you sat with me during my farewell tour.
By the way, that had to be the best Sooper Bole I've ever seen. I have long been a closet Eli Manning fan. I have an Ole Miss #10 jersey I bought when he was still slingin' it for the Rebels. I wear it proudly every Turkey Bowl.
I made the decision yesterday to essentially divorce myself from online poker. I can not take the play at the low levels in which I live, and I am not about to make an investment to play higher. I am too tired of only winning 20% of the time in situations where I am 80% and 75%. I realize 75% and 80% is not 100%, but it's not 20% either.
I know I am not a pro caliber player, but I can't take the level of play anymore at these micro levels. I am doing myself no good by continuing to subject myself to the idiocy. So I am out. Kaput. Good game Japan.
Well almost. I have decided to continue to play the RPT until that time in which my roll finally drains. I also may be playing some cash games for the next couple weeks because I have bonuses I can clear. After that, it's over. So whether it's RPT or cash games that finally put me out, I will be doing it no longer.
I will continue to have cash games at my house, and I'll play the occasional Riverchaser bar tourney. These too are increasingly difficult to play in, but when I get bored, I don't mind donking off the stack and leaving. I will also try to get to AC fairly regularly. Once a month may be a stretch, but more than my current once a year ought to be obtainable.
So search for me when you're online. Then you can say you sat with me during my farewell tour.
By the way, that had to be the best Sooper Bole I've ever seen. I have long been a closet Eli Manning fan. I have an Ole Miss #10 jersey I bought when he was still slingin' it for the Rebels. I wear it proudly every Turkey Bowl.
Friday, February 1, 2008
There's Always Tomorrow
"Sister luck is screaming out somebody else's name"
-Black Crowes
It's amazing how frustration can pile up quickly. I've been running more bad than good in recent weeks. I try not to let one day affect another, and I am generally successful at that. What I try to be aware of is that my fuse on the next day may be a little shorter when the previous day ran real bad. In that light I try to keep my eyes open to self realization. Huh?
What I mean is, if after some bad beats I see myself making very uncharacteristic plays and calls in the next game, I realize that I have been thrown off kilter and I shut it down for the night. No sense making a bad situation worse. Such was the case last night.
It started off badly enough. While waiting for the Riverchasers game to start, I jumped into a 6-man SNG. Always seeming to be second best I quickly found myself sitting on a short stack and nursing my chips. Somehow I managed to survive to three-handed play. I was able to steal a few and then the second stack lost a big pot to the chipleader. Amazingly I was in second now, by a margin of just under 300 chips (but still small compared to blinds). Next hand, the shortstack limps UTG and I shove KQ. He calls with K6. He turns his 6 and suddenly I'm down to 285. The very next hand I have AT and put my money in. I am called by the chipleader who shows A4; dominating again. Flop comes 235 of course. Good game Japan.
So then the RC starts. I lose a bunch early to Waffles when I pushed back hard with my underpair to the board. He apparently flopped TPTK with his AQ and wasn't about to let go, and I eventually had to give in. But this was not crippling (thank you deepstack tourneys). However, for the better part of the rest of my short stay, I rarely made a bet that wasn't re-raised by somebody, or at least it seemed that way. There was at least one occasion where I felt a move was being made, but discretion always seemed the better part of valor, and I was always able to lay down good, but certainly not great, hands. Finally I cracked. After getting re-raised yet again, I could stand it no longer and decided to shove with 66 in hopes that, miraculously, I would only be in a race (not that I've been winning many of them lately). Alas, Waffles ended my misery when he called with his lowly KK.
I still felt ok though and decided to jump into another 6-man SNG. I more than double on the first hand. UTG+1 raises to 105, cutoff calls, I have 33 on button. What the heck, I say to myself, see if I can hit a set and do some damage. Three to the flop which comes AJ9 rainbow. Initial raiser and CO both check. Hmmmmmm. I throw out a 3/4 pot bet. Raiser calls, CO folds. Turn is a 3...YAHTZEE! Raiser checks again, I bet 2/3 pot, he calls again. I decide he is on a straight draw. I figure as long as a low card hits the river I should be good. River is a 6 and I'm certain I am gold. Raiser shoves his last 500+. I see this as a desperation shove after missing his straight draw and instacall. Sure enough he flips over QTo and I rake in the pot. I won't even get into the preflop raise with QTo, I'm used to that stuff by now.
About one orbit later I eliminate player #2 and I'm feeling really good. It gets to three handed and I'm still the comfortable chip leader. Mayhem then ensues. I have forgotten the specific details of the suckouts that followed (I believe that is clinically referred to as "hysterical amnesia"), but it was in keeping with the crap that has been hitting me quite often in recent days/weeks (indeed, similar to the pre-RC SNG described above). So there I sit, having gone from chipleader to out on the bubble (again) in a virtual blinking of an eye. Grrrrrrrrrrr.
I immediately jump into another one. On the third hand I watch myself put all my chips in the middle (after some back and forth raising and re-raising) preflop with TT, being quite certain that the guy is going to call and flip an overpair. He does. QQ. That's about the time I AIM riggstad that I am shutting down for the night. Tilt cost me the last SNG buy-in, but at least I knew that I was out of my game and that I needed to wait until the next day to play anymore.
Hopefully the good run starts tonight.
-Black Crowes
It's amazing how frustration can pile up quickly. I've been running more bad than good in recent weeks. I try not to let one day affect another, and I am generally successful at that. What I try to be aware of is that my fuse on the next day may be a little shorter when the previous day ran real bad. In that light I try to keep my eyes open to self realization. Huh?
What I mean is, if after some bad beats I see myself making very uncharacteristic plays and calls in the next game, I realize that I have been thrown off kilter and I shut it down for the night. No sense making a bad situation worse. Such was the case last night.
It started off badly enough. While waiting for the Riverchasers game to start, I jumped into a 6-man SNG. Always seeming to be second best I quickly found myself sitting on a short stack and nursing my chips. Somehow I managed to survive to three-handed play. I was able to steal a few and then the second stack lost a big pot to the chipleader. Amazingly I was in second now, by a margin of just under 300 chips (but still small compared to blinds). Next hand, the shortstack limps UTG and I shove KQ. He calls with K6. He turns his 6 and suddenly I'm down to 285. The very next hand I have AT and put my money in. I am called by the chipleader who shows A4; dominating again. Flop comes 235 of course. Good game Japan.
So then the RC starts. I lose a bunch early to Waffles when I pushed back hard with my underpair to the board. He apparently flopped TPTK with his AQ and wasn't about to let go, and I eventually had to give in. But this was not crippling (thank you deepstack tourneys). However, for the better part of the rest of my short stay, I rarely made a bet that wasn't re-raised by somebody, or at least it seemed that way. There was at least one occasion where I felt a move was being made, but discretion always seemed the better part of valor, and I was always able to lay down good, but certainly not great, hands. Finally I cracked. After getting re-raised yet again, I could stand it no longer and decided to shove with 66 in hopes that, miraculously, I would only be in a race (not that I've been winning many of them lately). Alas, Waffles ended my misery when he called with his lowly KK.
I still felt ok though and decided to jump into another 6-man SNG. I more than double on the first hand. UTG+1 raises to 105, cutoff calls, I have 33 on button. What the heck, I say to myself, see if I can hit a set and do some damage. Three to the flop which comes AJ9 rainbow. Initial raiser and CO both check. Hmmmmmm. I throw out a 3/4 pot bet. Raiser calls, CO folds. Turn is a 3...YAHTZEE! Raiser checks again, I bet 2/3 pot, he calls again. I decide he is on a straight draw. I figure as long as a low card hits the river I should be good. River is a 6 and I'm certain I am gold. Raiser shoves his last 500+. I see this as a desperation shove after missing his straight draw and instacall. Sure enough he flips over QTo and I rake in the pot. I won't even get into the preflop raise with QTo, I'm used to that stuff by now.
About one orbit later I eliminate player #2 and I'm feeling really good. It gets to three handed and I'm still the comfortable chip leader. Mayhem then ensues. I have forgotten the specific details of the suckouts that followed (I believe that is clinically referred to as "hysterical amnesia"), but it was in keeping with the crap that has been hitting me quite often in recent days/weeks (indeed, similar to the pre-RC SNG described above). So there I sit, having gone from chipleader to out on the bubble (again) in a virtual blinking of an eye. Grrrrrrrrrrr.
I immediately jump into another one. On the third hand I watch myself put all my chips in the middle (after some back and forth raising and re-raising) preflop with TT, being quite certain that the guy is going to call and flip an overpair. He does. QQ. That's about the time I AIM riggstad that I am shutting down for the night. Tilt cost me the last SNG buy-in, but at least I knew that I was out of my game and that I needed to wait until the next day to play anymore.
Hopefully the good run starts tonight.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Happy Anniversary To Me
Tonight marks the one year anniversary of my “Big Win” in the 25K guarantee in FT. I suspect there are some who would suggest that it is the anniversary of me hitting the lottery that tournament represents, but you’ll forgive me if I ignore those people. Much like every hit in a box score is a line drive, every win in a large tournament is a testament to the skill of said victor……at least it was that night……as far as you know.
Needless to say I am proud of that highlight of my 2007 poker year. However I am bemused by the fact that I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have played that game since then. I’m a little at a loss to explain why that is so. Perhaps it was because I was up until 3:30 in the morning on a work night, so I realize the time commitment (and sleep deprivation) needed to go deep. There are always weekends of course, but it has rarely occurred to me to play it on weekends.
But whatever the reason, I haven’t been playing it, nor do I plan to do so anytime soon. That could change in a month or so, but I need to be systematic in my approach to such things; it’s just the way I am. So tonight I may raise a glass to toast myself and I may play a couple SNGs, but I will not be looking for lightning to strike again. At least not tonight.
I would also like to take the opportunity to give thanks to my buddy Doug who railed me until 3 AM or so that fateful night; until he ran out of gas. He kept the screen open though. His reaction the next morning will always be a fond memory of mine…."Are you f***ing kidding me????"
Needless to say I am proud of that highlight of my 2007 poker year. However I am bemused by the fact that I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have played that game since then. I’m a little at a loss to explain why that is so. Perhaps it was because I was up until 3:30 in the morning on a work night, so I realize the time commitment (and sleep deprivation) needed to go deep. There are always weekends of course, but it has rarely occurred to me to play it on weekends.
But whatever the reason, I haven’t been playing it, nor do I plan to do so anytime soon. That could change in a month or so, but I need to be systematic in my approach to such things; it’s just the way I am. So tonight I may raise a glass to toast myself and I may play a couple SNGs, but I will not be looking for lightning to strike again. At least not tonight.
I would also like to take the opportunity to give thanks to my buddy Doug who railed me until 3 AM or so that fateful night; until he ran out of gas. He kept the screen open though. His reaction the next morning will always be a fond memory of mine…."Are you f***ing kidding me????"
Monday, January 28, 2008
Catching Up
Well I haven't posted since the RPT Razz tourney on Thursday so I'll say a few words on that. I must admit I like Razz. To me, it's a pretty simple game. I have a hard time figuring out why other people think it's so hard to understand. Frustrating? Absolutely. But the play of some people is very bizarre to me. I think what it is, is that many people have a difficult time remembering that no one else can see their down cards.
Up to the first break, I pretty much had my own way with some bad hands but good looking up cards. The only problem is that eventually, in a Razz tourney, you will need help from the cards; and I just never got it. My best starting hands always seem to get face cards on 4th and 5th street. In that light I slowly bled toward the second break, and finally died about halfway to the third break. I actually had a decent hand, and it took miracle cards on 5th, 6th, and 7th for me to lose, but they came and I was done.
The one strange thing that happened to me is something that should NEVER happen in Razz. Yet I was the beneficiary four time. Four times I walked with the "bring in" when I had a King or Queen up. Twice with a King and twice with a Queen. Here are the four screen caps as evidence:
On this first one, no one had a great up card, but when it folded to the 7 and only face cards were left behind, he MUST complete there. Heck even the Jack should with two kings behind.
This next is a little stunning. An Ace and a 2 folds with no other card lower than an 8 showing? I can see if the 2 had crappy cards in the hole and the Ace had completed, but the ace folds. What could the 2 possibly be worried about in that spot?
Up to the first break, I pretty much had my own way with some bad hands but good looking up cards. The only problem is that eventually, in a Razz tourney, you will need help from the cards; and I just never got it. My best starting hands always seem to get face cards on 4th and 5th street. In that light I slowly bled toward the second break, and finally died about halfway to the third break. I actually had a decent hand, and it took miracle cards on 5th, 6th, and 7th for me to lose, but they came and I was done.
The one strange thing that happened to me is something that should NEVER happen in Razz. Yet I was the beneficiary four time. Four times I walked with the "bring in" when I had a King or Queen up. Twice with a King and twice with a Queen. Here are the four screen caps as evidence:
On this first one, no one had a great up card, but when it folded to the 7 and only face cards were left behind, he MUST complete there. Heck even the Jack should with two kings behind.
This next is a little stunning. An Ace and a 2 folds with no other card lower than an 8 showing? I can see if the 2 had crappy cards in the hole and the Ace had completed, but the ace folds. What could the 2 possibly be worried about in that spot?
Here's another one where a 2 and an Ace folds. And the Ace was last to act before I walk. Everyone folds to the Ace, the ace only has to worry about my King up and he folds? Unbelievable.
And finally we see a 3 fold with only a Queen behind. You can't make this stuff up.
Saturday I was allowed a night out, so I went over to my buddy Doug's place. We played a little wii (he beat me in HR derby, but I took 2 for 2 in bowling). Then we played some RPT at a local establishment. All in all a good time.
I took my daughter to see The Water Horse yesterday. Nice family type movie, though a bit predictable. Nothing wrong with that though if it is done well. Good weekend.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Close Only Counts In Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
First, as a quick follow-up to yesterday's post (and Riggstad's comment on same), my overbets have now been pot sized bets as he suggested. Sometimes I might go pot plus 50 or something, but that's the neighborhood I'm in. Thanks for the feedback.
Now on to the subject at hand. I played three SNGs yesterday and I bubbled each and every one of them. The last two I had the best hand when the money went in. The first one was AT vs. AK after I had been clinging to life with the shortstack for a good 10-15 minutes. The previous day I was also 0 for 3 with two bubble departures. Currently I am on an 8-game non-cashing streak. This has inflicted calamitous damage to my meager bankroll.
I think the popular impulse is to change things up. Do something different to break the spell. However I try not to be reactionary. Upon quick reflection, I don't believe I played particularly poorly or incorrectly during the streak. I just got unlucky at bad times or suffered from some poor timing. As such, I don't plan on changing a thing, with the exception of ending the streak.
The downside is that this may affect my decision on whether to play the RPT tonight. The cost is now severe compared to my funds. But I do like Razz, so I may just bite the bullet and jump in for poops and giggles. Hope to see you tonight.
Now on to the subject at hand. I played three SNGs yesterday and I bubbled each and every one of them. The last two I had the best hand when the money went in. The first one was AT vs. AK after I had been clinging to life with the shortstack for a good 10-15 minutes. The previous day I was also 0 for 3 with two bubble departures. Currently I am on an 8-game non-cashing streak. This has inflicted calamitous damage to my meager bankroll.
I think the popular impulse is to change things up. Do something different to break the spell. However I try not to be reactionary. Upon quick reflection, I don't believe I played particularly poorly or incorrectly during the streak. I just got unlucky at bad times or suffered from some poor timing. As such, I don't plan on changing a thing, with the exception of ending the streak.
The downside is that this may affect my decision on whether to play the RPT tonight. The cost is now severe compared to my funds. But I do like Razz, so I may just bite the bullet and jump in for poops and giggles. Hope to see you tonight.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Light Bulb Moment
Every once in a while you come across something that, although simple and obvious, had not dawned on you. One of those "missing the forest for the trees" kind of things. And I call those rare moments of realization "light bulb moments" (at least I do as of today).
Today, the light bulb clicked on while I was reading riggstads post in which 6-man SNGs are briefly discussed. Before I get to the bulb, I would like to point out a misquote of my reaction to Fischman's advice on the 6-man turbos. I was not "surprised to see his advice on being super aggressive". Indeed, I think it makes perfect sense. What I wrote to riggstad was, "apparently I usually play them right. What amazes me is that this (his tip) is probably news to some people."
Of course this was only true up to a point. The light bulb came on regarding my shortcomings after reading riggs' clarification:
Last night for example I had aces cracked by J9 suited. A couple limpers in front (25-50) and I pot a raise which made it 250. A raise to 400 or 500 might have been the way to go. There will always be the clowns who will call with their ace-rag or suited one-gaps anyway, but it will eliminate more of the fence riders, and perhaps the J9 folds to a bigger raise.
On premium hands I really need to steer away from the 'standard raise' mentality. This would be true with position raises too. Considering it is a 6 man turbo, I need not worry about people catching on to betting patterns; it's a sprint, not a marathon.
After my aces were cracked, I said to riggs that the next time I get AA, I'm shoving. Sure enough, the next game I got in to, I was dealt AA fairly early. I shoved, everybody folded (including early limper). I'll take it. Shoving in that situation over exaggerates the point and I will tone that down, but the lesson is finally learned. Aggressive means AGGRESSIVE!
Here is hoping it brings a little more consistency to my 6-man results.
Today, the light bulb clicked on while I was reading riggstads post in which 6-man SNGs are briefly discussed. Before I get to the bulb, I would like to point out a misquote of my reaction to Fischman's advice on the 6-man turbos. I was not "surprised to see his advice on being super aggressive". Indeed, I think it makes perfect sense. What I wrote to riggstad was, "apparently I usually play them right. What amazes me is that this (his tip) is probably news to some people."
Of course this was only true up to a point. The light bulb came on regarding my shortcomings after reading riggs' clarification:
EUREKA!! I can easily state that much of my misery (when it occurs) pertains to having premium hands losing to really crappy holdings. It was not a matter of not raising pre-flop. It was really a matter of not raising enough pre-flop.He does however advocate overbetting pre with a premium hand as to make sure you get less calls with marginal hands. So yes, that would be aggressive. It's just making sure that the holdings advised to make those plays with are premium hands.
Last night for example I had aces cracked by J9 suited. A couple limpers in front (25-50) and I pot a raise which made it 250. A raise to 400 or 500 might have been the way to go. There will always be the clowns who will call with their ace-rag or suited one-gaps anyway, but it will eliminate more of the fence riders, and perhaps the J9 folds to a bigger raise.
On premium hands I really need to steer away from the 'standard raise' mentality. This would be true with position raises too. Considering it is a 6 man turbo, I need not worry about people catching on to betting patterns; it's a sprint, not a marathon.
After my aces were cracked, I said to riggs that the next time I get AA, I'm shoving. Sure enough, the next game I got in to, I was dealt AA fairly early. I shoved, everybody folded (including early limper). I'll take it. Shoving in that situation over exaggerates the point and I will tone that down, but the lesson is finally learned. Aggressive means AGGRESSIVE!
Here is hoping it brings a little more consistency to my 6-man results.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Lower Level Poker: Outplay or Outlast?
The more I play online at these lower levels (because I have to) the more I wonder about what the true secret to success is. Or to put it another way, is it more a matter of outlasting the level of competition here than outplaying them? Or to really boil it down, is it even possible to outplay them?
For the majority of the players at this level, I don’t think it is possible to outplay them. That’s not to say they don’t get outplayed…they just outplay themselves. I like to think I have something to do with it, but I don’t. I can’t take credit for their bad play. I can’t say I outplayed someone who calls off his stack on the flop when he plays 10-6 suited to a raise pre-flop and hits top pair of 10s and no secondary draw. Nor can I say I outplayed the person who can’t lay down ANY Ace preflop, then finds himself outkicked when the money goes in. No, these people outplay themselves.
Indeed, when faced with these players at your table (and I think most of us can spot them pretty quick), it is counterproductive to even try to outplay them. All they see is their Ace, or their flopped pair (even if it’s second or third pair), or their flush draw (7 high flush draw is a monster). Board texture, betting patterns or sizes, over cards, check-raises, folding for a half hour-then raising…none of these have a measurable effect. So it becomes more of a matter of outlasting such players as opposed to outplaying them. Let them outplay themselves and hope you don’t get run down. Unfortunately, this happens all too often; which even the most modest search of poker blogs will reveal.
As has been written about ad nauseum, this can be quite frustrating. Unfortunately it is what needs to be dealt with. I suspect that there is a degree of this kind of thing at most levels, but I have to believe it is most prevalent in the levels in which I live. The down side is that it tends to dull the poker senses. Yet on those occasions where you are lucky enough to play with people who have some ability, it becomes that much better.
I suspect this is, in some way, a basic and foggy acknowledgement of riggstad’s forthcoming piece on Situational Awareness (SA). I look forward to that and hope to expand on my thoughts once his are published. It seems to me that part of making effective use of SA is finding out what players at your table are not SA. This would directly affect your decision making process. Do I need to play ABC here? Or can I get a little frisky?
At any rate, I can’t say that I have been doing a lot of outplaying of people. I’d say I’m at least doing kind of okay at outlasting them. But man those suckouts hurt. Especially when it’s several games in a row. But…back in to the breach! Keep your head down and your powder dry.
For the majority of the players at this level, I don’t think it is possible to outplay them. That’s not to say they don’t get outplayed…they just outplay themselves. I like to think I have something to do with it, but I don’t. I can’t take credit for their bad play. I can’t say I outplayed someone who calls off his stack on the flop when he plays 10-6 suited to a raise pre-flop and hits top pair of 10s and no secondary draw. Nor can I say I outplayed the person who can’t lay down ANY Ace preflop, then finds himself outkicked when the money goes in. No, these people outplay themselves.
Indeed, when faced with these players at your table (and I think most of us can spot them pretty quick), it is counterproductive to even try to outplay them. All they see is their Ace, or their flopped pair (even if it’s second or third pair), or their flush draw (7 high flush draw is a monster). Board texture, betting patterns or sizes, over cards, check-raises, folding for a half hour-then raising…none of these have a measurable effect. So it becomes more of a matter of outlasting such players as opposed to outplaying them. Let them outplay themselves and hope you don’t get run down. Unfortunately, this happens all too often; which even the most modest search of poker blogs will reveal.
As has been written about ad nauseum, this can be quite frustrating. Unfortunately it is what needs to be dealt with. I suspect that there is a degree of this kind of thing at most levels, but I have to believe it is most prevalent in the levels in which I live. The down side is that it tends to dull the poker senses. Yet on those occasions where you are lucky enough to play with people who have some ability, it becomes that much better.
I suspect this is, in some way, a basic and foggy acknowledgement of riggstad’s forthcoming piece on Situational Awareness (SA). I look forward to that and hope to expand on my thoughts once his are published. It seems to me that part of making effective use of SA is finding out what players at your table are not SA. This would directly affect your decision making process. Do I need to play ABC here? Or can I get a little frisky?
At any rate, I can’t say that I have been doing a lot of outplaying of people. I’d say I’m at least doing kind of okay at outlasting them. But man those suckouts hurt. Especially when it’s several games in a row. But…back in to the breach! Keep your head down and your powder dry.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Housekeeping
Quick update on the weekend. So far we (two kids and I) are all still alive in wife's absence. This is no small accomplishment in my book, so I will pat myself on the back (with my good arm). Speaking of which, the MRI showed no tears or serious damage. The diagnosis was tendonosis and some other minor irritations and/or degenerations. Treatment? A shot of cordisone and physical therapy. Thanks a lot. It still hurts. Yet another case of me going to an orthopedist and having zippo done to actually correct a problem. The previous two relate to a finger I dislocated playing football more than two years ago (still stiff and sore) and a bone that is broken in my wrist for the last 20 years. Yes, I have had a broken wrist for the last 20 years and I will, apparently, until the day I die. Stop by and I'll show you the x-ray.
SNGs are going pretty well these days. I won 2 of 3 last night. I finished one spot out of the money in the third. The first one I knocked out all of the other 5 players. I think that was a first for me. I only played one on Friday and that was a win too.
I'm in the process of looking for an inexpensive yet still decent mp3 player for my son. I think I've narrowed it down to either the Sansa Clip 1GB that I can get for $38 and change at WalMart or a Sony B105 2GB that is on sale, starting today, at Staples for 39.99. That seems like kind of a good deal to me. Apparently the Sony not only has a FM receiver (as does the clip), but you can record the radio too. I don't see this being used an awful lot, but it's nice just in case. Plus twice the memory.
Frankly I hate pulling the trigger on this kind of thing because I know I'll find a better deal on a better player two days later.
SNGs are going pretty well these days. I won 2 of 3 last night. I finished one spot out of the money in the third. The first one I knocked out all of the other 5 players. I think that was a first for me. I only played one on Friday and that was a win too.
I'm in the process of looking for an inexpensive yet still decent mp3 player for my son. I think I've narrowed it down to either the Sansa Clip 1GB that I can get for $38 and change at WalMart or a Sony B105 2GB that is on sale, starting today, at Staples for 39.99. That seems like kind of a good deal to me. Apparently the Sony not only has a FM receiver (as does the clip), but you can record the radio too. I don't see this being used an awful lot, but it's nice just in case. Plus twice the memory.
Frankly I hate pulling the trigger on this kind of thing because I know I'll find a better deal on a better player two days later.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Sudden Loss of Interest
Well it was a good time at the old RPT Tourney last night, until I suddenly lost interest. Not uncoincidentally (made up word alert!), that disinterest coincided with my inglorious departure. But for poops and giggles, let's review.
It started innocently enough. I didn't play a hand other than an unraised BB for essentially the first three orbits. Then I came out swinging. Soon, the leader board looked like this:
I quickly lost the top spot. Trying to lay low and not get too involved. But, a few well timed moves and I found myself back in the lead...
Yes....back to back hands and our hero finishes in 18th place. Just epic.
It is unfortunate that I will not be able to help Riggstad celebrate his birthday this evening. I am a single parent this weekend as my wife is escaping to pursue her hobby. She could certainly use the break and the time away, and as usual I will do my best to keep the house from burning down in her absence. I trust those present will raise a glass for me tonight. Better yet, I'll raise a glass for me tonight. Assuming I can get the kids to bed before midnight.
It started innocently enough. I didn't play a hand other than an unraised BB for essentially the first three orbits. Then I came out swinging. Soon, the leader board looked like this:
I quickly lost the top spot. Trying to lay low and not get too involved. But, a few well timed moves and I found myself back in the lead...
After that, I really did lay low. Lost a little right before the break. Got down to below average stack, then grinded my way back into top 10. Along the way, the following back to back hands occurred. Please note that it was the same two individuals involved in the hands, and they WERE back to back...
Just hideous. Earlier I had witnessed another occasion of AA being cracked by KK. All in all, I saw 5 pocket aces at my table. Three times they were no good. But that's neither here nor there. I have a tournament to play. I'm 10 of 19 left. I get involved in a big pot and knock a guy out in 19th. Amazingly, I find myself here...
Woohoo!! 1 of 18!!! I'm set to make a run baby. That is until....
Yes....back to back hands and our hero finishes in 18th place. Just epic.
It is unfortunate that I will not be able to help Riggstad celebrate his birthday this evening. I am a single parent this weekend as my wife is escaping to pursue her hobby. She could certainly use the break and the time away, and as usual I will do my best to keep the house from burning down in her absence. I trust those present will raise a glass for me tonight. Better yet, I'll raise a glass for me tonight. Assuming I can get the kids to bed before midnight.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Obligatory Post About Nothing
Posting for posting's sake...how utterly sad.
- R. Carnal
I was sorely tempted to play in the Blogger Skillz game last night (Razz), but opted out. Razz is actually a game I like quite a lot. Maybe because it is so mind numbingly simple and yet people seem to think it's akin to trying to translate cuneiform. But even though I like the game, I was also painfully aware of the field. I am happy that I was able to avoid the suffering that riggstad endured during the game. Just another in the long series of 'chase and catch' that occurs so often. All the while, the villain is blissfully unaware that he is being outplayed.
Recent SNG results have no doubt played a large part in my sour and dour outlook. Like having Aces cracked by K3o (I was run down after the money went in and he only had me slightly covered). Or like having Jacks lose to Q5s when my opponent called off 80% of his stack to my preflop shove. Is there any wonder that a degree of cynicism has creeped into my consciousness?
However I did follow up that last debacle with a win when I racked my way to final two. I had a monster chip lead going heads up. Then a few suckouts later I was down to less than 800. Fortunately I hung on long enough to play past the bad luck and ended up winning. But my last nerve was frayed. I even went so far as to berate the idiots in the chat box...and I NEVER do that. Just goes to show that every man has his limits.
So I decided to take a break last night. I like the game, but couldn't take any more suckouts. Just needed to recoup some of my mental faculties. I'll be back in the saddle Thursday night for the RPT.
I would say something about my MRI on Monday, but it was pretty uneventful. I now understand why people who are claustrophobic might freak out a little. I'm not. So I just laid there relaxing and listening to music. I'll learn tomorrow what the deal is with the wing. Stay tuned.
- R. Carnal
I was sorely tempted to play in the Blogger Skillz game last night (Razz), but opted out. Razz is actually a game I like quite a lot. Maybe because it is so mind numbingly simple and yet people seem to think it's akin to trying to translate cuneiform. But even though I like the game, I was also painfully aware of the field. I am happy that I was able to avoid the suffering that riggstad endured during the game. Just another in the long series of 'chase and catch' that occurs so often. All the while, the villain is blissfully unaware that he is being outplayed.
Recent SNG results have no doubt played a large part in my sour and dour outlook. Like having Aces cracked by K3o (I was run down after the money went in and he only had me slightly covered). Or like having Jacks lose to Q5s when my opponent called off 80% of his stack to my preflop shove. Is there any wonder that a degree of cynicism has creeped into my consciousness?
However I did follow up that last debacle with a win when I racked my way to final two. I had a monster chip lead going heads up. Then a few suckouts later I was down to less than 800. Fortunately I hung on long enough to play past the bad luck and ended up winning. But my last nerve was frayed. I even went so far as to berate the idiots in the chat box...and I NEVER do that. Just goes to show that every man has his limits.
So I decided to take a break last night. I like the game, but couldn't take any more suckouts. Just needed to recoup some of my mental faculties. I'll be back in the saddle Thursday night for the RPT.
I would say something about my MRI on Monday, but it was pretty uneventful. I now understand why people who are claustrophobic might freak out a little. I'm not. So I just laid there relaxing and listening to music. I'll learn tomorrow what the deal is with the wing. Stay tuned.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Blind Squirrel AND Blind Nut
We had a great time at the benefit poker tournament yesterday. Five tables were filled so the number was right around 40 people. There were a number of rebuys and quite a few add-ons. All in all it was a great success in raising some money for the Parzych family. By my unscientific calculation, I think they came away with close to 2K. Agreat big 'thank you' and 'well done' to all who came and participated.
What's that? How did I do? As you probably guessed by the title of this thread, I stumbled my way to sweet victory. It was a tale of three tourneys. I absolutely owned the first stage (up to the first break). I finished the first 3 levels with 11K (started with 3k). As others were adding on at the break (add-on was 5k in chips), I counted stacks and noticed that others were only evening themselves up with me. But then I remembered why we were there, so I put down the extra $30 for the add-on though I didn't feel I needed it.
After the break I ran ice cold. By about the end of the 5th level, I think I could officially classify myself as a shortstack. I then proceeded to put on a clinic on short stack play (he said modestly). I nursed that stack for the next hour. Even so, I was quite certain there was virtually no chance of making it to the money (top 8). Yet I nursed and nursed. Shoved a couple times to take blinds while I still had a little fold equity. Then when I didn't, I showed the patience of Job. I painfully avoided making my stand with sucker hands.
At last I could wait no longer. After folding A2 with 4 hands before the BB put me all-in, I put my last chip (5K) in with A5 (4k-8k blinds). Four people to the flop and I hit my 5. Unfortunately, the pair of 5s wasn't good enough...until....FIVE ON THE RIVER!!!! Slightly more than Quadruple up and I'm still breathing....deeply. I stay patient a little while longer and decide to make another all-in move with KJ (the one sucker hand to which I'm susceptible). I get called by...KQ. Jack on the flop, jack on the river for good measure. By this time I'm up to second in chips with about 6 people left. I actually knock one or two people out.
We then get down to four players. We play a couple hands when someone finally mentions a chop. We learn that there is 1230 in the kitty. It is determined that we go with the suggestion (might have been mine) of donating 100 extra each to the family, taking 200 each, and playing it out for the last 30 (which came my way...as noted above). But that is really anscillary. The real success was the money raised. I'm very happy with the chop situation, as I suspect more extra money was donated with the chop than there would have been if we played it out. Chalk one up for the Blind Squirrel
Shortly thereafter I came across riggstad and some others who were gathering for a cash game. I was sorely tempted to join in seeing some of the players involved, but I was a little fried from grinding out that shortstack for so long. So I wished him luck and went to decompress at Champs for the Saturday night game there. I proved to be sage in refusing to play for real, because I was out in about 15 minutes calling off my stack with a flopped top pair of queens against my opponents pocket Aces.
Not feeling fully decompressed, I played in a 'points only' sit and go. Nine people at the table. First hand I decided to play it blind. Limp and raise in front of me, so I reraise. one caller. Flop comes Jack high and he checks to me. I bet pot and he reluctantly lets go. I check to see what I had and it was the all powerful hammer. I then proceeded to play about 75-80% of the rest of the SNG completely blind. Yes, the Blind Nut won.
So ended a fun day.
What's that? How did I do? As you probably guessed by the title of this thread, I stumbled my way to sweet victory. It was a tale of three tourneys. I absolutely owned the first stage (up to the first break). I finished the first 3 levels with 11K (started with 3k). As others were adding on at the break (add-on was 5k in chips), I counted stacks and noticed that others were only evening themselves up with me. But then I remembered why we were there, so I put down the extra $30 for the add-on though I didn't feel I needed it.
After the break I ran ice cold. By about the end of the 5th level, I think I could officially classify myself as a shortstack. I then proceeded to put on a clinic on short stack play (he said modestly). I nursed that stack for the next hour. Even so, I was quite certain there was virtually no chance of making it to the money (top 8). Yet I nursed and nursed. Shoved a couple times to take blinds while I still had a little fold equity. Then when I didn't, I showed the patience of Job. I painfully avoided making my stand with sucker hands.
At last I could wait no longer. After folding A2 with 4 hands before the BB put me all-in, I put my last chip (5K) in with A5 (4k-8k blinds). Four people to the flop and I hit my 5. Unfortunately, the pair of 5s wasn't good enough...until....FIVE ON THE RIVER!!!! Slightly more than Quadruple up and I'm still breathing....deeply. I stay patient a little while longer and decide to make another all-in move with KJ (the one sucker hand to which I'm susceptible). I get called by...KQ. Jack on the flop, jack on the river for good measure. By this time I'm up to second in chips with about 6 people left. I actually knock one or two people out.
We then get down to four players. We play a couple hands when someone finally mentions a chop. We learn that there is 1230 in the kitty. It is determined that we go with the suggestion (might have been mine) of donating 100 extra each to the family, taking 200 each, and playing it out for the last 30 (which came my way...as noted above). But that is really anscillary. The real success was the money raised. I'm very happy with the chop situation, as I suspect more extra money was donated with the chop than there would have been if we played it out. Chalk one up for the Blind Squirrel
Shortly thereafter I came across riggstad and some others who were gathering for a cash game. I was sorely tempted to join in seeing some of the players involved, but I was a little fried from grinding out that shortstack for so long. So I wished him luck and went to decompress at Champs for the Saturday night game there. I proved to be sage in refusing to play for real, because I was out in about 15 minutes calling off my stack with a flopped top pair of queens against my opponents pocket Aces.
Not feeling fully decompressed, I played in a 'points only' sit and go. Nine people at the table. First hand I decided to play it blind. Limp and raise in front of me, so I reraise. one caller. Flop comes Jack high and he checks to me. I bet pot and he reluctantly lets go. I check to see what I had and it was the all powerful hammer. I then proceeded to play about 75-80% of the rest of the SNG completely blind. Yes, the Blind Nut won.
So ended a fun day.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ready for the Weekend
I must say, I do look forward to Friday afternoons. I am a coin toss on whether I will try for a seat again tonight. I am much more aware these days of the necessary balance of 'we' vs. 'me'. Although balance is not the right word because 'we' deserves more attention than 'me'. And 'me' time is already lined up for tomorrow when I go to the poker benefit for Scott Parzych. So whatever way it goes tonight, I'm content.
I blew off the RPT tourney on FT last night. PLO8 would surely have treated me the same as PLO on Tuesday did. I have decided to stay away (for the most part) from -EV situations. It's almost like I won $11 by not playing. (How's that for spin?)
On the injury front, I will be having an MRI on my shoulder on Monday. I should know by Thursday if I will need to go under the knife for repair work. I really don't know what the straw was that broke the camel's back, but it has been bothering me for a good 6 months now. The pain has been increasing and the limited range of pain-free motion has been deteriorating steadily. It has always been a 'trick shoulder', but something must have finally let go in there. I've learned to live with a broken bone in my wrist for the last 20 years, but I don't think I can similarly adapt to the searing pain currently experienced with the shoulder. So hopefully corrective measures are in the offing.
I blew off the RPT tourney on FT last night. PLO8 would surely have treated me the same as PLO on Tuesday did. I have decided to stay away (for the most part) from -EV situations. It's almost like I won $11 by not playing. (How's that for spin?)
On the injury front, I will be having an MRI on my shoulder on Monday. I should know by Thursday if I will need to go under the knife for repair work. I really don't know what the straw was that broke the camel's back, but it has been bothering me for a good 6 months now. The pain has been increasing and the limited range of pain-free motion has been deteriorating steadily. It has always been a 'trick shoulder', but something must have finally let go in there. I've learned to live with a broken bone in my wrist for the last 20 years, but I don't think I can similarly adapt to the searing pain currently experienced with the shoulder. So hopefully corrective measures are in the offing.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
0 for 1
No goot in my first attempt at a seat last night. AA and 5x preflop gets 4 callers...welcome to hell. It was one of those Sammy Farha nightmare tables. You needed cards to win, and I didn't get any. Next attempt: hopefully tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Time to Make a Push
Satellite in my eyes like a diamond in the sky, how I wonder.
-Dave Matthews
Fresh off my latest debacle in an online multi-table tournament, I am hopeful that I will be able to make a push at trying to win a seat in the latest Riverchasers Super Satellite series. All I need to do is win a bar luckament. I've done this before, so surely I can do it again. All I need is to play a few and I'm sure to score. My primary goal is to bring fortune to myself. My secondary goal is to bring fame to RPT with my cash (dare I say win?) in a $1K Borgata tourney. But first things first; I need to win a qualifying seat for round 2. Wish me luck.
Regarding the aforementioned online MTT (the questionably labeled Blogger Skillz Series), I shall be brief (much like my appearance). First hand, Al takes about 40% of my stack, and 100% of someone else's, when I flopped top set. It was very easy to let go on the turn after my half pot flop bet revealed that the other two had either A) flopped the flush; B) flopped the straight; or C) both. I had no shot at either of them and wasn't going to get knocked out on the first hand chasing a boat. No worries.
However I had no reservations about getting knocked out on the second hand. I'll admit I did not have the strongest holding when I shoved on the flop, but I would have never guessed in a million years that I would have been called with the hand that I was called with. That I was called with that hand preflop was even a little head scratching. But people make their plays. I either win or I don't. No clue how it all turned out in the end, nor do I care.
1 for 1 cashing in SNG action last night. I couldn't pull out the win, but getting in the money took a little doing so I was pleased. I hope to not be able to play many in the coming days. Ideally I will be out winning a seat in the RPT Super Satellite.
-Dave Matthews
Fresh off my latest debacle in an online multi-table tournament, I am hopeful that I will be able to make a push at trying to win a seat in the latest Riverchasers Super Satellite series. All I need to do is win a bar luckament. I've done this before, so surely I can do it again. All I need is to play a few and I'm sure to score. My primary goal is to bring fortune to myself. My secondary goal is to bring fame to RPT with my cash (dare I say win?) in a $1K Borgata tourney. But first things first; I need to win a qualifying seat for round 2. Wish me luck.
Regarding the aforementioned online MTT (the questionably labeled Blogger Skillz Series), I shall be brief (much like my appearance). First hand, Al takes about 40% of my stack, and 100% of someone else's, when I flopped top set. It was very easy to let go on the turn after my half pot flop bet revealed that the other two had either A) flopped the flush; B) flopped the straight; or C) both. I had no shot at either of them and wasn't going to get knocked out on the first hand chasing a boat. No worries.
However I had no reservations about getting knocked out on the second hand. I'll admit I did not have the strongest holding when I shoved on the flop, but I would have never guessed in a million years that I would have been called with the hand that I was called with. That I was called with that hand preflop was even a little head scratching. But people make their plays. I either win or I don't. No clue how it all turned out in the end, nor do I care.
1 for 1 cashing in SNG action last night. I couldn't pull out the win, but getting in the money took a little doing so I was pleased. I hope to not be able to play many in the coming days. Ideally I will be out winning a seat in the RPT Super Satellite.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Sure, I'll Jump off the Bridge
If everyone else is doing 2008 goals, I guess I have to as well.
Personal stuff is just that...personal. But suffice it to say that my continued goal is to be a better person to the people who deserve it most, my family.
Poker goals. Now that's a tough one. I honestly have not given it a whole lot of thought, but I recognize the importance of goals. I know that at the base level, my goal should be to surpass my "successes" of last year (which really amounts to one big success and some minor outliers). That is going to be tough to do. Although I have made a conscious effort to play more, I still don't play an amount that would qualify as 'a lot' to many people. Couple that with the fact that I really don't play the tourneys that will allow me to score bigger than my one big win last year.
But perhaps I am setting myself up for a self fulfilling prophecy here. If I predict mediocrity, I will surely achieve it. So let's get ambitious and see what happens. My online bankroll is nothing to brag about currently. So let's say I build it up to $1000. Let's also say that I give myself at least a chance (i.e., play in) to win a medium size (prize pool) tournament again this year with the goal of two final table finishes.
Live play. Continue to host a fairly regular home game with the goal of enjoying the heck out of myself. Okay, okay, the goal will be to be up a net of $1000 by the end of the year. That should be achievable.
I went to AC exactly once last year. This matched the previous year's total. This year I want to DOUBLE it!!! Two trips to AC or the year is a complete FAILURE! Once I get there, my goal is to make more money than I did last year in AC, which was about $325 (net). I suspect those two trips will be made with riggstad, so it's sure to be educational and entertaining either way.
LAS VEGAS!!!!
I have no plans on going to Las Vegas this year....sorry.
I would wager that many will look at these goals and conclude that they are modest and weak. For many that may be true. I look at them as another step towards improvement of my abilities. To maximize the return on my limited opportunities. Quality over quantity. (Do I need to throw out any more cliches to get the point across?)
So there they are. snakster goals version 2008. I'm sure I have other goals that are not poker related, but it is of little value to list them here, so mind your own business.
Personal stuff is just that...personal. But suffice it to say that my continued goal is to be a better person to the people who deserve it most, my family.
Poker goals. Now that's a tough one. I honestly have not given it a whole lot of thought, but I recognize the importance of goals. I know that at the base level, my goal should be to surpass my "successes" of last year (which really amounts to one big success and some minor outliers). That is going to be tough to do. Although I have made a conscious effort to play more, I still don't play an amount that would qualify as 'a lot' to many people. Couple that with the fact that I really don't play the tourneys that will allow me to score bigger than my one big win last year.
But perhaps I am setting myself up for a self fulfilling prophecy here. If I predict mediocrity, I will surely achieve it. So let's get ambitious and see what happens. My online bankroll is nothing to brag about currently. So let's say I build it up to $1000. Let's also say that I give myself at least a chance (i.e., play in) to win a medium size (prize pool) tournament again this year with the goal of two final table finishes.
Live play. Continue to host a fairly regular home game with the goal of enjoying the heck out of myself. Okay, okay, the goal will be to be up a net of $1000 by the end of the year. That should be achievable.
I went to AC exactly once last year. This matched the previous year's total. This year I want to DOUBLE it!!! Two trips to AC or the year is a complete FAILURE! Once I get there, my goal is to make more money than I did last year in AC, which was about $325 (net). I suspect those two trips will be made with riggstad, so it's sure to be educational and entertaining either way.
LAS VEGAS!!!!
I have no plans on going to Las Vegas this year....sorry.
I would wager that many will look at these goals and conclude that they are modest and weak. For many that may be true. I look at them as another step towards improvement of my abilities. To maximize the return on my limited opportunities. Quality over quantity. (Do I need to throw out any more cliches to get the point across?)
So there they are. snakster goals version 2008. I'm sure I have other goals that are not poker related, but it is of little value to list them here, so mind your own business.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Weekend Update
This just in....Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.
I've only played a little online the last couple days, as I am still licking my wounds from the Mookie and the RPT (KK<88).
I went to the inaugural Friday night game at Champs Sportsbar the other day. Partially because Al had indicated he was going. I shouldn't have fell for the hype. Al was a no-show. In the skill portion of the tourney, I ran my table. Those people may as well play with their cards up because their play is so transparent. Unfortunately as blinds escalate quickly, the latter stages become a lottery. You either hit or you don't and that's the difference between winning and only finishing in the points.
Crucial hand for me late. I had a person all-in preflop. My 99 vs her AJ. I flop my set, but she goes runner-runner Jack high straight. C'est la vie. I don't mind those beats. But as I said, you either hit or you don't. After that I was down to 800 and blinds were 100-200. I shove with ducks and get two callers. The bad (and at least marginally good) news was they both had KK. But alas, I did not catch the miracle 2-outer and I was done in 14th. I think 60+ started.
Still, Champs is a great place to play for me. It's very close to home. I have developed a friendship with the manager. They have my staple bourbon of choice (Buffalo Trace). And a lot of the people I have become friendly with through Riverchasers plays there.
Well, maybe I'll be back online tonight hitting a few SNGs. I need to build my roll back up a little to prepare for the regular tourneys this week. I think I may eschew the Mookie and just take a crack at this weeks RPT variety, which I believe is limit Omaha h/l. That should be quite interesting.
I've only played a little online the last couple days, as I am still licking my wounds from the Mookie and the RPT (KK<88).
I went to the inaugural Friday night game at Champs Sportsbar the other day. Partially because Al had indicated he was going. I shouldn't have fell for the hype. Al was a no-show. In the skill portion of the tourney, I ran my table. Those people may as well play with their cards up because their play is so transparent. Unfortunately as blinds escalate quickly, the latter stages become a lottery. You either hit or you don't and that's the difference between winning and only finishing in the points.
Crucial hand for me late. I had a person all-in preflop. My 99 vs her AJ. I flop my set, but she goes runner-runner Jack high straight. C'est la vie. I don't mind those beats. But as I said, you either hit or you don't. After that I was down to 800 and blinds were 100-200. I shove with ducks and get two callers. The bad (and at least marginally good) news was they both had KK. But alas, I did not catch the miracle 2-outer and I was done in 14th. I think 60+ started.
Still, Champs is a great place to play for me. It's very close to home. I have developed a friendship with the manager. They have my staple bourbon of choice (Buffalo Trace). And a lot of the people I have become friendly with through Riverchasers plays there.
Well, maybe I'll be back online tonight hitting a few SNGs. I need to build my roll back up a little to prepare for the regular tourneys this week. I think I may eschew the Mookie and just take a crack at this weeks RPT variety, which I believe is limit Omaha h/l. That should be quite interesting.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year!
My wish for all is a more successful year than the one just completed; even if you were very successful last year. The exception to this sentiment is if you happen to be sitting at my table.
Moving on. I'm a big believer in Dirty Harry Callahan when he said, "a man's got to know his limitations". It is with that philosophy that I declined to play in the blogger skill game last night. The featured game was 7-card stud high. Despite the age and reverence of this game, I don't have the first clue how to play it well (i.e., basic strategy). Perhaps one day I will break down and read Chip Reese's chapter on the subject in Super System 1. Perhaps that will give me a ground floor education in the tenets of the game. Perhaps it will give me the confidence to play some low stakes stud to employ those tenets. Perhaps I may even get good at it. But that hasn't happened yet, so last night would have been the equivalent of a $13 donation. Or maybe not...
Riggstad and I were chatting on AIM pre-game last night. He asked if I was playing and I indicated I was not. I gave him the reasoning loosely provided above, but I said I may rail for a while, just to see if I can learn a little by watching. I did indeed learn something by watching. I learned that a lack of understanding of how to play the game did not stop everybody. I may not know how to play stud well, but I can sure recognize crappy play when I see it, no matter what the game.
I see people calling bets chasing a jack high flush (that they hit on 7th) and then state that the bets were so small compared to the pot, that they had to see what the better was playing. That was one example that stood out of many more I could describe. And that's why I didn't want to play last night. I knew that I would either have to contend with that sort, or (worse yet) BE that sort.
It may be argued that the purpose of the rotation of games in the blogger skill tournaments is to get people to play other variations, and presumably to improve at them. My counter argument would be that millions of people are playing lots and lots of hold 'em, and I would wager that the vast majority are not getting noticeably better.
The more I play, the more I understand how much more I have to learn. But alas, it is not that way with many people. I feel comfortable playing hold 'em with anyone because I feel I have a base of understanding that can be successful. I may never be the best player in a mtt that I'm in, but I know I'm not the worst. I do not have such a comfort level with other games. Some people may not be bothered by playing virtually blind; indeed they seem to celebrate it. I can not do that. So yes it was only $13, but you will see no donations from me. At least not until I hit the books.
Moving on. I'm a big believer in Dirty Harry Callahan when he said, "a man's got to know his limitations". It is with that philosophy that I declined to play in the blogger skill game last night. The featured game was 7-card stud high. Despite the age and reverence of this game, I don't have the first clue how to play it well (i.e., basic strategy). Perhaps one day I will break down and read Chip Reese's chapter on the subject in Super System 1. Perhaps that will give me a ground floor education in the tenets of the game. Perhaps it will give me the confidence to play some low stakes stud to employ those tenets. Perhaps I may even get good at it. But that hasn't happened yet, so last night would have been the equivalent of a $13 donation. Or maybe not...
Riggstad and I were chatting on AIM pre-game last night. He asked if I was playing and I indicated I was not. I gave him the reasoning loosely provided above, but I said I may rail for a while, just to see if I can learn a little by watching. I did indeed learn something by watching. I learned that a lack of understanding of how to play the game did not stop everybody. I may not know how to play stud well, but I can sure recognize crappy play when I see it, no matter what the game.
I see people calling bets chasing a jack high flush (that they hit on 7th) and then state that the bets were so small compared to the pot, that they had to see what the better was playing. That was one example that stood out of many more I could describe. And that's why I didn't want to play last night. I knew that I would either have to contend with that sort, or (worse yet) BE that sort.
It may be argued that the purpose of the rotation of games in the blogger skill tournaments is to get people to play other variations, and presumably to improve at them. My counter argument would be that millions of people are playing lots and lots of hold 'em, and I would wager that the vast majority are not getting noticeably better.
The more I play, the more I understand how much more I have to learn. But alas, it is not that way with many people. I feel comfortable playing hold 'em with anyone because I feel I have a base of understanding that can be successful. I may never be the best player in a mtt that I'm in, but I know I'm not the worst. I do not have such a comfort level with other games. Some people may not be bothered by playing virtually blind; indeed they seem to celebrate it. I can not do that. So yes it was only $13, but you will see no donations from me. At least not until I hit the books.
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