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????"
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
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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