Have not had a chance to play much online poker this week. I did get some 1/2 NL at Greektown Casino in Detroit. It was going well until I ran into slowplayed AA. The table had been very tight, so I guess I should not have been so surprised... but I would have loved to have sucked out on him for slowplaying. My KJo hit a J on the flop and his raise of $30 after a call preflop from EP did not worry me when I had TP and a good kicker. I thought the bet was odd, maybe he had a J so I pushed all in. I had him covered, but it ate my profits and dipped into the bankroll when he showed AA and I did not improve. Fun time nonetheles.
Lastly, I am proud of my bankroll on Royal Vegas Poker. In comparison to DNasty's gain, it pales, but I turned a free $10 into over $200 so far and it seems that my losing sessions there are far and in between. I have found that I really enjoy the 5 person SNG they offer. The time investment is minimal and the payout structure favors the tighter player. 3 places pay, third pays the buy-in minus the fee. (i.e. a $50+5 pays $50 for 3rd) I have only busted out of one tourney (4th) and have placed second in a bunch winning 1 or 2. It keeps the bankroll headed up, a good thing as far as I am concerned. It is also a change of pace from the Limit Grind Challenge. I have been slacking in that because I have been winning on Royal Vegas. A few bad trips there and I am sure I will be back on UB at work. As DNasty and HighOnPoker draw near the end if their challenge, my money is on Jordan. He seems to be playing more than D and I can see the same feelings in his posts that where in mine before I hit the 1/2 brick wall. I hope his experience is different, but if it is similar, D might have a chance still. Good luck to both of you.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Royal Vegas Poker Tournament
25+2.50 Entry for a 4,000 guaranteed
176 players
Before I get into the tourney, this hand happened early and it was painful to watch.
Look at this horrendous bad beat. A one outer!
> Game # 392,138,709 starting.
> Dealing Hole Cards
> rick047422 called for 30
> pjnow99 called for 30
> sanderfr called for 30
> rickytrickyt called for 30
> Jonkeboy called for 15
> STelerJosh checked
> Dealing the Flop(A23)
> rick047422 bet for 30
> pjnow99 folded
> sanderfr raised for 150
> rickytrickyt folded
> Jonkeboy raised for 270
> STelerJosh folded
> rick047422 went all-in for 1,060
> sanderfr folded
> Jonkeboy went all-in for 790
> Extra chips returned to rick047422, 30
Both Players flip. Jonkeboy has a dominating 33 for a set and rick has 22 for the under set.
> Dealing the turn(9)
> Dealing the river(2)
> rick047422 wins 2,450 with Four of a Kind, Deuces
> Jonkeboy has left the tournament in 144th place
Trip 3's over trip 2's and a 2 falls on the river. Wow.
[Observer]Jonkeboy> is it for real?
STelerJosh> ouch
Here is my tournament log, last time I tried this, it went awry mid way through. It helps keep me focused, so I tried it again.
Level 1 10/20 Blinds: Played one hand AQo, folded to my raise. Won the blinds
Level 2 15/30 Blinds: No hands played. 1,470 chips
Level 3 25/50 Blinds: KK one seat before button, raise 200 (Pot), one short stack reraise all in 200. I Call. KK vs A5o. A on flop, I am down to 945 chips 98 of 109 remaining. Need some card help here.. Damn it. A7o in SB and complete for three handed. Fold to big river bet. Next Hand, AA on Button, AA vs QQ. They hold up. Whew. 1,915 chips. Two hands later, 99. Raise to 150. No callers. 1,945 chips. 57 out of 93.
Level 4 50/100 Blinds: AJo in BB. 2,695 chips. Still running middle to bottom of pack. Avg. Stack is 3,277. 45 out of 80 players. AJs, raise to 400, no callers. Win blinds. 2,795. Large stack is 17,755. Q7 in BB, flop is A77. Check, and raise 1170. I hope someone has that A. I call the all in bet (made by an A I hope). Dolla Dolla, yup, I am ahead. Turn is another 7 for overkill. The Quads get me to 5,890. 11th out of 72. Try to steal short stack blind and he reraises all in. Lose 200. 5,690.
Level 5 75/150 Blinds: Start level 10 out of 71. Fold QJs two hands in a row. Glad I did, both times someone else went all in. Wouldn't mind seeing a cheap flop with that, but.... AJs raise 600. Short stack pushes all in. Complete for 290. AJs vs 88. Turn a J and 6,805 chips now. Still in 10th with 67 remaining. Chip Leader just sat down at my table with 17k in chips, Q4 in BB, check and flop Q4x. Bet 450, take it down. 7,105. 12 out of 64. The top 20 pays. Work to do. Stay tight and aggressive. Avoid tangling with chip leader unless I have the nuts. Play J9 from BB when checked to me and F Up with a OESD on the flop. Don't improve, pair of 10 beats my pair of 9. 5,605 chips at break, 17 out of 55. Damn. I am nervous. Grab a glass of water and crank up the Dave Matthews. Wish myself luck cuz the dog and cat cannot and, this is for you DNasty...."The wife is out of town". Have to admit, I am thinking of DNasty and his first tournament win on here. I would be pleased with a final table seat, cannot imagine winning. I don't know how D does it. Impressive that he has cashed over 2k in two tourney final tables. Go D Go.
Level 6 100/200 Blinds: Fold K10s reluctantly. I don't know why that hand looked good to me and required a second thought. Glad I folded, two players all in AK vs AJ. AK wins and takes second in chips. I have some big stacks at my table. Wow, 2 hands later, K10s again. (Hearts both times.) Fold easier this time. 15 out of 44, stack is below 6k average - 5,330. AKo, raise to 800. xK9 flop. I raise to 1,200, reraised to 2,400. call. Turn is an A, I push all in. Caller has K9. I double and have 11,160. 8 out of 39. Fold pocket 66 when out of position.
Level 7 150/300 Blinds: Chip leader is now 25,615....I have 10,860. 8/36. Drop to 11/32, no hands this level yet. 4 mins remaining. 9/30 as level 7 expires without playing a hand.
Level 8 200/400 Blinds: 55 on the button, raised in front of me. I fold avoiding a run in with KK. Whew! Fold K10o without even thinking about it. I still have enough chips to wait for the right time. 13/26 with 9,810 chips. String of crap cards. Try to steal with 33, big stack bullies me all in. Fold. 7,610 chips. This guy is really pushing hard. 14/24, hope I get some cards soon. 16/23. Come on cards. I think I will be called no matter how much I push in. Will have to get lucky or just get by. So close, almost two tables. Patience Josh, Patience. You will get you AA beat by 72 anyway! Relax!
Level 9 300/600 Blinds. AQo first hand, my favorite hand. Beat an all in by KK with A on flop. We were all in pre flop. Whew again. 15,520 chips. 6/23 Starting Hand for Hand Play. 6/22, top 20 pay. Fold KJs... wanted to call. Getting better at this discipline thing. Would have won, but table bully is making it next to impossible to see a cheap flop. Can't blame him, but it can get frustrating. K9s in BB. It is folded to me, amazing. I get my blind back. 15,220 after the blinds pass. 8/22. Come on bubble, pop!!! I also just noticed that I have not moved tables the whole game. I like that. 9/22 Come on short stacks, catch some nice hole cards. Short stack is 585. High is 27k. KQo on button. Fold to 2k bet. Damn bully is in the BB and I cannot be sure he will not push all in. Would have liked to call. 9/22 with 14,320 as we get into level 10.
Level 10 400/800 Blinds, Short stacks still hanging tough. I am not playing a hand unless I am in the money now. They have to go soon, right? Right? 9/21. One more. 9 out of 20, in the money....honey! Next goal is to make it to the top 5. The money starts getting nice there. Sweet! The bully just busted out. He was a Swedish A-Hole with the screenname "VildBill" Then he spammed the chat. I had trouble seeing what he busted out with. His 66 vs 9x. Board of 933 when he pushed all in on the turn. Bye Bye!! 3 mins left in level 10 and I am 10/17. Was just tempted by QJ suited....Resisted. A4o in the BB. Fold to 2,400 raise from MP. 13,120 in chips, 10/17 as we get into the second break. 12AM here, starting to feel the day I had. Rode ST down to a GoldWing event in Ashland, OH with buddy that rides a wing. Mowed the lawn before it rained. Going to go get some more water.
Level 11 500/1000 Blinds ...Ouch!, No need to rush though, I can do several orbits before I get desperate, and I may even get to keep my blinds now and then. Tempted to steal, but do not want to bust out on a stupid steal. Uh Oh, AKs in the SB. Stack o chips to my left... should I push? I do and then have to call an all in by smaller stack. AK vs AJ. I hold up. 19,760 in chips. 7/15 No stupid shit Josh. Just watched K10 bust AA, not as bad as first bad beat. K on the flop, 10 on the river. Ouch. 8/14. Steal the blinds with AJo. 19,760. 2:30 left in level 11. 8/14 with 18,260 in chips. Fold AJo to 4xBB raise. Had position, gonna wait a little longer as I have just moved below average stack of 19k. Last hand of the level is the Hammer in the BB!! Folded to me and I show. That seems to be a good omen.
Level 12 600/1200 Blinds: I start the level 8/13 with 18k in chips. Folding good hands is killing me, but I know that I will have to pick one to stand on eventually. Just folded A10s to a raise from EP and the button went all in with AK. Fortuitous raise and fold. Want to try steal, but the BB has a grudge against me and more chips. I doubled up with my AK vs his K9 earlier. May have to wait to see if we are moved before I make any SB moves. 8/12 and falling farther below average. Chip leader is 46k. I have 16k and no cards in position. These blinds are starting to really pinch. 8/11. Need a hand here. 9/11, 12K chips. Steal blind from grudge buddy. 14.5k in chips. 1 min in level left, 8/11. 99 in the BB. Win without showing last hand of level.
Level 13 800/1,600 Blinds: Start with 22.9k 5/11. Still below average in chip count. A10 all in vs Q 10 with 10 on board. Sweet! Board gets trips and we split. Booo. 6/10 after I make a few bucks with AKs. 26k in chips. 9 players left. Excitement is building. Still have the feeling like it will go horribly wrong... 5/9. Goal is reachable. If I make 5, will shoot for 1. Come on Dave Matthews, get me through this.... 1 min left in this level. Holy crap, how much higher can the blinds get?
Level 14 1,000/2,000 Blinds: Start the level 5/9 with 24k in chips. AKo in the BB. Making a move. Dumbass player pushes me out of pot, we both called a short stack. The short stack ended up with quads so it was a moot point, but why not check it to the river? That is an unwritten rule in poker known by any tourney player worth a clay chip. Don't bet into a dry side pot. Idiot and when I asked him why and told him it was dumb move, the rail birds started chirping. Oh well. I am crippled now and will have to make a move with decent cards. Here they are, all in with 10 10. They same idiot that did not have the nuts and we tripled up the short stack makes another Donkey play. He finished me off after betting out another player by betting into dry side pot and gets lucky on the river. Almost had it:
> STelerJosh went all-in for 6,791.25
> millers132 folded
> amexos folded
> RonnyD folded
[Observer]reverend85> all in josh....make me and * proud!!!!!!!!!
> WolvesFI raised for 8,791.25
[Observer]skillsnils> aj..
> Harriis called for 4,791.25
> Dealing the Flop(8?6?6?)
> WolvesFI bet for 10,000
> Harriis folded
> Extra chips returned to WolvesFI, 10,000
> Dealing the turn(8?)
> Dealing the river(Q?)
> WolvesFI wins 29,373.75 with Two Pair, Queens over Eights
> STelerJosh has left the tournament in 8th place, winning $110.62
Dumb ass did it again. He got very lucky, I would have loved it if he had not gotten lucky and Harriis would have been able to beat me. I am amazed that I see that kind of donkey play at a final table. He then busted out two positions later. I can't believe he made it that far. He was only alive still because of a very lucky 4 on a river giving each of us a full house earlier at the final table. WolvesFI you stink.
Overall, I was pretty pleased with my play and the amazing part is it is all profit. The $10 I started with on the site was free for installing the software. And I now have some seed money to try other tournaments. Overall, the play seems pretty weak on this site, a lot of European players, not sure if that is why. Will keep playing until the well is dry. Doing better on PoyalVegasPoker.com when compared to UB.
176 players
Before I get into the tourney, this hand happened early and it was painful to watch.
Look at this horrendous bad beat. A one outer!
> Game # 392,138,709 starting.
> Dealing Hole Cards
> rick047422 called for 30
> pjnow99 called for 30
> sanderfr called for 30
> rickytrickyt called for 30
> Jonkeboy called for 15
> STelerJosh checked
> Dealing the Flop(A23)
> rick047422 bet for 30
> pjnow99 folded
> sanderfr raised for 150
> rickytrickyt folded
> Jonkeboy raised for 270
> STelerJosh folded
> rick047422 went all-in for 1,060
> sanderfr folded
> Jonkeboy went all-in for 790
> Extra chips returned to rick047422, 30
Both Players flip. Jonkeboy has a dominating 33 for a set and rick has 22 for the under set.
> Dealing the turn(9)
> Dealing the river(2)
> rick047422 wins 2,450 with Four of a Kind, Deuces
> Jonkeboy has left the tournament in 144th place
Trip 3's over trip 2's and a 2 falls on the river. Wow.
[Observer]Jonkeboy> is it for real?
STelerJosh> ouch
Here is my tournament log, last time I tried this, it went awry mid way through. It helps keep me focused, so I tried it again.
Level 1 10/20 Blinds: Played one hand AQo, folded to my raise. Won the blinds
Level 2 15/30 Blinds: No hands played. 1,470 chips
Level 3 25/50 Blinds: KK one seat before button, raise 200 (Pot), one short stack reraise all in 200. I Call. KK vs A5o. A on flop, I am down to 945 chips 98 of 109 remaining. Need some card help here.. Damn it. A7o in SB and complete for three handed. Fold to big river bet. Next Hand, AA on Button, AA vs QQ. They hold up. Whew. 1,915 chips. Two hands later, 99. Raise to 150. No callers. 1,945 chips. 57 out of 93.
Level 4 50/100 Blinds: AJo in BB. 2,695 chips. Still running middle to bottom of pack. Avg. Stack is 3,277. 45 out of 80 players. AJs, raise to 400, no callers. Win blinds. 2,795. Large stack is 17,755. Q7 in BB, flop is A77. Check, and raise 1170. I hope someone has that A. I call the all in bet (made by an A I hope). Dolla Dolla, yup, I am ahead. Turn is another 7 for overkill. The Quads get me to 5,890. 11th out of 72. Try to steal short stack blind and he reraises all in. Lose 200. 5,690.
Level 5 75/150 Blinds: Start level 10 out of 71. Fold QJs two hands in a row. Glad I did, both times someone else went all in. Wouldn't mind seeing a cheap flop with that, but.... AJs raise 600. Short stack pushes all in. Complete for 290. AJs vs 88. Turn a J and 6,805 chips now. Still in 10th with 67 remaining. Chip Leader just sat down at my table with 17k in chips, Q4 in BB, check and flop Q4x. Bet 450, take it down. 7,105. 12 out of 64. The top 20 pays. Work to do. Stay tight and aggressive. Avoid tangling with chip leader unless I have the nuts. Play J9 from BB when checked to me and F Up with a OESD on the flop. Don't improve, pair of 10 beats my pair of 9. 5,605 chips at break, 17 out of 55. Damn. I am nervous. Grab a glass of water and crank up the Dave Matthews. Wish myself luck cuz the dog and cat cannot and, this is for you DNasty...."The wife is out of town". Have to admit, I am thinking of DNasty and his first tournament win on here. I would be pleased with a final table seat, cannot imagine winning. I don't know how D does it. Impressive that he has cashed over 2k in two tourney final tables. Go D Go.
Level 6 100/200 Blinds: Fold K10s reluctantly. I don't know why that hand looked good to me and required a second thought. Glad I folded, two players all in AK vs AJ. AK wins and takes second in chips. I have some big stacks at my table. Wow, 2 hands later, K10s again. (Hearts both times.) Fold easier this time. 15 out of 44, stack is below 6k average - 5,330. AKo, raise to 800. xK9 flop. I raise to 1,200, reraised to 2,400. call. Turn is an A, I push all in. Caller has K9. I double and have 11,160. 8 out of 39. Fold pocket 66 when out of position.
Level 7 150/300 Blinds: Chip leader is now 25,615....I have 10,860. 8/36. Drop to 11/32, no hands this level yet. 4 mins remaining. 9/30 as level 7 expires without playing a hand.
Level 8 200/400 Blinds: 55 on the button, raised in front of me. I fold avoiding a run in with KK. Whew! Fold K10o without even thinking about it. I still have enough chips to wait for the right time. 13/26 with 9,810 chips. String of crap cards. Try to steal with 33, big stack bullies me all in. Fold. 7,610 chips. This guy is really pushing hard. 14/24, hope I get some cards soon. 16/23. Come on cards. I think I will be called no matter how much I push in. Will have to get lucky or just get by. So close, almost two tables. Patience Josh, Patience. You will get you AA beat by 72 anyway! Relax!
Level 9 300/600 Blinds. AQo first hand, my favorite hand. Beat an all in by KK with A on flop. We were all in pre flop. Whew again. 15,520 chips. 6/23 Starting Hand for Hand Play. 6/22, top 20 pay. Fold KJs... wanted to call. Getting better at this discipline thing. Would have won, but table bully is making it next to impossible to see a cheap flop. Can't blame him, but it can get frustrating. K9s in BB. It is folded to me, amazing. I get my blind back. 15,220 after the blinds pass. 8/22. Come on bubble, pop!!! I also just noticed that I have not moved tables the whole game. I like that. 9/22 Come on short stacks, catch some nice hole cards. Short stack is 585. High is 27k. KQo on button. Fold to 2k bet. Damn bully is in the BB and I cannot be sure he will not push all in. Would have liked to call. 9/22 with 14,320 as we get into level 10.
Level 10 400/800 Blinds, Short stacks still hanging tough. I am not playing a hand unless I am in the money now. They have to go soon, right? Right? 9/21. One more. 9 out of 20, in the money....honey! Next goal is to make it to the top 5. The money starts getting nice there. Sweet! The bully just busted out. He was a Swedish A-Hole with the screenname "VildBill" Then he spammed the chat. I had trouble seeing what he busted out with. His 66 vs 9x. Board of 933 when he pushed all in on the turn. Bye Bye!! 3 mins left in level 10 and I am 10/17. Was just tempted by QJ suited....Resisted. A4o in the BB. Fold to 2,400 raise from MP. 13,120 in chips, 10/17 as we get into the second break. 12AM here, starting to feel the day I had. Rode ST down to a GoldWing event in Ashland, OH with buddy that rides a wing. Mowed the lawn before it rained. Going to go get some more water.
Level 11 500/1000 Blinds ...Ouch!, No need to rush though, I can do several orbits before I get desperate, and I may even get to keep my blinds now and then. Tempted to steal, but do not want to bust out on a stupid steal. Uh Oh, AKs in the SB. Stack o chips to my left... should I push? I do and then have to call an all in by smaller stack. AK vs AJ. I hold up. 19,760 in chips. 7/15 No stupid shit Josh. Just watched K10 bust AA, not as bad as first bad beat. K on the flop, 10 on the river. Ouch. 8/14. Steal the blinds with AJo. 19,760. 2:30 left in level 11. 8/14 with 18,260 in chips. Fold AJo to 4xBB raise. Had position, gonna wait a little longer as I have just moved below average stack of 19k. Last hand of the level is the Hammer in the BB!! Folded to me and I show. That seems to be a good omen.
Level 12 600/1200 Blinds: I start the level 8/13 with 18k in chips. Folding good hands is killing me, but I know that I will have to pick one to stand on eventually. Just folded A10s to a raise from EP and the button went all in with AK. Fortuitous raise and fold. Want to try steal, but the BB has a grudge against me and more chips. I doubled up with my AK vs his K9 earlier. May have to wait to see if we are moved before I make any SB moves. 8/12 and falling farther below average. Chip leader is 46k. I have 16k and no cards in position. These blinds are starting to really pinch. 8/11. Need a hand here. 9/11, 12K chips. Steal blind from grudge buddy. 14.5k in chips. 1 min in level left, 8/11. 99 in the BB. Win without showing last hand of level.
Level 13 800/1,600 Blinds: Start with 22.9k 5/11. Still below average in chip count. A10 all in vs Q 10 with 10 on board. Sweet! Board gets trips and we split. Booo. 6/10 after I make a few bucks with AKs. 26k in chips. 9 players left. Excitement is building. Still have the feeling like it will go horribly wrong... 5/9. Goal is reachable. If I make 5, will shoot for 1. Come on Dave Matthews, get me through this.... 1 min left in this level. Holy crap, how much higher can the blinds get?
Level 14 1,000/2,000 Blinds: Start the level 5/9 with 24k in chips. AKo in the BB. Making a move. Dumbass player pushes me out of pot, we both called a short stack. The short stack ended up with quads so it was a moot point, but why not check it to the river? That is an unwritten rule in poker known by any tourney player worth a clay chip. Don't bet into a dry side pot. Idiot and when I asked him why and told him it was dumb move, the rail birds started chirping. Oh well. I am crippled now and will have to make a move with decent cards. Here they are, all in with 10 10. They same idiot that did not have the nuts and we tripled up the short stack makes another Donkey play. He finished me off after betting out another player by betting into dry side pot and gets lucky on the river. Almost had it:
> STelerJosh went all-in for 6,791.25
> millers132 folded
> amexos folded
> RonnyD folded
[Observer]reverend85> all in josh....make me and * proud!!!!!!!!!
> WolvesFI raised for 8,791.25
[Observer]skillsnils> aj..
> Harriis called for 4,791.25
> Dealing the Flop(8?6?6?)
> WolvesFI bet for 10,000
> Harriis folded
> Extra chips returned to WolvesFI, 10,000
> Dealing the turn(8?)
> Dealing the river(Q?)
> WolvesFI wins 29,373.75 with Two Pair, Queens over Eights
> STelerJosh has left the tournament in 8th place, winning $110.62
Dumb ass did it again. He got very lucky, I would have loved it if he had not gotten lucky and Harriis would have been able to beat me. I am amazed that I see that kind of donkey play at a final table. He then busted out two positions later. I can't believe he made it that far. He was only alive still because of a very lucky 4 on a river giving each of us a full house earlier at the final table. WolvesFI you stink.
Overall, I was pretty pleased with my play and the amazing part is it is all profit. The $10 I started with on the site was free for installing the software. And I now have some seed money to try other tournaments. Overall, the play seems pretty weak on this site, a lot of European players, not sure if that is why. Will keep playing until the well is dry. Doing better on PoyalVegasPoker.com when compared to UB.
Friday, June 17, 2005
UB 1/2 = Kryptonite
It is a stretch to compare the Man of Steel to myself (Man of Too Much Pizza and Beer) but we both become powerless when exposed to a seemingly harmless object.
I cannot beat 1/2 on UB with any consistency. I find this frustrating because other levels have seemed pretty easy and the cards came often enough. I am not sure if it is my perception, or if I am not getting any cards at 1/2 and if I do, they miss the flop by a mile. Last night I paid off way too many times to the marked fish I had to my left. I chose the table because he was there and it turned out his luck was amazing. He was playing over half his hands (56% to be exact) and was very passive. I was playing tight aggressive and twice I got good hole cards in the SB and bet into his BB. The first time with AQo to his 7xo. I bet all the way to the river, he spikes a 7 on the river and takes the pot. It happens. The next time I have A6s in the SB and it is folded to me. I complete because I know that he will not raise and I want to see the flop. A6x rainbow. "Ha Ha", I think to myself. "I am not going to try any funny stuff, and I hope he caught a piece of that." I bet, he raises, I reraise and he completes. Turn is a rag. I bet, he calls. River is a 9, I bet, he raises. "Hmmm, no straight of flush draw on the board. He has to have two pair or was sitting on pocket 9's and made his set" I call with that bad feeling, but I cannot put it past him making a move with two pair or a single pair. Showdown he flips A9 to beat my flopped two pair of A6. I love it.
That was par for the course as I sat down with $90 and stood up with $70. Time to become a lower limit dweller again. I know that I will eventually beat this game, but it has become my nemesis for the time being.
STeelerJosh
I cannot beat 1/2 on UB with any consistency. I find this frustrating because other levels have seemed pretty easy and the cards came often enough. I am not sure if it is my perception, or if I am not getting any cards at 1/2 and if I do, they miss the flop by a mile. Last night I paid off way too many times to the marked fish I had to my left. I chose the table because he was there and it turned out his luck was amazing. He was playing over half his hands (56% to be exact) and was very passive. I was playing tight aggressive and twice I got good hole cards in the SB and bet into his BB. The first time with AQo to his 7xo. I bet all the way to the river, he spikes a 7 on the river and takes the pot. It happens. The next time I have A6s in the SB and it is folded to me. I complete because I know that he will not raise and I want to see the flop. A6x rainbow. "Ha Ha", I think to myself. "I am not going to try any funny stuff, and I hope he caught a piece of that." I bet, he raises, I reraise and he completes. Turn is a rag. I bet, he calls. River is a 9, I bet, he raises. "Hmmm, no straight of flush draw on the board. He has to have two pair or was sitting on pocket 9's and made his set" I call with that bad feeling, but I cannot put it past him making a move with two pair or a single pair. Showdown he flips A9 to beat my flopped two pair of A6. I love it.
That was par for the course as I sat down with $90 and stood up with $70. Time to become a lower limit dweller again. I know that I will eventually beat this game, but it has become my nemesis for the time being.
STeelerJosh
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
1/2 on UB remains my Huckleberry
I am at it again on the 1/2 tables on UB. I entered them with much more confidence but it was shaken again. Back to .50/1.00. I know I will be back, but it is frustrating. True there are very few "fish" I have seen at this level, but I keep getting frustrating beats like set over set, suckouts, etc. After two losing sessions this evening, I decided to pony up 14 for a TEC SNG. Playing as a type this. Decided to have a little fun (like it used to be!!), hoping for the best. If DNasty or HighOnPoker make it to this game before their deadline, I think it will be anyone's game. The swings are much greater and the losses sting more. GL to both of you.
Update - My perfect record on UB SNGs is shattered!
Final Hand:
Hand #6522474-84 at EntryChip-401e (No Limit Hold'em Sit and Go)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 15/Jun/05 21:30:04
jimlo is at seat 0 with 5450.
STeelerJosh is at seat 1 with 9550.
The button is at seat 0.
jimlo posts the small blind of 100.
STeelerJosh posts the big blind of 200.
jimlo: -- --
STeelerJosh: Ah Kd
Pre-flop:
jimlo raises to 400. STeelerJosh re-raises to 1200.
jimlo calls.
Flop (board: 6c 4s 4c):
STeelerJosh bets 2400. jimlo calls.
Turn (board: 6c 4s 4c 2h):
STeelerJosh goes all-in for 5950. jimlo goes all-in
for 1850. STeelerJosh is returned 4100 (uncalled).
Tournament all-in showdown -- players show:
jimlo shows Ad 9s.
STeelerJosh shows Ah Kd.
River (board: 6c 4s 4c 2h Js):
Showdown:
jimlo has Ad 9s 4s 4c Js: a pair of fours.
STeelerJosh has Ah Kd 4s 4c Js: a pair of fours.
STeelerJosh wins 10900 with a pair of fours.>
STeelerJosh wins $10 and 1 TEC
Did I mention that I hate AK? I think I tend to overvalue it, but HU, I felt I had to press.
Update - My perfect record on UB SNGs is shattered!
Final Hand:
Hand #6522474-84 at EntryChip-401e (No Limit Hold'em Sit and Go)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 15/Jun/05 21:30:04
jimlo is at seat 0 with 5450.
STeelerJosh is at seat 1 with 9550.
The button is at seat 0.
jimlo posts the small blind of 100.
STeelerJosh posts the big blind of 200.
jimlo: -- --
STeelerJosh: Ah Kd
Pre-flop:
jimlo raises to 400. STeelerJosh re-raises to 1200.
jimlo calls.
Flop (board: 6c 4s 4c):
STeelerJosh bets 2400. jimlo calls.
Turn (board: 6c 4s 4c 2h):
STeelerJosh goes all-in for 5950. jimlo goes all-in
for 1850. STeelerJosh is returned 4100 (uncalled).
Tournament all-in showdown -- players show:
jimlo shows Ad 9s.
STeelerJosh shows Ah Kd.
River (board: 6c 4s 4c 2h Js):
Showdown:
jimlo has Ad 9s 4s 4c Js: a pair of fours.
STeelerJosh has Ah Kd 4s 4c Js: a pair of fours.
STeelerJosh wins 10900 with a pair of fours.>
STeelerJosh wins $10 and 1 TEC
Did I mention that I hate AK? I think I tend to overvalue it, but HU, I felt I had to press.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
The Road to Recovery
Well, I appear to have made it through the bad run (knock on wood). I am disappointed that I lost so much of the ground I had gained, but pleased that I did not tilt my entire stack away and I stuck to the limit challenge rules. That is what saved me I am sure. I do not know the exact lowest the bankroll was, but I think it may have been a dollar or two shy of $25 at one point and I started building back up. Still about $40 short of my high water mark, but running well again.
I supplemented the Limit play with some cheap NL Hold 'Em. I saw a fish that I really beat up on when I first installed UB. He has been playing the Play chip tables recently so when I saw him on .05/.10 NL, I jumped at the chance. He is my third all time money maker on UB (I love looking at that stat in Poker Tracker). I figured my exposure was limited ($10 or $25 max buy in) and he was worth it. I doubled up twice on some maniac from France at the same table and got my marked fish's buy in. It helped that I was actually hitting some flops and I played very tightly. The French guy even typed that he "did not believe I had it AGAIN" and proceeded to call my bet that put him all in the second time that session. I made a believer of him and it felt great!!
I am back at the 1/2 tables with a nice start on my first trip back. Almost the exact opposite of the session that started this downward spiral..... Up $36 in 90 hands of play with only 5 show downs (and I was 4/5). My tight aggressive play was getting a lot of respect and I was hitting many of my flops, or had a good read that would allow me to manipulate the few calling stations at the table. One guy would go to the turn almost every hand and would fold to a check raise every time!! I quickly figured that out and stole a few decent sized pots.
Sooooo, where does this leave me? I guess overall a slightly more mature player. I demonstrated to myself that I can stick to my plan and not tilt off the bankroll even though I know in the back of my head it would be very easy to load on another $100. I want to earn this, it is not about size of the wins/losses right now, it is about developing as a player and proving to myself that I can be a long term winner at this game. DoubleAs is much more of an inspiration than he will probably ever appreciate. I know I am leagues away from his level, but I think he has proven that with some luck, a lot of work, a lot of reflection, and diligence and practice, it is attainable. Thanks DoubleAs and also thanks to all the other bloggers that entertain and teach me as I feed my addiction to this "poker fad" ;-)
I enjoy these "What would you do?" type posts on other blogs, will try my own here.
The Setup: .50/1 Limit Hold Em table that is playing normal to tight. I am in the SB.
Hand #6358101-9814 at Manilla ($.50/$1 Hold'em)Powered by UltimateBetStarted at 14/Jun/05 17:49:11
brownzfan is at seat 0 with $29.45. (maniac)
DrEazyE is at seat 1 with $36.05. (good player)
pigglywiggly is at seat 2 with $36.90. (LAG)
jonnypow is at seat 3 with $38.10.
STeelerJosh is at seat 4 with $53.10. (Hero)
River Mouse is at seat 5 with $104.70. (Solid Player)
betqueen19 is at seat 6 with $19.35. (Tight Passive)
housemusic19 is at seat 7 with $34.80.
punkrocker21 is at seat 8 with $14.20. (Fish)
Froggie1 is at seat 9 with $46.10. (Fish)
The button is at seat 3.
STeelerJosh posts the small blind of $.25.River Mouse posts the big blind of $.50.
Pre-flop:
betqueen19 calls. housemusic19 folds. punkrocker21folds. Froggie1 folds. brownzfan folds. DrEazyEfolds. pigglywiggly raises to $1. jonnypow folds.STeelerJosh re-raises to $1.50. River Mouse folds. betqueen19 folds. pigglywiggly re-raises to $2. STeelerJosh calls. (1 limper and it is folded around to one seat off the button. A place where I might take a shot at a steal with a halfway decent hand)
Flop (board: 3d 8c Jd):
STeelerJosh bets $.50. pigglywiggly raises to $1. STeelerJosh re-raises to $1.50. pigglywigglyre-raises to $2. STeelerJosh calls. (Two diamonds on the flop. Nice! Call the re-raise in case I miss completely)
Turn (board: 3d 8c Jd As):
STeelerJosh bets $1. pigglywiggly raises to $2. STeelerJosh re-raises to $3. pigglywiggly re-raisesto $4. STeelerJosh calls. (Couple ways I think I can win this hand now. TPTK, nut flush draw. Warning bells are warming up, but I am only afraid of one hand right now, and if a diamond falls on the river, hakuna matata)
River (board: 3d 8c Jd As Kc):
STeelerJosh bets $1. pigglywiggly raises to $2.STeelerJosh calls. (Have to call here, right? I am only afraid of AA or KK. I don't think he wold have been capping with Q 10. No flush draws or Full House and I have top two pair. I thought about raising the bettor, but had that bad feeling that he could have played KK or AA this far and my bet would probably be reraised. I called)
What do you think pigglywiggly was holding? Was there a happy ending? I would enjoy any comments on what (if anything) you might have done differently.
Showdown:
pigglywiggly shows Ac Ah. pigglywiggly has Ac Ah Jd As Kc: three aces.
STeelerJosh mucks cards.(STeelerJosh has Kd Ad.)
Hand #6358101-9814 Summary:
$1 is raked from a pot of $21.pigglywiggly wins $20 with three aces.
If you are like me and hate suspense, highlight the blank space above with your mouse and see the result.
Josh
I supplemented the Limit play with some cheap NL Hold 'Em. I saw a fish that I really beat up on when I first installed UB. He has been playing the Play chip tables recently so when I saw him on .05/.10 NL, I jumped at the chance. He is my third all time money maker on UB (I love looking at that stat in Poker Tracker). I figured my exposure was limited ($10 or $25 max buy in) and he was worth it. I doubled up twice on some maniac from France at the same table and got my marked fish's buy in. It helped that I was actually hitting some flops and I played very tightly. The French guy even typed that he "did not believe I had it AGAIN" and proceeded to call my bet that put him all in the second time that session. I made a believer of him and it felt great!!
I am back at the 1/2 tables with a nice start on my first trip back. Almost the exact opposite of the session that started this downward spiral..... Up $36 in 90 hands of play with only 5 show downs (and I was 4/5). My tight aggressive play was getting a lot of respect and I was hitting many of my flops, or had a good read that would allow me to manipulate the few calling stations at the table. One guy would go to the turn almost every hand and would fold to a check raise every time!! I quickly figured that out and stole a few decent sized pots.
Sooooo, where does this leave me? I guess overall a slightly more mature player. I demonstrated to myself that I can stick to my plan and not tilt off the bankroll even though I know in the back of my head it would be very easy to load on another $100. I want to earn this, it is not about size of the wins/losses right now, it is about developing as a player and proving to myself that I can be a long term winner at this game. DoubleAs is much more of an inspiration than he will probably ever appreciate. I know I am leagues away from his level, but I think he has proven that with some luck, a lot of work, a lot of reflection, and diligence and practice, it is attainable. Thanks DoubleAs and also thanks to all the other bloggers that entertain and teach me as I feed my addiction to this "poker fad" ;-)
I enjoy these "What would you do?" type posts on other blogs, will try my own here.
The Setup: .50/1 Limit Hold Em table that is playing normal to tight. I am in the SB.
Hand #6358101-9814 at Manilla ($.50/$1 Hold'em)Powered by UltimateBetStarted at 14/Jun/05 17:49:11
brownzfan is at seat 0 with $29.45. (maniac)
DrEazyE is at seat 1 with $36.05. (good player)
pigglywiggly is at seat 2 with $36.90. (LAG)
jonnypow is at seat 3 with $38.10.
STeelerJosh is at seat 4 with $53.10. (Hero)
River Mouse is at seat 5 with $104.70. (Solid Player)
betqueen19 is at seat 6 with $19.35. (Tight Passive)
housemusic19 is at seat 7 with $34.80.
punkrocker21 is at seat 8 with $14.20. (Fish)
Froggie1 is at seat 9 with $46.10. (Fish)
The button is at seat 3.
STeelerJosh posts the small blind of $.25.River Mouse posts the big blind of $.50.
Pre-flop:
betqueen19 calls. housemusic19 folds. punkrocker21folds. Froggie1 folds. brownzfan folds. DrEazyEfolds. pigglywiggly raises to $1. jonnypow folds.STeelerJosh re-raises to $1.50. River Mouse folds. betqueen19 folds. pigglywiggly re-raises to $2. STeelerJosh calls. (1 limper and it is folded around to one seat off the button. A place where I might take a shot at a steal with a halfway decent hand)
Flop (board: 3d 8c Jd):
STeelerJosh bets $.50. pigglywiggly raises to $1. STeelerJosh re-raises to $1.50. pigglywigglyre-raises to $2. STeelerJosh calls. (Two diamonds on the flop. Nice! Call the re-raise in case I miss completely)
Turn (board: 3d 8c Jd As):
STeelerJosh bets $1. pigglywiggly raises to $2. STeelerJosh re-raises to $3. pigglywiggly re-raisesto $4. STeelerJosh calls. (Couple ways I think I can win this hand now. TPTK, nut flush draw. Warning bells are warming up, but I am only afraid of one hand right now, and if a diamond falls on the river, hakuna matata)
River (board: 3d 8c Jd As Kc):
STeelerJosh bets $1. pigglywiggly raises to $2.STeelerJosh calls. (Have to call here, right? I am only afraid of AA or KK. I don't think he wold have been capping with Q 10. No flush draws or Full House and I have top two pair. I thought about raising the bettor, but had that bad feeling that he could have played KK or AA this far and my bet would probably be reraised. I called)
What do you think pigglywiggly was holding? Was there a happy ending? I would enjoy any comments on what (if anything) you might have done differently.
Showdown:
pigglywiggly shows Ac Ah. pigglywiggly has Ac Ah Jd As Kc: three aces.
STeelerJosh mucks cards.(STeelerJosh has Kd Ad.)
Hand #6358101-9814 Summary:
$1 is raked from a pot of $21.pigglywiggly wins $20 with three aces.
If you are like me and hate suspense, highlight the blank space above with your mouse and see the result.
Josh
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Cure for the Shanks?
STeelerJosh: If you're the Mexican Mac O'Grady, DNasty, you gotta figure out why I'm still shanking the ball.
What's the problem? I'm catching it on the hosel, right? Moving my head? I'm laying off it, I'm pronating, I'm supinating, I'm clearing too early, I'm clearing too late, I'm off plane, I ain't dropping in -- oh, God, my swing feels like an unfolding lawn chair.
DNasty: You got a virus in your brain. I got to kill the brain to kill the virus.
STeelerJosh: Anything. Kill me now!
DNasty: Put all your change in your right pocket.
(STeelerJosh follows orders, not questioning the logic.)
DNasty: Very good. Now tie your left shoelace in a double knot.
(Again, STeelerJosh dutifully follows orders.)
DNasty: Esta bueno. Now, turn your hat around backwards and put a blue tee behind your right ear...
STeelerJosh: I'll look like a fool.
DNasty: What you think you look like hitting those squirrelly chili peppers up HighonPokers' ass, eh? Do what I say or I quit.
STeelerJosh: Okay, okay...
DNasty: Perfect... now hit a seven iron into that tree over there. You're ready.
STeelerJosh hits a perfect seven iron into the trees.
STeelerJosh: How'd I do that?
DNasty: You ain't thinking about shanking, you ain't thinking about the doctor lady, you ain't thinking period. You just lookin' like a fool and hittin' it pure – your natural state.
STeelerJosh: Fuck you.
DNasty: You’re cured.
I wish I had a caddy. I am sitting in front of my monitor wearing my backwards hat, blue tee behind my ear and my one pocket heavy with change......wondering how to get rid of my shanks.
I have "shanked" off over half of my bankroll in the limit challenge and 3 hours of play this morning have only led to more frustration. My stats have not changed much (besides the BB/Hour going negative), if anything I am playing tighter. I am not sure what is going on. A few weeks ago I was steadily climbing, feeling in control and the past week I have entered a flat spin killing Goose and trying not to eject. I think that I am going to turn off the computer for awhile, too bummed/embarassed to update the bankroll. Suffice to say that I am relegated back to the starting levels. Think I am going to go for a ride and come back to my other addiction later.
Steeler "Tin Cup" Josh
What's the problem? I'm catching it on the hosel, right? Moving my head? I'm laying off it, I'm pronating, I'm supinating, I'm clearing too early, I'm clearing too late, I'm off plane, I ain't dropping in -- oh, God, my swing feels like an unfolding lawn chair.
DNasty: You got a virus in your brain. I got to kill the brain to kill the virus.
STeelerJosh: Anything. Kill me now!
DNasty: Put all your change in your right pocket.
(STeelerJosh follows orders, not questioning the logic.)
DNasty: Very good. Now tie your left shoelace in a double knot.
(Again, STeelerJosh dutifully follows orders.)
DNasty: Esta bueno. Now, turn your hat around backwards and put a blue tee behind your right ear...
STeelerJosh: I'll look like a fool.
DNasty: What you think you look like hitting those squirrelly chili peppers up HighonPokers' ass, eh? Do what I say or I quit.
STeelerJosh: Okay, okay...
DNasty: Perfect... now hit a seven iron into that tree over there. You're ready.
STeelerJosh hits a perfect seven iron into the trees.
STeelerJosh: How'd I do that?
DNasty: You ain't thinking about shanking, you ain't thinking about the doctor lady, you ain't thinking period. You just lookin' like a fool and hittin' it pure – your natural state.
STeelerJosh: Fuck you.
DNasty: You’re cured.
I wish I had a caddy. I am sitting in front of my monitor wearing my backwards hat, blue tee behind my ear and my one pocket heavy with change......wondering how to get rid of my shanks.
I have "shanked" off over half of my bankroll in the limit challenge and 3 hours of play this morning have only led to more frustration. My stats have not changed much (besides the BB/Hour going negative), if anything I am playing tighter. I am not sure what is going on. A few weeks ago I was steadily climbing, feeling in control and the past week I have entered a flat spin killing Goose and trying not to eject. I think that I am going to turn off the computer for awhile, too bummed/embarassed to update the bankroll. Suffice to say that I am relegated back to the starting levels. Think I am going to go for a ride and come back to my other addiction later.
Steeler "Tin Cup" Josh
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Saddlesore
Just got back in from Cobleskill, NY where I met with about 75 other ST1100/ST1300 riders for a weekend of great roads and greater people. It was NESTOC 2005 and I think it will a regular event on the riding calendar. Now my Memorial Day weekend will be bracketed by two great weekends of riding each year. Nice!!
I will see if I can post some pictures, but I did not take too many. Upstate NY is amazingly rustic, green, and hilly but it was going by waaaay to fast to get many good pictures. The roads are in great shape up there, no pesky gravel in the corners and no potholes. The biggest nuisance was "tar snakes" which by the end of the ride on Saturday had heated up enough to get loose and cause a danger. I caught one pretty good in the middle of a sharp left hander at about 70 and the bike broke track on me. The shimmy, slight pop up, and resumption of course usually happens too fast to react (incorrectly probably) so the danger is over by the time you realize you are in trouble. Thankfully, most of them were short or sparse enough that they could not combine their evil power and really mess you up! Curious what a tar snake is, here is a pic.
I might be able to get some poker in tonight, but the forecast is not looking good. I left my house Friday morning at 5:45AM and just got back. The wife is making some noise like she needs attention. Maybe a movie and some popcorn will get me back in the good graces. This marks the umpteenth weekend in a row that I have not been able to play any poker when all the fishies are on UB and PP. I wonder how different my bankroll would be if I could get some of the weekend action.
Hope all the rest of the riders made it home safely......
I will see if I can post some pictures, but I did not take too many. Upstate NY is amazingly rustic, green, and hilly but it was going by waaaay to fast to get many good pictures. The roads are in great shape up there, no pesky gravel in the corners and no potholes. The biggest nuisance was "tar snakes" which by the end of the ride on Saturday had heated up enough to get loose and cause a danger. I caught one pretty good in the middle of a sharp left hander at about 70 and the bike broke track on me. The shimmy, slight pop up, and resumption of course usually happens too fast to react (incorrectly probably) so the danger is over by the time you realize you are in trouble. Thankfully, most of them were short or sparse enough that they could not combine their evil power and really mess you up! Curious what a tar snake is, here is a pic.
I might be able to get some poker in tonight, but the forecast is not looking good. I left my house Friday morning at 5:45AM and just got back. The wife is making some noise like she needs attention. Maybe a movie and some popcorn will get me back in the good graces. This marks the umpteenth weekend in a row that I have not been able to play any poker when all the fishies are on UB and PP. I wonder how different my bankroll would be if I could get some of the weekend action.
Hope all the rest of the riders made it home safely......
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Limit Challenge Modification
I took a closer look at the Limit Challenge that DNasty borrowed from Doubleas and I felt it moved me up a little too quickly. I would like to use this as a tool to help me grow my bankroll while gaining experience and trying techniques. I revised my limits and here is the new matrix I will be following. (I may tweak it still, depending on results)
I made the jump into 1/2 tonight, will see how it goes.
| Limits | Start With | Play Until | Drop Back | Time | Bankroll At Jump |
.25/.50 | 25 | 55 | 0 | ? | 119.00 |
.50/1.00 | 75 | 150 | 50 | 5:15 | 160.00 |
1/2 | 150 | 275 | 100 | ||
2/4 | 275 | 400 | 200 | ||
| 3.00/6.00 | 400 | 525 | 460 | ||
| 4.00/8.00 | 525 | 700 | 600 | ||
5.00/10.00 | 700 | 1035 | 850 |
I made the jump into 1/2 tonight, will see how it goes.
Move up in my Limit Challenge
Very surprised by the tighter play at the two tables I have played at so far. I know this is not a big sample, but the first table I sat down at with .50/1 Limit HE was the tightest limit table I have ever seen. I played about 70 hands and managed to scrape a few bucks, but there were no fish at this table (maybe me?). Every seat had a player that had a VP$ percentage of less than 30%, most in the teens and a preflop raise percentage of at least 4%. My usual fishies are VP$ 40+ and 0% Pre Flop raise. This was a little scary as an introduction to this level. In the lower limit, I was able to play mostly ABC poker and win quite a bit ($70, the magic number that let me move up levels). Will have to see how this goes. My hunch is it may have been an aberration, the second table I played about 60 hands at had a few fish, but after a mega suckout, I ended up only a few bucks as well. At least things are headed in the right direction.....up!
I plan to keep plugging away at the limit tables until I get to $500 and then will consider my next move. I am staying away from NL right now, too much variance and I want to get this bankroll growing. I am gaining experience at these tables with some reads and can try certain techniques or theories relatively cheaply. I hope that my initial experience was misleading and that there are easier tables to crack at this level. When I do move up (because this is not really applicable to limit, I am going to re-read this post and attempt to find opportunities to exercise it. Thanks to PokerNerd for a great post/idea:
Inflection Point
I plan to keep plugging away at the limit tables until I get to $500 and then will consider my next move. I am staying away from NL right now, too much variance and I want to get this bankroll growing. I am gaining experience at these tables with some reads and can try certain techniques or theories relatively cheaply. I hope that my initial experience was misleading and that there are easier tables to crack at this level. When I do move up (because this is not really applicable to limit, I am going to re-read this post and attempt to find opportunities to exercise it. Thanks to PokerNerd for a great post/idea:
Inflection Point
Friday, May 27, 2005
Memorial Day Weekend
I have not gotten to play any poker that last few nights, household chores took priority. After edging and mulching all the beds (4 yards of black double shred dumped on my driveway), mowing, edging the sidewalk and driveway, and weed wacking for the first time this season....there was not much time/energy left for poker. I don't know if I will have the opportunity to get out there this weekend either, we are having the family in for the weekend.
I am pretty excited for everyone to come, it will be a full house. My parents are flying in from Baltimore, and my wife's parents driving in from Pittsburgh. Sister in law and boyfriend coming up from Kentucky, brother in law and fiance driving in from Columbus and youngest brother in law coming in from Shippensburg, PA. I really lucked out with the family I married into, they are a lot of fun and I was accepted and fit in very well. They are all very competitive and athletic and will play any game as long as there is a winner. They even invent games, I will have to explain how to play FrisDick on here someday. A sick, sick game. Anyway, they are a great bunch and I am looking forward to a weekend with lots of games (cards, volleyball, croquet, maybe even some low stakes poker) and great food, beer, and family. It is times like this that allow me to take a step back from my life and look around. It makes me appreciate all that SteelerSteph and I have and makes me happy that we can host a weekend like this and share it with family. Despite the suckouts and badbeats endured on the felt, I am a very lucky guy.
I have had some time this week to read some other blogs and catch up on DoubleAs. His last post was excellent but the one before it scared me a little. I was wondering how he was able to consistently post, play, and be a father.... seems like a lot of demands for limited time and perhaps it is catching up. He says that he is reaching a crossroad and there is not much left for him to write about other than information about his game that could be used against him. I can respect that, but the selfish side of me is hoping he does not change. His blog started out as a place to vent, reflect, and share. Perhaps it has served its purpose. Maybe my concerns are completely unfounded because right after the "crossroads" post he wrote his thoughts on applying pressure and the concept of it in NL.
If you come across this DoubleAs, thanks for all the ideas and inspiration I have received from your blog and I hope you continue.
Lastly, some recognition to HighOnPoker for his final table appearance in the Dr. Pauly freeroll. I did not get to sit at a table with him during the tourney (which might explain his survival to the final table!!) but I am sure I will in the future. Good job and congrats on your placing. Keep it up.
Here is a wish to anyone that reads this that you have a great extended weekend and enjoy your family and friends. If you have a spare moment, keep our veterans and those still serving in your thoughts too. We may not always agree with how the government directs our armed services, but the soldiers and sailors deserve our respect and thanks.
I am pretty excited for everyone to come, it will be a full house. My parents are flying in from Baltimore, and my wife's parents driving in from Pittsburgh. Sister in law and boyfriend coming up from Kentucky, brother in law and fiance driving in from Columbus and youngest brother in law coming in from Shippensburg, PA. I really lucked out with the family I married into, they are a lot of fun and I was accepted and fit in very well. They are all very competitive and athletic and will play any game as long as there is a winner. They even invent games, I will have to explain how to play FrisDick on here someday. A sick, sick game. Anyway, they are a great bunch and I am looking forward to a weekend with lots of games (cards, volleyball, croquet, maybe even some low stakes poker) and great food, beer, and family. It is times like this that allow me to take a step back from my life and look around. It makes me appreciate all that SteelerSteph and I have and makes me happy that we can host a weekend like this and share it with family. Despite the suckouts and badbeats endured on the felt, I am a very lucky guy.
I have had some time this week to read some other blogs and catch up on DoubleAs. His last post was excellent but the one before it scared me a little. I was wondering how he was able to consistently post, play, and be a father.... seems like a lot of demands for limited time and perhaps it is catching up. He says that he is reaching a crossroad and there is not much left for him to write about other than information about his game that could be used against him. I can respect that, but the selfish side of me is hoping he does not change. His blog started out as a place to vent, reflect, and share. Perhaps it has served its purpose. Maybe my concerns are completely unfounded because right after the "crossroads" post he wrote his thoughts on applying pressure and the concept of it in NL.
If you come across this DoubleAs, thanks for all the ideas and inspiration I have received from your blog and I hope you continue.
Lastly, some recognition to HighOnPoker for his final table appearance in the Dr. Pauly freeroll. I did not get to sit at a table with him during the tourney (which might explain his survival to the final table!!) but I am sure I will in the future. Good job and congrats on your placing. Keep it up.
Here is a wish to anyone that reads this that you have a great extended weekend and enjoy your family and friends. If you have a spare moment, keep our veterans and those still serving in your thoughts too. We may not always agree with how the government directs our armed services, but the soldiers and sailors deserve our respect and thanks.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
The Perfect Storm
This was my biggest pot rakedto date on .25/.50
I was scared of pocket 10s and AKc, but the pre flop action did not make me think anyone had 10 10 and I was willing to risk the Royal Flush. When the river made the straight, I was pretty sure I had it. Nice.
Hand #6063346-3103 at Tonowanda ($.25/$.50 Hold'em)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 25/May/05 18:27:55
djdm72096 is at seat 0 with $18.40 (sitting out).
Eagle 1 is at seat 1 with $26.50.
sodamanjax is at seat 2 with $25.95.
Suzie_Q2 is at seat 3 with $20.95.
Sonic Kraken is at seat 4 with $48.15.
STeelerJosh is at seat 5 with $22.60.
FLSir is at seat 6 with $15.45.
wolver987 is at seat 7 with $24.65.
ronlin is at seat 8 with $24.90.
TheDarb is at seat 9 with $21.40.
The button is at seat 1.
sodamanjax posts the small blind of $.10.
Suzie_Q2 posts the big blind of $.25.
Eagle 1: -- --
sodamanjax: -- --
Suzie_Q2: -- --
Sonic Kraken: -- --
STeelerJosh: Qh Qs
FLSir: -- --
wolver987: -- --
ronlin: -- --
TheDarb: -- --
Pre-flop:
Sonic Kraken calls. STeelerJosh raises to $.50.
FLSir folds. wolver987 folds. ronlin folds.
TheDarb calls. Eagle 1 calls. sodamanjax calls.
Suzie_Q2 folds. Sonic Kraken calls.
Flop (board: Td Jc Tc):
sodamanjax bets $.25. Sonic Kraken calls.
STeelerJosh calls. TheDarb folds. Eagle 1 calls.
Turn (board: Td Jc Tc Qc):
sodamanjax checks. Sonic Kraken checks. STeelerJosh
bets $.50. Eagle 1 raises to $1. sodamanjax calls.
Sonic Kraken folds. STeelerJosh re-raises to $1.50.
Eagle 1 re-raises to $2. sodamanjax calls.
STeelerJosh calls.
River (board: Td Jc Tc Qc 9h):
sodamanjax checks. STeelerJosh bets $.50. Eagle 1
raises to $1. sodamanjax calls. STeelerJosh
re-raises to $1.50. Eagle 1 re-raises to $2.
sodamanjax calls. STeelerJosh calls.
Showdown:
Eagle 1 shows 9s Kc.
Eagle 1 has 9s Kc Td Jc Qc: straight, king high.
sodamanjax shows 8c Ac.
sodamanjax has 8c Ac Jc Tc Qc: flush, ace high.
STeelerJosh shows Qh Qs.
STeelerJosh has Qh Qs Td Tc Qc: full house, queens full of tens.
Hand #6063346-3103 Summary:
$.50 is raked from a pot of $15.75.
STeelerJosh wins $15.25 with full house, queens full of tens.
----------------------------------------------------------------
I was scared of pocket 10s and AKc, but the pre flop action did not make me think anyone had 10 10 and I was willing to risk the Royal Flush. When the river made the straight, I was pretty sure I had it. Nice.
Hand #6063346-3103 at Tonowanda ($.25/$.50 Hold'em)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 25/May/05 18:27:55
djdm72096 is at seat 0 with $18.40 (sitting out).
Eagle 1 is at seat 1 with $26.50.
sodamanjax is at seat 2 with $25.95.
Suzie_Q2 is at seat 3 with $20.95.
Sonic Kraken is at seat 4 with $48.15.
STeelerJosh is at seat 5 with $22.60.
FLSir is at seat 6 with $15.45.
wolver987 is at seat 7 with $24.65.
ronlin is at seat 8 with $24.90.
TheDarb is at seat 9 with $21.40.
The button is at seat 1.
sodamanjax posts the small blind of $.10.
Suzie_Q2 posts the big blind of $.25.
Eagle 1: -- --
sodamanjax: -- --
Suzie_Q2: -- --
Sonic Kraken: -- --
STeelerJosh: Qh Qs
FLSir: -- --
wolver987: -- --
ronlin: -- --
TheDarb: -- --
Pre-flop:
Sonic Kraken calls. STeelerJosh raises to $.50.
FLSir folds. wolver987 folds. ronlin folds.
TheDarb calls. Eagle 1 calls. sodamanjax calls.
Suzie_Q2 folds. Sonic Kraken calls.
Flop (board: Td Jc Tc):
sodamanjax bets $.25. Sonic Kraken calls.
STeelerJosh calls. TheDarb folds. Eagle 1 calls.
Turn (board: Td Jc Tc Qc):
sodamanjax checks. Sonic Kraken checks. STeelerJosh
bets $.50. Eagle 1 raises to $1. sodamanjax calls.
Sonic Kraken folds. STeelerJosh re-raises to $1.50.
Eagle 1 re-raises to $2. sodamanjax calls.
STeelerJosh calls.
River (board: Td Jc Tc Qc 9h):
sodamanjax checks. STeelerJosh bets $.50. Eagle 1
raises to $1. sodamanjax calls. STeelerJosh
re-raises to $1.50. Eagle 1 re-raises to $2.
sodamanjax calls. STeelerJosh calls.
Showdown:
Eagle 1 shows 9s Kc.
Eagle 1 has 9s Kc Td Jc Qc: straight, king high.
sodamanjax shows 8c Ac.
sodamanjax has 8c Ac Jc Tc Qc: flush, ace high.
STeelerJosh shows Qh Qs.
STeelerJosh has Qh Qs Td Tc Qc: full house, queens full of tens.
Hand #6063346-3103 Summary:
$.50 is raked from a pot of $15.75.
STeelerJosh wins $15.25 with full house, queens full of tens.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Feeling Good
Not only am I packing and shining up the bike for a great weekend of riding, I am running pretty well at the tables tonight. First the bike:
I am riding down to Natural Bridge, VA this weekend for an organized ride called FriendSTOC. It is the 2nd annual ride to raise some money and remember the two ST riders we lost two years ago. Here is a website that explains it - FriendSTOC. I rode last year and had an absolute blast. Great bunch of guys, excellent roads and an overall awesome weekend. I am really geeked about this one. I will try to take some pictures and if I can figure out Hello, do a little ride report when I get back. This is a very busy time at work for me right now, so it may take a little time.
Then, the game:
I played 2 $5 SNGs and lost both, but I had some "free" fun because I was feeling it on the limit tables. Pretty fishy tonight.
This happened two hands before the sweet one below it. I felt the J9 was lucky because a flopped straight is what I put TXsholDM on when I layed down AA.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hand #5850319-3314 at Grants Pass ($.25/$.50 Hold'em)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 19/May/05 20:31:53
TXsholDM is at seat 0 with $4.35.
twilson306 is at seat 1 with $27.55.
Card2005 is at seat 2 with $22.35.
scorpsdude is at seat 3 with $13.90.
bigblok442 is at seat 4 with $11.85.
NikiO is at seat 5 with $24.40.
TangentZ is at seat 6 with $15.20 (sitting out).
STeelerJosh is at seat 7 with $35.65.
chuang tsu is at seat 8 with $31.20.
Car_nut is at seat 9 with $18.75.
The button is at seat 0.
twilson306 posts the small blind of $.10.
Card2005 posts the big blind of $.25.
TXsholDM: -- --
twilson306: -- --
Card2005: -- --
scorpsdude: -- --
bigblok442: -- --
NikiO: -- --
STeelerJosh: Ah As
chuang tsu: -- --
Car_nut: -- --
Pre-flop:
scorpsdude folds. bigblok442 folds. NikiO folds.
STeelerJosh raises to $.50. chuang tsu folds.
Car_nut folds. TXsholDM calls. twilson306 folds.
Card2005 folds.
Flop (board: 8s Qc Jd):
STeelerJosh bets $.25. TXsholDM raises to $.50.
STeelerJosh re-raises to $.75. TXsholDM re-raises to
$1. STeelerJosh calls.
Turn (board: 8s Qc Jd 2d):
STeelerJosh bets $.50. TXsholDM raises to $1.
STeelerJosh folds, showing Ah As. TXsholDM is
returned $.50 (uncalled).
Hand #5850319-3314 Summary:
$.20 is raked from a pot of $4.35.
TXsholDM wins $4.15.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hand #5850319-3316 at Grants Pass ($.25/$.50 Hold'em)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 19/May/05 20:33:17
TXsholDM is at seat 0 with $6.25.
twilson306 is at seat 1 with $27.45.
Card2005 is at seat 2 with $21.85.
scorpsdude is at seat 3 with $12.40.
bigblok442 is at seat 4 with $13.70.
NikiO is at seat 5 with $24.40.
TangentZ is at seat 6 with $15.20 (sitting out).
STeelerJosh is at seat 7 with $33.65.
chuang tsu is at seat 8 with $31.20.
Car_nut is at seat 9 with $18.75.
The button is at seat 2.
scorpsdude posts the small blind of $.10.
bigblok442 posts the big blind of $.25.
TXsholDM: -- --
twilson306: -- --
Card2005: -- --
scorpsdude: -- --
bigblok442: -- --
NikiO: -- --
STeelerJosh: Js 9h
chuang tsu: -- --
Car_nut: -- --
Pre-flop:
NikiO calls. STeelerJosh calls. chuang tsu folds.
Car_nut folds. TXsholDM calls. twilson306 calls.
Card2005 raises to $.50. scorpsdude calls.
bigblok442 calls. NikiO calls. STeelerJosh calls.
TXsholDM calls. twilson306 calls.
Flop (board: Qh Th 3c):
scorpsdude checks. bigblok442 checks. NikiO bets
$.25. STeelerJosh calls. TXsholDM calls.
twilson306 folds. Card2005 raises to $.50.
scorpsdude re-raises to $.75. bigblok442 folds.
NikiO calls. STeelerJosh calls. TXsholDM folds.
Card2005 calls.
Turn (board: Qh Th 3c 5d):
scorpsdude bets $.50. NikiO folds. STeelerJosh
calls. Card2005 calls.
River (board: Qh Th 3c 5d Kd):
scorpsdude bets $.50. STeelerJosh raises to $1.
Card2005 re-raises to $1.50. scorpsdude re-raises to
$2. STeelerJosh calls. Card2005 calls.
Showdown:
scorpsdude shows 3h 3d.
scorpsdude has 3h 3d Qh 3c Kd: three threes.
STeelerJosh shows Js 9h.
STeelerJosh has Js 9h Qh Th Kd: straight, king high.
Card2005 mucks cards.
(Card2005 has Kc Kh.)
Hand #5850319-3316 Summary:
$.50 is raked from a pot of $14.25.
STeelerJosh wins $13.75 with straight, king high.
----------------------------------------------------------------
And right before I had to quit to go finish packing.....
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hand #5850319-3331 at Grants Pass ($.25/$.50 Hold'em)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 19/May/05 20:46:15
TXsholDM is at seat 0 with $4.45 (sitting out).
twilson306 is at seat 1 with $20.45.
Card2005 is at seat 2 with $16.20.
scorpsdude is at seat 3 with $10.25.
bigblok442 is at seat 4 with $19.45.
CoRoNa3 is at seat 5 with $25.
TangentZ is at seat 6 with $22.20.
STeelerJosh is at seat 7 with $41.40.
chuang tsu is at seat 8 with $29.70.
Car_nut is at seat 9 with $15.50.
The button is at seat 9.
twilson306 posts the small blind of $.10.
Card2005 posts the big blind of $.25.
twilson306: -- --
Card2005: -- --
scorpsdude: -- --
bigblok442: -- --
TangentZ: -- --
STeelerJosh: Ks Qd
chuang tsu: -- --
Car_nut: -- --
Pre-flop:
scorpsdude calls. bigblok442 folds. TangentZ folds.
STeelerJosh raises to $.50. chuang tsu folds.
Car_nut folds. twilson306 folds. Card2005 folds.
scorpsdude calls.
Flop (board: Jc Ah Tc):
scorpsdude checks. STeelerJosh bets $.25.
scorpsdude calls.
Turn (board: Jc Ah Tc 6d):
scorpsdude bets $.50. STeelerJosh raises to $1.
scorpsdude re-raises to $1.50. STeelerJosh re-raises
to $2. scorpsdude calls.
River (board: Jc Ah Tc 6d 3d):
scorpsdude bets $.50. STeelerJosh raises to $1.
scorpsdude re-raises to $1.50. STeelerJosh re-raises
to $2. scorpsdude calls.
Showdown:
STeelerJosh shows Ks Qd.
STeelerJosh has Ks Qd Jc Ah Tc: straight, ace high.
scorpsdude mucks cards.
(scorpsdude has Qs As.)
Hand #5850319-3331 Summary:
$.45 is raked from a pot of $9.85.
STeelerJosh wins $9.40 with straight, ace high.
----------------------------------------------------------------
I was sad to leave the table, the way things were going I think that I might have been able to double again. My image was super tight aggressive (my $VP was 20.45%, a personal record over 88 hands) and I won over 90% of the hands I played....but I had to pack and get some good sleep. I am looking at 450+ miles tomorrow with the chance of rain. Should be a blast!!!
I am riding down to Natural Bridge, VA this weekend for an organized ride called FriendSTOC. It is the 2nd annual ride to raise some money and remember the two ST riders we lost two years ago. Here is a website that explains it - FriendSTOC. I rode last year and had an absolute blast. Great bunch of guys, excellent roads and an overall awesome weekend. I am really geeked about this one. I will try to take some pictures and if I can figure out Hello, do a little ride report when I get back. This is a very busy time at work for me right now, so it may take a little time.
Then, the game:
I played 2 $5 SNGs and lost both, but I had some "free" fun because I was feeling it on the limit tables. Pretty fishy tonight.
This happened two hands before the sweet one below it. I felt the J9 was lucky because a flopped straight is what I put TXsholDM on when I layed down AA.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hand #5850319-3314 at Grants Pass ($.25/$.50 Hold'em)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 19/May/05 20:31:53
TXsholDM is at seat 0 with $4.35.
twilson306 is at seat 1 with $27.55.
Card2005 is at seat 2 with $22.35.
scorpsdude is at seat 3 with $13.90.
bigblok442 is at seat 4 with $11.85.
NikiO is at seat 5 with $24.40.
TangentZ is at seat 6 with $15.20 (sitting out).
STeelerJosh is at seat 7 with $35.65.
chuang tsu is at seat 8 with $31.20.
Car_nut is at seat 9 with $18.75.
The button is at seat 0.
twilson306 posts the small blind of $.10.
Card2005 posts the big blind of $.25.
TXsholDM: -- --
twilson306: -- --
Card2005: -- --
scorpsdude: -- --
bigblok442: -- --
NikiO: -- --
STeelerJosh: Ah As
chuang tsu: -- --
Car_nut: -- --
Pre-flop:
scorpsdude folds. bigblok442 folds. NikiO folds.
STeelerJosh raises to $.50. chuang tsu folds.
Car_nut folds. TXsholDM calls. twilson306 folds.
Card2005 folds.
Flop (board: 8s Qc Jd):
STeelerJosh bets $.25. TXsholDM raises to $.50.
STeelerJosh re-raises to $.75. TXsholDM re-raises to
$1. STeelerJosh calls.
Turn (board: 8s Qc Jd 2d):
STeelerJosh bets $.50. TXsholDM raises to $1.
STeelerJosh folds, showing Ah As. TXsholDM is
returned $.50 (uncalled).
Hand #5850319-3314 Summary:
$.20 is raked from a pot of $4.35.
TXsholDM wins $4.15.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hand #5850319-3316 at Grants Pass ($.25/$.50 Hold'em)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 19/May/05 20:33:17
TXsholDM is at seat 0 with $6.25.
twilson306 is at seat 1 with $27.45.
Card2005 is at seat 2 with $21.85.
scorpsdude is at seat 3 with $12.40.
bigblok442 is at seat 4 with $13.70.
NikiO is at seat 5 with $24.40.
TangentZ is at seat 6 with $15.20 (sitting out).
STeelerJosh is at seat 7 with $33.65.
chuang tsu is at seat 8 with $31.20.
Car_nut is at seat 9 with $18.75.
The button is at seat 2.
scorpsdude posts the small blind of $.10.
bigblok442 posts the big blind of $.25.
TXsholDM: -- --
twilson306: -- --
Card2005: -- --
scorpsdude: -- --
bigblok442: -- --
NikiO: -- --
STeelerJosh: Js 9h
chuang tsu: -- --
Car_nut: -- --
Pre-flop:
NikiO calls. STeelerJosh calls. chuang tsu folds.
Car_nut folds. TXsholDM calls. twilson306 calls.
Card2005 raises to $.50. scorpsdude calls.
bigblok442 calls. NikiO calls. STeelerJosh calls.
TXsholDM calls. twilson306 calls.
Flop (board: Qh Th 3c):
scorpsdude checks. bigblok442 checks. NikiO bets
$.25. STeelerJosh calls. TXsholDM calls.
twilson306 folds. Card2005 raises to $.50.
scorpsdude re-raises to $.75. bigblok442 folds.
NikiO calls. STeelerJosh calls. TXsholDM folds.
Card2005 calls.
Turn (board: Qh Th 3c 5d):
scorpsdude bets $.50. NikiO folds. STeelerJosh
calls. Card2005 calls.
River (board: Qh Th 3c 5d Kd):
scorpsdude bets $.50. STeelerJosh raises to $1.
Card2005 re-raises to $1.50. scorpsdude re-raises to
$2. STeelerJosh calls. Card2005 calls.
Showdown:
scorpsdude shows 3h 3d.
scorpsdude has 3h 3d Qh 3c Kd: three threes.
STeelerJosh shows Js 9h.
STeelerJosh has Js 9h Qh Th Kd: straight, king high.
Card2005 mucks cards.
(Card2005 has Kc Kh.)
Hand #5850319-3316 Summary:
$.50 is raked from a pot of $14.25.
STeelerJosh wins $13.75 with straight, king high.
----------------------------------------------------------------
And right before I had to quit to go finish packing.....
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hand #5850319-3331 at Grants Pass ($.25/$.50 Hold'em)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 19/May/05 20:46:15
TXsholDM is at seat 0 with $4.45 (sitting out).
twilson306 is at seat 1 with $20.45.
Card2005 is at seat 2 with $16.20.
scorpsdude is at seat 3 with $10.25.
bigblok442 is at seat 4 with $19.45.
CoRoNa3 is at seat 5 with $25.
TangentZ is at seat 6 with $22.20.
STeelerJosh is at seat 7 with $41.40.
chuang tsu is at seat 8 with $29.70.
Car_nut is at seat 9 with $15.50.
The button is at seat 9.
twilson306 posts the small blind of $.10.
Card2005 posts the big blind of $.25.
twilson306: -- --
Card2005: -- --
scorpsdude: -- --
bigblok442: -- --
TangentZ: -- --
STeelerJosh: Ks Qd
chuang tsu: -- --
Car_nut: -- --
Pre-flop:
scorpsdude calls. bigblok442 folds. TangentZ folds.
STeelerJosh raises to $.50. chuang tsu folds.
Car_nut folds. twilson306 folds. Card2005 folds.
scorpsdude calls.
Flop (board: Jc Ah Tc):
scorpsdude checks. STeelerJosh bets $.25.
scorpsdude calls.
Turn (board: Jc Ah Tc 6d):
scorpsdude bets $.50. STeelerJosh raises to $1.
scorpsdude re-raises to $1.50. STeelerJosh re-raises
to $2. scorpsdude calls.
River (board: Jc Ah Tc 6d 3d):
scorpsdude bets $.50. STeelerJosh raises to $1.
scorpsdude re-raises to $1.50. STeelerJosh re-raises
to $2. scorpsdude calls.
Showdown:
STeelerJosh shows Ks Qd.
STeelerJosh has Ks Qd Jc Ah Tc: straight, ace high.
scorpsdude mucks cards.
(scorpsdude has Qs As.)
Hand #5850319-3331 Summary:
$.45 is raked from a pot of $9.85.
STeelerJosh wins $9.40 with straight, ace high.
----------------------------------------------------------------
I was sad to leave the table, the way things were going I think that I might have been able to double again. My image was super tight aggressive (my $VP was 20.45%, a personal record over 88 hands) and I won over 90% of the hands I played....but I had to pack and get some good sleep. I am looking at 450+ miles tomorrow with the chance of rain. Should be a blast!!!
Sometimes it's Easy
Hmmmm.
Hand #5850319-3271 at Grants Pass ($.25/$.50 Hold'em)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 19/May/05 19:57:41
Oneloosegoose is at seat 0 with $24.20.
twilson306 is at seat 1 with $23.75.
Card2005 is at seat 2 with $24.75.
scorpsdude is at seat 3 with $16.55.
GypsyJoe is at seat 4 with $5.
charity 42 is at seat 5 with $4.60.
bri 574 is at seat 6 with $16.65.
STeelerJosh is at seat 7 with $22.20.
chuang tsu is at seat 8 with $29.15.
giddyup99 is at seat 9 with $6.15.
The button is at seat 1.
Card2005 posts the small blind of $.10.
scorpsdude posts the big blind of $.25.
GypsyJoe posts out of turn for $.25.
Oneloosegoose: -- --
twilson306: -- --
Card2005: -- --
scorpsdude: -- --
GypsyJoe: -- --
charity 42: -- --
bri 574: -- --
STeelerJosh: As Ad
chuang tsu: -- --
giddyup99: -- --
Pre-flop:
GypsyJoe checks. charity 42 folds. bri 574 folds.
STeelerJosh raises to $.50. chuang tsu folds.
giddyup99 re-raises to $.75. Oneloosegoose folds.
twilson306 folds. Card2005 folds. scorpsdude folds.
GypsyJoe calls. STeelerJosh re-raises to $1.
giddyup99 calls. GypsyJoe calls.
Flop (board: 4h Th Qd):
GypsyJoe bets $.25. STeelerJosh raises to $.50.
giddyup99 folds. GypsyJoe calls.
Turn (board: 4h Th Qd Tc):
GypsyJoe bets $.50. STeelerJosh raises to $1.
GypsyJoe calls.
River (board: 4h Th Qd Tc 2s):
GypsyJoe bets $.50. STeelerJosh raises to $1.
GypsyJoe re-raises to $1.50. STeelerJosh calls. (Called here because I got scared he had x10... looking at the hand history again, it was pretty obvious he did not...but you never know)
Showdown:
GypsyJoe shows 9s Qc.
GypsyJoe has 9s Qc Th Qd Tc: two pair, queens and tens.
STeelerJosh shows As Ad.
STeelerJosh has As Ad Th Qd Tc: two pair, aces and tens.
Hand #5850319-3271 Summary:
$.45 is raked from a pot of $9.35.
STeelerJosh wins $8.90 with two pair, aces and tens.
This felt good because it was close on the heels of a bad beat that took me out of a 5 + .50 SNG.
I was dealt 44 in the BB, flop came 4Qx and I jam all in. Two callers! One has Q9 and proceeds to catch runner runner 9 and take me out. -1 SNG for the month.
Sat right down at another.... played 4 hands in 65+ hands. Raises got a lot of respect, but I was card dead. Finally got KK in the BB. Shortest stack goes all in from the SB. I jam over top of him (+200 chips over short stack) and a big stack calls from MP. KK vs 66 vs 33 Guess who tripled? Not me. Big stack flopped a 6 and we were both out. I finished 5th and short stack 6th. Still fun....
Hand #5850319-3271 at Grants Pass ($.25/$.50 Hold'em)
Powered by UltimateBet
Started at 19/May/05 19:57:41
Oneloosegoose is at seat 0 with $24.20.
twilson306 is at seat 1 with $23.75.
Card2005 is at seat 2 with $24.75.
scorpsdude is at seat 3 with $16.55.
GypsyJoe is at seat 4 with $5.
charity 42 is at seat 5 with $4.60.
bri 574 is at seat 6 with $16.65.
STeelerJosh is at seat 7 with $22.20.
chuang tsu is at seat 8 with $29.15.
giddyup99 is at seat 9 with $6.15.
The button is at seat 1.
Card2005 posts the small blind of $.10.
scorpsdude posts the big blind of $.25.
GypsyJoe posts out of turn for $.25.
Oneloosegoose: -- --
twilson306: -- --
Card2005: -- --
scorpsdude: -- --
GypsyJoe: -- --
charity 42: -- --
bri 574: -- --
STeelerJosh: As Ad
chuang tsu: -- --
giddyup99: -- --
Pre-flop:
GypsyJoe checks. charity 42 folds. bri 574 folds.
STeelerJosh raises to $.50. chuang tsu folds.
giddyup99 re-raises to $.75. Oneloosegoose folds.
twilson306 folds. Card2005 folds. scorpsdude folds.
GypsyJoe calls. STeelerJosh re-raises to $1.
giddyup99 calls. GypsyJoe calls.
Flop (board: 4h Th Qd):
GypsyJoe bets $.25. STeelerJosh raises to $.50.
giddyup99 folds. GypsyJoe calls.
Turn (board: 4h Th Qd Tc):
GypsyJoe bets $.50. STeelerJosh raises to $1.
GypsyJoe calls.
River (board: 4h Th Qd Tc 2s):
GypsyJoe bets $.50. STeelerJosh raises to $1.
GypsyJoe re-raises to $1.50. STeelerJosh calls. (Called here because I got scared he had x10... looking at the hand history again, it was pretty obvious he did not...but you never know)
Showdown:
GypsyJoe shows 9s Qc.
GypsyJoe has 9s Qc Th Qd Tc: two pair, queens and tens.
STeelerJosh shows As Ad.
STeelerJosh has As Ad Th Qd Tc: two pair, aces and tens.
Hand #5850319-3271 Summary:
$.45 is raked from a pot of $9.35.
STeelerJosh wins $8.90 with two pair, aces and tens.
This felt good because it was close on the heels of a bad beat that took me out of a 5 + .50 SNG.
I was dealt 44 in the BB, flop came 4Qx and I jam all in. Two callers! One has Q9 and proceeds to catch runner runner 9 and take me out. -1 SNG for the month.
Sat right down at another.... played 4 hands in 65+ hands. Raises got a lot of respect, but I was card dead. Finally got KK in the BB. Shortest stack goes all in from the SB. I jam over top of him (+200 chips over short stack) and a big stack calls from MP. KK vs 66 vs 33 Guess who tripled? Not me. Big stack flopped a 6 and we were both out. I finished 5th and short stack 6th. Still fun....
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Tourney Fun
I have been doing well staying at the .25/.50 Limit Hold Em tables so I decided to have a little fun a and play a tourney tonight. The wife is out of town, what else am I gonna do? Clean?
After reading the tourney recaps of other bloggers, I decided I would try taking notes for the first time and post a recap of the tourney. I have enjoyed this in other blogs, might be neat to try. I entered the very exclusive Wednesday 9:20 PM $5 +.50 $3500 Guaranteed Turbo Tournament. I was ready for some partying with the high rollers. It started well...
1st Hand - MP, 88. I make it 2x the BB and get one caller. Flop is 66K. I bet pot and took it down. +50
2nd Hand - MP, 99. I call and catch a 9 on the flop, bet pot. Once caller. Turn is junk, bet pot again, take it down. +150
Texas Fold 'Em until hand 18. AJs in EP. I make it 100. blinds are 30/60. Table chip leader that sat down two hands ago makes it 1140. For some reason I am suspicious and ready to gamble my $5.50. It is folded to me and I go all in. Chip leader thinks for a second, calls and turns over A10o. Sweet!! No 10 please.
Nobody pairs the board and I double up to T3360 and am in 48th place of the 664 that started (500+ left. Nice, going exactly as my evil plan said it would.
I bully when I have position and take a few pots, nothing major. Hand 37 someone drops the hammer and ends up all in with 2 sevens on the flop. I chuckle.
Hand 40 it goes horribly awry... I get KK in EP and bet pot (550). It folds to the SB who is chip leader. He puts me all in. I think. AA? Maybe, but I am still ready to gamble. I really do not think he has AA. I call All in and we flip. KK vs A8s. Cool, I am ready to double up again! (Warning - if you do not like seeing the carnage of KK busted heads up, stop reading). Flop come xAx and I am in trouble. No relief on turn or river and I am out 365th in the first hour.
Funny thing is, I was talking to DNasty13 earlier today about how well he seems to do in tournaments and that I would like to see him play one before he moves to FL. He is very tight and aggressive in tourneys, I thought that I should tighten up too. I had tonight, laying down some hands pre flop I might have tried to limp with in the past (KQo, J10s) and I was feeling good about. I am not sure what the pre flop odds were on my KK vs A8o. I am think it was better than a coin flip, but probably not by much. Same situation in the future, I think I would play it the same way, I do not know if I could lay that down.... What does anyone else think?
For the month on my .25/.50 tables that I have been religiously sticking to, I am up 11.10 with decent stats for me. My $VP is just under 30% and my BB/Hr is 1.22. Not ready to quit the job yet, but it is encouraging. I feel like I am building something, staying disciplined and learning while making a few dollars. It is a good feeling even on the nights when I watch maniacs play 80% plus of hands and just catch card after card to suckout and win large. My biggest session win is $14+ and the biggest session loss is $13+. I am winning 60% of my sessions. Hopefully it will be neat to look back at these numbers and laugh......
After reading the tourney recaps of other bloggers, I decided I would try taking notes for the first time and post a recap of the tourney. I have enjoyed this in other blogs, might be neat to try. I entered the very exclusive Wednesday 9:20 PM $5 +.50 $3500 Guaranteed Turbo Tournament. I was ready for some partying with the high rollers. It started well...
1st Hand - MP, 88. I make it 2x the BB and get one caller. Flop is 66K. I bet pot and took it down. +50
2nd Hand - MP, 99. I call and catch a 9 on the flop, bet pot. Once caller. Turn is junk, bet pot again, take it down. +150
Texas Fold 'Em until hand 18. AJs in EP. I make it 100. blinds are 30/60. Table chip leader that sat down two hands ago makes it 1140. For some reason I am suspicious and ready to gamble my $5.50. It is folded to me and I go all in. Chip leader thinks for a second, calls and turns over A10o. Sweet!! No 10 please.
Nobody pairs the board and I double up to T3360 and am in 48th place of the 664 that started (500+ left. Nice, going exactly as my evil plan said it would.
I bully when I have position and take a few pots, nothing major. Hand 37 someone drops the hammer and ends up all in with 2 sevens on the flop. I chuckle.
Hand 40 it goes horribly awry... I get KK in EP and bet pot (550). It folds to the SB who is chip leader. He puts me all in. I think. AA? Maybe, but I am still ready to gamble. I really do not think he has AA. I call All in and we flip. KK vs A8s. Cool, I am ready to double up again! (Warning - if you do not like seeing the carnage of KK busted heads up, stop reading). Flop come xAx and I am in trouble. No relief on turn or river and I am out 365th in the first hour.
Funny thing is, I was talking to DNasty13 earlier today about how well he seems to do in tournaments and that I would like to see him play one before he moves to FL. He is very tight and aggressive in tourneys, I thought that I should tighten up too. I had tonight, laying down some hands pre flop I might have tried to limp with in the past (KQo, J10s) and I was feeling good about. I am not sure what the pre flop odds were on my KK vs A8o. I am think it was better than a coin flip, but probably not by much. Same situation in the future, I think I would play it the same way, I do not know if I could lay that down.... What does anyone else think?
For the month on my .25/.50 tables that I have been religiously sticking to, I am up 11.10 with decent stats for me. My $VP is just under 30% and my BB/Hr is 1.22. Not ready to quit the job yet, but it is encouraging. I feel like I am building something, staying disciplined and learning while making a few dollars. It is a good feeling even on the nights when I watch maniacs play 80% plus of hands and just catch card after card to suckout and win large. My biggest session win is $14+ and the biggest session loss is $13+. I am winning 60% of my sessions. Hopefully it will be neat to look back at these numbers and laugh......
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Catching Up
It has been a very busy past two weeks off the virtual felt. I had some unplanned and unwanted excitement in my personal life that jolted me some. Without revealing information that my wife might not want to, I had to make a midnight dash from Detroit back to Ohio on my motorcycle to get to the hospital where she was recovering from an emergency surgery procedure. Left my house at 0415 in the morning to get to a training class in Detroit (cold, but awesome ride). Made it through the first of the three day class and headed to DNasty13's house to play some poker. Got a call from my wife that she was calling a friend to take her to the hospital, she was having sever abdominal pains and some bleeding. At 2200 I got the call that she was headed into surgery. I hopped on the bike, rode back to the hotel, checked out and was on the road back home to the hospital. It was to be a 3 hour procedure and I figured I could make it close to the end of it. Riding in the cold dark with nothing but my thoughts in my helmet, it was a tough ride. I arrived without incident (almost hit a group of deer crossing the road 1/4 mile from the hospital) and was relieved to find out that the worst case scenarios tormenting my brain for 3 hours had not played out. Steph was in recovery and doing as well as we could have hoped. I rode to the house, let out the dog, grabbed a blanket and headed back to the hospital. It was a long sleepless night there and she was finally discharged at 2 PM the next day. She is recovering now and we are hoping for the best...
That off my chest (but still in my mind) I have gotten some poker in during the past few days. I am sticking to my .25/.50 Limit game and I am starting to see some encouraging results and I feel I am making some breakthroughs. For one, I have really tightened up and this is having a very positive impact on my earnings. I am swimming with the fishies and not feeling like one anymore. I am taking some bad beats now and then, but overall I am playing ABC poker and seeing the results I want. I reread my Slansky Theory of Poker and have been practicing some concepts from there (especially about adjusting my game to the table conditions). I will post my March results below. They are positive and for the first time in a while I feel that I really can grow my bankroll to get into the higher limits. I am not playing any SNGs or other games until I get my UB bankroll above $200. I will edit this post tomorrow and post my March results on UB so far.
It was nice to get some time in tonight while watching doubleas and DevilFish play on UB. As I am typing this, my AA just got crushed when the river made my A high flush and someone else's straight flush. Nice.
That off my chest (but still in my mind) I have gotten some poker in during the past few days. I am sticking to my .25/.50 Limit game and I am starting to see some encouraging results and I feel I am making some breakthroughs. For one, I have really tightened up and this is having a very positive impact on my earnings. I am swimming with the fishies and not feeling like one anymore. I am taking some bad beats now and then, but overall I am playing ABC poker and seeing the results I want. I reread my Slansky Theory of Poker and have been practicing some concepts from there (especially about adjusting my game to the table conditions). I will post my March results below. They are positive and for the first time in a while I feel that I really can grow my bankroll to get into the higher limits. I am not playing any SNGs or other games until I get my UB bankroll above $200. I will edit this post tomorrow and post my March results on UB so far.
It was nice to get some time in tonight while watching doubleas and DevilFish play on UB. As I am typing this, my AA just got crushed when the river made my A high flush and someone else's straight flush. Nice.
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