The tide may be turning for the Forum Run. After switching my games, I was able to cash in one of the BLT Sattys and then I won one of the $2.25 9 man SNGs in order to pull myself into the positive. At the same time, some of the other players have begun to score some cashes in their games. What once looked like a near total failure may end up looking not so bad in the end.
I still have a few more games to play. Then comes the new year, with all of the record keeping that goes with it. Keeping the spreadsheet for the Forum Run has been kinda cool. I can't wait to watch my results in real time!!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Forum Run - Into a Wall
The Forum Run is not going so well, for me and for everyone else. Some of the people have blown the entire $20. I haven't been that bad, but close to it: I've only managed a third place finish in a 9 man SNG for $3.60. Hoping this will turn around soon.
UPDATE: Slightly happier news. As I was posting, I managed to place 2nd in a $2.25 9 man SNG. I'm a little disappointed because I could have won, but my opponent just could not miss the flop at all. Still, second is better than fourth or worse.
This pulls me to -$3.30 total for my run so far, running even in the SNGs I played in. I'm going to adjust to play less MTTs and more games that I am more inclined towards succeeding in (SNGs, satellites, etc.). I still think I can make a profit in this, or at least come close to breaking even.
UPDATE: Slightly happier news. As I was posting, I managed to place 2nd in a $2.25 9 man SNG. I'm a little disappointed because I could have won, but my opponent just could not miss the flop at all. Still, second is better than fourth or worse.
This pulls me to -$3.30 total for my run so far, running even in the SNGs I played in. I'm going to adjust to play less MTTs and more games that I am more inclined towards succeeding in (SNGs, satellites, etc.). I still think I can make a profit in this, or at least come close to breaking even.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
A New Team
I joined up with a "Forum Weekly Run" the other day. It involves 10 players on the Full Tilt forums agreeing to play $20 worth of tournaments. We are then going to pool all of our winnings and distribute them amongst each other evenly. The thread at the FTP forums can be found here.
I'm very psyched about this. I have a plan for my $20 already made up:
4 $2.25 9-man SNG ($9)
3 $3.30 90-man Turbo KO ($9.90)
1 $1.10 90-man DS ($1.10)
I set up a nice spreadsheet to track my progress. I may be able to squeeze in a game or two tomorrow before I head to work (I'm on the midnight shift this weekend, then heading out of town to visit family), but I might not be able to. I'll end up getting most of my games in during the week.
I'd like to wish a Merry Christmas to all of my readers. Happy Holidays!!!
I'm very psyched about this. I have a plan for my $20 already made up:
4 $2.25 9-man SNG ($9)
3 $3.30 90-man Turbo KO ($9.90)
1 $1.10 90-man DS ($1.10)
I set up a nice spreadsheet to track my progress. I may be able to squeeze in a game or two tomorrow before I head to work (I'm on the midnight shift this weekend, then heading out of town to visit family), but I might not be able to. I'll end up getting most of my games in during the week.
I'd like to wish a Merry Christmas to all of my readers. Happy Holidays!!!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
It's Almost Time
I've set Jan. 1, 2011 as my "real poker only" date. Up until now, I've been playing a mix of real and play money - real poker when I'm in the mood & feeling good, play when I just want to screw around and have fun. But after the new year, no more play money for me.
I'm also going to be keeping track of every session I play, via Google Documents. I only wish I've been keeping track the past month or so... I've been doing pretty well playing Badugi - I've played almost every other night for the past two weeks during my dinner break at work, and not one losing session yet! It's a shame it's only micros. If only I can get a BAP going... hmmmm.....
Well, anyways, I'm very excited. Knowing how things usually go, I'll be doomswitched for the first two weeks of January and I'll get really upset and discouraged. But no matter... I'm sticking with this. I love to play poker so much, and I realize that even though I am having fun, I am wasting so much time doing play money. I think I'm good enough that even when I'm just having fun, I can be making a profit. Who knows? Maybe when I'm just in the mood for fun I'll be less stressed and be more on my game!
I'm also going to be keeping track of every session I play, via Google Documents. I only wish I've been keeping track the past month or so... I've been doing pretty well playing Badugi - I've played almost every other night for the past two weeks during my dinner break at work, and not one losing session yet! It's a shame it's only micros. If only I can get a BAP going... hmmmm.....
Well, anyways, I'm very excited. Knowing how things usually go, I'll be doomswitched for the first two weeks of January and I'll get really upset and discouraged. But no matter... I'm sticking with this. I love to play poker so much, and I realize that even though I am having fun, I am wasting so much time doing play money. I think I'm good enough that even when I'm just having fun, I can be making a profit. Who knows? Maybe when I'm just in the mood for fun I'll be less stressed and be more on my game!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Badugi Is Fun
I won my first hand in Badugi!!!
Full Tilt Poker $0.05/$0.10 Limit Badugi - 7 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/1045973
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
Pre Draw: (1.4 SB) Hero is SB with 9s 8h 7c 6d
UTG folds, UTG+1 calls, MP folds, CO folds, BTN calls, Hero raises, BB calls, UTG+1 calls, BTN calls
First Draw: (8 SB) (4 players)
Hero stands pat, BB draws 2, UTG+1 draws 2, BTN draws 2
Hand: 9s 8h 7c 6d
Hero bets, BB folds, UTG+1 folds, BTN calls
Second Draw: (5 BB) (2 players)
Hero stands pat, BTN draws 2
Hand: 9s 8h 7c 6d
Hero bets, BTN calls all in
Third Draw: (5.4 BB) (2 players - 1 is all in)
Hero stands pat, BTN draws 1
Hand: 9s 8h 7c 6d
Final Pot: 5.4 BB
BTN mucks As 3h 3s 2d
Hero shows 9s 8h 7c 6d (a Badugi: 9, 8, 7, 6)
Hero wins 5.2 BB
(Rake: $0.02)
Ok, for those of you who don't know obscure draw poker games...
Badugi is kind of like razz, but suitedness counts. You're looking for the lowest 4 card hand. Any pairs or matching suits don't count. If you have matching cards, they don't play and you only play your best non-matching cards. For a better description of Badugi, click here.
I've been toying around with Badugi in play money every since Full Tilt began running the games. It's really fun! I find the more things I have to think about, the more fun I have. I decided to take a small shot at playing Limit Badugi for real money to see if the games are playable (or if the softness I see is limited to the play money games only).
NOTE: First session - after 30 min., up 26c (2.5 BB). Not too shabby for a first try!
Full Tilt Poker $0.05/$0.10 Limit Badugi - 7 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/1045973
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
Pre Draw: (1.4 SB) Hero is SB with 9s 8h 7c 6d
UTG folds, UTG+1 calls, MP folds, CO folds, BTN calls, Hero raises, BB calls, UTG+1 calls, BTN calls
First Draw: (8 SB) (4 players)
Hero stands pat, BB draws 2, UTG+1 draws 2, BTN draws 2
Hand: 9s 8h 7c 6d
Hero bets, BB folds, UTG+1 folds, BTN calls
Second Draw: (5 BB) (2 players)
Hero stands pat, BTN draws 2
Hand: 9s 8h 7c 6d
Hero bets, BTN calls all in
Third Draw: (5.4 BB) (2 players - 1 is all in)
Hero stands pat, BTN draws 1
Hand: 9s 8h 7c 6d
Final Pot: 5.4 BB
BTN mucks As 3h 3s 2d
Hero shows 9s 8h 7c 6d (a Badugi: 9, 8, 7, 6)
Hero wins 5.2 BB
(Rake: $0.02)
Ok, for those of you who don't know obscure draw poker games...
Badugi is kind of like razz, but suitedness counts. You're looking for the lowest 4 card hand. Any pairs or matching suits don't count. If you have matching cards, they don't play and you only play your best non-matching cards. For a better description of Badugi, click here.
I've been toying around with Badugi in play money every since Full Tilt began running the games. It's really fun! I find the more things I have to think about, the more fun I have. I decided to take a small shot at playing Limit Badugi for real money to see if the games are playable (or if the softness I see is limited to the play money games only).
NOTE: First session - after 30 min., up 26c (2.5 BB). Not too shabby for a first try!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Michigan Does It Right
I just got back from a family trip and something occurred to me:
Michigan would be a nice place to live.
Reasoning: I've been trying for a while now to find a place to play some live poker, to get some experience under my belt just in case I should find myself in Vegas playing in some sort of WSOP tournament or something. So far, the only place I can find to play in the Albany area has been raided twice in the last year and robbed once.
I think I'll pass on that one.
In Michigan, however, it's a different story. See, they have legalized gambling there. Everyone was jumping the border to Canada to play, so they decided to keep the business for themselves. There are casinos in downtown Detroit, but here is the best part - just about every bowling alley has a poker room in it! I don't know what limits they feature (I didn't have the extra time nor cash to play with), but it is still very interesting. I may have to work that into my schedule/budget the next time we take a trip there.
Michigan would be a nice place to live.
Reasoning: I've been trying for a while now to find a place to play some live poker, to get some experience under my belt just in case I should find myself in Vegas playing in some sort of WSOP tournament or something. So far, the only place I can find to play in the Albany area has been raided twice in the last year and robbed once.
I think I'll pass on that one.
In Michigan, however, it's a different story. See, they have legalized gambling there. Everyone was jumping the border to Canada to play, so they decided to keep the business for themselves. There are casinos in downtown Detroit, but here is the best part - just about every bowling alley has a poker room in it! I don't know what limits they feature (I didn't have the extra time nor cash to play with), but it is still very interesting. I may have to work that into my schedule/budget the next time we take a trip there.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Mini-Vaca
I'm heading on a road trip with the family for the rest of the week, so I'll be pretty much out of commission poker-wise until next week. The good news is that I'm heading back home before the wife & kids (don't ask), so I should have the house to myself for a few days. I should be able to get some nice gaming in during that time.
What I'm really excited about doing is "expanding my game." My 48-inch HDTV also can function as a computer monitor. I plan on lugging my tower out to the living room and playing some poker on the big screen. I wonder how many tables I can fit on there!
What I'm really excited about doing is "expanding my game." My 48-inch HDTV also can function as a computer monitor. I plan on lugging my tower out to the living room and playing some poker on the big screen. I wonder how many tables I can fit on there!
Friday, November 5, 2010
How Much Is My Confidence Worth?
I haven't been playing too much lately - I've had some stuff to do, plus I've been spending some time with my family (sheesh! Who do they think they are!). My mind has a tendency to wander at times like these, and it is doing so now.
I'm contemplating breaking a rule.
My BR rules (explained above) keep me limited to tournaments with $2 buyins or less. For SNGs this is not a issum - there is a $2 level perfect for me. However, MTTs present a problem - the buyins for the 90 man double-stacks tournaments (my comfort zone) jump from $1 to $3. My options are to find tournaments in the $2 zone, or take a shot at the $3 90 mans.
I've played a few $3 90 mans in the past without cashing, mainly due to bad luck/bad beats. The $1 90 mans (same doublestack format, except the $3's are turbo KO's) I did well in, cashing frequently and even getting 2nd in one - if not for a bad beat heads up, I might have taken 1st.
I think my game is good enough to succeed in the $3's. However, I'm really in no rush; it won't hurt me to play the $1's for a bit until my BR is big enough to move up. But will I be wasting my time by cashing in the $1's when I can be netting prizes three times as big? What if I end up winning a $1? Will I be happy for the twenty-something dollar payday, or will I be wondering if it could have been a ~$70 score instead?
Perhaps this is how poker players go broke - overestimating their skill due to overconfidence.
I guess I'll stay put for now. If I'm as good as I think I am, it shouldn't be too long until I get my BR high enough to be where I want to be.
I'm contemplating breaking a rule.
My BR rules (explained above) keep me limited to tournaments with $2 buyins or less. For SNGs this is not a issum - there is a $2 level perfect for me. However, MTTs present a problem - the buyins for the 90 man double-stacks tournaments (my comfort zone) jump from $1 to $3. My options are to find tournaments in the $2 zone, or take a shot at the $3 90 mans.
I've played a few $3 90 mans in the past without cashing, mainly due to bad luck/bad beats. The $1 90 mans (same doublestack format, except the $3's are turbo KO's) I did well in, cashing frequently and even getting 2nd in one - if not for a bad beat heads up, I might have taken 1st.
I think my game is good enough to succeed in the $3's. However, I'm really in no rush; it won't hurt me to play the $1's for a bit until my BR is big enough to move up. But will I be wasting my time by cashing in the $1's when I can be netting prizes three times as big? What if I end up winning a $1? Will I be happy for the twenty-something dollar payday, or will I be wondering if it could have been a ~$70 score instead?
Perhaps this is how poker players go broke - overestimating their skill due to overconfidence.
I guess I'll stay put for now. If I'm as good as I think I am, it shouldn't be too long until I get my BR high enough to be where I want to be.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Luckbox
(Note: I have not had a chance to watch the last episodes of ESPN's World Series of Poker Main Event, so don't spoil it for me in the e-mail)
I know the game of poker involves luck, but sometimes I just get annoyed at how lucky some people are in poker. I wonder if I were as lucky as them, how good could I be?
Specifically... I hate Fillipo Candio.
I've watched most of the WSOP ME - the episodes that didn't get cut off by my DVR. Most of what I've seen from Candio's play is him making terribly bad calls, overaggressive raises, and pulling some lucky bad beat out of his ass to stay in the tournament.
The hand that pisses me off the most was from one of the more recent episodes, deep in the WSOP ME. Candio raises from early position with 7s5s... not bad if he's looking for a blind steal. He gets re-raised big by the chip leader Joseph Cheong, and he calls with his baby suited connectors.
Let's stop here. A call? Really? I'd be happier with a shove here. But calling is just disgusting. He needs a specific flop to be happy, and his fold equity is not very good up against the tournamnet chip leader.
Moving on... the flop is 6-6-5. Candio bets out and the Cheong raises enough to put Candio all-in. Candio thinks... and calls off all of his chips.
Stop again. WTF??? How does he think he's good here? Maybe Cheong is making a move with AK here, but doubtful. He doesn't really need to. Best case scenario, Candio is about a 70/30 to win, but still needs to dodge cards and if Cheong hits an A or K Candio is gone. Worst case scenario, Candio is pretty much already gone. I can understand shoving this flop to use whatever fold equity you have, but calling off all your chips here is downright nuts.
Cheong has AA, and Candio is less that 15% to win the hand. Now here's the part that pissed me off the most:
Candio hits runner runner for a stratight.
So, because he played the hand so badly and made the worst mosves possible, he is rewarded with the chip lead.
This is what makes poker so maddening, but it also makes poker great. If the best players always won, there would be no hope for the lesser skilled players. Everyone always has a shot to win, even the people - like Candio - who play terribly.
I know the game of poker involves luck, but sometimes I just get annoyed at how lucky some people are in poker. I wonder if I were as lucky as them, how good could I be?
Specifically... I hate Fillipo Candio.
I've watched most of the WSOP ME - the episodes that didn't get cut off by my DVR. Most of what I've seen from Candio's play is him making terribly bad calls, overaggressive raises, and pulling some lucky bad beat out of his ass to stay in the tournament.
The hand that pisses me off the most was from one of the more recent episodes, deep in the WSOP ME. Candio raises from early position with 7s5s... not bad if he's looking for a blind steal. He gets re-raised big by the chip leader Joseph Cheong, and he calls with his baby suited connectors.
Let's stop here. A call? Really? I'd be happier with a shove here. But calling is just disgusting. He needs a specific flop to be happy, and his fold equity is not very good up against the tournamnet chip leader.
Moving on... the flop is 6-6-5. Candio bets out and the Cheong raises enough to put Candio all-in. Candio thinks... and calls off all of his chips.
Stop again. WTF??? How does he think he's good here? Maybe Cheong is making a move with AK here, but doubtful. He doesn't really need to. Best case scenario, Candio is about a 70/30 to win, but still needs to dodge cards and if Cheong hits an A or K Candio is gone. Worst case scenario, Candio is pretty much already gone. I can understand shoving this flop to use whatever fold equity you have, but calling off all your chips here is downright nuts.
Cheong has AA, and Candio is less that 15% to win the hand. Now here's the part that pissed me off the most:
Candio hits runner runner for a stratight.
So, because he played the hand so badly and made the worst mosves possible, he is rewarded with the chip lead.
This is what makes poker so maddening, but it also makes poker great. If the best players always won, there would be no hope for the lesser skilled players. Everyone always has a shot to win, even the people - like Candio - who play terribly.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Plan
I had a chance to try out some "large field" MTTs last night - The Ferguson (a $1 tourney that pays good guaranteed money), and a $2.20 scheduled tourney that just happened to be starting around the same time. I played well in both, but got bounced by a couple of bad luck hits. Each tourney I went deep, but got knocked out ~100th place without cashing.
I'm frustrated.
I spent about 2 hours playing them, only to be kicked out on bad luck and not cash or even hit double digits?
From now on, I'm going to stick to the "small field" tourneys for my MTT games - 90 mans, and the like. Less prize money, but easier to final table and easier on my ego.
I'm frustrated.
I spent about 2 hours playing them, only to be kicked out on bad luck and not cash or even hit double digits?
From now on, I'm going to stick to the "small field" tourneys for my MTT games - 90 mans, and the like. Less prize money, but easier to final table and easier on my ego.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
It Can Be Brutal
I tell ya, sometimes this game can drive you crazy. You can play your best game, make all the right plays, and still lose:
Full Tilt Poker $2 + $0.25 No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t100/t200 Blinds - 5 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/1000558
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
BTN: t2785 13.93 BBs
SB: t2450 12.25 BBs
Hero (BB): t2245 11.22 BBs
UTG: t4690 23.45 BBs
CO: t1330 6.65 BBs
Pre Flop: (t300) Hero is BB with Th Ts
1 fold, CO raises to t1330 all in, 2 folds, Hero calls t1130
Flop: (t2760) 2s 8c Js (2 players - 1 is all in)
Turn: (t2760) 9d (2 players - 1 is all in)
River: (t2760) Ad (2 players - 1 is all in)
Final Pot: t2760
Hero shows Th Ts (a pair of Tens)
CO shows As Qh (a pair of Aces)
CO wins t2760
------------------------------------
Full Tilt Poker $2 + $0.25 No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t120/t240 Blinds - 5 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/1000559
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
SB: t1830 7.62 BBs
BB: t2110 8.79 BBs
Hero (UTG): t2230 9.29 BBs
CO: t3110 12.96 BBs
BTN: t4220 17.58 BBs
Pre Flop: (t360) Hero is UTG with Qc Kd
Hero raises to t2230 all in, 2 folds, SB calls t1710 all in, 1 fold
Flop: (t3900) Kc Qd Js (2 players - 2 are all in)
Turn: (t3900) 6h (2 players - 2 are all in)
River: (t3900) 5s (2 players - 2 are all in)
Final Pot: t3900
SB shows Jc Jh (three of a kind, Jacks)
Hero shows Qc Kd (two pair, Kings and Queens)
SB wins t3900
_________________________________________
Luckily, I ended up with a freebie last night. Ended up cashing in the BLT satty, which paid for my SNG (after the fact, of course). I was down to about 4BB at one point, but I worked hard, pushed at the right times, and caught some good cards. Big thanks to this guy, who called my all-in with rockets:
Full Tilt Poker Satellite to The BLT No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t250/t500 Blinds + t50 - 8 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/1000560
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
MP2: t2275 M = 1.98
CO: t11015 M = 9.58
BTN: t4725 M = 4.11
SB: t4185 M = 3.64
BB: t2200 M = 1.91
UTG: t6945 M = 6.04
UTG+1: t6600 M = 5.74
Hero (MP1): t4760 M = 4.14
Pre Flop: (t1150) Hero is MP1 with As Ah
2 folds, Hero raises to t4710 all in, 1 fold, CO calls t4710, 3 folds
Flop: (t10570) 6h 5c Qs (2 players - 1 is all in)
Turn: (t10570) 9d (2 players - 1 is all in)
River: (t10570) 8s (2 players - 1 is all in)
Final Pot: t10570
CO shows Ad 6d (a pair of Sixes)
Hero shows As Ah (a pair of Aces)
Hero wins t10570
__________________________________________
Sat out the rest after that one... even folded KK at one point. It feels so dirty, but once I have that big of a stack, winning one of the sattelite seats is pretty much guaranteed.
Full Tilt Poker $2 + $0.25 No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t100/t200 Blinds - 5 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/1000558
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
BTN: t2785 13.93 BBs
SB: t2450 12.25 BBs
Hero (BB): t2245 11.22 BBs
UTG: t4690 23.45 BBs
CO: t1330 6.65 BBs
Pre Flop: (t300) Hero is BB with Th Ts
1 fold, CO raises to t1330 all in, 2 folds, Hero calls t1130
Flop: (t2760) 2s 8c Js (2 players - 1 is all in)
Turn: (t2760) 9d (2 players - 1 is all in)
River: (t2760) Ad (2 players - 1 is all in)
Final Pot: t2760
Hero shows Th Ts (a pair of Tens)
CO shows As Qh (a pair of Aces)
CO wins t2760
------------------------------------
Full Tilt Poker $2 + $0.25 No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t120/t240 Blinds - 5 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/1000559
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
SB: t1830 7.62 BBs
BB: t2110 8.79 BBs
Hero (UTG): t2230 9.29 BBs
CO: t3110 12.96 BBs
BTN: t4220 17.58 BBs
Pre Flop: (t360) Hero is UTG with Qc Kd
Hero raises to t2230 all in, 2 folds, SB calls t1710 all in, 1 fold
Flop: (t3900) Kc Qd Js (2 players - 2 are all in)
Turn: (t3900) 6h (2 players - 2 are all in)
River: (t3900) 5s (2 players - 2 are all in)
Final Pot: t3900
SB shows Jc Jh (three of a kind, Jacks)
Hero shows Qc Kd (two pair, Kings and Queens)
SB wins t3900
_________________________________________
Luckily, I ended up with a freebie last night. Ended up cashing in the BLT satty, which paid for my SNG (after the fact, of course). I was down to about 4BB at one point, but I worked hard, pushed at the right times, and caught some good cards. Big thanks to this guy, who called my all-in with rockets:
Full Tilt Poker Satellite to The BLT No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t250/t500 Blinds + t50 - 8 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/1000560
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
MP2: t2275 M = 1.98
CO: t11015 M = 9.58
BTN: t4725 M = 4.11
SB: t4185 M = 3.64
BB: t2200 M = 1.91
UTG: t6945 M = 6.04
UTG+1: t6600 M = 5.74
Hero (MP1): t4760 M = 4.14
Pre Flop: (t1150) Hero is MP1 with As Ah
2 folds, Hero raises to t4710 all in, 1 fold, CO calls t4710, 3 folds
Flop: (t10570) 6h 5c Qs (2 players - 1 is all in)
Turn: (t10570) 9d (2 players - 1 is all in)
River: (t10570) 8s (2 players - 1 is all in)
Final Pot: t10570
CO shows Ad 6d (a pair of Sixes)
Hero shows As Ah (a pair of Aces)
Hero wins t10570
__________________________________________
Sat out the rest after that one... even folded KK at one point. It feels so dirty, but once I have that big of a stack, winning one of the sattelite seats is pretty much guaranteed.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sweet
I finally got around to making this blog look the way it should! Blogger's got some really cool design tools, and for once I had the time to poke around and check them out.
Looking good, huh?
Looking good, huh?
Monday, October 25, 2010
It's Good to Be Back
No more bonuses or promos, so it's back to good ol' poker for me. This means heading back to my bread & butter - SNGs and MTTs.
I've never been happier.
Played two tonight. First one... could have been better, if not for a stupid move by me (playing my draw too aggressively):
Full Tilt, $2 + $0.25 NL Hold'em Tournament, 30/60 Blinds, 5 Players
LeggoPoker.com Hand History Converter
BTN: 3,332
SB: 3,075
Hero (BB): 1,440
UTG: 3,057
CO: 2,596
Pre-Flop: (90) 8c Ah dealt to Hero (BB)
3 folds, SB calls 30, Hero checks
Flop: (120) 9s Jd Th (2 Players)
SB bets 120, Hero raises to 455, SB raises to 3,015 and is All-In, Hero calls 925 and is All-In
Turn: (2,880) 8d (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: (2,880) 6s (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: 2,880 Pot
SB showed Jh Tc and WON 2,880 (+1,470 NET)
Hero showed 8c Ah and LOST (-1,380 NET)
________________________________________________
But the second one was smooth as silk. Everything went perfectly as planned: established a tight image, got a few knockouts, worked the bubble well, got heads up with a good read... you know the rest.
Full Tilt, $2 + $0.25 NL Hold'em Tournament, 80/160 Blinds, 2 Players
LeggoPoker.com Hand History Converter
Hero (BB): 7,985
BTN: 5,515
Pre-Flop: (240) 9h Kc dealt to Hero (BB)
BTN calls 80, Hero checks
Flop: (320) Kh 9d Qs (2 Players)
Hero bets 275, BTN raises to 550, Hero raises to 1,700, BTN raises to 5,355 and is All-In, Hero calls 3,655
Turn: (11,030) 7h (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: (11,030) 4d (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: 11,030 Pot
Hero showed 9h Kc and WON 11,030 (+5,675 NET)
BTN showed 8s Qc and LOST (-5,435 NET)
I've never been happier.
Played two tonight. First one... could have been better, if not for a stupid move by me (playing my draw too aggressively):
Full Tilt, $2 + $0.25 NL Hold'em Tournament, 30/60 Blinds, 5 Players
LeggoPoker.com Hand History Converter
BTN: 3,332
SB: 3,075
Hero (BB): 1,440
UTG: 3,057
CO: 2,596
Pre-Flop: (90) 8c Ah dealt to Hero (BB)
3 folds, SB calls 30, Hero checks
Flop: (120) 9s Jd Th (2 Players)
SB bets 120, Hero raises to 455, SB raises to 3,015 and is All-In, Hero calls 925 and is All-In
Turn: (2,880) 8d (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: (2,880) 6s (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: 2,880 Pot
SB showed Jh Tc and WON 2,880 (+1,470 NET)
Hero showed 8c Ah and LOST (-1,380 NET)
________________________________________________
But the second one was smooth as silk. Everything went perfectly as planned: established a tight image, got a few knockouts, worked the bubble well, got heads up with a good read... you know the rest.
Full Tilt, $2 + $0.25 NL Hold'em Tournament, 80/160 Blinds, 2 Players
LeggoPoker.com Hand History Converter
Hero (BB): 7,985
BTN: 5,515
Pre-Flop: (240) 9h Kc dealt to Hero (BB)
BTN calls 80, Hero checks
Flop: (320) Kh 9d Qs (2 Players)
Hero bets 275, BTN raises to 550, Hero raises to 1,700, BTN raises to 5,355 and is All-In, Hero calls 3,655
Turn: (11,030) 7h (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: (11,030) 4d (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: 11,030 Pot
Hero showed 9h Kc and WON 11,030 (+5,675 NET)
BTN showed 8s Qc and LOST (-5,435 NET)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
I Finally Win a Big Pot
Brutal day today:
AA vs. KJ, board flops two pair
AK vs. AQ, river brings a Q
88 vs. AQ, ace on the flop
All of those all-ins, plus numerous "catch ups" - villain calling bets early in the hand way behind, then hitting a turn or river card to win the hand. Not quite suckouts because there was still betting to be done, but close enough.
But nothing gets you feeling good like being on the winning end of a nice set over set.
Full Tilt Poker $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 9 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/994899
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
CO: $5.00
BTN: $4.75
SB: $3.62
BB: $12.46
UTG: $2.17
UTG+1: $4.65
Hero (UTG+2): $5.00
MP1: $6.37
MP2: $2.73
Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is UTG+2 with Th Tc
2 folds, Hero raises to $0.17, 3 folds, BTN calls $0.17, 2 folds
Flop: ($0.41) Kd Td 4h (2 players)
Hero bets $0.31, BTN raises to $0.70, Hero raises to $2.15, BTN raises to $4.58 all in, Hero calls $2.43
Turn: ($9.57) Ac (2 players - 1 is all in)
River: ($9.57) 7h (2 players - 1 is all in)
Final Pot: $9.57
BTN shows 4s 4d (three of a kind, Fours)
Hero shows Th Tc (three of a kind, Tens)
Hero wins $8.94
(Rake: $0.63)
Locked in the full $50 bonus tonight as well for the Take 2 promo, plus I'm almost done with the deposit bonus. I can go back to being normal again soon!!!
AA vs. KJ, board flops two pair
AK vs. AQ, river brings a Q
88 vs. AQ, ace on the flop
All of those all-ins, plus numerous "catch ups" - villain calling bets early in the hand way behind, then hitting a turn or river card to win the hand. Not quite suckouts because there was still betting to be done, but close enough.
But nothing gets you feeling good like being on the winning end of a nice set over set.
Full Tilt Poker $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 9 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/994899
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
CO: $5.00
BTN: $4.75
SB: $3.62
BB: $12.46
UTG: $2.17
UTG+1: $4.65
Hero (UTG+2): $5.00
MP1: $6.37
MP2: $2.73
Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is UTG+2 with Th Tc
2 folds, Hero raises to $0.17, 3 folds, BTN calls $0.17, 2 folds
Flop: ($0.41) Kd Td 4h (2 players)
Hero bets $0.31, BTN raises to $0.70, Hero raises to $2.15, BTN raises to $4.58 all in, Hero calls $2.43
Turn: ($9.57) Ac (2 players - 1 is all in)
River: ($9.57) 7h (2 players - 1 is all in)
Final Pot: $9.57
BTN shows 4s 4d (three of a kind, Fours)
Hero shows Th Tc (three of a kind, Tens)
Hero wins $8.94
(Rake: $0.63)
Locked in the full $50 bonus tonight as well for the Take 2 promo, plus I'm almost done with the deposit bonus. I can go back to being normal again soon!!!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Brain Fart
I like to think I'm a pretty good poker player. I usually make pretty good decisions when I'm playing, and I try my best to be aggressive without overdoing it.
Then, sometimes, I'm just plain stupid.
Full Tilt Poker $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 9 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/992959
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
UTG+2: $2.34
MP1: $6.11
MP2: $1.98
CO: $4.88
BTN: $5.00
Hero (SB): $5.37
BB: $5.00
UTG: $4.55
UTG+1: $4.47
Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is SB with Tc Td
2 folds, UTG+2 raises to $0.15, 4 folds, Hero raises to $0.42, 1 fold, UTG+2 calls $0.27
Flop: ($0.89) 3d 4h Jc (2 players)
Hero bets $0.60, UTG+2 calls $0.60
Turn: ($2.09) 3h (2 players)
Hero bets $4.35 all in, UTG+2 calls $1.32 all in
River: ($4.73) Ks (2 players - 2 are all in)
Yeah, that's me... putting a guy with top set all in. That's also me, 3-betting pre and getting it in while behind from the very start. The thing is, shoving the turn isn't even a good play if my opponent has AK (which is very possible up until he calls my turn shove). I'm ahead of AK on the turn; I should be checking and letting him think I'm weak and try to take the pot away with a bet. Shoving only gets hands I beat to fold, and hands that are ahead (like a boat) to call.
I think.
I started a thread about this on FTP just to confirm, but I'm pretty sure I was good up until my turn shove. Who knows... maybe I'm just better off as a cash game hobbyist and a tournament player. I cannot wait until these bonuses are done with, and I can attack some tourneys with a proper bankroll.
EDIT: I just noticed however many days later that I didn't post the results to the hand! My opponent had JJ (but I kinda explained that already.... whateva!)
Then, sometimes, I'm just plain stupid.
Full Tilt Poker $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 9 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/992959
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
UTG+2: $2.34
MP1: $6.11
MP2: $1.98
CO: $4.88
BTN: $5.00
Hero (SB): $5.37
BB: $5.00
UTG: $4.55
UTG+1: $4.47
Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is SB with Tc Td
2 folds, UTG+2 raises to $0.15, 4 folds, Hero raises to $0.42, 1 fold, UTG+2 calls $0.27
Flop: ($0.89) 3d 4h Jc (2 players)
Hero bets $0.60, UTG+2 calls $0.60
Turn: ($2.09) 3h (2 players)
Hero bets $4.35 all in, UTG+2 calls $1.32 all in
River: ($4.73) Ks (2 players - 2 are all in)
Yeah, that's me... putting a guy with top set all in. That's also me, 3-betting pre and getting it in while behind from the very start. The thing is, shoving the turn isn't even a good play if my opponent has AK (which is very possible up until he calls my turn shove). I'm ahead of AK on the turn; I should be checking and letting him think I'm weak and try to take the pot away with a bet. Shoving only gets hands I beat to fold, and hands that are ahead (like a boat) to call.
I think.
I started a thread about this on FTP just to confirm, but I'm pretty sure I was good up until my turn shove. Who knows... maybe I'm just better off as a cash game hobbyist and a tournament player. I cannot wait until these bonuses are done with, and I can attack some tourneys with a proper bankroll.
EDIT: I just noticed however many days later that I didn't post the results to the hand! My opponent had JJ (but I kinda explained that already.... whateva!)
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Take 2 by 4
Take 2 is back, and this time you need 5 points per day for 9 out of 10 days to get $25. I'm going for the full $25 this time, even though I'm going out of town on a road trip this weekend. No sweat.
I 4-tabled Rush this morning, just to get my points quick - I ended up getting the 5 points in less than 5 minutes. Funny thing is, I wasn't overwhelmed by the speed of 4-tabling Rush. I actually played pretty well. If not for the following hand, I would have been up a solid buyin in only 5 minutes.
Full Tilt Poker $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 9 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/985397
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
BB: $1.74
UTG: $0.64
UTG+1: $2.00
UTG+2: $1.43
MP1: $3.95
MP2: $6.42
Hero (CO): $5.00
BTN: $2.02
SB: $1.20
Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is CO with Ah Kh
2 folds, UTG+2 raises to $0.15, 2 folds, Hero raises to $0.42, 3 folds, UTG+2 calls $0.27
Flop: ($0.91) 2h Ad Ac (2 players)
UTG+2 bets $0.36, Hero raises to $4.58 all in, UTG+2 calls $0.65 all in
Turn: ($2.93) Jc (2 players - 2 are all in)
River: ($2.93) 7c (2 players - 2 are all in)
Final Pot: $2.93
UTG+2 shows Jd Js (a full house, Jacks full of Aces)
Hero shows Ah Kh (three of a kind, Aces)
UTG+2 wins $2.74
(Rake: $0.19)
So maybe there is some hope for me in cash games after all.
I 4-tabled Rush this morning, just to get my points quick - I ended up getting the 5 points in less than 5 minutes. Funny thing is, I wasn't overwhelmed by the speed of 4-tabling Rush. I actually played pretty well. If not for the following hand, I would have been up a solid buyin in only 5 minutes.
Full Tilt Poker $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 9 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/985397
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
BB: $1.74
UTG: $0.64
UTG+1: $2.00
UTG+2: $1.43
MP1: $3.95
MP2: $6.42
Hero (CO): $5.00
BTN: $2.02
SB: $1.20
Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is CO with Ah Kh
2 folds, UTG+2 raises to $0.15, 2 folds, Hero raises to $0.42, 3 folds, UTG+2 calls $0.27
Flop: ($0.91) 2h Ad Ac (2 players)
UTG+2 bets $0.36, Hero raises to $4.58 all in, UTG+2 calls $0.65 all in
Turn: ($2.93) Jc (2 players - 2 are all in)
River: ($2.93) 7c (2 players - 2 are all in)
Final Pot: $2.93
UTG+2 shows Jd Js (a full house, Jacks full of Aces)
Hero shows Ah Kh (three of a kind, Aces)
UTG+2 wins $2.74
(Rake: $0.19)
So maybe there is some hope for me in cash games after all.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
You Can't Handle the Proof!
There is a discussion about an SnG hand going on at the FTP message boards here. The hand in question is actually very interesting; the difference between play options is very thin, and the correct play is not as intuitive as you might think. I suggest you read through it if you have the time. I was surprised to find that my inital instinct (fold pre) also proved to be the most profitable play in this case.
What I find funny about this thread is the stubbornness of the posters who insist that they are right, even after they are proven wrong. They just slightly change their opinion... only to be proven wrong again. And they still don't give up!
"horseplyr" is particularly amusing. I've tangled a bit with him before on some issues. His MO is the following: he will not commit to any specific action in an HH analysis unless another poster who he has deemed "worthy" comments on the hand. He will then claim the comment as his own and defend it vehemently, despite all evidence he is wrong. Any evidence brought forth against "his" opinion is wrong, simply because that person does not have the experience "necessary experience" that the ones he has deemed worthy possess.
Basically, he's a sheep.
He's a follower who only knows what is good if someone tells him it is. He cannot think for himself; he only goes along with what the "best" players do. Read the thread for yourself. He goes from confused, to non-committal, to argumentative, to ABSOLUTELY sure I am wrong... all without offering any proof that he is correct. The only proof you will find in the thread is my math showing thaT a fold is best.
So, why does horseplyr not offer up any proof? Either:
a) he really doesn't understand why he's choosing his opinion (much like a sheep follows a shepherd and doesn't understand why)
or
b) there is no way to prove he is correct.
Or both.
I think I'm done posting in the thread; I've certainly made my point. However, I will continue to monitor the thread to see just how much more arguing goes on (and how foolish horseplyr makes himself look in the process).
What I find funny about this thread is the stubbornness of the posters who insist that they are right, even after they are proven wrong. They just slightly change their opinion... only to be proven wrong again. And they still don't give up!
"horseplyr" is particularly amusing. I've tangled a bit with him before on some issues. His MO is the following: he will not commit to any specific action in an HH analysis unless another poster who he has deemed "worthy" comments on the hand. He will then claim the comment as his own and defend it vehemently, despite all evidence he is wrong. Any evidence brought forth against "his" opinion is wrong, simply because that person does not have the experience "necessary experience" that the ones he has deemed worthy possess.
Basically, he's a sheep.
He's a follower who only knows what is good if someone tells him it is. He cannot think for himself; he only goes along with what the "best" players do. Read the thread for yourself. He goes from confused, to non-committal, to argumentative, to ABSOLUTELY sure I am wrong... all without offering any proof that he is correct. The only proof you will find in the thread is my math showing thaT a fold is best.
So, why does horseplyr not offer up any proof? Either:
a) he really doesn't understand why he's choosing his opinion (much like a sheep follows a shepherd and doesn't understand why)
or
b) there is no way to prove he is correct.
Or both.
I think I'm done posting in the thread; I've certainly made my point. However, I will continue to monitor the thread to see just how much more arguing goes on (and how foolish horseplyr makes himself look in the process).
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
No Mas
I've decided to call it quits with this whole "All or Nothing" bit. I'm still (barely) profitable, but why keep playing when I can do so much better (and have much more fun) playing tournaments? I can generate more profits playing tourneys without considering the bonus than I am getting now overall. I have until December to generate more bonus; I should grind out some more bonus cash between now and then by just doing my regular thing.
The whole thing is frustrating me, because it really should be working much better than it is. I just seem to be majorly unlucky. Last night I lost 3 coin flips with AK and ran into two AA's, but what really hurts is when I get it in with QQ against 77 and villain flops a 7. After all of that, I was only down 2 buyins. So, obviously even with a downswing that bad, on average I should be showing signifcant gains. I'm just not seeing it.
I cannot wait to get back to the games I am good at and actually ENJOY!!!
The whole thing is frustrating me, because it really should be working much better than it is. I just seem to be majorly unlucky. Last night I lost 3 coin flips with AK and ran into two AA's, but what really hurts is when I get it in with QQ against 77 and villain flops a 7. After all of that, I was only down 2 buyins. So, obviously even with a downswing that bad, on average I should be showing signifcant gains. I'm just not seeing it.
I cannot wait to get back to the games I am good at and actually ENJOY!!!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Teacher Gets Schooled
After getting bored with the mindless repetition of my "All or Nothing" campaign (which, incidentally, is gaining some steam), I decided to switch gears last night and play something interesting. Unsure of how much time I had to play before I got sleepy, I entered a 90 man play money SnG. Boy are these fun to play.
Two easy triple ups paved the way to the final table for me, both involving AK hands. The first hand gives me a picture perfect flop of AAK. The second hand:
SB: t18495 308.25 BBs
BB: t15875 264.58 BBs
Hero (UTG): t4735 78.92 BBs
UTG+1: t9655 160.92 BBs
UTG+2: t21245 354.08 BBs
MP1: t1115 18.58 BBs
MP2: t5900 98.33 BBs
CO: t2220 37 BBs
BTN: t2545 42.42 BBs
Pre Flop: (t90) Hero is UTG with Ac Kd
Hero raises to t200, UTG+1 calls t200, UTG+2 calls t200, 2 folds, CO raises to t2220 all in, 1 fold, SB calls t2190, 1 fold, Hero raises to t4735 all in, UTG+1 calls t4535, UTG+2 calls t4535, SB calls t2515
Flop: (t21220) Ad Kc 9c (5 players - 2 are all in)
SB bets t13760 all in, UTG+1 calls t4920 all in, UTG+2 folds
Turn: (t31060) 4s (4 players - 4 are all in)
River: (t31060) 9h (4 players - 4 are all in)
Final Pot: t31060
SB shows 4d Ks (two pair, Kings and Nines)
Hero shows Ac Kd (two pair, Aces and Kings)
UTG+1 shows Kh 4h (two pair, Kings and Nines)
CO shows As 8c (two pair, Aces and Nines)
SB wins t4920
UTG+1 wins t4920
Hero wins t10060
Hero wins t11160
I barely had to play another hand until we got to 6-handed at the FT.
The big stack at the FT was a major moron, often shoving his entire 30k-ish stack into a pot of 600 after the flop. Of course, he was getting good results, knocking out quite a few of the players until we got down to 3-handed play.
I was in third place, the moron in first with stacks ~ 75k/40k/20k. The moron is still shoving his entire stack, now often pre. The second place player is now lecturing him on how stupid this is, and how he should "stop being so dumb." Am I hearing this right? He wants his opponent to play better?
It bothers me when people can only play poker when their opponents only act a certain way, the way they have deemed "correct." Is there no room for adjustment in your game? Can you only succeed if your opponent plays proper, odds-driven poker? Or are you able to capitalize on your opponent's mistakes even if you don't fully understand them?
Mostly out of frustration, the lecturer was bounced and I was heads up with the moron. Adjusting my gameplay, I was able to catch a double up and work until stacks were just about even. This one would have turned the tables in my direction, but sometimes the morons just get lucky:
Hero (BB): t57155 142.89 BBs
BTN/SB: t77845 194.61 BBs
Pre Flop: (t600) Hero is BB with Ac 9c
BTN/SB raises to t77845 all in, Hero calls t56755 all in
Flop: (t114310) 8c 6h 9d
Turn: (t114310) Qd
River: (t114310) 5h
Final Pot: t114310
Hero shows Ac 9c (a pair of Nines)
BTN/SB shows Ad 7s (a straight, Nine high)
BTN/SB wins t114310
I'm hoping this bonus thing is over soon. I really miss playing SnG's and tournaments! Maybe I'll throw a few in this week to remind myself of the flavor.
Two easy triple ups paved the way to the final table for me, both involving AK hands. The first hand gives me a picture perfect flop of AAK. The second hand:
SB: t18495 308.25 BBs
BB: t15875 264.58 BBs
Hero (UTG): t4735 78.92 BBs
UTG+1: t9655 160.92 BBs
UTG+2: t21245 354.08 BBs
MP1: t1115 18.58 BBs
MP2: t5900 98.33 BBs
CO: t2220 37 BBs
BTN: t2545 42.42 BBs
Pre Flop: (t90) Hero is UTG with Ac Kd
Hero raises to t200, UTG+1 calls t200, UTG+2 calls t200, 2 folds, CO raises to t2220 all in, 1 fold, SB calls t2190, 1 fold, Hero raises to t4735 all in, UTG+1 calls t4535, UTG+2 calls t4535, SB calls t2515
Flop: (t21220) Ad Kc 9c (5 players - 2 are all in)
SB bets t13760 all in, UTG+1 calls t4920 all in, UTG+2 folds
Turn: (t31060) 4s (4 players - 4 are all in)
River: (t31060) 9h (4 players - 4 are all in)
Final Pot: t31060
SB shows 4d Ks (two pair, Kings and Nines)
Hero shows Ac Kd (two pair, Aces and Kings)
UTG+1 shows Kh 4h (two pair, Kings and Nines)
CO shows As 8c (two pair, Aces and Nines)
SB wins t4920
UTG+1 wins t4920
Hero wins t10060
Hero wins t11160
I barely had to play another hand until we got to 6-handed at the FT.
The big stack at the FT was a major moron, often shoving his entire 30k-ish stack into a pot of 600 after the flop. Of course, he was getting good results, knocking out quite a few of the players until we got down to 3-handed play.
I was in third place, the moron in first with stacks ~ 75k/40k/20k. The moron is still shoving his entire stack, now often pre. The second place player is now lecturing him on how stupid this is, and how he should "stop being so dumb." Am I hearing this right? He wants his opponent to play better?
It bothers me when people can only play poker when their opponents only act a certain way, the way they have deemed "correct." Is there no room for adjustment in your game? Can you only succeed if your opponent plays proper, odds-driven poker? Or are you able to capitalize on your opponent's mistakes even if you don't fully understand them?
Mostly out of frustration, the lecturer was bounced and I was heads up with the moron. Adjusting my gameplay, I was able to catch a double up and work until stacks were just about even. This one would have turned the tables in my direction, but sometimes the morons just get lucky:
Hero (BB): t57155 142.89 BBs
BTN/SB: t77845 194.61 BBs
Pre Flop: (t600) Hero is BB with Ac 9c
BTN/SB raises to t77845 all in, Hero calls t56755 all in
Flop: (t114310) 8c 6h 9d
Turn: (t114310) Qd
River: (t114310) 5h
Final Pot: t114310
Hero shows Ac 9c (a pair of Nines)
BTN/SB shows Ad 7s (a straight, Nine high)
BTN/SB wins t114310
I'm hoping this bonus thing is over soon. I really miss playing SnG's and tournaments! Maybe I'll throw a few in this week to remind myself of the flavor.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Me Likey
More of these, please!!!
Full Tilt Poker $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 9 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/961666
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
UTG+1: $1.78
UTG+2: $1.81
MP1: $1.53
MP2: $2.16
CO: $6.10
BTN: $2.52
Hero (SB): $1.69
BB: $2.00
UTG: $2.37
Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is SB with Kh Ks
UTG raises to $0.17, 2 folds, MP1 raises to $1.53 all in, MP2 raises to $2.16 all in, 2 folds, Hero calls $1.67 all in, 1 fold, UTG calls $1.99
Flop: ($7.59) Qc 4d 7d
Turn: ($7.59) 2h
River: ($7.59) 6d
Final Pot: $7.59
MP1 shows 9h 9c (a pair of Nines)
MP2 shows Qs Js (a pair of Queens)
Hero shows Kh Ks (a pair of Kings)
UTG shows Ah Kd (Ace King high)
MP2 wins $0.88
Hero wins $0.45
Hero wins $5.76
(Rake: $0.50)
Knowing my luck, I was expecting one of them to have AA. But it worked out!
Full Tilt Poker $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 9 players - http://www.handconverter.com/hands/961666
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter
UTG+1: $1.78
UTG+2: $1.81
MP1: $1.53
MP2: $2.16
CO: $6.10
BTN: $2.52
Hero (SB): $1.69
BB: $2.00
UTG: $2.37
Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is SB with Kh Ks
UTG raises to $0.17, 2 folds, MP1 raises to $1.53 all in, MP2 raises to $2.16 all in, 2 folds, Hero calls $1.67 all in, 1 fold, UTG calls $1.99
Flop: ($7.59) Qc 4d 7d
Turn: ($7.59) 2h
River: ($7.59) 6d
Final Pot: $7.59
MP1 shows 9h 9c (a pair of Nines)
MP2 shows Qs Js (a pair of Queens)
Hero shows Kh Ks (a pair of Kings)
UTG shows Ah Kd (Ace King high)
MP2 wins $0.88
Hero wins $0.45
Hero wins $5.76
(Rake: $0.50)
Knowing my luck, I was expecting one of them to have AA. But it worked out!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
All or Nothing
I'm trying out something nutty.
I recently got rakeback and a deposit bonus for my account. In order to grind the bonus, I've come up with a wacky way to play at 5nl Rush. Here are my rules:
1) I buy in for only 40bbs, and I do not top up.
2) Any premium hand (AA, KK, QQ, AK) I automatically shove.
3) Any speculative hand (PPs, SCs) I limp or call a small raise if odds allow.
4) Quick fold anything else
An addition to #3.... 3a if you will:
3a) If I hit my speculative hand big, I shove.
Now, I would never play like this for real. I find that this style is not very profitable without counting the bonus I've been generating. But with the bonus, I'm breaking even or often making a small profit... and I've gotten unlucky way more often than not.
It seems like I'd be losing tons of value by shoving 40bbs with AA. I am losing value, but not as much as you think. The funny thing is, people seem to call my shoves VERY light (I've seen KQ, A7, and 66 among other hands). It's as if the shove looks as stupid as it is, so they think I must have no clue what I'm doing. I'm letting them level themselves into a call.
I've had some vicious suckouts - one that comes to mind was AA vs. T9, lost to a straight on the river - but I double up enough to make up for losses and beat the rake... with the help of the bonus, of course. When I'm done with the bonus, I'm headed back to my bread & butter SNGs.
But, when the next Fast 50 shows up, I know what I'm doing. ;)
(Stay tuned for some HH's of some of my "All or Nothing" hands!)
I recently got rakeback and a deposit bonus for my account. In order to grind the bonus, I've come up with a wacky way to play at 5nl Rush. Here are my rules:
1) I buy in for only 40bbs, and I do not top up.
2) Any premium hand (AA, KK, QQ, AK) I automatically shove.
3) Any speculative hand (PPs, SCs) I limp or call a small raise if odds allow.
4) Quick fold anything else
An addition to #3.... 3a if you will:
3a) If I hit my speculative hand big, I shove.
Now, I would never play like this for real. I find that this style is not very profitable without counting the bonus I've been generating. But with the bonus, I'm breaking even or often making a small profit... and I've gotten unlucky way more often than not.
It seems like I'd be losing tons of value by shoving 40bbs with AA. I am losing value, but not as much as you think. The funny thing is, people seem to call my shoves VERY light (I've seen KQ, A7, and 66 among other hands). It's as if the shove looks as stupid as it is, so they think I must have no clue what I'm doing. I'm letting them level themselves into a call.
I've had some vicious suckouts - one that comes to mind was AA vs. T9, lost to a straight on the river - but I double up enough to make up for losses and beat the rake... with the help of the bonus, of course. When I'm done with the bonus, I'm headed back to my bread & butter SNGs.
But, when the next Fast 50 shows up, I know what I'm doing. ;)
(Stay tuned for some HH's of some of my "All or Nothing" hands!)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wow, it's been a while since I posted here. I really should start posting more as part of my attempt to get a little more serious with my poker game. I will be having more time at home to focus on playing - the kids will be going to summer programs for two days a week during the day - so I'm really going to work hard on developing my game.
I'm working on another BAP proposal. This one involves the Step tournaments on Full Tilt. I've played in step tournaments on UltimateBet and did well in them (reached step 7 of 10 in a WSOP challenge), so I'm familiar with the format. This time, instead of working up the ladder, I plan on grinding and then converting for cash value when the system allows me to. Also, I hope to have access to rakeback by that time, which will help me generate a small bit of extra revenue.
More details to come.
I'm working on another BAP proposal. This one involves the Step tournaments on Full Tilt. I've played in step tournaments on UltimateBet and did well in them (reached step 7 of 10 in a WSOP challenge), so I'm familiar with the format. This time, instead of working up the ladder, I plan on grinding and then converting for cash value when the system allows me to. Also, I hope to have access to rakeback by that time, which will help me generate a small bit of extra revenue.
More details to come.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
My First BAP
In order to solve the problem of being underrolled for 5nl, I decided on a whim to run a Buy-A-Piece (BAP) on Full Tilt's message boards. Basically, a bunch of people give me money to play poker with, and I get a small share of the profits that I make off of it. It's going really well so far. I've already made over $20 in just 3 days at 5nl Rush, about $10 of which comes back to me.
The swing of variance is definitely coming back to me. I've gotten AA and KK probably about 20 times since the BAP began, and I've been getting paid by them as well. I'm hitting flops, hitting draws, getting people to fold to my light 3-bets and bluff c-bets... it all seems to be working. Either I'm on a big heater, or 5nl is a much better fit for me than 2nl.
Hopefully I can keep this up. The BAP runs through the entire month.
The swing of variance is definitely coming back to me. I've gotten AA and KK probably about 20 times since the BAP began, and I've been getting paid by them as well. I'm hitting flops, hitting draws, getting people to fold to my light 3-bets and bluff c-bets... it all seems to be working. Either I'm on a big heater, or 5nl is a much better fit for me than 2nl.
Hopefully I can keep this up. The BAP runs through the entire month.
Friday, February 26, 2010
It's All Going Wrong
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
I'm so frustrated. Either I suck at poker or I'm going through a tough downswing lately. It seems everything I do turns out badly.
I jumped up to 5nl to play Rush Poker (kind of like Poker on speed), in order to grind out some fast bonus points to earn a cash bonus release from Full Tilt. I'm slightly underrolled for it, but that's not the problem. Neither is the skill level, nor the setting of Rush Poker. In fact, I'm really enjoying the whole Rush Poker thing; it prevents me from losing concentration due to boredom.
Anyways... the problem is the terrible luck I've been hitting. Any time there is a big pot on the table, I seem to be on the losing end. I flop a set in a 3-bet pot, villain flops a straight. I decide to slowplay AK and hit an ace on the flop, my opponent - QQ - spikes a set on the turn. And when I finally do get dealt pocket kings and hit a third king on the flop? My opponent check/folds the flop. Woot.
I don't think I'm doing anything wrong. I'm just waiting for this swing to come back in the other direction.
I'm so frustrated. Either I suck at poker or I'm going through a tough downswing lately. It seems everything I do turns out badly.
I jumped up to 5nl to play Rush Poker (kind of like Poker on speed), in order to grind out some fast bonus points to earn a cash bonus release from Full Tilt. I'm slightly underrolled for it, but that's not the problem. Neither is the skill level, nor the setting of Rush Poker. In fact, I'm really enjoying the whole Rush Poker thing; it prevents me from losing concentration due to boredom.
Anyways... the problem is the terrible luck I've been hitting. Any time there is a big pot on the table, I seem to be on the losing end. I flop a set in a 3-bet pot, villain flops a straight. I decide to slowplay AK and hit an ace on the flop, my opponent - QQ - spikes a set on the turn. And when I finally do get dealt pocket kings and hit a third king on the flop? My opponent check/folds the flop. Woot.
I don't think I'm doing anything wrong. I'm just waiting for this swing to come back in the other direction.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Turbo Booster
I'm really starting to like these Super Turbo SnG's. They fit my schedule - I can play at least one in the time I have between my two jobs on double shift days - and I'm pretty decent at them, as well. All you need is a strong pre-flop game and an understanding of how to play shortstacked. I have both of these. I've been playing well in them so far, and I have a 50% ITM stat to prove it. I know, it's still a small sample, but I feel really good playing these.
It just drives me nuts when I play well and variance bites me in the ass. The hands that have recently knocked me out (or put me on the way there) include QQ < KTs (his flush hit on the river), A9 < QJ (queen on the river), and this gem below:
BB: t575 M = 4.79
Hero (UTG): t405 M = 3.38
CO: t790 M = 6.58
BTN: t625 M = 5.21
SB: t305 M = 2.54
Pre Flop: (t120) Hero is UTG with Kh Kc
Hero raises to t405 all in, 2 folds, SB calls t265 all in, 1 fold
Flop: (t690) 5d Ah 2d
Turn: (t690) 6h
River: (t690) Jd
[b]Final Pot:[/b] t690
Hero shows Kh Kc (a pair of Kings)
SB shows 4d 7d (a flush, Jack high)
SB wins t690
River screws me again. I mean, I know I want these calls because they make me money in the long run, but come on.
It just drives me nuts when I play well and variance bites me in the ass. The hands that have recently knocked me out (or put me on the way there) include QQ < KTs (his flush hit on the river), A9 < QJ (queen on the river), and this gem below:
BB: t575 M = 4.79
Hero (UTG): t405 M = 3.38
CO: t790 M = 6.58
BTN: t625 M = 5.21
SB: t305 M = 2.54
Pre Flop: (t120) Hero is UTG with Kh Kc
Hero raises to t405 all in, 2 folds, SB calls t265 all in, 1 fold
Flop: (t690) 5d Ah 2d
Turn: (t690) 6h
River: (t690) Jd
[b]Final Pot:[/b] t690
Hero shows Kh Kc (a pair of Kings)
SB shows 4d 7d (a flush, Jack high)
SB wins t690
River screws me again. I mean, I know I want these calls because they make me money in the long run, but come on.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Hey, Look At Me! I'm Profitable!
I'm not quite sure how it happened, but I stumbled into a little project involving one of the regulars on the Full Tilt Poker message boards. He's working on a strategy guide for a type of tournament call "Super Turbos" - basically, tournaments with fast-rising blind levels. He was giving some money to some people to test out his guide, and splitting the profits with these people in trade for the guide itself.
I somehow got involved, and it seems as if I have developed a knack for these tournaments.
Following his guide, I've so far made a profit of $8.50 from playing these tournies... an ROI (return on investment) of over 100% so far. I doubt I will be able to keep my ROI that high, but it's still a good start. I'm also having fun making a profit for someone else and making money for myself in the process. I may try and run a BAP (buy-a-piece, where other players on the boards invest in your poker game) and see how it goes.
I somehow got involved, and it seems as if I have developed a knack for these tournaments.
Following his guide, I've so far made a profit of $8.50 from playing these tournies... an ROI (return on investment) of over 100% so far. I doubt I will be able to keep my ROI that high, but it's still a good start. I'm also having fun making a profit for someone else and making money for myself in the process. I may try and run a BAP (buy-a-piece, where other players on the boards invest in your poker game) and see how it goes.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
I Guess My Luck Could Be Worse (a.k.a. Helping Out Haiti)
I still haven't had the time to play as much poker as I would like this year, due to work schedules and the fact that I've been sick for the past week or so. Last week, though, I decided to play in a charity tournament on Full Tilt where the tournament fees were donated to the relief effort in Haiti. I figured if I'm going to play poker, it should be for a good cause, right?
My bankroll was too small for even the smallest tournament, but I entered it anyway: a $5 + $5 (basically spending the money I won from the tournament in the previous post). I was doing pretty well, but I could only avoid the idiots for so very long:
BTN: t6835 M = 22.78
Hero (SB): t3098 M = 10.33
BB: t1501 M = 5.00
UTG: t3095 M = 10.32
UTG+1: t8470 M = 28.23
UTG+2: t6920 M = 23.07
MP1: t7929 M = 26.43
MP2: t1975 M = 6.58
CO: t7995 M = 26.65
Pre Flop: (t300) Hero is SB with 5h 5c
4 folds, MP2 calls t200, 2 folds, Hero raises to t3098 all in, BB calls t1301 all in, MP2 calls t1775 all in
Flop: (t5451) 9c 3s 7s
Turn: (t5451) Td
River: (t5451) Qc
Final Pot: t5451
Hero shows 5h 5c (a pair of Fives)
BB shows 6c Ah (Ace Queen high)
MP2 shows Qh 6h (a pair of Queens)
MP2 wins t948
MP2 wins t4503
Yup. That's two players calling all-in with cruddy hands, the worst of which ends up spiking a queen on the river to win the pot. I can't imagine anyone thinking that calling all-in with Q6 suited is a good idea in this situation.
But this is me. I make the right play in the right situation, and get a wrong result. It's frustrating. I take comfort in making the right play, though. That's all I can do. After that, it's all in the fall of the cards.
My bankroll was too small for even the smallest tournament, but I entered it anyway: a $5 + $5 (basically spending the money I won from the tournament in the previous post). I was doing pretty well, but I could only avoid the idiots for so very long:
BTN: t6835 M = 22.78
Hero (SB): t3098 M = 10.33
BB: t1501 M = 5.00
UTG: t3095 M = 10.32
UTG+1: t8470 M = 28.23
UTG+2: t6920 M = 23.07
MP1: t7929 M = 26.43
MP2: t1975 M = 6.58
CO: t7995 M = 26.65
Pre Flop: (t300) Hero is SB with 5h 5c
4 folds, MP2 calls t200, 2 folds, Hero raises to t3098 all in, BB calls t1301 all in, MP2 calls t1775 all in
Flop: (t5451) 9c 3s 7s
Turn: (t5451) Td
River: (t5451) Qc
Final Pot: t5451
Hero shows 5h 5c (a pair of Fives)
BB shows 6c Ah (Ace Queen high)
MP2 shows Qh 6h (a pair of Queens)
MP2 wins t948
MP2 wins t4503
Yup. That's two players calling all-in with cruddy hands, the worst of which ends up spiking a queen on the river to win the pot. I can't imagine anyone thinking that calling all-in with Q6 suited is a good idea in this situation.
But this is me. I make the right play in the right situation, and get a wrong result. It's frustrating. I take comfort in making the right play, though. That's all I can do. After that, it's all in the fall of the cards.
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