A night in the park

We strolled in to our seats at the bottom of the 3rd inning. The traffic in this town in unbelievable sometimes. John Thompson had allowed 5 hits and no runs so far, twirling himself a pretty decent game.

There aren't many feelings as good as opening day. New hopes for the upcoming season, watching the progression of young professional ball players. The energy these guys must get from a crowd is intoxicating. Every pitch, every swing turning men into heroes or goats.

The cool April air seems to make a persons gait a little lighter, makes a woman's face glow a little brighter, and causes the beer to taste just a bit sweeter. A night in the park, under the lights with 47,000 friends for just one night. It makes a life, just a little more complete.

In these moments your life seems so simple, so full of purpose. It makes all the bullshit worth it, to spend time with people that you love, enjoying company, laughing.

A night in the park

We strolled in to our seats at the bottom of the 3rd inning. The traffic in this town in unbelievable sometimes. John Thompson had allowed 5 hits and no runs so far, twirling himself a pretty decent game.

There aren't many feelings as good as opening day. New hopes for the upcoming season, watching the progression of young professional ball players. The energy these guys must get from a crowd is intoxicating. Every pitch, every swing turning men into heroes or goats.

The cool April air seems to make a persons gait a little lighter, makes a woman's face glow a little brighter, and causes the beer to taste just a bit sweeter. A night in the park, under the lights with 47,000 friends for just one night. It makes a life, just a little more complete.

In these moments your life seems so simple, so full of purpose. It makes all the bullshit worth it, to spend time with people that you love, enjoying company, laughing.

one of those nights

I can't make myself go to bed. I'm a junkie...... an addict.

Shall I embrace it, or ignore it? Deny it, or roll with it?



I can't stick to my rules. 25 and 50 NL games hold no attraction to me. I get restless... bored....play badly.....If I focus, no problem....but I can only keep it up for awhile. I'm that guy. You can't put your finger on me...am I tight? Am I a maniac? Am I a calling station? nope I'm the guy who yearns for action, a gambler.






And there's a big part of me that is ok with that.


got 14th in a $20-180....2nd in chips my 9's got beat by queens. I could literally taste the final table.... not to be. I played well this weekend, no complaints...got a little tired last night which ate into my profits a bit.....What are you gonna do? I am getting much better at MTT's.....I just wish I had the bankroll to play more of them.

one of those nights

I can't make myself go to bed. I'm a junkie...... an addict.

Shall I embrace it, or ignore it? Deny it, or roll with it?



I can't stick to my rules. 25 and 50 NL games hold no attraction to me. I get restless... bored....play badly.....If I focus, no problem....but I can only keep it up for awhile. I'm that guy. You can't put your finger on me...am I tight? Am I a maniac? Am I a calling station? nope I'm the guy who yearns for action, a gambler.






And there's a big part of me that is ok with that.


got 14th in a $20-180....2nd in chips my 9's got beat by queens. I could literally taste the final table.... not to be. I played well this weekend, no complaints...got a little tired last night which ate into my profits a bit.....What are you gonna do? I am getting much better at MTT's.....I just wish I had the bankroll to play more of them.

amazing...

How 1 session can change your attitude.

One minute I'm the donkiest donk who ever picked up cards and the next minute I can't believe how many morons actually play cards for money.

I'm really not bipolar...I swear. I'm one of the most grounded, level headed people I know. But when it comes to cards, something bites right into my ego, or psyche, or some other bs name for guts. I get so down on myself...then boom...I realize that I do understand this game (to a certain degree) and I can be successful at it. I should adjust my expectations. maybe stick to lower games.....it just doesn't satisfy the gambler in me. Big wins are what I seek, not grinding away.

I just can't help but to realize that every time I'm feel bad about my game, I just sit at a $25 or $50NL game and make my money back....ugh. I'm gonna stick to those games for one week, and check my results, no MTT's (except WWDN) and no SNG's. We'll see if that pans out. I just get so bored sitting at cash tables...

amazing...

How 1 session can change your attitude.

One minute I'm the donkiest donk who ever picked up cards and the next minute I can't believe how many morons actually play cards for money.

I'm really not bipolar...I swear. I'm one of the most grounded, level headed people I know. But when it comes to cards, something bites right into my ego, or psyche, or some other bs name for guts. I get so down on myself...then boom...I realize that I do understand this game (to a certain degree) and I can be successful at it. I should adjust my expectations. maybe stick to lower games.....it just doesn't satisfy the gambler in me. Big wins are what I seek, not grinding away.

I just can't help but to realize that every time I'm feel bad about my game, I just sit at a $25 or $50NL game and make my money back....ugh. I'm gonna stick to those games for one week, and check my results, no MTT's (except WWDN) and no SNG's. We'll see if that pans out. I just get so bored sitting at cash tables...

burn

I think I'm burning out....Its not as much fun as it is a convulsion or like brushing my teeth.
Same old story..hours of focus and hard work blown away by moments of pig headed stupidity. I'm playing NL cash, OH8 cash and tourneys, SNG's MTT's.....and its becoming alot like work. Win here lose there, and I'm bored. The only thing that is fun for me is playing games I don't belong in,
go figure. Am I a gambler, or a poker player? Can I be both?














At the lonely desk, the man sits.
He hears the fans whirring under his feet and he waits.
A miracle of chance, and he sits, unflinching.
Click is the sound of desire, the sound of promise, the sound of hope and disgust.

The silence is deafening.

burn

I think I'm burning out....Its not as much fun as it is a convulsion or like brushing my teeth.
Same old story..hours of focus and hard work blown away by moments of pig headed stupidity. I'm playing NL cash, OH8 cash and tourneys, SNG's MTT's.....and its becoming alot like work. Win here lose there, and I'm bored. The only thing that is fun for me is playing games I don't belong in,
go figure. Am I a gambler, or a poker player? Can I be both?














At the lonely desk, the man sits.
He hears the fans whirring under his feet and he waits.
A miracle of chance, and he sits, unflinching.
Click is the sound of desire, the sound of promise, the sound of hope and disgust.

The silence is deafening.

Wednesday 4-5-6

Not much going on. I havent really been in the mood to write anything, so heres a post about nothing.

Typical poker post to follow:


BLAH BLAH BLAH
won some tourneys
BLAH BLAH BLAH
lost at cash games
BLAH BLAH BLAH
3rd out in the WSOP sattelite
BLAH BLAH BLAH
1st out in WWDN
BLAH BLAH BLAH
Somehow I'm still ahead this week, weird.

Maybe ill write something tomorrow, I'm sure you can't wait.


post written at 123456

Wednesday 4-5-6

Not much going on. I havent really been in the mood to write anything, so heres a post about nothing.

Typical poker post to follow:


BLAH BLAH BLAH
won some tourneys
BLAH BLAH BLAH
lost at cash games
BLAH BLAH BLAH
3rd out in the WSOP sattelite
BLAH BLAH BLAH
1st out in WWDN
BLAH BLAH BLAH
Somehow I'm still ahead this week, weird.

Maybe ill write something tomorrow, I'm sure you can't wait.


post written at 123456

stop...hammer time

I missed the screenshot, but here's the history:

PokerStars Game #4457057981: Tournament #22170689, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round II, Level I (20/40) - 2006/03/29 - 19:56:07 (ET)
Table '22170689 1' One on One Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: congnocowboy (2620 in chips)
Seat 2: 23skidoo (3380 in chips)
congnocowboy: posts small blind 20
23skidoo: posts big blind 40
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to 23skidoo [7c 2c]
congnocowboy: raises 120 to 160
23skidoo: calls 120
*** FLOP *** [Jc 7s 2d]
23skidoo: checks
congnocowboy: checks
*** TURN *** [Jc 7s 2d] [Th]
23skidoo: bets 80
congnocowboy: raises 80 to 160
23skidoo: raises 1000 to 1160
congnocowboy: raises 1000 to 2160
23skidoo: calls 1000
*** RIVER *** [Jc 7s 2d Th] [2s]
23skidoo: bets 1060 and is all-in
congnocowboy: calls 300 and is all-in
*** SHOW DOWN ***
23skidoo: shows [7c 2c] (a full house, Deuces full of Sevens)
congnocowboy: shows [Ks Jh] (two pair, Jacks and Deuces)
23skidoo collected 5240 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 5240 | Rake 0
Board [Jc 7s 2d Th 2s]
Seat 1: congnocowboy (button) (small blind) showed [Ks Jh] and lost with two pair, Jacks and Deuces
Seat 2: 23skidoo (big blind) showed [7c 2c] and won (5240) with a full house, Deuces full of Sevens


Although I suppose it doesnt count that it was sooted...

stop...hammer time

I missed the screenshot, but here's the history:

PokerStars Game #4457057981: Tournament #22170689, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round II, Level I (20/40) - 2006/03/29 - 19:56:07 (ET)
Table '22170689 1' One on One Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: congnocowboy (2620 in chips)
Seat 2: 23skidoo (3380 in chips)
congnocowboy: posts small blind 20
23skidoo: posts big blind 40
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to 23skidoo [7c 2c]
congnocowboy: raises 120 to 160
23skidoo: calls 120
*** FLOP *** [Jc 7s 2d]
23skidoo: checks
congnocowboy: checks
*** TURN *** [Jc 7s 2d] [Th]
23skidoo: bets 80
congnocowboy: raises 80 to 160
23skidoo: raises 1000 to 1160
congnocowboy: raises 1000 to 2160
23skidoo: calls 1000
*** RIVER *** [Jc 7s 2d Th] [2s]
23skidoo: bets 1060 and is all-in
congnocowboy: calls 300 and is all-in
*** SHOW DOWN ***
23skidoo: shows [7c 2c] (a full house, Deuces full of Sevens)
congnocowboy: shows [Ks Jh] (two pair, Jacks and Deuces)
23skidoo collected 5240 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 5240 | Rake 0
Board [Jc 7s 2d Th 2s]
Seat 1: congnocowboy (button) (small blind) showed [Ks Jh] and lost with two pair, Jacks and Deuces
Seat 2: 23skidoo (big blind) showed [7c 2c] and won (5240) with a full house, Deuces full of Sevens


Although I suppose it doesnt count that it was sooted...

WWDN-jg-2323 Invitational

1 of 3 goals accomplished, I took notes. (posted below if you want to read them) I limped then seriously overplayed pocket 9's....doh.

Played PLO 8 then PLO with bloggers....lost 2 buyins chasing flushes....and of course DR.Pauly hits his against me....So add that to goals for next week, REALLY dont play PLO with bloggers even at .02/.04 its a losing proposition....lol. I'm still compelled to try and play aginst better players than myself, what are you gonna do?

On a high note, I got first in a 6 handed game, 2nd in a 1-table SNG and won a 4 Player HU. Veneno wanted to play HU around 1:30 but I needed to get in bed.



WWDN NOTES

Cool this one has 23 in the title! EEK!

62 Entries.


1st table has darval.N1kita, Arcon, Orange Floyd, hacker59, saintjack.
I have no notes on these players.

8:30 cards fly.

8:32 Q10 in SB fold to Arcon's raise. 58hQ on flop. Arcon bets out and
everyone folds.

8:33 mourn and sirFWALGMan join.

8:37 23 in BB and saintjack bets on a 236 flop. I get T850 off of him.

8:38 A6 in the cutoff I raise, mourn reraises..I make a stupid call.
Blanks come and I fold to his 300 bet. T1650

8:42 72 folded to me I bet (broke my rule) T300 (too little) called by
saintjack's KQ..he dominates me.

no more hammer i promise.

8:44 J4 clubs SirF raises in from of me I fold in SB.

8:45 dealt aces. hacker raises in front..i raise...call. JKx on the
flop he check's I bet and he folds. T1575

847 Luck080 joins.

852 Mourns AA get beat by a flopped straight turned into a flush by
orange floyd.

852 transfish joins and hacker doubles through him with AK v QQ

856 910 3xbet and everyone folds. T1410

856 darval doubles through Transfish with 44 when her 4 hits the river.

858 AJs vs AKo all in call and hit my J. t2395. I am moved

9:00 Up4poker, jjok hcr33 lasner luck080, jk87, Jester9494

901 AJ again 3x raise from early position..folds around. T2470

9:02 99 in BB cj hit 236 flop cj bets and I jam...he goes in the tank,
and I think I've got it...but he calls with 66....and I'm demolished.
T175 I double up with 88 next hand t375

908..its really gonna be tough to get through the first hour.

911 gotta find something to bet soon T250

I jam with J9 diamonds and am out in 44th. boo.

WWDN-jg-2323 Invitational

1 of 3 goals accomplished, I took notes. (posted below if you want to read them) I limped then seriously overplayed pocket 9's....doh.

Played PLO 8 then PLO with bloggers....lost 2 buyins chasing flushes....and of course DR.Pauly hits his against me....So add that to goals for next week, REALLY dont play PLO with bloggers even at .02/.04 its a losing proposition....lol. I'm still compelled to try and play aginst better players than myself, what are you gonna do?

On a high note, I got first in a 6 handed game, 2nd in a 1-table SNG and won a 4 Player HU. Veneno wanted to play HU around 1:30 but I needed to get in bed.



WWDN NOTES

Cool this one has 23 in the title! EEK!

62 Entries.


1st table has darval.N1kita, Arcon, Orange Floyd, hacker59, saintjack.
I have no notes on these players.

8:30 cards fly.

8:32 Q10 in SB fold to Arcon's raise. 58hQ on flop. Arcon bets out and
everyone folds.

8:33 mourn and sirFWALGMan join.

8:37 23 in BB and saintjack bets on a 236 flop. I get T850 off of him.

8:38 A6 in the cutoff I raise, mourn reraises..I make a stupid call.
Blanks come and I fold to his 300 bet. T1650

8:42 72 folded to me I bet (broke my rule) T300 (too little) called by
saintjack's KQ..he dominates me.

no more hammer i promise.

8:44 J4 clubs SirF raises in from of me I fold in SB.

8:45 dealt aces. hacker raises in front..i raise...call. JKx on the
flop he check's I bet and he folds. T1575

847 Luck080 joins.

852 Mourns AA get beat by a flopped straight turned into a flush by
orange floyd.

852 transfish joins and hacker doubles through him with AK v QQ

856 910 3xbet and everyone folds. T1410

856 darval doubles through Transfish with 44 when her 4 hits the river.

858 AJs vs AKo all in call and hit my J. t2395. I am moved

9:00 Up4poker, jjok hcr33 lasner luck080, jk87, Jester9494

901 AJ again 3x raise from early position..folds around. T2470

9:02 99 in BB cj hit 236 flop cj bets and I jam...he goes in the tank,
and I think I've got it...but he calls with 66....and I'm demolished.
T175 I double up with 88 next hand t375

908..its really gonna be tough to get through the first hour.

911 gotta find something to bet soon T250

I jam with J9 diamonds and am out in 44th. boo.

And there it is...

4 up, three down....such is the SNG rollercoaster....I can ride this out no problem. Playing WWDN weekly tonight. I have 3 goals;

1: Take notes. Pay attention to what you are doing. More importantly pay attention to your opponents.

2: Make it past the first hour. Conservative aggressive play should take care of that, but don't be overly tight.

3: Don't play the freaking hammer again, week before last I luckboxed with it, last week I got crippled bluffing with it. Leave that play to Hoyazo.

I like it...I have a plan.

And there it is...

4 up, three down....such is the SNG rollercoaster....I can ride this out no problem. Playing WWDN weekly tonight. I have 3 goals;

1: Take notes. Pay attention to what you are doing. More importantly pay attention to your opponents.

2: Make it past the first hour. Conservative aggressive play should take care of that, but don't be overly tight.

3: Don't play the freaking hammer again, week before last I luckboxed with it, last week I got crippled bluffing with it. Leave that play to Hoyazo.

I like it...I have a plan.

good feeling, won't you stay with me...

just a little longer


Ok..now I'm cooking...If I can equate 2 good days to a run...I'll jump on it.

Played 1 SNG online Friday and won it.
Played some live while watching NCAA's and played sub par.....why do I continue to play junk against my friends and try to outplay them after the flop? They are not succeptable to my steal attempts, stop trying. Anywho...it was just for fun.

Played 2 SNG's with Venenoon Saturday morning....it only took a few minutes. We played in 2 4-player matches....I didn't make it to the final table on the first one....AA got cracked by trip Queens. But she made it and won. Second tourney we made it to headsup at the final table and I won! My first 4 player HU win, and against a player I have respect for. We played 80+ hands in the match. I must admit I was catching cards at the right times, but I feel I played pretty well. AND it was quick and fun.

Sunday I played 4 Post-Sopranos games. A 4 PLayer HU (WON), 1 3rd Place in a 1 table SNG, 1 First place in a 1 table SNG, and a 4th place in a 2-table SNG. Not bad! Feeling good to start the week, I'll see if I can hold on to the rush.

good feeling, won't you stay with me...

just a little longer


Ok..now I'm cooking...If I can equate 2 good days to a run...I'll jump on it.

Played 1 SNG online Friday and won it.
Played some live while watching NCAA's and played sub par.....why do I continue to play junk against my friends and try to outplay them after the flop? They are not succeptable to my steal attempts, stop trying. Anywho...it was just for fun.

Played 2 SNG's with Venenoon Saturday morning....it only took a few minutes. We played in 2 4-player matches....I didn't make it to the final table on the first one....AA got cracked by trip Queens. But she made it and won. Second tourney we made it to headsup at the final table and I won! My first 4 player HU win, and against a player I have respect for. We played 80+ hands in the match. I must admit I was catching cards at the right times, but I feel I played pretty well. AND it was quick and fun.

Sunday I played 4 Post-Sopranos games. A 4 PLayer HU (WON), 1 3rd Place in a 1 table SNG, 1 First place in a 1 table SNG, and a 4th place in a 2-table SNG. Not bad! Feeling good to start the week, I'll see if I can hold on to the rush.

hee haw

I'm really not that upset about the HU tourney. really.


I didn't really expect to win anything, but winning a hand at least would have been nice. Same old story, mind goes numb, I am sure I'm ahead, no adjustment.

Anywho, played in the lounge game and came in second. 2 pivital hands: I'm dealt QJc in the cutoff and have 2 limpers in front of me. I raise 3x BB and BB jams. If I fold here I am down below T800, so I make the call. Its much better than I thought when he shows 44, I river a straight. slurp. Almost same situation except I'm 2nd in chips and have QTo. I really have no explanation as to why I call an all-in here, I only have ~T150 in the pot. Villain shows AK, but I spike QT on the flop. Wonder twin powers....activate. I consider it a moral victory since I was down 3 to 1 when I got heads up with WES. And now we all know my heads up play could use a little tweaking. I didn't waste much time heads up, I got an ace and pushed. Wes called w/JT and spiked trips. o well.

Here's a hint for you, don't play PLO with bloggers if you suck at it.

PLo(hi) has got to be my least favorite game, but I love Omaha-hi/low...weird. So despide playing one good hand, I donated to the bloggers, I hope they appreciated it. I'd like to take a shot at a WSOP sattelite or a sattelite to the 1 Million on Sunday....we'll see. I may just take the weekend off.

hee haw

I'm really not that upset about the HU tourney. really.


I didn't really expect to win anything, but winning a hand at least would have been nice. Same old story, mind goes numb, I am sure I'm ahead, no adjustment.

Anywho, played in the lounge game and came in second. 2 pivital hands: I'm dealt QJc in the cutoff and have 2 limpers in front of me. I raise 3x BB and BB jams. If I fold here I am down below T800, so I make the call. Its much better than I thought when he shows 44, I river a straight. slurp. Almost same situation except I'm 2nd in chips and have QTo. I really have no explanation as to why I call an all-in here, I only have ~T150 in the pot. Villain shows AK, but I spike QT on the flop. Wonder twin powers....activate. I consider it a moral victory since I was down 3 to 1 when I got heads up with WES. And now we all know my heads up play could use a little tweaking. I didn't waste much time heads up, I got an ace and pushed. Wes called w/JT and spiked trips. o well.

Here's a hint for you, don't play PLO with bloggers if you suck at it.

PLo(hi) has got to be my least favorite game, but I love Omaha-hi/low...weird. So despide playing one good hand, I donated to the bloggers, I hope they appreciated it. I'd like to take a shot at a WSOP sattelite or a sattelite to the 1 Million on Sunday....we'll see. I may just take the weekend off.

nice...one hand

First hand dealt JKs...Josh raises, I reraise. FLop comes J87. I bet he raises... turn is 2, bet, raise, all in. river is T. Josh shows J8..game over.


I dont wanna talk about it.

nice...one hand

First hand dealt JKs...Josh raises, I reraise. FLop comes J87. I bet he raises... turn is 2, bet, raise, all in. river is T. Josh shows J8..game over.


I dont wanna talk about it.

THINK

Deposited some $ at FT for the HU3. I played some .50/1 and a Stud tourney, just for kicks. I ended up losing ~$8 on the cash game but won the stud tourney. This was the first stud tourney I have ever played...lol. Didn't do anything spectacular, but when I got heads up (2 to 1 deficit to the leader) I just ran him over. He was playing very passively, folding to almost every bet except when he had something. In all, it was very easy to win...hmm.

Went back over to PS came in 2nd in a 2 table SNG then played a $3 rebuy for WSOP sattelite. Not bad for a first attempt. I game in 24th out of ~200.

Not thinking cost me a huge pot which eventually sent me packing. In the BB I had been getting steal attemps from mid position by the same player in 3 orbits. Blinds are T800 and I am 2nd in chips out of~34. So I call a 3x BB bet w/K9. flop comes K7x rainbow. First to act I Jam about 4k into the pot (too small?), and get cold called. **WARNING*** nope the bells didn't go off, I am sure this guy did not hit. T comes on the turn and I push again T12000 chips. another cold call, and fuck ****Your beat!!!** 9 hits the river and I have 2-paired. I put him on AK at best, but don't really stop to think what could beat me here. I push again and get raised all-in.... Of course I cant lay this down now right??? he shows pocket TT and sends me down to 17th. So...3 mistakes in one hand, if not more...and I had played so well to get to the top. In retrospect, pride got in the way as I was sick of this guy stealing from me. (he eventually got a ticket). Then Pig headedness prevails as I make a bad read and don't adjust.

What can I do to slow myself down in this situation?...I could have just as easily gotten beat by KT or any other matching pocket trips...among others. But I disregarded the information and went with my gut. I paid for it....2.5 hours of good play gone with nothing to show.....

Now I have to clear my head for tonight's match. I've played a few heads up matches in the last couple of says and have not done well. I resolve to play slow and THINK!.

THINK

Deposited some $ at FT for the HU3. I played some .50/1 and a Stud tourney, just for kicks. I ended up losing ~$8 on the cash game but won the stud tourney. This was the first stud tourney I have ever played...lol. Didn't do anything spectacular, but when I got heads up (2 to 1 deficit to the leader) I just ran him over. He was playing very passively, folding to almost every bet except when he had something. In all, it was very easy to win...hmm.

Went back over to PS came in 2nd in a 2 table SNG then played a $3 rebuy for WSOP sattelite. Not bad for a first attempt. I game in 24th out of ~200.

Not thinking cost me a huge pot which eventually sent me packing. In the BB I had been getting steal attemps from mid position by the same player in 3 orbits. Blinds are T800 and I am 2nd in chips out of~34. So I call a 3x BB bet w/K9. flop comes K7x rainbow. First to act I Jam about 4k into the pot (too small?), and get cold called. **WARNING*** nope the bells didn't go off, I am sure this guy did not hit. T comes on the turn and I push again T12000 chips. another cold call, and fuck ****Your beat!!!** 9 hits the river and I have 2-paired. I put him on AK at best, but don't really stop to think what could beat me here. I push again and get raised all-in.... Of course I cant lay this down now right??? he shows pocket TT and sends me down to 17th. So...3 mistakes in one hand, if not more...and I had played so well to get to the top. In retrospect, pride got in the way as I was sick of this guy stealing from me. (he eventually got a ticket). Then Pig headedness prevails as I make a bad read and don't adjust.

What can I do to slow myself down in this situation?...I could have just as easily gotten beat by KT or any other matching pocket trips...among others. But I disregarded the information and went with my gut. I paid for it....2.5 hours of good play gone with nothing to show.....

Now I have to clear my head for tonight's match. I've played a few heads up matches in the last couple of says and have not done well. I resolve to play slow and THINK!.

HU3 Matchups.

Here's the Match ups for the first round. Yay I'm a donkey! There seems to be no lack of stiff competition for this.

Table: HUC#3-Maniacs
Time: 4 p.m.

Surflexus
Ingoal
Boobie Lover
PokerSweetHome



Table: HUC#3-Donkeys
Time: 9 p.m.

Juliette
PresidentDaveLee(he took down WWDN last night)
23Skidoo
SteelerJosh



Table: HUC#3-Bluffers
Time: 9 p.m.

HRC
Shahmat
FishyMcDonK
WeakPlayer



Table: HUC#3-Sharks
Time: 9 p.m.

WWonka
Guin
Katitude
Hammer-Hoyzo



Table: HUC#3-Suckouts
Time: 10 p.m.

DonkeyPuncher
Biggeston
Doubleas
TraumaPoker



Table: HUC#3-Fish
Time: 10 p.m.

Smokkee
Blinders
Mowenumdown
WillWonka



Table: HUC#3-Squirrels
Time: 10 p.m.

AussieDave
Drewspop
TripJax
Fairnbalncd



Table: HUC#3-TiltMonsters
Time: 10 p.m.

HighonPoker
ToddCommish
L'artiste
YoSoyVeneno

The more you know...

The more you know you're lost...

I've really been trying to stretch my poker muscles recently. I feel like I'm putting more and more into it mentally. Unfortunately I am a results-based person..over the past 2 months now, I have read more and concentrated more on poker than I have in the past...net loss ~$100. I know...small potatoes, but that's where I'm at a bill makes a big difference to me right now. My roll is all but dry and here it is then end of March. I've been going over my (shitty) notes from last year and seem to be doing overall better, but it's like I'm waiting for the green-light. I am my toughest critic, which is good, cause I'm also my only critic :). But seriously, I go through periods where I am so focused, then it just kind of trails away.... How do you keep it up??....It takes energy, perception, guts and luck. SOMETIMES I have 2 or 3 of those......


I know I make a lot of negative posts, and I'm really going to try the PMA approach. HU3 starts tomorrow, and I REALLY want to make a good showing for myself. If anyone happens to read this...send some vibes my way.

HU3 Matchups.

Here's the Match ups for the first round. Yay I'm a donkey! There seems to be no lack of stiff competition for this.

Table: HUC#3-Maniacs
Time: 4 p.m.

Surflexus
Ingoal
Boobie Lover
PokerSweetHome



Table: HUC#3-Donkeys
Time: 9 p.m.

Juliette
PresidentDaveLee(he took down WWDN last night)
23Skidoo
SteelerJosh



Table: HUC#3-Bluffers
Time: 9 p.m.

HRC
Shahmat
FishyMcDonK
WeakPlayer



Table: HUC#3-Sharks
Time: 9 p.m.

WWonka
Guin
Katitude
Hammer-Hoyzo



Table: HUC#3-Suckouts
Time: 10 p.m.

DonkeyPuncher
Biggeston
Doubleas
TraumaPoker



Table: HUC#3-Fish
Time: 10 p.m.

Smokkee
Blinders
Mowenumdown
WillWonka



Table: HUC#3-Squirrels
Time: 10 p.m.

AussieDave
Drewspop
TripJax
Fairnbalncd



Table: HUC#3-TiltMonsters
Time: 10 p.m.

HighonPoker
ToddCommish
L'artiste
YoSoyVeneno

The more you know...

The more you know you're lost...

I've really been trying to stretch my poker muscles recently. I feel like I'm putting more and more into it mentally. Unfortunately I am a results-based person..over the past 2 months now, I have read more and concentrated more on poker than I have in the past...net loss ~$100. I know...small potatoes, but that's where I'm at a bill makes a big difference to me right now. My roll is all but dry and here it is then end of March. I've been going over my (shitty) notes from last year and seem to be doing overall better, but it's like I'm waiting for the green-light. I am my toughest critic, which is good, cause I'm also my only critic :). But seriously, I go through periods where I am so focused, then it just kind of trails away.... How do you keep it up??....It takes energy, perception, guts and luck. SOMETIMES I have 2 or 3 of those......


I know I make a lot of negative posts, and I'm really going to try the PMA approach. HU3 starts tomorrow, and I REALLY want to make a good showing for myself. If anyone happens to read this...send some vibes my way.

bah

Played WWDN..it is truly fun....I got crippled again playing the hammmer...bet 5x the blind and got 1 caller (Maudie again) flop comes 7Jx rainbow..I make another big bet and she calls...and I know I'm beat. ugh. took about 3k off of me . Not proud of my play overall. And now I'm about to start a HU tourney. Should be good practice before the big HU3 challenge. We might be moving it to FT since PS won't accomodate us. stinks for PokerStars. Thats about allI got. I wish I had more patience for writing. but I don't.

bah

Played WWDN..it is truly fun....I got crippled again playing the hammmer...bet 5x the blind and got 1 caller (Maudie again) flop comes 7Jx rainbow..I make another big bet and she calls...and I know I'm beat. ugh. took about 3k off of me . Not proud of my play overall. And now I'm about to start a HU tourney. Should be good practice before the big HU3 challenge. We might be moving it to FT since PS won't accomodate us. stinks for PokerStars. Thats about allI got. I wish I had more patience for writing. but I don't.

HU3

I will be participating in a blogger event! Heads Up challenge 3 I am excited, but really have no misconception of my chances. They arent very good. But being 'unknown' may help a bit. And they made a cool picture for it.

HU3

I will be participating in a blogger event! Heads Up challenge 3 I am excited, but really have no misconception of my chances. They arent very good. But being 'unknown' may help a bit. And they made a cool picture for it.

I'm weak

I played in WWDN this week. It was 8:30 and I just automatically logged in a played. o well....Its always such fun. My highlight was playing a sooted hammer to beat maudie out of a healthy pot. I still suck though and was out around the 20 spot.

I'm weak

I played in WWDN this week. It was 8:30 and I just automatically logged in a played. o well....Its always such fun. My highlight was playing a sooted hammer to beat maudie out of a healthy pot. I still suck though and was out around the 20 spot.

but wait theres more

I feel like trying to unload.


on a shot
it twists into the wind
wrestling away from gravity like hydrogen
it moves amongst the stars too

i am going there

it shall happen quietly without warning

and cold is the frame

lifts up and glides
cherishing the freedom
of lonelyness
and guile

leaps upon the the broken man and raizes
the ground beneath shakes with delight

it is upon this wind the soul can glide and become part
of the instance
of the yearning
of the lost dreams and found realities
it is here

no more alone than anything
nothing is left untouched

and it is growing
an organism full of...


and it ends

live

Allrighty...I get to play live tonight. It's the monthly poker night for the neighborhood. I will not be drinking tonight eek! Its been boring not being able to play online. I played a little on WPT for XBOX, its just too easy. Bots are calling stations. I came in 1st, 2nd, and first in the tourneys I played. In the 2nd place finish (limit) i reraised the chip leader, then upon his reraise, I folded accidently and was crippled. I had pocket jacks. I re-read some of Harringon on Holdem I, just to refresh. I'll be reading Volume II next week. I'm also thinking of picking up Theory of Poker, I can't believe I haven't read it, but if its anything like Hold-em for Advanced Players it might be a tough read. When I get back online I'm going to focus entirely on MTT's and SNG's. No more cash games for me. I was killing the cash limit tables in January and got killed in Februrary..I've never had any kind of consistency on cash tables, so screw em. I like tournaments better, it fits my style.

but wait theres more

I feel like trying to unload.


on a shot
it twists into the wind
wrestling away from gravity like hydrogen
it moves amongst the stars too

i am going there

it shall happen quietly without warning

and cold is the frame

lifts up and glides
cherishing the freedom
of lonelyness
and guile

leaps upon the the broken man and raizes
the ground beneath shakes with delight

it is upon this wind the soul can glide and become part
of the instance
of the yearning
of the lost dreams and found realities
it is here

no more alone than anything
nothing is left untouched

and it is growing
an organism full of...


and it ends

live

Allrighty...I get to play live tonight. It's the monthly poker night for the neighborhood. I will not be drinking tonight eek! Its been boring not being able to play online. I played a little on WPT for XBOX, its just too easy. Bots are calling stations. I came in 1st, 2nd, and first in the tourneys I played. In the 2nd place finish (limit) i reraised the chip leader, then upon his reraise, I folded accidently and was crippled. I had pocket jacks. I re-read some of Harringon on Holdem I, just to refresh. I'll be reading Volume II next week. I'm also thinking of picking up Theory of Poker, I can't believe I haven't read it, but if its anything like Hold-em for Advanced Players it might be a tough read. When I get back online I'm going to focus entirely on MTT's and SNG's. No more cash games for me. I was killing the cash limit tables in January and got killed in Februrary..I've never had any kind of consistency on cash tables, so screw em. I like tournaments better, it fits my style.

Lent

Alright, this is gonna be tough. I decided to be hard on myself since I've been a bad boy. I have given up online poker for lent. For the past 3 years I have been playing at least once a week up to 4 days a week. Now I am quitting cold turkey. ouch. I have my 2 monthly games to keep me warm, that is all. I am going to do some reading actually, I finally got volume 2 of Harrington on Holdem, so I'll be reading that. I certainly hope it helps my mid game and end game strategy. In the MTT's that I have played in recently I can ammass chips and play near the top of the field, but when the action ramps up near the bubble, I start leaking chips. I haven't determined if I am playing too many hands, or not defending my cards properly...I feel like I'm getting outplayed, simple as that.

Things I will do on hiatus.

1. Get WSOP for XBOX...lol and beat it. I doubt I will learn anything useful, but it may satisfy my addiction.

2. Organize the garage.

3. Read


Wish me luck.

Lent

Alright, this is gonna be tough. I decided to be hard on myself since I've been a bad boy. I have given up online poker for lent. For the past 3 years I have been playing at least once a week up to 4 days a week. Now I am quitting cold turkey. ouch. I have my 2 monthly games to keep me warm, that is all. I am going to do some reading actually, I finally got volume 2 of Harrington on Holdem, so I'll be reading that. I certainly hope it helps my mid game and end game strategy. In the MTT's that I have played in recently I can ammass chips and play near the top of the field, but when the action ramps up near the bubble, I start leaking chips. I haven't determined if I am playing too many hands, or not defending my cards properly...I feel like I'm getting outplayed, simple as that.

Things I will do on hiatus.

1. Get WSOP for XBOX...lol and beat it. I doubt I will learn anything useful, but it may satisfy my addiction.

2. Organize the garage.

3. Read


Wish me luck.

sleep

I vow to sleep tonight.


Went out in stuupid fashion last night in the WWDN tourney last night. Not much memorable, but I was getting impatient. I hate it when I know that I'm making the wrong move but make it anyway, its like some kind of convulsion or something. My brain just cant handle the fact that I think I made a good move, but someone MIGHT have better cards than me. Last hand: Blinds are at 50 I think, ~2000 chips I'm dealt JTo in the SB. Folds around to me and I make a 3x raise. BB raises and I think, 'oh he just thinks I'm trying to steal.'(again)So I call. KJx on the flop. I figure BB has Ax or similar, so I bet out 400. BB raises, and I immediately raise all in....ugh. no thought, no reaction, nothing. Just throw em in. Of course he calls with AK. I spike a T on the turn, but my salvation is ended shortly with a river K. Bad Beat? no it was a stuupid play that i almost sucked out on. o well. Maybe I've been playing too much lately, cause I am not making optimal plays for the past 4-5 sessions.

sleep

I vow to sleep tonight.


Went out in stuupid fashion last night in the WWDN tourney last night. Not much memorable, but I was getting impatient. I hate it when I know that I'm making the wrong move but make it anyway, its like some kind of convulsion or something. My brain just cant handle the fact that I think I made a good move, but someone MIGHT have better cards than me. Last hand: Blinds are at 50 I think, ~2000 chips I'm dealt JTo in the SB. Folds around to me and I make a 3x raise. BB raises and I think, 'oh he just thinks I'm trying to steal.'(again)So I call. KJx on the flop. I figure BB has Ax or similar, so I bet out 400. BB raises, and I immediately raise all in....ugh. no thought, no reaction, nothing. Just throw em in. Of course he calls with AK. I spike a T on the turn, but my salvation is ended shortly with a river K. Bad Beat? no it was a stuupid play that i almost sucked out on. o well. Maybe I've been playing too much lately, cause I am not making optimal plays for the past 4-5 sessions.

nothing

I have nothing to say. Hopefully I can post about my miraculous victory in WWDN weekly.
I have been leaking chips lately...playing loose and seeing too many flops, it does not suit my style as it is. I will concentrate on being rocky tonight.

nothing

I have nothing to say. Hopefully I can post about my miraculous victory in WWDN weekly.
I have been leaking chips lately...playing loose and seeing too many flops, it does not suit my style as it is. I will concentrate on being rocky tonight.

Priorities

So I get home start cleaning up and getting dinner ready. If I don't cook, I don't eat. I'm not so full of myself that I think my wife should have a hot meal on the table for me every night. Besides, I prefer my cooking. I digress.

Rach comes home with the kids and tells me she is no longer going out with the girls. For a while there I was actually mad that she wasn't going out. I was in a crappy mood and just got busy doing other things. It dawned on me how selfish I was being. I mean, she was excited about spending time with me and my first thought was about how much poker I was going to miss.

I find myself in this juxtaposition now. I really want to improve myself as a poker player. It is something I enjoy tremendously. If I had no responsibility, I would play 24/7 or until I ran out of money. But seriously. I think I have the ability to be very good. I go through periods where I am unconscious...I'm so focused and I can't adjust when things go awry. In that same vein I get so manic and excited then things are going well that I sabotage my good effort with brash unconscious moves.

what's the purpose of this post? More whining and regurgitation... Can I make something constructive out of this? I get so involved in myself I don't reach out, I don't talk. I hide in this quiet construct that I've built for myself. Is that who I am? Is that what I want to be? Everything is so binary for me sometimes....YES or NO.

Priorities

So I get home start cleaning up and getting dinner ready. If I don't cook, I don't eat. I'm not so full of myself that I think my wife should have a hot meal on the table for me every night. Besides, I prefer my cooking. I digress.

Rach comes home with the kids and tells me she is no longer going out with the girls. For a while there I was actually mad that she wasn't going out. I was in a crappy mood and just got busy doing other things. It dawned on me how selfish I was being. I mean, she was excited about spending time with me and my first thought was about how much poker I was going to miss.

I find myself in this juxtaposition now. I really want to improve myself as a poker player. It is something I enjoy tremendously. If I had no responsibility, I would play 24/7 or until I ran out of money. But seriously. I think I have the ability to be very good. I go through periods where I am unconscious...I'm so focused and I can't adjust when things go awry. In that same vein I get so manic and excited then things are going well that I sabotage my good effort with brash unconscious moves.

what's the purpose of this post? More whining and regurgitation... Can I make something constructive out of this? I get so involved in myself I don't reach out, I don't talk. I hide in this quiet construct that I've built for myself. Is that who I am? Is that what I want to be? Everything is so binary for me sometimes....YES or NO.

Tread Water

Listening to DeLaSoul and this song inspired me.

I seem to be treading water the last month or so. I suppose I should expect this playing primarily SNG's. Moving up to $15's has been much better than expected. Even though I 'know' I'm playing over my head bankroll wise. I can money in these tourneys about 30% of the time. Of course I have no data to back this number up, It seems about right and I've been sitting at +/- $200 in my PS account for the last 2 months. Ive been as far down as 30 and as far up as 350. Is this expected variance? I play tougher when down and looser when up...go figure.

Last night i played a 5 hour sesson starting at 170ish and ending 170ish. I played 4 $15 SNG's 2 6-Handed $12's and a $20. Plus I played .50/1 limit pretty much the whole time. I should have stopped at the 3 hour mark up ... but this is my problem. I still lack discipline and keep chasing just one more pot. How do you gague when is a good time to stop? Work certinly doesn't enter my mind. Sure I can work on 3-4 hours of sleep, no problem.

I've been trying to frequent other's blogs more often...stepping up my reading. I need to get Harrington's volume 2 back from my brother. I'm getting lots of 2nds and 3rds. Not a whole lot of 1sts. Gotta get back to work. I'll be hitting the tables around 8:30 or so, the wife's going out.

Tread Water

Listening to DeLaSoul and this song inspired me.

I seem to be treading water the last month or so. I suppose I should expect this playing primarily SNG's. Moving up to $15's has been much better than expected. Even though I 'know' I'm playing over my head bankroll wise. I can money in these tourneys about 30% of the time. Of course I have no data to back this number up, It seems about right and I've been sitting at +/- $200 in my PS account for the last 2 months. Ive been as far down as 30 and as far up as 350. Is this expected variance? I play tougher when down and looser when up...go figure.

Last night i played a 5 hour sesson starting at 170ish and ending 170ish. I played 4 $15 SNG's 2 6-Handed $12's and a $20. Plus I played .50/1 limit pretty much the whole time. I should have stopped at the 3 hour mark up ... but this is my problem. I still lack discipline and keep chasing just one more pot. How do you gague when is a good time to stop? Work certinly doesn't enter my mind. Sure I can work on 3-4 hours of sleep, no problem.

I've been trying to frequent other's blogs more often...stepping up my reading. I need to get Harrington's volume 2 back from my brother. I'm getting lots of 2nds and 3rds. Not a whole lot of 1sts. Gotta get back to work. I'll be hitting the tables around 8:30 or so, the wife's going out.

wwdn#14

Live blog!

I'll try to do this....delete it if I suck.

2 minutes to go 45 entered so far.

First table: Wannastache, BadBLood44, HeyKidsItsBG(eek) wwonka Whaaa? Fishy McDonk

Im dealt 66 bet 3x bb to stache and he folds.

Whaaaa? shows the hammer 8:31

8:34 I'm on a roll. ~2200 chips... until i get AQ...a66 hits and I bet into blood's AK. At least I only lose around 500 chips.

8:37 Jaxia and Obie34 join Wil's already out. I'm at the "TV" table.

8:45: AQ sooted with clubs against stache. Hit ace on the flop and Q on the river. Theres a flush draw out there and it scares stache off. I'm back up to my buy in.

8:47 BG has AA Obie34 is all in with KK. A spikes on the flop and Obie is out.

8:52 Jaxia betting big on to a ragged straight board with Whaa? calling her down. 400 chip bet by Jax at the end and Whaaa? doubles it. Jax folds.

8:58 call the blind and hit a flush on the turn. Stash again is betting . At the end he puts me all -in. I fold the flush and he shows quads. whew..I'm glad I slowplayed, but I'm shortstacked now.

Next hand I double up with K10 when the straight hits against Jax.

9:02 FishyMcDonk goes all in w/A9 to wwonka's AQ and is out in 48th.

9:03 I get 33 and get beat by stashes better FH. 5's vs 3's still alive though

9:07 33 again I bet and BG puts me all in with the hammer. I nearly die when 2 comes on the flop, but nothing follows. ~1200 chips now.

9:11 Jax gets some chips back when she gets a bb special 92 and turns it into a boat.

9:13 relative newcomer Astin doubles up against stash when his 6 holds up against A10

9:14 Jax is all in with big slick against BG's tens she doesnt hit and is out in 44th.

9:17 Steal a blind with A2 sooted.

9:20 Play 9Q and get 2 pair.

9:21 Stache goes all in against 2 raises (BG and wwonka) they fold.

9:23 Maude and smalldog join. I'm in between stache and BG still feeling like a runt.
I'm slowly moving back up.

9:29 Stache and wwonka in a big pot. stash folds to the all-in.

9:30 Break. 27 out of 32 bummer

9:37 Dealt 88 and XKM1245 puts me in...AJ off. 9 t 5 comes off to give him a straight draw. 8 comes and 5 on the river for the boat. sweet! 13th now.

9:41 xkm is all in with AK and gets beat by wwonka's TT. He is out in 30th.

9:42 weak_player (chipleader) and JMS42 join. I raise with QJ vs AJ. I get lucky when theres a flush on the board.

9:46 Maudie and bg are out. Maudie A8 vs bg 44 and JMS 77. No one is helped against the 77.

....
Wife came home and I had to talk...She is less than pleased that I'm playing poker on V-day.

10:04 started talking to weak_player and lost track. I got saved with trip 9's on the river. 15th out of 18. I'd really like to make the final table.


10:07 A10 all in vs ...77 929 on the flop... 3.. K done in 18th.

I needed to attend to the wife so I couldn't watch the final 2 tables.

Ok....I've gotten close 2 weeks in a row. I felt pretty good about my play up until the A10. I didnt need to push with only 1 player in the pot. Even though I don't cash I'll post this. I'm looking forward to next week.

wwdn#14

Live blog!

I'll try to do this....delete it if I suck.

2 minutes to go 45 entered so far.

First table: Wannastache, BadBLood44, HeyKidsItsBG(eek) wwonka Whaaa? Fishy McDonk

Im dealt 66 bet 3x bb to stache and he folds.

Whaaaa? shows the hammer 8:31

8:34 I'm on a roll. ~2200 chips... until i get AQ...a66 hits and I bet into blood's AK. At least I only lose around 500 chips.

8:37 Jaxia and Obie34 join Wil's already out. I'm at the "TV" table.

8:45: AQ sooted with clubs against stache. Hit ace on the flop and Q on the river. Theres a flush draw out there and it scares stache off. I'm back up to my buy in.

8:47 BG has AA Obie34 is all in with KK. A spikes on the flop and Obie is out.

8:52 Jaxia betting big on to a ragged straight board with Whaa? calling her down. 400 chip bet by Jax at the end and Whaaa? doubles it. Jax folds.

8:58 call the blind and hit a flush on the turn. Stash again is betting . At the end he puts me all -in. I fold the flush and he shows quads. whew..I'm glad I slowplayed, but I'm shortstacked now.

Next hand I double up with K10 when the straight hits against Jax.

9:02 FishyMcDonk goes all in w/A9 to wwonka's AQ and is out in 48th.

9:03 I get 33 and get beat by stashes better FH. 5's vs 3's still alive though

9:07 33 again I bet and BG puts me all in with the hammer. I nearly die when 2 comes on the flop, but nothing follows. ~1200 chips now.

9:11 Jax gets some chips back when she gets a bb special 92 and turns it into a boat.

9:13 relative newcomer Astin doubles up against stash when his 6 holds up against A10

9:14 Jax is all in with big slick against BG's tens she doesnt hit and is out in 44th.

9:17 Steal a blind with A2 sooted.

9:20 Play 9Q and get 2 pair.

9:21 Stache goes all in against 2 raises (BG and wwonka) they fold.

9:23 Maude and smalldog join. I'm in between stache and BG still feeling like a runt.
I'm slowly moving back up.

9:29 Stache and wwonka in a big pot. stash folds to the all-in.

9:30 Break. 27 out of 32 bummer

9:37 Dealt 88 and XKM1245 puts me in...AJ off. 9 t 5 comes off to give him a straight draw. 8 comes and 5 on the river for the boat. sweet! 13th now.

9:41 xkm is all in with AK and gets beat by wwonka's TT. He is out in 30th.

9:42 weak_player (chipleader) and JMS42 join. I raise with QJ vs AJ. I get lucky when theres a flush on the board.

9:46 Maudie and bg are out. Maudie A8 vs bg 44 and JMS 77. No one is helped against the 77.

....
Wife came home and I had to talk...She is less than pleased that I'm playing poker on V-day.

10:04 started talking to weak_player and lost track. I got saved with trip 9's on the river. 15th out of 18. I'd really like to make the final table.


10:07 A10 all in vs ...77 929 on the flop... 3.. K done in 18th.

I needed to attend to the wife so I couldn't watch the final 2 tables.

Ok....I've gotten close 2 weeks in a row. I felt pretty good about my play up until the A10. I didnt need to push with only 1 player in the pot. Even though I don't cash I'll post this. I'm looking forward to next week.

live games

Live card games have been killing me! I've got to stop playing the stuupid dealer's choice luckfests. I have no luck whatsoever and I should know this by now. [/vent]

I may take tonight off, kids have to write their valentines day cards. I need to get a card and headphones for Rach. I got her a lightly used iPod photo on e-bay. I got a case and have loaded her profile onto the mac already. I now have iPod envy of her pretty color screen and album art, however my music library is far superior than hers.

Anywho. If I have time I'll play some .50/1 limit and possibly a $15 SNG.

live games

Live card games have been killing me! I've got to stop playing the stuupid dealer's choice luckfests. I have no luck whatsoever and I should know this by now. [/vent]

I may take tonight off, kids have to write their valentines day cards. I need to get a card and headphones for Rach. I got her a lightly used iPod photo on e-bay. I got a case and have loaded her profile onto the mac already. I now have iPod envy of her pretty color screen and album art, however my music library is far superior than hers.

Anywho. If I have time I'll play some .50/1 limit and possibly a $15 SNG.

Wil Wheaton Weekly

I played in Wil Wheaton's weekly tourney on Tuesday on a whim. I'll have to say it was a good bit of fun. I introduced myself as the unknown donk and was able to prove it pretty early on by calling an all-in with red queens vs AA. I drew a flush and had the whole table needling me about karmic retribution. Eventually i was able to even out the scales. However i had some great cards and was able to cripple CJ and take out a few more. I was moved and was ~10k in chips(15th place i think) I hit the table and landed with 33. I quadrupled the blind hoping to get everyone out and almost accomplished my goal. The chipleader called (treckgal?). The board showed Qhi rainbow and I ignored her 1K bet to make it 3K. She called and instead of backing down, I pushed again and got a re-raise. donk. muck and I'm out 1/3 of my stack. About 2-3 orbits later I'm done for the night in 20th place and I feel like a real retard. OWELL If there had been one more entry to the tourney (100) I would have been able to fold into the money. as it is I'm just another nameless donk who got lucky for an hour or so.

I will play next week though, that was fun.

BTW I'm getting killed this week on my regular tables. $6 and $15 SNG's and .50/1 NL. Even limit sucked...

I'm taking tonight off I think.

Wil Wheaton Weekly

I played in Wil Wheaton's weekly tourney on Tuesday on a whim. I'll have to say it was a good bit of fun. I introduced myself as the unknown donk and was able to prove it pretty early on by calling an all-in with red queens vs AA. I drew a flush and had the whole table needling me about karmic retribution. Eventually i was able to even out the scales. However i had some great cards and was able to cripple CJ and take out a few more. I was moved and was ~10k in chips(15th place i think) I hit the table and landed with 33. I quadrupled the blind hoping to get everyone out and almost accomplished my goal. The chipleader called (treckgal?). The board showed Qhi rainbow and I ignored her 1K bet to make it 3K. She called and instead of backing down, I pushed again and got a re-raise. donk. muck and I'm out 1/3 of my stack. About 2-3 orbits later I'm done for the night in 20th place and I feel like a real retard. OWELL If there had been one more entry to the tourney (100) I would have been able to fold into the money. as it is I'm just another nameless donk who got lucky for an hour or so.

I will play next week though, that was fun.

BTW I'm getting killed this week on my regular tables. $6 and $15 SNG's and .50/1 NL. Even limit sucked...

I'm taking tonight off I think.

stream

Poker's going well...I can definately see it.
I've crossed the donk line. I am not losing money anymore.










watering down the icescape
needle in the hay
brought don stirring water
get in the game

in the still of instant behavior
the news crawls like butterflies

afternoon
going to get another one

the move seems clear
the mood seems dear
the ocean is there
constant

stream

Poker's going well...I can definately see it.
I've crossed the donk line. I am not losing money anymore.










watering down the icescape
needle in the hay
brought don stirring water
get in the game

in the still of instant behavior
the news crawls like butterflies

afternoon
going to get another one

the move seems clear
the mood seems dear
the ocean is there
constant

bad blogger

is me.


I got Harrington on Hold'Em for Christmas. I must say so far it deserves all of the praise it has gotten. Well written, lots of examples and explanations. So far it is solidifying some of my early game play. I havent gone out in the last 3-4 positions in a very ling time. I am focused now on 6/.50 SNG's at PS. I havent decided how long I should play there, but I am thinking once I win ~%30 at this level I can think about moving up. Is this a realistic # or not? Dunno. I'll be posting more as my wife will be back in school soon.

bad blogger

is me.


I got Harrington on Hold'Em for Christmas. I must say so far it deserves all of the praise it has gotten. Well written, lots of examples and explanations. So far it is solidifying some of my early game play. I havent gone out in the last 3-4 positions in a very ling time. I am focused now on 6/.50 SNG's at PS. I havent decided how long I should play there, but I am thinking once I win ~%30 at this level I can think about moving up. Is this a realistic # or not? Dunno. I'll be posting more as my wife will be back in school soon.

when your feeling like hell

Just read iggy for Tuesday November 29 2005. People have their demons....all of them.

just a little

Yea....same old stuff.

I played live last week with the boys. We played a couple of NLHE tourneys, then OH8(which I won). The we played some 2-4 limit, which is really becoming fun for me. I was up a good bit before beginning to play dealers choice. We had some fun playing wild card games. I taught them lacrosse, I game I generally don't like, but felt I had an edge. I won a good pot or two then lost most of my winnings(~$150) on one hand. We played until amost 6am, so Saturday was a bunch of fun for me.

when your feeling like hell

Just read iggy for Tuesday November 29 2005. People have their demons....all of them.

just a little

Yea....same old stuff.

I played live last week with the boys. We played a couple of NLHE tourneys, then OH8(which I won). The we played some 2-4 limit, which is really becoming fun for me. I was up a good bit before beginning to play dealers choice. We had some fun playing wild card games. I taught them lacrosse, I game I generally don't like, but felt I had an edge. I won a good pot or two then lost most of my winnings(~$150) on one hand. We played until amost 6am, so Saturday was a bunch of fun for me.

ho hum

Such a funk
yearning for the quick fix

gather the tools beside you
the entry is here

are you feeling entitled?
worst worn suit
feels tacky like gaffers tape

be real for this is the ONE only short
nothing excapes

new youth feels like glory
stuck upon the holes of might
just like hot irons
soothing the skin

break the water under peals of steam and laughter
keep it real

are you going into night again
seeking the feeling?

looking for the light and hoping

blind luck wins out again
when you wake upon
the shoulders of defeat
it shines like crystal

is the desire trustworthy?
is the line anew?
are there spiders in my coffee?
is there enough room to lie down?

do you have the courage to lose?

-bk

ho hum

Such a funk
yearning for the quick fix

gather the tools beside you
the entry is here

are you feeling entitled?
worst worn suit
feels tacky like gaffers tape

be real for this is the ONE only short
nothing excapes

new youth feels like glory
stuck upon the holes of might
just like hot irons
soothing the skin

break the water under peals of steam and laughter
keep it real

are you going into night again
seeking the feeling?

looking for the light and hoping

blind luck wins out again
when you wake upon
the shoulders of defeat
it shines like crystal

is the desire trustworthy?
is the line anew?
are there spiders in my coffee?
is there enough room to lie down?

do you have the courage to lose?

-bk

Checking my patience at the door.

I think its time for a ltiile soul searching.....I'm not sure if I have one.


The title says it all. I don't have the energy to write, and I'm at work.

Checking my patience at the door.

I think its time for a ltiile soul searching.....I'm not sure if I have one.


The title says it all. I don't have the energy to write, and I'm at work.

N'hood game.

I played my Monthly Neighborhood game on Friday. I had a lot of fun at the end of the night playing LIMIT. Who knew?

We played 2/4 limit for about 3 hours, and I seriously crushed these people. After the first few hands, I was not playing well. The hand that stand out to me is one where I get A10, cap the betting (almost every preflop was raised or capped) Flop comes 10 A 8, no flush opps. I bet out again and get 4 callers. 6 comes on the turn. (I should have seen the trouble here, but the table is so loose and SO passive, who knows. I bet out again, get a raise directly behind me and 2 drop off. I cap, and 7 comes off. Yes, the bettor called the capped bets with 6 9 off Nuts. So naturally, I've had a few beers and lay into this guy (nicely) about how shitty a call that is...etc etc. And he laugh it off, saying that why limit is so fun...etc etc, "you NL guys don't have the heart for this game." WOW, so that pissed me off a good bit. I loosened up a lot, started playing rags and catching everything in sight. Eventually I was scaring people off of hands and taking ~50% of the pots at a table full of 9. The 'joker' as I referred to him later in the session, really started to clam up when all his chips were getting shipped my way. He and his wife finally called it a night after he bought and lost another $40 worth of chips to me. My confidence was over the top, and I was up about 110x my starting stack.

I can't say that I would like to play this way again, but it sure was fun, and I can't remember (other than winning) when just playing cards was so enjoyable. I do know that I'm going to hit up some limit tables online now for sure.

The tourney's were good. First tourney had 17 people. I came in third, which I thought was a pretty good outcome. I never had a chip lead and played very conservatively. 2nd Tourney, we had to play one table with 11 people. I mucked and mucked and mucked. I didn't even play a hand until 2 people were out, when UB I get Q4 3 callers, so I play the free cards and get QQ7 flop. Checked around, I let the table see a free card. 3 on the turn. So I bet big, to just take the blinds...about half of my stack. I get a caller...ugh. Either I'm way behind or way in the lead. Another blank and make a value bet. I get raised by the bigstack, and have to call. I don't know If I really thought I had a winning hand or just didn't feel like playing that tourney...but I get taken out by Q9. I can't decide how I could have played that differently/or better, but I should have guessed I was dominated, and ignored the signs.

N'hood game.

I played my Monthly Neighborhood game on Friday. I had a lot of fun at the end of the night playing LIMIT. Who knew?

We played 2/4 limit for about 3 hours, and I seriously crushed these people. After the first few hands, I was not playing well. The hand that stand out to me is one where I get A10, cap the betting (almost every preflop was raised or capped) Flop comes 10 A 8, no flush opps. I bet out again and get 4 callers. 6 comes on the turn. (I should have seen the trouble here, but the table is so loose and SO passive, who knows. I bet out again, get a raise directly behind me and 2 drop off. I cap, and 7 comes off. Yes, the bettor called the capped bets with 6 9 off Nuts. So naturally, I've had a few beers and lay into this guy (nicely) about how shitty a call that is...etc etc. And he laugh it off, saying that why limit is so fun...etc etc, "you NL guys don't have the heart for this game." WOW, so that pissed me off a good bit. I loosened up a lot, started playing rags and catching everything in sight. Eventually I was scaring people off of hands and taking ~50% of the pots at a table full of 9. The 'joker' as I referred to him later in the session, really started to clam up when all his chips were getting shipped my way. He and his wife finally called it a night after he bought and lost another $40 worth of chips to me. My confidence was over the top, and I was up about 110x my starting stack.

I can't say that I would like to play this way again, but it sure was fun, and I can't remember (other than winning) when just playing cards was so enjoyable. I do know that I'm going to hit up some limit tables online now for sure.

The tourney's were good. First tourney had 17 people. I came in third, which I thought was a pretty good outcome. I never had a chip lead and played very conservatively. 2nd Tourney, we had to play one table with 11 people. I mucked and mucked and mucked. I didn't even play a hand until 2 people were out, when UB I get Q4 3 callers, so I play the free cards and get QQ7 flop. Checked around, I let the table see a free card. 3 on the turn. So I bet big, to just take the blinds...about half of my stack. I get a caller...ugh. Either I'm way behind or way in the lead. Another blank and make a value bet. I get raised by the bigstack, and have to call. I don't know If I really thought I had a winning hand or just didn't feel like playing that tourney...but I get taken out by Q9. I can't decide how I could have played that differently/or better, but I should have guessed I was dominated, and ignored the signs.

ok

Posted some more links to blogs. I'm going to up my reading for awhile. I was able to get my bonus whored out on PS last night. Cashed outand will move it somewhere else to move up some more. Maybe UB, but we will see. I am going to regroup for a couple of days and try to go through some histories.

I didn't do as well as I hoped in the Blogger tourney, I went out around 300 or so. I'll try and go over that history as well.

I am doing my best to strive for some balance. I get a bit obsessive about poker once and awhile and need to get reeled in. I tend to lose focus on personal issues, I need structure, but for the life of me, I just don't work that way.

Consistency. Balance. Clarity. Thought. Action.

Highlight from last night, I play .50/1 NL 6 handed to try and finish my bonus. I go with $50 to one table and get dropped to ~$8...I move to another table, plop another $50 down and get 10-9d on the first hand. I normally raise in this spot, but just call since I'm new to the table. Checks around, flop comes A-J-6 diamonds. First to act is big stack with almost 3x my chips. He puts 5 in and gets a caller. What to do in this spot? I have to raise to see where I'm at. I double the bet and get a call from stack and a fold from the caller. Next card is a blank. Big stack pushes again.
I have to at least call here, but I go all in thinking, 1. I'm new at the table, this guy is big stack and trying to establish himself as the captain. 2. He is on a draw, or has A J o or something like that. 3. I have him beat.
He calls my all in, and another diamond comes on the river, I think I am screwed for sure, but he shows 8dJc...whew.....Doubling up in the first hand sure is a moral booster. I'm not sure if I made the right call or just got lucky, but it matters not.

ok

Posted some more links to blogs. I'm going to up my reading for awhile. I was able to get my bonus whored out on PS last night. Cashed outand will move it somewhere else to move up some more. Maybe UB, but we will see. I am going to regroup for a couple of days and try to go through some histories.

I didn't do as well as I hoped in the Blogger tourney, I went out around 300 or so. I'll try and go over that history as well.

I am doing my best to strive for some balance. I get a bit obsessive about poker once and awhile and need to get reeled in. I tend to lose focus on personal issues, I need structure, but for the life of me, I just don't work that way.

Consistency. Balance. Clarity. Thought. Action.

Highlight from last night, I play .50/1 NL 6 handed to try and finish my bonus. I go with $50 to one table and get dropped to ~$8...I move to another table, plop another $50 down and get 10-9d on the first hand. I normally raise in this spot, but just call since I'm new to the table. Checks around, flop comes A-J-6 diamonds. First to act is big stack with almost 3x my chips. He puts 5 in and gets a caller. What to do in this spot? I have to raise to see where I'm at. I double the bet and get a call from stack and a fold from the caller. Next card is a blank. Big stack pushes again.
I have to at least call here, but I go all in thinking, 1. I'm new at the table, this guy is big stack and trying to establish himself as the captain. 2. He is on a draw, or has A J o or something like that. 3. I have him beat.
He calls my all in, and another diamond comes on the river, I think I am screwed for sure, but he shows 8dJc...whew.....Doubling up in the first hand sure is a moral booster. I'm not sure if I made the right call or just got lucky, but it matters not.

TIRED

I am very tired this morning.


I played well last night. I was on the .25/.50 NL and .10/.25NL tables for a long time. I really like the 6 handed games...lots of action. I get really bored at 9 seat cash games, but I do understand I could probably make a bit more $ on them, but presently I am still an action junkie, playing the low limits, risking small parts of my paltry roll. I've almost climbed back up to my original starting point....so that's nice. So after taking some cash, I decided to play the 3+rebuy to the 500K satellite. I know this is an all in fest, but I wanted to give it a try. I bought in and went ahead and got another buy in right away.

I never looked back...I doubled up after about 3 hands...I caused several ppl to rebuy. After 10 minutes I was in or near the lead, and stayed in the top 20 for the next 3 hours. I got very tired and tried to just outlast the blinds when there were about 40 left. Top 22 got a seat in the 500k. I dwindled down to around 28th place and decided I needed to play a few hands. I popped two bets stealing blinds and was back up ~18. Next hand I get K10o and loose raise in first position....BAAAD as soon as I did it I told myself it was a mistake. Chip leader was at my table and raises me all-in.....fold. Back down to ~27th place with about 35 left....I can't believe I sat for 3 hours to go out like this..I am so mad I don't think straight. In the SB hand I get j10 o and folds around. I pop the SB bet and BB puts me all in. A7 ugh.....blanks follow and I'm out....bitter bitter bitter....Was this fatigue....possibly, but I got to a point where I lost focus, and that's a shame. I did learn some lessons.

1.) Stay focused.....Analyze your possibilities with every hand.
2.) Don't start a MTT at 1AM :(
3.) One and a half hours does not equate to sleep.


Does PS always close chat near the end of a tourney?....I was enjoying healthy banter at my table and cutting chat off may have removed me a little from the action. Just a thought. I was certainly less than focused. I do enjoy playing as the bully though....you are allowed some calls that you normally wouldn't make. If I can stay awake tonight, I'll go through my history.

So after ~4 wasted hours and I was so frustrated that I had to play a 1 table 6/.50. I came in 2nd and got my entry for the satellite back... yay.

TIRED

I am very tired this morning.


I played well last night. I was on the .25/.50 NL and .10/.25NL tables for a long time. I really like the 6 handed games...lots of action. I get really bored at 9 seat cash games, but I do understand I could probably make a bit more $ on them, but presently I am still an action junkie, playing the low limits, risking small parts of my paltry roll. I've almost climbed back up to my original starting point....so that's nice. So after taking some cash, I decided to play the 3+rebuy to the 500K satellite. I know this is an all in fest, but I wanted to give it a try. I bought in and went ahead and got another buy in right away.

I never looked back...I doubled up after about 3 hands...I caused several ppl to rebuy. After 10 minutes I was in or near the lead, and stayed in the top 20 for the next 3 hours. I got very tired and tried to just outlast the blinds when there were about 40 left. Top 22 got a seat in the 500k. I dwindled down to around 28th place and decided I needed to play a few hands. I popped two bets stealing blinds and was back up ~18. Next hand I get K10o and loose raise in first position....BAAAD as soon as I did it I told myself it was a mistake. Chip leader was at my table and raises me all-in.....fold. Back down to ~27th place with about 35 left....I can't believe I sat for 3 hours to go out like this..I am so mad I don't think straight. In the SB hand I get j10 o and folds around. I pop the SB bet and BB puts me all in. A7 ugh.....blanks follow and I'm out....bitter bitter bitter....Was this fatigue....possibly, but I got to a point where I lost focus, and that's a shame. I did learn some lessons.

1.) Stay focused.....Analyze your possibilities with every hand.
2.) Don't start a MTT at 1AM :(
3.) One and a half hours does not equate to sleep.


Does PS always close chat near the end of a tourney?....I was enjoying healthy banter at my table and cutting chat off may have removed me a little from the action. Just a thought. I was certainly less than focused. I do enjoy playing as the bully though....you are allowed some calls that you normally wouldn't make. If I can stay awake tonight, I'll go through my history.

So after ~4 wasted hours and I was so frustrated that I had to play a 1 table 6/.50. I came in 2nd and got my entry for the satellite back... yay.

Just in case...

anyone happens to read this blog..


PokerStars is announcing ANOTHER contest within a contest. For all registrants of PokerStars Blogger Championship, we are giving out a cool PokerStars Fleece for the following contest:
In your own words (any length you think is appropriate), tell PokerStars what makes a good blog. If you have a poker blog or one that has this as a major topic, please add relevance to poker in your topic.
Email all entries to: bloggertournament@pokerstars.com. I will announce the winner and post his answer and blog URL on our blog this upcoming Friday the 21st. Good Luck!

Just in case...

anyone happens to read this blog..


PokerStars is announcing ANOTHER contest within a contest. For all registrants of PokerStars Blogger Championship, we are giving out a cool PokerStars Fleece for the following contest:
In your own words (any length you think is appropriate), tell PokerStars what makes a good blog. If you have a poker blog or one that has this as a major topic, please add relevance to poker in your topic.
Email all entries to: bloggertournament@pokerstars.com. I will announce the winner and post his answer and blog URL on our blog this upcoming Friday the 21st. Good Luck!

Plugging Away

I'm plugging away at .10/25 tables, 6/.50 turbos and the occasional $15/1 turbo.... Maintaining....getting used to the fluctuation. I was reading Pauly's page and came across this

I have registered to play in the
Online Poker Blogger Championship!

This event is powered by PokerStars.

Registration code: 3188941

So I figred why not try. I hope I update this enough to qualify.

Anyway, I had a good time yesterday on the .10/25 tables....doubling up twice then getting out. I also monied at 2 SNGs a 2nd in a 6/50 and 3rd in a 15. I'd really like to ride this awhile.

Plugging Away

I'm plugging away at .10/25 tables, 6/.50 turbos and the occasional $15/1 turbo.... Maintaining....getting used to the fluctuation. I was reading Pauly's page and came across this

I have registered to play in the
Online Poker Blogger Championship!

This event is powered by PokerStars.

Registration code: 3188941

So I figred why not try. I hope I update this enough to qualify.

Anyway, I had a good time yesterday on the .10/25 tables....doubling up twice then getting out. I also monied at 2 SNGs a 2nd in a 6/50 and 3rd in a 15. I'd really like to ride this awhile.

been awhile

SO its been a bit since my last entry. I've been scraping by at the .25-.50 tables trying to build a bit. I'll go on a run then get back to where I started. I am going to try and pay attention to my play when I am up, because it seems as though I do loosen up a bit, I'll play a SNG that I don't need to be at (20-2 or 50-3) or move up to .50-1. It is so hard to have the patience when I just want to keep in winning more.....problems, problems, problems. I'll continue to try and eek by with my paltry stack for the rest of the year, It will definitely try my will. In the end though I think it will be a good exercise to combat my consistency issue and teach me a bit about steadily moving up instead of trying to get the big win.

been awhile

SO its been a bit since my last entry. I've been scraping by at the .25-.50 tables trying to build a bit. I'll go on a run then get back to where I started. I am going to try and pay attention to my play when I am up, because it seems as though I do loosen up a bit, I'll play a SNG that I don't need to be at (20-2 or 50-3) or move up to .50-1. It is so hard to have the patience when I just want to keep in winning more.....problems, problems, problems. I'll continue to try and eek by with my paltry stack for the rest of the year, It will definitely try my will. In the end though I think it will be a good exercise to combat my consistency issue and teach me a bit about steadily moving up instead of trying to get the big win.

kings are better

Played some live shorthanded poker the other night. I really was trying to analyze play, but the beer got in the way..;)

First tourney I won...I got Kings 3 times! Crazy..I hit trips with them once against AK....Remember this is five handed! Nuts. I got a little cavalier after that and tried playing more aggressive than usual. It might work with strangers, but with my friends, they picked it up pretty easily. We have one calling station, that I can never put on cards until he has the nuts. He doesn't win alot, but it is very frustrating when trying to bluff and semi bluff. You just can't with that kind of player.

Haven't played much online lately...sticking with low money tourneys building my stack a bit. I made a deal with myself that I would no longer deposit money this year...so I am picking my games a little more selectively. Late 3 tourneys, I got money...I hope it keeps up. I seem to play a bit better with pressure. Interesting.

kings are better

Played some live shorthanded poker the other night. I really was trying to analyze play, but the beer got in the way..;)

First tourney I won...I got Kings 3 times! Crazy..I hit trips with them once against AK....Remember this is five handed! Nuts. I got a little cavalier after that and tried playing more aggressive than usual. It might work with strangers, but with my friends, they picked it up pretty easily. We have one calling station, that I can never put on cards until he has the nuts. He doesn't win alot, but it is very frustrating when trying to bluff and semi bluff. You just can't with that kind of player.

Haven't played much online lately...sticking with low money tourneys building my stack a bit. I made a deal with myself that I would no longer deposit money this year...so I am picking my games a little more selectively. Late 3 tourneys, I got money...I hope it keeps up. I seem to play a bit better with pressure. Interesting.

8-22

Last night was my 7th wedding anniversary. My wife was in school until 10, so I played cards. Played a $20,000 guaranteed at PR and came in a disappointing 500 something. In the meantime though I played a .50-1 NL. The first hand I sit down to 8-6 diamonds. I'm in the blind, so I call a .50 raise to see the flop. 7 9 5 is the flop and I cant believe my eyes. Raiser in front of me makes a pot-sized bet and I re-raise, he quickly goes all in for ~$25. I actually pause to think what he might have....doesn't really matter does it? I call and he turns over 10-10, sweet. I double up on my first hand and lose a bit of interest in the MTT maybe. Then I played a 20-2 SNG and won it. My wife came home by the end, so I didn't look through the hands. I can't thing of anything spectacular that I played, so I'll try to get my hand history tonight.

8-22

Last night was my 7th wedding anniversary. My wife was in school until 10, so I played cards. Played a $20,000 guaranteed at PR and came in a disappointing 500 something. In the meantime though I played a .50-1 NL. The first hand I sit down to 8-6 diamonds. I'm in the blind, so I call a .50 raise to see the flop. 7 9 5 is the flop and I cant believe my eyes. Raiser in front of me makes a pot-sized bet and I re-raise, he quickly goes all in for ~$25. I actually pause to think what he might have....doesn't really matter does it? I call and he turns over 10-10, sweet. I double up on my first hand and lose a bit of interest in the MTT maybe. Then I played a 20-2 SNG and won it. My wife came home by the end, so I didn't look through the hands. I can't thing of anything spectacular that I played, so I'll try to get my hand history tonight.

Poker Post

OK....I'll try to start talking about poker again. I posted some links to poker blogs that I like to read. I will possibly add more in the future. I'll talk about my current run.....It is an interesting point when you start to realize how you are playing and can act on it. Here's an example.

Three weeks ago I help organize a tournament for a website that I frequent. It is not a poker site, and I will not post the address, but I'll say it is a website dedicated to nothing in particular..off topic ramblings and such. Anywho....I set up the tourney on Pokerstars and helped to fund several (~6) people get into it. We turned out 39 people with about 10 of them who I would consider 'solid' players.

I played only premium hands until I could get a feel for the table...I stayed away from big pots and pushed hard when I was in. I stayed near the middle of the pack until we got down to 2 tables, then began to push. The play for the most part was weak, and I picked up hands when needed and didn't take any unnecessary beats. I made it to the final table in 5th or 6th place and stayed solid/passive until I get to QQ UTG. Short stack to my left goes all in and chip leader calls. I put chip leader on A-x or suited cards and short stack on any thing in level 1 -3. I decide to smooth call the all-in, praying that A-K doesn't show up. Flop comes J 9 (c) 5h, Chip Leader checks and I make a pot sized bet (about half my stack) to push him off a draw. He comes over the top all in. So I think he has hit the Jack, has a flush or straight draw, which I also have a piece of. No way I put him on AA KK or JJ, just didn't feel right. I call off my chips and turn over the queens. He turns over AJ and the peanut gallery goes nuts. The turn and river comes up blanks. What a feeling. 2 hands later I get AA and have two all in callers. Down to 3 players and Previous chip leader had taken a big chunk of #3 to get a small lead. Short stack whittles away 3 blinds and goes out to chip leader. He had about 2-1 on me going into heads up. This is where I know my game needs work. We go heads up for 20 minutes, I play aggressive, he folds a lot. A big hand comes A10 for me and I double the blind. He raises, and I call ....I get blanks on the flop and he makes a pot size bet...Most likely pockets here, so I fold. At one point he had more than 3-1 on me.
There was a turning point in which I had put in half my stack in on a blank board and he called. After two more cards, I had J high and went all in, to which he folded!! Unbelievable, he gave me ammunition and I began to trap since he would weak call any bet now. I eventually came out on top, not by any remarkable hands or beats, by simply outplaying him...

Outplaying is an often over used term, and having been on both sides of the player/playee equation, I'd like to examine what it means exactly.

There are times in a given session or series of session, where you can feel like you are making every call properly. Everything works; bluffs, slow plays, raise/reraises etc.. The last few times playing, I've actively searched to get that feeling. It is like imposing your will on players and the cards....sometimes it lasts days or weeks, sometimes one hand. If there is a way to harness this, to feel it out....it would be incredible.

Every poker player I've read or talked to knows this feeling. Do the pro's feel this or get this more often? I really don't want to equate this with luck, because I've been on a lucky streak before....this is more than that. It has to do with confidence and will. I know when I have it, I know when I don't, now I want to go and get it anytime.

OK, so I can ramble a bit, but I will do my best to test my writing skills other than train of thought.

Poker Post

OK....I'll try to start talking about poker again. I posted some links to poker blogs that I like to read. I will possibly add more in the future. I'll talk about my current run.....It is an interesting point when you start to realize how you are playing and can act on it. Here's an example.

Three weeks ago I help organize a tournament for a website that I frequent. It is not a poker site, and I will not post the address, but I'll say it is a website dedicated to nothing in particular..off topic ramblings and such. Anywho....I set up the tourney on Pokerstars and helped to fund several (~6) people get into it. We turned out 39 people with about 10 of them who I would consider 'solid' players.

I played only premium hands until I could get a feel for the table...I stayed away from big pots and pushed hard when I was in. I stayed near the middle of the pack until we got down to 2 tables, then began to push. The play for the most part was weak, and I picked up hands when needed and didn't take any unnecessary beats. I made it to the final table in 5th or 6th place and stayed solid/passive until I get to QQ UTG. Short stack to my left goes all in and chip leader calls. I put chip leader on A-x or suited cards and short stack on any thing in level 1 -3. I decide to smooth call the all-in, praying that A-K doesn't show up. Flop comes J 9 (c) 5h, Chip Leader checks and I make a pot sized bet (about half my stack) to push him off a draw. He comes over the top all in. So I think he has hit the Jack, has a flush or straight draw, which I also have a piece of. No way I put him on AA KK or JJ, just didn't feel right. I call off my chips and turn over the queens. He turns over AJ and the peanut gallery goes nuts. The turn and river comes up blanks. What a feeling. 2 hands later I get AA and have two all in callers. Down to 3 players and Previous chip leader had taken a big chunk of #3 to get a small lead. Short stack whittles away 3 blinds and goes out to chip leader. He had about 2-1 on me going into heads up. This is where I know my game needs work. We go heads up for 20 minutes, I play aggressive, he folds a lot. A big hand comes A10 for me and I double the blind. He raises, and I call ....I get blanks on the flop and he makes a pot size bet...Most likely pockets here, so I fold. At one point he had more than 3-1 on me.
There was a turning point in which I had put in half my stack in on a blank board and he called. After two more cards, I had J high and went all in, to which he folded!! Unbelievable, he gave me ammunition and I began to trap since he would weak call any bet now. I eventually came out on top, not by any remarkable hands or beats, by simply outplaying him...

Outplaying is an often over used term, and having been on both sides of the player/playee equation, I'd like to examine what it means exactly.

There are times in a given session or series of session, where you can feel like you are making every call properly. Everything works; bluffs, slow plays, raise/reraises etc.. The last few times playing, I've actively searched to get that feeling. It is like imposing your will on players and the cards....sometimes it lasts days or weeks, sometimes one hand. If there is a way to harness this, to feel it out....it would be incredible.

Every poker player I've read or talked to knows this feeling. Do the pro's feel this or get this more often? I really don't want to equate this with luck, because I've been on a lucky streak before....this is more than that. It has to do with confidence and will. I know when I have it, I know when I don't, now I want to go and get it anytime.

OK, so I can ramble a bit, but I will do my best to test my writing skills other than train of thought.

35

I have now entered my 35th year. This is the year I have designated as 'adult' year. I am officially an adult now, if it wasn't hitting me in the head before. I don't know what I expect to change, but I need to start taking care of myself physically. I am a bit chubby around the middle and could stand to lose 10-15 lbs. Mentally, I should try to stimulate myself with something other than cards and other time waisting BS. This will be tough. Finally, for my kids. I feel like I alienate them too much, and am sometimes too strict. I am quick to anger, and need to find a way to chane that one for sure. I don't want them to hate me, but I don't want to be a pushover either. Tough balance.

SO maybe I can use this as a tool. Day 1 Being an adult: I did my job today so far, ate a nutricious lunch with chicken, pasta and an apple. I'm planning on taking my son to Six Flags this weekend. I will buy a book on starting a Bar/Restaurant tonight and begin reading it. I can't have pipe dreams without things to fill them with.


Later, and happy birthday to me.

BTW, neither my brother OR sister called to say happy birthday.....that sucks.



edit 8/18: I found my brothers birthday card last night going through my desh DOH! I called him and apologized for giving him crap.

35

I have now entered my 35th year. This is the year I have designated as 'adult' year. I am officially an adult now, if it wasn't hitting me in the head before. I don't know what I expect to change, but I need to start taking care of myself physically. I am a bit chubby around the middle and could stand to lose 10-15 lbs. Mentally, I should try to stimulate myself with something other than cards and other time waisting BS. This will be tough. Finally, for my kids. I feel like I alienate them too much, and am sometimes too strict. I am quick to anger, and need to find a way to chane that one for sure. I don't want them to hate me, but I don't want to be a pushover either. Tough balance.

SO maybe I can use this as a tool. Day 1 Being an adult: I did my job today so far, ate a nutricious lunch with chicken, pasta and an apple. I'm planning on taking my son to Six Flags this weekend. I will buy a book on starting a Bar/Restaurant tonight and begin reading it. I can't have pipe dreams without things to fill them with.


Later, and happy birthday to me.

BTW, neither my brother OR sister called to say happy birthday.....that sucks.



edit 8/18: I found my brothers birthday card last night going through my desh DOH! I called him and apologized for giving him crap.

I suck at this

Courtesy of The Apathetic Online Journal Entry Generator
by Lore Fitzgerald Sjöberg

I've pretty much been doing nothing worth mentioning, but it's not important. I've just been hanging out not getting anything done, but I don't care. I haven't been up to much these days. Basically not much notable going on lately. Today was a complete loss. I haven't gotten much done lately.


Pretty much sums it up.

I suck at this

Courtesy of The Apathetic Online Journal Entry Generator
by Lore Fitzgerald Sjöberg

I've pretty much been doing nothing worth mentioning, but it's not important. I've just been hanging out not getting anything done, but I don't care. I haven't been up to much these days. Basically not much notable going on lately. Today was a complete loss. I haven't gotten much done lately.


Pretty much sums it up.