Posting on 2+2
The whole reason for writing a blog is – for me at least – to have an outlet. You know, to broadcast victories, losses and everything in between. Also (and I’ve said this before), it’s one of the ways in which I’ve been able to improve my performance, because the nature of having to, truthfully, broadcast your play to an audience after-the-fact, leaves you a little less inclined to do something stupid! After all, nobody WANTS to admit that they 4-bet-shoved 96o into QQ because they hadn’t been paying attention to the villain’s tendencies!
Now, since it’s been quite a while since my last blog – one might speculate that I’ve had nothing to brag about/confess to as of late. One would be wrong though, as both (unfortunately!) hold true for the undersigned. I’ve simply found another way of working through both challenges & upsets.
The answer is 2+2. I’ll admit, I found posting on the site pretty intimidating the first time I tried (under a different nick) back in 2006-7. My understanding and reasoning back then was even more flawed than it is today and the few times I ventured a response to a question or even posted something myself, I remember being met with condescending responses like, “LOL dude. mg, ez shove ftw ldo. Next!” and annoyed feedback like, “this has been covered in thread #u67xqd19. Please don’t clutter the forum!” I remember feeling pretty exasperated by the tone in the forums and after only 30-40 posts, quit the forum entirely.
It’s a shame really, because my return to the infamous forum has shown me what so many others have raved about already. If you’re willing to put in the hours, read a lot of threads and build up a presence (I suggest start in one of the forums, e.g. MTT or STT), there’s a lot to learn. The tone can be pretty harsh at times (and perhaps feel even more so if you’re asking questions that some might consider elementary knowledge) but I’ve found that most are less insensitive than what I thought they were a few years ago – just ignore the baboons.
Sunday 4 October 2009
Sunday 16 August 2009
TAKING STOCK
Time to review my results once again. The last time I performed this excercise, I had a meager 190-200 rows of data to work with, whereas I'm now at a more considerable 731 rows, ranging from MTTs, STTs, a few cash game sessions, rakeback etc etc. If you don't know what I mean, I'm basically talking about a massive excel spreadsheet, in which I record every tournament & session I play. It keeps me focused and I find it valuable in terms of keeping myself honest. Let's be frank, most of the time you're not able to say EXACTLY how much you've spent in buy-ins after a session of sitngos, am I right? Yeah, me neither and unfortunately, it's almost always more than one might think.
So, I've got 731 rows in my spreadsheet. My action has been split as follows:
Rakeback/Bonus Rows: 25 (Total Profit: USD 293.74)
- that's obviously a lot of money. Money that you'd be pretty stupid not to claim for yourself as a player. These days, it's so easy.
Cashgame Rows: 15 (Total Profit: USD 81.01, split across 1227 hands)
- this is actually a bit of everything. Boredom led me to play 4 tables of NL20 at one point, which went absolutely disastrous! Lost more buy-ins than I care to remember. There is however also a quick $1/$2 Pot Limit Omaha in there, in which I clawed back most of my NLHE losses. According to the spreadsheet, 178 hands and 300 bucks profit.
Double Stack STT Rows: 8 (Total Profit: USD 66.50)
- this seems silly now, but right when I started tracking myself I was getting into these sitngo's where they start you off with double stacks. It was on the ipoker network and basically the only kind of STT I wanted to play there. Felt I needed to differentiate between normal sitngo's and these.
Matrix STT Rows: 8 (Total Profit: USD 13.28)
- same as the above. You're probably familiar with the 'Matrix' STTs on FullTilt. If not, it's one sitngo, in which you play the same opponents but on 4 tables simultaneously. There are then prizes per table, but also for how you do overall. Mostly when I'm bored, I'll change things up a bit with one of these.
MTT Rows: 319 (Total Profit: USD 2,306.62)
- well, I've done quite well if I have to say so myself. I feel more than 300 tourneys is enough of a sample size to give an indication of ability/skill. I'm sure downswings can last for longer than 300, but still - I guess I must know a thing or two about poker. I'll break this one down even further later on.
$4, 180-person STT Rows: 22 (Total Profit: USD -11.84)
- same as before. Felt this was a very particular type of tournament. Always the same number of entrants, low buy-in on PokerStars with a pretty high level of skill. 22 is nothing to go by, but I kind of got tired of them and moved on. Eehh...
STT (sitngo) Rows: 334 (Total Profit: USD 688.85)
- This is pretty much anything else. Varying buy-in sizes, a lot of 2-table, 3-table & 45-person STT alongside the 'original' 9 or 10 player sitngos. Before adding these up, I was seriously unsure whether I'd get a positive or a negative figure in the end. Glas it wasn't the latter.
I'll break apart the MTT and STT rows a bit in my next blog. Feel like I have enough information in order to derive some conclusions. If not conclusive, at least some insight into which pokersite I should be favouring, what buy-in size has yielded the most success etc etc. I have an idea, but perhaps the figures will surprise.
Later.
So, I've got 731 rows in my spreadsheet. My action has been split as follows:
Rakeback/Bonus Rows: 25 (Total Profit: USD 293.74)
- that's obviously a lot of money. Money that you'd be pretty stupid not to claim for yourself as a player. These days, it's so easy.
Cashgame Rows: 15 (Total Profit: USD 81.01, split across 1227 hands)
- this is actually a bit of everything. Boredom led me to play 4 tables of NL20 at one point, which went absolutely disastrous! Lost more buy-ins than I care to remember. There is however also a quick $1/$2 Pot Limit Omaha in there, in which I clawed back most of my NLHE losses. According to the spreadsheet, 178 hands and 300 bucks profit.
Double Stack STT Rows: 8 (Total Profit: USD 66.50)
- this seems silly now, but right when I started tracking myself I was getting into these sitngo's where they start you off with double stacks. It was on the ipoker network and basically the only kind of STT I wanted to play there. Felt I needed to differentiate between normal sitngo's and these.
Matrix STT Rows: 8 (Total Profit: USD 13.28)
- same as the above. You're probably familiar with the 'Matrix' STTs on FullTilt. If not, it's one sitngo, in which you play the same opponents but on 4 tables simultaneously. There are then prizes per table, but also for how you do overall. Mostly when I'm bored, I'll change things up a bit with one of these.
MTT Rows: 319 (Total Profit: USD 2,306.62)
- well, I've done quite well if I have to say so myself. I feel more than 300 tourneys is enough of a sample size to give an indication of ability/skill. I'm sure downswings can last for longer than 300, but still - I guess I must know a thing or two about poker. I'll break this one down even further later on.
$4, 180-person STT Rows: 22 (Total Profit: USD -11.84)
- same as before. Felt this was a very particular type of tournament. Always the same number of entrants, low buy-in on PokerStars with a pretty high level of skill. 22 is nothing to go by, but I kind of got tired of them and moved on. Eehh...
STT (sitngo) Rows: 334 (Total Profit: USD 688.85)
- This is pretty much anything else. Varying buy-in sizes, a lot of 2-table, 3-table & 45-person STT alongside the 'original' 9 or 10 player sitngos. Before adding these up, I was seriously unsure whether I'd get a positive or a negative figure in the end. Glas it wasn't the latter.
I'll break apart the MTT and STT rows a bit in my next blog. Feel like I have enough information in order to derive some conclusions. If not conclusive, at least some insight into which pokersite I should be favouring, what buy-in size has yielded the most success etc etc. I have an idea, but perhaps the figures will surprise.
Later.
Sunday 26 July 2009
MAKING SURE YOU'RE NOT SPEWY
If you - like me - feel that you're a fairly accomplished poker player, who knows his/her own game very well, but also recognizes his/her own limitations, I think you'll be able to recognize one of the following sentiments, after you've played a session:
- Damn, that was just one beat after the other.
- Wow, variance really bitch-slapped me today.
- I guess I'm happy he called me with Q9 offsuit, but still hard to believe.
- Phew, need a break after that. One more suckout and I would've started to tilt.
...or something along those lines! :-) The point here is that you're the sort of player who recognizes how ridiculously small the edges that we chase sometimes are - thusly also resulting in extreme swings. You've come to accept this fact and still choose to play poker, because you're certain that in the long run you'll come out on top.
That's all good. But HOW SURE are you that it's all variance after a session? Most of us don't have time (or the willpower) to go through hand histories and dissect every single time we defended from the blinds with 87 of spades. I don't and yet I do it sometimes - just to make sure that it's them - not me, whose to blame.
So, I just played out 9 sitngos on FullTilt at a total buy-in of $49.50 and cashed for a total of $36. As I write this, I haven't looked at what went wrong, so I might have to fess up to some spewyness here - I hereby promise to do so, if that's the case. Won't leave anything out.
1st STT (18-person): Finished 13th. Final hand.
7-handed, I'm in the BB with KcQd (stack 1620). Blinds 20/40. No SB in this hand. UTG (1650) limps, UTG+1 (910) limps. Folds to me. I check.
FLOP: 3s Qc 3d
I check, UTG bets 120, UTG+1 calls and I raise to 385. UTG calls, UTG+1 folds.
TURN: 9h
The pot is a little more than 1000 and I bet all-in for 1195. He snap-calls with 99.
Oh well. Against these types of opponents ($5 buyin) I would play this hand exactly the same way. Chalk one up for variance here.
2nd STT (18-person). Finished 5th. Final hand.
5-handed (obviously). My stack is 4470 and blinds are 200/400, going up to 250/500 in less than a minute. I'm in the SB with QcJc. Folds to me and I shove on the BB (stack 7680) who calls me with AsTs. His hand holds up.
Again, this is pretty standard. I'm not folding this hand, so of course I shove. Minraising or 2.5xing accomplishes nothing.
I will say though that prior to this hand I did 'suck out' once, but it was all standard as well. With blinds 150/300 I was in the big blind with Ts6d and the shortest stack at the table moved in for 830 total. Fold to me, I call (getting nearly 2.5:1) and beat AK. Shrug?
3rd STT (18-person). Finished 4th. Final hand.
Blinds 200/400 and I hold 4c6c in the BB with stack of 4455. Chipleader (cirka 12K) is first to act and limps. Folds to me. I check.
FLOP: 6d Ad 3s
I check, he bets 400 and after some deliberation I move allin. He snaps me off with AT.
Obviously not my finest moment. My only defence is that he had done the limp-bet thing once before against me (also A-high flop) and I'd let him have it then. Still - call and evaluate on turn should've been my move. Folding isn't horrible either, I think.
4th STT (27-person). Finished 23rd. Final hand.
7-handed and I hold 6h6d UTG+1 (stack 1040). Blinds 15/30. UTG folds, I raise 3x, CO (1350) calls and the BB (1500) calls.
FLOP: 4h 5s Qd
The BB leads 200 (pot 285) and I should've thought twice about this. Weak players lead flops all the time with marginal holdings, but they give it away with their bet sizing. Some will just min-bet (i.e. 30 at a pot of 3o0) and others will fire one-third of the pot. Those situations are so easy. Just raise the crap out of 'em, no matter what you're holding and they go away 95% of the time. The subtle difference here is the 2/3 pot bet. At this level - it means he has it and I shouldn't be moving in with 66. He calls with KQ and I don't suck out. Poor play.
5th STT (18-person). Finished 9th. Final hand.
This tourney had exhibited RIDICULOUSLY tight play, to the extent that the final table had just gathered and blinds were at 200/400. That's 7.5BB average stack (!) for those of you who don't know the structure. I had just been keeping afloat, stealing as much as I could, but never really getting any big hands.
In this case I've got 3490 chips to start the hand with and pick up 55 in the CO. When it folds to me, I shove and the button happens to wake up with QQ.
Variance 3 / Poor Play 2
6th STT (27-person). Finished 18th. Final hand.
I've got 1730 in my stack. Blinds are 40/80 and 9-handed. UTG I raise AhQc to 200. UTG+1 calls, as does the BB.
FLOP: 2c 4h Ts
2 hands before this I had raised AJ and when the flop came KQ4 with a flush-draw (that I didn't have) I had check-folded, so I figured I should get more respect this time. I lead 390 at the pot which was 640 total. UTG+1 calls very quickly and BB folds. In my opinion, small/medium pairs that haven't connected are now a HUGE part of his range - just from experience. So....
when the TURN is: Kc
I move in for 1140 (about 80% pot). He snaps me off with AK.
*sigh* I don't regret this play one bit, as I think it has a high success rate - the KING being a great card for me (from his perception, normally). He just happened to play AK really oddly in this spot. This is variance to me, but if you disagree - voice your opinion and I am happy to discuss.
Variance 4 / Poor Play 2
7th STT (18-person). Finished 2nd. Final hand.
Ok, so heads-up play at the end of a sitngo can be pretty swingy, due to the low stack/blinds ratio and this was certainly the case here. My stack: 10540, his stack: 16460. Blinds 500/1K
He limps from the button and I check Qh9s from the BB.
FLOP: Ts 7s 6d
I check, he checks.
TURN: 8c
I bet 1K, he calls.
RIVER: 7h
I bet 2K, he raises to 4K. I guess you could make a case for just calling, but if I do and lose, I'm practically dead anyway. I move in and he calls with TT for the boat. Nh sir. At these blinds, variance again in my book.
Variance 5 / Poor Play 2
8th STT (18-person) Finished 9th. Final hand.
Blinds are 120/240. My stack: 2350. I hold AcJh in the BB. UTG, 8handed (stack 3915) minraises to 480. Folds to the CO (stack 10K) who calls. Folds to me, I reraise allin. UTG deliberates briefly and calls. CO folds. UTG shows AT.
FLOP: 8d 3s Td
TURN: Ts
Lights out pour moi. Normally, my reraise shouldn't buy me much fold equity if you do the math, but based on the level of play that is standard in these tourneys it does surprisingly often, which is why I confidently shipped it in with AJ there. Also, the player in UTG had been making some horrendous plays, so I was quite confident that he was raising a wide range.
Variance 6 / Poor Play 2
9th STT (18-person) Finished 18th. Final hand
Stack 1455, blinds 15/30. I hold 5s6s on the button. UTG+1 opens to 120, HJ calls, I call and BB calls.
FLOP: 7h 6d 3d
BB checks, UTG+1 checks, HJ checks and I bet 325. Only BB calls.
TURN: 2s
BB bets 1010 and is allin. I call, which is kinda spewy - I know, but his line didn't make sense to me and at this level he could just as easily have 44 as AQ. He happened to have A6 (hmm?) and I was out pretty quickly.
There you have it people. So, definitely some things that could've/should've/would've, but also a few others over which I had more control and should have done better with.
- Damn, that was just one beat after the other.
- Wow, variance really bitch-slapped me today.
- I guess I'm happy he called me with Q9 offsuit, but still hard to believe.
- Phew, need a break after that. One more suckout and I would've started to tilt.
...or something along those lines! :-) The point here is that you're the sort of player who recognizes how ridiculously small the edges that we chase sometimes are - thusly also resulting in extreme swings. You've come to accept this fact and still choose to play poker, because you're certain that in the long run you'll come out on top.
That's all good. But HOW SURE are you that it's all variance after a session? Most of us don't have time (or the willpower) to go through hand histories and dissect every single time we defended from the blinds with 87 of spades. I don't and yet I do it sometimes - just to make sure that it's them - not me, whose to blame.
So, I just played out 9 sitngos on FullTilt at a total buy-in of $49.50 and cashed for a total of $36. As I write this, I haven't looked at what went wrong, so I might have to fess up to some spewyness here - I hereby promise to do so, if that's the case. Won't leave anything out.
1st STT (18-person): Finished 13th. Final hand.
7-handed, I'm in the BB with KcQd (stack 1620). Blinds 20/40. No SB in this hand. UTG (1650) limps, UTG+1 (910) limps. Folds to me. I check.
FLOP: 3s Qc 3d
I check, UTG bets 120, UTG+1 calls and I raise to 385. UTG calls, UTG+1 folds.
TURN: 9h
The pot is a little more than 1000 and I bet all-in for 1195. He snap-calls with 99.
Oh well. Against these types of opponents ($5 buyin) I would play this hand exactly the same way. Chalk one up for variance here.
2nd STT (18-person). Finished 5th. Final hand.
5-handed (obviously). My stack is 4470 and blinds are 200/400, going up to 250/500 in less than a minute. I'm in the SB with QcJc. Folds to me and I shove on the BB (stack 7680) who calls me with AsTs. His hand holds up.
Again, this is pretty standard. I'm not folding this hand, so of course I shove. Minraising or 2.5xing accomplishes nothing.
I will say though that prior to this hand I did 'suck out' once, but it was all standard as well. With blinds 150/300 I was in the big blind with Ts6d and the shortest stack at the table moved in for 830 total. Fold to me, I call (getting nearly 2.5:1) and beat AK. Shrug?
3rd STT (18-person). Finished 4th. Final hand.
Blinds 200/400 and I hold 4c6c in the BB with stack of 4455. Chipleader (cirka 12K) is first to act and limps. Folds to me. I check.
FLOP: 6d Ad 3s
I check, he bets 400 and after some deliberation I move allin. He snaps me off with AT.
Obviously not my finest moment. My only defence is that he had done the limp-bet thing once before against me (also A-high flop) and I'd let him have it then. Still - call and evaluate on turn should've been my move. Folding isn't horrible either, I think.
4th STT (27-person). Finished 23rd. Final hand.
7-handed and I hold 6h6d UTG+1 (stack 1040). Blinds 15/30. UTG folds, I raise 3x, CO (1350) calls and the BB (1500) calls.
FLOP: 4h 5s Qd
The BB leads 200 (pot 285) and I should've thought twice about this. Weak players lead flops all the time with marginal holdings, but they give it away with their bet sizing. Some will just min-bet (i.e. 30 at a pot of 3o0) and others will fire one-third of the pot. Those situations are so easy. Just raise the crap out of 'em, no matter what you're holding and they go away 95% of the time. The subtle difference here is the 2/3 pot bet. At this level - it means he has it and I shouldn't be moving in with 66. He calls with KQ and I don't suck out. Poor play.
5th STT (18-person). Finished 9th. Final hand.
This tourney had exhibited RIDICULOUSLY tight play, to the extent that the final table had just gathered and blinds were at 200/400. That's 7.5BB average stack (!) for those of you who don't know the structure. I had just been keeping afloat, stealing as much as I could, but never really getting any big hands.
In this case I've got 3490 chips to start the hand with and pick up 55 in the CO. When it folds to me, I shove and the button happens to wake up with QQ.
Variance 3 / Poor Play 2
6th STT (27-person). Finished 18th. Final hand.
I've got 1730 in my stack. Blinds are 40/80 and 9-handed. UTG I raise AhQc to 200. UTG+1 calls, as does the BB.
FLOP: 2c 4h Ts
2 hands before this I had raised AJ and when the flop came KQ4 with a flush-draw (that I didn't have) I had check-folded, so I figured I should get more respect this time. I lead 390 at the pot which was 640 total. UTG+1 calls very quickly and BB folds. In my opinion, small/medium pairs that haven't connected are now a HUGE part of his range - just from experience. So....
when the TURN is: Kc
I move in for 1140 (about 80% pot). He snaps me off with AK.
*sigh* I don't regret this play one bit, as I think it has a high success rate - the KING being a great card for me (from his perception, normally). He just happened to play AK really oddly in this spot. This is variance to me, but if you disagree - voice your opinion and I am happy to discuss.
Variance 4 / Poor Play 2
7th STT (18-person). Finished 2nd. Final hand.
Ok, so heads-up play at the end of a sitngo can be pretty swingy, due to the low stack/blinds ratio and this was certainly the case here. My stack: 10540, his stack: 16460. Blinds 500/1K
He limps from the button and I check Qh9s from the BB.
FLOP: Ts 7s 6d
I check, he checks.
TURN: 8c
I bet 1K, he calls.
RIVER: 7h
I bet 2K, he raises to 4K. I guess you could make a case for just calling, but if I do and lose, I'm practically dead anyway. I move in and he calls with TT for the boat. Nh sir. At these blinds, variance again in my book.
Variance 5 / Poor Play 2
8th STT (18-person) Finished 9th. Final hand.
Blinds are 120/240. My stack: 2350. I hold AcJh in the BB. UTG, 8handed (stack 3915) minraises to 480. Folds to the CO (stack 10K) who calls. Folds to me, I reraise allin. UTG deliberates briefly and calls. CO folds. UTG shows AT.
FLOP: 8d 3s Td
TURN: Ts
Lights out pour moi. Normally, my reraise shouldn't buy me much fold equity if you do the math, but based on the level of play that is standard in these tourneys it does surprisingly often, which is why I confidently shipped it in with AJ there. Also, the player in UTG had been making some horrendous plays, so I was quite confident that he was raising a wide range.
Variance 6 / Poor Play 2
9th STT (18-person) Finished 18th. Final hand
Stack 1455, blinds 15/30. I hold 5s6s on the button. UTG+1 opens to 120, HJ calls, I call and BB calls.
FLOP: 7h 6d 3d
BB checks, UTG+1 checks, HJ checks and I bet 325. Only BB calls.
TURN: 2s
BB bets 1010 and is allin. I call, which is kinda spewy - I know, but his line didn't make sense to me and at this level he could just as easily have 44 as AQ. He happened to have A6 (hmm?) and I was out pretty quickly.
There you have it people. So, definitely some things that could've/should've/would've, but also a few others over which I had more control and should have done better with.
Monday 20 July 2009
STRUGGLING ON FULL TILT
It's the weirdest thing (or perhaps not, in case someone knows something I don't) but out of all the poker sites, I struggle on Full Tilt the most. Since I started this challenge, I'm down $891 on the site and a week ago had almost completely depleted my funds.
Bear in mind, $891 in the red is actually worse than it sounds, because for the past few months I've also received $158 in bonus/rakeback, so the true state of affairs is much more dire. As a result, I decided something had to change and dropped my buy-in to $5 or less on FullTilt alone. A technical aspect concerning rakeback made me not wanna deposit (essentially shift funds) on the site again, so I figured this was the only way of rebuilding my bankroll.
Now, as a result I've been focusing most of my attention on the 18 and 27-person STTs ($5) and trying to come out on top there. So far, it's going above expectations as I'm able to muster a 154% ROI but because the sample size so far is laughable, I'm not even gonna tell you over how many tourneys that is. I chose the 18&27 over the regular 1-table STTs, because I simply can't stomach (edit: I lose patience) the tight-ass play that occurs once play becomes 5-handed. Essentially, the players are waiting for JJ+. You might argue that a skilled player would be able to take advantage of that and I might actually agree with you, but for whatever reason it doesn't suit my playing style. I can change gears, but going uber-uber-aggressive has never been my thing.
Anyway, I've also taken a shot at the occassional $3 rebuy or - as was the case today - try my hand at something completely different. A $2 6-handed freeze-out. I urge everyone to sign up for one of these at some point - if for nothing else, then the laugh-attack you get from some of the plays you see, should be reward enough! Sidenote: I came in 10th out of 381 and cashed for 14 bucks! WOO-HOO! Score...
Anyway, better fire up another $5 STT - where else can I see someone limp J8o on the button & bubble with 7BBs and fold to a shove? LOL. You gotta love it and for the record:
- Yes, I showed him the K2ss
- and Yes, I figured I had about 85% fold equity, which is the best part.
Bear in mind, $891 in the red is actually worse than it sounds, because for the past few months I've also received $158 in bonus/rakeback, so the true state of affairs is much more dire. As a result, I decided something had to change and dropped my buy-in to $5 or less on FullTilt alone. A technical aspect concerning rakeback made me not wanna deposit (essentially shift funds) on the site again, so I figured this was the only way of rebuilding my bankroll.
Now, as a result I've been focusing most of my attention on the 18 and 27-person STTs ($5) and trying to come out on top there. So far, it's going above expectations as I'm able to muster a 154% ROI but because the sample size so far is laughable, I'm not even gonna tell you over how many tourneys that is. I chose the 18&27 over the regular 1-table STTs, because I simply can't stomach (edit: I lose patience) the tight-ass play that occurs once play becomes 5-handed. Essentially, the players are waiting for JJ+. You might argue that a skilled player would be able to take advantage of that and I might actually agree with you, but for whatever reason it doesn't suit my playing style. I can change gears, but going uber-uber-aggressive has never been my thing.
Anyway, I've also taken a shot at the occassional $3 rebuy or - as was the case today - try my hand at something completely different. A $2 6-handed freeze-out. I urge everyone to sign up for one of these at some point - if for nothing else, then the laugh-attack you get from some of the plays you see, should be reward enough! Sidenote: I came in 10th out of 381 and cashed for 14 bucks! WOO-HOO! Score...
Anyway, better fire up another $5 STT - where else can I see someone limp J8o on the button & bubble with 7BBs and fold to a shove? LOL. You gotta love it and for the record:
- Yes, I showed him the K2ss
- and Yes, I figured I had about 85% fold equity, which is the best part.
Monday 13 July 2009
RECHARGING
I think it’s almost inevitable that some sort of decline will follow after big successes. The days after my 4-figure score on PokerStars certainly felt just like that, as I wasn’t able to get much going in terms of deep runs. Certainly not many cashes and not a single one worthy boasting about.
What I ended up doing was get away for a few days. I’d love to say I’m the kind of person to do something like that spontaneously, but the truth is my girlfriend and I had planned it for some time. On the occasion of our two-year anniversary, we had booked a beach cabin on the coast – a mere 4 hour drive south of Sydney.
The key thing here – no internet. Hmmm… All other modern amenities, including satellite TV, dishwasher and even a full-size jacuzzi in the bathroom, but not a single broadband wave in the air for a laptop to pick up. Thusly, no poker for a full 4-5 days and what pure bliss that turned out to be. I finished the latest book by one of my favorite authors (Indiana Jones meets Da Vinci Code meets Jason Bourne – sound good? – check out James Rollins), enjoyed walks on the beach, interaction with local wildlife (kangaroos on the front porch of our cabin – seriously) and recharged my batteries.
…and now I’m back and hungrier than ever! So fellow players, expect big things. I am. Later.
What I ended up doing was get away for a few days. I’d love to say I’m the kind of person to do something like that spontaneously, but the truth is my girlfriend and I had planned it for some time. On the occasion of our two-year anniversary, we had booked a beach cabin on the coast – a mere 4 hour drive south of Sydney.
The key thing here – no internet. Hmmm… All other modern amenities, including satellite TV, dishwasher and even a full-size jacuzzi in the bathroom, but not a single broadband wave in the air for a laptop to pick up. Thusly, no poker for a full 4-5 days and what pure bliss that turned out to be. I finished the latest book by one of my favorite authors (Indiana Jones meets Da Vinci Code meets Jason Bourne – sound good? – check out James Rollins), enjoyed walks on the beach, interaction with local wildlife (kangaroos on the front porch of our cabin – seriously) and recharged my batteries.
…and now I’m back and hungrier than ever! So fellow players, expect big things. I am. Later.
Monday 6 July 2009
15K GUARANTEED WIN, ANALYSIS PART6 - FINAL TABLE
Buy-in was $30+3, 666 entrants; the whole thing took 7.5 hours and 1st place was $3,746.
_________________________________________________________________
When the final table eventually comes together I am fifth in chips with the line-up looking as follows:
Seat 1: 441,800, came from the other table. Very aggressive, likes to see flops but also 3-bets quite a bit.
Seat 2: 196,736, came from the other table. No reads.
Seat 3: 53,451, came from the other table. No reads.
Seat 4: 115,538, from my table. Good TAG player, but not tricky.
Seat 5: 283,323, from my table. Tricky player – the guy who I beat with AQ vs 66 two hands before FT.
Seat 6: 212,697, from my table. On the tight side, but competent.
Seat 7: 56729, came from the other table. No reads.
Seat 8: YOURS TRULY.
Seat 9: 440,778, came from other table. Seems very competent – has been in in-fight with Seat 1, before FT assembled.
Hand #396
Seat4 busts Seat7 when KJ hits a J on the river and beats AT. 9th place paid 282 dollars. Down to 8.
Hand #405
Seat3 busts Seat5 when 55 holds up against AK. Seat5 had however brought it on himself, when he bluffed off most of his stack, by check-raising with QT on a A7K board and getting snapped off by AT. 8th place paid 449 dollars.
Incidentally, the first 20 hands of the final table have now been played and the best I’ve seen is AT in early position, which I folded. I do however still find myself playing a bit scared, as the jumps in money become bigger and bigger. As a result, I’ve almost certainly missed out on a few 3-betting opportunities, when others were opening light.
Hand #406 – Stack 168748, blinds 3500/7000/a700
-and my 20-hand sit-out is probably why I thought I’d be able to pick up blinds/antes with the very mediocre 9c7h. Unfortunately it was not to be. In the CO, I open to 16500 and get called by both SB (Seat1) and BB (Seat2).
(Pot 54400) FLOP: 2h Ks Qd
What a horrible board. They both check and I check behind. No way I’m c-betting air into two guys and especially not Seat1, whom I had already deemed tricky.
(Pot 54400) TURN: 6s
The SB bets 29200 and we both fold.
Hand #409 – Stack 150148, blinds 3500/7000/a700
UTG I open Ah9c to 16500 and finally get some respect. I pick up blinds/antes.
Hand #412 – Stack 152948, blinds 3500/7000/a700
UTG (Seat2) opens to 21000 and I’m a little perplexed by the large raise-size. The table has been content to open anywhere from 2.3x-2.6x, so 3x seems a little excessive. Because of that and because of my position, I elect to call on the button with QhJs. We see a flop:
(Pot 57400) FLOP: 8s Jh 3s
He bets 21000 and I just call. I like my hand, but don’t love it yet.
(Pot 99400) TURN: 3c
He checks to me and I think for a few seconds before betting 56000. He folds.
Hand #418 – Stack 199148, blinds 3500/7000/a700
The table is still very active and I’m just biding my time. This hand it folds to me in the SB and I feel Jd8h is good enough to open with, so I make it 21000. The BB (Seat9) calls.
(Pot 46900) FLOP: 7s 2h As
I like that flop a lot as I feel like my image is tight enough for him to consider Ax a huge part of my range. I bet 28000 and he folds.
Hand #427 – Stack 208248, blinds 3500/7000/a700
On the CO I find acey-deucey of hearts and open to 16500. My smile is turned upside down, when both blinds decide to call (Seat1 and 2).
(Pot 54400) FLOP: Qd Ts 4d
Another ‘great’ flop. *sigh*. Doesn’t matter though as the BB leads 21000 into the flop and I fold. Interestingly enough, the SB check-raises to 59800 and the BB gives it up.
Hand #430 – Stack 189548, blinds 4K/8K/a800
UTG I decide to open Kc5c to 18500, because… well, hey it worked well the last time I opened UTG. Again, everyone folds and I pick up blinds/antes. It’s not a standard play, but I did it deliberately, because at the time all the opens were coming from the CO/button and I figured I’d get a huge amount of respect.
Hand #443 – Stack 172748, blinds 4K/8K/a800
Almost two full orbits and not a single playable hand in sight. That is, until I find KcKd in MP. I open to 24000 and pick up blinds/antes.
Hand #444 – Stack 189548, blinds 4K/8K/a800
When it rains, it pours. Not that Ad6s is as pretty as KK, but I elect to open anyway (this time from UTG) and I pick up blinds/antes.
Hand #446 – Stack 197548, blinds 4K/8K/a800
In the SB I hold 5c8d. So? – you’re probably thinking. Yeah, well – I figured it was time for me to get into the 3-betting dynamic that dominated this table and I figured my overall image was good for re-stealing. UTG (Seat1) opens for 18512, which he had been doing quite a bit. It folds to me and I make it 48800. He considers briefly, but folds. Much needed chips and a warm fuzzy feeling is what that kind of a move will get you!
Hand #448 – Stack 228060, blinds 4K/8K/a800
On the CO I open JhJd to 20000 and pick up blinds/antes. You might have noticed different raise sizes during this level and I can’t really explain it. Think I opened to 24K with KK earlier because I was still a bit timid, but was back in my comfort zone and therefore made it a more ‘normal’ 20K with JJ this time.
Hand #452 – Stack 242460, blinds 4K/8K/a800
Think this is pretty standard, but I’ll mention it nonetheless. UTG opens to 20K, CO re-pops to 56K and in the BB I fold 55. UTG folds as well. Maybe a shove is in order with 99+? Not entirely sure.
Hand #455 – Stack 228060, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
On the CO I open 6h6d to 22500 and it folds to the BB (Seat2, stack 321015) who calls.
(Pot 57000) FLOP: Th Tc Qd
He leads 30000 and I call. At a different point in the tournament, some people might (!) lead into this board with a ten in their hand, but it’s still a very unusual play. At a final table, I don’t ever see it happening. If he has a queen, I think he’s fairly happy to check-call or check-raise even, which is why I called. I wasn’t ready to give up just yet. Plus – my flatcall can mean almost anything to him, so I’m not giving away much by choosing the passive route.
(Pot 117000) TURN: 7h
He bets 30000 again on what I can only perceive as a MAJOR BRICK. The 7 shouldn’t change much. I consider raising here, but I felt like a) his bet exuded weakness, b) another smooth call would look even stronger and c) I might still have the best hand.
(Pot 177000) RIVER: 4c
Another brick and this time he checks. I decide my sixes are good and I shove for value. Well, I shove MAINLY for value. I couldn’t help wondering about the 7 on the turn. A7 hit that? Would’ve been so gross to lose the pot that way, so I factored that in before I shoved. He folded pretty quickly and I felt like I was on top of the world.
Hand #456 – Stack 321560, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
Again, things seem to be going my way as I once again find AsAc – this time in the HJ. I open for 22500 and once again both blinds (SB stack 237515, Seat2) (BB stack 252287, Seat3) come along. Three players.
(Pot 74500) FLOP: 6h 7d Jc
The SB leads for 30K and the BB calls him pretty quickly. I consider my options. There’s now 135K in the middle, I’ve got 298K behind, the SB has 184K and the BB 200K. Against effective stacks any raise will be committing. Folding is not an option… I mean, I have AA. Apparently, a very good hand. Calling just seems pretty weak and there are a lot of ugly turn cards that will put me in a really difficult spot. Actually, getting it in is my only option, but I am genuinely concerned about the BB smooth call, as it could easily be a set. The one thing that leads me to believe it’s not, is the fact that he called really quickly. A set might need a bit of time to consider as well…? Anyway, I shove it in and the SB tanks.
He uses quite a bit of his time bank, but finally calls. The BB gets out of the way pretty quickly and I’m delighted to see the SB turn over AdJd. The 5h on the turn seals the deal and I move into the chip-lead after that pot! Seat2 took home 649 bucks for 7th place. Down to six players.
Hand #459 – Stack 604575, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
When it folds to me in the SB, I decide to take a different line than usual and limp my As2h. The BB (stack 177327, Seat9) checks.
(Pot 26000) FLOP: Td Ad Th
I check and he checks. Don’t think there’s much value in leading this flop.
(Pot 26000) TURN: 9c
Now another draw is out there and I bet 14500. He folds.
Hand #466 – Stack 598575, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
I get a little frisky here with my big-stack-status and open 8h6h to 22500 from the button. Seat1 (stack 536978) calls from the BB.
(Pot 56000) FLOP: 2h Kc Jd
He checks and I bet 28K. He calls. Oh well. A heart for a flush draw?
(Pot 112000) TURN: Tc
Hmmm, guess not. He checks, I check.
(Pot 112000) RIVER: 4h
He checks and I guess I could try to bluff at this, but elect not to and check. He shows QJ and takes it down.
Hand #468 – Stack 546075, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
I open QhQd to 22500 from the HJ and take blinds/antes.
Hand #469 – Stack 566075, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
I open KhQh from UTG to 22500 and take blinds/antes.
Hand #473
Seat9 had become pretty short and shoved 117K from the button. The SB (Seat1) called immediately with AK and beat As4s. Seat9 out in 6th place, which earned him 849 dollars.
Hand #475
Seat3 decides to shove 152K (still 5K/10K/a1000) from the button and gets looked up by the SB (Seat4) who shows AcQd. Seat3 only has Kc5d (hmmm?) and fails to improve. He’s out in 5th and takes home 1048 bucks.
Hand #476 – Stack 565075, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
Seat1 (stack 789805) opens to 22805 from UTG and I call from the BB with Ah2h.
(Pot 54610) FLOP: Qd Ac 5c
I check and he bets 31000. I call.
(Pot 116610) TURN: 8h
I lead 58000 into him – as a probing bet and he folds immediately. Wasn’t very well thought through, cause I have to fold to a raise and check to him on the river, if he just calls. Anyway, I saw a safe card and decided he didn’t have it.
Hand #481
Seat4 busts another player when it goes raise, shove, call and 55 is enough to beat KJ. Seat6 departs in 4th place and picks up 1498 dollars for his efforts (I sound like Vince van Patten, don’t I? LOL).
SIDENOTE: AS WE GET TO THREE-HANDED PLAY NOBODY IS REALLY SHORT AND TO BE HONEST, I KIND OF FELT LIKE I WAS THE LEAST PROFICIENT PLAYER OF THE THREE, EVEN THOUGH I DIDN’T THINK EITHER OF THEIR EDGE ON ME WAS HUGE. CHIPCOUNTS:
Seat1: 714,600
Seat4: 686,520
Seat8: 596,880 (yours truly)
Hand #482 – blinds 6K/12K/a1200
On the button I open Qh8d for 26500 and Seat1 3-bets me to 67400. I fold.
Hand #484 – Stack 577580, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I limp the SB with As2h and fold to a bet on the J-high flop.
At this time however, Seat4 asks in the chat, whether we’d be up for a chop. I quiz him a little bit as to what kind of chop (cause I felt like I would have the most to gain from chopping at least some of the pool), but before we get into it, Seat1 politely declines and says he wants to play it out. Fair enough – so we do.
The remaining prizes were:
3rd - $1,998
2nd - $2,697
1st - $3,746
Hand #488 – Stack 542780, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I open Ac7h from the button to 26500 and take blind antes.
Hand #489 – Stack 563180, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
Seat1 opens to 26600 and when it gets to me in the BB I 3-bet to 69500 with 9s5s. ;-) He folds.
Hand #494 – Stack 569380, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I open Qc9s from the button to 26500 and take blind antes.
Hands #497 – Stack 590980, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I open ThTd from the button to 26500 and both players call. First 3-way flop, since 4th busted:
(Pot 83100) FLOP: 2h Ad Ts
I am almost literally drooling. They both check to me and I bet 48K. Seat1 calls.
(Pot 179100) TURN: Jd
He checks again and I bet 96K. He calls.
(Pot 371100) RIVER: 6s
GREAT card. He checks a third time and I figure my best bet is to continue my bet-sizing line and just double my last bet again. I bet 192K and he calls. It turns out he made two pair on the river with Ah6h. Biggest pot of the tournament so far and I move into the chip-lead!
Hand #501 – Stack 960780, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I hold Jd8c in the BB and when Seat8 opens to 34000 from the SB I decide to call.
(Pot 71600) FLOP: Jc 6s 7c
He bets and I of course bet it, considering the numerous draws. I make it 38000 and he folds.
Hand #502 – Stack 997980, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I open 9d8h from the SB to 35500 and Seat1 folds. I primarily did this to reach the 1million chip mark! First time! LOL.
Hand #503 – Stack 1017180, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
Now on the button I hold AcQs and I open to 36500. Seat1 shoves on me for a total of 325701 and I figure I have the stack to take a gamble with his range, which hardly ever is QQ/KK/AA – so I can’t be in horrible shape, unless he has AK. He shows 6c6h and it’s a classic.
FLOP: Qh 7h Ad – BOOYAH!!!!
TURN: 7d – ONE TIME DEALER!!!!!!
RIVER: 4c – HEADS UP, HERE I COME!!!
Seat1 busts in 3rd and now only two are left.
SIDENOTE: AS WE BEGIN HEADS-UP PLAY I HAVE A 2:1 CHIPLEAD OVER SEAT8, BUT IT WASN’T THAT COMMANDING, CONSIDERING HE WAS STILL WORKING WITH ALMOST 55 BIG BLINDS. AS A RESULT, I ASKED HIM ABOUT A CHOP ONCE MORE TO WHICH HE AGREED. THE DEAL WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE SEEN HIM TAKING 3000 DOLLARS AND ME THE REST (3450), BUT WHEN THE POKERSTARS MODERATOR GOT TO THE TABLE, SOMEHOW IT BECAME 3K EACH AND PLAY OUT THE TOURNAMENT FOR THE REMAINING 450. I SHOULDN’T HAVE TAKEN THAT DEAL, BUT ENDED UP NOT SAYING ANYTHING. I SUPPOSE I WAS A LITTLE SHELL-SHOCKED AND JUST WANTED TO SECURE A 3K PAYDAY. WITH THAT TAKEN CARE OF WE WENT INTO HEADS-UP PLAY FOR THE LAST 450 BUCKS.
The heads-up portion lasted for about 85 hands, but was fairly uneventful. I basically made sure I maintained my chip-edge over him and in the end we got it in, him coming over the top of my raise with QTo and me calling with 99.
The fat lady started to sing and I pocketed a total of 3450 dollars for my largest tournament win to date! Dear God, please don’t let it be the last – that feeling is simply too awesome, not to experience again!
Thanks all for reading – hope it was as enjoyable for you as it was for me. Later.
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When the final table eventually comes together I am fifth in chips with the line-up looking as follows:
Seat 1: 441,800, came from the other table. Very aggressive, likes to see flops but also 3-bets quite a bit.
Seat 2: 196,736, came from the other table. No reads.
Seat 3: 53,451, came from the other table. No reads.
Seat 4: 115,538, from my table. Good TAG player, but not tricky.
Seat 5: 283,323, from my table. Tricky player – the guy who I beat with AQ vs 66 two hands before FT.
Seat 6: 212,697, from my table. On the tight side, but competent.
Seat 7: 56729, came from the other table. No reads.
Seat 8: YOURS TRULY.
Seat 9: 440,778, came from other table. Seems very competent – has been in in-fight with Seat 1, before FT assembled.
Hand #396
Seat4 busts Seat7 when KJ hits a J on the river and beats AT. 9th place paid 282 dollars. Down to 8.
Hand #405
Seat3 busts Seat5 when 55 holds up against AK. Seat5 had however brought it on himself, when he bluffed off most of his stack, by check-raising with QT on a A7K board and getting snapped off by AT. 8th place paid 449 dollars.
Incidentally, the first 20 hands of the final table have now been played and the best I’ve seen is AT in early position, which I folded. I do however still find myself playing a bit scared, as the jumps in money become bigger and bigger. As a result, I’ve almost certainly missed out on a few 3-betting opportunities, when others were opening light.
Hand #406 – Stack 168748, blinds 3500/7000/a700
-and my 20-hand sit-out is probably why I thought I’d be able to pick up blinds/antes with the very mediocre 9c7h. Unfortunately it was not to be. In the CO, I open to 16500 and get called by both SB (Seat1) and BB (Seat2).
(Pot 54400) FLOP: 2h Ks Qd
What a horrible board. They both check and I check behind. No way I’m c-betting air into two guys and especially not Seat1, whom I had already deemed tricky.
(Pot 54400) TURN: 6s
The SB bets 29200 and we both fold.
Hand #409 – Stack 150148, blinds 3500/7000/a700
UTG I open Ah9c to 16500 and finally get some respect. I pick up blinds/antes.
Hand #412 – Stack 152948, blinds 3500/7000/a700
UTG (Seat2) opens to 21000 and I’m a little perplexed by the large raise-size. The table has been content to open anywhere from 2.3x-2.6x, so 3x seems a little excessive. Because of that and because of my position, I elect to call on the button with QhJs. We see a flop:
(Pot 57400) FLOP: 8s Jh 3s
He bets 21000 and I just call. I like my hand, but don’t love it yet.
(Pot 99400) TURN: 3c
He checks to me and I think for a few seconds before betting 56000. He folds.
Hand #418 – Stack 199148, blinds 3500/7000/a700
The table is still very active and I’m just biding my time. This hand it folds to me in the SB and I feel Jd8h is good enough to open with, so I make it 21000. The BB (Seat9) calls.
(Pot 46900) FLOP: 7s 2h As
I like that flop a lot as I feel like my image is tight enough for him to consider Ax a huge part of my range. I bet 28000 and he folds.
Hand #427 – Stack 208248, blinds 3500/7000/a700
On the CO I find acey-deucey of hearts and open to 16500. My smile is turned upside down, when both blinds decide to call (Seat1 and 2).
(Pot 54400) FLOP: Qd Ts 4d
Another ‘great’ flop. *sigh*. Doesn’t matter though as the BB leads 21000 into the flop and I fold. Interestingly enough, the SB check-raises to 59800 and the BB gives it up.
Hand #430 – Stack 189548, blinds 4K/8K/a800
UTG I decide to open Kc5c to 18500, because… well, hey it worked well the last time I opened UTG. Again, everyone folds and I pick up blinds/antes. It’s not a standard play, but I did it deliberately, because at the time all the opens were coming from the CO/button and I figured I’d get a huge amount of respect.
Hand #443 – Stack 172748, blinds 4K/8K/a800
Almost two full orbits and not a single playable hand in sight. That is, until I find KcKd in MP. I open to 24000 and pick up blinds/antes.
Hand #444 – Stack 189548, blinds 4K/8K/a800
When it rains, it pours. Not that Ad6s is as pretty as KK, but I elect to open anyway (this time from UTG) and I pick up blinds/antes.
Hand #446 – Stack 197548, blinds 4K/8K/a800
In the SB I hold 5c8d. So? – you’re probably thinking. Yeah, well – I figured it was time for me to get into the 3-betting dynamic that dominated this table and I figured my overall image was good for re-stealing. UTG (Seat1) opens for 18512, which he had been doing quite a bit. It folds to me and I make it 48800. He considers briefly, but folds. Much needed chips and a warm fuzzy feeling is what that kind of a move will get you!
Hand #448 – Stack 228060, blinds 4K/8K/a800
On the CO I open JhJd to 20000 and pick up blinds/antes. You might have noticed different raise sizes during this level and I can’t really explain it. Think I opened to 24K with KK earlier because I was still a bit timid, but was back in my comfort zone and therefore made it a more ‘normal’ 20K with JJ this time.
Hand #452 – Stack 242460, blinds 4K/8K/a800
Think this is pretty standard, but I’ll mention it nonetheless. UTG opens to 20K, CO re-pops to 56K and in the BB I fold 55. UTG folds as well. Maybe a shove is in order with 99+? Not entirely sure.
Hand #455 – Stack 228060, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
On the CO I open 6h6d to 22500 and it folds to the BB (Seat2, stack 321015) who calls.
(Pot 57000) FLOP: Th Tc Qd
He leads 30000 and I call. At a different point in the tournament, some people might (!) lead into this board with a ten in their hand, but it’s still a very unusual play. At a final table, I don’t ever see it happening. If he has a queen, I think he’s fairly happy to check-call or check-raise even, which is why I called. I wasn’t ready to give up just yet. Plus – my flatcall can mean almost anything to him, so I’m not giving away much by choosing the passive route.
(Pot 117000) TURN: 7h
He bets 30000 again on what I can only perceive as a MAJOR BRICK. The 7 shouldn’t change much. I consider raising here, but I felt like a) his bet exuded weakness, b) another smooth call would look even stronger and c) I might still have the best hand.
(Pot 177000) RIVER: 4c
Another brick and this time he checks. I decide my sixes are good and I shove for value. Well, I shove MAINLY for value. I couldn’t help wondering about the 7 on the turn. A7 hit that? Would’ve been so gross to lose the pot that way, so I factored that in before I shoved. He folded pretty quickly and I felt like I was on top of the world.
Hand #456 – Stack 321560, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
Again, things seem to be going my way as I once again find AsAc – this time in the HJ. I open for 22500 and once again both blinds (SB stack 237515, Seat2) (BB stack 252287, Seat3) come along. Three players.
(Pot 74500) FLOP: 6h 7d Jc
The SB leads for 30K and the BB calls him pretty quickly. I consider my options. There’s now 135K in the middle, I’ve got 298K behind, the SB has 184K and the BB 200K. Against effective stacks any raise will be committing. Folding is not an option… I mean, I have AA. Apparently, a very good hand. Calling just seems pretty weak and there are a lot of ugly turn cards that will put me in a really difficult spot. Actually, getting it in is my only option, but I am genuinely concerned about the BB smooth call, as it could easily be a set. The one thing that leads me to believe it’s not, is the fact that he called really quickly. A set might need a bit of time to consider as well…? Anyway, I shove it in and the SB tanks.
He uses quite a bit of his time bank, but finally calls. The BB gets out of the way pretty quickly and I’m delighted to see the SB turn over AdJd. The 5h on the turn seals the deal and I move into the chip-lead after that pot! Seat2 took home 649 bucks for 7th place. Down to six players.
Hand #459 – Stack 604575, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
When it folds to me in the SB, I decide to take a different line than usual and limp my As2h. The BB (stack 177327, Seat9) checks.
(Pot 26000) FLOP: Td Ad Th
I check and he checks. Don’t think there’s much value in leading this flop.
(Pot 26000) TURN: 9c
Now another draw is out there and I bet 14500. He folds.
Hand #466 – Stack 598575, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
I get a little frisky here with my big-stack-status and open 8h6h to 22500 from the button. Seat1 (stack 536978) calls from the BB.
(Pot 56000) FLOP: 2h Kc Jd
He checks and I bet 28K. He calls. Oh well. A heart for a flush draw?
(Pot 112000) TURN: Tc
Hmmm, guess not. He checks, I check.
(Pot 112000) RIVER: 4h
He checks and I guess I could try to bluff at this, but elect not to and check. He shows QJ and takes it down.
Hand #468 – Stack 546075, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
I open QhQd to 22500 from the HJ and take blinds/antes.
Hand #469 – Stack 566075, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
I open KhQh from UTG to 22500 and take blinds/antes.
Hand #473
Seat9 had become pretty short and shoved 117K from the button. The SB (Seat1) called immediately with AK and beat As4s. Seat9 out in 6th place, which earned him 849 dollars.
Hand #475
Seat3 decides to shove 152K (still 5K/10K/a1000) from the button and gets looked up by the SB (Seat4) who shows AcQd. Seat3 only has Kc5d (hmmm?) and fails to improve. He’s out in 5th and takes home 1048 bucks.
Hand #476 – Stack 565075, blinds 5K/10K/a1000
Seat1 (stack 789805) opens to 22805 from UTG and I call from the BB with Ah2h.
(Pot 54610) FLOP: Qd Ac 5c
I check and he bets 31000. I call.
(Pot 116610) TURN: 8h
I lead 58000 into him – as a probing bet and he folds immediately. Wasn’t very well thought through, cause I have to fold to a raise and check to him on the river, if he just calls. Anyway, I saw a safe card and decided he didn’t have it.
Hand #481
Seat4 busts another player when it goes raise, shove, call and 55 is enough to beat KJ. Seat6 departs in 4th place and picks up 1498 dollars for his efforts (I sound like Vince van Patten, don’t I? LOL).
SIDENOTE: AS WE GET TO THREE-HANDED PLAY NOBODY IS REALLY SHORT AND TO BE HONEST, I KIND OF FELT LIKE I WAS THE LEAST PROFICIENT PLAYER OF THE THREE, EVEN THOUGH I DIDN’T THINK EITHER OF THEIR EDGE ON ME WAS HUGE. CHIPCOUNTS:
Seat1: 714,600
Seat4: 686,520
Seat8: 596,880 (yours truly)
Hand #482 – blinds 6K/12K/a1200
On the button I open Qh8d for 26500 and Seat1 3-bets me to 67400. I fold.
Hand #484 – Stack 577580, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I limp the SB with As2h and fold to a bet on the J-high flop.
At this time however, Seat4 asks in the chat, whether we’d be up for a chop. I quiz him a little bit as to what kind of chop (cause I felt like I would have the most to gain from chopping at least some of the pool), but before we get into it, Seat1 politely declines and says he wants to play it out. Fair enough – so we do.
The remaining prizes were:
3rd - $1,998
2nd - $2,697
1st - $3,746
Hand #488 – Stack 542780, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I open Ac7h from the button to 26500 and take blind antes.
Hand #489 – Stack 563180, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
Seat1 opens to 26600 and when it gets to me in the BB I 3-bet to 69500 with 9s5s. ;-) He folds.
Hand #494 – Stack 569380, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I open Qc9s from the button to 26500 and take blind antes.
Hands #497 – Stack 590980, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I open ThTd from the button to 26500 and both players call. First 3-way flop, since 4th busted:
(Pot 83100) FLOP: 2h Ad Ts
I am almost literally drooling. They both check to me and I bet 48K. Seat1 calls.
(Pot 179100) TURN: Jd
He checks again and I bet 96K. He calls.
(Pot 371100) RIVER: 6s
GREAT card. He checks a third time and I figure my best bet is to continue my bet-sizing line and just double my last bet again. I bet 192K and he calls. It turns out he made two pair on the river with Ah6h. Biggest pot of the tournament so far and I move into the chip-lead!
Hand #501 – Stack 960780, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I hold Jd8c in the BB and when Seat8 opens to 34000 from the SB I decide to call.
(Pot 71600) FLOP: Jc 6s 7c
He bets and I of course bet it, considering the numerous draws. I make it 38000 and he folds.
Hand #502 – Stack 997980, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
I open 9d8h from the SB to 35500 and Seat1 folds. I primarily did this to reach the 1million chip mark! First time! LOL.
Hand #503 – Stack 1017180, blinds 6K/12K/a1200
Now on the button I hold AcQs and I open to 36500. Seat1 shoves on me for a total of 325701 and I figure I have the stack to take a gamble with his range, which hardly ever is QQ/KK/AA – so I can’t be in horrible shape, unless he has AK. He shows 6c6h and it’s a classic.
FLOP: Qh 7h Ad – BOOYAH!!!!
TURN: 7d – ONE TIME DEALER!!!!!!
RIVER: 4c – HEADS UP, HERE I COME!!!
Seat1 busts in 3rd and now only two are left.
SIDENOTE: AS WE BEGIN HEADS-UP PLAY I HAVE A 2:1 CHIPLEAD OVER SEAT8, BUT IT WASN’T THAT COMMANDING, CONSIDERING HE WAS STILL WORKING WITH ALMOST 55 BIG BLINDS. AS A RESULT, I ASKED HIM ABOUT A CHOP ONCE MORE TO WHICH HE AGREED. THE DEAL WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE SEEN HIM TAKING 3000 DOLLARS AND ME THE REST (3450), BUT WHEN THE POKERSTARS MODERATOR GOT TO THE TABLE, SOMEHOW IT BECAME 3K EACH AND PLAY OUT THE TOURNAMENT FOR THE REMAINING 450. I SHOULDN’T HAVE TAKEN THAT DEAL, BUT ENDED UP NOT SAYING ANYTHING. I SUPPOSE I WAS A LITTLE SHELL-SHOCKED AND JUST WANTED TO SECURE A 3K PAYDAY. WITH THAT TAKEN CARE OF WE WENT INTO HEADS-UP PLAY FOR THE LAST 450 BUCKS.
The heads-up portion lasted for about 85 hands, but was fairly uneventful. I basically made sure I maintained my chip-edge over him and in the end we got it in, him coming over the top of my raise with QTo and me calling with 99.
The fat lady started to sing and I pocketed a total of 3450 dollars for my largest tournament win to date! Dear God, please don’t let it be the last – that feeling is simply too awesome, not to experience again!
Thanks all for reading – hope it was as enjoyable for you as it was for me. Later.
Sunday 5 July 2009
15K GUARANTEED WIN, ANALYSIS PART5
Buy-in was $30+3, 666 entrants; the whole thing took 7.5 hours and 1st place was $3,746.
Hand #284 – Stack 66328, blinds 1K/2K/a200
Another tight play from yours truly. The very next hand after tripling up with aces and I pick up 9c9d in the SB. For some reason I’m always a little apprehensive about playing two big pots in a row, which has elicited some weaker/tighter plays in the past, compared to my ‘standard’. Anyway, in this case Mr. Aggro from before minraises UTG with a stack of 56538 and it folds to me. In retrospect, perhaps flatcalling isn’t such a bad idea at this stage of the tournament, but against this guy I just didn’t feel comfortable doing it. I folded. *shrug*
Hand #286 – Stack 64928, blinds 1K/2K/a200
Will you believe it – I pick up ‘dem rockets’ one more time. I’m in the CO seat this time. UTG (stack 80488) bumps it up to 5100 and before it gets to me, MP2 (stack 42838) has re-raised him to 14000 (yes, seriously – I am that lucky!). It folds to me and I decide to shove. Even though I’m practically telling the entire table what I hold, I don’t see any other option. If I were to make it e.g. 32000, that just looks even stronger, so I think my play is fine. UTG folds, but MP2 calls for his tournament life. He shows KK and I fade the two-outer!
Hand #290 – Stack 116466, blinds 1K/2K/a200
I now have the largest stack at the table and as a result, I’m looking to put it to good use. This spot seems like an opportune moment. We’re playing 8-handed and it folds to the CO (stack 71588) who opens to 5100. I’m in the BB and hold KdJd. I decide to go with the old maxim of, “late position raiser – he probably doesn’t have it” and I therefore make it 14800. I think the amount is big enough to put him to a decision and still leave me room to fold comfortably, if he shoves. He lays it down however pretty quickly.
Hand #293 – Stack 122566, blinds 1K/2K/a200
We’re now only 7-handed and it folds to me on the CO, where I hold Ah7c. I raise to 4800 and take down blinds/antes.
Hand #294 – Stack 126766, blinds 1K/2K/a200
Only play 7-handed for ONE hand, as we’re back to having nine players at the table. It folds to me in MP2 and I raise again to 4800 with TcTd. The seat immediately to my left now shoves all-in for a total of 22189. It folds back to me and I call.
FLOP: 3d Qd 5d
TURN: 3c
RIVER: 8h
I beat 66 with no complications.
Hand #298 – Stack 152655, blinds 1250/2500/a250
I’m in the SB and hold AdTc. We’re back to 7-handed as the tables are constantly being balanced. One of the ‘new’ players at the table, opens for a raise when it folds to him on the CO. He makes it 7500 with a starting stack of 65485. With my big-stack-status I decide this is another case of him being full of it and when it gets to me, I therefore 3-bet to 20700. When it gets back to him, he pretty much insta-shoves and I’m not loving the spot I’ve put myself in. I decide however that I can’t fold this now (didn’t do the math at the time, but just did now and I’ve almost got 2-1, so it wasn’t all bad) primarily because of the table-dynamic and the fact that I want my 3-bets to garner respect with the other players. I CALL and he shows me ThTd. Aww crap.
FLOP: Ah 9c Jc – this we like…
TURN: 2c – we still like…
RIVER: As – we absolutely like…
Won’t comment further. I know I got lucky there, but the 3-bet preflop is still good, I think.
Hand #304 – Stack 218140, blinds 1250/2500/a250
I guess I was a little drunk with power or something with this hand, feeling like I could push anyone around. Anyway, in the SB I decide to raise Tc5s to 7500, when it folds to me. The BB (stack 57104) calls.
(Pot 16750) FLOP: 2h Qc 6h
I auto-c-bet 11111. He insta-shoves on me. I fold. Oh well.
Hand #306 – Stack 199029, blinds 1250/2500/a250
A player who I’ve deemed is pretty solid, open-shoves 41K (16BBs) from MP2 and I fold 55 on the CO. I really didn’t know at the time. Because it’s an overbet-shove, I feel my pair probably has pretty good equity against his range and I have the stack to ‘take a shot’ at busting him, but I couldn’t pull the trigger. Maybe completely standard fold to some – just know I wasn’t sure at the time.
Hand #310 – Stack 198029, blinds 1250/2500/a250
I splash a little bit, when I call Mr. Aggro’s minraise from the BB with 7h5s. The flop comes down KJ4 all-hearts and when I check he moves all-in for 53K. Meh… I really wanna call and pick off 33 or some other random hand like that, but of course let it go.
Hand #314 – Stack 190779, blinds 1250/2500/a250
Mr. Aggro is starting to annoy me, which is the main reason for me playing the following hand the way I did. From the HJ, I raise AcQs to 6250 and Mr. Aggro (stack 67158) smooth calls on the button.
(Pot 18000) FLOP: 2c 9h Th
I elect to check, but I won’t give you a speech about some grand plan I might have had. I wasn’t really sure what to do because of my opposition. He bets 12500 pretty quickly and instinctively (can’t really explain it any other way) I re-raise allin. Now, this line doesn’t make a lot of sense, but I just figured he was full of it and the kind of player to bet any two cards, when checked to him. Anyway, he calls right away with KhTd (don’t agree with his preflop call, but whatever) and I don’t suck out.
I was steaming. Really fucking annoyed with myself and had to use a bit of time to compose myself after it. Even though I still had plenty of chips, I was thinking stuff like, “you blew it – that was your shot. Game over” etc etc. Ridiculous. Anyway, not much else to do but move on.
Hand #315 – Stack 123631, blinds 1250/2500/a250
Very next hand I pick up QdQc and when UTG opens to 7500 (stack 111185) I’m already preparing myself for the risk of going broke over the course of two hands. In the next seat, I make it 2100, but thankfully UTG insta-folds, when it gets back to him. Phew… actually just what I needed, to calm down after the AQ hand.
Hand #317 – Stack 136121, blinds 1250/2500/a250
Whether it was because of a quick succession of bust-outs or perhaps just a good tournament structure, I don’t know – but the stack to blinds ratio was quite high at this point. Playing 7-handed, the shortest stack at the table was sitting on 31 BBs. Perhaps as a result, this limp-hand ensued. MP, HJ, CO and SB all limp. In the BB I don’t figure I’ll be able to get rid of all of my opponents with a raise, so I elect to check my AcTd.
(Pot 14250) FLOP: 3c Ts 2d
So, I flop top pair but I’m actually quite suspicious of the limping-ranges of the other players, so I decide to try and keep the pot small and check. Everyone else checks to the HJ (stack 80251) who bets 8750. Only I call.
(Pot 31750) TURN: 8d
Seems like a safe card, but I’m still happy to keep the pot small and actually expect a check from him a lot of the time as well (as he would also be looking to exercise some pot-size control). So I check, but he bets again – this time 16500. I may be over-analyzing here, but whereas his flop-bet seemed fairly confident, this half-pot bet didn’t look quite as strong. To be honest, I probably should’ve given the hand some more thought, but I didn’t at the time. The bet made me think he didn’t have it, so I shoved on him. I could try to make a case for a few hands that I beat, which will still call me when I shove, but in reality I don’t think it’s the best play. If I think I have the best hand, a smaller raise is definitely best. It gives him a chance to do something spewy and then I can snap him off. Oh well, he thought for a long long time, but eventually gave it up.
Hand #320 – Stack 170771, blinds 1500/3000/a300
In the CO I hold AdKs, 7-handed. Two to my right (stack 99040) opens to 7400 and I 3-bet him standard to 21200. He folds immediately when it gets back to him. I was actually kind of hoping he might consider my raise to be of the ‘light variety’, because I myself felt like I’d been pretty active, but no such luck.
Hand #326 – Stack 178741, blinds 1500/3000/a300
We haven’t seen a flop since my AT hand. Someone raises, everyone folds. I’ve got Kc7d on the button 7-handed and do the same. No resistance this time.
Hand #334 – Stack 178171, blinds 1500/3000/a300
Mr. Aggro and I finally have a show-down. We’re down to the final two tables and are back to 9-handed. I have the chip-lead at my table. It folds to me on the button and I raise 3h3s to 7200, which has been my standard. In the BB Mr. Aggro now shoves for a total of 52981. I’m only getting 7-5 odds of making this call, but against this guy I felt like his range was CONSIDERALY wider than the rest of the table. So, whereas I might lay it down some of the time, I decided to call here. He showed 9dTh.
FLOP: 4c Kc Jc
TURN: Ah
RIVER: Js
BUSTO! I think the call is completely situational and opponent-specific, so it’s hard to debate for/against. If he shows me his hand, obviously I call and I felt like he probably only had two overs, considering his past actions. It felt good to get rid of him and I now had a monster-stack.
Hand #336 – Stack 236252, blinds 1500/3000/a300
Already, back to 7-handed as the people have been busting on both tables. At this point, I of course also have the other table up on my screen and am taking a few notes about some of the players. This hand isn’t noteworthy though. Folds to me on the HJ, I raise Ah8c and everyone folds.
Hand #339 – Stack 238952, blinds 1500/3000/a300
6-handed now. It folds to me in the SB and I raise Jd5c, because I’ve noticed the BB to be tight. He folds.
Hand #340 – Stack 243452, blinds 1500/3000/a300
I hold Ah3h on the button and apparently have been a little too active. I open-raise to 7200 again and the SB (stack 188786) 3-bets me to 26455. Big bet. Wow. I let it go. Nh sir.
Hand #343 – Stack 235152, blinds 2K/4K/a400
Still 6-handed, I pick up Ac9s and open from UTG to 8800. Blinds have just gone up and some are now even shorter than they were during the last level. One such player shoves for 36000 from the SB. Of course I call, but find myself up against two red queens.
FLOP: Ts Qs Jh – king one time, dealer…?
TURN: 7d – still waiting on that king, dealer…?
RIVER: 7s
The dealer must hate me (!) and he doubles up deservedly so.
Hand #345 – Stack 193022, blinds 2K/4K/a400
The button opens to 12K (stack 121435) and I decide to fold 33 from the SB. No explanation available. He hadn’t been extremely tight, but not overly active either. He might have had it, might not have. It just didn’t ‘feel’ right, so I folded. Who knows.
Hand #347 – Stack 190222, blinds 2K/4K/a400
Folds to me in the CO and I raise KdQd to 8800. I pick up blinds/antes.
Hand #351 – Stack 201422, blinds 2K/4K/a400
Folds to me in the SB and I raise AdJc to 10K (I make my raises slightly larger in blind-vs-blind confrontations, compared to other opens). BB folds.
Hand #352 – Stack 207422, blinds 2K/4K/a400
On the button, I open-raise 3d3h to 8800 and the SB (stack 201757) calls. We take a flop:
(Pot 24000) FLOP: Ks 3c Th
Holy crap… I’m re-living a wet dream of mine. What a time to flop a set and what a board. He checks to me and I lead 14500 at the pot (same as I would with a range of other hands). Come on! Have KT one time!! He folds. *sigh*…
Hand #353 – Stack 222222, blinds 2K/4K/a400
UTG (stack 51460) opens to 11900 and on the CO I hold AsJc. What to do? He’s raising, not shoving with a 13BB stack which is usually strength, but folding AJ 6-handed seems awfully nitty. Flat-calling seem awfully weak. I decide to go with it and make it 28000. Back to him and he insta-shoves. Fuck. Please not AA. He shows AdKh.
FLOP: Kc Ks 6c
-and no runner-runner for me. Nh sir.
Hand #354 – Stack 170762, blinds 2K/4K/a400
Even though I felt like I was completely at peace with having run AJ into AK, I guess I couldn’t have been as this hand will demonstrate. On the HJ I open KdJd to 8800. The CO (stack 192157) calls and we see a flop.
(Pot 26000) FLOP: Qh 2s 6d
A fairly innocuous looking flop and one I should be c-betting. Instead I check, as does he.
(Pot 26000) TURN: 9h
NOW I lead at the pot with a 14K bet. He considers briefly, before min-raising to 28K. Oh crap, I hate that play (hate being faced with it, that is – the play actually works quite often in my experience). It’s usually always strength as only very few players have the creativity to bluff with a min-raise. Still, I call – not wanting to be pushed off a hand.
(Pot 82000) RIVER: 3d
This is where my meltdown culminates. I now LEAD at the pot with a bet of 36000! Obviously, when I call the turn, I’m not looking to hit my gutshot (although that would’ve been nice) – no, I’m looking to bluff the river, but it’s just such a horrible play. Hands that MIGHT make sense (from his perspective) would be something like pocket 3s, but even that doesn’t add up all too well. I’m not even going to spend more time on the hand – it was awful from start to finish and he ends up shoving on me anyway, so it doesn’t really matter. I blow almost 40% of my stack on that hand. Stupid, stupid, stupid and I knew it.
Hand #362 – Stack 97162, blinds 2K/4K/a400
In the BB I wake up with KsKh, but the last 8 hands haven’t seen any action (I even got a walk in my BB), so I’m not overly excited. Until the HJ (stack 99392) opens to 9999, that is! It folds to me and I make it 25500 (which in hindsight is probably a little smaller than some of my other 3-bets and therefore might be a leak I need to address). He doesn’t seem to notice though, as he shoves. SNAP! – and I now need to hold against Ac7d!
FLOP: Jd Kc 9h
TURN: 7s
RIVER: 8h
Oh yeah baby, back to the top end of the leader board with that pot!
Hand #365 – Stack 195124, blinds 2500/5000/a500
The guy who had A7 in the last hand is now in the SB and after posting, only has 3700 left. Therefore, I elect to raise Ac2c form the CO to 12000, looking to get a call from him. It all works out and I’m up against Qs5h.
FLOP: 3c Td Qd… hmmm.
TURN: Ks… Jack/Ace?
RIVER: 8d.
I double him up.
Hand #369 – Stack 181934, blinds 2500/5000/a500
I’m not impressed with the way I played this hand, but in hindsight it might not be that bad. I hold JsTs in the SB and playing 5-handed, I call the UTG (stack 109160) raise, when he makes it 12250.
(Pot 32000) FLOP: Kh As Td
I check and he bets 16410. I did catch the bottom end of the flop and I think peeling one off (despite being out of position) isn’t too bad. I call.
(Pot 64820) TURN: 5d
I check and he moves in for 80K. Ok, ok… you don’t have to tell me twice. Nh sir. I fold.
INTERIM NOTE: I DON’T MIND ADMITTING, THAT I’M PLAYING A LITTLE SCARED AT THIS POINT. I REALLY WANTED TO MAKE THE FINAL TABLE AND WAS THEREFORE A LITTLE TIMID WITH WHAT HANDS I OPENED AND WHICH ONES I DIDN’T.
Hand #383 – Stack 131274, blinds 2500/5000/a500
As just noted, I’ve tightened up a bit and haven’t played a hand for almost 3 full orbits. To be fair, I haven’t had much to open with, but the table has opened up quite a bit, with a lot of 3-betting going on and I can’t figure them to have had AA/KK all the time, so bottom line: I’m scared and they’re not! I decide enough is enough, when I pick up the monster-hand that is: QdTc in the BB. The CO opens to 12455 and I raise him to 30500. Almost immediately he comes over the top for all of his chips: 316K. LOL. Way to pick my spots. I fold and feel like I just got soul-read.
Hand #385 – Stack 96674, blinds 3K/6K/a600
On the button I this time have a legitimate hand and I open AsQS to 15000. It folds to the BB (same guy who shoved on me last hand) and he shoves again. I call immediately and find myself in a race against 6h6d.
FLOP: 8h Ad Jc… sweet, sweet Ace! How glad am I to see you.
TURN: 8d… come on now, no six!
RIVER: Qc
CHA-CHING!! I let out a huge sigh of relief as I was – literally – holding my breath when the community cards were coming down.
Two hands later, a guy busts in 10th place and we’re down to the final table! I don’t have much going in, except for a medium stack and a few dreams. LOL. Sorry guys – a little corny. Couldn’t help myself. See you back here for the Final Table!
Hand #284 – Stack 66328, blinds 1K/2K/a200
Another tight play from yours truly. The very next hand after tripling up with aces and I pick up 9c9d in the SB. For some reason I’m always a little apprehensive about playing two big pots in a row, which has elicited some weaker/tighter plays in the past, compared to my ‘standard’. Anyway, in this case Mr. Aggro from before minraises UTG with a stack of 56538 and it folds to me. In retrospect, perhaps flatcalling isn’t such a bad idea at this stage of the tournament, but against this guy I just didn’t feel comfortable doing it. I folded. *shrug*
Hand #286 – Stack 64928, blinds 1K/2K/a200
Will you believe it – I pick up ‘dem rockets’ one more time. I’m in the CO seat this time. UTG (stack 80488) bumps it up to 5100 and before it gets to me, MP2 (stack 42838) has re-raised him to 14000 (yes, seriously – I am that lucky!). It folds to me and I decide to shove. Even though I’m practically telling the entire table what I hold, I don’t see any other option. If I were to make it e.g. 32000, that just looks even stronger, so I think my play is fine. UTG folds, but MP2 calls for his tournament life. He shows KK and I fade the two-outer!
Hand #290 – Stack 116466, blinds 1K/2K/a200
I now have the largest stack at the table and as a result, I’m looking to put it to good use. This spot seems like an opportune moment. We’re playing 8-handed and it folds to the CO (stack 71588) who opens to 5100. I’m in the BB and hold KdJd. I decide to go with the old maxim of, “late position raiser – he probably doesn’t have it” and I therefore make it 14800. I think the amount is big enough to put him to a decision and still leave me room to fold comfortably, if he shoves. He lays it down however pretty quickly.
Hand #293 – Stack 122566, blinds 1K/2K/a200
We’re now only 7-handed and it folds to me on the CO, where I hold Ah7c. I raise to 4800 and take down blinds/antes.
Hand #294 – Stack 126766, blinds 1K/2K/a200
Only play 7-handed for ONE hand, as we’re back to having nine players at the table. It folds to me in MP2 and I raise again to 4800 with TcTd. The seat immediately to my left now shoves all-in for a total of 22189. It folds back to me and I call.
FLOP: 3d Qd 5d
TURN: 3c
RIVER: 8h
I beat 66 with no complications.
Hand #298 – Stack 152655, blinds 1250/2500/a250
I’m in the SB and hold AdTc. We’re back to 7-handed as the tables are constantly being balanced. One of the ‘new’ players at the table, opens for a raise when it folds to him on the CO. He makes it 7500 with a starting stack of 65485. With my big-stack-status I decide this is another case of him being full of it and when it gets to me, I therefore 3-bet to 20700. When it gets back to him, he pretty much insta-shoves and I’m not loving the spot I’ve put myself in. I decide however that I can’t fold this now (didn’t do the math at the time, but just did now and I’ve almost got 2-1, so it wasn’t all bad) primarily because of the table-dynamic and the fact that I want my 3-bets to garner respect with the other players. I CALL and he shows me ThTd. Aww crap.
FLOP: Ah 9c Jc – this we like…
TURN: 2c – we still like…
RIVER: As – we absolutely like…
Won’t comment further. I know I got lucky there, but the 3-bet preflop is still good, I think.
Hand #304 – Stack 218140, blinds 1250/2500/a250
I guess I was a little drunk with power or something with this hand, feeling like I could push anyone around. Anyway, in the SB I decide to raise Tc5s to 7500, when it folds to me. The BB (stack 57104) calls.
(Pot 16750) FLOP: 2h Qc 6h
I auto-c-bet 11111. He insta-shoves on me. I fold. Oh well.
Hand #306 – Stack 199029, blinds 1250/2500/a250
A player who I’ve deemed is pretty solid, open-shoves 41K (16BBs) from MP2 and I fold 55 on the CO. I really didn’t know at the time. Because it’s an overbet-shove, I feel my pair probably has pretty good equity against his range and I have the stack to ‘take a shot’ at busting him, but I couldn’t pull the trigger. Maybe completely standard fold to some – just know I wasn’t sure at the time.
Hand #310 – Stack 198029, blinds 1250/2500/a250
I splash a little bit, when I call Mr. Aggro’s minraise from the BB with 7h5s. The flop comes down KJ4 all-hearts and when I check he moves all-in for 53K. Meh… I really wanna call and pick off 33 or some other random hand like that, but of course let it go.
Hand #314 – Stack 190779, blinds 1250/2500/a250
Mr. Aggro is starting to annoy me, which is the main reason for me playing the following hand the way I did. From the HJ, I raise AcQs to 6250 and Mr. Aggro (stack 67158) smooth calls on the button.
(Pot 18000) FLOP: 2c 9h Th
I elect to check, but I won’t give you a speech about some grand plan I might have had. I wasn’t really sure what to do because of my opposition. He bets 12500 pretty quickly and instinctively (can’t really explain it any other way) I re-raise allin. Now, this line doesn’t make a lot of sense, but I just figured he was full of it and the kind of player to bet any two cards, when checked to him. Anyway, he calls right away with KhTd (don’t agree with his preflop call, but whatever) and I don’t suck out.
I was steaming. Really fucking annoyed with myself and had to use a bit of time to compose myself after it. Even though I still had plenty of chips, I was thinking stuff like, “you blew it – that was your shot. Game over” etc etc. Ridiculous. Anyway, not much else to do but move on.
Hand #315 – Stack 123631, blinds 1250/2500/a250
Very next hand I pick up QdQc and when UTG opens to 7500 (stack 111185) I’m already preparing myself for the risk of going broke over the course of two hands. In the next seat, I make it 2100, but thankfully UTG insta-folds, when it gets back to him. Phew… actually just what I needed, to calm down after the AQ hand.
Hand #317 – Stack 136121, blinds 1250/2500/a250
Whether it was because of a quick succession of bust-outs or perhaps just a good tournament structure, I don’t know – but the stack to blinds ratio was quite high at this point. Playing 7-handed, the shortest stack at the table was sitting on 31 BBs. Perhaps as a result, this limp-hand ensued. MP, HJ, CO and SB all limp. In the BB I don’t figure I’ll be able to get rid of all of my opponents with a raise, so I elect to check my AcTd.
(Pot 14250) FLOP: 3c Ts 2d
So, I flop top pair but I’m actually quite suspicious of the limping-ranges of the other players, so I decide to try and keep the pot small and check. Everyone else checks to the HJ (stack 80251) who bets 8750. Only I call.
(Pot 31750) TURN: 8d
Seems like a safe card, but I’m still happy to keep the pot small and actually expect a check from him a lot of the time as well (as he would also be looking to exercise some pot-size control). So I check, but he bets again – this time 16500. I may be over-analyzing here, but whereas his flop-bet seemed fairly confident, this half-pot bet didn’t look quite as strong. To be honest, I probably should’ve given the hand some more thought, but I didn’t at the time. The bet made me think he didn’t have it, so I shoved on him. I could try to make a case for a few hands that I beat, which will still call me when I shove, but in reality I don’t think it’s the best play. If I think I have the best hand, a smaller raise is definitely best. It gives him a chance to do something spewy and then I can snap him off. Oh well, he thought for a long long time, but eventually gave it up.
Hand #320 – Stack 170771, blinds 1500/3000/a300
In the CO I hold AdKs, 7-handed. Two to my right (stack 99040) opens to 7400 and I 3-bet him standard to 21200. He folds immediately when it gets back to him. I was actually kind of hoping he might consider my raise to be of the ‘light variety’, because I myself felt like I’d been pretty active, but no such luck.
Hand #326 – Stack 178741, blinds 1500/3000/a300
We haven’t seen a flop since my AT hand. Someone raises, everyone folds. I’ve got Kc7d on the button 7-handed and do the same. No resistance this time.
Hand #334 – Stack 178171, blinds 1500/3000/a300
Mr. Aggro and I finally have a show-down. We’re down to the final two tables and are back to 9-handed. I have the chip-lead at my table. It folds to me on the button and I raise 3h3s to 7200, which has been my standard. In the BB Mr. Aggro now shoves for a total of 52981. I’m only getting 7-5 odds of making this call, but against this guy I felt like his range was CONSIDERALY wider than the rest of the table. So, whereas I might lay it down some of the time, I decided to call here. He showed 9dTh.
FLOP: 4c Kc Jc
TURN: Ah
RIVER: Js
BUSTO! I think the call is completely situational and opponent-specific, so it’s hard to debate for/against. If he shows me his hand, obviously I call and I felt like he probably only had two overs, considering his past actions. It felt good to get rid of him and I now had a monster-stack.
Hand #336 – Stack 236252, blinds 1500/3000/a300
Already, back to 7-handed as the people have been busting on both tables. At this point, I of course also have the other table up on my screen and am taking a few notes about some of the players. This hand isn’t noteworthy though. Folds to me on the HJ, I raise Ah8c and everyone folds.
Hand #339 – Stack 238952, blinds 1500/3000/a300
6-handed now. It folds to me in the SB and I raise Jd5c, because I’ve noticed the BB to be tight. He folds.
Hand #340 – Stack 243452, blinds 1500/3000/a300
I hold Ah3h on the button and apparently have been a little too active. I open-raise to 7200 again and the SB (stack 188786) 3-bets me to 26455. Big bet. Wow. I let it go. Nh sir.
Hand #343 – Stack 235152, blinds 2K/4K/a400
Still 6-handed, I pick up Ac9s and open from UTG to 8800. Blinds have just gone up and some are now even shorter than they were during the last level. One such player shoves for 36000 from the SB. Of course I call, but find myself up against two red queens.
FLOP: Ts Qs Jh – king one time, dealer…?
TURN: 7d – still waiting on that king, dealer…?
RIVER: 7s
The dealer must hate me (!) and he doubles up deservedly so.
Hand #345 – Stack 193022, blinds 2K/4K/a400
The button opens to 12K (stack 121435) and I decide to fold 33 from the SB. No explanation available. He hadn’t been extremely tight, but not overly active either. He might have had it, might not have. It just didn’t ‘feel’ right, so I folded. Who knows.
Hand #347 – Stack 190222, blinds 2K/4K/a400
Folds to me in the CO and I raise KdQd to 8800. I pick up blinds/antes.
Hand #351 – Stack 201422, blinds 2K/4K/a400
Folds to me in the SB and I raise AdJc to 10K (I make my raises slightly larger in blind-vs-blind confrontations, compared to other opens). BB folds.
Hand #352 – Stack 207422, blinds 2K/4K/a400
On the button, I open-raise 3d3h to 8800 and the SB (stack 201757) calls. We take a flop:
(Pot 24000) FLOP: Ks 3c Th
Holy crap… I’m re-living a wet dream of mine. What a time to flop a set and what a board. He checks to me and I lead 14500 at the pot (same as I would with a range of other hands). Come on! Have KT one time!! He folds. *sigh*…
Hand #353 – Stack 222222, blinds 2K/4K/a400
UTG (stack 51460) opens to 11900 and on the CO I hold AsJc. What to do? He’s raising, not shoving with a 13BB stack which is usually strength, but folding AJ 6-handed seems awfully nitty. Flat-calling seem awfully weak. I decide to go with it and make it 28000. Back to him and he insta-shoves. Fuck. Please not AA. He shows AdKh.
FLOP: Kc Ks 6c
-and no runner-runner for me. Nh sir.
Hand #354 – Stack 170762, blinds 2K/4K/a400
Even though I felt like I was completely at peace with having run AJ into AK, I guess I couldn’t have been as this hand will demonstrate. On the HJ I open KdJd to 8800. The CO (stack 192157) calls and we see a flop.
(Pot 26000) FLOP: Qh 2s 6d
A fairly innocuous looking flop and one I should be c-betting. Instead I check, as does he.
(Pot 26000) TURN: 9h
NOW I lead at the pot with a 14K bet. He considers briefly, before min-raising to 28K. Oh crap, I hate that play (hate being faced with it, that is – the play actually works quite often in my experience). It’s usually always strength as only very few players have the creativity to bluff with a min-raise. Still, I call – not wanting to be pushed off a hand.
(Pot 82000) RIVER: 3d
This is where my meltdown culminates. I now LEAD at the pot with a bet of 36000! Obviously, when I call the turn, I’m not looking to hit my gutshot (although that would’ve been nice) – no, I’m looking to bluff the river, but it’s just such a horrible play. Hands that MIGHT make sense (from his perspective) would be something like pocket 3s, but even that doesn’t add up all too well. I’m not even going to spend more time on the hand – it was awful from start to finish and he ends up shoving on me anyway, so it doesn’t really matter. I blow almost 40% of my stack on that hand. Stupid, stupid, stupid and I knew it.
Hand #362 – Stack 97162, blinds 2K/4K/a400
In the BB I wake up with KsKh, but the last 8 hands haven’t seen any action (I even got a walk in my BB), so I’m not overly excited. Until the HJ (stack 99392) opens to 9999, that is! It folds to me and I make it 25500 (which in hindsight is probably a little smaller than some of my other 3-bets and therefore might be a leak I need to address). He doesn’t seem to notice though, as he shoves. SNAP! – and I now need to hold against Ac7d!
FLOP: Jd Kc 9h
TURN: 7s
RIVER: 8h
Oh yeah baby, back to the top end of the leader board with that pot!
Hand #365 – Stack 195124, blinds 2500/5000/a500
The guy who had A7 in the last hand is now in the SB and after posting, only has 3700 left. Therefore, I elect to raise Ac2c form the CO to 12000, looking to get a call from him. It all works out and I’m up against Qs5h.
FLOP: 3c Td Qd… hmmm.
TURN: Ks… Jack/Ace?
RIVER: 8d.
I double him up.
Hand #369 – Stack 181934, blinds 2500/5000/a500
I’m not impressed with the way I played this hand, but in hindsight it might not be that bad. I hold JsTs in the SB and playing 5-handed, I call the UTG (stack 109160) raise, when he makes it 12250.
(Pot 32000) FLOP: Kh As Td
I check and he bets 16410. I did catch the bottom end of the flop and I think peeling one off (despite being out of position) isn’t too bad. I call.
(Pot 64820) TURN: 5d
I check and he moves in for 80K. Ok, ok… you don’t have to tell me twice. Nh sir. I fold.
INTERIM NOTE: I DON’T MIND ADMITTING, THAT I’M PLAYING A LITTLE SCARED AT THIS POINT. I REALLY WANTED TO MAKE THE FINAL TABLE AND WAS THEREFORE A LITTLE TIMID WITH WHAT HANDS I OPENED AND WHICH ONES I DIDN’T.
Hand #383 – Stack 131274, blinds 2500/5000/a500
As just noted, I’ve tightened up a bit and haven’t played a hand for almost 3 full orbits. To be fair, I haven’t had much to open with, but the table has opened up quite a bit, with a lot of 3-betting going on and I can’t figure them to have had AA/KK all the time, so bottom line: I’m scared and they’re not! I decide enough is enough, when I pick up the monster-hand that is: QdTc in the BB. The CO opens to 12455 and I raise him to 30500. Almost immediately he comes over the top for all of his chips: 316K. LOL. Way to pick my spots. I fold and feel like I just got soul-read.
Hand #385 – Stack 96674, blinds 3K/6K/a600
On the button I this time have a legitimate hand and I open AsQS to 15000. It folds to the BB (same guy who shoved on me last hand) and he shoves again. I call immediately and find myself in a race against 6h6d.
FLOP: 8h Ad Jc… sweet, sweet Ace! How glad am I to see you.
TURN: 8d… come on now, no six!
RIVER: Qc
CHA-CHING!! I let out a huge sigh of relief as I was – literally – holding my breath when the community cards were coming down.
Two hands later, a guy busts in 10th place and we’re down to the final table! I don’t have much going in, except for a medium stack and a few dreams. LOL. Sorry guys – a little corny. Couldn’t help myself. See you back here for the Final Table!
Saturday 4 July 2009
15K GUARANTEED WIN, ANALYSIS PART4
Buy-in was $30+3, 666 entrants; the whole thing took 7.5 hours and 1st place was $3,746.
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Hand #226 – Stack 35501, blinds 600/1200/a125
There hasn’t been much limping going on, so when I see 4d5d in the BB, I don’t expect to be able to see a flop with it. I am proven wrong yet again, as UTG+1 open-limps with a 70566 stack behind. I’ve mentioned this guy before. He had been quite active and definitely seemed like a tricky player. He had also just doubled up, when he called a huge shove (for his tournament life) with 44 and beat AQs. Everyone else folds to me and I check.
(Pot 4000) FLOP: 4h 6d 7s
This flop is too good for me, so because of my read on the guy I decide not to lead at it (fear of check-raise and then what do I do with bottom pair?). Instead I check, planning to call a bet. He checks as well.
(Pot 4000) TURN: 4s
I’ve made trips, but that’s actually irrelevant here. Against most players (not this one, but he doesn’t know that), I’d probably lead here and try to pick it up, whatever my holding. I bet 2000 and he smooth calls.
(Pot 8000) RIVER: 2c
That card misses all draws and because I see him as aggressive I consider checking to let him bluff at it. It’s a play I use rarely and with very mixed success. In the end, I feel like there are still lots of likely holdings which will pay me off, so I bet 4000 for value. He folds.
Hand #230
I raise AcTs from the HJ (8-handed) and take the blinds/antes.
Hand# 236 – Stack 39451, blinds 600/1200/a125
I don’t actually play this hand, but thought the situation was interesting nonetheless. I’m on the button with AhTh, when it folds to MP2 (9-handed again) who shoves for 11647. Normally I’d be the first one to advocate a call here, but all of the sudden It dawned on me that the guy shoving was probably the tightest one at the table. It just felt like he had been biding his time and finally had the big hand, he’d been waiting for. I decided to lay it down, only to see the aggro guy from the last hand snap-call him with As5c! LOL. Turns out I was right this time, as MP2 had AcQc – but perhaps I still need to call against his likely 9.5BB shoving range.
Hand #245 – Stack 36526, blinds 600/1200/a125
I hadn’t played a hand for almost two full orbits, so when I pick up Kc6c on the button, I felt like my raise might get some respect. The only problem is that online players are notoriously suspicious of button-raises. I think everyone instantly puts your range on any-two-cards. LOL. It folds to me, I open for 2800 and both blinds calls. Incidentally, the SB is the aggro player from before. His stack has grown to 81150, whereas the BB is sitting on 37500 at the start of the hand.
(Pot 9400) FLOP: Js 8c 6h
SB checks, BB checks and even though I caught a small piece, I check as well.
(Pot 9400) TURN: Kd
GIN! SB checks and the BB now leads 4800 into the pot. I think he might be doing this with air, but the board is so coordinated that I feel I’ve gotta raise my two pair. I eventually make it 13500, which I think is just about right. It leaves me with 20K to value-shove on non-threatening rivers, commits me to the pot (in his eyes) and still makes him pay for any draws. Unfortunately, my cunning math-skills are wasted as he folds.
Hand #250 – Stack 47276, blinds 800/1600/a150
UTG I hold AcQd. I might seriously consider folding, but the blinds have just gone up and I feel like I’ve gotta play this hand. I make it 3600. “Mr. Aggro” is next to act and he 3-bets me with very little deliberation to 8000. Before I can consider what my move is, it has folded to the BB who re-raises all in for a total of 17208. I now confidently fold and see Mr. Aggro out-race the BB with AQ (!) vs JJ. Still the correct play by me I feel.
Hand #253 – Stack 42426, blinds 800/1600/a150
I open-raise Ac3h in the CO (7-handed) and take down blinds/antes.
Hand #264 – Stack 41826, blinds 800/1600/a150
I haven’t found many hands to open, but then pick up AcQc in UTG+1 (8-handed). Before I get to act however, UTG has moved in for a total of 24396. Can’t call that obviously, but it’s amazing how tempted one is, when it’s been a while since you’ve seen a decent starting hand.
Hand #266 – Stack 41526, blinds 800/1600/a150
In the BB, I hold 9s2h. It folds to the SB (stack 26246) who limps. This was an odd move for him, as he had been raising every other time he opened a hand. With that in mind, I raise to 4800 and he snap-folds. Well played me.
Hand #269 – Stack 43076, blinds 800/1600/a150
Still 8-handed and when it folds to me in the CO, I decide to raise my 3c3s to 3800. I wasn’t loving it, because I felt like my stack was exploitable, but fold a pair in that spot? Not in my playbook. The button calls, before Mr. Aggro (now two to my left) makes it 12800. I was really starting to hate that guy. We both fold.
Hand #278 – Stack 35176, blinds 1K/2K/a200
This hand comes with a little bit of history. A few hands prior to this, I had folded Ac9d in the CO after MP1 had shoved his short-stack of only 8 BBs. I was torn by this decision, feeling like it was a close call (blinds were still 800/1600 at the time) – no pun intended – but eventually laid it down. Anyway, feeling like I may have just missed out on some value, coupled with the fact that my stack-blind-ratio had just dropped, I decided to play my Ts7s from the HJ. It folded to me and I raised to 4800. The BB called me and we took this flop:
(Pot 12400) FLOP: Kd 4h 9c
The BB checks and I fire 8000 at the pot, which in retrospect is way too much. A bet of 7000 or maybe even 6500 accomplishes the same objective. He min-raises me and I have absolutely nothing to battle him with. I fold and am now officially short. Crap.
Hand #283 – Stack 21376, blinds 1K/2K/a200
I hit the jackpot when – in the BB, as if it weren’t good enough already – I pick up AcAd. It only gets better by the fact that Mr. Aggro 3x raises from UTG+1 (stack 77914) and then MP2 3-bets to 16000 (stack 106424). Well, ok then gentlemen. I ship in my stack and they both call.
The board runs out kinda ugly: 8d Qd 9c – Jd – 8s, but it matters not as I easily beat their AsJs and 77. TRIPLE ME UP BABY!!
Stack back in order – ready to move towards the final table. More to come. Thanks for reading!
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Hand #226 – Stack 35501, blinds 600/1200/a125
There hasn’t been much limping going on, so when I see 4d5d in the BB, I don’t expect to be able to see a flop with it. I am proven wrong yet again, as UTG+1 open-limps with a 70566 stack behind. I’ve mentioned this guy before. He had been quite active and definitely seemed like a tricky player. He had also just doubled up, when he called a huge shove (for his tournament life) with 44 and beat AQs. Everyone else folds to me and I check.
(Pot 4000) FLOP: 4h 6d 7s
This flop is too good for me, so because of my read on the guy I decide not to lead at it (fear of check-raise and then what do I do with bottom pair?). Instead I check, planning to call a bet. He checks as well.
(Pot 4000) TURN: 4s
I’ve made trips, but that’s actually irrelevant here. Against most players (not this one, but he doesn’t know that), I’d probably lead here and try to pick it up, whatever my holding. I bet 2000 and he smooth calls.
(Pot 8000) RIVER: 2c
That card misses all draws and because I see him as aggressive I consider checking to let him bluff at it. It’s a play I use rarely and with very mixed success. In the end, I feel like there are still lots of likely holdings which will pay me off, so I bet 4000 for value. He folds.
Hand #230
I raise AcTs from the HJ (8-handed) and take the blinds/antes.
Hand# 236 – Stack 39451, blinds 600/1200/a125
I don’t actually play this hand, but thought the situation was interesting nonetheless. I’m on the button with AhTh, when it folds to MP2 (9-handed again) who shoves for 11647. Normally I’d be the first one to advocate a call here, but all of the sudden It dawned on me that the guy shoving was probably the tightest one at the table. It just felt like he had been biding his time and finally had the big hand, he’d been waiting for. I decided to lay it down, only to see the aggro guy from the last hand snap-call him with As5c! LOL. Turns out I was right this time, as MP2 had AcQc – but perhaps I still need to call against his likely 9.5BB shoving range.
Hand #245 – Stack 36526, blinds 600/1200/a125
I hadn’t played a hand for almost two full orbits, so when I pick up Kc6c on the button, I felt like my raise might get some respect. The only problem is that online players are notoriously suspicious of button-raises. I think everyone instantly puts your range on any-two-cards. LOL. It folds to me, I open for 2800 and both blinds calls. Incidentally, the SB is the aggro player from before. His stack has grown to 81150, whereas the BB is sitting on 37500 at the start of the hand.
(Pot 9400) FLOP: Js 8c 6h
SB checks, BB checks and even though I caught a small piece, I check as well.
(Pot 9400) TURN: Kd
GIN! SB checks and the BB now leads 4800 into the pot. I think he might be doing this with air, but the board is so coordinated that I feel I’ve gotta raise my two pair. I eventually make it 13500, which I think is just about right. It leaves me with 20K to value-shove on non-threatening rivers, commits me to the pot (in his eyes) and still makes him pay for any draws. Unfortunately, my cunning math-skills are wasted as he folds.
Hand #250 – Stack 47276, blinds 800/1600/a150
UTG I hold AcQd. I might seriously consider folding, but the blinds have just gone up and I feel like I’ve gotta play this hand. I make it 3600. “Mr. Aggro” is next to act and he 3-bets me with very little deliberation to 8000. Before I can consider what my move is, it has folded to the BB who re-raises all in for a total of 17208. I now confidently fold and see Mr. Aggro out-race the BB with AQ (!) vs JJ. Still the correct play by me I feel.
Hand #253 – Stack 42426, blinds 800/1600/a150
I open-raise Ac3h in the CO (7-handed) and take down blinds/antes.
Hand #264 – Stack 41826, blinds 800/1600/a150
I haven’t found many hands to open, but then pick up AcQc in UTG+1 (8-handed). Before I get to act however, UTG has moved in for a total of 24396. Can’t call that obviously, but it’s amazing how tempted one is, when it’s been a while since you’ve seen a decent starting hand.
Hand #266 – Stack 41526, blinds 800/1600/a150
In the BB, I hold 9s2h. It folds to the SB (stack 26246) who limps. This was an odd move for him, as he had been raising every other time he opened a hand. With that in mind, I raise to 4800 and he snap-folds. Well played me.
Hand #269 – Stack 43076, blinds 800/1600/a150
Still 8-handed and when it folds to me in the CO, I decide to raise my 3c3s to 3800. I wasn’t loving it, because I felt like my stack was exploitable, but fold a pair in that spot? Not in my playbook. The button calls, before Mr. Aggro (now two to my left) makes it 12800. I was really starting to hate that guy. We both fold.
Hand #278 – Stack 35176, blinds 1K/2K/a200
This hand comes with a little bit of history. A few hands prior to this, I had folded Ac9d in the CO after MP1 had shoved his short-stack of only 8 BBs. I was torn by this decision, feeling like it was a close call (blinds were still 800/1600 at the time) – no pun intended – but eventually laid it down. Anyway, feeling like I may have just missed out on some value, coupled with the fact that my stack-blind-ratio had just dropped, I decided to play my Ts7s from the HJ. It folded to me and I raised to 4800. The BB called me and we took this flop:
(Pot 12400) FLOP: Kd 4h 9c
The BB checks and I fire 8000 at the pot, which in retrospect is way too much. A bet of 7000 or maybe even 6500 accomplishes the same objective. He min-raises me and I have absolutely nothing to battle him with. I fold and am now officially short. Crap.
Hand #283 – Stack 21376, blinds 1K/2K/a200
I hit the jackpot when – in the BB, as if it weren’t good enough already – I pick up AcAd. It only gets better by the fact that Mr. Aggro 3x raises from UTG+1 (stack 77914) and then MP2 3-bets to 16000 (stack 106424). Well, ok then gentlemen. I ship in my stack and they both call.
The board runs out kinda ugly: 8d Qd 9c – Jd – 8s, but it matters not as I easily beat their AsJs and 77. TRIPLE ME UP BABY!!
Stack back in order – ready to move towards the final table. More to come. Thanks for reading!
Friday 3 July 2009
15K GUARANTEED WIN, ANALYSIS PART3
Buy-in was $30+3, 666 entrants; the whole thing took 7.5 hours and 1st place was $3,746.
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Hand #137 – Stack 7993, blinds 200/400/a50
On the button, I hold 3h5h and when it folds to me I raise to 1050. At the time, the SB is sitting out and the BB had a stack about the same size as mine, making it awkward for him to 3-bet. Also, I couldn’t remember him playing too many hands, so I figured the steal was well calculated. He did in fact fold and I took it down.
Hand #138 – Stack 8993, blinds 200/400/a50
This might be a little nitty, but I felt I had to give the guy credit for a big hand. I’m in the CO and have AsJs. It folds to the HJ who, with a stack of only 5130, raises to 1000. Maybe this guy had no clue about stack sizes and implications associated hereto, but I felt folding was – though tight as hell – still the best play.
Hand #140 – Stack 8893, blinds 200/400/a50
I open JcTc from MP2 and take down the blinds. Nothing special to note, except the fact that the two short stacks of the table (re-stealing size) were on my right and had folded. Everyone on my left had at least 35 BBs and could still 3-bet, but are probably more likely to call and suited JT plays quite well after the flop.
Hand #143 – Stack 9793, blinds 200/400/a50
I pick up two queens UTG and raise to 1050. Take down blinds/antes.
Hand #145 – Stack 10343, blinds 200/400/a50
On the button I hold AhQs. It folds to the HJ who raises to 1200 (stack 11827) and when it gets to me I jam my stack in there. I’m not overly thrilled by this play as I feel it’s a bit excessive to shove my stack against his raise. I merely felt that I had two options, fold or raise and a standard re-raise would’ve been committing, so I just closed my eyes and shove. Lucky he folded after a few seconds of deliberation.
Hand #156 – Stack 11243, blinds 200/400/a50
I had completely forgotten about this hand. I hold TsTh on the HJ. UTG raises to 1055 (stack 39420) and it folds to me. I elect to fold as well. I guess a case could be made for 3-betting to something like 2800, because it’s a big stack opening who had been active, but I was thinking more in terms of standard ranges and felt TT was a minimal hand in that spot. Oh well, will never know.
Hand #157 – Stack 11193, blinds 200/400/a50
On the HJ (again the HJ – only 8handed, last hand – now 9) I have QhQc and open-raise to 1050. It folds to the SB who re-raises and makes it 3200 (stack 15870). Given the positions, I felt I had to go with my hand here, so I raise all-in and he folds fairly quickly! Phew. Kinda glad that I didn’t have to sweat a hand like A9 there. Nice pad to my stack as well.
Hand #165 – Stack 13943, blinds 300/600/a50
Play has tightened up considerably as we approach the bubble and I therefore elect to raise Ac7c from the HJ, when it folds to me. I make it 1550. The button decides to call this time however (stack 13631) and we take a flop:
(Pot 4450) FLOP: 2d 3c 5h
It’s coordinated but it’s still a good board. I c-bet to the tune of 2800. He folds and I pick up a nice pot.
Hand #167 – Stack 16743, blinds 300/600/a50
In MP1 I hold AcKd and open-raise to 1550. It folds to the BB (stack 21783) who calls.
(Pot 3850) FLOP: 4h 5s As
He checks to me and I bet 2500 to take it down.
Hand #171 – Stack 18243, blinds 300/600/a50
Once again I feel like I take advantage of stack sizes. I have Qs8d in the SB and raise to 1800 when it folds to me. The BB has just over 20BBs and it’s therefore awkward for him to 3-bet-steal-all-in. He folds and I take it down.
Hand #190 – Stack 15668, blinds 400/800/a75
On the button I’ve got a very mediocre Jd5h, but we are almost literally on the bubble and I decide to abuse it and raise to 2100 when it folds to me. It works and I pick up highly needed blinds/antes.
Hand #195 – Stack 17093, blinds 400/800/a75
UTG I pick up KK and take down the blinds/antes when I raise to 2200.
Hand #196 – Stack 18818, blinds 400/800/a75
The very next hand I hold AA in the BB. It folds to the SB who completes (stack 18002) and I consider just checking, but decide to 3xraise like I would if I had a mediocre hand. Sadly, he folds.
Hand #198 – Stack 19668, blinds 400/800/a75
Still very much on the bubble (believe only 2 players left before cracking the bubble) and I hold 4c7c on the button. In the blinds, the SB has an 8BB stack and the BB an 11BB stack. Both have been playing tight and I expect I can pick up the valuable blinds/antes almost all of the time – so I shove, when it folds to me.
Oops. The SB has woken up with KK and snaps me off. Well, that’s not good…
FLOP: 7s 8c 7d… or is it?
TURN: 2c
RIVER: 3d
I give out a horrendous bad beat – on the bubble. I’ll bite my tongue the next time I complain about losing a 70/30. Still, in the situational context I think I’d probably do the same if ever faced with a similar situation. The few times I get called are a risk I’m willing to take on – as you’ve seen, I’ve got mad flopping skills to help me out.
Hand #204 – Stack 26074, blinds 500/1000/a100
We’re no longer on the bubble and a few surviving short-stacks are trying to double-up. I’m in the SB in this hand and hold KsJc. It folds to the CO who shoves for 7052. In my experience, I’m ahead of his range here, so I call and even flop an unnecessary king to best his QJ.
Hand #205 – Stack 34826, blinds 500/1000/a100
Once again I pick up KsJc, this time on the button and when it folds to me I open to 2400. The BB calls (stack 36703).
(Pot 6100) FLOP: 7c 5h 9h
The BB checks and that flop is simply a bit too coordinated for my taste, so I check back. Also, the guy in the BB had been very active and I suspected he’d be highly capable of floating and/or check-raising me.
(Pot 6100) TURN: 3h
He moves all-in. Well, fair enough. You win sir.
Hand #208 – Stack 32126, blinds 500/1000/a100
UTG+1 opens to 2500, leaving himself with only 12000 more. In MP2 I find AcKd and decide to 3-bet standard to 7500, bearing in mind that there are several others left to act behind me. They all fold, as does the original raiser.
Hand #221 – Stack 32626, blinds 500/1000/a100
I haven’t had many spots to steal in the last orbit and a half, so when I pick up 4s4h on the button I’m already eyeing stack sizes in the blinds. However, it folds to the HJ who limps. That’s odd. Haven’t seen a limp in a long time… Also, the limper started the hand with only 10653 in chips, making it an even stranger play. I decide this play is weakness 50% of the time and AA the other 50% and raise to 3800. He folded pretty quickly, but if he had shoved I guess I would’ve puked ever so slightly and made the call.
Time to leave you again. Next part will be up tomorrow. Stay tuned.
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Hand #137 – Stack 7993, blinds 200/400/a50
On the button, I hold 3h5h and when it folds to me I raise to 1050. At the time, the SB is sitting out and the BB had a stack about the same size as mine, making it awkward for him to 3-bet. Also, I couldn’t remember him playing too many hands, so I figured the steal was well calculated. He did in fact fold and I took it down.
Hand #138 – Stack 8993, blinds 200/400/a50
This might be a little nitty, but I felt I had to give the guy credit for a big hand. I’m in the CO and have AsJs. It folds to the HJ who, with a stack of only 5130, raises to 1000. Maybe this guy had no clue about stack sizes and implications associated hereto, but I felt folding was – though tight as hell – still the best play.
Hand #140 – Stack 8893, blinds 200/400/a50
I open JcTc from MP2 and take down the blinds. Nothing special to note, except the fact that the two short stacks of the table (re-stealing size) were on my right and had folded. Everyone on my left had at least 35 BBs and could still 3-bet, but are probably more likely to call and suited JT plays quite well after the flop.
Hand #143 – Stack 9793, blinds 200/400/a50
I pick up two queens UTG and raise to 1050. Take down blinds/antes.
Hand #145 – Stack 10343, blinds 200/400/a50
On the button I hold AhQs. It folds to the HJ who raises to 1200 (stack 11827) and when it gets to me I jam my stack in there. I’m not overly thrilled by this play as I feel it’s a bit excessive to shove my stack against his raise. I merely felt that I had two options, fold or raise and a standard re-raise would’ve been committing, so I just closed my eyes and shove. Lucky he folded after a few seconds of deliberation.
Hand #156 – Stack 11243, blinds 200/400/a50
I had completely forgotten about this hand. I hold TsTh on the HJ. UTG raises to 1055 (stack 39420) and it folds to me. I elect to fold as well. I guess a case could be made for 3-betting to something like 2800, because it’s a big stack opening who had been active, but I was thinking more in terms of standard ranges and felt TT was a minimal hand in that spot. Oh well, will never know.
Hand #157 – Stack 11193, blinds 200/400/a50
On the HJ (again the HJ – only 8handed, last hand – now 9) I have QhQc and open-raise to 1050. It folds to the SB who re-raises and makes it 3200 (stack 15870). Given the positions, I felt I had to go with my hand here, so I raise all-in and he folds fairly quickly! Phew. Kinda glad that I didn’t have to sweat a hand like A9 there. Nice pad to my stack as well.
Hand #165 – Stack 13943, blinds 300/600/a50
Play has tightened up considerably as we approach the bubble and I therefore elect to raise Ac7c from the HJ, when it folds to me. I make it 1550. The button decides to call this time however (stack 13631) and we take a flop:
(Pot 4450) FLOP: 2d 3c 5h
It’s coordinated but it’s still a good board. I c-bet to the tune of 2800. He folds and I pick up a nice pot.
Hand #167 – Stack 16743, blinds 300/600/a50
In MP1 I hold AcKd and open-raise to 1550. It folds to the BB (stack 21783) who calls.
(Pot 3850) FLOP: 4h 5s As
He checks to me and I bet 2500 to take it down.
Hand #171 – Stack 18243, blinds 300/600/a50
Once again I feel like I take advantage of stack sizes. I have Qs8d in the SB and raise to 1800 when it folds to me. The BB has just over 20BBs and it’s therefore awkward for him to 3-bet-steal-all-in. He folds and I take it down.
Hand #190 – Stack 15668, blinds 400/800/a75
On the button I’ve got a very mediocre Jd5h, but we are almost literally on the bubble and I decide to abuse it and raise to 2100 when it folds to me. It works and I pick up highly needed blinds/antes.
Hand #195 – Stack 17093, blinds 400/800/a75
UTG I pick up KK and take down the blinds/antes when I raise to 2200.
Hand #196 – Stack 18818, blinds 400/800/a75
The very next hand I hold AA in the BB. It folds to the SB who completes (stack 18002) and I consider just checking, but decide to 3xraise like I would if I had a mediocre hand. Sadly, he folds.
Hand #198 – Stack 19668, blinds 400/800/a75
Still very much on the bubble (believe only 2 players left before cracking the bubble) and I hold 4c7c on the button. In the blinds, the SB has an 8BB stack and the BB an 11BB stack. Both have been playing tight and I expect I can pick up the valuable blinds/antes almost all of the time – so I shove, when it folds to me.
Oops. The SB has woken up with KK and snaps me off. Well, that’s not good…
FLOP: 7s 8c 7d… or is it?
TURN: 2c
RIVER: 3d
I give out a horrendous bad beat – on the bubble. I’ll bite my tongue the next time I complain about losing a 70/30. Still, in the situational context I think I’d probably do the same if ever faced with a similar situation. The few times I get called are a risk I’m willing to take on – as you’ve seen, I’ve got mad flopping skills to help me out.
Hand #204 – Stack 26074, blinds 500/1000/a100
We’re no longer on the bubble and a few surviving short-stacks are trying to double-up. I’m in the SB in this hand and hold KsJc. It folds to the CO who shoves for 7052. In my experience, I’m ahead of his range here, so I call and even flop an unnecessary king to best his QJ.
Hand #205 – Stack 34826, blinds 500/1000/a100
Once again I pick up KsJc, this time on the button and when it folds to me I open to 2400. The BB calls (stack 36703).
(Pot 6100) FLOP: 7c 5h 9h
The BB checks and that flop is simply a bit too coordinated for my taste, so I check back. Also, the guy in the BB had been very active and I suspected he’d be highly capable of floating and/or check-raising me.
(Pot 6100) TURN: 3h
He moves all-in. Well, fair enough. You win sir.
Hand #208 – Stack 32126, blinds 500/1000/a100
UTG+1 opens to 2500, leaving himself with only 12000 more. In MP2 I find AcKd and decide to 3-bet standard to 7500, bearing in mind that there are several others left to act behind me. They all fold, as does the original raiser.
Hand #221 – Stack 32626, blinds 500/1000/a100
I haven’t had many spots to steal in the last orbit and a half, so when I pick up 4s4h on the button I’m already eyeing stack sizes in the blinds. However, it folds to the HJ who limps. That’s odd. Haven’t seen a limp in a long time… Also, the limper started the hand with only 10653 in chips, making it an even stranger play. I decide this play is weakness 50% of the time and AA the other 50% and raise to 3800. He folded pretty quickly, but if he had shoved I guess I would’ve puked ever so slightly and made the call.
Time to leave you again. Next part will be up tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Thursday 2 July 2009
15K GUARANTEED WIN, ANALYSIS PART2
Buy-in was $30+3, 666 entrants; the whole thing took 7.5 hours and 1st place was $3,746.
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Hand #54 – Stack 3740, blinds 50/100
UTG I hold AsJd – and fold it. Something new-ish I’ve been doing more of lately. Since I’m UTG this should be at the very bottom of my opening range and maybe even not in my range at all. I elected to fold here. However, also part of my decision were the stack sizes of the HJ, CO and SB – all perfect re-stealing sizes. Just seemed like the best and lowest-risk play at the time.
Hand #70 – Stack 3365, blinds 75/150
I’ve folded for almost two orbits and now I’m UTG+1 with AdKc. UTG is sitting on a fairly big stack (8368) and has been pretty active. He opens to 375 which has been his standard. Because of his level of activity, I think I have to 3-bet here. If some uber-tight nit (guess that’s redundant) had opened, I think I might have just called – although just the thought of only flatting with AK is a little sickening. Anyway, I needn’t have worried. I make it 1050, it folds around and he insta-folds.
Hand #80 – Stack 3740, blinds 75/150
I hold 6c6d UTG – and fold it. Basically, the same argument as #54, plus now blinds have gone up and I feel like 25BBs is simply not enough to warrant raising 66 in that spot.
Hand #85 – Stack 3590, blinds 100/200
In MP1, I pick up AhQc and open-raise to 500. It folds to the button who calls all-in for only 125 chips. Folds to the BB (stack 5720) who also calls. 3 players:
(Pot 1225) FLOP: 2d 4s 5d
The BB checks and I bet 800 for value against both players’ ranges. If the BB raises, I’m folding and if he calls I’ll re-evaluate on the turn. He folds however and the button reveals AsTh. A ten on the turn gives him the main pot, but the side pot is bigger, so I’m quite happy.
Hand #86 – Stack 4640, blinds 100/200
The very next hand I raise AsJs from UTG+1 and take down the blinds. The difference between folding AJo UTG and raising AJs UTG+1 might be minimal, but I feel it’s enough to warrant two different plays.
Hand #91 – Stack 4640, blinds 100/200
I THINK I played this correctly. Really not sure though. I’ve got black nines on the CO. UTG (stack 6940) opens to 600 and it folds to me. I fold. I thought about it for a bit, but this guy had not been out of line and if he’s an average tight player, the part of his range that I ‘beat’ is probably limited to AK (MAYBE AQs, but not even sure that’s in there with this guy). I guess I just figured, I could find a better spot later in the tournament.
Hand #97 – Stack 4340, blinds 100/200
The better spot presented itself only six hands later. On the button I pick up QsQh and open-raise to 500. The SB calls (stack 2760) and the BB folds.
(Pot 1200) FLOP: 2s Jc 3s
He leads 800 into the pot and I’m considering my options. With this flop, I definitely want to play for stacks with this guy. He has 1460 left, but I’m afraid he might fold if I move in (he obviously don’t understand stack sizes, considering his preflop call). I therefore elect to call and get it in on the turn.
(Pot 2800) TURN: 2h
He shoves the rest in and I snap him off. He shows Ks9s, so probably wasn’t folding that flop – EVER! Need to fade a king and a spade.
(Pot 5720) RIVER: Jd – BOOYAH!
Hand #104 – Stack 6950, blinds 125/250/a25
I’m on the CO and hold QsJc. I make it 625 and pick up blinds/antes.
Hand #117 – Stack 6850, blinds 125/250/a25
I’ve been folding the last 12 hands, which included semi-good starting hands like Ah9h and other Ax hands in middle position that I had to let go due to action in front of me. As a result – I think – I make a speculative call from the BB in this hand. I hold 8c9h. It folds to the SB who 3x raises to 750. He has a stack of 7255 and I actually think a reraise is the best play, IF I should in fact choose to get involved. I could make it approx 2000 and still be able to get away from it, should he shove. Instead I just call.
(Pot 1700) FLOP: Ks Jc 2s
He bets 1000 and I consider floating, but think better of it and just fold. Gave away 500 chips unnecessarily.
Hand #119 – Stack 5925, blinds 125/250/a25
On the button I pick up Kc9h and when it folds to me, I raise to 625. The SB is a big stack with approx. 19K in chips, but the BB only has 1762 and I’m essentially playing for his stack, letting him know that he has no fold equity with me, if he shoves. Surprisingly, he calls.
(Pot 1575) FLOP: 3s 8s 3c
He insta-shoves 1112 and I snap him off right away. K-high might still be good on this flop (I think) and I feel there’s value in showing the table that I’m not going anywhere, when I feel the stack sizes are committing. Unfortunately, he 3-outed me when his K8 (!) hit the flop and I don’t re-suck on him. Nh sir.
Hand #124 – Stack 4063, blinds 150/300/a25
UTG+1 I pick up two red queens and when UTG raises to 800, I fake-deliberate for about 8 seconds, before I shove. Unfortunately he folds, but I pick up much needed blinds/antes + his bet.
Hand #126 – Stack 5488, blinds 150/300/a25
In the BB, I hold 6s6c and am praying that I get to shove over a button-raise. Instead the big-stack at the table (stack 20908) raises to 733 from UTG. Hmmm… Not sure what to make of it. It folds to the CO (stack 9397) who makes the call. When it gets to me, I have no idea what to do. I end up chickening out and just calling. Maybe shoving sixes over an UTG raise would have been spewy anyway. The flop comes down Q-high with 3 overcards to my sixes and I fold (interestingly, it’s the CO who ends up c-betting, as UTG just checked).
Hand #129 – Stack 4530, blinds 150/300/a25
I hold AdKh in the CO seat. UTG (stack 24684) just limps and when it folds to me I decide raising all-in does nothing to accomplish my goal of getting paid when I have a big hand. If I shove 15BBs, I doubt he’ll call – so I elect to use the stop’n’go instead. I make it 1200, it folds back to him and he calls.
(Pot 3075) FLOP: 9c 7d 4h
He checks to me and I move all-in (slightly more than pot-bet). He folds right away. Quite happy with that play and would do the exact same thing again in a similar situation.
Hand #133 – Stack 6305, blinds 150/300/a25
I open-raise QhQc from UTG+1 and pick up the blinds/antes.
Hand #135 – Stack 6930, blinds 150/300/a25
My first light (very light!) 3-bet of the tournament. In the BB, I hold Qh5d. It folds to the CO, who has been fairly (not overly) active. I have however noticed him and he seems to be a good thinking player. He has 8433 in chips and raises to 888. When it folds to me, I consider briefly and then make it 2550. I obviously am not putting him on a premium hand, but I elect to make the raise that amount, because it appears committing. He can’t figure to have any fold equity, if he comes over the top and that’s exactly what I want him to think. It goes without saying, I’m folding if he does shove – but he doesn’t know that.
To re-confirm my suspicion, he types into the chat box: “Not the most ideal stack size to be three betting OOP is it?” I’m tempted to answer him, but don’t say anything. Finally he folds and I take it down. A risky play for sure, but waiting around for AA doesn’t cut it very often!
Will leave you on this note for now. Watch this space for Part3 – due up in 24 hours.
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Hand #54 – Stack 3740, blinds 50/100
UTG I hold AsJd – and fold it. Something new-ish I’ve been doing more of lately. Since I’m UTG this should be at the very bottom of my opening range and maybe even not in my range at all. I elected to fold here. However, also part of my decision were the stack sizes of the HJ, CO and SB – all perfect re-stealing sizes. Just seemed like the best and lowest-risk play at the time.
Hand #70 – Stack 3365, blinds 75/150
I’ve folded for almost two orbits and now I’m UTG+1 with AdKc. UTG is sitting on a fairly big stack (8368) and has been pretty active. He opens to 375 which has been his standard. Because of his level of activity, I think I have to 3-bet here. If some uber-tight nit (guess that’s redundant) had opened, I think I might have just called – although just the thought of only flatting with AK is a little sickening. Anyway, I needn’t have worried. I make it 1050, it folds around and he insta-folds.
Hand #80 – Stack 3740, blinds 75/150
I hold 6c6d UTG – and fold it. Basically, the same argument as #54, plus now blinds have gone up and I feel like 25BBs is simply not enough to warrant raising 66 in that spot.
Hand #85 – Stack 3590, blinds 100/200
In MP1, I pick up AhQc and open-raise to 500. It folds to the button who calls all-in for only 125 chips. Folds to the BB (stack 5720) who also calls. 3 players:
(Pot 1225) FLOP: 2d 4s 5d
The BB checks and I bet 800 for value against both players’ ranges. If the BB raises, I’m folding and if he calls I’ll re-evaluate on the turn. He folds however and the button reveals AsTh. A ten on the turn gives him the main pot, but the side pot is bigger, so I’m quite happy.
Hand #86 – Stack 4640, blinds 100/200
The very next hand I raise AsJs from UTG+1 and take down the blinds. The difference between folding AJo UTG and raising AJs UTG+1 might be minimal, but I feel it’s enough to warrant two different plays.
Hand #91 – Stack 4640, blinds 100/200
I THINK I played this correctly. Really not sure though. I’ve got black nines on the CO. UTG (stack 6940) opens to 600 and it folds to me. I fold. I thought about it for a bit, but this guy had not been out of line and if he’s an average tight player, the part of his range that I ‘beat’ is probably limited to AK (MAYBE AQs, but not even sure that’s in there with this guy). I guess I just figured, I could find a better spot later in the tournament.
Hand #97 – Stack 4340, blinds 100/200
The better spot presented itself only six hands later. On the button I pick up QsQh and open-raise to 500. The SB calls (stack 2760) and the BB folds.
(Pot 1200) FLOP: 2s Jc 3s
He leads 800 into the pot and I’m considering my options. With this flop, I definitely want to play for stacks with this guy. He has 1460 left, but I’m afraid he might fold if I move in (he obviously don’t understand stack sizes, considering his preflop call). I therefore elect to call and get it in on the turn.
(Pot 2800) TURN: 2h
He shoves the rest in and I snap him off. He shows Ks9s, so probably wasn’t folding that flop – EVER! Need to fade a king and a spade.
(Pot 5720) RIVER: Jd – BOOYAH!
Hand #104 – Stack 6950, blinds 125/250/a25
I’m on the CO and hold QsJc. I make it 625 and pick up blinds/antes.
Hand #117 – Stack 6850, blinds 125/250/a25
I’ve been folding the last 12 hands, which included semi-good starting hands like Ah9h and other Ax hands in middle position that I had to let go due to action in front of me. As a result – I think – I make a speculative call from the BB in this hand. I hold 8c9h. It folds to the SB who 3x raises to 750. He has a stack of 7255 and I actually think a reraise is the best play, IF I should in fact choose to get involved. I could make it approx 2000 and still be able to get away from it, should he shove. Instead I just call.
(Pot 1700) FLOP: Ks Jc 2s
He bets 1000 and I consider floating, but think better of it and just fold. Gave away 500 chips unnecessarily.
Hand #119 – Stack 5925, blinds 125/250/a25
On the button I pick up Kc9h and when it folds to me, I raise to 625. The SB is a big stack with approx. 19K in chips, but the BB only has 1762 and I’m essentially playing for his stack, letting him know that he has no fold equity with me, if he shoves. Surprisingly, he calls.
(Pot 1575) FLOP: 3s 8s 3c
He insta-shoves 1112 and I snap him off right away. K-high might still be good on this flop (I think) and I feel there’s value in showing the table that I’m not going anywhere, when I feel the stack sizes are committing. Unfortunately, he 3-outed me when his K8 (!) hit the flop and I don’t re-suck on him. Nh sir.
Hand #124 – Stack 4063, blinds 150/300/a25
UTG+1 I pick up two red queens and when UTG raises to 800, I fake-deliberate for about 8 seconds, before I shove. Unfortunately he folds, but I pick up much needed blinds/antes + his bet.
Hand #126 – Stack 5488, blinds 150/300/a25
In the BB, I hold 6s6c and am praying that I get to shove over a button-raise. Instead the big-stack at the table (stack 20908) raises to 733 from UTG. Hmmm… Not sure what to make of it. It folds to the CO (stack 9397) who makes the call. When it gets to me, I have no idea what to do. I end up chickening out and just calling. Maybe shoving sixes over an UTG raise would have been spewy anyway. The flop comes down Q-high with 3 overcards to my sixes and I fold (interestingly, it’s the CO who ends up c-betting, as UTG just checked).
Hand #129 – Stack 4530, blinds 150/300/a25
I hold AdKh in the CO seat. UTG (stack 24684) just limps and when it folds to me I decide raising all-in does nothing to accomplish my goal of getting paid when I have a big hand. If I shove 15BBs, I doubt he’ll call – so I elect to use the stop’n’go instead. I make it 1200, it folds back to him and he calls.
(Pot 3075) FLOP: 9c 7d 4h
He checks to me and I move all-in (slightly more than pot-bet). He folds right away. Quite happy with that play and would do the exact same thing again in a similar situation.
Hand #133 – Stack 6305, blinds 150/300/a25
I open-raise QhQc from UTG+1 and pick up the blinds/antes.
Hand #135 – Stack 6930, blinds 150/300/a25
My first light (very light!) 3-bet of the tournament. In the BB, I hold Qh5d. It folds to the CO, who has been fairly (not overly) active. I have however noticed him and he seems to be a good thinking player. He has 8433 in chips and raises to 888. When it folds to me, I consider briefly and then make it 2550. I obviously am not putting him on a premium hand, but I elect to make the raise that amount, because it appears committing. He can’t figure to have any fold equity, if he comes over the top and that’s exactly what I want him to think. It goes without saying, I’m folding if he does shove – but he doesn’t know that.
To re-confirm my suspicion, he types into the chat box: “Not the most ideal stack size to be three betting OOP is it?” I’m tempted to answer him, but don’t say anything. Finally he folds and I take it down. A risky play for sure, but waiting around for AA doesn’t cut it very often!
Will leave you on this note for now. Watch this space for Part3 – due up in 24 hours.
Wednesday 1 July 2009
15K GUARANTEED WIN, ANALYSIS PART1
Buy-in was $30+3, 666 entrants; the whole thing took 7.5 hours and 1st place was $3,746.
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Standard tournament on PokerStars, in the sense that we started with 3000 chips and blinds kicked off at 10/20. As always, I was playing a myriad of different tourneys – approximately 4 at a time – and had already busted out of a few when this one started. Off we go.
Hand #1 – Stack 3000, blinds 10/20
First hand of the tournament and I’m in the BB with Qh7h. Folds around to the SB who completes and I check.
(Pot 40) Flop: 6h Jh Kc
SB checks and because it’s the very first hand I decide to check my flush-draw as well.
(Pot 40) Turn: Td
SB now leads for 40, I make it 140 and he folds. Nothing too special here. Open-end straight and flush draw, possible hitting a queen might be good, plus he could be betting air.
Hand #2 – Stack 3060, blinds 10/20
Very next hand and I pick up 8c8s in the SB. It folds to the HJ who 10x raises (!) to 200. I consider briefly, but see no reason to get involved with a medium pair against an unknown opponent who probably has a big hand. So I fold and feel good about it.
Hand #4 – Stack 3050, blinds 10/20
Stacks are still roughly 3K and I hold Qs9s in the CO. UTG limps, it folds to me and I decide to limp as well. This is a horrible play and my state-of-mind might have had an effect on me here. Button folds, SB completes and BB checks. 4 to the flop:
(Pot 80) FLOP: 6d Ac Jh
Three checks and I decide I might as well try to take it down. I bet 50 and they all fold.
Hand #10 – Stack 3110, blinds 10/20
I hold Tc8h in the BB. UTG limps, MP1 limps, HJ limps and SB completes. 5 players:
(Pot 100) FLOP: 3c 8c 2c
SB checks and I lead 60 at the pot, expecting at least one player to peel with a big club. All fold. Nice.
Hand #11 – Stack 3190, blinds 10/20
I pick up 6h9h in the SB. Preflop like this: UTG folds, UTG+1 limps, MP1 raises to 70, MP2 folds, HJ calls, CO calls, button calls, I call (?), BB calls and UTG+1 calls. 7 players proceed to see a flop that I completely whiff. MP1 leads 2/3 of the pot, but gives it up when the button raises him. I’m not crazy about my call even though pot odds dictate it, especially because the BB or UTG+1 can now squeeze and I’ll have just given away chips unnecessarily. Anyway… *shrug*.
Hand #13 – Stack 3100, blinds 10/20
I have JcTd on the CO and I’m probably a little steamed from some of my other tables at this point. There, that’s my excuse. Now, observe the horror. Folds to MP1 who limps, MP2 raises to 100, HJ folds, I call (??) and everyone else folds.
(Pot 250) FLOP: 5c 4d Qc
MP2 checks and I fire 160 without even thinking. He considers briefly and raises to 460. I fold and feel like an idiot.
Hand #15 – Stack 2840, blinds 15/30
In MP2 I pick up 9c9d. It folds to MP1 who limps, I raise and make it 120, folds back to MP1 who calls.
(Pot 285) FLOP: 3s Ah Ts
MP1 checks and I bet 170, representing the ace. He calls.
(Pot 625) TURN: 7c
MP1 checks and I decide to check as well, to re-evaluate on the river.
(Pot 625) RIVER: 5h
MP1 leads for 330. I guess the draws missed and I could consider a crying call with my nines, but in the long run, I don’t think there’s much value in it. I fold.
Hand #20 – Stack 2520, blinds 15/30
In the SB I hold AdJh and choose the…uhmm – passive route. Folds to the HJ who limps, folds to me – I limp (?) and the BB checks. I guess I just wasn’t feeling it at this point. Sometimes you talk yourself into reasons why ‘not getting involved’ is the best thing to do.
(Pot 90) FLOP: 6s 5d Qc
I check, so does the BB and the HJ bets the pot. I happily fold, but the BB calls. They then proceed to both check the turn (Ts) and when the 9h hits on the river, the BB bluffs at the pot with his 73 – only to be looked up by the HJ with 89. LOL. Guess I should’ve raised the flop for value.
Hand #25 – Stack 2490, blinds 15/30
In MP1 I pick up 9hTh and make it 90. MP2 calls quickly and it folds to the blinds, who both call.
(Pot 360) FLOP: 8s 5d 4d
Two checks and it’s on me. This is really a horrible board (IMO) to c-bet on, especially when both blinds are in the pot and generally it’s ill-advised to bluff into 3 opponents. I do exactly that though and bet 210. MP2 folds, SB calls and BB folds.
(Pot 780) TURN: 8h
SB checks and I give up and check back.
(Pot 780) RIVER: 4c
SB bets 210 and even though I don’t remember, I’m sure my state-of-mind at the time had me at least CONSIDERING a bluff-raise. It would have made no sense and thankfully I just folded.
Hand #28 – Stack 2190, blinds 25/50
In the BB I’ve got two black aces. 2 folds and MP1 (stack 2378) raises to 150. MP2 calls and it folds to me. I think I may not have noticed the caller, cause I only make it 500 to go. Could however also be that I was still a little ‘unstable’ and wanted to give them both a good price. The initial raiser folds, but MP2 calls (very unusual in my experience).
(Pot 1175) FLOP: 5c 8h Jc
I bet 550 (can’t tell you why – maybe trying to look weak? Who knows. Most of these plays are ‘new’ to me, in the sense that they’re not part of how I play normally) and he folds. Guess I just turned my hand face-up.
Hand #30 – Stack 2840, blinds 25/50
Kh6h. BIG hand – or at least I must have thought so. UTG folds, UTG+1 limps, MP1 folds, MP2 limps, CO and HJ both fold and on the button I decide to raise. I make it 250. Everyone folds except MP2 (stack 3700).
(Pot 625) FLOP: 3s 8d 6s
MP2 checks and I bet 400. He folds. Fairly standard I guess, except for my actual holding. Then again, I might also make this move when I’m perfectly calm and collected, if I noticed certain people limping ‘too’ much. Not too unhappy with this play.
Hand #32 – Stack 3215, blinds 25/50
On the HJ, I’ve got 4s4c. UTG min-raises, it folds to me – I call and it folds to the BB who also calls.
(Pot 325) FLOP: Jh 2d Jd
I’ve basically called for set-value, as obviously a small pair doesn’t play well on most flops. When I see this however, I contemplate peeling one as I have position and I might be best here. UTG surprises me however, by checking after the BB checked. I’ve gotta bet it then. I make it 200 and both fold. Easy-peazy.
Hand #34 – Stack 3440, blinds 25/50
MP1 and I’ve got KhQh. Some might disagree, but I think it’s good enough to open that hand at a 9-handed table and I do by 3x raising. Once again, the guy to my immediate left (MP2, stack 1735) calls. He seems a bit spewy (NO comments about me being the spewtard, tyvm!). Everyone else folds.
(Pot 375) FLOP: Kd 8s 6c
I standard c-bet 225 and he folds. This game is so easy.
Hand #36 – Stack 3665, blinds 25/50
I’m UTG and pick up AcKd. I make it my standard 3x. It folds to the button (3000) who calls, as does the SB (2465). The BB folds.
(Pot 500) FLOP: Ts 7c Qh
The BB checks and so do I. Button bets 200 and we both give it up. I feel this has to be the correct play. I don’t see a c-bet taking this pot down, when I’m up against two opponents and the board looks like that. It’s very likely to have hit someone and I’m effectively only happy if I see a jack. Plus, I’ll be out of position. Easy decision, but one I’m making more lightly these days than I did only a few months ago.
Hand #40
No need to mention stack sizes. I limp 87off from the CO and whiff the flop. Fold. Absolutely a ghastly play – should’ve been an easy fold.
Hand #46 – Stack 3390, blinds 50/100
I’m in the BB with QsJs. It folds to MP2 who raises to 300. HJ, SB and I all call. 4 players:
(Pot 1200) FLOP: Qc Kc 5c
We check to the original raiser and he overbets by making it 1400. That could mean anything from naked ace of clubs to a set of kings. No way of knowing. All fold.
Hand #49 – Stack 3040, blinds 50/100
On the CO, I pick up KhJc and when it folds to me I make it my standard raise of 250. The button folds and the SB (stack 4805) now re-raises to 600 total. BB folds back to me. Something didn’t smell right here. I considered first that I had just lowered my raise-size from 3x to 2.5x which he might perceive as weak. Second his re-raise size was noteworthy – I thought it was a little odd. Finally, the pic he had as his PokerStars avatar, which was of a young kid with a backwards baseball cap (hey, sometimes it’s the tiny things that sway your decision). Anyway, when adding all that up I decided he was re-stealing and couldn’t call a shove, so I shipped it in. He insta-folded. Well played me.
Will try to do approximately 50 hands at a time in this series. Next 50 or so coming up in 24 hours.
Last note: I’ve never said so, but if you’ve got comments to any of the hands I bring up, please feel more than free to post them here. I think most would do that without the added encouragement, but anyway – there it is. Later.
___________________________________________________________________
Standard tournament on PokerStars, in the sense that we started with 3000 chips and blinds kicked off at 10/20. As always, I was playing a myriad of different tourneys – approximately 4 at a time – and had already busted out of a few when this one started. Off we go.
Hand #1 – Stack 3000, blinds 10/20
First hand of the tournament and I’m in the BB with Qh7h. Folds around to the SB who completes and I check.
(Pot 40) Flop: 6h Jh Kc
SB checks and because it’s the very first hand I decide to check my flush-draw as well.
(Pot 40) Turn: Td
SB now leads for 40, I make it 140 and he folds. Nothing too special here. Open-end straight and flush draw, possible hitting a queen might be good, plus he could be betting air.
Hand #2 – Stack 3060, blinds 10/20
Very next hand and I pick up 8c8s in the SB. It folds to the HJ who 10x raises (!) to 200. I consider briefly, but see no reason to get involved with a medium pair against an unknown opponent who probably has a big hand. So I fold and feel good about it.
Hand #4 – Stack 3050, blinds 10/20
Stacks are still roughly 3K and I hold Qs9s in the CO. UTG limps, it folds to me and I decide to limp as well. This is a horrible play and my state-of-mind might have had an effect on me here. Button folds, SB completes and BB checks. 4 to the flop:
(Pot 80) FLOP: 6d Ac Jh
Three checks and I decide I might as well try to take it down. I bet 50 and they all fold.
Hand #10 – Stack 3110, blinds 10/20
I hold Tc8h in the BB. UTG limps, MP1 limps, HJ limps and SB completes. 5 players:
(Pot 100) FLOP: 3c 8c 2c
SB checks and I lead 60 at the pot, expecting at least one player to peel with a big club. All fold. Nice.
Hand #11 – Stack 3190, blinds 10/20
I pick up 6h9h in the SB. Preflop like this: UTG folds, UTG+1 limps, MP1 raises to 70, MP2 folds, HJ calls, CO calls, button calls, I call (?), BB calls and UTG+1 calls. 7 players proceed to see a flop that I completely whiff. MP1 leads 2/3 of the pot, but gives it up when the button raises him. I’m not crazy about my call even though pot odds dictate it, especially because the BB or UTG+1 can now squeeze and I’ll have just given away chips unnecessarily. Anyway… *shrug*.
Hand #13 – Stack 3100, blinds 10/20
I have JcTd on the CO and I’m probably a little steamed from some of my other tables at this point. There, that’s my excuse. Now, observe the horror. Folds to MP1 who limps, MP2 raises to 100, HJ folds, I call (??) and everyone else folds.
(Pot 250) FLOP: 5c 4d Qc
MP2 checks and I fire 160 without even thinking. He considers briefly and raises to 460. I fold and feel like an idiot.
Hand #15 – Stack 2840, blinds 15/30
In MP2 I pick up 9c9d. It folds to MP1 who limps, I raise and make it 120, folds back to MP1 who calls.
(Pot 285) FLOP: 3s Ah Ts
MP1 checks and I bet 170, representing the ace. He calls.
(Pot 625) TURN: 7c
MP1 checks and I decide to check as well, to re-evaluate on the river.
(Pot 625) RIVER: 5h
MP1 leads for 330. I guess the draws missed and I could consider a crying call with my nines, but in the long run, I don’t think there’s much value in it. I fold.
Hand #20 – Stack 2520, blinds 15/30
In the SB I hold AdJh and choose the…uhmm – passive route. Folds to the HJ who limps, folds to me – I limp (?) and the BB checks. I guess I just wasn’t feeling it at this point. Sometimes you talk yourself into reasons why ‘not getting involved’ is the best thing to do.
(Pot 90) FLOP: 6s 5d Qc
I check, so does the BB and the HJ bets the pot. I happily fold, but the BB calls. They then proceed to both check the turn (Ts) and when the 9h hits on the river, the BB bluffs at the pot with his 73 – only to be looked up by the HJ with 89. LOL. Guess I should’ve raised the flop for value.
Hand #25 – Stack 2490, blinds 15/30
In MP1 I pick up 9hTh and make it 90. MP2 calls quickly and it folds to the blinds, who both call.
(Pot 360) FLOP: 8s 5d 4d
Two checks and it’s on me. This is really a horrible board (IMO) to c-bet on, especially when both blinds are in the pot and generally it’s ill-advised to bluff into 3 opponents. I do exactly that though and bet 210. MP2 folds, SB calls and BB folds.
(Pot 780) TURN: 8h
SB checks and I give up and check back.
(Pot 780) RIVER: 4c
SB bets 210 and even though I don’t remember, I’m sure my state-of-mind at the time had me at least CONSIDERING a bluff-raise. It would have made no sense and thankfully I just folded.
Hand #28 – Stack 2190, blinds 25/50
In the BB I’ve got two black aces. 2 folds and MP1 (stack 2378) raises to 150. MP2 calls and it folds to me. I think I may not have noticed the caller, cause I only make it 500 to go. Could however also be that I was still a little ‘unstable’ and wanted to give them both a good price. The initial raiser folds, but MP2 calls (very unusual in my experience).
(Pot 1175) FLOP: 5c 8h Jc
I bet 550 (can’t tell you why – maybe trying to look weak? Who knows. Most of these plays are ‘new’ to me, in the sense that they’re not part of how I play normally) and he folds. Guess I just turned my hand face-up.
Hand #30 – Stack 2840, blinds 25/50
Kh6h. BIG hand – or at least I must have thought so. UTG folds, UTG+1 limps, MP1 folds, MP2 limps, CO and HJ both fold and on the button I decide to raise. I make it 250. Everyone folds except MP2 (stack 3700).
(Pot 625) FLOP: 3s 8d 6s
MP2 checks and I bet 400. He folds. Fairly standard I guess, except for my actual holding. Then again, I might also make this move when I’m perfectly calm and collected, if I noticed certain people limping ‘too’ much. Not too unhappy with this play.
Hand #32 – Stack 3215, blinds 25/50
On the HJ, I’ve got 4s4c. UTG min-raises, it folds to me – I call and it folds to the BB who also calls.
(Pot 325) FLOP: Jh 2d Jd
I’ve basically called for set-value, as obviously a small pair doesn’t play well on most flops. When I see this however, I contemplate peeling one as I have position and I might be best here. UTG surprises me however, by checking after the BB checked. I’ve gotta bet it then. I make it 200 and both fold. Easy-peazy.
Hand #34 – Stack 3440, blinds 25/50
MP1 and I’ve got KhQh. Some might disagree, but I think it’s good enough to open that hand at a 9-handed table and I do by 3x raising. Once again, the guy to my immediate left (MP2, stack 1735) calls. He seems a bit spewy (NO comments about me being the spewtard, tyvm!). Everyone else folds.
(Pot 375) FLOP: Kd 8s 6c
I standard c-bet 225 and he folds. This game is so easy.
Hand #36 – Stack 3665, blinds 25/50
I’m UTG and pick up AcKd. I make it my standard 3x. It folds to the button (3000) who calls, as does the SB (2465). The BB folds.
(Pot 500) FLOP: Ts 7c Qh
The BB checks and so do I. Button bets 200 and we both give it up. I feel this has to be the correct play. I don’t see a c-bet taking this pot down, when I’m up against two opponents and the board looks like that. It’s very likely to have hit someone and I’m effectively only happy if I see a jack. Plus, I’ll be out of position. Easy decision, but one I’m making more lightly these days than I did only a few months ago.
Hand #40
No need to mention stack sizes. I limp 87off from the CO and whiff the flop. Fold. Absolutely a ghastly play – should’ve been an easy fold.
Hand #46 – Stack 3390, blinds 50/100
I’m in the BB with QsJs. It folds to MP2 who raises to 300. HJ, SB and I all call. 4 players:
(Pot 1200) FLOP: Qc Kc 5c
We check to the original raiser and he overbets by making it 1400. That could mean anything from naked ace of clubs to a set of kings. No way of knowing. All fold.
Hand #49 – Stack 3040, blinds 50/100
On the CO, I pick up KhJc and when it folds to me I make it my standard raise of 250. The button folds and the SB (stack 4805) now re-raises to 600 total. BB folds back to me. Something didn’t smell right here. I considered first that I had just lowered my raise-size from 3x to 2.5x which he might perceive as weak. Second his re-raise size was noteworthy – I thought it was a little odd. Finally, the pic he had as his PokerStars avatar, which was of a young kid with a backwards baseball cap (hey, sometimes it’s the tiny things that sway your decision). Anyway, when adding all that up I decided he was re-stealing and couldn’t call a shove, so I shipped it in. He insta-folded. Well played me.
Will try to do approximately 50 hands at a time in this series. Next 50 or so coming up in 24 hours.
Last note: I’ve never said so, but if you’ve got comments to any of the hands I bring up, please feel more than free to post them here. I think most would do that without the added encouragement, but anyway – there it is. Later.
Tuesday 30 June 2009
FINALLY! 4-FIGURE SCORE!
About 16 hours ago I was already mentally preparing a blog-entry. At the time, I still had several live tables up on my screen, but had just closed one after getting all my money in with AhKh against QQ on a 3h6h9d board – and losing. Only a slight edge, I realize that, but it was literally on the money bubble and the winner would have a top-5 stack. Moreover, I had been losing several 70/30s and a few other flips all day and was now fuming!
So, while still steaming, I was contemplating how I might be able to get away with writing a 20-page epic blog on bad beats, without sounding like a pathetic whiner. (Stop. Do not pass Go. Do not collect 400 dollars – simply not possible)
That’s when the damndest thing happened. I only had 3 other tables running and I was in no hand at the time, so I decided to close my eyes, take 3-4 deep breaths - and remind myself that losing my cool now, would be the worst thing I could do – and got stuck back in.
When the day came to an end, I had taken down a $33, 15K guaranteed tourney on Pokerstars, defeating 665 other players and winning $3.4K in the process! BOO-YAH!!!! You have no idea how psyched I was – and now, 16 hours later, STILL am. I wrote in one of my blogs not too long ago, that I felt a big 4-figure score was just around the corner for me and that perseverance – not panic – was the way to go.
So, here I am – my first four figure score under my belt and hopefully many more to come. I’ll be going through the hand history of this tournament win and will share interesting hands in this forum. Not that I think I did anything particularly different to normal, but hey – if there’s a winning formula in there, I might as well have a go at finding it!
Days left until Aussie Millions 2010: 197
So, while still steaming, I was contemplating how I might be able to get away with writing a 20-page epic blog on bad beats, without sounding like a pathetic whiner. (Stop. Do not pass Go. Do not collect 400 dollars – simply not possible)
That’s when the damndest thing happened. I only had 3 other tables running and I was in no hand at the time, so I decided to close my eyes, take 3-4 deep breaths - and remind myself that losing my cool now, would be the worst thing I could do – and got stuck back in.
When the day came to an end, I had taken down a $33, 15K guaranteed tourney on Pokerstars, defeating 665 other players and winning $3.4K in the process! BOO-YAH!!!! You have no idea how psyched I was – and now, 16 hours later, STILL am. I wrote in one of my blogs not too long ago, that I felt a big 4-figure score was just around the corner for me and that perseverance – not panic – was the way to go.
So, here I am – my first four figure score under my belt and hopefully many more to come. I’ll be going through the hand history of this tournament win and will share interesting hands in this forum. Not that I think I did anything particularly different to normal, but hey – if there’s a winning formula in there, I might as well have a go at finding it!
Days left until Aussie Millions 2010: 197
Monday 22 June 2009
PLAYING WELL, BUT...
Well, I don’t need to tell you – do I? You know all about it, you’ve been there before and will be there again soon enough… Yeah. Puke, yuck, meh. Just one of them days.
Currently, variance has been making me her bitch (variance… gotta be female, yeah?) and yet I probably shouldn’t even be complaining all that much, seeing how my most recent tourneys have actually included a couple of small final tables. Small, because we’re talking field sizes of approximately 200-250, making the “pot of gold” that we’re all chasing, sometimes looks more like a pot of… uhmm, really nice apples. Yep, I’ve gone and done it – chosen a weird metaphor again and now I’ve gotta just run with it.
So, it’s not like you don’t want the apples – oh no you really do, cause well – they’re still apples – they’re just not as attractive as some of the other pots around. Kinda wish I had an apple right now. And some pot. Mmmm… apples and pot.
Uhhm yeah. So…, uhmm – anyway…
The last two final tables I’ve made, I’ve come in 7th and 6th respectively. The 7th place finish was annoying. I’d come into the last two tables with a monster stack, only to see it dwindle pretty quickly. Obviously a monster at that point of most tourneys is approximately 40 BBs and it therefore doesn’t take more than 1 or 2 short-stack all-in confrontations that don’t go your way, before you yourself are the one everyone’s gunning for. Anyway, so that happened and then I go card-dead and get to the final table as a bottom-3 stack.
Imagine my frustration then when I finally pick up AQ in the CO. Angels were singing and I snap-shoved my 7BB stack. Did the BB have to have two aces? Well, NO… (duh!) – but he did and that was all she wrote.
Making it to the second final table lifted my spirits again! Ready to go! No more running into aces for me! Being “outplayed” wasn’t part of the plan either though…
Again, I have AQ and 6-handed I raise 2.4x from the button with a 18BB stack. SB flats and the BB is getting a good price, so he tags along. Flop is 8hThTd and I have the queen of hearts. They both checked and because a check-raise is the worst thing for my hand, I decide to check as well. Turn is the Q of diamonds and the SB min-bets. I decide he’s just looking to pick up an uncontested pot and raise him 3.5x his bet. He thinks for a long time and shoves (only JUST covering me). I figure there are hands I beat (not a lot) and have to call. He shows KK and the river bricks.
It’s all good. I’m cashing in a high percentage of tourneys and I’ll soon be the one picking up AA and KK at final tables.
Wow, this has turned into such a weird blog entry, compared to my ‘normal’ style of writing. I’m just kinda ranting on, huh? Time to go then. You’re excused.
Days left until Aussie Millions 2010: 205
Currently, variance has been making me her bitch (variance… gotta be female, yeah?) and yet I probably shouldn’t even be complaining all that much, seeing how my most recent tourneys have actually included a couple of small final tables. Small, because we’re talking field sizes of approximately 200-250, making the “pot of gold” that we’re all chasing, sometimes looks more like a pot of… uhmm, really nice apples. Yep, I’ve gone and done it – chosen a weird metaphor again and now I’ve gotta just run with it.
So, it’s not like you don’t want the apples – oh no you really do, cause well – they’re still apples – they’re just not as attractive as some of the other pots around. Kinda wish I had an apple right now. And some pot. Mmmm… apples and pot.
Uhhm yeah. So…, uhmm – anyway…
The last two final tables I’ve made, I’ve come in 7th and 6th respectively. The 7th place finish was annoying. I’d come into the last two tables with a monster stack, only to see it dwindle pretty quickly. Obviously a monster at that point of most tourneys is approximately 40 BBs and it therefore doesn’t take more than 1 or 2 short-stack all-in confrontations that don’t go your way, before you yourself are the one everyone’s gunning for. Anyway, so that happened and then I go card-dead and get to the final table as a bottom-3 stack.
Imagine my frustration then when I finally pick up AQ in the CO. Angels were singing and I snap-shoved my 7BB stack. Did the BB have to have two aces? Well, NO… (duh!) – but he did and that was all she wrote.
Making it to the second final table lifted my spirits again! Ready to go! No more running into aces for me! Being “outplayed” wasn’t part of the plan either though…
Again, I have AQ and 6-handed I raise 2.4x from the button with a 18BB stack. SB flats and the BB is getting a good price, so he tags along. Flop is 8hThTd and I have the queen of hearts. They both checked and because a check-raise is the worst thing for my hand, I decide to check as well. Turn is the Q of diamonds and the SB min-bets. I decide he’s just looking to pick up an uncontested pot and raise him 3.5x his bet. He thinks for a long time and shoves (only JUST covering me). I figure there are hands I beat (not a lot) and have to call. He shows KK and the river bricks.
It’s all good. I’m cashing in a high percentage of tourneys and I’ll soon be the one picking up AA and KK at final tables.
Wow, this has turned into such a weird blog entry, compared to my ‘normal’ style of writing. I’m just kinda ranting on, huh? Time to go then. You’re excused.
Days left until Aussie Millions 2010: 205
Wednesday 17 June 2009
WHAT I DO WELL, PART1
I check-raise well. God, I am just the awesomest (quote, Barney Stinson) check-raiser ever. When I check to all the donkeys and they donk into me with their donkish donk-bets, I just love to check-raise their asses! Teaches them who is boss…!
…LOL. I don’t know why I wrote the above, but to anyone who didn’t pick up on it; those three lines are laden with irony. Come to think of it though, it wouldn’t surprise me at all, if there are actual people out there, who DO think those things. That’s hysterical…
Back to serious. I thought long and hard about what I (honestly) think I’m good at, when it comes to poker. Basically, I didn’t wanna sound like a pretentious fool with an inordinately arrogant perception of his own skills, so here it is.
Bankroll management. Yes, I am actually quite good at bankroll management. I wasn’t when I just started playing, but I doubt anyone is really. I’m a bit of a numbers-nerd and therefore thoroughly enjoy compiling statistics about the tournaments I play, the percentage of ITM-finishes I achieve, the potential new level of buy-in a certain bankroll allows me, based on a 50-buy-in-rule, 100-buy-in-rule etc etc. I haven’t re-invented the wheel in this connection, just picked from the various rules that others seem to be using profitably. In my opinion, the following elements are compulsory for anyone wishing to exercise sound bankroll management.
- Tournament play (includes STT play) should see you working with a minimum of 100 buy-ins at all times. I would even say that more than 100 is preferable, meaning that just because you have a $10K bankroll doesn’t necessarily mean you have to play only $100 tournaments. The 100 buy-in rule for me is a guideline for the MOST expensive tournaments you should take shots at.
My own current bankroll is hovering around the $6700 mark at the moment, after having been over $7K not too long ago. As such, this means I will from time to time take shots at $20rebuy (realistic investment 62 dollars) as well as theoretic $67 tourneys, if there was such a thing. I do however tend to play anything from $5rebuys to $10-20 freeze-outs and the occasional $50 tourneys.
My own biggest revelation (and an insanely logical one, at that) is that I play a lot better when I don’t worry about the money I spent to play the tournament. If you’ve got $420 in your online account and register for a $100+9 tourney, not very many people have the ability to not let that affect their play. I’m just saying…
- As for cash games, I don’t personally play them at the moment, but I have in the past. I feel the important thing is to consider the amount of money you’re risking at any given time – and not the stakes you’re playing. If you’re risking 5% of your bankroll during a cash game(s), then I’d say that’s probably the highest you should go. Again, let’s assume you’ve got a 1000 dollar bankroll. 5% is 50 bucks. This would allow you to play 1 table of NL50 (assuming full buy-in), 2 tables of NL25 or 5 tables of NL10 etc etc. I’ve heard people say, “Ok, a thousand bucks – 5% is equal to NL50” – and then proceed to fire up 4 tables at those stakes. Wrong. Now you’re risking 20% of your roll. Before I ‘got good’ at this bankroll thing, I DID the above myself – and unsuccessfully, I might add, so take it from me.
If you’re a limit player or perhaps play Pot Limit Omaha, I’ve got no clue what your bankroll should be. Probably a lot for the Omaha. Probably less for the limit games. If you’re Gus Hansen, you probably need a shitload. Who knows where those nosebleed-playing guys get their cash?
Anyway, I digress and that was not the point. Bankroll management – I know my way around an excel spreadsheet, I’m pretty good at calculating percentages and for the time being I feel like I’ve got BM-theory figured out. It IS a huge part of being a successful poker player. Hope y’all keep strict guidelines as well.
Days left until Aussie Millions 2010: 211
…LOL. I don’t know why I wrote the above, but to anyone who didn’t pick up on it; those three lines are laden with irony. Come to think of it though, it wouldn’t surprise me at all, if there are actual people out there, who DO think those things. That’s hysterical…
Back to serious. I thought long and hard about what I (honestly) think I’m good at, when it comes to poker. Basically, I didn’t wanna sound like a pretentious fool with an inordinately arrogant perception of his own skills, so here it is.
Bankroll management. Yes, I am actually quite good at bankroll management. I wasn’t when I just started playing, but I doubt anyone is really. I’m a bit of a numbers-nerd and therefore thoroughly enjoy compiling statistics about the tournaments I play, the percentage of ITM-finishes I achieve, the potential new level of buy-in a certain bankroll allows me, based on a 50-buy-in-rule, 100-buy-in-rule etc etc. I haven’t re-invented the wheel in this connection, just picked from the various rules that others seem to be using profitably. In my opinion, the following elements are compulsory for anyone wishing to exercise sound bankroll management.
- Tournament play (includes STT play) should see you working with a minimum of 100 buy-ins at all times. I would even say that more than 100 is preferable, meaning that just because you have a $10K bankroll doesn’t necessarily mean you have to play only $100 tournaments. The 100 buy-in rule for me is a guideline for the MOST expensive tournaments you should take shots at.
My own current bankroll is hovering around the $6700 mark at the moment, after having been over $7K not too long ago. As such, this means I will from time to time take shots at $20rebuy (realistic investment 62 dollars) as well as theoretic $67 tourneys, if there was such a thing. I do however tend to play anything from $5rebuys to $10-20 freeze-outs and the occasional $50 tourneys.
My own biggest revelation (and an insanely logical one, at that) is that I play a lot better when I don’t worry about the money I spent to play the tournament. If you’ve got $420 in your online account and register for a $100+9 tourney, not very many people have the ability to not let that affect their play. I’m just saying…
- As for cash games, I don’t personally play them at the moment, but I have in the past. I feel the important thing is to consider the amount of money you’re risking at any given time – and not the stakes you’re playing. If you’re risking 5% of your bankroll during a cash game(s), then I’d say that’s probably the highest you should go. Again, let’s assume you’ve got a 1000 dollar bankroll. 5% is 50 bucks. This would allow you to play 1 table of NL50 (assuming full buy-in), 2 tables of NL25 or 5 tables of NL10 etc etc. I’ve heard people say, “Ok, a thousand bucks – 5% is equal to NL50” – and then proceed to fire up 4 tables at those stakes. Wrong. Now you’re risking 20% of your roll. Before I ‘got good’ at this bankroll thing, I DID the above myself – and unsuccessfully, I might add, so take it from me.
If you’re a limit player or perhaps play Pot Limit Omaha, I’ve got no clue what your bankroll should be. Probably a lot for the Omaha. Probably less for the limit games. If you’re Gus Hansen, you probably need a shitload. Who knows where those nosebleed-playing guys get their cash?
Anyway, I digress and that was not the point. Bankroll management – I know my way around an excel spreadsheet, I’m pretty good at calculating percentages and for the time being I feel like I’ve got BM-theory figured out. It IS a huge part of being a successful poker player. Hope y’all keep strict guidelines as well.
Days left until Aussie Millions 2010: 211
Monday 15 June 2009
INTERLUDE
I absolutely intend to continue the soon-to-be “series” of blog posts about What I Do Well and What I Don’t Do Well, but right now I was in a writing mood and just wanted to get something out there. So let me back-track a little bit and give anyone who might be interested a bit of background…
I’m from Denmark originally, but have lived in several different places all over the world and – as anyone who follows this blog just some of the time will know – now currently reside in Sydney, Australia. My girlfriend and I didn’t come here with aspirations of me becoming a professional poker-player/obnoxious blogger, but things have just kind of worked out that way. I’ve been severely struggling to get a job in my field of expertise – which, supposedly, is shipping/logistics – although I’m starting to doubt a little bit exactly how much of an expert I should be considering myself, seeing that no one is looking to hire me!
Side note: Currently, I AM turning a profit from poker and it IS my only source of income, so technically the above reference to ‘professional’ is correct, but let’s not kid ourselves – I’m not exactly raking it in at the moment.
Anyway, we left Copenhagen and came here because of my girlfriend’s desire to undertake a Master’s Class that was being offered by the Sydney Opera House. She’s a professional violinist (but no – does not lull me to sleep with Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star each night – unfortunately) who wanted to work behind the stage, instead of on it. We sold our apartment in Denmark and were EXTREMELY lucky to walk away with a six-figure profit, which has helped sustain us so far. It is also the source of my poker bankroll, which I have surprisingly, not yet squandered.
…and why do I tell you all this? Again, just felt like getting something out there. I feel like I’m on my way towards making a big 4-figure score in the not too distant future and WHEN (not ‘if’, very important to word-select properly to BIG-UP the motivation) I do hit it, this blog might actually receive some attention and I’ll be forced to write ONLY poker-related stuff. So – last chance to get this out there.
Speaking of poker, I’ll leave you with a little hand from one of my tournaments today and another lesson of what not to do. I should’ve trusted my read, but couldn’t find the fold button, even though I knew he was value-town’ing me in a big way.
It’s a $10 rebuy and we’re very close to the money-bubble. 30 get paid and I believe we were down to 38 at this point. I’m a semi-big stack and have a very solid TAG image. At a 9-handed table I find 7h7d in early position (UTG+3, stack 24560) with blinds at 400/800/a100.
It folds to me and I make it 2100. Two folds and the CO min-raises to 3400, which is such a donkish play (and yet, as this tale shall tell – maybe not) and somebody oughta shake this guy up real good to prevent him from doing so again. The rest fold. I know what he has. I estimate there’s about a 75% chance of him having AA, a 24.5% chance of it being KK and 0.5% chance of him having some random two-card-combo, because of a misclick or something equally insane. I call because I can never fold to a min-bet, but I am effectively set-mining. I even tell myself that, before the flop hits – simple reiteration of the fact that I am dominated and need to bail out if I don’t see a seven out there.
…but then disaster strikes.
(Pot 8900) FLOP: 8d 5s 6c
“Oh come on…” Are you shittin’ me? I can’t fold now, with that stupid-looking flop out there. All of a sudden, I’ve improved to 40% against AA. Anyway, he has position and I check to him. He checks back. (?)
(Pot 8900) TURN: 3s
On the flop I was dead-certain he had AA. I would’ve sold my grandmother (my grandma is definitely +EV if anyone’s interested?) to the devil, just to prove how bombin’ ass right I was. Then he checks. All of a sudden that little turn-around voice, which has gotten me in trouble SO many times before, creeps up out of nowhere and starts whispering something about AK. “Oooohhh… (the voice has ghostly tendencies, go figure) – he proooobably has Ace…KING!!!”
I check. He bets 4000. I call.
(Pot 16900) RIVER: 2h
In a matter of seconds I’ve sold my grandmother, and done a one-eighty on the AA. I’ve managed to donk myself into thinking that AK is a real possibility. He bets 9600 and I pay him off.
I busted a few spots later, just shy of the money.
Lesson learned
… again.
Days left until Aussie Millions 2010: 213
I’m from Denmark originally, but have lived in several different places all over the world and – as anyone who follows this blog just some of the time will know – now currently reside in Sydney, Australia. My girlfriend and I didn’t come here with aspirations of me becoming a professional poker-player/obnoxious blogger, but things have just kind of worked out that way. I’ve been severely struggling to get a job in my field of expertise – which, supposedly, is shipping/logistics – although I’m starting to doubt a little bit exactly how much of an expert I should be considering myself, seeing that no one is looking to hire me!
Side note: Currently, I AM turning a profit from poker and it IS my only source of income, so technically the above reference to ‘professional’ is correct, but let’s not kid ourselves – I’m not exactly raking it in at the moment.
Anyway, we left Copenhagen and came here because of my girlfriend’s desire to undertake a Master’s Class that was being offered by the Sydney Opera House. She’s a professional violinist (but no – does not lull me to sleep with Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star each night – unfortunately) who wanted to work behind the stage, instead of on it. We sold our apartment in Denmark and were EXTREMELY lucky to walk away with a six-figure profit, which has helped sustain us so far. It is also the source of my poker bankroll, which I have surprisingly, not yet squandered.
…and why do I tell you all this? Again, just felt like getting something out there. I feel like I’m on my way towards making a big 4-figure score in the not too distant future and WHEN (not ‘if’, very important to word-select properly to BIG-UP the motivation) I do hit it, this blog might actually receive some attention and I’ll be forced to write ONLY poker-related stuff. So – last chance to get this out there.
Speaking of poker, I’ll leave you with a little hand from one of my tournaments today and another lesson of what not to do. I should’ve trusted my read, but couldn’t find the fold button, even though I knew he was value-town’ing me in a big way.
It’s a $10 rebuy and we’re very close to the money-bubble. 30 get paid and I believe we were down to 38 at this point. I’m a semi-big stack and have a very solid TAG image. At a 9-handed table I find 7h7d in early position (UTG+3, stack 24560) with blinds at 400/800/a100.
It folds to me and I make it 2100. Two folds and the CO min-raises to 3400, which is such a donkish play (and yet, as this tale shall tell – maybe not) and somebody oughta shake this guy up real good to prevent him from doing so again. The rest fold. I know what he has. I estimate there’s about a 75% chance of him having AA, a 24.5% chance of it being KK and 0.5% chance of him having some random two-card-combo, because of a misclick or something equally insane. I call because I can never fold to a min-bet, but I am effectively set-mining. I even tell myself that, before the flop hits – simple reiteration of the fact that I am dominated and need to bail out if I don’t see a seven out there.
…but then disaster strikes.
(Pot 8900) FLOP: 8d 5s 6c
“Oh come on…” Are you shittin’ me? I can’t fold now, with that stupid-looking flop out there. All of a sudden, I’ve improved to 40% against AA. Anyway, he has position and I check to him. He checks back. (?)
(Pot 8900) TURN: 3s
On the flop I was dead-certain he had AA. I would’ve sold my grandmother (my grandma is definitely +EV if anyone’s interested?) to the devil, just to prove how bombin’ ass right I was. Then he checks. All of a sudden that little turn-around voice, which has gotten me in trouble SO many times before, creeps up out of nowhere and starts whispering something about AK. “Oooohhh… (the voice has ghostly tendencies, go figure) – he proooobably has Ace…KING!!!”
I check. He bets 4000. I call.
(Pot 16900) RIVER: 2h
In a matter of seconds I’ve sold my grandmother, and done a one-eighty on the AA. I’ve managed to donk myself into thinking that AK is a real possibility. He bets 9600 and I pay him off.
I busted a few spots later, just shy of the money.
Lesson learned
… again.
Days left until Aussie Millions 2010: 213
Thursday 4 June 2009
WHAT I DON'T DO WELL, PART1
One of the things that still really annoys the shit out of me – about myself – is that I STILL haven’t managed to lose the trash-talking, when I get sucked out on. You should think that for someone who plays as much as I do, I would know all about variance, would fully comprehend the bliss of getting someone to put their money in bad and therefore would be completely at peace, when getting 2-outed.
-and actually, I do! Honest to god, I really do understand all of that and for the most part (if I had to put a number on it, probably about 80% of the time); I manage to basically ignore what just happened or merely type in ‘nh’. Then there’s that 20% though. Mostly, it’ll be the situational context that propels my immature mocking, hazing and/or whining – meaning 2 suckouts very close together or sometimes a badly played hand and THEN a suckout will do it. A donkey possessed describes my state of emotion most of the time and even though I’m not big on name-calling or swearing at my opponent, I do find real pleasure in berating their play. I’m ashamed of posting this, but here’s a taste of what it might look like:
Semi-shortstacked with approx. 15 BBs, I open AK off-suit from the CO. The SB, sitting on 29 BBs calls and we see a flop of K93. I bet 60% of the pot and after some deliberation he calls. Turn is a T. I move the rest of my chips in and he snaps with QJ. If I’m feeling a little off, I might go ahead and type something like:
“Wow, nice soul-read champ. You saw straight through me on that flop. I DEFINITELY would’ve called with a gutter there too. Moron. *sigh*”
Ok, so I’m not exactly proud of it… embarrassed, actually covers it better, even though some of you might find yourselves wondering, “hmmm… that’s not even THAT bad – I’ve seen/heard a lot worse”. And granted, you probably have, but that still doesn’t make it right. IF I write anything, it should be ‘nh’ and/or ‘gg’, but better yet, would be to simply shut the window down and forget about it.
The silver lining is that I’ve become a lot more polite, since I started playing some 4 years ago. I actually do manage to squeeze out a mock ‘nh’ (tone-of-voice-sarcasm is hard to discern in a chat window!) most of the time and just move on. It’s the way it should be.
Days left until Aussie Millions 2010: 223
-and actually, I do! Honest to god, I really do understand all of that and for the most part (if I had to put a number on it, probably about 80% of the time); I manage to basically ignore what just happened or merely type in ‘nh’. Then there’s that 20% though. Mostly, it’ll be the situational context that propels my immature mocking, hazing and/or whining – meaning 2 suckouts very close together or sometimes a badly played hand and THEN a suckout will do it. A donkey possessed describes my state of emotion most of the time and even though I’m not big on name-calling or swearing at my opponent, I do find real pleasure in berating their play. I’m ashamed of posting this, but here’s a taste of what it might look like:
Semi-shortstacked with approx. 15 BBs, I open AK off-suit from the CO. The SB, sitting on 29 BBs calls and we see a flop of K93. I bet 60% of the pot and after some deliberation he calls. Turn is a T. I move the rest of my chips in and he snaps with QJ. If I’m feeling a little off, I might go ahead and type something like:
“Wow, nice soul-read champ. You saw straight through me on that flop. I DEFINITELY would’ve called with a gutter there too. Moron. *sigh*”
Ok, so I’m not exactly proud of it… embarrassed, actually covers it better, even though some of you might find yourselves wondering, “hmmm… that’s not even THAT bad – I’ve seen/heard a lot worse”. And granted, you probably have, but that still doesn’t make it right. IF I write anything, it should be ‘nh’ and/or ‘gg’, but better yet, would be to simply shut the window down and forget about it.
The silver lining is that I’ve become a lot more polite, since I started playing some 4 years ago. I actually do manage to squeeze out a mock ‘nh’ (tone-of-voice-sarcasm is hard to discern in a chat window!) most of the time and just move on. It’s the way it should be.
Days left until Aussie Millions 2010: 223
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