Hardships With Moving Up

Ever since I've moved up on Bodog to .25NL, I've suffered some huge coolers. What would happen is that I would lose 30, make 1o back, and then lose 20 again. My trips would lose to a fullhouse maybe 3 times for some huge hands and I've suffered some bad coolers as well ever since I tried to move up levels. My play has been very good, but unfortunately bad luck is over-riding my play (conversely, my play at the same level on PokerStars has been huge).

It's been a very frustrating experience, but I remain untilted. If I lose the $$$, I've allocated for this level I will move back down and rebuild. By the end of this weekend I should know where I stand.

Busted Flush Draw & Ass Ended Straight

Lately, bets are flying all over the tables. Yesterday's session, got me out of a slump I've been having for the past few days.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (3 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

Button ($15.50)
SB ($33.75)
Hero (BB) ($22.60)




Preflop: Hero is BB with J, 10
Button raises to $0.50, SB calls $0.40, Hero calls $0.25
Flop: ($1.50) 9, 8, 7 (3 players)
SB checks, Hero checks, Button bets $1.25, SB calls $1.25, Hero calls $1.25
Turn: ($5.25) 6 (3 players)
SB checks, Hero checks, Button bets $2.50, SB raises to $6, Hero raises to $20.85 (All-In), Button calls $11.25 (All-In), SB calls $14.85
River: ($60.70) 2 (3 players, 2 all-in)
Total pot: $60.70 | Rake: $1

Results:
Button mucked 9, A (one pair, nines).
SB had 10, K (straight, ten high).
Hero had J, 10 (straight, Jack high).

Outcome: Hero won $59.70

I made the HUGE overbet for a couple of reasons: to protect against the flush draw/at the same time making it expensive if they want to try to draw out on me; I was hoping the SB had a 10 and would have to call.

What's In An Icon?

I'm not too much into poker player icons where a site may let you choose from a predetermined list, or allows you to upload one yourself. But given the opportunity, I will select something.

Some will tell you that you can gain a lot of information from a players icon, stating that you can get some kind of indication of who's behind the remote mouse: an aggressive player may choose to show something violent or intimidating; or a softer player may chose to have their kid or dog (my dog happens to be my PokerStars icon). Some choose not to show anything for various reasons, but even when not choosing one may say something like you don't want to give away information.

I wouldn't read too much into any of this as some players intentionally try to mislead others, proving you can't rely on any reads you may think you have from a picture, and simply becuase sometimes a pic is just a pic. The best thing to do in getting a read on another player is betting patterns, and what have when they show down.

The below is my player icon; read into it if you may...

UB Gives Pot To Hellmuth Who Mucked!

Go read how UB gave Phil Hellmuth a pot who mucked his hand to a player who had 3 of a kind, with Phil acting casually. Epic.

Stage #XXXXXXX: Holdem (1 on 1) Normal $200/$400 - 2008-12-20 04:15:23 (ET)
Table: FIR AVE (Real Money) Seat #4 is the dealer
Seat 4 - PHILHELLMUTH ($4495 in chips)
Seat 6 - DOUBLEBALLER ($7494 in chips)
PHILHELLMUTH - Posts small blind $100
DOUBLEBALLER - Posts big blind $200
*** POCKET CARDS ***
PHILHELLMUTH - Raises $300 to $400
DOUBLEBALLER - Raises $400 to $600
PHILHELLMUTH - Raises $400 to $800
DOUBLEBALLER - Calls $200
*** FLOP *** [Js Kc Kh]
DOUBLEBALLER - Checks
PHILHELLMUTH - Bets $200
DOUBLEBALLER - Raises $400 to $400
PHILHELLMUTH - Calls $200
*** TURN *** [Js Kc Kh] [2h]
DOUBLEBALLER - Bets $400
PHILHELLMUTH - Raises $800 to $800
DOUBLEBALLER - Raises $800 to $1200
PHILHELLMUTH - Calls $400
*** RIVER *** [Js Kc Kh 2h] [9c]
DOUBLEBALLER - Bets $400
PHILHELLMUTH - Calls $400
*** SHOW DOWN ***
DOUBLEBALLER - Shows [Kd Qh] (Three of a kind, kings)
PHILHELLMUTH - Mucks
PHILHELLMUTH Collects $5599 from main pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total Pot($5600) | Rake ($1)
Board [Js Kc Kh 2h 9c]
Seat 4: PHILHELLMUTH (dealer) (small blind) won Total ($5599) HI: ($5599) [Mucked] [2s 10s]
Seat 6: DOUBLEBALLER (big blind) HI:lost with Three of a kind, kings [Kd Qh - B:Kh,P:Kd,B:Kc,P:Qh,B:Js]

Unbelievable. I would like to play there b/c the play is so bad, but in light of tihs and the whole superuser scandal, I'll play elsewhere (looks like I don't have to look so far as there are much more worse play at PokerStars lately - former UB'ers?).

Stability

The way I see it there are no guarantees in the stock market, but I will push all-in with the nuts. And they call poker gambling.

$500 Freeroll

Being that I was amped for the Blogger's Tournament, but was unable to make the bodonkament becuase of registration issues, my fingers were pretty itchy for a challenge. Luckily, I found the $500 freeroll on Bodog starting at (unfortunately), 9pm EST.

After some grinding and luck I ran deep somewhere between 70 to 90 people around 12:55 with 78,000 in chips.

Knowing my stack, knowing the time, knowing the amount of players left, and knowing what time I had to be up left me at odds end if I really wanted to continue, but I couldn't quit now.

Then it happened.

About 1:30 am, I lost about 1/3 of my stack on a play I know I should of made AQ suited (the second one in a row), against a all-in reraise...KK. Another, was my preflop raise with JJ and a call, with a K on the board...he had it - I wasn't listening to the little voice. That was about another 20,000 and left me SS.

With my mind going toward the side of mush, and my enthusiasm wailing, and knowing what I would have to do to rebuild I knew it could easily run past 3am...I decided to have fun and push.

I busted out at 66th...63rd was in the money. It was a good experience and fun. No regrets.

The Little Engine That Could - NOT!

NY-Atlantic City Pony Engine

Just in time for the economic slowdown: a new luxury train direct from New York
to Atlantic City.

I've been waiting for this, because the drive for me out there is about 3 hours (a little more now that I moved up to Yonkers). But your telling me that this choo-choo will make it in 2 1/2 hours!?! What kinda express train is this? (((Grumble)))

So, before taking this trip I'll be asking myself if I-think-I-can.

Soft Is Hard; Hard Is Soft

Poker is not a static game. It is always evolving and changing; the cards can't be relied on, nor the players...all you can do is look at what is being offered and play your best game.

Lately, the play over at PokerStars is a donkey-hunter's dream. The texture of the games is soft, soft, soft. And the players just really play horrible lately by playing almost any two suited cards, chasing straights, and getting married to any Ace. I am not doing any necessary table selection, but just targeting the players via their stack sizes. I may be playing a little earlier than usual, so maybe that has a little to do with it, but my evening games fair just about the same.

Not having to think much, not worry about being played back, and seeing right through some moves is why I am logging into PokerStars more lately. Ironically, Bodog got a little harder. I'm playing some really soft cash games at PS right now.

Later...

See you at the felt tonight at the Blogger's Tournament.

Blogger Tournament

I've been reading up on a few blogger poker tournaments and signed up for both PokerStars and Bodog Blogger Tournamnetns. Looks like I have one chance on both sites to qualify for the final Blogger tournamnet.

...





On Bodog, it looks like two players to be aware of is $mokkee, and TonySoprano (plus anyone else who is on the leader board). If I have time, I'll research their game.

...

I don't know if I'll have time to play in the PokerStars blogger tournament as their freerolls run up until the 20th, which is the only day I may have a chance to play. But I signed up anyway.

(The below is a requirement for the event.)

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

The WBCOOP is an online Poker tournament open to all Bloggers.

Registration code: 337028

UPDATE: Looks like my little blog got me into the PokerStars tournament as well.

UPDATEII: I will not be playing at the Bodonkament (I didn't realize there was a registration process, which wasn't as clear cut as PokerStars' instructions).

Thank you for contacting Bodog Poker Customer Service.

We have forwarded
this information to our Tournaments Department who will confirm that pokergambit.com is being run by
you and is, in fact, an active Poker blog. If this is the case, they will then
register you to play in the next available tournament in the Blogger Series.
Please note that this process does need to be completed by our Tournaments
Department and, as such, we cannot guarantee any exact time-frames regarding
registration for the tournament.

Thank you very much for writing. Should
you have any questions, or require any further assistance, please don't hesitate
to contact us.
Regards,
Poker Customer Service

Getting It All In

I do this a lot on PokerStars and it works a lot: I'm dealt pocket 10's and bump it up to 4x the blind...board comes 9,7,3...pretty dry...I go all in, and get called...blank-blank...guy has J, 9...Wow!

Keeping On

It's been about a week since I've last updated this blog...still alive, still rebuilding bankroll and grinding it out. Almost have enough to step back up on level on a consistent basis...maybe another week or two at the rate things are going. I have a couple of interesting (read: deplorable bad beats), hands to post but the format of them all really stinks and I'll have to totally hack them - I'll either update this post or create a new one.

Table Selection & Building Your Bank Roll Tips

(I don't share too many secrets here - not that I'm the greatest or most successful plare. But I think I may start documenting some of them for the purpose of this blog, so that I may look back on it and see how I have developed as a player.)

I played last night.

I find it much easier to play at a 10 seat table lately than a 6 seat table especially when there are maybe 1-3 people there initially. I'll sit in when the player have 60% or less in chips than the max buy-in, and if someone is there w/ more I'll sit to his immediate left and make him a target. Usually, all these players are extremely weak and chase every draw no matter the odds. I'll buy in for maybe the same masking my aggression or confidence level (I feel that the max buy in crowd feel more comfortable in the game and have a smidget more skill than the super fish, or tend to bully the shorter stacks) - chip stacks at these levels are an illusion.

Once the are more than 5-6 people at a 10 seat table, or once the 6 seat table fills up, I re-evaluate how the players are playing. The texture of the table is a constant factor w/ this strategy: Did they adjust to me and tighten up? Are there tougher customers at the table now? Are my profits still flying in or is it harder to make the cash now?

If I feel the answer is yes, to any of these questions I either leave immediately or start to hunt for a new table and leave when the BB comes to me, and start the process all over again. Staying away from tougher competition, tough decisions, and hunting for the fish is a win-win situation.

I think I've noticed too, other players do this. You will almost always know who they are by their initially bankroll. They'll either have a max or close to max buy-in, or more than the buy-in. Be careful of these players, for they are either lucky or have some amount of skill, so know your game when (if) you play them.

I've done this many time over and have built a bankroll to lock in profits quickly and w/out big risk. This has worked for me time and time again and profits have been in the 100's of percent.

Spanish Poker Terms

Here are some poker terms in Spanish, if you happen to play in the Latin America tour (or are playing at an underground club in Spanish Harlem or something):

Check - Pasar, Paso
Bet - Apostar, Apuesto
Raise - Aumentar, Aumento
Pair - Par
2 Pair - dos par
3 of a kind - Trika (sp?)
Straight - Escalera
Flush - Color
Full house - Full or Fullhouse
Four of a kind - Poker
Straight flush - Escalera Color
Royal flush - escalera real

Pulled from 2+2.

Life Changes

I haven't played much poker lately, now that I've moved out of my hometown - Da Bronx! - to the county of Yonkers. My internet connection should go up sometime tomorrow evening, but even then I doubt I will play. Unpacking and moving things around, not to mention my mind being a big jumble of things-to-do keeps me preoccupied. So, until the dust settles I may not be playing until this weekend, or even longer...gasp!

Grinding

I'm playing some of the best poker that I've ever played lately. And I have to attribute it to patience and picking my spots. Also, I'm plugging a hole in my game and am doing some more value betting on the turn/river. There is $ being lost here when I feel I have the best hand, but tend to play on the cautious side.

This week I may be playing a lot more poker than usual as I made it a mini-vacation and have the rest of the week off due it being turkey day, and which it also happens to be my birthday.

Late Night Rebuild

Lately, I've been getting my arse kicked at poker. A combination of a bad run of cards and not playing my "A" game are the usual suspects. As a matter of fact it's 6 minutes to 2, and I am still on trying to recoup some of my lost spoils. I have much more rebuilding to do, and don't expect to make it all back in one night, but whatever...I am having fun right now trying, and will probably stay up another half or so.

2008 Final Table

Final Table. Dennis Phillips. Ivan Demidov. AQ vs AK. Ivan pushes all in against Dennis' AK. Why did you fold, man?

I understand this either two ways. 1) You believed him for AA or KK with when he reraised you preflop and then pushed against your raise post. Or, 2) you are good player who doesn't want to put in his money on a gamble.

UB Loves Me!!!

2 weeks ago, I transferred the last remaining $$$ to a friend on Ultimate Bet. Today, in the mail I receive free $$$ from UB:

Hi xxx,

How would you like to win a piece of over $3 Million? How would you like to make it happen for free?

We've added $10 in no-catch cash to your account and you're invited to use it to rope off your seats in UBOC, UltimateBet's Online Championship series.

The 10-day event, which kicks off in January, features two $1 Million tourneys, two amazing schedules and over $3 Million in total guaranteed cash.

Please note, your free cash must be used by November 24th or it will be returned to the card room for other players to enjoy.

When you're ready to make your next deposit, we offer several easy payment options to help you fund your UltimateBet account quickly and effortlessly.

This is the 3rd time UB gave me free money. I honestly don't remember what happened to the first $5, but I think I ran it up over $100 and gave some away unvoluntarily, and transferred the rest. The next 5, I think the same but ran it to about 40 or 50. I convinced my friend to transfer the rest of what he has and I'll add the 10 to that and see what I can do.

My play on UB can be described as volatile. I move money around, albeit the micro-stakes I tend to play. This must be good for the site...something like a prop at the table. This is a stroke for my ego, so I'll leave it at that.

See you at the tables.

What This Blog Is

...what it is is mine. The longer I've had this poker blog the more I have thought about what purpose it serves. And semi-selfishly, I have to admit that it serves me! I've had a commercial blog already that started out as my view point and developed into a semi-influential political blog that still runs today (I am collecting blogads from it and currently have a guest writer who's not doing a bad job).

When one looks at blogs like Wicked Chops, Tao of Poker, or Guinness and Poker it gives a fellow blogger much to desire after. They have the traffic and authority. But that's not me. Not that there's nothing wrong with it; I'm just saying that's not what I want to do.

This blog is to server my own personal purpose, for me to look over years later and possibly show anyone else who is interested. That's it - nada mas. It's for me as a developing poker player (more on that later). With this statement I think I serve to be true to myself and my readers (if there are any regulars - lol).

Poker Quote

I know what he means:

“If you gamble, you cannot watch a game with a roomful of normal people,” explains Walsh. “Show me a man who prefers to watch a sporting event with a house full of guests and I’ll show you a man who is not one of us.” Rather, the non-gambling sports fan “is a frivolous human being willing to be carefree and have a good time, totally irresponsible to what it takes to pull the game in, which is worry, emotional outburst, face contorting, and basic begging.... He ranks right along with the man who doesn’t drink and is thrilled with himself. Neither one of them can be trusted.”

source

Conversations

Playing at 18 seat table $3 buy in. Two people having conversation:

Player 1: Wow, there are still 13 people left.
Player 2: That's normal.
Player 1: Not so usual this late in the game.
Player 2: Yeah, this usually takes 2 1/2 hours to play out.

I went on tilt right there.

Bad Software = Bad Players

I read this over at F Train:

Iggy had a theory, once upon a time, that good poker players abhor bad online poker clients. As a result, he felt that the softest games were at the places that had the most god-awful interfaces. I think Pacific Poker was one of his favorites.

This may hold some weight (I used to play over at Pacific Poker as well and the play was a donkland). Now, it is true that all sites have bad players, but this statement is to say that the very worst players are at the very worst sites. If you read 2+2 regularly, you will find out very shortly which sites are the preferred.

Currently, Bodog happens to be my favorite site. 2+2'ers abhor it, but I adore it. They hate the interface, probably stemming from that it does not easily comply with the arsenal of software that most serious internet poker players use. Another well complained about feature is that Bodog opens a max of 3 tables (I think the table limitation may have been lifted to 4?).

A theory is a theory, but like I said there are bad players everywhere. And if I believe there is a common waterhole variable in common for bad players, then that's where I'll be. Why not? Aren't we in this game to exploit the very worst players? I think so.

Weekend So Far

PokerStars
I put another $100, into PokerStars with the intent of transferring a friend the money (he's one of these cats who don't trust other people on the internet w/ his account information). However, a couple days passed since last Sunday when I deposited it, and they had still not allowed me to transfer by stating that the funds had not cleared yet. No sweat for me, so I transferred him my last twenty-something bucks from UB, which I don't mind playing there anymore.

Why let perfectly good money sit there and go to waste? Money is meant to be spent. So while we wait for PS to clear the $$$ there, I went to the tables w/ it and made $18. Not bad, for an hours work at the .02-.05 tables.

Bodog
Over at Bodog, I made another $30 on top of my awesome Wednesday session. At midnight I started to get a little tired and called it quits (I am sure I could of made more, but it's not good to play tired).

Maybe I'll take a break tomorrow and catch up on some reading.

Thank GOD, for BODOG!

I dunno...was at Full Tilt yesterday and was doing well. I was up like $20, and then lost it to suck-out flushes and folded to some all-in bets (I don't like to gamble like that too much, especially when rebuilding). Then, I lost the 20 and another 15.

I wasn't playing bad or anything, just my regular game. So, frustrated...I go over to Bodog, and play my game and went up just over $100 for the night. I guess, I can't complain but, I do wish the reverse was true, because of Bodog's withdraw challenges (I almost feel like the money that I have there is not real because of that).

UPDATE: I think I figured it out. I just have to play more nittily (is that a word?) at FT and PS. End of story.

On Full Tilt

I am back on FullTilt poker now.

I don't know what it is about Poker Stars, but I seem to go on mega-tilt there and wind up donking off my $$$. Maybe it's the constant bad plays getting rewarded (read: suckouts); the insatiable amount of time players take to make a move b/c they are playing god-knows-how-many-tables; for some reason I like their software the least; the days, weeks (and weeks) of being card dead. I have to give them one thing though, that is their tech-support is great! But that doesn't do anything for my bankroll.

Maybe, it's all in my head.

But that's after the fact now. I still have an account over at Bodog that is maintained at just over $500. It seems I am treating it like some kind of relic or display piece; too scared to lose it, not sure if I want to take it out yet. It's not like $500 is breaking the bank or going to change my life, so for now I'll still mull over the idea of withdrawing it. In the meantime, I'll play at FT and try to finish up my bonus up to $50 due on Nov 2nd.

Poker, Nostalgic

I was searching for some local poker games and came up w/ this (check the date):

5 MASKED BANDITS ROB POKER PLAYERS; Break Into Bronx Gambling House and Hold Up 25 Patrons at Pistol Point. VICTIMS DISGORGE $1,500 Each Forced to Turn Over All His Jewelry, and Robbers Get Away Safely.


November 24, 1915, Wednesday

Page 8, 588 words

Although it all happened early Sunday morning the police of the Morrisania station, in the Bronx, only learned last night how a gambling resort temporarily established in an isolated section of their precinct had been entered by five masked bandits, who lined twenty-five poker players against a wall, covered them with revolvers, and robbed them of a total of $1,500.

Crouching Downswings, Embracing Tiger

Winning is welcomed with open arms, but a winning player must embrace loss with the same eagerness. Somewhere on 2+2, I've read that 20 BI losses are pretty much standard (I've even seen some argue against that). I myself have recently been a victim of such a threatening swing. Yet, I took it in stride. I'll make it back and it's not a concern.

Oft times I've thought about a player's immunity or callousness to the value of money - I see money as a tool, not as something to horde as a possession. As much as poker is touted by its proponents for being a game of skill, the truly successful poker player has a lot of gamble in him and does not play with scared money.

So do I care about losing? Well...of course I do! But it doesn't put me on tilt and does not make me question myself as a player or does not threaten my self worth. It's just the nature of the game, and if you are in this game then you have to accept the nature of the game totally and unconditionally.

Lost Databases

...lost rants. I basically started my bankroll from $5 given to me from Bodog (okay, I padded it a little with about a hundred). I had all the hands and games that enabled me to put a couple of zeros behind that 5. But, I just realized that I had deep sixed the whole Poker Tracker database when I reformatted my computer this weekend. All that is left is a snapshot of an older graph.

Crap. What can you do? Although, I do have to say that there is something refreshing starting anew. Can't really explain what that is right now; feels like a rebirth or something.

Day's Quote

"A real gambler just isn’t programmed to take care of business matters."

- Doyle Brunson

No wonder I have never balanced a check book!

Suck Out Saturday

The title says it all. I lost a little over a fifth of my bankroll. Fortunately, on Friday I won about a fifth, so I guess I gave that back with interest. But, I know what went on. You see, I can't blame them: those mysterious people you don't see, don't know, but know are there influencing every move, every situation to your demise. Them!!!

I decided long ago that what happens to me is in part (maybe, all) due to my actions, and my thoughts. My decisions is what gets me where I am and where I am not. Nothing else. You see, by adopting this philosophy I give up my destiny to no one, no control over to know one - it's all me baby!

So, forget the fish, the coolers, the cards...it's you and how you play.

I found a hole in my game. A huge disgusting gapping gap, at least for these micro-levels. It's the hand selection, but more so the failure of releasing a hand when trouble starts to brew. Most time I get involved in a large pot or put most of my chips at risk is when I compromise my bankroll. They say that you can unravel what you did for 9 hours of perfect play in a half and hour of bad play. True.

Last night, I started making the same mistake of chasing flush draws and straights and committing more chips when my status in the hand was questionable. Next time just fold, and chose better spots.

So finally, my senses kicked in and I started to make back most of my loses by small balling and steering from trouble.

Small Ball It

I win a lot of small pots, but it's when I get involved in large pots where half or all my chips are at risk is where I usually lose and eat up the profits made from the multiple smaller wins.

Note to self: Keep Small Balling.

A Trip To Mohegan

This weekend I went with the family to Mohegan Sun to play some recreational poker. What I mean by that is I probably only had about 2 hours to play and the rest was filled with family time at the slots or food court.

Their new poker room was an expansion of their old wing where most of the craps tables were. As far as the renovation goes, they did a good job. The new slot machines glowed nicely in the dark decor along with the highlighted walls and embedded waterfalls.

I played the 1/2 NLH, where of course the players lived up to their name with poor play by calling too much and over committing their stacks on a draw or single pair. Overall, I was happy with my play, and walked away a small winner. I was only sorry that I did not get any action on my monster hands, but that's how it goes in poker.

While at the table I pulled some of my usual antics:

I ordered my usual drink, and one of these internet youngins turned to me and said:
"Vodka on the rocks?"
"Yup."
"...on the rocks?"
I nodded, "I work with a couple of Russians, and picked up some good habits." ("Heh," I thought.)
He paused, and then turned to the waitress: Coffee - black! His younger internet friend seemed to me to give him an approving glare, as if I'm the sucker at the table. Whatever. Now, I know just as anyone else that if you are serious about poker then one shouldn't drink alcohol at the table - would you drink on the job (don't answer that). But, at the same time any one who enjoys the taste of a drink straight up knows that it gets diluted by the ice in the glass, thus losing it's flavor and strength - I don't expect any young kid to think about that!

Interestingly, about 8 out of 10 hands whenever this kid to my left raised or called a hand, so did his younger counterpart. I felt that they were protecting one another in entered pots, and used this extra knowledge against them by entering into pots along with them while holding either a monster or monster draws. By end of day it was me up by 3 and them at 1.

I am going to try to make it to Mohegan at least twice a month as the games there are very soft and predictable. I am sure the fam will want to come as well, so I am going to have to make some adjustments in the schedule to log longer hours at the tables.

Update

So, I've not posted in a couple of days, which basically means I've been busy, and does not mean I've gone broke. Between work, baby, and other non-related poker events I find it hard to carve out time to get going on the tables. In the next two weeks there is a trip planned for Mogean Sun, and I am sure to hit the virtual felt here and there in between.

Highest Online Pot (w/ comments)

Bold or Gamblers Anonymous?

Full Tilt Poker Game #8041034010: Table RailHeaven (6 max) - $500/$1000 - No Limit Hold'em - 10:25:38 ET - 2008/09/12
Seat 1: trex313 ($297,766.50)
Seat 2: OMGClayAiken ($226,897)
Seat 4: durrrr ($404,525.50)
Seat 5: patatino ($307,080)
Seat 6: regista8 ($275,811)
trex313 posts the small blind of $500
OMGClayAiken posts the big blind of $1,000
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
durrrr has 15 seconds left to act
durrrr folds
patatino calls $1,000
regista8 folds
trex313 calls $500
OMGClayAiken raises to $5,000
patatino calls $4,000
trex313 calls $4,000
*** FLOP *** [Td 6d 8c]
trex313 checks
OMGClayAiken bets $9,200
patatino has 15 seconds left to act
patatino has requested TIME
patatino raises to $35,000
trex313 has 15 seconds left to act
trex313 has requested TIME
trex313 raises to $88,000
OMGClayAiken has 15 seconds left to act
OMGClayAiken folds
patatino has 15 seconds left to act
patatino has requested TIME
patatino raises to $302,080, and is all in
trex313 has 15 seconds left to act
trex313 calls $204,766.50, and is all in
patatino shows [Qd 2d]
trex313 shows [Jd 9d]
Uncalled bet of $9,313.50 returned to patatino
*** TURN *** [Td 6d 8c] [2h]
*** RIVER *** [Td 6d 8c 2h] [4c]
patatino shows a pair of Twos
trex313 shows Jack Ten high
patatino wins the pot ($609,730) with a pair of Twos
trex313 adds $50,000
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $609,733 | Rake $3
Board: [Td 6d 8c 2h 4c]
Seat 1: trex313 (small blind) showed [Jd 9d] and lost with Jack Ten high
Seat 2: OMGClayAiken (big blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 4: durrrr didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: patatino showed [Qd 2d] and won ($609,730) with a pair of Twos
Seat 6: regista8 (button) didn't bet (folded)

durrrr: wow
durrrr: and u call me sick
durrrr: biggest pot online w/ a pair of dueces?
patatino: cant win whiy aces
trex313: lol u sick
patatino: and you lol


Wow is right...all that on a draw. I'm really think High Stakes players play like micro-stake players, and mid-stake players play by the book poker.

Previous Record:
The previous record.

UPDATE: ZOMG...a few minutes later trex wins it all almost back from durrrr, for the second largest online pot of $532,979. Watch here.

UPDATE II: It's just sick. A new second largest hand now by Benyamine was produced the same day with $604, just $5 shy of yesterday's highest largest hand.

If They Never Played Poker - Contin'd

Yet, another...

eBay Winner?

Is that an oxymoron? I mean, I didn't actually win anything...it's not like its free...yeah, I won the bidding...I came in first...but, I still have to pay for it...so, did I really win? Hmmm.

What am I talking about? A new 20'' wide flat screen monitor, making my set up from a uni to a dual-monitor set up.

Proudly sitting on my desk is an additional 20" Samsung 905BW SyncMaster. Luckily, I bought a video card that has dual digital cable outlets to support the two monitors. I think I saved maybe $50-$60 getting it off eBay; the description says slightly used, but I don't know...the box looked like it was never opened!

I guess now I can commit the ultimate online-poker sin and browse the internet, check email, or whatever else you can do with dual screens while playing poker online.

UPDATE: Although I had this set up a few years ago for work related reasons, it took me a couple of hours to get used to the omnipresence of the two screens - it's like being 12" from a giant flat-screen television . At any rate, the two combined screens kicks major ass and I don't see myself using no less.

Bonus

I finally got my $50 bonus from PokerStars! I haven't been playing much lately, so to win an extra fifty on top of a good 20 min session felt real good. I want to start playing more as well, unfortunately some weekend plans for Mohegan Sun are being rained on and will have to reschedual. Guess, I'll be on the virtual felt for most of the weekend.

Taa-taa..

KEM

Maybe it's been a while since I played in a casino or haven't paid much attention before, but I just got a pack of KEM cards and they are as smooth as butter.

WordPress

I don't know why, but I happened to check out WordPress, the other day and signed up for a site there. I do like their layouts better, and they have a lot more gadgets and widgets that can easily be applied into a blog, so I am entertaining the idea of continuing the blog over there instead of Blogger. More soon...

Empire City at Yonkers

So, getting beat by 3 key poker hands on Friday, I took a break and went to Empire City in Yonkers to 'relax' with video poker. I played Jacks or Better, and Deuces Wild. It was fun and not the least bit frustrating. I lost about $20, but that was expected. After all, it was video poker, and favored odds weren't expected.

Besides paying for drinks at the machines, I had to remind myself that I was in Yonkers. I mean, with the cheesy decor and the constant tumulose drone of the slot machines it would be hard for anyone to know they were not in AC. There was a live band accompanied by the embarrassing antics of drunk regulars on the dance floor; skimpy cocktail waitresses; aged one-armed bandits looking for the Big Score; young courters trying to impress their dates with implied high-roller status; regulars who think they know a thing or two about gambling, but their wins and losses balance out - that is where I would fit in, lol.

Hey, it's slots!

At any rate, it was the right medicine. A $40 investment, yielding a $20 loss in 3 hours is not bad in my book. I could of easily spent 3 fold more in a bar or resturant and not expect any +EV. In retrospect, it's kinda sick if you look at your spare time in profits and losses. Then again, isn't it a positive to say to yourself 'how did I benefit?' At least we are not cranking out some mindless justification for recreation.

Table Selection

When I was on Bodog, I did good at the highest percentage of players preflop per table. In other words, I was killing the most wild tables there. On PokerStars, however I just can't catch a break with the same table selection.

So I did a 360.

On PokerStars, I now select tables with mid 20's or less players preflop...and I am flourishing.

In 20 min, both my two pair got beat by trips costing me 2 buy-ins. Two pair are like White Castle Hamburgers - just throw them right in the toilet.

Moving on...

I found a daily Tuesdany (Night?) tournament that starts at 3pm Est on Poker Stars.

The game is sponsored by The Bigger Deal. I don't know how I can play in this since on Tuesdays at 3, I can be found at my day job. But, I'll keep it on the radar.

Online Player's Future

A little long, but delivers a chuckle in the end.

My Chat Banned!

Generally, I'm not an abusive player. Live and let live, is my motto. But, what a bunch of EGOMANIACS at PokeStars.

Now I'm not the most chivalrous one at all times, and can respond at the lowest of levels. - what's a little abrasiveness at the table? This is poker, not the Olympics...sometimes we just steeeeeeeeeam, if at either a player is rewarded by the poker gods for their dumb play, or they say something out their mouths straight, that we know should come sideways.

Let me tell you, I haven't witnessed a more sensitive, cry-babying, bunch of weiners than the players at PokerStars.

Here's a notice from PokerStars:

Hello ikeep -

We are writing to inform you that we have suspended your chat priv-
ilege for 24 hours as a result of your chat on 2008/08/16.

Name-calling and disparaging remarks about another member's
race, nationality, gender, or sexual preference is against
the Card Room Rules.

The use of vulgarity when addressing another player is not
allowed.

When asterisks are seen during chatting, it is a warning that
what is being put into the chatbox is not allowed. Using
spaces or other characters, or otherwise defeating the censor
is a violation of the Card Room Rules.

At the end of 24 hours, your chat will automatically
be reinstated. There is no need to write to support.

Our goal at PokerStars is to be a fun place to play, where everyone
can feel comfortable. Abuse and other disruptions to the games takes
away from everyone's enjoyment, and therefore will not be tolerated.

We thank you for your cooperation.


Regards,

PokerStars Chat Moderation Team

Oh, well...I guess I learned my lesson.

A more humorous post over at MeltedFelt.

OM...Bankroll Management...OM...

Since I've moved to PokerStars from Bodog a few weeks ago, I've experienced the worst distribution of cards a player cares to see. Basically, I've been card dead for two weeks now. Batshit, is more interesting right now than the cards dealt to me.

My money on Bodog is actually still there, and the consideration right now is to leave it (or half), and continue to play there until the PokerStars fuck fest ceases. I think the same happened to me on PokerStars when they gratuitously gave me a few dollars for signing up via a promotion code; I managed convert those few bills to a couple of a hundred, and then the bullshit started and I tilted it off.

...sigh.

That's what I am not trying not to do - lose it all. Been there; done that. So besides ranting here, I am keeping my head cool, playing smart and not going on tilt. I can always recite 'Bank Roll Management' as a mantra, and make sure not to play above my limits, which by the way is the Golden Egg of not losing your bankroll.

By the way, how many times have you lost your bankroll? Me: 4 or 5 times, when I knew nothing about BRM (I have to admit that the last two times I did, and still managed to lose it, which goes to show it's not solely bankroll management to keep your investment, but learning the game and not going on tilt).

I'll end this post with a couple of links to some other players, who too, seem to equate August with The Suck. And a forum post at Two + Two, started by yours truly, entitled "How Many Times Broke?."

UPDATE: Being that I am playing like a full fledged nit, I am fairing a little better. I also see there are still yet others who like me, equate August with THE SUCK.

If They Never Played Poker (Continued)

Aces and 8's all around

UB = the suck.

In addition to their recent scandal their random generating software blows.

Ultimate Bet No-Limit Hold'em, $.10 BB (6 handed) Ultimate Bet Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)

Hero ($5.28)
UTG ($4.17)
MP ($1.65)
CO ($2.39)
Button ($8.06)
SB ($10.64)

Preflop: Hero is BB with 8d, Ah.
UTG calls $0.10, 2 folds, Button calls $0.10, 1 fold, Hero checks.

Flop: ($0.35) 4s, 9h, 5h (3 players)
Hero checks, UTG checks, Button checks.
Turn: ($0.35) 5d (3 players)
Hero checks, UTG checks, Button checks.
River: ($0.35) 2c (3 players)
Hero checks, UTG checks, Button checks.
Final Pot: $0.35


Results:
Button has 8s As (one pair, fives).
Hero has 8d Ah (one pair, fives).
UTG has Ad 8c (one pair, fives).

!!!

PokerStars World Champion Of Online Poker

I wish I had time to play this, but recent full work days and a newborn (4 months), I don't think I can. I'll look into it though; maybe I can squeeze a couple in somewhere.

If They Never Played Poker

ROTFL!

Learn, chat, get threatened by the pros...only at Full Tilt Poker

(I loved the title of this, so I lifted it from the original.)

BankrollBilly (Observer): gl phil ull need it
phantasmag: phils a major donk
Dealer: Phil Gordon has 15 seconds left to act
System: A $69+$6 Satellite to FTOPS Event #12 will be starting in 3 minutes. At least 1 seats will be awarded!
phantasmag: i hate that %$&
Dealer: DwideSchrude has 15 seconds left to act
Dealer: DwideSchrude has requested TIME
Dealer: Phil Gordon wins the pot (840)
Dealer: Hand #7598872716
phantasmag: phil = the suck
Phil Gordon: phan, i'd keep that mouth shut if you
like your account
Phil Gordon: one more comment
Dealer: Bigman82 wins the pot (300)
Dealer: Hand #7598877706
Phil Gordon: and your account is closed
phantasmag: what rule am i breaking
Phil Gordon: good luck to you
Phil Gordon: being a prick
Phil Gordon: 1 more comment
Phil Gordon: please
Dealer: DwideSchrude wins the pot (300)
Dealer: Hand #7598883377
phantasmag: jeez wow
phantasmag: chill
Dealer: rakata wins the pot (120)
Dealer: Hand #7598887747
Dealer: KPOP wins the pot (300)
Dealer: Hand #7598891540
Phil Gordon: when you've cashed for over 2+
million in tournament poker, feel free to trash talk...
Phil Gordon: until then, keep it shut

Read the thread and judge for yourself.

"I don't think I appreciate being called an idiot."
(3:15 on...)

Justice (and crime)!

Interesting weekend playing over at PokerStars. I think I played some of my best poker. Poker is easy when you win; it's your losses that challenge you as a player. I took a major swing (for a micro-stakes player), of about $120. Keeping my cool and continuing to play good poker is what I am proud of here...money has no choice, but to eventually follow.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (6 handed) Poker Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)

Hero ($24.05)
Button ($21.50)
SB ($24.40)
BB ($25)
UTG ($31.40)
MP ($44.40)

Preflop: Hero is CO with Ts, Tc.
UTG raises to $1, 1 fold, CO raises to $3, 3 folds, UTG calls $2.
Flop: ($6.35) 3c, Ad, Th (2 players)
UTG checks, Hero checks.
Turn: ($6.35) 4h (2 players)
UTG bets $6, CO raises to $14, UTG raises to $23, Hero calls $7.05 (All-In).
River: ($50.40) 2c (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $48.45

I won w/ 3 10's.


PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (6 handed) Poker Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)

Hero ($24.05)
Button ($21.50)
SB ($24.40)
BB ($25)
UTG ($31.40)
MP ($44.40)

Preflop: Hero is CO with Ts, Tc.
UTG raises to $1, 1 fold, CO raises to $3, 3 folds, UTG calls $2.
Flop: ($6.35) 3c, Ad, Th (2 players)
UTG checks, Hero checks.
Turn: ($6.35) 4h (2 players)
UTG bets $6, CO raises to $14, UTG raises to $23, Hero calls $7.05 (All-In).
River: ($50.40) 2c (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $48.45


PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.50 BB (6 handed) Poker Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)

Button ($62.25)
Hero ($46.65)
BB ($52.5)
UTG ($49.75)
MP ($52.20)
CO ($7.05)

Preflop: Hero is SB with Js, Ah.
1 fold, MP raises to $2, 1 fold, Button calls $2, Hero calls $1.75, 1 fold.
Flop: ($6.50) As, 4c, 5h (3 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $4, Button folds, SB raises to $8.5, MP calls $4.50.
Turn: ($23.50) Ad (2 players)
SB bets $36.15 (All-In), MP calls $36.15.
River: ($95.80) 2c (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $95.80

Results in white below:
Hero has Js Ah (three of a kind, aces).
MP doesn't show.
Outcome: Hero wins $95.80.

So, today I end up $10 above where I left off at the beginning of the weekend: - $45.

Following Instinct: Stealing Blinds

By instinct, I've always stole blinds in cash games. Some feel that that is a move for tournaments or SNG's; being part of a strategy for staying ahead of ever increasing blinds, and since there is no pressure in cash games of being "blinded-out" then there is no reason to prompt this behavior. But they would be wrong.

Stealing blinds is part of cash games:

I’ll admit it: I’m a ruthless, heartless, helpless, hopeless, habitual blind thief. I stole blinds when I played limit hold’em, I stole blinds when I played tournaments, I steal blinds when I play no-limit hold’em. I’ve stolen blinds from my eight-year-old cousin and from an 85-year-old great-grandmother. I steal blinds when I’m playing my 16/9 full-ring TAG game and I steal blinds when I’m playing my 35/20 6-max LAG game. I’ve always stolen blinds, and I always will.

As for instinct? Always follow it.

Bad Beat Weekend...

and second best hands.

Hands like the below is the reason why I am down $100 on PS. It started last weekend and hasn't stopped since:
I.
PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (6 handed) Poker Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)

SB ($14.90)
BB ($11.50)
Hero ($17.55)
MP ($14.65)
CO ($14.70)
Button ($21.25)

Preflop: Hero is UTG with 3c, 9d.
Hero calls $0.25, 4 folds, BB checks.

Flop: ($0.60) 3s, 3d, Jh (2 players)
BB bets $0.5, Hero calls $0.50.

Turn: ($1.60) 4h (2 players)
BB checks, UTGA bets $0.5, BB raises to $3, Hero calls $2.50.

River: ($7.60) Kd (2 players)
BB bets $7.75 (All-In), Hero calls $7.75.

Final Pot: $23.10

I don't usually play 3, 9 offsuit UTG but I decided to there and then.

I had Bullets 5 times during the past week and 4 out of 5 times made nothing (the only time I did make something is when I slow played them).
II.
PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (6 handed) Poker Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)

Hero ($21.70)
CO ($17.30)
Button ($5.75)
SB ($7.15)
BB ($30.20)
UTG ($45.25)

Preflop: Hero is MP with As, Ad.
1 fold, MP raises to $0.75, 4 folds.

Final Pot: $0.60

My Q's flanked:
III.
PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (3 handed) Poker Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)

Button ($12.70)
Hero ($16.40)
BB ($14.75)

Preflop: Hero is SB with Qc, Qs.
Button calls $0.25, SB raises to $1, 1 fold, Button raises to $12.7, Hero calls $11.70.

Flop: ($25.75) Ad, 8c, 3c (2 players)

Turn: ($25.75) 7c (2 players)

River: ($25.75) 4d (2 players)

Final Pot: $25.75

Other than that I flopped two pair maybe 7 times, and those 7 times that I did I got whammied each and every time.
IV.
PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.05 BB (6 handed) Poker Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)

Button ($4.98)
SB ($4.79)
Hero ($4.96)
UTG ($9.80)
MP ($24.74)
CO ($4.64)

Preflop: Hero is BB with Qd, Qs.
UTG calls $0.05, 1 fold, CO raises to $0.1, Button calls $0.10, SB calls $0.08, BB raises to $2.4, UTG folds, CO calls $2.30, Button calls $2.30, SB folds.

Flop: ($7.35) Kc, 2d, 9c (3 players)
BB bets $2.56 (All-In), CO calls $2.24 (All-In), Button calls $2.56.

Turn: ($14.71) As (3 players, 2 all-in)

River: ($14.71) 2c (3 players, 2 all-in)

Final Pot: $14.71
V.
PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.10 BB (6 handed) Poker Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)

Button ($3.05)
SB ($4.40)
BB ($10)
Hero ($4.80)
MP ($2.15)
CO ($9.45)

Preflop: Hero is UTG with Js, Kh.
Hero calls $0.10, MP calls $0.10, 2 folds, SB completes, BB checks.

Flop: ($0.40) Jc, 5h, Kd (4 players)
SB bets $0.1, BB raises to $0.5, UTGA raises to $1.4, MP folds, SB folds, BB raises to $4.5, UTGA raises to $4.7, BB calls $0.20.

Turn: ($9.90) 6d (2 players)

River: ($9.90) Qd (2 players)

Final Pot: $9.90

And finally, just some real dumb shit:
VI.
PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.25 BB (5 handed) Poker Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)


Hero ($21.15)
BB ($19.40)
UTG ($24.65)
MP ($30.50)
Button ($45.75)

Preflop: Hero is SB with Ac, 8c.
3 folds, SB raises to $0.5, BB calls $0.25.

Flop: ($1.10) 5h, 5c, 3h (2 players)
SB bets $0.25, BB calls $0.25.

Turn: ($1.60) Qs (2 players)

Hero checks, BB checks.

River: ($1.60) As (2 players)

Hero checks, BB bets $1.25, Hero calls $1.25.

Final Pot: $4.10

I'll publish the results later, but since I am whinning you know what happened. Boo hoo. Back to the tables.

The Sky Is Falling

...on online poker. Andrew Smith wields the "gloom and doom" card about online poker rooms and online bots.

Why? Because there's no real way to tell a program from a person. Crooks will enter programs -- or poker bots --as people. Human players will consistently lose. Eventually, all but the stupidest humans will just stop playing."

Personally, I don't understand the whole fear of Bots playing poker. I welcome them, because I exploit them. Firstly, bots are written by humans, and we know we are fundamentally flawed, so thus are bots. Secondly, bots have patterns like anything else and once found can be exploited.

Andrew fails to state which poker game he is refering to: Limit, No Limit, Omaha, etc. All which bots fair different results. I let Darse Billings speak:

That is a ridiculous conclusion -- this is not a catastrophe for online poker.

First, Ian's program only plays heads-up Limit Hold'em, which is not a popular variant. Modern programs are not strong at No Limit or multi-player games.

Secondly, it is not difficult to identify a known program. If you use the Fritz chess program to play chess on an online server, it will be obvious to everyone. The same applies for poker. Since using programs is against the poker site's terms of use, if you do it you will have your account closed permanently.

I started the research into poker AI in 1992, and we have had a very large team of excellent researchers working on the problem for many years. We have made a lot of progress over the past 16 years, but i can assure you, the sky is not falling.

Andrew sums up with his little timid chicken-ass mentality: Personally, I've never understood why so many people are so willing to risk so much money gambling online. It's not gambling dude, but skill. Maybe Andrew, feels better hording up his money in a savings account (lol), or gambling in a 401K.

RSS

I have to set up the RSS for 'PokerGambit.com,' but if you just can't wait you can find a feed now at www.pokergambit.blogspot.com, for now.

A Little Background

I think a little bio is due here.

This blog was created with the mindset to keep track of my poker game. I've played on a lot of sites: Bodog, PokerStars, FullTilt, UB, Titan, ParadisePoker (my first site). Currently, I have live accounts on UB, Bodog, and PS.

A few months ago, Bodog allowed me to transfer over some points (from previously play), into real cash that amounted to a whopping $5. Over the course of 90 days, I made that $5 into $500 playing micro limits. Not bad.

This is not my first time having real money on a site so by far, it's not a claim of being one of those wonders who deposited a few bucks and made it into thousands. I have made however, $100 dollars into a few hundred, and have also unfortunately made a $100 into $0...nothing special.

I am not the same player as I used to be. Making that $5 into $500, was proof to me that I have mastered some basics, namely bankroll management and proper play. More on that in another post, but I will say here it is one of the main reasons I started this site.

For now, I am divorcing myself from Bodog (until they have better payout options), and am playing at PokerStars grinding it out at .5/.10 and .10/.25. It took me about a week to adjust, because PS players are different monsters than the Bodogers.

Currently, I am down $40 as of last night due to some horrible suckouts. Not sure if I am playing tonight or this weekend.

Punta Del Esta

Doesn't it bite? You at work. Poker players in the cradle of Latin America doing what they do...you at work...

245 Person Waiting List To Play "Pokernubz"

Funny story in development, since March until now. A poker player named "Pokernubz" earned enough "medals"(750 in total), from playing on Fulltilt poker to be awarded his own table.

Funny thing is the player who created the table doesn't play at that limit, and probably created the table in hopes to play there one day. Ironically, the waiting list still grows.

Hard-Boiled Poker has more and the story with links.

The Poker Gambit Begins

You always want your first impression to be a good one, if not the best. It's that "Splash!" effect which is sought after in order to get the "Ooh!" reaction . I've blogged for many years now - five to be exact - and from experience, I know that it's not the first piece that gets you noticed, but constant effort that gets you prominence. Just like successful No-Limit poker players know, that it's not the one big pot that will rake in profits, but the small consistent ones that make your bankroll soar!

Let's not mistake this for a popularity contest. But, a promise of my best effort; the highest quality that I can offer to make this blog work. Everything else that follows is an aftereffect. Just like when you play your best game. It's not the money that you should worry about, but the best darn card playing you are capable of: the best raise, the best fold, the best bluff. What follows after is simply a result of your best effort - and that is money!

Anyway.

This is a poker blog. I enjoy playing poker. I also enjoy writing, so naturally it was only a matter of time that I write about poker. (Here would of been a good place to insert bio: how long I played...where I played...residence...occupation...wants...desires...favorite sex position...blah, blah, blah. But that would be a little too predictable, so let's savor moment and just know that we have begun.)

EDIT: ...okay, done with the moment. What we will server up here is nothing new. You'll find my goals as a poker player, strategy, hand analysis, commentary, what books I've read, interesting links, and some good old goofing around. Same as most, I am sure but the difference is it's mine, which means it's my perspective - and that's what matters most. If you find it worth sticking around then enjoy, if not then this is just another page on the vast world wide web.

Until the next hand...