Small Stakes Poker Player.

Few days off and Reflection

2012-01-14T11:03:00.003Z

After about a week of run bad I have taken a few days out from playing, partly due to feeling really ill, and wondering if I should continue to play the volume I have been trying to do. I know my downswing is not huge but sure has tilted me, maybe playing up to 16 tables at a time is too much for me at present and maybe I am not concentrating enough on each table.
So I think I will abandon the chase for this month and play less tables and take more time over each hand.
Also may play tiled rather than stacked and only play 4 games at a time.
May play 2 tables of $2.50 180s and 2 $1.50 18s.
I have been trying to 16 tables stacked $1.50 & $3.50 18s

So the new plan is to play only this for a while and try to get back to winning ways and get my confidence back a bit.
I do feel kinda gutted to give it up so early but think I need too.
On a good note I did win the live SNG last Thursday which I have not for a while so that did feel good.

Will be using the TCOOP deposit and play a $22 for free probably the NL Hold'em $400,000 Gtd on 20th Jan
Would be nice to score some cash in that but as I won't be rebuying I am not going to think about it too much.

Variance just Sucks!!

2012-01-11T18:23:00.003Z

Well The year started well, but it didn't last been on the wrong side of luck in almost every flip.
If I get money in good as favorite they suck out which has been the story for last week.
Say I get it in with AQ suited, opponent will call with say q5 off suite and hit the 5.
so fed up with busting like this all the time, have though about quiting my goal for month and just trying to get back to at least even but am going to try and push through the bad patch.
Here is graph for year so far. I hate it.

As you can see started real well, and been a sky slop with a nice jump then smooth down ramp for landing.
Almost 40% to goal so slightly ahead of schedule.
Back at the tables tomorrow evening.

Jan 2012 Week 1

2012-01-08T19:01:00.004Z

Well the Week started off better than I expected first 2 days booked a very healthy Profit and ROI of 50.21%. Then the variance kicked in and I could not win a flip if my life depended on it, and over next few days lost petty much all the profit back. I have to say it certainly is slightly tilting to be doing so well, onlt to see it turn to nothing the next day.
Finally today I played a few less tables in last set of tables and managed to turn things around and back in profit, not as high as on the 3rd Jan but happy overall ROI to date for the year of 13.71%.
Also I am now 28% of the way to Silver for the month.
Here is the graph for the first week, made up of half and half 18man $1.50 & $3.50

Vague 2012 Goals

2011-12-31T14:22:00.004Z

Over Christmas I was thinking about if I should make some goals for my poker for 2012.
The main problem I have is my day job means that scheduling things is hard as I never know where I will have to go from one day to the next.

However that being said I intend to try to make silver as many months as I can. Currently I intend to play 18man SNG’s but as I am really only starting I will still be playing the micro stakes $1.50 & $3.50

I currently have a little over $700 in my PokerStars account so I do have a little over 200buyins for the $3.50 games, and with bonus’s and a little run good (Hopefully) I can grow it, and hopefully maybe move up to the $7 games later in the year. This would mean it would be easier to make Silver monthly and then I could look at getting Gold with the $7 games.

So back to making Silver, I intend to try and play at least 30games every other day 15 $1.50 and 15 $3.50 10 tabling and building it to 16 if I am happy with my play. This also means that I will need to play about 18 days of the month, which is one thing I may struggle with but am going to give it a try.

Going to go over some Hand Histories this afternoon and try and get my head into it.
Also not to drink too much tonight, with the New Year’s celebrations. Good luck me.

New Begginning

2011-11-30T19:24:00.003Z

Well it has been a while since I updated my blog properly or even played much poker. Guess I was just fed up with being 3 outer’d consistently. So even after a coaching session I decided to just stop and just play some other games for a while.

Played some 8-Game cash and limit games with a few Omaha H/L Micro MTT’s for variation.

Anyway looking to start playing my 18man SNG’s again, and play a decent amount from beginning of the new year. I expect I will lose for a while as I get used to playing again but hope to ride it out and try to get better. I think I may try to play about 10 games a day, 5x $3.50 and 5x $1.50. Thursday is going to be a problem to play them as time is short after I get home from work and getting out too play my regular Live SNG at the local pub. I need to play another 150 $1 games before I get to a thousand, and I hope to get these played before the new year.

So can I have some run good please.

Here is my current 18man graph at $1 games

Have been trying teach learn some PLO recently too which is such an interesting game. I play some of the small amount of cash I have on Cake and doing ok, but getting killed on PokerStars, game seems to play so much different on stars, but will continue with it.

Played a few games today during my lunch and found a monster fish. I like having him at my tables. Here is his sharkscope.

Been a While

2011-10-30T21:58:00.002Z

Well I know I have not blogged since August which I know is bad. But didn't really have anything I wanted to say.
I did have a great review of my 18man SNG's by a top player but have yet to get back into the games.
It does seem that since Black Friday they have got harder, some people would probably say otherwise but it does appear so. I will get back to playing them but probably in the new year.

So right now I am playing some Limit games games like, 8-game, O8, and 2-7
Always liked the lowball games and O8 for sure. But to be honest even those games are not going great.
I am planning to play them fairly regularly and working up from .10/20 and .25/.50 and see how I do. I will post some graph's soon, so you can see what a huge fish I am at present.

Well that's about the sum of it for now, will try to start updating more often.

If its broken it needs Fixing

2011-08-19T19:51:00.003+01:00

Fixing things

Well I have to say in the games I have been playing since beginning of April I was running pretty hot with an ROI 34% which was not going to continue. So when I hit some variance I got pretty despondent.

Through July I battled through as I had a target I wanted to hit, and I made it played over 400 games and had a ROI of 6.37% which was ok.

Then came Start of August and and so far I have played 157 games with ROI of -24.35%

One saving grace was I used the BOTP bonus deposited $20 and got a free $7 SNG ticket. Which I used and came second for about $34, free money, so why not. Was a funny game as first hand on the button I had AA and doubled up, never looked back.

So I got in contact with a winning player (not going to say who in case they get inundated) who very kindly took a look at some of my Hand Histories and pointed out some my major leaks. There were a lot, I don’t mind admitting that. So I took the critical look that he had given my play and ran over the last few hundred of my other games to see if there was an obvious pattern. There was.

So last few days while going over them, I have been playing a few PLO8 tourny’s, for fun, and to keep my game going. (Do like PLO8)

Made a few min cash’s and found some MASSIVE PLO8 fish people who have played like 4000 games and are down $4000 love to see them sat at my table. Had one guy who was chip leader for a while with a VPIP of 82% over about 110 hands PFR:45 was in almost every pot, then all of a sudden Poof and he was gone.

I ended up Bubbling for 10^th spot in a $3.30 PLO8 today for small cash but out of 340 I was happy with my play. Yesterday I came 18^th out of 559 in a $2.20 so got a few things to work on there too, but over all I think I got good hand selection.

Anyway back to my 18 mans. So after my telling off (I needed it) I played a few games today. I made a small lose but played about 100% better. Did tighten up a few times, but defiantly made the shoves and calls more than I had been doing before. On the last games I was 2^nd and a shorty who was shoving a lot shoved I called with AK he had 44 and I didn’t catch up , left with 900 or so which went in next hand and that was that 5^th, but I know I played better.

Also been trying to make up some VPP’s so I can to 300 for the month and make Gold (90% discount this month) Thanks PokerStars so been playing some .10/.25 FR PLO8 about breakeven but decent VPP’s as some big pots are seen of these small tables will continue with this through the month and hopefully play some VIP freerolls end of month and next.

So I need about 90 more VPP’s which I think I will easily make and hopefully turn the month around into a winning one.

Also I am making an effort to get back in shape, kick boxing class is not running this month so as I have a bridle way a few hundred yards away, I have been trying to cycle of Run it at least every other day, will also haelp in September when Kick Boxing starts again, can't wait for that, best exercise I can think of!! Oh and I have been lent a copy of P90x now this builds strength, takes a lot of work and sweat great workout series though.

August & PokerStars Discount 90%

2011-08-08T19:27:00.007+01:00

PokerStars VIP Discount. Well this was a turn up for the books.
I finally managed to get to Silver but this is only due to the 90% in VPP's needed.
This also means that if I work hard I can get to GOLD and even PLATINUM by the end of the month, but I know it will only be short lived. I hope to change this image as I go through the month.
This also means that I will get to play some decent FPP freerolls trough August and September, just a pain they are on Saturdays, which is a day I like to go watch the Rugby on, which normally means a few beers are sunk. And with the Rugby World Cup starting in September, and England's first game on 10th Sept at 20:30 its gonna clash.

This is a lovely pint, Wadsworth Henrys Smooth.

Well it seems the year the year is flying by at record pace. I think I need to set myself a target to get to by the end of the year, but can't decide what to make it.
Should I make it total of 1500 18mans.
Now I know that does not sound much but I work 9-5 plus travel time so get to play around 10 a day'ish
I have currently played 756 of the $1 level games.
So in 244 games I intend to get into some of the $3.50 games which i will do buy playing 50% at $1.50 level and 50% $3.50 level, but I will not make this jump if my graph is going in the wrong direction and I take a big downswing.
So here are my games so far in graph and table format.
Table Format.

And here is the Graph

Foot note is I heard that Full Tilt is looking to possibly getting a license from the good old indian reserve. Not sure where I heard but was on internet somewhere.

Reload Bonus Finished

2011-07-20T18:04:00.003+01:00

Well its been a frustrating couple of weeks, been continuing with running at about break even. Which is for sure better than losing.

I played 405 of the $1.50 18mans for the 400 VPP's I need for my tiny tiny bonus of $20.

But hey its the first time I have made a target I set for play, and it has been tough.

Playing about 10 tables for 6 or 7 hours at a time is not normal for me, and was tiring, so props for all the grinders out there who can sit for massive sessions.

Figures for this are as follows;

Games Played 405 Profit $38.72 ROI 6.37% Bonus's+Rewards $30

So over the course of month so far profit of $38.72

Now the most games I have ever played in a month is 210 so as I still have 11 days left I should get to over 500 which will be great for me.

I don't think I will get the 750 for the VIP upgrade as it means playing about the same again which is not going to be possible for me with my work schedule over next 2 weeks.

I have played about 660 of the micro 18's now and think I may start to add the $3.50 18s into the mix when I get to 1000, or if I get to $350 profit before.

This way I will have won the 100 buy ins, and I won't include bonus's and stellar rewards. They will be put to the side for income, so I can actually take something out with the 3% I allocate of my buy ins for each month in my spreadsheet for income.

I do this mainly to make sure I am taking the game the way I want, a second revenue stream which I hope to build up over time and as I progress.

Have been watching all the old series of High Stakes Poker over this month also, which is great to watch, do miss AJ & Gab, Kara is Hot but the humour of AJ & Gab pair was just fantastic.

Also I preferred the table where they all sat around it rather than on one side. Just personal preference. Also been watching the feed for WSOP.

Bryan Devonshire well done, so sorry you didn't make the November 9 but $600,000 plus has to be good still. Love your PokerVT video's

PokerStars Reload Bonus Part Deux

2011-07-11T21:26:00.003+01:00

Well so far so good. I have played over half the games needed for my reload bonus, and in only 9 days of which I didn't play for 3 of them. This meant that Saturday 9th I had to play more games than I have ever played in a day, that number being 80. Now I know that does not sound very many, but Is a lot for a recreational player like myself.
Although I am trying to play more consistently, I try to play 20 18man SNG's day after work Mon, Tues, Wed, & Fri. Thursday is RedTooth pub poker league, which is a fun game, of which I have taken the league trophy 3 times now, and been part of the top team at regional final.
Anyway back to online game. So I only reloaded $100 so am playing for a free $20 not a lot I know, but only playing the micro $1.32 +.32 18 mans in sets of 10 at a time takes a while. To play the 80 I played on Saturday took best part of 9 hours, as I play all 10 down before starting new. I will start to fire new ones as old close soon but trying to make sure I play all spots when on bubble and ITM with my A game so as games get close to end I can concentrate on them more. Also to add to the hardship of grinding, I caught a virus at the end of the week, so coughing a lot and feeling crap does not help your game, so was half tilted before I started.
It is amazing the amount of bad beats I had and split pots on bubble making it hard to cash, but I did continue whereas before I may have quit with some of the things I saw. I have been reading JAred Tendlers great book, The Mental Game of Poker. So knew as I have had such a good run I am kinda due some bad variance.
But it still hurts. Here is break down of results.
80 Games 4293 hands which is about 1000 short of what I expected had I been in the money more and more wins.
3 1st places.
7 2nd places.
6 3rd places.
3 4th places.

It was a very painful day

I then played another 20 on Sunday, and have just played 20 after work, so am well on the way to releasing the other $10 of re-load by next Wednesday 20th if I only play 20 a day from now, bar Thursday.
Results were not much better, with a couple of 2nds 3 3rds, for a small lose.

However I still have a profit of $34.36 for a 9.54 ROI so far including today.
Here is the graph

So hopefully with the second $10 plus profit, plus I also have a Small Stellar Reward which I should get on Friday it should be a decent month. As I need to clear 400 VPP's for my bonus, I need to play 405 games which means I will have almost doubled my months play from previous high of 210 games. But I may try to smash that and go for 758 games and get to Silver status on PokerStars but cannot guarantee I will manage it, but will try.

I was going to move up and start playing the $3.50 games a little while ago, but have now decided to wait until I get to 1000 of the Micro $1.50 18s before I start on them which if the graph of all my 18 mans goes as it is, should be around $350 profit which is 100 buyins.

But will make the decision on that when time comes and if I am happy with the way my games are going.

So here is a graph so far for my Micro $1 18mans since I started on 1st April 2011.

PokerStars Reload

2011-07-03T11:18:00.006+01:00

Going to set my target this month to play 404 18man SNG's at least on stars by the 22nd July. This will be the number I need to obtain the full 20% of my deposit using PokerStars Reload bonus.
Now this may not sound a lot of games but most I have ever played in one month before is 210, so will be hard one for me, but going to make it.

Played 70 so far, Only playing 10 game sets at a time currently at 6.32% ROI, so at least in profit

Will update as I go, hopefully if i can stay motivated then I can play enough to get to silver VIP, as will be adding in some $3.50 18s when I hit a certain number as I go.

Good Luck Me.

Good day

2011-06-13T18:46:00.002+01:00

Day started well, as I had a day off, had a few things to do, including erecting a Scaffold tower to fix the leaking/broken guttering at back of house. Once that was done I decided to play some poker.
I am continuing my Microstake run through 18man SNGs, and played 30 today 3 sets of 10. I made a profit on each set, and finished with a ROI of 79.49% for a profit of $35.77 which takes me closer to playing some of the next level up in order of $3.50 19mans. (I have played a few when TableNinja went a bit mad and registered me for them incorrectly.) But games seemed same play was not any different. So now only $20.16 away from the $600 mark
Also I purchased the Book called "The Mental Game of Poker" which arrived today, so read a bit of this and have to say there is some really useful info in there. Love the adult learning section.

Anyway back to the poker, had one game which was great as at heads up I had about 2500 chips so was way behind but I was adamant I was going to win, and I brought it back and won which was great.

Going to eat dinner and go over the hand histories for the day now. GL all.

Today's graph

June so far

2011-06-10T19:35:00.003+01:00

Well its the 10th June and I have only played 50 SNG's this month, with 30 of them being today, had intended to play about 50 but only playing set of 10 at time, and just ran out of time this afternoon, after slow start, didn't start playing until 13:30 as went to gym this morning, which was good as felt great afterwards and ready to play.
So the 30 I played today only $1.32 +.18 18man on Poker Stars. Broke the $100 profit in theses smallest of micro stakes 18man games. BR on PS up to $544 now so when it gets to $600 will move to the $3.16+.34.

I have mixed a few of them in a few times and they play about the same so think I will probably do OK at them but will wait until I get to the $600 mark, which will be 171 Buy ins for that level which will give me good comfort zone.

Last Sunday I went to play in the RedTooth Pub Poker league Southwest Regional final, but only managed 23rd place but between the 3 of us from our pub, we won pub of the season for all 3 of us finishing high, John was 32, and Neil was 3rd. Here is the link to the picture of us 3 ugly Sods, I am on the left Neil (Tall in middle and John right) http://redtoothpoker.com/news/?p=2177

So round up so far for June , played 50 games Profit $31.99 ROI 42.65..... 7 1sts 4 2nds 2 3rds 1 4th
Going to play another 30 at least tomorrow, and again on Monday.

Oh and I brought the Mental Game of Poker on Amazon by Jared Tendler.

Last Months Rubbish

2011-05-13T18:43:00.003+01:00

Well its been a while.......

Have hardly played for about a month which is so bad, and I feel bad for it.
I guess since the Black Friday thing I felt a bit lost from the game, and took most of my money out of the sites.
Played a few 18mans here and there, but worked away for over a week, and weekends have been manic.
Like this coming one I have a wedding Saturday, and niece and newphew christening on Sunday so don't think I wil be playing much until next week.
Did win the local Redtooth Pub Poker league, so wil lbe off to the Regional finals again probably in June Some Time at the Gala casino in Bristol. Oh and Last nights first game of new league I won too, so pretty happy with the way thats going.

So on to the Stars CockUp!! Glad to see they have made some good changes in my games 18mans $1.75 is now better value as is the $3.50.
Its now $1.54 +.21 & $3.16+.34 which is good. So definatly be playing them again next week in evenings after work. Well unless of course Stars decided to mess things up again.
Obviously the new rake structure will make getting my first Silver star harder has have to play more than ever before, but as I go up in stakes it should happen some time.

On another note while Stars have been messing around with things I played few games on wednesday evening and Table Ninja registered me for some $3.32 18s (or whatever the buyin was) yet my filter was set up for only the $1.15's strange, but not too bothered as thinking of playing the $3 ones soon anyway.

Anyway see you at the tables!!! As going to get going again.

Oh almost forgot here is my graph for Aprils SNG's not lot of volume, or profit but trying to learn the 18s from the bottom up.

Just as I find a format I am happy with

2011-04-16T09:07:00.002+01:00

I know its been blogged and put through the mill online, but got to put some of my thoughts down.

Does the DOJ in US know what its doing? So much for Land of the Free!
How many people who play online for living, have now been denied the right to earn a living?

I hope all my Friends and players in online world have got some cash put off-line to see this period through. (MI_Turtle and Epitomised) watching both these 2 has inspired me to get back to the games. James your normal games are filling but oh so slowly, as I am sure you are aware.

On a Personal note I had just found a format I was really getting happy with and winning at over small sample. The games are filling up but so slowly maybe it will pick up later, but not sure I am in the right frame of mind to play 1 table at a time and waiting for an age for another to fill.

So sorry for all US players lets hope this gets resolved quickly and we can get back to normal

Concentrating more Helps!!!

2011-04-12T19:24:00.007+01:00

Well after deciding to cut down my tables 2 only 4 for a while and tiling rather than stacking I think it has made a good difference and am a bit happier in my game again. I know we all have lows and high's in this game but sometimes you just can't help but curse the damn cards, and call the pokersite all the names under the sun.

I mean take a look at my sharkscope graph ,I managed to lose most of the $300 profit I had made playing 180 $2.20's by stop playing them, (due to F&*King new neighbour in my old house, who was DIY freak and I could not concentrate on playing at all with constant hammering every weekend and evening, so moved. Happy now in nice detached quiet area.) So started playing and messed around in some 6max which went really well too start with then nose dived, but if I am honest I should have played through it, but gave up due to Tilt, and took Christmas off instead of working on my game.
So after Christmas I Had a go at some 45mans and just ran bad, played some of the micro stakes 50/50 games which were fun and messed around with my multi tabling skills, LOL skills!!! Then went back to the $2.20 180s and found they had kinda got tougher, I know MI_Turtle had a prop bet going when I was playing them to take down 5 wins for like $40K from I believe Spacegravy, after he failed twice to make $100 into big bucks playing the micro SNG's like 180 $2.20s
MI_Turtle (Nick) I believe won the bet as I saw him take 4 wins.

So I started watching MI_Turtle (Nick) and Epitomised (James) playing the 18mans when I was home I studied what they were doing and though, I wonder if that sort of strategy could work in the Micro'est of micro stakes the 18man $1.50+.25 14% rake!!!!! extortion I hear you cry.
So far I have played 157 of which 147 this month which is a lot for me. (must try harder)

Anyway sometimes you have a great game where you can do no wrong.
Take these 3 hands, from the quickest 18man I have won so far.
Hand number 2

All the money goes in on the turn I take out 2 players, and give myself a nice chip lead.
Next big hand is number 28

This one is great I start in SB with total of 4260 at 100/200
short stack with 8BB shoves, and 2 players behind ship there 11BB in each, and I am sat there with KK so only having to call 11BB to see this pot at 3:1 I think I am in a good spot, and I do take it down and bust the table by knocking out 3 players. with a stack now of $10695

So on to hand 51 after I just burst the money bubble.
As I had been shoving with my stack I picked up AA and thought why stop just cos I have big hand. Shipped it and got a call from the second chip leader who had AJ, and on the turn it was all over.
It didn't take long to finish the last 2 players off who were nice in the chat, and glad I took the others out, I think I knocked out 9players in total in that game. Shame there was no bounty's

Anyways enough bragging or I will and probably have jinxed myself now!! Opps, but cant help it when you are feeling good.
Also picked up a bonus today in the process of winning that game, thanks PokerStars. BR now at $546 if I get it to $600 before end of the month I will try some of the $3.40 18's just put a few in the mix and see how it goes.
Never know in a year or so I may be playing the $16's and $27's with the likes of Epitomsied and MI_Turtle, damn that would be a honour and scary though as they crush those games.

Laters.......

Concentrate more

2011-04-10T13:16:00.005+01:00

After yesterday, and not being able to see my screens properly with the Sun streaming in the window, I decided that I had to re-arrange my office so wouldn't happen again.
So here is the new location, and how I got it setup. Its made up of Dell Quad Core Inspiron 530 with 4GB Ram, Dell 23inch (1920x1080) screen and Dell 19inch Screen (1440x900), cant afford 30inch, but would love to get one sometime, when I win enough to comfortably afford it. Also got Logitech G-13 Gamepad for Hotkeys which works real well. Logitech Wireless mouse, with back up wired standard dell mouse.
Have not played today, as had to get that sorted and get curtain up. Also it was too nice this afternoon to sit inside all day, and I have a kick Boxing lesson this evening.
I am currently behind schedule with games by 62 and with the downswing I took fri/sat I am thinking maybe I am trying to run before I can walk, I was playing 10tables stacked, and I know I missed spots and shoved when ICM says I should probably not with a few real short stacks at the table, so maybe I need to cut down and concentrate more on fewer tables.
However this would mean I would miss my target of 544 games for Silver Status. Playing fewer would mean I will fall behind even more, but maybe I should work on my leaks rather than volume at the moment.
I thought about trying some 18man $3.40 as I have the BR to play catch a bit up but I want to work through the levels correctly and know I am winning rather than just getting lucky.
I have installed SNGWIZ on an old laptop so I can review play and see what it thinks of some of my play, and hopefully plug some wholes.
During Friday evening and Saturday morning I dropped $27 over 60 games which was very frustrating after starting the month so well. So late afternoon yesterday I decided to play 2 small sets of just 4 tables tiles at a time, and got back to only a loss of $14 from Fridays high. So felt better and is my reasoning for thinking I need to slow the play down some.

So if anyone has advise or comments will be gladly accepted.

Running good

2011-04-05T23:13:00.005+01:00

Running Good as the title Say's.
Played another 20 $1.75 18man SNG on Pokerstars tonight after work and ran pretty good ROI for the 20 was 85.14% with a profit of $29.80
I had 2 1st Place 2 2nd's 4 3rd's and 2 4th's Would have liked it with more firsts but I was trying to push more later around and get chipped up before bubble and then shoving after bubble as I have been watching MI_Turtle and Epitomised do day in day out.
Does seem to work and will have to continue with the strategy I have been using as seems ok at moment.
Going to install SngWiz at weekend on an old laptop so I can look at some spots properly as I know I made some bad calls at bubble to bust in 5th. I know I could have made money in at least 2 of the other tourney had I looked to my left at stack sizes before calling a shove with my 55 or A6 instead of crippling myself.
Did have 1 great table where I was in 7th and last place with 835chips at 100/200 ante 25 and managed to come back and win it, by determination.
From the next hand A8o I shoved from small blind and made sure I was in almost every hand playing for the win. Which I did with 6hTh Board was AdTd2h so I had middle pair and back door flush draw. $2550 in pot, I check he bets $1200, I call.
Turn was the 8h giving me the flush draw and 2nd pair. I check again he bets $1200 I shove my stack and he snap calls for his last $6070 (I still have $7510 chips back) So I am winning with the Pair of tens but river the 3h for flush to be sure.
Anyway enough of the bragging.
I am still 40 games behind schedule but here is my graph for the 60 so far. Yes I know its only a small sample of games, but I am pleased with it so far.

Definitely feels good to be winning a few games again, but waiting for the downswing/correction/variance as it is bound to happen sometime, just hope its not too soon.
Also was doing some research on the microstakes grinders on SharkScope, and boy would I like a graph like "jkfocus" currently he is mainly playing 18man Turbo NL Omaha H/L and crushing them. So Well Done sir, I salute that.

April so far

2011-04-03T22:11:00.002+01:00

Well, I am down 20 games already on my target but things to take care of most of this weekend, but will make up.
Its going well so far and I have played 40 of the $1.75 18man SNGs this month, and am not including the 10 I played on 31/3/11
Did bust first hand tonight on 1 of my tables when I called a shove with KK, and the villain had AA good game quick but oh well. Could not fold KK there, as you so often see a player shove first hand with Any2, so thought I may get chance to double up early but......
Anyway got to go to bed soon as early start for work tomorrow. so here is my graph for month so far for these games.

Try to get back in the Game

2011-04-01T20:10:00.003+01:00

Well its been a while since I played and had a bit of a win.
So thought I would go back the start. I.e at the bottom.
Playing the 18man SNG's on PokerStars. at $1.75 level
Played 10 yesterday after work and another 10 today.
Turned a small profit of $5.50 which is ROI of 15.71%

I know it is a Very very small sample but I feel comfortable
with the game and normally fire up 10 games at same time
which will help my multi table practise for when I get better
and move up the stakes.
Going to try to play a few hundred this month and see how
they go and study all Hand Histories to find the spots I should
have pushed and the ones where I should have folded.

Also while playing today I simplified my PokerTracker HUD
as I felt it was cluttered and there was too much to try to look at.
So got rid of some of the stats and made the font a point bigger,
and I am much happier with it now.
Would like to try to get to Silver this month which would mean I need
to play a total of 544 of these games which means only 534 to go. LOL
But I do have a 11 day break at the end of the month with the extra
bank holiday, and need to play 17.53 games a day so already behind
by 7.51, oops
Well may try to catch up tomorrow.
Will update as I progress.

UFC 126 and Omaha HL

2011-03-02T14:22:00.003Z

Just been watching the UFC 126, damn wish I could have known about this fight earlier as I do like to follow the UFC as I am a bit of a Kick Boxer, what a match the Jon Jones V Ryan Bader.
Love the style of Jones with the spinning elbows and Flying Kicks. Al thought Bader has such a good stand up game with so much power in his punching using left or right both put opponents on their backs with ease when he connects.
Have regularly bet on UFC but betting on the USA fights is always hard on VC as they don't really bill them, and normally have to make a call to place bet which is annoying.
Jones Managed to win with a tap out after getting a neck hold and chocking him.

Anyway bit of poker been playing some micro Omaha HL as its a game I have had success in before so playing that now for a a few days as done my back in Friday so hooked PC up to my TV and playing on that as nice big screen, and playing from my bed, arrrhh comfy at least even if in a bit od pain.

Brutal Day today

2011-02-19T21:09:00.003Z

Well decided to get back to playing the 180 $2.20 on PokerStars this afternoon and damn was hard one, 40 games (I know not really that much but decent volume for me.) Found that I had the SNG Master MI_Turtle at a lot of my tables early in the afternoon which made me defiantly have to concentrate more when he was in the same pots as me. Had a nice lead on a few tables but managed to lose a lot of key flips, after all said and done only made 1 7th place, so down a nice lump but that's poker. Don't think I will look up my sharkscope today as it will look a bit horrid.
But did pick up a $10 bouns sometime during the day, so only down about $60 on the day, anyway off out for a quick beer I think.

Fifty50 P3

2011-02-15T08:14:00.002Z

Played another 40 of the micro Fifty50 games last night after work, and was working on my game rather than winning money, which I hope is the end result.
For example when I had around 5000 chips I would open with a much wider range to 2.2 or 2.3x and get so many people folding if there was a shorty around I found if I checked each hand rather than hitting fold and actually looked I could see that is was defiantly a spot to open knowing that the opponents would be inclined to fold rather than raise/shove into my stack, so they could sneak into the money. This certainly helped me finish a good few of these and triple my buyin cost.
Also I worked on not shoving so much when only 6 players left without looking at who was behind me to act, and what sort of stats they had.
I did end up losing a small amount when I ran full house into Quad Kings 2 games in a row, but I am happy with my play and the amount of VPP's I managed to obtain for small amount of time/play when the rake is only $0.08 per game.
Also on way i watched some deuces cracked video last night while eating my dinner, and found tight to right pretty interesting, with some great points. I like the thinking and the way the coach presented some spots. I do have to say on the bubble he really differed from the theory of keeping the short stack around to wear the middle stack down before making the money, in order to keep him from making any moves and arriving at the money with less chips to fight you with.
Anyway back at work now so have to think rather than write about or play poker.

glgl

Fifty50 Part Deux

2011-02-13T22:23:00.003Z

Well just played another 40 of the $1.08 so total this evening of 60 of them, which is not bad volume for me, may go for the $5.24 version once I get in 500 of the $1.08s and showing a profit, as I can get decent volume in at these.
I was played 3 sets of 20 10tabling, which I found very manageable. 20 all done in around an hour, with the load up and wind down.
I think if I play enough of these I could get up the VIP level for a change.
But not making any promises for that. Of for the figures after playing 60 of these I made a huge profit of $1.40 which is ROI of 2.16% and took 32.2 VPP's with it.
I did find some leaks that I had, which meant I bubbled in 6th too many times where I would have reasonable hand and show have folded but didn't take the time to look at all the stakes and see that it should have been a fold, with someone else sat there with like 1 or 2 BB.

But hopefully by taking my time more I will do better next time, now I know what I was doing wrong there.
Here is the graph of the 60

Fifty50 on Stars

2011-02-13T19:28:00.002Z

I have just given the new Fifty50 Games a try on PokerStars. Only the smallest £1.08 played 20 and they are ok. For the Buyin I was surprised at the play. Made a small profit on them cashed in 12 of them and a couple of them for over $3. One of them I managed to just get in the money but still lost .07cents. lol
Going to play a load more, well when I say load a load for me anyway.

So far its going ok

2011-01-24T22:33:00.005Z

Well Started with a nice downswing bit like how I am running generally at the moment. But I am keeping going and hope to improve.
But was down just under a quarter of the small roll I have decided to challenge myself with.
But was feeling good as I know I can win here after watching the games here I had to try this.
So today when I sat down I got dealt a pretty good starting hand from BB, it was 9h 8c Jh 7c I had watched and noted that if I raised here all would call and I really wanted to see flop in my first hand of the day. It came down 3h 9c 6h
Don't think I could have really asked for more out of the flop. Turn was a 5c which was great I had nut straight, straight flush draw in clubs and, small to the Jack Heart flush.
River came Kc which gave me the pot as oddly enough opponent had same had in Diamonds and Spades.
This hand a few others I played and now I am only down $1.48 which I am happy about as I adjust to these games more, and the player pool.

Decided to give myself a 2011 test

2011-01-22T22:11:00.003Z

Have reloaded my old Titan account with a massive £20 and going to try to run it up playing micro stakes PLO
played about 120 hands so far and am down to these donks for about $1.33 but have to get reads and see how they play. playing 6max and micro Heads Up.
The rake is Horrendous but should be fun, and after all its only £20 if I bust it

Pokerstars WBCOOP

2011-01-16T19:53:00.000Z

I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker! The WBCOOP is a free online Poker tournament open to all Bloggers, so register on WBCOOP to play.

Registration code: XXXXXX 622938

Feeling at a bit of a loss

2010-12-06T11:08:00.003Z

On a what I feel is a brutal downswing, but am sure its just normal, and I was probably running too good for it to last anyway. Going to try to play some 18 & 45man's today to make a change from the 6max's.
Will update once day is done.
Here is my disappointing 6max graph so far, as was doing great to start with.

The Micro's

2010-12-05T10:49:00.003Z

I know this has done the rounds but I just love it so got to add it to my blog

2nd day of play

2010-12-04T20:45:00.003Z

well played 30 games today, and yes I know it not many but trying to make the moves and plays rather too many mistakes. Did try playing with tables in "stacked" mode, which I found very good and was easy to see the action and I think it helped, so will add some more tables tomorrow playing that way as will get more volume in quicker.
So for today's results. VPP's earned 41.4. but with a loss of $7.50
For the month I now have 71.34 which is almost 10% done.
Will try to play about 40 or so games tomorrow, and will update once done.

Silver by end of December

2010-12-04T14:25:00.002Z

Well as I failed to make enough VPP's to make Silver, which I know is pathetic if I am honest, I just ran out of time due to work load.
But I am going to get there this month, luckily as there is the Christmas Holiday I will be able to make up and games that I need during the 10days I have off, even with visiting family and celebrating.

So where am I up to so far, I have 29.94VPP's so need to get another 720.06 to get to silver.
I have $30 dollars worth of bonuses I get $10 when I hit 750 for the year which I am 221 away from, and I have a Pokerschoolonline $20 bonus pending an will get that when I make 500 this month.
So looking good to make it.
Am going to play 6max $3.25 SNG, also may also play some 45man $3.25 as well, but will only be 4 tabling which means I need to play longer sessions to get the number of points needed, and I need to play about 20 or so games a day including days I am working, so will probably need to Christmas break to catch up I am sure.
Anyway better go and play, so seeya at the tables.

Some time's you just hate the River!

2010-11-20T10:24:00.006Z

Well wanted to play 100 games yesterday, but fell short, only managed 48 $3.25 6max SNG.
It was a day of mainly frustration, with a few glimmers of hope.
I ended up with a $0.60 profit at the end, and earned 66.24 VPP's but am still short by 510.90 to reach Silver, so I think I will fail unless I play higher games to make extra rake! Which I am not sure if I really want to do that, even though I do have the Bankroll for it, Currently have $663.69 in Pokerstars account so could play the $6.50 is i wanted as have 100 Buyin's but rather have 200 buyins to allow for variance safely, but this means I have to play another 370 before the end of the month, and that will be a struggle if I am honest.
Only playing 4 tables in 12 game Set's currently and don't feel comfortable to play more tables too early. I prefer tiling tables so I can see action going on, but I know if I stacked them I could play more, but that would effect my ROI for sure.
So here is a graph from yesterday's 48 games, as you can see it didn't start well, getting busted and river everywhere.

Here is a graph for all the 6max games so far for November.

Did have one hand which I really liked, however going into the flop there was four of us all-in. Game was at 100/200 I was in SB with AA, UTG raised All-in with K6 for 1789, CO folded, BTN shoved his JJ for 1376, I shoved my AA for my 2505, BB calls his remaining 1135 with KT. So there was 6289 in pot and it all came my way.
Suffice to say I won the game as had a 7:1 lead over the remaining player. Here is a picture of hand.

Going to try to play more today, and going to review some hands as think I noticed some places yesterday where I have some leaks.
One thing I did notice was I was winning from position. i.e the Button, which is good.

Have noticed from my stats that I think I may be playing too much from the SB, will monitor it to make sure its not too much of a leak.

Compared to yesterday

2010-11-17T23:30:00.003Z

Played another 14 6max SNG's and I could hardly ever hit a flop, turn or river. Still made a small profit in the end, but main thing is made some more VPP's but not enough, still got so much to by end of month, about 575 to go.
Found some great Fish. I was sharkscoping players I thought were not great, and let me say I found players that had lost $Thousands at my tables, so guess thats why I made a profit still.
Cant play tomorrow, but will be hitting tables first thing Friday morning, as have day off.
Would like to try and get in about 100 games if I can, but as I am only 4 tabling currently will be a push to say the least. I mean even today I made a number of miss clicks, like looking at a table where I am HU, and hitting my All-in button on G13 when a different table is the highlighted one. Doh!!

Anyway Good luck at tables

Am not playing enough Damn it!!

2010-11-16T20:33:00.003Z

Been ill for abut a week, so only few games played, which means I am about 600VPP to go to reach Silver on stars.
But I have this friday off and the weekend then not working monday or tuesday, but am working monday during night for few hours. But think I will be able to try and catch up over those 5 days.
Played 8 games after work today, adn went well. Cant believe haw many big PP's I had.
AA 5 times, but got walked twice, also KK 5 times and got walk twice also. Annoying but still won the hand which is good!

going to continue to play only these 6max games for this month. Here is a graph on how they are going so far this month.

May mix a few $6.50 of these later as I get closer to end of month to get extra VPP's if needed. Not worried if I end up down on cash for the month, just trying to push myself to play some volume, even if it is so small.
Am only 4 tabling, as like to be able to see the action on all my tables, so makes it harder to get decent volume in.

Anyone got a decent tips on cascading and not losing every table, as Ihear the other tables beeping and start panicing to get there. So any advise would be welcome.

GL at the tables.

Playing only to win!!

2010-11-07T17:44:00.004Z

While I have been challenging myself to get to Silver on Pokerstars this month, I have been reviewing my hands and ICM, and noticed that on a couple of the 3rd place's I got (i.e No Money) I put myself out by shoving into the big stack when there is only 3 of us and someone has only 500 or 600 and I stupidly bust and let them make the money.
So I intend to fix that by reviewing and taking more notice of stacks when in same spot.

On the flip side to that today and yesterday the 19 games I played, if I cashed I took 1st place which I am proud of that.

Still I have only just got to 99.32 VPP so far so have to catch up a bit over next few weeks to get back on track. I am only 4 tabling currently as want to be able to watch the action rather than just firing up tables and having to rush. So I am trying to make sure I don't try to get ahead of myself with the multi-tabling.
May play a few more later tonight, but need to go out for bit.

Played a few games

2010-11-02T23:11:00.002Z

Well off to a start to get off Bronze this month, sad I know.

Made 41.76 VPP's so 708.24 to go.
Wanted to play at least 50 or so today, but Could not get my Logitech game pad to work with Table Ninja, If I set keys up they worked in everything like notepad, word etc... But not in Pokestars with TN. Not sure why, so just played 4 tables at once, in sets of 4.
Played 10 $2.20 180's and then 16 6max $3.25.
Didn't cash in any of the 180's so lost out there, but had 5 2nd's and 2 1st's in the 6 max games so small profit there, but still lose overall.
But I am playing for VPP's with little lose as I can, to make the points.
Will try to get about 10 in after work tomorrow.

Windows 7 WTF ??? Part 2

2010-11-01T20:45:00.005Z

Well, turns out problem was my old adsl router, PSU died on old one Saturday, so went out and got a shiny new NetGear device, and thought I wonder ?????

And bloody hell if Windows 7 Pro now lets me run Full Tilt. Strange the way the old one would only let FT when I was ruining XP machines. Strange but seems true.

As I have not really played since July on stars I am only bronze, or could say fish as far as play goes. So would love to try to get to at least silver star. But playing only $2.20 180man's or some $3.25 45man SNG's
So got to get 750 VPP's this month I have to play around 680 180 $2.20's or 545 45 $3.25
Now I know the raimman Nick Rainey would do that in his sleep, but I have not even ever managed 100 a month
Not sure if I will manage it this month or even December, but may put in an effort and see how close I can get and if I am happy with playing enough volume with only a few tables and limited time.
I have about $650 in my account currently so have the available BR for it I think.
So if I try it I will blog my progress as I go.
Sounds pathetic really when Today Nick @rainmanusc tweeted that he was going to push out 500 45man $6.50 today in one session.
But then again he is the SNG star.

Windows 7 Pro ????? WTF

2010-10-26T19:57:00.003+01:00

Well Broadband up and running. Good start
New Dell Quad Core Pc dual screen 2TB worth of RAID disks! Sweet and fast!
Windows 7 64bit Professional you would think Nice too, oh No No
Windows 7 64bit Pro will not let my Full Tilt client connect, FT support are unable to help, after numerous emails and diahnostics sent. Client just sits there saying connected the cards move back and forth. But never connects and shows me the lobby.
Firewall disabled rules set to allow all connections, tried re-installing.
All Updates, re-installed no updates. still Nothing.
Re-installed Vista 64bit does the bloody same thing, Windows XP works fine.
What gives???

Anyone out there seen this before with Windows 7 Pro 64bit

Please someone help, I paid for this rubbish windows software so would like to be up to date.

Finally Moved

2010-10-02T20:20:00.002+01:00

Well I have finally moved, got nice detached house, with no "Cock" of a neighbour consistantly doing DIY on my walls, so will be able to play again soon, as I decided not to even fire up a table in old place as, as soon as I heard them I would start to tilt. That is definatly not good for the BankRoll.
So Broadband will be installed this coming week, so will dust of my PC and screens, and backup PT3, re-install Windows 7 Pro and set myself some goals.
Not sure if I will concentrate on SNG or Cash may use my FT for cash, and PS for SNG.

Well will update again, once I decide and start getting down to it.
Until then GL and the tables.

Moving

2010-06-27T10:30:00.003+01:00

Well I know its been a while since I have posted, but I have not been playing much recently due to my F$%king next door neighbour who is a DIY addict, he is always doing DIY.
Evenings every weekend and I just can't concentrate at my house.
Did buy some brilliant active noise cancelling headphones. But even those can't stop the beat of the hammer when you have a party wall.

So I am moving home, hope to complete the move in the next month so I can get some peace and quiet, and hope to be able to get in some volume and get better.

These are the headphones I got and they are really comfy and do a great job, would recommend them
Goldring NS1000 Active Noise Reduction/Cancelling Headphones
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Goldring-NS1000-active-reduction-headphones/dp/B000UZ7FRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277631655&sr=8-1

Anyway hope to be in new house by end of July if possible then can hit the tables properly, hope to try and get about 10 to 15 games in a week if I can until then which is crap but just hate being in the house now so normally out in evenings and weekends.
So once in the new place will be able to get in a few hundred and put in a good effort.
As I am a paid up member of rainmanPoker.net but just cant make proper use of the info I am getting out of it.

So laters and good luck at the tables.

Playing and reviewing.

2010-04-26T20:21:00.004+01:00

The Weekend
Well spent the last 2 days playing a few games over the weekend, well only 22 and without much success but enjoyed the time. I was only playing tables at a time and reviewing my HH after each couple to see if I could see any spots I could have played differently and found a few to say least.
I have also been re watching some of the free review sessions from Nick and his team of coaches.
So I have not played much but am trying to play more I mean I have signed up to spending $180 on next 3 months with Nick's(MI_Turtle) reviews, also I have downloaded Table Ninja and am going to start using that so I can play more volume but I have to say it is a bit weird to start with.
So of the 22 180's I played at $2.20 I only cashed in 3 for the minimum but think I mostly played correct, so just got to keep plugging away.
Well here is my sharkscope for Pokerstars 180's at $2.20 so far. and to be honest I am happy with it so far to be honest.

So not playing tonight as only just home from work, but going to review all of yesterdays HH and make some notes on what I think I was doing wrong, also going to find some spots to send to Nick that I hope he might review on one of the Saturday sessions he has lined up for his triple treats.

Over worked and Tired

2010-04-23T17:35:00.003+01:00

Well its been a hard month so far and not had much time to play at all, so been reviewing some of my hands.
Been basing my reviews on the Webinar's Nick Rainey (MI_Turtle) been kind enough to been inviting me too, plus the couple I paid to attend. But last nights was at 2am UK time so after the Redtooth pub poker game last night I didnt get to bed until 3.30am this morning.
I do think I am playing decent just need to be able to get the volume in. Now that is a hard thing where I live at the moment. My bloody inconsiderate neighbour building an extension on the back of his house which is attached to mine so I get to hear all the hammering and work all weekend and sometimes evenings which is really starting to piss me off to say the least. Cant play as just cant focus and concentrate on my tables with the noise.
Hope to have that sorted in next few months as I am putting my house on market in about middle of May and going to buy a detached, Sod the Cost. I need my peace!!
Anyway RedTooth game last night I came second for a nice bit of cash, boosted my position in the league but don't think i will make the regional's this season. But never know I think I will make the play offs and get battling for the 3rd spot.
Oh if any of you guys want to find a HUGE fish at the $2.20 180mans on stars look out for CAPT.ROSSI wow he plays bad here is his current sharkscope graph, as I had him at a few tables today and just could not believe how bad he was playing, he has lost over $2770 -97% ROI

Anyway just thought you may like to see that.
Been watching some of Daniel Negreanu's 8Game Mix videos on PokerVT the other day while at hotel great teacher for the game.
Here is an example if you are interested How to Play 8 Game Mix
Also if you like the draw games here is another one for Badugi, 4 card draw game been thinking of looking into it myself. How to Play Badugi

Going to play a few more of the 180's over the next few days as am staying at my parents house over weekend while they are in Crete, and to get away from the hammering of next door, nice an quiet here so can play a bit, going to try to get about 50 games in over weekend if I don't get anyone turning up, like yesterday was playing and my bloody sister turned up with her little boy, now I love them both but I was trying to play and she let herself in and I know have to stop the little bugger pulling on the cables of the PC.

Anyway GL see you at the tables.

Travel and trying to play

2010-03-23T20:00:00.003Z

Well playing poker in this day and age has never been easier.
With the help of a laptop and 3G card you can normally have a game, or at least play in an small Online Poker Tournament or SNG. However I have been travelling through Europe and my 3G card would not connect and relying on hotel wireless is less than perfect, so only played a few cash games for fun and evening entertainment.
Home soon so hope to be playing SNG's and few Tourneys again soon.

Slow going but ROI is good Plus Red Tooth

2010-03-05T14:47:00.002Z

Well its not been a good start only managed to play 2 games so far on Wednesday as had a pig of week at work. But am staying in tonight to try to catch up a bit. However the 2 games I did play went rather well, got a 2nd for $72 and a 5th for $23.40 so ROI of 2068% according to Pokertracker. So total profit so far for my 41 $2.20 is $257.20 Defiantly unsustainable but a good way to start and gives me even bigger cushion to continue with well over 100 buy-ins.

RedTooth Pub poker games last night went well, only 19 players 4000chip starting stack and blinds that jump up so fast that you are short stack most of the game. Only made a few bad plays an ended up heads up for the 1st place pay, and had huge stack against my opponent. Final hand I was in BB which was 8000 he was SB with 4000 and about 6500 back. He shoved and insta called with AJ Suited in hearts he showed JT off suite I hit Ace on flop and it was all over baby!!!

So after my £5 in I left with £52 profit of £47 which I will put into my neteller account as bankroll as after all it is poker winnings. I had a nice drink at the bar before heading home.

See you at the tables later.

Learn by Doing & March Target

2010-02-27T15:10:00.008Z

Learn by doing is a good phrase that I am taking to heart currently.
I am still on the waiting list for Nick Rainey's Training program, was hoping to be part of it by now but I guess my low amount of play is the most probable cause for not being on it yet, but I am on the waiting list. So I guess I need to continue to play and learn from the sources that are out there.
So far I have played only 39 but with good results so far Roi of 184% profit of $158

These few early wins I have, have also taken by PokerStars bankroll over $600 which is also a nice feeling, I also have god myself a couple of tickets for the SCOOP when that starts which I will be looking to capitalize on when the time comes. So if I play the profit of these to win's I still have 70 buy-in's for these $2.20 games and hope to get deep and take a few more wins and get BR up over $1000 before I move up, that being said I may play the odd $4.40 180man as my BankRoll does give my around 150buy-in's at the $4 level but I am not looking to get ahead of myself.

So on to my March Target which will is the first time I think I will have set myself a goal.
I am going to set it an obtainable level as I know I have a heavy work load coming up at work.
So I have $158 profit and will try to play at least 150 games at the $2.20 level at least which means I have to average 5 a day. Not going to set a profit target but would like to break even at least over the month. That meaning if I drop the $158 profit I have so far then it is all part of the learning process.
Oh tomorrow Sunday I will be going over my hand histories to see if I can see many mistakes and spots where I could have played better. Rather than playing, so will be fresh to play 1st March.

So see you at the tables.

Learning by playing

2010-02-22T23:04:00.004Z

Been doing a lot of studying in an aim to get better. Have been watching bfizz11 and Mi_Turtle playing, They constantly crush the others at there table, which is why playing poker is clearly a game of skill. Some people have it some dont and some are taking the time to learn.
I am still waiting to start the Nick Rainey Program.

Made the regional Finals again

2010-02-12T17:32:00.003Z

Well came from 8th in our league to take the 3rd place seat at the regonals.
Top 2 players go through, and next 8 play another game to see who takes last spot.
I went to the game the other night with the absolute intention of winning or busting out first.
I had been thinking a lot about what I had been listening to with regards to Nick Rainey recent poker radio interviews and podcasts from pokerroad radio.
It ended out that we were only playing 5 handed which is great for me as I really prefer short handed play, find it easier to play a nice loose game.
So basically if the game folded to me and I would raise unless I had complete rubbish. EVen J6 suited and 63 were in my raising range and yet everyone thought I was a tight player. LOL not that night.
So I was stealing lots of pots and taking away small ones and growing my stack nicely.
Best thing is, when I did have pocket Queens or AK and one of the short stacks shoved they just could not believe that I had it. which was great.

After the game which I crushed couple of the players wanted a chance to get there stake back from me, so as I was winning I played and took them to the cleaners for small cash game also.
So very nice profitable night and I get to go play a big tourny soon.

Last Weeks Red Tooth Game

2010-02-01T21:15:00.003Z

Well forgot to update on last weeks Thursday Game. Well I was knackered to start with after my extremely late night previously when I was still playing the WBCOOP ending in 21st. So after being in bed for abotu 4 hours had to get up and go to work all day.
So when I got to pub for the game I decided I was going to get busy and either get some chips early or go home early.
Obviously because I was tired i ended up being HU for end game.
Took out 2 players early on and from my starting stack of 3000chips I had a bout 9000 by the break after taking out 2 players.
But even that stack is small when after break blinds are 200/400 got down to 3 players and at one point I was down to being in Big blind with 500chips less that the 6000Big Blind post.
So Dealer folded hoping I was going to the rail in 3rd, (which would have sucked.) small blind called the extra but I won.
Doubled up again a few more times and was back.
Once we were heads up the chip lead went back and forth a few times. But I thought abotu what I was doing and what my opponent liked to play as had a lot of history with him.
Took it down in the end with a 74 off suite from BB was blind as he didnt have enough for his blind.
I endded up making the nut straight which wsa a nice end.
Problem was as I won i had to buy the beer for a few of us, btu didnt really mind as a win is always good.
Looking foward to seeing if I can do it again this week.

GL at the tables.

WBCOOP Game 3 Live Blog

2010-01-27T23:18:00.079Z

Well third game started 9 mins late. 2nd hand get 99 in Cut off position. had a limper so I raised to 90 button 3bet me I shoved.
He had KK so I was praying for a 9 and I got it on the river nice for me bad for opponent. So straight up to 81st place
Lost a 1000 chips when I got it in with KQ against K9 he made staight on flop.
Bit of up and down pots in 192nd place now with 3750 chips so doing ok out of 1512 players.
So after 25mins sat on a table with 9 seats and we have 4 people satout as usual.
Grat hand had someone called momsbozz betting into me with no hand no draw against my hand and he called my river raise, great!!
Well still doing ok playign 4 handed now as 5 satout I am in 236th Place out of 1397
Oh another nice pot won 1800 making 2 pair aces up on river 177th now looking good
Made nice Ace high flush for another 880 chips didnt liek it that much as 2 pairon board
Just split a pot with wheel on board I had KK villian had TT split it damn it
To pokerstars Think you should be able to do something about the people who are sat out of all these WBCOOP tournys.
Wow now there is only 3 of us playing at table 202
Oh back up to 4 players someone is back
47mins in Iahve 5157 chips in 183rd place
Took player out with full house
and another shoved with JJ pot of 4500 my way in 77th place now stack of 8085 chips lovely!!!!
And another into 47th place now stack of 10000
oh I have bee nmoved to table 80 still only playing 4 handed still have 10380 chips in 52nd place

Break Time Update
I am in 49th place with stack of $10690 blinds are at $40/$80 with ante of $10

So in a good spot right now with only playing 4 hnaded due to players still sitting out
Nice pot won with nut flush more chips to me $11870 now as stack
Lost horrid pot to short stack who shoved, I made pair on flop he made runner runner to win with straight.
Have not won pot for a little while need some action down to 84th place now out of 945
Moved to another new table No. 123
Stack of 10285 in 101st place doing ok but its getting tougher now a lot of the fish have fallen away.
Only 1 person satout at this table I am second in chips at this one.
Oh baby just won ahuge pot just over 15000 chips made bigger trips on river, lucky for me.
Now in 34th place out of 544 stack is at 17860
Bah AA Under the gun and everyone folds to me. Still 555 chips so cant grumble
Stack at 17000 so about 100bb so ok still enjoying game 45th place
Back up over $18000 again in 44th place 413 players left.
Just got involved in a pot I realy didnt have any business being in cost about 850 chips Bahh
Down to 63rd place Stack $16845 lost a pot when i was miles ahead trying to knock out player made wheel with runner runner. Thats twice thats happened to me know.
Grat little hand was in BB with T7 diamonds 225 in with ante had to call araise for another 285. Made call and fllowed nuts straight took pot of 2495 chips stack back up over 18000
Oh just had a Pokerstars Pro take a seat at my table "Goral" not sure who he is but only has Stack of $1783
Well 2 idiots at my table just gave the Pro $7000 chips Just Great!!!!
Why give monster the edge.
Wow just took a $6600 pot off the Pro "Goral" Pocket Tens on a 528 board he bet out I shoved.

Break Time Update
I am in 40th Place with $20890 chips average is 11814 so dojng well 312 players left
Just had decent pot that took me over the $21000 chips so in 45th out of 271 average is 13601
Moved again to new table No. 83
Stack is at $20417 in 56th place out of 258 Blinds at $200/$400 ante $50 so only have about 45BB
Had a small 2000 chip win but took me over 20000 again. So update of position is 54th out of 232
I know i have tightened up. I know I need to loosen up here, and would like to be opening more pots but when people open before you, you just cant, so have to wait for my turn.
New Table again No. 173 I am third biggest stack here, large stack is $34000 i have $20327
Seem to have got a bit card dead now have just over 30BB 217 players left.
Just won a monster pot On the button with KK all folded to Cut off wh o3xbb to 1500 I 3bet to 4772 BB folded Cut off shoved, i snap called he had 8 2 off suite took pot of $37400
I am now in 12th place out of 199 players Average stack is 18816
Another nice little pot to me for value of $4160 13th place
Got a player to my right who is trying to time and fold to money with just over $6000 LOL. Guess he may do it as only 179 players left. 26 to go until money
Still not getting any cards. but doing ok 50BB in 15th Place big stack on our table is $48000 so trying to stay out of his way unless I have a monster hand
Guess I should make a general update;
Chip Leader is skllzdattklls from Las Vegas with $129077 chips, wish i had that stack
I think player Bone-Idle07 to my right with $5000 may make the money
Just took a $11505 pot from table chip leader. so now my stack is at $36202 had 97 in BB he min rasied few bets and calls and I took pot only 1 over card a Jack on river I just didnt think he had iot as he is playing a VP:42%
And I was right

Break Update
I am in 14th Place out of 162 players stack of $46102 Blinds at $400/$800 ante 100 Table 173
Hope to make it deep even though I have to be at work at 9am which is 7=only 7 hours away, opps
Wow Just noticed somehow Iam now chip leader at my table.
Well the only remaining PokerStars Pro "Goral" is still in with stack of $30000 in 44th Place, so, so far I am beating him. But wont under estimate him if I come up againsthim agan.
We are playign ahdn for hand
Big pot just went down on my table No. 173 BigDogJake1 called off half his stack on the turn for half his stack with 1 card to come and missed winner of that $46000 pot was Capi.Artero
I have Stack of $46252 in 25th still card dead. Hope they start being nice to me again soon as only have about 35BB
Well no longer playing hand for hand and I have won at least a SCOPP $11 ticket, now to go for the win!!!
Getting Crushed currently need to get my game going. Go in with decent hand and wiff the flop dont like that
So update I have stack of $30122 in 53rd place out of 114 players just below average now as its 32619. So only 18BB really need to make a move soon.
Took a nice little $10,00 pot with Pocket tens, I raised got a caller, flop qas Ace Queenfour, i bet 1/3 pot and opponent insta folded, nice
Lovelty pot AA in the hole in cut off had few early limpers. rasied to about $9500 2 callers check a 3A3 flop for full house think i bet too much on turn. but I now have $61000 and in 20th out of 97 players Average is $38395
Blinds gettingnhigh now at $800/$1600 ante 200 I have about 28BB with my $53300 stack
Our table lost a couple of players in last few hands and we have the Chip Leader of Tourny on our table so need to try and stay away from him unless I have a Huge hand or monster draw.
Great hand there $62000 chips I 3bet UTG raiser to put him all in he called with AQ I had KK and made trips on river.
So now at 12th out of 71 with stack of $86000

Break Update
Average stack is $53420 69 players I am in 10th Place and looking good to get deep.
Previous hand we had 2 player all in agaisnt Chip Leader the All inplayer won his pot with a flush after calling the allin with T7 off suite and made it. Other 2 split pot with same hand.
Oh and its 3am I ahve to be at office in 6 hours. Think I may be late.
PokerStars Pro Update "Goral" is in 22th Place with $72710 Chips and just tihnk I almost knocked him out in the first few minutes but he hit his pair on river.
Current Leader is Still Sklldatklls after a breif spell in 2nd place so doing well indeed.
Well just been moved to table 90 with the chip leader on it who is a Supernove player.
I have $90000 in 15th
48 players left next Ticket jump to $33 is at 36th place, so looking good for at least that.
Lost about $11000 with pocket 6's on the button, board came down with 2 overs and diamond flush braw I didnt have diamond, was bet into with healthy bet so had to fold didnt like it. $68000 now 26th out of 38 players
Well made to top 36 so have a $33 ticket now, next step is 9th and seat on final table which i do intend to be at.
Made a few steals with a Ace so up to $70000 now 23rd out of 34. Average stack is 115187
The Supernova Skllzdatklls on our table who is table leaderis playing VP:46 PFR:46 and 3bet:27% How aggressive, guess thats how he is supernova status
Made about 9000 from leader as i had AA in Small blind I 3bet him but unfortunatly he folded.
Down to Just 4 tables 29 players I am in 19th now with $84000 average is $127000
Currently playing 7 handed on my table so think I need to open my range a bit
Well Pro "Goral" is doing well currently in 5th place with $189000
Pissed with myself for last hand shouldhave bet the turn and river and took it damn it I know I had nothing but i should have known that opponent didnt either as he is in so many pots
3 Tables now 27 players Knew it would be deep run as work in morning typical. Need to double up and get above average which is at 141000 I have 86000

Break Update
24 Players Average stack is $153583 I have $78385 in 19th
Skllzdatklls Just took out 2 players before break and now has $563525 and is $300000 ahead of 2nd place. "Goral" is is in 10th
Next Level $2000/$4000 ante 500 i have about 17BB need to move
Well made my move with crap hand so my own fault for going out in 21st place.
Oh well thats poker tried to 4bet over the losest persobn at table at the time when they actually had it.
Good game and will be backl at it tomorrow.

WBCOOP 2 PLO Live Blog

2010-01-26T22:03:00.012Z

Well we have 5 players on our table sat out so basically we are 4 handed on table 104
Secind hand I get nice pot of 270 with just Pair of Kings but had good starting hand so happy so far.
looks like we have lost over 30 players so far, WOW
Had a split pot Iwas all in with the Nut straight, unfortunatly CKEMBARI had same straight. At least we chopped Dafalenangels chips.
10th hand and still 5 players sat out.
Well in 288th Place so far lookign good stack of 2505
Nice little pot there had AA in hand but won with 2 pair J's and 3's sweeet
Now only 3 of us playing rest sat out.
Great hand there made Nut flush on flop and had a caller and better betting into me 5085 chiop pot
95th place now brilliant
Just noticed I am now chip leader at my table due to the ammount of players sat out.
in 95thplace 5280 chips
Lost big pot of 1620 chips I had 4s over Kings villian had Quad 4's bugger
Moved to table 3 still5 players sat out
In 158th place 4680 chips average is 2971
Big hand just went down 2 players both with pretty much rubbish hands got it all in on flop
Lost big pot I hadtri p5's but lost to straight pot was 4975 chips.
Down to 345th place work to do now to build my stack back up
well got it in with trip Kings and lost to a straight to akaCLINT so out in 996th Place

WBCOOP Game1 Live Blog

2010-01-25T22:02:00.034Z

Well Hand 1 on Table 174 Got walk first hand :-)
Already lost about 30 players only 3 mins in
Wow got 99 in BB was going to call the all in player who was under gun for extra 400, but he got 3bet, I would have lost glad I folded but I didnt like it
10 mins in and I am in 634 position
next hand AK missed flop bet 1/4 pot and took it. weeeeeee
in 466 exactly average chips
Dam it folded 83o on button, would have mad Full house on the river.
Need to take a pot as below average now
Oh yes great hand in BB AJ diamonds. called a raise flopped Top pair Jacks push Nut flush draw. bet about 2/3 pot he thoguht and called, Turn was King Hearts but I just thought he misssed as very active player. I bet about 2/3pot again he thought and called. River was 8 spades. I bet 888 chips and he used most of time bank before folding, won 1350 chips happy. Hand wsa number 38723520408 Now in 367 place
33 mins in and 1313 players left
Damn i hate KQ lost 1350 chips
Just lost another player he had JJ and lost to AK Ace on flop did it
Well last weeks TLB winner bfizz11 is out in 1164th place.
Need another good pot in 616 with 2070 average is 3180
Damn got AA raised 2.3xBB all folded I wanted action
Next hand 77 UTG min raised and took iot down up to 2330 and in 549th position
Wow even the Great MI_Turtle is down to just over 1000 chips.
Break time, damn i need cup of tea
Right Break update. I am in 570th with $2270 chips average is 3391 Blinds at $40/$80 with ante of $10
95 off in BB got a walk
Then next hand AA in small blind min raise into BB and no action.
Next hand on the Button got 9h9d Cut off tried to steal with a 2.3x raise I 3bet to 679 and they all folded up to 2834 chips 458th place i have about 26BB
in Big Blind with AQ loose player called Lutos87 who is playing loads of hands bet 127 I 3bet him to 475 and he folded, wouldnot have minded a call as he is so loose up to 3201 430th
MI_Turtle is out in 869th Place.
Boku87 Pokerstars Pro out in 870th
Oh dear down to 2246chips blinds at 75/150 ante 20 not much options left
Shoved K5 Clubs with 12BB won so still in it
Still in it 2300chips in 434th need to find some hand soon as average is 7295 I am on life support!!
I ahve exactly 10 Big Blinds Shove time
Well I shoved my 10BB with Queen Ten and misseed so out in 450th place.
Will try again tomorrow night
Good luck guys and gals

2-7 triple draw

2010-01-20T22:17:00.002Z

Still enjoying the limit mixed games. playing 8 game on Poke stars today.
Had a craxy hand tonight. I had a great starting hand was Kh 6d 3s 7d 4d
So I was only looking to take 1 card, lose the King of hearts and hope to hit a good low card that would not pair me.

After first round I dicard the King and get a damn Jack. So betting took place and I discard the Jack and got a damn 6h so paired my origianl 6d and still no hand. So discarded that 6 and would you bloody believe it got another the last 6 of spades, so still not hand and it had started oh so good.
Still made a profit for the play so happy about that.

4th Damn it

2010-01-15T14:02:00.002Z

Well did go down and play in the Red Tooth league last night, and failed to make the money coming in 4th.
We only had 13 players so 2 short tables, but I like short handed play.
Now first 3 hands were had 2 wild ones in them.
Hand 1 Standard no-one really making doing anything.
Hand 2 I was not involved but here is the action.
All fold round to Cutoff who limps dealer raises to 3xBB making it 150 to go.
Small Blind Calls extra 125, BB folds,& CO Calls extra 100
Flop comes down 4h Ts 4s
SB checks, CO bets 200, Dealer raises to 600, SB thinks for bit and calls 600, CO now fold's
Turn comes down a Kh SB Checks, Dealer bets 800, SB Calls
River is a 9s making now a flush draw hit as well as all the others draw's
SB checks and dealer shoves the rest of his chips and is insta called by SB who flips over 4d 4c for 4x4 QUADS!!
Dealer turns up his pocket Ts to show a defeated Full house and hits the rail, well in this case the bar for a refill of his pint. But rejoins table to heckle the rest of the game.
Next hand is not as interesting but just to say player who wins shows a Ac 4c and makes QUAD 4's again on the river, and we lose another player.
How rare is that Quad 4's on consecutive hands.

HH Review

2010-01-14T09:15:00.002Z

Well still loving RAZZ at the moment find it a great game to play when you are running bad in Hold'em as you dont have to constantly put people on hands, just watch the boards and see what develops. Prefer Heads Up or short handed rather than full ring, but am mixing it a bit.
So as I am running bad in Hold'em SNG's currently I am trying to go over the HH to find spots I can improve on and try to make the changes when I go back to playing them again. (Will be soon.)

Our regular Pub Game is tonight so may go and play that normally about 20 people turning up which makes it a good game but we all start reasonably short stacked which I dont really like but we have to have the game finish by a decent time. currently it plays as follows;
3000chips blinds start at 25/50 at fifteen minute uplifts. so by first break after hour it is already at 200/400 so average stack is often less than 10 even 8 BB so hard game to keep your head above water.

WBCOOP

2010-01-08T10:36:00.003Z

This has got to be a great chance to improve bankroll, will give this a shot if my blog gets accepted.
Been playing RAZZ recently think it is a great game and so many people dont play right, there is so much soft money out there from people playing it.

I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker! The WBCOOP is a free online Poker tournament open to all Bloggers, so register on WBCOOP to play.

Registration code: 328011

Running as well as a 3 leg'd goat

2010-01-08T10:27:00.002Z

Well, played a fair bit on FT over last few weeks and running so bad after my decent size up swing, (well for the stakes I am playing.) dropped around $110 over 40 or so games. I know its not that bad but after doing well to suddenly lose such a big chunk is hard.
So need to go back look at HH and work it out.
Still waiting for my first coaching session from the Top Man MI_Turtle who has accepted me on his coaching plan.
So that will make a difference I am sure.
Will update once I have started.

About a month off

2009-12-06T20:29:00.003Z

Well after about a month away I have at last played some poker.
Only played 4 $5.50 SNG's on FullTilt so I can ease back into the swing of things.
Did ok I guess as far as i expected as Full Tilt's Sit n Go Madness is running so loads of people are playing that but I still managed to get a ROI over 4 games of 22.73% So Profit of a $5 Wow.
Hey its a start. Had an 8th as I was in SB with AK of Hearts with 3 limpers so I made the mistake of limping too as was only 3rd hand, and was just trying to stay out of trouble for first few rounds. Flop came down Ad Jh 2h, so I had Top pair and nut flush draw.
Pot was at 150 and I bet out 85 had 1 caller and a raise to 170 I called as did middle position player. Turn was a 7c Pot was 660 I bet out with 350 middle position folded, button raised to 700, I pushed.
As I had Top pair and nut flush still I thought I had to get it in as pot was so large and I had good hand good draw. Of course I wondered if the villian had AJ but had 12 outs.
Of course I missed and was down to 30 chips didn't throw it away but never got back in so that was that.
Later game i came across a monster fish!!! Guy called Magicanmike at the end of the game he had a VPIP of 71% and PFR: 5% over 105 hands. 100% Continuation Bet. Well see for yourself at this image. I think I knew what he was going to do before he did. I want him at all my tables on my right!!!

Going to try to grind this free$50

2009-11-03T22:51:00.002Z

Well I was looking at some strategy on the web and was just searching around and came across the pokerstrategy.com site. Thought it was worth looking around.
So I found that they have this 20 question quiz there and if you pass they will deposit $50 on a site for you. I know that they will be getting the rake but I thought well if they are going to start me at a site and if I lose the money what the hell!!! Its a free shot!.
So This was Saturday, and by Sunday evening the money was in an account I had set up for it.
Oh the site is 888.com

So my plan is, is to play good BR management and play decent level games for my money, so starting on $1.20 SNG's which are 10 handed, and some 88+8c 40 man SNG's now these are wild. You get 888 chips and blinds go up every 3 minutes, 8 players per table.
So far I have failed to cash in the 3 $1.20 SNG's but did have cashed in 4 of the 88c 40 man's.
Got a 9th Place for only 70c -18c profit
Then 2 6th's for $2.10 each $2.28 profit
And Just had a 1st for $10.56 $9.6 profit

So that means that from small amount if play I have a ROI of 65.38% and BankRoll of $56.12 $6.12 Net Profit.

Going to set a reasonable target of getting it to $80 by end iof November. Now I know this is a low target but I want it to be achievable and there is so much variance in these 40man 88c games. But if I run good for rest of week, I may up it to $100.
Well enough for now.

Been a while

2009-10-26T21:48:00.003Z

Been a bad month not really played any poker, had to have my arm broken and plated so that didnt help. So what have I been doing? Well studying the game some and generally just resting as been feeling so tired of late.
Looking at November as the month to get back to the game. Am going to try to put in some sessions of 6-8 hour each at a time and get in some SNG. Maybe grind some cash.
Been playing a bit on UB as they have some really loose 4 seat cash games which are kinda fun, but volitile.

BankRoll, can I ask for your thoughts

2009-10-03T17:14:00.003+01:00

Have a bit of a question going round in my head about my bankroll, and would like some others thoughts on this matter.

Here is the question;
I have about $1500 spread around a few different poker sites and am wondering what is really the best way to play it. Should I consider it all one roll and play levels accordingly.
For example, using good tourneys BR management like Chris Ferguson recommends, putting only 2% into a Tournament buy in, which would allow a buy in of $30 including the juice.
Or should for example if I have say $500 in one site only be using 2% of that $500 giving me a buy in of $10 including juice.
I have been mixing the buyins around on sites depending on game and structure, but just wondering what the general thoughts are.

I could easily replace my roll should I bust the lot but think that is unlikely as am doing ok and winning on most of my sites so far.
I do fancy playing things like the $50K GTD $3.30 rebuy on stars and that would fall nicely into the $30 giving me about 8 rebuys if needed.

So hey please let me know what you think.

Travelling & Working

2009-09-29T09:51:00.003+01:00

Been travelling for work recently so not much poker being played.
DId manage to make sure I got back home last Thursday for my Red Tooth tourny, and managed to take a 2nd place in that. Got a good start after calling an all-in with KK after I got 3bet by a player who was so on tilt, he had AK never caught the Ace so gave me good start.
Will be playing there again this Thursday coming, but that will be about it until next week for me, due to work. But on the bright side going to have my arm broken next wednesday so will have couple of weeks off work for that, so will be playing a load then.
On another poker note, I have been playing some Stud H/L recently, but only play money, as I have a liking for this sort of game recently, it certainly seems to help with card/player reading, what with having to read the other players boards.
ALso een playing some micro stakes HORSE games which are kinda fun, but damn the limit hold'em rounds are frustrating, having people call the extra bet and make up on river, damn them.

Regional Final

2009-09-14T13:19:00.003+01:00

Well went to the Gala Casino in Bristol yesterday to play in the Red Tooth Pub Poker south west regional final. there was about 200 players so are tables were spilling out of the card room onto put up tables and was all squashed in, some of the proper Gala tables even played 11 handed for a while. 3 of us went myself Gary, and Chris (Chris won the last one for a nice pay day.)
Game took about 8 hours total, and I bust out in 12 place 5 off the money, and 3 from final table which sucked. Blinds were slow to start with but towards teh end all players were complaing as they were doubling so quickly I bust out when I took a lose and was left with 45,000 chips and blinds were at 10,000/20,000 I was in middle position and blinds were about to double again to 20,000/40,000 so I would have had the BB plus 5k so as the UTG and +1 folded I shoved my last 45,000 in with Q9 suited, but got called by the CO with KK I caught another queen on the flop but he hit a king to have trip Kings on the turn and I was at the rail.
So that sucked but Idid win the last longer bet and feel I played well.
SO went to get a drink and played a bit of the "Beat the Dealer poker" which was fairly soft, I bought in for £30 and won about £21 when we left so that paid for my drinks for the day so left up a couple of Quid.
Think I am going to sign on with Cake poker tomorrow as still not able to get Rake back with FuillTilt. Will try there $5 and $10 SNG STT for a while see what they play like.

Crashed out in last place

2009-09-11T08:46:00.004+01:00

How annoying, I crashed out of our RedTooth league game last night on the 3rd hand!!.
We were playing only 2 tables of 6 so nice short handed game which I like.
I had Qs9d in Big Blind and UTG + UTG+1 folded pre-flop CO limped button limped SB called the extra. I checked as it was early and I wanted to see a flop.
Flop came down Qc9h3h.
SB checked, I bet pot which was 150 so I bet 150, CO (Chris) raised to total 450, Button and SB folded leaving me Heads Up with Chris. Now I know he could have had a set but I didn't put him on pocket pair as he would have raised from CO with Pair 100% of the time, even 2's.
So I re-raised all-in!!! Maybe wrong move but had to try to push him of flush draw if he was 4 to flush.
He called, and turned over Qh9s
So we both had top 2 pair and looked like was going to be a split pot, but I saw there turn come down a 6h, I started to see the flush appear, Feck!!! River card was a Th and Chris had a Queen high flush, and I was off to the bar to get a early beer.
Think I did it right though as my read was right he didn't have a set, I had put him on AQ which would have gave him top pair top kicker but that's that.
I was trying a different strategy of trying to get chips early in tourny so I could start bullying, and pick up lots of later small pots, but in the end Chris started doing that.
But he later donked them all off to someone later when he tried to bluff a huge pot with just Ace high against a player who had a Fullboat.
Anyway I am off to the South West Regional Final of the RedTooth poker to pick up my Trophy and play in the tourny for seat in National Final.
Been playing a nice few $5.50 STT on Stars and FT recently and running good in them, will try to play load of them next week.

Full Tilt Take 2 Promotion staked my buddy for $10

2009-09-08T13:22:00.003+01:00

As I am sure you all know, well those of us fishys that play on FT that theyare running a Take 2 promotion again.
I started playing in it and was chatting to one of my buddies at the pub on Friday night over a few beers and I mentioned it to him. But as brian was starting to get bit fuzzy so next day I suddenly thought he does not have an account at FT so I signed him up for a rackback account via www.thisisthnuts.com and I transffered $10 over to his new account.
Told him to play safe and he could easily make the $50 free money by playing 25 of the last 26 days of the month.
So far he is playing and best bit has made some money think he is ROI of approx 25% so $2.50 up, but only playing .02/.05 2 tables so can make sure he does not go broke there, and has couple of spare buyins and make the $50 hopefully will have made about that much by the end so can give me at least $20 back for the loan.
He has been running bad at micro stakes on PS so its why I thought it was worth doing.
Then we can train him to grow his new bankroll to decent hights from the bonus of $50 after this promotion.
Will update on his micro grind as it progresses.

Playing like Gus can really mess with people's head

2009-09-04T09:36:00.002+01:00

Not played much recently, but been watching some trainning videos, and re-reading some of Doyle's super system recently which has been useful to go back over. Would still recommend it to anyone to read.
Also been listening to Barry Greenstein's audio book "Ace on the River." That is a completely different kinda book. Goes into all sorts of stuff even a section on sexuality. But the way he tells it it all makes sense in the poker world. Goes over some great Hands from Big tournaments and discusses all games. I would really recommened all players should get the audio book/proper book. Starts a bit wierd before you get into the real poker but is good.

Anyway poker, been playing the take 2 promotion on FullTilt and intend to get the whole easy $50 bonus by playing 25 days this month, so basically its free money so cant turn that down.
Took a nice second on sky poker speed tourny, don't play there much normally only before I go down the pub for the RedTooth league game which is my main point of topic today.

I decided to play reckless last night and dd a good job at screwing with players heads, raising with 74suited, and calling UTG with 92off suite and playing the board, sometimes if no one noticed I would raise blind and play the board and player which was really working.
So for example I was UTG and min raised got 2 callers and blinds folded. I fired at every street and got a lay down almost all the time so at about half way through the night I had a nice stack of chips.
One of my mates who plays as "teapotman" on sky who I regularly heckle when I see him playing at a table. thinks I as he says "stonewall" as in play high pairs and AK only, boy he was in for a surprise when I made him make a few decent size lay downs when I had bottom pair or just a draw. Felt Great!!!

Anyway I did bomb out in the end after losing a big pot having 2 pair Ace's and 3's to a hidden inside straight draw a lucky fucker caught.
So I cam in 7th or 8th in the end for no cash. Rubbish, so was glad I came 2nd in Sky Tourny earlier.

Oh why do we drink!!!!!

2009-08-28T17:21:00.005+01:00

Why oh why do we go out intending to stay sober, but end up drinking until 1am.
Well that's what happened last night at the Redtooth pub poker league game.

Well I came second last night lost heads up to Sam who is great girl player, and good laugh so don't mind her winning last night as she is out of work currently.
So this is the final 2 hands.
I had about 8000chips more then her was in Big Blind and got AT Diamonds moved all after she limped in. She thought for a while as said well I think I am behind but going to call, and turned over A2 Hearts.
So I was 70-30 favorite but guess what! Flop brings 2 Hearts, turn is heart and I am drawing dead.
So I am left with 8000 1 Big Blind!!!
So I have 4000chips in SB and get dealt 6h 2s great I had those 2 cards about 6 times during evening. So I think well I hope they are live at least and toss in my remaining 4000 and call.
Guess what she turns over bloody Ace Ten, the hand I had just lost too, I never hit and that was that. 2nd place but at least I made the money, (we only pay 2 places.)
Anyway it was a 200% ROI so was happy enough.

So online poker from yesterday was as follows;
I only played 3 9man SNGs yesterday on FT, and had a 1st 2nd, and 7th and decided to fire up re-player and go through them and work out what i did wrong in all spots and try to learn, I had also used Camtasia to record them so I can play them back to myself and watch my play to learn from it. I would recommend you try it, its surprising how helpful it can be.

Other game I played online was a bounty hunter on Sky poker before heading to the pub.
31 players and I took it down, I had a friend who also plays in the pub with me in it too, and he fell early but was heckling from the rail until the end. I only took 1 bounty but it was the final one and worth a decent prize. plus the 1st prize cash, so had a ROI of 873% was only small stakes, but was fun, there was such a load of bad play there, I just played tight until the bubble, then started firing. Worked well.

So back to the pub after the game, after we finished there was a few of us having little drink at the bar, and before we knew it they were trying hard to kick us out and I had had too many, and spent all my winnigngs plus more over the bar!! But hey it is a social game we have so not bothered.
So have not played any poker today as thought it was best not too with a hangover.
Have been watching some training videos, and going over my Hand history's so been at least busy. But gutted I have not played and earned some more cash. Will try to clear my remaining bonus on FT tomorrow morning have to play at 12 or so 9man SNG's to do it so should manage it.
Will update on my progress later.

Had a good day.

2009-08-26T23:18:00.002+01:00

Well as intended I played a decent compared my normal ammount of poker today, in all 7 STT SNG's and 5 90man KO's only played 2 at once as wanted to make sure I was watching and concentrate on the play, learn as much from each as I could. Was not amaxing stakes, just $5.50 STT and $3.30 KO 90mans, and boy did I see some bad play today from a couple of players.
One was a German player who was calling shoves early on with things like J4off and all sorts FT name was "Nimmasatt" also took a look at his sharkscope.com graph just to make sure I was right about the way he played. He did generally get a decent stack early but then people got used to him and he donked them all away.
Anyway made 14.55% ROI did have it up to about 23% but bust out of my last 2 KO's in 29th and then 11th. The 11th was so frustrating as it was getting to bubble and I was card dead was getting lots of 23off or 73off got down to about 6BB (bad I know) got a J9suited in SB and was folded too so Shoved and BB work up with JK and I never caught up.
Anyway got a bit close to the next release of FT bonus cash.
Will be playing again tomorrow during day and then pub game in evening.
May have a go at the $16000GTD tomorrow during day but will see how I am running before I sign up for it.

Took a nice win to start with!

2009-08-26T00:22:00.002+01:00

Decided to play a couple of $3.30 KO's 90mans tonight but thought I would only play 2 at once so I could concentrate on them fully as wanted to start well.
Was playing fairly tight to start with and on first table we had the standard guy pushing all-in every hand took a while for him to get knocked out but at least he did in the end. I looked him up on sharkscope had only played 4 tournys so guess he thoguht I was what to do.
Got a bad call from a player who had called a 3xbb bet from UTG player I 3bet him and everyone folded he called with KT diamonds I had AA he made flush on river typical, what a bad call. I ended up busting out in 21st but made 1 bounty. bust out hand was as follows;
Blinds were 250/500 with ante of 50 I have
I was in SB with KJ spades 3800chips
So there is 1100 in pot. So I have to shove with my hand and get called by player with 4765 chips who has A2 spades, and makes 2 pair.
Other table I was down to last place with about 30 players left, but was determined to cash, so played hard and had a few nice double ups and take downs. Made it to final table with average stack, and took a few players out, and got to about 5 players I had around 150,000chips and started bullying making people choose to fold or call for there tournament life, which worked well, did double up one guy but took him out next hand, ended up heads up with 238,156chips to my opponent who had 31,844 11 hands later I had them all.

Going to try to grind late this week.

2009-08-24T20:40:00.003+01:00

Well have got a few days of end of this week and intend to play and try to get my $100 bonus done on FT as my offer runs out on 29th So going to try play loads of SNG's and a few decent Gtd Tournys if I can. Got a lonmg way to go as only about 8% through getting FTP's I need to need to put in the effort in last few days.
Think I am going to play some KO 90mans and some 45mans, and do 4-5 hours stint at a time.
May mix some decent PS tournys like the $50,000 $3.30 rebuy will see how I am going as have not played rebuys yet so thinking of giving it a go.

Won my Pub League

2009-08-08T00:03:00.002+01:00

Well I was 20 points ahead last week, and ended up winning the league by 30 points even being card dead most of the game.
So I will be off to Where ever Red Tooth decide the regional finals take place this time, and will be my 3rd time there in 5 leagues, which means that I have been in top 3 3 out of 5 times which is a good result.
Not going to get much play time this weekend as have family commitments so hope to get back to the tables early in week.

Took it down again!

2009-07-31T18:06:00.003+01:00

Took down the Red Tooth League Tournament game again last night.
Best bit is the league leader was 60 points ahead of me so needed him to go out early and get high and luckily both happened. I think I may have put him on tilt a bit in mid stages but having BB with a 23 off suite, he was on the button there was a limper he limped i checked my 23 off and flop came down 724 rainbow. I looked at my stack and shoved first limper folded and my opponent winced and mucked his cards too, and I flipped over bottom pair with a 3 kicker much to his dismay, made everyone else laugh though.
Rest of game was pretty standard, got heads up and managed to win it with an A6 suited I pushed and got a caller, caught a 6 on the flop and opponent never caught up.

So I am now 20 points in the lead of the league, with only 1 game to go, so would hope to take the league down too from here, will keep my blog updated with progress.

Micro Stakes always worth taking a look at.

2009-07-29T20:31:00.005+01:00

Tonight I decided to go play some .02/.05 6max for some fun and see how much action there was there, and Blimey did I find some bad play.
On one table there was a player who had a VPIP:73 and PFR:29 he was winning but playing such a wide range of cards he was always worth a 3bet if I had a reasonable holding. Also seemed to like to rasie my BB a lot too, so I did some nice defending and won a decent amount in fact most of my $1.58 from him alone. The main hand being this.
I was BB (proper BB was sitting out) with JJ (damn I normally hate JJ) so decent hand. UTG & UTG+1 fold Wild guy on the button raises to $0.20 SB folds I 3bet him to $0.62 he calls, all fairly standard.
Flop comes As9d7h Now I think from what I had seen he didnt have an Ace so I bet $0.85 just over 1/2 pot. He comes over the top of me for $1.7 so I 4bet him all-in to which he insta-folds. I take pot $6.20 talk about over aggressive why was he 3betting without the Ace there. I just knew from other showdowns that he didnt have it.
Reason why I decided to play so low was to try out a few 6max moves and different style to see how it faired, was interesting to say the least, the games are pretty aggressive so much so that even if you play so as tight as a straight guy in a gay jail you would still get plenty attention to turn a profit.
I didnt play long there but made 23BB per 100hands from 78 hands so good profit for my investment.
Anyway pub league game tomorrow night so will update how that goes Friday morning probably.

Good luck at the tables.

Took down the league game last night

2009-07-24T10:50:00.003+01:00

Standard Thursday evening Red Tooth Pub Poker league game last night, and I am pleased to say I took it down.
As the break I had little over my starting stack had been card dead early on. First 3 hands I had 5,2 off suite. 3 times in a row 2 of those were blinds as well which sucked as I was rasied so had to fold them.
Managed to double up just before final table but was on a draw I had Open ended straight draw with over cards so doubled up, taking out the 9th place player so we were down to our standard 8 man final table.
1st had I was in middle position picked up AA had a limper in blinds at 600/1200 I raised to 3600 it folded round to BB who pushed all-in for little bit extra, i called obviously and hey turned over AT.
So I was in a good position to double up again. Had a bit of a sweat as, as usual a straight started to appear but luckily missed and I now had a decent stack to play with.
NExt big hand I was in BB with A8 of spades small blind limped and I checked as opponent was the big stack bully, so as I had position I thought I would see the flop cheap.
Came down A64 rainbow, SB bet min bet, which I 3bet he rasied allin I had only about 3000 left so called with Pair Ace's he turned over KK and lost so now I had great stack and sitting pretty.
We got to 3 players so next place out would be bubble boy. There was a fair bit of stealing going on for sure plus a fair bit of walking.
We got rid of a player and down to heads up I had a bout 2:1 chip lead and was aggressive with it, but helped by fact I had some good cards.
In the end My opponent only had 3 BB left at 2000/4000 I put him all-in with K7 suited he called with KJ off suite I had a 7 in the door and he never caught up.
So a pleasing night and nice win, followed by a few beers at the bar, and a headache as I type this currently so sorry if it does not make much sense.

Good luck all.

Made a nice final table today

2009-07-15T23:42:00.005+01:00

Well have had a few days off and been playing some PLO and 6max NLHE with some mixed results. in the NLHE I have been trying some strategy chanegs and various things, but been running bad, for example getting all the money in with KK only to get cracked by QQ. But thats poker.
Had some sucess in 90man on FT today with a nice 2nd place. Here is a great had that helped me get back from 5th place to 2nd in chips

Blinds at 1500/3000 ante 400
I was in SB with 26308 and it folded round to me with Jc Jh, I raised pot as not that keen on Jacks! So BB called pretty quickly.
Pot is now 24000
Flop came down 7s Jc Js
I checked my Quads
BB bet 9000 into pot of 24000, I think for while before calling, I now have 5908 chips left, but I decided not to go allin over him, to try to get him to bet again. So I called and the pot now stands at 42000.
Turn card comes 6s, so now there is 3 Spades out there, so I check again.
He bets 6000 enough to put me all-in. I snap call of course, and watch the river come down a 9d, I win 53816, and he gets returned 92 extra from his turn bet of 6000.
So I go from low stack with 8BB to about 17BB which heps.
I was surprised to see him turn out Ad 3d and to be honest not sure why he called my pot bet really even though I was short stack, surely a bet rather than all-in in that situation is wanting a call, and if I had Ace High I am pretty sure it would have had better kicker than a 3 in that spot so he would have been dominated.

Anyway pokertracker stats says I made 1229% ROI
Also I picked up 3 and 1/2 Bountys I saw half as I had to split one when me and another played split pot while taking out a player.

Using the Universal Replayer to go over the hand after I see that I only lost 3 hands which is not bad or it means I played it to tight, eitehr way 2nd place is not bad. Will be playing some more of these games tomorrow too I think.

PVT Sunday Tournament almost took the Win

2009-07-13T02:13:00.004+01:00

Well was my first time playing the PVT tournys, but have the week off so dont have to worry about getting up for work.
Started great doubled up early and had chip lead for a while. But got card dead, well should I say had 32off suite almost every BB for about 6 rounds and not much else anywhere else.
So fell to last place for a while but fought back and took second place for $47.01 which for $5 is not bad, shame it was not one of the $1000 PVT added ones but there you go.

I see Kara Scott bust out of the main event WSOP but as the only Female to cash 2 years running I think she di great to make it into the last 300 (Well I think she was in the last 300)

Anyway I am tired so off to bed.

Pub Poker

2009-07-10T09:10:00.002+01:00

Played our RedTooth Pub Poker league game last night. Unfortunatly I came 3rd rather than winning it which was annoying, but in the last 10 or so hands I went card dead.
Basically we only had 11 players turn up last night so played 2 short handed games.
A table of 5 and table of 6, which I have to say I prefer short games in a way, you get more play. I was not on same table as Gary, but within the first half hour he had over half the chips in play on second table in his stack and really started to bully the rest. He has really learnt to play well in last year. So when it got down to 1 table playing 8 people he was in a very dominant position.
After a few hands I had 2400chips with blinds of 200/400 and was UTG +1 and moved all-in now I know most may say you have to move in earlier with small stack, but the way this tourny is run you never have many chips to start with so everyone is fairly short to start.
Anyway I so there was 600 in pot I move in for my 2400, everyone folds to Gary who as I suspected called, everyone else folded, he turns over ATo I turn over AJo, luckily I caught a jack straight in the door and he never caught up. So i now had 5400 chips and a lot happier.
After another round and blinds up to 300/600 There was a min raise UTG from a loose player, then UTG+1 went all-in for 3800, now I have played this guy a lot and know he loves his suited connectors, I looked down and saw I had AKs and moved all-in too, we both had 3800, so ther was 9900 in the pot everyone folded back to the original raiser who tanked for a while before folding. Turns out he folded A4d. MY Ace High holds over other players 9Tc The original raiser curses that he would have won with pair of Fours, but really would you have called it with A4d after 2 all-ins?

Down to 3 players I had 2nd chip stack but then never got cards best I saw was 34c made pair 3s on flop but they were all hearts and our player went allin I folded, not sure now if I should have called him, probably should as thinking back he was bluffing I think.

Would hva liked to have got HU with gary as pretty sure I can out play him HU but in the end I took a start from small blind with 8Ts from small blind as I only had 3800 with blinds at 800/1600 he called from BB with pair of Queens so I was out 3rd. was good game at least, fun night.

Another 20%

2009-07-07T23:20:00.002+01:00

Well played some more 6max cash after my email conversation with Jon Ettinger (6max pro)
I have changed as he said and it is definatly working and much more fun to play.
VPIP: 29 PFR: 20 trying to keep it about there. Currently playing on PartyPoker as the tables seem fairly good. although not keen on interface.
After a bit of an up and down run I left with 20% profit so al good so far.

For a Change 6 max cash

2009-07-07T13:07:00.002+01:00

Well last night I thought for a change I would play some 6max cash nice fast game trying to raise my PFR rate somewhat and loosen up my game here as feel I have been playing bit too tight recently.
Didn't make huge profit but also didn't make a loss either which is nice, was trying few different moves out some worked some didn't. Made just under 20% profit so reasonably happy with that.
Going to set myself some cash targets to try to get to soon.
But want to set realistic ones so going to work out how much I think I am able to put in and take a shot at it.
Will publish them when I decide what to try.

Good luck all

Regional Tourny's

2009-07-05T22:01:00.003+01:00

Well played my regional tournys last night. The $2000 FreeRoll and $2000 added.
Bust out of both with Nuts flushes.
Here is what happened it one.

PokerStars Game #30093577896: Tournament #173799672, Freeroll Hold'em No Limit - Level III (20/40) - 2009/07/04 15:13:11 ET
Table '173799672 196' 9-max Seat #8 is the button
Seat 1: Hero (1355 in chips)
Seat 2: 1baggacess (1285 in chips)
Seat 3: davesing (1055 in chips)
Seat 4: yryanksfat (1655 in chips)
Seat 5: tworabbits1 (1420 in chips) is sitting out
Seat 6: 84Gillott (1900 in chips)
Seat 7: mycon1 (2410 in chips)
Seat 8: PhilTaylor09 (1405 in chips) is sitting out
Seat 9: CJLK (3425 in chips)
CJLK: posts small blind 20
Hero: posts big blind 40
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Hero [Kd 2d]
1baggacess: calls 40
davesing: calls 40
yryanksfat: folds
tworabbits1: folds
84Gillott: calls 40
mycon1: folds
PhilTaylor09: folds
CJLK: folds
Hero: checks
*** FLOP *** [7d 8d 5d]
Hero: bets 100
1baggacess: folds
davesing: calls 100
84Gillott: raises 300 to 400
Hero: raises 915 to 1315 and is all-in
davesing: folds
84Gillott: calls 915
*** TURN *** [7d 8d 5d] [7s]
*** RIVER *** [7d 8d 5d 7s] [7h]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Hero: shows [Kd 2d] (a flush, King high)
84Gillott: shows [5s 5c] (a full house, Sevens full of Fives)
84Gillott collected 2910 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2910 | Rake 0
Board [7d 8d 5d 7s 7h]
Seat 1: Hero (big blind) showed [Kd 2d] and lost with a flush, King high
Seat 2: 1baggacess folded on the Flop
Seat 3: davesing folded on the Flop
Seat 4: yryanksfat folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: tworabbits1 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 6: 84Gillott showed [5s 5c] and won (2910) with a full house, Sevens full of Fives
Seat 7: mycon1 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: PhilTaylor09 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: CJLK (small blind) folded before Flop

Think I played that ok, even with the limpers pre-flop as really i didnt have good hand for BB apart from checking.

Anyway taken a week off for 13th July onwards so going to play as much as I can that week and see how far I can get.

Anyway enough bad beast stories, I know people dont like to hear them.
I intend to have sucess to tell you all about soon.

Cake Poker and rakeback and other poker

2009-07-02T14:27:00.004+01:00

I have FullTilt and PokerStars accounts but do not have rakeback at FullTilt as had never heard of it when I signed up.
So I am thinking I am definatly losing out here. Have been taking a look at Cake as they are offering 33% I guess the difference is they change more juice on the SNG's and Tournys so will I be just getting back the extra I put into those over the FullTilt SNG buyin's.
Either way I guess I will make a decent sum back on cash games from the rake paid, and turn that into the place I play my cash games rather that FT. I am on FT's list to move to a affiliate but who knows if they will ever re-tag my account or not, I have asked but still waiting.

On the other side of that I may take a look at Carbon Poker too for rakeback have not really heard much about the site but may look into that too. If anyone can recommend a good rakeback partner to use I would be grateful.

Also if any of you out there has a view on which of these sites is fisher, that would also be nice to know. Obviously me going there will put yet another fish in the swim for the sharks, but I enjoy my poker and hope to be winning some time in the future. lol

Have noted on Nick Raineys blog (sngnick.blogspot.com) that he is starting up his own Trainning site soon so will be signing up there for a while to see what the content is like as he is top SNG player.

Anyway playing the Redtooth pub poker league again tonight may make it my last apperance apart from a rare visit, as over last few weeks I have had to play against 2 players per hand a lot and our tourny director does not take control.
I mean here is a hand from last thursday. I am UTG+2 with KK blinds are 50/100 I both UTG and UTG+1 limp so there is 350 in pot, I rasie to 500 anyone folds round to SB, who thinks and then calls, everyone else folds including the limpers so there is 1300 in pot flop comes down A82 rainbow. Well as I am to act first I thorugh out a smallish bet of 500 as I know what these players are like.
Now the SB picks up his cards so both players next to him can see and sits there, one of the other players next to him I can see is talking and I here him say could have AK, or AQ which lets be honest would have had the hand called dead and have them both on a penlty in a proper run tournament. Our Tourny director said nothing, I told him he should not be saying anything. He claims he said nothing but others disagreed. after another 30seconds the SB announces All-in pushing his stack into pot chips everywhere. I chuck my KK on table face up and swear at other player. SB shows AT off suite and says how right he played the hand from SB.
Sorry AT SB after a pre-flop raise is not great. The guy knows I normally play premium hands only there.
So tonight I am going to play as many trash hands as I can cheaply from position and try to bust everyone. will probably go broke in half hour but who cares.
I am thinking of switching to play live here;

http://www.kcclub.co.uk/poker.aspx

As it looks like it has some good games and only about 15min taxi ride home, so may go a few times and see what its like, they have a £15 freezeout on Friday night which I guess is about $23 buyin. So may try it. Will keep you posted on how I do, if I do.

Its way to hot to be in my office at home playing poker at the moment as we are having a rare UK heatwave, not too bad but humidity is so horrid so hope for rain at weekend so I can get some play in, as I need a win right now.

GL at the tables.

Oh and well done to Nemo's Grind AKA (rootworm) on Pokerstars, (see the blogs I am following) as he is back on a good heater by the looks of it, keep it up, I was watching him play a few SNG's and GTD games other day while at work.

Sometimes it makes you wonder

2009-06-30T14:34:00.003+01:00

Just in case anyone is interested I think this is one of the hands while playing in the heat that tilted me yesterday at Heads Up Play.
Not sure what some people are thinking when they call bets, and raises. I also made the mistake at the river but was so curious. I knew it was a bad call but had to see. (As you can see from the chat) Think its the call on the turn which did it.
Played a few more games but was too hot and frustrated to play more that day.

Seat 1: Hero (1,515)
Seat 2: Friggriya (1,485)
Friggriya posts the small blind of 15
Hero posts the big blind of 30
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Hero [Ac Ad]
Friggriya calls 15
Hero raises to 90
Friggriya calls 60
*** FLOP *** [4s 3c 7d]
Hero bets 100
Friggriya has 15 seconds left to act
Friggriya calls 100
*** TURN *** [4s 3c 7d] [6s]
Hero bets 380
Friggriya calls 380
*** RIVER *** [4s 3c 7d 6s] [2d]
Hero checks
Friggriya bets 915, and is all in
Hero has 15 seconds left to act
Hero has requested TIME
Hero: have you got the 5 ? well
Hero calls 915
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Friggriya shows [2h 3d] two pair, Threes and Twos
Hero mucks
Friggriya wins the pot (2,970) with two pair, Threes and Twos
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2,970 | Rake 0
Board: [4s 3c 7d 6s 2d]
Seat 1: Hero (big blind) mucked [Ac Ad] - a pair of Aces
Seat 2: Friggriya (small blind) showed [2h 3d] and won (2,970) with two pair, Threes and Twos

Of all the hands to be calling raises Pre-Flop Flop and Turn with!!!

Heads down downswing

2009-06-29T13:17:00.004+01:00

Well my good run at Heads Up play ended today with a downswing of -42.75%

So still in my hole. Whenever the money was in there they hit there 2 outer on river, was so gross. I was happy with my play went over the HH and was playing good just they would make up and suckout.
Think I will play my regional freeroll and regional $2000 added games on Stars later tonight and maybe some micro stakes Pot Limit HA on FT. HA is real swingy and you have sometimes use a buyin finding out which part of the game your opponents are weaker at and attack that. But I do like it. Hope I can one day get to play the nose bleed stakes at this one but for now will stick at .01/.02 and .02/.05 rather than throwing my bankroll away playing above my game.

Addition : never played the regionals far too hot to be inside on pc so gave it a miss.

Heads UP

2009-06-26T19:52:00.002+01:00

Only short update tonight.

Well after dinner today I thought I would play some heads up before heading out down town for a few drinks, as had crap day at office.
So just played 4 Heads Up games on Full Tilt only low stakes but after the run I have had at the 9man SNGs recently I thought I would limit my loses.
So played 4 won 3 so ROI of 39.53% so not bad for about 20mins work playing 2 at once.
Think I will try and play a load more tomorrow and see if I can make some good money at them.
Right off to town now for a few beers. So definalty wont be playing later.
More tomorrow.

Got in the money but got sucked out on!!

2009-06-24T23:15:00.006+01:00

Played a Tourny tonight only a $2+.20 926 players total prize money was $3852.00 giving 1st place a lovely $704.92
Dont normally play large tournaments but just faniced too tonight.
However I had made the money and unfortunatly I was fairly low stack had just got beaten in a few hands and then woke up with KK. I was UTG+1 UTG raised to 1200 I only had 4580 so came over the top all-in, short stack in position called all-in with 1661chips and the Origianl raiser UTG tanked for a while then called my rasie and showed JJ the Short stack had AA so at least I had him covered.
However the Guy with JJ caught a J on the flop and took us both out. So I came in 127place for grand sum of $6.93 small profit I guess. But sucks for just over 2.5hours playing.

For a change of scene I am playing Omaha H/L

2009-06-24T17:11:00.003+01:00

Well Fancy to play Omaha H/L again tonight I like that game and fancy the challenge after sucha bad run at NLHE SNG recently.
May play some of my Step 2 tickets at Absolute or some more of my free Step 1 tickets as they are super fast games and full of Donks who dont have a clue how to play, and are willing to throw there money away real quick there cos the know its so cheap, but start at step 1 for 11cents and may turn it into $12,0000 which is what I am intending to do.
I have 12 Step 1 Tickets, and 10 step 2's and I have played 28 so dont think I have done too bad so far. still got over $6 in cash from the free $10 they gave me, so playing a few of the micro stakes on there too, they seem really soft too full of stoned people willing to throw cash away because its only a few cents, well ship it my way then and I will make it grow, thanks very much.
Might also play my regional freeroll and $2000 added tournament too. Not really keen on large tournaments with couple of thousand players but may give them a go anyway.
Only problem is it will mean a late night and I have to work early tomorrow but what the hell.

Fun cash game at the wekend

2009-06-22T11:47:00.002+01:00

Well what a weekend that was, went to watch greyhound racing on Friday night for friends birthday. Started badly and my first 3 bets were all losers! I had picked the best dogs on the form guide but they all managed to go from the lead to the back of the back by half way round. One of them was neck and neck close to winning before it decided to start fighting with the one next to it. Anyway by the time we left I have had far too much to drink but had won a tidy profit in last 3 races.

Saturday Went to my bosses house for a cash game was meant to be 6 or 7 of us but ended up only 4 so playing a nice short handed game. His son was hyper aggressive and over betting pot on bluffs and was fairly easy to get nice read on and by hlaf way through the evening he had to rebuy but lost it all and left. I had to make one rebuy after losing my full house to quad 10's but thats poker.
Ended up with a 120% profit by close of the game so was happy with my play.

No Poker Sunday as was our town street festival which is really an excuse to all go out and have a day in the sun drinking and laughing.
Am going to try and find some time to play some MTT SNG's hopefully on Tuesday Evening.
Will update on the progress.

Continuing the Absolute Steps

2009-06-12T15:53:00.002+01:00

Still playing my free $10 on Absolute got a whole bunch on Step 2 tickets and loadds of Step 1 tickets so far and I have only played a third of the cash, so have to playa load over the weekend as the money runs out on 15th June. If there is any left by Sunday evening I will hit a cash game with and see what I can do there. Then play out all the steps tickets and see if I can get to win a step 10 and get a $12000 package.

On the Pub poker I decided to be annoying last night and really mix it up which was fun.
I was playing lots of random cards and really confusing the players who think they know how I play. Kind of liked one hand when I raised it UTG with 72off and won with 2 pair.
The looks on there faces was priceless.
Didnt win but just wanted to play small cards all night for a challenge. Then when it came to push fold time I was in BB with AQsuited and had the UTG player who had same chip count as I did went allin, now I have seen him regularly do this with JT 9Tsuited so called him and of course he made straight and I was out but I had fun.

Absolute Steps and FT small SNG's

2009-06-07T16:08:00.002+01:00

Well I am gradually getting through the $10 Absolute put into my account to try and get me to re-deposit. Currently have 5 step 2 tickets and 5 step one tickets and only played 12 games so not bad still have about $8.75 left to play. So would like to think I can get to step 10 and will a $12,000 package. Got to be possitve.
On a FullTilt SNG front I played another 8 games today, won one and came second in one which meant I finshed done about $3 or so, but I can see it will turn around, I am playing ok now, just getting sucked out on a bit. Last game was 5 handed for a long time. The last hand my Ace's up lost to a flush.
Will play again tomorrow night, thinking of switching to 90 man SNG's for a change for a while as I have had some luck with them when I played them.
Anyway of to Kick boxing lesson in a while always good to get rid of the frustration.

Got cheated out of a win at last nights poker game

2009-06-05T11:16:00.000+01:00

Well we had some contraversity at the Red Tooth game last night right on the bubble which decided who got the money and who didnt.
Here was the situation;

Money pays only 1st and 2nd place.

The button was short stack, I was Small Blind big blind had a few more chips than I did.
Dealer called, I called from small blind with 33 maybe I should have gone all in there probably, anyway.
Big Blind called and we saw the flop, was something like 6,8,K. Was checked round turn came down I think a 9
check check, river was Q.
I checked my 33, big blind bet minimum, I only had 8000 left so push over top.
Now here is where it gets interesting, he looked back down at his cards and shock his head saying nah dont think I can.
Now his girlfriend behind him suddenly hissed, "look again you got a straight" which we all heard.

The tourny director stopped things there and a discussion started about what to do.
I said I thought you were about to fold, as did all others there. is girlfriend said wellthat would not be fair calling his hand dead, to which was responded but you were telling him what to do, and influenced his decision now not to fold.
He then said but I never said fold.

Now the torunamanet director said really your hand is dead, but didint make him muck the cards. instead said take those bets back, and all turn over. Which lets be honest was wrong thing to do. Yes its a bit of fun down the pub but there was money involved plus league points.

So the short stack went out and I was now stuck at 8000 chips with blinds at 2000/4000 with the (cheater) very large stack.
So i had small blind and 9T suited and disgusted through my remaining 6000 in he had over cards and won, so I got second.
But had his cards in previous hand been mucked as they should have I think I would have out played him heads up.

So I am not really happy but what can you do.

Absolute Steps Part 1

2009-06-03T23:20:00.004+01:00

Well played my first 2 Steps tournys with my free $10 on Absolute Poker

First one we lost a player on the first hand, middle guy opened for a 280 bet with 4 limpers already (10/20Blinds) folded round to the guy on his right who went over the top all-in raiser called with Q9 off suite, guy who limped then went all in hand A9 off suite but his Ace held up.
That was how it went game did get better and I finished in Second chip place to get Step 2 ticket.

Second game was certainly harder play, better play for sure until middle distance then people started opening up. I ended up going out in Third place but that means I do get another Step 1 tourny Ticket.

So played 2 won one and got another go at first in the bag, so am happy. Maybe play a few more before my Red Tooth Pub poker league game tomorrow evening.

On another note I doubled my bankroll on Poker Stars today as I think I am going to go for some of there 45 & 90 man SNGs and also carry on playing some of the steps there too.
By making the deposit I also get entry into a number of freerolls they are holding through June so will try and play some of them, as long as there is some to suite UK TimeZone which means probably none!!!

Free $10 to play with

2009-06-03T09:11:00.005+01:00

Still staying away from playing currently and looking at my hands to last 9 games I failed to cash in at all with the run of 7 "7th places" I feel I need to look at what I am playing. It does look like my stratagy is still correct and I am getting my money in good so will be back soon to turn the graph around.

On another note Absolute Poker has sent me an email saying they have put $10 in my account as a month a go I withdrew all the money. I took it out due to having a major problem when I was playing cash and had the nuts but system froze once someone had come over the top of me, I could not re-raise nothing, then once my hand was folded by there system it would all work again. AMAZING!!!! This happened a few times. They refused to help saying I must have a virus or worm or something, which I have not got. Then they said I have to much stuff running and not enough memory. Wrong I have a Quad core PC with 4GB RAM and half Terabyte disks.
Only things I do on that pc is play poker at poker sites and have scanned it with variuos anti virus packages all clear. They just stopped responding to my emails, so I took mny bankroll elsewhere.
But now as they have given me this $10 I will play there steps series starting at $0.10+1 that 11cents a game 9man SNG. This gives me just over 90 buyins to see if I can make step 10 and win a major package.
Wish me luck as I have to spend the $10 by 15th June so going to start playing them tonight.

Still Running bad

2009-06-01T23:29:00.003+01:00

This is getting not to be fun, played 7 SNG's today and didnt get higher than 5th place in any.
had 4 7th's. Do think I am playing right just not getting lucky at all. Had AA cracked twice today which didnt help.
Sharkscope has me now as "SuperTilt" which is so bad, as had me as "Hot" only a week or so ago.
Anyway will keep going and see if I can push through, only may npt be able to play again now until the weekend.

Still stuck in variance

2009-05-27T23:03:00.000+01:00

Well played another couple of hours tonight, lost another $5 or so, but pushing on.
Not letting it get me down will be playing almost all day tomorrow and at least half of friday.
At leat my play today was in triple time happy hour so made some good FTP's may try to use them soon for some buyin's.

Long HU dual.

2009-05-26T23:47:00.002+01:00

Well I was meant to be going out tongiht but that was cancelled so thought I would play a few SNG's ended up playing 11 in the end which is not many I know but I am generally starting 4 tables and going like that. Still running bad or so it seems, ran my AA into KK 3 times today and lost each time. Once to flush and both other times they hit there 2 outer!!
Thats poker i guess. still I ended the evening with a win after a battle. The heads up was 12minutes long (and all over a $2.25 game) I was not losing I was determined of that.
Started with me at 5240 chips and him at 8260, at one point I was down to 1780 with him about 10/1 lead with 11720 but I came back to win in the end, and quit there, plus it was late and I have to work tomorrow.
Will be back at the tables at about 20:00 uk time tomorrow I hope.
Then have Thursday and Friday off so hope to put in a few long sessions and play at least 100 SNGs over those 2 days, may mix in some 90man $3.50+0.30 as well as I have time.
I really don't know how Nick Rainey manages his 40 hour sessions, but then he is fit and young and determined.

This weeks play

2009-05-26T09:44:00.002+01:00

No poker yesterday as it was too nice of day to sit inside staring at PC screen.
Working all day today, but will play a few games Wednesday evening.
Then Thursday and Friday I have taken off work, so will hit the tables all day both those days and see what will happen.
Also on Thursday we have are normal redtooth pub poker league game, I am going to try small balling it rather than playing as SNG, as we changed the stacks now to start with 3000 chips rather than the rules of start with 2000 with free add on at first break.
I always said it was daft adn finally people agree so have better structure from now.
Will post how it goes.

I found the dreaded Variance!!

2009-05-24T13:58:00.003+01:00

Well played 15 Sit N Go's this morning and only made the money in 4 of them. Don’t think I played that bad, just lost a lot of coin flips.
For example if I had AK and went against JJ I would not catch up, but if I had the JJ the Ace or King would always turn up.
So net loss today of $17.55 which sucks as my graph was looking so nice, but I knew there would be a down swing coming. But it still hurts.
No playing anymore today, well maybe except the PokerVT Weekly bounty tonight depending if I have much to drink at BBQ as playing after few drinks is very -EV

Anyway played better in last game as made 2nd place almost one it, but opponent caught a river to suck out. But hey at least I finished the last game in the money.
Not posting a graph as it looks so disgusting. Just looking at the torunements for today, I have never had so many 9th 8th or 7th places in one session.

Will watch a few of my SNG videos from PokerVT again tomorrow just to brush up. before I do hit the tables.

Well will be back at the tables tomorrow to see if I can ride out the variance or just lose some more, but going to shops in morning to get a microhpone so I can make some videos of my play in order to go over the games to find spots and leaks, bit like the PokerVT videos, as I have got the same software they are using. Camtasia! It is great piece of software.

Damn video card

2009-05-19T11:52:00.001+01:00

Well never managed to play any poker last night, trying to build the new pc up, and the graphics card was not playing ball so wasted most of evening trying to get that working with no sucess, so have to go out and get another one I guess.

Heads Up FT Academy

2009-05-17T23:00:00.003+01:00

Well, after being out of the country for most of the week, and getting back late last night I decided to play a bit this morning, but could not decide what to play.
So I decided to do the next stage of the Full Tilt Academy challenge which was to play 4 Heads Up Matches.

Went quite well as it happens played 2 at a time only $2.15 buy-ins, so ended up winning 3 and losing the last, but only took 20 mins to play all 4. So at the end I ha net Profit of $3.40 with ROI of 39.53% not massive ammount of money but my progress is definatly going in the right direction.
Here is my SharkScope graph to date.

I intend to try and play some more Turbo SNG's tomorrow after work, but I have been told my new grpahics card has arrivied at work so may end up converter a quad core 4GB machine I have spare into my new poker PC, together with the new 23inch screen I got other week, (see previous post.) So I will be able to run that in dual screen mode with the new 23inch and my trusty 19inch one.
Means I will be able to start adding mor tables to my game, currently play 4 or 5 at a time and want to increase if I can.
Oh the other reason for this is I want to add some 90man SNG's soon so want the larger screens for that play being added to the game, so I can have my 90 tournys on large screen and small stakes on the smaller.

started bad, but ended with a smile

2009-05-10T14:24:00.003+01:00

Just a quick update today, as need to sleep.
Had a good night out Friday evening in town, but Saturday did not start well at all, people next door managed to wake me up at 5.30am I could not get backto sleep, so started day tired and angry, so did not play, thought it was best not too.
So had a few games today using my nice new screen, which is so nice to use, lots of space for tables.
Played total of 8 games and cetainly didnt start great didnt cash in any of the first 4.
Then came back from about 300 chips in 5th place in the 5th game to get a 2nd. Once I had doubled up a couple of times I was determined to cash, so I was fairly happy to get the $5.4 for it.
Very next I won, which we also played 5 handed for what seemed like ages.
Went out 8th in the next with the loved and hated AK. I was in BB. Middle position player went all in with 99 he had me covered by about 300 chips but I called, as everyone would I think?
Flop was 6d Qs Ks (My Ace was As) Turn was 2s so I now had top pair "Kings" and Nut Flush draw, so Villian had 1 out the Case 9d. Guess what came on the river, yes the damn 9 of Diamonds. With that turn card PokerStove says he had 2.27% chance of hitting his card.
Anyway here is the picture of the play.

After that nasty one I played the longest SNG single table, we were playing 5 handed for ages it seemed. Once 1 player fell it soon got heads up between myself and my opponent.
Final hand was as; I was in BB with Td Ks Raised it to 1600 he went all in, I called maybe a bad call I guess but Guessed was at worst 50-50.
He turned over 7h 7c board comes donwn Ah 2s 6d.
Turn was my Ts giving me Pair of Tens, river was Th giving me trips and the win. Which made up for the bad beat I had in last game.
Here is the play from the felt.

So I felt much better after that and thought I would leave it for today on a win and go get some lunch.
Here is the Poker Tracker graph for the day.