Grandpa's not doin' well. Been having stomache pains for months, and the idiot doctors couldn't find anything wrong. After MONTHS of this, yesterday he finally went to the Cleveland Clinic, where they examined him and found a tumor/mass on the pancreas, which is blocking the pancreatic vein.
Surgery is likely not an option due to his age.
Crap.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Beat of the night
Last Friday/Saturday session, Tulalip $1/$2. MP limps, Button limps, SB limps, I look at 2 red kings and bump it to $16 to go.
MP calls. Others fold
FLOP: 789 rainbow
I lead with $25.
MP goes all in for $20 on top. (silly me I should've looked at his stack before betting; maybe I did and my brain is cloudy as this was at like 4am when I'd been playing for 10 hours).
I make a crying call (thinking I'm up against a possible JT, but I've seen people go all-in here with A9 or even 2 overs as, again, so many people (including me at times) are more apt to put their oppoents on AK than a big pair).
MP Turns over T6o for a flopped straight. T on the turn gives me some hope, but the river bricks out.
I guess the right play is to fold there, but I've seen enough people overcommit there with AJ or A9 that I felt I had to call.
3rd week in a row I've played against this guy, and I've never seen him walk out of the casino with chips. Sure, you'll hit a big score with T6o from time to time, but when short stacked? I dunno, maybe it was a good play...
MP calls. Others fold
FLOP: 789 rainbow
I lead with $25.
MP goes all in for $20 on top. (silly me I should've looked at his stack before betting; maybe I did and my brain is cloudy as this was at like 4am when I'd been playing for 10 hours).
I make a crying call (thinking I'm up against a possible JT, but I've seen people go all-in here with A9 or even 2 overs as, again, so many people (including me at times) are more apt to put their oppoents on AK than a big pair).
MP Turns over T6o for a flopped straight. T on the turn gives me some hope, but the river bricks out.
I guess the right play is to fold there, but I've seen enough people overcommit there with AJ or A9 that I felt I had to call.
3rd week in a row I've played against this guy, and I've never seen him walk out of the casino with chips. Sure, you'll hit a big score with T6o from time to time, but when short stacked? I dunno, maybe it was a good play...
Monday, June 23, 2008
Work to do
In all honesty, as much poker as I've played in the past, I only recently began playing with any real regularity and seriousness. Sure, I've played online for a couple years now, but never at 'meaningful' stakes to either me or my opponents: online play is purely recreational, it's fun, it can be exciting, but it's never been about big profits etc.
RPT tournaments were my main poker experience 3-4 times/week for a year and a half or more. And there is a big difference between freeroll shortstack tournaments and live cash games.
For the past 3-4 months, I've been hitting up the $1/$2 game regularly - at least every other week, if not every week (Memorial day I was there for 2 days: nice $1200 score). My results are positive. The game is typically soft, though I make most of my money not by outplaying my opponents, but rather waiting for them to make mistakes and capitalizing on them.
I had a good Tulalip session Friday, but I am still obviously learning this game: I'm still a beginner. I'd say an advanced beginner, but a beginner nontheless. I can spot, with relative ease, who I should avoid at the table (w/o a monster holding), and who I should be able to take advantage of. I also play well post-flop, especially with people who are timid bettors: I get to steal enough pots that I can take some long-shot chances (like the T7s hand).
One unfortunate way I learn is by encountering pain. And that often comes in the form of making mistakes. While they suck, they are major learning experiences. And much more effective for me than reading a book. Experience is the best teacher, and I learn more from painful experiences than pleasurefull experiences.
I played in a private game Sunday night - 6-max deepstack ($100/$200 buy in, $0.50 blinds), with players obviously much more experienced than me (except perhaps one guy). I made what was likely the 2nd worst call of my life in a hand where my opponent obviously had AA. It was so obvious that I should have mucked my QQ preflop. Yes, that obvious. But I didn't. And it stung. Stung to the tune of $175.
Ouch.
Worst part? When I lead out (OOP) on a rag-board, I tell myself if he raises I must go away. What happens? He pushes, and I tank for a few minutes before calling.
DONK CALL!
I also learned a few more things:
- just because I'm playing deep stacked doesn't mean I can still play marginal hands to raises. Like KQo. I hit my queen I may not be good.
- just because my hand is a "good hand" doesn't mean that it's a good spot to make / call a raise/re-raise. I could've saved many a bet and waited for better opportunities.
- I've become so used to the relatively short-stacked $1/$2 game that the idea of "pot control" rarely crosses my mind; playing with 400 big blinds it should be crossing my mind.
- I don't like getting bullied around. I don't think anyone does. Which means I need to work on a counter-strategy against bullies. I can easily bully tight-passive $1/$2 players, but guys with 15 years of poker experience, who are used to the ultra-aggressive Microsoft games and taking advantage of the ultra-passive local games, I end up being the one getting bullied.
I got lots to work on. I've now got my poker roll completely separate from other money (though I'm still using my poker $$ to pay for a few things: classes, and contacts are my latest poker purchases), so I am easily able to disregard the "value" of the money and play much more optimally. And I need to balance my aggression: I'm oten either overshooting the mark (getting too aggressive), or playing too passively.
God I love this game.
RPT tournaments were my main poker experience 3-4 times/week for a year and a half or more. And there is a big difference between freeroll shortstack tournaments and live cash games.
For the past 3-4 months, I've been hitting up the $1/$2 game regularly - at least every other week, if not every week (Memorial day I was there for 2 days: nice $1200 score). My results are positive. The game is typically soft, though I make most of my money not by outplaying my opponents, but rather waiting for them to make mistakes and capitalizing on them.
I had a good Tulalip session Friday, but I am still obviously learning this game: I'm still a beginner. I'd say an advanced beginner, but a beginner nontheless. I can spot, with relative ease, who I should avoid at the table (w/o a monster holding), and who I should be able to take advantage of. I also play well post-flop, especially with people who are timid bettors: I get to steal enough pots that I can take some long-shot chances (like the T7s hand).
One unfortunate way I learn is by encountering pain. And that often comes in the form of making mistakes. While they suck, they are major learning experiences. And much more effective for me than reading a book. Experience is the best teacher, and I learn more from painful experiences than pleasurefull experiences.
I played in a private game Sunday night - 6-max deepstack ($100/$200 buy in, $0.50 blinds), with players obviously much more experienced than me (except perhaps one guy). I made what was likely the 2nd worst call of my life in a hand where my opponent obviously had AA. It was so obvious that I should have mucked my QQ preflop. Yes, that obvious. But I didn't. And it stung. Stung to the tune of $175.
Ouch.
Worst part? When I lead out (OOP) on a rag-board, I tell myself if he raises I must go away. What happens? He pushes, and I tank for a few minutes before calling.
DONK CALL!
I also learned a few more things:
- just because I'm playing deep stacked doesn't mean I can still play marginal hands to raises. Like KQo. I hit my queen I may not be good.
- just because my hand is a "good hand" doesn't mean that it's a good spot to make / call a raise/re-raise. I could've saved many a bet and waited for better opportunities.
- I've become so used to the relatively short-stacked $1/$2 game that the idea of "pot control" rarely crosses my mind; playing with 400 big blinds it should be crossing my mind.
- I don't like getting bullied around. I don't think anyone does. Which means I need to work on a counter-strategy against bullies. I can easily bully tight-passive $1/$2 players, but guys with 15 years of poker experience, who are used to the ultra-aggressive Microsoft games and taking advantage of the ultra-passive local games, I end up being the one getting bullied.
I got lots to work on. I've now got my poker roll completely separate from other money (though I'm still using my poker $$ to pay for a few things: classes, and contacts are my latest poker purchases), so I am easily able to disregard the "value" of the money and play much more optimally. And I need to balance my aggression: I'm oten either overshooting the mark (getting too aggressive), or playing too passively.
God I love this game.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Tulalip $1/2 - hands of the night
Good session last night. I got caught in many bluffs; gotta keep reminding myself not to bluff idiots who don't know how to fold.
Hand 1:
Villain (UTG, $125): very loose, has made a ton of really odd calls, even called a $35 (3/4 pot bet) river bet from me with ace high (and yes, he won the pot). He's been playing 90% of the pots, and seemingly ATC. The hand right before this one, he limped in 2nd position, Hero raised from position with QJo, Villain re-popped to $22; I folded.
Hero (hijack, $200): Not affraid to re-raise from position, takes stabs at a lot of pots (it's a brand new table so I'm not scared of keeping a wild, loose image... perhaps same thing UTG is doing?).
Villain limps, folds to me 9c 9s. I raise to $8. Button calls; Villain re-pops to $25. I say "two big limp/re-raise hands in a row? OK, I'll play." SB folds.
FLOP: 2d 5s 7h
Villain bets $25.
I just don't think he's got anything. AK at best, c-betting. I know, though, that I'm facing a big bet on the turn (He's only got about $75 behind), so this is either push or fold.
HERO: "All in"
Villain looks at his hand, shrugs, and says, "Ah, what the hell," and calls
Villain turns over QJo (?!?!?!?!?!). Turn and river brick out, and I collect a good size pot due to a good read and a very loose call.
Hand 2:
Villain (LP, $200): good, thinking player. Likes to talk strategy at the table (I just nod my head and say "uh-huh"...). Confident, aggressive.
Hero: (LP+1, $300): aggressive, caught in some bluffs trying to steal-raise on dry boards; I'm raising and re-raising a ton of pots, though, many successfully so I've got splashing-around-chips. I should have a fairly tricky image.
One limper, folds to Villain who pops to $8. I look down at 7s Ts, and decide to call; limper calls.
FLOP: Tc 7d 3s
Limper: Checks
Villain: Bets $16.
Hero: Raises to $45(hope he's got an overpair)
Limper folds.
Villain begins stacking up his chips like he's going all-in. He looks at me and says "Are you serious? I've got a huge hand here." I say "If you're gonna raise me just get it all in now." He asks if I'll call, and I say more than likely (meaning YES YES YES!)
Villain just calls.
(POT: ~$110)
TURN: [Tc 7d 3s] Th
Villain: looks at it and says "Should I check?" I say "What the hell do you have?" He says "All in"
HERO (of course) INSTA-calls...
Villain turns over 77 for 7's full of T's; Hero turns over T7 for T's full of 7's.
*whew* Had no idea I was behind there; I was sure he was sitting on KK there, esp after my flop raise and he says, "Are you serious?"
What's that saying about rather being lucky than good? I'll take both :)
Hand 1:
Villain (UTG, $125): very loose, has made a ton of really odd calls, even called a $35 (3/4 pot bet) river bet from me with ace high (and yes, he won the pot). He's been playing 90% of the pots, and seemingly ATC. The hand right before this one, he limped in 2nd position, Hero raised from position with QJo, Villain re-popped to $22; I folded.
Hero (hijack, $200): Not affraid to re-raise from position, takes stabs at a lot of pots (it's a brand new table so I'm not scared of keeping a wild, loose image... perhaps same thing UTG is doing?).
Villain limps, folds to me 9c 9s. I raise to $8. Button calls; Villain re-pops to $25. I say "two big limp/re-raise hands in a row? OK, I'll play." SB folds.
FLOP: 2d 5s 7h
Villain bets $25.
I just don't think he's got anything. AK at best, c-betting. I know, though, that I'm facing a big bet on the turn (He's only got about $75 behind), so this is either push or fold.
HERO: "All in"
Villain looks at his hand, shrugs, and says, "Ah, what the hell," and calls
Villain turns over QJo (?!?!?!?!?!). Turn and river brick out, and I collect a good size pot due to a good read and a very loose call.
Hand 2:
Villain (LP, $200): good, thinking player. Likes to talk strategy at the table (I just nod my head and say "uh-huh"...). Confident, aggressive.
Hero: (LP+1, $300): aggressive, caught in some bluffs trying to steal-raise on dry boards; I'm raising and re-raising a ton of pots, though, many successfully so I've got splashing-around-chips. I should have a fairly tricky image.
One limper, folds to Villain who pops to $8. I look down at 7s Ts, and decide to call; limper calls.
FLOP: Tc 7d 3s
Limper: Checks
Villain: Bets $16.
Hero: Raises to $45(hope he's got an overpair)
Limper folds.
Villain begins stacking up his chips like he's going all-in. He looks at me and says "Are you serious? I've got a huge hand here." I say "If you're gonna raise me just get it all in now." He asks if I'll call, and I say more than likely (meaning YES YES YES!)
Villain just calls.
(POT: ~$110)
TURN: [Tc 7d 3s] Th
Villain: looks at it and says "Should I check?" I say "What the hell do you have?" He says "All in"
HERO (of course) INSTA-calls...
Villain turns over 77 for 7's full of T's; Hero turns over T7 for T's full of 7's.
*whew* Had no idea I was behind there; I was sure he was sitting on KK there, esp after my flop raise and he says, "Are you serious?"
What's that saying about rather being lucky than good? I'll take both :)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
poker & emotions
One thing I'm realizing is that I do not emotionally deal well with big swings. Oh sure, the up swings are wonderful, but the down swings -- I'm not good with them.
I start to question my abilities. I start to wonder whether I really am any good at this game, or if I just get lucky during winning sessions. Knowing that the majority of poker players are losing players, I wondered whether this fit me too, and if my stats for the past 9-10 months or so (only began tracking live NL play, leaving limit out right now) are just an anomaly.
About a month ago, I had an incredible poker weekend - 2 marathon poker sessions that netted me over $1K. At $1/$2. I kid you not.
But then the next 3 weekends were horrid. Awful. I ended up below where I was before memorial day.
This weekend, though, I did 2 back to back sessions Sat-Sun morning, and had to buy in 3 times to the $1/$2 game to end with a $24 profit. And the $2-$40 spread game I went to I crushed: started with $100, walked out with $460.
I hated that I spent 14 hours playing to only show a $24 profit. That almost feels like a loss...
The fact of the matter is that when I start losing, I start to feel bad about myself, and start questioning my play and my abilities. And when I'm winning, I start to wonder how this game can be so easy, and whether I should step up to $3/$5 even though I'm not properly bankrolled for that level.
I know neither of these two thoughts is correct. Yet my brain still goes there. So I guess part of me believes these thoughts. The brain lying to itself is a scary thing.
Logically, I understand 100% that you can't have winning sessions every time: nobody does except the UP and AP Super User accounts. But psychologically I get way too down on myself after losing sessions.
First step in any problem is to acknowledge the problem, so I'm part way there at least :)
I start to question my abilities. I start to wonder whether I really am any good at this game, or if I just get lucky during winning sessions. Knowing that the majority of poker players are losing players, I wondered whether this fit me too, and if my stats for the past 9-10 months or so (only began tracking live NL play, leaving limit out right now) are just an anomaly.
About a month ago, I had an incredible poker weekend - 2 marathon poker sessions that netted me over $1K. At $1/$2. I kid you not.
But then the next 3 weekends were horrid. Awful. I ended up below where I was before memorial day.
This weekend, though, I did 2 back to back sessions Sat-Sun morning, and had to buy in 3 times to the $1/$2 game to end with a $24 profit. And the $2-$40 spread game I went to I crushed: started with $100, walked out with $460.
I hated that I spent 14 hours playing to only show a $24 profit. That almost feels like a loss...
The fact of the matter is that when I start losing, I start to feel bad about myself, and start questioning my play and my abilities. And when I'm winning, I start to wonder how this game can be so easy, and whether I should step up to $3/$5 even though I'm not properly bankrolled for that level.
I know neither of these two thoughts is correct. Yet my brain still goes there. So I guess part of me believes these thoughts. The brain lying to itself is a scary thing.
Logically, I understand 100% that you can't have winning sessions every time: nobody does except the UP and AP Super User accounts. But psychologically I get way too down on myself after losing sessions.
First step in any problem is to acknowledge the problem, so I'm part way there at least :)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
...and again...
Got another Round 2 ticket tonight. Final hand was the funniest thing ever.
It'd been 3-handed for a while: 1 big stack, and other dude and I were switching between 2nd and 3rd in chips (big swings). I had just taken a big hit and was down to about 55,000. Button had about 130,000 and BB had about 150,000.
Last hand button goes all-in. I've got Ad 3h. It's probably a calling situation, but I'm willing to take my chances next hand and be the pusher rather than the caller.
Then, the funniest thing happens: The chipleader in the BB, who only covers the button by about 20K, calls!!
BB shows AKs, button shows A9o; king on the rainbow flop seals the deal.
I was very surprised that the bb called there as they both had me severely outchipped, and I would likely be all-in bad during one of these upcoming hands. Guess he saw his shot, and took it.
All I had to do to get into the top 2 was fold!
So I've got 2 shots at round 2. I also got down to the final 13 in another, and busted in 24th in another.
It'd been 3-handed for a while: 1 big stack, and other dude and I were switching between 2nd and 3rd in chips (big swings). I had just taken a big hit and was down to about 55,000. Button had about 130,000 and BB had about 150,000.
Last hand button goes all-in. I've got Ad 3h. It's probably a calling situation, but I'm willing to take my chances next hand and be the pusher rather than the caller.
Then, the funniest thing happens: The chipleader in the BB, who only covers the button by about 20K, calls!!
BB shows AKs, button shows A9o; king on the rainbow flop seals the deal.
I was very surprised that the bb called there as they both had me severely outchipped, and I would likely be all-in bad during one of these upcoming hands. Guess he saw his shot, and took it.
All I had to do to get into the top 2 was fold!
So I've got 2 shots at round 2. I also got down to the final 13 in another, and busted in 24th in another.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Finaly
Snicker if you want, laugh if you must, but I'm psyched about this. This weekend I final tabled like 4 of these things, never once using the all-in preflop for the first 5 hands to create a mega-stack. Due to the insanity surrounding these things, I hunker down and play super tight. But when I got the hands, I bet the hell out of them. At one point I went from 2nd to last in chips, to 15th in chips within 10 minutes and 4 hands.
I'm only like 2 steps away from a Main Event seat!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Forgot the cardinal rule
of tournament poker: Survival.
I took AQo up against the big stack (I'm #2). BB SNAP called my pot-size preflop raise.
*** FLOP *** [3c Jh Qc]
SB checks
gsw61515 bets 2,600
SB calls 2,600
*** TURN *** [3c Jh Qc] [Ah]
SB checks
gsw61515 bets 5,600
SB raises to 17,000
gsw61515: KT?
gsw61515: no way
editors note: when one correctly surmises one's opponent has the nuts, one should typically fold.
gsw61515: OK
gsw61515 raises to 20,335, and is all in
SB calls 3,335
gsw61515 shows [Ac Qs]
SB shows [Ks Tc]
*** RIVER *** [3c Jh Qc Ah] [Td]
gsw61515 shows two pair, Aces and Queens
SB shows a straight, Ace high
gsw61515: gg
gsw61515 stands up
I guess I was really hoping they called with AJ and hit the other two pair.
I always considered KT a sucker hand. Especially OOP, and esp. when you're the chip leader and 2nd in chips is in position with a preflop raise....
That being said, I still think that was a fold. Down to the final 10, almost at the FT, I'm dreaming of Vegas, and I think that was a clear fold in the hopes of surviving and getting my money in in a better spot.
I fold there, I still have an OK stack - smaller than average, but about mid-pack... Winner take all event like this, though, I kinda felt I'd have to take a chance that my fear was wrong and that they too turned 2 pair.
Guess I'm not playing in the WS0P this year....
I took AQo up against the big stack (I'm #2). BB SNAP called my pot-size preflop raise.
*** FLOP *** [3c Jh Qc]
SB checks
gsw61515 bets 2,600
SB calls 2,600
*** TURN *** [3c Jh Qc] [Ah]
SB checks
gsw61515 bets 5,600
SB raises to 17,000
gsw61515: KT?
gsw61515: no way
editors note: when one correctly surmises one's opponent has the nuts, one should typically fold.
gsw61515: OK
gsw61515 raises to 20,335, and is all in
SB calls 3,335
gsw61515 shows [Ac Qs]
SB shows [Ks Tc]
*** RIVER *** [3c Jh Qc Ah] [Td]
gsw61515 shows two pair, Aces and Queens
SB shows a straight, Ace high
gsw61515: gg
gsw61515 stands up
I guess I was really hoping they called with AJ and hit the other two pair.
I always considered KT a sucker hand. Especially OOP, and esp. when you're the chip leader and 2nd in chips is in position with a preflop raise....
That being said, I still think that was a fold. Down to the final 10, almost at the FT, I'm dreaming of Vegas, and I think that was a clear fold in the hopes of surviving and getting my money in in a better spot.
I fold there, I still have an OK stack - smaller than average, but about mid-pack... Winner take all event like this, though, I kinda felt I'd have to take a chance that my fear was wrong and that they too turned 2 pair.
Guess I'm not playing in the WS0P this year....
Can you get away from this?
Tulalip $1/$2. Pretty standard; there's really only two of us who are doing much 'playing' while it seems other 4 are only playing their cards. I've got about $260, cut off has over $300. He seems to be a pretty standard tight/passive player.
5 limpers to me in the big blind. I look down at KK, and say "Put ten more dollars in everyone," and raise to $12. 4 callers.
Pot: $48
FLOP:
Kh 7s Th
SB checks. I bet $50. Folds to SB who calls.
TURN:
[Kh 7s Th] 8d
SB checks. I've got a weird stack size now: pot is ~$150, and I've got $200. I'm putting the guy on a flush draw, but I can't just bet the pot here, and 1/2 pot bet would leave me with barely a barrel on the river, so I figure my best move is all in here: the pot is big enough to take down now, and if he wants to chase a heart then he's paying a horrible price for it.
I say I'm all in, and SB insta-calls. I turn over top set, and he turns over J9o for a turned straight.
River is a meaningless Q (just gives him an even bigger straight).
Can I get away from this hand? I can't check-raise the flop with 2 hearts out there, can I? Do I under-bet the pot? Do I massively over-bet the pot to make most any draw not worth it to call?
5 limpers to me in the big blind. I look down at KK, and say "Put ten more dollars in everyone," and raise to $12. 4 callers.
Pot: $48
FLOP:
Kh 7s Th
SB checks. I bet $50. Folds to SB who calls.
TURN:
[Kh 7s Th] 8d
SB checks. I've got a weird stack size now: pot is ~$150, and I've got $200. I'm putting the guy on a flush draw, but I can't just bet the pot here, and 1/2 pot bet would leave me with barely a barrel on the river, so I figure my best move is all in here: the pot is big enough to take down now, and if he wants to chase a heart then he's paying a horrible price for it.
I say I'm all in, and SB insta-calls. I turn over top set, and he turns over J9o for a turned straight.
River is a meaningless Q (just gives him an even bigger straight).
Can I get away from this hand? I can't check-raise the flop with 2 hearts out there, can I? Do I under-bet the pot? Do I massively over-bet the pot to make most any draw not worth it to call?
Saturday, June 7, 2008
freeroll fun
Killed a bunch of hours on FTP tonight, played a slew of Bracelet Race freerolls, and a smattering of PAD freerolls. Probably played in something like 16 or 20. Made 4 final tables, and final 2 in 3 others, and top 30 in a couple. If these were cash tournys I'd have made some bucks tonight.
I saw some of the sickest beats in those tournaments. I saw aces cracked by the oddest of hands not once, not twice, not three times, not even four times, but five whole times. Unreal. Twice were mine, and after witnessing my first beat and 3 others, I considered mucking preflop the next time I got them. Duh, I called. And got run down by J6. Check out the screen cap. Raised pre, BB & limper called. Flop was checked to me, I shove (was an overbet, hoping to block any flush draws), and get called in both spots:
I wish I could list the sick stuff I witnessed: people calling their stacks on the turn with gutshots, other craziness... I played solid, standard poker and got pretty deep.
Also played 2 SNGs. Busto in the first one just off the bubble, and 3rd in the other one, busted with AKo vs AKo and the guy catches running flush cards.
Tulalip tomorrow night!
I saw some of the sickest beats in those tournaments. I saw aces cracked by the oddest of hands not once, not twice, not three times, not even four times, but five whole times. Unreal. Twice were mine, and after witnessing my first beat and 3 others, I considered mucking preflop the next time I got them. Duh, I called. And got run down by J6. Check out the screen cap. Raised pre, BB & limper called. Flop was checked to me, I shove (was an overbet, hoping to block any flush draws), and get called in both spots:
I wish I could list the sick stuff I witnessed: people calling their stacks on the turn with gutshots, other craziness... I played solid, standard poker and got pretty deep.
Also played 2 SNGs. Busto in the first one just off the bubble, and 3rd in the other one, busted with AKo vs AKo and the guy catches running flush cards.
Tulalip tomorrow night!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Dreaming of Vegas
Every day for the past week and a half, I've taken about 1/2 my lunch hour (actually my lunch half-hour, but whatever) and scoured expedia.com, travelocity.com, lastminute.com, cheaptickets.com, cheapair.com, kayak.com - and probably some others - for airfare / hotel deals in Vegas.
Funny because I'm not interested in playing a WS0P event (scratch that: I'd play if I had the dough, I just don't have $1500 to plunk down on a tournament, esp. with the lack of tournament experience I have over the past year), I just want action. I want to spend a couple days sleeping as little as possible, parked at a juicy (but admittedly low stakes) poker table for as many hours as I can stand, taking an occasional break to bake in the desert sun, and maybe even catch one of the overpriced shows going on there (Ka would most likely be the show).
I just want to be around action. Memorial day weekend was almost like this at Tulalip for me: due to the huge bad beat jackpot that was going on, there were a slew of action junkies playing all limits throughout the weekend in hopes of hitting it. Some of the juiciest games I've seen up this way in a long time. I put in two long sessions (12+ hrs Sat-Sun and 18+hrs Sun-Mon). It was beautifully exhausting, and wonderfully exhilarating.
I have such fond memories of Caesar’s Palace $1/$3 game: was playing more like a $2/$5 game but with mostly players worse than me. Or the Venetian $1/$2 game, which was even more passive than Tulalip games (hard to believe!)...
And of course I'd love to wander through the Rio and see the round-the-clock degeneracy going on.
I really wish I'd been more mindful of my bankroll: I've been using winnings to pay for stuff (classes, contacts, new shoes, concert tickets...), that I really haven't grown my 'roll into anything significant. I play on a very short bankroll according to most 'expert opinions,' which means that 3 or 4 really bad sessions could make it vanish.
If I hadn't spent so much of my roll on stuff I'd have a little extra to spend on travel to Vegas and have a good chunk left for aggressive poker playing.
We'll see after this weekend: if I end up with a killer session Saturday night, I'll contemplate heading down the following Sat-Mon for a long weekend...
Funny because I'm not interested in playing a WS0P event (scratch that: I'd play if I had the dough, I just don't have $1500 to plunk down on a tournament, esp. with the lack of tournament experience I have over the past year), I just want action. I want to spend a couple days sleeping as little as possible, parked at a juicy (but admittedly low stakes) poker table for as many hours as I can stand, taking an occasional break to bake in the desert sun, and maybe even catch one of the overpriced shows going on there (Ka would most likely be the show).
I just want to be around action. Memorial day weekend was almost like this at Tulalip for me: due to the huge bad beat jackpot that was going on, there were a slew of action junkies playing all limits throughout the weekend in hopes of hitting it. Some of the juiciest games I've seen up this way in a long time. I put in two long sessions (12+ hrs Sat-Sun and 18+hrs Sun-Mon). It was beautifully exhausting, and wonderfully exhilarating.
I have such fond memories of Caesar’s Palace $1/$3 game: was playing more like a $2/$5 game but with mostly players worse than me. Or the Venetian $1/$2 game, which was even more passive than Tulalip games (hard to believe!)...
And of course I'd love to wander through the Rio and see the round-the-clock degeneracy going on.
I really wish I'd been more mindful of my bankroll: I've been using winnings to pay for stuff (classes, contacts, new shoes, concert tickets...), that I really haven't grown my 'roll into anything significant. I play on a very short bankroll according to most 'expert opinions,' which means that 3 or 4 really bad sessions could make it vanish.
If I hadn't spent so much of my roll on stuff I'd have a little extra to spend on travel to Vegas and have a good chunk left for aggressive poker playing.
We'll see after this weekend: if I end up with a killer session Saturday night, I'll contemplate heading down the following Sat-Mon for a long weekend...
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