Happy New Year

Just a quick hit to say Happy New Year to all the loyal readers of the blog.

All 6 of you.

More posts coming in 2009. I promise.

~M

ABC...

A-Always
B-Be
C-Closing

All I see is Alec Baldwin in "Glengarry Glen Ross" berate the sales staff in the film with Pacino, Kevin Spacey, and Jack Lemmon.


(Not work safe, due to language)

I am not closing the deal the way I should, but I am getting chances to close. I guess that's a positive. Got 4th in our league tourney for December, then a 3rd in Irish Jim's year end game, and then a 2nd last night at Irish Jim's. 3 events, 3 cashes, but still, not the brass ring.

I'm seeing the ball pretty well, but just can't seem to dodge being unlucky at the end. For example:

League event: My last hand, I am down to my last 5K or so, 4-handed with KJ off in the BB, raises, I shove, he's priced in, and calls with 9-6 off. He made a move, got picked off, but hit 2 pair on the flop. I made top pair, but didn't improve.

Irish Jim's part 1: 3-handed, limped pot with me in BB with 8-6. I check.
Flop: K-8-6 rainbow.

SB checks, I shove (5K or so), Irish Jim calls. Open the hands, he has KQ, I have 2 pair. Fade the turn, river is a Q. Busted.

Irish Jim's part 2: Heads up. I have 77 in BB, SB raises 3K on top of the 2400. I shove, he calls. He has QJ suited. Flop misses us both, turn another brick. Q on the river.

So, I am finding myself in good shape, and getting unlucky. I need to also point out that I have gotten help when needed too, and that's a part of why I have made the nice runs of late. I've hit cards when trailing (although I haven't trailed much), plus I have gotten nice value out of big hands as well, like making quad 9's and getting doubled up. This was sick.

9 handed at Irish Jim's year end game. Starting stacks of 8K. I have 99 in level 2 (blinds 25-50). I raise it to 200 as there was 1 early limper. Player next to me pops it to 500. I flat call, all others drop out.

Flop: 4-7-9, rainbow.

I check, re-raiser bets out 400. I call

Turn: 9

Check, check

River: 10

I bet 1500, he raises to 3000. I shove, he ponders and calls. He had 10-10 in the hole. As I said, sick.

I was happy to get max value there, and felt I did a good job of disguising the hand. Still, that was early, and not late, when "closing" matters most.

Will have a hard time finding a game over the next few weeks, as work will be its usual state of chaos. Have to play it by ear, but it appears that I have sat at my last table for calendar 2008--too bad because I want to keep swinging at the pitches. Seeing the ball well always feels good.

If any thing comes up between now and the new year, I'll drop in, but if not, Happy Holidays to you and yours. Be safe, and may pocket aces fill your stockings!

~M

Hi there

Sure, my Poker Weblogs rating is sinking like a stone, but hey, I've been busy. Work is crazy, but I have managed to squeeze in some poker in the last 20 days. Another 10 place finish in our league event for November. Another points pick up, but I want wins! I also sat in a game at Irish Jim's and got 2nd, plus busted early in a tournament with my buddy Joe G. I should have fared better, but made some ill-timed plays (which I will not get into). Suffice to say, my busting out was completely my doing.

We are less than 60 days away from swearing in a new President in this country, and in the time the current guy has left, apparently there is a dust-up in the poker legal fight. This from the Poker Players Alliance (you can clik the link on the right hand side of this blog if you want to know more about them):

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was resuscitated last week in a last ditch effort by the Bush administration to implement this flawed law before he leaves office in January. President Bush pushed through “midnight” regulations that require UIGEA to go into effect on January 19, 2009, one day before President-elect Barak Obama is sworn in to office.

One way that PPA members can help effect change this coming year is by going to President-elect Barak Obama’s transition website (http://change.gov/page/s/contact) and submitting comments on the importance of undoing the UIGEA when he takes office and why he should seek to license and regulate Internet poker.

Please tell Mr. Obama:
-That you’re a proud poker player, a voter and want your rights protected.
-To repeal UIGEA because prohibitions do not work, especially ones that put undue burden on the financial sector by deputizing banks to subvert the rights of adult Americans.
-That the best way to protect children and families from any perceived harm from Internet Poker is by licensing and strict regulation; it will also generate billions in federal and state revenue.
-That poker is a game of skill and not a game of chance, and as such should be protected.

Anyway, I likely won't be at the table anytime soon, as work has me travelling quite a bit over the next few weeks. Next up is the league event for December, so hopefully, the time away from the table will provide me a nice break, and I will come back refreshed and ready to play.

Good luck and good cards,
~M

The changing face of...

...my country.

Barack Obama is the President Elect of the United States of America.

I'm not a political kinda person. Just not in my DNA. I did vote, and I made my voice heard in this election. I faced a serious dilemma while casting my ballot on Tuesday. One that I had kicked around in my head for the months leading up to that fateful moment.

Which of these 2 men are worthy of my vote?

I wrestled with it for months. McCain seemed too much like the old guard that has gutted my nation over the past 8 years. Obama seemed too new to everything. Had he even managed a restaurant? How could he manage a country?

I made me selection, as well as others, and went about my day. I saw McCain get smoked (eventually), and Obama give an acceptance speech that, frankly, was flat, yet almost awakening (if that's even possible).

Before that, I saw McCain give his concession speech. He was eloquent, gracious in defeat, and reached out to all, sending the message "work with the new President." While he was gracious and all, I wanted him to say something more. I wanted to hear him say something like, "while I admit defeat and congratulate my opponent, I want him to know that I, along with the rest of this country, will hold your feet to the fire on everything." I would have wanted Obama to say the same had he lost. The time for promises is past. Now is time for action.

This country of mine (and yours if you are an American reading this), is in a fix. In poker terms, we're on a draw, and there are 2 cards to come. As of tonight, Obama holds the cards, and it's his turn to act. I am hoping that his draw has more than just one set of outs. I would hope he is holding 2 overcards, suited, and has not only flush draw, but straight draws with it. I want him to have more than just 9 flush wins in the deck. I want him to have open-enders for the straight. I want his 2 overs to be live, so spiking either of them will give this nation the win. I want Obama to have the deck so crippled in his favor, that he can't help but catch what he needs.

If he wins, we win. This nation needs to make this draw.

Apologies for waxing political.

In keeping with the poker theme, I came across this article about the President Elect from CNN back in 2007. You can read it by clicking here.

The reason I was being possessive about my President is for the benefit of the international readers of this blog. American readers, please bear with me.

As for poker, league event for November is 2 weeks away, and I hope to get in a game before then. Work schedule will dictate that.

Good luck and good cards.

~M

The "November 9"

OK, I know the final 9 players for the WSOP Main Event have been known to the world since July. I was in Las Vegas when they played down to this final 9. I haven't wanted to know who they are, which is rare for me, since I have known the winner of previous ME's based on staying up late, watching online coverage, and all that. This year, I chose not to find out who the final 9 were, knowing the final table will be played November 9th, and aired on Nov. 11th.

I finally broke down (today), and peeked, having an idea of who would be there, based on watching Tuesday's shows, and seeing most of them. I missed the final 15 minutes of the last show, and honestly didn't pay close attention to the 2nd hour, due to my job. There was one thing that made me very glad.

Seeing Tiffany Michelle go broke.

Now, before you get out your "he hates chick players," schtick, let me stop you in your tracks. I don't hate female players. Not in the least. Her run was one of good timing, in knowing when to push, knowing when to get out of hands, and all that. She made a lot of good decisions. Her worst decision came when she called for the clock when a player was making a decision for most of his chips. She was within her right, completely. I am within my right to pick my nose at the table. I choose not to, simply because it's not the right thing to do.

Calling the clock is something that I have never done (and meant it). I have called "clock" when a player is coming back from the restroom, and is within view, knowing full well the player has ample time to make it back, get seated and make a decision. I have never called for the clock when someone is making a decision for all, or most of their stack. The woman did that. The player ultimately made the call, had the lead, and got outdrawn on the end when the Ace of diamonds fell, pairing his opponent to a better hand.

Is she attractive? Yes, she's pretty. Is she a great player? I doubt that, based on the fact we never heard of her accomplishments at the table, until her run in the ME this year. What I find funny is her personal vignettes produced by ESPN. She was trying to portray herself as a serious player, with a lot of experience at the table. Truth is, she was a reporter for the WSOP website last year. She got involved in the poker scene that way, played some, learned some, and now feels she is an accomplished pro. I think the number of hands she's played compared to the number I have played is probably very close. I have no illusions about my ability. I'm average, at best. If I should be lucky enough to have a deep run, or a chance to win a WSOP bracelet (pipe dream, I know), I would hope I have the brains to keep things in their proper perspective.

If I don't, I would then hope that some poker blogger out there has the brains to call me out.

The only comparison I want between me and Tiffany would be a run, and payday from the Main Event. All other comparisons I will gladly sidestep.

Good luck and good cards,
~M

How to fade a beat...

...let me count the ways.

Sat in at Irish Jim's game on Wednesday, and had a nice night. I played very well (I thought), making plenty of good decisions, and reads. I tried a steal from early position, and got re-raised by a shorter stack (Irish Jim himself). My raise priced me into the pot (which I shouldn't have been in the hand in the first place-I gotta get better with that recognition), so I made the call. turned out I actually had the lead when my J-8 of spades was up against 8-9 of hearts. The J8 held up, and I dragged a nice pot, but in retrospect, that was an error.

I got it all in for my tournament life 4 handed with A-J suited (spades). Here's the action. I'm SB, UTG folds, button (chip leader) limps, I shove (about 3K more), BB folds and the chip leader goes into the tank. Deep. Thinks and thinks, and says "I don't like this card," and exposes a 2 of diamonds. I must have done something to indicate I was weak, because he made the call, and rolled over K-2 suited in diamonds. Of course, he catches the 2, and busts me.

Now, I don't care how you try and justify it, that's a loose call. No, I'm not bitter about it-he called, hit the hand, done. Still, I don't care how much of your stack is at risk. 10%, 20%, whatever. That's just a bad play. I would have loved seeing Q-10, K-J, K-9, any 2 card combination that at least had some stretch to it. Suited in that spot counts for very little. It just doesn't make sense to me that a call seems like the right play. Regardless, it worked out there for him.

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that when I go bust lately, people are calling off a lot of chips with weaker hands to beat me. That does not apply to my last league tourney, as I shoved (on the morphine drip) with 10-6 suited UTG. It's a frustrating feeling, this poker, getting your chips in with the best hand, only to see it go down in flames when the inferior hands connects.

No hard feelings, just confusion on why that call looked appealing. Still trying to wrap my head around it, and I don't know that I will any time soon. No poker for me this week (more than likely), a trip out of town next weekend for CANUSA, and then maybe back to Irish Jim's the following week. Next league tourney is a few weeks away, and I feel good about the way I am playing. I just need some of the breaks to fall my way. they will come...I just wish they would hurry up and get here.

~M

I play so bad...

...and I know it. Just horrible.

Well, maybe I'm over-reacting.

No, actually I'm not.

Finished 10th in the October league event, seeing a minute number of pocket pairs (KK was tops, down to 88, 77, 66 (twice), and 22). Had a couple dreamy flops that led to big pots, but in the end, I got too cute when I needed to be big and ugly (2 very relevant terms for me). I didn't deserve a better finish than 10th because I didn't play well enough.

I want to state, for the record, that I was not angry at any of my competitors during the tourney. I was, however, angry with myself for the plays I made. Apologies if anyone was offended or upset with me. Not the intent at all.

The blog has been on the back of my mind of late, and I apologize for that. Work has had me at full speed (which isn't fast for me), but it may slow down a bit over the next 10 weeks or so. That's my hope anyway. Been a lot of weekend work, but for as busy as I have been from about Aug. 1 to now, it should be about the exact opposite going from here. I hope to return to a normal blog posting pattern at that time.

For now, I will continue to hunt the occasional live game opportunity, and try and improve this thing I call a game. I still love me some pok-ah, I just haven't found enough hours in the day, or days in the week to play as often as I would like.

Oh, and I'm getting old. 39 is no longer right around the corner. I've turned the corner, and simply have to pass the line. That comes in 2 weeks. Ugh.

Good luck, and good cards,

~M

When C-SPAN and CNN...

...are on your TV more than poker re-runs, something is wrong. Well, something IS wrong, and it has everything to do with the lawmakers and corporate idiots that have me feeling almost embarrassed to be an American. Almost.

Our economy is teetering on the brink of catastrophe, and the people in government, trying to work this thing out, and try and get is back on its feet are pointing fingers, and crying this, blaming that....

SHUT YOUR POCKET LINED MOUTHS AND GET TO WORK!

I found it interesting that my blog tracker told me the US Department of Justice had a look-see here. Why? Hell if I know. I pay my taxes, I hold a steady job. I haven't committed a felony. My worst offense in my life was at the age of 12 when I was caught trespassing on a golf course. Basically, I was golfing on a course that wasn't open yet, and I didn't even get arrested for it--just held by the cops, and had the crap scared out of me.

So, again, why peek in on this harmless blog by someone who enjoys poker? Whatever. There are far more important people to be concerned with than me. Then again, this is the same government that felt online poker was such a bad thing, they went ahead and pass the UIGEA, rather than look in on a credit lending issue that has us where we are today: homes lowering in value, banks going out of business, and a credit crunch that has everyone walking on a razor's edge of being ok, or being broke.

I know there are international readers of this blog, thanks to the good folks at Poker Weblogs (see the link on the right if you wish to check them out). To my international rounders, I say I'm sorry on behalf of my country for their behavior. Rather than act as Americans, they are acting like republicans and democrats. Enough of the politics, kids. Do what is right for the nation. That is, if you even remember how.

OK, off the soapbox. You came here for poker.

Well, gonna get a game tonight at Irish Jim's, and frankly I need it. Had another long and busy week, and this one promises more of the same, so a night off is just what the doctor ordered. Will try and get my game back on track--I don't think I'm far off of it, just need to give it a tune up. If I do that, I should be able to cash, if not win. Of course, ultimately ,the cards will determine my fate.

ESPN continues to run the Main Event coverage, and I will be looking forward to tonight's episodes--think I'll DVR them. I know HD broadcasts are wonderful for the fast action games like football and hockey, but watching poker in hi-def is awesome if you're a poker player. The chip colors are so rich, the player expressions are so vivid--just wonderful stuff.

Was actually glad to see Jerry Yang go broke (sorry for the spoiler), but it was hard watching him coin-flip his way through the field last year, and then just outmuscle everyone with his dominant stack at the final table. Had the dude with the stare (Philip Hilm) not dusted off his stack to him, we may have seen Yang go out earlier, rather than win it all. Yes, Yang is a nice guy, but think back to last year. When he won it, his family was there, and they all looked like they were sincerely rooting for him to do well. This year, the looks on their faces were like, "I don't believe we are here watching this again." And they looked like the money had done them well. The father (I think it was his Dad), was clean-shaven, new clothes, the whole nine yards. That's fine too. But it was more business-like for them. not the same joy and exuberance. Of course, Jerry went broke on day 2, so I guess there's no celebrating when you finish out of the money. I have no idea who the final 9 players are (as they'll play for the money and bracelet in November), and I have no desire to find out. I'll watch the coverage and try to enjoy it. I just hope these final 9 guys are worth watching.

I had the chance to play this past Saturday in a charity event for Speedway Children's Charities. It was a great time, and I got to meet the rhythm guitarist for Aerosmith, Brad Whitford. That truly did not suck. What did suck, was me not having a camera, and then what sucked more, was my AK of clubs going down to trip 8's the bust me. I was fine with not winning. I truly had a blast, and in the end, it was all for a great cause. SCC does great things for kids, and I was glad to participate, and thankful they asked me to.

Anyway, I am a little better today, than I was on Monday. Monday was a tough day for me, as it was my father's birthday. Of course, my Pops passed away back in June, so not being able to call him and wish him a happy birthday was certainly foreign, and difficult to deal with. I thought about him all day, and on 3 separate occasions while I was at work, I "felt" him. I know it sounds weird, but there were 3 different times that I was at my desk, and a certain area of my head (in the back) would begin to tingle. It was the same spot that my Dad would touch my scalp when he was showing me affection. I find that I do the same with my kids these days. It was a nice feeling, and it told me that he was still right there with me, in my day-to-day life. I know this is kinda deep, and strange, but hey, this is my outlet.

I didn't get to tell him happy birthday to his face, but he told me that he knew I was thinking about him. That love never leaves, even in death. I am glad to have found that out first hand.

Happy Birthday, Dad. You're still my hero.

~M

Back in the day

I used to update this blog on a regular basis, but I have to tell you, that life away from the table has prevented me from being as blogsponsible as I would like. Still, I miss you guys (all 6 of you that read this thing).

September league event was horrendous for me. Card dead for the most part. Made some good lay downs, but not until it was too late (as in the pot was so big, it was painful to get away from the hand, but I was beat and I knew it). Won 2 small pots, which didn't help, finally got all my chips in with QJ suited in diamonds, get called by 6-6. Flop comes 9-10-x, board pairs the 9 so now I have 19 wins in the deck (any K-(4), Q-(3), J-(3), 10-(3), 9-(2), 8-(4)). The "x" on the flop was smaller than a 6 (I forget what it was, but not big enough to counterfeit his hand).

River = brick. Seeeeeeeyaaaaaaaaaa!

Played in the side game, and wasn't profitable there. We played the "7-2 prop"--anyone winning a hand with 7-2 (with the nuts or a bluff-anyway you scoop it), every player at the table pays you a dollar. We're playing .50/1, I get 7-2, flop at gut shot straight draw (6-9-10 rainbow). Player ahead of me (my bud Vito), bets out, I only have a little more than his bet, so I decide to shove, knowing: A-I am getting called, B-I am behind, and C-I plan to re-load after the hand.

The correct answer was D. All of the above.

Sick thing happened on my way to the wallet. The board went runner-runner 7-7, and I scooped on a set of 7's. Vito had KK. I apologized profusely for the bad beat--I knew I was dead to an 8 (best case scenario), and he had a bazillion wins in the deck on his side. It was a live "online" hand. Just sick. Funny, he hasn't spoken to me since that night.

Next league event is in a few weeks, and I'm going to do my best to get my game focused again. I haven't played very well over the past month, which is partially due to my work schedule. Been busy on weekends, which has kept my Sunday game dark. Will be that way for the next month (but I may sneak one in so watch your e-mails!).

Good luck and good cards,

~M

Feels like forever

...since I sat in a big tournament, when in reality it's been only a couple weeks. Have 2 more weeks to wait until the next one too, which kinda sucks. Would love to scare up a game this weekend, on Saturday, so we shall see if that comes to pass. have work on Sunday, and then a LONG day on Monday (a week from now), so maybe I shouldn't get ahead of myself. Let's get through this week first, shall we?

Hmmmm....since my last blog post, my home became a haven for my evacuee buddy Jimmy from New Orleans. He took off from the Big Easy as Gustav was bearing down on him. Gustav came, and went, Jimmy went and saw friends up north after spending 4 days with me, and now he's back home. He could be back if Ike decides to go all Tina on his block again (think Ike and Tina Turner there), and of course, the door is open to him. Was happy that he was virtually untouched with Gustav. Hope Ike misses him too.

While Jimmy was in town, I had the chance to sit in Irish Jim's game, and what a blast that was. I went broke when Klownboxer played K9 off to perfection, and I got crazy with the nut flush--all the money was going in there, and I did have 1 out, the J of hearts, to scoop. Alas, I didn't hit it.

Irish Jim made the memorable play of the night, trying to buy a pot (a biggie) with a board of Q-X-5-Q-5. Volsfan made a great read, and called with the bottom full house 5's full of Q's, while Irish Jim smiled and said, that's enough. He later said he had 9-2 off, but he bet every street, raised pre-flop, bet the flop, turn and river, or as I was calling it (after reading it somewhere), "emptying the clip."

Sure he stacked off, but it almost worked. Volsfan was in the tank a good bit, and wasn't sure if calling was right. When she did call, it was a treat to see Irish Jim smiling, basically admitting he got caught, but that's a part of the game. Amir Vahedi once said, "to win in tournaments, you have to be willing to die." Well, Irish Jim bought the farm on the hand, but was able to resuscitate himself with a rebuy. Turns out he won the tourney that night. Slainte!

Been working like a dog, and that's fine--it's football season, which means the work doesn't feel like work. Also been back on the golf course, and loving that, too. I just have to figure out how to hit my driver. I know it sounds sick, but if I am not hitting my driver well, I'm not playing well. Simple as that. My game is based on getting off the tee. Straight and long. I am hitting long, but right now it's crooked. That's no good. I straighten out the driver, I'll be back into the respectable neighborhood again--like low 80's, upper 70's. Ideal temps and golf scores to boot.

Until we post again....good luck and good cards,

~M

Been a bit....

Haven't sat in a game in a week, but last Wednesday night was fun. I finished 2nd, but my seat couldn't have been worse for me. To my right, the man known as Klownboxer. I've written about him in the past--he mixes up his game so much, I think he gets lost. Makes him very tough to play against. To my left, Big Vito. One of the best players I know. I managed to get 2nd place, thanks to BV going on ultra-tilt (not steaming tilt, but enough of a roller coaster that had even him laughing), plus catching a few big hands at key moments. Can't say I played spectacular poker by any stretch, I just kinda waited things out.

Anyway, we still have a little time before our next big event, so that in mind, I may try to pull together a game this Sunday. If I do, we may decide on a mixed game thing--H.O.R.S.E. or maybe even S.H.O.E. I have to get a good blind structure for those if we go that route. Otherwise, it will be your straight hold 'em game.

All depends on how many players I can drum up, and their preferences.

Hope you guys like the new configuration for the blog. This being an election year, I wanted to place the PPA banner in a place of prominence, to remind everyone that poker is a game of skill, not a lotto ticket. Poker is NOT the "bad thing" that breaks down the moral fiber of our country. We, as voters, need to remember these things as we head to the polls this November. I'm not telling you who to vote for, just telling you to vote. I have an idea of how I will cast my ballot, but I reserve the right to keep that private.

Hope all of you have a great week, and weekend, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

~M

Workin' the Laundromat

My favorite line of late at the table has been "I feel like I work the laundromat, with as much folding as I'm doing."

That got a chuckle from my bud NY Mike on Saturday, and it was true. I maybe saw 18% of the flops available to me, releasing hands ranging from A-9 on the low end to 77 on the high end. Never saw an AK, and had AQ once--more on that in a minute.

Didn't really have tremendous starting hands (had some, but not a ton), made some nice plays at some pots with less than the nuts, your basic rollercoaster of emotions night. Did manage to have KK against a player's all in, when they had 88 (still waiting for my bounty, Daxamillion). Doubled up on AA, and then survived another all in when my A-9 (short stacked) out ran A-J.

Make it to 4-handed play, blinds are 600-1200, 200 ante. I am the short stack (with 6000 total), in the SB, I pick up As-Qc. UTG folds, button limps, I shove, BB folds. Button thinks about it, and then says, "I am suited."

I instantly think he has K-x or even A-x. He cuts out the 4800 more to call, and drops it in. He then opens up 4c-3c.

Suffice to say, he hit a 4, and busted me.

I am still trying to see the logic in that call. The only saving grace to his call, was he was the chip leader. Still, do you risk doubling up another play with 4-high in a 4 handed game? I don't know. I don't think I could make that kind of a call there.

I was so perturbed by it, that when I woke up Sunday, I took a deck of cards, pulled out the As-Qc and the 4c-3c, set them aside, shuffled the stub, removed the top 4 cards (4 random unseen cards representing the hands that were folded by the BB and UTG players), and ran out flops. I did this 20 times. It ended up that AQ won 11 of the 20 hands. According to Cardplayer.com's calculator, I am a 60%-38% favorite, pre-flop.

These thing happen, I am getting better at fading the beats (it's not lasting as long anymore, anyway). I feel quite good about my play on Saturday night--it was a nice feeling after a rough week of play in Vegas.

Hope to get out Wednesday and sit again, and perhaps this coming Sunday as well. Have to see if Mrs. Chipstack is up for it.

~M

Miss me?

More after Saturday's festivities.

I wish I had more, but I don't. Haven't been playing as much--work has been hectic. Will get back tot eh table on Wednesday of next week--gonna burn a day (provided the bossman ok's it), as I have to work next Saturday night.

For the loyal followers of the blog, I'll tell ya a funny story of who has spied this blog recently.

The key word is "spied."

~M

Back at the table

Irish Jim being out of town for 3 weeks has me taking on the home game in his absence (although Mrs. Chipstack volunteered it before me--how cool). So, a 6 handed game broke out at the homestead, and I was playing fairly well, considering I haven't sat in a game in a while. Nothing out of line, seeing cheap flops with connectors, 1 or 2 gappers, small pairs, and so on. Had KK once, along with 55, and 22, and only saw 2 bully aces (an AK and suited AJ). My hands were holding up, too, so it was enjoyable.

Until....(lol).

Blinds are 100-200 with a 25 ante, I have 4250 (roughly), and in the SB I have 10d-4d, no raises to me, so I simply complete. The BB had a shorter stack than me, so it was all-in or check, I assumed it would be a check, and it was.

Flop:

7d-2d-X

Nice flop for my hand, picking up the flush draw. I check, BB checks, button checks (we are still 6 handed at this point).

Turn:

Ad

Bingo. I hit my flush, and I am fairly sure the ace hit one of my 2 opponents. I decide to slow play this for a couple reasons. I want to build the pot now, and the ace was a perfect card to get someone to make a move at the pot, thinking they have the best hand. I check, SB checks, button shoves for 3900.

I call, roll over the flush, he tables A-7 off, for 2 pair. I'm in the lead, he has 4 outs to win.

River:

7h

Ack.

I'm down to 250 after the hand, and go broke a couple hands later.

Now, while this is a bad way to lose (notice not a bad beat, because I was behind pre-flop, and after the flop, took the lead on the turn, and then lost on the river--I trailed for only a fleeting moment), I really wasn't mad about losing the hand. I executed the hand as well as I could have (and I am open to your thoughts on this too). I made the button believe he had the lead when his ace fell, even though he was trailing big time.

Turns out I was a 90% favorite (see odds calculator above), to win the hand, with him have 4 wins in the deck. That's how it goes sometimes--poker is a beautiful and cruel game all at once. These things happen. Again, though, I was pleased with the way I told the story in the hand to make my opponent feel he had the lead, and I was able to get him to go all-in without the lead.

In the end, it's about correct decisions. I made a lot of them there. I'm happy.

~M

Friday Funnies

Taking the night off of work to check out Lewis Black. Oughta be a riot.

Click this link for a sample--I'm having embed issues with youtube.

No poker this weekend for me, and safe travels to Irish Jim. 3 weeks away--we'll miss ya buddy!

~M

Time for a harsh evaluation

1. I suck.

2. I still suck.

How harsh is that? I am so off my game right now, it's pathetic. Maybe I just need that break from the game, which is likely what I am going to take. A couple weeks off, no poker, just chill a bit, and get back to being the kind of player I know I am, and should be.

Thinking back on Saturday's league event, I can see signs of fatigue setting in. First, I had to work Saturday morning, which was an early one. I showed up barely on time (if not a little late) for the start of the event, I simply wasn't mentally prepared to play.

Add to that, the recent Vegas trip where the cards were as cold as the air conditioning--I'm a bit gun shy right now.

So, that being said, I'm taking a break from the game for a little bit. I may post on the blog here--but if you don't like non-poker materials, consider this a vacation of sorts. I'll be back with poker stories in the near future, but for now, I just need to get away from the game.

Trust me, this is not permanent.

Good luck and good cards,
~M

A shout out to the Fitz

In spite of having a rough week at the table, the staff at the Fitz (Fitzgerald's) was world class, as always. The dealers were all fun, patient, and very easy to get a long with, even when big hands were getting cracked. I didn't get pictures of Gail, Matt, Jennifer, Tina and others (I forget many names with the wonderful cocktail service I received), but I did manage to snap off these 2.

The top is Alan and Suzy (or Suzy Q. depending on how much you've had to drink). The bottom pic from left to right: Kevin, Grant and Lenn. If you are in Vegas, and head to Fremont Street, go upstairs at the Fitz, and get into their tourney or their cash games. These are good dealers who know the value of a good time. Bigger than that, they are great people to hang out with, whether you are playing or not. See you guys next year, if not sooner!!!!



Kevin shouldn't try and look so tough. I nearly killed him when, in 1 orbit of blinds, he exposed a card that was coming to me. Twice. In BOTH cases, I would have had pocket pairs, (99 and QQ). He knows I'm playing. Much love, brotha!

~M

Fun trip, bad pokah

In the movie Tin Cup, the night before the first round of the US Open, Roy McAvoy (Kevin Costner's character), gets drunk, nearly misses his tee time the next day, and on the first tee, he goes against his nature, by hitting an iron off the tee, rather than a driver. He says, "No driver. Iron. Be humble."

He posts a big number on the board, and his caddie (Cheech Marin), says, "you're humble NOW, Holmes."

That would be me, after Vegas. I went to Vegas with high hopes and higher expectations. Mistakes #1 and #2.

Had a monster trip in 2007 and Vegas evened the score with me in 2008. I still had fun, but the cards were not kind--everything from running ice cold, and folding more than a laundromat, to having big hands cracked. I think the whole week I was there, I made exactly 4 draws (when the price was right to seek them out), and I saw A LOT of hands. No bad beat stories, no miraculous river re-draws. Just a week of "meh" poker. I was glad for our boys that were grinding out the cash games. One broke even after a horrible start, while another flopped a Royal at the Golden Nugget (that was a nice $600 bonus), and ended up over 1K to the good for his trip.

Again, I had a blast, and my trip was not without highlights. First:

Sunday (when we got to town), Mrs. Chipstack and I sat in a tourney at Fitzgerald's (I love that place). I busted early, setting the theme for my week, while she came home in 2nd! Another confirmation of her ability to play the game. She played beautifully, and I was having a hard time sweating her--I see what she means when she says she gets nervous watching me (obviously fearing the next moment of combustion when I start throwing chips around). The guy seated next to her is a retired computer dude (read--he got out of computers when the time was right, and profited nicely), who is turning his attention to poker full time. Nice fella, and I sat with him quite a bit. Heck of a player, too. Didn't get out of line, moved his chips well, overall, a treat to play with. Oh, and he alerted me that ESPN has the rights to his image, since he played in the WSOP, but considering this blog is not for profit (notice the vast amounts of space where ad revenue could go), I'm not violating any laws. I'll remove it if the "worldwide leader" gets edgy.

Tuesday, the group heads over the Planet Hollywood (another poker room I adore), for the Ladies Tournament. There was some confusion, and we found out the Ladies event began at 9, not 7. At 7 was the normal "open" event. I decide to jump into that, play some good hands, get it all in behind, and lose (again), but I had the true honor of sitting with Hal Lubarsky.

That name won't mean anything to you, unless you are a WSOP broadcast junkie like me. Hal is the legally blind player, that has a card reader (another person) sitting next to him when he plays hold 'em. I got mixed up in one pot with him, where he raised it from mid position with 7-7, I call from the BB with K-J suited in spades, flop a straight draw, and a turn a flush draw, whiff on the end. He only bet the flop, which I called (thinking I could connect, lol). We both checked the turn and the river, he won, and scooped. The guy working as his reader was church-mouse quiet. Nice guy, too, when he did speak. The players at my end of the table were asking me about Hal, and I told them all I could, even asking Hal across the table about his 2007 Main Event finish.

Me: Hal, top 200 in Main Event last year?

Hal: Yes, 172.

That was the extent of our table chatter, other than me saying "nice hand" when his 77 was tall. Hal went on to money in that event (don't know where he finished), but he then sat in a cash game. I walked over to him, and shook his hand, and said it was amazing to watch him play (think about the lack of information he has to deal with). He said "who is this?" I told him we sat together in the tournament, and he says "oh yeah, you were in seat 2, the guy from Chicago." Correct on both counts. I told ya, he was amazing.

After I busted out, I watched Mrs. Chipstack reach for the Advil on more than one occasion--it was mind-numbing how horrendous the play was. Not by my wife, but by the other women in the tournament. The Mrs. raised it from early position on one occasion with KK, and got 2 callers. Flop comes off 9 high, all rags, she bets the flop, 1 fold, 1 call. Turn another brick, she bets, caller calls. River 4, it goes check check, they showdown, and the caller had 9-4, making 2 pair on the river.

HUH?????

As we made our way back to the car, the Mrs. delivered the line of the night: "I know for sure now, that I'm not a shitty player."

At last, my message sinks in.

As for the remainder of the trip, the highlight may have been Thursday night, into Friday morning. After a night of poker, keno, and other forms of Vegas entertainment, Swanee, Volsfan, the Mrs. and I head to breakfast at Four Queens. The drink gal comes over, we order 4 sodas (or as Swanee calls them ,"pops"). The drinks are delivered, our server comes by to take the order. 3 get breakfast, and Swanee orders the open-face turkey sandwich (which looked amazing by the way). Upon delivery of the food, Swanee asks the server for some shredded cheese, for her mashed potatoes.

10 minutes of eating and talking elapse, no cheese.

Another 10 minutes, still no cheese.

Drink gal comes by, and I flag her down, and quite politely ask her if she could scare up some cheese for Swanee. She says, "I'll be right back" or something to that effect.

Next person to the table, is the shift manager, who asks, "is there a problem here?" I say, no, we just wanted some shredded cheese (which incidentally, FINALLY arrived as the manager was chatting with us).

Manager walks away, and Mrs. Chipstack is laughing so hard, she is crying. It leads to all of us laughing and asking, "what is so funny?"

Through her tears, Mrs. Chipstack says that the drink gal, likely only understands a handful of words, "Pepsi. Coffee. Water." While this is normally NOT the funniest thing ever, given the amount of liquor that was consumed that evening, it may have been the funniest thing said by any human being over an early morning breakfast.

Yep, you just had to be there. I can't wait to go back. I also brought back some goodies for the chip collection, they are below.

League tourney on Saturday--a new approach, a new feel.

Humble.

~M

It's time!!!!

Worm: You know what always cheers me up?

Mike McDermott: No, what's that?

Worm: Rolled up aces over kings. Check-raising stupid tourists and taking huge pots off of them. Playing all-night high-limit Hold'em at the Taj, "where the sand turns to gold." Stacks and towers of checks I can't even see over.

Mike McDermott: Fuck it, let's go.

Worm: Don't tease me.

Mike McDermott: Let's play some cards.

Worm: Yes!

Blog at you (if I sit at a computer) from Vegas, if not--when I return. IF I come back!!!!

Good luck & Good Cards!
~M

I can FEEL IT!!!!

The countdown is on! 3 days, and I'll be sitting in Vegas. I am so antsy, I have been running out hands on my table this morning, thinking of situations to make plays, re-reading poker books.

OK, that's not true. I've been typing this morning, but I am stoked about the trip. Mrs. Chipstack and I need the time away, as well as the time together. I gave her a shoulder rub last night, and now I'm exhausted. She's in such need of this trip--it will be fun to see her exhale.

Anyway, played Sunday in a 5-handed game. Good time, fair cards, great company. Now it's time to focus on tournament mode, getting my reads right, and just having fun. Win or lose, this will be a fun trip.

I don't know if I will have any more to post (other than countdown pictures), but I will do what I can to snap some photos in Vegas this year (as last year the camera never left the room).

Good luck and good cards!
~M

Day 1 of the Main Event

is over. All four of the Day 1's, in fact.

I gotta tell ya, the 10K tourney has long been considered the grand-daddy of them all, but with back-to-back hacks winning the thing (Jamie Gold and Jerry Yang), that title has lost all of its luster. Chris Moneymaker winning it brought on the explosion. Greg Raymer's win, followed by Joe Hachem's were nice because these were (and are) 2 classy guys that were wonderful ambassadors for the game.

Gold wins it in 2006, largest prize pool in the tourney history, and then he has the ugly litigation hang over him and the bracelet. Plus, his numerous rules violations--not cheating, but violations--were just too much for me.

Yang gets to me with all the praying at the table. Look, God doesn't have the time to make sure your pocket aces hold up. He's got other issues to deal with, so leave the Bible away from the felt. He wasn't a likable character, in spite of his on-camera statement of how he wanted to give a portion of his winnings to charity. I am sure he's made good on that promise, but still, he's not my brand of vodka.

I so desperately want a recognized professional to win this title, and hopefully restore the juice that poker seems to lack these days. I don't lack that fire--I love play pokah...pokah's nice. The buzz is wearing off the game--those that called poker a fad may have been right. Granted, the number of people playing poker now is likely higher than it was before 2003, but the number is also likely to be down from what it was in 2005.

I lay some of the blame on the UIGEA--that bastard of a rider that got attached to the Safe Ports Act a couple years ago, effectively shutting the US players out of online poker (although ways have been discovered to get around this stupid law). Fewer people able to play on their computers, means they are doing other things--Halo 3, Wii Fit, you name it. I'm still slashing it out online, but not for money. Talk about pain.

Anyway, I hope that the Main Event champ is someone that is nearly a household name--a guy/gal that when someone not closely connected to poker hears that name, they say..."why do I know that name?" If poker gets that kind of champ (or even a more recognized player), there will be hope to keep the game rolling forward, continuing to foster interest in it, and bring new players in.

Heaven help us if Yang is a repeat champ.

T-minus 6 days and counting for my arrival into Las Vegas. Head out of town Saturday, hit Vegas Sunday. I can not wait. What does that mean, by the way? "I can't wait", but you HAVE TO wait, since the travel comes in 6 days. I digress. The trip will be awesome, and I am looking forward to getting out there. Good group of folks from the league, plus spouses (Mrs. Chipstack is gonna play too!). Oh, and I hear they have alcohol out there, as well.

Managed a 5-handed game Sunday night, and finished 2nd in game 1, 3rd in game 2--it went quickly with just 5 players. I was informed of a tell that I have when short-stacked, something I will have to work on for the upcoming July league event--hopefully, I won't have to go all-in, but if I do, I'll be mindful of how I do it. Like how I am dodging what the tell is? Hee-hee....hopefully, that info will be kept between me, and the informers.

A good time was had by all, and now it's for me to focus on Vegas. I had a sick week (as in good) last year. Another one of those would certainly do wonders for my confidence, after a 13th place finish in the June league tourney.

Good luck & good cards,
~M

The countdown is on....

and other things..

1--June league tourney. Event 1 of season 4, and I come home 13th. I thought I played ok, made a couple of fairly decent reads (once with an 8h in the hole, and 4 hearts on board, and another where my paired 2 was good enough with 2 kings on board), but I stepped into a bear trap, courtesy of one of the new league members, and I deserved it.

Blinds 150-300, 25 ante, I'm in BB with KJoff. No raises to me, so I check to take the cheap flop. I am sitting a=on about 2600 or so when the hand began (before posting my blinds and ante). Flop comes 5s-Kd-6c. Good flop for my hand, so I decide to try and trap. I check and it checks around to the button who bets 600. I'm thinking he is trying to pick it up, or even semi-bluff with A-6, or A-5, or nothing. He limped pre-flop, so my read is weak, I have the lead, time to go.

All in.

Snap call.

Oops.

He rolls over 5-5 for a flopped set, and I am drawing to kings and jacks, none of which appear, and I am done.

It didn't dawn on me until Monday, that if I shove pre-flop, I might have taken the pot, and lived on. The 55 might have called (I never asked him afterwards), but would he want to risk doubling me up (he had a big lead at our table) on 5-5? I misplayed that hand, by not getting it in preflop. If I get called, I get called, but with 2 live overcards, I am sitting right at a 50-50 for my tournament life. Misplays suck, especially when you realize how badly you played a hand. Ugh.

Poker is on hold, although I may scare a game up Sunday--the holiday weekend may have some folks out of town, and therefore, harder to round up the troops, but that's ok. Las Vegas beckons in less than 2 weeks.

It will be 7 days on Fremont Street with Mrs. Chipstack. Playing poker at The Fitz, Binion's, Golden Nugget, Planet Hollywood, Venetian, Santa Fe Station. Obviously, I can not wait.

Hopefully, I'll also get a peek at the WSOP main event--they will be down to 9 tables going to 1 while I am there, so hopefully there are a few name pros still battling for the World Championship. We'll see. I also have to run by Trump's new place and pick up a dollar toke for my nephew.

Lots to do, and the time is drawing near.

Good luck and good cards,

~M

A new slate

2007-2008 League season would rate as a success. 2 wins, plus a 2nd place finish in the Tournament of Champions. Not bad.

Guess what?

That officially means nothing. Season 4 begins this weekend, and I am looking forward to getting back to the table. I did manage an 8-handed game at the house last Sunday, which was nice. Good to get back to the table, see some cards, flops, check-raises, you name it. Won't go into hand details here, frankly because I don't remember all of them. I do remember out flopped a limped A-K offsuit with 87 suited, and flopping the nut straight against an all in player. Other than that, it's fairly hazy. That's fine, too, because I want to be fresh for this weekend's season opener.

So much has happened in this month, that I am ready for vacation. Work has been crazy, my father passed away, it's been a whirlwind. Las Vegas is fast approaching, and while it will be strange to go there, and not be able to see my Dad, it's part of the moving on process. At least, that's what I'm telling myself.

Had a dream last night, and for the first time since he passed, my Dad appeared in a dream. Not only appeared, by spoke to me. Giving me advice. Weird, as he wasn't an advice giver. He gave orders, lol. He looked good, laying on a couch (some random couch), and watching tv. He looked younger, and relaxed. I remember in my dream, I was startled to see him alive, and I said something like, "what are you doing here?" He smiled back, and said "watching the ballgame, what do you think I'm doing?" Even in death, my Dad makes me laugh.

Anyway, the countdown to Las Vegas 2008 is in high gear, which means I have that time to do a couple things:
1-win the league opener.
2-play and win some more Sunday games at the house
3-pack
4-leave for the trip.

My attitude is right, I feel like I am on stroke, and I am eager. All good signs.

Oh, thought of a drill that helps me in terms of staying sharp mentally. This likely won't help you read other players hands or anything like that, but it helps me focus on what cards I need to win hands, and the likelihood that I am still alive or dead in a hand.

Take your deck of 52 standard cards, and scramble them on a table. Select 2 cards (basically a hold 'em hand) and place them to the side, so you know those 2 cards are the final hand. After that, draw 2 cards, peek at them, read them, and then muck them in a discard pile. After you go through 25 hands, you should have 2 unseen cards (the ones you pulled out at the beginning of the exercise). If you have been paying attention to what you have been looking at for the first 25 hands, you should know what 2 cards you yanked at the beginning. If you're really good, you'll know the suits, too. It's similar to the drill Chris "Jesus" Ferguson did in front of Norman Chad on a WSOP "The Nuts" segment a few years ago, but he looked at 1 card at a time. I don't know which way is easier, or harder, but I know I have been able to accomplish the feat (with suits) only twice.

Try it! It's not as easy as it may seem. You'll see what I am talking about!

Good luck and good cards,
~M

Busy weekend ahead

CANADA-USA Part 2--Summer CANUSA Tournament on Saturday, then....
Some cards on Sunday. Blog at you next week about both.

Another heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shared their sympathies and condolences over the past week. It has really meant a lot to me.

~M

Where to begin...

First of all, thanks so much for all the kind words, e-mails, cards, and such. I am blown away by the amount of people in my life that truly care. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all very very much.

The service was this past Sunday in Las Vegas. Nothing over the top, very simple, the way Dad would have wanted, I think. He may have lived IN Vegas but he didn't LIVE Vegas, ya know? The service was very nice, I delivered the eulogy, which at times was rough. I did manage to get through it, and at the end, I knuckled the lectern, and looked at a collage of photos of Dad, and said, "nice hand, sir." Corny, I know, but I know he would be chuckling a little, so that was fine by me.

My sister and nephew were out there along with other family members. We did make a trip to the local casino to play some Pai Gow in Dad's honor. Dad was always friendly with the dealers, and he was friendly with them on this night as well. LOL. Still, we raised a glass (or 5) in his name while we played. It was a nice escape for a couple hours.

I'll have the weekend, before returning to work on Monday. That should be interesting. I have read the newspaper maybe 4 times, watched very little tv, but did manage to watch some of the US Open tonight, so I am slowly getting up to speed. I should be back to full speed come Monday.

I wish I had more to offer in this entry, but the muse just isn't there. I will start looking ahead now for my next trip to Vegas in July, but admittedly, it will be a little different this time around. It will be strange on Sunday (Father's Day), with no phone call to make. There will continually be moments like that, that will hit me like a cold splash of water. All I can do, is dry it off and keep pressing forward. I'll worry when the water stops hitting me.

Until the next entry, good luck and good cards....hopefully, I'll get back to rounding soon. I could use a good card game.

~M

Mr. Chipstack, Sr. (1933-2008)

All my life, I have known my idols. Most of them were athletes. A baseball player, hockey player, football player, you name it, I had a favorite.

None of them taught me anything about life. None of them taught me anything about how to be a better person.

All of my childhood idols fell a distant 2nd to the man who did everything for me, from put a roof over my head, to hug me at my lowest points.

I lost my father on Thursday, June 5. His body had done all it could to keep him alive, but, alas, his heart would fail him. He died peacefully, in his bed, asleep. He had fought a number of health issues--diabetes, arthritis, congestive heart failure, and even viral cardiomyopathy. An impressive list, no doubt.

He battled every problem the way he battled everything. He battled the system, leaving behind his native Colombia, South America to come to the USA for the promise of a better life. He beat the odds, made it here along his brother and sisters. They all succeeded in finding the American Dream. My father met my mother, got her to learn Spanish to communicate better (but her Spanish is atrocious, lol), while he learned the English language. His broken English was tough for some to understand, but the message would usually hit home.

My father worked hard. He was an engineer for a major railroad company in my native home of Chicago. He learned to work on machines, and after retiring from the railroad game, he went into business for himself as a locksmith. Something about making small pieces fit together, make it into a bigger thing, and ultimately have that thing serve a purpose. Gadgets were his game, and man, he was the nuts. The locksmith business did quite well in Chicago, but suffered when my folks relocated to Las Vegas in the late 1990's.

Dad's health began to decline in Vegas, although he wasn't as bothered by the arthritis any longer. The dry conditions seemed to alleviate that issue. Maybe a part of him wanted to stay in Chicago, maybe a part of him missed it. I can't say for sure. His heart began giving him troubles in 2000. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery, came through that, and seemed to be on his way to a long and happy retirement. The Lord had other plans for him, however. Thursday was his day to visit the Man upstairs.

Don't get me wrong, by no means does his passing make me happy--it doesn't. It sucks bigtime. I love my father very much. He showed me how to hit a baseball, tie my shoes, ride a bike, change the oil in my car (although now that Mrs. Chipstack knows I can accomplish this, there likely won't be anymore Jiffy Lube trips in my future, lol), and so much more. He taught me about life. He taught me the value of helping someone that couldn't help themselves. He taught me compassion.

My father and I shared many wonderful times together. From going to baseball games in Chicago, to playing poker or Pai Gow poker in Vegas, to just sharing a bowl of cereal in the morning. Every minute with him was a joy. Those are moments I shall treasure forever.

I am lucky, that I was able to speak to him on Wednesday night. I called the house from work, in the hopes I could say hello. Mom had told me that he wasn't doing so well. She didn't come right out and say it, but I think she knew his time was winding down. Our conversation was brief.

Me-"Hey, Pops, how you doing?"
Dad-"Not too good."
Me-"Hang in there, Dad. I love you."
Dad-"I love you too."

That was it.

Frank Sinatra once said "you only live once, but if you lived like I have, once was enough."

I would have to say that my father also qualified for that statement. He had done enough in his life, from leaving behind his native land to become a naturalized US citizen, to raising my older brother and sister and I, to being a wonderful Grampa to my daughter and 2 boys, and to my brother's kids, to even working one round of golf in Las Vegas as my caddie. I fired a round of 77 by the way, which included me making 4 double bogeys in 18 holes. If you're a golfer, do the math.

Dad was my inspiration that day on the course, and every day of my life. He was my biggest idol, and I hope he knew I was his biggest fan.

Thanks, Dad. Nice hand, sir.

I love you.

~M

Writer's Note-The blog will be on hiatus for the next week or so, as I attend to family business. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.

TOC Saturday, a look back

TOC Saturday has come and gone, and I fell just short of my goal of a win. I took 2nd, which was good, but considering the day I had, it should have been first.

Before I go any further, let me congratulate Daxamillion for winning the title. He played some stout poker, and is a deserving champ. NH, sir.

Now, my day--it was a long one, as Volsfan and I drove together, and we left very early to get set up for the big day. I brought along swim trunks for use in Captain Morgan's pool, but alas, I never had the opportunity to take a dip. Good thing, as a swim may have tired me out big time.

Anyway, there were 11 players (if memory serves), that were eligible for the TOC Satellite event--winner of the sat gains entry to the "main event." 9 players took part, and there was no shortage of sickness in the sat tourney. The eventual winner, Noga, took out one player (VP) when he raised (with a big stack) from the small blind, only to have VP re-raise all in from the BB. Noga had no choice but to call (considering it was something like 325 more back to him), and exclaiming as he made the call, "you definitely got me," rolled over 3-2 suited in clubs.

VP wasn't loaded up, holding J-10 off, but when the flop came off A-3-6, with 1 club and 2 spades, he was hurting. the 2 of spades fell on the turn, and all VP could do was laugh, and then run his forehead into the wall a few times. I felt for him, big time, but that's poker. Noga took the title on a flopped full house, when he held K-8 to a K-K-8 flop, and he trapped UVAWahoo for the pass into the biggie.


After some food, and some announcements regarding next season, it was time to play some cards. 16 players in the TOC, winner taking home 4 figures. I don my Redwings old skool jersey, and I was off.

Early on, I was in need of medical attention, thanks to the deck crushing me. Seriously crushing me.

Limp with 3-3, flop the set, turn quads.

Raise with a J-9 suited to try and scoop the blinds, flop a set, turn quads.


This all taking place in the first level of 25-25.

I busted one player when I raised in early position with 8-6 off, just hoping to steal. I had been quiet without raising pots, folding a bunch of hands, and it felt like the time to try and sneak one past the table. Late position re-raises makes it 500 straight. I flat call, hoping to represent a big hand, (AK, AQ...something like that). Turns out I wouldn't need to represent anything, as the flop comes 8h-6h, 4x.

I check, raiser bets, I re-raise, opponent shoves, I call. He held JJ. I fade the turn and river, and drag a nice pot.


I never saw a pair larger than QQ, had A-K a couple of times, but I suffered a couple stack hits, that got my total under 8K (we started with 5K), when this hand came up.

Blinds were 200-400 with a 50 ante, early position raiser makes it 1600 total, I peek down at 10-10. I was abit steaming after losing some hands (starting with quality hands, but not connecting-making lay downs bugged me with so much in the middle). I re-raise all-in. Honestly, I didn't realize I was sitting on 7100 chips, and likely wouldn't have done that had I known. I would have re-popped, but not that much. Good thing for me (in retrospect), is that I got a call, and he showed 9-9. The 10's hold, I double, and am back in the ballgame.

I would later bust that player with a hand that I half went crazy, and half executed the play I wanted. From early position, early player goes all-in for his stack (3K maybe?). I look down at A-J off on the button, and I just felt that I held the better hand over the all-in. I wanted to isolate against him, so I shove all-in, with 2 players left to act. The SB folds quickly, but the BB, a very good player, is disgusted as he looks at his hand. He tanks, and thinks out loud how he can't fold, but ultimately does, mucking Q-Q face up.

Early all in had K-J, I hit an A on the river--which I didn't need, but had the QQ called, I would have busted 2 players.

Was it the right play? Well, at the time, it felt right. After thinking about it for a couple days, I guess I had gone a bit mad doing it. Here's the thing-I felt, at the time that was the play to make. If I flat call the all-in, the QQ looks down, and he likely shoves. After putting 3K into that pot, and then have someone come over the top, I am left in a pickle--I probably lay down the A-J there (if the QQ had the option of a re-raise), and I am left muttering to myself. It was a high risk, high reward play, if I get a better hand to laydown, which I did.

"Don't be afraid to go out on a limb, because that's where the fruit is." ~Doyle Brunson

Anyway, I made one mistake later, that I could kick myself for, and I won't go into it, because I won the hand anyway, but maybe, just maybe, if I play the hand a bit differently, I bust another player. I don't know.

Regardless, when the final table began, I held 20K in chips, which was a quarter of the chips in play. By the time we got to heads up, I was outchipped about 3.5-1. It was an uphill battle, and I gave it all I had. I just couldn't overcome hitting hands, with Dax hitting the same hand, with a better kicker. It happens, and I don't begrudge Dax for the win. He played very well, moved his chips around when the situation called for it, and was very deserving of the bracelet.

So Season 3 will go down as my best in the league, and now it's time to look ahead for Season 4. Got a month until the opener, and already, I am looking forward to sitting at that table.

Good luck and good cards!
~M

PS--sorry no pics in this post. In addition to forgetting my chips for the TOC, I also forgot the camera. too bad because our resident dance instructor came dressed as Satan. It was a scream!

May is over. *Whew*

Deepest apologies to all 10 of you (yes the number has grown), that check in on this blog. I admit, my muse has escaped me for a bit, but that is due in part to the hell-month that is May for me work-wise. It's not unusual for me to go the whole month with 6-7 day stretches, while snaking a night off during the week for a card game at Irish Jim's. The hours pile up, the fatigue tries to creep in, but by the time I look up and try to tap out, the month ends.

Nice.

Another PGA Tour event, and 2 weekends of NASCAR behind me, I can now look ahead to a somewhat slower period (although there will be things that keep me hopping over the summer), and my vacation in July. Viva Las Vegas!



Let's see....where to begin....the race track.

I love me some racin'. Love it. The days are long at the track, but man, when those engines are at full song, and 43 beasts are charging down the track...unreal. I had the chance to see Yao Ming at the track (a very tall human indeed), NC Sen. Elizabeth Dole, Steve Lopez (a tae kwon do champion), and others during my time at the track. Very cool stuff, but I am there for the racing.

Snapped a few pictures which I have included at the end of this entry. Hope you enjoy.

As for poker-played at Irish Jim's a bunch this month (those extra hours allowing me to sneak away on a card night), and had some mixed results. Some good, some horrendous. Was trying to measure some leaks in my game, and I think I have spotted some, and corrected some things. Good thing, too, as TOC Saturday is just a couple days away. The TOC field is just sick. So many good players--nobody is there that shouldn't be there. I'm gonna have to play sharp to have a chance to win it.



Been tangling with the golf course of late as well, and it feels pretty good. I generally haven't played much golf in the past 6 years--I may have gotten out 10-15 times on average, but this year, I have the bug back, in a big way. I love playing golf (I played at a rather high level back in college and such), but work makes it tough to stay serious about the game. No time to practice, have to try to shoehorn a round in after the kids go to school, and before I start work. Tough to enjoy it when the clock is on you like that. Trust me, I am enjoying the game again.



OK--more poker in the blog going forward, and hopefully, I will have plenty of happy stories from the TOC.



And, uh, by the way, the 2008 World Series of Poker begins on May 30th.

"It's the most wonderful time of the yearrrrr..."

Pictures:Raceday traffic--I hate traffic.

Yao Ming alongside NASCAR driver Kyle Petty. Oh, and Kyle's not a short guy.

My buddy AB, and Mr. Excitement, Jimmy Spencer.

Our crew celebrating another great 2 weeks at the track.

One more week

One more week of craziness, and then life will slow down a bit. May is always hectic, but so far, this May has been better than normal. Been able to get plenty accomplished, and manage to get in some poker at the same time. For those that don't know, the guy on the left is Irish Jim. He (at long last) was able to make my on-again, off-again Sunday night game, and he was rewarded for it. No, he didn't win the tourney, but he hit his first Royal Flush. As luck would have it, he would hit it against me.


Irish Jim was short stacked when he decided he would make his last stand with A-6 off suit from the small blind. I peek in on K-7 suited, and his all in is another 2K in chips. Calling there wouldn't hurt my stack (I was chip leader -I think- with the blinds at 300-600). I made the call hoping my cards (and suits) were live, which they were. Flop (which you can sorta see) was 9d-10h-Jh, so now I have the nice straight draw...any Q gets me there. Turn is the Kh, which gives me the lead, and Irish Jim a royal draw, a flush and straight draw (watching his outs grow was like watching a plant bloom in time lapse). I say "any heart or ace wins the hand for him," as Klownboxer (the dealer), peels off the river card. Queen of hearts. I then say, "or a Queen of hearts makes him a royal flush."


Jim was shocked. I laughed. Out came the camera. So now Jim and I are even on Royals. I hit mine at his game, he hits his at mine. Very cool. NH.


Now, I know making a call of an all-in with K-7 suited is a loose call. We were 4 handed at the time, one more bust out, and the bubble bursts, so I gambled. Have to do that sometimes, and I turned the lead, but got rivered. Meh. At least he got the hammer hand in the end. The reason I decided to call, was that calling wouldn't hurt my stack, and if I hit, great. I was fortunate enough to hit trip kings a few hands earlier, turn a full house, get all in after the turn, and more than double up, so I could afford to make that call later.


KK was the best hand I saw all night. Had QQ, JJ, 10-10, 99, 88....a good number of pocket pairs, but I connected on more than my share of flops, too. That doesn't hurt. I was able to pick up some pots when I flopped air, which was also nice.


In all, a good night, and with the win, that made it a great night. There were other hands that I was able to win that put me in position to take the top spot. A flopped wheel out of the big blind, for instance. It was actually quite funny.

I'm the BB, get 2 limpers to the button, SB completes, I check.

Flop:
A-4-2 rainbow
All check


Turn:
6c

Check to (then) chip leader, who bets 500. SB calls 500, I shove for 1375 more (I honestly forget the blind level at the time--I need to get better at that for this blog). The original bettor says--and I quote--"I think I have you beat. I think I have the best hand here. I call."

I say, "if you have 3-5 beat, you win," as I flip over the 3c-5s. he showed J-2 (suited?).


Drawing dead, he looks at me as confused as anything.


I love poker. Poker's nice.

~M

From an aisle seat...

Sitting here watching "Naked Gun, From the Files of Police Squad" (the first one), I realized I forgot to write up a review on "Lucky You," the poker movie that is making the rounds on my cable box these days.


First off, "Naked Gun" is STILL funny after all these years, and the countless number of times I have seen it....but I digress.


Lucky You.

Many folks didn't really like it or appreciate some of the things in it. In fact, in this week's Poker After Dark, Howard Lederer and Jennifer Harman were discussing the movie, and the bit part Harman plays in it (she goes broke in 3rd place in a WSOP ME Super Sat event). Lederer saying the reviews were a bit negative for actor Eric Bana, who plays the main character Huck Cheever. I thought Bana was decent, but I didn't care for the way his character was written. It sorta took the "rogue gambler" persona like, way too far, in my opinion. To me, this character was more a mix between Mike Matusow and Gavin Smith. 2 guys that never met a prop bet they didn't like, and weren't afraid to take it. I hope that those outside the poker community that saw the film won't associate ALL poker players in that light. That wouldn't be fair.



I liked the movie, because there was a TON of poker in it--with varying games too. They showed the pseudo big game--the mixed game at the Bellagio where plenty of big names sit and play at ridiculous levels (ridiculous by my bank account anyway).

Loads of pros given screen credits (some even had lines, like Sam Farha). Pros I spotted--Negreanu, Jason Lester, Doyle Brunson (in the Main Event), Harman, Antonio Esfandiari, Minh Ly, Chau Giang, Cindy Violette, and more. Lester and Brunson (if I recall) were both given credit for being the poker consultants to the film, and it showed. By the way, that's John "World" Hennigan next to Robert Duvall at the Main Event in the movie.


The underlying conflict throughout the movie, is Huck's hatred for his father (played by Duvall) for past indiscretions. It all culminates in the Main Event tournament, which was run at Binion's (using the 2003 year as the backdrop for the poker--that of course, in reality, was the year Moneymaker won it, and jump started the poker boom). I won't go into more detail about the film for those that haven't seen it, but suffice to say I liked it, and will keep an eye out for it to watch again for other subtleties.


As for poker of my own, Wednesday was a good night, as I was able to take down the top spot at Irish Jim's game. Been a while since I had some success there, as I started out ablaze in my early appearances in his game. Nice to end the drought with a heads-up win over the homeowner himself. Had a night were I had a couple of tough beats (not bad ones, just tough), but made some of my draws, bluffed a few pots away from others, and had a basically good night while seeing just enough in the way of good hands to make the night interesting. I won't go into more detail on some of the hands, as the TOC is coming up in a few weeks, and spies abound (HAHA!!!!), but I will say that I felt good about HOW I played, and not about the results. That was a good feeling for me, as I haven't felt that way in a few months (after the March league event with my 5th place finish).


It feels good to be back.


~M

A mid-week how-do-ya-do

Have today off. nice feeling, considering I went 9 straight over the past week. Back to the grind for 2 more on Thursday and Friday, but a nice breather will be enjoyed today.

Been slow getting moving, but after finishing this, the grass gets cut, the bushes (that were left undone by Mrs. Chipstack in my absence) will get trimmed, and then it's off to the gym for a bit of a sweat and maybe a swim. Have to be back home by 3 for the kidlets, so a short window of time remains for me. Yeah, I know I should have done it earlier, but hey, I took some time to chill out, after a week's worth of running.

I'll get a little reward tonight, as well, with Irish Jim shifting his game to tonight...I can actually attend. I am looking forward to playing some hold 'em, as it's been about 2 weeks since I last played. I was thinking about this the other day--I am coming up on 5 years of poker. Yeah, I'm a part of the Moneymaker boom, but still, has it really been 5 years? I mean there was Chris, then Raymer, then Hachem, then Gold, then Yang....yeah....5 WSOP's, with the 6th beginning at the end of this month.

In 5 years time, I have gone from a total novice to a semi-decent player, and I have a long way to go before I get to decent. I have played in 2 WSOP events, and can not wait to get back in. Hoping for 2009, but that is subject to change. I have learned so much about other games--games I didn't even know existed before I immersed myself in this beautiful game. Omaha, Razz, 2-7 triple draw. I was playing dealer's choice games on very random occasions (Follow the Queen, Chicago, 7-stud hi-lo split), but hold 'em became my game of choice after watching the WSOP.

Now, I can't get enough of it. My buddy Big Vito introduced me years ago to a fella that is now making the rounds as a professional player. He had a huge run (I believe) at Festa al Lago at the Bellagio. I haven't seen him in quite a while, and yes I am leaving his name out of this for my own reasons. I'll just call him C. I saw C playing in the main event last year (saw him at the table for just a few moments), and heard he went broke in a hand where his set was 2nd best to another set. I would love to pick his brain a bit, and find out just what he did, and had to do to get where he is today. I know he's a solid player, and that's where it begins, but he's a damn good guy, too, and that certainly doesn't hurt him.

Anyway, enough for now, time for landscaping, then working out, then POKAH BABY!!!

I love poker. Poker's nice.

~M