blonde poker forum

Today is the day that we have all been waiting for. But how does one approach this game? What strategy should be used?

With very few events at the WSOP allowing any sort of play early on, I have enjoyed the two daily events at the Bellagio. With 5K in chips and blinds at 25-50, it sure allows for a little variation. Example.

I turned up on Thursday 2pm event around 20 minutes late. After five minutes or so, I realized that the table was going to be hard work in the sense that it was slow and players did not want to gamble. To my left, Ian Woodley (who has had some great results recently including a 2nd place in the Irish Open), seemed as bored as the others. It was time for some “funny“ poker!

By limping blind in un-raised pots and then betting blind (the minimum each time of course), seemed to wake the table up. After a few hands, I had over 7,500. But more importantly, it opened up the others as one or two of them began to blind limp. Fun at last! Ian and I are chatting away and smiling at the transformation. The problem with this style though, the blind limper tends to attract attention and normally becomes a target. And because of the manner of play, one can never be sure if players are trying to make moves or simply have hands. Example.

Limp in blind for 50 encourages three more limpers before the last man to act decides to raise a further 200. Since I have a few chips to spare, I call the raise in the dark. First to act, I bet 50 blind before the flop is dealt. The raiser then makes it 500 on a board of 9-6-2 rainbow.  Hmmm, time to look (it‘s fun squeezing after the flop). Holding 6-7 and second pair, I eventually call the 500 and bet 50 before the turn is dealt.  Again he raises to 500 after the nine is paired. Again I call, and again I bet 50 before the river. Not sure if I like the King on the river though.

The problem with this kind of play, is that I lacked enough TRUE information to make a valid evaluation of the play. If he had a monster hand, then my reluctant calls meant that I was being sucked in perfectly. However, when he pushed all-in for his last 3K on the river, it defied logic. I guess he could have had a monster, perhaps K-K or even a nine for trips. But with any other hand, he must surely check here? Even with A-A, he couldn’t feel comfortable! Not enough to go all-in that’s for sure! Anyway, after some thought, I made what I felt was a forced call. As it happens, he was bluffing with A-J and I was in good shape with 12K. With  the help of a few more plays like this and then getting A-A versus two players with K-K - I was in cruise control. But the question is, should I play this way in the big one?

Last year in the main event, I decided on the careful approach and saw my stack grow to around 50K and without a chip in danger. With just an hour to go on the first day, I could not have asked for more. Though I must add that if I had played my hands more aggressively, that total could have been much higher. But then again, I was in good shape and could not complain at the ease in which my stack had grown. As it happens, two hands before my table was to break, I was dealt Q-Q. On the button after all had passed to me, I had an easy steal of the blinds. However, BB wakes up with A-A and I find it difficult to muck for the small re-raise. OK, no problem, down to 42k. Final hand before we break and all muck to me. Can’t help but smile as I look down at Q-Q again and a chance to steal the blinds again. My raise is again treated with contempt by the BB. His all-in re-raise is a bit more than the last one, but can I muck this? He must think I’m steaming or something. Must call. Can’t help but smile again as BB turns over A-A. Down to 29K and sliding.

I ask the floorman why he hadn’t broken the table 5 minutes earlier. But hey, never mind, an hour to go and I’m still in good shape. Move tables and come in between SB and BB. Waiting for the hand to finish, I try and catch my breath at what had just occurred. Button passes to seat one as I settle down in seat ten. Still thinking of the last two hands, I fail to notice that it’s my turn to act after all before me had mucked in quick time. Finally look at my hand only see Q-Q. Is this real? OK, let’s pump it up! Button and SB muck but BB pushes all-in. WTF? I have no idea where I am here. Don’t like it but can’t pass. WTF, A-A again? Jesus, unreal or what? Down to 14K and steaming. The next couple rounds see a different approach as it’s time to change tactics. Luckily, the odd move or two pay off and the day closes with a stack of 27K. What a last hour this has been!

Next day begins and the first hand I see is Q-Q. Middle position, I commit with a large raise. I smile at the wife who is sweating me on the rail. A-J-5 on the flop and SB leads out with a bet that will set me all-in. He obviously liked his A-T. Steaming for sure, Ad-Qd looks a monster and I push next hand. My all-in is called by the A-K of the BB. Where’s the Queen when you need it?

Back to this year. Not really sure how I’m running myself. Won a couple of the $500 events at the Bellagio last month or so. Didn’t play for the first three weeks at the WSOP but had a fair time after that. One thing is for sure though, I am enjoying playing again after very limited play over the last couple of years. One can hope!

As for the other Brits etc? I would like to see Gary Bush get the result that his overall play deserves. If your life depended on it, then Gary is your man.

I like the way Iwan Jones plays. Very solid player who will not waste any chips. If he gets some cards, then look out for a good showing.

Barney Boatman had been having a horrid time here, he deserves a change of luck. If he gets busy and things go right for him, then a good results will not be unjust.

David Colclough is running as bad as Barney. But it only takes one events to change things. If he keeps his confidence, then my co Liverpool fan deserves a change of luck.

Surinder Sunar, my bestest friend also deserves a mention. Having spent most of his time in the Gym in recent weeks, he will be fit for this.

To the many others I have not mentioned, I wish good luck - we will all need it!   

good luck peter,im really rooting for you.if you see richard berridge tell him i said good luck.ash and wadey to(not sure if there playing)

Thanks for the insight Peter. I hope you have a great 10k.

I love your posts Mr C, looking forward to more.

 ;goodluck;

Good luck Uncle Peter .... bring home the bling !!

;goodluck; !!!!!!!!

Good luck Peter.  Thinking of you  ;goodluck;

peter what day do you play?

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Hi Miis C,

I play on Monday.

good luck love,have you seen the notts boys yet?kim not going over then