blonde poker forum

Well, hello good evening and welcome.

First things first.

I’m off on my first trip to Las Vegas this summer and boy I cannot wait.

I think in the game of life I definitely have earned my spurs to get away for 2 weeks for a touch of me time.

I’ve been thinking over a diary for many, many months for my own record of my trip and also as a distraction from the swings of poker in a country and city which may overwhelm me if I have a bad run.

Let me get this straight, whether I win or lose won’t change my life. The mere chance of playing uninterrupted tournament poker and testing my wits against players of all abilities is what has motivated me to keep on in my business without me going mad.

I am a Pharmacist lucky enough to have persuaded the banks to lend me money during the credit crunch and through a dedication to provide outstanding customer services and care for my customers I have managed to build a successful Pharmacy and slowly start to pay the huge business loans I have.

I am over the hill and on the summit enjoying the view with hopefully a gently descent which will secure my future for my family.

I have played poker on & off for many years as I am nearing the end of my thirty something years. I joined blonde in 2006 after many months of observing the forums. I mainly used the site for live tournament listings and snoopies updates from the live scene. Then it was just trying to satellite into the bigger events and festivals and I was fast building a reputation in my head as the bubble boy.

I then realised I was a half decent cash game player using my winnings to buy in direct to the occasional side events. I was introduced to Omaha from some Greek friends in the old Grosvenor Casino in West Derby, Liverpool and before you knew it I played stud and the varieties of mixed games.

This is where my diary may interest some of you. I am competent in mixed dealers choice games and enjoy this form of poker more than anything else.

If you’re still reading then thank you and I’ll try and get to the interesting stuff soon.

Long story short, surrounding myself with players who could lose a fair bit of money in these dealers’ choice games made me realise that this is what I want to be doing myself in the future. No, not grind the games but to make money in my own profession so I could sit in these games comfortably in the future.

My wife was pregnant soon after and that’s where I got the best bit of advice from a poker player around this table in West Derby.

“Suk, your kids are only young once, Poker will be there forever!!”

So over the last 10 years I have concentrated on work and family. I’ve played the odd cash games and tournaments but literally gave up online poker.

I think the stability in my personal life has helped my game more than any text book could teach me and have no fear in any game I play.


So why a diary and why now?



Vegas baby that's why!!!

Love a Vegas diary, so will follow with interest, and hope that you have a great trip!

+1

Good luck.

Cheers Marky147

Glad you were the first to post as your Vegas trip information thread has been so valuable to me since I started reading in the new year

Vegas is an important step in proving to myself that I can win at this game.

In the poker scene the odd players will recognise me but not be able to place me. My style of play will usually mean I am near the top of the standings at the end of Day 1 or will have bust out before the dinner break.

The majority of my bust outs have occurred after several missed calls from work or my wife and I openly admit that I would let a certain psychological tilt affect my decision making.

In Vegas there won’t be any interruptions so I can’t have any excuses for bad play. If I’m unlucky and get outdrawn then fair play but hopefully I will be making right decisions without distraction.

Without boring you folk on the past the last few years the interruptions from work/family have reduced and therefore so my game has improved. I only play once a month if that, so don’t have the large sample numbers needed to see whether my small cashes/satellite wins is higher than the average player.

I don’t play much more as I can’t afford the time away from wok for multi day events and the smaller local casino games just doesn’t motivate me to play my A game for such little reward.

I therefore play the occasional cash game and have started to play online again.

Some key events in the build up to my trip. I promise I will post trip dates/hotels etc in due course.



I need to decide what games to play in Vegas and what stakes?

What better way to see where I’m strongest then SCOOP courtesy of PStars.

Choose a level to suit me, start time and choice of games.
For the first time ever, I have booked a locum to cover me purely so I can take the day off work tomorrow to play an event I have earmarked for Vegas.

8-Game!!

Glad the Vegas thread was useful, and I'd like to think that between us all at Blonde, the savings have probably paid for a few trips to the plastic surgeon :)




You'll be alright  ;)

SCOOP warm ups.

So I decided to give this a go as the fields and game types suit my style. I don’t really play the big Sunday tourneys as I start work at 8am every day and in my job I can’t afford to be tired and make a mistake.

After all I’m the safety net from your GP possibly killing you so I can’t afford any dispensing errors!!

With the bank holidays we’ve had I’ve played the odd events.

SCOOP 02-L (6-max Texas)
Played this and the 02-M over the bank holiday weekend to assess my concentration for long periods. 25650 entries and small cash for finishing 1266 at the end of Day1.

Truth is though the fact the event was 2 days affected my game at the end. From being a monster stack for several hours I  wanted to finish the day near to the top of the standings (thus making up for the expected wrath of the Mrs the next day).

SCOOP-33 (Zoom Turbo-Omaha)

Having taken the day off tomorrow I figured I’d give the Omaha a go this evening. So now I’m even more confused as I’ve just cashed in the 2 events SCOOP -33 L & M  :D 8) ;D ;D



So onto SCOOP-34 8-Game where I’m going to give the H buy-in a spin!!

Really looking forward to this, as...

1) I love Vegas diaries

2) I find all the NLH stuff a bit samey these days, but I love Omaha & the mixed games. In fact, I head to Vegas in 10 days & will ONLY be playing PLO & PLO8, so I hope we'll bump into each other.


Where will you be playing? Presumably Binions, GN, etc, as most other venues are 100% NLH. Any WSOP Events?

You may have sorted this already, but the Binions shedule is here.....


http://www.binions.com/gaming/poker_classic.php


The Golden Nugget series is here.....

http://www.goldennugget.com/lasvegas/pdf/gps2014.pdf

And the WSOP schedule is here.....

http://www.wsop.com/2014/2014-wsop-schedule.pdf

In the unlikely event I can assist in any way with Vegas info, just ask.

When do you head out?

Subscribed.

Just to confirm two things about going to Vegas this time of year (because it is impossible to overstate these two things):

1) It is big
2) It is hot.

Have a fabulous time and win the lot.

Did I bump into you in The Grafton last Friday night:) gl with the diary fella, West Derby brings back memories.

As to the enboldened part, did you see this wonderful news piece?


http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dr-richard-hughes-patients-queue-3536078


(http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o541/tikay2/tikay2182/PAY-Retiring-GP_zpsa8cbe6d0.jpg) (http://s1147.photobucket.com/user/tikay2/media/tikay2182/PAY-Retiring-GP_zpsa8cbe6d0.jpg.html)

Good Luck with it Suk!

Bring plenty back for the private at Formby Tony's

Lee

Really? I've always found it quite a small place (albeit with big buildings).

Very best of luck sir
Subscribed !

"Let's go to the Wynn"
"Bit of a way, that!"
"No. It's only over there"

I heard people just shrink on arrival so everything looks massive

Good luck in Vegas :)

Thanks Tikay, that’s what I was hoping for. I do enjoy NLHE but I’m hoping that I will have a edge in the mixed games.
   
I’m out on the 15th June for 2 weeks. I’ve seen the schedules as I follow the Vegas info thread and the discussions on twoplustwo.

I’m a bit put off by the rake though at GN & Binions. I’m booked on the strip so will have to see logistics of getting downtown.

So far have only pencilled in the $1500 wsop 8-Game at the Rio as my only vice.

If I get my buy in and expenses back then I will be happy  ;D

Means I can plan another trip straight away  ;D ;D

I've not 'grabbed a granny at the Grafton' for many a year!!

I've always been a bit jealous of the positive PR that Doctors and Nurses get. The have a much stronger representative body in the BMA and Royal College. I'd like to think we get our fair share of biscuit tins at Christmas though!!

Cheers Lee. Left a donation Tuesday!!  >:(

I will be following best of luck, you sound like you deserve a good holiday so i hope you run very good and bring back some money

I would suggest not putting much pressure on yourself to get a result out there to prove anything.

For one I'm definitely not the only one to get swallowed up and chewed out as a Vegas virgin, the place is summit else, enjoy :)

But seriously, huge field tournaments the variance is massive, many sicko's will go and brick a full series without doing much wrong, hope to run good and win, but doesn't really mean much if you don't, or do.

Enjoy it.

Cheers for the support.

As long as I make the right decisions on the whole I will be happy.

I'm meeting a group from the North West for the first week so with the World Cup starting will enjoy the break. Where better to watch the football in the day and play poker at night?

Well that's a bonus!!

Not sure whether to play the PLO8 event or use the seat for the 8-game and save the funds?

SCOOP -34 8-game update.

Wow what a hour.

After busting out of M in the first hour I'm currently chip leader in the H!!! 1/109

Running good in the L 83/966

SCOOP -34 8-Game update.

Got massacred on the L in Omaha and 2-7TD.

First mistake in H. Called a overbet on river in HLHE orbit and he had hit a gutshot straight.

Still 22/75. 18 get paid

Busted out 55th!! At least it only cost be a $55 satellite for the $2100 entry.

And that is why I need to play away from home. Chip leader at 3rd break then Mrs come home moaning about her day at work!! Lost my aggressive edge as I became a calling station.

Right, the increase in blinds in the Omaha & TD2-7 destroyed me when my pat hands were outdrawn on the river.

Will have to work on that.

Vegas is exactly a month away now so will start planning a poker schedule in the next 2 weeks. Will have to look at PLO8 events considering the win earlier today,

I am a pharmacy student atm so will I be like you in a couple of years time?

Any chance of offering me a pre-reg place starting August 2015?

Good luck and make sure you enjoy Vegas. Even if you return empty handed. :)

Try being like me in 17 years!!!

Happy to guide you for any pre-reg placement. Just pm me for any help and advice

Thats so kind of you. Thanks in advance.

Where are you based?

I hope I will beat your record and be like you in 10-15 years. I doubt it though. :)

Pharmacy is a comfortable living but not to the extent that some would believe.

Good luck in the start of your profession. I'm based in North Cheshire and always happy to offer guidance

I have various things in my mind. One of those is studying to become an independent prescriber later but as this is a poker forum and thread I should pm to discuss things better.

Are you taking pre-reges?

I may take a pre-reg. Again happy to give help & advice at your early stage in Pharmacy

So today is a day where the balance of work, family and poker is heavily swayed towards family.

11 years  today my team won the FA cup against Southampton. 10 minutes after the final whistle my first daughter was born.

So today the 2 come together again and hopefully I'll be a beaming father again with the same memories.

And so the day will remain special with a incredible Arsenal come back

Exactly 4 weeks to go....

What hit me today was how partners still don't get poker!

I know there has been threads of discussion on here but it really hit me today.

I started playing on line like most people and then gathered the confidence to give my local casino a go. They must of seen me coming a mile off as I spent my £70 on 6 re-buys only once winning  a hand with the nut flush. I remember hoping to check raise the river but it got checked back. If I survived the rebuy period I was always out early after the rebuys finished. 1000 points for a buy in with 50/100 blinds!!! Remember them?

I won a £10 satellite in Walsall for the evening £100 freeze out in 2003. It was a guaranteed £18k event finishing on the Sunday. I won a seat Saturday day time and had average chips going into day 2. I drove the hour back home ready to leave at 12 next day for the start of day 2.

"What you mean you're going to play again?" Came the reply from the Mrs.

I tried explaining the concept of the prize pool and that I was almost free rolling from my £10 entry. Long story short I was left holding the baby as she stormed off to her mothers!!!

So tonight after the gym I late reg'd into a Genting Stoke satellite in Liverpool.

My good run in live sats continue with another seat won.  ;D That's 3 sat wins in last 3 entries!

Just got to decide which day to late reg in (work comes first)

Maybe better to explain to the mrs now you could be missing Saturday n Sunday :)

Hope to be joining you at Stoke. Which flight are you playing?

She doesn't even know about day 1 yet!!! Issues at work causing the stress levels to go up as it is.

I admit I'm a chicken. Almost like asking your parents if you can stay out late!

I'm hoping to miss just the first couple of levels by playing Friday. Otherwise will turn up late Thursday.

Will be nice to say hello to anyone following the diary  :hello:

Looks like u get to Vegas when I leave ? On the 16 th June. ?
That's a pity but there will be plenty of others there  plus. Tikay flying the flag
I'm at the nugget for the 6 th and will be don king about all over the place  !!
I may try a Hilo in the nugget too even tho I've only just learnt to spell it :)
It's great downtown so much better than them posh places up the strip.
Have a great Vegas and gl
Looking forward to the updates
2 weeks Friday for me  roll on

You've bought a wig, and are going to apply all over bodypaint before heading out each day?

;)

Plus a pink tutu

Looks like it's the year for the Brits to clean up the mixed games!!!!

Good luck out there

Thank god for email.

I have 'permission' to play Friday.

I emailed the details of the satellite win and how the tournament in Stoke should reach a prize pool of 150k.

She's a good un my Mrs really. I explained this would be good practice for Vegas and my last chance at a good live structure tournament before I leave. Her Birthday next weekend & family wedding the week after so this was a tournament I had earmarked and probably would've bought into anyway.

Bring on Stoke and my usual. Either a early bust out before dinner or a monster chip stack at the end of Day 1.

Good luck, update if you can on chips etc

Good luck over the weekend mate, and hopefully you'll be able to bolster that Vegas fund!

Cheers will do. Only shame is I can't get cover in work until 2pm at the earliest so will probably late reg by 3pm ish.

This hasn't been too much of a problem though and I try and use it to my advantage.

The last tournament I played was the 25/25 series in New Brighton. I arrived towards the end of level 2. I could see a few guys chipped up and managed to gauge how they played the next level to get them. One guy was obviously a serial caller who just couldn't lay a hand down and had obviously just been lucky.

I like to think I can read players well though so I noticed how others were playing softer in relation trying to win their chips back. I stayed away as I knew I would thus need a synch hand that would survive the river. There were audible groans as the lucky player got moved to another table. This helped me though to play some proper poker and win hands in position.

As I opened up I used the same reads to make some excellent calls and at the end of the night I ended up chip leader from all flights almost double the guy in 2nd.

I had to use the email for the first time then to put my feelings about poker to my Mrs. I have 2 wedding anniversaries as I had a church wedding as well as a Hindu blessing.

The next day was our 'Catholic' wedding anniversary so this was going to be tricky explaining that I wouldn't be at home. This is probably the reason I made some hero calls and got chipped up. I didn't want to scrape into the final day or have average chips. Ali Mallu was the chip leader of the previous flight so you can imagine getting drawn on his table with inferior chips!!! If I was coming back I wanted to be guaranteed of money finish to make up for missing the day at home.

After getting back at 4am I couldn't sleep so I just showered to get fully woken and became a domestic god. Washing done and hung up, papers and breakfast ingredients from local shop and the obligatory card and her favourite brand of dark chocolate.

She chose to have a very long lie in so I typed the email gave the kids their breakfast and a freshly cooked breakfast for with her iPad so she could read the letter. I just got a glance but no words or anger. The glance told me though that she finally understood and off I went just after noon for the 1pm start.

Quick Genting Stoke main event update.

Tired after being in work from 8am then mad traffic on M6 when I left at 2.30pm.

Late reg'd half way towards the end of level 3.

Up to 39k from starting stack of 25k at break (end of level 4).

Nice work, good luck!

I'm not tired the journey was great and I got here early.

Down to 19k

:)

Good luck Tom.

Aren't daughters precious?

Down to 20k after short stacked shoved my utg raise and I called with JJ.

Villain had AK

1st card off the deck A & we both hit a flush on river to really rub it in.

Then 11yr daughter texts me to say she got 2A* in her latest school report!!!

Best soon forgotten

Dinner break and I'm still in. So there's a good omen.

If you want to see my ugly mug and atrocious play then I'm on seat 3 on the feature table after the break!

Watch me build* my monster stack from 19k for some great YouTube clips.

*or go out with a whimper

I must like being filmed.

Up to 69k on feature table at break with average 48k. Blinds 500/1k with 100ante when we go back.

Oh and had the pleasure of reintroducing myself to RedDog!!

Highlight of year so far :-)

He said "I read the first three pages of your diary and I thought this will be good. Then I skipped forward to the last three pages. It was full of pictures of a bloke building a stove outside a caravan and I thought, WTF?"

:D

Made day 2!! No monster stack but playable 76,700 with average 72k.

Average will probably change as all in fest with last 6 hands being called.

Drive, sleep, gym then back up at 1pm.

If anyone watched stream let me know how you thought I played. My 99 fold preflop to a re-raise was right move in my opinion as guy new I hadn't played any hands for a few hours. To reraise my utg bet must've meant I was behind or he had overs. I didn't fancy playing all streets out if position heads up against chip leader.

Anyways that's 3/3 for day 2's :-)

Day 2. On a table of short stacks I'm the only one that hasn't doubled up!!

Would've preferred a more variable chipped table.

Out. Get called by bottom pair in Q69J board and he hits 2 pair on river to beat my J10.

I should've reraised same player one level earlier with overs and a gutshot which will rile me more than actual hand that busted me. Overbets stunk of bluffs just couldn't fire last barrel.

Difficult to make those plays when average stacked so will have to evaluate game.

3 weeks to go.

Must sort out my USA visa or ESTA whatever it's called.

I think all schedules are out too so just now to plan in between breaks for World Cup games.

Don't go through third party sites for your esta or you'll pay more for no reason. Go straight to the main website and it costs you £9 including the exchange rate fee.

Cheers Tal. Thank god for bank holidays and a day off work tomorrow!

For us students May bank holidays are just another day in the office... I hate to see people in the parks when I am stuck in the library...

I wish I ran better... :)

Yes but you've soon got 16 weeks of summer holidays to look forward to!

That's when my run good comes into play. :)

A quick diary update especially for Lee H!! I don't usually blog about cash games but visited the G Manchester whilst the Mrs took the kids to see Little Mix.

2 dealers choice on the go but couldn't get a seat so had to play the tourney. Once busted out a seat became available with the King of the caravan park Lee 2 to my left. Before I could add to his ever increasing stack he left for a looser table leaving me against of all people a former wsop champ.

One reload later and with the help of quads and finally some 3/4 in my favour in the hi-lo games I trebled my buy in.

A few Vegas tips picked up from the chat around the table and I'm back on form at just the right time.

Also strange that my last 2 visits to the G playing with strangers and I've shown a profit but the regular smaller game I play in private I just can't win!!

The regular players must know my game better than I know there's whereas with strangers I have some play which is working for me.

Glad you got some wages!!

Was great night in the G last night. 2 Dealers Choice games, 1 Omaha and 4 or 5 texas games for the mentally feeble (lol!!)

You should come more often on a Tuesday, its def the place to be

Good Luck

Lee

Couldn't agree more. Can't remember last time I played anywhere with 2 D/C games at playable 2/2 blinds but with decent stacks around the table.

I've just posted this on the Vegas thread but I hope you don't mind if I ask the same question on my diary.

Has anyone played the $550 8pm sats at the Rio to the next day bracelet events?

I like the idea of playing a Omaha or mixed game satellite and these look the best bet rather than stumping up 5k or 10k up front which not many can afford.

Just wondering if anyone can give me ideas on numbers or seats generated? There's loads of Texas tourneys or sats all over the place but apart from Golden Nugget/Binions schedule not many around the main strip.

Wife spent day out for her birthday so having taken the kids out and then put them to bed I late registered to the weekly stud8 tourney on stars.

I don't usually play Stud8 tourneys only cash but might give it a go in Vegas so wanted a bit of practice on blind levels.

Final tabled and when down to last 6 with slightly below average chips a very tipsy wife walks in. Now usually this is just what a guy wants on a Saturday night but not when on the final table of a online tournament with only 3 getting paid.

Much whining later I bust out 5 just short of the money.

In my life women and poker do not mix!!!

Anyway plenty of brownie points today so far.

Hungover wife can't remember anything!!

A cooked breakfast and more presents which she didn't open yesterday means I've got some extra kudos in my favour. I took a common bit of advice given to me from other poker players that when you win a touch always get the wife a present.

In fact win or lose always buy them something that way they don't ask how much you won (or lost).

2 weeks to go till departure and now Stud8 tourney definitely on my wish list. May have to be Golden Nuggett though as 10k wsop a bit out of my league!

Quite a strange week so far. NHS messed up my monthly payment at the Pharmacy so had to draw on reserve funds to cover all bills.

Related, Mrs has found my Vegas fund and was a bit aggrieved on the amount I'm planning to take!!!

Tbh the amount to most here isn't high stakes and shouldn't require a declaration at US customs. The amount is significant to her though as I've always kept my cash flow a closely guarded secret.

I'm down South at the moment and thank god for weddings and retail therapy.

I made sure I gave knowing glances during the wedding ceremony and a trip to Bluewater has made her feel we are comfortable and still trust each other. I even used her fashion know how to stock up on polo tops and hoodies so I look the part at the poker tables.

Just need to exchange the sterling to $ this week. Looks like post office or Tescos will be best for straight cash transactions as rates note as good if not using debit card.

Still finalising playing schedule but looks like Deep Stacks at Rio & Venetian will figure highly. Will try and fit a PHamous and GN mixed game in between cash games to try and build roll or satellite into a big buy in event.

One week to go...

You had better hope she doesn't find this thread.....

I've tried to put her in a good light in case she ever does find it!

Right, just under 36hrs before I fly out. Pharmacy has been mad busy with GP's moving to electronic prescriptions which has had its teething problems. High pollen counts means hay fever symptoms galore and more time needed for customers wanting advice.

Still managed to change up my £ and also get a currency card so I don't blow my load in the first few days of arriving. Just need to get a new suitcase tomorrow to bring home all the $$ or more likely gifts for the family.

Tonight's football has given me a buzz to enjoy me time in Vegas. I got demoted to the conservatory to watch the Spaniards get spanked but on a small screen. Actually enjoyed the Dutch winning even though I should hate RVP. Cesc joining Chelski seems to have dampened my hatred for him and I was made up he came on to take part in the thrashing. Saying that I've got Spain in my work sweepstake!!!

Anyway, figured this will be the same view of the screens on the strip from the distance I'll be watching and the 2nd group games should be interesting on Tuesday now.

I've started studying the mixed games I don't want to miss when I'm out there and really I have to try and register in time and delay the jet lag by playing the PLO8 @Venetian on Sunday at 5pm. Flight lands at 2.55pm so hopefully I should be at Treasure Island by 4pm ish to have a quick wash up before walking over. I know a friend who's playing there so it will be nice to meet up during the tourney. Not sure how long it will take to register or if there will be a waiting lists but I'm hopeful of getting in on the 2 day tourney. I've read on blogs and trip reviews that I shouldn't play for 2 days to allow for jet lag and time to adjust.

This is Vegas though and I want to play poker. I'm used to playing tired after a long day in work.

I remember playing cash, no sleep, work a 16hr shift and then straight to cash game again!! I don't do that now though as in my line of work being tired is a risk not worth taking,but I've done it.

I want to play as there are no decent size PLO or PLO8 tournament the rest of the week with that buy in. The smaller games at the GN et al seem to take such a large rake and the 1.5k to 10k at the Rio is too steep for me.

$600 is what I'd play in a cash game so going to try and sleep on the plane and be in half decent shape to play some decent poker. I've had little sleep this week getting work sorted so I'm looking forward to my first long haul premium economy seat and having some decent shut eye.

Might take me a bit of time getting used to adding pics etc whilst I'm out there but I'll try my best to jazz up the diary a bit. I'll probably just summarise the main hands and feel for the play on here but I'll try and post chip counts etc on my twitter poker handle @Pharmapoker

Tomorrow is goodbye to kids (party and sleepover), gym, final work invoice for GP accounts, time with Mrs then England game before bed and early transfer to Manchester.

I've just watched the Vegas scene from Hangover 3 again so I'm all giddy again  ;D

Good luck Suk my friend. I hope you get the lot!


Lee

Cheers Lee. Just enough to pay for another trip will do me

Best of luck in Vegas, and maybe our paths will cross if you decide to visit the riff raff downtown :)

A quick update. After 2hrs queuing and being questioned at the airport and 1hr to get my registration card at the Venetian I have managed to late reg into the $600 PLO8 tournament.

I have no idea what time I should be at but apart from struggling to see the suits I feel ok!!!

4:30am, so you're good to go ;)

Good luck mate!

Fuller updates will follow but on day 2 of stay currently double average in Aria $235 PLO tournament.

209 entries (I've re-entered) 48 left with 16 getting paid.

And Mark I was tempted by Binions PLO today or GN stud8!!

Truth is just got car and thought would ease myself with a shorter trip!!

Anyone with a iPhone know how to reduce a photo size so I can attach? I'm not taking hd pics either

Walked past Aria poker room about half an hour ago. If I'd realised you were still in, I'd have popped over and introduced myself. Possibly with some form of anti-arsenal chant, possibly using one of those words that isn't offensive over here, so as not to arouse concern.

Missed out.

Good luck, sir.

Never mind Tal. I'm sure our paths will cross. I like the friendship between the Brits here.

Can't help with the photos, so will just wish you good luck!

Right. This is what has happened so far of remote interest.

Got served before anyone on flight here as didn't realise I had stipulated Hindu meal rather than just no beef. The attendant was almost apologetic as she admitted they weren't clear what to prepare. It turns out the vegetarian pulse curry, peas ans paneer with cumin rice was very nice but I've never been a fan if Indian desserts. The sweet carrot based caked oozing ghee wasn't really what I wanted on a long haul flight.

So yesterday my only meal in the evening once I arrived was quite a grand seafood salad served to me at the table as I sat down for the PLO8 event. I would've missed it usually with so little sleep but I couldn't see another PLO8 event in the 2 weeks I'm here.

This is where I should be inserting a picture of said salad.....

It was more of a Morrison's help yourself salad in that Morrison's (or Asda) would've displayed my dish to cover all the lunches. It was huge!!!!

I chose the salad to try and dose up on vitamins and try and delay the cabs from fries and pizza which will undoubtly follow at the poker table.

Left half of it then busted out if the Venetian tournament after being average chips all the way despite late regging. Exit hand was a value call against obvious A2 hands on a 4610 flop. I had 235,10. Turn 4 river 9 meant QQ's up scooped the 3 way all in on the flop. I was so tired I had made a loose call in position and then saw the perfect opportunity to triple up or get to bed.

Bed it would've been but met some friends in. Treasure Island so donated in the $65 Texas freeze out whilst I tried to tank up on the free beers (neglecting the $1 tips).

Bed by 12.30am and because I forgot to silence my phone I got a junk call at 5.30am!!!

I couldn't get back to sleep and after watching the Germans thrash the Portuguese I decided to sort my hire care out and pick a tournament. Opted for the Aria PLO $235 purely as I lost my bearings on driving the right side of the road and it was the shortest distance.

Even then I took a exit too soon but good job you can use the tall buildings as a reference point!!

So sat down to play half way through the first level and then busted out in the 2nd!!!

Re-entered as that was again just bad luck not getting the rub first time all in on a big draw.

So after more solid game and betting in position I managed to stay above average until the following hand.

I call a early position raiser on the button with AQ67.

Flop come 894 with 2 spades. I have one spade but decide to call a c bet with my low straight draw.

Turn was 10 of spades. After a slight hesitation early position player goes all in. I have him covered to be left with just below average if I've read him wrong.

I go with my gut and he shows KK1010 for turned trips but no spades. A rag river means I double chip average and I don't look back.

Currently sitting at break with 268,200 with blinds 1200/2400 when we return. Average is 66k and from the 209 entrants 38 are left with 16 getting paid.

I must be top 5 chips at least so hopefully I can cash on my 2nd day here and get close to the 12k for first.

Nice going, gl.

Busto 22nd.

Not too disappointed in how I played. Lost 5 hands in a row to short stack all ins pre. Only mistake was calling a obvious AA raise from the bb when down to just above average. 254 flop was worth a c bet call with my KJ94 double suited. It all went in on the J turn only for AA man to have a 3!!

This was the only hand where I got it in, in very bad shape. All the other short stacks I was between 60:40 either way and to lose 5 in a row was a serious bad run.

I wanted to win or deep cash rather then just min cash so at this rate hopefully I get one big score then several small cashes.

Having a monster stack gives you so much room to manoeuvre in PLO and in position you can represent so many hands.

I've only ever played 4 live PLO tournaments but several online and I feel the slight edge live because of my people reading skills.

I'm now having as many beers as I can in the late treasure island game so I can sleep in past 5.30am. I should just spend the $65 at the bar but I like playing poker  ;D

Debating whether to stump up the $1500 for the wsop PLO tomorrow which is stretching the old bankroll. The temptation of a big field and big cash will keep me up all night.

Was great to spend a few hours with you yesterday.

Have tried to sort that other problem, see....


 http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=63920.new#new

Cheers Tony, will have a look back at hotel after I take out this Big O8 tournament at the nugget.

I'm at table 8 seat 2

Ok. I decided that I didn't want to grind the cash games and stick to tournaments. So I decided to jump into my first WSOP event a week before planned. I always planned on playing the 8-Game next week but after my Aria exploits on Monday I felt good to give the $1500 PLO a go. I was chip leader at the Aria for most of the tournament yet ended up 22nd with only 16 getting paid. Like I said I went for the win and losing 5 coin flips in a row against smaller stacks it just wasn't meant to be.


Besides I would probably pull up that much in a cash game (after reloads) so I went for the big score.

Drove to the Rio but couldn't get on the main road and kept ending up at dead ends!!

Once inside there was no queue that I was expecting and the staff at registration were fantastic.

I must admit I was nervous as he'll. Finally I am going to play the wsop. I'm currently 1/1 in tournaments. The first hand I was in the bb blind. Checked round and sb completes.

Flop, sb checks and I bet.

He folds.

I played my ever hand at the wsop and now I'm chip leader at my table. No one can ever take that away from me.

I won't bore you with all the details as I'm now the the Golden Nugget and not playing Day 2.

4500 chips to start with though is tough. You can't just make any mistakes. I was fine with the great 1hr clock and 25/25 start but you need to win the flips and hit your draws.

I never got either.

Some how from being as low as 2125 chips I managed to hit a peak of 1075 but I busted out just before the dinner break at the end of level 6. Me and the big stack got in in with AAxx and another short stacked who had a few more chips then me came along for the ride. His turned 2 pair scooped a 3 way pot and I was out.

I tell you what though. If it had the same chips as the Aria I'm confident I could do well here. Apparently on shark scope I'm a shark at PLO for the few times I've played. Yet live I can use my people reading skills to push my edge.

So I'm not going to give up and I'm going to try and satellite into the 5k PLO on Friday by playing the $500 mega tomorrow night. This is one of the few megas they play as the next day tourney so I fancy my chances. Updates late tomorrow.

So yesterday I was going to go home but I thought I would walk around the place. This time I just soaked up the atmosphere of the daily deep stacks and cash games on the go. Eventually I noticed TK at the cash tables so I had to grab a seat.

Had a great catch up and met Tal as well who was unlucky felling just short of the bubble on the deep stack.

TK, what's the matter with you. Some guys just have it all the time!!!  ::) ;D

Was going great trebling my buy in on Big PLO8 game with plenty of generosity from Tony, but in the end donated to a gambling pro who had just busted the wsop event. I got it in good on a K95 board with 2 hearts. I had the nut flush draw, King and back door low.

He called with a 10 high flush draw and a gut shot (he had raised before the flop with trash!!!). No flush or low and the gutshot got there.

I wasn't and didn't want to pull up and gamble so I called it a night.

Currently sitting with my second bullet at the Golden Nugget playing Big PLO8.

15k starting stack and peaked at 21k. At level 6 with 17k after chopping several big pots on river with made hands. What is it with these Yanks who call 2 streets to get half back?

At Table 8 seat 2 and would be great to say hello to any blondes during break.

Edit. Busto. 3 way all in as usual and Yank got there.

Had a great drinking session wind down last night on the strip.

Jet lag well and truly over and sitting down to watch England game at Lagasse's Stadium in the Palazzo.

If we lose I'll probably drown my sorrows.

If we win I'll probably drink till I puke*

*(actually in a good mood I might just stump up and play the new dealers choice event at the wsop)

I hope this picture works

And ante small 5 chips in first ever wsop dealers choice event

420 seat 4 is Huck Seed. Another guy at the table, who I don't recognise, seems to be enjoying informing the dealer and anyone else in earshot how the games are played.

Back up to 4560 from a low of 2980. Started with 4.5k.

Donations from Huck Seed grately received whilst he tests my knowledge of the games!!

Thankfully he's in my right.

Will post hands later on 3 hands where I got 3/4

I've picked PLO8 each time as have the lowest antes at 25/25 on the blinds for first 2 levels before heading to 25/50. Gives me time to only play/draw to nuts whilst I try and figure how the table plays.

Everyone else picking draw games and table captain is sticking to limit.

Dealers choice report.

Worst draw possible. Was hoping for one tourist we could exploit but I was the tourist.

Seat 2 Paul Volpe (mixed game bracelet winner)
Seat 3 Scott Abrams (12th in 2012 main event)
Seat 4 Huck Seed (no intro needed)
Seat 5 UK #1 cash game fish

I had no idea who the guys in Seat 1 or Seat 6 were but they knew the others so this was going to be tough.

First choice game by Seat 1 was Badacey.

The aim for all split games is to scoop both sides of the pot. With Badacey half the pot goes to the lowest wheel hand and half goes to the best 4 card Badugi hand. Thus the nuts is A2345 with A234 being different suits.

As the draw games were all limit apart from 2-7 NL single draw I was only going to play pat hands or strong 1 or 2 card draws.

Scott Abrams came out betting and I called with A24 mixed suits. We both drew one card on all 3 draws and I got scooped with his 7432A against my 7642A. He had 73 Badugi against my 74 so not a good start.

I then got 3/4 on the next rotation when playing Baduecy.

This time it is lowball 2-7 triple draw with half the pot going to the best 2345 Badugi hand.

Now in the states they play Badugi different to the UK as if you don't have a Badugi the next 3 card Badugi (a Tri) gets the pot. In the UK if no one has a Badugi the 4 lowest cards (any suit) win with a flush!!

I was flat calling the button on all streets with a nut Tri 234 after hitting a 6 straight away for a decent low draw. I paired the 6 on the river and he 3/4 me with the same Tri but a K9 low hand to my 66.

I could've got him off his 9 draw on earlier streets but ultimately was unlucky to get 3/4 on the river where as I was drawing to nuts 2nd nuts for the lowball on all streets.

I got 3/4 twice more on split games before losing to Huck Seed when he drew one card and stayed pat on a nut nut scoop in Baduecy to take me down to just below 3k from a 4.5k starting stack.

I had the feeling Huck was putting me to the test and it payed off on 2-7NL single draw.

This was getting chosen as there was a ante as well as sb & bb. It also gave the chance of significant chips in the pot for them to exploit. I took one card on the sb from his button raise with a decent 86 draw.

He took 2 and I checked without looking at my hand. He seemed to bet double the pot very quickly which smelt of a missed draw.

I looked down and squeezed a 7 for a poor 876 but I'd already decided to call if I had a J or better.

I called and showed and after a few minutes he mucked. Turned out he did bet blind so all donations were greatly received.

I then made a great call Scott Abrams choice of limit hold em.

He was picking a variety of games in limit and Seat 1&2 got into a pre-flop raising duel. Being limit I stayed on the bb with 88.

234 board and I called one round of bets. Again on a 7 turn I called a round of bets. The river K was brutal to see but it got checked round and being first to act I showed and was good.

I had already decided my choice would be PLO8 as this had the lowest ante structure for the first 6 levels. It annoyed the other players a little but they left me alone after the call I made to Huck and it meant I could wait for strong starting hands and punish any callers.

Saying that I lost a pot folding on the river to calls all the way when I missed my draws (no change there then!!!)

I then managed to knock out Paul Volpe on my orbit. He had already called and folded on the bb the previous round on my flop board and I decided to raise his bb again with A234 (unsuited).

He only had about 2k and re-raised my flop bet on a 1085 board. I had the wrap on the low draw but if he had a pair with a low draw I wasn't in good shape.

The re-raise was Paul all in so as it wouldn't cost me anymore I called.

He tabled AKQ9 so I was in pretty good shape. Just needed any low card for a free roll to a pair.

The turn was a 3 and a 7 river meant a scoop and Paul out.

I had just knocked out of the wsop a mixed event bracelet winner!!!

That was as good as it got as I made a big mistake on the player who took over from Paul.

Again everyone seemed to know him but I got the feeling he was a loose aggressive player.

I raised his bb with A245 double suited in my PLO8 rotation.

He called and we both checked the 88J flop. There was 2 spades and I had the nut flush draw but I wanted a low card to turn.

The King of spades turn was checked to me and I bet small.

I was min-raised which should've of set off alarm bells. I flat called wanting to represent just AA.

The river was a blank and he bet the flop. It had grown to 1700 and I had was the nut flush. He could've had a variety of full houses but I thought the bet stinked of a single 8.

I called and he showed KK trash/trash.

The King turn was brutal and I should've folded.

I then was free rolling to scoop 3 pots in a row in the split games but never got my river/3rd draw and just couldn't get all the chips.

Worse news was one orbit later our table split.

I've got a good read on all and now we break into level 5. That was worse then being drawn on the table to start with which before the PLO8 hand I was largest stack.

New seat and I recognised more famous faces but I very quickly put them into new pros and old school pros.

I then made my second biggest mistake.

I called on the sb with a 85 draw in 2-7NL single draw against the chip leader on my right on the button.

We both took one card.

This time I looked. I had already decided to call any bet if I hit as I did with Huck.

Peeking I sneaked a 6 for a 86 low. I only had 3k left so I bet 800 into the 1200 pot.

Thinking back I had planned to make a dummy bluff move if I hit all in to try and entice a call.

Chip leader thought for a bit then called reluctantly.

I tabled 86 and beat his near nut 98. He had been drawing very similar to me and admitted he had to call any bet.

I should've gone all in and that would've taken me up to near 8k but instead I was only just above starting stack.

I kept telling myself that any new players entering would have lower than me right now but there weren't many opportunities for me to accumulate chips and this was a big missed opportunity.

Everyone on the table was picking a variety of stud games (razz, stud and stud8) which I am more than comfortable with but you need to hit on 4&5th street otherwise you get anted out.

Long story short I nursed my stack then bet out on the button on my game choice PLO8. Even at level 6 the antes were small so I could get in cheap or aggressive in position.

A35Q was just what I was willing to stick it in with but the sb and bb both called.

The bb bet out on a 859 flop. I only had 1.2k left so stuck it in and called called by both blinds.

The 5 on the turn gave me outs to a full house to scoop if I was up against a straight and A2.

Sb folded to a all in bet from the bb.

He showed A268 for the nut low draw and flush draw.

Any non flush high I scoop along with a non heart 3.

Trips and second nut low draw was much better than I hoped but the 6h river was a knife into the heart.

The standard of play was good but tbh I've played tougher hands on-line.

My understanding of Badacey and Baduecy considering I've never played them was brilliant and is actually a easy game to play at the low antes with strong hand selection.

Yes I made the mistake calling the full house with my flush but I would've been very comfortable if I had scooped one or all three of the pots I split when free rolling.

I picked up the betting rules quite quickly and adjusted to the limit nature and US Badugi very well.

If the event is ever on again I will definitely try and visit Vegas to play again but I guess there's loads more busted players thinking the same.

The structure was very good and apart from a typo on the structure sheet which I had to get the TD over for the dealers and whole tournament was spot on.

The only game I didn't get to play as no one chose at the 2 tables I was on, was PLO and Pot Limit draw and A-5 Triple draw.

If I could've got ahead I would've of switched to Stud8 or if old locals in Baduecy.

I gave it a shot and was part of history.

Well it's been a few days and tbh apart from tonight I've bricked big style.

Spent a great day by the Treasure Island pool as the Electric Daisy Carnival rode into town. Had a decent view from the hired cabana on Friday ready for something I've been thinking about for a while.

I wanted to play the 6pm mega-satellite to the 50k players championship. This is my dream event but there's no way I've got 50 large spare or for that fact not even close to the $2250 for the satellite.

The satellite was being played as 8-Game so I managed to get stacked to play as a roll up to the main with 5 backers.

Having been tee-total all day I was all psyched to play get when I arrived only 3 had registered!!!

I decided to give it a miss and even though the satellite drew about 22 players, the money was just short of a seat so would've been given in lamers.

I ended up late reg for a deep stack and after turning the stack into the chip leader 1hr in I somehow again donated it all back and was out. I had already decided to play it hyper-aggressive as I didn't want to min-cash and wanted the top 3 money.

Then sat in only my 2nd cash game of week. Big PLO8 1-2 and the swings were huge as I had drunk guy on my left. He cleaned out a few players but donated to 2 others and I couldn't get any of the cake. I had just recovered a $700 loss when he was about to pass out and the manager had to instruct the dealer to deal him out as he disappeared to the toilet to probably heave.

The money on the table was deep so I cut my losses ($300) and left at 5.30am.

Saturday was probably my worse poker session ever. I somehow re-entered twice in the Golden Nugget 8-game. 1st time I lost a huge pot with 76532 into a 76432 in triple draw with mine coming on the 2nd draw and the villain on the last draw.

2nd time I managed to get it all in pre-flop against a medium stack with AAK9 in PLO and a fellow big stack came along for a gamble with J823. The other AA hand hit the flush and J8 scooped the side pot with a straight!!!

Having had enough of the mixed games (no cashes in any tourneys or profit from 2 cash games) I late reg'd the 1.5k Hold em at the Rio and lasted 4 hands!!! Fella didn't believe my story and called my all in bluff on the K high flop with a flush draw and hit on the river. I had decided to re-raise pre-flop in the cutoff. I swear my A3 looked like AK but it didn't matter anyway.

To wrap it up I was still early enough to late reg for the $235 deep stack and having got a little ahead lost to another flush on the river to my pocket pair.

I was more angry by myself as I could've used the funds (which I returned to my backers) to play the Mega as this time it generated 3 seats and I would've loved to have given it a go as the structure was so damn good with a cool 10k starting stack. I hear a Brit won a seat as is doing well in the main game so good luck to him.

I wasn't the only one to exit early so I met up with a few fellas at Famous Dave's BBQ for my first proper meal in 7 days. The place was full of trophies but I swear he must've bought them himself as the food was ok at best. Why don't the yanks bring out food piping hot???

I did finish the meal (like I said first main meal of the week) but it wasn't the taste and portions size I was expecting. It was great to be with other Brits though and we even managed a one table sit and go between us back at TI. Again I double up early but then threw my QQ's away to a river bet on a KKK9A board only to be shown 77. This was bragging rights and I couldn't even score in that!!!

Sunday I somehow found myself back at the Golden Nugget for a PLO8 tourney. This time I lasted 9 levels before busting out with AA1010 on a AK4 flop. 10 on the river meant I got scooped both ways after a 8 on the turn meant a free roll for my adversary.

So it was a full week with a small or big tourney every day and 2 cash sessions and a total return of zilch.

I somehow fell asleep at 5.30pm in my hotel room and awoke at 12.30am. Couldn't get back to bed so packed up and booked into the Venetian for the last week to see a different hotel.

I late reg'd for the Aria 2-7 TD event. This was well run and I love having space around me as we could only play this game 6 handed.

Another up and down and then out again. I stood pat after a one card draw on the first discard in position with 10-7. Villain drew 2, 2 then 1 and got there with a 876 as I was short stacked all in on the first draw.

I felt good though as I had to get chips after level 6 as the blinds were 500/1k and I was down to 4.5k.

Back to the Venetian and I slept through meeting a friend so joined for a few drinks later. After trying to stop another Brit (no friend) getting thrown out or arrested for harassing a couple I grabbed some food and decided to sit down for Big PLO8 cash.

Finally a positive play as I won enough to cover another wsop event after finally hitting some cards and more importantly some turn and rivers.

So dependent on how I feel in a few hours I may just give the Rio another shot.

PLO8. Brasilia bronze table 47 seat 3. Barry Greeenstein in seat 1

Rivered KKKK against Barry Greeenstein. I called with a AK34 on a flushed KK turn board and got paid off when 3rd K arrived. Up to 5875.

6275 at first break end of level 2 after another small donation from Barry Greenstein.

Brutal 3 way all in on 5610 flop. I have A223 on button. Got 3/4 and now down to 3400.

A few hand later I get re-raised by sb and guy that 3/4 me. I decide to go all in with AA47 against his AAKQ.

Flop was a floptastic 568 and a 4 and 7 river meant a double up and back up to 6150

Break end of level 4 and on a steady 8400

A poor call by me on river. Raised min pre-flop with AA69 hoping short stacked Greenstein would re-raise all in. Another short stacked called as did the button. Greenstein folded. Flop was 35Q and it was checked around. Turn was the 8 and I bet small and got one caller. River 10. I checked and short stacked went all in for 2000.

I knew my A6 was trash but I felt my AA would be good for half.

He had the nut low and rivered 10's & 3's.

A few hands later Barry goes all in for 575 on the cutoff with blinds 100/200.

I have A37J and re-raise as I want to be heads up with him.

Bb calls!!!!

Flop is JQ7 with one spade. I go all in and bb calls with AKQ2 and two spades.

Cards on their backs Barry also has a Q with his low cards. Need to dodge the bb pairing up to at least win a side pot and still might get it all.

I  didn't expect to get called by the bb and hoped he would table AAxx.

Turn was a excruciating Q of spades and I need to fill out with 2 remaining Jacks or 2 remaining 7's.

River was a spade giving the bb the pot with the nut flush taking Greenetein and me out.

I was chugging away nicely reaching nearly 9k but the error call on river earlier damaged my stack so I had no moves left.

I guess I was in bad shape on the flop with bottom 2 but I didn't dodge the outs.

Heading off back to hotel and maybe see if I can spin up another entry fee.

Tomorrow is the 8-game which is what I delayed my stay to play in.

I promise I'll finish the Vegas diary but you know work/family etc... But I've got time sat at the poker table to type this!!!!

Simon Trumper Bounty.

So in only my 3rd tournament after Vegas I decide to enter the local Thursday night tourney in Liverpool dubbed the Simon Trumper GPS Bounty Night.

I don't play weekday tournaments due to early starts in work the next day but as I was planning on picking the Mrs up from the airport in the early hours this was a possible quick way of trying to win a bounty and not being late to pick her up. 64 entries and my usual late reg meant I'd be lucky to get to play him. Although I sat at a different table I noticed there were single seats free at some tables so I was hopeful he'd be moved around then join my table. Move he did but to my immediate left!!

He didn't know that I hadn't played many hands when he sat down so I just called and called again hoping he would play and I could hit a flop. He'd got way a few hands earlier when I turned trips and heads up I shoved on the river blank. He didn't call with his K on the king high flop and said I should have let him raise.

So I started the banter that he was the only reason I played and how I had a plane to meet!!!

I tested the waters with a bluff 2 hands later. Simon must've thought I was reckless but the others I believe thought I was still tight.

I still had to figure out how with Simon on my left I would get all his chips in the middle. So I decided my best option was in the blinds out if position.

My first time in the bb Simon flat calls utg and I'd already decided to make a play with any connectors or 2 gappers.

5 players called him incl the sb. J9 suited would do me fine and the fact they were spades made the hand look so much prettier. I raised just short of the pot and Simon called. Even better was everyone slowly folded around and then the banter started. I repeated I had to meet the Mrs and kept calm as the dealer revealed a orgasmic 8 10s Qs for the flopped straight and redraw to the flush and straight flush.

I nonchalantly bet 2/3 the pot with 1k chips and after looking me up and down Simon raised with some black 5k chips.

With a slight delay I shoved hopefully representing a over pair which I wasn't going to fold. Ever the professional he checked his cards and the flop then called the overbet confidently turning over pocket 8's for a flopped set. A sick cooler of a hand and he was so gracious on the blank turn and river. Point is though 6 handed I wouldn't have got his chips as flat calling on the bb I would have been the only player in the hand with him come the river and he's too good a player to lose with bottom set on that board.

The table was stopped for the obligatory photo and hand shake with the bounty bar (which had gone way over my head when he sat down with it!!).

Simon you made my night and this small role play was the highlight of my year. It wasn't just the final hand but the build up to it and I couldn't have written the script better myself!

I need to post this as part of the hand made the pokerstars blog for the current London UKIPT.

After delays at registration desk I buy in half way through level 2 of London UKIPT day 1a.

Last hand before break I flat call on the button after a UTG raise of 2.5bb.  Cut off who I haven't seen play a hand at all calls so I decide to call with my garbage 23off.

Cannot raise here especially on Jack Cody's bb!!

He comes along and we see a flop of 10 2 8 with 2 spades.

UTG continues and the tight player calls. I call on the button and Jake calls in the bb.

Turn is a off suit 4 and Jake checks. Initial raiser bets again and tight guy calls again.

A slight pause and I call as does Jake.

River brings the 6 of spades and Jake leads with a pot size bet. Initial raiser and tight guy fold. I pause then relive a article I read on the train up in my head on trying to get him to fold his steal attempt at the rivered flush card or to make him fold a non Ace flush.

A raise from me can only mean the nuts to Jake.

I take my time then reraise 1.5 times his bet.

I stare at the board with the break announced as he goes into tank.

He's saying this would be a massive call and I can feel his glare at me whilst my gaze never leaves the 5 cards on the felt. I wish I had worn a tighter top to the neck as I can feel the fast pulse in my neck as I try to stay calm and focused without showing weakness. 

Eventually he folds and I shake his hand telling him he's a great guy. He says he knows I had him best but I do decide to show the bluff and he tells me he laid down the J high flush.

This is why I love the rare occasions I can play against the pros who would make that lay down. I've not shown a hand so I could've had it but it was a great feeling to know my scenario worked.

I also knew that if Jake had taken the pot with the building stack he would've run over the table and these were all the thoughts I had through my head as I was deciding whether I could take the pot away from him.

I decided to show the bluff because in Texas especially early in a tournament I'm usually a tight nut player so I hoped showing the bluff would get me called or played back at later when I would have the goods.

Unfortunately after knocking another player out and raising the tight guy out of a big pot I busted with a cooler of a hand.

Raising with 10d8d in middle position against the fellow big stack in the bb we see a 10 10 4 flop. I continue betting and the bb calls. The turned 9 gives him a boat to his pocket 99's and the river blank meant my river reraise all in was insta-called for a monster stack in level 3.

I've a long way to go to get the balance right that's needed for tournament play but I was made up today to get mentioned by Jake Cody on his twitter account.

Sooooooo good to have you back!

:D

Cheers Tal

Vegas was great to get the need, the want to play poker out of my system.

Now I play the odd satellite or rare medium £ main event. Even dealers choice cash games have taken a back seat!

London suited me as I spent the evening with family before getting the last train back ooop North!!

Looking forward to focusing on the odd tournies with good structure and hopefully can turn that early monster stack into a final table cash!

Was nice to see you in Blackpool, even if you were in disguise.

;hide;

Welcome back, now keep this Diary going, you write so well.

Yes. The disguise being a Texas tournament or clean shaven?

What can I say? There just isn't the live mixed game scene in Barnie but the beard is back!

Thank you. Quiet the compliment from you Sir.

I will try. Poker has had to take a back seat for now but hopefully will have more time to play/write leading up to Christmas.

Well what a week that was!

Been so busy still with work (staff leaving, more NHS changes etc...) I've been watching/reading about the euphoria generated by Dusk till Dawn hosting the WPT.

I've practically been hibernating away from online and live play and have even stopped attending my local mixed game. The WPT in the UK though, I've got to give this ago.


To be fair, I wasn't travelling the 2hrs to play the 125 warm up so gave that a shot online.

I had kept an eye on chip stacks from the previous nights so I only wanted to travel if I could take forward a big stack. After some solid play a very healthy stack is what I had but I only wanted a monster!

With less players online then would play live I decided to get aggro. Long story short with only 2 levels left a fellow big stack called my all-in preflop with AK against my 1010 and I lost the race on the flop which would've given me my wish.

I had got the bug back though so thought I'd give the 1m gtd 500 a shot.

A sick wife and the home boiler needing replacing meant I couldn't attend the great value tournament.

I watched on in envy and was tempted to give the Saturday turbo a go but some how I got ropped into getting my girls a haircut with a X-factor night at home.

Young family eh!!


I thought that would be it for the year as the next few weeks will be mad at work. Patients start ordering double prescriptions early and the winter bugs mean my pharmacy will be busy.

I then noticed the 10 seat gtd satellite on DTD online and decided to play at the last minute.

For the majority I played super tight as I was completing spreadsheets in the office. The wife didn't know and I kept minimising the screen every time she came to print off her work!!!

Yes I got a little lucky twice (but who doesn't when you admit it). There are times when below average chips you have to go all in AK and I faded KK on both occasions. It's just a shame that players try and use the chat box to abuse you. I never do/did anything of the sort when it happened to me last week.

I would dare anyone to berate me in person rather than being a coward online. I soon found the block chat icon then actually enjoyed watching said player bubble a seat later as I joined 15 players through to WPTUK 3k main event.

Now I just needed to explain my time away from work/family to the wife.

There were only 2 choices of day 1's to play and I had to sort work quick. The boiler was still being fixed so I couldn't rely on the Mrs to cover the Pharmacy.

She took the news quite well this time though as it helps she used to watch the WPT on challenge TV in the day.

"Seats worth 3k"

"1m is gtd".

She wasn't impressed.

Her motto has always been though that satellite seats mean jack unless you then cash in the tournament. I put enough pressure on myself without her adding to it!

The best option was to play the first day by late reg'ing once my afternoon pharmacist had arrived. I would figure days 2,3,4 & 5 later as I had no idea how the tournament would play out. I've only ever played a max 3 day event.

Obviously I didn't tell the wife how long the comp was for!

So with a zipped up hoodie over my smart work clothes (took the tie off) I arrived before the end of level 2 after a 8am work shift and 2hr drive.

I was pretty shattered though as the satellite had finished less than 12hrs ago and who can sleep when you've just won a seat into the most expensive tournament you've ever had the opportunity to enter? Thinking about work and the Mrs meant I got no where near enough beauty sleep but what's sleep to a poker player anyway?

I was amused at the poker table by my first experience with a proper Russian tycoon.

He was viewing some bond charts on his iPad and kept taking calls on his phone. He had a high roller complimentary slip for drinks and I heard him say he min cashed in the high roller event.

With the bb only 150 his raises ranged from 1200-2500 and we never saw flops. His play was annoying the other players but I enjoyed them trying to figure out his play. It was obvious we were all waiting for a big hand to play against him but some players were getting impatient.

One guy flat called with a big pair against him and then nearly flipped when he went all in on the river to be shown a rivered straight!!

A few hands later he bluffed the 2 big stacks with another all in on the river. This time they both folded and he showed 6 high.

He kept winking at me and was a really bubbly (chunky) Russian. It didn't affect me so I enjoyed the change of table dynamics.

At dinner break I had nursed the 30k starting stack to a healthy 69k with average only 47k. Unfortunately the Russian got knocked out just after dinner and with it so my luck also took a downswing.

I was playing solid poker. The low blinds and 60min levels meant I could really make sure the boxes were ticked for each hand I played.

I folded small pairs in early position and even gave the suited connectors and 2 gappers a wide birth. As long as I didn't get moved from the table I wanted to play ABC and take a few blinds later on if I went card dead.

I was dealt 22 on the button and called the bb re-raise. I decided I wasn't playing small pairs early in this tournament structure as I've wasted so many chips this year with failed sets but this guy was the person the Russian had rivered a straight to early. I knew if a 2 came I would get all his chips so I called the re-raise.

Being the WPT (and with Mike Sexton) on the adjoining table I was playing his commentary in my head to pass the time.

"Bingo, Bango.... There's a 2 on the flop"

I called the C-bet and check raised the turn bet all in. Our plucky Spaniard called with QQ and he was out and I was up to 105k.

I then made small errors reading people calling hope to catch bluffs when they had it.

I then lost a all in pre against a small stack who had QQ when I held AK. Unlike my online competitors I was gracious and took the hit.

I was up and down like a yo-yo and dropped to below 40k. I then had a word with myself and told myself 'GET A GRIP'

'IT's a FRIGGIN 5 DAY TOURNAMENT, stop trying to win it on day 1'.

I recovered to 58k which was just below average stack so off home I drove giving me a day to organise cover for Day 2.

Wednesday I worked like a Trojan at work. 8am until 7pm before heading home for my local Wednesday night indoor football game.

I sorted work for Thursday day 2 and even booked a locum for Day 3 Friday.

Blind levels for Day 2 onwards would be extended to 90mins and I was just going to make sure I made Day 3.

I was at DTD nice and early fully refreshed after a better nights kip. The new boiler made my wake up shower a heavenly experience and the Mrs even wished me luck as I left for Day 2.

With only 6 levels to be played although below average stack I knew I could be patient.

To be fair it was probably my best day of short stacked poker I have ever played. I had been chatting to the fellow Brits on the table and I made sure the headphones stayed in my bag.

I'm a amateur poker player who's edge is reading people rather than complex plays or 3/4/5 betting and floating flops etc...

I can't read people if they're not speaking to me so I tried to be more friendly. I decided to show a few hands when I picked up pots which was rare. If I was short stacked at the end of the day I needed as much fold equity as possible if I had to shove all in.

With blinds approaching 1.2/2.4k a400 I was as low as 23k. I never got a run of cards and got raised off flops when I missed. I had made a great lay down with KK against A10 on a A10x flop and folded a bottom set of 6's to a possible straight and flush draw against 2 opponents.

I had already been criticised for going all in on pre and post flops but I had ignored the jibes. I had only needed one caller earlier to double my short stack. With the set of 6 my cards were red whilst the board was black. The flop action and call meant I could've tripled up but against both a flush and straight draw between the 2 bigger stacks it was a risk I just didn't want to take.

They both went all in on the turn (1st player had top 2 pair, 2nd had the flush draw). So although I wasn't up against a straight draw the board pairing (apart from the case 6) or a flush card would've beaten me and the river did bring the 3rd spade.

I've made the right play in tournaments before and got knocked out so I wanted a bigger edge to progress to day 3.

I won a few all ins pre to increase my stack slightly before another Spaniard made a stand with 99. I had 1010 which held and I was now half average.

A couple more uncalled all ins on the flop and I was just below average at dinner with 118k with average stack of 137k.

The rush continued after dinner. I managed to catch some bluffs (I must seem a easy target) and was soon up to 260k.

I had been keeping an eye on which tables were breaking and started to get aggro. I was putting the pressure this time and although I lost a few pots I was up over 320k as the table broke.

If having the new table full of monster stacks wasn't bad enough I also had the legend Chris Moorman on my table. He recognised my Essex accent though and he was still gleaming from flopping a Royal Flush and winning himself a cruise!

I only had to survive 2 orbits before the end of the day so bagged up 308k for Day 3.

The tournament director had spoken to me earlier and made me feel very welcome. His handling of the tournament was superb and he said the nicest thing anyone in poker has said to me.

He said new players and amateurs like me are needed for poker to thrive and it's what the WPT encourages. He wished me the best of luck and I thank him for taking the time to find me on Day 3.

Day 3 with 1.5x average stack. 8 to cash and turn the £330 satellite seat to a min 6k cash.

Where did it all go wrong?

Lovely stuff, good luck tomorrow.

Day 3 of the main event of the WPTUK and I was 8 away from cashing.

I play poker to win. No matter what stakes. I enjoy the strategy the ability to fight with your enemy but with chips not fists. To use your wits against their knowledge.

So why couldn't I get any sleep then not want to get up?

I could feel my heart beating all night and my irritating dry cough wasn't helping. I struggle with dry heat, artificial and the new warmth in my home and the DTD was aggravating it further.

Driving to and thro each day (car hot air blowers at 2am) and I wasn't feeling my best.

There was 2 major traffic jams locally. One at the M6 croft interchange and my detour through Warrington was a bad play.

Somehow I got to the club 10mins before the start of play but I wasn't relaxed.

When I found my table the tournament director came over, said hello and help me sort my chips.

I looked around and apart from some chips below average no one was critical. Worryingly though I had 3 monster stacks to my immediate right.

I knew that meant no walks on my blinds and worse news for me was that we weren't due to break our table until we had lost 3 others first.

I wasn't sure if this would be long enough to nurse my stack to make similar Day 2 plays. I also knew with the big stacks I'd struggle to build anything so I decided to dig a trench. No one wanted to chat so I couldn't engage anyone to get a read.

Now this might seem strange but winning the next hand would lead to my downfall.

We had only been playing a few hands when I was dealt QQ early position. The guy to my left with less than 100k shoved. I had to call and my cards survived his 88. This got me to above 420k which was double the average.

So why was this bad?

Well we broke the bubble soon after. I was one for one in cashes in WPT!!

My mind had gone though. My focus had changed. I had won 2 more pots by betting flops and turns but had forgotten that I hadn't shown my good cards.

The big stacks had already started to attack my blinds and re-raise my bets.

I had folded pocket pairs heads up and I lost where I was at in the tournament.

I was top 10 in chips but felt short stacked on my table. We had a break but with players dropping slowly we were forced 7 handed for large periods.

We were the next full table to break when the hand happened.

I had dropped to about 375k (still comfortably 1.5x above average) when one of the big stacks on my right made a min raise. I was on the button and hadn't played a hand for a while.

I looked down at 9c10c but delayed my action to show strength.

I flat called and the sb got out of the way.

The bb was playing a rush though and re-raised from 10k to 25k.

The big stack called and after a long pause I called.

The flop was a rainbow 567 and the bb continued for 55k.

The big stack called.

Now I had over,s and four 8's for the nuts but I though I could represent a set.

I contemplated raising before flat calling.

With the pot already 200k+ I thought flat calling would show more strength.

The turn was Ah bringing 2 hearts on the board.

The bb bet 110k. Now I knew he had hit the A but the big stack just flat called.

I should've folded and wanted to fold.

I still would have had just under 300k!

But somehow I managed to persuade myself to have a Maverick moment.

I thought with almost 400k already in the pot I was trying to work out a play that would give me a  Monster chip lead and a cruise to the final. (What the fuck was I thinking of the final for when I'd been playing a level and a day at a time?)

I'm surprised no one called the clock on me but during that time I managed to persuade myself that the bb would fold his A to my shove (representing a set) and the big stack would also lay down a high pair or a draw or lower set.

I still had outs though. If I got called I had four 8's to hit to save me.

I re-raised all in and the bb called straight away! The big stack also shoved and was also called.

bb AK

Big stack 78 for the flopped straight

Me 109 for the now 3 outer stone cold bluff.

The river 10 and I was out with the 1.4m chips heading to the new chip leader.

Out 34th or was it 35th for a second tier cash.

The drive home was horrendous. The 1.5hr journey took me 3.5hrs through the rush hour traffic and rain. If I had only gone outside during the break I would have cleared my head and seen the atrocious weather which would've straightened my head to stay until the end.

What was I thinking? A story too far...


Will probably feel better next week as got 20x my buy in back but I should've gone much further than my premature end.

Will decide in next few days whether to try and satellite into Genting Main or GUKPT but I think that'll be it for this year.

Ended on a cash which is nice and playing the odd tourneys here and there is definitely better for me than you grinders out there.

Respect for maintaining your standards for days on end. 3 days going on 4 was a day too much for this guy.

Good result anyway, sir.

 ;hattip;

What a fantastic report. Loved it. So honest.