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Poker Forums => Diaries and Blogs => Topic started by: AdamM667 on October 09, 2011, 08:14:05 AM



Title: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM667 on October 09, 2011, 08:14:05 AM
A long time ago there was a fella called AdamM who posted on here.
He's no longer with us, but I'm his chilled out twin brother.

I've been playing at DTD fairly regularly for a while, mainly Super50s, Incredible100s, and the occassional Grand Prix, UKIPT and APAT event when in town.
Last week I decided I was going to take it a bit more seriously in 2012, playing a few more big events and playing some away games.
I had been planning to start that after Christmas and was only intending to play the Super50 this weekend as usual.
However, I threw €50 at a £300 deepstack satellite on Friday night and got a seat, so I'm stepping up a bit earlier than planned.

I'm back for day 2 with 90k.
Maybe this post means I'm going back as a Blonde.
Maybe I'll be in Bold in the chip counts in future  :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: redsimon on October 09, 2011, 08:15:57 AM
Good luck today Adam


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: littlemissC on October 09, 2011, 08:16:36 AM
Good luck today Adam


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: GreekStein on October 09, 2011, 08:18:12 AM
nice one! gl

If you bump into red dog's twin bro, pls tell him to join us :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 09, 2011, 11:40:24 AM
Actually, turns out AdamM lives on :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Eck on October 09, 2011, 07:22:40 PM
Nice to see you back.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 09, 2011, 07:27:47 PM
Lol


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Longy on October 10, 2011, 01:30:55 AM
Never, heard of you.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 10, 2011, 10:30:01 AM
:)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 10, 2011, 10:49:02 AM
There's so much to catch up on.
4 years is a long time to be away.
There's a lot of new names, many of whom I've been playing a bit with at DTD without them knowing about it.

I'm liking these diary threads. Haven't got the time or patience to read the hundreds of pages written so far though so I'll have to just jump on late.

As my return to blonde coincides with a personal commitment to take my poker a bit more seriously next year.
I think it might be interesting to turn this thread into a diary to help me focus on that.
Will do a proper 'story so far' type post later.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Redbull on October 10, 2011, 10:52:04 AM
Welcome back mate. It's been a while!


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: millidonk on October 10, 2011, 11:13:59 AM
4 years, what was the crime?


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: TightEnd on October 10, 2011, 11:52:37 AM
4 years, what was the crime?

a short temper!

Adam self-excluded, not banned.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: millidonk on October 10, 2011, 11:56:03 AM
4 years, what was the crime?

a short temper!

Adam self-excluded, not banned.

i thought it was legit prison with no internet rights. 4 years would be harsh, even for the mighty wrath of Tightamous.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 10, 2011, 01:09:12 PM
I started playing poker in about 2002. Just a little monthly home game with my dad, brother in law and a couple of mates. Of the original seven players, I was the only one to take it any further than that. My dad plays a bit of micro-stake pub poker, but the rest of them get together two or three times a year max for a couple of £5 STTs, which I still sit in on for nostalgia value (and rarely win).

In 2004 I made my first trip to Nottingham Gala. I thought it was a £20 rebuy so I took £60 which I thought would be plenty. Turned out to actually be a £60 PLHE rebuy. Against the odds in a chip thrower like that, I made it to the end of the rebuy period with £30 still in my pocket, so took the add-on. At 4am, there was a three-way chip count and I took 2nd for £1670. Easy money.
I played 30 times at Gala that first year and made 10 finals. That included an outright win, which was probably the only final table that year that a deal wasn’t done. I remember arguing with the cardroom manager and half a dozen players about how the blinds went heads up. I lost the argument and had to play the whole heads up match with the Button posting the Big Blind. I think I also met Tikay and Thewy that night, both of whom gave me lots of valuable advice over the following months which helped with the steep learning curve needed. It was pre-blonde, but there was an email circular that went round with hand histories and tournament reports from about a dozen or so contributors. Wish I’d kept them. They’d make great reading now.

I was working in a high street bank at the time and hated every second. I hated it so much I left and got a job in a factory short term, while throwing myself at poker. In spring 2005 the factory let everyone go. I decided to take a shot. I set up a poker T-shirt company called Shuffle Up Shirts and got stuck into $30-$50 SNGs. Long story short, I ran bad. Company never really got off the ground, never really adjusted to constant drain on bankroll from household bills, exhausted by new baby and school runs for eldest kid. By 2007 a drastic change was needed. The T-shirts were still not making any money, I hated poker, and I was pretty shitty to be around at home. I wasn’t a lot of fun on Blonde either, getting my back up at the slightest thing and falling out with some pretty decent people. I got a job testing fruit machines and after playing the opening weekend games at DTD (and finalling the first tournament  :) ) I put the cards down and stopped playing.
I also walked away from Blonde before I said anymore I couldn't take back.

Three years later and I’ve steadied the ship. A couple of good promotions have put me in a pretty well paid middle management job. Family life is fantastic and I’m in a much better state of mind for poker. About this time last year I started playing Super50s when I could fit them in. I Chopped one for £2500 just before Christmas which was a nice pre-Christmas bonus. Took another one down early this year for just over £3k as well as a few other finals. Played a few multi-day events too, making day 2 of a UKIPT, and cashing in a Grand Prix and APAT event.

It’s been a bit of a challenge adjusting my game. It’s changed a bit over the last couple of years. In 2004 I was Moneymaker boom new school. Now I’m old school. There’s no point in me trying to butt heads with the young bucks at the tables. Just got to make my own moves work. I think I’m doing ok adapting to the current pace of play so far, but will keep working on it. That’s something I might write more about at some point, because it’s something that’s needed considerable thought over the last year.

So, the plan. Not formulated it exactly, but it’ll be something like;
- Grow and protect the bankroll.
- Hit the 2012 APAT season pretty hard.
- Play most, if not all £300+ events at DTD.
- Keep fishing in the Super50s
-Although I don’t really enjoy online poker, look for more ways online can supplement my live bankroll.

In fact, I can convert those to some specific goals.
-Finish 2012 with a dedicated £10K bankroll
-Two APAT final Tables
-Two £300 Deepstack final tables
-Two outright live tournament wins
-Five new entries on the Hendon Mob database

Bring on 2012.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: tikay on October 10, 2011, 01:49:12 PM
I started playing poker in about 2002. Just a little monthly home game with my dad, brother in law and a couple of mates. Of the original seven players, I was the only one to take it any further than that. My dad plays a bit of micro-stake pub poker, but the rest of them get together two or three times a year max for a couple of £5 STTs, which I still sit in on for nostalgia value (and rarely win).

In 2004 I made my first trip to Nottingham Gala. I thought it was a £20 rebuy so I took £60 which I thought would be plenty. Turned out to actually be a £60 PLHE rebuy. Against the odds in a chip thrower like that, I made it to the end of the rebuy period with £30 still in my pocket, so took the add-on. At 4am, there was a three-way chip count and I took 2nd for £1670. Easy money.
I played 30 times at Gala that first year and made 10 finals. That included an outright win, which was probably the only final table that year that a deal wasn’t done. I remember arguing with the cardroom manager and half a dozen players about how the blinds went heads up. I lost the argument and had to play the whole heads up match with the Button posting the Big Blind. I think I also met Tikay and Thewy that night, both of whom gave me lots of valuable advice over the following months which helped with the steep learning curve needed. It was pre-blonde, but there was an email circular that went round with hand histories and tournament reports from about a dozen or so contributors. Wish I’d kept them. They’d make great reading now.
I was working in a high street bank at the time and hated every second. I hated it so much I left and got a job in a factory short term, while throwing myself at poker. In spring 2005 the factory let everyone go. I decided to take a shot. I set up a poker T-shirt company called Shuffle Up Shirts and got stuck into $30-$50 SNGs. Long story short, I ran bad. Company never really got off the ground, never really adjusted to constant drain on bankroll from household bills, exhausted by new baby and school runs for eldest kid. By 2007 a drastic change was needed. The T-shirts were still not making any money, I hated poker, and I was pretty shitty to be around at home. I wasn’t a lot of fun on Blonde either, getting my back up at the slightest thing and falling out with some pretty decent people. I got a job testing fruit machines and after playing the opening weekend games at DTD (and finalling the first tournament  :) ) I put the cards down and stopped playing.
I also walked away from Blonde before I said anymore I couldn't take back.

Three years later and I’ve steadied the ship. A couple of good promotions have put me in a pretty well paid middle management job. Family life is fantastic and I’m in a much better state of mind for poker. About this time last year I started playing Super50s when I could fit them in. I Chopped one for £2500 just before Christmas which was a nice pre-Christmas bonus. Took another one down early this year for just over £3k as well as a few other finals. Played a few multi-day events too, making day 2 of a UKIPT, and cashing in a Grand Prix and APAT event.

It’s been a bit of a challenge adjusting my game. It’s changed a bit over the last couple of years. In 2004 I was Moneymaker boom new school. Now I’m old school. There’s no point in me trying to butt heads with the young bucks at the tables. Just got to make my own moves work. I think I’m doing ok adapting to the current pace of play so far, but will keep working on it. That’s something I might write more about at some point, because it’s something that’s needed considerable thought over the last year.

So, the plan. Not formulated it exactly, but it’ll be something like;
- Grow and protect the bankroll.
- Hit the 2012 APAT season pretty hard.
- Play most, if not all £300+ events at DTD.
- Keep fishing in the Super50s
-Although I don’t really enjoy online poker, look for more ways online can supplement my live bankroll.

In fact, I can convert those to some specific goals.
-Finish 2012 with a dedicated £10K bankroll
-Two APAT final Tables
-Two £300 Deepstack final tables
-Two outright live tournament wins
-Five new entries on the Hendon Mob database

Bring on 2012.


Crikey, that's rung a few bells with me! I still have them all somewhere, but if they ever got published, we'd get mocked to death by the usual suspects. Times have changed in poker, & on Forums, & it'd be almost a hanging offence to describe how we played 8 or 10 years ago.

Those "round-robin" e-mails were sort of the precursor to me writing Tourney Reports, first for THM, & then blonde, & eventually, all the print magazines, & then on to other stuff.

The e-Mails were a sort of "self-help" thing - bit like the "Groups" that learn together these days - & the cc list included, as I recall, you, Thewy, Ian "Belly" Oldershaw", Greg Hill, Jim Moult, & a few others.

Anyway, welcome back. Without divulging anything to anyone else, or opening up old wounds, your last e-Mail to me (5 years ago, or similar?)  was, to be honest, "pretty painful" given the circumstances, which I was not really in a position to reply to, as it was all a bit delicate & current.

Life has moved on, so have I, I'm into the "peace out" phase now, as I enter the final chapter, so to speak.

I hope you enjoy it here more this time.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 10, 2011, 01:57:02 PM
As I said above, circumstances with family, money, poker, business, etc made me pretty unbearable.
My natural character is really easy going, but I was the complete opposite and I'm sure a said, posted and emailed a lot of things I'd like to take back.

As that's not possible, I'll have to settle for any clean sheets people are prepared to give me and make a conscious effot to not take myself so seriously and most of all, THINK before I hit send.



Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 10, 2011, 02:47:44 PM
Any Blonde who see me at the club are welcome to say hi and help me put a few faces to names.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: redsimon on October 10, 2011, 02:50:13 PM
Any Blonde who see me at the club are welcome to say hi and help me put a few faces to names.

tidy chip stacks ftw :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Lucky on October 10, 2011, 04:00:17 PM
Hi Adam

I was on your starting table on Saturday, two to your right.

I think we were both fairly quiet, leaving most of the action to others.

It was just getting interesting as the table broke. Would've been fun.

Alan "Lucky" McBride


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 10, 2011, 04:08:10 PM
Interesting is an understatement.

I'm always pretty quiet at the table. One of my reasons for doing this actually.
There are people there I've been playing with since 2004 who don't know my name.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 11, 2011, 10:38:56 AM
So, up until Friday night my plan was to play the Saturday 8th Super50. The attack on the Deepstacks and other big events wasn't supposed to start until next year. However, prompted by a bit of DTD spam, I threw €50 at a satellite. Only 39 runners and 10 seats guaranteed. Made a seat pretty easily, so might take another look at them this month. I cancelled a few plans for Sunday and went out a little earlier than expected to play the Deepstack.

The early stages of the tournament were a bit of a grind. I was pretty card dead, no pair higher than 5,5 and the occasional rag ace. Had to nick what I could. Biggest pot I won on my first table was when I had a crack at James Atkin’s BB with J,9, bet two streets  and spiked a Jack on the end to beat what he said was a small pair. This was the now infamous table where the clock was called on James. My take on it was that he was talking a bit in a few pots, not just with Paul but in a couple of others too. Not excessively for me, but enough to get a few eyes rolling. I did think the clock was called prematurely, and for me personally to call a clock on a hand I wasn’t involved in, it’d need to be pretty exceptional circumstances.  Well, I Imagine it would, because I’ve never done it.

Finally got out of the blocks in level 9. The key hand that started me off was this (a bit light on detail, as I didn't know I'd be writing it down);
I was SB at 400/800, UTG makes it 2200, button calls, I call with  9h  Th BB passes.
Flop is  7c, 8s, 9s
I checked to the raiser who duly opens fairly small, Button raises and is talking to the opener as he does so. I catch him a bit by surprise by shoving. He'd taken his eye off me.
Opener folds and Button tanks. He tells me he can’t see how I can not have it. Eventually he semi-repeats himself, saying he can’t see how his Queens can’t be good and passes face up. I showed him the 9,10 in return. His mate gave him a hard time in the break about the pass, but I like it. He must put me on a set of 7 s, 8 s, 9 s, J10, or at very best 10,10. The only hand he has crushed is if I’m playing JJ really funky. Even with the hand I have I’m about even money with his Queens. I’m pretty sure he was reading Blonde on his phone so perhaps if he sees this, he can add a bit of detail.
That got me ahead of average for the first time. 42k against a pace of 37k. Managed to move up a gear for the last session and get myself to 90k by home time.

My seat draw on Day 2 could have been better than it was. James Atkins, Nick Hicks and Jamie O’Connor in traps 1,2 and 3 and me stuck in 5 facing a three bet on every hand. I pushed back when I could, but I was fighting a losing battle.
On the bubble James had a go for my remaining chips on my BB. Before looking at my cards I looked round and there was no one standing at the other four tables, so no knockouts imminent, looked at my own cards and found 8,8. Call. James shows J,9. Door card is an 8 but by the turn I was sweating a gutshot and flush draw. Ducked the lot and James is down to the felt. Four way pot to knock him out next hand, which I pick up, along with a healthy side pot with a set of 4 s.

Our table broke straight after that. I doubled up through Orlando Anderson when I flopped another set, again with 4,4. He defended his BB with a good old fashioned stop and go with A,7. He got them all back shortly after though in a straight forward 9,9 v A,Q race.

All in all, I was pleased with how I played considering how card dead I was for most of it. Hit a few sets late on when I was in survival / double up mode. £600 isn’t a bad consolation from €50. Will keep me ticking over.

Playing the €10 Deepstack on DTD every night this week as usual (8th/150 last night)
Next live game is Super50 Saturday 15th.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Claw75 on October 11, 2011, 11:41:45 AM
Welcome back adam - sounds like you've had a pretty good and productive couple of years, good on you.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: gatso on October 11, 2011, 12:45:00 PM
can you still do 100 pressups?


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 11, 2011, 12:47:34 PM
never could.
Got up to 65 in that programme and tore my shoulder.
That was one of the injuries that took months to heal that made me start reprioritising.

Might have another go at that at some point.

For those that don't know there was a 100 press ups in 8 weeks training programme a few of us had a go at.
Not sure if anyone nailed it in the end.
Left about then.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: snoopy1239 on October 11, 2011, 12:52:18 PM
never could.
Got up to 65 in that programme and tore my shoulder.
That was one of the injuries that took months to heal that made me start reprioritising.

Might have another go at that at some point.

For those that don't know there was a 100 press ups in 8 weeks training programme a few of us had a go at.
Not sure if anyone nailed it in the end.
Left about then.

I did.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 11, 2011, 12:55:16 PM
Well played
Right, I'm going to have another go.
First test Sunday
sets Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Did you video it like we said we would?



Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: gatso on October 11, 2011, 12:55:53 PM
they've released an app for it now. much easier to follow, does all your sets and rest periods for you, much easier to follow, you should try that


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 11, 2011, 12:58:21 PM
excellent.
what's the app called?


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: millidonk on October 11, 2011, 01:00:45 PM
this one is 100 in 6 weeks: http://hundredpushups.com/iphoneapp.html (http://hundredpushups.com/iphoneapp.html) might give it a go myself.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: gatso on October 11, 2011, 01:01:03 PM
'push ups' on android, presumably the same on iphone. made by rittr labs


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 11, 2011, 01:21:50 PM
this one is 100 in 6 weeks: http://hundredpushups.com/iphoneapp.html (http://hundredpushups.com/iphoneapp.html) might give it a go myself.

That's the one.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: MC on October 11, 2011, 01:50:16 PM
On the bubble James had a go for my remaining chips on my BB. Before looking at my cards I looked round and there was no one standing at the other four tables, so no knockouts imminent, looked at my own cards and found 8,8. Call. James shows J,9. Door card is an 8 but by the turn I was sweating a gutshot and flush draw.

Adding some drama to the diary? I was drawing dead on the turn!

Good to meet you sir, hope I didn't make your eyes roll too hard :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 11, 2011, 01:54:42 PM
Really?
Ah well, I'll pay more attention to detail now I'm diarising stuff.
My short term memory isn't what it used to be.
Did I mention I'm getting old?


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 11, 2011, 01:56:27 PM
Ah, I'm mixing it up with a level 10 hand that was similar


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 11, 2011, 11:50:10 PM
Another €10 Deepstack final on DTD tonight
Another dissapointing 7th/128 for €65


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Robert HM on October 12, 2011, 01:41:15 AM
Welcome home Adam :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 12, 2011, 11:22:07 PM
That's three nights in a row I've cashed in the same €10 deepstack.
only 14th/125 tonight to double my money.
I've really got to start converting a few more of these.



Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Eso Kral on October 13, 2011, 12:01:43 PM
That's three nights in a row I've cashed in the same €10 deepstack.
only 14th/125 tonight to double my money.
I've really got to start converting a few more of these.


Whats your sig on DTD?


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 13, 2011, 12:06:04 PM
AdamMDTD
Incognito :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 15, 2011, 09:24:14 PM
Eaten by the fishys

Poor effort at the Super 50 this week. The standard of play was really bad, even by the usual standards.
I’ll give a rundown of the players to give an example.
Seat 1 was the only decent player at the table. I’ve seen his face around, though not recently.
Seat 2 small bet KK all the way and paid off a bare Ace that made a wheel on the river. Was gone by level 3.
Seat 3 checked the river on a board of 8,2,2,2,Q with KQ. Not a trap check, he was last to speak.
Seat 4 at 50/100 made it 275. I three bet in position to 650 with AK, he calls. Leads 5000 into 1450 on a 4,4,4 flop. I’m, all in for 7000. He says he meant to be 500 and almost folds A10. Turn and river is 5,5 for a split. FML
Seat 5, yours truly. Seat 1 is the only one capable of passing a hand, so all my moves are failing and I’m not getting much in the way of ammunition.
Seat 6 playing too many hands but pulling lots of confused faces. Not showing many hands but feels pretty weak.
Seat 7 well known lady cash game player with an “unconventional” style.
Seat 8 was the one who got paid off check calling with a bare ace to hit the wheel against seat 2’s Kings. Sums up his general style
Seat 9 has been watching too much super deep stack poker on TV. At 25/50 he opened to 125. Seat 1 3-bets, seat 9 4-bets, seat 1 5-bets. Seat 9 6-bet shoves. Seat 1 snaps him off with AA. Seat 9 shows Js 9s. Aces hold and the only decent player at the table gets chips and goes to work. Hits a few cards too, which helps.

Seat 2 became empty and Lucy Rokach moves in. I assume she had an early exit from the £150, because I can’t believe a player of her calibre is travelling for a Super 50.

Seat 1 finally saw me off when he raised from mid-position with AJ. I pushed from the button with KK. He apologised in advance for binking the Ace on the river.

A bit annoyed with myself. Because the quality of the opposition was so poor, I felt I had to get creative and mis-fired all over the place. If I’d gone into grind mode, I’d have only played two hands, both against seat 1. A missed AJ v AK which he picked up fairly cheaply and the AJ v KK, which if I’d had more chips I’d likely have won on the flop or turn. I’d likely have got to the break still around the 10k mark, rather than being out by the first break.

Ah well. A week of €10 Deepstacks on DTD then off to Luton Saturday and Sunday for the APAT Team Championships. Not something I’d normally be interested in, but my kids football coach runs “I Love Playing Poker” and is covering all the buy ins. Doing it as much as a favour to him as anything. I’ve talked SaraM into being on the team as well, so it’ll be nice to have a weekend away together, even if that is in a Premier Inn on the M1. What an old romantic.




Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 16, 2011, 07:02:00 PM
100 press up challenge.
Pre-programme test
19 good deep press ups.
Not great, but better than I was expecting.
That's about what I started on last time and I got to 65 by week 4
Programme starts properly tomorrow with sets of 10, 10, 8, 8, 7+ with 60 second breaks between.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 20, 2011, 03:01:48 PM
100 press up challenge.
Week 1, day 2
12, 12, 10, 10, 10
90 second gap between sets


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 21, 2011, 06:47:29 PM

100 press up challenge.
Week 1, day 3
15, 12, 10, 10, 18
120 gap between sets


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Bongo on October 22, 2011, 12:51:04 AM
Welcome back mate :)up


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 22, 2011, 08:53:06 AM
Cheers mate.
Good to be back.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: TightEnd on October 22, 2011, 04:18:02 PM
APAT UK Team Event

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Des2uBwm2Z4/TqLdwXTqywI/AAAAAAAAtw8/fQZhTC7TaZQ/s512/IMG_9373.JPG)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 22, 2011, 04:53:50 PM
Chugging along nicely at first break.
13k. No idea on average because players are still being inputted.
Talked a Hendon Mob forumite into passig JJ on a 10 high flop.
I had missed with AK, he led out and I pushed.
He didn't really have enough chips to pass, but he'd laid QQ down earlier whe he should have been committed, which made me think I had two ways to win it, rather than just hitting turn or river.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 22, 2011, 08:08:33 PM
Still grinding along.
16k with average 14k.
SaraM back from the death also with 16k.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 22, 2011, 10:35:42 PM
Falling a bit behind the pace by level 9. 20k average is 25k.
I'm last of our 8 player team still in, so not team prize possible.
Still cash and UKIPT seat to play for.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Eck on October 22, 2011, 10:46:11 PM
If you see a  wee Scottish guy called the mole have a word cause he told me he could kick your arse Adam.


Just saying thats all....


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 23, 2011, 12:31:51 AM
If you see a  wee Scottish guy called the mole have a word cause he told me he could kick your arse Adam.


Just saying thats all....
erm, ok?


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 23, 2011, 12:37:40 AM
Won a nice flip to get to almost 30k then lost a monster.
Aggressive player to my right with VERY wide range raises pre, I call with Ad 5d
Flop is  Ahrt Td 7d
He checks, I bet, he shoves, I call.
He shows AJ and I miss my draw.

Down to around 10BB and a never really recovered,
GG


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: paulhouk03 on October 23, 2011, 12:52:48 AM
i was the chinese guy on ur table at the 300


:)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 23, 2011, 09:14:32 AM
Yeah I thought so.
Hi


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 24, 2011, 08:36:46 AM
Finally got round to playing poker on Sky Poker for the first time last night.
I like my €10 deep stack on DTD but it's a 2am finish if I win it and when the alarm clock's going off at 6am, that's no good.
There's a really low deposit limit on the account which takes 24 hours to incease so I just had the £35 in my account to play with.
I played a £24 satellite for the £8k Roller, but just missed a seat.
Then played a £5.50 £250 guarantee.
Finished 3rd for £37.50 and in bed by 11pm. much better.

I found the betting method really hard to get used to.
on Stars or DTD when I want to raise, I type in the box the total bet I want to make and hit raise or ENTER on the keyboard.
On Sky that adds to whatever bet or blind you've already got placed.
So for example, if blinds are 400/800 and I want to make it 1800 from SB I'd type 1800 out of habit and end up betting 2200 by mistake.
That'll take a bit of getting used to.
So will the standard of play.
I know I've only dipped my toes in the £5 pool, but the style of play was significantly different to the $4 - $10 180 seaters on Stars or the €10 MTT I'm used to on DTD.
I'm going to have to give a lot of thought to how i adjust my game to the new opposition.

Might also struggle to get as much poker in online because SaraM has come back from APAT team championships enthused about poker and has started setting up accounts of her own.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: TightEnd on October 24, 2011, 10:43:37 AM
Hi Adam

What's your Sky Poker alias please?

Enjoy the APAT event?   


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 24, 2011, 11:01:49 AM
Adamzoom, although I'm trying to get that changed to AdamM or AdamM667.
I'm told it's general policy not to change aliases unless they're offensive, but that suggests it's possible to do.
I'm meeting Sky this week with work so will be trying to get a few strings pulled.

I did enjoy the weekend, but as a team event, not so much.
I only knew 3 of the team. The other 4 walked in the door 5 minutes before the comp started and all got knocked out and left long before me.
I was only in the team because the captain's and my kids play football together.
So I didn't really get any on the associated team spirit of the event.
Didn't mind playing it as a solo event for a reduced prize because I didn't pay my entry.

I think I played pretty well and was unlucky not to go deeper than 51st.
As I'm looking to play several APAT events next season it was good to get a look at some more of the field.
Any idea when the Season 6 schedule will be announced?

Nice to get SaraM back into it.
The team captain actually put the ILPP and Betfair teams in for the event and of the 16, me and Sara came 1st and 2nd.
Good for morale, if not any growth to the bankroll.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: TightEnd on October 24, 2011, 11:09:46 AM
yes, those two teams were the only two not to score any points

You two and the skippers apart, some of the others played like they weren't bothered..and that came through in the end result

In general, the spirit and camaraderie amongst those teams who knew each other better reflected in results


Anyway, season 6. s5 runs til end January and we'd hope to have s6 announced before Xmas.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 24, 2011, 11:33:21 AM
I'd be prepared to give it another crack with a team I actually know in the future.
Team captain did warn me before kick off
Not to expect much from the team.
Shame really.

Looking forward to the tour.
Aiming for two final tables minimum.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 24, 2011, 08:12:58 PM
100 press up challenge.
Week 2, day 1
12, 12, 10, 7, 10
60 sec gap between sets


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 25, 2011, 08:19:43 PM
Got myself a seat in the Sky Poker Tour on Saturday, thanks to some nice helpful people at Sky.
I wanted to buy in direct but my new Sky account had a £100 deposit limit I didn't know about.
I upped it, but that takes 24 hours to take effect and there's a distinct possibility it'd sell out before I could get any funds in.
Fortunately I was in Leeds for a meeting with the Sky Vegas guys today and they introduced me to a poker manager who put me in and will take the funds tomorrow.

It's not what you know, it's who you know :)

Not played a live six max tourney before.
I'm not the rock I used to be, so hopefully I'll be able to adapt.
Looking forward to it.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 29, 2011, 01:46:02 PM
Sky Poker Tour at DTD
Not a good start. Due to an administrative error, I'm not on the player list, despite having bought in direct. Top of the alternates list, but with 15k stacks and 45 minute clock, I can see me sitting around a bit. 


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 29, 2011, 01:54:29 PM
Between tighty and Adam Harmen at Sky, problem solved.
Am in the starting lone up after all


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 29, 2011, 04:26:24 PM
Seat 1 tightest player at the table
Seat 2 One Way Poker player. Looks comfortable at the table but not decided how good he is yet.
Seat 3 Matt 'Evilpie' Russell
Seat 4 very inexperienced player, playing lots of hands.
Seat 5 also pretty inexperienced, playing too loose passive.
Seat 6 me

My timing has been pretty poor. I know being 6 max I have to play more hands than usual, but everytime I've tried to isolate seats 4 or 5 I've been 3 bet by seat 1.

Had a go at Matt's BB with K10 but made a pigs ear of it.
Flopped a gutshot broadway draw but checked it.
Raised when he bet turn.
When a second jack came on river I bet it but Matt saw right through me and looked me up with A7.

Last hand before break seat 1 raised UTG Matt in mid-poss and me in BB call.
I have  Aspades 7s and check raise 7,10,7 flop.
He passed A10.
I was sure he had paint pair and looked like he was pushing.

Back to 12k


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 29, 2011, 05:58:37 PM
Playing so bad.
Staying active, not letting myself slip into full table grind mode.
Seat 1 raises UTG
Seat 4 accidentally calls, tries to pass once corrected but action stands.
I make up from BB with Qsp Jsp
Flop is J, 9, x
Confused check from me and seat 1
Seat 4 pushes not much with Q,10
I call and so does seat 1
Checks down to river and I lose to seat 1's AJ
I Suppose I lost the minimum, but my timing is shocking today.

5k after the break 150/300/25.
Looking for a quick double up really.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 29, 2011, 07:08:25 PM
See if a change of table helps.
Into seat 6 of a new table.
Seat 4 has all the chips and is a loose old school player.
Chips to be won if I can catch him.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 29, 2011, 07:30:05 PM
Wow
Full double up I don't really understand
Seat 2 raised to 1100
I take a flop with 6,7
Flop is 4,5,6
I bet he calls
10 on turn, I shove, he calls with 9,3
6 holds.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 29, 2011, 09:17:33 PM
No more big pots.
Grinding away.
30k, just below average.
79 runners left.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 29, 2011, 11:32:22 PM
Back for day 2 with 36k, half average and about 15BB


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 30, 2011, 03:03:23 PM
Out 25th. Ducked and dived as long as I could.
Pushed 4,4 with 10BB and lost a race to A8.

On to the super50 side event


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on October 31, 2011, 08:22:57 AM
Very frustrating weekend.
Over all , played OK, but not great and finished top 30 in both tournaments.
Makes a change not to min-cash I suppose, but that's going in the wrong direction.

I'm putting the blame firmly on DTD.
I found one of the new Valets particularly distracting.  ;kev;

Only live poker for the next fortnight is a rare home game with my original playing partners.
Not back at DTD until the Black Belt Poker event.
Expecting a relatively strong field for the buy in with plenty of UKIPT / EPT veterans.
Looking forward to it.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 03, 2011, 08:09:44 AM
I have a meeting with a guy tonight to discuss a little poker related business idea I have.
We're doing it over a couple of pints in a pub near his house where, coincidentally, my parents run a little £2 weekly pub poker league.
So we're going to have our meeting and then crash the game.

I'm sure the way my mother talks about me, some of them think I'm something of a high roller.
I guess compared to £2 a week, £50-£300 tournaments are high stakes.
Still don't hold out any hope of winning the thing though :)
out by the 9pm break more like.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 04, 2011, 09:10:11 AM
Well, that was fun.
I had my meeting with a new business partner at 7:30 then we both joined in the weekly poker game at The Royal Queen. 3500 starting stack, 4x15 min levels, then a break, and onto 10 minute levels.
16 runners buying in for £3 divided into a prize pool of £32 (£20/£10/£2) and a bounty pot of £16. Each player had a bounty chip in front of them worth 50p and the person with the most bounties chips at the end gets the remaining £8. Complicated.

All pots were multi-way, either with several limpers or several callers of the standard raise, which at 25/50 was 250. I wasn’t going to be nicking lots of small pots here. It was apparent fairly quickly that in order to win a pot you have to win a showdown.

Having joined in the limping with some vaguely connected cards, I got my first raising opportunity with A,4. I bucked the trend and made it 125 and got three callers.
Flop 4,9,4 BINGO!
1st position bets the pot, I call and the other two players go away.
Turn was a Q and opponent tosses his bounty chip in. I call and he has 8,9.
Full double up early.

There’s a lively hand at the other table. Four players’ Bounty chips have gone in on a K,Q,x flop. The business partner has a nut flush draw but has found himself up against two K,Q and my mother with K,10. The 10 on the turn makes the flush, but my luckbox mother hits her two-outer 10 on the river, scooping the pot, three bonus chips and the additional £3 bounty I’d put on the partner. Must be nice.

I missed with an A,K and had to fold to a bet and a raise on the flop, and also missed a straight draw with J,10 when the break arrived. Due largely to the carnage on the other table we resumed after the break with a 7 player final. Within a couple of hands, I got it all in preflop against Tom the taxi driver. My AA crushed by his QQ when he flopped a set. I cashed in my 50p bonus chip in and talked a bit more business.

I quite enjoyed myself. Also strangely glad not to cash. A few of these players travel out to DTD for the £15 game on a Friday, but for most of them that’s a bit steep. To them I’m playing nosebleed stakes, whereas in reality I’m a fairly low-roller. Taxi Tom won it scooping around £33 and was smiling like he’d won the World Series. Going to meet my business partner again in a week or two and I think I’ll plan it for a Thursday night again so I can take another run at this game ;)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 18, 2011, 08:11:23 AM
After a couple of weeks off (excepting the pub game and a friendly home game) it's back to battle today.
Day 1a of Black Belt at DTD.
not sure my A game is best served by a 6am start, 1 hour drive and 4 hours in the office before kick off, but I guess by about 9 o'clock, we'll see.

Stuck £50 eachway on at 125/1 and sold half of it to my partents, wife and son's football coach ( :) )
Not sure why SaraM bought some of the bet, because if I take this down, she'll tax me a lot more than the £700 ish she'd get from Boylesports.

Looking forward to getting stuck in.
Just got to get my weekly Project Highlight Reports done first  ;technophobe;


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 18, 2011, 02:11:24 PM
Level 1-3
Steady feeling out process for first session.
 Still average 15k.
No really weak players at the table, but no captains either.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 18, 2011, 02:41:34 PM
Disasterous  start to level 4.
Lost a race to a short stack then ran AK into KK blind on blind.
Down to about 8500

Work to do


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 18, 2011, 03:37:02 PM
out.
Tried a couple of steals and ran into big aces, then defended my blind with A10 but failed to crack the QQ I was up against. Short and sweet tournament.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: kinboshi on November 18, 2011, 04:09:56 PM
out.
Tried a couple of steals and ran into big aces, then defended my blind with AQ but failed to crack the QQ I was up against. Short and sweet tournament.

See you at the cash tables from about 7 if you're going to be around.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 18, 2011, 06:29:22 PM
Next time mate.
Got a text at first break from my wife saying she got a promotion she went for so thought I'd be better off at home celebrating with her.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 26, 2011, 04:23:06 PM
Could really do with a decent cash in today's super50.
Christmas shopping approaching and a nice fat £860 two car insurance bill.
Top 3 needed.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: craigbetts on November 26, 2011, 05:25:15 PM
Could really do with a decent cash in today's super50.
Christmas shopping approaching and a nice fat £860 two car insurance bill.
Top 3 needed.

Good luck Adam!


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 26, 2011, 07:17:37 PM
Reasonable start.
14k at the break.
Funny table.
No ones is REALLY bad, but no one is very good.
Should do ok on the but we'll be fairly early to break.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Leatherman on November 26, 2011, 07:20:33 PM
Gl fella


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 26, 2011, 09:34:52 PM
Slow painful death.
Still in at the break but I have under 10k with average 22k and Blinds of 600/1200/100 when we go back. 
Just changed tables, with some familiar players.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 26, 2011, 11:16:06 PM
Out 48th.
Demoralising grind.
Never got going.
Ah well, there's always next week.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on November 28, 2011, 08:12:38 AM
Not a bad Sunday.
I was starting to consider the €5 super sats for the DTD £300 a bit of a leak.
They play so loose sometimes that I feel like I'm trying to win my seat on a slot machine.
Nevertheless, I popped my €5 in and mananged to spin in a seat into the nightly final.

Only had about £40 in the account so just grabbed the nearest low buy in freezeout to keep myself busy for a couple of hours until the 9pm satellite and came 2/181 in a €2 for about €80.

15 runners at 9 o'clock and I took one of the two seats.

Just looking forward to converting that at the weekend now.

Christmas bonus at work will be a fraction of what was promised last year and will be delivered late January, boiler is making some horrible noises and a two-car insurance renewal for £860 needs sorting in December. Could really do with a result at the weekend.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 03, 2011, 01:30:23 PM
Could do with a decent cash in the DTD Deepstack.
Could do with a win even more.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: RED-DOG on December 03, 2011, 01:50:43 PM
What happened to the press-ups?


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 03, 2011, 04:05:10 PM
Fresh start on those in the new year.

Softest table I've ever sat at.
Building nicely on 19k at the first break.
Should be able to keep growing with solid position play.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 03, 2011, 06:30:11 PM
Spoke too soon. Shocking session.
Down to 7k which is >20BB and 1/3 average. 


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 03, 2011, 09:01:49 PM
Still grinding.
18k, average is 34k and BB 1200.
bloody hard work this tournament.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 03, 2011, 11:23:15 PM
Back for day 2 with 20 BB.
not a lot of wiggle room, but playable. 

Cracked Barry Neville's Aces along the way.
He took it like a gent and it hasn't hurt his tournament much.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 04, 2011, 02:11:58 PM
Out 34th.
 Pete Linton raised my BB,
 I moved all in with A10,
he gives me a spin with 10,8 and flops two pair.
£450 consolation prize.
Will have to win Monte Carlo event in a fortnight then.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 04, 2011, 04:05:39 PM
Not out of the blocks in the £150.
Don't think I've been over 10k yet.
Outrageous76 just moved in a couple to my left.
Don't think he knows me :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 04, 2011, 05:16:47 PM
What a way to go.
 3c 3s v  Jd Kd
Board runs out 7d 7h 7s  4d 7c
All part of his 50% but still sucks


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 22, 2011, 10:28:02 PM
There's a nightly tournament on DTDPoker that seems to really suit me.
The 19:30 €10 deepstack.
I've played three times this week.
8th on Monday, 11th Tuesday and currently 3rd with 25 left tonight.
Hopefully convert this one.

Should stick to these instead of the super satellites which are a bit of a drain on the bankroll if I'm honest.

The nightly finals are ok, but the level 1s are horrible games.
Might as well try and win a seat playing a slot machine.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 22, 2011, 11:18:08 PM
bollocks, ran into aces.
13th.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 03, 2012, 01:31:57 PM
I did have a long list of goals for this year, but I think I'm going to have to be a bit more general as there's a lot of things competing for my attention.
The main poker goal is to finish 2012 with a dedicated £10k bankroll.
I'd planned to come out of the blocks strong but I haven't got £560 to buy direct into the DTD deepstack and I haven't had any time to play any satellites over Christmas.
Might try tonight and Thursday if I get sat down in time.

I've got a poker business me and a partner are working on, but that'll have to stay under my hat for now.

Pushing for a min £10k payrise at work, which will need me to be on the ball.

On top of all that, we'd like to move house this time next year, and that'll mean me putting in a new kitchen, which is no small task.

Add in the regualr family time commitments and I'm going to struggle to pick particular tournaments, festivals and tours to attack.
Will have to take it one game at a time and just build the roll.


Super 50 this weekend if I don't get a £500 seat sorted in time, then Grand Prix the week after for sure.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 14, 2012, 11:54:12 PM
Grand Prix 1a
Nice start.
Flopped a couple of sets early and got some value.

KK against a stubborn BB with 5,4. He turned two pair and put the value in for when I rivered a bigger two pair.
Pretty weak table so nicking a few too.

Raised with AK twice against same player. First time I missed, called his flop bet and took him off it with a river bluff.
Flopped a king second time and got it in against K9.
Happy birthday me.

Raised with AA early position. 5 callers. I bet pot on 9,2,2 flop. 1 caller. Turn is third diamond and I jam and get full stare, dwell fold. Think he's put jacks down. Might ask him at break.
Edit, yep, jacks.

Finished 1st session more than double stack at 38k

Down to 32k at second break.
No big pots but a fish to my left has changed gears and it's getting messy

No improvement by third break, still sat at 32k

Won a couple of races straight after the break with AQ and AK. up to 55k.

Called a 9BB all in with AJ and failed to crack his AQ.
Down to 42k

Knocked a short stack out with KQ v A5. Up to 55k

A10 beat by K10. He made straight. I lost the minimum. 43k now.

Couple of failed attacks on blinds.
Back down to 31k

Last level. Needed a double up. Pushed with KQ. ran into 10,10 and AK.

Back for 1b tomorrow.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 15, 2012, 04:05:45 PM
DTD Grand Prix Day 1b

Level 1 big hand. I open mid-position 9,10 suited. 1 caller.
Board comes 9,8,4,2,2 I bet every street, he gets there with 4,2 costing me 5k total.

Level 2 big hand. 5 limpers. I raise from button with Ad, Ac All goes in on 2d 3d 4d flop. He has 3,4
I make a flush on the river. Full double up.

Little bit of value from a set of nines in level 3
29k at the break.



Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 15, 2012, 06:21:03 PM
Backward step to 18k at second break.
Young lad half way round the table seems to have my number pre and post flop.
Will have to 4 bet him soon.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 15, 2012, 08:39:36 PM
Death of a thousand cuts here.
18k at final break, half average


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Junior Senior on January 15, 2012, 09:02:27 PM
Good luck mate! I got coolered three times in that third session. Try again Friday.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 15, 2012, 10:54:51 PM
What a grind.
Back on Saturday with 53k


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Junior Senior on January 15, 2012, 11:46:41 PM
Well done! See you there


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 21, 2012, 06:50:16 PM
Grand Prix day 2

DTD very generously rolled the clock back two levels. To 800/1600/200

I call a preflop raise with AQ from a kid that's raised three in a row. He leads the Ace high flop, I raise and commit myself. He shoves, I call, he flips AK over.
Queen on the turn. Unlucky young man. 

Real grind in session 2. Struggled to get anything going and was starting to worry about having to write a post about 12 big blinds. 
At 2000/4000 there was a 12k raise and 80k shove. I call with AK. Opener passes AK (allegedly) and I'm up against 8,8. Flopped the ace and I'm at 120k .

Short lived. 
Opened with 10,10
Call from button and BB
Flop A,9,A
Checked round. 
I fired at brick turn but got raised by button.

Down to 80k, payed two BBs in two hands due to table move, so back in shove mode. Ran AJ into AQ and no miracle this time.

166th for €100 


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: leethefish on January 22, 2012, 04:49:02 PM
was nice to say hello yesterday Adam sorry it was only a quick hello ...i was bubble boy......


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: RED-DOG on January 22, 2012, 04:52:56 PM
Just as well you didn't use this thread title when you had the guitar picture in your avatar.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 23, 2012, 07:16:37 PM
Long challenging week ahead.

I had a pay review that didn't go anywhere near as well as I'd hoped recently so it's a bit tense beyween myself and my directors.
I've had to make it very clear I'm actively seeking work.
That's going to make Tuesday - Thursday stood on a stand at Earls Court at the ICE exibition not a lot of fun.
I did have the option of not going, but if I'm looking for a move, I stand a better chance in my suit in London, than at my desk in Nottingham.

Then Friday and Saturday I've got a second exibition.
The London Affiliates Conference.
That one should be a lot more fun.
Black Tie awards ceremoy Thursday night, followed by two days of signing affiliate deals for a new poker calendar website I'm putting together with a partner.
Should be a roughly £5k freeroll on the Friday night too, so a chance of a bit of cash too.

More details on the project once all the deals are signed and the appropriate permissions are sought frm the Blonde brass :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 30, 2012, 02:52:48 PM
Just as exhausting and challenging as I thought it would be.
Wasn't too tense on the stand with my bosses and I stayed professional.
Lots of pointless conversations with Italian cafe owners who wanted our games on their PC with no understanding of platforms, or guys with killer game ideas, but no software writing or graphic design skills but a water tight NDA.

This was interspersed with brief chats with pretty girls handing out leaflets or recruiters that might open a few doors for me.
Coincidentally, I did nip onto recruitment company- Hyperion Gaming's stand and was chatting to a guy who turned out to be Simon Trumpers son.
Small world.
He and his colleague confirmed the not insignificant gap between my salary and market value, so as it stands, I need to seriously consider a move.

The only thing holding me back is the London Affiliate Conference on Friday / Saturday.
The fun actually started with a Black Tie awards ceremony at The Brewery on the Thursday night.
All complimentary food and drink, Brazilian dancing girls, Miles Judd, AKA Archie the inventor from Balamorie presenting the awards and more people with more money that don't have "proper jobs" than I've ever seen.

This was followed by two days of very constructive meetings with Online card rooms about their live poker activity and satellites and affiliate deals to go with them.
It might be worth me sticking with my underpaid Project Management job and building up this new venture than taking a new job that will require a lot of focus.
Lots to consider.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 30, 2012, 03:13:22 PM
So, this new website I've mentioned in passing a couple of time is called UKPokerCalendar.com
The focus is on providing a summary of all the main poker festivals and tours in the UK, plus a couple overseas.
The goal is to get online satellite players into some of the best medium to high buy in live events.
Where possible we'll be putting on our own satellites with extremely challenging guarantees, often with added value from the sponsor plus big freerolls with major event seats up for grabs.

The site's not finished yet. We've got to get all the banners and official graphics in place, and I've seen several typos and layout issues that need addressing.

However, I'd really appreciate any Blondes who have time to take a look at the site and give any feedback, either privately via PM, through the site's Contact Us section, or even just on this thread. Seriously, any feedback at all, however much / little detail would be very helpful.

Also, If you would like to sign up for the mailing list, we're planning to launch with a satellite with significant added value to a big UK event in early spring, and that will probably be exclusive to mailing list members.

There are some great long term plans, but getting off to the right start is the focus at the minute.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 30, 2012, 03:14:42 PM
oh, and many thanks to Blonde for allowing me to post about a commercial venture here.
Hopefully it's that start of something that will add value to the forum :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Laxie on January 30, 2012, 04:29:02 PM
Just had a quick look and already shared it on my facebook page for ya.  Seems a handy wee site already, but will have a proper look in the next day or so.  Good luck with it!


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on January 30, 2012, 06:03:14 PM
thanks


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Junior Senior on January 30, 2012, 06:29:09 PM
yes good luck with this Adam


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Tractor on January 30, 2012, 07:10:08 PM
I think the site needs loads of work, as its not finished yet its difficult to critique.
Not sure about the colour scheme, needs a header. calendar layout seemed buggy (i am on a mac using safari) so make sure you test on all browsers etc.
As you said, their is still a lot of work to do.

Good luck.



Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on February 06, 2012, 07:22:03 PM
I took my dad for his first Dusk Till Dawn experience Saturday for his 65th birthday.
Only super 50, but that's a big step from his weekly £3 pub game.
Hoped to have more of a story, but he had KK and 10,10 lose in big pots and I had an any two player smash a couple of big hands and we were both out in level 2.
spent longer in the car than at the poker table.

:(


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on February 06, 2012, 07:33:17 PM
In terms of ukpokercalendar.com, we're almost finished developing the site.
All the pages are in place, the first couple of months events have been added to the calendar and we're working our way through a few bugs on the site.

What we really need to do now is grow our mailing list.
I'd really appreciate Blondes popping over to the site and signing up for the newsletter.
We expect to send the first one out in a couple of weeks and are negotiating some great freerolls and added value tournaments to get the ball rolling.

As I said before, some feedback, however detailed would be very welcome.
I only had the initial conversation with a poker buddy in late October, and nothing was really done before Christmas other than buying the domain name.
It's been a solid few weeks of late nights and full weekends, but I'm confident it'll be worth the effort.

Please tell your friends too.

Thanks all.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Marky147 on February 06, 2012, 07:40:27 PM
I've signed up for the newsletter there now, unfortunately I have just started work so can't have a proper look around the site atm but will do if I get 5 during the night.

Good luck with it all though and hope it works out for you.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on February 09, 2012, 09:06:20 PM
Super 50  Freeroll here...
http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=56746.new

more the merrier :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on February 18, 2012, 09:42:13 AM
Off to the big smoke for a crack at Betfair Live London.
$500 into the prize pool plus $100 bounty per runner.
If we get 150 runners, I make that $75k prize pool and $15k of bounties floating around.
Tasty.
 
Especially not bad as I'm in for free :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on February 19, 2012, 09:31:35 AM
No good in the tournament. Got off to a reasonable start, but as the game progressed my timing was just off.

Later on there were some heads up challenges and amusingly the girl from Betfair that was looking after us was crushing the highrollers. That was topped off by Peter Eastgate getting involved. I dealt the game where she added him to her list of victims.

Clubbing in Leicester square followed which I'm paying for this morning (although I paid for not much last night).

Will have a crack at the £100 side event today.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on March 20, 2012, 11:37:50 AM
Haven't been playing a lot of poker recently. Have been spending a lot of time thinking, writing and talking about it, but not actually playing. I've been trying to play satellites for some of the bigger events coming up at DTD, but sats aren't the strongest area of my game and skypeing, writing newsletter and spamming facebook friends (sorry if that's you and it's too much) has meant I suck at them worse than usual.

Having not played any live poker in March (apart from the friendly weekly pub game) I'm planning a big month in April.
31st March home game to get me warmed back up.
7th-8th APAT English Amateur Poker Championships
11th-16th UKIPT if I can sell 75% here... http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=57153.0
21st quarterly MTT at the pub
22nd-29th DTD Grand Prix
28th super Stack at Star City if I don't final the Grand Prix and I have anything left in the tank.

Hoping for some run good.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 05, 2012, 08:24:56 AM
The DTD Pub Poker League started this week.
The nearest venue to me is a pub in Bingham, so I thought I'd give it a crack.
A 12 week league to get into a 400 Runner live final at the club with a £5k prize pool might be a bit much effort.
Apparently season 2 will have a £10k prize pool, which is a bit more like it.

Always a bit apprehensive walking into a new private game, but relieved to find a decent bunch of lads and a fairly good general standard of play. Several play £15-£50 DTD regularly and satellites to bigger events so maybe good contacts for UKPC too.

Of the 15 runners 12 have been playing together twice a week for a couple of years so I started at a bit of a disadvantage there. Fortunately most of the players were good enough to get some reads off and I finished 2/15. Started HU a big chip underdog and lost to a minor beat, so happy with that.



Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 09:03:09 AM
Right, UKIPT 1b here we go.
Yesterday was horrible.
Like being a kid on Christmas Eve but reading about all the other kids opening their presents :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: taximan007 on April 12, 2012, 11:18:27 AM
Good Luck for today


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 12:21:20 PM
Just managed to come 3rd in a pot with AK v KQ v KJ to top pair and a
Flush.

Minor damage though


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 02:12:35 PM
Level 2, facing a 275 raise from active player with AA.
there's been no preflop 3 betting so I'm worried I'll frighten off my customer, but he calls my 575.
Flop is AQ7 rainbow.
He checks, I resist the urge to trap and bet 650, he calls
Turn a second Q, he checks. I check behind to try and buy a bigger bet on the river.
Brick 2 on the river.
He leads for 2000
I give it a bit of Hollywood and raise to 5100.
He dwell calls and mucks what he said was his 3rd AK Of the orbit.

Just under 18k at break 1


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 02:45:59 PM
QQ beat by QJ.
Board made it easy for me to limit losses.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 03:41:45 PM
Just "got lucky" with AK.
my SB and there'd been a raise and 3 bet.
Reasonable 4 bet spot, but the 3 bettor checked the price of a coke before ordering and also checked tap water was free before ordering. NIT

A,9,x flop
2 turn
9 river.
I kept pot small due to position and I got the reverse rubdown from nit with A2
(might be looser with hand selection than drinks)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: EvilPie on April 12, 2012, 04:16:11 PM
Just "got lucky" with AK.
my SB and there'd been a raise and 3 bet.
Reasonable 4 bet spot, but the 3 bettor checked the price of a coke before ordering and also checked tap water was free before ordering. NIT

A,9,x flop
2 turn
9 river.
I kept pot small due to position and I got the reverse rubdown from nit with A2
(might be looser with hand selection than drinks)

Doesn't look like a 4 bet spot mate assuming you're all pretty deep.

Small ball ftw especially oop.

Keep it up :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 04:23:19 PM
Moved tables with 19k
Some fish called Lee two to my left grumbling about cracked sets ;-)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: redsimon on April 12, 2012, 04:24:07 PM
Moved tables with 19k
Some fish called Lee two to my left grumbling about cracked sets ;-)

Marvellous two stakes on same table :) gl both


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 05:38:03 PM
Slight backwards step.
A5 Out of position on a AK5 flop
Let a flush get there
Back to 15k


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: pleno1 on April 12, 2012, 05:42:21 PM
Level 2, facing a 275 raise from active player with AA.
there's been no preflop 3 betting so I'm worried I'll frighten off my customer, but he calls my 575.
Flop is AQ7 rainbow.
He checks, I resist the urge to trap and bet 650, he calls
Turn a second Q, he checks. I check behind to try and buy a bigger bet on the river.
Brick 2 on the river.
He leads for 2000
I give it a bit of Hollywood and raise to 5100.
He dwell calls and kicks what he said was his 3rd AK Of the orbit.

Just under 18k at break 1

3b size seems too smal and jsut have to bet this turn card, he has more qx than ax tht defend the flop.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 06:44:30 PM
14k at end of level 6
Irish kid to my left playing really well, quietly running the table.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: redsimon on April 12, 2012, 06:56:26 PM
keep grinding


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 07:32:57 PM
keep grinding

That's how I roll.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 08:25:53 PM
Gutted. Out.
Moved tables down to just over 10k
I raised mid-position with AJ
Call from button.
Flop 245
I make C bet, which he calls.
Q on turn, check check
3 on river
I bet, he shoves.
I call
He shows 8,6

Sorry investors, no beans :(


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: redsimon on April 12, 2012, 08:43:50 PM
ouch, unlucky


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 12, 2012, 10:40:48 PM
Meh, brought it on myself. There were two clubs on the flop and I had the  Ac so had a blocker to that draw.
Feel like the queen was a blank and I should have shipped there.
Would have got through too.

Poker gods had it in for me a bit today. Ducked a few potential coolers, missed all my draws, and the better players at all three tables I sat at prior to the last one were always to my left.

Disappointing, but just not my day.

Will have to win the Grand Prix instead.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: corkeye on April 20, 2012, 07:44:41 AM
If the Q seems like a blank to you, you shouldn't have shipped the turn and defo shouldn't have checked behind on this board texture. Bet turn for value? (Is the Q a blank though, and what range are you putting him on to call the c bet?)

 In checking he gets a free chance to hit his draw. Even just a 3rd to half pot bet could win this on turn, and it is highly probably for you to have KQ suited, AQ etc.

I think bet calling this river could be wrong vs our other options.

 I'd prefer a check, and eval river bet size by button as opposed to the bet/call line. If he bets half pot on river, defo consider a call as you only need to be right a 3rd of the time. The river card is pretty horrible though.

If YOU lead river, I feel he must flat an A or a Q, and must be shipping a 6, as well as a few bluffs (busted flush draws).  

The difficult for you here is there are very few 6x in his range obvs, and it is confusing the way he has played it. He played this hand v strange indeed pre and on flop.

The trouble is though i'm prob being results oriented as you shared the results of his holding.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 20, 2012, 07:59:49 AM
If I'm honest, I moved to the table having lost all momentum and with a view to finding a spot ASAP.
I don't remember the bet sizes now, but I remember I pretty much committed myself with my C bet (maybe semi-interntionally subconsciously).
Once the 2,4,5 flop came and I'd confirmed I had the back door nut flush draw, I was never going away.
Played it horribly, but after dodging coolers for 8 hours, I wasn't in a good mental space.

As I said, will focus on a deep run in the Grand Prix next week.
Cashed in the last two, but looking for final table minimum this time.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: corkeye on April 20, 2012, 08:56:31 AM
How many bbs were u Pre


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 20, 2012, 09:16:21 AM
Level 8 which is 300/600/75
Had wrote at the time that I had about 10k so 16-17BB
initial raise would have been around 1500
pot post flop would be 4575 with me playing about 8500
think I bet 2100 on the flop
so pot on the turn was 8775 with me playing about 6400
Think the only bet I have is all in.

I'm doubting myself now though, because I think I bet about 4k on the river which makes no sense with 6400 in front of me.
maybe I had a couple of thousand more at the start of the hand. That makes it about 12k / 20BB. Sounds about right.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 22, 2012, 12:14:05 PM
Grand Prix 1a today.
Squeezed into the money in the last two, but only €100 and €300.
Looking for a really deep run today.
First effort was the time where there were two live flights a day, and played sat lunch, sat night and two shots on sunday lunch.
second time was one bullet on two seperate days.
This time I have a Golden chip for the first time and am going to give it everything I have to get through on one bullet.
Would prefer not to go back Friday at the end of a busy working week.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 23, 2012, 09:34:15 AM
Through.
Grand Prix is like the biggest pub poker game in the world.
Needs a completely different strategy to the regular games.
It's fun to play, but what a minefield.

I ran ok, but mostly had to duck and dive with pretty marginal hands.
Raved OK, and hit a couple of flops.
Couple of coolers, but got away cheapish.

I got back with 49600 with blinds at 1500/3000/400 so no mucking about.

Early night Friday and game face on Saturday.
As opposed to the 6 hours sleep sandwiched between two days of kids football training / matches this week.
I knew I was suffering when I raised with K,Q and it came a Jack high, all hearts flop, turn and river made it a J High straight on the board and my brain just registered 4 to the straight on the board. I tried to pick it up on the end and got a caller and tried to muck my hand, totally not seeing the straight on the board, thinking K,Q couldn't possible be winning.
So embarrassed.
That was only about 7:30 too. by 11 I felt like I had sand in my eyes.
Not going to win £30k like that.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 28, 2012, 12:54:04 PM
Grand Prix day 2.
Keys have some run-good


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 28, 2012, 03:25:52 PM
Up to 85k at break. Still below average, burt getting there. Lots of mid-aces and decent spots. Got a hero caller immediately to my left I expect to get some value out of when I finally get a hand.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 28, 2012, 05:07:54 PM
140k at level 19. Average 200k. Needed a double up in 18. A9 v 77. Flopped a 9.
 Embracing the grind.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 28, 2012, 05:12:33 PM
I sometimes feel like I should wear gloves touching these chips .
3/4 of blokes must walk out of those gents without washing their hands.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on April 28, 2012, 06:02:50 PM
Out. Moved table and lost a pot which took me to about 110k. Then cut off makes it 20k. I try a 3-bet shove with 77. He calls with AQ and flops a Q. Third Grand Prix low cash in a row.
Not unhappy with the spot, but still disappointed


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Junior Senior on April 28, 2012, 08:03:03 PM
Unlucky mate.....next time!


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on July 21, 2012, 10:51:54 PM
No fourth straight Grand Prix cash.
Any opinion on the hand that did for me?

Level 6, 250/500/50
UTG+1 playing 12k makes it 1200. Third time that orbit.
Button shoves 6000
My BB with 10,10. I'd been up and down between 13k and 20k and was at around 16k before posting my blinds. I shoved.
Got a crying call from AK from initial raiser. All in guy had A5
AK got there.

Standard spot or was I wrong to cripple myself with tens there?

My hand obviously played well against the all in and the opener could easily put AQ down and jacks down.
I win that and I have around the 35k mark and I'm up and running.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Ricardov83 on July 22, 2012, 03:44:44 PM
I think it's a fold.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: pleno1 on July 22, 2012, 03:46:55 PM
what? seems l,ike most standard snap ever?


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Junior Senior on July 22, 2012, 05:11:09 PM
Dont think its a standard snap but after a ten second dwell i am getting it in here as described.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on July 22, 2012, 06:14:20 PM
Dont think its a standard snap but after a ten second dwell i am getting it in here as described.
Was probably just under 10 seconds :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Gemini Kings on July 22, 2012, 10:13:26 PM
No fourth straight Grand Prix cash.
Any opinion on the hand that did for me?

Level 6, 250/500/50
UTG+1 playing 12k makes it 1200. Third time that orbit.
Button shoves 6000
My BB with 10,10. I'd been up and down between 13k and 20k and was at around 16k before posting my blinds. I shoved.
Got a crying call from AK from initial raiser. All in guy had A5
AK got there.

Standard spot or was I wrong to cripple myself with tens there?

My hand obviously played well against the all in and the opener could easily put AQ down and jacks down.
I win that and I have around the 35k mark and I'm up and running.



Definate shove for the reasons you explain.



Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on July 22, 2012, 10:23:31 PM
I think the reason I ask is that my natural style is a grinder. It's why I min-cash in a lot of multi-day tourneys but don't convert.
I had a run last year where I had two grand prixs, two DTD 300s and the APAT final and min cashed in them all.

I think I have to start committing to spots like this a bit more if I'm going to ever take one of these 5 figure scores down.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Junior Senior on September 02, 2012, 12:23:24 PM
Bump!

Whats your next event Adam?


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on September 03, 2012, 07:49:49 AM
Tiling and flooring the kitchen :)
Plus new band playing our first gig on the 15th
Doubt I'll get a game in September at all.

I'm playing a bit hand to mouth at the minute which I'm fed up with.
I think my plan has to be target a few low buy in tournaments with guarantees and rebuild a proper bankroll, if not this autumn, then after christmas.
Super 50 types.

Confidence isn't high at the minute TBH.
a year or two, when I was regularly cashing in any multi-day event I entered, I felt on the edge of a decent result.
feeling a bit less confident in my game now though.
I've been tinkering with my game to try and be a bit more of a chip gatherer to avoid all the min-cashes, but I seem to be making it worse.

At the Goliath the other week my timing was all over the place.
There were a few coolers, but I think I'm missing a lot of physical info that I would have picked up on before because I'm preoccupied with my gear changes.
Think I need to go back to basics and not try and force it.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: corkeye on September 03, 2012, 10:26:37 PM
Tiling and flooring the kitchen :)
Plus new band playing our first gig on the 15th
Doubt I'll get a game in September at all.

I'm playing a bit hand to mouth at the minute which I'm fed up with.
I think my plan has to be target a few low buy in tournaments with guarantees and rebuild a proper bankroll, if not this autumn, then after christmas.
Super 50 types.

Confidence isn't high at the minute TBH.
a year or two, when I was regularly cashing in any multi-day event I entered, I felt on the edge of a decent result.
feeling a bit less confident in my game now though.
I've been tinkering with my game to try and be a bit more of a chip gatherer to avoid all the min-cashes, but I seem to be making it worse.

At the Goliath the other week my timing was all over the place.
There were a few coolers, but I think I'm missing a lot of physical info that I would have picked up on before because I'm preoccupied with my gear changes.
Think I need to go back to basics and not try and force it.

I think its definitely healthy that you're experimenting with elements of your game to get out of the rut, and its probably to be expected that you'll have varying results and often will lead you to question your own game.

When get back to playing again, you should make use of the blonde hand analysis forum in which u should post the live hands and not just what you did on each street, but why you did it, what your thought process was, what your read was based on previous history, what villain has shown down previously, your own image etc. The guys on the forum could offer important insight to not only what they would do in your shoes but what you should (or shouldn't) be thinking with all the information laid infront of you. Sometimes all it needs is a fresh pair of eyes to look in.





Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on September 04, 2012, 01:40:34 PM
Away from poker, I'm playing the first gig with a new band a week Saturday, 15th September.
Final rehearsal (of only 5) is this weekend, which is the main reason I've had to resist qualifying for the SPT.

I keep quiting gigging because I'm getting to old / lazy to lug all the gear about, but I miss it too much, so I'm back out plank-spanking.

How about this for a thumping rock set-

Ace Of Spades
Enter Sandman
Breaking The Law
Are You Gonna Go My Way
American Idiot
Hard To Handle
Rock N Roll
Boys Are Back In Town
Hush
Here I Go Again
Sweet Child Of Mine
Highway To Hell
Alright Now
Hey Joe
Monkey Wrench
Rocks
Tie Your Mother Down
Word Up
You Give Love A Bad Name
Rock An Roll All Night

Every one's a winner.

I can't remember looking forward to anything this much for ages.

Can't believe it's been 3 years since I last gigged with a band.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: smashedagain on September 04, 2012, 01:51:59 PM
Great set there


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Junior Senior on September 04, 2012, 11:18:09 PM
Good luck, that's all a bit heavy for me mate.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Tal on September 04, 2012, 11:24:14 PM
Away from poker, I'm playing the first gig with a new band a week Saturday, 15th September.
Final rehearsal (of only 5) is this weekend, which is the main reason I've had to resist qualifying for the SPT.

I keep quiting gigging because I'm getting to old / lazy to lug all the gear about, but I miss it too much, so I'm back out plank-spanking.

How about this for a thumping rock set-

Ace Of Spades
Enter Sandman
Breaking The Law
Are You Gonna Go My Way
American Idiot
Hard To Handle
Rock N Roll
Boys Are Back In Town
Hush
Here I Go Again
Sweet Child Of Mine
Highway To Hell
Alright Now
Hey Joe
Monkey Wrench
Rocks
Tie Your Mother Down
Word Up
You Give Love A Bad Name
Rock An Roll All Night

Every one's a winner.

I can't remember looking forward to anything this much for ages.

Can't believe it's been 3 years since I last gigged with a band.

Greenday could not have sold out more if they had their own happy meal. Started as such an interesting band and then turned into the same bilious faux-punk that disappoints me in an almost paternal way.

Everything else on that set looks like fabulous fun. Is that Hush by Kula Shaker? Magic.

Can I also confirm 'Everone's a winner' is just a comment by you and not the song by Hot Chocolate? It is a brilliant song, but I'm not sure it would follow a Kiss anthem very well :)


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Longy on September 05, 2012, 12:37:03 AM

Is that Hush by Kula Shaker? Magic.


Surely the Deep purple original!


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Tal on September 05, 2012, 12:40:50 AM

Is that Hush by Kula Shaker? Magic.


Surely the Deep purple original!

LOL yes I imagine so. I also didn't think he was playing a Hot Chocolate number!


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Wingdings2 on September 05, 2012, 03:17:39 AM
That's a real fun set list.

Are you the Lead Guitarist? Some juicy stuff to play if so.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on September 05, 2012, 08:05:02 AM
I'm sharing lead guitar duties, but the other guitarist is my former bassist of 15 years stepping up to guitar for the first time, so I've got most of the interesting stuff.

We've gone for the Kula Shaker version of Hush, although the singer is using the Deep Purple lyric sheet, on acount of KS blurring everything.

The principle of the band is to play the most instantly recognisable rock tracks from the biggest bands, whilst avoiding anything too cheesy (ie rocking all over the world / summer of 69, etc) . Imagine you're playing Name that Rock Tune, these would be your starter questions. I doubt many people would get past the intros of these without knowing the song. In 2008 and 2009 two one-off rock bands were set up for an annual reunion night at an old rock pub we used to drink in back in the day. we played some awesome tracks that didn't make the cut because you need to be a rock fan to know them. Stuff like The Trooper by Iron Maiden, Seek & Destroy and Sad But True by Metallica, Mad House and Anti Social by Anthrax, Cherry Pie by Warrant, Dr Feelgood by Motley Crue, Monkey Business by Skid Row, It's So Easy by G'n'R, Screamager Therapy, Wild Child by WASP, L'il Devil by the Cult, Black Out In A Red Room by Love/Hate, No More Mr Nice Guy the Megadeth version, the list goes on. After the first gig, we're adding in Panama and We're Not Gonna Take It, which some how got crossed off when we were going through the previous set lists. We decided we weren't prepared to do it as a one gig a year set up anymore, because it's a lot of effort for one gig. We'll be looking at getting out at least once a month.

I couldn't disagree more about Greenday. I've been listening to them since Kerplunk. They were a decent enough melodic punk band, but they've grown up really well and their last two Rock Opera albums, American Idiot and 21 Century Breakdown are amongst my favourite albums of all time. Live, they are up there with some of the best rock bands I've ever seen. I have to admit the first single off the new album is a bit of an album track, and I haven't heard the Kill the D.J track yet, but after 20 odd years, they're entitled to experiment a bit. Really looking forward to the THREE new albums, Uno, Dos, Tre


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Tal on September 05, 2012, 08:11:05 AM
Fair enough, Adam. Different opinions are what make music so diverse. There's plenty of stuff on my generic MP3 player that would unlikely be your cup of tea.

Excellent choices tho. Should have any self respecting audience up and rocking!


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on September 05, 2012, 08:20:52 AM
I've got a pretty wide range of tastes myself. Usually got a guitar in it somewhere, but it's anything from Adrian Legg at one extreme and Slayer at the other, all sorts of with rock, blues, punk, folk and metal between.

I was once in an own material band that attempted to deliver material from all areas of that spectrum. We were called White Noise. The problem I found was that most of the audience only liked 25% of the set. Just a different 25% to the person stood next to them. I learned that when you're in a band the easiest thing to do is pick a style and stick to it. My last own material band called Fluff was firmly in the pop-punk zone. I've also played in blues bands, metal bands and even a Me First & The Gimme Gimmes tribute band that sadly never got out of rehearsal.

I think maybe that's why I admire bands that can shift direction, even if it doesn't always work out. Like I say, I love the direction of the newer Green Day albums. Metallica is the opposite. Can't stand Death Magnetic and St Anger, and can just about get on with Load / Reload. Even the Black Album was just 'OK'. Master Of Puppets was the glory days for my money. Same thing with Iron Maiden. Down hill after Power Slave. And AC/DC peaked at Back In Black. Still admire those bands for keeping going and trying to keep it fresh.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on September 05, 2012, 08:23:18 AM
Oh, and the new band is called DYNAMITE BILLY by the way


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on September 17, 2012, 01:45:22 PM
Well, we nailed that.
No dead spots in the set, every song went down a storm.
Particular winners in the set were Ace Of Spades and Enter Sandman as openers, Sweet Child Of Mine was epic, much to the annoyance of the singer who hates it, Highway to Hell and Alright now obviously killed, As did Rocks, and we used Tie Your Mother Down to end the main set and it guaranteed an encore. You Give Love A Bad Name and Rock N Roll All Nite were colossal tracks and we finished really strong.

We're adding We're not Gonna Take it, by Twisted Sister, Panama by Van Halen and L'il Devil by the Cult for the next gig.

Now that's out of the way I can start the next major project: Give my 40th Birthday to charity.

What happened was this, early in the year there was a knock at the door by a Barnardo’s tin rattler. I was about to politely decline and close the door when I paused. Partly because the girl giving her prepared pitch was very easy on the eye, but also because I'd had it in the back of my mind for a while that I don't do enough for good causes. Other than the odd fiver for Comic Relief / Children In Need, or leaving my change in the shop / bar for whatever 'blind box' they have. So I listened to the pitch and signed up for a tenner a month. It's a start, but still pretty small really. My birthday had not long passed. I’ve always though greetings cards were a waste of money as they’re overpriced and they  just sit on a shelf for a week and go in the bin, plus the shirts / sock / cds / etc that people buy,  I could just have bought for myself. It all adds up. "What if I gave my birthday to charity?" I thought. Must add up to a couple of hundred quid for a big one like a 40th.

That’s where the idea started, but it’s started to grow a bit. I thought; maybe I could have a party. Dynamite Billy could play a set, we could pass a bucket around for the chosen charity. Anyone that wanted to buy me a drink could stick a couple of quid in the bucket. That’d add up too. I could get musicians from other bands I’ve played with over the last 22 years of gigging to do a song or two with us. That’s where it’s taken a jump in proportions. I started to plan out the set, and who I would get to do what songs and it looks amazing on paper.

What I’m now thinking of doing is booking the refectory of the local college which I think holds around the 500 people mark, getting their stage set up, trying local equipment hire company to provide lights, PA and an engineer for free, getting a bit of local press involved, the works. Thought I could get the college’s visual arts department to film it, and perhaps some of the run up to it. For posterity and maybe sell a few copies if it turns out any good. £5 a ticket, plus rattling the tins at the bar / during the set, we could easily raise a few grand.

When it comes to picking a charity, I was a bit unsure what to do. My Dad and Sister are both type 1 diabetics, so Diabetic research that was an obvious choice. Also, my Dad just had a quadruple heart bypass, so again, British Heart Foundation jumped out a bit. However, what I don’t want to do is chuck a couple of grand into the pot for a charity that raises millions a year. What I’d rather do is make a specific difference to a local campaign. Also, maybe it’s to do with being firmly middle aged now, but I’m starting to think a lot about childrens charities and the next generation as quite important. Perhaps another reason I let the Barnardo’s girl finish her pitch. So what I’ve done is contact the local fund raiser for Barnardo’s to see if we can come up with something specific for me to fund raise for.

It takes the diary completely off-topic for poker, but then, I’m hardly playing at the minute any way. Thought I might put a few details of this on here as it develops.

March 9th 2013 is the date. So I make that 26 weeks to get it organised. Exactly half a year as it happens. Getting excited about it just typing.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: smashedagain on September 17, 2012, 02:02:59 PM
Superb idea and well thought out.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: ruud on September 17, 2012, 05:19:58 PM
Brilliant idea Adam. Where are you based? If local to me I'll take two tickets!


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Leatherman on September 17, 2012, 07:22:43 PM
Great idea mate, good luck with it..


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on September 17, 2012, 07:47:12 PM
Brilliant idea Adam. Where are you based? If local to me I'll take two tickets!

It'll be in Grantham.
I've gigged all over, but this'll be a home town job


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Junior Senior on September 17, 2012, 08:59:37 PM
In for sure. I am a type 1 diabetic too so charity close to my heart. Grantham down the road too.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on September 17, 2012, 09:06:26 PM
I didn't explain it very well.
Diabetes Research is more in the catagory of charities that needs millions.
I was hoping the local Barnardo's fund raiser has something specific and local I can make a difference to.


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: Junior Senior on September 17, 2012, 09:11:44 PM
I didn't explain it very well.
Diabetes Research is more in the catagory of charities that needs millions.
I was hoping the local Barnardo's fund raiser has something specific and local I can make a difference to.

Oh ok, in whatever. Good luck with it


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on September 17, 2012, 09:12:34 PM
cheers mate


Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on December 10, 2012, 09:39:13 AM

Now that's out of the way I can start the next major project: Give my 40th Birthday to charity.

What happened was this, early in the year there was a knock at the door by a Barnardo’s tin rattler. I was about to politely decline and close the door when I paused. Partly because the girl giving her prepared pitch was very easy on the eye, but also because I'd had it in the back of my mind for a while that I don't do enough for good causes. Other than the odd fiver for Comic Relief / Children In Need, or leaving my change in the shop / bar for whatever 'blind box' they have. So I listened to the pitch and signed up for a tenner a month. It's a start, but still pretty small really. My birthday had not long passed. I’ve always though greetings cards were a waste of money as they’re overpriced and they  just sit on a shelf for a week and go in the bin, plus the shirts / sock / cds / etc that people buy,  I could just have bought for myself. It all adds up. "What if I gave my birthday to charity?" I thought. Must add up to a couple of hundred quid for a big one like a 40th.

That’s where the idea started, but it’s started to grow a bit. I thought; maybe I could have a party. Dynamite Billy could play a set, we could pass a bucket around for the chosen charity. Anyone that wanted to buy me a drink could stick a couple of quid in the bucket. That’d add up too. I could get musicians from other bands I’ve played with over the last 22 years of gigging to do a song or two with us. That’s where it’s taken a jump in proportions. I started to plan out the set, and who I would get to do what songs and it looks amazing on paper.

What I’m now thinking of doing is booking the refectory of the local college which I think holds around the 500 people mark, getting their stage set up, trying local equipment hire company to provide lights, PA and an engineer for free, getting a bit of local press involved, the works. Thought I could get the college’s visual arts department to film it, and perhaps some of the run up to it. For posterity and maybe sell a few copies if it turns out any good. £5 a ticket, plus rattling the tins at the bar / during the set, we could easily raise a few grand.

When it comes to picking a charity, I was a bit unsure what to do. My Dad and Sister are both type 1 diabetics, so Diabetic research that was an obvious choice. Also, my Dad just had a quadruple heart bypass, so again, British Heart Foundation jumped out a bit. However, what I don’t want to do is chuck a couple of grand into the pot for a charity that raises millions a year. What I’d rather do is make a specific difference to a local campaign. Also, maybe it’s to do with being firmly middle aged now, but I’m starting to think a lot about childrens charities and the next generation as quite important. Perhaps another reason I let the Barnardo’s girl finish her pitch. So what I’ve done is contact the local fund raiser for Barnardo’s to see if we can come up with something specific for me to fund raise for.

It takes the diary completely off-topic for poker, but then, I’m hardly playing at the minute any way. Thought I might put a few details of this on here as it develops.

March 9th 2013 is the date. So I make that 26 weeks to get it organised. Exactly half a year as it happens. Getting excited about it just typing.


Started to make a bit of progress with this.
I spoke to a local company called East Midlands Sound and Light about them providing lights and PA, and got a bit more than I bargained for. It turns out the guy who owns that company was in the process of taking over a Grantham bar and turning it into a live music venue, complete with top quality house PA and lighting rig. We’re booked in at “Infernos LIVE” for 9th March 2013. Capacity is 550 and we’re going to do our best to fill it.

Spoken briefly to the local rag, and they’re keen to get involved nearer the time.

Charity chosen. I spoke to the local Barnardo’s fund raiser and she ran me through a few very worthy sounding  projects they’re working on, but when she got to the one below, I knew straight away it was the right choice. A local organisation called SoundLINCS, working in partnership with Barnardo’s and the Lincolnshire youth trust have a project called SoundBOOST. It aims to improve the life chances of young adults and children who are living in very challenging circumstances. Initially 16-21 year olds leaving the care system are taught to play instruments, compose their own material and perform it. The benefits are wide ranging, from simply increasing confidence and making social connections, through to developing skills and attributes that can go on a CV or lead to employment opportunities. The second phase is that the participants of the project can then go on to mentor 11-16 year olds still in the care system. It’s a fantastic opportunity to use music to improve the prospects of kids that, through no fault of their own, have started out life at a disadvantage.

I break up for Christmas on Thursday 20th December and on Friday 21st I’m going to drive out to Lincoln to meet the guy who runs it and find out a bit more about what they do and come up with some ideas on how to spend the money I raise. My initial thoughts were that we could be buying instruments or paying for the continued tuition of the kids after they leave the programme. I know only too well how expensive decent musical equipment is. I struggle to buy a new guitar when needed and I’m in a decently paid job. I imagine it’s next to impossible for these guys to get kitted out. I’m pretty tempted to get involved myself as a volunteer. I’ve got a fair bit of experience as a song writer and performer, and I used to teach guitar in my 20’s. Would be great to get involved with some of their sessions.

Now that’s the venue and the charity nailed down, I can start work firming up the set and the guest musicians. It’s looking a bit out of control on paper, with 20-25 guest musicians and 35-40 songs on the set. Could be in the region of 3 hours, which might be a bit OTT.



Title: Re: Coming out of the shadows
Post by: AdamM on February 04, 2013, 09:55:11 AM
copied from this thread:
http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=60235.0

Any donations gratefully received.

This is something I mentioned a while ago, but it's only a few weeks away now. On 9th March, I turn 40 and I'm doing something a bit different to celebrate it.

A girl from Barnardos knocked on the door about a year ago asking me for a monthly donation. I was about to give her a polite "already give to charity" decline, when I thought to myself, other than a tenner here or there to Comic Relief / Children in need, in honesty, I don't. So I listened to her pitch, then signed up for a tenner a month. But I was still left thinking, actually, that's still not much really. I had the idea to "give my 40th birthday to charity. Initially, by that I meant getting any friends or family that would have bought me a card, present or pint, to instead donate the money to a designated charity.

Shortly after this, I was talked out of musical retirement to form a rock covers band. I played my first gig 15th Jan 1990. I'd been in and out of retirement from it in my mid-late 30's mostly because I couldn't be arsed organising practices and sorting out the logistics involved in getting all the gear to gigs. However much I tried to pack it in though, I still miss getting up and doing my thing. My new band, DYNAMITE BILLY rehearsed through the summer and played its first gig in September. The idea germinated that we could put on a charity gig for my birthday, which as a happy coincidence lands on a saturday night. I talked to the guys in the band and they were up for it. I also talked to a several musician friends who were at the gig who also thought it was a good idea. It started to occur to me that, over the 23 years I've been playing in bands, I've played with dozens of bands and maybe into the hundreds of musicians. "What if," I though, "I got a few of them to get up and do some guest spots?" Everyone I asked said they'd love to do it. Some weren't available and were gutted about it. Song ideas were, and still are being thrown around. I'm crashing peoples' band practices through February, and people are crashing Dynamite Billy practices to run through guest spots.

Next job was to choose a charity to raise funds for. Obvious candidates were either Diabetes research (my dad and sister are both type 1 diabetics) or Heart Foundation (dad had a quadruple bypass last year). However, for this event, what I thought I'd rather do is raise money for a local charity project, rather than throw the money into a national charity that raises millions a year. I contacted the local Barnardos fund raiser to ask if there were any local projects I could support. There were a couple of very worthy projects suggested, but one in particular jumped out at me. Barnardos are working in partnership with a local charity organisation called SoundLINCS on a project called SoundBOOST. They work with 16-21 year olds who are leaving the care system. They teach them to play musical instruments and to compose and perform their material. It improves confidence and self esteem, makes them social connections, and also gives them something positive to put on a CV and talk to potential employers about, in the absence of qualifications, extracurricular activities, hobbies, etc. Once they complete the programme, the intention is for these young people to act as mentors for 11-16 year olds still in the care system, and to start that personal development at an earlier stage and to improve the life chances of kids starting out at a significant disadvantage, through no fault of their own.

The kids on the programme will be using communal equipment belonging to SoundLINCS, but when they complete it, there's no funding for them to be given instruments of their own. That's where money I raise will come in. I'll be able to buy these kids their own equipment so they can continue their musical journey long after they complete their time in the SoundBOOST project.

So, I'm on the scrounge. As I said earlier, all my family and friends will be putting present / card / drink money into the pot for me. We'll also have some Barnardos fund raisers there on the night of the gig with buckets to collect cash donations. If you would consider "buying me a drink" for my 40th birthday, there's a BT MyDonate page. This was chosen over JustGiving because the latter charges the charity quite heavily for the service, whereas MyDonate is a free service and the charity get 100% of the money raised. This is the page:

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/adammason1

Any donations gratefully received.

And of course, if you live anywhere near me, you're welcome at the gig.
It's at Chameleon Music Bar in Grantham on March 9th. Live music starts at 8:30 and it'll be a wide range of rock, punk, blues, and metal, but you won't have to be a hard-core rocker to enjoy it. There'll be lots of really well known and well loved songs for everyone to enjoy.

Cheers

AdamM