blonde poker forum

Hi all,

Just thought I would update to say that there will be a staking package for this WSOP, in some combination of the Vegas and Rozvadov schedule, but of course I still don't know what it is!

Since the US announced that we would be allowed in from "early November," I have been eagerly awaiting the date, but there has been silence since, which is presumably making bad news a little more likely.

The Main Event and onwards is still the hope, but I would still go to Vegas as late as the 12th, if it came to that, to take in the last 10 days of the schedule, before going across to WSOP Europe.

Will have full details as soon as they are out.

Hey stu is it possible to pre-book/reserve some action or do you want to wait til youve decided on a schedule?

Big apologies, as this is an inadvertent slowroll, but there actually won't be any of the package avaliable for sale. I felt I had to first ask the one person who used to back me for live tournaments (Marvin Rettenmaier) as a formality, and he completely surprised me by wanting all of it. Never saw that coming.

Sorry for the change of mind. Will leave this message on here for a few days, so that it can be seen, and then delete the post.

I hope you'll still be posting live updates Stu as we do like to funk for you even without a piece.

Good luck Stu 🤞 hope you have a blast and win it all 😁

+1

I actually hadn't planned to, only because it might seem a bit tilting more someone to say "Hey I'm selling,...." "Actually, I'm not selling...." "Oh, here is how it's going anyway."

But massively happy to, and would love to if people want to

In which case, as a thanks for having me, I'll give away a $170 (0.2%) piece of the $85k package, for the sweat.

Guess the official minute of the first goal in Manchester United vs Liverpool on Sunday.

(If people are equally far apart, piece is shared between that number of people. If people guess the same minute and win, prize is shared between that number of people)

("no goal" is not allowed. If it's 0-0, we'll carry over!)

45th minute.   Gl stu.

18th minute

Mane - incase tie-breaker required.

Good luck padawan 😉

Glgl, prize gets split if multiple winners (which is probably unlikely!)

73rd minute

Wonderful to see you lining up to get some wrist bling.

Hope you're keeping well.

Go win stuff.

28th Minute

Good Luck!

12th minute

No idea what I've just done but it seems bang on trend to pick a random time

Is it your exit from the main event?

Matt :D

Good luck, mate.

Hope to see some bracelets, and some SALT!

(28th Minute)

8th minute, going to have to buy the teamMarky package instead.  GL anyway, hope you get the lot.

32 mins , love your updates

14th minute…and teamMarky package sounds good😜

23rd minute please and the very best of luck to you.

40th minute, gl Stu hope you smash it!

good luck!

13th min

FMP

24th minute.

GL!

6 minute please

Fine gesture

11th minute please

Good luck

Guesses close 4:30pm! Good luck all. This surely won't be 0-0 :)

13 mins please

It seems that the official time is the 5th minute, so bagel
is the winner, and wins 0.2% of the overall package.

Congrats, Bagel!!

Good luck out there, Stu.

"marv"


best of luck Stu

oioiiiiiiiiiiiii

thanks a lot stu

roll up roll up

seeing as  stu is nailed on to get the lot this year, and i was lucky enough to win .2% of it all , a very generous $170 , then its only fair that i put up .1% for somebody else to win..

same rules as before, nearest to first goal wins

spurs v man utd 17.30  saturday

Top bombinb, mate!

After seeing some of the Liverpool game, I'll say  5 minutes :D

Extremely decent of you, bagel.

73 for me.

One for the purists.

45th for me again.

32 please

Good man.

I'd better stick with 23rd minute

Fantastic work Bagel!

Very decent of you bagel

I managed to miss the first round, so I’m in with a shout with 9th minute

Thanks!

Nice one bagel.

I'm going 11 mins.

Spurs in the 3rd minute. <3

this is the best rail thread of the year. I will go 16th minute.

7th-minute thanks Bagel! gutted I missed the thread :(

Always got to have aan edge, made sure he got first half injury time too.

Great gesture Stu, glglgl

Congrats and thanks for this!

I'll go 24th minute again :)

congrats arbboy

best of luck out there stu

correct good luck stu.   i have bought tiny % of stu a decade ago in vegas.  lets hope this is his year.   He is long overdue. 

Always have to comment for no reason when you have made 10 posts in 6 months. why would you even care to make one of your 10 posts in 6 months about something so trivial that doesn't remotely affect you and you could have easily have had the same edge if you think its a huge edge with less than 10 people bothering to post answers?

best of luck stu

let the sun run commence

$10,000 Main Event

Right, we're ready to go.

Bad table draw. Six empty seats. Which means they're either good players, or City fans.

Good luck mate!

+1 feels weird having wsop in november.

They're just having a November 6,000, instead of 9 :D

$10,000 Main Event

Up to 70k (60k start)

100-200, raise to 600  UTG with  Qs Qh. UTG1 calls

 Jc 5c 2h. Bet 1300. Call

Jc 5c 2h 5h. Bet 3k. Call

Jc 5c 2h 5h Th. Bet 6k. Call

Very nice - looks like AJ was no good

Good luck Stu!
So glad you could make it after the long sweat of the last few months.
Smash it up.
X

Good luck Stu

$10,000 Main Event

On the day that was meant to be "The Euro day," we had one guy from Italy, who then moved. And apart from that, I am the only European at the table!

71,200

$10,000 Main Event

64,200 at the first break

Raise to 600 at 100-200 with Ks Kc Hijack. Cutoff and both blinds call.

Td 5s 2c. Big blind leads 800, I raise to 2,100. Both fold, he calls.

Td 5s 2c Th. Check, I check

Td 5s 2c Th Ts. He bets 2, 200 into 6,600.

He sighs a bit, and shrugs a bit. I really want to fold, but obviously can't

He declares "quads." Tc 3c

$10,000 Main Event

Raise Ad Kd lojack to 700 at 150-300(300)

Table has been nice, but a young French guy sat down, and got photographed by GG. Which could mean alot of things, but it probably means he's good at poker.

He 3bets to 2,200. Call

Kc 9s 7d. Check. He bets 2.5k into 6k call.

Kc 9s 7d Js. Check. He bets 7.2k into 11k.

Kind of yuck. Call

Jc 9s 7d Jd Ts. Check, check

He has Ah Kh

69,200

I suspect it means he is one of the GG qualifiers - there were around a dozen in the field.

[b$10,000 Main Event [/b]

Second break, 76,800

Ah cheers, that does change it a bit

$10,000 Main Event

Mid level 5, 69,800

Time to tap out here. Good luck, and hopefully see you with a bundle in the AM.

Good luck, Stu!

$10,000 Main Event

Oh goodness.

For twenty minutes, we had a pair of gold glasses in seat 9,and speculation arose that it might be Helmuth.


Didn't believe it, but it turned out to be true. He entered with the most ridiculous array of Bitcoin girls. Now doing interviews for absolutely everyone

Meanwhile, 69, 800

Raise Ac 9c UTG1 at 250-500(500), BB calls
 
9d 6d 2d. She checks, I bet 1,200 into 2,650, she calls.

9d 6d 2d Jc. She checks I bet 2,050 into 5,050.

She now checks her cards, and calls. Feels like the check of cards at that point probably polarises it a bit. (We didnt have the flop check of cards)

9d 6d 2d Jc 8s.

She bets 5k. Yuk. Presumably polarised to a flush or the ace diamonds. Her check of cards, rather than the turn, concerns me for sure. Think I have to call; she just has the missed flush draw too much.

She has it, Ad 8d. And, bizarrely, slowrolls it, by showing the Ad,
waiting a couple of seconds and showing the second diamond.
Ouch

69,200

$10,000 Main Event

Well, the adjective for today is undewhelimg, but all good, 69,700 into day 2

There are plenty of worse stacks out there.
You will chip up on Day 2.

Great updates, as always, Stu

Rest, regroup & go again in Day 2

70k more than a load, so onwards you go, mate!

Good luck for day 2, which I'm guessing is in about 9 days, trying to decipher the schedule :D

Don't forget to give Hellmuth some stick but not too much!  ;) ;) :D :D

Good to see these updates return, always good reading and life might be nearly normal to boot

Saw a picture of you having a selfie with the famous Bromley poker player in Vegas, plus Tikay let it slip next door you were sat at the Helmuth's table......so I am now following this thread and wishing you the best of luck!

Oh, also there was a twitter comp earlier from Pads and I picked you to be biggest stack sometime in the future. Dont let me down ;)

$10,000 Main Event

Day two begins in an hour.

Thanks so much guys.

So, yes, rumours of the day 1F "Euro invasion" turned out to be greatly exaggerated. GG French guy was actually the only other player all day not from the United States. It was a nice table, which makes the end of day count slightly disappointing, but obviously it's completely fine. Structure just beautiful, going back to 84 bigs.

Table played really quite passive, on the cally side. I don't think anyone really got out of line all day, and that very much included Helmuth, who told us that he was just there to make day two, and was then a man of his word.

I think what happened with this unique day 1F, was 1) Not many Euros made it across, and 2) Given the perception of what the day would be, then very few very good American players were going to choose to play this flight.

69,700

Good luck, Stu.

About time a Brummie won the main. As I can't go this year, I guess it might as well be you.

good luck tonight mate

same table or do they redraw everyone?

Best of luck Stu.

Hoping for many more pages of updates.

Good luck today, Stu!

$10, 000 Main Event

Bagel - its a new table draw

Early signs of the table draw seem very encouraging. Player on my left just defended his big vs seat 2 for 2k, and moved in for 25k into 5, 200... And won

$10,000 Main Event

 Couple of small ones, 74,200.

Hijack has 15,400 and raises to 1.7k. I have AQoff, make it 7,700, and he folds

Raise button with  Ahrt  Ts, BB defends.

Flop Qs 8c 7d. Check, check

Turn Qs 8c 7d  Aspades. He checks, I bet 3.2k,he folds.

$10,000 Main Event

Up to 80k. Alot of interesting things going on at the table, so trying to take it all in, updates may be short

gd lk Stu

$10,000 Main Event

Down to 70.3k

There's been alot of a limping nice table

UTG and UTG1 call at 400-800(800), I make it 3.3k with KQ

Both call. Flop AT7. Both check to me. Thought about it, but one problem is that I may have to call the river with KQ high, if one player calls, and it comes, say, AT733.

Check. Turn is AT75. UTG bets 1.5k into 12k, so i have to call.

River AT75T. He bets 1.5k again (that kind of table). Fold

$10,000 Main Event

76.2k

I may have produced the most boring chip graph in the history of the WSOP here, over the 11 hours play.

All fine, obviously.

$10,000 Main Event

First break, 70,100

Back to 500-1000(1000)

$10,000 Main Event

Down to 58k

Had Aces for the first time.  Ahrt Aspades

Raise to 2.1k UTG. Cutoff calls, BB calls

 Jd 9c 6s. I bet 4k into 8k. Both call.

Jd 9c 6s 8h. Not too pretty. I bet 9k into 20k. Just cutoff calls

River Jd 9c 6d 8h 3h. I check. Really hoping for a snap check behind.

He bets 22k into 38k. I mean, he just has to have 2 pair plus. It would obviously be a great bluff with JT, T9 or T8, but I'm almost  sure that isn't what's going on.

Fold. Sigh

Feels a bit horrid, we block AJ pretty strongly too and there were 3 to the flop.

Just forget about it and move on.  gglgl 

Where you sat today?

$10,000 Main Event

531 amazon orange now

63k,half an hour til dinner break

Ah, the furthest corner of the room! GL and I'm sure I'll catch younaround over the next few days.

Are you working over there, Adam?

$10,000 Main Event

52, 400 just after dinner break. 800-1600(1600), first time my stack is under some kind of pressure

$10,000 Main Event

56k last break of day.

I've spent at least 90% of the first 18 hours of this tournament no more than 10% below, or 10% above, the starting stack. All good.

I guess this hanging round will mean one of two things in
The last level. Either it will lead to a rush at the end of the day, or will be inconsequential :)

Patience is a virtue, my young padawan 🙂

$10,000 Main Event

Well after 19 uneventful hours, the last one did indeed worth waiting for! Up to 124.8k for day 3, going back at 1200-2400(2400)

I had Aces, Kings and Jacks in 3 of the last hands, and two days that had me consistently on starting stack, brings us back now with double it.

Word is that we will reach the cash either at the end of tomorrow (day 3), or right at the start of day 4.

Great work Stu.
Keep it going

Nice finish to the day Stu - the deck is finally on our side

What a slog. Well fought, Stu, and a richly deserved double up.

Great stuff Stu, good luck on day 3

BOSH!

Great end to the day, and hopefully day is more of the same from the start :)

+1

Stu,

Please do not engage in a drinking competition with Niall!!

Also, if you can bust Pat Lyons it would bring a smile to my face 🙂

$10,000 Main Event

Thanks so much guys. Table looks interesting indeed. Firaldo knocked me out a few years ago. Pat Lyons, however, seems more interesting. He played a hand all in blind whilst being interviewed yesterday (and won).

A bit of bookkeeping - we missed yesterday's $1,500 stud hi lo. Let's keep on missing events :)

Do we know much else about Pat Lyons? I mean, we have the obvious - that playing blind all in is generally considered loose behaviour, but is he usually like that?

$10,000 Main Event

145k

Pat Lyons seems in quieter mode at the moment, and is even looking at his cards.

$10,000 Main Event

135k

Raise  Ahrt Jd UTG1 to 5.2k. SB doesn't realise there's a raise, and throws in a call for the 2.4k big blind. He calls the rest, BB calls

 9s 5s 2c.

He leads 3.6k into 18k. Think I have to call. Obviously some kind of case to raise, but probably not this time


Turn 9s 5s 2c 5d.

He leads 5k into 25.2k. Fold

$10,000 Main Event

135k

Firaldo took a AK< AQ beat, and is short.

Pat Lyons has had all his chips over the line twice, but in sensible fashion; 4bet all in with KK pre, to which the woman folded, and moved all in from BB with Kd Qd vs Firaldo's SB limp.

$10,000 Main Event

178k

Raise  Ahrt 9h Hijack, Pat Lyons defends

 Kh Tc 2h. He checks, I bet 4.2k, he calls (one time please?...)

Yes. Kh Tc 2h 8h. He leads the min, 2.4k. I make it 20k, he calls

River Kh Tc 2h 8h 3d.

He checks. Now, it already appears that his play today (and probably in general) is far more sensible than his "incident" yesterday would imply.

But obviously, something went on with the min bet, and there can't be much reason to not go big.

I bet 56k into 60k. He actually pretty quick folds.

One funny element is that the incident does, if he is thinking about things, give him as close to a guarantee as possible that no one is going to bluff him.

$10,000 Main Event

It nearly got really dirty. Didn't want it to, but would have had to

Woman raises UTG2 on Lyons' BB to 5.5k. UTG2 calls, I have  Aspades Qs.

Close, but there's arguments for playing multiway.

One more reluctant call from the button, and comes to Firaldo. He has a pretty awesome squeeze spot. Makes it 32.5k

Hmm, yuk. He has 125k, I have him covered, and I think I will have no option but to do it if it folds to me.

Then, it gets dirtier. Lyon gives the speech, and calls the 32.5k cold from the big. He'll have a bad hand

Now I'm just going to have to do it if it folds to me, and create some ridiculous 3 way all in me vs Firaldo vs Lyons.

The woman actually snap declares a confident all in (she'll have it) . I'll admit to being slightly relieved, I  would have had to go with it, but obviously not really wanting that kind of spot.

$10,000 Main Event

Lyons showed 9d 8d after he folded , and Firaldo fairly quickly folded, so everything was indeed as it seemed

$10,000 Main Event

135k first break

It feels like the relatively sensible play of Lyons in the first half is now, and I would suspect will remain, a thing of the past

I don't want to derail this thread but no, I'm on holiday :)

$10,000 Main Event

126k

$10,000 Main Event

123k

$10,000 Main Event

Stole one. Button opens to 7k at 1.5k-3k. Feels weak.
SB calls, won't be strong

I have Js 2s, and squeeze to 32k

135k

$10,000 Main Event

170k.

Knocked one out in a small (but worth having) one

Raise Js Jc UTG at 1.5k-3k. Short stack all in for 26k. He has  Aspades Kd. King in the window but

Ks 9c Jd 3h 6h

Nice

Thought I had opened the wrong kind of thread then ;) Sounds like you are having fun anyway. Keep it going!

$10,000 Main Event

Down to 129k

$10,000 Main Event

110k, card dead couple of hours

$10,000 Main Event

Lyons has busted but table has become one where you can't do too much without a hand.

108k

$10,000 Main Event

Down to 85k

$10,000 Main Event

No good. 72k. Card dead on a table where you need cards. Approaching dinner break

$10,000 Main Event

Re starting after dinner. 12 big blinds. Very likely to be either a good or bad update soon :)

$10,000 Main Event

1,368 left, 1000 in the money

1,314 left, I have 62k

$10,000 Main Event

Stone dead at the very wrong time at the wrong table

34k. 1220 left

$10,000 Main Event

Out

Pushed Qs 9c from button for 11BB at 2.5k-5k

BB calls  Ahrt Qd

Full sweat on the turn, Qh 8s 7s 5c

No good. Gutted

$1,500 PLO Bounty

($500 Bounty per player)

Well, good tournament to move straight into. 25k starting stack

$1,500 Pot limit

No good. Worked to up to 40k (25k ss), then down to 32k.

Raise   Aspades Jd Td 9c to 3,600 at 600,1,200. BB is a dead hand , which can always be annoying when you have a half-honest hand. SB raises pot, to 13.2k.

Just about have to call. Lack of nut suit is bad, but it's a call.

It comes Kd Qd 2s. He pots, we under call all in.

He says " I just have top set," and has Ks Kd 6s 5c.

We get there on the turn of Kd Qd 2s Jc

But then make the third Jack that we didn't want to make on the river..

Kd Qd 2s Jc Jh

Unlucky Stu.
Tomorrow is another day.

Unlucky Stu.

Unlucky Stu, sounds like a tough grind today.

solid effort mate,  best of luck rest of  the series

$1,500 Round of Each (PLO/NL)

Thanks guys.

Level four of the round of each, been fairly steady, 28,2000

$1,500 Round of Each

Reasonably uneventful, but won a decent one.

Raise  Ahrt  6c to 1.3k from HJ at 300-600. Button calls

 Aspades Kh 3d. Check, he bets 1,500. Call

 Aspades Kh 3d 7c. I check, he now bets 7k into 6.5k

Feels very suspicious. Presuming that he would have 3bet AK, there's not much that he's repping. Call

Not at all what I'm going to do if he moves in on the river.

 Aspades Kh 3d 7c 8d. Check. He thinks for a quite a while, but checks, and mucks.

37,000

$1,500 Round of Each

Sadly, at the rebuy cage. Raise Tc Th UTG1 to 1.2k from 42k,  4 call.

Pot 7.4k

9s 7c 2h. Big blind leads for 2k. I make it 9k from 42k. He calls

9s 7c 2h Td. He has me covered. We have 33k into, 25,200

He bets 3k. His heart starts beating fast. I kind of hate it, but I don't think there's too much we can do. All in, call

He does have it. 8h 6h. No good

9s 7c 2h Td 3d

$1,500 Round of Each

Second bullet was sadly fairly quick. 600-1200, Hijack raises to 3k. I have 6s 6c, and 26,200 on the button. Don't really like these spots in these kind of tournaments, but I have to go with it. I sometimes try for the fold by making it less, so make it 15k

He snap moves in, which sounds like bad news. He has Kc Jh. Sigh. No good....

Kd 9c 7c 3d Jh

Gutted. These kind of tournaments are actually lovely to have a run in.

To the 10k Stud8 we go tomorrow

Good luck in the Stud HiLo Stu.   Feel like I should be good at the game, but always feel a bit of a fish playing it.

Best of luck tomorrow Stu.

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

Just about to sit down. Really excited for this one. 60k start

Love Stud. Run well.

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

Table looks more encouraging than I thought. Only recognise Dan Heimiller

60.5k. Won a small one, and then we go 4 way where I have

(3h 6c) 7s. Other three have  Aspades, Ac and 9d

I catch (3h 6c) 7s 5d.

Aspades catches the Ad. Ac catches 5h. 9d catches 6s.

Pair of aces bets, Ac calls, i call, 9d folds.

Miss 5th Street. (3h 6c) 7s 5d Jd. Their hands become Aspades Ad Js, and Ac 5h 7h.

Pair of aces bets, Ac guy raises.

Hmm, nasty spot. Obviously I'm getting squeezed, and this will end as four bets to me, but I nearly have the price. Its just about a fold

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

57k. Ran aces into a flush for a 8k pot.

I might keep the updates brief, as Stud8 takes a while to write out hand histories!

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

56k. Field is actually more random than you would think. Still only recognise one player at my table. 62 entrants at the moment, my guess is that that will become 150

Wouldn't worry about lengthy HHs on here, mate.

Just get hoovering up their chips!

I will take your instruction Marky!

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

64k

Made a low 6th, and a pair of Queens 7th, to scoop a decent one. Then, chopped one with Heimiller

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

Up to 72k

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

110k

Wow. Massive four way pot. I make Eights full of sevens. Guy on my right has trip queens, seat 9 has I think Kings full of deuces.

Not that it's too relevant, but I would imagine I've just fluked the early chip lead

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

112k going into level four.

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

Ran into a flush to beat my two pair

85k

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

Bit of a dip, 78k in level 5

Level 5, come alive!

Good luck, mate.

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

A very card dead couple of hours actually, 72k going into level 7

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

80k towards end of level 7

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

Up to 88k

Raise (T4)T, 3 low cards call.

I get (T4)TK, 2 lows miss (sadly one with a ten), and one catches

(xx) 83

We make (T4) TKT, with the case ten. (xx) 83 hits a brick queen, and actually folds (meaning he must have paired on 4th

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

87,600, final break of the day

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

65k

Big pot, went to the river with AT8875 against (xx) K428 (which felt like Kings). Q brick on the river. Needed to hit that one

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

No good. 35k

Started (AQ) A, played against (xx)8

We didn't improve, he made (xx) 87T8, and declared "two pair" (eights and sevens)

Sigh

Good luck tomorrow if still in Stuart

$10,000 Stud Eight or better

Out, sadly

Got back up to 52k, but then got brick walled by two straights.

First hand, I 2bet (AA)2 from the bring in. I make

(AA) 2447 (T), bet every street into (xx) 764T (x). He flats the river, which is good news (if he doesn't have a low for the scoop, then I'm winning)

He has a straight (89764Tx), so it's fairly inexplicable that he didn't raise. But I guess it saved me a bet.

Big pot to lose at that point, we needed to run good in the last level.

Then, I have (QQ) 3 with 19k in the bring in, Hijack raises a (xx)6, and we get in 3bets (9k). We brick, (QQ)39T he catches (xx) 685, and we have to get it in. He has (A7) 685, for a low and a freeroll, and he does immediately get there with (A7) 8659, to knock us out

Shame. $2,500 big bet mix tomorrow, which should be a great one

Unlucky Stu, but the Big Bet is a great game & you will be in your element against players with weaknesses in some games.

Unlucky, Stu.

Good luck in the mix today!

Good luck for the rest of wsop I’ve missed railing your updates only
Just stumbled on this

Thanks so much guys.

Yes, very excited for the Big bet Mix today. I would say this is the best tournament, for people having very different levels of knowledge about the games!

The games are NL, PLO, PLO8 (hilo), 2 to 7 no limit, and then most intriguingly, no limit 5 card draw, and best of all, pot limit triple draw. The triple draw is crazy, and can play by far the biggest. I guess the best way of describing the tournament is to say that by far the most sensible game is no limit holdem!

good luck with this. sounds like fun.

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Six handed, just started. Table very encouraging. Only 36 entrants so far , but presumably that will go up quickly

The other interesting game will be the no limit 5 card draw. Obviously, just hasn't been played at all since about 1972. But definitely interesting strategy wise, as there is the option to bluff with the number of cards you draw. The bluff would be to draw 2 (keeping 3), which would only logically imply that you've got trips.

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Actually did the unlikely, and bluffed pre in no limit single draw.

German guy limps UTG at 100-100(100), and is told he has to raise. He raises to 200,and four call.

I have Qs 8s 2s 6c 4d, so am just going to have to snow (draw a fake number to imply strength), and would have to choose between snowing a "1" (implying two pair), or 2 (implying the stronger but less likely trips).

It feels like the 3bet should get through though, so I make it 2,000, and they all fold

Interesting field. There are 55 players ; I just looked around, and only recognise one player by sight, which is Matesow. That must be ridiculously unusual. I guess they're all turning up late

37k from 35k start
 

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Sigh, lol.

Dealt 76532 (number 3; the third nuts),in pot limit triple draw. About 1 in 1,000 to be dealt a number 7, and ridiculous in the game that is going to make the crazy pots.

They all fold :(

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Wow. Doubled up. Not in the fashion I expected.

No limit holdem, Raise  Ad Kc to 500 on the button

Big blind 3bets to 2.2k. Call. Doesn't feel like I need to 4bet when we're 170 bigs deep.

At this point, I make a read which turns out to be hopelessly wrong. I decide 1) He looks like a good player (I think that remained true), 2) He is clearly a mixed game player, and 3) I. Didn't recognise him.

So I put those three things together to decide that one thing he wouldn't want to do is to look to run a Bluff in the only "non mixed game," which is no limit holdem. Turned out to be an awful read.

Flop is  Aspades Kh 5c. He bets 2.7k, I call.

Turn is Aspades Kh 5c 8h He bets 7.2k, i call.

This will leave almost exactly a pot sized bet.

River is Aspades Kh 5c 8h Ts.

He makes said pot sized bet, and it's enough to put me all in, for 23,200.

I don't call immediately. But I have to call. I think he has it (AK, AA or KK), and if so I chop with 4 combos, and lose to 2 combos. Funnily enough, if those 6 combos are his exact range, that actually gives me the exact correct (neutral EV) price to call. As in, if I were calling for a chop, I need to have that chop 66% of the time.  I actually don't love it, but I just have to call.

Read was hopelessly wrong. He has 7h 6h. Faded the 9 outer, then the 15 outer.

Up to 74k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Pulled a nice bluff in pot limit triple draw.

He raises button, i defend and draw 1. He draws 2

Miss. Bet pot. He calls. I draw one, he pats. He's surely weak.

I miss again. Check. He bets 3.5k into 4.2k. He has 22k, so I'm able to raise to 13k to threaten his stack

He folds. 85k first break

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Up to 84k

$2500 Big Bet mix

Going really good, 96k first break

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Really good, 125k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Running really good, winning every pot. 140k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Yuk, lost a 50k pot to Jake Schwartz. Felt really obvious he was going to do what he did

Pot limit triple draw, we are 1 vs 1 on the turn. I make 96542. He has 22k, pot is 8k. I bet 5.4k, and manage to get him to move in with 8654x. There are reasons to do it, but I think it's too thin given how thin he may well be drawing.

He has 7 outs, and hits a 3

120k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

116k, going into last 4 levels of the day

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Ran two pair into nut flush in no limit single draw, 105k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

95k

$2500 Big Bet mix

Won a couple of NL pots against Schwartz

105k

188 in so far. Will probably become 200

$2,500 Big Bet mix

105k going into last 2 levels of the day

keep it up stu, going great

$2500 Big Bet mix

95k, into last level of the day

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Really weird no limit single draw pot.

Dealt 333 (qj) in SB. Massive hand. Cutoff raises, but looks self conscious and something is going on. Shaky hand.

Thing is, I have a big hand but am drawing so thin to improve that I can actually 3bet-fold.

I 3bet to 9k and he calls. I draw 2, he pats. I mean, that is really weird. He basically has to have a straight plus, and hasn't 4bet.

We don't improve. I check - fold. Can't be completely sure, it could be some sick snow. But I've sat with him all day, and it really doesn't feel like it.

80k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Won fairly big PLO hand, knocked out Benny Glaser

116k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Finished day with 117,500

Last hand could have got nasty. Raised aqj63 in Big O with 6 high diamonds on the button. SB called, Schwartz called BB.

Flop Qd Td 2d. Schwartz leads 7k into 9.5k. Obviously always a close one, in 5 card, but used a bit of a live read, that he was definitely getting tired, and bet pretty quickly without checking his cards. I folded, He had Ad 5d, and ended up getting 3 streets of value against the SB who said he had four diamonds

Much better read today, good luck tomorrow.

Well done on beating Benny Glaser in a hand, I don't see him much online, but seems to run pretty pure vs me.

Well done, Stu.

Sleep well and crush tomorrow.

Good job Stu.

Best of luck tomorrow and beyond.

WP Stu

GL in Day 2

Lovely stuff!

Good luck today, Stu.

Keep it going Stuart, knocking Benny out is no mean feat, he's a class player.

Today's seat draw:

Amazon   466   1   Anatolii Zyrin             Russia                79,500
Amazon   466   2   Brad Ruben              United States       7,600
Amazon   466   3   Stuart Rutter             United Kingdom   117,500
Amazon   466   4   Eli Elezra                   Israel                 133,100
Amazon   466   5   Jose Paz-Gutierrez   Bolivia                 74,600
Amazon   466   6   Richard Bai              United States      185,800

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Thanks guys. Excited for day two.

Eli elezra on my direct right. Debatable whether that's a good or bad thing, but it's definitely a thing

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Won one in single draw.

Raise 3456(x) on the button. Big blind called, and drew 3 (I. E. He has one pair).

We miss, 3456A. He checks.

This is the game that everyone is trying to work out as they go along. I make it about 28% to improve to two pair or better qhnw you draw 3 to one pair. So, it feels like a Bluff from me has a good chance.

I bet 6k into 12k, and he folds

128k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Lost fairly big one in PLO, 110k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Won one PLO, 120k

3bet double suited AA55 from the SB vs UTG. Call

Flop Kh Jh 3c, I have nut flush draw. SPR is 3, I bet 0.6x pot and he folds

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Dan Zach tested positive for Covid overnight, and so didn't turn up for day two. He deserves a big amount of respect. Not everyone would do that

$2,500 Big Bet mix

135k.

PLO hilo, bluffed the player (Eli) that I wasn't looking to bluff!

$2500 Big Bet mix

Bluffed a nice one in PLO8. 150k

SB limps, I raise AQ95 small suit

T32 rainbow, he checks, I bet 7k, call

T32T. He definitely is supposed to lead three tens here alot. Feels like threes and deuces just got counterfeited alot.

I bet 17k into 19k, and he folds

$2,500 Big Bet mix

No limit deuce to seven.

Won one vs Eli, 160k

Raise 932 (22) because of the blockers on the button. Eli calls and draws 1.

I draw 2, hand confirmed in the cookie jar.

I get lucky and make 98632. Eli bets 6k into 13k.

It's very close, I very likely should raise given the unlikelyness of getting there with a 2 card draw.

He actually helps a fair bit by giving a fun speech, and promising to show one card. This polarises him alot, and takes away the mid strength hands that I would want to value raise against.

I call, and he shows 77

$2,500 Big Bet mix

142k

Dealer is really nervous, won't stop talking through the nerves

We get aces UTG in PLO. The small blind then gets a 5th card

Miss deal

160k

Moved to what is (still) Dan Zach's table, and his 20k chips and an empty seat.

Eli moved here too

Will keep updates very brief now

$2,500 Big Bet mix

First break, 170k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

140k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Up to 195k, let's go

$2,500 Big Bet mix

171k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

198k, 52 left, 32 in the money, average 140k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

205k, table change, 48 left

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Lost two bigO, 170k

Sun run, one time.

$2,500 Big Bet mix

201k, second break, 44 left

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Big miss in 2-7 single draw, 150k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Down to 132k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

122k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

138k, down to 36k, 32 in the money

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Down to 93k, 35 left

$2,500 Big Bet mix

127k, we're on pure bubble now

Hand for hand

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Surprisingly, we're going to dinner break on the bubble.

127k, 33 left

Will miss today's $1,500 no limit freeze out

$2,500 Big Bet mix

In the money!

First hand after the dinner break, Ishmael Bojean goes

126k, 32 left

Nice work Stu

And now it’s time to climb the money tree.... GL

$2,500 Big Bet mix

98k, new table, which is tough - Schwartz, Jerry Wong and Pearjammer

Down to 5 tables. Moved to table I just came from

Nice Big O pot, 146k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Sigh, down to fumes

39k

Lost big one in no limit holdem, JT vs KK on J93r

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Down to 20k

$2,500 Big Bet mix

Out. Gutted

I have 24k at 8kBB in 2-7 no limit, folded round to me in the small blind.

Move in with QT632. This is actually a hand where in theory all 3 options could be possible (pat, draw 1, draw 2)

He sighs and takes ages to call, and actually ends up having 8753(x).

This, (i'm 99% sure) is nothing but a fairly ridiculous nit roll, but it actually is inadvertently of massive benefit to him, as it convinces me he is drawing 2, and so I decide to pat the QT632, rather than draw 1 to the T632

He catches a J8753 to win. I guess if I had got the draw correct, I would have caught a jack and been 50/50 to win. But given the sigh and the tank, and the fact he hadn't played too nitty up to that point, it feels like patting is the right decision.

Great fun tournament, but a real shame to go

Cash was for $4,481

Unlucky Stu. Great run though.
Nice to get that first cash under your belt.
What's next?

I'm guessing it is either the:
10k Razz or
3k PLO 6 max

Great run mate, and tough end.

Good luck tonight!

https://www.pokernews.com/tours/wsop/2021-wsop/event-74-2500-big-bet-mix/chips.464830.h

I want to play 2-7 Quadruple draw 😅😅

slight derail, interesting interview i came across,  sorry i do not know how to embed the link properly.

https://www.pokerlistings.com/stuart-rutter-working-with-prisoners-the-polar-opposite-of-poker-73794

such a great thing you are doing here, will leave it there and not ramble, this thread is just to cheer you on and enjoy the updates

best of luck tonight stu

$10,000 razz

Thanks guys. Sat down mid way through first level. Only 31 in the field. Don't really recognise anyone at the table, apart from Negreanu

60k start, won a small one, 62,100

$10,000 razz

53k, lost a fairly big one. Close whether to raise the river with a 76542(QQ), luckily I didn't given his 7543A

$10,000 razz

Sigh, wow. Make a 76432 on the river. Bet, guy calls, showing (xx) 238J.

I turn the 76432 over thinking it must be good, and he has (J8) 6432A (the second nuts). Ouch, he didn't have us board locked, but incredible that he didn't raise

$10,000 razz

First break, 51,200

$10,000 razz

58k. Won nice one, making 8532A on the river vs Andre Akari.

New table, Seidel and Benyamine

$10,000 razz

Won nice one vs Benyamine and French guy in seat 1, 69k

GOGOGO!

$10,000 razz

Nice one vs seat 1, 72k

$10,000 razz

Quiet hour, 69k. Benyamine playing literally 80% of hands

$10,000 razz

Going good, 79k second break. Table is Seidel, Benyamine, Glaser

Easy game :D

$10,000 razz

Lost frustrating 32k pot to Benyamine, who is playing way too loose.

Had K532A on 5th vs his (xx)KQ5, and I managed to catch 2 pair, fives and threes

62k

$10,000 razz

62k, mid way through level 5.

Main Event rail sounds alot of fun

$10,000 razz

Approaching level 6, 65k,won one off Benyamine

$10,000 razz

Made 7643A on river vs Benyamine, for a nice one

78k

$10,000 razz

Trying not to appear too excited about sitting next to Seidel on my left, arguably the coolest character there is.

Discussion started amongst the others about the German at the final table (Aldemir?), and how good he is.

Seidel nodded, and said "he's good."

That concluded the discussion. If Seidel says he's good, he's good

$10,000 razz

Going pretty good, 76k into level 7. Eric Sagstrom just sat down

$10,000 razz

68k

$10,000 razz

Pretty card dead at what is now an overly loose table, with Sagstrom and Benyamine playing tons of hands

65k

$10,000 razz

Rough one, ran into a wheel from a 9 that limped

55k

$10,000 razz

Really rough run, 34k

Ran 7643A into 7543A, to be just pipped

$10,000 razz

32k. Very card dead day really.

Benyamine playing way too loose two to my right, and haven't once had a chance to go after it all day

Which is fine if he wasn’t an Austrian. I’m assuming that WSOP.com have flagged him correctly, of course.

Keep at it Stu

$10,000 razz

Up to 72k

Was down to 22.3k, so nice upswing

Won one vs Benyamine, and then had this spot vs Seidel.

He shows (xx) 36TK, on 6th, we have (A2) 7KA2 (two pair). He checked 5th, I bet. He checked 6th, and I bluffed again. We got the tank fold.

Bucket list item right there!

He is German, but I think he lives in Vienna. WSOP seem to use home address rather than nationality for flags

$10,000 razz

Up to 101k, let's go

Big ante this level (3k-6k-1k), so always intended to attack it

$10,000 razz

110k

$10,000 razz

85k

Sigh, massive four way pot created by (probably overly loose) 2bet from Benyamine on 3rd. I had to go 3bets with (A2) 6 and bear perfect dead cards. Bricked out

$10,000 razz

Sigh, really frustrating one to lose. 60k

Bring in has brought in late, seems to be playing for fun, and calls two cold with a (xx) Q after I have raised (26)7 and been 2bet by a (xx) 7. Have no choice but to go 5 bets pre, which means there is 55k in the pot going to 4th Street


Get pipped by the other good starting hand, 87632 into 85432

Was a massive 110k pot

$10,000 razz

Down to 47k

Keep at it, Stu. The luck will come.

$10,000 razz

61k, 30 minutes to go

$10,000 razz

50k

$10,000 razz

End of day, 42k

Well, that was fun, but a battle of a day. 2pm restart.

I guess we needed to win one of the two silly pots that went 4/5 bet pre for it to have been a good day.

Obviously a silly thing to say, as poker is the random result of millions of butterfly effects, but definitely feels a shame for the day's massive pot to have been created by a random cold call of a 5bet from a queen.

Anyway, let's go tomorrow

Thanks for the updates , gl tomorrow

Another day of razz updates is a win.

Run outrageously tomorrow.

Good luck later Stu.  I have never really thought about razz too much, but that Q hand is intersting.  I'd never realise that I should be raising with 762, as it looks a bit of a marginal hand, but can see why you are right.  Definitely keep posting hands and ignore Marky please.   I think I need to do more work before spewing at 8 game/razz.

I'd love him to keep posting them, but obv want him to win money, more than worry about live HHs for us :D


Heater today please, Stu!!

The HH’s are fascinating Stu. Please carry on doing them whenever they don’t get in the way of your progress in the comps - which is what I think Marky was getting at...

Don’t mean to derail, BUT.....
I’ve also been hooked on Negreanu’s vlogs since the beginning of this year’s WSOP, since he’s also offered quite a lot of insight into the games outside of NLH and PLO/PLO8 - although it seems he doesn’t always follow his own guidance. (Did he get his vlogging stick out whilst you shared his table?) His vlogs are interesting also on the premise that he seems to be ‘real’. Be interested in your take on him - is the enthusiasm for GG Poker real, for example?

Finally, Seidel. Great bucket list stuff with the bluff. You’re right though; for a relatively old guy, he’s still cool and revered in the poker community. I think of him as the Seinfeld of poker.....

GL today

Yeah, exactly that. Don't want him compromising his comp in anyway just to keep the thead pretty.

Good luck, Stu!

seidel on left again...

best of luck stu

$10,000 razz

Right, here for the start of day two. Thanks guys. Yes, Seidel confirmed on my left. Only recognise Andrew Bohman aside from that.

Double levels today, we start 4k-8k (1k)

$10,000 razz

55k. Won the (small) first pot. Really weird pot, where I ended up blufifng the river with 3 pair, and got it through

$10,000 razz

Lost next pot, 29k. Ran 76532 into 7432A.

Really short

$10,000 razz

22k, life support

$10,000 razz

Getting anted to death, 15k

$10,000 razz

Out, sadly. Not a fun way to go. Definitely disappointing in these 10ks, but just got to keep on going.

So, from the 29k, a brick wall of antes, down to 14k. Then we get (23)6, and actually the bets fly in on 3rd, and we are happy enough to be all in 4 ways.

We catch (23)66AT, and so are going to have a big sweat for a 70k pot. 2,4 or 5 required; a 7 will be 90% a winner, an 8 will be 80% a winner.

It's small... But its a 3. Two pair, no good

Definitely a lot more opportunity in this tournament than you would think. We just couldn't win two significant pots in a row

Ul Stu.

Good luck in the PLO, if you go for it

$3000 PLO 6max

Into the 3k PLO six max ASAP. Last Vegas tournament, will be a good one

$3000 PLO six max

Seems good. Been at two tables so far, both nice.

Up to 48k from 40k starting stack.

Three significant pots :

1) 3 limps to me. I pot to 1,300 with  Kh Kd 7s 6s. All call

Flop overfull on Kc Qc Qd.

Checked to me, happy to just make an exploitative sizing, so I bet 4.2k into 5.7k. It should in theory be fairly obvious what's going on with that sizing, but only in theory, and they're not going to fold a Queen.

All fold

2) Raise Ac Jc 3d 2h UTG1, as the big blind is really nitty.  Button and big blind call.

Jh 4d 3c (Top and bottom)

BB checks, I bet 1.3k into 2.1k. Both call, fairly quickly.

Turn is Jh 4d 3c Ts. BB checks. Button called quickly enough on the flop, to skew it towards straight draws. Set of fours seems unlikely for either , set of tens should be very difficult to have for either. Some decent possibility that they would fold the hand one better than mine (J4), given that it shouldn't contain an open ender, as that would have been raised on the flop.

I bet pot (6.3k), and we get two folds.

$3,000 PLO six max

50k

Raise Jc Js 9c 7s from CO, BB calls

 Ahrt Kd 3d. BB checks

GTO I think is bet with 1 diamond, definitely with 2, and check with 0. Check

Ahrt Kd 3d Qs

Have to fire twice. Obviously for the blockers, but also the stronger range on that board.

Bet 1.3k into 2k, he calls.

Ahrt Kd 3d Qs 5c. Some very small significance that I can have that straight and he can't.

He checks, I bet 3.7k into 4.6k. Get it through

$3,000 PLO six max

53k first break

$3,000 PLO six max

Up to 62k, let's go

$3,000 PLO six max

Sigh, nasty one

Russian raises to 1.1k on button on my BB from 12k.

I have  Ahrt Kd Th 9s. Think about raising, to get it in if needed here. He won't be folding. I just call - he will represent the flops that hit me, I may be able to represent the boards that I miss.

Kh Jc 6h (Top pair, top kicker, gutshot, nut flush draw). Standard check raise all in.

I check, he bets 2k, I raise the pot to 8.4k.

Definitely got slow rolled (clearly I have just moved all in) for about 10 seconds, which was bizarre.

He has 6s 6c 2d 2c, for bottom set.

12 outs twice


Turn is Kh Jc 6h Ks. Improvement to trips is a decrease in equity.

Miss the river, Kh Jc 6h Ks 3d

50k

$3,000 PLO six max

Two Bluffs got through

(I keep on being dealt straight blockers)

John Shoreman limps at BB500, SB limps, we have 6s 6d 6h 5c in the big, and check.

Td 4h 3c. This is where our third 6 becomes useful, because of its blocking qualities. Shoreman bets 1.5k, Russian calls.

Raise pot to 8.3k. Get it through

Then, raise button with 7h 7c 3h 3c. Both blinds call.

Aspades 8h 5c. Checked around.

Aspades 8h 5c 4s. Checked to me, I bet two thirds pot, they fold

56k

$3,000 PLO six max

Second break, 62k (40k starting stack)

$3,000 PLO six max

Called  River, correctly, 67k

Russian raises UTG, i call  Ad Qd Jh Tc cutoff, BB calls.

Checked to river on 4s 4h 3s 9h 4d. Russian bets 4k.

Feels bluffy. Obviously (give or take the small worry that he may have bluffed with AK) I have one of the best bluff catchers, because of the blockers.

I call, and he has Jc 9s 8h 5d

$3,000 PLO six max

Ah, I just can't hit anything. Raise 7s 6s 6c 4c button, both blinds defend.

Tc 5s 3s. Shoremqn leads BB for 5k into 6.2k. He'll have it, obviously.

Mammoth draw. Call

Tc 5s 3s 9c. Draw gets better. 26 outs to improve

He bets 15k. Depsite probably being a favourite, there's no need to raise. I can fold the river cards I miss, he may not be able to fold.

Call

Massive brick, Tc 5s 3s 9c Qh.

He moves all in, fold

$3,000 PLO six max

Out first bullet, aces to aces.

This has been rough

Raise with  Ahrt  Ac Kh 5d to 1.8k. Active player who has done some strange things makes it 4,800 (always strange to not raise pot).

He has done this before and got it in with JT98. There's a very good chance he'll get it in, and actually not much of a chance he'll have aces.

Pot and repot, we get it in. He has aces.

He has  Aspades Ad Js 5c, and he gets there

Td Ts 5h 8s 3s

$3,000 PLO six max

Second bullet, up to 52k, end of level six

$3,000 PLO six max

Up to 62k

$3,000 PLO six max

69k

Won one vs Martins Adenya, betting flop and turn with top pair and wrap

$3,000 PLO six max

69k, KQ good after blind defend on K6637

$3,000 PLO six max

78k

Defended AJ85 bad 3suit button vs big blind

AAQhh

Check raised his small 2.2k cbet and he folded

$3,000 PLO six max

Hmm. 65k

Raised AAT4 cutoff, button calls

Flop 955 rainbow. I bet 4k into 9k, he raises to 10,400

Turn is 955J, second heart. I have no heart. He has 40k into the 29k pot, and says "pot."

It definitely feels suspicious. Problem is, if I'm wrong I have two outs, and if I'm right, the turn card has probably given him a 9,13,15,17 outer etc.

I just about fold. Not sure

$3,000 PLO six max

Out, sadly. Not nice

I have 60k at BB 1,200. I have rainbow Aces,
 Aspades Ahrt Tc 9h in the big. UTG1 makes it 3k, I pot to 9,800

Flop is Kc 7c 3h. SPR is 2.5, so it's close, but it's fine to get in Aces.

I bet 15k, he moves in. He has  Ad Jc Jh 6c (very much not a call pre).

He gets there on Kc 7c 3h Js 6s

11 outs, but feels nasty

Well, I guess I'm now leaving the Rio for the last time :(  (it's confirmed for Paris and Ballys next year)

Ouch.
Unlucky Stu, but thanks for the updates.
Really enjoy following the HHs and learning a bit more about the strategies.
Good Luck @ Kings for WSOPE.

Damn, unlucky, mate. Been a rough run at the Rio.

Safe flight, and fingers crossed for a WSOP(E) heater!

You're off just before I get there, so at least I know my scooter is safe ;D

Thanks for the updates mate, enjoyed following as always.

How long you there for? Me and Stu arrive Monday afternoon so could possible have a few beers?

rough run in vegas, best of luck at wsope and thanks for the updates

Thanks everyone, been fun, even though disappointing.

I'm in Rozvadov Wednesday (24th) til 'Monday 4th. Does that overlap at all, EvilPie?

Might do mate. We arrive on the 22nd in the afternoon so depends when you leave Vegas.....

You still got the same number from 6 years ago?......

That's great, yes same number.

Just landed of Heathrow. Four days of rest before we go again!

1350 EUR Mini Main Event, WSOP Europe

Right, we are here. Via a flight to Munich, and transfer over the border. My hotel is actually in Germany (but ten minutes from the Czech casino), and getting to the small German town was the biggest post Vegas culture shock ever. On arriving and leaving, I didn't see a single person, and even when I got to reception, spent five minutes waiting in front of an empty reception desk.

Raced here for 4:30pm,and structure has been pretty good. Pretty much the same as the Vegas main, but two hour reduced to 40 minutes.

141,200 from 100,000 start so far.

Just had an interesting hand raising  Kc Kd UTG to
2.8k at BB1, 200. UTG2 3bet to 6.500. He had my 120k (100BB) covered

A small sizing, UTG2 vs UTG, and something was definitely going on, heart was beating fast. Obviously with Kings, you don't want them to be super polarised early vs early.

I did think about getting the 100 big ins, but just flatted.

Ts 5s 4c, I checked, he bet 5.8k, I called.

Ts 5s 4c 9d, I checked, he thought, and checked

Ts 5s 4c 9d 7h

I value bet 25k into 26.6k. He folded fairly quickly.

It still may have been AK, which would be a blunder from me pre (although we don't necessarily get it in), but not quite sure what happened there.

1350 EUR Mini Main, WSOPE

Pulled a nice one. One active young German guy at the table, I 4bet  Kh 6s to 25k vs his cutoff 3bet to 11,600 vs the Hijack

152k

1350 EUR Mini Main

Down to 120k.

Raise Qc Jc lojack to 5k at 2kBB. Hijack calls

Ac 9c 4d. (second nut flush draw) I bet 5k, he calls.

Ac 9c 4d Ts (15 outs to nuts). I bet 11k, he raises to 30k.

He definitely has it. Need to hit. Call

Ac 9c 4d Tc 3h. Check, all in, fold

Sigh. There was definitely something going on, he seemed very comfortable with his hand as the flop and turn hit, but it's tough not to bet the 15 outer (given its a check-call if I do check)

1350 EUR Mini Main

Nice (half) bluff against same guy.

Limper at 2kBB, I raise  Ahrt Jh to 7k from cutoff, he calls button.

5d 4d 5c. I bet 7k, just the button calls.

5d 4d 5c 4h. Check, check

He checked quickly enough that it really felt like ace high.

5d 4d 5c 4h 3d. Everything got there. Feels like he doesn't have any of the everything.

If he has ace high, he folds for a small bet, so I bet 13k into 39k.

He folds

1350 EUR Mini Main

142k at dinner break

sounds fun

best of luck stu

1350 EUR Mini Main

152k going into 1500-3000(3000)

1350 EUR Mini Main

Couple of nice 3bet Bluffs, 165k, in 2k-4k (4k)

1350 EUR Mini Main

Out. Sigh

Had 170k. 42.5 bigs. New table, first hand. Woody raised UTG1 to 10.5k at 2k-4k (sizing definitely some small alarm bells). I have Qd Qs on the cutoff.

If there's no callers, it definitely feels like a flat.

Hijack calls.

Hmm, it's really close. I'm not going to squeeze-fold, unless something weird happens.

I make it 35k. Woody moves in, with almost exactly same stack.
I definitely don't love it. Plan was always to squeeze - call


I call, he has Ks Kd

Jc Th 3d 8d 2h

Will re enter now, just before re entry closes

1350 EUR Mini Main

New entry, raise Jd Jc UTG. UTG2, and both blinds, call.

 Ahrt 9s 5s. Checked around

Ahrt 9s 5s 4c. Small blind leads small, big blind calls.

Fold. 88k

1350 EUR Mini Main

Down to 75k, raise  Ac 3d Hijack from 15 bigs. Table has seemed bad enough that there is no need for GTO shoves. Button and big blind call, who have both seemed overly loose.

Qc 9c 3d

Checkfold to buttons 16k bet

63k

1350 EUR Mini Main Event

Double up, 150k

Had Ks Qs, found the right bet size on the flop for one of the overly loose players to call flop and turn all-in with Aspades 9d on

Qd Jd Tc 7h

Need to fade an 8 or king, and we did

Qd Jd Tc 7h Js

Nice one Stu. Kick on.

Good luck Stu - I reckon you're due for a deep run

1350 EUR Mini Main

When will it end.

A raise UTG at 6kBB, Italian guy 3bets to 32k

I have Qd Qs

He only has 112k (less than 19 bigs), so the non all-in feels very concerning.

He's Italian, so its random enough that I think it doesn't have to be Kings or aces

I move all in, and he calls with Jh Jc

Really pleased to have got it right. Please hold one time

Jd in the window

Jd 4c 2h 3d 9d

Really really wanted to hold that one


Down to 40k

1350 EUR Mini Main

No good. Grinded back to 110k, got all in with Ahrt Qd vs 8s 8d for his 72k stack

Ts 6d 4c 9s 7h

Cannot win any sizeable all in

38k

1350 EUR Mini Main

Out

Actually was kind of getting close to the money, all in for 62k at 5-10k with 2s 2d. Button calls Kd Jh

Kh 6d 3c 9h 5c

Cannot win an all in

1650 EUR Round of Each

(Half no limit, half PLO)

Good one today. The key during a bad run is to make sure that you're absolutely ready if it does turn. Wouldn't want to miss a bluff through undercofidence, would hate to miss a value bet thinking the cards are against me.

4pm start

Good luck, Stu. Smash it.

Sounding more positive today, hoping today is the day where everything runs good.

Everyone goes through the cards are against me periods, just need to make sure they don't last any length of time.   And though it is sunny here and life is good, you are still the one WSOPing, so it can't be too bad.  I really should get over there some time. 

Good luck today, Stu!

Thanks so much guys, heading over now via the supermarket, to buy provisions for my curious German hotel, in curious German village, where no one seems to live.

1650 EUR Round of Each

Decent start, up to 46,400 (40k starting stack)

1650 Round of Each

44k. Blinds up fairly quickly, now 200/300(300)

110 runners so far, 1.5 hours in, so would guess 270 to finish

1650 EUR Round of Each

39.5k

One German guy is trying to play every pot, and offering to people to go all in blind. No takers yet

Peeled a couple against him and missed

In holdem, Raise 9d 8d UTG to 600 at 100/200(200), he three bets in position to 1.8k

Call, and miss Kd Qs Jc. Check fold

Raise Kd Qd Jc Th in PLO, he 3bets button. Some case to 4bet (basically for value, but also to misrepsent my hand), but we may well get 5bet holding 53% equity against his range. Call, and miss

7h 6h 5d. Check- fold

1650 EUR Round of Each

Up to 67k, let's go

Been really quiet, but felt that it was a table where 1) you needed a hand, and 2)a hand would be paid off depsite me seeming a nit.

Ad Ac on Kh 6d 2d Th Tc (lovely river)

Basically bet 70% each street, bet 15k into 22.5k on the river, which was called

Length of tank said that the sizing wasn't far from right, but 18k would very probably have been called.

Now I have a real nit image (hardly played a hand, but played Aces), but will use it against the right players

1650 EUR Round of Each

Nice turn and river call down with AKcK5 on A43ccc 49


72k

1650 EUR Round of Each

Really special table. Guy is playing, and winning, every hand.

3bet Ac Kd to 4k UTG1 vs UTG

He snap cold calls the big blind

Miss and check down Jc 7c 3h 2d Qd, and his Jh 7s (!) is good.

56k

1650 EUR Round of Each

Start of 400-800(800), got 63k

1650 EUR Round of Each



PLO, 3 limps, limp  Ad Ks Jc 6d from SB

 Ahrt Qd 6s (top and bottom, gutshot). Lead 3k, just the button calls.

Ahrt Qd 6s 9d (2 pair, nut flush draw, gut shot). Check call 11k

Big River.

Ahrt Qd 6s 9d 8c. Probably the worst river.

Check, he checks, and, surprisingly, has a set of Queens, Qh Qc 9c 6h

1650 EUR Round of Each

48k, start of 500-1000(1000)

1650 EUR Round of Each

Up to 56k in 600-1200(1200)

1650 EUR Round of Each

63k

We got holdem Aces on one of the very few circumstances that "every hand guy" didn't play a hand.... Because for the first time, he had stepped away from the table :) :)

Won a small one blind on blind

1650 EUR Round of Each

Up to 80k

Raise Ac 3c HJ with a dead big blind. Big blind calls.

Ahrt Qd 6h 2s

I actually decided to check behind twice

Ahrt Qd 6h 2s 3d

He led 3.3k into 7k, I raised to 13k and he called

He'd have outflopped you that time. Good dodge.

Next time, though, you'll get him.

1650 EUR Round of Each

Up to 120k, let's go

Holdem. 3bet  Aspades Js SB vs cutoff to 12k. Call

9s 7s 3c. I have 58k into 25k

Bet 8k to set up good turn size (and maybe some outside shot of him bluff raising)

Get there turn. 9s 7s 3c Qs

Check, check

9s 7s 3c Qs 8h

He should turn something like 66 or 67 into a Bluff, but I don't think he will. Therfore, the question is whteher there are enough hands he value bets. I think we're too shallow for a check to be the best EV move, so i bet 28k. Fairly quick call, probably could have got more, but think its the right size

1650 EUR Round of Each

Pulled a cheeky one. We're actually 6 handed for a moment, I have 9h 4c in the big. My image is fairly clean.

The two seats to me left have been battling. The first opens UTG to 4.5k, UTG1 three bets to 13k. "Guy playing every hand" has slowed down alot, but is now playing a few too many hands, and passively. He cold calls the 13k on the button

No blockers, but the spot is otherwise perfect. I make it 42k

All fold

142k

I promise this is a round of each tournament, I seem to be playing almost all holdem

1650 EUR Round of Each

147.5k, last break of day, two 40 minute levels left

Good stuff, keep winning. 

1650 EUR Round of Each

167k, last level of the day

1650 EUR Round of Each

Up to 240k,lets go

One gift from the deck, one 3bet bluff

"Too many hands" guy raises to 6.5k from cutoff on my big blind. We have  Ahrt Aspades. Button is all in for 53.5k.
I actually think its right, in just this case, to throw in the semi act, ask for a count etc, to try to get the cutoff to call behind. I call, he folds.

Button has Ac Jc, and we don't even suffer a sweat

Qd 9d 6s 4c 8h

Next hand, button raises to 6.5k from 80k. I have 9s 4h. My image is still good (I think at this kind of table it's never bad for image to have just had aces)

Make it 22k, and he folds. Didn't think I would be moving with the 94 off twice today, but timing happened to be right!

1650 EUR Round of Each

Just realised what an insanely high percentage of the hands today are holdem, especially given I've spent all year studying PLO. Seem to be very good at folding there

1650 EUR Round of Each

End of day, 225,500

92 left, average is 148,000. Prize pool not yet announced, but I imagine 45 in the money

Let's go tomorrow

Well played Stu. Thanks for the updates. Good luck.

Well done, Stu. Grind on tomorrow.

Looking forward to the picture with 94 off and a bracelet.

1650 EUR Round of Each

Here for start of day two, which starts at midday

There was an announcement yesterday about Czech government measures, which means all the tournaments are brought forward;the 8game mix next Thursday begins at the unheard of time of 10am!

I assumed that this meant that the casino was closing earlier, but it is still 24 hours. So, they're literally just moving the poker by two hours. In this one fell swoop, Leon has solved Covid

Pretty sure some WSOPs started at that time in Vegas last time I went, might just have been the seniors though? It is a bit easier if you have just come from the UK in Vegas, 3PMs are the horrid ones for me.   I am so used to getting up at stupid times with the kids, my youngest genuinely gets out of bed quicker when she has no school.   Need a big sign saying f off it is a Sunday on my door, nothing else stops her.

1650 EUR Round of Each

Overnight update is 76 left, 51 in the money

Yes, poker during the day time is just so much better, just no need for it to be through the night. GUKPT has made a great move in that direction

1650 EUR Round of Each

Couple of small PLO losses, 200k

67 left

1650 EUR Round of Each

205k, 58 left, 51 in the money

1650 EUR Round of Each

12bb short stack guy stalling and desperate to make the money

Raise Qd 5h from LJ on his blind

He slammed the table, looked frustrated and thought for 3 minutes.

Ultimately, he tossed a coin

Heads, he moved in

Fold. He shows Ks Kd

I genuinely think he was folding Kings if we "win the flip."

Standard overall is very encouraging. Think alot of top players didn't come. Seems to be a whole lot of middle aged German guys. If my German was a bit better, I  could fit right in

1650 EUR Round of Each

If he genuinely was folding Kings if the coin landed tails, then by approximate maths, when folded to him, we have about a 99% chance of him folding

Knocked out tobias Peters and his 63k

His AJ vs our Kings

He has a jack and flush draw by turn

14 outs. We fade. Black ten

255k, 54 left, 51 ITM

Will keep them short

1650 EUR Round of Each

First break, 245k. Average 251k, 54 left, 51 in the money.

Not too much else has happened. Table has changed. Guy sat down with a million (and probable chip lead), and seems determined to put it into pots, especially in PLO. He already gave gave one 200k gift.

Other new played pulled a massive, random PLO bluff on A2422, repping a deuce, so it's going to veer towards a case of playing the cards. Route to the staller's big blind is blocked by the two splashy players in position on me.

1650 EUR Round of Each

Managed to steal the stalling guy's blind, with Qh 4c

262k

He had the clock called on him, for the third time. For the first Thrtime, the tank seemed genuine. He folded, and showed Aspades

1650 EUR Round of Each

Really frustrating moment. Need to make sure i get over it

Raise from HJ. He has 140k. We have Kd Qd in the SB. Going to 3bet and get it in. Staller stalls, and shows a King.

This at least changes a bit. I change my  3bet plan to call.

Q77 rainbow. Check, check

Q774 rainbow. I bet 23k, he raises to 59k.

It really really feels like he's bluffing. He has 60k behind. No need to move in to prevent the 3 outer

However, the potential 3 outer lands

Q774A. Check check

He has AJ sigh

1) shame to get 3 outered when he's fairly obviously bluffing

2) If the stalling guy doesn't show a King with four people left to act, I 3bet, and AJ presumably folds

210k

Great stuff Stu. Enjoying the updates as always: Too Many, Stalling Guy (shows a card with 4 left to act? Jeez), Splashy.... love the colour it brings to the natural exotics of 94o

Let’s Go!

1650 EUR Round of Each

He says he's not folding pre, which I'm starting to believe. In which case, it actually saved me 60k rather than cost me. Frustrating thing to happen either way, surely anyone knows you can't show a card (and potentail key card) with four left to act.

190k, pure bubble now

1650 EUR Round of Each

Ian Bradley really kind enough to point out he's aware of the updates (!!), so will keep it to chip stack and all in only

195k, pure bubble

1650 EUR Round of Each

If he folds his SB this hand(and he's very likely to) , stalling guy will be left with 1,000. But being on the button, he's actually probably 95% plus to make the money

1650 EUR Round of Each

Staller didn't even look at his cards, before folding to go down to 1,000

Funny thing is, that's actually completely correct

More surprisingly, he decided not to show any cards either :)

1650 EUR Round of Each

(won't say any cards)

Call small blind. BB raises, call. Check call J63. Check fold J663

138k

At it Bradley ?
Hairdressers car Bradley ?

Say hi please if him.

1650 EUR Round of Each

137k

Still bubble

Staller, with his 1,000, is big blind next hand

1650 EUR Round of Each

137k. Bubble burst. It was the stalling guy in the end

1650 EUR Round of Each

117k at 4k/8k

1650 EUR Round of Each

Raise holdem,, French guy calls, Ian Bradley calls

Miss 988. Checked around

9884. French guy bets, Bradley raises. Fold

100k

There was an inevitability about this

1650 EUR Round of Each

80k, card dead leaves no options at this table. 8 bigs

1650 EUR Round of Each

OUT

Lost a ridiculous one. I normally beat myself up, but I like every decision to be honest.

French guy raises 22k at 5-10k. We have Ks 7s in the big.

(French guy turns out to have Kc Th)

Small blind calls. I decide to call.

Flop 9s 5s 4c

(second nut flush draw)

SPR of 0.8, small blind checks. Obviously, completely standard
move in for me

However, I think sometimes, where you still want folds, you can do a little better here than the standard ship, specifically against inexperienced players.

I feel that moving a chunk, but not all, of your stack in, can create a different psychology where they become more likely to fold. These kind of players, I feel, often are more likely to simply call the all in if faced with it, rather than have to put me all in, if I bet a chunk of my stack. There's a different psychology to it. It's also, obviously, an attempt to feign strength from me. It would be transparent against really sharp players, but that wasn't what we were dealing with.

So, I bet 28k, from my 50k

French guy calls. (ridiculously, what turns out to be KT off)

Sadly, my deviation from the standard plan turns out to change absolutely everything. I would have got it  through if I just move in. However, (I'm nearly) absolutely fine with it. I think the plan is right overall, and has shown a surprising amount of success in the past. There have been a number of times where someone has commented along the lines of "well I would have called the all in," to make me feel that it has weight. It just turned out the French guy is a different level of "inexperienced," and the 28k prompted him to make a call that he wouldn't have done to the all in..

9s 5s 4c 2d.

At this point, with 20k left, there's no hope to bluff. I may as well hope that if he does have ace high, I get two checks behind, and remain with 20k if I miss. It goes check check.

9s 5s 4c 2d 5h. Can't bluff, obviously. I check

This is the ridiculous bit. He now bets 15k (with what turns out to be a KT high bluff). We have 20k.

I think for a while, but I mean, getting 9 to 1, this is actually a really easy call. There's not much that checks the turn behind that has value now. There's obviously a horrible fear at this point that he's misunderstanding enough to turn ace-high into a Bluff. But he has enough bluffs (lower spades, 67, 87, and 86 that this has to be a call)

We call Ks 7s, and get the horrible news. He has (inexplicably, obviously) bluffed with KT high. It was always possible that he would bluff a "pointless bluff" hand, but I'm overall very happy with the call. Obviously, the massive decision (and the one that in reality did change it) was the decision to not simply move in on the flop. Saying that, he called the 28k quick enough that he may actually have called the all in on the flop.

That leaves me with only 2 thoughts :

1) Should I bluff the river, getting 11 to 2 on my bluff, given he looks like he has a lot of ace highs after he checks the turn behind? The fact he's completely random ironically means he might fold where a good player would call, but I don't think it's quite likely enough.

2) Rather than call the 15k and leave myself with 5k, should I actually move in for 20k, and hope he folds for the 5k? I think he always ends up calling with ace high. KT is the one hand that he may actually fold, but even then, it's probably unlikely enough that my "bluff" of 5k to win 130k doesn't have the long odds it requires.

So, I'm definitely happy with the river call. Good to know that he was bluffing, and I ran into the one part of his bluffing range where he misunderstands what's going on. The regret is potentially not realising just how cally he was, and that me betting 28k rather than 48k may have caused him to call KT high

That left me with 5k. Forced all in from small blind next hand with 6h 4s. No good

Great fun tournament. "Stalling guy" showing the King moment, and it transpiring to change the whole big pot vs Ian Bradley , was disappointing obviously, but all good.

Bookkeeping

1) First of all, massive props to Ian Bradley, for telling me he was aware of me giving my thoughts/plans on the updates. Plenty wouldn't have done.

2) Unfortunately, this may change things in the future. I'm sure it affected nothing this time, we only played that one pot, but in theory could do in the future with the people less scrupulous than Ian. Will keep updates to updates, shown down hands, all ins, and reviews after.

3) Cash was for 2971 EUR. At our exchange rate of 1.16, this is $3454. Total cashes so far therefore $3454+$4481= $7,935

4) 5k PLO event tomorrow

Looking forward to the imminent heater.

5000 EUR Pot limit omaha

The rejig of the schedule meant it became a 12pm start, so I got here in bags of time. And then, at 12 o clock, they decided to push it back to 2pm, as the total number of runners at that point was 4! That will go up of course , but I'm guessing it will be a short field. Guaranteed at 150k incidentally, but I think no hope of that guarantee being a mistake.

So yes, referring back to yesterday, definitely will be slightly careful about what kind of updates I give in running, given the theoretical chance of a table mate watching on. Also, promise to actually play some PLO today, which the Round of Each updates seemed to severely lack!

5000 EUR PLO

Started now. 100k starting stack, start at 200/400(400)

Sounds like a great chance to get a WSOP FT/Bracelet.   Mad that you may be able to get a FT without a cash.  Will be like when it first started.  GL

Run well Stu.

Ha, 4 entrants didn't last long, looks like about 40 in already.   

5000 EUR PLO

56 entrants now (2 already out, within a hour!)

Nice pot, up to 135k (100k start)

Ts Td 9d 7c 3 way on

 Aspades Tc 4d 6s 2d

Bet 3 streets, 2 called flop and turn, one called River. Suspect I may well have coolered a set of fours

5000 EUR PLO

This is going to play fairly big and fairly quick

5000 EUR PLO

First break, 136k (from 100k)

71 entrants, actually 8 out already.

Starting stack just 100Bb, and it's PLO so it won't be slow

5000 EUR PLO

110k

5000 EUR PLO

Nice

Won big all in

Defend  QJJ5 from big three way

J95 rainbow

Check raise the button who has 65k

Hes all in, call. He has KQT9. 13 card wrap

136k pot. We fade

J9579

175k

5000 EUR PLO

Up to 210k

5000 EUR PLO

195k

101 entrants, of which actually 28 have been knocked out

5000 EUR PLO

191k, in 800-1600

5000 EUR PLO

215k

Good call with JJT7 of suspiciously big pot bet on Q83T two-tone after check check flop

Got a check behind and muck on Q83T8

5000 EUR PLO

185k second break, going back to 1k-2k

Structure disappointingly fairly quick, 69 of 111 remain

5000 EUR PLO

155k

5000 EUR PLO

125k

Raise AK84 from cutoff, French guy defends SB

K32 rainbow, he checks, I bet half pot. Call

K324 rainbow. He checks, I bet half pot call


K324Q

He bets 32.5k into 50k

Goodness. I mean, obviously, this is a line that can't ever happen.

Really tough to find bluffs. Pure bluff would have to be like JT54. There are no other pure Bluffs. It really doesn't feel like he turns something into a Bluff. Overall a Bluff feels very unlikely.

So, what is he taking this line with? I mean, I guess a straight. He might think it's a good way to play A5, unaware that he can't be bluffing. Maybe it's an overplay of KQ. Queens albeit unlikely to find, does at least fit very well

Overall, its confusing, but just really tough to be a Bluff.


Fold

5000 EUR PLO

Down to 105k

5000 EUR PLO

115k in 2,500-5000(5000)

Over half the field out, that shouldn't be the case less than 6 hours in

5000 EUR PLO

90k in 1500-3000(3000)

5000 EUR PLO

Up to 138k

Raise AJ95 bad suit button, BB defends

985dss. I have no spade. Check behind

985dss 2d. I have Ad. He bets 11k into 23k. Not quite enough for me to get in 80k to win 34k

985dss 2d Kx. Nice river

He bets 25k into 45k. Call. He mucked, so presumably bluffing

5000 EUR PLO

137k, last break of day. Just 2 40 minute levels to play, going back to 2k/4k

Would be surprising if we don't end up all in before the end of the day

5000 EUR PLO

Down to 100k

5000 EUR PLO

80k

5000 EUR PLO

72k. Card dead in a structure that doesn't allow you much to be card dead

5000 EUR PLO n

KJJ7 on KT7J6 into AQ32 from Big blind

Think I lost the minimum. Checked flop and turn behind, called 20k river

No good

40k

5000 EUR PLO

Short stack moves all in from button for 13k at 6k BB

Call KQ87

He has aces

Flop Q74

Ace on turn

22k

5000 EUR PLO

No good. Card dead, and then lost both all ins

Got it in with  Ac Qc 4h 2c vs Kd Qd Tc 9c

Kc Qh 3h 6c 7h

Re entering now

5000 EUR PLO

Well, we made day two! But not in the fashion you would hope Had to fold every hand. 73k. Coming back at 4k-8k tomorow.

Only played 7 hours today, organisation has been a little random.

A record breaking 10am start tomorrow!

It's the unprecedented 10am start, and  I've still managed to wake up far too early.

Well, we may be playing the 2.5k Short Deck (1pm start) today, but obviously hope not to be!

However, on, let's say, the off chance that we are, here is a quick summary of Short Deck:

- Sometimes called 6+ holdem, the deuces through fives are taken out of the deck.
- The one change in hand ranking is that a flush beats a full house.
- Any single out becomes more likely to hit. This gives better equity drawing to a straight or a house.
- The one draw that this negatively affects is to a flush, as a flush draw now has only 5 outs, rather than 9. (Hence, a flush beating a full house)
- Almost all equities run closer. 66 is in better shape vs KK, AK is in better shape vs AA, JT is in better shape vs AK and vs AA
- Every player antes. Limp-raising all-in is very much a thing.
- Blockers become more key, as they occupy a higher percentage of the deck

Anyway, let's hope none of that is relevant. Day 2 of the PLO starts at 10am

5000 EUR PLO

Ran bad, big blind first hand

73k at 8kBB

Got a limp 4 way SB, flopped top and bottom on KJ2

Comittimg pot bet gets through

89k

Blinds through me, 69k

52 left, 28 in the money

good luck, sounds a good table with the limping.

5000 EUR PLO

Out

3 way, got it in with best hand. 230k pot

My Kh Kc Th 9c, vs Qd Qc 5h 3c and Aspades 9s 6c 4s
(no idea what that hand is doing, obviously)

47% equity 3 way

Turn is  Ahrt 7h 4c Qd

(Jack, King, or heart) one time? No

Ahrt 7h 4c Qd Ac

We cannot buy a piece of luck

F**k!

2500 EUR short deck

Another delayed start!

About to start now. Ante (that's an old school ante, not a big blind ante) starts at 100.

It's like an old school double chance freeze out. Two stacks of 25k, and you can take your second stack whenever you want.

12 players to start, but I suspect that it will make its 200k guarantee

2500 short deck

Sigh, still cannot win an all in. First bullet (of first entry) down

Jc Th on K98. Get it in vs K9 and K8

Any open ended straight draw is 43% to make a straight because of the higher  concentration of the deck, and with the two extra cards out, here I will have 47% equity 3 way.

Actually exactly the same as the PLO spot. Near 50% chance of a treble

No good. K9866. Sigh

2500 short deck

This is beyond relenltess

AK into AA for the second bullet (of first entry)

German guy on button (last position) chip leader and very aggressive. Two limps. I limp AK cutoff (penultimate position) , he raises to 3k. Feels like trap is sprung. We get it in.

AK into AA

T86JT

A brick wall

2500 EUR short deck

Second bullet, 24k (plus 25k second bullet chip) at second break. Coming back to 400 ante

Keep getting it in good and making the right decisions. Mistress Variance will crack the whip at someone else's behind at some point.

2500 EUR short deck

This is horrendous.

Get it in for 25k with  Ahrt Aspades vs Kd Jc (again, absolutely no idea how that happened). Obviously the KJ equity is better than holdem, but still.

Qd 9c 7d Ks Jd

It never stops

you have a huge edge over these fields , just getting beasted by lady luck as tal said, and you obv know.

chin up ronnie ,  spin it up

2500 EUR short deck

Thanks guys

Up to 33k

Yeah, on a run like this, the only actual important thing is to keep your head and do the same things. Luck has no memory. The only truly bad thing that could happen was that the deck swung in my favour and I wasn't ready to take it.

2500 EUR short deck

Double up

67k

Raise Aces 4 handed. Flop Qs 7s 6c. I bet 2.8k from 29k, he moves in AQ (people aren't adjusting well). We hold

Aaaayyaaaaaarrrrr

2500 EUR short deck

Cheers guys

72.5k, dinner break. Going back to 800 ante, so about 90 antes.

They may actually have messed up the guarantee here! Need 26 more runners in 3 levels, could be overlay!

2500 EUR short deck

Up to 83k

2500 EUR short deck

70k

2500 short deck

71k, into 1k ante now

2500 EUR short deck

Up to 135k

Gogogo

2500 EUR short deck

Knocked out a shortie with JJ over TT

160k

Sigh, doubled up Kbrajel my QQ vs his AK

150k

152k at 1200 ante. 34 of 83 left

Martin Kjarbel went, which is good news, had become a really tough table

156k

Fold QJ after turn and river bet on AKQA6

138k at 1200 ante

2500 EUR short deck

135.5k, last break of day, average is 129k with 39 left

2500 EUR short deck

The toughest moment yet

145k at 1500 ante

UTG opens to 2x (6k). He's a complete open book. He's limping all his strength, and raising small with all his mid strength, in an effort for him to not have to face a raise.

One call from a splashy player, folds to me. I have Ks Kd. I should move in, but no need for balance. We know he's not strong, he may do something foolish, or the splashy player may call out of position. I 3bet to 26k

He does. He moves in. Call. He sighs. He has 9d 9c. 300k pot.

Js Jd Tc. Safe-ish

Js Jd Tc 8d. Please please no

Js Jd Tc 8d 7c

The only consolation is that I got things right after the earlier blows, but the lowest one of all came

I don't think I've ever walked away from a poker room feeling so gutted.

brutal stu heads up.

Thanks guys. Obviously, it's less spectacular than it sounds, and it just the bottom x percent of variance, but it just feels tougher in a live setting! And a little more in the bizarre setting of Rozvadov.

The early starts continue. 1k EUR turbo bounty hunter at 10am tomorrow.

1100 EUR turbo

Turbo just started. Organisation hasn't been the best (was meant to start at an hour ago!), but I have really enjoyed the early starts. Breakfast at actually breakfast time, trying to avoid the ignomy of busting before lunchtime.

Looks like we'll play 8 handed

1100 EUR turbo

32k approaching end of level 4. It will skip up quickly now, obviously!

1100 EUR turbo Bounty

We cashed! A 300 EUR Bounty.

Buy in is 700 EUR +300 EUR Bounty. Short stack moves all in for 7.2k (starting stack 30k) on our big. I guess, with the Bounty chip being worth around 14k in chips, this must be a call with any two.

We have 4h 3c, so that is indeed tested, but he has to be a call
We has Ac 6d, and we win on

3h 2d Jd Qh Kd

40k

1100 EUR turbo Bounty

Blind on blind at BB800, limp Td 8s. Italian big blind checks.

Th 9s 4h. I check, he bets 800, call.

Th 9s 4h 7c. I bet 2k into 4k, he calls

Th 9s 4h 7c  Ahrt. I check, he bets a big 7,100 in 8,000

These were my thoughts, in no particular order :


- His sizing fits very well with turning a made hand into a bluff. He is only repping a flush. This is, however, fine, as he never has Aces up anyway. Given his pre flop check, the Ace is the most likely heart to give him a flush.

- He may have an 8 for a missed straight draw, although the only 8's without a pair or straight are K8, Q8, 85, 83, 82. He may have QJ (and less likely KQ or KJ), but would at least sometimes have raised those pre.

- What hands would he turn into a Bluff? Maybe up to any 9, J7 or 87, and 84? However, at this point, poker necessitates stereotypes, and in the absence of other information, I would suspect an Italian of turning a made hand into a bluff less than I would, say, a German.

- Turn call was fairly quick.

- My line looks fairly strong. He may, incorrectly but understandably, in fact decide that I was only repping two pair or a straight on the turn.

Overall, I decide its just about a fold.

37k first break

1100 EUR turbo Bounty

Moncef Kariou, the French guy who I caught bluffing, only for  his  KT high to win the pot, sits down.

The interesting thing is, what is his assessment of me after all that? I guess probably a clown.

Such a luckbox.

 ;whistle;

Moncef Kariou moves in. I fold Th 3c. I fear that there is a chance of catching him bluffing, only to find that he has the better hand

1100 EUR turbo Bounty

42k. Up to 800-1600, which is a shame

1100 EUR turbo Bounty

Raise 7c 7d to 3.6k on Moncef Kariou's big blind. He calls

Ac Kc Jd Ts is checked by both twice

Ac Kc Jd Ts 2d. He bets quickly 8,600 into 9,600

I mean, on one hand he's only repping one card, and on the other, he may logically have me down as some calling station clown.

I just about call. He has 9h 8h

56k

If he had had 88 there, I may have simultaneously cried and laughed

1100 EUR turbo Bounty

50k, blinds rapid, into 1k-2k

One German guy has his WSOP circuit ring on top of his stack

I also brought along my whole collection of WSOP bracelets and circuit rings

1100 EUR turbo Bounty

This is the hardest thing I've ever had to endure poker wise

Felt I got every decision right today

Got in Aces vs Kings for 125k pre flop.

King on flop

If it wasn't for bad luck you would have no luck at all.

Keep going Stu, I'm learning a lot about character here. Your line about the only bad thing would be being unprepared when the deck hits you really made an impression on me.

Thanks so much Tom. I wouldn't take mine as the learning point of mentality and character :)

Although, I guess I am managing the combination of being focused in game, and then feeling like you could knock me out with the feather every day as I leave the casino. Not to complain, it's incredibly lucky to be able to play this tournament schedule. But it is  all slightly bizarre, as I walk back into the Rozvadov snow, and then taxi back to this strange German town where I have still only seen one person outside. The same German man, who goes past on a scooter with his dog  alongside him every day. This could be Groundhog Day 2.

Bookkeeping

We "cashed" for a 300 EUr bounty, so $448

Cashes so far, $3454+$4481+$448= $8383

Slowroll! Sorry, 300 EUR is $338, so total is $3454+$4481+$348= $8283

Regarding the variance discussion, when it comes to analyzing results for online poker I would say you need to have at least a 5k+ sample of MTTs for the last two year period for it to be relatively accurate and worthwhile reviewing, but even a 10k+ sample over that period is far from conclusive. Smaller samples can still have some relevance but anything below 1k online MTTs is close to meaningless. So whilst expected ROI’s will differ live vs online which will affect the variance we should expect to experience, and I definitely don’t know a huge amount about variance in live poker, it's pretty absurd to think about what the variance can be like live and I'd expect it still would be considered "standard".

As others have said updates have been great, thanks for sharing, and glglgl with the grind.

Thanks so much Mondatoo. You're right, and agree on the numbers regarding sample size. It's funny; because its live poker, it feels so much more empathic, but if you put this run together over, say, two consecutive Sundays, you wouldn't blink too much, apart from to think "standard but slightly miserable run." Toss a coin, wanting heads, a thousand times, and this is just one of the normal looking TTTTTTHTTTTTH runs.

Anyway, big news. 6 max today, and travelling through the bizarre German town of Georgensburg today, i saw the first human being out and about, walking through the snow. Our luck is going to change

1650 EUR six max NL holdem

Started on time! Actually three handed currently. It has a very different feel to, say, even the $1,500 six max in Vegas, where it would be at least 3 lots of hoodies and sunglasses at the table. Think I'm the youngest of the the 3.

40k starting stack

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

Won't give (unseen) hand updates today, just in case, because it's six max

38,500

Second hand hand updates are much appreciated Stu, keep them coming when you can.

GL.

Great

At BB100, raise button to 300, SB calls, youngish German guy squeezes to 1, 200. I 4bet to 3k.

8s 6c 3c. I bet 3k into 6,300 call

8s 6s 3c 2h. Check, check

8s 6s 3c 2h 2d. He bets 6,700 into 12.6k

Long tank. Very reasonable of them not to call the clock. Fold

1650 NL six max holdem

Czech lady opens cutoff to 600 at BB200. We make it 1,500 from button

 Ahrt 7d 4d. She checks, I bet 2.5k, she calls

Ahrt 7d 4d 8c. She checks, i bet 4.5k, she folds

1650 NL six max holdem

Defend big  vs UTG1 at BB200

 8s 5s 3c. I donk 500 into 1,400. He raises to 1.5k. Call

8s 5s 3c Js. I bet 2,800 into 4,400. Fold

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

Ok, i think we're safe from the Germans and Czechs signing up for Blonde memberships. Let's do scrambled order hands. They were :

6h 4h
Ac Kc
Ad Qh

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

German guy raises Hijack to 800 at BB300. I make it 2,400
German guy from the big blind makes it 7,600

Tank fold

35,500

1650 NL six max holdem

Young guy, potentially Eastern European, raises button to 1k at 300BB. SB folds, i call Qs 8d

Qd 5s 2s. He bets a (big) 1,500 into 2,400. Call

Qd 5s 2s Jh. Check. Fairly quick check.

Qd 5s 2s Jh Ks. Check, he bets 4.5k into 5,400

Its obviously a really bad card for my range. Queen of spades is useful, but only to a limited extent, as Queen High spades is probably one of the spade combos he bets turn with anyway.

Sizing seems to rep a straight plus (in this environment), and the restricted range is obviously good news when i have a pure bluff catcher (would be bad news if i had, say QJ).

Flop sizing does concern me a bit, but quick turn check seems to let down his repping of a flush.

I call. He mucks

45,400

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

Puke

Button raises. Young German guy. Talking strategy. On the previous hand, he has done something strange and creative - blind on blind, floated my flop raise out of position with T-high on A72T4, and then turned second pair into a bluff on a flushing river (this either brilliant or bizarre play, along with talking strategy, turns out to be completely crucial)

He raises button to 800. We have  Ad Ahrt in the small, and make it 2,600. He calls

Kh Jh 8h. I bet 2,800, he calls

Kh Jh 8h Tc. Ugly card. I check, he bets 7,100 of his 19,800.
Standard call.

Kh Jh 8h Tc Ac. Hmm. Obviously no value bet for me. Check.

He moves all in for 12,700 into 25,600

Ok, so

1) Clearly I beat none of his value. This is a really easy, and standard, fold against everyone else on the table

2) This whole thing hinges on whether he is turning 2 pair into a Bluff. He should know that anything KJ or worse (almost all the 3 pairs) just aren't winning here. He should consider turning them all into a bluff (as well as any pair with a 9). Even for strategy talking German guy, however, its not a given that he will turn these hands into a Bluff. If he's not turning 2 pair into a Bluff, this would be a really bad call.

3) There just  aren't too many flushes he can have, given I have the Ahrt. However, his preflop call was fairly quick.

4) Of course he value bets all his Queens. However, I block AQ and it feels like his check behinds on the turn are surely KQ, and probably QJ

The previous T9 float, and more so the turning of second pair into a bluff onto the river, i think swings it. Really, given the pot odds, there doesn't need to be much chance of him turning something into a bluff to make this a call.

I Call. He has Th 7h

26,500

Its funny. As he was talking strategy after his previous float and creative river bet, I thought, you probably shouldn't be doing this, it really can change alot, on what is otherwise a fairly face up table. It did change alot;  it convinced that that he was the one seat that might do some creative things. But, sadly, he had a flush

Phew!

Misread ?

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

Gone, sadly

Jd Js with 25,800 on button at 200-400(400).

It's the same guy. I think at this point he's Swiss, for whatever difference that makes. He opens cutoff to 1k

He raises cutoff to 1,000. I'm not thrilled in this tournament at this table to get in 65 bigs. I don't think he gets in tens. However, the 4bet bluff is definitely possible from him, and we pick up so much if this does go 3bet-4bet-fold.

I 3bet to 2.9k, he 4bets to 7.2k. Im all in, he calls.

He has Ac Kd. Not the desired outcome, but i think the get in is right vs him. (sounds nitty to contemplate that, but this tournament is playing differently)

It's the window card

Aspades 8c 4c Th 3d

Sigh. On one hand, definitely doubting the Aces river call. On the other, it's top set into flush, and a lost race

Going to re enter

Sorry no. That comment was for the previous hand.

"I call. He mucks"

I didn't notice you had posted again inbetween.

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

No.... I managed to write a long hand update and then the connection drop. May have to focus at this incredible table now, but basically

- re entered, doubled up 3rd hand
- was bizarre. Italian opens, German cut off 3bets. We cold call Ac Kd. Italian 4bets, German snap calls. Wow. I tank. Make a rare live read as Italian guy seems to feign strength by grabbing for a lot of chips. We effectively move in, by moving 65% of stack in. Live read is, even more rarely, right. Italian folds
-German snap calls. Wow. Flop K74. Beautiful.
- I may as well trap check, probably twice.
- He moves in AQ
- We hold

80k

Even you will struggle to get beat in that spot!  Made me chuckle the 'we hold'.  Kick on posh boy.

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

This is almost definitely the best table in the room. Of 5 3bets, 4 have been cold called, mostly within 0.37 seconds

82k

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

The lineup

1) Italian guy, has cold called 3 3bets already
2) Italian guy, just called off A8 for 26k. Won
3) German guy who called off the AQ vs us
4) Guy in Fenerbache shirt, who i think is actually sensible
5) Me
6) Guy kitted out in  full PSG merchandise. Which is quite a strong image, given that the entire club of PSG is, in itself, a bluff.

1650 NL six max holdem

There were a number of things that you hope will happen at this rare kind of table. They just never really seem to. However, this time, it actually did.


Italian seat 2 raises to 1.2k. 2 calls. AK off in Big. Squeeze to 5.2k

Really feels like he's moving in with tons. He does, for 28k.

He has Kd 4d. Lucky, given his holding is not far from random, that we find him with a dominated one.

We hold

9s 7s 3c Td 9h

105k

1650 NL six max holdem

Update

1) As thought
2) Empty seat
3) German guy has started telling everyone that his country has too many immigrants. Ouch.
4) Fenerbache guy is not only sensible, but i think knows exactly what's going on
5) Me
6) PSG guy

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

Knocked out Fenerbache guy for his 12k. Double good news

122k, four handed now

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

2nd break, 121k

Sweet!

1650 NL six max holdem

Up to 171,500. Let's go

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

Sigh, raise Aspades Ks, PSG guy calls 5d 4c from small, and check raises all in on

9s 7s 6c

He gets there on

9s 7s 6c Jd 5c



152k

1650 NL six max holdem

Current line up

1) PSG guy
2) Italian guy has calmed down a little
3) New guy. Think he's good. Think his engagement in the nonsense table talk is a bluff.
4) German guy is determined to get all in
5) Me
6) New guy, as yet, unknown

1650 NL six max holdem

Wow. PSG guy calls all in for 36k with 78 in a 3way pot. Italian has aces.

PSG guy goes perfect perfect to get there on K5588

German guy gone. Table is (inevitably) like Picadilly Station

1650 NL six max holdem

PSG guy calls off 52k with KQ and gives it all to the good player

Fun nearly over

Please tell me you're speaking in the third person now.

1650 NL six max holdem

Right, guy who couldn't look any more like a poker player sits down. We're back to a normal table


162k

No, i don't support PSG :)

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

Two young Germans on my right now. All change

150k

1650 NL six max holdem

The nature of the game has, unfortunately, changed.

It is now a game of poker.

1650 NL six max holdem

Bad beat. PSG gives it all to the German prodigy

155,400

1650 NL six max holdem

Won the last 6k from PSG guy, my AT vs his J4

Up to 205k, average is 75k with 217/412 left

1650 NL six max holdem

Third break, 210k

1650 NL six max

Running good, got the Russian

He raises to 3.5k from 74k at 1.6kBB

 Ahrt Kd on the button. Felt like something might come. 3bet to 10.5k

It did. All in. Call

He has Js Ts

Ran out wonderfully dry

Qs 4c 4c 7d 3h

Really big one, 170k pot

Up to 265k. Let's go

1650 NL six max holdem

You know its a high quality table when someone has moved all their chips in 9 of the last 13 hands, and it hasn't prompted any table talk.

75% of the tables in the room it would lead to some kind of comment ; 20% it would lead to utter disbelief.

Im at the same table 151 as all the characters earlier, but none of them are

Looks like you must be close to chip leader.  Vamos

1650 NL six max holdem

New player in seat 4

The good news : they're from France
The bad news:It's Elky

Meh! Fool if you think it's over.

1650 NL six max holdem

Up to 298,500

(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/62544161.jpg)

1650 NL six max holdem

Dinner break, 282,500

Elky out (not by me)

End of late Reg, 176 of 528 left with average 120k

Tough table now

Just two hours to play

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

255k, 146 left, approaching 3k BB

Superb updates, as always.

Hope post dinner goes as well as pre.

Good luck, Stu!

1650 NL six max holdem

265k

Structure really good today

1650 NL six max holdem

255k. 118 lefft. Average 181k, 81 in the money

1650 NL six max holdem

226k

1650 NL six max holdem

Lost all in to 25k shortie, KQ to AT

200k

1650 NL six max holdem

Nice

Finished 335k. Average 235k, 91 left, 81 in the money

Had dropped to 182k, then won a big one

Young Italian guy raised UTG1 to 9k at BB4k, good GTO guy flatted button from 28 bigs.

I have Ahrt Kh in the big, and 182k.

Obviously I have to play to get someone to 4bet all in.

I squeeze to 38k

Young Italian guy thinks for ages. Feels like he has something borderline, but kind of knows he should fold.

He calls, button folds

Kd 7d 2c. Beautiful. I play 144k into 95k

No need for balance. Lose a customer too much if i bet. I check, he checks

Kd 7d 2c 2h. Beautiful. The question is now, what pairs does he have? I think a reasonable average guess is that 88+ goes in pre.

Still feels like i lose him too much if i bet. I check, he bets 27k into 95k, I call.

Kd 7s 2c 2h Ks. I had been planning to check the river, but this changes alot. Now, I feel, although i shouldn't that i can get called by A-high. Clearly, all pairs probably call too. I bet 80k rather than move in. We get a tank call

335k coming back tomorrow, 10 off money

Lovely jubbly - was scared to post in case I bokked but thoroughly enjoyed today's updates.

Fantastic. Now go get the gold tomorrow.

Excellent.
 Helps when you get AK 20 times   :D

Super end to the day.

Good luck tomorrow!

Fun sweat tmoro, glglglgl.

1650 NL six max holdem

Right, another early start, here we go for day 2. 335k, 91 left, 81 in the money.

Table draw, according to Hendon mob, doesn't look too bad. Never want to see the word "Germany" on your left, and Norbert Baumgartner may be the most German name I have ever heard. He has me out chipped, but all good.

Yesterday was alot of fun, and (clearly) we got lucky. Firstly, with the table draw, but the two spots where i "caught" someone, we were lucky to survive them both. AK beating Kd 4d and the AK holding against Js Ts was the crucial pot of the day.

6 minutes, let's go

1650 NL six max holdem

Will probably keep them short today

88 left

Lost blind on blind. Won CO raise

330k

84 left

1650 NL six max holdem

Seat 5 is semi stalling, and seat 6 is 30 second stalling every hand(fair enough)
They're going quickly, 83 left

1650 NL six max holdem

82 left, hand for hand, bubble

1650 NL six max holdem

Raise button, win

345k

1650 NL six max holdem

No bubble first hand. Next hand of hand for hand

1650 NL six max holdem

Raise AJ cutoff, both blinds call

Checked down

Q639T

They actually both have AT suited

336k

1650 NL six max holdem

German guy holding a seminar on ICM, which takes place between every hand

1650 NL six max holdem

Still hand for hand

1650 NL six max holdem

No one busting, 6th hand of hand for hand coming

1650 NL six max holdem

Raise UTG, take it

German guy's seminar has concluded. Still hand for hand

1650 NL six max holdem

Walk. 345k

1650 NL six max holdem

Limp small vs German

Flop J54 rainbow. I check, he bets 5k, i check raise to 18k. Fold

355k

1650 NL six max holdem

Raise cutoff , take it

In the money. 375k

1650 NL six max holdem

Lose 158k all into shortie, 44 vs A9. I raised, 2 calls, he shipped big

J632A. Sigh

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

Knock out shortie, my A4 gets there vs Ak. 70k pot

1650 NL six max holdem

Lose to German, 280k

1650 NL six max holdem

Lose blind on blind to Bulgarian,

238k

New table

1650 NL six max holdem

Table seems good, apart from young swede in seat 4

248k

1650 NL six max holdem

Down to 160k, 20 bigs, details later

1650 NL six max holdem

142k, 18 bigs

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

168k. Average 403k, 53 left

Been all in a couple of times, uncalled

First break

Going back to 16.8 bigs

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

Italian to my left has been missing for 25 minutes. Which is incredible

Normally you would worry that that means someone isn't OK, but i think he just chose to be away

1650 EUR 6max NL holdem

Card dead on active table, 123k

1650 NL six max holdem

Card dead and situation mega dead, 74k

Double up . AK over AT

7s 6s 2c 2d Jh

Safe

172k