The one certain thing about poker is that sometimes, there is very little you can do without some luck. And the bigger the fields, the more luck required - simple as that.
I started this tournament with the full intention of doing whatever it took it get myself in a strong position. From playing all sorts of cards in the first level, to making as many moves possible in the last two days. But the truth is, if you fail to get chips - you will struggle to play true poker. And by true poker, I mean mixing it as much as possible and attacking when you KNOW a move will work.
For example. I decided at the start of today that when the vibes spoke, I would try to listen and act accordingly. Obviously, my first choice would have been to get some big hands to begin with, but they sometimes refuse to come. And when it was clear early on that my starting table (including the loveable John Duthie), moves would be made- it was even more important to get a hand or two. When they don’t come, a crazy situation like this can arise…….
I raised with 6-6 in mid position only to find the SB and John on the BB both call. The flop was as bad as it gets for my hand -
-7h-Th. After checks all around, the
hit’s the turn. The SB again checks but John fires in a very tentative 5K into a 10K pot. Sensing that John was weak, I decided that a re-raise of another 10K would be enough to see John off. However….
The SB with a big stack, now stares at the board and makes a call that he didn’t seem too pleased with. It was obvious that he had a hand and that I was done with mine. In fact, I knew that even another six on the river would have been no good to me. But what was the SB holding? Clearly, with two flush draws out there, he was not holding back with a straight. It was also clear to him that I was representing a straight with a possible A-J. The problem was, I only had about 40K left and there was no way an all-in would deter him if he had held what felt to be a set of Tens or Sevens. Although there was a very slim possibility that I would still push, I just couldn’t see it working.
But what do you think comes on the turn? The magic jack of spades - completing a one-card straight and also, putting a flush out there. I know it sounds crazy, but I don’t think I hesitated for more than a few seconds before pushing all-in. I knew once he hesitated taht my read was right and that he couldn’t call.
Anyway, that put me up to 90K. But then the mid-pairs started to come as well as the odd A-K and A-Q. The problem was, the flops kept coming opposite to my hands and I found myself going down to around 40K. I guess it’s better not get hands when running like that. In the end, two and half days of playing short-stack took the better of me and I made a move at the wrong time going out about 100 before the money. Sad really, I was so in the mood to mix it up and to give myself a chance. But that’s poker!
As for Darren, the kid from Canada who I wanted to adopt - we just called me to say he made the money. He also asked if he could adopt me as a teacher over the next day or so. At least whatever happens, it looks like the wife and I now have a son.
The funny part is, his first thoughts about me when I didn’t call off my last 3K with Kings - was that he was going to get the old fart soon enough. I guess I must have grown on him. But what a joy it is to meet nice people like him.
I guess that’s it for now - though I may play the Bellagio Cup on Sunday. I guess there maybe more punishment to come…..
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