A lesson money can't buy.

[Card_Shark]

Whilst my family and i were taking a short break in London earlier this week, i managed to talk the wife into allowing me a night out at the vic to partake in the 200 pot limit holdem event.

Upon arrival i was somewhat awe struck by the number of well known players taking part, but with my confidence high from a recent good run of form i make my seat draw and settle down for my largest event of the year so far.

I took my seat and within only a few minutes my poker lesson began, i sat back and watched as the superb Joe Gresch loaded his bullets and began his attack on the table. Sat directly to my right i chatted away with him while he built up an impressive early chip lead by the end of the rebye period.

I was not in great shape at this time but Joe was in his element when another guy came to our table who was probably the tournament chip leader. The new guy began to try and dominate our table but Joe was having none of it, my read on the situation was that Joe new this guy and fought back at him re raising him every chance he got. At one point Joe even spoke up and said to this guy " dont think you can bully me because you can't". Our table was the last of the down stair tables to get broken, and once we went up stairs i didn't get to play at the same table as joe anymore, here endeth my poker lesson.

I am an improving student of this marvelous game that we all love, and to date i have to say that i learned more from Joe in 3 hours than any of the books that i have read. Not only is he a great player, he is also a genuine nice guy and great company, Thanks Joe.

After our table split i managed to grind it out to the last two tables, down to 19 players blinds at 1.5/3k and my stack of 13k i've not seen a hand in a couple of hours i find kings and manage to double thru. Alive and kicking with my eyes now on the final table the very next hand i find the diva's QQ, i re raise an early raiser all in and go out on the bubble to AA.

What a most enjoyable night and a valuable lesson learned, thanks again to the megga impressive MR Joe Gresch it was a real pleasure.

Steve Read.

[tikay]

Nice story Steve.

Joe is a terrific player, and a good guy. It's good to share a table with Joe, because he "plays", & you always have a chance against him. We shared a table in the late stages of the Vienna EPT, he R'd, I RR'd with a big hand, & he called me with something like 8-6 off - a typical Joe play. But if he is sitting behind you & you hit the flop, check it, because Joe belongs to the "see the flop, bet the flop, no free cards" school, and he will pay you off.

The beauty of poker is that you & me can share tables with the best players. And, given a bit of luck, beat them now & then.

I hope you manage to play in a few more of these bigger comps - they really are tremendous fun.

[Card_Shark]

Thanks Tony,

i truly enjoy these larger comps and they do seem to bring out my best play. Better still im learning from the best players in the game, and im going to reap the benefits hopefully sooner rather than later.

If you get the chance over the weekend please pass on my regards to Joe and wish him good luck from me.

[Card_Shark]

I forgot to mention how well the camel played his big stack, and i thought Julian played aggressive ! keith was relentless, and yet another genuine good guy.

[tikay]

The Camel? Non-stop, in your face, never let you breathe, aggression. And ALWAYS has a big stack. The beauty of Keith's game is that he fires all four shells. He bets pre & post flop, & keeps going tilll the end. Now & then he gets a hand, same as we all do, but Keith's usually messing about in every pot.

Steal, steal, steal, a treat to watch, but horrible to play against. The very opposite, in fact, of his beloved QPR.

[Card_Shark]

Yep thats the one tony, i played with keith on three different tables for a total of about 2 hours he raised more than half the hands played during that time. me....... i played a total of 3 hands....... nicking his bb while he was tournament chip leader gave me most satisfaction.

Another great player giving a wonderful display of power poker.

[Card_Shark]

WOW just seen the results from bellagio where Joe took second place, i knew i had an eye for a great player. Well done Joe you deserve it,all the best for the future mate.