Prose from a Poshboy

[cambridgealex]

Mike used to be a regular at the Empire in London. I worked nearby at the time and would often pop in for an hour at lunch time or a couple of hours early evening after work.

Whenever I saw Mike there he would always have a big stack. Its a 24/7 venue and he'd often have played through the night and for up to 24 hours at a stretch, so I always assumed the big stack was a result of big wins, especially as The Empire has max buy -in limits rather than uncapped. I never saw him lose. I lost a big pot to him once with QQ v JJ on a J high board.

I understood that Mike travelled over from the US for a week at a time specifically to play at the Empire and he'd win more than enough in a week to cover his air fare and hotel to make the trip profitable. I'd say he was there about one week a month. I believe he stayed in a cheapish hotel 40 minutes outside of London to keep the cost down. He wasn't well liked at The Empire and had a reputation for being rude to waiting staff and never tipped. He had a rock like image and also seemed quite petty at times. For example, he'd often leave the table as his big blind was approaching and return shortly after. There were no penalties for this and he did it quite often. When the casino outside was running a promotion (e.g. a free £1 spin on wheel of fortune), Mike would be the one to leave the poker table for his free £1, even though he might have £2-3k in front of him at the time.

I wasn't there when it happened but I understand Mike was eventually banned from The Empire after a dispute led to a ruling he didn't agree with. I've not seen him at The Empire since and it sounds as though he's transferred to DTD.

[X] Put money in with top set
[X] rock-like image
[X] Rude to waiting staff
[X] never tips
[X] cheap hotel
[X] dodges blinds
[ ] wins enough in a week to cover airfare from US / expenses

story checks out

[Woodsey]

You can download the splashtop app to remote control your pc. A friend of mine 8 tables with a HUD using that app on his iPad

I've tried doing that its shite.

[cambridgealex]

Game was unusually juicy for a tuesday last night.

No big mike, no Mitch, no Tom, but we still had a full game most of the night, Stato and Terry the only regs and Deadman but he went home early. Was brilliant value, a couple of new fish came and donated a few BIs, one guy who used to play loads and was one of the top 5 donators in the game was back, plus a chinese guy who is total hero and has been crushing lately, which is good news for us.

I got winning 400 early on winning a big pot off Deadman with AJ spades vs his AJ on J high board with backdoor spades, very lucky.

Got very unlucky vs the regfish, I raised 25 on his £8 straddle with KQ suited, he made it 50 lol, I peeled it came QJx dd he bets 100, I call, turn pairs the J, he bets 100 again, I shove for 300 effective he snaps with 78dd and rivers the flush for a 1k pot. Really really annoying. Am running really bad in these big pots lately.

Some ruling went against me and I think ended up costing me £250. I'm in the bb (£2) and there's a straddle and a few limps. I want to raise to £27 with a wired pair of nines and chuck in a pony and leave my bb in there, clearly meaning to raise to 27. One chip, goes as a call. I know by the letter of the law it's a call, but I think the dealer should have clarified my intentions as it was REALLY obvious I meant to raise since I had small change if I was just calling. When unexperienced players do this, fair enough, but since I know what I'm doing I thought the dealer (who knows me as a reg) would exercise a bit of common sense and rise above the nitty gritty of the exact word of the law. It's like when there's a raise to £6 in a 1/2 game, and someone chucks in two red £5 chips, obviously calling the £6, but in theory in should go as a raise to £11, since it's two chips and over 50%, but no1 ever questions that cos it's obvious. Anyway, a guy with Q2o ends up doubling up through me sigh.

Kept my head down and as the game got short handed, I starting running over the table and was in 90% pots and crushing. Grinded back my losses with tons of small pots and ended up winning a bit and then I think justice was done when I was rewarded for my hard work by winning both £25 omaha flips at the end

My brother Mark (21) is at Uni in exeter, he's got an away rugby match in nottingham today so going to watch him in that. Going to the vet afterwards with Holly for some jabs. Then my other brother Bobby (17) is coming up from Cambridge with my Dad, since he has an interview with Manchester uni tomorrow, we're going to have dinner and they'll stay the night and leave early tomorrow morning.

Bobby is massive hero, at 10 he was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargardt_disease) and has been extremely visually impaired most of his life. There was a point where we were fairly certain he'd be blind by the time he was 20, but the condition seems to have improved and his eyesight has stabilised. It's one of these one in a mililion sort of diseases so there's not much in the way of research or treatment, but new technology is coming out all the time, no cure as of yet though. It's amazing how he's coped with it and gets by despite this horrible condition and he's managed to excel at school throughout. His visual impairment means his ear is incredible, he's an absolute genius when it comes to music - yesterday he got a letter in the post confirming he had an interview at Oxford to study Music. Very proud

[Skippy]

Some ruling went against me and I think ended up costing me £250. I'm in the bb (£2) and there's a straddle and a few limps. I want to raise to £27 with a wired pair of nines and chuck in a pony and leave my bb in there, clearly meaning to raise to 27. One chip, goes as a call. I know by the letter of the law it's a call, but I think the dealer should have clarified my intentions as it was REALLY obvious I meant to raise since I had small change if I was just calling. When unexperienced players do this, fair enough, but since I know what I'm doing I thought the dealer (who knows me as a reg) would exercise a bit of common sense and rise above the nitty gritty of the exact word of the law. It's like when there's a raise to £6 in a 1/2 game, and someone chucks in two red £5 chips, obviously calling the £6, but in theory in should go as a raise to £11, since it's two chips and over 50%, but no1 ever questions that cos it's obvious. Anyway, a guy with Q2o ends up doubling up through me sigh.

Opposite in my view, it's inexperienced players that should be given the benefit of the doubt, you know enough that you (theoretically) know enough that you could (theoretically) be shooting an angle.

P.S. Wired pair of Nines? You've been reading that Stud book haven't you.

[cambridgealex]

Some ruling went against me and I think ended up costing me £250. I'm in the bb (£2) and there's a straddle and a few limps. I want to raise to £27 with a wired pair of nines and chuck in a pony and leave my bb in there, clearly meaning to raise to 27. One chip, goes as a call. I know by the letter of the law it's a call, but I think the dealer should have clarified my intentions as it was REALLY obvious I meant to raise since I had small change if I was just calling. When unexperienced players do this, fair enough, but since I know what I'm doing I thought the dealer (who knows me as a reg) would exercise a bit of common sense and rise above the nitty gritty of the exact word of the law. It's like when there's a raise to £6 in a 1/2 game, and someone chucks in two red £5 chips, obviously calling the £6, but in theory in should go as a raise to £11, since it's two chips and over 50%, but no1 ever questions that cos it's obvious. Anyway, a guy with Q2o ends up doubling up through me sigh.

Opposite in my view, it's inexperienced players that should be given the benefit of the doubt, you know enough that you (theoretically) know enough that you could (theoretically) be shooting an angle.

P.S. Wired pair of Nines? You've been reading that Stud book haven't you.

IN THE HOLE!

[Dubai]

Things like the Bobby story can make poker stuff seem so inconsequential

Hats off to him- what type of music does he specialise in?

[zerofive]

Was brilliant value, a couple of new fish came and donated a few BIs, one guy who used to play loads and was one of the top 5 donators in the game was back, plus a chinese guy who is total hero and has been crushing lately, which is good news for us.

You're welcome. This was the KQ < KJ hand in which I lost £100. As he was piling his chips up, you guys called him over to the £1/2. Nice one.

Some ruling went against me and I think ended up costing me £250. I'm in the bb (£2) and there's a straddle and a few limps. I want to raise to £27 with a wired pair of nines and chuck in a pony and leave my bb in there, clearly meaning to raise to 27. One chip, goes as a call. I know by the letter of the law it's a call, but I think the dealer should have clarified my intentions as it was REALLY obvious I meant to raise since I had small change if I was just calling. When *inexperienced players do this, fair enough, but since I know what I'm doing I thought the dealer (who knows me as a reg) would exercise a bit of common sense and rise above the nitty gritty of the exact word of the law. It's like when there's a raise to £6 in a 1/2 game, and someone chucks in two red £5 chips, obviously calling the £6, but in theory in should go as a raise to *£10, since it's two chips and over 50%, but no1 ever questions that cos it's obvious. Anyway, a guy with Q2o ends up doubling up through me sigh.

Yeah dealers have become sticklers these days. I guess they're worried about getting fired lol. Have seen a few rulings like this of late. Even a lot of the players that clearly lack common sense are crying for "common sense rulings." As in your situation, why would you ever throw a pony in to call when you have change? Not even close. Also, good maths on the raise amount in your example, 125% is more than 50%.

Bobby is massive hero, at 10 he was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargardt_disease) and has been extremely visually impaired most of his life. There was a point where we were fairly certain he'd be blind by the time he was 20, but the condition seems to have improved and his eyesight has stabilised. It's one of these one in a mililion sort of diseases so there's not much in the way of research or treatment, but new technology is coming out all the time, no cure as of yet though. It's amazing how he's coped with it and gets by despite this horrible condition and he's managed to excel at school throughout. His visual impairment means his ear is incredible, he's an absolute genius when it comes to music - yesterday he got a letter in the post confirming he had an interview at Oxford to study Music. Very proud

Confirmed massive hero. Only met the guy a couple of times, but he seems very smart, very motivated and incredibly charismatic, especially given his circumstances. Maybe you could fix us up? Seriously though, great news. You've every right to be proud of your brothers.

We still on for that Big Mac, btw? I'm winning £22 for the month, you?

[cambridgealex]

Was brilliant value, a couple of new fish came and donated a few BIs, one guy who used to play loads and was one of the top 5 donators in the game was back, plus a chinese guy who is total hero and has been crushing lately, which is good news for us.

You're welcome. This was the KQ < KJ hand in which I lost £100. As he was piling his chips up, you guys called him over to the £1/2. Nice one. Yeh felt a bit bad, but remember being in your shoes and having fish stolen from under my nose a few months back. it's the circle of life though, i'm afraid. mitch stopping my heads up game with "The Student" lingers in the memory in particular...

Some ruling went against me and I think ended up costing me £250. I'm in the bb (£2) and there's a straddle and a few limps. I want to raise to £27 with a wired pair of nines and chuck in a pony and leave my bb in there, clearly meaning to raise to 27. One chip, goes as a call. I know by the letter of the law it's a call, but I think the dealer should have clarified my intentions as it was REALLY obvious I meant to raise since I had small change if I was just calling. When *inexperienced players do this, fair enough, but since I know what I'm doing I thought the dealer (who knows me as a reg) would exercise a bit of common sense and rise above the nitty gritty of the exact word of the law. It's like when there's a raise to £6 in a 1/2 game, and someone chucks in two red £5 chips, obviously calling the £6, but in theory in should go as a raise to *£10, since it's two chips and over 50%, but no1 ever questions that cos it's obvious. Anyway, a guy with Q2o ends up doubling up through me sigh.

Yeah dealers have become sticklers these days. I guess they're worried about getting fired lol. Have seen a few rulings like this of late. Even a lot of the players that clearly lack common sense are crying for "common sense rulings." As in your situation, why would you ever throw a pony in to call when you have change? Not even close. Also, good maths on the raise amount in your example, 125% is more than 50%. Yeh sigh, was thinking at 50/1.

Bobby is massive hero, at 10 he was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargardt_disease) and has been extremely visually impaired most of his life. There was a point where we were fairly certain he'd be blind by the time he was 20, but the condition seems to have improved and his eyesight has stabilised. It's one of these one in a mililion sort of diseases so there's not much in the way of research or treatment, but new technology is coming out all the time, no cure as of yet though. It's amazing how he's coped with it and gets by despite this horrible condition and he's managed to excel at school throughout. His visual impairment means his ear is incredible, he's an absolute genius when it comes to music - yesterday he got a letter in the post confirming he had an interview at Oxford to study Music. Very proud

Confirmed massive hero. Only met the guy a couple of times, but he seems very smart, very motivated and incredibly charismatic, especially given his circumstances. Maybe you could fix us up? Seriously though, great news. You've every right to be proud of your brothers.

We still on for that Big Mac, btw? I'm winning £22 for the month, you? Losing 2k mate! Not eating until December when hopefully Mum'll send an advent calender so I can eat that

[cambridgealex]

Things like the Bobby story can make poker stuff seem so inconsequential

Hats off to him- what type of music does he specialise in?

Piano is his main instrument. He's classically trained and likes Rachmaninov, Debussy, Ravel, Brahms sort of stuff. Last few years he's been getting into Jazz piano as well and does all sorts of gigs and concerts around Cambridge either solo or with his band. He plays guitar a bit, the horn in a wind band and sings in the school choir as well.

[gouty]

nice read again alex

thankyou

in a few years you might change your mind about common sense rules.

rules are rules and thats it. strict dealers are the nuts in my opinion and i tip them heavier than the ones who get bantered into deviating from rules which protect all players. it makes me cringe when players throw a call in not noticing someone raised beforehand then apologise and take it back and fold their cards.

also from a gambling commission licence point of view they have no option but follow rules to the letter. in reality this does not happen.

pretty big game that you play in with the straddles etc. but surely there must be easier line ups/games?

alex

[david3103]

Some ruling went against me and I think ended up costing me £250. I'm in the bb (£2) and there's a straddle and a few limps. I want to raise to £27 with a wired pair of nines and chuck in a pony and leave my bb in there, clearly meaning to raise to 27. One chip, goes as a call. I know by the letter of the law it's a call, but I think the dealer should have clarified my intentions as it was REALLY obvious I meant to raise since I had small change if I was just calling. When unexperienced players do this, fair enough, but since I know what I'm doing I thought the dealer (who knows me as a reg) would exercise a bit of common sense and rise above the nitty gritty of the exact word of the law. It's like when there's a raise to £6 in a 1/2 game, and someone chucks in two red £5 chips, obviously calling the £6, but in theory in should go as a raise to £11, since it's two chips and over 50%, but no1 ever questions that cos it's obvious. Anyway, a guy with Q2o ends up doubling up through me sigh.

Rules is rules and if the dealer does the "ahh but it's Alex and I know he's a reg and would have called from his stack of change so I can ignore the correct ruling" I wouldn't be surprised to see the non-regs leave the table.

If we punish the inexperienced players for making errors like this then we have to punish the regulars too. You're way too intelligent to not understand this surely?

isn't two red chips in response to a £6 open at £1/2 a raise to £10 btw?


Your pride in your younger brother is well-placed - I hope he achieves all his dreams

[zerofive]

Some ruling went against me and I think ended up costing me £250. I'm in the bb (£2) and there's a straddle and a few limps. I want to raise to £27 with a wired pair of nines and chuck in a pony and leave my bb in there, clearly meaning to raise to 27. One chip, goes as a call. I know by the letter of the law it's a call, but I think the dealer should have clarified my intentions as it was REALLY obvious I meant to raise since I had small change if I was just calling. When unexperienced players do this, fair enough, but since I know what I'm doing I thought the dealer (who knows me as a reg) would exercise a bit of common sense and rise above the nitty gritty of the exact word of the law. It's like when there's a raise to £6 in a 1/2 game, and someone chucks in two red £5 chips, obviously calling the £6, but in theory in should go as a raise to £11, since it's two chips and over 50%, but no1 ever questions that cos it's obvious. Anyway, a guy with Q2o ends up doubling up through me sigh.

Rules is rules and if the dealer does the "ahh but it's Alex and I know he's a reg and would have called from his stack of change so I can ignore the correct ruling" I wouldn't be surprised to see the non-regs leave the table.

If we punish the inexperienced players for making errors like this then we have to punish the regulars too. You're way too intelligent to not understand this surely?

isn't two red chips in response to a £6 open at £1/2 a raise to £10 btw?


Your pride in your younger brother is well-placed - I hope he achieves all his dreams

Feels like I saw this exact post but four replies ago.

[david3103]

Some ruling went against me and I think ended up costing me £250. I'm in the bb (£2) and there's a straddle and a few limps. I want to raise to £27 with a wired pair of nines and chuck in a pony and leave my bb in there, clearly meaning to raise to 27. One chip, goes as a call. I know by the letter of the law it's a call, but I think the dealer should have clarified my intentions as it was REALLY obvious I meant to raise since I had small change if I was just calling. When unexperienced players do this, fair enough, but since I know what I'm doing I thought the dealer (who knows me as a reg) would exercise a bit of common sense and rise above the nitty gritty of the exact word of the law. It's like when there's a raise to £6 in a 1/2 game, and someone chucks in two red £5 chips, obviously calling the £6, but in theory in should go as a raise to £11, since it's two chips and over 50%, but no1 ever questions that cos it's obvious. Anyway, a guy with Q2o ends up doubling up through me sigh.

Rules is rules and if the dealer does the "ahh but it's Alex and I know he's a reg and would have called from his stack of change so I can ignore the correct ruling" I wouldn't be surprised to see the non-regs leave the table.

If we punish the inexperienced players for making errors like this then we have to punish the regulars too. You're way too intelligent to not understand this surely?

isn't two red chips in response to a £6 open at £1/2 a raise to £10 btw?


Your pride in your younger brother is well-placed - I hope he achieves all his dreams

Feels like I saw this exact post but four replies ago.

meh - similar I grant you, but hardly 'exact same'

[celtic]

Enjoyed the Bobby story.

wp him

[stato_1]

Hmm, was a bit harsh imo, however: Anal letter of the law dealers >>>>> Dealers who aren't watching/in control of the game