Just playing 3 tables and a 6-max tourney. Getting coolered...QQ v AK v AA and then set over set..it is nice playing and not caring quite as much, but i obviously do care. however, the pressure to win is gone and now i just try to do my best and if i win, thats great...if not, oh well. really makes the game a lot more fun.
just lost top 2 pr vs flopped set...sigh...maybe this isnt so much fun :)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
a few tourneys.
played a few tourneys...donked off 150 in buy ins, but I wanted to have some fun because I dont know how much longer I will get to play poker. Right now, it looks like I will focus the next year of my life passing the CPA exam. Once that is over, I will turn my attention back to poker.
looking to have a solid night though...
looking to have a solid night though...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
up and down..
not playing well and getting unlucky...i need a good sweat session with the ole coach.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
ugh...
Tonight was a test of my will to control myself and continue grinding. I was playing well and getting it in ahead, but tonight was cruel to me on the river...
I have to be happy with my results, down about 1.5 buy ins. I lost to 5 rivered and 1 turned flush, I had my AA cracked by the rivered straight, got in pair over pair and lost, got in pair under pair and lost. I was able to grind my way back, and hit two nice hands before I quit. I hit a flush and avoided the full house when I was up against a set and my AA held up against JJ. So, things are starting to turn around for me and I hope my hands start to hold up when I am able to start another session...
Anyway, rough night. Played well and surprisingly happy with my results even though down 1.5 buy ins..thats it...good night.
I have to be happy with my results, down about 1.5 buy ins. I lost to 5 rivered and 1 turned flush, I had my AA cracked by the rivered straight, got in pair over pair and lost, got in pair under pair and lost. I was able to grind my way back, and hit two nice hands before I quit. I hit a flush and avoided the full house when I was up against a set and my AA held up against JJ. So, things are starting to turn around for me and I hope my hands start to hold up when I am able to start another session...
Anyway, rough night. Played well and surprisingly happy with my results even though down 1.5 buy ins..thats it...good night.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Tournaments
I have always done pretty well in tournaments. I would say my biggest weakness would be the bubble as I often try to get ITM rather than make it deep. There have been plenty of instances where I allowed myself to get crippled just to make the money. Obviously, that is not a way to win tournaments.
Tonight, I bought into the $17k guaranteed on FTP. I won my buy in back plus some, so I thought I would give it a shot. Part of the reason I burned out previously is because I would just play sngs and I would not play a lot of tournaments. I think the variety will be good for me and will give me some excitement if I can make a few deep runs. It is not out of my capabilities to have a nice, deep cash.
I forgot how much patience you need playing these. It is funny, the WSOP is going on right now and I think about all these internet pros that 20-table and then they are forced to play 50 hands/hour as opposed to 1500 hands/hr. My first hour in this tourney I have been card dead, but at least was able to increase my stack size a little bit...lets hope for a heater!
I am really pleased how I am playing. I had 5k in chips and in 4 hands took it to 22k. I went to the break in the top 15. After break, i lost AQ v A2, AK v KQ, and QQ v AK. So, my stack was cut in half. However, still alive with a better than average stack, so I cant complain! Let's hope some of that variance comes back to me!
Lots of hands went against me tonight...had AK v J9s and that would have put me back in the game and i lost to the runner runner flush...oh well...still at it. So much for no bad beat entries...but its my first tourney in a while...man, these take forever!
I pushed 88 over QQ and didnt improve...went out 39/759...so not bad for my first tourney back. I still like my push, but i was expecting to be racing and hoping that the dude that busted me was not looking to race...
Tonight, I bought into the $17k guaranteed on FTP. I won my buy in back plus some, so I thought I would give it a shot. Part of the reason I burned out previously is because I would just play sngs and I would not play a lot of tournaments. I think the variety will be good for me and will give me some excitement if I can make a few deep runs. It is not out of my capabilities to have a nice, deep cash.
I forgot how much patience you need playing these. It is funny, the WSOP is going on right now and I think about all these internet pros that 20-table and then they are forced to play 50 hands/hour as opposed to 1500 hands/hr. My first hour in this tourney I have been card dead, but at least was able to increase my stack size a little bit...lets hope for a heater!
I am really pleased how I am playing. I had 5k in chips and in 4 hands took it to 22k. I went to the break in the top 15. After break, i lost AQ v A2, AK v KQ, and QQ v AK. So, my stack was cut in half. However, still alive with a better than average stack, so I cant complain! Let's hope some of that variance comes back to me!
Lots of hands went against me tonight...had AK v J9s and that would have put me back in the game and i lost to the runner runner flush...oh well...still at it. So much for no bad beat entries...but its my first tourney in a while...man, these take forever!
I pushed 88 over QQ and didnt improve...went out 39/759...so not bad for my first tourney back. I still like my push, but i was expecting to be racing and hoping that the dude that busted me was not looking to race...
Monday, June 08, 2009
Maximizing my profit...
I am saving my preflop and flop play for my coach, but this week I want to concentrate on maximizing the value of each hand. I think I am betting my monsters too strongly and need to pull back a bit. I guess I get afraid that I will either get drawn out on or will not build a big enough pot. Tonight, assuming I get to play, I will start pulling back slightly on my big hands and see if I start to get more money in the pot.
I think this is in large part due to the negative variance I was going through. When you feel your big hands are very vulnerable, you tend to bet them more aggressively or possibly more passively. In either case, you are either not maximizing the value of your hand, or not properly protecting it.
I have been able to change up my play a bit. I have been varying my betting/calling ranges and have made some interesting plays with absolutely nothing. I have had some solid success employing a few different moves and repping strong hands. I am excited to log some hands tonight.
I think this is in large part due to the negative variance I was going through. When you feel your big hands are very vulnerable, you tend to bet them more aggressively or possibly more passively. In either case, you are either not maximizing the value of your hand, or not properly protecting it.
I have been able to change up my play a bit. I have been varying my betting/calling ranges and have made some interesting plays with absolutely nothing. I have had some solid success employing a few different moves and repping strong hands. I am excited to log some hands tonight.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Changing it up...
Just finished up the freeroll. I had no hands at all and was able to build my stack through pushing and stealing blinds of people that were not playing. I finally picked up 99 on the button when we were down to 71, there was a standard raise of 1200 and i pushed my 6000 chips into AA...board showed 10 J Q K and my straight was second best. Hoping to log some hands tonight.
I need to change my blog up from daily bitch sessions to constructive posts. everyone goes through bad stretches and bad beats, but no one wants to read about them...i am going to post less frequently and with more substance.
I have been dealing with variance and the effects it has on my confidence and play. I just moved up to a new level and believe I am at least a break even player. However, I hit a stretch where I was getting good hands to open with, but missed every flop and every continuation bet I was either check-raised or someone lead out at me so I would have to call with my AK or let it go. I was always in a bad spot. To make matters worse, I lost 4 straight hands in which I flopped a set, and had a few river beats. Yes, I said I was going to stay away from bad beat posts, but that really isnt what this is about. Concerning yourself with those hands and the results is exactly what I shouldnt be doing. The fact I was able to get in good is proof enough that I am setting myself up for positive things. I need to continue to play my game. It is sorta ironic in that you can put yourself into good situations, lose, and then question your play. Confidence is what I need to maintain and always remind myself.
Now, humility is something else that I must keep very close to the surface. I have an urge to play a lot of hands and need to keep it in check. I feel like it is arrogance when I let myself play too many hands - my solution has been to open more tables. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but for me it work. I open up a few more tables and then I am very careful to keep myself from getting too active. Opening a few extra tables, as long as I can maintain discipline, has worked well for me in that it helps me log more hands and get the action I am looking for.
Tonight taught me a lesson in patience. I made one call that was questionable, but I saw the guy get it all in when he 4bet KQs. I got my 77 in on an 8 high flop and he had 99. Overall, my play seems solid and my confidence is growing. I still need to get a good sweat session with my coach to help me with situations where I get 3-bet preflop and also how to proceed postflop when I miss...I know I have a lot of work to do in those situations.
I need to change my blog up from daily bitch sessions to constructive posts. everyone goes through bad stretches and bad beats, but no one wants to read about them...i am going to post less frequently and with more substance.
I have been dealing with variance and the effects it has on my confidence and play. I just moved up to a new level and believe I am at least a break even player. However, I hit a stretch where I was getting good hands to open with, but missed every flop and every continuation bet I was either check-raised or someone lead out at me so I would have to call with my AK or let it go. I was always in a bad spot. To make matters worse, I lost 4 straight hands in which I flopped a set, and had a few river beats. Yes, I said I was going to stay away from bad beat posts, but that really isnt what this is about. Concerning yourself with those hands and the results is exactly what I shouldnt be doing. The fact I was able to get in good is proof enough that I am setting myself up for positive things. I need to continue to play my game. It is sorta ironic in that you can put yourself into good situations, lose, and then question your play. Confidence is what I need to maintain and always remind myself.
Now, humility is something else that I must keep very close to the surface. I have an urge to play a lot of hands and need to keep it in check. I feel like it is arrogance when I let myself play too many hands - my solution has been to open more tables. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but for me it work. I open up a few more tables and then I am very careful to keep myself from getting too active. Opening a few extra tables, as long as I can maintain discipline, has worked well for me in that it helps me log more hands and get the action I am looking for.
Tonight taught me a lesson in patience. I made one call that was questionable, but I saw the guy get it all in when he 4bet KQs. I got my 77 in on an 8 high flop and he had 99. Overall, my play seems solid and my confidence is growing. I still need to get a good sweat session with my coach to help me with situations where I get 3-bet preflop and also how to proceed postflop when I miss...I know I have a lot of work to do in those situations.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Fired up some tables...
My parents have been in town and after such a horrible session the other night, I thought a few nights off would be nice. So, tonight I am playing and will be focusing on starting hand selection and reasonable play postflop.
just lost a 250 pot with top set to the flush draw...and rivered...
just getting ass raped by idiots...
hey another river 2 outter when i got it in 99 v 88...excellent!
again, i lose AQ v A8o on an A high board when he turns the 8.
I ended up with a nice little heater. After a horrible session and starting out so terribly by flopping top set and losing to the rivered flush, only to continue losing hands on the river like i did the last time I played was really hard on my confidence. I hit sets of Kings a few times and couldnt get any action going, so I really was not feeling comfortable. However, I hit a nice heater where I was hitting hands and they were holding up...it brought me back and I ended the night up. So, I shut down my tables because i have an early morning, but if I didnt have to work I think I would have been grinding for another 2 hours or so...
Anyway, good finish to the night...lets upload the hands!
920 hands of barely profitable poker...I'll take it!!
just lost a 250 pot with top set to the flush draw...and rivered...
just getting ass raped by idiots...
hey another river 2 outter when i got it in 99 v 88...excellent!
again, i lose AQ v A8o on an A high board when he turns the 8.
I ended up with a nice little heater. After a horrible session and starting out so terribly by flopping top set and losing to the rivered flush, only to continue losing hands on the river like i did the last time I played was really hard on my confidence. I hit sets of Kings a few times and couldnt get any action going, so I really was not feeling comfortable. However, I hit a nice heater where I was hitting hands and they were holding up...it brought me back and I ended the night up. So, I shut down my tables because i have an early morning, but if I didnt have to work I think I would have been grinding for another 2 hours or so...
Anyway, good finish to the night...lets upload the hands!
920 hands of barely profitable poker...I'll take it!!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday Night...
My parents are coming into town for the week tomorrow, so I am not exactly sure how much time I will get to play. I am >10k hands for the month, so at least I was able to play a decent amount the final week and did very well. I should expect a downswing soon, but admittedly I have been lucky when I was unlucky. Many of my nasty beats have been against small stacks (.30-.70% of a buy in) so my bad beats did not cost me nearly what they could have. Plus, I had some nice hands where I was able to capitalize. I am hoping for some luck tonight...I have had excellent success, but even with the success I have taken my share of nastiness...if that starts to come back around, my results are going to be outrageous. I love poker today!! :) Let's see if I am saying that again in a few hours...
Doing poorly tonight...horrible play is the reason...mostly mine. Sure I had the standard suckouts, but I made things worse by making horrible river calls. I have myself to blame, but it is a good learning experience.
Still cannot hit a draw! Couple getting cold decked with horrible play and you are in trouble! Cannot hit a set or a draw! Streaky game though...lets hope for one soon...had QQ a million times tonight and never get any action.
ALL my small and mid pairs are missing and people are calling me light...so the board gets scary and i have to let them go..frustrating...
Finally flop a set and the board hits 5 clubs and i cant call a large river bet...shitty.
JJ v 99 lost on teh river...66 flop a set and lose set over set...ive lost the last 3 sets i have flopped!
I raise with AQs and dude comes along with 83o and hits quads...lose another on the river...time to shut down, lost a ton tonight.
Horrible night...I have had worse night playing sngs, but this was one of the worst. I called too much of my stack off, i ran bluffs far too many times....i was playing terribly and was only down about 1.5 buy ins, but i dropped about 6...horrible horrible luck, horrible play...lost a ton of hands on the river, lost 3 straight flopped sets, just QQ v 99, just tons of bad stuff...so bad luck was part of it, but i could have gotten away from some hands and need to be far more disciplined...gonna take some time off and come back later.!
Tonight has been humbling and frustrating. I opened so many pots because I was getting solid cards...pocket pairs, suited big and small aces, face cards, and nothing was hitting. when i did hit nothing was holding up...will get back at it...maybe drop down for some confidence...
Doing poorly tonight...horrible play is the reason...mostly mine. Sure I had the standard suckouts, but I made things worse by making horrible river calls. I have myself to blame, but it is a good learning experience.
Still cannot hit a draw! Couple getting cold decked with horrible play and you are in trouble! Cannot hit a set or a draw! Streaky game though...lets hope for one soon...had QQ a million times tonight and never get any action.
ALL my small and mid pairs are missing and people are calling me light...so the board gets scary and i have to let them go..frustrating...
Finally flop a set and the board hits 5 clubs and i cant call a large river bet...shitty.
JJ v 99 lost on teh river...66 flop a set and lose set over set...ive lost the last 3 sets i have flopped!
I raise with AQs and dude comes along with 83o and hits quads...lose another on the river...time to shut down, lost a ton tonight.
Horrible night...I have had worse night playing sngs, but this was one of the worst. I called too much of my stack off, i ran bluffs far too many times....i was playing terribly and was only down about 1.5 buy ins, but i dropped about 6...horrible horrible luck, horrible play...lost a ton of hands on the river, lost 3 straight flopped sets, just QQ v 99, just tons of bad stuff...so bad luck was part of it, but i could have gotten away from some hands and need to be far more disciplined...gonna take some time off and come back later.!
Tonight has been humbling and frustrating. I opened so many pots because I was getting solid cards...pocket pairs, suited big and small aces, face cards, and nothing was hitting. when i did hit nothing was holding up...will get back at it...maybe drop down for some confidence...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Back at it...
Looking forward to playing tonight. About to fire up some tables. Updates to follow. A solid night tonight would be awesome!!
Got stacked but playing well...still up!
funny, i folded a suited A one time and would have hit my flush...so sad :(
dude limped KK on my bb and i hit 2 pair on flop...bet out the whole way and he calls...the board paired on the river to counterfeit my hand...so sad.
Hit a huge hand and up over 3 buy ins tonight...will update later because after I hit it Joaquin woke up...
I was up and down about a buy in at various times tonight. I got involved in a big hand and avoided trouble on the turn and river to take down a big pot. I had A9s and raised it up, button called and BB came along as well. the flop comes 3 10 J all hears and I hit the nut flush. button checks, i fire about half a pot sized bet and the button calls, the BB reraises the pot, I min raise and the button pushes! the BB, who has us both covered, thinks and pushes and i instacall. I knew I was up against at least one set, but I was hoping it would be 2 sets to eliminate some of the outs. Turns out the button that K7h and was drawing dead, but the BB had 33 and I avoided the board pairing to take down a huge pot. a hand or two after that is when Joaquin woke up and I had to shut down my tables. just under 700 hands tonight.
I have about 10k hands so far this month...still well under my goal, but I am happy with the progress of my game and my bankroll. I am comfortable at the tables and looking forward to playing every night...a big departure from when I was playing sngs...i almost hated to play because I knew that every sng would come down to the bubble and if I would get any hands or unlucky...it was a feeling of doom and frustration. NL cash is more of an art form and I love it!
Got stacked but playing well...still up!
funny, i folded a suited A one time and would have hit my flush...so sad :(
dude limped KK on my bb and i hit 2 pair on flop...bet out the whole way and he calls...the board paired on the river to counterfeit my hand...so sad.
Hit a huge hand and up over 3 buy ins tonight...will update later because after I hit it Joaquin woke up...
I was up and down about a buy in at various times tonight. I got involved in a big hand and avoided trouble on the turn and river to take down a big pot. I had A9s and raised it up, button called and BB came along as well. the flop comes 3 10 J all hears and I hit the nut flush. button checks, i fire about half a pot sized bet and the button calls, the BB reraises the pot, I min raise and the button pushes! the BB, who has us both covered, thinks and pushes and i instacall. I knew I was up against at least one set, but I was hoping it would be 2 sets to eliminate some of the outs. Turns out the button that K7h and was drawing dead, but the BB had 33 and I avoided the board pairing to take down a huge pot. a hand or two after that is when Joaquin woke up and I had to shut down my tables. just under 700 hands tonight.
I have about 10k hands so far this month...still well under my goal, but I am happy with the progress of my game and my bankroll. I am comfortable at the tables and looking forward to playing every night...a big departure from when I was playing sngs...i almost hated to play because I knew that every sng would come down to the bubble and if I would get any hands or unlucky...it was a feeling of doom and frustration. NL cash is more of an art form and I love it!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday...
About to fire up some tables...I am looking for a solid session tonight. I am adjusting to the preflop aggression at the new level, but so far I have made solid progress and have over 33 buy ins for my current level. I am very happy about that. Let's see what tonight brings...
Playing well, but made 2 stupid calls...about even...
Coolered...QQ v KK for $146
Was on both sides of AK v QQ and lost both times :)
Went cold then heated up...i have noticed there are a lot more river bluffs...its crazy!
Lost Kings full to quad 8s...
What a crazy night...never was up or down too much, but I hit a few nice hands and lost a few nasty ones...did not suck out tonight and missed most of my small pairs mining for sets, flush and OESD...so I am looking forward to hitting some hands when the variance turns my way. I am also looking forward to when the rivers are not so nasty as to kill my hands or make the board so scary I cannot call...however, solid night.
Up over a buy in and played a lot of hands...let me upload and see where I stand.
WOW, 1,526 hands for me tonight...that's a ton for a dude with a full time job and 2 young sons under 2!
For the month, i knew i didnt play very much, but i have logged about 9500 hands. way, way too few. I know i will probably get to about 12k hands and hope to continue to play well. there was a stretch tonight where i regressed to playing way too loose...i think it probably cost me about 25 bucks, but I identified it quickly and put a stop to it...I was getting very playable hands on all 6 of my tables so I was doing a lot of raising and playing postflop...that seeped into my mind and I ended playing too many prospecting hands for about 5 mins. overall, solid night and won one more big hand than i lost...the odd thing is that I get it all in more at .50/1.00 than i did at .25/.50...
Players at this level are willing to bet quite large sums with marginal holdings...I need to learn to adjust and read the lines players are taking to help with the action on the turn and river...however, I am picking off more bluffs while not getting too overly crazy making hero calls...
Playing well, but made 2 stupid calls...about even...
Coolered...QQ v KK for $146
Was on both sides of AK v QQ and lost both times :)
Went cold then heated up...i have noticed there are a lot more river bluffs...its crazy!
Lost Kings full to quad 8s...
What a crazy night...never was up or down too much, but I hit a few nice hands and lost a few nasty ones...did not suck out tonight and missed most of my small pairs mining for sets, flush and OESD...so I am looking forward to hitting some hands when the variance turns my way. I am also looking forward to when the rivers are not so nasty as to kill my hands or make the board so scary I cannot call...however, solid night.
Up over a buy in and played a lot of hands...let me upload and see where I stand.
WOW, 1,526 hands for me tonight...that's a ton for a dude with a full time job and 2 young sons under 2!
For the month, i knew i didnt play very much, but i have logged about 9500 hands. way, way too few. I know i will probably get to about 12k hands and hope to continue to play well. there was a stretch tonight where i regressed to playing way too loose...i think it probably cost me about 25 bucks, but I identified it quickly and put a stop to it...I was getting very playable hands on all 6 of my tables so I was doing a lot of raising and playing postflop...that seeped into my mind and I ended playing too many prospecting hands for about 5 mins. overall, solid night and won one more big hand than i lost...the odd thing is that I get it all in more at .50/1.00 than i did at .25/.50...
Players at this level are willing to bet quite large sums with marginal holdings...I need to learn to adjust and read the lines players are taking to help with the action on the turn and river...however, I am picking off more bluffs while not getting too overly crazy making hero calls...
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday..
Ran into some big hands today. Ran into AA twice, but luckily it was against smaller stacks, $35-$60 stacks. Was up and down today, but finally hit a decent hand blind v blind. I was sb and raised with A4o and was called by the BB. Flop came A47 and I led out, was raised, i reraised and he pushed...he showed AK and I avoided the board pairing and ended up about half a buy in for the day...gonna hit a bbq and then maybe log some more hands later.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday
I busted pretty quickly out of my freeroll today. I guess my heart was not really into it as I was itching to sit down at the 100NL tables. I have mixed emotions in that I know I can win at this level, but I would hate to go on a downswing and then have to drop down. I am well bankrolled, but some of the nuances of 50NL might be lost as I start to learn 100NL. Preflop, the aggression is noticeably more intense at 100NL. I think if I am able to hit a few hands that getting paid off will not be a problem. there is quite a bit more 2 and 3 betting preflop, so I am excited to see how I fare.
I did fire up 4 tables after my freeroll and played well. I was up about 40 when I got it all in with AA vs AKo. He was drawing dead by the river and I took $113 from him...was a nice welcome to the level. I am about to fire up another set...let's see how it goes.
I did fire up 4 tables after my freeroll and played well. I was up about 40 when I got it all in with AA vs AKo. He was drawing dead by the river and I took $113 from him...was a nice welcome to the level. I am about to fire up another set...let's see how it goes.
Finally...
I was finally able to log a session at my new level. The game plan was to just 2-table, but I of course put myself on about 6 waitlists and then was able to open 3 tables...so I played 3 until a good table opened and 4-tables for about 142 hands. I just wanted to start getting a feel for the new level. There is quite a bit more aggression preflop, which leads to bigger pots (relatively speaking because I was expecting bigger pots, but bigger as a %age of your stack). I was able to make some nice plays, play back a little and picked up AA v AK where they were drawing dead on the river...thats always nice. So, i played 142 hands and up about 1.45 buy ins at my new level...definitely a nice welcome and gave me some confidence...a few notes from my session:
Preflop, there is definitely a lot more reraising. I need to tighten up a bit and be prepared to get popped...maybe some marginal hands that I would normally open with at my previous stakes I can limp and then call the raise for some deception if I would like to play those hands...I can see small PPs and Axs being played this way...
Anyway, I think the variance is going to increase for me, but it is amazing how much faster the pots build and how quickly you can win $40-50. This is going to be fun!!
Played just under 300 more hands and took down about half a buy in...was fun. I really enjoy this level, but I can see how it would be very easy to lose composure and quickly lose a few hundred...right now, I am very cautiously playing and I really like how I am playing at the tables. My A game is in full effect and I am playing my monsters well and avoiding trouble. I think I am up 2 buy ins today...yipee!!
Preflop, there is definitely a lot more reraising. I need to tighten up a bit and be prepared to get popped...maybe some marginal hands that I would normally open with at my previous stakes I can limp and then call the raise for some deception if I would like to play those hands...I can see small PPs and Axs being played this way...
Anyway, I think the variance is going to increase for me, but it is amazing how much faster the pots build and how quickly you can win $40-50. This is going to be fun!!
Played just under 300 more hands and took down about half a buy in...was fun. I really enjoy this level, but I can see how it would be very easy to lose composure and quickly lose a few hundred...right now, I am very cautiously playing and I really like how I am playing at the tables. My A game is in full effect and I am playing my monsters well and avoiding trouble. I think I am up 2 buy ins today...yipee!!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Moovin' on up....
Had a really nice night. Just played within myself and I dont think my blood pressure ever went up at all. So happy with the way I played. Made a few nice calls, made some nice value bets, got away from a few hands where I just didnt quite know where I stood so i let them go...overall just a well played, very controlled session with excellent results. Let me upload the HHs to see where I stand for the session and overall. I know I am up over 3 buys ins... :)
Played 676 hands tonight...and now I am past my threshold to move up...100NL, here I come!!
Played 676 hands tonight...and now I am past my threshold to move up...100NL, here I come!!
Thursday
I am about to get started...I really want to start playing at my new stakes, but I should just be patient and stick to the gameplan although I know that moving up at this point or waiting for another few days does not make a whole lot of difference. However, it really is about setting a goal and living up to that goal instead of adjusting it just to appease my urges. It is all part of the discipline. So, I will be playing my normal 50NL stakes until I win another 2 buys ins and then move up to 100NL...
For those of you that have visited my blog, that will be an important day because it will make the first step in me achieving my goal. I will have been profitable at my current stakes and made the first step up in stakes. It will be a test to see if my game will stand up to the new level and whether I can adapt my game. I am excited...about to fire up a set...
For those of you that have visited my blog, that will be an important day because it will make the first step in me achieving my goal. I will have been profitable at my current stakes and made the first step up in stakes. It will be a test to see if my game will stand up to the new level and whether I can adapt my game. I am excited...about to fire up a set...
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Recon
So i opened up 4 - .50/1.00 tables to check out the action. I noticed a few differences. I saw, in a very short amount of time, a couple of people take marginal hands for their stack preflop...I thought they were a bit too aggressive. I saw someone bluff off $60 with a missed 6 high flush draw...I think if I can maintain a relatively loose image that I can get paid off a ton at this level. I think this will be a level where I can make a significant amount of money...I took a few notes on some players and will continue to check out the action. I will probably open a few tables as well over the weekend and see how I fare...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Off...and On
it has been a rough couple of days and I dont think i will be playing tonight. however, i am going to try my hardest to log a few hours wednesday and thursday. just a few more winning sessions and i will be itching, and bankrolled, to move up. again, i am already bankrolled by most people's standards, but i like to be over-rolled...i think that is a big departure from what most aspiring poker players prefer...but i am looking for sustainability.
on a side note, i might have to put poker on the back burner for a little while. i am not doing this to become a pro, but i look at it as a way to supplement my income, start a college fund for my boys, or make money for a nice vacation, toys, or whatever. so, i might be studying for a few tests to further my career. i will know more later, but poker might be something I have time for on a very limited basis in the very near future...a bit unfortunate too because i was just gaining traction - or at least it feels that way. i will do my best to log time - and i will log at least one session a week to get entry into my freeroll...but i hope to pass all of my tests within a year...being able to play poker might just provide me the encouragement i need to study harder to complete the tests...again, it is up in the air and we shall see what happens...
After we got the kids to sleep, it was a little late for Penny and I to hang out so she went to bed. I was planning on skipping poker tonight to spend some time with her, but I decided to open up 6 tables after she went to sleep. I logged about 370 hands and won over a buy in. There was some pretty crazy play...had a dude essentially bluff off his stack to me when he held 84o and missed on everything. I took down a nice pot when i ACCIDENTALLY min-raised 56s in late position and the flop came 666. i actually got some pretty decent river action and won a nice pot. Overall, good night. I got away from some sticky situations and capitalized when people overplayed their hands...
on a side note, i might have to put poker on the back burner for a little while. i am not doing this to become a pro, but i look at it as a way to supplement my income, start a college fund for my boys, or make money for a nice vacation, toys, or whatever. so, i might be studying for a few tests to further my career. i will know more later, but poker might be something I have time for on a very limited basis in the very near future...a bit unfortunate too because i was just gaining traction - or at least it feels that way. i will do my best to log time - and i will log at least one session a week to get entry into my freeroll...but i hope to pass all of my tests within a year...being able to play poker might just provide me the encouragement i need to study harder to complete the tests...again, it is up in the air and we shall see what happens...
After we got the kids to sleep, it was a little late for Penny and I to hang out so she went to bed. I was planning on skipping poker tonight to spend some time with her, but I decided to open up 6 tables after she went to sleep. I logged about 370 hands and won over a buy in. There was some pretty crazy play...had a dude essentially bluff off his stack to me when he held 84o and missed on everything. I took down a nice pot when i ACCIDENTALLY min-raised 56s in late position and the flop came 666. i actually got some pretty decent river action and won a nice pot. Overall, good night. I got away from some sticky situations and capitalized when people overplayed their hands...
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Freeroll!
I wasnt able to play this weekend as I was house/dog sitting. I am playing in the freeroll and doing well once again. Hit sets of Ks and As early and just took a stand nearing the bubble and tripled up when I hit a set of 5s and they held. I can fold into the money right now...but lets see what happens. about 48 left, pays top 45.
Really running well in this freeroll. There are 30 left and they pay jumps to $75 at 27. I did get someone all in A7o vs 910s. they hit the straight on the flop and probably a flush by the river...either way I was toast. that would have put me top 3 in chips, but I am sitting in the top 10...no complaints. at the 2nd break...
Chip leader with 10 to go...let's see how the finish goes.
Final table with a small chip lead...but almost twice the average. Looking for a strong finish.
Just took out a pretty big stack withQQ v 1010.
Just took out the small stack on the next hand...
Just had a player in AKs v AQo and the board hit broadway lol sucks!
Just busted the 2nd stack that sucked out AKvAQ...Took her down making a button move with A2 and i called with A10. hit a 10 on the flop and that was it... and im over 300k and no one else over 72k!
Down to 3 and i have about 80% of the chips.
I ended up taking 2nd...not bad...happy about it. I made a bad play heads up and let the dude play and he hit top pair on the flop.
I could have eliminated 2 more, but there were two pushes ahead of me and i was in the BB..I folded K8 and they both had weak aces and the flop came king high...could have eliminated 2 more.
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I have a few errands to run this afternoon and will try to log a few hundred hands later tonight. I am soo close to moving up. I am the kind of person that likes to be overbankrolled before he moves up, so this is a good thing. I think most people would have already moved up, but I am taking my time and making sure I am ready to move up when the time is right. Tonight's freeroll really helped boost my bankroll.
My performance in my weekly freeroll is awesome and unexpected. It is a weird format in that half the people dont show up. My hands have been holding up early and I have been able to get pretty deep. My races come through early as well...so i am able to get a decent stack before I end up taking my first real hit. I hope I can continue my success...
As far as cash, my cash game is going ok. I am profitable, but I think a session with the coach will be needed soon and I might get the new software to overlay my stats on each player. I am looking forward to taking my cash game to the next level!
Played about 45 mins of poker tonight. Had a few nice hands and quit. I am playing pretty solid, but my success is creeping into my psyche and I am playing a few too many hands. I need to pull back a little...but doing well. I should probably continue playing as it is not even 10 PM and I have a solid hour of time to play, but I am not going to fire up any tables and just relax...it is the start of a long week!
Really running well in this freeroll. There are 30 left and they pay jumps to $75 at 27. I did get someone all in A7o vs 910s. they hit the straight on the flop and probably a flush by the river...either way I was toast. that would have put me top 3 in chips, but I am sitting in the top 10...no complaints. at the 2nd break...
Chip leader with 10 to go...let's see how the finish goes.
Final table with a small chip lead...but almost twice the average. Looking for a strong finish.
Just took out a pretty big stack withQQ v 1010.
Just took out the small stack on the next hand...
Just had a player in AKs v AQo and the board hit broadway lol sucks!
Just busted the 2nd stack that sucked out AKvAQ...Took her down making a button move with A2 and i called with A10. hit a 10 on the flop and that was it... and im over 300k and no one else over 72k!
Down to 3 and i have about 80% of the chips.
I ended up taking 2nd...not bad...happy about it. I made a bad play heads up and let the dude play and he hit top pair on the flop.
I could have eliminated 2 more, but there were two pushes ahead of me and i was in the BB..I folded K8 and they both had weak aces and the flop came king high...could have eliminated 2 more.
#########################
I have a few errands to run this afternoon and will try to log a few hundred hands later tonight. I am soo close to moving up. I am the kind of person that likes to be overbankrolled before he moves up, so this is a good thing. I think most people would have already moved up, but I am taking my time and making sure I am ready to move up when the time is right. Tonight's freeroll really helped boost my bankroll.
My performance in my weekly freeroll is awesome and unexpected. It is a weird format in that half the people dont show up. My hands have been holding up early and I have been able to get pretty deep. My races come through early as well...so i am able to get a decent stack before I end up taking my first real hit. I hope I can continue my success...
As far as cash, my cash game is going ok. I am profitable, but I think a session with the coach will be needed soon and I might get the new software to overlay my stats on each player. I am looking forward to taking my cash game to the next level!
Played about 45 mins of poker tonight. Had a few nice hands and quit. I am playing pretty solid, but my success is creeping into my psyche and I am playing a few too many hands. I need to pull back a little...but doing well. I should probably continue playing as it is not even 10 PM and I have a solid hour of time to play, but I am not going to fire up any tables and just relax...it is the start of a long week!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wednesday
I am going to try to log some hours tonight. I was not able to last night as Penny and I had a tough time getting the boys to sleep. I fell asleep and that was that. I hope to have a few hours to play tonight...
Meeting my May goal will be a challenge, but I hope to come close. If I could hit my goal it would put me close to moving up...which is my #1 priority poker-wise. Once I move up, I will start with lessons again...looking forward to it. Let's see if I can get some hands in tonight...updates will follow.
Hit Kings up on the turn to lose to a set of Kings, and missed my nut flush draw with 2 overs to the pocket pair. Down 2 buy ins quickly, but won one back! Staging a nice comeback!
Down about a buy in after my first session. Probably be back in a bit to start session number 2. I havent hit any sets tonight...and on the final orbit before i was shutting down, i had one aggressive player to my right and left. the one to my right opened and i had 44. I was missing all my PP on the flop and decided to just muck it thinking it was probably my one chance of hitting...well, the player to my left just called and the flop came like 247 with 2 diamonds. they both got it all in with KK vs flush draw and I would have tripled up...oh well.
Started up another set...everyone is drawing out on me...pretty sick. Not frustrated though, cuz i have plenty of bankroll, but I wish my hands would just hold up!
Finally getting hot and getting action...fighting the urge to shut down and will continue to play. Up on the night...and, just stacked 2 more people...great decision!!
What an amazing hour. Just after I posted that I was going to continue playing, i got hot! Here are a couple of hands...
I have 66 and raise it up in late position. BB calls and flop comes 56J, BB checks I fire about half pot and he calls. Turn comes 6, he checks, I fire about 3/4 pot and he calls. River blanks and BB checks, I bet about half my stack...he hollywoods and pushes, i instacall and he shows JJ. I was playing on another table with the same guy I hit quads on and he had been very aggressive...he was reraising me preflop all in quite a bit and I wanted to catch him...but he really slowplayed his monsters...so I wanted to catch him playing fast...
so, shortly after on the other table, he puts in the standard raise from the button and i call from the BB with QJo. flop comes JJ7 and I raise about 3/4 pot, he pushes and i call, he shows 88 and I take another stack from him...THE VERY NEXT HAND I am dealt 1010 and he open pushes a stack and I think he probably has a small pair and figure I am dominating him, so I call and he shows AA. I flop a 10 and am just laughing!!
Anyway, great night...up and down, but I played well and am excited about the results...very up and down session!! Let me upload the hands and see where I stand.
1400+ hands tonight...up over 3 buy ins...awesome!
Meeting my May goal will be a challenge, but I hope to come close. If I could hit my goal it would put me close to moving up...which is my #1 priority poker-wise. Once I move up, I will start with lessons again...looking forward to it. Let's see if I can get some hands in tonight...updates will follow.
Hit Kings up on the turn to lose to a set of Kings, and missed my nut flush draw with 2 overs to the pocket pair. Down 2 buy ins quickly, but won one back! Staging a nice comeback!
Down about a buy in after my first session. Probably be back in a bit to start session number 2. I havent hit any sets tonight...and on the final orbit before i was shutting down, i had one aggressive player to my right and left. the one to my right opened and i had 44. I was missing all my PP on the flop and decided to just muck it thinking it was probably my one chance of hitting...well, the player to my left just called and the flop came like 247 with 2 diamonds. they both got it all in with KK vs flush draw and I would have tripled up...oh well.
Started up another set...everyone is drawing out on me...pretty sick. Not frustrated though, cuz i have plenty of bankroll, but I wish my hands would just hold up!
Finally getting hot and getting action...fighting the urge to shut down and will continue to play. Up on the night...and, just stacked 2 more people...great decision!!
What an amazing hour. Just after I posted that I was going to continue playing, i got hot! Here are a couple of hands...
I have 66 and raise it up in late position. BB calls and flop comes 56J, BB checks I fire about half pot and he calls. Turn comes 6, he checks, I fire about 3/4 pot and he calls. River blanks and BB checks, I bet about half my stack...he hollywoods and pushes, i instacall and he shows JJ. I was playing on another table with the same guy I hit quads on and he had been very aggressive...he was reraising me preflop all in quite a bit and I wanted to catch him...but he really slowplayed his monsters...so I wanted to catch him playing fast...
so, shortly after on the other table, he puts in the standard raise from the button and i call from the BB with QJo. flop comes JJ7 and I raise about 3/4 pot, he pushes and i call, he shows 88 and I take another stack from him...THE VERY NEXT HAND I am dealt 1010 and he open pushes a stack and I think he probably has a small pair and figure I am dominating him, so I call and he shows AA. I flop a 10 and am just laughing!!
Anyway, great night...up and down, but I played well and am excited about the results...very up and down session!! Let me upload the hands and see where I stand.
1400+ hands tonight...up over 3 buy ins...awesome!
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