I played a $5 tourney on Stars, which I had yet to cash in. These things have such a huge luck factor. The fields are incredibly huge, which is definitely a good/bad thing. When I won that $5 tourney back over a year ago on UB it was only 800 or so people. This one had close to 1300. So, it's not that I am upset about anything, in fact I believe I played quite well in certain areas, and pretty poorely in some others (esspecially the last bust-out hand). Regardless, I wanted to take a look at a few hands and see what I did correct and what I did wrong.
p0ker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t400/t800
(Ante: t50)
9 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
jamfreek: t14015
UTG+1: t41974
MP1: t10726
MP2: t47390
MP3: t3362
CO: t4311
Button: t34593
SB: t4086
BB: t15452
Pre-flop: (9 players) jamfreek is UTG with [Ac] [Ah]
jamfreek raises to t2400, 7 folds, BB calls t1600 (pot was t4050).
Standard raise here. I was making the same raise throughout the tourney, and although I could've made it larger, I didn't want anything to look any different than normal.
Flop: [9s] [Js] [3s] (t5650, 2 players)
BB checks, jamfreek bets t4000, BB calls t4000 (pot was t9650).
Again, standard continuation bet here. Here I think I made a mistake...I think I have to jam this.
Turn: [2s] (t13650, 2 players)
BB checks, jamfreek checks.
I'm pretty sure i'm beat here, why would he check? I'm thinking that if he checks on the river I can make a small value bet.
River: [Kd] (t13650, 2 players)
BB bets t5600, jamfreek folds.
Uncalled bets: t5600 returned to BB.
This stinks of a value bet by him. I'm beat by many hands, and it wasn't very hard to fold, but I felt that I should've been a bit more aggressive on the flop.
Results:
Final pot: t13650
p0ker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t600/t1200
(Ante: t75)
9 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
UTG: t10772
UTG+1: t29443
MP1: t15969
MP2: t22036
jamfreek: t7015 Pretty gross stack here, anytime is a good time to jam.
CO: t36590
Button: t8576
SB: t51075
BB: t14925
Pre-flop: (9 players) jamfreek is MP3 with [7h] [8h] Perfect cards i'm looking for
3 folds, MP2 calls t1200 (pot was t2475), jamfreek raises all-in t6940, CO folds, Button raises all-in t8501, 2 folds, MP2 calls t7301 (pot was t19116).
Flop: [6h] [Th] [9s] (t14337, 1 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t23295)
GIN!
Turn: [Js] (t14337, 1 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t23295)
River: [5h] (t14337, 1 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t23295)
Results: IN WHITE
Final pot: t14337
MP2 showed Tc As
jamfreek showed 7h 8h
Converter screwed it up, but I also beat out KK!
p0ker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t800/t1600
(Ante: t75)
9 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
UTG: t50540
UTG+1: t13018
MP1: t23801
MP2: t27431
jamfreek: t20970
CO: t67860
Button: t33874
SB: t52499
BB: t38912
Pre-flop: (9 players) jamfreek is MP3 with [Qd] [As]
UTG folds, UTG+1 raises all-in t12943, 2 folds, jamfreek raises all-in t20895.
Uncalled bets: t7952 returned to jamfreek.
At this point in the tourney, I was already ITM, but the payout schedule is soooo FLAT that it really didn't matter. I was looking to play a coinflip here, and was pretty sure I made the right decision. I needed some chips, and the difference between going out here or in 2-3 rounds was miniscule.
Flop: [9s] [9d] [Ad] (t5475, 0 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t28961)
Turn: [4h] (t5475, 0 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t28961)
River: [Jd] (t5475, 0 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t28961)
Results: IN WHITE
Final pot: t5475
UTG+1 showed 8c 8h
jamfreek showed Qd As
COIN FLIP WON!
p0ker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t1000/t2000
(Ante: t100)
8 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
UTG: t23624
UTG+1: t58149
MP1: t19062
MP2: t87341
CO: t58840
Button: t14081
jamfreek: t29638
MP3: t20895
BB: t96910
Pre-flop: (8 players) jamfreek is SB with [Tc] [7h]
UTG folds, UTG+1 calls t2000 (pot was t3800), MP1 folds, MP2 calls t2000 (pot was t5800), 2 folds, jamfreek calls t1000 (pot was t7800), BB checks.
Flop: [8c] [2d] [5d] (t8800, 4 players)
jamfreek checks, BB checks, UTG+1 checks, MP2 checks.
Turn: [9d] (t8800, 4 players)
jamfreek checks, BB bets t2000, 2 folds, jamfreek raises to t8000, BB folds.
Uncalled bets: t6000 returned to jamfreek.
This was such a weak bet, I HAD to make a play here. There was just too much dead money in the pot that nobody seemed to want. The BB took a min. bet stab.
Results:
Final pot: t12800
p0ker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t1500/t3000
(Ante: t150)
8 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
UTG: t8237
UTG+1: t34324
MP1: t88291
MP2: t61236
CO: t21540
Button: t27612
jamfreek: t28838
MP3: t20795
BB: t145578
Pre-flop: (8 players) jamfreek is SB with [Tc] [Ts]
UTG raises all-in t8087, 5 folds, jamfreek raises all-in t28688, BB calls t25688 (pot was t40975).
Less than 10bb's and I jam with 88 and up.
Flop: [3s] [Js] [8d] (t66663, 1 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t25461, Sidepot 1: t41202)
Turn: [Ad] (t66663, 1 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t25461, Sidepot 1: t41202)
River: [6c] (t66663, 1 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t25461, Sidepot 1: t41202)
Results: IN WHITE
Final pot: t66663
BB showed 9h Th
UTG showed Td Jd
jamfreek showed Tc Ts
Pretty sick flop there. Luckily, I win the side pot which is more than I started the hand with, but I would've loved to get that extra 25K!
p0ker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t2000/t4000
(Ante: t200)
7 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
UTG: t20061
UTG+1: t28774
MP1: t82741
CO: t12990
Button: t65724
jamfreek: t45852
jamfreek: t28688
MP3: t20645
BB: t159514
Pre-flop: (7 players) jamfreek is SB with [Ac] [Qc]
3 folds, CO raises all-in t12790, Button folds, jamfreek raises all-in t45652.
Uncalled bets: t32862 returned to jamfreek.
Same as a couple hands before. I'm thinking coinflip here, and again, because of the payouts, I have no fear.
Flop: [Ks] [2c] [2s] (t22190, 0 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t30980)
Turn: [3h] (t22190, 0 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t30980)
River: [2d] (t22190, 0 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: t30980)
Results: In White
Final pot: t22190
CO showed Kc Jd
jamfreek showed Ac Qc
Figures I was ahead, but I can't fault the guy for his jam...i mean you gotta get lucky sometimes.
p0ker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t2000/t4000
(Ante: t200)
8 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
jamfreek: t39462
MP3: t20445
UTG+1: t153047
MP1: t33522
MP2: t60439
CO: t75541
Button: t141369
SB: t63560
BB: t64524
Pre-flop: (8 players) jamfreek is UTG with [Ac] [Qh]
jamfreek raises all-in t39262, 6 folds, BB calls t35262 (pot was t46862).
Again, just trying to stay alive. Less than 10 bb's is a pretty easy jam, as i'm afraid of 4 hands only.
Flop: [7d] [2h] [Ad] (t82124, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: t82124)
Turn: [8d] (t82124, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: t82124)
River: [9h] (t82124, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: t82124)
Results: IN WHITE
Final pot: t82124
BB showed Kc Kh
jamfreek showed Ac Qh
I get lucky this time.
p0ker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t3000/t6000
(Ante: t300)
9 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
UTG: t25522
UTG+1: t40439
MP1: t50919
MP2: t98341
MP3: t133369
CO: t60960
Button: t73924
jamfreek: t99324
BB: t124385
Pre-flop: (9 players) jamfreek is SB with [Kh] [8h]
7 folds, jamfreek raises to t18000, BB raises to t77000, jamfreek folds.
Uncalled bets: t59000 returned to BB.
Interesting hand here. BB was a complete MANIAC for the whole time I was playing at this table. And, to top it off, the extremely loose calls he was making were winning. I love this type of player, but not when he's on my immediate left. I think I should've just pushed here. I'm likely ahead, but i'm not calling off all of my chips.
Results:
Final pot: t38700
p0ker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t3000/t6000
(Ante: t300)
7 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
UTG: t88678
UTG+1: t33519
MP1: t86941
CO: t60960
Button: t50524
jamfreek: t84324
Button: t73624
jamfreek: t99024
BB: t156868
Pre-flop: (7 players) jamfreek is SB with [7h] [7d]
3 folds, CO raises all-in t60660, Button folds, jamfreek folds, BB folds.
Uncalled bets: t54660 returned to CO.
I think I need to call here and gamble. I think this was a coinflip, I was just gun-shy. If I call and win my flip, I am top 5 in chips, and can lay back a bit. I think there was about 25-30 players left maybe a little bit less.
Results:
Final pot: t17100
p0ker Stars
No Limit Holdem Tournament
Blinds: t4000/t8000
(Ante: t400)
7 players
Converter
Stack sizes:
UTG: t75241
UTG+1: t54061
MP1: t44160
jamfreek: t127424
Button: t73324
SB: t98724
Button: t131313
SB: t55748
BB: t188319
Pre-flop: (7 players) jamfreek is CO with [Ah] [Th]
3 folds, jamfreek raises to t24000, 2 folds, BB calls t16000 (pot was t38800).
Flop: [6d] [Js] [Kd] (t54800, 2 players)
BB checks, jamfreek checks.
TERRIBLE check here. This guy was solid. This may be a little results-oriented thinking, but if I jam, he can't call unless he has like 5 hands, and I none of them would check here. I may get a call from a nut-flush draw or open-ender, but I have to apply the pressure yes?
Turn: [Ts] (t54800, 2 players)
BB checks, jamfreek bets t32000, BB raises to t144000, jamfreek calls all-in t71024.
Uncalled bets: t40976 returned to BB.
TERRIBLE CALL. Why call? Well, I seriously thought that he was on a flush draw. I see that check-raise on a draw so much that I almost insta-called.
River: [2s] (t260848, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: t260848)
Results: IN WHITE
Final pot: t260848
BB showed Ad Qd
jamfreek showed Ah Th
Of course he had the stone-cold nuts. I was outplayed here, and could've layed it down. I didn't respect this guy enough when all of the info I had on him showed me he was solid and wouldn't make some donkey play (not that a jam with a flush draw is donkey-like).
I can do so much better. These things don't come around enough for me and I wish I capitalized on my position better. It's hard to make it deep in any tourney with this size field, so I feel like I let one get away.
Anyway, Christmas is coming and it's getting exciting around town. Work is pretty slow, and I can't wait to get these CD's out. Hopefully everyone will like em'.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
"Best of 2006" Holiday Mix CD
I recently mentioned that I was going to be giving away my version of a "Best of 2006" mix cd to family and friends as holiday presents, and I have finally finished it. After 3 revisions I have come up with, what I believe to be, either my favorite or the best songs of all of the CD's that I bought from 2006. Now, these are only albums that were published this year, and obviously I could not get every single pop/rock, jazz, country, etc. album that came out. But, as I have pointed out before, my musical taste runs from hard rock to jazz to country, so I guess you could say this cd could be considered "eclectic" for lack of a better word.
So here it is, the tracklisting with notes to jamfreeks "Best of 2006 Holiday Mix CD":
Songname - Artist - ALBUM
1. East Nashville Easter - Yonder Mountain String Band - YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND
We start things off with a little "jam-grass". Bluegrasses younger sister. YMSB is maybe one of the greatest progressive bluegrass bands to come out since New Grass Revival (Sam Bush, Bela' Fleck, etc.). I really love how this song speaks about the atmosphere at one of their concerts. The differences in the population of the crowd at a show and that "crazy young man standing out in the crowd, going up and down, down and out".
2. Yell Fire - Michael Franti & Spearhead - YELL FIRE
We move from bluegrass to a mix of politically fueled hip-hop/rock/reggae that is Michael Franti. This guy is a religion! Everyone who likes a good concert should go out as soon as he comes to town and see a KILLER show. Whether you are a democrat, republican, libertarian or scientologist, you can not deny that this guy speaks the truth with whatever he writes about. This song, and album of the same title, really is politically fueled. Franti also released an excellent documentary titled "I Know I'm Not Alone" where the viewer follows him around Iraq, Afghanistan and occupied Palestine. Franti speaks about peace and love like a hippy from the '60's, except he is a 6'6" African-American that raps. The first verse of this song is sooooo good!
3. Xmas Curtain - My Morning Jacket - OKONOKOS
My favorite band this year. Another great live act. This live album covers just about every song from their last two albums ("Z", "It Still Moves"), with a little bit of older material thrown around. Many people might hear an influence of Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, even a little bit of country. The fact of the matter is, Jim James has a very distinctive voice and writes incredible songs.
4. Vultures - John Mayer - CONTINUUM
Will John Mayer be a lasting artist? That is the question I ask myself from time to time when listening to his latest album. It's hard to say really. For one thing, you have the teeny-bopper pop of his first two albums. Ok, his second album really spoke to that Room For Squares crowd that was searching for a replacement for their Dave Matthews Band. Then he releases a very underrated live album ("Trio") with guys like Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan that is much closer to blues then anything he has done in the past. I like this. So the question remains, will this new direction take on a life of it's own and will his following...well...follow? This album almost has a Steely Dan feel. Very jazzy and bluesy. I'm not a huge fan of every single song on the album, but I can listen to it from start to finish without wishing a song was over.
5. If You're Walking - Trey Anastasio - BAR 17
Here's the way I see things with Trey. I believe he is really trying to follow Eric Clapton's career and model himself after him. This isn't necessarily a bad thing mind you. At first listen to this song you could close your eyes and think you're listening to "Pilgrim" (Claptons "adult-contemporary" release from 1998). But the thing is, that album was absolutely horrendous. "Bar 17" is not, it's actually quite good, brilliant at times. Probably not as accessible as his previous solo release "Shine", but many of the songs are a throwback to those Phish days, that really were not that long ago.
6. Gone - Pearl Jam - PEARL JAM
This might be, in my opinion, close to the best album of the year. Probably the best PJ has done since "Ten" really. I usually can't take Eddie Vedder's politics that much, and would prefer him to just sing and rock out. He does it quite well this time around. Plus, usually the songs I end up liking the most on PJ albums always seem to be written by McCready or Gossard or a mix of all of them. I always thought that as soon as Vedder started playing guitar on stage and writing not just the lyrics but the music as well, was really the down-fall of PJ...well that and kicking Dave Abbruzese out of the band. The lyrics "When the gas in my tank, feels like money in the bank, gonna blow it all this time, take me one last ride..." speaks volumes about the state of the country we live in.
7. Girl, I Wanna Lay You Down - ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) - FLY BETWEEN FALLS
If you like Jack Johnson, you will absolutely love this band, and I am not really that big of a fan of him. In fact he's the bands old college buddy that really got them in front of the right audience (he's also on this particular track). These guys have a very distinct "California-Surfer-Funk" vibe that is really a joy to listen to. The band uses everything from bongos to ukulele's to create a brilliant blend of funk and soul.
8. Cellphone's Dead - Beck - THE INFORMATION
"One by one i'll knock you out..." Beck returns to form on this release that harkens back to his "two turntables and a microphone" days. The thing is, I believe his best release "Sea Change" may stand the test of time, but will never be remembered as his "go-to album", which I believe this may be. Forlorn folky songs like those could only work as a full release, as he could never intersperse those throughout this album or it's fraternal twin "Guero". What I love about that is Beck actually makes it work here by piecing together each song with bits and pieces of that soft crooner voice that made that album so popular. It's a great mix of everything that Beck has done without it being a greatest hits type album. In other words, as you move through this record "one by one", Beck literally "knocks you out" with each track. As soon as you think "oh this is just like "Odelay" you get a whole new perspective of the song. Great album, and one of the best this year on most anybodys list.
9. Intentions Clear - Umphrey's McGee - SAFETY IN NUMBERS
A couple years ago, UM did a short tour with Joshua Redman (saxophone). Luckily I was able to catch one of the shows at The Funk Box (now back to it's original name "8x10 Club"). During that performance, Joel Cummins commented "maybe we should add a sax player full-time". While they didn't do that with this album, they did have Redman come in and do a brilliant job on this song. This album is much darker than their previous releases, but to me, is much more coherent. Also, on a personal level, it speaks volumes to me as when this album was released, we lost our dear friend David to cancer. This song is really a transitional song for the mix cd as the very end has a nice extended moog section that is almost like a bookend to the first half of this "Best of" cd.
10. Little Walter Rides Again - Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood - OUT LOUDER
While the first half of this cd is made up of mostly pop-oriented music, we move along to a jazz song. There were probably hundreds, maybe thousands of jazz albums that came out this year, and this is one of the best. Back in the mid 90's MMW collaborated with John Scofield, one of the last remaining jazz-guitar legends...hell he worked with Miles, that's got to mean something right. Anyway, that exceptional album "A Go Go" was more of a John Scofield album with MMW as backing band. This time around, they actually wrote songs together, which created a dynamic that seems to be more MMW fueled than Scofield. This song is the opening track of the album and even though it was written and performed around ten years later, I could've said it was from "A Go Go" and you wouldn't even know.
11. High On A Mountain - Ollabelle - RIVERSIDE BATTLE SONGS
At first listen you might think this band was from Tennessee or somewhere in the south. Believe it or not, they are straight out of Manhattan. One must wonder how they can sound so smooth and rootsy in that big ole' city. This band makes these old time songs sound just as they should, which is refreshing when some other bands like to fuse weirdness into songs, in essence trying to make them "their own". That just isn't the case with Ollabelle (the name taken from an old songwriter Olla Belle Reed who apparently now resides in Maryland). This song is really a traditional or "standard" that puts the listener in the singers mindset of introspection and spirituality.
12. Luckiest Man - The Wood Brothers - WAYS NOT TO LOSE
Chris Wood, most well known as the "W" in MMW (or Medeski, Martin and Wood) teams up with his brother Oliver for a very intimate blend of blues, americana folk and roots rock. Apparently these guys had performed together only at family parties before putting these songs down on tape to sell to the masses. C. Wood's bass grooves are very distinctive, and his brother's voice while raw and raspy at times meshes well with these great songs. Another one of those records that is hard to find a weak song throughout.
13. Spirit On The Water - Bob Dylan - MODERN TIMES
This might be it. The BEST record all year. I've heard people say that this recording is really the third of a trilogy of albums (Time Out Of Mind, and Love And Theft being the other two). Sure enough, they all do seem to resemble each other closely, but I think this one is a bit better. Maybe it's the material Bob had to work with (Katrina) that really does it for me, or maybe it's his backing band that may be the some of the best musicians he's ever worked with. Regardless, there is not an artist out there whose work spans five decades AND changed modern music in such a way that everyone else had to jump on board. Aside from mentions of "Alicia Keys", you could listen to this album and at times be transported back to the days with "The Band" and his work in the 70's on an album like "Desire". When I heard this album all the way through for the first time, I really wished my friend David was still alive, because this is the type of album he would absolutely love. These songs make me miss him every time I here them.
14. Crazy - Widespread Panic - EARTH TO AMERICA
The great thing about this album, and more specifically this song that I chose here, is that these guys didn't try to "reinvent the wheel" so to speak. Sure, their founding guitarist (Michael Houser) passed away, but he wanted the band to go on without him. And that's just it, they did, and this song is vintage WSP. Domingo Ortiz's afro-cuban percussion on "Crazy" represents that trippy, laid back atmosphere that helped make these guys the darling of the post-Grateful Dead- jam era. And, Mikey's replacement, George McConnell does an excellent job of filling those impossible to fill shoes that were left behind, unfortunately he has since left the band. Who knows where the band is headed.
15. Local - Keller Williams and The Keels - GRASS
One of my favorite artists. This album is chock-full of "campy" bluegrass music that at times may seem so silly it's brilliant. But that's Keller's 'shtick. The album includes only three Keller originals (Goofballs, Crater in the Backyard, and Local), all of which have become live staples over the years, only now being re-invented in a more progressive bluegrass style. The rest of the album includes covers from Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Jerry Garcia, etc. If only he had released his forth-coming album sooner (it's scheduled for an early Feb.07 release), it easily would've made this mix cd. I know this because he is a genius songwriter and guitar player. Technically, throughout this album Keller mainly sticks to his "banji-tar" which is essentially a custom made banjo-guitar hybrid. The husband and wife duo of Larry and Jenny Keel (Keller's longtime Virginia friends) have great interplay with Keller's voice and compliment him well. Larry's raspy, backwoods singing and down-home flatpicking is a joy to see live as well. I was lucky enough to see an up-close and personal show from the front row of The Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis that was very fun and intimate.
16. Roly Poly - The Little Willies - THE LITTLE WILLIES
The Little Willies are essentially a group of guys that are all friends with the star of the band Norah Jones. That's not to say that the rest of the players don't have any 'chops. It's just that none of them topped the billboard 100 at number 1 nor did any of them win 8 grammy awards. Richard Julian who appears on this album with Jones may have released one of the most underrated and underappreciatted albums of 2005 (Slow New York) and this album features one of his songs. He is a great singer/songwriter in the same vain as someone like James Taylor. But for the most part, this album features covers of familiar country/rock, and americana tunes that move from mellow to playful at the drop of a hat. The guitar lines are jumpy and bright on this track, and the song itself has such fun lyrics.
17. Not That I Care - Willie Nelson - YOU DON'T KNOW ME: THE SONGS OF CINDY WALKER
I debated with myself for weeks whether to put this track on this cd or not. While I am not a huge fan of country music, this album intrigued me because it is so pure and relaxed it's hard not to like it. I don't know much about Cindy Walker, but what I do know is that she was an extremely gifted songwriter whose songs became standards in the western swing genre. Regardless, Willie's laid back voice works well as we head towards the end of this cd, like a lullaby in a way.
18. Minor Swing - Jay Geils, Gerry Beaudoin and The Kings of Strings - JAY GEILS, GERRY BEAUDOIN AND THE KINGS OF STRINGS
The "find" of the year! While browsing my favorite local record store (Joe's Record Paradise), this album came on and I was mesmerized from start to finish. The last time I had such an epiphany was when I heard the Smashing Pumpkins for the first time. You know when you hear music and you really don't care who it is, but you just have to have it. Well this was it. The album is all acoustic "gypsy music" from the 30's and 40's. That's right, this is old time swing tunes from the likes of Django Reinhart, Stephane Grappelli, Duke Ellington, etc. It is so jazzy and upbeat, but relaxed as well. The perfect end to in my opinion a perfect mix cd!
So here it is, the tracklisting with notes to jamfreeks "Best of 2006 Holiday Mix CD":
Songname - Artist - ALBUM
1. East Nashville Easter - Yonder Mountain String Band - YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND
We start things off with a little "jam-grass". Bluegrasses younger sister. YMSB is maybe one of the greatest progressive bluegrass bands to come out since New Grass Revival (Sam Bush, Bela' Fleck, etc.). I really love how this song speaks about the atmosphere at one of their concerts. The differences in the population of the crowd at a show and that "crazy young man standing out in the crowd, going up and down, down and out".
2. Yell Fire - Michael Franti & Spearhead - YELL FIRE
We move from bluegrass to a mix of politically fueled hip-hop/rock/reggae that is Michael Franti. This guy is a religion! Everyone who likes a good concert should go out as soon as he comes to town and see a KILLER show. Whether you are a democrat, republican, libertarian or scientologist, you can not deny that this guy speaks the truth with whatever he writes about. This song, and album of the same title, really is politically fueled. Franti also released an excellent documentary titled "I Know I'm Not Alone" where the viewer follows him around Iraq, Afghanistan and occupied Palestine. Franti speaks about peace and love like a hippy from the '60's, except he is a 6'6" African-American that raps. The first verse of this song is sooooo good!
3. Xmas Curtain - My Morning Jacket - OKONOKOS
My favorite band this year. Another great live act. This live album covers just about every song from their last two albums ("Z", "It Still Moves"), with a little bit of older material thrown around. Many people might hear an influence of Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, even a little bit of country. The fact of the matter is, Jim James has a very distinctive voice and writes incredible songs.
4. Vultures - John Mayer - CONTINUUM
Will John Mayer be a lasting artist? That is the question I ask myself from time to time when listening to his latest album. It's hard to say really. For one thing, you have the teeny-bopper pop of his first two albums. Ok, his second album really spoke to that Room For Squares crowd that was searching for a replacement for their Dave Matthews Band. Then he releases a very underrated live album ("Trio") with guys like Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan that is much closer to blues then anything he has done in the past. I like this. So the question remains, will this new direction take on a life of it's own and will his following...well...follow? This album almost has a Steely Dan feel. Very jazzy and bluesy. I'm not a huge fan of every single song on the album, but I can listen to it from start to finish without wishing a song was over.
5. If You're Walking - Trey Anastasio - BAR 17
Here's the way I see things with Trey. I believe he is really trying to follow Eric Clapton's career and model himself after him. This isn't necessarily a bad thing mind you. At first listen to this song you could close your eyes and think you're listening to "Pilgrim" (Claptons "adult-contemporary" release from 1998). But the thing is, that album was absolutely horrendous. "Bar 17" is not, it's actually quite good, brilliant at times. Probably not as accessible as his previous solo release "Shine", but many of the songs are a throwback to those Phish days, that really were not that long ago.
6. Gone - Pearl Jam - PEARL JAM
This might be, in my opinion, close to the best album of the year. Probably the best PJ has done since "Ten" really. I usually can't take Eddie Vedder's politics that much, and would prefer him to just sing and rock out. He does it quite well this time around. Plus, usually the songs I end up liking the most on PJ albums always seem to be written by McCready or Gossard or a mix of all of them. I always thought that as soon as Vedder started playing guitar on stage and writing not just the lyrics but the music as well, was really the down-fall of PJ...well that and kicking Dave Abbruzese out of the band. The lyrics "When the gas in my tank, feels like money in the bank, gonna blow it all this time, take me one last ride..." speaks volumes about the state of the country we live in.
7. Girl, I Wanna Lay You Down - ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) - FLY BETWEEN FALLS
If you like Jack Johnson, you will absolutely love this band, and I am not really that big of a fan of him. In fact he's the bands old college buddy that really got them in front of the right audience (he's also on this particular track). These guys have a very distinct "California-Surfer-Funk" vibe that is really a joy to listen to. The band uses everything from bongos to ukulele's to create a brilliant blend of funk and soul.
8. Cellphone's Dead - Beck - THE INFORMATION
"One by one i'll knock you out..." Beck returns to form on this release that harkens back to his "two turntables and a microphone" days. The thing is, I believe his best release "Sea Change" may stand the test of time, but will never be remembered as his "go-to album", which I believe this may be. Forlorn folky songs like those could only work as a full release, as he could never intersperse those throughout this album or it's fraternal twin "Guero". What I love about that is Beck actually makes it work here by piecing together each song with bits and pieces of that soft crooner voice that made that album so popular. It's a great mix of everything that Beck has done without it being a greatest hits type album. In other words, as you move through this record "one by one", Beck literally "knocks you out" with each track. As soon as you think "oh this is just like "Odelay" you get a whole new perspective of the song. Great album, and one of the best this year on most anybodys list.
9. Intentions Clear - Umphrey's McGee - SAFETY IN NUMBERS
A couple years ago, UM did a short tour with Joshua Redman (saxophone). Luckily I was able to catch one of the shows at The Funk Box (now back to it's original name "8x10 Club"). During that performance, Joel Cummins commented "maybe we should add a sax player full-time". While they didn't do that with this album, they did have Redman come in and do a brilliant job on this song. This album is much darker than their previous releases, but to me, is much more coherent. Also, on a personal level, it speaks volumes to me as when this album was released, we lost our dear friend David to cancer. This song is really a transitional song for the mix cd as the very end has a nice extended moog section that is almost like a bookend to the first half of this "Best of" cd.
10. Little Walter Rides Again - Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood - OUT LOUDER
While the first half of this cd is made up of mostly pop-oriented music, we move along to a jazz song. There were probably hundreds, maybe thousands of jazz albums that came out this year, and this is one of the best. Back in the mid 90's MMW collaborated with John Scofield, one of the last remaining jazz-guitar legends...hell he worked with Miles, that's got to mean something right. Anyway, that exceptional album "A Go Go" was more of a John Scofield album with MMW as backing band. This time around, they actually wrote songs together, which created a dynamic that seems to be more MMW fueled than Scofield. This song is the opening track of the album and even though it was written and performed around ten years later, I could've said it was from "A Go Go" and you wouldn't even know.
11. High On A Mountain - Ollabelle - RIVERSIDE BATTLE SONGS
At first listen you might think this band was from Tennessee or somewhere in the south. Believe it or not, they are straight out of Manhattan. One must wonder how they can sound so smooth and rootsy in that big ole' city. This band makes these old time songs sound just as they should, which is refreshing when some other bands like to fuse weirdness into songs, in essence trying to make them "their own". That just isn't the case with Ollabelle (the name taken from an old songwriter Olla Belle Reed who apparently now resides in Maryland). This song is really a traditional or "standard" that puts the listener in the singers mindset of introspection and spirituality.
12. Luckiest Man - The Wood Brothers - WAYS NOT TO LOSE
Chris Wood, most well known as the "W" in MMW (or Medeski, Martin and Wood) teams up with his brother Oliver for a very intimate blend of blues, americana folk and roots rock. Apparently these guys had performed together only at family parties before putting these songs down on tape to sell to the masses. C. Wood's bass grooves are very distinctive, and his brother's voice while raw and raspy at times meshes well with these great songs. Another one of those records that is hard to find a weak song throughout.
13. Spirit On The Water - Bob Dylan - MODERN TIMES
This might be it. The BEST record all year. I've heard people say that this recording is really the third of a trilogy of albums (Time Out Of Mind, and Love And Theft being the other two). Sure enough, they all do seem to resemble each other closely, but I think this one is a bit better. Maybe it's the material Bob had to work with (Katrina) that really does it for me, or maybe it's his backing band that may be the some of the best musicians he's ever worked with. Regardless, there is not an artist out there whose work spans five decades AND changed modern music in such a way that everyone else had to jump on board. Aside from mentions of "Alicia Keys", you could listen to this album and at times be transported back to the days with "The Band" and his work in the 70's on an album like "Desire". When I heard this album all the way through for the first time, I really wished my friend David was still alive, because this is the type of album he would absolutely love. These songs make me miss him every time I here them.
14. Crazy - Widespread Panic - EARTH TO AMERICA
The great thing about this album, and more specifically this song that I chose here, is that these guys didn't try to "reinvent the wheel" so to speak. Sure, their founding guitarist (Michael Houser) passed away, but he wanted the band to go on without him. And that's just it, they did, and this song is vintage WSP. Domingo Ortiz's afro-cuban percussion on "Crazy" represents that trippy, laid back atmosphere that helped make these guys the darling of the post-Grateful Dead- jam era. And, Mikey's replacement, George McConnell does an excellent job of filling those impossible to fill shoes that were left behind, unfortunately he has since left the band. Who knows where the band is headed.
15. Local - Keller Williams and The Keels - GRASS
One of my favorite artists. This album is chock-full of "campy" bluegrass music that at times may seem so silly it's brilliant. But that's Keller's 'shtick. The album includes only three Keller originals (Goofballs, Crater in the Backyard, and Local), all of which have become live staples over the years, only now being re-invented in a more progressive bluegrass style. The rest of the album includes covers from Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Jerry Garcia, etc. If only he had released his forth-coming album sooner (it's scheduled for an early Feb.07 release), it easily would've made this mix cd. I know this because he is a genius songwriter and guitar player. Technically, throughout this album Keller mainly sticks to his "banji-tar" which is essentially a custom made banjo-guitar hybrid. The husband and wife duo of Larry and Jenny Keel (Keller's longtime Virginia friends) have great interplay with Keller's voice and compliment him well. Larry's raspy, backwoods singing and down-home flatpicking is a joy to see live as well. I was lucky enough to see an up-close and personal show from the front row of The Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis that was very fun and intimate.
16. Roly Poly - The Little Willies - THE LITTLE WILLIES
The Little Willies are essentially a group of guys that are all friends with the star of the band Norah Jones. That's not to say that the rest of the players don't have any 'chops. It's just that none of them topped the billboard 100 at number 1 nor did any of them win 8 grammy awards. Richard Julian who appears on this album with Jones may have released one of the most underrated and underappreciatted albums of 2005 (Slow New York) and this album features one of his songs. He is a great singer/songwriter in the same vain as someone like James Taylor. But for the most part, this album features covers of familiar country/rock, and americana tunes that move from mellow to playful at the drop of a hat. The guitar lines are jumpy and bright on this track, and the song itself has such fun lyrics.
17. Not That I Care - Willie Nelson - YOU DON'T KNOW ME: THE SONGS OF CINDY WALKER
I debated with myself for weeks whether to put this track on this cd or not. While I am not a huge fan of country music, this album intrigued me because it is so pure and relaxed it's hard not to like it. I don't know much about Cindy Walker, but what I do know is that she was an extremely gifted songwriter whose songs became standards in the western swing genre. Regardless, Willie's laid back voice works well as we head towards the end of this cd, like a lullaby in a way.
18. Minor Swing - Jay Geils, Gerry Beaudoin and The Kings of Strings - JAY GEILS, GERRY BEAUDOIN AND THE KINGS OF STRINGS
The "find" of the year! While browsing my favorite local record store (Joe's Record Paradise), this album came on and I was mesmerized from start to finish. The last time I had such an epiphany was when I heard the Smashing Pumpkins for the first time. You know when you hear music and you really don't care who it is, but you just have to have it. Well this was it. The album is all acoustic "gypsy music" from the 30's and 40's. That's right, this is old time swing tunes from the likes of Django Reinhart, Stephane Grappelli, Duke Ellington, etc. It is so jazzy and upbeat, but relaxed as well. The perfect end to in my opinion a perfect mix cd!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
TD Hands
Thanks to Snadly and his kind offer to stake me over at Pokerstars, I have been playing a ton of triple draw, and man do I absolutely love those games over there. WAY more to choose from then the old UB games, and players obviously not as good. I hopefully will be able to move up to some higher limits someday, but for now all I can play are the .50/1.00 games. So here are a few from a really great session I had with comments:
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
SB ($5.70), Seat 2
BB ($4.75), Seat 3
UTG ($22.90), Seat 4
Hero ($36.15), Seat 5
CO ($23.75), Seat 6
Button ($20.25), Seat 1
Button at Seat 1.
SB posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [2h 9c 5s 9d 7d]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
UTG folds.Hero raises. CO calls. Button folds.SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 1. BB takes 3. Hero discards 9c 9d. CO takes 2.
Hand: [2h 5s 7d Th 4d]
Round 2: (8.00 SB)
SB checks. BB checks. Hero bets. CO raises. SB calls. BB folds.Hero calls.
SB takes 1. Hero discards Th. CO stands pat.
Hand: [2h 5s 7d 4d 4s]
Round 3: (7.00 BB)
SB checks. Hero checks. CO bets. SB calls. Hero calls.
SB takes 1. Hero discards 4s. CO stands pat.
Hand: [2h 5s 7d 4d 6c]
Round 4: (10.00 BB)
SB checks. Hero checks. CO bets. SB folds.Hero raises. CO raises. Hero calls.
Total pot: (16.00 BB) - $16
Results: (in white)
Total pot $16 | Rake $0.50
Hero has [2h 6c 5s 4d 7d] and won ($15.50) with Lo: 7,6,5,4,2
CO has [2s Td 2c 3d 7s] and lost with Lo: a pair of Deuces
So, I get fancy from time to time checking 7's. In fact I do it once a session. I am pretty sick when I get re-raised on the final draw, not sure what this guy was thinking with this ridiculous snow. I wouldn't lay down an 87 at this limit.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($.50/$1.00)
SB ($24.25), Seat 4
Hero ($44.90), Seat 5
UTG ($16.50), Seat 6
Button ($25.55), Seat 1
Button at Seat 1.
SB posts $0.25. Hero posts.
Hand: [4d 9s 2s 7d 7h]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
UTG calls. Button calls. SB calls.
SB takes 2. Hero discards 9s 7h. UTG takes 2. Button takes 2.
Hand: [4d 2s 7d Td Jc]
Round 2: (4.00 SB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
SB takes 2. Hero discards Td Jc. UTG takes 2. Button takes 3.
Hand: [4d 2s 7d Jd Qc]
Round 3: (2.00 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
SB takes 1. Hero discards Jd Qc. UTG takes 1. Button takes 2.
Hand: [4d 2s 7d As 3h]
Round 4: (2.00 BB)
UTG bets.
Total pot: (2.00 BB) - $2
Results: (in white)
Total pot $2 | Rake $0.10
I hate this spot. I have played it every which way and it is such a break even type hand that I can't figure it out. Do I raise before the draw? This is the way these games have been playing on 'Stars...VERY PASSIVE. I hate playing it weak and checking, but unless I have a smoother draw I can't justify putting in an extra bet, they are all going to call me and i'm OOP...basically, I have no idea how to play it, but I think I have to play it with a raise.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
Hero ($44.40), Seat 5
BB ($17.90), Seat 6
UTG ($25.05), Seat 1
MP ($20), Seat 2
CO ($20), Seat 3
Button ($23.75), Seat 4
Button at Seat 4.
Hero posts $0.25. BB posts. MP posts BB. CO posts BB.
Hand: [3c 4d 9s 3h 2h]
Round 1: (3.50 SB)
Button calls. Hero raises. BB calls. MP calls. Button calls.
Hero discards 9s 3h. BB takes 3. MP takes 4. Button takes 2.
Hand: [3c 4d 2h Qs 5c]
Round 2: (9.00 SB)
Hero bets. BB calls. Button raises. Hero calls. BB calls.
Hero discards Qs. BB stands pat. Button stands pat.
Hand: [3c 4d 2h 5c Tc]
Round 3: (7.50 BB)
Button bets. Hero calls. BB calls.
Hero discards Tc. BB takes 2. Button stands pat.
Hand: [3c 4d 2h 5c 2d]
Round 4: (10.50 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
Total pot: (10.50 BB) - $10.50
Results: (in white)
Total pot $10.50 | Rake $0.50
Button has [8s 6c 5s 2s 3s] and won ($10) with Lo: 8,6,5,3,2
Hero has [3c 4d 2d 5c 2h] and lost with Lo: a pair of Deuces
BB has [Js 5h 4s 7h 7d]
Standard miss, nothing special, but I bet his 86 in his spot
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
SB ($25.55), Seat 1
BB ($19), Seat 2
UTG ($19.50), Seat 3
MP ($30.75), Seat 4
Hero ($41.40), Seat 5
Button ($14.40), Seat 6
Button at Seat 6.
SB posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [5s Ks 4c 3s 7h]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
Hero raises. SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 2. BB takes 1. Hero discards Ks.
Hand: [5s 4c 3s 7h Tc]
Round 2: (6.00 SB)
Hero bets. SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 1. BB stands pat. Hero discards Tc.
Hand: [5s 4c 3s 7h 2c]
Round 3: (4.50 BB)
Hero bets. BB calls.
BB stands pat. Hero stands pat.
Hand: [5s 4c 3s 7h 2c]
Round 4: (6.50 BB)
Hero bets. BB calls.
Total pot: (8.50 BB) - $8.50
Results: (in white)
Total pot $8.50 | Rake $0.40
BB has [8h 4d 2h 9d 3d]
Hero has [5s 2c 4c 3s 7h] and won ($8.10) with Lo: 7,5,4,3,2
This is such a weak play by this guy, you gotta go with your hand and bet it all the way...sure sometimes you're gonna lose, but the times you play your monster hands the same way more than make up for it.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1.00)
SB ($29.75), Seat 4
Hero ($46), Seat 5
UTG ($16.70), Seat 6
MP ($24.05), Seat 1
CO ($16.15), Seat 2
Button ($17.25), Seat 3
Button at Seat 3.
SB posts $0.25. Hero posts.
Hand: [Qc 3s 7s 2c 4h]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
SB raises. Hero raises. SB calls.
SB takes 1. Hero discards Qc.
Hand: [3s 7s 2c 4h 8s]
Round 2: (6.00 SB)
SB bets. Hero raises. SB calls.
SB takes 1. Hero stands pat.
Hand: [3s 7s 2c 4h 8s]
Round 3: (5.00 BB)
Hero bets. SB calls.
SB takes 1. Hero stands pat.
Hand: [3s 7s 2c 4h 8s]
Round 4: (7.00 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
Total pot: (7.00 BB) - $7
Results: (in white)
Total pot $7 | Rake $0.30
SB has [6c 7d 3h 6d 2h] and lost with Lo: a pair of Sixes
Hero has [8s 3s 7s 2c 4h] and won ($6.70) with Lo: 8,7,4,3,2
Missed a value bet on the river...i think i'm the only player who will get fancy and check a 7 in his spot, although i might be the only player on 'stars who will check an 87 as well
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
SB ($23.55), Seat 1
BB ($14.15), Seat 2
UTG ($18.95), Seat 3
MP ($25.75), Seat 4
Hero ($48.95), Seat 5
Button ($17.70), Seat 6
Button at Seat 6.
SB posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [Jh 4h Js 3h 5h]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
Hero raises. Button calls. BB calls.
BB takes 1. Hero discards Jh Js. Button takes 3.
Hand: [4h 3h 5h 8c 2d]
Round 2: (6.50 SB)
BB bets. Hero raises. Button calls. BB calls.
BB stands pat. Hero stands pat. Button takes 2.
Hand: [4h 3h 5h 8c 2d]
Round 3: (6.25 BB)
Hero bets. Button calls. BB calls.
BB stands pat. Hero stands pat. Button takes 1.
Hand: [4h 3h 5h 8c 2d]
Round 4: (9.25 BB)
Hero bets. Button calls. BB calls.
Total pot: (12.25 BB) - $12.25
Results: (in white)
Total pot $12.25 | Rake $0.50
BB has [8s 4c 5d 3d 7s]
Hero has [8c 4h 2d 3h 5h] and won ($11.75) with Lo: 8,5,4,3,2
Button has [6d 3s 2h 4s 8h] and lost with Lo: 8,6,4,3,2
Playing position here, don't want to be called by the button, although he is a loosy goosy type player who could draw anywhere from 1 to 3. I am surprised by the bb who flat calls and draws 1. I play that hand like I have a huge wheel draw like 2347x. The way he played it is very recognizable that he has a rough draw and most of the time they don't have a 2.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
Hero ($56.20), Seat 5
BB ($19.50), Seat 6
UTG ($22.90), Seat 1
CO ($13.80), Seat 2
Button ($16.20), Seat 3
Button at Seat 3.
Hero posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [3h 9d 7h 2d 5h]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
CO calls. Hero raises. BB calls. CO calls.
Hero discards 9d. BB takes 2. CO takes 3.
Hand: [3h 7h 2d 5h Js]
Round 2: (6.00 SB)
Hero bets. BB calls. CO calls.
Hero discards Js. BB takes 2. CO takes 1.
Hand: [3h 7h 2d 5h 9c]
Round 3: (4.50 BB)
Hero bets. BB calls. CO calls.
Hero stands pat. BB takes 1. CO takes 1.
Hand: [3h 7h 2d 5h 9c]
Round 4: (7.50 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
Total pot: (7.50 BB) - $7.50
Results: (in white)
Total pot $7.50 | Rake $0.35
CO has [Qc 3c 6d 7d 5c]
Hero has [3h 9c 7h 2d 5h] and won ($7.15) with Lo: 9,7,5,3,2
BB has [8h 2c 5d 4s 2h]
Pretty standard Super System II play; betting the 97 pre-third draw, and pating, then checking to the two players drawing one. I'm only going to get called by a better hand, and I check call this if there is a bet.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
SB ($9.70), Seat 3
BB ($12), Seat 4
Hero ($60.85), Seat 5
MP ($12), Seat 6
CO ($29.85), Seat 1
Button ($14.90), Seat 2
Button at Seat 2.
SB posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [7d 8d Ac 2d 3d]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
Hero raises. BB raises. Hero raises. Betting is capped. BB calls.
BB takes 1. Hero discards Ac.
Hand: [7d 8d 2d 3d 3c]
Round 2: (8.50 SB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
BB stands pat. Hero discards 3d.
Hand: [7d 8d 2d 3c Jc]
Round 3: (4.25 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
BB stands pat. Hero discards Jc.
Hand: [7d 8d 2d 3c Qs]
Round 4: (4.25 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
Total pot: (4.25 BB) - $4.25
Results: (in white)
Total pot $4.25 | Rake $0.20
BB has [4c 3s 8s 5c 9s] and won ($4.05) with Lo: 9,8,5,4,3
Hero has [7d 8d 3c 2d Qs]
Pretty weak play by me here. I need to bet after the first draw, because regardless of my hand, I have position and can force a break of that 9. I hate his play though, because he has to have at least a rough 87, but I immediately put him on a 9 when he went pat and didn't bet. Pre-first-draw I am deciding if I am keeping the 8 based on who calls/raises. When the bb puts in teh third bet I know for sure that I am capping with the 87 because of my position.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1.00)
SB ($16.90), Seat 2
BB ($20), Seat 3
UTG ($11.65), Seat 4
Hero ($51.85), Seat 5
CO ($5.75), Seat 6
Button ($33.15), Seat 1
Button at Seat 1.
SB posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [Kd As 2h 4s 5s]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
Hero raises. SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 2. BB takes 2. Hero discards Kd As.
Hand: [2h 4s 5s 6h 7h]
Round 2: (6.00 SB)
BB bets. Hero raises. SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 1. BB takes 1. Hero stands pat.
Hand: [2h 4s 5s 6h 7h]
Round 3: (6.00 BB)
Hero bets. SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 1. BB takes 1. Hero stands pat.
Hand: [2h 4s 5s 6h 7h]
Round 4: (9.00 BB)
Hero bets. SB raises. Hero calls.
Total pot: (13.00 BB) - $13
Results: (in white)
Total pot $13 | Rake $0.50
SB has [5c 4c 6d 3s 7d] and lost with Lo: a straight, Three to Seven
Hero has [6h 7h 2h 4s 5s] and won ($12.50) with Lo: 7,6,5,4,2
When you're hot, you're hot. I'm sick when he check-raises me, because he did the same thing the hand before except he had #1. At first I thought he misread his hand, but it's pretty easy to tell when you don't have that 2.
One thing i've found since i've been playing this game is that you REALLY have to ride out your HOT streaks. If you are playing 2 card draws and getting top 10 hands off that first draw...KEEP PLAYING!! If, on the other hand, those same 2 card and 1 card draws have you banging your head on your keyboard (ala POWDA's avatar)...you need to play a shorter session.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
SB ($5.70), Seat 2
BB ($4.75), Seat 3
UTG ($22.90), Seat 4
Hero ($36.15), Seat 5
CO ($23.75), Seat 6
Button ($20.25), Seat 1
Button at Seat 1.
SB posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [2h 9c 5s 9d 7d]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
UTG folds.Hero raises. CO calls. Button folds.SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 1. BB takes 3. Hero discards 9c 9d. CO takes 2.
Hand: [2h 5s 7d Th 4d]
Round 2: (8.00 SB)
SB checks. BB checks. Hero bets. CO raises. SB calls. BB folds.Hero calls.
SB takes 1. Hero discards Th. CO stands pat.
Hand: [2h 5s 7d 4d 4s]
Round 3: (7.00 BB)
SB checks. Hero checks. CO bets. SB calls. Hero calls.
SB takes 1. Hero discards 4s. CO stands pat.
Hand: [2h 5s 7d 4d 6c]
Round 4: (10.00 BB)
SB checks. Hero checks. CO bets. SB folds.Hero raises. CO raises. Hero calls.
Total pot: (16.00 BB) - $16
Results: (in white)
Total pot $16 | Rake $0.50
Hero has [2h 6c 5s 4d 7d] and won ($15.50) with Lo: 7,6,5,4,2
CO has [2s Td 2c 3d 7s] and lost with Lo: a pair of Deuces
So, I get fancy from time to time checking 7's. In fact I do it once a session. I am pretty sick when I get re-raised on the final draw, not sure what this guy was thinking with this ridiculous snow. I wouldn't lay down an 87 at this limit.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($.50/$1.00)
SB ($24.25), Seat 4
Hero ($44.90), Seat 5
UTG ($16.50), Seat 6
Button ($25.55), Seat 1
Button at Seat 1.
SB posts $0.25. Hero posts.
Hand: [4d 9s 2s 7d 7h]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
UTG calls. Button calls. SB calls.
SB takes 2. Hero discards 9s 7h. UTG takes 2. Button takes 2.
Hand: [4d 2s 7d Td Jc]
Round 2: (4.00 SB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
SB takes 2. Hero discards Td Jc. UTG takes 2. Button takes 3.
Hand: [4d 2s 7d Jd Qc]
Round 3: (2.00 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
SB takes 1. Hero discards Jd Qc. UTG takes 1. Button takes 2.
Hand: [4d 2s 7d As 3h]
Round 4: (2.00 BB)
UTG bets.
Total pot: (2.00 BB) - $2
Results: (in white)
Total pot $2 | Rake $0.10
I hate this spot. I have played it every which way and it is such a break even type hand that I can't figure it out. Do I raise before the draw? This is the way these games have been playing on 'Stars...VERY PASSIVE. I hate playing it weak and checking, but unless I have a smoother draw I can't justify putting in an extra bet, they are all going to call me and i'm OOP...basically, I have no idea how to play it, but I think I have to play it with a raise.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
Hero ($44.40), Seat 5
BB ($17.90), Seat 6
UTG ($25.05), Seat 1
MP ($20), Seat 2
CO ($20), Seat 3
Button ($23.75), Seat 4
Button at Seat 4.
Hero posts $0.25. BB posts. MP posts BB. CO posts BB.
Hand: [3c 4d 9s 3h 2h]
Round 1: (3.50 SB)
Button calls. Hero raises. BB calls. MP calls. Button calls.
Hero discards 9s 3h. BB takes 3. MP takes 4. Button takes 2.
Hand: [3c 4d 2h Qs 5c]
Round 2: (9.00 SB)
Hero bets. BB calls. Button raises. Hero calls. BB calls.
Hero discards Qs. BB stands pat. Button stands pat.
Hand: [3c 4d 2h 5c Tc]
Round 3: (7.50 BB)
Button bets. Hero calls. BB calls.
Hero discards Tc. BB takes 2. Button stands pat.
Hand: [3c 4d 2h 5c 2d]
Round 4: (10.50 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
Total pot: (10.50 BB) - $10.50
Results: (in white)
Total pot $10.50 | Rake $0.50
Button has [8s 6c 5s 2s 3s] and won ($10) with Lo: 8,6,5,3,2
Hero has [3c 4d 2d 5c 2h] and lost with Lo: a pair of Deuces
BB has [Js 5h 4s 7h 7d]
Standard miss, nothing special, but I bet his 86 in his spot
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
SB ($25.55), Seat 1
BB ($19), Seat 2
UTG ($19.50), Seat 3
MP ($30.75), Seat 4
Hero ($41.40), Seat 5
Button ($14.40), Seat 6
Button at Seat 6.
SB posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [5s Ks 4c 3s 7h]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
Hero raises. SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 2. BB takes 1. Hero discards Ks.
Hand: [5s 4c 3s 7h Tc]
Round 2: (6.00 SB)
Hero bets. SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 1. BB stands pat. Hero discards Tc.
Hand: [5s 4c 3s 7h 2c]
Round 3: (4.50 BB)
Hero bets. BB calls.
BB stands pat. Hero stands pat.
Hand: [5s 4c 3s 7h 2c]
Round 4: (6.50 BB)
Hero bets. BB calls.
Total pot: (8.50 BB) - $8.50
Results: (in white)
Total pot $8.50 | Rake $0.40
BB has [8h 4d 2h 9d 3d]
Hero has [5s 2c 4c 3s 7h] and won ($8.10) with Lo: 7,5,4,3,2
This is such a weak play by this guy, you gotta go with your hand and bet it all the way...sure sometimes you're gonna lose, but the times you play your monster hands the same way more than make up for it.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1.00)
SB ($29.75), Seat 4
Hero ($46), Seat 5
UTG ($16.70), Seat 6
MP ($24.05), Seat 1
CO ($16.15), Seat 2
Button ($17.25), Seat 3
Button at Seat 3.
SB posts $0.25. Hero posts.
Hand: [Qc 3s 7s 2c 4h]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
SB raises. Hero raises. SB calls.
SB takes 1. Hero discards Qc.
Hand: [3s 7s 2c 4h 8s]
Round 2: (6.00 SB)
SB bets. Hero raises. SB calls.
SB takes 1. Hero stands pat.
Hand: [3s 7s 2c 4h 8s]
Round 3: (5.00 BB)
Hero bets. SB calls.
SB takes 1. Hero stands pat.
Hand: [3s 7s 2c 4h 8s]
Round 4: (7.00 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
Total pot: (7.00 BB) - $7
Results: (in white)
Total pot $7 | Rake $0.30
SB has [6c 7d 3h 6d 2h] and lost with Lo: a pair of Sixes
Hero has [8s 3s 7s 2c 4h] and won ($6.70) with Lo: 8,7,4,3,2
Missed a value bet on the river...i think i'm the only player who will get fancy and check a 7 in his spot, although i might be the only player on 'stars who will check an 87 as well
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
SB ($23.55), Seat 1
BB ($14.15), Seat 2
UTG ($18.95), Seat 3
MP ($25.75), Seat 4
Hero ($48.95), Seat 5
Button ($17.70), Seat 6
Button at Seat 6.
SB posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [Jh 4h Js 3h 5h]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
Hero raises. Button calls. BB calls.
BB takes 1. Hero discards Jh Js. Button takes 3.
Hand: [4h 3h 5h 8c 2d]
Round 2: (6.50 SB)
BB bets. Hero raises. Button calls. BB calls.
BB stands pat. Hero stands pat. Button takes 2.
Hand: [4h 3h 5h 8c 2d]
Round 3: (6.25 BB)
Hero bets. Button calls. BB calls.
BB stands pat. Hero stands pat. Button takes 1.
Hand: [4h 3h 5h 8c 2d]
Round 4: (9.25 BB)
Hero bets. Button calls. BB calls.
Total pot: (12.25 BB) - $12.25
Results: (in white)
Total pot $12.25 | Rake $0.50
BB has [8s 4c 5d 3d 7s]
Hero has [8c 4h 2d 3h 5h] and won ($11.75) with Lo: 8,5,4,3,2
Button has [6d 3s 2h 4s 8h] and lost with Lo: 8,6,4,3,2
Playing position here, don't want to be called by the button, although he is a loosy goosy type player who could draw anywhere from 1 to 3. I am surprised by the bb who flat calls and draws 1. I play that hand like I have a huge wheel draw like 2347x. The way he played it is very recognizable that he has a rough draw and most of the time they don't have a 2.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
Hero ($56.20), Seat 5
BB ($19.50), Seat 6
UTG ($22.90), Seat 1
CO ($13.80), Seat 2
Button ($16.20), Seat 3
Button at Seat 3.
Hero posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [3h 9d 7h 2d 5h]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
CO calls. Hero raises. BB calls. CO calls.
Hero discards 9d. BB takes 2. CO takes 3.
Hand: [3h 7h 2d 5h Js]
Round 2: (6.00 SB)
Hero bets. BB calls. CO calls.
Hero discards Js. BB takes 2. CO takes 1.
Hand: [3h 7h 2d 5h 9c]
Round 3: (4.50 BB)
Hero bets. BB calls. CO calls.
Hero stands pat. BB takes 1. CO takes 1.
Hand: [3h 7h 2d 5h 9c]
Round 4: (7.50 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
Total pot: (7.50 BB) - $7.50
Results: (in white)
Total pot $7.50 | Rake $0.35
CO has [Qc 3c 6d 7d 5c]
Hero has [3h 9c 7h 2d 5h] and won ($7.15) with Lo: 9,7,5,3,2
BB has [8h 2c 5d 4s 2h]
Pretty standard Super System II play; betting the 97 pre-third draw, and pating, then checking to the two players drawing one. I'm only going to get called by a better hand, and I check call this if there is a bet.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1)
SB ($9.70), Seat 3
BB ($12), Seat 4
Hero ($60.85), Seat 5
MP ($12), Seat 6
CO ($29.85), Seat 1
Button ($14.90), Seat 2
Button at Seat 2.
SB posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [7d 8d Ac 2d 3d]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
Hero raises. BB raises. Hero raises. Betting is capped. BB calls.
BB takes 1. Hero discards Ac.
Hand: [7d 8d 2d 3d 3c]
Round 2: (8.50 SB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
BB stands pat. Hero discards 3d.
Hand: [7d 8d 2d 3c Jc]
Round 3: (4.25 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
BB stands pat. Hero discards Jc.
Hand: [7d 8d 2d 3c Qs]
Round 4: (4.25 BB)
No action, HU w/all-in.
Total pot: (4.25 BB) - $4.25
Results: (in white)
Total pot $4.25 | Rake $0.20
BB has [4c 3s 8s 5c 9s] and won ($4.05) with Lo: 9,8,5,4,3
Hero has [7d 8d 3c 2d Qs]
Pretty weak play by me here. I need to bet after the first draw, because regardless of my hand, I have position and can force a break of that 9. I hate his play though, because he has to have at least a rough 87, but I immediately put him on a 9 when he went pat and didn't bet. Pre-first-draw I am deciding if I am keeping the 8 based on who calls/raises. When the bb puts in teh third bet I know for sure that I am capping with the 87 because of my position.
Triple Draw 2-7 Lowball Limit ($0.50/$1.00)
SB ($16.90), Seat 2
BB ($20), Seat 3
UTG ($11.65), Seat 4
Hero ($51.85), Seat 5
CO ($5.75), Seat 6
Button ($33.15), Seat 1
Button at Seat 1.
SB posts $0.25. BB posts.
Hand: [Kd As 2h 4s 5s]
Round 1: (1.50 SB)
Hero raises. SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 2. BB takes 2. Hero discards Kd As.
Hand: [2h 4s 5s 6h 7h]
Round 2: (6.00 SB)
BB bets. Hero raises. SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 1. BB takes 1. Hero stands pat.
Hand: [2h 4s 5s 6h 7h]
Round 3: (6.00 BB)
Hero bets. SB calls. BB calls.
SB takes 1. BB takes 1. Hero stands pat.
Hand: [2h 4s 5s 6h 7h]
Round 4: (9.00 BB)
Hero bets. SB raises. Hero calls.
Total pot: (13.00 BB) - $13
Results: (in white)
Total pot $13 | Rake $0.50
SB has [5c 4c 6d 3s 7d] and lost with Lo: a straight, Three to Seven
Hero has [6h 7h 2h 4s 5s] and won ($12.50) with Lo: 7,6,5,4,2
When you're hot, you're hot. I'm sick when he check-raises me, because he did the same thing the hand before except he had #1. At first I thought he misread his hand, but it's pretty easy to tell when you don't have that 2.
One thing i've found since i've been playing this game is that you REALLY have to ride out your HOT streaks. If you are playing 2 card draws and getting top 10 hands off that first draw...KEEP PLAYING!! If, on the other hand, those same 2 card and 1 card draws have you banging your head on your keyboard (ala POWDA's avatar)...you need to play a shorter session.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
So that HORSE is fun
I played two micro HORSE SnGs tonight and man is that a fun game! Esspecially since the first one I accidentally registered for when I really wanted to play some RAZZ for the first time. Sure enough, I took it down after being down to 530 chips with about 6 people left in the second stud round. I ran real HOT in the next STUD 8 round and by the time we were down to the money I was in second place. I had so much fun I decided to try out another and ended up in 3rd, still in the money, but not really making enough to even buy a BIG GULP.
__________________________
I'll update later this weekend or next week about the Junkies Poker Open, as I would really like to make sure I don't forget any details, like not cashing :^(
IPOD RANDOM TEN
Slow New York - Richard Julian
Manic Depression - Seal & Jeff Beck
Jesus Left Chicago - Phish (10/31/95)
Motherless Child - Eric Clapton
Hell in a Bucket - The Grateful Dead
Lifetime Monologue - Lou Rawls
Street Fighting Man - Rolling Stones
My IQ - Ani Difranco
Seven Below - Phish (12/31/02)
Just a Little Lovin (GB Remix) - Carmen McRae
__________________________
I'll update later this weekend or next week about the Junkies Poker Open, as I would really like to make sure I don't forget any details, like not cashing :^(
IPOD RANDOM TEN
Slow New York - Richard Julian
Manic Depression - Seal & Jeff Beck
Jesus Left Chicago - Phish (10/31/95)
Motherless Child - Eric Clapton
Hell in a Bucket - The Grateful Dead
Lifetime Monologue - Lou Rawls
Street Fighting Man - Rolling Stones
My IQ - Ani Difranco
Seven Below - Phish (12/31/02)
Just a Little Lovin (GB Remix) - Carmen McRae
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
