So January was quite a month poker-wise. I had easily one of my best $$ results online and live. The home games were juicy, and the triple draw games on 'Stars, while always up and down, were for the most part extremely lucrative. Thanks to the good ole' DOJ, I cashed out a nut or two, but that hasn't really stopped me from playing.
Then comes February and the trip to Vegas. Every year we have a convention in Las Vegas for the flooring industry. It is a long trip out and a very hectic week. Basically up at 7am'ish every morning, walking miles and miles all day, then back to your hotel around 5:30pm and straight to sales dinners. I usually got back to my room around 9:30 or so. Obviously this doesn't leave that much time for the tables. But of course anyone can make time right? My first night playing at Caesars Palace was interesting to say the least. I had originally had a plan of playing their 11pm nightly tourney, a $70 buy-in. So I get to the room about an hour and a half early and decide to bring $200 into a 1/2NL game. I had every intention at this point to get up in exactly one hour and register for the tournament. Well, an hour later my stack was monstrous (for my standards anyway) at around $750. I saw the tournament getting ready, looked at my pathetic table, and figured this was a table that just doesn't come around that often. So I decided to not play in the tourney and stick to this cash game. BAD IDEA. Immediately following that decision I got sucked out on, on the river for about a $250 pot. I pushed the turn ahead, obviously. That pot had me down about $100-150. Then I constantly would bet into smallish stacks that would either double up through me because they hit their 3 outers on the turn/river, or would force me to call because of pot-odds. Thirty minutes later i'm up maybe $150, and I find KK in the sb. 6 limp for $2, and I pop it to $20 (maybe too small a bet...but it was the standard raise even with limpers). I get the one guy that I don't mind calling, although he was the guy who sucked out on me for the $250 pot, and we see a flop of A Q T with two spades. I HATE this flop, but I do have the K of spades, and a inside straight draw. I bet out $40 and the guy immediately raises all-in for about $160 more. I fold...he tells me KTo...whatever...good read on his part I guess. Then we get a seat filled by a VERY good local young player who says that he normally plays the 2/5 game, but there isn't one going. He proceeds to run over the table (much like I had done early in the game). But, this guy was pretty damn good. He was calling out peoples cards...a regular Negreanu. He pegged my AK at one time, and even though I knew that he knew, I knew that he was going to call me because I didn't have enough...I know that doesn't make that much sense, but this is stream of conciousness here people. So about 1/2 hour later I get felted, pushing in with a K high flush draw that doesn't get there.
The next night I decide to play the same game, at the same casino. Except, this time, it's a brand new table, and it hardly ever stays full. I play terribly, and get felted for another $200 by 2:00am.
Fun time, regardless of the results. I am still up for the year, and I wouldn't even bring $400 bucks to Vegas if I couldn't stand to lose it. I am VERY proud of myself for not playing any table games though...first time ever!
I have about $60 I am going to spend on new music this week. I have my eye on a few 2006 releases that I never got around to buying last year. The Hold Steady is one of them. This band is intriguing. Maybe a little to "E-Street" sounding, but only in all of the good ways. I am still waiting for someone to put out an upcoming music releases website. Maybe thats something I could've done about 10 years ago. I would probably pay $5 a month for something like that.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Preliminary Oscar Picks
Mo and I pride ourselves as professional movie watchers from time to time. Every year our friend Brian holds a little Oscar party/pool, usually for $20 or so. We have never won any money, despite our studying year 'round. What little of the Golden Globes that I watched, I had a good read on the winners, so I am going to pick em' early for the Oscars, that way if need be, I can change my picks.
Actor in a leading role:
Forrest Whitaker - Last King Of Scotland
Mo and I just saw this, and I think this one is a no-brainer.
Actor in a supporting role:
Eddie Murphy - Dreamgirls
I have not seen Dreamgirls, but I just think this is who will win at this point. I really would rather see Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine), Hounsou (Blood Diamond), or Wahlberg (The Departed) win.
Actress in a leading role:
Helen Mirren - The Queen
Another one that I haven't seen, but the buzz just points to this one.
Actress in a supporting role:
Abigail Breslin - Little Miss Sunshine
Don't know if this is a "sleeper pick" or not, but I'm pretty sure she won't win...but I gotta go with my gut, plus out of all of the movies nominated in this category, this is the only one i've seen. I wouldn't be surprised if Jennifer Hudson wins though (Dreamgirls).
Animated Feature Film:
HAPPY FEET
Art Direction:
Pans Labyrinth
I have a good feeling about this movie, even though I have not seen it yet. This is another one that could go to Dreamgirls though, but again, i'm sticking with my gut.
Cinematography:
NO PICK YET
The only nominee I've seen was The Illusionist, and I didn't find the cinematography to be all that great.
Costume Design:
NO PICK YET
Another tought one, that could go to just about any of the nominees imho. It wouldn't be a stretch to pick any of them, but preliminary pick has me leaning towards The Queen, with a nod to Marie Antoinette (which is what I would like to see win).
Directing:
The Departed
Seriously, it's time for Marty to take one down. Wouldn't be surprised to see Clint Eastwood take it (Letters from Iwo Jima).
Documentary Feature:
An Inconvenient Truth
Documentary Short:
NO PICK YET
Film Editing:
The Departed
I'm hoping this film takes at least two or three awards, but I think Babel might get this one too.
Foreign Language Film:
Pan's Labyrinth
Makeup:
Pan's Labyrinth
Music (Score):
The Queen
Music (Song):
Dreamgirls
NO BRAINER here.
Best Picture:
The Departed
This is a tough one, as always. But I do think this was the best out of them all. I would love to see the little low budget indie flick take it (Little Miss Sunshine), but this will win...it has to!
Short Film (Animated):
NO PICK YET
Short Film (Live Action):
NO PICK YET
Sound Editing:
Flags of our Fathers
Sound Mixing:
Dreamgirls
Visual Effects:
Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Mans Chest
Writing (Adapted Screenplay):
The Departed
God do I want Borat to win!!
Writing (Original Screenplay):
Little Miss Sunshine
Actor in a leading role:
Forrest Whitaker - Last King Of Scotland
Mo and I just saw this, and I think this one is a no-brainer.
Actor in a supporting role:
Eddie Murphy - Dreamgirls
I have not seen Dreamgirls, but I just think this is who will win at this point. I really would rather see Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine), Hounsou (Blood Diamond), or Wahlberg (The Departed) win.
Actress in a leading role:
Helen Mirren - The Queen
Another one that I haven't seen, but the buzz just points to this one.
Actress in a supporting role:
Abigail Breslin - Little Miss Sunshine
Don't know if this is a "sleeper pick" or not, but I'm pretty sure she won't win...but I gotta go with my gut, plus out of all of the movies nominated in this category, this is the only one i've seen. I wouldn't be surprised if Jennifer Hudson wins though (Dreamgirls).
Animated Feature Film:
HAPPY FEET
Art Direction:
Pans Labyrinth
I have a good feeling about this movie, even though I have not seen it yet. This is another one that could go to Dreamgirls though, but again, i'm sticking with my gut.
Cinematography:
NO PICK YET
The only nominee I've seen was The Illusionist, and I didn't find the cinematography to be all that great.
Costume Design:
NO PICK YET
Another tought one, that could go to just about any of the nominees imho. It wouldn't be a stretch to pick any of them, but preliminary pick has me leaning towards The Queen, with a nod to Marie Antoinette (which is what I would like to see win).
Directing:
The Departed
Seriously, it's time for Marty to take one down. Wouldn't be surprised to see Clint Eastwood take it (Letters from Iwo Jima).
Documentary Feature:
An Inconvenient Truth
Documentary Short:
NO PICK YET
Film Editing:
The Departed
I'm hoping this film takes at least two or three awards, but I think Babel might get this one too.
Foreign Language Film:
Pan's Labyrinth
Makeup:
Pan's Labyrinth
Music (Score):
The Queen
Music (Song):
Dreamgirls
NO BRAINER here.
Best Picture:
The Departed
This is a tough one, as always. But I do think this was the best out of them all. I would love to see the little low budget indie flick take it (Little Miss Sunshine), but this will win...it has to!
Short Film (Animated):
NO PICK YET
Short Film (Live Action):
NO PICK YET
Sound Editing:
Flags of our Fathers
Sound Mixing:
Dreamgirls
Visual Effects:
Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Mans Chest
Writing (Adapted Screenplay):
The Departed
God do I want Borat to win!!
Writing (Original Screenplay):
Little Miss Sunshine
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
A Quick One
So, a little while ago I was going to post a bunch of hands from the tournament that I took 3rd in, but I went over them, and aside from a few well timed plays, it wasn't all that interesting. I have them all saved still so if I feel like getting down and dirty with them, I will proceed. One hand in particular was really crazy, in a "had to be there" kind of way. It went something like this. I was riding a medium/short stack with about 50 or so people left, and was just moved to a new table with a bunch of similar stacks as mine. Fortunately, this time they were not all of the chip leaders, which always seems to happen to me. Blinds are around 800/1600 with whatever the ante is (I think it's 75). I'm in the MP with 44, and raise it up to 3800, it folds around to the BB who jams his 22K stack at me... I talked a little about this before, but at this point in the tournament, with the number of people left, it didn't really matter to me if I went out on this hand or folded only to go out a few hands later, of course I am talking about the payout structure, relative to this hand. EDIT: I must admit now, that I have gone back to looking at the hand, and I was actually in pretty decent shape at the beginning of the hand, I had 38K in chips. Well, it didn't take all of my time bank, in fact I think I only used an extra 10 seconds, but I decided to make the call. It felt like a huge overbet at the time, but I think regardless of knowing the table or not, this was a pretty awful call...luckily he had K3o and I essentially doubled up. It was a awesome feeling to catch the guy here, even though in hindsight, it was a pretty messed up call by me.
There were actually two other hands that I could talk about, but I won't right now since they are too hard to explain, but suffice to say, I OWNED this guy at my table who was playing table captain/bully/prick/etc....
And, what the &*#@ US GOVT!!!! Stay out of our personal lives!!! This whole conservative right wing christian regime needs to GO, including the dictat..I mean President...
IPOD RANDOM TEN
1. Harry Hood - Phish - 2/20/93
2. Rain Please Go Away - Alison Krauss & Union Station - Lonely Runs Both Ways
3. World Of Machines - The Samples - Return To Earth
4. Strance Of The Spirit Red Gator - Medeski, Martin, And Wood - Shack Man
5. Exempli Gratia - Ernie Stires - Samson Riffs (Performances: 1983-1997)
6. Moth Reprise - moe. - Warts & All Vol. 1
7. Not Myself - John Mayer - Room For Squares
8. Moma Dance - Phish - The Story Of The Ghost
9. Eveline - Nickel Creek - Why Should The Fire Die
10. Don't Tell The Band - Widespread Panic - Don't Tell The Band
There were actually two other hands that I could talk about, but I won't right now since they are too hard to explain, but suffice to say, I OWNED this guy at my table who was playing table captain/bully/prick/etc....
And, what the &*#@ US GOVT!!!! Stay out of our personal lives!!! This whole conservative right wing christian regime needs to GO, including the dictat..I mean President...
IPOD RANDOM TEN
1. Harry Hood - Phish - 2/20/93
2. Rain Please Go Away - Alison Krauss & Union Station - Lonely Runs Both Ways
3. World Of Machines - The Samples - Return To Earth
4. Strance Of The Spirit Red Gator - Medeski, Martin, And Wood - Shack Man
5. Exempli Gratia - Ernie Stires - Samson Riffs (Performances: 1983-1997)
6. Moth Reprise - moe. - Warts & All Vol. 1
7. Not Myself - John Mayer - Room For Squares
8. Moma Dance - Phish - The Story Of The Ghost
9. Eveline - Nickel Creek - Why Should The Fire Die
10. Don't Tell The Band - Widespread Panic - Don't Tell The Band
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Xmas > New Years
Well, the year has come and gone, and man was it up and down. Whether it be poker related or just plain old life, the year of 2006 will not be forgotten. It seems that the "Best of 2006 Mix" was a hit. With every cd that I gave out, I also included a synopsis taken from that very post. So hopefully i'll get some more readers out of it. Even though this here little blog is really only an excercise for my own well being, I am always very entertained to read all of my other favorite blogs, so hopefully others will get a kick out of my thoughts and my life in general.
I actually made it to a final table! My last post I titled "I CAN make it deep...but can I win?". It's like a song from The Newgrass Revival..."Deeper and Deeper". This time I pulled down 3rd place, while holding on to the chip lead for the majority of the final two tables. I had some bad timing and a few questionable hands in the end, but I wasn't really dissapointed. I was playing some great poker, and along the way got quite drunk as well. But, when things are going well, why change? I think i'm starting to get the hang of the Pokerstars tournament format. In that I mean, I now know that if you can dodge a few bullets (I mean bad beats) in the early portions of the tourney, you can very easily make the money. These low-buy-in tourneys are full of WEAK players who are begging to give their chips away. My only complaint is that everytime I get a table where I end up with a nice stack, I get moved to another with all of the chip leaders. This time around I ended up with the majority of the stacks, but it was only after a few GREAT hands that I played. I will be posting some of them shortly.
Christmas was very fun as usual. Mo and I had one of the first holidays where in the end all we could say is "We're not doing that again!". We cut down our tree at the same tree farm we go to every year, although this year, we went a little later than years before.
We picked out a good one though! When we got in the room, it looked awfully small, but once we got some lights and ornaments on it, it looked amazing.
The finished product!
Soon after finishing the tree we went on to our outdoors decorations. Every year our complex does a "Deck the Deck" contest. Last year, we didn't even think they were doing it and we ended up with third place. This year, since we knew it was happening we worked extra hard and spent a little extra cash.
We were robbed...we claimed "rigged", but this got second place for $100! I even tried to bribe the judges, and Mo even gave them home-made cookies...oh well.
Just before New Years, Mo and I went out with our good friends Lisa and Angie. We've been trying to get out to the "Garden of Lights", which is a public park that puts on a light show completely non-secular. It was a little bit of a wait to get in, but it was pretty spectacular.
Mo and friends Angie and Lisa.
This year, as with every year since we've known each other, Mo and I went down to St. Michaels, MD to stay with her Sister and Husband. We went to the same restaurant, except it was very dissapointing. Despite having what may have been the best bowl of soup i've ever had.
After dinner we rushed home to ring in 2007 with are annual fireworks display off the dock of the Inn. This years fireworks were ridiculous. We were actually a little scared that the "5-0" might stop by, but they've got "bigger fish to fry". Hell, the hillbillies down there were shooting off their shotguns in the air!
Happy New Year!
I actually made it to a final table! My last post I titled "I CAN make it deep...but can I win?". It's like a song from The Newgrass Revival..."Deeper and Deeper". This time I pulled down 3rd place, while holding on to the chip lead for the majority of the final two tables. I had some bad timing and a few questionable hands in the end, but I wasn't really dissapointed. I was playing some great poker, and along the way got quite drunk as well. But, when things are going well, why change? I think i'm starting to get the hang of the Pokerstars tournament format. In that I mean, I now know that if you can dodge a few bullets (I mean bad beats) in the early portions of the tourney, you can very easily make the money. These low-buy-in tourneys are full of WEAK players who are begging to give their chips away. My only complaint is that everytime I get a table where I end up with a nice stack, I get moved to another with all of the chip leaders. This time around I ended up with the majority of the stacks, but it was only after a few GREAT hands that I played. I will be posting some of them shortly.
Christmas was very fun as usual. Mo and I had one of the first holidays where in the end all we could say is "We're not doing that again!". We cut down our tree at the same tree farm we go to every year, although this year, we went a little later than years before.
We picked out a good one though! When we got in the room, it looked awfully small, but once we got some lights and ornaments on it, it looked amazing.
The finished product!Soon after finishing the tree we went on to our outdoors decorations. Every year our complex does a "Deck the Deck" contest. Last year, we didn't even think they were doing it and we ended up with third place. This year, since we knew it was happening we worked extra hard and spent a little extra cash.
We were robbed...we claimed "rigged", but this got second place for $100! I even tried to bribe the judges, and Mo even gave them home-made cookies...oh well.Just before New Years, Mo and I went out with our good friends Lisa and Angie. We've been trying to get out to the "Garden of Lights", which is a public park that puts on a light show completely non-secular. It was a little bit of a wait to get in, but it was pretty spectacular.
Mo and friends Angie and Lisa.This year, as with every year since we've known each other, Mo and I went down to St. Michaels, MD to stay with her Sister and Husband. We went to the same restaurant, except it was very dissapointing. Despite having what may have been the best bowl of soup i've ever had.
After dinner we rushed home to ring in 2007 with are annual fireworks display off the dock of the Inn. This years fireworks were ridiculous. We were actually a little scared that the "5-0" might stop by, but they've got "bigger fish to fry". Hell, the hillbillies down there were shooting off their shotguns in the air!
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
I CAN make it deep...but can I WIN??
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'.
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'.
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
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
For Those About To Rock...
Last night was probably one of the most rockin, sweaty, sold out shows I've been to since Pearl Jam in 1994. Back then, it was the Patriot Center. Driving home from college that day, April 8th to be exact, and oh yeah a certain Kurt Cobain had just died, was exhilarating, nerve-racking and thrilling. I was such a wreck, stirring in my seat of my ex-girlfriends car, who earlier in the year, after we broke up, but only days after, was seeing the football player across the hall. The same guy who throughout the year would blast his Metallica and Megadeth over his $900 stereo everytime I would turn my little bookshelf Circuit City stereo on to play my favorite band in the world (at least at that time): Pearl Jam. And what a show it was. They pulled out all the stops that night. A soft "Footsteps", a rare "B-side" off of their "Jeremy" single which also featured "Yellow Ledbetter", Mike McReady's "tribute" to Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing" was very memorable that night as it touched many peoples hearts after the days incident.
But enough about that concert, it's My Morning Jacket that essentially worked me over last night. I started the night out nicely by getting all the way to "B-Lup's" house only to realize that I had forgotten the tickets. I was pretty embarrassed since I had just given our boy "C-fed" the business for being late and now I was "that guy". It was a sold out packed house at the 9:30 Club in DC, not really my favorite venue in the area, but the only "real" music "hot-spot" that gets the big name artists with fairly big followings. Other memorable shows I've seen their include The Smashing Pumpkins on the grand opening, or first show at the new address, Trey Anastasio's first solo tour, and a number of other "jambands" that put on excellent shows. Once we parked in the always shady $20 parking lot, we made our way up to the upstairs bar, noticing that the opening band "The Slip" had already begun their set. I was a little dissapointed that we couldn't get there any earlier because we really would've loved to have a seat at the bar, plus I actually had heard a bit of the opener and was intrigued. Taken as a whole, The Slip just didn't impress me that much. It may have been the overall "muddyness" of the sound of the 9:30 club that just didn't mesh with their sound, but regardless I was hoping for something a little edgier. But, once MMJ came on they did not dissapoint. Opening with "Anytime" off of their newest release "Z" was unbelievable. One of my favorite cuts off of the, in my opinion, best album of 2005, with the great lyric:
"THINGS I COULD SAY TO MYSELF –
I COULD NEVER SAY TO ANYONE ELSE.
BUT WHAT MADONNA SAID REALLY HELPED -
SHE SAID: "BOY - YOU BETTER LEARN TO EXPRESS YOURSELF!"
The band came on at around 9:35 and didn't let up until their encore break at about 11:00. By 11:30 it was all over and it was like the crowd let out a collective sigh as soon as the house lights came on. They just seen this masterpiece of a show:
That's the final page of my moleskin, so it's time to buy a new one. If you are like me and love to take notes, make lists, and write down your thoughts, then a moleskin is the best you can find...hell if Van Gogh, Matisse and Hemingway couldn't leave home without them, then they are good enough for me.
__________________________________
Big thanks to snadly. You see There's only one problem. I got this feeling.
- What feeling is that, exactly? - You know this feeling very well.
- You know, when you got your table all set. - Uh-huh.
- Knife, fork, sauce, A- Luger's, but... - Yeah.
- You just don't have the stake. - Exactly.
I know, useless rounders movie quotes are so cliche' in poker blogs, but it really was a problem. Don't worry snad, i'm good for it!
Junkies Poker Open in just two days. I can't friggin wait. It's going to be a blast!
But enough about that concert, it's My Morning Jacket that essentially worked me over last night. I started the night out nicely by getting all the way to "B-Lup's" house only to realize that I had forgotten the tickets. I was pretty embarrassed since I had just given our boy "C-fed" the business for being late and now I was "that guy". It was a sold out packed house at the 9:30 Club in DC, not really my favorite venue in the area, but the only "real" music "hot-spot" that gets the big name artists with fairly big followings. Other memorable shows I've seen their include The Smashing Pumpkins on the grand opening, or first show at the new address, Trey Anastasio's first solo tour, and a number of other "jambands" that put on excellent shows. Once we parked in the always shady $20 parking lot, we made our way up to the upstairs bar, noticing that the opening band "The Slip" had already begun their set. I was a little dissapointed that we couldn't get there any earlier because we really would've loved to have a seat at the bar, plus I actually had heard a bit of the opener and was intrigued. Taken as a whole, The Slip just didn't impress me that much. It may have been the overall "muddyness" of the sound of the 9:30 club that just didn't mesh with their sound, but regardless I was hoping for something a little edgier. But, once MMJ came on they did not dissapoint. Opening with "Anytime" off of their newest release "Z" was unbelievable. One of my favorite cuts off of the, in my opinion, best album of 2005, with the great lyric:
"THINGS I COULD SAY TO MYSELF –
I COULD NEVER SAY TO ANYONE ELSE.
BUT WHAT MADONNA SAID REALLY HELPED -
SHE SAID: "BOY - YOU BETTER LEARN TO EXPRESS YOURSELF!"
The band came on at around 9:35 and didn't let up until their encore break at about 11:00. By 11:30 it was all over and it was like the crowd let out a collective sigh as soon as the house lights came on. They just seen this masterpiece of a show:
That's the final page of my moleskin, so it's time to buy a new one. If you are like me and love to take notes, make lists, and write down your thoughts, then a moleskin is the best you can find...hell if Van Gogh, Matisse and Hemingway couldn't leave home without them, then they are good enough for me.
__________________________________
Big thanks to snadly. You see There's only one problem. I got this feeling.
- What feeling is that, exactly? - You know this feeling very well.
- You know, when you got your table all set. - Uh-huh.
- Knife, fork, sauce, A- Luger's, but... - Yeah.
- You just don't have the stake. - Exactly.
I know, useless rounders movie quotes are so cliche' in poker blogs, but it really was a problem. Don't worry snad, i'm good for it!
Junkies Poker Open in just two days. I can't friggin wait. It's going to be a blast!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Why Now? How do you deposit?
Great...so NOW Pokerstars adds triple draw! WTF!??!! As soon as I found out about the new upgrade to 'stars, I actually had to re-install the damn thing to make sure it was all true, and sho'nuff there it is...and they hadn't even added any higher stakes than .50/1.00. How perfect? No money whatsoever online and the perfect site for my favorite game. I actually have no idea how I can get money in there. I have heard about "my citadel" before, but I see that 'stars does not take deposits from them. I could probably get someone to lend me a bankroll, but if I can't withdraw, what's the point? I guess I am just a little worried about my bank possibly saying no to a check or raising a red flag...whatever.
I am putting together a list of my favorite albums of 2006. Unfortunately, I am not made of money so I couldn't get EVERY new release that came out this year, but of the 20 or so that I did purchase/borrow/steal <-- :^) I think I can get a top ten. Of course, since my musical interests range from jazz to rap, I guess it will be pretty eclectic...whatever that means. I have come up with the most excellent idea of making a ton of mix cd's of all of these albums and giving them to friends and family members for the holidays. I am actually pretty damn excited to make these, I used to make mix tapes all the time. They were perfect for the summers when all I did was stay out late at night driving around raising hell, and mowing lawns all day in the sweltering heat.
15 days until the Junkies Poker Open. I haven't booked a room yet, but I really need to do that. I just can't get anyone to take a day and a half off of work. I guess it's pretty hard to do that for those that actually have bosses, esspecially after the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether I can find a travelling partner or not, I am absolutely STOKED (how gay is that) to play in this tournament...I just can't wait. I know I will play well, it's just a matter of whether I will win my coinflips, and make the correct reads. I've been thinking about the tournament quite a bit actually, and today I stopped in a Borders bookstore to check out any of the new poker books that may have come out. I really don't read these as much for the strategy, but just to keep my mind on the game. I came across Phil Helmuths new book with the retired FBI agent, and it looks like one of the best books on LIVE POKER that i've seen since HOH I. I would go so far to say that it is almost as good or even better than Mike Caro's Book of Tells. I really want to buy this thing and just study it for the next week or so. We have a nice juicy home tournament coming up the day before Thanksgiving, and I could really use the practice.
God I miss playing online :(
IPOD RANDOM TEN
Yonder Mountain String Band - Classic Situation
Bob Dylan - One More Cup of Coffee
Widespread Panic - Bear's Gone Fishin'
Bela' Fleck and the Flecktones - Spunky and Clorissa
Gone Phishin' - Glide
Phish - Chalkdust Torture >
Charlie Spand - Mistreatment Blues
Ryan Adams - Why Do They Leave
Steve Kimock - One For Brother Mike
The Big Wu - Two Person Chair
I am putting together a list of my favorite albums of 2006. Unfortunately, I am not made of money so I couldn't get EVERY new release that came out this year, but of the 20 or so that I did purchase/borrow/steal <-- :^) I think I can get a top ten. Of course, since my musical interests range from jazz to rap, I guess it will be pretty eclectic...whatever that means. I have come up with the most excellent idea of making a ton of mix cd's of all of these albums and giving them to friends and family members for the holidays. I am actually pretty damn excited to make these, I used to make mix tapes all the time. They were perfect for the summers when all I did was stay out late at night driving around raising hell, and mowing lawns all day in the sweltering heat.
15 days until the Junkies Poker Open. I haven't booked a room yet, but I really need to do that. I just can't get anyone to take a day and a half off of work. I guess it's pretty hard to do that for those that actually have bosses, esspecially after the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether I can find a travelling partner or not, I am absolutely STOKED (how gay is that) to play in this tournament...I just can't wait. I know I will play well, it's just a matter of whether I will win my coinflips, and make the correct reads. I've been thinking about the tournament quite a bit actually, and today I stopped in a Borders bookstore to check out any of the new poker books that may have come out. I really don't read these as much for the strategy, but just to keep my mind on the game. I came across Phil Helmuths new book with the retired FBI agent, and it looks like one of the best books on LIVE POKER that i've seen since HOH I. I would go so far to say that it is almost as good or even better than Mike Caro's Book of Tells. I really want to buy this thing and just study it for the next week or so. We have a nice juicy home tournament coming up the day before Thanksgiving, and I could really use the practice.
God I miss playing online :(
IPOD RANDOM TEN
Yonder Mountain String Band - Classic Situation
Bob Dylan - One More Cup of Coffee
Widespread Panic - Bear's Gone Fishin'
Bela' Fleck and the Flecktones - Spunky and Clorissa
Gone Phishin' - Glide
Phish - Chalkdust Torture >
Charlie Spand - Mistreatment Blues
Ryan Adams - Why Do They Leave
Steve Kimock - One For Brother Mike
The Big Wu - Two Person Chair
Thursday, November 09, 2006
IPOD RANDOM TEN
Every once in a while The Plus One likes to run this thread on the music forum, I keep track of them while in the car...heh...Mo says it's like writing down setlists at a Dead or Phish show.
This one was yesterday:
Jerry Garcia Band - Tears of Rage
Bela' Fleck & The Flecktones - Big Country
Paul Anka - The Way You Make Me Feel
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Love'll Set Me Free
Slick Rick - Treat Her Like A Prostitute
Leftover Salmon - Muddy Water Home
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Runfayalife
The Eagles - The Long Run
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Jamming
The Beatles - I'm So Tired
This one was yesterday:
Jerry Garcia Band - Tears of Rage
Bela' Fleck & The Flecktones - Big Country
Paul Anka - The Way You Make Me Feel
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Love'll Set Me Free
Slick Rick - Treat Her Like A Prostitute
Leftover Salmon - Muddy Water Home
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Runfayalife
The Eagles - The Long Run
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Jamming
The Beatles - I'm So Tired
Keep on Truckin On...
One thing that has been interesting since my demise in online poker has been the question that comes to mind almost every night..."What should I do?". It's weird having a hobby that takes up 10-15 hours of your life a week be snatched out from under you. The good thing, is that I think it has actually helped my poker game. Since not playing online, I have played a couple home game tournaments and done very well. So, maybe this UIGEA is not as bad as it seems. It still pisses me off, and i'm still thinking of playing online, how...I have no idea.
So i've taken up some new things to do with my time. Spending more time with my wife is one of them. This fall has been so much fun. We are like buddies. Mo and I have taken a few trips here and there, and each one has made some fantastic memories. Now if I could only get her to play some hold'em :) But seriously, she really keeps me on my toes, she's so damn witty, I love it!
I am pretty damn excited to play in the 1st Annual Junkies Poker Open at The Borgata in Atlantic City. How 'bout it's the biggest tournament i've ever played? $300 buy-in, 500 players. Now, i've played larger tournaments online, hell, I won a tournament with over 800 people in it. But, i've never paid more than $160 to play in a tournament. As I said before, I have been playing pretty well, and while my bankroll probably shouldn't withstand this kind of buy-in, I can pay it with a clear conscience. I even have someone who wants 1/3rd of my action. I still haven't decided if I want to let him in for that much, but it's nice knowing that someone has faith in your play. I was a little taken aback when he said he wanted to stake me. It was actually quite a show trying to register for this thing. If you don't know who "The Junkies" are, they are a morning radio show here in DC/Balt./No.VA. They are wildly popular and cool cats. They LOVE poker and gambling in general. Not too long ago, before my dear friend David passed away, we actually played in a small home tournament with their producer Brett. I came in 2nd in that tournament. Anyway, the morning they released the instructions on how to register for the tournament, The Borgata's servers crashed, and I ended up being charged 6 times for the entry fee. It took about a week, but I finally got my confirmation and my seat. They originally were going to have the tournament capped at 300 people, but since the response was overwhelming, they added 200 more seats. The total prize pool is $130K!! They will pay the top 10%.
I bought my first playstation game in 2 years. I decided on Madden '07. I guess you can't really go wrong there. Did the price go down on games? I feel like all games used to be $49.99, but I paid $39.99. It was actually a pretty hard decision, as after 20 minutes of browsing, I had picked either Madden, Tiger Woods, Scarface, or The Sopranos. I went with the ole' stand-by. I pretty much suck at Madden though. Since i've taken a couple years off, i'm not really used to the new features that they have added, although I do like the lead blocking controls. I'm sure it will take me another couple hours in front of the tv before it all comes around.
So i've taken up some new things to do with my time. Spending more time with my wife is one of them. This fall has been so much fun. We are like buddies. Mo and I have taken a few trips here and there, and each one has made some fantastic memories. Now if I could only get her to play some hold'em :) But seriously, she really keeps me on my toes, she's so damn witty, I love it!
I am pretty damn excited to play in the 1st Annual Junkies Poker Open at The Borgata in Atlantic City. How 'bout it's the biggest tournament i've ever played? $300 buy-in, 500 players. Now, i've played larger tournaments online, hell, I won a tournament with over 800 people in it. But, i've never paid more than $160 to play in a tournament. As I said before, I have been playing pretty well, and while my bankroll probably shouldn't withstand this kind of buy-in, I can pay it with a clear conscience. I even have someone who wants 1/3rd of my action. I still haven't decided if I want to let him in for that much, but it's nice knowing that someone has faith in your play. I was a little taken aback when he said he wanted to stake me. It was actually quite a show trying to register for this thing. If you don't know who "The Junkies" are, they are a morning radio show here in DC/Balt./No.VA. They are wildly popular and cool cats. They LOVE poker and gambling in general. Not too long ago, before my dear friend David passed away, we actually played in a small home tournament with their producer Brett. I came in 2nd in that tournament. Anyway, the morning they released the instructions on how to register for the tournament, The Borgata's servers crashed, and I ended up being charged 6 times for the entry fee. It took about a week, but I finally got my confirmation and my seat. They originally were going to have the tournament capped at 300 people, but since the response was overwhelming, they added 200 more seats. The total prize pool is $130K!! They will pay the top 10%.
I bought my first playstation game in 2 years. I decided on Madden '07. I guess you can't really go wrong there. Did the price go down on games? I feel like all games used to be $49.99, but I paid $39.99. It was actually a pretty hard decision, as after 20 minutes of browsing, I had picked either Madden, Tiger Woods, Scarface, or The Sopranos. I went with the ole' stand-by. I pretty much suck at Madden though. Since i've taken a couple years off, i'm not really used to the new features that they have added, although I do like the lead blocking controls. I'm sure it will take me another couple hours in front of the tv before it all comes around.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
So Much To Say
Somehow I forgot to mention that this stupid little blog had a birthday...1 year and still running. I wish I could update this thing even more, but sometimes I just have to much to say and can't get it all down fast enough...so I forget. Hence the title.
So I guess everyone who plays online poker will be calling this coming Friday, Friday the 13th I might add, BLACK FRIDAY. This will be the day that President Bush signs the Port Security Bill, which includes the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Now would be the time that I go off on Senator Bill Frist who is the snake who slid this onto a must-sign terrorism bill that anyone in their right mind couldn't possibly sign. There's so many blogs and articles on this subject that I don't want to even get into this pathetic almost unconstitutional law. Here are a few links on the subject:
Legal expert AND poker player, Allyn Jaffrey Shulman
Poker Blogger Flipchip gets down and dirty on Frist and the future of online poker
I. Nelson Rose - leading expert on gambling and the law analyzes the new law
In my opinion, why say it, when someone else can say it better. Please read the links above!
With all of this, what I just can't get out of my head is the fact that Harrahs (the owner of the WSOP) will not be accepting internet qualifiers to the 2007 WSOP. So, this year there was 8,700 people playing, there were early guesses that 2007 would have at least 10,000 players. At $500 a pop (I believe that's the vig that Harrahs takes out of the money pool), that comes out to $5 Million dollars going straight to the pockets of the host casino. Now, while much of that money goes to expenses (dealers, chips, tables, etc), most of it is revenue. Phil Gordon (listen to his ESPN podcast believes that 2007 will have a decrease of 6500 entrants, equaling a total of 2200 players, or less than when Moneymaker won it all! So, Harrahs stands to possibly lose 3.25 Million Dollars, not to mention all of the profits lost on those 6500 players that will not be staying in their hotels, buying food at expensive restaurants, and throwing dice and doubling down. Now, I am not well versed in politics, but I do know that not only is this country run (right now) by the conservative right wing, but that group of religious fanatics is quite greedy and love their money. Is there any connection between the brick and mortar casinos and the politicians? In my opinion, it's more than likely. Now, i'm not really much of a conspiracy theorist, but a good friend of mine and occasional online poker player and sports bettor believes this is all a ploy to get regulation and open up online casinos that are directly connected to land based casinos. He goes so far as to say that these online casinos are already in place and are basically waiting for the go ahead from Washington. I don't know if I am quite this optimistic, although the thought of logging on to TheBellagio.com and sitting in a virtual game is intriguing.
_____________________________
So, what am I going to do with my miniscule bankroll? From all I can tell, I think we're all ok, and there's no need to panic just yet. Pokerstars, UltimateBet, Full-Tilt, and Bodog have all said that they are here to stay, and that's good enough for me.
I have actually been playing some pretty darn good poker the last few weeks. I haven't been playing that much but it's been going pretty good. I am so close to taking my money off Pokerstars though. I just can't get over the bad beats. Whether it's in my head or not, I might as well just put it all in one place. I do feel like i'm due for a BIG WIN in my near future...I just feel it!
______________________________
What else has been going on? Mo and I have had a pretty busy couple of weeks. Two weeks ago we went for a nice two day camping excursion to Assateaque Island. I'll post some pics:
Guitar and Camping go hand in hand
Mo and the campsite
Last weekend we again went down to Ocean City and stayed at The Hilton, which was one of the best hotels i've ever stayed in, and right on the beach. The weather cooperated one of the two days, and we had a fun time riding bikes on the boardwalk and enjoying the weather. Here are some pics from that trip:
Mo rides a bike on the boardwalk
Weird Maryland Spot
______________________________
I've been compiling a music "to get" list that is pretty interesting so here it is:
The Little Willies - The Little Willies
Beck - The Information
Josh Ritter - The Animal Years
Ollabelle - Riverside Battle Songs
The Black Keys - Chuhlahoma, The Songs of Junior Kimbraugh
- Magic Potion
Ray Lamontague - Till the Sun Turns Black
Trey Anastasio - Bar 17
John Mayer - Continuum
Widespread Panic - Earth To America
Roots - (can't remember the name of their newest release)
Willie Nelson - Songbird, The Songs of Cindy Walker
Soloman Burke - At Nashville
My Morning Jacket - At Dawn
- The Tennessee Fire
Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America
If you have a Tower Records in your area, they are going out of business. I stopped there and right now they are only offering a 10% discount on all purchases, but, i'm sure this will go up as they have to get rid of everything. Pretty dissapointing since Tower is probably the best place for cd's (other than Itunes).
So I guess everyone who plays online poker will be calling this coming Friday, Friday the 13th I might add, BLACK FRIDAY. This will be the day that President Bush signs the Port Security Bill, which includes the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Now would be the time that I go off on Senator Bill Frist who is the snake who slid this onto a must-sign terrorism bill that anyone in their right mind couldn't possibly sign. There's so many blogs and articles on this subject that I don't want to even get into this pathetic almost unconstitutional law. Here are a few links on the subject:
Legal expert AND poker player, Allyn Jaffrey Shulman
Poker Blogger Flipchip gets down and dirty on Frist and the future of online poker
I. Nelson Rose - leading expert on gambling and the law analyzes the new law
In my opinion, why say it, when someone else can say it better. Please read the links above!
With all of this, what I just can't get out of my head is the fact that Harrahs (the owner of the WSOP) will not be accepting internet qualifiers to the 2007 WSOP. So, this year there was 8,700 people playing, there were early guesses that 2007 would have at least 10,000 players. At $500 a pop (I believe that's the vig that Harrahs takes out of the money pool), that comes out to $5 Million dollars going straight to the pockets of the host casino. Now, while much of that money goes to expenses (dealers, chips, tables, etc), most of it is revenue. Phil Gordon (listen to his ESPN podcast believes that 2007 will have a decrease of 6500 entrants, equaling a total of 2200 players, or less than when Moneymaker won it all! So, Harrahs stands to possibly lose 3.25 Million Dollars, not to mention all of the profits lost on those 6500 players that will not be staying in their hotels, buying food at expensive restaurants, and throwing dice and doubling down. Now, I am not well versed in politics, but I do know that not only is this country run (right now) by the conservative right wing, but that group of religious fanatics is quite greedy and love their money. Is there any connection between the brick and mortar casinos and the politicians? In my opinion, it's more than likely. Now, i'm not really much of a conspiracy theorist, but a good friend of mine and occasional online poker player and sports bettor believes this is all a ploy to get regulation and open up online casinos that are directly connected to land based casinos. He goes so far as to say that these online casinos are already in place and are basically waiting for the go ahead from Washington. I don't know if I am quite this optimistic, although the thought of logging on to TheBellagio.com and sitting in a virtual game is intriguing.
_____________________________
So, what am I going to do with my miniscule bankroll? From all I can tell, I think we're all ok, and there's no need to panic just yet. Pokerstars, UltimateBet, Full-Tilt, and Bodog have all said that they are here to stay, and that's good enough for me.
I have actually been playing some pretty darn good poker the last few weeks. I haven't been playing that much but it's been going pretty good. I am so close to taking my money off Pokerstars though. I just can't get over the bad beats. Whether it's in my head or not, I might as well just put it all in one place. I do feel like i'm due for a BIG WIN in my near future...I just feel it!
______________________________
What else has been going on? Mo and I have had a pretty busy couple of weeks. Two weeks ago we went for a nice two day camping excursion to Assateaque Island. I'll post some pics:
Guitar and Camping go hand in hand
Mo and the campsite
Last weekend we again went down to Ocean City and stayed at The Hilton, which was one of the best hotels i've ever stayed in, and right on the beach. The weather cooperated one of the two days, and we had a fun time riding bikes on the boardwalk and enjoying the weather. Here are some pics from that trip:
Mo rides a bike on the boardwalk
Weird Maryland Spot
______________________________
I've been compiling a music "to get" list that is pretty interesting so here it is:
The Little Willies - The Little Willies
Beck - The Information
Josh Ritter - The Animal Years
Ollabelle - Riverside Battle Songs
The Black Keys - Chuhlahoma, The Songs of Junior Kimbraugh
- Magic Potion
Ray Lamontague - Till the Sun Turns Black
Trey Anastasio - Bar 17
John Mayer - Continuum
Widespread Panic - Earth To America
Roots - (can't remember the name of their newest release)
Willie Nelson - Songbird, The Songs of Cindy Walker
Soloman Burke - At Nashville
My Morning Jacket - At Dawn
- The Tennessee Fire
Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America
If you have a Tower Records in your area, they are going out of business. I stopped there and right now they are only offering a 10% discount on all purchases, but, i'm sure this will go up as they have to get rid of everything. Pretty dissapointing since Tower is probably the best place for cd's (other than Itunes).
Friday, September 15, 2006
Weekend
I need to stop playing poker for at least one week. Although, I should probably take a month long hiatus. After taking third in that 180 SnG the other day, I played a ton of $5-10 SnG's and just hacked it around. Taking a third here and there, but more consistently getting my $$ in with the best of it, only to be sucked out on by the turn or river. It is so frustrating when you are running like this. My mind is all banged up in the cash games too, and the beats don't stop in SnG's as you probably know. Sets getting chased down by inside straight draws, Flopped straights run into pulled boats, etc, etc, etc. I have always been of the mindset to just play through it, or to play another game. Well, my ONLY other game is TD and I need at least triple my bankroll to get back into that game. So, maybe a break is exactly what I need. When I steam, I just end up giving more money back to the donkeys. Last night is a case in point. After bubbling or going out early in 4 straight SnG's, I figured, "hmmm...I need to play a $20 spot, that will get my head back on straight and make me more confident". Well, this wasn't your typical SnG, and way more aggressive than any other $20 SnG i've played. One guy was just getting so lucky and overbetting pots, driving people out of them. So I stick around, not getting many hands, and finally pick up AA. I think, perfect, this guy is playing overaggressive and super loose so I should be able to trap him. So here is how the hand plays out: I'm on the button and one player in MP (there's only 5 people left, blinds are 25/50) makes it $150 to go, and I call (mistake #1?). LAG is in BB and calls as well (475 in pot). Flop is horrible; JQK w/ two clubs (none of my bullets are clubs), and the BB fires out $600, MP folds and I am up to a decision, I have about 1250 or so left behind and am either pushing or folding? Well, I go ahead and JAM and he flips over T5o!! So basically he only has 6 outs. The best part about this hand is that I pull one of the last of the two aces in the deck on the river, and he makes his straight...good ole' Pokerstars. The thing that I keep telling myself is that I had the read right, I knew he was being overaggressive and would push hard with any big draw, I took into account my hand in that I had two of his outs if he was pushing with the naked 10, and made the correct decision in my mind.
So onward bound, break, break, break.
So onward bound, break, break, break.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
A day of football and poker...
Today was one of those days that just feels so damn good. You know...sitting on the couch, laying on the couch, laying in bed, etc, etc. All the while, watching the first full Sunday of the NFL. This probably won't be happening every week, but I felt like treating myself. I mean, i'm in two fantasy football leagues so I guess I was pretty excited for today. I feel like I have two really good teams, but one of them is a real contender, and its the one that means the most. Not that its for a lot of money, but because all of my closest friends are in the league, and my partner Chris and I have never won it. Sure, we've made the playoffs a couple times, but we always seem to have bad luck. Not that this year hasn't seen its fair share of bad luck. It seems that every year we are cursed with an injury to our first round draft pick. Luckily, we had two first rounders (yeah thats an indication how bad we were last year).
In my last update I obviously mentioned I put money on 'Stars (how could I play that tourney without it right). Well, I figured I would put a little on just to play SnG's and +1 tourneys. I'm not doing to bad in the SnG's, but a run of two and three outers that people are catching on me have been making me so frustrated that I had to make a whine post on the forum. It's really weird how bad it gets. I hate to contribute to the conspiracy theorists and the haters of pokerstars, but it's hard not to. That being said, I played a $4.40 180 man SnG and took down third place. I was the chip leader for most of the end of the tournament, and for the majority of the final table. I ended up making a bad call with top pair weak kicker that ran into top pair almost as weak a kicker but just good enough to scoop. About 10 hands later I made a standard raise w/ KJo, but had to lay it down when the chip leader put me all in (he showed T6s). I am not even complaining though since I basically doubled my bankroll. I think I'll keep playing the low limit SnG's and try and build a roll there like i'm doing on UB...Discipline, Discipline, Discipline.
In my last update I obviously mentioned I put money on 'Stars (how could I play that tourney without it right). Well, I figured I would put a little on just to play SnG's and +1 tourneys. I'm not doing to bad in the SnG's, but a run of two and three outers that people are catching on me have been making me so frustrated that I had to make a whine post on the forum. It's really weird how bad it gets. I hate to contribute to the conspiracy theorists and the haters of pokerstars, but it's hard not to. That being said, I played a $4.40 180 man SnG and took down third place. I was the chip leader for most of the end of the tournament, and for the majority of the final table. I ended up making a bad call with top pair weak kicker that ran into top pair almost as weak a kicker but just good enough to scoop. About 10 hands later I made a standard raise w/ KJo, but had to lay it down when the chip leader put me all in (he showed T6s). I am not even complaining though since I basically doubled my bankroll. I think I'll keep playing the low limit SnG's and try and build a roll there like i'm doing on UB...Discipline, Discipline, Discipline.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
+1 Tourney - Live Blog
I am going to try my hand at "live-blogging" this tourney...should be fun!
The +1 Players Club finally got off their asses and got a private tourney together...not a huge turnout but at least we have 3 tables..buy-in $10+1, almost a $300 prize pool.
Cards are in the air:
Hand 1 - AJo in BB....Zacklemm raises from MP to 60, I call...KT7 flop, I check, Zack bets 85 into 130 pot, I fold
Hand 8 - 77 utg +1, I limp, folds to sb (Powda) who completes, bb checks, flop is AQx all diamonds, Powda bets 60 I fold
Hand 15 - J9s, I limp from MP after 1 limper, flop a flush draw, checks to me I bet 3/4 pot, everyone folds
Hand 16 - 66 in MP, Supperpuppy limps, I raise to 60 he folds...
Hand 19 - Interesting Hand! I raise OTB w/ 68o, after HD limps, flop is AQT w/ 2 clubs, checks to me , I bet 100 into 200 pot, everyone folds...PPs?
JUST NOTICED...Chipleaders after 15 mins (blinds just raised to 15/30) Sydrome w/ 4K, Mag w/ 2300...big shocker there...JMILL is first out...
Just moved to other table w/ Mag and Feng who has taken over 2nd place...they are on my right...thankfully...
No hands for a while...finally pick up AA in EP, Raise to 90, cbal calls from BB...flop Q high w/ two diamonds, I bet 120 into 195 pot, he folds...
Lost an extra 100 from the bb, w/ ATs, utg raises 3x bb, feng OTB calls, I call getting about 3-1, Flop an ISD, but it gets bet and raised before I can make a play (Which I wasn't really planning on doing)
More air: UTG +1 I raise 3x bb w/ 89s, UTG+2 calls, Flop is 57Q w/ 2 hearts, I bet 200 and he folds after a bit of thinking
Oh yeah, and blinds are 25/50 now
Didn't get much of anything that last round...its pretty tough spot to be at when you have mag to your immediate right, feng to his right, and another big stack to my left...Blinds at 50/100
I picked up AJo UTG+1 and raised 3x bb, stole blinds :( Guess thats exactly what i wanted out of the hand tho...
PokerStars hand: Feng raise 3x bb utg, mag calls, Cardsfan moves in for 1220 (i fold 66 after Mag calls), Feng folds, mag thinks and calls w/ 55, Cards has AQ, board reads 88x99 and cards takes it down
Break time...sitting at 1345 :(
Blinds 100/200
WOW!! Two more Pokerstars hands!
I have ATo OTB, I JAM my 1345, guy to my right JAMS, we flip: he has AK, I'm drawing thin to say the least...Flop Q8T, I figure a J will come, but it doesn't and I double up...next hand I get TT, and raise to 600 ferris only has 36 and I flop a set
Next hand: guy I sucked out on goes all in w/ 77, gets called by cards w/ 66, he flops a boat...ugh
Good hand by me i think...lucko raises to 450 and cardsfan calls, I have TT in BB and re-raise 1200...lucko folds, and cards calls...flop is K high...I wait and then JAM...he folds...big pot!
BIG LAYDOWN...AQo in Mid-Late Pos...I raise to 450...Lucko calls OTB, Cards raises to 1200 (basically the same move I made on him), I take some time bank but fold...Lucko slowrolls cards and puts him all-in w/ AA...he has to call w/ T7s, he flops an inside straight draw, but this time the best hand wins...
This is the type of thing that I screw up all the time!
A6 utg 5 handed, I bet 600 but feng in the bb only has 1140, he wakes up w/ AQ and pushes, forcing me to call...he doubles up through me
A couple hands later I pick up JTo, Feng raises me from the sb, I JAM knowing he is stealing, he of course folds...
Next two hands I steal blinds (JTs, and A7s)
I am being way to aggressive I think at this point...gotta be careful, I think sportfreak knows it...
WOW...perfect scenario...I am looking real LAGGY..I get QQ in sb...folds to me, I min-raise sportfreak, he re-steals and I JAM...he folds!! Big pot
And now we're at the final table!! Top 5 pay...
Well...Lucko finally got me...he raises to 600, syndrome calls, I JAM w/ TT from the BB, Lucko insta calls w/ KK...I flop an inside straight draw, but it doesn't come...down to 970 (blinds 100/200 w/ 25 ante)
Chipp is constantly raising so I have no fold equity...i'm moving in w/ whatever...
Out 7th...I move in w/ 67o, cbal calls me for only 570 more (he's getting almost 2-1) w/ 45o...he flops inside straight draw, but hits a 5 on the turn to bust me...oh well...pretty pissed right now!!
The +1 Players Club finally got off their asses and got a private tourney together...not a huge turnout but at least we have 3 tables..buy-in $10+1, almost a $300 prize pool.
Cards are in the air:
Hand 1 - AJo in BB....Zacklemm raises from MP to 60, I call...KT7 flop, I check, Zack bets 85 into 130 pot, I fold
Hand 8 - 77 utg +1, I limp, folds to sb (Powda) who completes, bb checks, flop is AQx all diamonds, Powda bets 60 I fold
Hand 15 - J9s, I limp from MP after 1 limper, flop a flush draw, checks to me I bet 3/4 pot, everyone folds
Hand 16 - 66 in MP, Supperpuppy limps, I raise to 60 he folds...
Hand 19 - Interesting Hand! I raise OTB w/ 68o, after HD limps, flop is AQT w/ 2 clubs, checks to me , I bet 100 into 200 pot, everyone folds...PPs?
JUST NOTICED...Chipleaders after 15 mins (blinds just raised to 15/30) Sydrome w/ 4K, Mag w/ 2300...big shocker there...JMILL is first out...
Just moved to other table w/ Mag and Feng who has taken over 2nd place...they are on my right...thankfully...
No hands for a while...finally pick up AA in EP, Raise to 90, cbal calls from BB...flop Q high w/ two diamonds, I bet 120 into 195 pot, he folds...
Lost an extra 100 from the bb, w/ ATs, utg raises 3x bb, feng OTB calls, I call getting about 3-1, Flop an ISD, but it gets bet and raised before I can make a play (Which I wasn't really planning on doing)
More air: UTG +1 I raise 3x bb w/ 89s, UTG+2 calls, Flop is 57Q w/ 2 hearts, I bet 200 and he folds after a bit of thinking
Oh yeah, and blinds are 25/50 now
Didn't get much of anything that last round...its pretty tough spot to be at when you have mag to your immediate right, feng to his right, and another big stack to my left...Blinds at 50/100
I picked up AJo UTG+1 and raised 3x bb, stole blinds :( Guess thats exactly what i wanted out of the hand tho...
PokerStars hand: Feng raise 3x bb utg, mag calls, Cardsfan moves in for 1220 (i fold 66 after Mag calls), Feng folds, mag thinks and calls w/ 55, Cards has AQ, board reads 88x99 and cards takes it down
Break time...sitting at 1345 :(
Blinds 100/200
WOW!! Two more Pokerstars hands!
I have ATo OTB, I JAM my 1345, guy to my right JAMS, we flip: he has AK, I'm drawing thin to say the least...Flop Q8T, I figure a J will come, but it doesn't and I double up...next hand I get TT, and raise to 600 ferris only has 36 and I flop a set
Next hand: guy I sucked out on goes all in w/ 77, gets called by cards w/ 66, he flops a boat...ugh
Good hand by me i think...lucko raises to 450 and cardsfan calls, I have TT in BB and re-raise 1200...lucko folds, and cards calls...flop is K high...I wait and then JAM...he folds...big pot!
BIG LAYDOWN...AQo in Mid-Late Pos...I raise to 450...Lucko calls OTB, Cards raises to 1200 (basically the same move I made on him), I take some time bank but fold...Lucko slowrolls cards and puts him all-in w/ AA...he has to call w/ T7s, he flops an inside straight draw, but this time the best hand wins...
This is the type of thing that I screw up all the time!
A6 utg 5 handed, I bet 600 but feng in the bb only has 1140, he wakes up w/ AQ and pushes, forcing me to call...he doubles up through me
A couple hands later I pick up JTo, Feng raises me from the sb, I JAM knowing he is stealing, he of course folds...
Next two hands I steal blinds (JTs, and A7s)
I am being way to aggressive I think at this point...gotta be careful, I think sportfreak knows it...
WOW...perfect scenario...I am looking real LAGGY..I get QQ in sb...folds to me, I min-raise sportfreak, he re-steals and I JAM...he folds!! Big pot
And now we're at the final table!! Top 5 pay...
Well...Lucko finally got me...he raises to 600, syndrome calls, I JAM w/ TT from the BB, Lucko insta calls w/ KK...I flop an inside straight draw, but it doesn't come...down to 970 (blinds 100/200 w/ 25 ante)
Chipp is constantly raising so I have no fold equity...i'm moving in w/ whatever...
Out 7th...I move in w/ 67o, cbal calls me for only 570 more (he's getting almost 2-1) w/ 45o...he flops inside straight draw, but hits a 5 on the turn to bust me...oh well...pretty pissed right now!!
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