Despite the fact that I played poker at Theresa's Aunt Jeanine's house last night, I didn't make any "real" wagers. Instead, we played for the right to shotgun cans of Miller Lite, so the Sketchbook isn't going to show any activity from last night. :-(
FYI . . . I did hafta shotgun two beers as a result of my poor play. Oh, well!
Similar to yesterday, I spent most of my time this afternoon on Party Poker's $3/$6 tables and had a solid session. Playing for 90 minutes, I won exactly $57. Today's session didn't seem nearly as interesting as yesterday's session, so I won't bothering recounting minute-by-minute events. I'm content to simply record a profit.
After leaving the $3/$6 tables, I jumped onto another $10(1) Tournament and finished in the money - again! I'm on a nice roll in these small-stakes tournaments. However, similar to my other jaunts to these tables, I simply can't win. Every time I get to the Final Three, I'm in a decent chip position and proceed to lose the big coin toss. This time, I found myself holding 8-8 and went "all in" against an opponent holding A-10. An ace appeared on the board and I was eliminated in 3rd place. For that, I win $20 and record a modest $9 profit.
So, on the final day of July, I record a solid profit of $66. Despite the fact that I spent a good part of the month spinning my wheels in Party Poker's Step Tournaments, I still made a bit of money this month. I'll take it!
On another note, this message appeared on the Poker Prophecy website today:
"We have disabled Version 6.3 for Party Poker (and skins) customers and ask you to uninstall it from your computer. Party Poker has banned the Poker Prophecy software (and other third party software programs producted by other companies) because it creates an "unfair advantage."
Ha Ha! I'm glad I didn't spend that $40!
Daily Sketch: Up $66
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $269.82
July 30, 2005: A Long Day of $3/$6 Action
As promised yesterday, I concentrated my efforts on the 6-man $3/$6 tables on Party Poker today. It was a long day. Here's how it went:
9:22am -> Time to get started! Dealt 6s 8s on the first hand of the day, I see two more spades appear on the flop. Ultimately, however, another spade doesn't show up and I'm down $6 after one hand.
9:28am -> After all is said and done, the board shows Kc-6s-Ad-Th-Qc. I show Ks-Td but lose to a guy named Redmedic. He flips over Kd-Jh. The river killed me and I'm down exactly $50. That was quick!
9:47am -> A final board shows 3s-Ah-5c-4d-Ac. I show Ad-Qs but lose to a guy named Yanto. He flips over As-4h and I lose to the full house. Ugh! I'm down $62.50.
9:51am -> The board shows Td-Js-Jc-Ks-7s. I show Ac-Jh and lose (again) to Yanto. He flips over 9d-Qh and reveals a straight. I'm down $98.50 in 29 minutes. I've won exactly 2 hands - and they were both very small.
9:53am -> I can't beat this Yanto character! The board shows 5d-3c-2d-As-Ad. I've got Ac-Qc but Yanto takes the pot when he flips over Js-4d and reveals another straight. I'm down $125.50 and my luck is running terrible. I've been raising all these pots (preflop), but everyone at this table is a calling station. Since I sat down at the table, Yanto is up over $150.
10:03am -> I finally find some luck. Holding Ad-7d, the board comes 3d-6h-7h-2d-4d. I hit the runner-runner flush and scoop an $80 pot. Yanto shows 3c-7c. Now I'm down "only" $75. A few minutes ago, I was down exactly $146.50.
10:39am -> For the past half hour, I've been hovering in a hole $75 deep. Then, holding Kc-Qc, I see a board of Ks-3c-2d-5h-8d. I lose a good pot to Yanto, who reveals 3c-5d. I'm down $105 and Yanto is up about $160 since I sat down.
10:45am -> A little luck falls my way when I find myself holding 4s-6s. The board comes 8s-5c-2s-Ad-7s and the spade on the river allows me to scoop a $59 pot. I'm still down $87.50, however.
10:52am -> I'm dealt Qd-Jd and the board comes 8s-Qs-4c-8c-Ac. I lose a big pot when my opponent (IQOFZERO) flips over As-Qh. I'm exactly $152.50 in the hole. Admittedly, I did not play this hand very well. Ugh!
11:02am -> I've just lost a couple small pots in a row. Now I'm down $198. This is turning mighty ugly!
11:12am -> Undoubtedly, this is the hand of the day. I'm dealt Ac-Ah and I raise the opening bet to $6. Five of us see the flop. It comes 6h-As-8h. All four of the other players check to me, and I wager $3 on my set of aces. Three of my opponents call my bet and the 4th guy folds. The turn is a Th - putting a flush potential on the board. Ugh! Again, however, all three of my opponents check and I bet $6. Interestingly, all three players call my $6 bet. Four of us will see the river. I have a feeling that someone is sandbagging the flush.
The river is a 5h. Bingo Bango Bongo! I've just hit a flush myself. Again, everyone checks to me and I bet $6. This time, however, my next opponent raises to $12. Even more surprising, the next two guys each call the $12 bet and the action is back to me. I'm holding the Ace high flush. What do I do? A little birdie tells me to call the bet (rather than raise). That same birdie probably saw me lose nearly $200 over the past 2 hours and doesn't want it to get any worse. So, I call the bet. After all, the straight flush potential is out there and my luck is running horribly right now.
I flip over my aces. The final raiser flips over Kh-Qs. The other two guys flip over Qc-8d (huh?!?) and Ad-5s and I proceed to scoop the $130 pot. Woo hoo!! Just like that, my hole is back to being only $75 deep.
11:47am -> For the past half hour, the table has been playing pretty tight. After the $130 pot, everyone slowed down a bit and the betting got very passive. In fact, Yanto took his $110 profit and left a few minutes ago. Taking advantage of the passive play, I've whittled my deficit down to $45 by stealing a few small pots. Then I'm dealt Ah-Ks and the board comes Tc-8d-As-Js-Td. I scoop the pot when my only opponent shows Ac-3d. Just like that, I'm only down $5.50 for the morning.
11:48am -> The big blind has just gotten to me and it's time to quit. I'm getting hungry and I've got a couple chores to do. Considering the fact that I was down $198 only 39 minutes ago, I'm thrilled to only be down $5.50. Time to log off for a short while.
1:01pm -> While eating lunch, I sit down at a $10(1) Tournament to try my luck.
2:01pm -> Exactly one hour after the $10(1) Tournament starts, I'm eliminated in 3rd place. As a result, I'm awarded $20 - netting me a profit of $9. Now I'm up $3.50 for the day. Woo hoo!! At the same time, that's another "win" that Poker Prophecy will note for me.
3:57pm -> For the past hour, I've been hopping around various $3/$6 tables. For whatever reason, every table I'm sitting at is playing exceedingly tight. That's not good. I've lost exactly $1.50 during the past hour - which means I'm up exactly $2 after all of today's action. I think I'll conclude my day of online poker by playing a final $10(1) Tournament.
4:41pm -> The $10(1) Tournament just completed and I finished in 2nd place. If nothing else, I've had pretty good success at these tournaments the past 24 hours. As a result of this 2nd place finish, I earn a net profit of $19.
It was a long day of poker, but (at least) I won a little money. Theresa and I are attending a party tonight and I've been asked to bring my poker chips. Maybe I'll have something interesting to write tomorrow. Time for a nap!
Daily Sketch: Up $21
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $203.82
9:22am -> Time to get started! Dealt 6s 8s on the first hand of the day, I see two more spades appear on the flop. Ultimately, however, another spade doesn't show up and I'm down $6 after one hand.
9:28am -> After all is said and done, the board shows Kc-6s-Ad-Th-Qc. I show Ks-Td but lose to a guy named Redmedic. He flips over Kd-Jh. The river killed me and I'm down exactly $50. That was quick!
9:47am -> A final board shows 3s-Ah-5c-4d-Ac. I show Ad-Qs but lose to a guy named Yanto. He flips over As-4h and I lose to the full house. Ugh! I'm down $62.50.
9:51am -> The board shows Td-Js-Jc-Ks-7s. I show Ac-Jh and lose (again) to Yanto. He flips over 9d-Qh and reveals a straight. I'm down $98.50 in 29 minutes. I've won exactly 2 hands - and they were both very small.
9:53am -> I can't beat this Yanto character! The board shows 5d-3c-2d-As-Ad. I've got Ac-Qc but Yanto takes the pot when he flips over Js-4d and reveals another straight. I'm down $125.50 and my luck is running terrible. I've been raising all these pots (preflop), but everyone at this table is a calling station. Since I sat down at the table, Yanto is up over $150.
10:03am -> I finally find some luck. Holding Ad-7d, the board comes 3d-6h-7h-2d-4d. I hit the runner-runner flush and scoop an $80 pot. Yanto shows 3c-7c. Now I'm down "only" $75. A few minutes ago, I was down exactly $146.50.
10:39am -> For the past half hour, I've been hovering in a hole $75 deep. Then, holding Kc-Qc, I see a board of Ks-3c-2d-5h-8d. I lose a good pot to Yanto, who reveals 3c-5d. I'm down $105 and Yanto is up about $160 since I sat down.
10:45am -> A little luck falls my way when I find myself holding 4s-6s. The board comes 8s-5c-2s-Ad-7s and the spade on the river allows me to scoop a $59 pot. I'm still down $87.50, however.
10:52am -> I'm dealt Qd-Jd and the board comes 8s-Qs-4c-8c-Ac. I lose a big pot when my opponent (IQOFZERO) flips over As-Qh. I'm exactly $152.50 in the hole. Admittedly, I did not play this hand very well. Ugh!
11:02am -> I've just lost a couple small pots in a row. Now I'm down $198. This is turning mighty ugly!
11:12am -> Undoubtedly, this is the hand of the day. I'm dealt Ac-Ah and I raise the opening bet to $6. Five of us see the flop. It comes 6h-As-8h. All four of the other players check to me, and I wager $3 on my set of aces. Three of my opponents call my bet and the 4th guy folds. The turn is a Th - putting a flush potential on the board. Ugh! Again, however, all three of my opponents check and I bet $6. Interestingly, all three players call my $6 bet. Four of us will see the river. I have a feeling that someone is sandbagging the flush.
The river is a 5h. Bingo Bango Bongo! I've just hit a flush myself. Again, everyone checks to me and I bet $6. This time, however, my next opponent raises to $12. Even more surprising, the next two guys each call the $12 bet and the action is back to me. I'm holding the Ace high flush. What do I do? A little birdie tells me to call the bet (rather than raise). That same birdie probably saw me lose nearly $200 over the past 2 hours and doesn't want it to get any worse. So, I call the bet. After all, the straight flush potential is out there and my luck is running horribly right now.
I flip over my aces. The final raiser flips over Kh-Qs. The other two guys flip over Qc-8d (huh?!?) and Ad-5s and I proceed to scoop the $130 pot. Woo hoo!! Just like that, my hole is back to being only $75 deep.
11:47am -> For the past half hour, the table has been playing pretty tight. After the $130 pot, everyone slowed down a bit and the betting got very passive. In fact, Yanto took his $110 profit and left a few minutes ago. Taking advantage of the passive play, I've whittled my deficit down to $45 by stealing a few small pots. Then I'm dealt Ah-Ks and the board comes Tc-8d-As-Js-Td. I scoop the pot when my only opponent shows Ac-3d. Just like that, I'm only down $5.50 for the morning.
11:48am -> The big blind has just gotten to me and it's time to quit. I'm getting hungry and I've got a couple chores to do. Considering the fact that I was down $198 only 39 minutes ago, I'm thrilled to only be down $5.50. Time to log off for a short while.
1:01pm -> While eating lunch, I sit down at a $10(1) Tournament to try my luck.
2:01pm -> Exactly one hour after the $10(1) Tournament starts, I'm eliminated in 3rd place. As a result, I'm awarded $20 - netting me a profit of $9. Now I'm up $3.50 for the day. Woo hoo!! At the same time, that's another "win" that Poker Prophecy will note for me.
3:57pm -> For the past hour, I've been hopping around various $3/$6 tables. For whatever reason, every table I'm sitting at is playing exceedingly tight. That's not good. I've lost exactly $1.50 during the past hour - which means I'm up exactly $2 after all of today's action. I think I'll conclude my day of online poker by playing a final $10(1) Tournament.
4:41pm -> The $10(1) Tournament just completed and I finished in 2nd place. If nothing else, I've had pretty good success at these tournaments the past 24 hours. As a result of this 2nd place finish, I earn a net profit of $19.
It was a long day of poker, but (at least) I won a little money. Theresa and I are attending a party tonight and I've been asked to bring my poker chips. Maybe I'll have something interesting to write tomorrow. Time for a nap!
Daily Sketch: Up $21
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $203.82
July 29, 2005: A Night of Cheap Sit 'n' Go's
A little over a month ago, "Phil Ivey" signed my Guestbook and suggested that I look into a software program called Poker Prophecy. Not wanting to ignore such a legendary poker player, I visited the website advertising the software. At the website, I learned that computer "dudes" have devised a program that tracks the tournament results of nearly every 10-man tournament played on Party Poker. The program logs the results and reports the winning percentages of every person playing tournaments on Party Poker. As you can imagine, the database is getting quite large. After all, at any one time, there are hundreds of 10-man tournaments running concurrently. Poker Prophecy is tracking the results of all those tournaments. That's incredible to contemplate.
The software costs $40 to download - I think. Whenever you play a 10-man tournament, you can look at the winning percentage of everyone sitting at your table and see who's good - and who's not - even as the tournament is being played. For curiousity's sake, that's kinda cool and would be a neat feature to enjoy. However, I don't think that I'm going to pay $40 for that privilege.
Thanks anyway, Phil!! I think I'll simply play each tournament and assume everyone is good.
Upon logging into the Poker Prophecy site, I discovered that I'm a little above average. According to the site, I'm finishing in the money (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) about 33% of the time. The site gives you five free lookups - so I naturally looked myself up. In addition to those look-ups, the site also reports the top 50 overall tournament players on Party Poker. Those top players have a success rate just over 50%. Upon further examination, I discovered that some of the top players on the list focus primarily on the $10(1) Tournaments. Apparently, that's where the fish are swimming!
Inspired by that knowledge, I decided to embark on a nightly mission of playing only $10(1) Tournaments. If nothing else, my nightly objective was to simply improve my overall tournament winning percentage. After all, I don't want Poker Prophecy to think I'm a rube!
All told, I played six $10(1) Tournaments while watching the Brewers blow a game against San Francisco. Of those six tournaments, I didn't finish 1st a single time. However, I did finish 2nd two different times and I finished 3rd another two times. So, as far as Poker Prophecy is concerned, I had a winning percentage of 67% tonight. That's not bad!
I spent $66 to play the six tournaments. I won exactly $100 during those tournaments, so the Sketchbook shows a small profit tonight. More important than that, however, my 10-man Tournament winning percentage increased! The people at Poker Prophecy won't be calling me a rube!
I think I'll venture back to the $3/$6 tables tomorrow. After playing six tournaments tonight, I'm a bit burned out from tourneys.
Daily Sketch: Up $34
Month-to-Date Sketch: $182.82
The software costs $40 to download - I think. Whenever you play a 10-man tournament, you can look at the winning percentage of everyone sitting at your table and see who's good - and who's not - even as the tournament is being played. For curiousity's sake, that's kinda cool and would be a neat feature to enjoy. However, I don't think that I'm going to pay $40 for that privilege.
Thanks anyway, Phil!! I think I'll simply play each tournament and assume everyone is good.
Upon logging into the Poker Prophecy site, I discovered that I'm a little above average. According to the site, I'm finishing in the money (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) about 33% of the time. The site gives you five free lookups - so I naturally looked myself up. In addition to those look-ups, the site also reports the top 50 overall tournament players on Party Poker. Those top players have a success rate just over 50%. Upon further examination, I discovered that some of the top players on the list focus primarily on the $10(1) Tournaments. Apparently, that's where the fish are swimming!
Inspired by that knowledge, I decided to embark on a nightly mission of playing only $10(1) Tournaments. If nothing else, my nightly objective was to simply improve my overall tournament winning percentage. After all, I don't want Poker Prophecy to think I'm a rube!
All told, I played six $10(1) Tournaments while watching the Brewers blow a game against San Francisco. Of those six tournaments, I didn't finish 1st a single time. However, I did finish 2nd two different times and I finished 3rd another two times. So, as far as Poker Prophecy is concerned, I had a winning percentage of 67% tonight. That's not bad!
I spent $66 to play the six tournaments. I won exactly $100 during those tournaments, so the Sketchbook shows a small profit tonight. More important than that, however, my 10-man Tournament winning percentage increased! The people at Poker Prophecy won't be calling me a rube!
I think I'll venture back to the $3/$6 tables tomorrow. After playing six tournaments tonight, I'm a bit burned out from tourneys.
Daily Sketch: Up $34
Month-to-Date Sketch: $182.82
July 28, 2005: Injuns & Brewers
I visited the Potawatomi Indians and Miller Park with Chris this evening.
The Injuns weren't particularly kind to either one of us. All told, I lost $35 at a $5 blackjack table. Playing for a little over an hour, I never saw a shoe that presented a positive count. For those of you unaware, I count cards and positive counts mean that you should bet more money. At one time, one particular shoe was a -20. That, my friends, is UGLY!! As a result, I never had the opportunity to make any substantial bets, so the $35 loss was pretty boring and uneventful.
My luck didn't change at the Brewer game. Chris and I devised a betting structure that allowed us to bet on every batter that came to the plate. My batters performed horribly, and I proceeded to lose another $4 at the game. Ooops! If only the Hot Dog had squeaked past the Italian Sausage in the sausage race. My losses could have been cut in half!
Daily Sketch: Down $39
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $148.82
The Injuns weren't particularly kind to either one of us. All told, I lost $35 at a $5 blackjack table. Playing for a little over an hour, I never saw a shoe that presented a positive count. For those of you unaware, I count cards and positive counts mean that you should bet more money. At one time, one particular shoe was a -20. That, my friends, is UGLY!! As a result, I never had the opportunity to make any substantial bets, so the $35 loss was pretty boring and uneventful.
My luck didn't change at the Brewer game. Chris and I devised a betting structure that allowed us to bet on every batter that came to the plate. My batters performed horribly, and I proceeded to lose another $4 at the game. Ooops! If only the Hot Dog had squeaked past the Italian Sausage in the sausage race. My losses could have been cut in half!
Daily Sketch: Down $39
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $148.82
July 27, 2005: Another Respectable Session
For 51 minutes this evening, I played on a 6-man $3/$6 table on Party Poker. During that time, I managed to meet two players that I've permanently added to my Buddy List. To put it mildly, these guys were crazy. They called every preflop raise thrown at them and played hands like A-6 (unsuited) WAY too strong. Combined, they dropped about $225 during the 51 minutes I sat there. I'd share their respective identities in my Sketchbook, but it doesn't seem prudent to share gold mines with other people. I hope (and pray) that these two guys frequently visit Party Poker while I'm online.
During my 51 minute stay at the $3/$6 table, I made exactly $48. Considering the fact that my cards stunk, I'm quite happy to win $48. Another player at my table was catching respectable cards and made nearly $200 while I sat there. That would have been a really nice entry tonight, ehhh?
Once my two new buddies left the table, I concluded that it was good time to retire from the $3/$6 tables. So, I turned my attention to some $20(2) 10-man tournaments.
My first table was abysmal. Holding A-Q on the 2nd hand of the tournament, I saw a flop of 2-J-Q. I made a substantial bet and was called by another player holding A-K. Wouldn't you know it? A ten appeared on the turn and I foolishly called my opponent's "all in" bet. I can't remember the last time I finished 10th in a tournament. Ugh! That was a quick $22 down the toilet.
Thankfully, however, my next $20(2) tournament proceeded much better. I coasted into the final three without much difficulty. From there, the tournament dragged on a bit but I eventually made the final two players. Then, dealt J-J, I found myself going "all in" (preflop) and my opponent (who's holding 8-9) called my bet. Wouldn't you know it? Despite the fact that another Jack appeared on the board (giving me a set), my opponent makes a straight and I'm eliminated in 2nd place. Ugh!
Still, the $60 I earned for 2nd place allowed me to claim a modest $16 net profit in the two $20(2) tournaments. Coupled with the $48 I had won at the $3/$6 table, it was a respectable night of poker.
Daily Sketch: Up $64
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $187.82
During my 51 minute stay at the $3/$6 table, I made exactly $48. Considering the fact that my cards stunk, I'm quite happy to win $48. Another player at my table was catching respectable cards and made nearly $200 while I sat there. That would have been a really nice entry tonight, ehhh?
Once my two new buddies left the table, I concluded that it was good time to retire from the $3/$6 tables. So, I turned my attention to some $20(2) 10-man tournaments.
My first table was abysmal. Holding A-Q on the 2nd hand of the tournament, I saw a flop of 2-J-Q. I made a substantial bet and was called by another player holding A-K. Wouldn't you know it? A ten appeared on the turn and I foolishly called my opponent's "all in" bet. I can't remember the last time I finished 10th in a tournament. Ugh! That was a quick $22 down the toilet.
Thankfully, however, my next $20(2) tournament proceeded much better. I coasted into the final three without much difficulty. From there, the tournament dragged on a bit but I eventually made the final two players. Then, dealt J-J, I found myself going "all in" (preflop) and my opponent (who's holding 8-9) called my bet. Wouldn't you know it? Despite the fact that another Jack appeared on the board (giving me a set), my opponent makes a straight and I'm eliminated in 2nd place. Ugh!
Still, the $60 I earned for 2nd place allowed me to claim a modest $16 net profit in the two $20(2) tournaments. Coupled with the $48 I had won at the $3/$6 table, it was a respectable night of poker.
Daily Sketch: Up $64
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $187.82
July 26, 2005: Sixty Minutes
I wasn't really in the mood to play much poker tonight (I was kinda tired), so I limited my on-line action to one hour. During my first 15 minutes of action on Party Poker, I played on a 6-man $3/$6 table and proceeded to lose $13. It was an extremely uninspiring 15 minutes, so I decided to leave that table.
I then joined a 10-man $30(3) tournament. On the 2nd hand of the tournament, I played poorly and quickly found my starting stack of 800 chips knocked down to 460. At that moment, I realized that I was never going to finish in the money if I kept playing this uninspired brand of poker. So, I tightened up my game.
On the 12th hand of the tournament, I scooped a decent pot while holding AJ, and I was back up to 715 chips. A few players were knocked out during the next 15 hands, and I found myself in the final six. Unfortunately, I was holding only 455 chips at the time. No other player had less than 1,000 chips - so I figured my days were numbered.
During the next few rounds, I was able to steal exactly one set of blinds each time, and I stayed at 455 chips. Meanwhile, my loose opponents kept playing like maniacs and two of them were eliminated. When we got down to four players, I had a bit of hope. Despite my ugly stack of chips, another player had "only" 1,000 chips and another player had 1,280 chips. The chip leader, meanwhile, was sitting on a mountain of 5,265 chips.
The blinds had increased to 75/150 when we started the 41st hand. Miraculously, I was dealt AA and suddenly found myself with a manageable stack after doubling up against the chip leader. A few hands later, I doubled up again while holding K7. I was suddenly in business!
Sitting 2nd in chips, I was delighted to watch the chip leader quickly take out the other two players at the table. When we got down to two-handed action, my stack of chips was outnumbered nearly 3-to-1. I didn't care, however, 'cuz I was already guaranteed the 2nd place prize of $90. Considering the way this tournament started, I was delighted.
Interestingly, I actually took the lead in the tournament when I hit two-pair a few hands later. A couple hands after that, my opponent went "all in" after seeing a flop of 7h 10h 2h. I was holding 4s 7c, so I decided to call him. My opponent revealed Ah 4d. As long as another heart (or ace) didn't appear, I'd be crowned champion.
Unfortunately, a 5h fell on the turn and my opponent rode that momentum to the tournament title. Oh, well. I won $90 - thereby claiming a $57 profit in the tournament. That more than offset my small losses on the $3/$6 table and I decided to retire for the night. According to Party Poker, I was logged into the system for exactly 60 minutes this evening.
Daily Sketch: Up $44
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $123.82
I then joined a 10-man $30(3) tournament. On the 2nd hand of the tournament, I played poorly and quickly found my starting stack of 800 chips knocked down to 460. At that moment, I realized that I was never going to finish in the money if I kept playing this uninspired brand of poker. So, I tightened up my game.
On the 12th hand of the tournament, I scooped a decent pot while holding AJ, and I was back up to 715 chips. A few players were knocked out during the next 15 hands, and I found myself in the final six. Unfortunately, I was holding only 455 chips at the time. No other player had less than 1,000 chips - so I figured my days were numbered.
During the next few rounds, I was able to steal exactly one set of blinds each time, and I stayed at 455 chips. Meanwhile, my loose opponents kept playing like maniacs and two of them were eliminated. When we got down to four players, I had a bit of hope. Despite my ugly stack of chips, another player had "only" 1,000 chips and another player had 1,280 chips. The chip leader, meanwhile, was sitting on a mountain of 5,265 chips.
The blinds had increased to 75/150 when we started the 41st hand. Miraculously, I was dealt AA and suddenly found myself with a manageable stack after doubling up against the chip leader. A few hands later, I doubled up again while holding K7. I was suddenly in business!
Sitting 2nd in chips, I was delighted to watch the chip leader quickly take out the other two players at the table. When we got down to two-handed action, my stack of chips was outnumbered nearly 3-to-1. I didn't care, however, 'cuz I was already guaranteed the 2nd place prize of $90. Considering the way this tournament started, I was delighted.
Interestingly, I actually took the lead in the tournament when I hit two-pair a few hands later. A couple hands after that, my opponent went "all in" after seeing a flop of 7h 10h 2h. I was holding 4s 7c, so I decided to call him. My opponent revealed Ah 4d. As long as another heart (or ace) didn't appear, I'd be crowned champion.
Unfortunately, a 5h fell on the turn and my opponent rode that momentum to the tournament title. Oh, well. I won $90 - thereby claiming a $57 profit in the tournament. That more than offset my small losses on the $3/$6 table and I decided to retire for the night. According to Party Poker, I was logged into the system for exactly 60 minutes this evening.
Daily Sketch: Up $44
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $123.82
July 25, 2005: Poker at Joe's
For the first time in a few weeks, I played poker at Joe's tonight. Per usual, I was able to claim a small profit of $15. If I were really ambitious, I'd look back through the Sketchbook's history to see how many times I've lost in this recurring weekly game that's limited to $1 wagers. I doubt that I've had a losing session more than 5 times (I've probably played 40 times) and I can't remember the last time I lost. The stakes aren't high, but winning is fun and it's a good group of guys.
On another note, IBUSTCHUMPS (the professional on-line poker player I've mentioned in past posts) lost $9,000 today while playing on Party Poker. Yikes! He's playing $30/$60 tables right now. He's been making money hand-over-fist the past few months, but he had a rough day yesterday. Even the pros lose money every once in a while, I guess. In the meantime, I think I'll stick to my $3/$6 tables. :-)
Daily Sketch: Up $15
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $79.82
On another note, IBUSTCHUMPS (the professional on-line poker player I've mentioned in past posts) lost $9,000 today while playing on Party Poker. Yikes! He's playing $30/$60 tables right now. He's been making money hand-over-fist the past few months, but he had a rough day yesterday. Even the pros lose money every once in a while, I guess. In the meantime, I think I'll stick to my $3/$6 tables. :-)
Daily Sketch: Up $15
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $79.82
July 24, 2005: More $3/$6 Action
I spent a few hours this afternoon playing on 6-man $3/$6 tables on Party Poker. Similar to yesterday, I found decent success.
All told, I made exactly $85.42 playing on these soft tables. I continue to be amazed at the poor play I'm seeing. There are an inordinate number of people who don't know what they're doing at these tables. Thankfully, those people haven't been hitting their miracle chases against me the past couple days. As a result, I'm making money.
Late in the afternoon, I took $22 of today's $3/$6 profit and played a Multi-Table Tournament. Over 1,000 people signed up to play, but I didn't perform very well and finished in 575th place.
Disappointed at that dismal finish, I spent the rest of my day playing the Mini-Steps. I didn't find much success, however, and wasted another $6 chasing the dream. Oh, well.
In the end, it was a decent weekend. The Month-to-Date Sketch is back in the black.
Daily Sketch: Up $56.42
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $64.82
All told, I made exactly $85.42 playing on these soft tables. I continue to be amazed at the poor play I'm seeing. There are an inordinate number of people who don't know what they're doing at these tables. Thankfully, those people haven't been hitting their miracle chases against me the past couple days. As a result, I'm making money.
Late in the afternoon, I took $22 of today's $3/$6 profit and played a Multi-Table Tournament. Over 1,000 people signed up to play, but I didn't perform very well and finished in 575th place.
Disappointed at that dismal finish, I spent the rest of my day playing the Mini-Steps. I didn't find much success, however, and wasted another $6 chasing the dream. Oh, well.
In the end, it was a decent weekend. The Month-to-Date Sketch is back in the black.
Daily Sketch: Up $56.42
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $64.82
July 23, 2005: A Good Saturday (finally!)
I didn't play any poker last night. After work, Theresa and I visited Andrew and Jen's house and we all spent the evening grilling out and watching Andrew operate his fire pit. I made up for last night's lack of gambling, however. All told, I was logged into Party Poker for about 9 hours today. That may be a new record!
I started my day by joining a 10-man $50(5) Tournament. I played pretty well and eventually took 2nd place. Holding K-5, I went "all in" when the flop came K-10-3. Unfortunately (for me), my opponent was holding K-J and I was eliminated. Still, I claimed the $150 2nd place prize - netting me a quick profit of $95.
Shortly thereafter, I joined another $50(5) tournament. I didn't find the same success, however, and was eventually eliminated in 5th place. Two different times in this tournament, I found myself holding pocket 5's and lost big pots to players holding A-10 and A-9. Ugh!
Up exactly $40 for the day, I spent a good 7 hours sitting on various 6-man $3/$6 tables. Generally speaking, I found decent success. After the dust had setttled, in fact, I had won $128 on these tables.
I'm really glad that Party Poker has finally established 6-man $3/$6 tables. At this point in my young poker career, this is probably the level that I'm most comfortable playing. As such, this is probably where I'm going to start focusing my play. The Steps are (admittedly) pretty boring, and it's a lot of work trying to progress through them. I need to build up a bankroll, and the $3/$6 tables seem to be a good place to do that.
While playing the $3/$6 tables, I simultaneously joined a $5(1) Multi-Table Tournament. It turned into a huge tournament, as just under two thousand people signed up to play. Needless to say, I didn't win. I played for nearly three hours and finished (I think) around 300th place. Holding a fair amount of chips (around 9,000) I lost two consecutive hands while holding A-K (suited) and Q-Q. Oh, well. The tournament only cost me $6.
So, after all was said and done, I made exactly $162 today. Considering the fact that Saturdays are typically bad days for the Sketchbook, I feel pretty good about today's entry.
Daily Sketch: Up $162
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $8.40
I started my day by joining a 10-man $50(5) Tournament. I played pretty well and eventually took 2nd place. Holding K-5, I went "all in" when the flop came K-10-3. Unfortunately (for me), my opponent was holding K-J and I was eliminated. Still, I claimed the $150 2nd place prize - netting me a quick profit of $95.
Shortly thereafter, I joined another $50(5) tournament. I didn't find the same success, however, and was eventually eliminated in 5th place. Two different times in this tournament, I found myself holding pocket 5's and lost big pots to players holding A-10 and A-9. Ugh!
Up exactly $40 for the day, I spent a good 7 hours sitting on various 6-man $3/$6 tables. Generally speaking, I found decent success. After the dust had setttled, in fact, I had won $128 on these tables.
I'm really glad that Party Poker has finally established 6-man $3/$6 tables. At this point in my young poker career, this is probably the level that I'm most comfortable playing. As such, this is probably where I'm going to start focusing my play. The Steps are (admittedly) pretty boring, and it's a lot of work trying to progress through them. I need to build up a bankroll, and the $3/$6 tables seem to be a good place to do that.
While playing the $3/$6 tables, I simultaneously joined a $5(1) Multi-Table Tournament. It turned into a huge tournament, as just under two thousand people signed up to play. Needless to say, I didn't win. I played for nearly three hours and finished (I think) around 300th place. Holding a fair amount of chips (around 9,000) I lost two consecutive hands while holding A-K (suited) and Q-Q. Oh, well. The tournament only cost me $6.
So, after all was said and done, I made exactly $162 today. Considering the fact that Saturdays are typically bad days for the Sketchbook, I feel pretty good about today's entry.
Daily Sketch: Up $162
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $8.40
July 21, 2005: The Wrong Side of the Bubble
I started my evening by playing a $30(3) 10-man tournament on Party Poker. Things went pretty well, and I eventually found myself in the Final Four. At that point, I had about 2,100 chips and the low stack was just below 500 chips. Time after time, however, the low stack went "all in" and kept winning.
Eventually, the blinds started to whittle at my stack. After five all-ins, the low stack had passed me and I was forced to go "all in" with pocket J's. I was called by a player holding A-J (unsuited) and my opponent proceeded to hit a miracle flush with his ace. I finished in 4th spot - one place from the money. I went "all in" once and lost. Meanwhile, the other guy went "all in" five different times and won them all. Ugh!
Next, I decided to join a $30(3) Multi-table Tournament. A total of 1,010 people signed up to play.
Again, things went pretty well. Down to 500 players, I got lucky when I went "all in" with pocket kings. I was called by another player holding pocket aces. Ugh! Thankfully, however, a king appeared on the board and I miraculously survived.
The tournament was scheduled to pay out to the top 120 players. As I recall, 120th place won a little over $50. Unfortunately, I finished in 125th place - a meager 5 spots from the money. I could have backed into 120th place, but I got a bit too bold. Holding a little over 3,000 chips and AK, I went "all in" and was called by a larger stack holding 10-10. I couldn't pair either of my cards and barely missed getting paid. Ooops! I played for nearly 3 hours and won nothing. Ugh!
At the same time I was playing that tournament, I also played on a 6-man $3/$6 table. I suffered some brutally bad beats, but manaaged to escape with a modest profit of $28.40. I lost one particularly bad hand while holding Q-K. The flop came Q-Q-K and I was pretty happy when my opponent kept betting. Eventually, however, I lost a giant pot when an ace on the river helped my opponent - who was holding pocket Aces. Ugh!
Daily Sketch: Down $37.60
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $153.60
Eventually, the blinds started to whittle at my stack. After five all-ins, the low stack had passed me and I was forced to go "all in" with pocket J's. I was called by a player holding A-J (unsuited) and my opponent proceeded to hit a miracle flush with his ace. I finished in 4th spot - one place from the money. I went "all in" once and lost. Meanwhile, the other guy went "all in" five different times and won them all. Ugh!
Next, I decided to join a $30(3) Multi-table Tournament. A total of 1,010 people signed up to play.
Again, things went pretty well. Down to 500 players, I got lucky when I went "all in" with pocket kings. I was called by another player holding pocket aces. Ugh! Thankfully, however, a king appeared on the board and I miraculously survived.
The tournament was scheduled to pay out to the top 120 players. As I recall, 120th place won a little over $50. Unfortunately, I finished in 125th place - a meager 5 spots from the money. I could have backed into 120th place, but I got a bit too bold. Holding a little over 3,000 chips and AK, I went "all in" and was called by a larger stack holding 10-10. I couldn't pair either of my cards and barely missed getting paid. Ooops! I played for nearly 3 hours and won nothing. Ugh!
At the same time I was playing that tournament, I also played on a 6-man $3/$6 table. I suffered some brutally bad beats, but manaaged to escape with a modest profit of $28.40. I lost one particularly bad hand while holding Q-K. The flop came Q-Q-K and I was pretty happy when my opponent kept betting. Eventually, however, I lost a giant pot when an ace on the river helped my opponent - who was holding pocket Aces. Ugh!
Daily Sketch: Down $37.60
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $153.60
July 20, 2005: British Open Winnings
I'm back from Florida!
As promised, I haven't gambled in a few days. Despite that fact, I can report a positive Sketchbook today. Using Theresa's name, I won $100 in Bob's pool during this past weekend's British Open. Woo Hoo!! The check arrived in today's mail.
Eager to play poker this evening, I was disappointed to see that Party Poker's site was screwed up. Tables were frozen and the action on the site was, at the best, sporadic. So, the Sketchbook's $100 profit didn't get a chance to be reduced.
Daily Sketch: Up $100
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $116
As promised, I haven't gambled in a few days. Despite that fact, I can report a positive Sketchbook today. Using Theresa's name, I won $100 in Bob's pool during this past weekend's British Open. Woo Hoo!! The check arrived in today's mail.
Eager to play poker this evening, I was disappointed to see that Party Poker's site was screwed up. Tables were frozen and the action on the site was, at the best, sporadic. So, the Sketchbook's $100 profit didn't get a chance to be reduced.
Daily Sketch: Up $100
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $116
July 16, 2005: Another Unsuccesful Day
I had another poor day on Party Poker. Restricted to my apartment by a sprained ankle, I spent most of the day camped on my living room sofa with a laptop sitting next to me. That was fine with me! :-)
After all was said and done, I lost eactly $79 today while playing poker. I was able to advance to Mini-Step #3 at one point today and found myself as the chip leader with five players remaining, but I was eventually sent back to Step #1. I lost a couple of races at Step #3 and that started my descent downward.
Otherwise, I lost a good amount of change at the 6-man $3/$6 tables. I discovered these new tables yesterday (thanks to Andrew), and I'll be frequenting those tables a lot in the near future. I'm very comfortable playing on 6-man $3/$6 tables. Hopefully, they prove profitable in the near future. Unfortunately, there weren't any profits to report today.
In addition to my poker play, I almost forgot to report the $2 that Andrew gave me last night. We had placed a wager on the NASCAR race on July 2nd and I had come out victorious. As a result, Andrew owed me $2 - and he paid up last evening. So, it goes into the Sketchbook.
The Sketchbook is going to be quiet the next few days. I am travelling to Florida (business) and won't be gambling the next three days. Hopefully, my British Open golfers do well tomorrow morning. I'll be on a plane during the final round, but I'll be rooting for them all!
My next entry will be on Wednesday . . .
Daily Sketch: Down $77
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $216
After all was said and done, I lost eactly $79 today while playing poker. I was able to advance to Mini-Step #3 at one point today and found myself as the chip leader with five players remaining, but I was eventually sent back to Step #1. I lost a couple of races at Step #3 and that started my descent downward.
Otherwise, I lost a good amount of change at the 6-man $3/$6 tables. I discovered these new tables yesterday (thanks to Andrew), and I'll be frequenting those tables a lot in the near future. I'm very comfortable playing on 6-man $3/$6 tables. Hopefully, they prove profitable in the near future. Unfortunately, there weren't any profits to report today.
In addition to my poker play, I almost forgot to report the $2 that Andrew gave me last night. We had placed a wager on the NASCAR race on July 2nd and I had come out victorious. As a result, Andrew owed me $2 - and he paid up last evening. So, it goes into the Sketchbook.
The Sketchbook is going to be quiet the next few days. I am travelling to Florida (business) and won't be gambling the next three days. Hopefully, my British Open golfers do well tomorrow morning. I'll be on a plane during the final round, but I'll be rooting for them all!
My next entry will be on Wednesday . . .
Daily Sketch: Down $77
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $216
July 15, 2005: The British Open
The British Open began yesterday. Per usual, I submitted two entries into the pool - one under my name and one under Theresa's name. Each entry cost $25. Unlike the U.S. Open, however, Theresa did not pick her golfers. Considering the fact that she won the U.S. Open pool, that may have been a mistake. I guess we'll see.
Here are my two teams:
Me: Woods, Mickelson, Garcia, and Luke Donald.
Theresa: Woods, Singh, Goosen, and Darren Clarke.
All of these golfers made the cut, so things are looking pretty good. It's a long weekend, however.
This evening, I played poker for about 3 hours and couldn't find any success. Playing on 6-man $5/10 tables, I lost exactly $163. Ugh! When you add the $50 I spent on the British Open, today's Sketchbook looks pretty ugly.
Daily Sketch: Down $213
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $139
Here are my two teams:
Me: Woods, Mickelson, Garcia, and Luke Donald.
Theresa: Woods, Singh, Goosen, and Darren Clarke.
All of these golfers made the cut, so things are looking pretty good. It's a long weekend, however.
This evening, I played poker for about 3 hours and couldn't find any success. Playing on 6-man $5/10 tables, I lost exactly $163. Ugh! When you add the $50 I spent on the British Open, today's Sketchbook looks pretty ugly.
Daily Sketch: Down $213
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $139
July 14, 2005: Pleasing the Masses
After reading my Guestbook today, I learned that Keith (in particular) is getting bored with my action on the Steps. In an attempt to please the masses, I decided to stay away from the Steps tonight. Considering the fact that I can't get past Step #1, it was pretty away to stay away from those tournaments this evening.
I began my night by jumping onto a 6-man $5/$10 table. Playing for an hour, I didn't make much progress. All told, I recorded a modest profit of $27.
At that point, I looked around the Party Poker site and saw that a professional on-line player that I've bookmarked was sitting at a 10-man $20/$40 table. He's got his own blog and he just played in the World Series of Poker's main event. Eliminated on the first day, he's been sitting in his Las Vegas hotel room making good money on the internet.
I watched the action for a couple minutes and saw a spot at the table open up. Feeling bold, I decided to sit down at the table with my modest bankroll. Intent on playing only the best of hands, I became a folding machine. I did steal a small pot when I raised while holding Qd Kd. As a result, I hovered around breakeven for 20 (or so) hands. Then, I found myself sitting in the small blind ($10) and holding Ac Qh. By anyone's standards, that's a darn good hand!
Before I got a chance to act, someone raised the preflop bet to $40. Then another player re-raised to $60 and two more players matched the $60 bet. At that point, I had a decision to make. Three people had already commited $60 and I was confident that the 4th player was going to call (if not raise). There was no way I had the best hand, was there? Meekly, I folded. At that point in the night, I wasn't ready to pay $50 to see a flop.
The flop came 4h-Qs-Ah. Oops! I folded two pair. Oh, well. Someone may have flopped a set, anyway.
The turn comes as an As. Oops! I folded the nut full house. No matter what anyone was holding, I would have been holding the best hand at that point.
The river was garbage and a player holding KK scooped a pot of $387. Oops! That would have looked nice in my Sketchbook, ehhh?
Shortly thereafter, I left the table. Obviously, the stakes were too high for me to handle, since I found myself folding AQ a little too easily.
After all was said and done, I recorded a small profit of $32 tonight. It's not the most exciting Sketchbook entry I've ever entered, but it's probably a little more interesting than my recent lack of success at the Steps.
Daily Sketch: Up $32
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $74
I began my night by jumping onto a 6-man $5/$10 table. Playing for an hour, I didn't make much progress. All told, I recorded a modest profit of $27.
At that point, I looked around the Party Poker site and saw that a professional on-line player that I've bookmarked was sitting at a 10-man $20/$40 table. He's got his own blog and he just played in the World Series of Poker's main event. Eliminated on the first day, he's been sitting in his Las Vegas hotel room making good money on the internet.
I watched the action for a couple minutes and saw a spot at the table open up. Feeling bold, I decided to sit down at the table with my modest bankroll. Intent on playing only the best of hands, I became a folding machine. I did steal a small pot when I raised while holding Qd Kd. As a result, I hovered around breakeven for 20 (or so) hands. Then, I found myself sitting in the small blind ($10) and holding Ac Qh. By anyone's standards, that's a darn good hand!
Before I got a chance to act, someone raised the preflop bet to $40. Then another player re-raised to $60 and two more players matched the $60 bet. At that point, I had a decision to make. Three people had already commited $60 and I was confident that the 4th player was going to call (if not raise). There was no way I had the best hand, was there? Meekly, I folded. At that point in the night, I wasn't ready to pay $50 to see a flop.
The flop came 4h-Qs-Ah. Oops! I folded two pair. Oh, well. Someone may have flopped a set, anyway.
The turn comes as an As. Oops! I folded the nut full house. No matter what anyone was holding, I would have been holding the best hand at that point.
The river was garbage and a player holding KK scooped a pot of $387. Oops! That would have looked nice in my Sketchbook, ehhh?
Shortly thereafter, I left the table. Obviously, the stakes were too high for me to handle, since I found myself folding AQ a little too easily.
After all was said and done, I recorded a small profit of $32 tonight. It's not the most exciting Sketchbook entry I've ever entered, but it's probably a little more interesting than my recent lack of success at the Steps.
Daily Sketch: Up $32
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $74
July 13, 2005: Losing at $1/$2
I started my night by failing to win a couple Mini-Step #1 Tournaments. I don't know exactly how long it's been since I won a Mini-Step #1, but the streak is incredibly long. Tonight, I lost a particularly bad hand while holding 9c Tc. The flop came 9-9-8 and I matched another player's "all in" bet. He flipped over J-J and I found myself with a pretty big lead. Naturally, the turn was another Jack - giving my opponent a full house.
Apparently, Party Poker decided to rub it in a bit, 'cuz the river was another Jack - giving my opponent 4-of-a-kind. I finished 8th in that tournament, which means I'll need to pony up another $6 when I decide to play the Steps again.
Frustrated by the Steps, I played on a 6-man $1/$2 table and found no luck. All told, I lost exactly $52 during the 90 minutes that I played. Ugh!! Apparently, my mad poker skillz were lacking tonight.
Daily Sketch: Down $52
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $42
Apparently, Party Poker decided to rub it in a bit, 'cuz the river was another Jack - giving my opponent 4-of-a-kind. I finished 8th in that tournament, which means I'll need to pony up another $6 when I decide to play the Steps again.
Frustrated by the Steps, I played on a 6-man $1/$2 table and found no luck. All told, I lost exactly $52 during the 90 minutes that I played. Ugh!! Apparently, my mad poker skillz were lacking tonight.
Daily Sketch: Down $52
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $42
July 12, 2005: What is Going on?
I played five more Mini-Step #1 Tournaments on Party Poker tonight. Yet again, I couldn't win. I finished 2nd two different times, but I couldn't pull out the victory. After finishing 9th in one tournament, I was forced to throw another $6 at the Steps. At this point, Step #5 seems a mile away!
My streak of failure at Mini-Step #1 is becoming very large. I'd estimate that I've failed to win my last 25 Step #1 Tourneys. What is going on? Two weeks ago, I was skipping merrily past Step #1 with little difficulty. Now, I can't buy a victory.
Frustrated by my lack of success on the Steps, I played a good amount of 6-handed poker on a $1/$2 table. After winning exactly $55 (in a little over an hour), I was feeling better about my poker skills. So, I decided to parlay my winnings and joined a 10-man $50(5) Tournament.
Things started ok and I found myself with a stack of nearly 2,500 chips halfway through the tournament. I was comfortably sitting in 2nd place. Then the wheels fell off, I missed a couple flush draws, and I was quickly eliminated in 5th place. Two different times,I flopped four-to-a-flush and my inability to hit the last card proved to be my downfall. Ooops! I probably played a bit too loose at that point, but I was trying to win. Had I played conservatively, I might have been able to back into (at least) 3rd place, but that ain't my style. I'm out to win!!
At that point of the night, I was down exactly $6. Then, I noticed that a particularly bad player that I've bookmarked was sitting at a $5/$10 table. I quickly joined the waiting list and eventually found myself sitting at his table. Over the course of the next 25 minutes, the bad player lost over $150. Of that amount, $58 slid in my direction. Then, he left the table.
For the next 30 minutes, the bad player jumped from table to table. I kept chasing him, but he kept joining tables that were full and had waiting lists. He'd only sit at a table for a few minutes before leaving, so I never got to join him. Eventually, he logged out of the software, and I didn't get a chance to claim any more money from him. Drat!
It's rare that I aggressively follow a player, but it's rare that I see a player as bad as this one. Usually, I'll make an attempt to disguise the fact that I'm chasing a player. If I spend a decent amount of time playing with a particularly bad player one night, I'll wait awhile before I actively pursue playing with him again. After all, I don't want the bad player to recognize that I'm chasing him and get upset if he always sees me sitting at his table. My goal is to quietly take money from him - and you can't do that if he always sees you sitting at his table.
With all that being said, I hadn't seen this player on-line for quite some time (months). Since he hasn't been playing lately, I wanted to scoop as much money as I could from him tonight - before he lost his full bankroll. I'll DEFINITELY watch for him the next few nights. I don't think he lost his full bankroll tonight. That's more money for me! :-)
Daily Sketch: Up $52
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $94
My streak of failure at Mini-Step #1 is becoming very large. I'd estimate that I've failed to win my last 25 Step #1 Tourneys. What is going on? Two weeks ago, I was skipping merrily past Step #1 with little difficulty. Now, I can't buy a victory.
Frustrated by my lack of success on the Steps, I played a good amount of 6-handed poker on a $1/$2 table. After winning exactly $55 (in a little over an hour), I was feeling better about my poker skills. So, I decided to parlay my winnings and joined a 10-man $50(5) Tournament.
Things started ok and I found myself with a stack of nearly 2,500 chips halfway through the tournament. I was comfortably sitting in 2nd place. Then the wheels fell off, I missed a couple flush draws, and I was quickly eliminated in 5th place. Two different times,I flopped four-to-a-flush and my inability to hit the last card proved to be my downfall. Ooops! I probably played a bit too loose at that point, but I was trying to win. Had I played conservatively, I might have been able to back into (at least) 3rd place, but that ain't my style. I'm out to win!!
At that point of the night, I was down exactly $6. Then, I noticed that a particularly bad player that I've bookmarked was sitting at a $5/$10 table. I quickly joined the waiting list and eventually found myself sitting at his table. Over the course of the next 25 minutes, the bad player lost over $150. Of that amount, $58 slid in my direction. Then, he left the table.
For the next 30 minutes, the bad player jumped from table to table. I kept chasing him, but he kept joining tables that were full and had waiting lists. He'd only sit at a table for a few minutes before leaving, so I never got to join him. Eventually, he logged out of the software, and I didn't get a chance to claim any more money from him. Drat!
It's rare that I aggressively follow a player, but it's rare that I see a player as bad as this one. Usually, I'll make an attempt to disguise the fact that I'm chasing a player. If I spend a decent amount of time playing with a particularly bad player one night, I'll wait awhile before I actively pursue playing with him again. After all, I don't want the bad player to recognize that I'm chasing him and get upset if he always sees me sitting at his table. My goal is to quietly take money from him - and you can't do that if he always sees you sitting at his table.
With all that being said, I hadn't seen this player on-line for quite some time (months). Since he hasn't been playing lately, I wanted to scoop as much money as I could from him tonight - before he lost his full bankroll. I'll DEFINITELY watch for him the next few nights. I don't think he lost his full bankroll tonight. That's more money for me! :-)
Daily Sketch: Up $52
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $94
July 11, 2005: Stuck on Step #1
Suddenly, I can't get past Step #1. All told, I played seven Mini-Step Tournaments tonight and couldn't pull out a single victory. As a result, I didn't advance to Step #2. Ugh!
Of those seven tournaments, I finished outside the top 5 two different times. As a result, I was forced to spend $12 this evening. So, that's the daily Sketch. Pretty boring, ehh?
Daily Sketch: Down $12
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $42
Of those seven tournaments, I finished outside the top 5 two different times. As a result, I was forced to spend $12 this evening. So, that's the daily Sketch. Pretty boring, ehh?
Daily Sketch: Down $12
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $42
July 10, 2005: A Few $30(3) Tourneys
I spent a decent amount of my day at Summerfest with Theresa, Jared, and Angela. As such, I didn't get a chance to play a ton of poker today. When I did get on-line, I decided to mix things up a bit and joined some $30(3) Tournaments.
All told, I played three tournaments - which cost me a total of $99. I had decent success and garnered a 2nd ($90) and 3rd ($60) place finish in two of the tournaments. As a result, the Sketchbook sees a daily profit of $51. That's not bad - it'll buy my way into eight Step #1 Tourneys!
Daily Sketch: Up $51
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $54
All told, I played three tournaments - which cost me a total of $99. I had decent success and garnered a 2nd ($90) and 3rd ($60) place finish in two of the tournaments. As a result, the Sketchbook sees a daily profit of $51. That's not bad - it'll buy my way into eight Step #1 Tourneys!
Daily Sketch: Up $51
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $54
July 9, 2005: Hopping Around
I played six different Step #1 Tournaments today. In order, I finished 2nd, 4th, 2nd, 5th, 2nd, and 2nd. Needless to say, I was swimming in 2nd place! I won't bother describing some of the bad beats I suffered today.
Frustrated by my lack of progress, I decided to dabble in some other things. First, I joined a $30(3) multi-table tournament. A total of 590 people joined the tournament. Things didn't go particularly well, however. I made it through the 1 hour break, but I was eventually eliminated in 179th place. I just couldn't catch any cards. Unfortunately, 179th place doesn't pay any money. :-(
After completing that tournament, I was in the mood for some torture, so I joined a 6-man $5/$10 table. It's been awhile since I joined such a table, so I was fully expecting to lose.
For 45 minutes, however, I experienced some decent success. After winning exactly $85, I decided to quit while I was ahead. For the first time in a while, my Sketchbook shows a monthly profit - albeit tiny. Once I win a Step #5 Tournament, the Sketchbook will really look good! Of course, I'm going to need to get past Step #1 first!
Daily Sketch: Up $52
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up$3
Frustrated by my lack of progress, I decided to dabble in some other things. First, I joined a $30(3) multi-table tournament. A total of 590 people joined the tournament. Things didn't go particularly well, however. I made it through the 1 hour break, but I was eventually eliminated in 179th place. I just couldn't catch any cards. Unfortunately, 179th place doesn't pay any money. :-(
After completing that tournament, I was in the mood for some torture, so I joined a 6-man $5/$10 table. It's been awhile since I joined such a table, so I was fully expecting to lose.
For 45 minutes, however, I experienced some decent success. After winning exactly $85, I decided to quit while I was ahead. For the first time in a while, my Sketchbook shows a monthly profit - albeit tiny. Once I win a Step #5 Tournament, the Sketchbook will really look good! Of course, I'm going to need to get past Step #1 first!
Daily Sketch: Up $52
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up$3
July 8, 2005: Birthday Party
I didn't do any gambling today. Instead, I headed to Hartford right after work to help celebrate my grandmother's 80th birthday. It goes without saying that birthday parties for 80-year-old women can get quite wild!
Actually, my grandmother is unlike any grandmothers I know. After dinner, the Schroeder clan headed to grandma's house. Upon arriving, one of my cousins opened the refrigerator and stepped back when two Bud Lites fell out. How many 80-year-old women have refrigerators overflowing with beer?
During the night, Grandma had a couple Brandy Old Fashioneds. Thankfully, I had a couple more than her. I can still outdrink her! Woo Hoo!
Daily Sketch: $0
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $49
Actually, my grandmother is unlike any grandmothers I know. After dinner, the Schroeder clan headed to grandma's house. Upon arriving, one of my cousins opened the refrigerator and stepped back when two Bud Lites fell out. How many 80-year-old women have refrigerators overflowing with beer?
During the night, Grandma had a couple Brandy Old Fashioneds. Thankfully, I had a couple more than her. I can still outdrink her! Woo Hoo!
Daily Sketch: $0
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $49
July 7, 2005: Drowning in the River
I'm getting very frustrated by the way the cards are falling right now. The only redeeming thing about my recent lack of success is the fact that it's not costing me a great deal of money. If this type of luck were occurring on $5/$10 tables, for example, I'd be losing a boatload of cash.
Time after time this evening, I was eliminated from tournament after tournament by the river card. As you read tonight's entry, keep in mind that this is a full blog of each tournament that I played tonight.
I started my evening by joining a $9(1) Sub Qualifier for this weekend's Party Poker V Semifinal Tournament. I'd like to play in the Semifinal Tournament, but I haven't earned an entry yet. I'm DEFINITELY not going to pay the $535 entry fee that would earn me a seat. Instead, I can earn my way into this weekend's Semifinal Tournaments by winning a couple 10-man Tournaments.
First, you must win a $9(1) tournament to advance any closer to this weekend's Semifinal Tournament. I made it to the final three players with relative ease and found myself sitting with 1,495 chips. My opponents (MauiDon & Thanatopsis) had 1,860 and 4,645 chips, respectively.
Dealth Kh Ac, I immediately declare myself all-in. Thanatopsis calls my bet and flips over Ks Jh. Great! I'm in the lead! Of course, the way things are going lately, who knows.
The flop comes Ah 8h Qd. Woo Hoo! I've flopped top pair!
The turn comes 5c. That's fine with me.
The river comes Ts. Thanatopsis has just hit his straight. I'm eliminated in 3rd place. Ugh!
At the same time I'm playing this tournament, I'm also playing a Step #1 Tournament. I get all the way to the final two (only the winner advances to Step #2) and I'm dealt Jh 8h. I've got 2,900 chips (my opponent has 5,100 chips) and I declare myself "all in."
My opponent calls my bet and reveals Qd Kh. Ooops! I'm losing.
The flop comes 9s Ac 8s. Woo Hoo! I've taken the lead. Perhaps my luck is turning around!
The turn comes Ad. That doesn't help anyone. Great!
The river comes Kd. My opponent hits his pair and I'm eliminated by another dreadful river. Ugh!
In my next Step #1 Tournament, when my 9h 9c sees a flop of 4s 5s 7s, I go "all in" against my only opponent who called my 100 chip pre-flop bet. He quickly calls my bet and flips over 2s 8s. How does a guy call a preflop raise while holding 2s 8s? Naturally, the turn and river are no help to me and I lose to the flush.
Having thoroughly enjoyed those three tournaments, I join another Step #1 Tournament. After seeing one player eliminated from the tournament, I'm dealt Qs Qc and raise the bet to 70 chips. Two players call my bet and the flop comes 4h 3c 8d. I immediately go "all in" and am called by one player - who barely has more chips than I do.
My opponent (richosborn) flips over 5h 5s. Yet again, I've gotten all my chips into the middle with a huge lead. Surely, the poker gods aren't going to screw me again, right?
The turn comes 3s. Good. That takes away any chances of my opponent hitting a straight. The only card that can hurt me is a 5 on the river.
The river is a 5c. Are you kidding me? I'm eliminated in 9th place.
At this point, I was ready to throw my new laptop off the balcony of my 12th floor apartment! Still, I plodded on . . .
Next, I shelled out another $10 to join a Subqualifier Tournament. I made it to the final four players and went "all in" while holding As 8h. The chip leader called my bet and revealed Kh 7h. Naturally, a king appeared on the board and I was eliminated. The night is going swimmingly well, ehhh?
As that debacle unfolded, I played another Step #1 Tournament. Again, I reached the final four players and found myself with the low stack. Forced to go "all in" while holding Jh 7c, I lost to an opponent holding Ac Qh. If nothing else, at least I was eliminated by a player who had me beaten the entire way.
I had time to play one more tournament tonight, so I joined another $10 Qualifier. All I can say is that I was having so much fun losing that I couldn't stop! :-)
Down to 8 players, I'm dealt 3h 9h in the big blind. Three other players limp into the pot and I check - completely content to see a free flop.
The flop comes Ah Td Jh. I check. The next player at the table checks. The third players bets 150 chips. The fourth player goes "all in" with a stack of chips greater than I.
At this point, I have a decision. Do I go "all in" while chasing the flush? With the way my luck is running tonight, there's no way I'm going to hit this flush, is there?
Ahhhhh . . . what the hell? I've been losing all night. This is my last tournament of the night and I decide to foolishly call the bet. Interestingly, the player who had originally bet 150 chips also goes "all in." That's fine with me, I guess. If I do hit my flush, that'll be more chips that slide in my direction.
I reveal my flush draw. The player who had originally bet 150 chips flips over Jc Qh. He's got middle pair and a gut-shot straight draw. My other opponent flips over Ac Tc. He's got two pair.
The turn is a 6h. Bingo Bango Bongo! It's a miracle. I've hit my flush. Woo Hoo!
The river is an Ad. My flush has just lost to a full house. What just happened? I'm eliminated from the tournament.
I can't recall having a night like this before. As I said at the start of this blog, my only solace from tonight's festivities is the fact that I didn't lose a ton of money. Nevertheless, I drowned in the river tonight - although it only cost me $30.
I wish I could write good news in one of these blogs. I know it's more fun to read about success. It would certainly be more fun to write about success. The cards are going to start eventually turning my way. Right?
Daily Sketch: Down $30
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $49
Time after time this evening, I was eliminated from tournament after tournament by the river card. As you read tonight's entry, keep in mind that this is a full blog of each tournament that I played tonight.
I started my evening by joining a $9(1) Sub Qualifier for this weekend's Party Poker V Semifinal Tournament. I'd like to play in the Semifinal Tournament, but I haven't earned an entry yet. I'm DEFINITELY not going to pay the $535 entry fee that would earn me a seat. Instead, I can earn my way into this weekend's Semifinal Tournaments by winning a couple 10-man Tournaments.
First, you must win a $9(1) tournament to advance any closer to this weekend's Semifinal Tournament. I made it to the final three players with relative ease and found myself sitting with 1,495 chips. My opponents (MauiDon & Thanatopsis) had 1,860 and 4,645 chips, respectively.
Dealth Kh Ac, I immediately declare myself all-in. Thanatopsis calls my bet and flips over Ks Jh. Great! I'm in the lead! Of course, the way things are going lately, who knows.
The flop comes Ah 8h Qd. Woo Hoo! I've flopped top pair!
The turn comes 5c. That's fine with me.
The river comes Ts. Thanatopsis has just hit his straight. I'm eliminated in 3rd place. Ugh!
At the same time I'm playing this tournament, I'm also playing a Step #1 Tournament. I get all the way to the final two (only the winner advances to Step #2) and I'm dealt Jh 8h. I've got 2,900 chips (my opponent has 5,100 chips) and I declare myself "all in."
My opponent calls my bet and reveals Qd Kh. Ooops! I'm losing.
The flop comes 9s Ac 8s. Woo Hoo! I've taken the lead. Perhaps my luck is turning around!
The turn comes Ad. That doesn't help anyone. Great!
The river comes Kd. My opponent hits his pair and I'm eliminated by another dreadful river. Ugh!
In my next Step #1 Tournament, when my 9h 9c sees a flop of 4s 5s 7s, I go "all in" against my only opponent who called my 100 chip pre-flop bet. He quickly calls my bet and flips over 2s 8s. How does a guy call a preflop raise while holding 2s 8s? Naturally, the turn and river are no help to me and I lose to the flush.
Having thoroughly enjoyed those three tournaments, I join another Step #1 Tournament. After seeing one player eliminated from the tournament, I'm dealt Qs Qc and raise the bet to 70 chips. Two players call my bet and the flop comes 4h 3c 8d. I immediately go "all in" and am called by one player - who barely has more chips than I do.
My opponent (richosborn) flips over 5h 5s. Yet again, I've gotten all my chips into the middle with a huge lead. Surely, the poker gods aren't going to screw me again, right?
The turn comes 3s. Good. That takes away any chances of my opponent hitting a straight. The only card that can hurt me is a 5 on the river.
The river is a 5c. Are you kidding me? I'm eliminated in 9th place.
At this point, I was ready to throw my new laptop off the balcony of my 12th floor apartment! Still, I plodded on . . .
Next, I shelled out another $10 to join a Subqualifier Tournament. I made it to the final four players and went "all in" while holding As 8h. The chip leader called my bet and revealed Kh 7h. Naturally, a king appeared on the board and I was eliminated. The night is going swimmingly well, ehhh?
As that debacle unfolded, I played another Step #1 Tournament. Again, I reached the final four players and found myself with the low stack. Forced to go "all in" while holding Jh 7c, I lost to an opponent holding Ac Qh. If nothing else, at least I was eliminated by a player who had me beaten the entire way.
I had time to play one more tournament tonight, so I joined another $10 Qualifier. All I can say is that I was having so much fun losing that I couldn't stop! :-)
Down to 8 players, I'm dealt 3h 9h in the big blind. Three other players limp into the pot and I check - completely content to see a free flop.
The flop comes Ah Td Jh. I check. The next player at the table checks. The third players bets 150 chips. The fourth player goes "all in" with a stack of chips greater than I.
At this point, I have a decision. Do I go "all in" while chasing the flush? With the way my luck is running tonight, there's no way I'm going to hit this flush, is there?
Ahhhhh . . . what the hell? I've been losing all night. This is my last tournament of the night and I decide to foolishly call the bet. Interestingly, the player who had originally bet 150 chips also goes "all in." That's fine with me, I guess. If I do hit my flush, that'll be more chips that slide in my direction.
I reveal my flush draw. The player who had originally bet 150 chips flips over Jc Qh. He's got middle pair and a gut-shot straight draw. My other opponent flips over Ac Tc. He's got two pair.
The turn is a 6h. Bingo Bango Bongo! It's a miracle. I've hit my flush. Woo Hoo!
The river is an Ad. My flush has just lost to a full house. What just happened? I'm eliminated from the tournament.
I can't recall having a night like this before. As I said at the start of this blog, my only solace from tonight's festivities is the fact that I didn't lose a ton of money. Nevertheless, I drowned in the river tonight - although it only cost me $30.
I wish I could write good news in one of these blogs. I know it's more fun to read about success. It would certainly be more fun to write about success. The cards are going to start eventually turning my way. Right?
Daily Sketch: Down $30
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $49
July 6, 2005: Running in Mud
I didn't make any progress in the Steps tonight. I started the night with two free entries into Step #1, and that's exactly how I finished the night.
I advanced to Step #2 once, but I was promptly sent back to Step #1 after finishing a dismal 8th. Holding Ah Jh, I saw two hearts appear on the flop. Another player went "all in" and I decided to chase my flush. Naturally, it didn't happen and I went back to Step #1.
Otherwise, my night consisted of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishes at Step #1. When you finish in the top 5 of a Step #1, you get a free entry back into another Step #1.
So, despite the fact that I found myself running in the mud tonight and made absolutely no progress up the Steps, I didn't spend a dime.
Daily Sketch: $0
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $19
I advanced to Step #2 once, but I was promptly sent back to Step #1 after finishing a dismal 8th. Holding Ah Jh, I saw two hearts appear on the flop. Another player went "all in" and I decided to chase my flush. Naturally, it didn't happen and I went back to Step #1.
Otherwise, my night consisted of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishes at Step #1. When you finish in the top 5 of a Step #1, you get a free entry back into another Step #1.
So, despite the fact that I found myself running in the mud tonight and made absolutely no progress up the Steps, I didn't spend a dime.
Daily Sketch: $0
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $19
July 5, 2005: I am a Good Poker Player
I am a good poker player. I am a good poker player. I am a good poker player.
I must keep reminding myself of that. Otherwise, it would be easy to throw in the towel after nights like this evening.
Entering the night, I had free entries into Step #2 and Step #4. Here's how it went:
Step #4: I began my night at Step #4. Generally speaking, things started ok. We got down to 9 players and I was sitting in the big blind while holding 3d-Ad. Everyone folds to the small blind who goes "all in" with his last 285. As the big blind, I had already thrown in 100 chips, so it was pretty easy to throw in another 185 chips. My opponent shows Kh Qh and I've got the lead. The board comes Jh-Jd-5s-4h-Qd. I lose on the river.
At that point, it wasn't too big a deal. I started the hand with 1,090 chips and finished the hand with 805 chips. I didn't have a mountain of chips in front of me, but I was ok.
On the very next hand, the blinds increased to 75-100 and I'm sitting as the small blind. I'm dealt Ad Ks and everyone folds to me. I quickly go "all in" (I want to take the big blind's chips) and Im a bit surprised when he calls my bet. My opponent flips over Jc-Qd. Once again, I'm the favorite. Once again, however, I lose when the board comes up 8h-Qs-Ts-6s-7c. Just like that, I'm eliminated from the Step #4 Tournament. As a "reward" for that, I win $1 and a free entry back into a Step #1 Tournament. Ugh!
Step #2: At the same time that was happening, I played in a Step #2. Unlike Step #4, things went well and I eventually won the tournament - earning a trip to Step #3. Woo Hoo!!
Step #3: On the 14th hand of this tournament, I'm dealt Kc Ks. I raise the bet to 100 chips and I'm called by a player who (as it turns out) is holding Qc Jc. The flop comes Qs-9d-5s. This, my friends, is a dream flop for me. It's a real dream when my opponent immediately declares himself "all in". Naturally, I call his bet and show him the bad news. He's losing. It doesn't last long, however, as the river reveals a Jd and I'm unceremoniously eliminated from the tournament. Ugh!!
How bad can this go? Just like that, I'm back to Step #1. My luck stinks right now.
Step #1: I'm not particularly inspired to play Step #1, but here goes. I find decent success and make it to the final two players. Only the winner advances to Step #2, so it's important that I keep my head up. Holding 3,970 chips (vs. my opponent's 4,030 chips) I'm dealt Ad-8h and go "all in". My opponent calls my bet and shows Ks-8d. Yet again, I'm ahead. The board comes 9c-Kd-Qc-3h-Td. I lose to the pair. Ugh!
I am a good poker player. I am a good poker player. I am a good poker player.
Three different times tonight, I went "all in" with the lead and lost each time. It's becoming apparent that the chase to get to Step #5 is an actual chase to avoid getting bad beat along the way.
Daily Sketch: Up $1
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $19
I must keep reminding myself of that. Otherwise, it would be easy to throw in the towel after nights like this evening.
Entering the night, I had free entries into Step #2 and Step #4. Here's how it went:
Step #4: I began my night at Step #4. Generally speaking, things started ok. We got down to 9 players and I was sitting in the big blind while holding 3d-Ad. Everyone folds to the small blind who goes "all in" with his last 285. As the big blind, I had already thrown in 100 chips, so it was pretty easy to throw in another 185 chips. My opponent shows Kh Qh and I've got the lead. The board comes Jh-Jd-5s-4h-Qd. I lose on the river.
At that point, it wasn't too big a deal. I started the hand with 1,090 chips and finished the hand with 805 chips. I didn't have a mountain of chips in front of me, but I was ok.
On the very next hand, the blinds increased to 75-100 and I'm sitting as the small blind. I'm dealt Ad Ks and everyone folds to me. I quickly go "all in" (I want to take the big blind's chips) and Im a bit surprised when he calls my bet. My opponent flips over Jc-Qd. Once again, I'm the favorite. Once again, however, I lose when the board comes up 8h-Qs-Ts-6s-7c. Just like that, I'm eliminated from the Step #4 Tournament. As a "reward" for that, I win $1 and a free entry back into a Step #1 Tournament. Ugh!
Step #2: At the same time that was happening, I played in a Step #2. Unlike Step #4, things went well and I eventually won the tournament - earning a trip to Step #3. Woo Hoo!!
Step #3: On the 14th hand of this tournament, I'm dealt Kc Ks. I raise the bet to 100 chips and I'm called by a player who (as it turns out) is holding Qc Jc. The flop comes Qs-9d-5s. This, my friends, is a dream flop for me. It's a real dream when my opponent immediately declares himself "all in". Naturally, I call his bet and show him the bad news. He's losing. It doesn't last long, however, as the river reveals a Jd and I'm unceremoniously eliminated from the tournament. Ugh!!
How bad can this go? Just like that, I'm back to Step #1. My luck stinks right now.
Step #1: I'm not particularly inspired to play Step #1, but here goes. I find decent success and make it to the final two players. Only the winner advances to Step #2, so it's important that I keep my head up. Holding 3,970 chips (vs. my opponent's 4,030 chips) I'm dealt Ad-8h and go "all in". My opponent calls my bet and shows Ks-8d. Yet again, I'm ahead. The board comes 9c-Kd-Qc-3h-Td. I lose to the pair. Ugh!
I am a good poker player. I am a good poker player. I am a good poker player.
Three different times tonight, I went "all in" with the lead and lost each time. It's becoming apparent that the chase to get to Step #5 is an actual chase to avoid getting bad beat along the way.
Daily Sketch: Up $1
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $19
July 4, 2005: Step #3 Shenanigans
I started my day with a couple free passes into Party Poker Mini-Step #2 Tournaments. Four different times today, I advanced to Step #3. Here's a quick summary of how my attempts at Step #3 went:
Attempt #1: I felt pretty good about my chances as I entered my first Mini-Step #3 Tournament. I had just dominated the Mini-Step #2 Tournament and thought I was playing well. On the 18th hand of the Step #3 tournament, I'm dealt KK. I make an aggressive pre-flop raise and get one caller. The flop comes 3d-Qh-6c. My opponent (who has a few more chips than me) goes "all in" and I quickly call. My opponent flips over Ah Ts. I'm a HUGE favorite to win this hand. The turn, however, is a Th and the river is a Ts - giving my opponent three-of-a-kind. Ugh!! I'm eliminated in 9th place and I'm awarded $4. What a terrible bad beat.
Attempt #2: Disgusted with the way I just went out, I start all over at Step #1 (rather than using my other Step #2 entry). I pay the $6 - which means I'm now down $2 for the day - and I quickly advance through Steps #1 and Steps #2 and find myself back at Step #3. This time, I find great success and advance to the final three players. Holding Ts 9c, I see a flop of 8d-Tc-Jh and quickly go "all in" against my only opponent still in the hand. He calls my bet and flips over 7d 2d. He's got nothing. In fact, I'm SHOCKED that he's called my bet. I'm more shocked when the turn (6c) and river (9h) give my opponent a straight. Just like that, I'm done. I can't believe what just happened. This is a really terrible bad beat.
Attempt #3: The only redeeming thing about my last visit to Step #3 is the fact that my 3rd place finish gives me another free shot at Step #3. Desperate to get the taste of that last loss out of my mouth, I immediately jump into another tournament. Things start well and by the 30th hand I'm the chip leader with 2,325 chips. Then my cards got cold. During the course of the next 28 hands, I won exactly ZERO of them and I was eventually eliminated in 5th place. If you don't get any cards, it's hard to win any hands. If nothing else, I didn't suffer a brutally bad beat. However, I'm bumped down to Step #2. Ugh!
Attempt #4: It took a few tries at Step #2, but I finally advanced to Step #3 again. It was getting late in the evening, so this was going to be my last attempt at Step #3 - regardless of the outcome. When we got down to seven players, I was sitting on a decent pile of chips. Then came this hand:
***** Hand History for Game 2309876250 *****
Level:5 Blinds(75/150) - Monday, July 04, 18:22:48 EDT 2005
Table Mini Step 3 #1023135 (Real Money)
Seat 5 is the button
Total number of players : 7
Seat 4: Stv_1313 ( $1960 )
Seat 10: julleo ( $1815 )
Seat 7: gleepstem ( $575 )
Seat 2: camoflge ( $2220 )
Seat 8: p2ryan2003 ( $1005 )
Seat 1: chewbacca155 ( $1095 )
Seat 5: heffalomp ( $1330 )
** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to Stv_1313 [ Qh Ks ]
julleo folds.
chewbacca155 folds.
camoflge folds.
Stv_1313 raises [400].
heffalomp folds.
gleepstem folds.
p2ryan2003 calls [250].
** Dealing Flop ** [ 9s, 6c, Js ]
p2ryan2003 is all-In [605]
Stv_1313 calls [605].
** Dealing Turn ** [ 9d ]
** Dealing River ** [ Kd ]
p2ryan2003 shows [ As, 6h ] two pairs, nines and sixes.
Stv_1313 shows [ Qh, Ks ] two pairs, kings and nines.
Stv_1313 wins 2085 chips from the main pot with two pairs, kings and nines.
p2ryan2003 finished in seventh and wins Entry to Mini Step 1
p2ryan2003 has left the table.
For the next 10 minutes, P2ryan2003 and myself continued a running monologue regarding this hand. P2ryan2003 thought that he had just suffered the poker world's worst bad beat and blasted my decision to call his "all in" bet after the flop. I knew I was behind, but I still had a decent pile of chips and figured that any Queen, King, or Ten would probably allow me to scoop the pot. So I took a chance, called his bet, and finally hit a miracle river card myself. More often than not, I'm the one losing these hands, so I could understand my opponent's frustration. However, my opponent let his frustration get the better of him.
After that hand, P2ryan2003 declared that I was a "terrible player" and that I "was not going to win no matter what" - to which I replied "well, you'll have no say in it, will you?"
For the rest of the tournament, P2ryan2003 stuck around and threw his two cents around the table. At one point, he criticized my decision to throw a few extra chips into a pot that someone had gone "all in". Here are some more snippets from our chatting.
P2ryan2003: then you try to bet out a hand when someone is all in. you suck
Me: I could afford to call. I have all your chips
P2ryan2003: yeah you shouldnt have them
Me: I can barely see above p2ryan's chips in front of me.
Me: In fact, how many people are still at this table? I can't see above all these chips.
P2ryan2003: xxxxhead.
P2ryan2003: if you dont quit poker soon your going to lose all your money so you should quit now
Me: yup. this $6 investment could break me
P2ryan2003: no your going to lose - trust me. I will win in the long run, you will lose in the long run
Me: Well, you've got a longer run from Step #1 than my short jaunt from Step #3. So, you would know, I guess.
Me: In fact, I hope you have good running shoes for that long run.
I usually don't talk to people much, but I had a good time talking with P2ryan2003. If nothing else, he inspired me to play my best poker. In fact, I was determined to advance to Step #4 while he was watching. It worked, 'cuz I proceeded to win this Step #3 Tournament and, as a result, I finally won a free entry into a Step #4 Tournament. Interestingly, I never heard a word of congratulations from P2ryan2003 after I won. How rude!!
I've added P2ryan2003 to my buddy list. I hope to play with him again. In the meantime, I ended my day with free entries to Step #2 and Step #4 Tournaments. I'm only two wins away from winning $2,000 at a Step #5 Tournament. Wish me luck!!
Daily Sketch: Down $2
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $20
Attempt #1: I felt pretty good about my chances as I entered my first Mini-Step #3 Tournament. I had just dominated the Mini-Step #2 Tournament and thought I was playing well. On the 18th hand of the Step #3 tournament, I'm dealt KK. I make an aggressive pre-flop raise and get one caller. The flop comes 3d-Qh-6c. My opponent (who has a few more chips than me) goes "all in" and I quickly call. My opponent flips over Ah Ts. I'm a HUGE favorite to win this hand. The turn, however, is a Th and the river is a Ts - giving my opponent three-of-a-kind. Ugh!! I'm eliminated in 9th place and I'm awarded $4. What a terrible bad beat.
Attempt #2: Disgusted with the way I just went out, I start all over at Step #1 (rather than using my other Step #2 entry). I pay the $6 - which means I'm now down $2 for the day - and I quickly advance through Steps #1 and Steps #2 and find myself back at Step #3. This time, I find great success and advance to the final three players. Holding Ts 9c, I see a flop of 8d-Tc-Jh and quickly go "all in" against my only opponent still in the hand. He calls my bet and flips over 7d 2d. He's got nothing. In fact, I'm SHOCKED that he's called my bet. I'm more shocked when the turn (6c) and river (9h) give my opponent a straight. Just like that, I'm done. I can't believe what just happened. This is a really terrible bad beat.
Attempt #3: The only redeeming thing about my last visit to Step #3 is the fact that my 3rd place finish gives me another free shot at Step #3. Desperate to get the taste of that last loss out of my mouth, I immediately jump into another tournament. Things start well and by the 30th hand I'm the chip leader with 2,325 chips. Then my cards got cold. During the course of the next 28 hands, I won exactly ZERO of them and I was eventually eliminated in 5th place. If you don't get any cards, it's hard to win any hands. If nothing else, I didn't suffer a brutally bad beat. However, I'm bumped down to Step #2. Ugh!
Attempt #4: It took a few tries at Step #2, but I finally advanced to Step #3 again. It was getting late in the evening, so this was going to be my last attempt at Step #3 - regardless of the outcome. When we got down to seven players, I was sitting on a decent pile of chips. Then came this hand:
***** Hand History for Game 2309876250 *****
Level:5 Blinds(75/150) - Monday, July 04, 18:22:48 EDT 2005
Table Mini Step 3 #1023135 (Real Money)
Seat 5 is the button
Total number of players : 7
Seat 4: Stv_1313 ( $1960 )
Seat 10: julleo ( $1815 )
Seat 7: gleepstem ( $575 )
Seat 2: camoflge ( $2220 )
Seat 8: p2ryan2003 ( $1005 )
Seat 1: chewbacca155 ( $1095 )
Seat 5: heffalomp ( $1330 )
** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to Stv_1313 [ Qh Ks ]
julleo folds.
chewbacca155 folds.
camoflge folds.
Stv_1313 raises [400].
heffalomp folds.
gleepstem folds.
p2ryan2003 calls [250].
** Dealing Flop ** [ 9s, 6c, Js ]
p2ryan2003 is all-In [605]
Stv_1313 calls [605].
** Dealing Turn ** [ 9d ]
** Dealing River ** [ Kd ]
p2ryan2003 shows [ As, 6h ] two pairs, nines and sixes.
Stv_1313 shows [ Qh, Ks ] two pairs, kings and nines.
Stv_1313 wins 2085 chips from the main pot with two pairs, kings and nines.
p2ryan2003 finished in seventh and wins Entry to Mini Step 1
p2ryan2003 has left the table.
For the next 10 minutes, P2ryan2003 and myself continued a running monologue regarding this hand. P2ryan2003 thought that he had just suffered the poker world's worst bad beat and blasted my decision to call his "all in" bet after the flop. I knew I was behind, but I still had a decent pile of chips and figured that any Queen, King, or Ten would probably allow me to scoop the pot. So I took a chance, called his bet, and finally hit a miracle river card myself. More often than not, I'm the one losing these hands, so I could understand my opponent's frustration. However, my opponent let his frustration get the better of him.
After that hand, P2ryan2003 declared that I was a "terrible player" and that I "was not going to win no matter what" - to which I replied "well, you'll have no say in it, will you?"
For the rest of the tournament, P2ryan2003 stuck around and threw his two cents around the table. At one point, he criticized my decision to throw a few extra chips into a pot that someone had gone "all in". Here are some more snippets from our chatting.
P2ryan2003: then you try to bet out a hand when someone is all in. you suck
Me: I could afford to call. I have all your chips
P2ryan2003: yeah you shouldnt have them
Me: I can barely see above p2ryan's chips in front of me.
Me: In fact, how many people are still at this table? I can't see above all these chips.
P2ryan2003: xxxxhead.
P2ryan2003: if you dont quit poker soon your going to lose all your money so you should quit now
Me: yup. this $6 investment could break me
P2ryan2003: no your going to lose - trust me. I will win in the long run, you will lose in the long run
Me: Well, you've got a longer run from Step #1 than my short jaunt from Step #3. So, you would know, I guess.
Me: In fact, I hope you have good running shoes for that long run.
I usually don't talk to people much, but I had a good time talking with P2ryan2003. If nothing else, he inspired me to play my best poker. In fact, I was determined to advance to Step #4 while he was watching. It worked, 'cuz I proceeded to win this Step #3 Tournament and, as a result, I finally won a free entry into a Step #4 Tournament. Interestingly, I never heard a word of congratulations from P2ryan2003 after I won. How rude!!
I've added P2ryan2003 to my buddy list. I hope to play with him again. In the meantime, I ended my day with free entries to Step #2 and Step #4 Tournaments. I'm only two wins away from winning $2,000 at a Step #5 Tournament. Wish me luck!!
Daily Sketch: Down $2
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $20
July 3, 2005: A Couple Steps Back
I entered the day with free entries into Step #2 and Step #4 Mini-Step Tournaments on Party Poker. After experiencing decent success yesterday, I felt confident heading into today's poker festivities. The only good news that I can report from today's session, however, is the fact that I didn't spend any money on re-buys.
My venture into the Step #4 Tournament started well enough. We were down to the final 7 players and I was 2nd in chips. Bearing in mind that the top two players advance to Step #5, I felt pretty good. Then I was dealt KK. I felt REALLY good at that point.
Here's how the hand went:
***** Hand History for Game 2302687822 *****
Level:6 Blinds(100/200) - Sunday, July 03, 11:29:27 EDT 2005
Table Mini Step 4 #1032297 (Real Money)
Seat 10 is the button
Total number of players : 7
Seat 4: AZSlick57 ( $2070 )
Seat 5: dbliss09 ( $1190 )
Seat 8: Nanuwa ( $1285 )
Seat 9: Duffy38 ( $970 )
Seat 10: IAMCORNHOLIO ( $940 )
Seat 7: Stv_1313 ( $1920 )
Seat 3: wattleycrew ( $1625 )
** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to Stv_1313 [ Kh Kc ]
dbliss09 raises [500].
Stv_1313 raises [800].
Nanuwa folds.
Duffy38 folds.
IAMCORNHOLIO folds.
wattleycrew folds.
AZSlick57 folds.
dbliss09 calls [300].
** Dealing Flop ** [ 7c, 5h, Jh ]
dbliss09 is all-In [390]
Stv_1313 calls [390].
** Dealing Turn ** [ 7s ]
** Dealing River ** [ Ac ]
dbliss09 shows [ As, Ts ] two pairs, aces and sevens.
Stv_1313 shows [ Kh, Kc ] two pairs, kings and sevens.
dbliss09 wins 2680 chips from the main pot with two pairs, aces and sevens.
Ugh!! Are you kidding me? Just like that, I was down to 730 chips. If the miracle ace hadn't appeared on the river, I would have been holding 3,400 chips and sitting in a GREAT position to advance to Step #5. Instead, the following round of blinds whittled my stack of chips down to 280 and I was eventually forced to go "all in" while holding 8c 10c. Naturally, I lost the hand and was subsequently bumped down to Step #3.
Ugh!! I was one card from being on my way to Step #5.
An hour later, I was down to the Final Five at the Step #3 Tournament:
***** Hand History for Game 2302749365 *****
Level:4 Blinds(50/100) - Sunday, July 03, 12:37:05 EDT 2005
Table Mini Step 3 #1014264 (Real Money)
Seat 4 is the button
Total number of players : 5
Seat 4: lovmedo ( $1160 )
Seat 5: bigolbert ( $2162 )
Seat 7: slickchick13 ( $3223 )
Seat 8: Stv_1313 ( $680 )
Seat 10: camoflge ( $775 )
** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to Stv_1313 [ Jc Kh ]
Stv_1313 raises [200].
camoflge folds.
lovmedo folds.
bigolbert calls [150].
slickchick13 calls [100].
** Dealing Flop ** [ 5c, Jd, 7d ]
bigolbert checks.
slickchick13 bets [225].
Stv_1313 is all-In [480]
bigolbert folds.
slickchick13 calls [255].
** Dealing Turn ** [ 3s ]
** Dealing River ** [ As ]
slickchick13 shows [ 7h, Jh ] two pairs, jacks and sevens.
Stv_1313 shows [ Jc, Kh ] a pair of jacks.
slickchick13 wins 1560 chips from the main pot with two pairs, jacks and sevens.
Stv_1313 finished in fifth and wins Entry to Mini Step 2
Stv_1313 has left the table.
Boy . . . poker is sure fun, isn't it? Just like that, my free entry into a Step #4 Tournament had been reduced to a free entry into a Step #2. Ugh!
I played two more Step #2 Tournaments before retiring for the day. Finishing in 4th and 5th, I won free entries back into Step #2. So, after starting the day with free entries into Mini-Step #2 and Step #4 Tournaments, I finished the day with a couple free entries into Mini-Step #2 Tournaments. I took a couple steps back today, but at least it didn't cost me any cash. Maybe my luck will turn around tomorrow.
Daily Sketch: $0
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $18
My venture into the Step #4 Tournament started well enough. We were down to the final 7 players and I was 2nd in chips. Bearing in mind that the top two players advance to Step #5, I felt pretty good. Then I was dealt KK. I felt REALLY good at that point.
Here's how the hand went:
***** Hand History for Game 2302687822 *****
Level:6 Blinds(100/200) - Sunday, July 03, 11:29:27 EDT 2005
Table Mini Step 4 #1032297 (Real Money)
Seat 10 is the button
Total number of players : 7
Seat 4: AZSlick57 ( $2070 )
Seat 5: dbliss09 ( $1190 )
Seat 8: Nanuwa ( $1285 )
Seat 9: Duffy38 ( $970 )
Seat 10: IAMCORNHOLIO ( $940 )
Seat 7: Stv_1313 ( $1920 )
Seat 3: wattleycrew ( $1625 )
** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to Stv_1313 [ Kh Kc ]
dbliss09 raises [500].
Stv_1313 raises [800].
Nanuwa folds.
Duffy38 folds.
IAMCORNHOLIO folds.
wattleycrew folds.
AZSlick57 folds.
dbliss09 calls [300].
** Dealing Flop ** [ 7c, 5h, Jh ]
dbliss09 is all-In [390]
Stv_1313 calls [390].
** Dealing Turn ** [ 7s ]
** Dealing River ** [ Ac ]
dbliss09 shows [ As, Ts ] two pairs, aces and sevens.
Stv_1313 shows [ Kh, Kc ] two pairs, kings and sevens.
dbliss09 wins 2680 chips from the main pot with two pairs, aces and sevens.
Ugh!! Are you kidding me? Just like that, I was down to 730 chips. If the miracle ace hadn't appeared on the river, I would have been holding 3,400 chips and sitting in a GREAT position to advance to Step #5. Instead, the following round of blinds whittled my stack of chips down to 280 and I was eventually forced to go "all in" while holding 8c 10c. Naturally, I lost the hand and was subsequently bumped down to Step #3.
Ugh!! I was one card from being on my way to Step #5.
An hour later, I was down to the Final Five at the Step #3 Tournament:
***** Hand History for Game 2302749365 *****
Level:4 Blinds(50/100) - Sunday, July 03, 12:37:05 EDT 2005
Table Mini Step 3 #1014264 (Real Money)
Seat 4 is the button
Total number of players : 5
Seat 4: lovmedo ( $1160 )
Seat 5: bigolbert ( $2162 )
Seat 7: slickchick13 ( $3223 )
Seat 8: Stv_1313 ( $680 )
Seat 10: camoflge ( $775 )
** Dealing down cards **
Dealt to Stv_1313 [ Jc Kh ]
Stv_1313 raises [200].
camoflge folds.
lovmedo folds.
bigolbert calls [150].
slickchick13 calls [100].
** Dealing Flop ** [ 5c, Jd, 7d ]
bigolbert checks.
slickchick13 bets [225].
Stv_1313 is all-In [480]
bigolbert folds.
slickchick13 calls [255].
** Dealing Turn ** [ 3s ]
** Dealing River ** [ As ]
slickchick13 shows [ 7h, Jh ] two pairs, jacks and sevens.
Stv_1313 shows [ Jc, Kh ] a pair of jacks.
slickchick13 wins 1560 chips from the main pot with two pairs, jacks and sevens.
Stv_1313 finished in fifth and wins Entry to Mini Step 2
Stv_1313 has left the table.
Boy . . . poker is sure fun, isn't it? Just like that, my free entry into a Step #4 Tournament had been reduced to a free entry into a Step #2. Ugh!
I played two more Step #2 Tournaments before retiring for the day. Finishing in 4th and 5th, I won free entries back into Step #2. So, after starting the day with free entries into Mini-Step #2 and Step #4 Tournaments, I finished the day with a couple free entries into Mini-Step #2 Tournaments. I took a couple steps back today, but at least it didn't cost me any cash. Maybe my luck will turn around tomorrow.
Daily Sketch: $0
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $18
July 2, 2005: Climbing the Steps
As promised yesterday, I focused my attention on Party Poker's Mini-Step Tournaments today. In fact, I decided to play two different "threads" and started my day on simultaneous Step #1 Tournaments. After all, I have a better chance at winning $2K if I play these tournaments two-at-a-time, right?
In my first attempt of the day, I finished my initial Step #1 Tournament in 7th place and, as a result, I was forced to spend another $6 to start over. Ugh! Going "all in" preflop with QQ, I lost to another player holding JJ who hit a Jack on the flop. After experiencing that misstep, however, things went pretty well.
In one of my climbs up the ladder, I got all the way up to Step #4 before retiring for the day. In my other climb, I had reached Step #2 when the day ended. I even played one Step #4 Tournament, but I finished in 3rd place. The top two advance to Step #5. I was sooooo close!
All told, I spent $18 on the Steps today. I'm pretty happy reaching Step #4, however. Hopefully, I can turn it into some cash tomorrow.
Daily Sketch: Down $18
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $18
In my first attempt of the day, I finished my initial Step #1 Tournament in 7th place and, as a result, I was forced to spend another $6 to start over. Ugh! Going "all in" preflop with QQ, I lost to another player holding JJ who hit a Jack on the flop. After experiencing that misstep, however, things went pretty well.
In one of my climbs up the ladder, I got all the way up to Step #4 before retiring for the day. In my other climb, I had reached Step #2 when the day ended. I even played one Step #4 Tournament, but I finished in 3rd place. The top two advance to Step #5. I was sooooo close!
All told, I spent $18 on the Steps today. I'm pretty happy reaching Step #4, however. Hopefully, I can turn it into some cash tomorrow.
Daily Sketch: Down $18
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $18
July 1, 2005: A New Month Begins
It goes without saying that June was a pretty ugly month. However, I'm still ahead $2,800 this year, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. I better record a positive Sketchbook in July, though, or I'm going to start to question my gambling skills.
As the new month begins, I plan on concentrating my efforts on Party Poker's Steps. For $6, it's very cheap entertainment, and the $2,000 Top Prize is too much to look away from. I may get bored with the Steps rather quickly if I don't find success, but we'll see what happens. If nothing else, it's going to be rather difficult to lose $800 in July if I simply keep playing the Steps.
Here's my Year-To-Date chart:
In other "exciting" news, I've graduated to Silver status in the PartyPoker Players club. Everyone starts in the Blue category, but I've played enough poker in the past three months to graduate to the next level. I don't think I really gain anything from my new membership status, although the site claims that I'll have a "faster accumulation of Party Points, access to special promotions, and priority in answering e-mails."
As of today, I'm sitting on a total of 37,517 Party Poker points. I could use those points to buy merchandise. For example, I've accumulated enough points to buy 12 Hawaiian Polo Shirts, or 18 Men's Polo Shirts, or 6 Sports Bags, or 93 Party Poker baseball caps! Previously, a suede Party Poker jacket was available for 10,000 points - but I see that it's been taken away from the website of available items. I know that Andrew's dad scooped up one of those jackets when it was available. I can't wait to see him wearing it!!
For now, I'm going to sit on my points and let them grow. Earlier this year, Party Poker sold spots on their yearly cruise for 50,000 points. I'm certain that the buy-in will be much greater next year (i.e. 250,000 points). Still, if I simply let my Party Points continue to grow, maybe I'll earn enough to gain something more than a bunch of baseball caps.
For anyone else playing on Party Poker, I'd be interested to hear how many points you have.
As the new month begins, I plan on concentrating my efforts on Party Poker's Steps. For $6, it's very cheap entertainment, and the $2,000 Top Prize is too much to look away from. I may get bored with the Steps rather quickly if I don't find success, but we'll see what happens. If nothing else, it's going to be rather difficult to lose $800 in July if I simply keep playing the Steps.
Here's my Year-To-Date chart:
In other "exciting" news, I've graduated to Silver status in the PartyPoker Players club. Everyone starts in the Blue category, but I've played enough poker in the past three months to graduate to the next level. I don't think I really gain anything from my new membership status, although the site claims that I'll have a "faster accumulation of Party Points, access to special promotions, and priority in answering e-mails."
As of today, I'm sitting on a total of 37,517 Party Poker points. I could use those points to buy merchandise. For example, I've accumulated enough points to buy 12 Hawaiian Polo Shirts, or 18 Men's Polo Shirts, or 6 Sports Bags, or 93 Party Poker baseball caps! Previously, a suede Party Poker jacket was available for 10,000 points - but I see that it's been taken away from the website of available items. I know that Andrew's dad scooped up one of those jackets when it was available. I can't wait to see him wearing it!!
For now, I'm going to sit on my points and let them grow. Earlier this year, Party Poker sold spots on their yearly cruise for 50,000 points. I'm certain that the buy-in will be much greater next year (i.e. 250,000 points). Still, if I simply let my Party Points continue to grow, maybe I'll earn enough to gain something more than a bunch of baseball caps.
For anyone else playing on Party Poker, I'd be interested to hear how many points you have.
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