I played poker at Harry's tonight. It's been quite some time since I played a live game with this group of guys and I had forgotten how "juicy" these games can be.
It's a great group of guys, but they aren't particularly good at cards. We played a variety of dealer's choice games, but the prevailing game of the night was Double-Flop Hold 'em. I introduced this game to the group for the first time, and they seemed to enjoy it.
With $3 max bets and a limit of 3 raises, the pots can get relatively big. All told, seven us played for about 4 hours, and I proceeded to win exactly $148. I can't say that I experienced great cards tonight, but I slowly accumulated a decent amount of cash by the time the night ended.
So, with that being said, the month ends on a good note. I was able to win enough money to solidly cover a round of golf in Mexico next weekend. As I understand it, Jared has made two tee times for us next weekend, and we'll probably make a few wagers on the course.
If the resort has WIFI, I may post an entry or two while I'm away. Otherwise, the Sketchbook may be idle for the next 7 days. For those of you living in Wisconsin, enjoy all the snow!
Daily Sketch: Up $148
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $128.41
November 28, 2006: Heads-Up Summary
Over the last few days, I've been concentrating my play at Absolute Poker's $10(.50) Heads-Up Tournaments. Unfortunately, my luck hasn't been all that great. Apparently, going 4-0 this past weekend spoiled me!
I've accumulated a record of 9-13 since I last wrote - which means I've given up $51 over the past few days. That's unfortunate, 'cuz I feel like I should be winning. More often that not, I jump out to big leads in these Heads-Up Tournaments, only to suffer a bad beat that eventually leads to my downfall. Too many times to count, I'll get my opponent to go "all in" with an inferior hand, but I keep losing races when I'm a 60-65% favorite. I know that 60-65% isn't overwhelming, but I think I'm actually winning 35-40% of these races. That's not good!
Still, I plan on continuing this crusade when I get back from Mexico. I leave for the Riviera Maya on Saturday, and I'll be gone for a week witnessing Jared & Angela's wedding and the celebrations that surround it. Here's a quick pic of the resort we'll be staying at. Unfortunately, I don't think there are any casinos in the vicinity.
Before leaving for exotic lands this weekend, I'm going to experiment with the Blackjack Tournaments on UltimateBet and see how that goes. Playing Heads-Up Tournments aren't all that exciting, and the Blackjack Tournaments look interesting.
Daily Sketch: Down $51
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $19.59
I've accumulated a record of 9-13 since I last wrote - which means I've given up $51 over the past few days. That's unfortunate, 'cuz I feel like I should be winning. More often that not, I jump out to big leads in these Heads-Up Tournaments, only to suffer a bad beat that eventually leads to my downfall. Too many times to count, I'll get my opponent to go "all in" with an inferior hand, but I keep losing races when I'm a 60-65% favorite. I know that 60-65% isn't overwhelming, but I think I'm actually winning 35-40% of these races. That's not good!
Still, I plan on continuing this crusade when I get back from Mexico. I leave for the Riviera Maya on Saturday, and I'll be gone for a week witnessing Jared & Angela's wedding and the celebrations that surround it. Here's a quick pic of the resort we'll be staying at. Unfortunately, I don't think there are any casinos in the vicinity.
Before leaving for exotic lands this weekend, I'm going to experiment with the Blackjack Tournaments on UltimateBet and see how that goes. Playing Heads-Up Tournments aren't all that exciting, and the Blackjack Tournaments look interesting.
Daily Sketch: Down $51
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $19.59
November 24, 2006: Heads-Up Action
It's the day after Thanksgiving, and that means a day off from work! Before doing some chores around the house and watching college football, I decided to devote the morning to $10(.50) Sit 'n' Go Heads-Up Tournaments on Absolute Poker. Since I'm a bit bored from regular poker, I thought this might be interesting. It costs $10.50 to play in one of these tourneys, and the winner gets $20 - netting a profit of $9.50.
Unfortunately, Absolute Poker didn't have more than 2 or 3 $10(.50) No-Limit Hold 'em tables running at once, so it wasn't easy to always find an open seat. Nevertheless, I still played a decent number of games. Here's how it went:
My morning of poker started against 7May7. He wasn't a bad player, but he was very conservative. He rarely bluffed, so I was ready to fold whenever he threw chips into the pot. Slowly yet surely, his stack of chips diminished and I claimed the winner's pot after 35 hands were dealt. If nothing else, my morning had started well, and I was up $9.50.
My next match was against Uticabo. I was a little disappointed that Uticabo didn't have a personalized avator, but I quickly recovered. Uticabo was a VERY aggressive player, and that cost him. On the 4th hand of the tournament, I hit a flush on the turn, but Uticabo hit 2-pair at the same time. He lost a mountain of chips on that hand, and this tournament was over 4 hands later. In fact, I won the tourney after only playing 8 hands and quickly claimed another $9.50 profit.
Frustrated by that loss, Uticabo decided to try again. He kept playing aggressively, but I didn't flop another monster hand early. As a result, this tourney took a bit longer - but I eventually took all his chips. It took 31 hands and, admittedly, I got rather lucky on the last hand. Uticabo flopped 2-pair and went "all in" with a stack of chips a bit smaller than mine. At the same time, I had flopped the top pair, so I quickly called his "all in" bet. I was behind, but I hit my own 2-pair with a miracle turn card and claimed all the money. Woo hoo!
My final match of the morning was like taking candy from a baby. Kazack6 was WAY too conservative and folded hand-after-hand. Even if I didn't have anything, I'd bet or raise and Kazack6 would invariably let me take the pot if he didn't have a good hand. As a result of Kazack6's playing style, however, it took some time to take his chips - since we didn't play a lot of big pots. All told, Kazack6 survived 34 hands before giving all his chips away.
I finished my morning with a record of 4-0. That netted me a nice 'n' tidy profit of $38 as I headed into a day of miscellaneous chores and college football. The next time I log into an online poker room, I'll almost certainly play some more heads-up tournaments.
Daily Sketch: Up $38
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $30.41
Unfortunately, Absolute Poker didn't have more than 2 or 3 $10(.50) No-Limit Hold 'em tables running at once, so it wasn't easy to always find an open seat. Nevertheless, I still played a decent number of games. Here's how it went:
My morning of poker started against 7May7. He wasn't a bad player, but he was very conservative. He rarely bluffed, so I was ready to fold whenever he threw chips into the pot. Slowly yet surely, his stack of chips diminished and I claimed the winner's pot after 35 hands were dealt. If nothing else, my morning had started well, and I was up $9.50.
My next match was against Uticabo. I was a little disappointed that Uticabo didn't have a personalized avator, but I quickly recovered. Uticabo was a VERY aggressive player, and that cost him. On the 4th hand of the tournament, I hit a flush on the turn, but Uticabo hit 2-pair at the same time. He lost a mountain of chips on that hand, and this tournament was over 4 hands later. In fact, I won the tourney after only playing 8 hands and quickly claimed another $9.50 profit.
Frustrated by that loss, Uticabo decided to try again. He kept playing aggressively, but I didn't flop another monster hand early. As a result, this tourney took a bit longer - but I eventually took all his chips. It took 31 hands and, admittedly, I got rather lucky on the last hand. Uticabo flopped 2-pair and went "all in" with a stack of chips a bit smaller than mine. At the same time, I had flopped the top pair, so I quickly called his "all in" bet. I was behind, but I hit my own 2-pair with a miracle turn card and claimed all the money. Woo hoo!
My final match of the morning was like taking candy from a baby. Kazack6 was WAY too conservative and folded hand-after-hand. Even if I didn't have anything, I'd bet or raise and Kazack6 would invariably let me take the pot if he didn't have a good hand. As a result of Kazack6's playing style, however, it took some time to take his chips - since we didn't play a lot of big pots. All told, Kazack6 survived 34 hands before giving all his chips away.I finished my morning with a record of 4-0. That netted me a nice 'n' tidy profit of $38 as I headed into a day of miscellaneous chores and college football. The next time I log into an online poker room, I'll almost certainly play some more heads-up tournaments.
Daily Sketch: Up $38
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $30.41
November 22, 2006: Back to Tony G
I decided to revist Tony G's site this evening. I sat at a 6-man $2/$4 table for a little over an hour this evening, and it felt like I was pulling teeth. After all was said and done, I found myself down exactly $5.50. I just couldn't seem to make any headway, and I eventually left the site - disgusted with the session.
To be quite honest, online poker isn't "doing it" for me right now. I probably need to raise my stakes to make things more interesting, but I'm not ready to start risking hundreds of dollars a night right now. For now, I'll bide my time through the holidays and see how I feel down the road. With Neteller poised to discontinue service to poker sites, it remains to be seen how much online poker I'll be able to play, anyway.
On a positive note, it looks like I'll be playing in a live game at Harry's next Thursday night. I haven't played in that game in quite a while, and it'll be nice to play a live game that involves a little higher stakes. If I can't win in that game, then I'll know that my poker game has gone to hell.
Daily Sketch: Down $5.50
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $7.59
To be quite honest, online poker isn't "doing it" for me right now. I probably need to raise my stakes to make things more interesting, but I'm not ready to start risking hundreds of dollars a night right now. For now, I'll bide my time through the holidays and see how I feel down the road. With Neteller poised to discontinue service to poker sites, it remains to be seen how much online poker I'll be able to play, anyway.
On a positive note, it looks like I'll be playing in a live game at Harry's next Thursday night. I haven't played in that game in quite a while, and it'll be nice to play a live game that involves a little higher stakes. If I can't win in that game, then I'll know that my poker game has gone to hell.
Daily Sketch: Down $5.50
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $7.59
November 18, 2006: Jared's Bachelor Party
Today was Jared's Bachelor Party. Quite obviously, it was a LONG day of bonding with the boys. Along the way, I won a little money.
First, I won a modest $2 on the Golf Simultors. I was more interested in golfing than wagering, so the wallet stayed closed for the most of the afternoon while we hacked it up on some virtual golf courses.
Later in the evening, 11 of us enjoyed an exciting session of Bar Olympics at the local drinking emporium. Playing billiards, darts, and Golden Te
e, we played an individual pairs round-robin tournament. It cost $10 to enter, and I finished in 2nd place. Claiming a $30 prize, the Sketchbook sees a $20 profit in our inaugural version of Bar Olympics. Congrats to Brian for claiming the Gold Medal and the $60 prize that came with it!
Daily Sketch: Up $22
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $2.09
First, I won a modest $2 on the Golf Simultors. I was more interested in golfing than wagering, so the wallet stayed closed for the most of the afternoon while we hacked it up on some virtual golf courses.
Later in the evening, 11 of us enjoyed an exciting session of Bar Olympics at the local drinking emporium. Playing billiards, darts, and Golden Te
e, we played an individual pairs round-robin tournament. It cost $10 to enter, and I finished in 2nd place. Claiming a $30 prize, the Sketchbook sees a $20 profit in our inaugural version of Bar Olympics. Congrats to Brian for claiming the Gold Medal and the $60 prize that came with it!Daily Sketch: Up $22
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $2.09
November 15, 2006: Fantasy Football Update
As I mentioned earlier this week, I'm having a successful 2006 fantasy football season - so far. With that being said, however, I've probaby given myself the proverbial "kiss of death." Ooops!
All told, my teams have a combined record of 27-13. I should make the playoffs in all four of my leagues.
From best to worst, here's a quick snapshot of the standings of each of my leagues after the first 10 weeks of the season.
All told, my teams have a combined record of 27-13. I should make the playoffs in all four of my leagues.
From best to worst, here's a quick snapshot of the standings of each of my leagues after the first 10 weeks of the season.
Jon's League
My Team: Toss Me Your Balls
My Team: Toss Me Your Balls
EHSI's League
My Team: Physically Unable to Perform
David's League
My Team: Marquette Warriors
Dave's League
My Team: Steve
November 13, 2006: WTP Championships
WannatalkPoker is hosting a series of small buy-in tournaments called the WannaTalkPoker Championship Challenge. There are 10 tournaments in all, over 5 weeks, with the results of each tournament being recorded. Based on everyone's placing, points are awarded and, after 5 weeks, the 20 players who have earned the most points in these smaller tourneys will be invited to a final freeroll and compete for the "honor" of being the WannaTalkPoker champion. Needless to say, my new goal in life is to be crowned poker champion of an internet forum!
Last Monday, 17 people played in the inaugural tournament at UltimateBet and I finished dead last. It was ugly! That tourney had a $5 buy-in, and that $5 was netted against the profits I showed yesterday. Like I said, it was ugly!
Tonight was the 3rd installment of the 10-tournament series. I didn't play in the 2nd tourney on Saturday, as I was kinda busy. However, I decided to join the fun tonight while watching the Monday Night football game.
Tonight's tourney was played at Absolute Poker and it only cost $2 to enter. A total of 18 people played, and I proceeded to win it. It took over 2 hours to play.
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $24.09
Last Monday, 17 people played in the inaugural tournament at UltimateBet and I finished dead last. It was ugly! That tourney had a $5 buy-in, and that $5 was netted against the profits I showed yesterday. Like I said, it was ugly!
Tonight was the 3rd installment of the 10-tournament series. I didn't play in the 2nd tourney on Saturday, as I was kinda busy. However, I decided to join the fun tonight while watching the Monday Night football game.
Tonight's tourney was played at Absolute Poker and it only cost $2 to enter. A total of 18 people played, and I proceeded to win it. It took over 2 hours to play.
As a result of this performance, I should find myself near the top of the standings after three events. My mission of being crowned champion is still within sight!
In addition to the accolades I received for winning, I was also awarded the 1st place prize of $16.38, which means I made a little money tonight.
It's not about the money, though. It's about being on the road to a championship! Ha ha!!
Daily Sketch: Up $14.38Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $24.09
November 12, 2006: The Past 7 Days
I haven't done a lot of gambling during the past week. I've tried to devote some time to the new house and I haven't been overly inspired to play poker. As a result, the Sketchbook has been unusually quiet.
When last we left you, I had exactly $46.35 in my UltimateBet account. After my last losing session, I moved that money to Tony G to see if my luck would change.
I'd guess that I played 5 hours of online poker this week, and the results were rather lackluster. Playing primarily on modest $2/$4 6-man tables, I'm typing this entry with exactly $57.48 in my account - which means I've won a whopping $11.13 over the course of the past 7 days.
At the same time, I invested $10 in my workplace's weekly NFL Confidence Pool - and I did terribly. So, that's $10 down the toilet.
Later this week, I'll provide an update on my other pools. I should win some cash as the NFL season winds down.
Daily Sketch: Up $1.13
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $38.47
When last we left you, I had exactly $46.35 in my UltimateBet account. After my last losing session, I moved that money to Tony G to see if my luck would change.
I'd guess that I played 5 hours of online poker this week, and the results were rather lackluster. Playing primarily on modest $2/$4 6-man tables, I'm typing this entry with exactly $57.48 in my account - which means I've won a whopping $11.13 over the course of the past 7 days.
At the same time, I invested $10 in my workplace's weekly NFL Confidence Pool - and I did terribly. So, that's $10 down the toilet.
Later this week, I'll provide an update on my other pools. I should win some cash as the NFL season winds down.
Daily Sketch: Up $1.13
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $38.47
November 4, 2006: UltimateBet Blackjack
Today I discovered the fascinating world of Sit 'n' Go Tournament Blackjack on UltimateBet. Unfortunately, the world of Sit 'n' Go Tournament Blackjack was not particularly kind to me this morning.
In a nutshell, six or seven guys sit down at a table and the last guy standing wins the tourney. It was actually quite a bit of fun, but I lost some cash playing this new game.
All told, I bought into 5 tourneys - ranging from $5 to $20 apiece. I didn't claim any winnings in any tournaments, and my UltimateBet account took a hit of $55. Oooops!
Oh, well. It was a nice change of pace from the boring world of online poker.
Daily Sketch: Down $55
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $39.50
In a nutshell, six or seven guys sit down at a table and the last guy standing wins the tourney. It was actually quite a bit of fun, but I lost some cash playing this new game.
All told, I bought into 5 tourneys - ranging from $5 to $20 apiece. I didn't claim any winnings in any tournaments, and my UltimateBet account took a hit of $55. Oooops!
Oh, well. It was a nice change of pace from the boring world of online poker.
Daily Sketch: Down $55
Month-to-Date Sketch: Down $39.50
November 3, 2006: Poker at Tom's
I joined Rob, Jared, Al, and Chris at Tom's house for our recurring monthly game of cards. Per usual, a good time was had by all. In particular, I'm looking forward to hosting my first game next month. My poker table arrives next weekend!
We started the night by playing a $5 Hold 'em Tournament. I didn't win and went out in 3rd place. Al and Rob ended up splitting the winnings. Congrats to the boyz. I think they might be ready to "step up" to a Spotted Cow Tournament!
The rest of the night went much better for me. Playing relatively modest stakes, I won $20.50 over the course of the next four hours. Per usual, my simple goal was to win enough money to cover the cost of the beer ($7) and pizza ($4) that I consumed that night. Mission accomplished!
Daily Sketch: Up $15.50
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $15.50
We started the night by playing a $5 Hold 'em Tournament. I didn't win and went out in 3rd place. Al and Rob ended up splitting the winnings. Congrats to the boyz. I think they might be ready to "step up" to a Spotted Cow Tournament!
The rest of the night went much better for me. Playing relatively modest stakes, I won $20.50 over the course of the next four hours. Per usual, my simple goal was to win enough money to cover the cost of the beer ($7) and pizza ($4) that I consumed that night. Mission accomplished!
Daily Sketch: Up $15.50
Month-to-Date Sketch: Up $15.50
November 3, 2006: PokerRoom's Farewell
I particularly enjoyed this e-mail that I found in my inbox from PokerRoom.com this morning:
Dear Stv1313,
We have implemented a technical solution that will restrict all customers within the U.S. from accessing our real money games starting Monday, November 6th. After that time, you will still be able to login to PokerRoom.com, enjoy all of our play money games, and withdraw funds from your account at your convenience. Your funds will continue to be safe, secure and yours, and will be transferred to you at your request. The option to cash-out will remain available to you.
Farewell all you Buckaroos, take a last ride on your cayuse.
Now it's time for you to cinch-up, so don't you dare bush-up!
Although we have to leave, it doesn't make you an outlaw. So keep on fighting 'til the sun sets. These last Sit & Go Tournaments are our homage to all you cowboys out west. We're sure gonna miss you!
Every day, around the clock. $1+0 and $2+0 US Goodbye Sit & Go Tournaments. No rake! Six Players. Winner- takes-all. And it's Turbo!
Sincerely,
Support at PokerRoom.com
When I logged into PokerRoom's network, I found $2.70 still sitting in my account. So, I guess I'll play a couple Sit 'n' Go Tournaments this weekend and see if I can accumulate enough cash to make a decent withdrawal. I may as well see if I can do anything with the last $2.70.
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