Taking down the World Bogger Championship of Online Poker, Event #1

We just completed the first event of the World Blogger Championship of Online Poker and since the title already ruined what could be a good rollercoaster ride of a story, I won it and the $1050 ticket to the SCOOP event of my choice.  I was very surprised and happy that it didn't turn out to be just like any other freeroll.  All of the players in the game played really well and made it a good time.  Although I didn't get a chance to Blog during the event I did try to lighten the mood up in the Twitter room for the event.  I hope everyone enjoyed my posts.  I'll go through my posts and sum up what was going on the entire time (because I lost some of my hand history from the tourney and can't review it all).

#WBCOOP. Playing in my first blogger tourny on Stars. I suspect it will be interesting. I'll post interesting hands here.

When the tourney started I honestly had no idea what to expect.  Like I said above, I was happy to find that it wasn't a shovefest like most freerolls.

#WBCOOP I'd like to retweet the dealers last deal. Just doubled me up.

I ran in to a huge hand early, making the nut full house Ts over Qs, vs a smaller full house and got doubled up.  A cooler hand for the other player really.

#WBCOOP Good time for a break. I'm getting moved around more than a mob boss in witness protection.

From time to time in the tournament (and other little games I was in), I was shuffled around from table to table making it hard to get a read on people.  I hope Stars isn't trying to promote FullTilts Rush Poker setup.  This occasion was at the first break.

I'm apparently at a table with a monkey,a horse,that annoyingly smart guy who won all that money at Jeopardy,and of course..The moon.#WBCOOP

 I love the avatars that people select.  I think I played with president Obama twice tonight....and Lil Wayne...again.

#WBCOOP I think a shark at my table just growled...is that natural?

  I don't think this requires explanation... Nope, definitely doesn't.

#WBCOOP. 1 Free scoop ticket secured... Checking out Baskin Robins' menu as I type. What flavor to get w/ my ticket? 

Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP)...This was kinda like a play on words...it's one of my 'things' that I do to make 'humor'...because this one FAILED so badly I used it for the rest of the tourney.

#WBCOOP. Again w/ the changing seats every other hand. Tables breaking up too fast after bubble. Seeing more table dancing than Tiger Woods.

See comment above...no, not that one, nope, not that one either, or that one....yep that's the comment.  It's funny how it's never too soon for cheating golf pro jokes.

#WBCOOP Bah, dropped out of 2nd place. Spewing chips worse than Mary-Kate Olsen shooting a Doritos commercial.

In her defense, I don't think Mary-Kate was ever bulimic but it's not as funny if I selected someone who actually is bulimic...yeah, think about it, I'm right.  Lionel's daughter was my backup target for this one.  In regards to poker, I was in a good spot and playing pretty well.  The other runners were also playing pretty solid too.

#WBCOOP Up until now this has been a pretty solid tournament.In the past orbit it just got really odd...guy just 4 bet w/ ATo...and won.

Then there was this guy.  I do have to say that he was running good.  Which I guess generally means that you're playing like crap.  I ran horrible the whole tourney :-).

TT vs JJ...I guess two outs was more than I would have had w/ JJ vs JJ... Back to 180K. UL for Cordlette though. GG. #WBCOOP

 This sounds much worse than it is since both all-in's preflop were for only 2X my original 3X bet and I had a commanding chip lead at the table.  I was def. priced in.  I guess I can take my previous comment back...I ran good in this hand.  I had TT...1 allin had JJ and the other had A4.  T hit the flop.

Made the final table of the first #WBCOOP tourney. Time to work for that $1050 Scoop ticket. Good trip to Baskin Robins.

It took 6 hours to make this final table but it fell apart pretty quickly.  At this point everyone was guaranteed a $215 ticket and whoever was the most handsome would be awarded the $1,050 ticket.  Note the Basking Robins thing again...FAIL #2.

Secured event 1 of the #WBCOOP...Time for that trip to Baskin Robins. $1050.. GG all.

Basking Robins comment #3.  I think it worked this time, what do you think?  It was an up and down battle when it got heads up and I would have been embarrassed if I lost this one.  Went in  with a 6 to 1 chip lead and he almost evened it up at one point.  The Final Hand was a pretty close one and kevin070 played great.  Heads up lasted almost 50 hands.

That about sums it up.  Lesson learned.  Say good things about your poker site and you'll do well.  I'm surprised I didn't open up any paid tourneys during this entire freeroll.  I think I'll play tomorrows WBCOOP event as well so I can lighten up the twitter room a bit.

Until then: Good luck in everything that you attempt.

Pokerstars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker

OK, I give in, changes are coming to my blog

I've gotten a number of e-mails from friends who are officially and unofficially following my posts and I've decided to make a couple of changes.  So, starting today:

• I've opened all of my posts for comments
• I'll be posting more than once a week and will discuss more hand histories
• I'll figure out how to post pictures to spice this up
• I'll find a way to post my bankroll and goal progress in an easy to find location (once I set goals).

So, changes are coming.  Keep following.

Go SAINTS

Congratulations Saints on the big win tonight!!!  Sucked to have to hold my breath like that but they pulled it off.  One more to go.  TID New Orleans!!!

Transitioning Poker Sites- Stars is the clear choice

Up until last year, Bodog has been one of my favorite sites. This was because it's where I started and it was well known for having some seriously soft games and overlays in almost all tournaments that they had there. Even since the transition of ownership this has been changing more and more. Over the past year, this has led me to start transitioning to Full Tilt to play most of my games. As part of my end-of-the-year evaluation/ yearly planning I'm trying to figure out what site I will spend most of my time at and have come to the conclusion that Pokerstars seems to be the clearcut winner. I haven't played too much in the past but have consistently played the weekly 1/4 million game and have come 3 outs away from final tabling that tourney. I went out in 13th and picked up 800$ to build my bankroll but feel that I missed out in a 27K payday. It's time to focus on that site and get that 27K back.

Why pick Stars? The obvious thing is that they give back to the players more than any other site does. They have the absolute best promotions and we as players appreciate that. So, as I move forward, Bodog is out, other than the occasional game that I may play for some backers that I'm talking to. I'll focus primarily on Stars and play my normal Full Tilt tourneys and a sit-n-go here and there. I'm still making my goals but I can assure you that Stars will be a big part of them. Shall I shoot for supernova status? Small chance of that but I'll look at the time requirements for that and if it's a possibility I'll push to do it.

I'll keep everyone posted. Until then Good luck in everything that you attempt.

Risks, Haymakers, and All-ins

The post below is another reprint from my previous blogs which I'm almost done picking apart.  This one def. fits here and I hope that you can get something out of it.

"
I've decided I'm going to start w/ a quote every blog from now on.  Not always motivational, not always deep, but they will generally summarize how I feel as of late.  Quote 1 from Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr (Lil' Wayne):

"I swear to everything when I leave this earth, its gonna’ be on both feet never knees in the dirt"

So, for my opening blog I'm going to provide a connection between life, boxing, and poker.  I've heard someone say that once you begin seriously playing poker (I'm sure it applies to many other games of skill as well though) that you use the knowledge that you gain from the game theory in all aspects of life and use all life experiences to make adjustments to your game.  I agree with this 100% and think it's a win-win for anyone who studies the game.

In life, most people are what poker players consider grinders, those who work and work and work to keep a small edge on the game and slowly move up.  What's wrong with that? Nothing if you think about the long haul, but the truth is, grinding is hard work.  Think of a boxer who keeps moving and moving, jabbing and landing well-placed shots.  He's working to the bone to keep a small edge on his competitor while many times he's up against people working less than half as hard as him.  If you keep winning, what could this hurt, right?  In poker, boxing, and life, the grind will wear you down and drive you crazy.  If you never take a shot at a big win, swing a haymaker, or take a big risk, you're risking a lot more than you think.

Let's think on the other end of this spectrum, the power-fighters, the bombs (unpredictable hyper-aggressive poker players), or the genuine risk-takers.  Although it's not a grind, the swings of this personality/lifestyle can do more than drive you crazy, it can drive you to lose everything.  There are generally two types of people that fall into this category, those that thrive off of it and those who are pushed to it.  For those that thrive off of it, this can translate a small edge into an incredible advantage (think Donald Trump, Mike Tyson/Kimbo Slice, or a handful of poker pros), and when they do lose, they know how to take the hit and move on.  For example, Trump has filled bankruptcy more than everyone on Madoff's 'contribution' list combined.  We can only hope that Kimbo can pick up and move on after that pitiful showing vs. Petruzelli.  On the other hand, if you find yourself driven to this state, take note that you are a danger to everyone, including yourself and are generally hanging on by a thread because you aren't used to taking these hits.  Backing yourself into a corner and finally deciding to fight out is the worst strategy no matter what your approach to life is.

Given the pitfalls of both approaches the balance is found in...well... balance.  To be a true success, whether it be in boxing, poker, or life, you have to mix a high level of finesse with well-calculated aggressive moves.  This mix will ensure that you don't get burned out by the grind.  It allows you to survive and make progress while giving you the opportunity to take you shots on your own terms.  It reduces that chances that will get backed into a corner that you have to fight out of and in the case that you do, you have some experience with the higher stakes.

So, keep grindin’, but allow yourselves to take your shots.  Don't let anyone or any situation push to out of your comfort zone but step out and extend it on your own terms.  Sometimes you have to step up and take the chance, swing that haymaker, push all the chips over the line.  The only real risk in life is never taking a risk.  I guess to summarize, there's a 'poker saying' that fits here.  'You can't win what you don't bet'.

The question is, have you risked anything today, this week, this year?
"

I hope you got something out of this and as always: Good luck in everything that you attempt.

Putting life into perspective

So I haven't made a lot of time to play cards lately but this evening I got into a couple of little tourneys.  At the exact same time I got dealt AA on both tables.  Not to get hung up on the math, the odds of that happening are about 1 in 50,000.  I managed to get both players to get all their chips in preflop.  Of course I'm stoked about this when I see the 22 on one table  and the 67 on the other.  the 67 turns into a straight on the river and the 2 spikes on the flop on the other hand.  I lost both.  I understand the math and I can't even figure out the odds of that happening.  So, this got me thinking back and looking at my latest run of tournaments.  Luckily I keep detailed stats of my play and the hands that beat me in a tourney and realized that it really sucks to be me.  The only phrase that comes to mind when I think of poker lately is 'FML'.  Sidenote, as I'm writing this I just got all-in 3 times.  Ace-Queen vs Queen-King to be chipleader...K on the turn.  Then Ace-Jack vs 10-10.   That's a coinflip so it's OK if I lose sometimes (would be nice to not lose EVERY time though).  Then theres Ace-Queen vs JJ.   A jack comes on the flop.  Again, I'm not gonna get into odds but the phrase is FML. 

As I do when things go as south as they have w/ poker I started thinking about people who really have a reason to use that phrase, and although I've gone through some tough stuff in my life I don't deserve to use those three little letters that have become so popular to throw around lately (e.g.  I got a pimple...FML).  Then I found a site that is just awesome.  It allows people to add stories that only happen if you have the luck of someone who was Hitler in a past life.  People then vote on whether the poster deserved what they got or if their life truly sucks.  Although I think everyone should check it out: http://www.fmylife.com/, here are a couple of my favorites so far.  It really puts the day to day into perspective.

"Today, I was outside, peeing on a cactus. Then all of a sudden my dog jumped on my back, knocking me into the cactus. FML"

That one is obviously fake but seriously funny.

"Today, I used the new expensive hair conditioner that one of my friends gave me at my bachelorette party the night before. Apparently, they all thought it would be hilarious to put Nair in the conditioner bottle, so now I am completely bald. I am getting married in 4 days. FML"

Today, I said to my roommate, "I know what you're doing, and I want it to stop.". She responded, "I'm so sorry, it was just once and we were both so drunk." I was talking about her stealing my toothpaste, she was talking about making out with my boyfriend. FML

Then there is this one.  Priceless.  I can relate to this one but not w/ the blue pill, Ally instead.  If that was true... it would be my first time really saying FML.

Today, I found out that my dad hides his Viagra from my mom by keeping it in an Aspirin container. Now I have a terrible headache and a boner. FML

So, bottom line, keep things in perspective.

Poker journal entry- Big money Sunday and chance to take down the 100K...again

I'm reviewing my poker journal as I spin up the new year and wanted to post an entry about about my second final table of Bodog's 100K.  Enjoy:

It’s Sunday, big money Sunday, big suckout Sunday.  I just don’t get it.  I’ve already gotten knocked out of the Stars 225K, when UTG limps, I shove for 12BB, he calls- Me AK vs. Him K6soooooooted.   6 in the window.  I’m still thinking I can do some big things in the other big games but Jesus, this is how it starts.  Pretty standard, time to run better, I’ll try.

Bodogs 100K-  I got knocked around at the beginning stages but luckily had some nice double ups.  My favorite was this:

Community Cards
   2 6 10 5 8 

I’m holding TT and this guy shoves OOP for about 4X the pot or so.  He flips up AJs… I really don’t get these types of plays other than perhaps they have been rewarded enough to enstill that there is always a chance in the players.  I would hope that if anyone ever sees me making a ‘move’ like that that they will pull me aside and suggest I either quit poker or get back to the basics.  I don’t foresee that happening though, I like winning too much (ahhhh winning, I remember that one time…5 hours from now that I took down the FT 200K and the Bodog 100K…that was a good time).  OK, back to current time, same guy that doubled me just doubled Hesse who is to my right and I’m not happy about that (he’s chippy now).

In the 200K haven’t been able to get anything going and finally picked up AK, raised from early, got a push and a shortstack call.  I’m thinking 50/50 to triple up.  I’m in and was right 77, 99 vs AK.  9 spikes the flop, and no AK to scoop the side.  I’m out but got in awesome.  All focus on the 100K, just doubled up there AQ vs AT.  One more and I’m a contender.  Doubled through Hesse w/ AQ vs AJ blind vs blind.  One more time and I have a shot to take this down.

Man, it really has been down to the wire w/ bubble play.  I got all in w. 8 to go w/ JJ vs another players JJ (also all in) and 66 (who was spewing chips).  Shoved w/ AK from late, no calls.  Shoved w/ AQ from sb and Hesse obliged again w/ QK.  A on the flop and I’m up to allllmost average.  The bubble FINALLY burst on this thing and when it does here….people flow out.  Then came the magic.  I doubled up and I’m in the running.

A bit of a good run and a flip here and there vs shortstacks, I led some was 3rd most of it and it’s come down to the final table.  8 more people to deal w/ then I can say I’ve won this 100K, no second this time.  Into the final table I’m 4th w/ average chips, 1 shortstack, 1 shorter than average stack, 2 monsters.  Time to navigate.

I navigated on to 4 people w/ the chip lead (not by much).  Short stack shoves I have AJ, SB shoves over him.  AJ suited 4 handed.  I should have called but I folded reshover flips JK and other guy doubles up w/ weak ace.  Then I ended up getting it in w/ TT vs his JJ.  I made a set and he made a straight.  Out in 4th.  7000.  Should have been at very least double that.  Next time 100K, next time.

 As I find more sections of my journal to post I'll put them here.  Until then:  Good luck in everything that you attempt.

This year in review- Poker and life

Sorry about taking a week off of blogging.  I was stuck in the mountains of VA when we got hit with those horrible storms.  After that I headed to New Orleans and got some time at the casino in at Harrahs there.  My girlfriend and I played some video poker, but didn't hit a royal and went home a little lighter in the pocket.  Not much poker going on there this time of year although the people that were in the room were rowdy and playing ALL night...fun group.

Since the new year is upon us, it's time to review my goals and see where I stand on last years and make a plan for the upcoming.

My goals for poker were:

• $40,000 net gain- I was slightly shy of that.  A swing of luck here and there and I could have managed this but not this year.
  
• 1+ WSOPC live tourney cash- I did this with New Orleans.  Good thing since it's the only one I played in this year.
• Triple Crown-  Yes, I thought I had a shot at this when I was making my goals...didn't happen.
• Top finisher in the doubles tourneys on FullTilt-  I didn't focus on this but thought it would be a fun challenge.  I was second-best one time and only beat out by 5 spots between the two tourneys.
• Final table one 'Sunday Major' or 'Mini-Major'-  I did this twice this year at Bodog's biggest tourney, finishing 2nd once and 4th the next time.  On the occasion that I finished second I also bubbled the final table on Pokerstars 250K Sunday tourney...13th place.

 All in all, I feel pretty good about the year even though I've been really kicked around over the past couple of months. The great thing is that the goals that I did hit in poker helped me to make some of my goals in regards to giving to charitable organizations...$6K this year.

I'm going to let Jan. play out before I set goals this year.  I'll post it once I have them set.  Until then, Good luck in everything that you attempt.