Downward Sprial,
Well the last three sessions have been pretty bad. Session 25 -200, Session 26 -200 and Session 27 - 50. The only good point is I am hoping that only losing 50 the last time is a sign that my bad luck will be turning around. Kinda disappointing to follow up a large 700 winning streak by giving 590 back over the next 4 sessions. This is my longest losing streak in the 4-8 game. Session 25 and 26 I bought in for 100 and then did one rebuy and left after I lost it. The last time I did a thrid re-buy for 100 got down to 40 and then ended up cashing out 250. I think that is a good display of varience. According to my record when I have bought in for 100 and had to do one re-buy there have been sevearl times I have lost that or most of that and quit, but there has been a few times I bought that third 100 and came back even, winning, or close. I would have done better the last time but had been there all day and once I got back to 300 and was getting ready to go I got dealt KK, and I lost 50 with it so left. I had to play KK, but if I would have left one hand early or started getting ready to go one hand earlier I would have left exactly even. If I would have got dealt almost anything but a big poket pair or A paint, I would have folded and left even. But I got unlucky after winning all my money back with a losing KK. I wanted to stay longer but it was Sat and I had to get home to get ready to go to the airport. The only bright side is that I still have 645 of winnings and I know that I can rebound. I am back to traveling so wont be playing much over the next few weeks. i was too tired to go to Hollywood Casino in WVA on Sunday, and there is supposed to be possible hurricane like weather when I fly in next Sunday so doubt I will be making any long car trips.
Total Time 17 hrs.
Total In 700
Total Out 250
BR 645
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Session 24
Session 24
The streak ended last night. played for 3 hours and could not get a hand. I had one good hand on my first buy in against an aggressive player. I was down to $41 in a kill pot. The aggresive kid raised pre flop to 16, I looked down and had KK so I three bet it and then he capped it to 32. The flop was three diamonds, and I had a K of diamonds. I led out and bet 8 he did not notice I only had one chip left and raised me so I put the one more in. He turned over a gut-shot straight draw! He four bet preflop with a 2-5!! I hit the diamond on the turn for the nut flush and doubled up. But then I got a whole lot of nothing. I re-bought but only for 40 more was not feeling it last night.
Time 3 hrs.
In 140
Out 0
BR 1095
The streak ended last night. played for 3 hours and could not get a hand. I had one good hand on my first buy in against an aggressive player. I was down to $41 in a kill pot. The aggresive kid raised pre flop to 16, I looked down and had KK so I three bet it and then he capped it to 32. The flop was three diamonds, and I had a K of diamonds. I led out and bet 8 he did not notice I only had one chip left and raised me so I put the one more in. He turned over a gut-shot straight draw! He four bet preflop with a 2-5!! I hit the diamond on the turn for the nut flush and doubled up. But then I got a whole lot of nothing. I re-bought but only for 40 more was not feeling it last night.
Time 3 hrs.
In 140
Out 0
BR 1095
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Session 23
Session 23
This was a great session. exceeded my last record of consecutive cashes. From May 30th to June 5th I had 5 consecutive cashes. I hit 6 consecutive cashes from July 30th to today. Also was my third highest cash out, second highest in a 4-8 game. My highest was in vegas in a NL game. Session 2 I cashed out 290 in 4-8K, today I cashed out 255. Not bad for 5 hours in a 4-8 game. I believe this also takes me to the highest my bankroll ahead has been if I subtract the starting bankroll before I took it away and was just using winnings. Started off frustrating, I had lost 200 in the first 30-40 minutes. Good thing I decided to try one more buy in and see if my bad luck would change. In that first 30 minutes or so I flopped 2 sets, one on a kill pot and lost the hands to a straight and a four card flush! Was a little on tilt and had to fold on some flops after calling pre-flop raised etc...Making alot of bad calls. I refocused myself with the third buy in.
There were a few aggressive players, a few tight players, and the rest of the table was old guys 75+ years old. One was playing every hand to the river and catching some winners at the end. The first turning point was I had called an inital raise from an agressor with A5 Suited, but then it got 3 bet and then capped by the initial raiser by the time it came back to me. I was losing anyway so decided that I was too far in not to call the other two bets. The flop came 3 diamonds. I hit the nut flush. It was bet I called and then it was raised. The better and I both called the raise. I did not want to re-raise with both in, since there was not really much chance I would be beat. The turn brought another diamond. that kind of killed my action the first position checked. I checked also and the last guy who raised the street before bet. The other called, and I thought about raising but did not just called. The river brought nothing and I decided to bet, and got one caller. Not long after that I had AA that held up, I even hit an A on the river but did not need it to win the hand. The only other real big hand I hit before the 4 hand streak I hit right before I left was with A2. I flopped bottom pair but there where alot of players in the hand. I was suited and there was one of my suites on the flop. First position was the old guy playing every draw and he lead out and bet. I decided to call becuase I was getting the right price, only 4 dollars into almost a 40 dollar pot at the time. The turn brought another spade. Well now I can't go anywhere because I also now have the nut flush draw. The same player bet 8 and there was one caller and I called. The river brought another 2, there may have been a wierd straight on possible on the board, but I felt my three 2's was good, so I raised the initial better, and then he re-raised me! Now I had to think. There was no flush possible, he could have been playing mediocre cards and hit a straight he had been doing it all day, so I just called becuase I had to see instead of re-raising him. He had 2 pair. I had a few other ok pots that I dont really remember to much but as I was getting ready to go I hit 4 or 5 hands in a row, had JJ on my own kill pot and flopped a set with 2 players calling me all the way down. So with that little rush I ended up cashing out 255 ahead.
Time 5 hrs.
In 300
Out 555
BR 1235
This was a great session. exceeded my last record of consecutive cashes. From May 30th to June 5th I had 5 consecutive cashes. I hit 6 consecutive cashes from July 30th to today. Also was my third highest cash out, second highest in a 4-8 game. My highest was in vegas in a NL game. Session 2 I cashed out 290 in 4-8K, today I cashed out 255. Not bad for 5 hours in a 4-8 game. I believe this also takes me to the highest my bankroll ahead has been if I subtract the starting bankroll before I took it away and was just using winnings. Started off frustrating, I had lost 200 in the first 30-40 minutes. Good thing I decided to try one more buy in and see if my bad luck would change. In that first 30 minutes or so I flopped 2 sets, one on a kill pot and lost the hands to a straight and a four card flush! Was a little on tilt and had to fold on some flops after calling pre-flop raised etc...Making alot of bad calls. I refocused myself with the third buy in.
There were a few aggressive players, a few tight players, and the rest of the table was old guys 75+ years old. One was playing every hand to the river and catching some winners at the end. The first turning point was I had called an inital raise from an agressor with A5 Suited, but then it got 3 bet and then capped by the initial raiser by the time it came back to me. I was losing anyway so decided that I was too far in not to call the other two bets. The flop came 3 diamonds. I hit the nut flush. It was bet I called and then it was raised. The better and I both called the raise. I did not want to re-raise with both in, since there was not really much chance I would be beat. The turn brought another diamond. that kind of killed my action the first position checked. I checked also and the last guy who raised the street before bet. The other called, and I thought about raising but did not just called. The river brought nothing and I decided to bet, and got one caller. Not long after that I had AA that held up, I even hit an A on the river but did not need it to win the hand. The only other real big hand I hit before the 4 hand streak I hit right before I left was with A2. I flopped bottom pair but there where alot of players in the hand. I was suited and there was one of my suites on the flop. First position was the old guy playing every draw and he lead out and bet. I decided to call becuase I was getting the right price, only 4 dollars into almost a 40 dollar pot at the time. The turn brought another spade. Well now I can't go anywhere because I also now have the nut flush draw. The same player bet 8 and there was one caller and I called. The river brought another 2, there may have been a wierd straight on possible on the board, but I felt my three 2's was good, so I raised the initial better, and then he re-raised me! Now I had to think. There was no flush possible, he could have been playing mediocre cards and hit a straight he had been doing it all day, so I just called becuase I had to see instead of re-raising him. He had 2 pair. I had a few other ok pots that I dont really remember to much but as I was getting ready to go I hit 4 or 5 hands in a row, had JJ on my own kill pot and flopped a set with 2 players calling me all the way down. So with that little rush I ended up cashing out 255 ahead.
Time 5 hrs.
In 300
Out 555
BR 1235
Session 22
Session 22.
Friday I headed down to play 4-8K after work. I got down there at about 1:30 but had to wait an hour and a half until I got in the game. I got in when they started a thrid table, I was first on the change list. We started 6 handed and after a few minutes got moved to the second game. That game was also 6 or 7 handed at times. There was a huge hand, there where two players who where being very aggressive and gambling alot. Basically there where four players in a kill pot. One had AA one had KK one had 86 and one had K6. The flop was 8-6-8 turn was X and the river was a K. The younger guy who had KK for the win bougt in 200 and ended up all in, in that hand, he had been getting beat alot, but it looked like it took him ahead, so it was over a 200 main pot with the side pot it was over 300. Then I got moved to the main game not long afte that. It was interesting I only had about 40 when I got moved to the main game. and played tight but lost it. There where some real aggressive gamblers at the table. Alot of hands where getting three bet by the same players with nothing special, so it was costing some money on the hands that you wanted to play. I did benefit from this on one huge hand. I was in my second buy in, and ended getting down to only a few dollars at the end of the betting. I was in the SB with KK in a kill pot. The guy who usually raised just called and they guy who usually three bet raised to 16 so when it got to me I three bet it to 24. There where three other callers so already there is 96 in the pot. I think there was 2 J's on the flop but I was going all the way with this hand no matter what and if one of them had a J, oh well. I bet 8 on the flop and all 3 called. But these three where calling everything so was not too worried. Dont remember what the turn was but I bet 16 and one dropped out and got 2 callers. The river I bet and just one called to see my KK and it was good. So that was real nice. One minute I was down at the bottom then after one big hand with crazy players and I was back to even. I was a little up and down again from there, it was just costing so much to see any hands that you had to be willing to take a bit of a swing. But during the last 45 minutes or so all the crazy players had busted out and the game instantly changed to a more conservative game. i took advantage of that and got a little aggressive. Not nearly as bad as the players who busted, but as I was getting ready to go I won 4 or 5 medium hands in a row to get me back to even and then win some. After 4 hours I was up 80.
Time - 4 hrs
In 200
out 280
BR 980
Friday I headed down to play 4-8K after work. I got down there at about 1:30 but had to wait an hour and a half until I got in the game. I got in when they started a thrid table, I was first on the change list. We started 6 handed and after a few minutes got moved to the second game. That game was also 6 or 7 handed at times. There was a huge hand, there where two players who where being very aggressive and gambling alot. Basically there where four players in a kill pot. One had AA one had KK one had 86 and one had K6. The flop was 8-6-8 turn was X and the river was a K. The younger guy who had KK for the win bougt in 200 and ended up all in, in that hand, he had been getting beat alot, but it looked like it took him ahead, so it was over a 200 main pot with the side pot it was over 300. Then I got moved to the main game not long afte that. It was interesting I only had about 40 when I got moved to the main game. and played tight but lost it. There where some real aggressive gamblers at the table. Alot of hands where getting three bet by the same players with nothing special, so it was costing some money on the hands that you wanted to play. I did benefit from this on one huge hand. I was in my second buy in, and ended getting down to only a few dollars at the end of the betting. I was in the SB with KK in a kill pot. The guy who usually raised just called and they guy who usually three bet raised to 16 so when it got to me I three bet it to 24. There where three other callers so already there is 96 in the pot. I think there was 2 J's on the flop but I was going all the way with this hand no matter what and if one of them had a J, oh well. I bet 8 on the flop and all 3 called. But these three where calling everything so was not too worried. Dont remember what the turn was but I bet 16 and one dropped out and got 2 callers. The river I bet and just one called to see my KK and it was good. So that was real nice. One minute I was down at the bottom then after one big hand with crazy players and I was back to even. I was a little up and down again from there, it was just costing so much to see any hands that you had to be willing to take a bit of a swing. But during the last 45 minutes or so all the crazy players had busted out and the game instantly changed to a more conservative game. i took advantage of that and got a little aggressive. Not nearly as bad as the players who busted, but as I was getting ready to go I won 4 or 5 medium hands in a row to get me back to even and then win some. After 4 hours I was up 80.
Time - 4 hrs
In 200
out 280
BR 980
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Session 21
Session 21
I had a few hours to myself after work today and headed down to play 4-8K. I got off work around 1:30, got down there at about 2 and had to wait about an hour to get into the main game. I left at 5:30. I am very happy with the way I played today. I was very patient, the last 3 sessions where wins ranging from 10 to 170, but, I was really playing a volitle game. Part was due to playing for too long trying to get high hands, to the table make-up forcing me to take alot more chances and put alot more money into pots so that I had to try to suck out and win some big ones to be able to keep up. But today the table for the most part was pretty solid. Good players. I was able to sit back and could usually tell where I was at in the hand. I was pretty patient and was getting some good flops with good cards. And since they where mostly good players I was able to take advantage of position on some hands and crappy flops to bet and get them to fold for several small wins. I did get unlucky a few times, but since I started off winning I was able to build up with solid hands, then I would get unlucky and get taken back down to just over my buy in. But I got enough solid hands that I was able to leave after 2.5 hours 125 up. I made a $173 mistake. I got a monte carlo hand but did not think about the size of the pot. There was only 16 in the pot pre flop and there needs to be 20 to qualify for a Monte Carlo Board. I forgot that part. I had 10 10 and the flop was 10 9 9. I checked and the other two checked. The turn was a 10 and I did not feel that anyone would call a bet so I checked, they both checked. Dont remember the river but same, I was sure they would both fold if I bet, so I just checked and they both checked. i was hoping that someone would bet but they didnt. My quads won, but since there was not 20 in the pot I did not qualify for the bonus. Everyone told me next time that it is alrigh for table talk and just say I need a call and bet and someone would call so you can get the bonus. Next time will make sure I remember that. I had AA cracked for a big loss. The flop was A K 7. I raised pre-flop also and had a few callers, I bet the flop and had 3 callers. The turn was a J and I bet the turn and got 2 callers. Dont remember what the river was but I lead out in first position and bet and got raised. and the other player called. I figured he had a Q 10 but throught there was a chance he could have had a smaller set and the other was 2 pair. there was so much in the pot already that I had to call another 8 to be sure. Sure enough one had K J the other had Q 10 for the straight. I had a few good sneakers in the BB. Flopped 2 small pair and led out and bet all the way and got one to 2 callers all the way for some nice pots. Also as I was getting ready to go, I had KK in first position in a kill pot. So I raised to 16 preflop. Had a short stack call and one other caller. The flop was J7J, the short stack only had 3 left so I checked and he bet 3 the other player folded and I called the 3. he had a flush draw and did not hit it. Overall though I did fold quite a bit with junky hands that I may have been calling with more the last few days, and my good cards where hitting more than missing so it was a good session. I am on a bit of a hot streak right now, but dont think I will be able to play again till Sat or Sun. Hopfully wont cool off by then.
Time 2.5 Hrs.
In 100
Out 225
Br 900
I had a few hours to myself after work today and headed down to play 4-8K. I got off work around 1:30, got down there at about 2 and had to wait about an hour to get into the main game. I left at 5:30. I am very happy with the way I played today. I was very patient, the last 3 sessions where wins ranging from 10 to 170, but, I was really playing a volitle game. Part was due to playing for too long trying to get high hands, to the table make-up forcing me to take alot more chances and put alot more money into pots so that I had to try to suck out and win some big ones to be able to keep up. But today the table for the most part was pretty solid. Good players. I was able to sit back and could usually tell where I was at in the hand. I was pretty patient and was getting some good flops with good cards. And since they where mostly good players I was able to take advantage of position on some hands and crappy flops to bet and get them to fold for several small wins. I did get unlucky a few times, but since I started off winning I was able to build up with solid hands, then I would get unlucky and get taken back down to just over my buy in. But I got enough solid hands that I was able to leave after 2.5 hours 125 up. I made a $173 mistake. I got a monte carlo hand but did not think about the size of the pot. There was only 16 in the pot pre flop and there needs to be 20 to qualify for a Monte Carlo Board. I forgot that part. I had 10 10 and the flop was 10 9 9. I checked and the other two checked. The turn was a 10 and I did not feel that anyone would call a bet so I checked, they both checked. Dont remember the river but same, I was sure they would both fold if I bet, so I just checked and they both checked. i was hoping that someone would bet but they didnt. My quads won, but since there was not 20 in the pot I did not qualify for the bonus. Everyone told me next time that it is alrigh for table talk and just say I need a call and bet and someone would call so you can get the bonus. Next time will make sure I remember that. I had AA cracked for a big loss. The flop was A K 7. I raised pre-flop also and had a few callers, I bet the flop and had 3 callers. The turn was a J and I bet the turn and got 2 callers. Dont remember what the river was but I lead out in first position and bet and got raised. and the other player called. I figured he had a Q 10 but throught there was a chance he could have had a smaller set and the other was 2 pair. there was so much in the pot already that I had to call another 8 to be sure. Sure enough one had K J the other had Q 10 for the straight. I had a few good sneakers in the BB. Flopped 2 small pair and led out and bet all the way and got one to 2 callers all the way for some nice pots. Also as I was getting ready to go, I had KK in first position in a kill pot. So I raised to 16 preflop. Had a short stack call and one other caller. The flop was J7J, the short stack only had 3 left so I checked and he bet 3 the other player folded and I called the 3. he had a flush draw and did not hit it. Overall though I did fold quite a bit with junky hands that I may have been calling with more the last few days, and my good cards where hitting more than missing so it was a good session. I am on a bit of a hot streak right now, but dont think I will be able to play again till Sat or Sun. Hopfully wont cool off by then.
Time 2.5 Hrs.
In 100
Out 225
Br 900
Session 20
Session 20
Taking advantage of working from home a bit more and headed out and played 4-8K for a few hours last night. Took home another small win, considering how the game was playing, it was pretty wild I am happy to do as well as I did. There where a few really aggressive players at the table, raising every hand and betting every street. So had to just pick some hands and hold on tight. Started out on the second table and we got down to four handed for a little while, was not the ideal situation, only one big blind, but it comes around so quick you pretty much have to play alot more hands than you normally would and raise alot more than you normally would. When I got moved to the main table I was a little down. The did not take long before the three remaining on the second table got moved to the main game. My big hands where not holding up too well and when I was trying to draw out did not hit any good hands, lost the first buy in and decided to give it another try. Not long after that I had a AJ and I raised pre-flop, it was then re-raised and I called there where four in the pot. The flop was 77J, it was checked to me and I bet, 2 callers and then the initial raiser, raised. So much in there I called as well as the other 2. Normally I would have folded there, but people where betting everything and I had seen so many people betting with nothing and then beating players calling them down with second or third pair, only to have the better catch top pair on the river to win a big pot. Any pair was worth going all the way with these players. Dont remember what the turn was, but the inital raiser bet, I called as well as the other two. The river was another J!! Gave me the full house. The initial raiser smartly checked, I bet, the other two folded and he called. He actually had a hand this time QQ, but I drew out on him. A few hands later I limped in with A-9 and the flop was 99A, I basically called all the way down, on the river it was just me and another and he bet his last 8 so I could not raise him, he did not show what he had. These games can be fun, but not the best practice for playing smart, when everyone is trying to draw out and raise and bet all the way down with nothing, you just have to hold on and hope you git a few big hands and get away when you are ahead.
Time: 3 Hrs
In 200
Out 260
BR 775
Taking advantage of working from home a bit more and headed out and played 4-8K for a few hours last night. Took home another small win, considering how the game was playing, it was pretty wild I am happy to do as well as I did. There where a few really aggressive players at the table, raising every hand and betting every street. So had to just pick some hands and hold on tight. Started out on the second table and we got down to four handed for a little while, was not the ideal situation, only one big blind, but it comes around so quick you pretty much have to play alot more hands than you normally would and raise alot more than you normally would. When I got moved to the main table I was a little down. The did not take long before the three remaining on the second table got moved to the main game. My big hands where not holding up too well and when I was trying to draw out did not hit any good hands, lost the first buy in and decided to give it another try. Not long after that I had a AJ and I raised pre-flop, it was then re-raised and I called there where four in the pot. The flop was 77J, it was checked to me and I bet, 2 callers and then the initial raiser, raised. So much in there I called as well as the other 2. Normally I would have folded there, but people where betting everything and I had seen so many people betting with nothing and then beating players calling them down with second or third pair, only to have the better catch top pair on the river to win a big pot. Any pair was worth going all the way with these players. Dont remember what the turn was, but the inital raiser bet, I called as well as the other two. The river was another J!! Gave me the full house. The initial raiser smartly checked, I bet, the other two folded and he called. He actually had a hand this time QQ, but I drew out on him. A few hands later I limped in with A-9 and the flop was 99A, I basically called all the way down, on the river it was just me and another and he bet his last 8 so I could not raise him, he did not show what he had. These games can be fun, but not the best practice for playing smart, when everyone is trying to draw out and raise and bet all the way down with nothing, you just have to hold on and hope you git a few big hands and get away when you are ahead.
Time: 3 Hrs
In 200
Out 260
BR 775
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Session 17,18.19
Session 17
It has been several weeks since I have posted anything. Session 17 continuted me on my slump. Not much I could do here at all, I lost 140, could not win a hand, was very patient, but no good cards where holding up.
Session 18
This weekend the casino was giving away 30K for their 10 year anniversary. They where giving away $500 high hands every hour until the money was gone. It started on Saturday and I knew there would be alot of people there so I made sure I was at the main table. I got up early on Sat mostly becuase I have been getting up early for work, and after a few hours of being awake at home I decided to just go down there and see if anyone else where there yet. I had no idea what to expect. I got there at about 7:30am and they dont open until 10am. So I was the first one there. I ate some breakfast in my car and then decided to go to Home Depot and walk around a bit it was 8am and no-one was there. I got back at about 8:30 still no-one. The first person arrived at about 8:45, I was sitting outside reading. By 9:00 there was about 6 or 7 people there. It started going real quick then. 9:15 there was about 30. At 9:30 they came out and handed out seat cards to the people waiting in line. I was one of the first 10 there so I got a random seat at the main table. They could seat 45, after they passed out all the cards there was still about 30 people in line! I played for 13.5 hours my focus was getting a high hand, and that really hurt my outcome. I was up and down alot during that time, and ended up leaving up $10. Not too happy about that, but had a fun day playing there during all that craziness. It took about 5 hours before the first person on the waiting list got a seat. When I left after about 13 hours there was still about 20 names on the list. I really should have left a few hours earlier but really wanted to get a high hand, to the point where I was losing alot of money trying to chase a high hand. But since I did not lose any money cant be too disappionted, would have been much worse if I would have lost it all.
Session 19
I headed out Monday after work and they where still giving away the high hands, I think I figured they had 60 hours worth of high hands to give away. I got there around 2 pm and then left at 5:30. I did not sit down though until 3pm. Was a good session hit some good hands, nothing to spectacular. I had an open ended straight flush draw, almost got me a high hand and I had three K's, just one more would have got me a high hand, but I was not focused on them so much, I was focused on taking away a win. I ended up 170. I am hoping this is marks the end of my slump and can start making some upward momentum on my next few sessions.
Total for 17-19
Total Time - 15.5 hrs
Total In - 340
Total Out - 380
BR - $715
It has been several weeks since I have posted anything. Session 17 continuted me on my slump. Not much I could do here at all, I lost 140, could not win a hand, was very patient, but no good cards where holding up.
Session 18
This weekend the casino was giving away 30K for their 10 year anniversary. They where giving away $500 high hands every hour until the money was gone. It started on Saturday and I knew there would be alot of people there so I made sure I was at the main table. I got up early on Sat mostly becuase I have been getting up early for work, and after a few hours of being awake at home I decided to just go down there and see if anyone else where there yet. I had no idea what to expect. I got there at about 7:30am and they dont open until 10am. So I was the first one there. I ate some breakfast in my car and then decided to go to Home Depot and walk around a bit it was 8am and no-one was there. I got back at about 8:30 still no-one. The first person arrived at about 8:45, I was sitting outside reading. By 9:00 there was about 6 or 7 people there. It started going real quick then. 9:15 there was about 30. At 9:30 they came out and handed out seat cards to the people waiting in line. I was one of the first 10 there so I got a random seat at the main table. They could seat 45, after they passed out all the cards there was still about 30 people in line! I played for 13.5 hours my focus was getting a high hand, and that really hurt my outcome. I was up and down alot during that time, and ended up leaving up $10. Not too happy about that, but had a fun day playing there during all that craziness. It took about 5 hours before the first person on the waiting list got a seat. When I left after about 13 hours there was still about 20 names on the list. I really should have left a few hours earlier but really wanted to get a high hand, to the point where I was losing alot of money trying to chase a high hand. But since I did not lose any money cant be too disappionted, would have been much worse if I would have lost it all.
Session 19
I headed out Monday after work and they where still giving away the high hands, I think I figured they had 60 hours worth of high hands to give away. I got there around 2 pm and then left at 5:30. I did not sit down though until 3pm. Was a good session hit some good hands, nothing to spectacular. I had an open ended straight flush draw, almost got me a high hand and I had three K's, just one more would have got me a high hand, but I was not focused on them so much, I was focused on taking away a win. I ended up 170. I am hoping this is marks the end of my slump and can start making some upward momentum on my next few sessions.
Total for 17-19
Total Time - 15.5 hrs
Total In - 340
Total Out - 380
BR - $715
Monday, July 18, 2011
Session 15 and 16
SLUMP
HIt a bit of a slump, have not had time to post, I have played twice over the last few weeks. Session 15 was over a week ago and hit a real bad unlucky streak lost 200. Seemed like every good hand I got, where I was a favorite, I got runner runnered. Session 16 was a few nights ago, and I think I just played too long. I was very up and down, and should have left at a certain point but stayed and played becuase I was having so much fun and then things too a down turn. I ended up leaving down 40. I really need to focus the next few times I go out and make sure I leave when I am up.
Total time 8 hrs
Total In 300
Total Out 60
BR 675
HIt a bit of a slump, have not had time to post, I have played twice over the last few weeks. Session 15 was over a week ago and hit a real bad unlucky streak lost 200. Seemed like every good hand I got, where I was a favorite, I got runner runnered. Session 16 was a few nights ago, and I think I just played too long. I was very up and down, and should have left at a certain point but stayed and played becuase I was having so much fun and then things too a down turn. I ended up leaving down 40. I really need to focus the next few times I go out and make sure I leave when I am up.
Total time 8 hrs
Total In 300
Total Out 60
BR 675
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Goal Modification
Have had some things come up recently. Good things not bad, but have required me to spend a good portion of my BR. So, I have decided to modify my inital goal a little bit. Starting out with the larger bankroll I think provided me with some confidence to stick with a plan knowing I had money to cover varience. But now I really needed that money for other things, so am going to adjust my plan a little bit. The nice thing is that over 14 sessions I am up 915, so that is going to be my new bankroll. According to the standards I set this is obviously well below the mark recommended to play 4-8, but I am not going to lower my levels. I think I can still be successfull at this level with this amount, and think that 915 is enough to cover the varience I am seeing in this game. Time will tell, I could obviously hit a really bad unlucky streak, but think that my style of play normally minimizes my losses so still feel that is enough. I am going to stay with the 52 session mark for the end of my goal, but going to lower my BR goal down to 5600. 5600 is my ceiling for the 4-8 game so think this is a good mark to set. This will still be a hard mark to hit. (Session 10 did not help matters) But will try to keep focused on playing smart, but as long as I am in postive numbers instead of negative on my BR at the end of 52 I will be happy. It is also nice to think about playing with only winnings. have not had a chance to get out and play recently, may have an opportunity this weekend, but if not will be a few weeks before I start again playing more regularly.
BR-915
Time played to date 57 hrs.
BR-915
Time played to date 57 hrs.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Session 14
Session 14
Had to head back out to work this week, and had the red eye flight to VA. So was able to go to Hollywood Casino in West Virginina on Sunday. Last time I was there I decided to play in one of the bigger games with a small stack compared to the table. This time I decided to play in the 1-2 NL game and try playing a short stack. I only bought in for 100, and did not take long to lose that. I dont play much short stack, so did not really have my strategy down and made a bad mistake. I tried to bet someone off a hand and they made a good call. I had nothing and the flop was 77K and I lead out and bet, the turn was nothing too dangerous, and I went all in for my last 45, still trying to sell that I had a 7. He really thought about it and then called with his K. So, almost worked, but since I was short stacked a 45 bet was not enough to get him off his K. He made a good call but in the end that is not the kind of move you can make with a short stack. The second 100 I got drawn out on. I had been pretty patient and made a few calls that I had to fold pre-flop, and lost some to the fee you have to pay every 30 minutes there. They take a $6 fee every 30 minutes, but they dont take any rake or drop out of the pot. So was down a bit from my second 100. The pot was raised to 12 and decided to call with a suited A 5 in the BB. The flop was 9, 5, A. I was pretty sure that my two pair was good. I checked and not the person who raised me bet 30, there was one caller, so I pretty much had to go all-in with so much in already. The initial better called and the other folded. I was up against A-Q, to my two pair and the turn brought a Q. So there went the second 100. I decided to give it one more shot and glad I did, was able to turn that into 300 and break even for the day. Once I got even I decided to quit did not want to post a bigger than normal loss, and in NL I could lose it all in one hand.
In 300
Out 300
Time 4 hr
BR 3315
Had to head back out to work this week, and had the red eye flight to VA. So was able to go to Hollywood Casino in West Virginina on Sunday. Last time I was there I decided to play in one of the bigger games with a small stack compared to the table. This time I decided to play in the 1-2 NL game and try playing a short stack. I only bought in for 100, and did not take long to lose that. I dont play much short stack, so did not really have my strategy down and made a bad mistake. I tried to bet someone off a hand and they made a good call. I had nothing and the flop was 77K and I lead out and bet, the turn was nothing too dangerous, and I went all in for my last 45, still trying to sell that I had a 7. He really thought about it and then called with his K. So, almost worked, but since I was short stacked a 45 bet was not enough to get him off his K. He made a good call but in the end that is not the kind of move you can make with a short stack. The second 100 I got drawn out on. I had been pretty patient and made a few calls that I had to fold pre-flop, and lost some to the fee you have to pay every 30 minutes there. They take a $6 fee every 30 minutes, but they dont take any rake or drop out of the pot. So was down a bit from my second 100. The pot was raised to 12 and decided to call with a suited A 5 in the BB. The flop was 9, 5, A. I was pretty sure that my two pair was good. I checked and not the person who raised me bet 30, there was one caller, so I pretty much had to go all-in with so much in already. The initial better called and the other folded. I was up against A-Q, to my two pair and the turn brought a Q. So there went the second 100. I decided to give it one more shot and glad I did, was able to turn that into 300 and break even for the day. Once I got even I decided to quit did not want to post a bigger than normal loss, and in NL I could lose it all in one hand.
In 300
Out 300
Time 4 hr
BR 3315
Friday, June 24, 2011
Session 13
Session 13
Not the best session, but only lost 40 so not too bad. As long as I can keep my losses minimized I am pretty happy. I did have to re-load this time which does not happen too often so was happy to get 60 of that back. Played for about an hour 4 handed on the second table before the first game got down low enough to get us all into the game. So had to loosen up a little bit 4 handed and ended up a little down after that and when I got to the main game. Played in the main game for a little while and eventually lost my initial buy in. But hit some hands after I re loaded and got back up a little and then decided to call it quits.
This marks my 25% mark toward 52 sessions. Still below the goal, but session 10 and my bad play during that session, has hurt the numbers pretty good. My ave hourly rate is 17.26 per hr. I have a seperate spreadsheet that tracks all my stats by each game type. I have played for 53 hours and there are 2 games that I have played over 20 hours each in, 4-8K and 1-2 NL, and the hourly rate is 22 and 28 respectivly in those games.
In 200
Out 160
Hr. 4
BR 3315
Not the best session, but only lost 40 so not too bad. As long as I can keep my losses minimized I am pretty happy. I did have to re-load this time which does not happen too often so was happy to get 60 of that back. Played for about an hour 4 handed on the second table before the first game got down low enough to get us all into the game. So had to loosen up a little bit 4 handed and ended up a little down after that and when I got to the main game. Played in the main game for a little while and eventually lost my initial buy in. But hit some hands after I re loaded and got back up a little and then decided to call it quits.
This marks my 25% mark toward 52 sessions. Still below the goal, but session 10 and my bad play during that session, has hurt the numbers pretty good. My ave hourly rate is 17.26 per hr. I have a seperate spreadsheet that tracks all my stats by each game type. I have played for 53 hours and there are 2 games that I have played over 20 hours each in, 4-8K and 1-2 NL, and the hourly rate is 22 and 28 respectivly in those games.
In 200
Out 160
Hr. 4
BR 3315
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Session 12
Session 12
Yesterday was a pretty fun day. I decided to check out their tournement for fun. I used to play primarily tournements when I was not so good at the live game. I dont think I could estimate the number of tournements I have played, there was a time for a few years where I was playing 3 to 5 a week. I really liked their structure. The buy in was 60 and you get 7500 starting chips with 15 min rounds and the house adds 500. I played my normal patient tournement game, it was nice the third hand of the game, on the button I doubled up. I called with Q 10 suited and flopped the open-ended straight fush draw. It was bet and I called on the flop and turn. The river he bet I went all in and he called. I hit the straight on the river he flopped a set. About 30 min later I played QQ and won a pot, and then did not play another hand untill right before the final table with AJ suited. I flopped top 2 pair. He bet I raised all in he called with A 7 off. That left him with only 1500 and the next hand he pre-flop all in and I had KQ and he called. He had KJ. I sat down at the final table as just barely the chip leader with 35.5 K chips. There was only 2 tables plus some alternates so it only payed 3 spots, but we agreed to give 4-10 their money back. I could not catch a hand even worth looking at and it was not long before I was no longer the leader. I ended up in 4rth place for my money back. It was alot of fun though and nice to see that my tournement play has not gotten too sloppy.
I then played live. It was a pretty agressive table I watched one guy go through about 700 in the first 2 hours and then when I left he had about 400 in front, I had to loosen up a little becuase there was alot of action and when I was in position it made sense to call with alot of hands becuase if I hit the hand it was a big payout. But that caused me to go up and down alot. No hands too memorable, but I did end on a high note and cashed out 175.
In 100
Out 275
Time 3.75
BR 3355
Yesterday was a pretty fun day. I decided to check out their tournement for fun. I used to play primarily tournements when I was not so good at the live game. I dont think I could estimate the number of tournements I have played, there was a time for a few years where I was playing 3 to 5 a week. I really liked their structure. The buy in was 60 and you get 7500 starting chips with 15 min rounds and the house adds 500. I played my normal patient tournement game, it was nice the third hand of the game, on the button I doubled up. I called with Q 10 suited and flopped the open-ended straight fush draw. It was bet and I called on the flop and turn. The river he bet I went all in and he called. I hit the straight on the river he flopped a set. About 30 min later I played QQ and won a pot, and then did not play another hand untill right before the final table with AJ suited. I flopped top 2 pair. He bet I raised all in he called with A 7 off. That left him with only 1500 and the next hand he pre-flop all in and I had KQ and he called. He had KJ. I sat down at the final table as just barely the chip leader with 35.5 K chips. There was only 2 tables plus some alternates so it only payed 3 spots, but we agreed to give 4-10 their money back. I could not catch a hand even worth looking at and it was not long before I was no longer the leader. I ended up in 4rth place for my money back. It was alot of fun though and nice to see that my tournement play has not gotten too sloppy.
I then played live. It was a pretty agressive table I watched one guy go through about 700 in the first 2 hours and then when I left he had about 400 in front, I had to loosen up a little becuase there was alot of action and when I was in position it made sense to call with alot of hands becuase if I hit the hand it was a big payout. But that caused me to go up and down alot. No hands too memorable, but I did end on a high note and cashed out 175.
In 100
Out 275
Time 3.75
BR 3355
Monday, June 20, 2011
Session 11
Session 11
Not too exciting, I posted a small win. This was one of those nights where I won a lot of money right away in the first 30 minutes, and the sat there for the next 3 hours not hitting a hand or getting a bad beat. It is frustrating to win alot right away and be tempted to leave, but then I feel like I am doing a hit and run, and want to keep playing so stay and lose alot of that back. I lost with AA twice, once in a kill pot, to bleed down my chips, but a win is a win and I will take it. Hopefully can have a better showing the next time to help make back from my bad last session. Overall though I am happy with my play, hitting good hands for big pots right away, I quickly settled down and continued to play tight, unfortuately just got unlucky.
In 100
Out 150
Time 3.5 hrs
BR 3180
Not too exciting, I posted a small win. This was one of those nights where I won a lot of money right away in the first 30 minutes, and the sat there for the next 3 hours not hitting a hand or getting a bad beat. It is frustrating to win alot right away and be tempted to leave, but then I feel like I am doing a hit and run, and want to keep playing so stay and lose alot of that back. I lost with AA twice, once in a kill pot, to bleed down my chips, but a win is a win and I will take it. Hopefully can have a better showing the next time to help make back from my bad last session. Overall though I am happy with my play, hitting good hands for big pots right away, I quickly settled down and continued to play tight, unfortuately just got unlucky.
In 100
Out 150
Time 3.5 hrs
BR 3180
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Session 10
Session 10
This will be a good one for me to remember. I did everything wrong during this session. This will be a good post to re-read before I go and play to remind myself of all the wrong things I did. I got there at 11:00am and got on the list for 4-8, the game started at 11:30, and before we started all the old guys wanted to play 6-12 so I agreeded and bought in another 100 for a starting stack of 200. From here I just played bad. It was a combination I think of having 5 straight winning sessions, being excited about playing 6-12, and not wanting to stay too long, so I was trying to make things happen. It did not take too long for me to lose my initial buy in and then I re-loaded for another 200. That was another mistake mostly because I did not change the way I was playing at all, I continued to try to make things happen to the point where I was playing almost every hand. For some reason I also could not lay a hand down, which is unusual for me. Normally when I feel I am beat will throw the hand away, but for some reason I turned into a complete calling station, and was calling when I thought I was beat...just in case. I have never won doing that, and I was not hitting any hands. I am not so upset about losing, that will happen even if I am playing well. The main point is that I was not giving myself a chance to win, I lost my disicpline and my normal solid play. It was an expensive lesson, but worth it if I learn from it. The positive to take away is that I am still over 700 up, and as long as I dont repeat the way I was playing, even if I lose, I am still giving myself an opportunity to win, and over time I will see results.
In 400
Out 0
Time 3 hrs
BR 3130
This will be a good one for me to remember. I did everything wrong during this session. This will be a good post to re-read before I go and play to remind myself of all the wrong things I did. I got there at 11:00am and got on the list for 4-8, the game started at 11:30, and before we started all the old guys wanted to play 6-12 so I agreeded and bought in another 100 for a starting stack of 200. From here I just played bad. It was a combination I think of having 5 straight winning sessions, being excited about playing 6-12, and not wanting to stay too long, so I was trying to make things happen. It did not take too long for me to lose my initial buy in and then I re-loaded for another 200. That was another mistake mostly because I did not change the way I was playing at all, I continued to try to make things happen to the point where I was playing almost every hand. For some reason I also could not lay a hand down, which is unusual for me. Normally when I feel I am beat will throw the hand away, but for some reason I turned into a complete calling station, and was calling when I thought I was beat...just in case. I have never won doing that, and I was not hitting any hands. I am not so upset about losing, that will happen even if I am playing well. The main point is that I was not giving myself a chance to win, I lost my disicpline and my normal solid play. It was an expensive lesson, but worth it if I learn from it. The positive to take away is that I am still over 700 up, and as long as I dont repeat the way I was playing, even if I lose, I am still giving myself an opportunity to win, and over time I will see results.
In 400
Out 0
Time 3 hrs
BR 3130
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Floor and Ceiling
I have been reading some more about bankroll management and have decided to implement a floor and ceiling guideline. I like this method to decide when to move up betting levels. The idea is to set a number of BB as your floor and a number of BB as your ceiling. When you hit your ceiling you can move up to the next level, when you drop below your floor you go back down one level till you hit your ceiling again. To start with I am only going to vary my floor and ceiling by 50 BB's. As I move up in levels though I will extend that difference or if I end up going back and forth too much then I will increase the difference. As I get higher in levels I plan to increase the difference. So to start with my floor will be 300 BB's and ceiling 350 BB's.
So at 4-8 my floor is (8)(300)- 2400 and when I hit my ceiling to move to 8-16, I can move up; (16)(350) - 5600. I like this because the floor for 8-16; (16)(300) - 4800 so once I hit 5600 and start playing 8-16, I can take a few beats before I hit below 4800 and have to move back down. And if I lose 800 right away playing 8-16, I am either getting real unlucky or not ready to play at that level. Once I get to 8/16 I plan on raising the ceiling to 400 BB's, and this will fit in with my initial goal of hitting between 8000 to 12000 after 52 sessions. If I met my goal sometime before or on my 52nd session I should be playing 10-20 possibly getting ready to start 15-30. The ceiling for 8-16 to move to 10-20 is (20)(400) - 8000 and the ceiling to move from 10-20 to 15-30 is (30)(400) - 12000. So hopefully sometime before the end of my initial goal I will be comfortably winning in the 10/20 game. There are casino's near that play this game, but not nearly as close as the one I have been playing at, so will have to deduct travel expenses by that time. Might have to do the same for 8/16 if I cannot find one within a 30 min drive. I know there are games within 60-90 minutes though.
The point of setting the floor and ceiling is to prevent the varience of the game causing you to go broke. The greater the difference between your f/c the less likly you will go broke.
I will still occasionally use my, no more than 10% of my bankroll rule, at times to take a shot at larger limit or no limit games when I have the opportunity.
So at 4-8 my floor is (8)(300)- 2400 and when I hit my ceiling to move to 8-16, I can move up; (16)(350) - 5600. I like this because the floor for 8-16; (16)(300) - 4800 so once I hit 5600 and start playing 8-16, I can take a few beats before I hit below 4800 and have to move back down. And if I lose 800 right away playing 8-16, I am either getting real unlucky or not ready to play at that level. Once I get to 8/16 I plan on raising the ceiling to 400 BB's, and this will fit in with my initial goal of hitting between 8000 to 12000 after 52 sessions. If I met my goal sometime before or on my 52nd session I should be playing 10-20 possibly getting ready to start 15-30. The ceiling for 8-16 to move to 10-20 is (20)(400) - 8000 and the ceiling to move from 10-20 to 15-30 is (30)(400) - 12000. So hopefully sometime before the end of my initial goal I will be comfortably winning in the 10/20 game. There are casino's near that play this game, but not nearly as close as the one I have been playing at, so will have to deduct travel expenses by that time. Might have to do the same for 8/16 if I cannot find one within a 30 min drive. I know there are games within 60-90 minutes though.
The point of setting the floor and ceiling is to prevent the varience of the game causing you to go broke. The greater the difference between your f/c the less likly you will go broke.
I will still occasionally use my, no more than 10% of my bankroll rule, at times to take a shot at larger limit or no limit games when I have the opportunity.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Session 9
I made it out to Hollywood Casino in Charlestown West Virginia yesterday. It is about an hour and 20 minute drive from my hotel. I was in the poker room playing at about 2:30. I decided I did not want to play in the 1-3 no limit game and that I wanted to take a shot at the bigger 2-5 no limit game. I sat down with the minimum buy in of 300. I had to play extreamly carefully in this game. At least 4 people had about 1500 in front of them and no-one had less than 500 that I could tell. Throughout the game there was plenty of bluffing going on with the big stacks, so really had to be selective of my position and starting hands. Luckily I got off to an early good start. The first hour was good I was up almost 400 after playing 3 hands.
The first hand I played was QQ I was in early position so just called for 5 and then it got raised in late position to 85. I called and there was another caller. The flop brought a K, I decided to check. There was 250 in the pot so if I would have lead out it would have had to be a good sized bet, and if I got raised that could very well have had to call my entire buy-in. The flop was checked around. The turn and river was also checked around, looks like we where all afraid of that K. My QQ won, the other two hands where AJ and JJ. The next hand I played was in the BB with and 8-7. I flopped top pair and lead out and bet 45 and was called. The turn brought a 7 so I lead out and bet 75 and was called. On the river I bet 125 and got him to fold. Then the last hand I played in the first hour was KK and took down a small pot, I pre-flop raised to 20 got one caller, lead out and bet the flop and he folded.
The next 2 hours I could not catch a hand at all, and I bled down my chips a bit after 3 hours total I cashed out.
In 300
Out 475
Time 3 hrs
BR 3530
The first hand I played was QQ I was in early position so just called for 5 and then it got raised in late position to 85. I called and there was another caller. The flop brought a K, I decided to check. There was 250 in the pot so if I would have lead out it would have had to be a good sized bet, and if I got raised that could very well have had to call my entire buy-in. The flop was checked around. The turn and river was also checked around, looks like we where all afraid of that K. My QQ won, the other two hands where AJ and JJ. The next hand I played was in the BB with and 8-7. I flopped top pair and lead out and bet 45 and was called. The turn brought a 7 so I lead out and bet 75 and was called. On the river I bet 125 and got him to fold. Then the last hand I played in the first hour was KK and took down a small pot, I pre-flop raised to 20 got one caller, lead out and bet the flop and he folded.
The next 2 hours I could not catch a hand at all, and I bled down my chips a bit after 3 hours total I cashed out.
In 300
Out 475
Time 3 hrs
BR 3530
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Session 8
Session 8
Played in the 4-8 kill game last night. It was a short session I got there late and did not make it into the main game. The table I was at broke after about an hour and a half and it was late and did not look like I would get into the main game for awhile so I called it quits for the night. Started out pretty frustrating, if it was not for the river in the first few hands I played, I could have posted a much bigger win.
The first hand I played was a kill pot so the betting was 8-16. I had 4-4 and was under the gun so I called 8. There where 4 or 5 players in the hand. The flop A-8-6 and it was checked around. The turn was a 4, was pretty happy about this. The person to my right bet out 16 and I raised to 32. Everyone else folded and he called. The river was a 2. He checked, I bet 16, and he called with the 3-5 for a straight. So there was 40 down the hole. The next hand I am in the BB with Q-5 and it is pre-flopped raised to 8. In this game I will call any single raise in the BB, not the LB though.
So many people call the 8, that it is usually only 4 more to call the raise, to win a pot that is already around 40. I pretty much call any raise to 8 in the BB with any 2 cards. This is also why I will rarely raise in this 4-8 game (Kill pot is a different story). I will only raise in early position and only if I think I can get some to fold. If not then i will just call and wait to see if I hit a good flop. In late position I will only raise if there are only 1 or 2 callers to begin with and most people have folded. If you raise in late position, everyone is going to call, pretty much for the same reason that I will call any raise in the BB it is only 4 more to call, the inital pot is much bigger, and any 2 cards can win. Just calling has its risks, but, raising and getting everyone to call is going to have the same risks only risking more money, and if you hit your hand you have hidden your strenght well and can usually get a nice sized pot.
Anyway I flopped top and bottom pair and there where 2 spades on the board. I checked and the last action bet. He had few chips left and I felt he was going to go all the way with the hand, so I called all the way down against 3 other players. He hit the flush on the river, otherwise I had the best hand against all 3. I think I played one more hand and had to fold and basically got myself down to 22 dollars before it started to turn around. I looked down and had KK, I bet it the whole way against 3 other players and no-one hit their draw, so won a nice pot there and after I stacked the pot I was back up to 85. From here I played a little over and hour before the table broke and had several small to medium pots and ended up cashing out ahead.
I think if I would have lost with the KK and reloaded it would be hard to tell if I would have went on tilt or not and started playing bad to try to catch back up. Luckily from the 44 hand to the KK hand it was only like 10-15 minutes so really not enough time for me to dwel on it and get frustrated. once I was back up to 85, it was easy for me to relax into my mode of playing solid and continue to grow my stack from there.
In 100
Out 212
Time 1.5 hrs
BR 3355
Played in the 4-8 kill game last night. It was a short session I got there late and did not make it into the main game. The table I was at broke after about an hour and a half and it was late and did not look like I would get into the main game for awhile so I called it quits for the night. Started out pretty frustrating, if it was not for the river in the first few hands I played, I could have posted a much bigger win.
The first hand I played was a kill pot so the betting was 8-16. I had 4-4 and was under the gun so I called 8. There where 4 or 5 players in the hand. The flop A-8-6 and it was checked around. The turn was a 4, was pretty happy about this. The person to my right bet out 16 and I raised to 32. Everyone else folded and he called. The river was a 2. He checked, I bet 16, and he called with the 3-5 for a straight. So there was 40 down the hole. The next hand I am in the BB with Q-5 and it is pre-flopped raised to 8. In this game I will call any single raise in the BB, not the LB though.
So many people call the 8, that it is usually only 4 more to call the raise, to win a pot that is already around 40. I pretty much call any raise to 8 in the BB with any 2 cards. This is also why I will rarely raise in this 4-8 game (Kill pot is a different story). I will only raise in early position and only if I think I can get some to fold. If not then i will just call and wait to see if I hit a good flop. In late position I will only raise if there are only 1 or 2 callers to begin with and most people have folded. If you raise in late position, everyone is going to call, pretty much for the same reason that I will call any raise in the BB it is only 4 more to call, the inital pot is much bigger, and any 2 cards can win. Just calling has its risks, but, raising and getting everyone to call is going to have the same risks only risking more money, and if you hit your hand you have hidden your strenght well and can usually get a nice sized pot.
Anyway I flopped top and bottom pair and there where 2 spades on the board. I checked and the last action bet. He had few chips left and I felt he was going to go all the way with the hand, so I called all the way down against 3 other players. He hit the flush on the river, otherwise I had the best hand against all 3. I think I played one more hand and had to fold and basically got myself down to 22 dollars before it started to turn around. I looked down and had KK, I bet it the whole way against 3 other players and no-one hit their draw, so won a nice pot there and after I stacked the pot I was back up to 85. From here I played a little over and hour before the table broke and had several small to medium pots and ended up cashing out ahead.
I think if I would have lost with the KK and reloaded it would be hard to tell if I would have went on tilt or not and started playing bad to try to catch back up. Luckily from the 44 hand to the KK hand it was only like 10-15 minutes so really not enough time for me to dwel on it and get frustrated. once I was back up to 85, it was easy for me to relax into my mode of playing solid and continue to grow my stack from there.
In 100
Out 212
Time 1.5 hrs
BR 3355
Friday, June 3, 2011
Session 7
Session 7
Played in the 4-8 game last night. walked away with a medium low win, but any win is progress so I will take it. It was very up and down, mostly becuase I found myself making some bad calls, that looking back on I am not too happy about. There where a few players that where chasing alot, and one guy that I saw was beating all the way with nothing and saw him hit on the river a few times. That will be one of the difficulties of me hitting my goal playing in this game. With such low betting structure, most times it will be hard to bet anyone off any draw. But, I am starting to learn how the people I see there alot are playing and there are several that are good enough that I can steal some pots from on dangerous boards. I had a few good bluffs last night doing just that. One was a kill pot where I pre-floped raised with AK and bet it the whole way and had 2 callers stay with me and then fold on the river. Was a pretty up and down night, but never re-loaded, so anytime I am only risking 100 that is great. My best hand in the BB with K-5, and the flop was 5 5 5. I checked the flop, and it was checked around. The turn was and A, and I bet, the person to my left called his last 7 and the next player called. I then bet the river and got called and got to show the quads.
In 100
Out 185
Time 3 Hrs
BR 3243
Played in the 4-8 game last night. walked away with a medium low win, but any win is progress so I will take it. It was very up and down, mostly becuase I found myself making some bad calls, that looking back on I am not too happy about. There where a few players that where chasing alot, and one guy that I saw was beating all the way with nothing and saw him hit on the river a few times. That will be one of the difficulties of me hitting my goal playing in this game. With such low betting structure, most times it will be hard to bet anyone off any draw. But, I am starting to learn how the people I see there alot are playing and there are several that are good enough that I can steal some pots from on dangerous boards. I had a few good bluffs last night doing just that. One was a kill pot where I pre-floped raised with AK and bet it the whole way and had 2 callers stay with me and then fold on the river. Was a pretty up and down night, but never re-loaded, so anytime I am only risking 100 that is great. My best hand in the BB with K-5, and the flop was 5 5 5. I checked the flop, and it was checked around. The turn was and A, and I bet, the person to my left called his last 7 and the next player called. I then bet the river and got called and got to show the quads.
In 100
Out 185
Time 3 Hrs
BR 3243
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Progress Check 10%
Well, I am a little over 10% of the way to my first goal of 52 sessions. Time for a progress check. These numbers will be a little inflated becuase of the 275 roulette win I added to my bankroll, to cover the horrible first day in Vegas. But, I am not adding any of the 1000 I won in Let-It-Ride to the bankroll, and it is early enough in my session count, that I dont think it will impact my overall results over 52 sessions. I am also only working out of state 3 weeks over the next 2 months so will have alot more time working from home and being able to play more than once a week, so will be able to reach my 52 count alot faster. Right now my BR is up 758 which is averaging 24/hr and 126/session. The 126 puts be a little under the middle mark of my BR goal, so pretty satisfied with that result so far.
Depending on how tired I am when I get to Virginia on Sunday morning, I may head out to Hollywood Casino in West Virginia. I have been there twice and it is huge, I was suprised how big it was considering where it was at. They have a pretty big poker room, I have played 1-2 no limit there twice and actually lost both times, but I know where my errors have been those two times, so if I go, I will really have to watch how I start off. I will frequently take chances and play "bad" very early, so I will just need to calm down when I get there and take it easy. I had a pretty memorable hand the last time I was there.
When I got there I was in seat 10 and in seat 6 or so there was a guy and he had about 2grand in front of him. It was 1-2 NL. The max initial buy-in is 300 at that table so he must have been doing really well all day. I got there in the middle of the afternoon and he said he had been there all day. Listening to him talk to his friends that where coming by I learned that at the WPT foxwoods event he said he got (If I remember correctly) 6th place in that tournement. So I will be watching it when it comes around, he said it will be televised in June. I will post his name and the place he got when I catch it on TV. Anyway I was in the BB with 6-4 of diamonds. It was an un-raised pot so got to see a flop for no extra money. I dont remember what the first card was, but the 3 and 5 of diamonds came out on the flop. So, I flopped the open-ended straight flush draw. I also dont remember how much he bet on the flop and turn it was a while ago, but I check called the flop and turn. The river brought the 7 of diamonds. So I hit the 7 high straight flush. I did not put him on a flush draw, and he was playing very tight and well the entire time I was there, so I did not think he would call a large or all in bet even though he had me about 8 to 10 to 1 in chips. If I would have known what he said he had later I would have checked, but I figured he had some kind of top pair or two pair, so I lead out and bet 15 which is a pretty small bet compared to the pot size. Then he thought about it for several minutes and then he called. I turned up the straight flush and he folded face down. He said he had the King high flush. If I would have put him on a big flush draw I would have check raised him instead of leading out, if he did have the king high flush and I checked he would have put a good sized bet on the river, unless he really thought I was check calling with the nut flush draw the whole time. Hard to tell what the best thing to do in that situation against a good player. Anyone else at that table would have raised me with the King high flush, little unlucky hitting such a huge hand against a great hand against such a good player. Would be nice to have that bet back and try different things to see what the outcome would have been. Would he think I was bluffing with a huge bet, would he have gone all in if I checked? Only he knows I guess.
Depending on how tired I am when I get to Virginia on Sunday morning, I may head out to Hollywood Casino in West Virginia. I have been there twice and it is huge, I was suprised how big it was considering where it was at. They have a pretty big poker room, I have played 1-2 no limit there twice and actually lost both times, but I know where my errors have been those two times, so if I go, I will really have to watch how I start off. I will frequently take chances and play "bad" very early, so I will just need to calm down when I get there and take it easy. I had a pretty memorable hand the last time I was there.
When I got there I was in seat 10 and in seat 6 or so there was a guy and he had about 2grand in front of him. It was 1-2 NL. The max initial buy-in is 300 at that table so he must have been doing really well all day. I got there in the middle of the afternoon and he said he had been there all day. Listening to him talk to his friends that where coming by I learned that at the WPT foxwoods event he said he got (If I remember correctly) 6th place in that tournement. So I will be watching it when it comes around, he said it will be televised in June. I will post his name and the place he got when I catch it on TV. Anyway I was in the BB with 6-4 of diamonds. It was an un-raised pot so got to see a flop for no extra money. I dont remember what the first card was, but the 3 and 5 of diamonds came out on the flop. So, I flopped the open-ended straight flush draw. I also dont remember how much he bet on the flop and turn it was a while ago, but I check called the flop and turn. The river brought the 7 of diamonds. So I hit the 7 high straight flush. I did not put him on a flush draw, and he was playing very tight and well the entire time I was there, so I did not think he would call a large or all in bet even though he had me about 8 to 10 to 1 in chips. If I would have known what he said he had later I would have checked, but I figured he had some kind of top pair or two pair, so I lead out and bet 15 which is a pretty small bet compared to the pot size. Then he thought about it for several minutes and then he called. I turned up the straight flush and he folded face down. He said he had the King high flush. If I would have put him on a big flush draw I would have check raised him instead of leading out, if he did have the king high flush and I checked he would have put a good sized bet on the river, unless he really thought I was check calling with the nut flush draw the whole time. Hard to tell what the best thing to do in that situation against a good player. Anyone else at that table would have raised me with the King high flush, little unlucky hitting such a huge hand against a great hand against such a good player. Would be nice to have that bet back and try different things to see what the outcome would have been. Would he think I was bluffing with a huge bet, would he have gone all in if I checked? Only he knows I guess.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Session 6 - Last Day in Vegas
Today was a bit disjointed I was pretty tired and slept in, and only had about 6 hours till I had to leave to the airport. I decided to check out the poker room at the Luxor. I was hoping that there would be some easy action. The poker room was pretty annoying, they had 2 tables going and I stayed for about an hour. I did good, cashed out 75, but there was a room back behind the poker room where the casino was smashing glass, so that was going on the whole time it was very distracting. I guess when they get glassware from other casino's they used to trade them back but now the policy is to break the glass. Why they have to do it right behind the poker room is anyones guess. Mandalay Bay is right next to Luxor and so decided to head over there and check that out. They had one table going and so I decided to play. I only stayed about 2 hours because inbetween I decided to play some Let-It-Ride, and on my second hand I got quad 4's for a big win. So I was a bit out of sorts, was not playing correctly, I won a bunch right away and then threw most of it away, trying to play my rush, so looking back was not too happy that I did not keep my discipline during that game, would have been nice to post a bigger win than 100 overall for the day.
In, total for both places 400
Out, total for both 500
Time played 3 Hr
BR 3158
In, total for both places 400
Out, total for both 500
Time played 3 Hr
BR 3158
Session 5 - Day 2 in Vegas
Session 5
This was a much better session for me. Really no bad luck, I was also playing very tight. The big difference was that my good cards I was playing where holding up when I hit a good hand. I won the first pot I played and never dipped below my 200 starting chips. It was a long day and hard to remember any real good hands or action. My first double up I had about 250, was with QQ against JJ, and then I just played solid the rest of the day. The player had me covered and then a few hands later I felted him when I had 55 and flopped a sest. I played very few hands over the 10 hours and had no real bad luck. It was really justification for the first day, where I felt I was playing real good and just got creamed by the deck. After about 9 hours I was up about 640 and started feeling like I was getting tired, over that next hour I lost about 100 so I cashed in my chips. I still felt like I wanted to play but think I practiced good discipline by leaving when I did.
I spent the next hour and a half sweating my Dad, he won enough the day before to buy into one of the deepstack tournements at the Venetian. At 10pm there whas 46 players left of the starting 331 and he was the shortest stack. I watched him basically fold for a hour and a half and make it into the money. Once I knew he cashed I left and headed back to the hotel to get some rest and get ready for my last day. 25th place to 36th place pretty much paid the same so he told me when he got back to the hotel that he was so short he just pushed with a hand a lost not too long after I left. He said he thinks he got 34th or 35th.
In - 200
Out- 718
Time- 10 hrs
BR - 3058
This was a much better session for me. Really no bad luck, I was also playing very tight. The big difference was that my good cards I was playing where holding up when I hit a good hand. I won the first pot I played and never dipped below my 200 starting chips. It was a long day and hard to remember any real good hands or action. My first double up I had about 250, was with QQ against JJ, and then I just played solid the rest of the day. The player had me covered and then a few hands later I felted him when I had 55 and flopped a sest. I played very few hands over the 10 hours and had no real bad luck. It was really justification for the first day, where I felt I was playing real good and just got creamed by the deck. After about 9 hours I was up about 640 and started feeling like I was getting tired, over that next hour I lost about 100 so I cashed in my chips. I still felt like I wanted to play but think I practiced good discipline by leaving when I did.
I spent the next hour and a half sweating my Dad, he won enough the day before to buy into one of the deepstack tournements at the Venetian. At 10pm there whas 46 players left of the starting 331 and he was the shortest stack. I watched him basically fold for a hour and a half and make it into the money. Once I knew he cashed I left and headed back to the hotel to get some rest and get ready for my last day. 25th place to 36th place pretty much paid the same so he told me when he got back to the hotel that he was so short he just pushed with a hand a lost not too long after I left. He said he thinks he got 34th or 35th.
In - 200
Out- 718
Time- 10 hrs
BR - 3058
Monday, May 30, 2011
Session 4
Well, going to make this short since am in vegas and want to get back into the action. My plans did not pan out too well yesterday. Met my dad at the luxor around 2 or so yesterday afternoon and then we went to check out the poker room and where severly disappointed they had 2 tables playing 1-2 NL and that was it. So we decided to make the trek out to the Venetian where we played last year. They have a huge poker room and a lot of action. One of the Deepstack Tourneys is going on right now so that brings in even more.
I started playing about 3:45 in the 1-2 NL game and my bad luck streak continued. In the first hour and a half I had lost 600, I was playing well but just gettin severly unlucky. I started to come back and then got sucked out on twice by the same crazy forigen guy. He would go all in on the flop and I have a set of 7's so I call him for 220 and he runner runners a straight on me. Then a few hands later I have top and middle pair and he goes all in again on the flop so I call him again for another 200 or so and he has Top pair with a good kicker and it comes runner runner JJ to counterfeit me. So about 10 pm I bought in for my last 200 by about 1 am I was down to about my last 150 when I won a monster ~550 pot. This time it was my turn to get lucky on the river. I had A8 and 2 other players in the pot, the flop was 8-7-8 with 2 hearts. I made a bet on the flop and it was called and then the next guy went all in, and I called. The last action was from eastern europe and was really talking the hand up about what he should do. He showed the A-10 hearts and there was abotu 400 in the pot and he was debating if he should call with the nut flush draw. He eventually did after about 5 or 6 minutes of analysing the hand for everyones benefit and how much it would be for him to call and the pot size and what we both had etc.....Well he calls. The inital raiser of course had 8-7 for a full house. I had three 8's with and Ace and the third player had the nut flush draw. The turn brought in 9 of hearts. So now we have Full house, me with 3 eights and the next guy with the nut flush and now an open ended straight flush draw. Well the river brought me the ace of clubs to give me the bigger full house and take down the pot.
On a side note I hit up the roulette table at about 2:30am and got real lucky and won 275 so I am only 30 short of what I brought here. So hopefully today will be a better day. Starting off basically new so hopefully I can dodge the horrible luck I have been getting the last 2 days and start making some upward momentem, and going to add that 275 back into the bankroll, since this is Vegas gotta roll with it.
In 850
Out 545 (+275)
Time 9 hours
BR 2540
I started playing about 3:45 in the 1-2 NL game and my bad luck streak continued. In the first hour and a half I had lost 600, I was playing well but just gettin severly unlucky. I started to come back and then got sucked out on twice by the same crazy forigen guy. He would go all in on the flop and I have a set of 7's so I call him for 220 and he runner runners a straight on me. Then a few hands later I have top and middle pair and he goes all in again on the flop so I call him again for another 200 or so and he has Top pair with a good kicker and it comes runner runner JJ to counterfeit me. So about 10 pm I bought in for my last 200 by about 1 am I was down to about my last 150 when I won a monster ~550 pot. This time it was my turn to get lucky on the river. I had A8 and 2 other players in the pot, the flop was 8-7-8 with 2 hearts. I made a bet on the flop and it was called and then the next guy went all in, and I called. The last action was from eastern europe and was really talking the hand up about what he should do. He showed the A-10 hearts and there was abotu 400 in the pot and he was debating if he should call with the nut flush draw. He eventually did after about 5 or 6 minutes of analysing the hand for everyones benefit and how much it would be for him to call and the pot size and what we both had etc.....Well he calls. The inital raiser of course had 8-7 for a full house. I had three 8's with and Ace and the third player had the nut flush draw. The turn brought in 9 of hearts. So now we have Full house, me with 3 eights and the next guy with the nut flush and now an open ended straight flush draw. Well the river brought me the ace of clubs to give me the bigger full house and take down the pot.
On a side note I hit up the roulette table at about 2:30am and got real lucky and won 275 so I am only 30 short of what I brought here. So hopefully today will be a better day. Starting off basically new so hopefully I can dodge the horrible luck I have been getting the last 2 days and start making some upward momentem, and going to add that 275 back into the bankroll, since this is Vegas gotta roll with it.
In 850
Out 545 (+275)
Time 9 hours
BR 2540
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Session 3
Session 3
This was a pretty brutal session. I missed my connection home on Thursday so was not able to make it home till late Friday afternoon. I decided to head out around 9pm to play 4-8. I lost 100 in this session, which overall considering the cold deck I was recieving, I feel lucky. I played for 4 hours, and The first 2 hours I could not really get any trackion on my chip stack. It was constantly up and down up and down, then during that time I also lost a big pot with AA cracked. I was in late position and pre-flopped raised, but since this is a low limit game all 5 people who limped called my raise. So was pretty unhappy to have to play AA against 5 other players. But i was in good position and the flop was not too threatening. Everyone checked to me on the flop and I bet, everyone called. The turn everyone checked I bet and everyone called. The river brought the thrid club and of course first position lead out and bet, everyone folded but I called just in case, and of course I got beat to runner runner club flush. The thrid hour was very brutal, I got lost my first buy-in of 100 after within about 30 minutes of that hour, The same player rivered a bigger full house against me. In each case I flopped a set and he flopped 2 pair, and the river boated us both up, him with the higher full house. At that point it was pretty late, but I was happy that I did not go on too much tilt and decided to re-buy for 100 and see if I could make some back. There was one player who was a complete calling station and was getting very lucky he had about 1000 in front of him, so I was hoping I could get in a few pots with him and have my hand hold up to get at least back to even. My plan worked I was able to get into some hands with him with any pair against his draws and won a few. I got about 60 back, but then here is where I started to let emotion and fatigue get into my game. It was late, and I was jet lagged and all I was really thinking about at this point was trying to break even, to the point where I was making bad calls hoping to get lucky. I also had a time limit in mind I did not want to play past 1am, so I basically threw that 60 away with my lost focus. This is one of the points in my game where I really need to watch. If it gets too late and I get too tired and I have a set time I have to leave instead of leaving when I feel the game has gone sour, or I am at a point where I am happy with my win and dont want to play anymore. At that point I figued it was time to go and take my 100 loss and hopefully learn from that, I really played solid during the first 3.5 hours, against alot of adversity, but that last 30 minutes really took me down.
The good news is I am heading off to Las Vegas for a few days tomorrow morning and hopefully I will have got all my real bad luck out of my system. My dad is down there for a conference so, since I have monday off and had already planned on working from home next week, I took and extra day off and will have most of Sunday, all day monday and then my flight leaves tuesday night to come back home. I went to Vegas last year with my dad and did well. Played at the Venetian for a few days and won about 500, so hoping to keep my unbeaten streak alive in Las Vegas. Will be staying at the Luxor this time, looked online to see what they had going and looks like they dont have 4-8 which is where my bankroll would have me playing accoring to my plan. I really dont want to play 3-6, so think I will use my 10% rule and start off playing real tight in the 6-12 game. I will be using my bankroll for expenses also though, but my expenses should be pretty low, I used frequent flyer miles so my ticket was only $5, and will be crashing in my Dad's rooms so, no hotel cost either, should only have food costs. Hopefully by Sunday night I will be winning and if I have enough, will try to roll that into the 2-5 no limit game, but if not, will stay at 6-12, and if things go bad I can try to grind out at the 3-6 game. But I think I have some advantages to my game going to Vegas. First I will have no time limit, so as long as I play consistently I will come out ahead. I am actually pretty excited to play in the 6-12 game. I have never played it before and hoping there will be alot of doctors around for this conference playing, and throwing there money into the game, not knowing what they are doing. I have played in 1-3 no limit games and larger 2-20 and 4-40 spread games, but never a limit game higher than a 4-8 kill, so will be interesting to see how I feel I need to change my game with this structure and how the table is playing.
In 200
Out 100
Time 4hrs
BR 2570
This was a pretty brutal session. I missed my connection home on Thursday so was not able to make it home till late Friday afternoon. I decided to head out around 9pm to play 4-8. I lost 100 in this session, which overall considering the cold deck I was recieving, I feel lucky. I played for 4 hours, and The first 2 hours I could not really get any trackion on my chip stack. It was constantly up and down up and down, then during that time I also lost a big pot with AA cracked. I was in late position and pre-flopped raised, but since this is a low limit game all 5 people who limped called my raise. So was pretty unhappy to have to play AA against 5 other players. But i was in good position and the flop was not too threatening. Everyone checked to me on the flop and I bet, everyone called. The turn everyone checked I bet and everyone called. The river brought the thrid club and of course first position lead out and bet, everyone folded but I called just in case, and of course I got beat to runner runner club flush. The thrid hour was very brutal, I got lost my first buy-in of 100 after within about 30 minutes of that hour, The same player rivered a bigger full house against me. In each case I flopped a set and he flopped 2 pair, and the river boated us both up, him with the higher full house. At that point it was pretty late, but I was happy that I did not go on too much tilt and decided to re-buy for 100 and see if I could make some back. There was one player who was a complete calling station and was getting very lucky he had about 1000 in front of him, so I was hoping I could get in a few pots with him and have my hand hold up to get at least back to even. My plan worked I was able to get into some hands with him with any pair against his draws and won a few. I got about 60 back, but then here is where I started to let emotion and fatigue get into my game. It was late, and I was jet lagged and all I was really thinking about at this point was trying to break even, to the point where I was making bad calls hoping to get lucky. I also had a time limit in mind I did not want to play past 1am, so I basically threw that 60 away with my lost focus. This is one of the points in my game where I really need to watch. If it gets too late and I get too tired and I have a set time I have to leave instead of leaving when I feel the game has gone sour, or I am at a point where I am happy with my win and dont want to play anymore. At that point I figued it was time to go and take my 100 loss and hopefully learn from that, I really played solid during the first 3.5 hours, against alot of adversity, but that last 30 minutes really took me down.
The good news is I am heading off to Las Vegas for a few days tomorrow morning and hopefully I will have got all my real bad luck out of my system. My dad is down there for a conference so, since I have monday off and had already planned on working from home next week, I took and extra day off and will have most of Sunday, all day monday and then my flight leaves tuesday night to come back home. I went to Vegas last year with my dad and did well. Played at the Venetian for a few days and won about 500, so hoping to keep my unbeaten streak alive in Las Vegas. Will be staying at the Luxor this time, looked online to see what they had going and looks like they dont have 4-8 which is where my bankroll would have me playing accoring to my plan. I really dont want to play 3-6, so think I will use my 10% rule and start off playing real tight in the 6-12 game. I will be using my bankroll for expenses also though, but my expenses should be pretty low, I used frequent flyer miles so my ticket was only $5, and will be crashing in my Dad's rooms so, no hotel cost either, should only have food costs. Hopefully by Sunday night I will be winning and if I have enough, will try to roll that into the 2-5 no limit game, but if not, will stay at 6-12, and if things go bad I can try to grind out at the 3-6 game. But I think I have some advantages to my game going to Vegas. First I will have no time limit, so as long as I play consistently I will come out ahead. I am actually pretty excited to play in the 6-12 game. I have never played it before and hoping there will be alot of doctors around for this conference playing, and throwing there money into the game, not knowing what they are doing. I have played in 1-3 no limit games and larger 2-20 and 4-40 spread games, but never a limit game higher than a 4-8 kill, so will be interesting to see how I feel I need to change my game with this structure and how the table is playing.
In 200
Out 100
Time 4hrs
BR 2570
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Session 2
Session 2
Much more comfortable game today. When I got there, I got right into the second game that was full, but within 2 hands I was moved to the main table. Playing 4-8 kill again. I liked the composure of this table much better than in Session 1. There was not really anyone tring to run over the table like the other night. Most hands where not raised pre-flop, and the ones that where, I did not feel they where from players who where raising any two cards. As the session continued several players busted out and new ones where brought in. Near the end most where still pretty solid, with 2 players that I put on calling stations with any draw. I got into some hands with them and my hand held up so was pretty satisfied.
I still think I started out playing not so good. I was making bad calls with bad draws and took me starting to bled chips before I reminded myself that I was not in a rush and to take my time and play smart. Once I did this after about the first hour, I started playing much better and was retaining my chips more between nice pots. One hand I think started out ok, but I think I ended it bad I wish I could have back.
I was in early second betting position with AQ off. the person to my right called 8. It was a kill pot so I pre-flopped raised to 16. I think that was the right move, a real tight player may say no, but many people like to call 8 just becuase of the kill pot, but I only had one called plus the person to my right who called 8. I was happy to get it down to three players. The flop was not very exciting, I dont remember, a bit draw heavy something like 479, but I was hoping that the two callers to my raise where not playing weak cards. First position checked, I bet 8 and they both called. Dont remember really what the turn was another low card. First position checked, and I bet 16. I dont think that was a good bet, I was not in the best position, against 2 players on a draw heavy board, and all I had was ace high. But I did get one to fold. On the river the first position lead out and bet 16. Here I figured I was beat, either hit a draw or had top pair or better on the flop and was slow playing me. So lost a bit there, I think I could have played that A Q smarter.
I had two other real nice pots. One was as I was getting my chips racked up to go. I pre-flopped raised with JJ, got 4 callers and flopped a set. first position bet, I raised and then it was down to 3 players. The board had some draws, but the turn was bet and I just called and all three stayed. Same on the river. the inital better missed his draw, and not sure what the person after me had. The other big pot I had was with a K J. I called 4 to see the flop and hit the open ender with a Q and 10 on the board. Dont quite remember how the betting went, but I check called one bet on the flop and turn, and then I hit the nuts on the river when a 9 came. I lead out and bet 8, and then got raised, with one caller to the raise, so I re-raised to 24, and they both called.
In 100
out 390
time 3.75
BR 2670
Much more comfortable game today. When I got there, I got right into the second game that was full, but within 2 hands I was moved to the main table. Playing 4-8 kill again. I liked the composure of this table much better than in Session 1. There was not really anyone tring to run over the table like the other night. Most hands where not raised pre-flop, and the ones that where, I did not feel they where from players who where raising any two cards. As the session continued several players busted out and new ones where brought in. Near the end most where still pretty solid, with 2 players that I put on calling stations with any draw. I got into some hands with them and my hand held up so was pretty satisfied.
I still think I started out playing not so good. I was making bad calls with bad draws and took me starting to bled chips before I reminded myself that I was not in a rush and to take my time and play smart. Once I did this after about the first hour, I started playing much better and was retaining my chips more between nice pots. One hand I think started out ok, but I think I ended it bad I wish I could have back.
I was in early second betting position with AQ off. the person to my right called 8. It was a kill pot so I pre-flopped raised to 16. I think that was the right move, a real tight player may say no, but many people like to call 8 just becuase of the kill pot, but I only had one called plus the person to my right who called 8. I was happy to get it down to three players. The flop was not very exciting, I dont remember, a bit draw heavy something like 479, but I was hoping that the two callers to my raise where not playing weak cards. First position checked, I bet 8 and they both called. Dont remember really what the turn was another low card. First position checked, and I bet 16. I dont think that was a good bet, I was not in the best position, against 2 players on a draw heavy board, and all I had was ace high. But I did get one to fold. On the river the first position lead out and bet 16. Here I figured I was beat, either hit a draw or had top pair or better on the flop and was slow playing me. So lost a bit there, I think I could have played that A Q smarter.
I had two other real nice pots. One was as I was getting my chips racked up to go. I pre-flopped raised with JJ, got 4 callers and flopped a set. first position bet, I raised and then it was down to 3 players. The board had some draws, but the turn was bet and I just called and all three stayed. Same on the river. the inital better missed his draw, and not sure what the person after me had. The other big pot I had was with a K J. I called 4 to see the flop and hit the open ender with a Q and 10 on the board. Dont quite remember how the betting went, but I check called one bet on the flop and turn, and then I hit the nuts on the river when a 9 came. I lead out and bet 8, and then got raised, with one caller to the raise, so I re-raised to 24, and they both called.
In 100
out 390
time 3.75
BR 2670
Friday, May 20, 2011
Session 1
Session 1
Definatly not what I was expecting. overall for the way the table was playing I am content with the outcome. I have never been to this casino on a Thursday night, and it was not nearly as busy as a Friday or Saturday like I have played in the past. When I got there, there was 2 tables but the second table only had 4 players playing. So I had to start off short tabled, which I dont like. Another thing I had going against me was my fatigue level. I usually get home on Thursdays around midnight but I had an earlier flight and got in at 7pm, which allowed me to get home by 8, and I wanted to play so was at the Casino at 10. I was pretty tired though and only played an hour and a half.
When I got to the main game it was hyper-aggressive. Since I was so tired I still wanted to play but knew I would not have my full focus, I was only willing to put up 100 of my bankroll. At the main table there where 4 really aggressive players/gamblers. It seemed that these 4 where pretty much just pushing 100 pots back and forth between each other. Almost every hand was pre-flopped raised with any two cards, and many hands where re-raised or capped pre-flop. So really against that many gamblers I had to pick my shots to gamble also. Most of the time they where going all the way down to the river, so hard to outplay that many straight gamblers with limited time. This is one of the challenges that I think I will have in this lower limit game, if I get at a table with too many straight gamblers. Playing back only worked once on a kill pot, so that was nice. I had got the hand isolated to one gambler, and had middle pair and figured the guy had not much of a hand becuase he was raising almost every pot. So I played back on the turn and he folded. for a nice pot. I also hit a monte carlo hand Quad Q's. Unfortunatly it had been hit recently and was only worth $26.
But after that I went though a string of no cards and it was costing alot to see a flop and turn, if I was not so tired and it was earlier in the day I prob could have played more patient and waited for better spots to play back or wait for more premium hands, but did not have that option this time. So I slowly started to bleed chips. Ended up finishing after an hour and a half at -$20.
In: 100
Out: 80
Time played: 1.5 hours
Bankroll: 2,380
Definatly not what I was expecting. overall for the way the table was playing I am content with the outcome. I have never been to this casino on a Thursday night, and it was not nearly as busy as a Friday or Saturday like I have played in the past. When I got there, there was 2 tables but the second table only had 4 players playing. So I had to start off short tabled, which I dont like. Another thing I had going against me was my fatigue level. I usually get home on Thursdays around midnight but I had an earlier flight and got in at 7pm, which allowed me to get home by 8, and I wanted to play so was at the Casino at 10. I was pretty tired though and only played an hour and a half.
When I got to the main game it was hyper-aggressive. Since I was so tired I still wanted to play but knew I would not have my full focus, I was only willing to put up 100 of my bankroll. At the main table there where 4 really aggressive players/gamblers. It seemed that these 4 where pretty much just pushing 100 pots back and forth between each other. Almost every hand was pre-flopped raised with any two cards, and many hands where re-raised or capped pre-flop. So really against that many gamblers I had to pick my shots to gamble also. Most of the time they where going all the way down to the river, so hard to outplay that many straight gamblers with limited time. This is one of the challenges that I think I will have in this lower limit game, if I get at a table with too many straight gamblers. Playing back only worked once on a kill pot, so that was nice. I had got the hand isolated to one gambler, and had middle pair and figured the guy had not much of a hand becuase he was raising almost every pot. So I played back on the turn and he folded. for a nice pot. I also hit a monte carlo hand Quad Q's. Unfortunatly it had been hit recently and was only worth $26.
But after that I went though a string of no cards and it was costing alot to see a flop and turn, if I was not so tired and it was earlier in the day I prob could have played more patient and waited for better spots to play back or wait for more premium hands, but did not have that option this time. So I slowly started to bleed chips. Ended up finishing after an hour and a half at -$20.
In: 100
Out: 80
Time played: 1.5 hours
Bankroll: 2,380
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Journey Begins
Welcome to my journey to independence through poker.
It has been my dream to be able to make a living playing cards. I have been playing poker tournements and cash games regularly for about 7 years now. I have tried at different points to keep track of my wins and losses but have not been consistent with that. From the records I do have, and my general feel for how I have done, I consider myself a winning player. But I have never had an established bankroll and always used whatever money I had on hand to play. Frequently my winnings would be spent right away as well. I am hoping that by developing and sticking to a plan, and practicing good bankroll management, I can start small and work my way up the levels to eventually be playing full time and achieve fortune and glory.
My Plan and Goal:
My plan is to start off with a blank slate and a clear mind. I am going to remind myself before each session how I intend to play and what pitfalls I need to watch out for. My current full time job has me traveling alot and my time at the table is limited. I am hoping to be able to play once a week, but that won't always happen. The main game at the casino close to my house is a 4-8 kill. I think that this is an ok place to start. I have set aside 300 big blinds for my bankroll, at this point I dont want to put aside more than that, so the 4-8 game will be my starting point. My goal is to play 52 sessions and evaluate where I am at that point. After 52 sessions my goal is to grow my 2400 bankroll to somewhere between 8000 to 12000. That would be an average win per sesson of 107 to 185.
For my bankroll management I need to remember a few things. In the past I have pulled together some wins and tried to start a bankroll from scratch. Unfortunatly I have not maintained good discipline with it. I am hoping that by starting off with a realistic bankroll to cover varience, and a plan, I will be able to see results. Some things I need to watch out for. No playing table games with bankroll while waiting to get a seat. Tournemnets and home games at this point will be purely recreational and will not come from my bankroll. Never risk more than 10% of my bankroll in any given session.
Most of my posts will be session related with a recap of memorable hands, reminders to myself of what I feel I am doing wrong or right, and some basic stats to keep track of my goal of 8K-12K BR after 52 sessions. I welcome any support or advise from anyone following this blog.
It has been my dream to be able to make a living playing cards. I have been playing poker tournements and cash games regularly for about 7 years now. I have tried at different points to keep track of my wins and losses but have not been consistent with that. From the records I do have, and my general feel for how I have done, I consider myself a winning player. But I have never had an established bankroll and always used whatever money I had on hand to play. Frequently my winnings would be spent right away as well. I am hoping that by developing and sticking to a plan, and practicing good bankroll management, I can start small and work my way up the levels to eventually be playing full time and achieve fortune and glory.
My Plan and Goal:
My plan is to start off with a blank slate and a clear mind. I am going to remind myself before each session how I intend to play and what pitfalls I need to watch out for. My current full time job has me traveling alot and my time at the table is limited. I am hoping to be able to play once a week, but that won't always happen. The main game at the casino close to my house is a 4-8 kill. I think that this is an ok place to start. I have set aside 300 big blinds for my bankroll, at this point I dont want to put aside more than that, so the 4-8 game will be my starting point. My goal is to play 52 sessions and evaluate where I am at that point. After 52 sessions my goal is to grow my 2400 bankroll to somewhere between 8000 to 12000. That would be an average win per sesson of 107 to 185.
For my bankroll management I need to remember a few things. In the past I have pulled together some wins and tried to start a bankroll from scratch. Unfortunatly I have not maintained good discipline with it. I am hoping that by starting off with a realistic bankroll to cover varience, and a plan, I will be able to see results. Some things I need to watch out for. No playing table games with bankroll while waiting to get a seat. Tournemnets and home games at this point will be purely recreational and will not come from my bankroll. Never risk more than 10% of my bankroll in any given session.
Most of my posts will be session related with a recap of memorable hands, reminders to myself of what I feel I am doing wrong or right, and some basic stats to keep track of my goal of 8K-12K BR after 52 sessions. I welcome any support or advise from anyone following this blog.
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