Event #2 - $1500 NLH

This massive event with a so-so structure is usually very juicy. However, because you don't start with that many chips (3k w/ 25/50 blinds) a good start is relatively important. Typically by the 3rd level (100/200) the average stack only has around 4500. At this point, there is a big consolidation period where getting some big starting hands can boost your stack dramatically.

At the first break, I was sitting about average at 4500. Nothing much had happened, and my table was ideal. I had a great read on the most active player at the table, but no one was really too aggressive. I then lost a 1500 pot with K7s vs A3o where I was getting exactly 2:1 to call pre after two guys had limped, I limped, and then the SB went allin for 500 more.

I chipped back up into the 4500 range when I ran my only substantial bluff of the tourney. At the 50/100 level, a guy limped in MP, and I completed my SB with T3h. The BB checked his option, and the flop came down T82. I check-raised the limper's 200 bet to 600. He was a guy who was obviously scared to bust based on some previous hands/comments. The BB folded, and when the action got back to him he muttered something along the lines of "damn I think I'm outkicked." He didn't say it loudly, but I clearly heard it, and I knew this guy wasn't angle shooting. I figured he'd fold right there, but then he just called leaving himself 1175 in chips. I know this b/c I asked for his chip count prior to the turn card. Now I know he has a better T than me, but I also don't think he'll call a shove most of the time on the turn unless he pairs his other card. A beautiful 2 rolled off and I shoved him in fairly quickly. He hemmed and hawwed for a bit before folding QT face up.

I got up to 8k with a 2:1 suckout for a 4k pot, but then got moved to a new table where my stack was only about average. I misplayed a hand to lose 1500, then made a semi-marginal call to lose another 2500. For the next two hours, I bought a couple blinds and shoved allin over the top of someone once with 66. My stack stayed pretty even during this time.

After getting moved to my third table, I proceeded to fold for about 2 or 3 rounds. There was a nut there opening alot of hands, and I was card dead with not much fold equity. Soon the blinds were up to 200/400 with a 50 ante. I finally found a chance to shove for 2700 in the cutoff with xx. I didn't look. Everyone folded. Next hand I got QJ and shoved again. The BB made me sweat and then folded saying "I'll let you have this one." (This foreshadowed the bustout hand.)

I folded another round and a half. Then the UTG guy limped (which seemed weak from him), and I looked down at JJ. In went my 3700 in chips. It folds around to the button (the previously mentioned sweater) who ships his 6-7K in chips in. Everyone else folded. I honestly had no idea where I stood. I thought he could have anything from 88 on up to AK or AQ. Of course, my thoughts on his range were a bit off as he flips over A4s. I think I would have rather seen AK, at least that would have made sense. Anyway the flop came 653. Turn 8. River 2.

Not the way I'd like to go out, but I have plenty more chances in the coming month. My next tourney is on Monday - $1500 PL Holdem.

The 2008 WSOP

The WSOP starts today. Unfortunately, mine only starts tomorrow as I will not be partaking in today's 10K PL Holdem event even though I consider PLH one of my strongest events. I simply only have so much money I am willing to spend, and a loaded field for 10k just doesn't cut it for me right out of the gates. Hopefully, I will get a big score early on that will allow me to play some of the bigger events I'd like to play.

The following is a list of minimum goals for my series:

Events: 18
Cashes: 4 for at least 60K (to cover my trip expenses and have a little profit)
Final Tables: 1

Furthermore, I want to stay focused and have fun. Last year, I went 0 for the series until the Main Event. I was very down and not enthused about much. I don't see that happening this year for a couple reasons: 1) I learned from last year. I am not taking the WSOP for granted. Last year I don't think I got pumped up enough. 2) Staying in this house with a bunch of pros should keep the time here very fun and entertaining.

I fully expect at least 20 cashes and 3 final tables from our house. While the odds of a bracelet IMO are about 1 in 4, I still think one or two people will have a great shot. Two years ago, when we had the first "House of Pain", Jason had a 6th place, I had a 3rd place and Paul had the memorable 2nd place Main Event finish. This year's house is far more experienced.

Shuffle up and deal!

Vegas Baby!

Today's final leg wasn't as bad as the first, but definitely wasn't as good as the second. Fortunately, it was easily the shortest at 4 hours. The Utah portion was fairly nice with a few beautiful mountains. However, the highlight was the short 2o something mile hop through Arizona. It basically consisted of a winding 3000 foot decline through the last real stretch of mountains we encountered. After entering Nevada, almost all visual stimuli disappeared. There is a reason the government owns the vast majority of the state. The only saving grace was that we only had 1 1/2 hours of driving through the hazy landscape.

On a side note, Julie had her Lasix surgery today. Hopefully, everything ends up perfectly.

Leg 2 - Boulder to Richfield

As dull as the first and longest leg of this journey was, this one was delightful. A short time after leaving Boulder, Tom and I took route 6 to connect with I-70. Route 6 wound through some beautiful green mountains. However, I-70 was just as good even as the landscape changed to desert in western Colorado. The multitude of canyons you drive through or can see from the highway was right up my alley. After passing through Grand Junction, the road is very isolated from other cars as well as places to stop. This made for a very peaceful ride. We arrived in Richfield, Utah just before 9 in the evening. We drove for 8 hours, but it was about as easy of an 8 hour drive as you can imagine.

Today, we will arrive in Vegas sometime midafternoon. Tom's WSOP starts tomorrow in the 10k PL Holdem. I don't play until Saturday or Sunday in the 1500 NL Holdem.

Leg one of the Vegas Drive

I arrived in Boulder Colorado about 12 hours after leaving Glen Carbon yesterday evening. Originally I was going to call this blog "Stairway to Heaven." I was going to provide some pictures of my drive, and show you how beautiful Boulder is while the rest of the drive sucked. However, a couple things ruined that plan. First, while I did take some pics, I left the cord to transfer them to my computer at home. Secondly, apparently I brought St. Louis 2008 weather with me. Anyone who lives there knows I mean rain. As I approached, Boulder the cloud cover was so low, I never could see anything off in the distance. As a result, I have yet to see a mountain despite being a mile above sea level. So while this may be heaven visually, I am unable to tell you yet. I can tell you the journey from central Kansas right up to the outskirts of Denver is pretty BORING. The only thing that changes for over 400 miles is the color of the landscape. While Kansas is green, Colorado gets a little less rain and has a browner tint to it. Nonetheless, it is simply a very slow raising plain. Furthermore, I saw sunlight for maybe an hour. Otherwise it was overcast, misty, and dreary.

On a good note, over half the trip is done, and the second half should be beautiful. The WSOP starts on Friday, and I am super excited and looking for big things to happen. I will hopefully write more on this after I get to Vegas on Thursday. Moon and I will be leaving on the 2nd leg of the trip early this afternoon.

Quotes for Me to Remember

You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted. ~Ruth E. Renkl

Whether it's the best of times or the worst of times, it's the only time we've got. ~Art Buchwald

If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance. ~Andrea Boydston

A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words