…Go, go, Quadzilla! Yep, this lizard can swallow big boats with a single gulp, and he proved it again Tuesday night.
About, oh, 27 years ago (or so it seems) Charles had an operation on his, um, nether regions, and we’ve been hearing about the pain he’s in ever since. I’ve been telling him that it’s nothing compared to the pain he’ll be feeling at the poker table, but you how stubborn old people can be…
After a pretty juicy night of 5/10 NLO8 (Omaha High/Low – 8 or Better), the crowd thinned down to just three of us – Charles, Bill and me. When we get down to four or less we normally move to 5/10 Omaha (High Only). So that’s what we’re playing when I look down at 3-5-5-6 (suits are unimportant), and we see a flop of Q-5-4.
I like the flop, of course, as I have middle set and an open-end straight draw. Charles and I both have fairly deep stacks, and I have him covered. I not sure I remember the exact bet amounts, but I believe Charles raises the pot (already sweetened by a straddle) to $150. I raise to $400, and Charles moves in for an additional $1,300-1,400 or so.
You can bet your first-born child that the only thing Charles is doing this with is top set. If all I have is the one-outer fives, it's a pretty easy laydown. The open-end gives me an additional eight outs, however, so assuming he has queens, I’m pretty much right at a 2:1 dog. Normally these decisions, for me, are mostly driven by the math, and the $900 or so in the pot means I’m not getting the right price. Buuuuuut, I've been running really well lately - it’s been a good night and a great few months. I'm in the mood to gamble a bit, and I decide to give him some action and call. He immediately grimaces and says that he didn’t want a call.
He turns over something like Q-Q-10-9, and we strap ourselves in for a quick, exciting ride around the turn and down the river. The river ends up being a bit anticlimactic, as Mikey (our dealer) brings forth the intense pain on the turn in the form of the case 5! The river brings a harmless 10 (what, no case queen?!) and I rake in all of his chippies.
I must admit to being a bit disappointed, as initially Charles was too much in shock for the usual whining about how unlucky he is, how I must have been born with a horseshoe up my butt, etc. Hearing a losing player carp, bitch and groan is usually more rewarding to me than the money, and here I was about to lose out on the best part of sucking out on someone. He finally threw me a small bone, however, when he started sniveling about the one-outer. As I pointed out that it was a nine-outer, he threw out the instant classic “You keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better” and kept whining about the one-outer.
It wasn’t quite as classic as his line from a couple weeks ago, when the board showed a flush on the river, and he tried (unsuccessfully, surprisingly) to bluff at it with the “Nekkid queen.” The whole table was rolling on the floor, and he was looking around with that look like “What?” Charles scared us all when he told us a couple weeks ago that he was going to take a break from the game for a while. Charles, I’m glad you changed your mind, ‘cause I’d hate to have to go out and get another job!
See ya at the tables…
Rick
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
OK, OK... the other Boat! Well, it was a boat in the beginning...
The Turlinator is a guy that loves to, in my opinion, overplay pocket Aces in Omaha 8. I like to get them, but I can throw them away if the flop completely misses them or I get a read on someone that they flopped a monster against them. I tell you that to tell you when I took my hand:
and this flop hit....
and this flop hit....
and the Turlinator led out with a bet of $100. I could have just as easily put him on pocket Aces as for him to have a Queen. So when I slow-played my Kings-full boat to the turn...
I was having a little trouble actually deciding on whether the Turlinator had Queens full of Aces or Aces full of Queens ESPECIALLY when he led out almost immediately with a $250 bet. Since everyone folded, I wanted to let him try to run me out... although I had pretty much already decided that if he had Aces full, he was probably going to get paid. And remember, this is Omaha 8 so even if he had the Aces full boat, there were still some suck outs to be had.... the fourth King and of course, the royal flush....
But when the river came... I was almost expecting an the case-Ace, but it was the case King.
Turlinator checks to which I determined that there would be a charge to see the quads, so I bet $500 and after a short-period of time (we watched the third Pirates of the Caribbean and the first half of Gladiator while we were waiting for him to decide), he called. I turned over the bad news and he mucked his Queens-full boat. He whimpered a little, but Rick told him that he was behind the whole way which seemed to make him feel better.
Yep.. let the suck outs begin!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Flopped the Big Boat Twice...
Yeppirs... Saturday night with the Juice was pretty good to me for a change. I flopped the big boat twice and didn't lose to quads... you've got it to love when that happens. I'll tell you about the one which had the biggest pot....
It was pretty late and we were down to about 7 players at the usual $5/$10 No Limit Omaha 8 game with the Juice. Here's the way the cards landed....
I was in late position and I believe that Eli was first to act and Ronnie was sitting between between Eli and me. There was the normal $25 straddle and I believe that everyone was in this hand.
My hand:
The flop:
More normal poker players would get excited about flopping the top boat but recently it has meant to me that I was about to lose all my chips to quads. Yes, even the Juice has pointed out that I have a somewhat negative attitude of late.... I believe that if I ventured into a dark room, I would probably develop (you know, I'm so "negative")....
At any rate, there are a couple of checks and Eli bets about $90 or so, Ronnie smooth calls... Had Ronnie folded, I don't know what I would have done. I put Eli on at least 1 eight, but if Ronnie called that means he had an eight and maybe 2 eights and Eli might be betting with nothing. How's that for reading your opponent! So I give it a moment and I call.
The turn:
Again, most people wouldn't really be bothered by the queen, but my luck has been so bad recently that Eli might have been betting with an over-pair and hit his 2-outer. Again, he bets... this $300 and Ronnie calls. In retrospect, I should have slow-played one more card as it is very likely that Ronnie would have called Eli's bet on the river too, but I couldn't wait... I pushed all in for a little over $1100. Eli struggles with it for a moment and makes the call. Ronnie folds.
The River:
As it turned out, Eli and Ronnie were trying to make and eights-full-of-anything-boat and Eli did make 8's full of 3's on the river, but to no avail as my 10's full of 8's held up and I scooped a very nice pot.
Let the suck outs begin!
It was pretty late and we were down to about 7 players at the usual $5/$10 No Limit Omaha 8 game with the Juice. Here's the way the cards landed....
I was in late position and I believe that Eli was first to act and Ronnie was sitting between between Eli and me. There was the normal $25 straddle and I believe that everyone was in this hand.
My hand:
The flop:
More normal poker players would get excited about flopping the top boat but recently it has meant to me that I was about to lose all my chips to quads. Yes, even the Juice has pointed out that I have a somewhat negative attitude of late.... I believe that if I ventured into a dark room, I would probably develop (you know, I'm so "negative")....
At any rate, there are a couple of checks and Eli bets about $90 or so, Ronnie smooth calls... Had Ronnie folded, I don't know what I would have done. I put Eli on at least 1 eight, but if Ronnie called that means he had an eight and maybe 2 eights and Eli might be betting with nothing. How's that for reading your opponent! So I give it a moment and I call.
The turn:
Again, most people wouldn't really be bothered by the queen, but my luck has been so bad recently that Eli might have been betting with an over-pair and hit his 2-outer. Again, he bets... this $300 and Ronnie calls. In retrospect, I should have slow-played one more card as it is very likely that Ronnie would have called Eli's bet on the river too, but I couldn't wait... I pushed all in for a little over $1100. Eli struggles with it for a moment and makes the call. Ronnie folds.
The River:
As it turned out, Eli and Ronnie were trying to make and eights-full-of-anything-boat and Eli did make 8's full of 3's on the river, but to no avail as my 10's full of 8's held up and I scooped a very nice pot.
Let the suck outs begin!
Friday, July 25, 2008
World Tavern Poker Online Poker Championship
World Tavern Poker Online Poker Championship DON'T MISS IT!
This Monday, July 28th is the 1st Event for the 2008 World Tavern Poker Online Championships!
This is an 8 week session with 16 online tournaments and your chance to win some great cash and prizes!
DON'T WAIT TO SIGN UP...The earlier tournaments will have less players which means you have a much better chance of finishing in the Top 20 to get your points!
See you all at the tables!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS
WTP is excited to announce the first ever World Tavern Poker Online Championships where you have a chance on winning Cash, Trips to Vegas, Badges to the WTP Open and Seats into the Spring National Championship held in Las Vegas this October.
After careful consideration of all the U.S. Poker rooms, WTP has decided to partner with BetUS.com! This is a great poker room with great customer service, AND GREAT DEPOSIT BONUSES! (if you deposit $100 into your new account, they will give you another $100 FREE!)
This Monday, July 28th is the 1st Event for the 2008 World Tavern Poker Online Championships!
This is an 8 week session with 16 online tournaments and your chance to win some great cash and prizes!
DON'T WAIT TO SIGN UP...The earlier tournaments will have less players which means you have a much better chance of finishing in the Top 20 to get your points!
See you all at the tables!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS
WTP is excited to announce the first ever World Tavern Poker Online Championships where you have a chance on winning Cash, Trips to Vegas, Badges to the WTP Open and Seats into the Spring National Championship held in Las Vegas this October.
After careful consideration of all the U.S. Poker rooms, WTP has decided to partner with BetUS.com! This is a great poker room with great customer service, AND GREAT DEPOSIT BONUSES! (if you deposit $100 into your new account, they will give you another $100 FREE!)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Famous Movie Quotes...
[after being punched in the stomach by Dean Keaton]
"I'll probably shit blood tonight."
-----------Verbal Kint (from The Usual Suspects)
"I'll probably shit blood tonight."
-----------Verbal Kint (from The Usual Suspects)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
That's Odd(s)....
First of all, if it's Omaha 8, the laws of mathematics go out the window depending on WHO you are sitting with at the table. There's just a couple of guys in the area that must perform oral sex on the leprechauns before and after every session because it is without question, they are the luckiest people on the planet.
So, my first rule for determining how many outs you have, if you are playing at the table with these guys, calculate the best and smartest out and GET OUT! If there is a card that will give them the NUT and you the second nut, it'll come. If you have the "dead" low with the two cards to come, you will be counterfeited into oblivion. If you do flop the nuts with a straight, their flush will come. If you flop the nut flush, they'll hit their shitty two pair to make a boat while trying to get the low or even better, they'll hit their one outer to make a straight flush. If you flop middle or bottom set, the boat will get there, but it'll be your demise. You'll flop a set of queens and they flop two pair Kings & Sevens and their King will pair.
So, go to the atm, don't play with the these pricks.... just take your money home and burn it in the fireplace.... not only will it warm the cockles of your heart, but just think about those jerks huddled in a small group, sweating their asses off, sucking out on each other.
Please... let the suck outs stop! LOL.
Let the suck outs begin!
So, my first rule for determining how many outs you have, if you are playing at the table with these guys, calculate the best and smartest out and GET OUT! If there is a card that will give them the NUT and you the second nut, it'll come. If you have the "dead" low with the two cards to come, you will be counterfeited into oblivion. If you do flop the nuts with a straight, their flush will come. If you flop the nut flush, they'll hit their shitty two pair to make a boat while trying to get the low or even better, they'll hit their one outer to make a straight flush. If you flop middle or bottom set, the boat will get there, but it'll be your demise. You'll flop a set of queens and they flop two pair Kings & Sevens and their King will pair.
So, go to the atm, don't play with the these pricks.... just take your money home and burn it in the fireplace.... not only will it warm the cockles of your heart, but just think about those jerks huddled in a small group, sweating their asses off, sucking out on each other.
Please... let the suck outs stop! LOL.
Let the suck outs begin!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Big News from World Tavern Poker
World Tavern Online Poker Online Championships
World Tavern Poker is excited to announce the first ever World Tavern Poker Online Championships where you have a chance on winning Cash, Trips to Vegas, Badges to the WTP Open and Seats into the Spring National Championship held in Las Vegas this October.
After careful consideration of all the U.S. Poker rooms, WTO has decided to partner with BetUS.com! This is a great poker room with great customer service, AND GREAT DEPOSIT BONUSES! (if you deposit $100 into your new account, they will give you another $100 FREE!)
______________________________
Sign up Bonus:
100% up to $600 (minimum deposit of $100)
Simply make a deposit, in the poker room click Rewards, Deposit Bonus and enter the code POKER600
______________________________
So if you love online poker, or have ever been tempted to give it a try, this is a great way to do it! This is going to be the easiest way to get to Vegas and play for 1 of 8 seats into a World Series of Poker Event!
After careful consideration of all the U.S. Poker rooms, WTO has decided to partner with BetUS.com! This is a great poker room with great customer service, AND GREAT DEPOSIT BONUSES! (if you deposit $100 into your new account, they will give you another $100 FREE!)
______________________________
Sign up Bonus:
100% up to $600 (minimum deposit of $100)
Simply make a deposit, in the poker room click Rewards, Deposit Bonus and enter the code POKER600
______________________________
So if you love online poker, or have ever been tempted to give it a try, this is a great way to do it! This is going to be the easiest way to get to Vegas and play for 1 of 8 seats into a World Series of Poker Event!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Top 10 Players Ranked by PokerPages by Overall Earnings
Top 10 players ranked by overall earnings.
1.Jamie Gold $12.2 mil
2.Joe Hachem $10.6 mil
3.Daniel Negreanu $10 mil
4.Allen Cunningham $9.7 mil
5.Phil Ivey $9.2 mil
6.T.J. Cloutier $9.1 mil
7.Scotty Nguyen $9.1 mil
8.Erik Seidel $8.6 mil
9.Phil Hellmuth $8.5 mil
10.Juan Carlos Mortensen $8.4 mil
http://www.pokerpages.com/
1.Jamie Gold $12.2 mil
2.Joe Hachem $10.6 mil
3.Daniel Negreanu $10 mil
4.Allen Cunningham $9.7 mil
5.Phil Ivey $9.2 mil
6.T.J. Cloutier $9.1 mil
7.Scotty Nguyen $9.1 mil
8.Erik Seidel $8.6 mil
9.Phil Hellmuth $8.5 mil
10.Juan Carlos Mortensen $8.4 mil
http://www.pokerpages.com/
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
WSOP World Championship No-Limit Texas Hold'em (Event 54) 07/03/08
2008 39th Annual World Series of Poker
World Championship No-Limit Texas Hold'em (Event 54)
Thursday, July 03, 2008 to Monday, July 14, 2008 Buy-in: $10,000
Prizepool: $64,333,600
Entries: 6,844
Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:39:00
Official November Nine Chip Counts and Seat Assignments
On November 9th, 2008, the following nine players will return to the felt with 21 minutes and 50 seconds left in level 33:
Dennis Phillips - 26,295,000
Craig Marquis - 10,210,000
Ylon Schwartz - 12,525,000
Scott Montgomery - 19,690,000
Darus Suharto - 12,520,000
David 'Chino' Rheem - 10,230,000
Ivan Demidov - 24,400,000
Kelly Kim - 2,620,000
Peter Eastgate - 18,375,000
More & Current information may be found at http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/tourney/updates.asp
World Championship No-Limit Texas Hold'em (Event 54)
Thursday, July 03, 2008 to Monday, July 14, 2008 Buy-in: $10,000
Prizepool: $64,333,600
Entries: 6,844
Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:39:00
Official November Nine Chip Counts and Seat Assignments
On November 9th, 2008, the following nine players will return to the felt with 21 minutes and 50 seconds left in level 33:
Dennis Phillips - 26,295,000
Craig Marquis - 10,210,000
Ylon Schwartz - 12,525,000
Scott Montgomery - 19,690,000
Darus Suharto - 12,520,000
David 'Chino' Rheem - 10,230,000
Ivan Demidov - 24,400,000
Kelly Kim - 2,620,000
Peter Eastgate - 18,375,000
More & Current information may be found at http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/tourney/updates.asp
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
World Series Main Event
Day 2 was VERY short. After losing three quarters of my stack on Day 1 when my pocket kings ran into aces I managed to get a few of those chips back and finished the day with 9525. With blinds of 250/500 and a 50 chip ante at the beginning of Day 2 I needed to double up a couple times quickly in order to have a chance of surviving Day 2. My prayers seemed to have been answered when I picked up pocket aces on the very first hand of the day. Unfortunately my opponent in the hand had pocket kings and hit his two outer on the flop to finish me off. Sometimes that's just the way things go. I managed to lose with pocket queens once, kings twice, and aces once. Tough to beat over six thousand players at that rate. If the third times a charm then maybe next year will be my time.
Famous Poker Quotes...
"Poker is generally reckoned to be America's second most popular after-dark activity. Sex is good, they say, but poker lasts longer."
-------------Alfred Alvarez (2001)
-------------Alfred Alvarez (2001)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
WSOP Circuit Schedule for 2008/2009 **Thanks George**
From: George Smart
To: charles@trianglepokerjournal.com
Subject: WSOP Circuit Schedule for TPJ
.......... DATE..................................... LOCATION
· Oct. 2 - Oct. 14, 2008................ CAESARS INDIANA
· Oct. 24- Nov. 2, 2008................ HORSESHOE HAMMOND (Chicago area)
· Nov. 6- Nov. 16, 2008................ HARVEYS LAKE TAHOE (Nevada)
· Dec. 5- Dec. 18, 2008................ HARRAH'S ATLANTIC CITY
· Jan. 20- Feb. 9, 2009................. HARRAH'S TUNICA (Mississippi)
· Feb. 12- Feb. 25, 2009............... HORSESHOE COUNCIL BLUFFS (Iowa)
· March 4- March 14, 2009........... CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY
· March 19- March 29, 2009......... HARRAH'S RINCON (San Diego)
· April 12- April 29, 2009.............. CAESARS PALACE (Las Vegas)
· May 8- May 20, 2009................. HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS
To: charles@trianglepokerjournal.com
Subject: WSOP Circuit Schedule for TPJ
.......... DATE..................................... LOCATION
· Oct. 2 - Oct. 14, 2008................ CAESARS INDIANA
· Oct. 24- Nov. 2, 2008................ HORSESHOE HAMMOND (Chicago area)
· Nov. 6- Nov. 16, 2008................ HARVEYS LAKE TAHOE (Nevada)
· Dec. 5- Dec. 18, 2008................ HARRAH'S ATLANTIC CITY
· Jan. 20- Feb. 9, 2009................. HARRAH'S TUNICA (Mississippi)
· Feb. 12- Feb. 25, 2009............... HORSESHOE COUNCIL BLUFFS (Iowa)
· March 4- March 14, 2009........... CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY
· March 19- March 29, 2009......... HARRAH'S RINCON (San Diego)
· April 12- April 29, 2009.............. CAESARS PALACE (Las Vegas)
· May 8- May 20, 2009................. HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS
Friday, July 11, 2008
LuckyPyramidCasino Closing Down
I received this email from LuckyPyramidCasino Thursday a.m.
*********************************************************From: Lucky Pyramid Casino [mailto:LuckyPyramid@xmr3.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 3:06 AM
Subject: Charles We're Closing Down
Dear Charles
It is with great regret and a heavy heart that we announce that
our Casino will be closing on July 31, 2008.
If you currently have a balance with the casino, please either
play out your balance or withdraw your balance before our closing date.
Please note, if you have received a bonus, the wagering requirements
are still in place for all bonuses as well as redeemed/comp points.
As a matter of goodwill, all players that are not able to playthrough
their credits or cash out their withdrawable balance by July 31 will
still be able to contact our customer service center 14 days after the
closing date to request credits to be cashed out, should they have met
wager requirements.
All funds remaining in casino accounts after July 31 will be retained by the casino.
We hope that you have enjoyed your time with us as much as we have enjoyed having you at.
Sincerely
Oliver Curran
Toll Free US: 1800 824 3175
************************************************
*********************************************************From: Lucky Pyramid Casino [mailto:LuckyPyramid@xmr3.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 3:06 AM
Subject: Charles We're Closing Down
Dear Charles
It is with great regret and a heavy heart that we announce that
our Casino will be closing on July 31, 2008.
If you currently have a balance with the casino, please either
play out your balance or withdraw your balance before our closing date.
Please note, if you have received a bonus, the wagering requirements
are still in place for all bonuses as well as redeemed/comp points.
As a matter of goodwill, all players that are not able to playthrough
their credits or cash out their withdrawable balance by July 31 will
still be able to contact our customer service center 14 days after the
closing date to request credits to be cashed out, should they have met
wager requirements.
All funds remaining in casino accounts after July 31 will be retained by the casino.
We hope that you have enjoyed your time with us as much as we have enjoyed having you at.
Sincerely
Oliver Curran
Toll Free US: 1800 824 3175
************************************************
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Updating the TPJ's Top Ten (and more)
Tracking this information is, as you can imagine, no easy task. George Smart has done an excellent job of it in the past and I have failed miserably at it.....
At any rate, George has been very kind and compiled a list of those that he could identify for me and emailed them to me....
Here's his list and I am looking for additional updates for anyone from NC that has "verifiable" tournament winnings. Please provide any information that you can and it will be greatly appreciated.
Greg Raymer
22-Jun-08 $ 2,500 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas 11th $ 9,579
Mike Gracz
06-Jun-08
$ 5,000 No Limit Hold'em - Shootout39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas
23rd
$ 16,920
Jody Garaventa
10-Jun-08 $ 2,000 Limit Hold'em39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas 23rd $ 6,115
Chris Bell
20-Jun-08 $ 2,000 Pot Limit Hold'em39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas
2nd $ 155,805
07-Jun-08 $ 2,500 No Limit Hold'em39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas
70th $ 8,033
30-May-08 $ 10,000 World Championship Pot Limit Hold'em39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas
6th $ 157,168
07-Jun-07 $ 1,500 No Limit Hold'em - Six Handed38th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2007, Las Vegas
99th $ 2,435
03-Jun-07 $ 2,500 Omaha/Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo 8 or Better38th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2007, Las Vegas
Denis Ethier
03-Jun-08 $ 1,500 Omaha Hi/Lo39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas 24th $ 6,367
Mark Newhouse
30-May-08 $ 10,000 World Championship Pot Limit Hold'em39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas 30th $ 23,162
John Shirk $1,500 Omaha Hi-Low S;oit-8 or better 39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas 18th $8,300
03-Jun-08
Let the suck outs begin!
At any rate, George has been very kind and compiled a list of those that he could identify for me and emailed them to me....
Here's his list and I am looking for additional updates for anyone from NC that has "verifiable" tournament winnings. Please provide any information that you can and it will be greatly appreciated.
Greg Raymer
22-Jun-08 $ 2,500 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas 11th $ 9,579
Mike Gracz
06-Jun-08
$ 5,000 No Limit Hold'em - Shootout39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas
23rd
$ 16,920
Jody Garaventa
10-Jun-08 $ 2,000 Limit Hold'em39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas 23rd $ 6,115
Chris Bell
20-Jun-08 $ 2,000 Pot Limit Hold'em39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas
2nd $ 155,805
07-Jun-08 $ 2,500 No Limit Hold'em39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas
70th $ 8,033
30-May-08 $ 10,000 World Championship Pot Limit Hold'em39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas
6th $ 157,168
07-Jun-07 $ 1,500 No Limit Hold'em - Six Handed38th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2007, Las Vegas
99th $ 2,435
03-Jun-07 $ 2,500 Omaha/Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo 8 or Better38th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2007, Las Vegas
Denis Ethier
03-Jun-08 $ 1,500 Omaha Hi/Lo39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas 24th $ 6,367
Mark Newhouse
30-May-08 $ 10,000 World Championship Pot Limit Hold'em39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas 30th $ 23,162
John Shirk $1,500 Omaha Hi-Low S;oit-8 or better 39th World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008, Las Vegas 18th $8,300
03-Jun-08
Let the suck outs begin!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
PPA Offers Free Weekly Daniel Negreanu Newsletter
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2008 6:29 AM
Subject: CHARLES, Check Out the Free Daniel Negreanu Newsletter for PPA Members
You are receiving Playing Poker with Daniel Negreanu as a free opt-in newsletter made available to all Poker Player Alliance members.
Three Keys to Final Table Strategy
Poker books go into great detail discussing the various strategies necessary to get to the final table of a tournament. However, not as much has been written about final table playing strategy.
Take What the Table Gives
This is a simple concept but one that can’t be overlooked. In fact, this philosophy applies not only to poker, but also to sports like football and basketball.
Sometimes, late in NFL games, the team protecting a lead will often go into a prevent defense, trying to defend against the long pass. Trying to throw a bomb against that type of coverage isn’t a very good idea. Instead, the opponent takes what the defense gives, and throws shorter passes while continuing to move the chains.
In the NBA, Kobe Bryant has the ability to blow right by players who guard him too closely. But, if someone lays off of him, he’ll just pull up and shoot a jump shot.
Pretend for a second you’re the Laker’s star, and the defense is playing tight and guarding the rim. Well, they’re giving you an open look at a 15-foot jumper! Would you try to drive the lane or take the easy shot?
I hope you said the easy shot.
At the final table of a poker tournament, you, too, must base your choices on how your opponents are playing -- in other words, what they’re giving you. If the table is playing passively, and everyone is waiting for others to get knocked out, that's your cue to drive the lane and play aggressively.
Conversely, if there are overly aggressive, wild players at your table, then the best course of action is to sit back and wait for them to pick each other off.
You cannot win a tournament when there are still nine players at the table. So, your goal in the early stages of final table play is to set yourself up for the short-handed battle to come.
Adjust
One of the most difficult challenges novices face at a final table is making the necessary adjustments for short-handed play.
During most tournaments, play is nine-handed all the way down to the final table. As you get down to six, five, or four players, though, the correct playing strategy will change dramatically.
It’s true that a player may succeed by waiting for premium starting cards on his way to the final table. However, if he continues playing that way short-handed, the blinds and antes will surely eat away at his stack.
Hands like A-7 offsuit, cards you wouldn't play in a nine-handed game, become raisers when play becomes short-handed. To stay afloat you need to win one set of blinds per round. If you’re playing four-handed, that means you need to pick up a pot one out of every four hands. If you fold A-7, you may not get a better chance for a while.
Play the Players and Your Stack
The cards become less important at the final table than they were in the early stages of a tournament. At the final table, shift your focus to determine who you can steal pots from and who you can trap. You’ve got to play the players.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to play the players when you don't have many chips. If you’re on the short stack, you'll be forced to sit back and wait for a good opportunity to either double up or to steal the blinds.
It’s a much rosier picture if you’re one of the bigger stacks at the final table. Now you have virtual free reign to attack and pressure your opponents. There’s no need to be reckless; the other players will be forced to respect your stack size since any hand they play could be their last.
So let’s review. Let the game come to you in the early stages. Make the necessary adjustments once play becomes short-handed. Finally, always be aware of your stack size in relation to the others.
If you focus on those three key elements, you'll often find yourself playing heads-up for the title.
Card Shark Media
Email: info@cardsharkmedia.com
Website: http://www.cardsharkmedia.com/
© 2005-2008 Card Shark Media. All rights reserved.
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Subject: CHARLES, Check Out the Free Daniel Negreanu Newsletter for PPA Members
You are receiving Playing Poker with Daniel Negreanu as a free opt-in newsletter made available to all Poker Player Alliance members.
Three Keys to Final Table Strategy
Poker books go into great detail discussing the various strategies necessary to get to the final table of a tournament. However, not as much has been written about final table playing strategy.
Take What the Table Gives
This is a simple concept but one that can’t be overlooked. In fact, this philosophy applies not only to poker, but also to sports like football and basketball.
Sometimes, late in NFL games, the team protecting a lead will often go into a prevent defense, trying to defend against the long pass. Trying to throw a bomb against that type of coverage isn’t a very good idea. Instead, the opponent takes what the defense gives, and throws shorter passes while continuing to move the chains.
In the NBA, Kobe Bryant has the ability to blow right by players who guard him too closely. But, if someone lays off of him, he’ll just pull up and shoot a jump shot.
Pretend for a second you’re the Laker’s star, and the defense is playing tight and guarding the rim. Well, they’re giving you an open look at a 15-foot jumper! Would you try to drive the lane or take the easy shot?
I hope you said the easy shot.
At the final table of a poker tournament, you, too, must base your choices on how your opponents are playing -- in other words, what they’re giving you. If the table is playing passively, and everyone is waiting for others to get knocked out, that's your cue to drive the lane and play aggressively.
Conversely, if there are overly aggressive, wild players at your table, then the best course of action is to sit back and wait for them to pick each other off.
You cannot win a tournament when there are still nine players at the table. So, your goal in the early stages of final table play is to set yourself up for the short-handed battle to come.
Adjust
One of the most difficult challenges novices face at a final table is making the necessary adjustments for short-handed play.
During most tournaments, play is nine-handed all the way down to the final table. As you get down to six, five, or four players, though, the correct playing strategy will change dramatically.
It’s true that a player may succeed by waiting for premium starting cards on his way to the final table. However, if he continues playing that way short-handed, the blinds and antes will surely eat away at his stack.
Hands like A-7 offsuit, cards you wouldn't play in a nine-handed game, become raisers when play becomes short-handed. To stay afloat you need to win one set of blinds per round. If you’re playing four-handed, that means you need to pick up a pot one out of every four hands. If you fold A-7, you may not get a better chance for a while.
Play the Players and Your Stack
The cards become less important at the final table than they were in the early stages of a tournament. At the final table, shift your focus to determine who you can steal pots from and who you can trap. You’ve got to play the players.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to play the players when you don't have many chips. If you’re on the short stack, you'll be forced to sit back and wait for a good opportunity to either double up or to steal the blinds.
It’s a much rosier picture if you’re one of the bigger stacks at the final table. Now you have virtual free reign to attack and pressure your opponents. There’s no need to be reckless; the other players will be forced to respect your stack size since any hand they play could be their last.
So let’s review. Let the game come to you in the early stages. Make the necessary adjustments once play becomes short-handed. Finally, always be aware of your stack size in relation to the others.
If you focus on those three key elements, you'll often find yourself playing heads-up for the title.
Card Shark Media
Email: info@cardsharkmedia.com
Website: http://www.cardsharkmedia.com/
© 2005-2008 Card Shark Media. All rights reserved.
Click Below to Receive This Email for FREE Every Tuesday
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
World Series
Day 1 was very rough. I played day 1D on Sunday. About three hours in my kings ran into aces and cost me three quarters of my stack. I would have been much better off not showing up for the first three hours and just letting them blind me off. That hand knocked me down to 5100 and I struggled all day trying to get some chips back. I got back to about 14k but dropped some and finished the day with a very weak 9525. It was a very long day. Play began ontime at 12 noon and I got back to my room at the Palms around 2 AM. Play on day 2 begins for me on Wednesday at noon with 250/500 blinds and a 50 chip ante. It's going to be tough to make it through day 2 to say the least but I'm a pretty good short stack player so we'll see how the cards fall. Two quick doubleups and I'd be in alot better shape.
Here's a clip from the PokerStars MoneyMaker Boot Camp that was part of the package I won. I'm in the blue shirt to the left of Moneymaker sitting in Seat 1.
http://www.pokerstars.tv/pokerstars/channels/11778/movies/3451.html
Here's a clip from the PokerStars MoneyMaker Boot Camp that was part of the package I won. I'm in the blue shirt to the left of Moneymaker sitting in Seat 1.
http://www.pokerstars.tv/pokerstars/channels/11778/movies/3451.html
Monday, July 07, 2008
WSOP Official Day 1"D" Chip Counts Released
Official Day 1d Chip Counts Released
After a marathon of data entry by WSOP staff, the results for Day 1d, the fourth and final starting day of the 2008 Main Event, have been tabulated. 1,352 of the day's 2,400-plus starters were still around when play halted, led by Steve Austin at 149,000 in chips.
The top ten for Day 1d action is as follows:
Steve Austin 149,000
Mohamad Kowssarie 146,000
David Stucke 140,525
Sami Rustom 140,450
Dylan Linde 138,425
Nikolay Losev 127,225
Victor Ramdin 124,600
Samir Shakhtoor 122,875
Christian Choi 122,225
Charles Dolan 121,625
Chip counts for the majority of the 1,352 Day 1d survivors have now been posted, though file updating and error correcting processes continue.
Complete data available at www.worldseriesofpoker.com/
After a marathon of data entry by WSOP staff, the results for Day 1d, the fourth and final starting day of the 2008 Main Event, have been tabulated. 1,352 of the day's 2,400-plus starters were still around when play halted, led by Steve Austin at 149,000 in chips.
The top ten for Day 1d action is as follows:
Steve Austin 149,000
Mohamad Kowssarie 146,000
David Stucke 140,525
Sami Rustom 140,450
Dylan Linde 138,425
Nikolay Losev 127,225
Victor Ramdin 124,600
Samir Shakhtoor 122,875
Christian Choi 122,225
Charles Dolan 121,625
Chip counts for the majority of the 1,352 Day 1d survivors have now been posted, though file updating and error correcting processes continue.
Complete data available at www.worldseriesofpoker.com/
Friday, July 04, 2008
WSOP Limit Hold'em Shootout (Event 53) 07/01/08
2008 39th Annual World Series of Poker
Limit Hold'em Shootout (Event 53)
Tuesday, July 01, 2008 to Thursday, July 03, 2008 Buy-in: $1,500
Prizepool: $1,123,395
Entries: 823
Place Player Prize
1. Matthew Graham $278,180
2. Jean-Robert (Bobby) Bellande $173,564
3. Joe Deniro $107,845
4. Brandon Wong $69,088
5. Danny Wong $33,701
6. Spencer Lawrence $20,221
7. John Kranyak $13,480
8. Andrew Prock $10,335
9. Mike Kachan $7,526
Limit Hold'em Shootout (Event 53)
Tuesday, July 01, 2008 to Thursday, July 03, 2008 Buy-in: $1,500
Prizepool: $1,123,395
Entries: 823
Place Player Prize
1. Matthew Graham $278,180
2. Jean-Robert (Bobby) Bellande $173,564
3. Joe Deniro $107,845
4. Brandon Wong $69,088
5. Danny Wong $33,701
6. Spencer Lawrence $20,221
7. John Kranyak $13,480
8. Andrew Prock $10,335
9. Mike Kachan $7,526
WSOP No-Limit Hold'em (Event 52) 06/30/08
2008 39th Annual World Series of Poker
No-Limit Hold'em (Event 52)
Monday, June 30, 2008 to Wednesday, July 02, 2008 Buy-in: $1,500
Prizepool: $3,675,945
Entries: 2,693
Place Player Prize
1. David Daneshgar $625,443
2. Scott Sitron $385,974
3. Dan Heimiller $275,695
4. Farzad Rouhani $231,584
5. Corwin Cole $189,311
6. Matthew Matros $148,875
7. Andrey Zaichenko $112,116
8. Jeff Courtney $84,546
9. Voitto Rintala $57,712
10. Gary Biggar $36,391
11. Todd Hanks $36,391
12. Brock Mishler $36,391
13. Joachim berg Jensen $29,039
14. Elliot Smith $29,039
15. Cody Slaubaugh $29,039
16. Lars Sundberg $21,688
17. Daniel Hughes $21,688
18. Eric Jolly $21,688
19. Peter Fransson $17,276
20. Richard Kirsch $17,276
21. Martin Cardno $17,276
22. Paolo Nunes $17,276
23. Joseph Neiman $17,276
24. Daniel Harmetz $17,276
25. Thithi (Mimi) Tran $17,276
26. Anders Andersen $17,276
27. Andy Garvin $17,276
No-Limit Hold'em (Event 52)
Monday, June 30, 2008 to Wednesday, July 02, 2008 Buy-in: $1,500
Prizepool: $3,675,945
Entries: 2,693
Place Player Prize
1. David Daneshgar $625,443
2. Scott Sitron $385,974
3. Dan Heimiller $275,695
4. Farzad Rouhani $231,584
5. Corwin Cole $189,311
6. Matthew Matros $148,875
7. Andrey Zaichenko $112,116
8. Jeff Courtney $84,546
9. Voitto Rintala $57,712
10. Gary Biggar $36,391
11. Todd Hanks $36,391
12. Brock Mishler $36,391
13. Joachim berg Jensen $29,039
14. Elliot Smith $29,039
15. Cody Slaubaugh $29,039
16. Lars Sundberg $21,688
17. Daniel Hughes $21,688
18. Eric Jolly $21,688
19. Peter Fransson $17,276
20. Richard Kirsch $17,276
21. Martin Cardno $17,276
22. Paolo Nunes $17,276
23. Joseph Neiman $17,276
24. Daniel Harmetz $17,276
25. Thithi (Mimi) Tran $17,276
26. Anders Andersen $17,276
27. Andy Garvin $17,276
Thursday, July 03, 2008
The MAIN EVENT BEGINS at NOON
2008 Main Event Begins at Noon
The 2008 Main Event, known more formally as Event 54, $10,000 World Championship No-Limit Texas Hold'em, begins at noon. It's Day 1a, the first of four identical-in-length Day 1 sessions that will see the first bit of a field of several thousand hopefuls slowly pared away. Last year, Jerry Yang emerged from a 6,358-player field to win the massive $8,250,000 first-place prize. Day 1a registration lists have yet to be released, but there will be plenty of big names on hand on each of the four starting days. We'll have extensive coverage from the floor of the Amazon Room, with multiple reporting teams bringing you the latest news from the event. Join us right here at noon for the most famous words in poker: "Shuffle up and deal!"
Good luck to all our NC friends taking part....
The 2008 Main Event, known more formally as Event 54, $10,000 World Championship No-Limit Texas Hold'em, begins at noon. It's Day 1a, the first of four identical-in-length Day 1 sessions that will see the first bit of a field of several thousand hopefuls slowly pared away. Last year, Jerry Yang emerged from a 6,358-player field to win the massive $8,250,000 first-place prize. Day 1a registration lists have yet to be released, but there will be plenty of big names on hand on each of the four starting days. We'll have extensive coverage from the floor of the Amazon Room, with multiple reporting teams bringing you the latest news from the event. Join us right here at noon for the most famous words in poker: "Shuffle up and deal!"
Good luck to all our NC friends taking part....
WSOP H.O.R.S.E. (Event 51) 06/29/08
2008 39th Annual World Series of Poker
H.O.R.S.E. (Event 51)
Sunday, June 29, 2008 to Tuesday, July 01, 2008 Buy-in: $1,500
Prizepool: $1,096,095
Entries: 803
Place Player Prize
1. James Schaaf $256,412
2. Tam (Tommy) Hang $158,933
3. Phil Hellmuth $93,168
4. Esther Rossi $68,505
5. Jason Dollinger $54,804
6. Sam Silverman $42,966
7. Annand (Victor) Ramdin $32,992
8. Matt Grapenthien $27,511
9. Edward Brogdon $22,031
10. Lonnie Heimowitz $22,031
11. Steven Diano $16,551
12. Phillip Penn $16,551
13. Randy Holland $11,070
14. Arash Ghaneian $11,070
15. Keith Sexton $8,878
16. Arthur Young $8,878
H.O.R.S.E. (Event 51)
Sunday, June 29, 2008 to Tuesday, July 01, 2008 Buy-in: $1,500
Prizepool: $1,096,095
Entries: 803
Place Player Prize
1. James Schaaf $256,412
2. Tam (Tommy) Hang $158,933
3. Phil Hellmuth $93,168
4. Esther Rossi $68,505
5. Jason Dollinger $54,804
6. Sam Silverman $42,966
7. Annand (Victor) Ramdin $32,992
8. Matt Grapenthien $27,511
9. Edward Brogdon $22,031
10. Lonnie Heimowitz $22,031
11. Steven Diano $16,551
12. Phillip Penn $16,551
13. Randy Holland $11,070
14. Arash Ghaneian $11,070
15. Keith Sexton $8,878
16. Arthur Young $8,878
WSOP World Championship Pot Limit Omaha (Event 50) 06/29/08
2008 39th Annual World Series of Poker
World Championship Pot Limit Omaha (Event 50)
Sunday, June 29, 2008 to Tuesday, July 01, 2008 Buy-in: $10,000
Prizepool: $3,581,400
Entries: 381
Place Player Prize
1. Marty Smyth $859,549
2. Peter Jetten $528,256
3. Michael Mizrachi $331,279
4. Billy Argyros $268,605
5. Richard Harroch $214,884
6. Kido Pham $170,116
7. Tom Hanlon $134,302
8. Brandon Moran $107,442
9. Greg Hurst $80,581
10. David Benefield $53,721
11. Shawn Buchanan $53,721
12. Josh Arieh $53,721
13. Thong Tran $44,767
14. Julian Powell $44,767
15. Kenneth Mattson $44,767
16. Guillaume Patry $35,814
17. Eduard Scharf $35,814
18. Rino Mathis $35,814
19. Dario (Ryu) Alioto $28,651
20. David (Len) Ashby $28,651
21. Stephen Ladowsky $28,651
22. Rob Hollink $28,651
23. Magnus Petersson $28,651
24. Brant Hale $28,651
25. Sigi Stockinger $28,651
26. David Williams $28,651
27. Jamieson Pickering $28,651
World Championship Pot Limit Omaha (Event 50)
Sunday, June 29, 2008 to Tuesday, July 01, 2008 Buy-in: $10,000
Prizepool: $3,581,400
Entries: 381
Place Player Prize
1. Marty Smyth $859,549
2. Peter Jetten $528,256
3. Michael Mizrachi $331,279
4. Billy Argyros $268,605
5. Richard Harroch $214,884
6. Kido Pham $170,116
7. Tom Hanlon $134,302
8. Brandon Moran $107,442
9. Greg Hurst $80,581
10. David Benefield $53,721
11. Shawn Buchanan $53,721
12. Josh Arieh $53,721
13. Thong Tran $44,767
14. Julian Powell $44,767
15. Kenneth Mattson $44,767
16. Guillaume Patry $35,814
17. Eduard Scharf $35,814
18. Rino Mathis $35,814
19. Dario (Ryu) Alioto $28,651
20. David (Len) Ashby $28,651
21. Stephen Ladowsky $28,651
22. Rob Hollink $28,651
23. Magnus Petersson $28,651
24. Brant Hale $28,651
25. Sigi Stockinger $28,651
26. David Williams $28,651
27. Jamieson Pickering $28,651
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
WSOP No-Limit Hold'em (Event 49) 06/28/08
2008 39th Annual World Series of Poker
No-Limit Hold'em (Event 49)
Saturday, June 28, 2008 to Monday, June 30, 2008 Buy-in: $1,500
Prizepool: $3,710,070
Entries: 2,718
Place Player Prize
1. J.C. Tran $631,170
2. Rasmus Nielsen $389,557
3. John Conroy $278,255
4. Peter Nguyen $233,734
5. Joe Pelton $191,068
6. Chad Siu $150,257
7. Jasper Hoog $113,157
8. Robert Kalb $85,331
9. Christoph Kohnen $58,248
10. Anderson Silva $36,729
11. Kevin Nathan $36,729
12. Jason Moungey $36,729
13. Brett Switzer $29,309
14. Parviz Razavian $29,309
15. Steven Pierce $29,309
16. Paul Kim $21,889
17. Karen Manfrede $21,889
18. Dominique Degott $21,889
19. Tuan Vu $17,437
20. Kirby Brewer $17,437
21. David Tran $17,437
22. Neil Deutsch $17,437
23. Augusto Cavazzini $17,437
24. Kevin Brown $17,437
25. Men (The Master) Nguyen $17,437
26. David (Dragon) Pham $17,437
27. Andrew Black$17,437
No-Limit Hold'em (Event 49)
Saturday, June 28, 2008 to Monday, June 30, 2008 Buy-in: $1,500
Prizepool: $3,710,070
Entries: 2,718
Place Player Prize
1. J.C. Tran $631,170
2. Rasmus Nielsen $389,557
3. John Conroy $278,255
4. Peter Nguyen $233,734
5. Joe Pelton $191,068
6. Chad Siu $150,257
7. Jasper Hoog $113,157
8. Robert Kalb $85,331
9. Christoph Kohnen $58,248
10. Anderson Silva $36,729
11. Kevin Nathan $36,729
12. Jason Moungey $36,729
13. Brett Switzer $29,309
14. Parviz Razavian $29,309
15. Steven Pierce $29,309
16. Paul Kim $21,889
17. Karen Manfrede $21,889
18. Dominique Degott $21,889
19. Tuan Vu $17,437
20. Kirby Brewer $17,437
21. David Tran $17,437
22. Neil Deutsch $17,437
23. Augusto Cavazzini $17,437
24. Kevin Brown $17,437
25. Men (The Master) Nguyen $17,437
26. David (Dragon) Pham $17,437
27. Andrew Black$17,437
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
WSOP No-Limit Hold'em (Event 48) 06/27/08
2008 39th Annual World Series of Poker
No-Limit Hold'em (Event 48)
Friday, June 27, 2008 to Sunday, June 29, 2008 Buy-in: $2,000
Prizepool: $4,216,940
Entries: 2,317
Place Player Prize
1. Alexandre Gomes $770,540
2. Marco Johnson $491,273
3. Ryan D'Angelo $326,812
4. Robert Brewer$274,101
5. Alan Cutler $223,497
6. Kirill Gerasimov $177,111
7. Sverre Sundbo $134,942
8. Gabriel Costner $103,315
9. Dan Rome $71,687
10. Sergey Rybachenko $46,386
11. Eddie Kinzler $46,386
12. Arne Mews $46,386
13. Eric Crain $35,843
14. Kenneth Shelton $35,843
15. Denys Drobyna $35,843
16. Daniel Martin $25,301
17. Darren Nelson $25,301
18. Sunny Chattha$25,301
No-Limit Hold'em (Event 48)
Friday, June 27, 2008 to Sunday, June 29, 2008 Buy-in: $2,000
Prizepool: $4,216,940
Entries: 2,317
Place Player Prize
1. Alexandre Gomes $770,540
2. Marco Johnson $491,273
3. Ryan D'Angelo $326,812
4. Robert Brewer$274,101
5. Alan Cutler $223,497
6. Kirill Gerasimov $177,111
7. Sverre Sundbo $134,942
8. Gabriel Costner $103,315
9. Dan Rome $71,687
10. Sergey Rybachenko $46,386
11. Eddie Kinzler $46,386
12. Arne Mews $46,386
13. Eric Crain $35,843
14. Kenneth Shelton $35,843
15. Denys Drobyna $35,843
16. Daniel Martin $25,301
17. Darren Nelson $25,301
18. Sunny Chattha$25,301
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