The Official Poker Thread

[Acreboy]

I have yet to find a place to discuss poker with anyone.

Hopefully we can discuss it here.

Here we can talk about the WSOP, WPT, PPT, and any other poker tourney's.

Share secrets, bad beats you got, bad beats you gave, home games, strategy's, etc.

Lets get this thing going.

[bearsfan_51]

Poker? I just met her.

[moc182]

Poker? I just met her.


I was passing by the neighborhood Hot Topic the other day, not sure if you midwesterners have experienced the wonder of Hot Topic, but if you're a 14 year old kid looking to perfect the goth/emo look on a weeks allowance, it's the place to be. But in any event they had a hilarious shirt that read "Liquor in the front, poker in the rear". I think I know what to get you for Christmas.

[bsaza2358]

I am going to AC tomorrow to play in the WSOP Circuit Event, plus some cash game play at Showboat and Trop. Staying at the Trump Marina. I am very much looking forward to this...

[RyanLeaf#1]

I am going to AC tomorrow to play in the WSOP Circuit Event, plus some cash game play at Showboat and Trop. Staying at the Trump Marina. I am very much looking forward to this...

What event are you playing in? Whats the buy in?

[bigmac076]

liquor in the front, poker in the rear, classic

[bsaza2358]

I am going to AC tomorrow to play in the WSOP Circuit Event, plus some cash game play at Showboat and Trop. Staying at the Trump Marina. I am very much looking forward to this...

What event are you playing in? Whats the buy in?

I am trying to satellite my way into the $1000 + $80 event, which starts Friday at noon. They have round the clock SNG's and satellites to get into all of the smaller events, plus the main event.

[RyanLeaf#1]

I am trying to satellite my way into the $1000 + $80 event, which starts Friday at noon. They have round the clock SNG's and satellites to get into all of the smaller events, plus the main event.

Thats cool

[Jughead10]

I'm playing in a tournament on Friday that had about 60 something guys in last time. It was the first time they ran it so I'm gonna guess more will come now and it will be in the 80's. It's a 100 dollar buy in but only 75 goes to the pot. The rest goes to all the booze and catered food you can eat and drink. Last time I got 4th and walked out with a little under 500.

[RyanLeaf#1]

I'm playing in a tournament on Friday that had about 60 something guys in last time. It was the first time they ran it so I'm gonna guess more will come now and it will be in the 80's. It's a 100 dollar buy in but only 75 goes to the pot. The rest goes to all the booze and catered food you can eat and drink. Last time I got 4th and walked out with a little under 500.

Do you drink when you play?

[bigmac076]

Tournnaments are make or break. When I go to Foxwoods I prefer the regular sit-in games, so if youre up alot you can cash in at anytime.

[Jughead10]

Do you drink when you play?

Yeah, not too much though. I know I really shouldn't. But I drink pretty much when I do everything.

[RyanLeaf#1]

Tournnaments are make or break. When I go to Foxwoods I prefer the regular sit-in games, so if youre up alot you can cash in at anytime.

Plus if the cards are running dry. Depending on the limit your playing you will only lose if your playing 1-2 no limit 3 bucks everytime around. But if your looking to make alot of money in a 7 hour time spand then the tournament is the way to go. But you have to get lucky to win a big tournament because if your not getting the cards your done. Sometimes it doesnt even matter how good you are because the blind levels increase so quickly. All depends on what kind of tournament your joining I guess.

[bsaza2358]

I'm playing in a tournament on Friday that had about 60 something guys in last time. It was the first time they ran it so I'm gonna guess more will come now and it will be in the 80's. It's a 100 dollar buy in but only 75 goes to the pot. The rest goes to all the booze and catered food you can eat and drink. Last time I got 4th and walked out with a little under 500.

If they're feeding you and giving drinks, I guess that's acceptable. I still think it's a pretty heavy rake, though. I prefer the rake to be less than 20%. The more money in the prize pool, the better.

[RyanLeaf#1]

Yeah, not too much though. I know I really shouldn't. But I drink pretty much when I do everything.

Yea I try not to either but when im at tournaments like the one you are talking about im the same way. Its impossible not to drink when everyone else is. Its impossible not to drink when noone else is.

[Jughead10]

If they're feeding you and giving drinks, I guess that's acceptable. I still think it's a pretty heavy rake, though. I prefer the rake to be less than 20%. The more money in the prize pool, the better.

Its real good food though. I don't think they are really making all that much. There were 6 foot italian subs, trays of hot food. And two hot eastern european foreign girls serving it to us. Obviously purchased from some nice Italian deli.

[bsaza2358]

If you enjoy yourself and consider it worth it, by all means keep going.

[RyanLeaf#1]

If you enjoy yourself and consider it worth it, by all means keep going.

Most likely on a Friday night you are going to spend way more than a 100 bucks if you go out drinking. So I think its worth it if you can eat, drink, and play cards and have a chance of walking out of the place with more money in your pocket then you walked in with.

[Jughead10]

Most likely on a Friday night you are going to spend way more than a 100 bucks if you go out drinking. So I think its worth it if you can eat, drink, and play cards and have a chance of walking out of the place with more money in your pocket then you walked in with.

That exactly the way I feel. I get a great meal, all the wine and beer I can drink if I choose, and get to play cards for hours. I got 4th last time and it went from 7pm to 2:30 am. Even if I hadn't won it would have been worth it. Althought I almost chose not to go back because chances are I probably won't be finishing in the top 5 again.

[RyanLeaf#1]

That exactly the way I feel. I get a great meal, all the wine and beer I can drink if I choose, and get to play cards for hours. I got 4th last time and it went from 7pm to 2:30 am. Even if I hadn't won it would have been worth it. Althought I almost chose not to go back because chances are I probably won't be finishing in the top 5 again.

Just get your moneys worth from eatin and drinkin.

[bearsfan_51]

I was passing by the neighborhood Hot Topic the other day, not sure if you midwesterners have experienced the wonder of Hot Topic, but if you're a 14 year old kid looking to perfect the goth/emo look on a weeks allowance, it's the place to be. But in any event they had a hilarious shirt that read "Liquor in the front, poker in the rear". I think I know what to get you for Christmas.

If you ever compare me to the worthless upper-class suburban emo bitches again I will stalk you down and drink your blood. Mark my words.



"Foreigner? I could barely fit three in her!!!"

[bsaza2358]

Good logic on the cost. I'm just looking at it from a potential winnings/buy in situation. I'd rather buy my own food, not have the option of drinking, and get more equity in the payouts.

[KCJ58]

poker is pretty cool

[Jughead10]

Good logic on the cost. I'm just looking at it from a potential winnings/buy in situation. I'd rather buy my own food, not have the option of drinking, and get more equity in the payouts.

I hear that to. But that only works out if you place in the money.

[bsaza2358]

poker is pretty cool

You are a genius

[duckseason]

poker is pretty cool
It seems shallow minded to assume that just because 9 guys sit and gaze into each others' eyes for hours at a time that they are cool.

[bsaza2358]

Haha! Score 1 for duck! Hoowah!

I do agree that poker is cool, though.

[Acreboy]

poker is pretty coolunderstatement of the year.

It seems shallow minded to assume that just because 9 guys sit and gaze into each others' eyes for hours at a time that they are cool.
No one does it better than the guy in my signature.

[Acreboy]

nm...........

[bsaza2358]

Ivy is good, but people seem to think he's some sort of god. He's not a mind-reader, and he does lose sometimes. Others have more bracelets and win more money. You just have to say there are a ton of good players out there, and Ivy is one of them...

[MaxV]

Ivy is good, but people seem to think he's some sort of god. He's not a mind-reader, and he does lose sometimes. Others have more bracelets and win more money. You just have to say there are a ton of good players out there, and Ivy is one of them...

I think the reason people like Ivy so much is because he's very agressive.

As opposed to someone like Dan Harrington, who's very conservative, but just as successfull, if not more so.

[reigle9]

I am going to AC tomorrow to play in the WSOP Circuit Event, plus some cash game play at Showboat and Trop. Staying at the Trump Marina. I am very much looking forward to this...

My time stamp things are messed up, did you leave yet?

[RyanLeaf#1]

I think the reason people like Ivy so much is because he's very agressive.

As opposed to someone like Dan Harrington, who's very conservative, but just as successfull, if not more so.

Im a big Harrington fan.

[MaxV]

I've never participated in a AC tournament. I gotta find the time to do it one of these days.

[Acreboy]

Ivy is good, but people seem to think he's some sort of god. He's not a mind-reader, and he does lose sometimes. Others have more bracelets and win more money. You just have to say there are a ton of good players out there, and Ivy is one of them...
Doesn't matter, you don't want to stare into his eyes.

Scares the **** out of you.

[bsaza2358]

My time stamp things are messed up, did you leave yet?

Leaving tomorrow morning. Can't wait!

[TH3]

Doesn't matter, you don't want to stare into his eyes.

Scares the **** out of you.

why... if you are scared of someone at the table you might not want to be there...

[bsaza2358]

Okay, so you don't stare into his eyes. You just play your game. You can't adjust your game to revere or fear anyone. When you start playing scared, you're a dead man...

[reigle9]

Leaving tomorrow morning. Can't wait!

Alright man, have a good time. Play well.

How far away from AC are you?

[bearsfan_51]

I think the reason people like Ivy so much is because he's very agressive.
Being the only prominent black player doesn't hurt either, he gets that Tiger Woods swag. Plus, when compared to most of the mealy mouthed fatasses on the professional tour he comes off cooler than Jimmy Hedrix.

[Acreboy]

Being the only prominent black player doesn't hurt either, he gets that Tiger Woods swag. Plus, when compared to most of the mealy mouthed fatasses on the professional tour he comes off cooler than Jimmy Hedrix.Paul Darden?

He isn't "ivey" successful but he is decent.

why... if you are scared of someone at the table you might not want to be there...I'm just implying it's intemedating to look into his eyes.

Damn.

people wanna act like they not scared of anything.

[MaxV]

Im a big Harrington fan.

Me too. Very few mention him in the "best poker player" discussions, but more often then not he is still playing when other great players are heading for the exits.

[bsaza2358]

I don't think he's saying that Ivey is popular because he's black. He's saying that he is *the* prominant black player on the televised poker circuit.

Darden is still getting better, but he is good.

[bearsfan_51]

Paul Darden?

He isn't "ivey" successful but he is decent.
Precisely.

[TH3]

Damn.

people wanna act like they not scared of anything.

well... at the poker table im not...
1. I dont play with people im scared of
2. I dont play with money i dont have or cant afford to lose

[Acreboy]

Me too. Very few mention him in the "best poker player" discussions, but more often then not he is still playing when other great players are heading for the exits.
I hear his poker books are excellent.

[RyanLeaf#1]

Me too. Very few mention him in the "best poker player" discussions, but more often then not he is still playing when other great players are heading for the exits.

I agree 100% he is in my opinion the best holdem tournament player in the world.

[bsaza2358]

I am just finishing Harrington III right now. His books have made my game infinitely better.

[Acreboy]

I agree 100% he is in my opinion the best holdem tournament player in the world.
Right now, I would agree. He had an off year last year.

Look for Ivey to climb back in it as well as Negreanu and Cunningham again.

[RyanLeaf#1]

Right now, I would agree. He had an off year last year.

Look for Ivey to climb back in it as well as Negreanu and Cunningham again.

I cant stand Negreanu, but Ivey is always one of the top players.

[bsaza2358]

Negreneu had a fantastic WSOP in 2006. He was way up. Cunningham was player of the year. Ivey was a little off this year, but he is a winning player, point blank.

[bsaza2358]

Say what you want about Negreneu, but he always brings the goods. His poker mind is fantastic. You don't have to like him, but you have to respect his skills and winning.

[Acreboy]

Say what you want about Negreneu, but he always brings the goods. His poker mind is fantastic. You don't have to like him, but you have to respect his skills and winning.
Ivey is who I would like to focus my kind of game around but Negreanu is awesome to watch. I haven't seen a mind like his since Stu Unger and thats saying a lot...

[MaxV]

Unger OD'ed right?

[Acreboy]

Unger OD'ed right?
Yeah, it was a huge shame.

After all he won he died with $800 to his name.

His daughter never new that Stu played every tourney with a pic of her at the table.

[bsaza2358]

Unger was a poker tragedy, but addictive personalities and genius often get attracted to the wrong things. Dude won millions in poker and gave it all away with drugs...

[RyanLeaf#1]

There is a movie about him it always comes on HBO called the Stu Ungar story. The guy from the Sopranos plays him in it. I have every WSOP ever on dvd so ive watched him play a ton of times.

[Acreboy]

I mean in 97 he was broke, a friend loaned him 10K to enter the ME and he blew everyone away to win his 3rd ME. That will never be done again.

The only one's who could tie Unger would be Chan and Doyle I believe.

There is a movie about him it always comes on HBO called the Stu Ungar story. The guy from the Sopranos plays him in it. I have every WSOP ever on dvd so ive watched him play a ton of times.Where can I get that DVD?

[bsaza2358]

Unger won the ME 3 times, but he did it in fields of 300 or less. Chan and Doyle did the same. With the large fields out there now, it is virtually impossible to win back to back.

[reigle9]

I mean in 97 he was broke, a friend loaned him 10K to enter the ME and he blew everyone away to win his 3rd ME. That will never be done again.

The only one's who could tie Unger would be Chan and Doyle I believe.

Where can I get that DVD?
I rented it from Blockbuster when it first came out, I'm not sure if they would still have it to rent. It's a great movie, Michael Imperioli was the absolute perfect cast job.

[bsaza2358]

I'm sure you can also find it on Amazon.

[Acreboy]

Unger won the ME 3 times, but he did it in fields of 300 or less. Chan and Doyle did the same. With the large fields out there now, it is virtually impossible to win back to back.
I believe Raymer would have done it in '05 if kanter doesn't hit his "miracle" flush on the river...

He went out in 14th that year I believe and would have been a big chip leader.

I rented it from Blockbuster when it first came out, I'm not sure if they would still have it to rent. It's a great movie, Michael Imperioli was the absolute perfect cast job.Where would I get every WSOP ME on DVD?

[bsaza2358]

Raymer would have had a chance. He finished between 24-27. If he hit that card, he'd still be a medium stack, but he would have had a chance. The way Hachem played, he was the best player on the final day. Raymer played well, but he didn't get as lucky.

[Acreboy]

Raymer would have had a chance. He finished between 24-27. If he hit that card, he'd still be a medium stack, but he would have had a chance. The way Hachem played, he was the best player on the final day. Raymer played well, but he didn't get as lucky.
No, Hachem got lucky with his Q-7 and survived his all-in.

After that things got rolling. before that he was the 2nd shortest stack I believe.

[RyanLeaf#1]

Is your question where can you get every wsop on dvd or the ungar movie on dvd?

[Acreboy]

Every WSOP

I'd love to study Stu's game better.

[Acreboy]

Every WSOPBump......

[bsaza2358]

I am back from AC. Donkeys galore. I have plenty of stories of idiocy. My gf won $350 playing 5 hours at the $1/$2 tables. My friend Mark won $800, my friend Christian took home $500, and my buddy Tony won $2100 playing 27 hours of $1/$2 at Trop, Caesar's, Taj, and Showboat.

[Big Mike]

I beat a flush with a diamond studdard straight flush once. It was party poker

[MaxV]

I beat a flush with a diamond studdard straight flush once. It was party poker


I once mocked 2 4 suited before the flop. Turns out, had I stayed in the hand I would've made the straight flush, and there were A LOT of action and money in that hand.

This was about 2 years ago, and I'm still not over it.

[Big Mike]

I once mocked 2 4 suited before the flop. Turns out, had I stayed in the hand I would've made the straight flush, and there were A LOT of action and money in that hand.

This was about 2 years ago, and I'm still not over it.

I hate when that kind of stuff happens.

[MaxV]

I hate when that kind of stuff happens.

Yeah, I'm a conservative player and lay down a lot of hands, so stuff like that happens often to me.

But that one hurt MUCH more then all others.

[Acreboy]

can't wait to hear the stories.

[Big Mike]

Yeah, I'm a conservative player and lay down a lot of hands, so stuff like that happens often to me.

But that one hurt MUCH more then all others.
I go in with anything that can possibly hold a straight or flush. But it depends on what the blinds are. Cause you can have a 2 and 4 in your hand then to your surprise two fours come on the flop.

[bsaza2358]

I finished 171 out of 530 (give or take) at the WSOP Circuit. I didn't see any top top pros, but it was easy to tell who the good players were. I was pretty sure I wasn't giving off many tells, and I was doing my best to stay very consistent. I got outflopped a lot, but I made some good laydowns. Doubled up very early when I flopped 2 pair with Q-J against a guy who had A-Q (he pushed, and I had to call). Made some good plays, but the blinds caught up to me. I lasted 7 hours with a $4000 starting chip stack. Busted when I tried to steal with A-9 and was pot committed against a big stack with A-K...

[Big Mike]

I finished 171 out of 530 (give or take) at the WSOP Circuit. I didn't see any top top pros, but it was easy to tell who the good players were. I was pretty sure I wasn't giving off many tells, and I was doing my best to stay very consistent. I got outflopped a lot, but I made some good laydowns. Doubled up very early when I flopped 2 pair with Q-J against a guy who had A-Q (he pushed, and I had to call). Made some good plays, but the blinds caught up to me. I lasted 7 hours with a $4000 starting chip stack. Busted when I tried to steal with A-9 and was pot committed against a big stack with A-K...

Damn sucks to lose with AK, good job tho

[bsaza2358]

Saturday at 2, I played in the Showboat tournament. $65 buy-in (they're raising it to $100 on weekends starting next week), $10k in starting chips. I took a few little hits early, but built a decent stack by playing the odds and attacking the weak players (and there were a lot of them). I had about $20k in chips and picked up A-A and busted a short stack riding A-9 and a medium stack who tried to isolate with Q's. That gave me a nice big stack of around $35k. I also busted a few more small stacks with K's and J-10 (pot odds). Made it down to the final 2 tables and went completely card dead. Tried to stay patient, but the donks were calling blind steals with crap and catching. Ended up finishing in 11th when I called down the megastack's all in with 8's. He had Aces, and I was done. Finished just out of the money...

[bsaza2358]

Damn sucks to lose with AK, good job tho

I lost with A-9 against A-K.

[bsaza2358]

Sunday at 11, I played in the $100 buy-in daily tournament. Played well again, but lost all of my races. Lost to pocket 9's against A-K 3 times. When I finally built up a decent stack (caught a card with K-Q against A-J), I picked up Q's and was reraised all in by a medium stack. I called, and her K-Q outdrew me. Made it to the final 4 tables, but finished 33rd out of 91. I had $15k in chips (average stack around $20k). Picked up A-K in the big blind against 4 limpers. I went all in, hoping to steal the pot. A guy with $25,000 in chips limped in middle position, then called my all in for 60% of his stack with 2 bigger stacks behind him. He flopped a boat, and I was done...

[Jughead10]

I never made it to my tournament on Friday night. Ended up having to go to a close friend of the families mother's wake.

Then my buddy was supposed to get a free suite at the trop tonight, but couldn't get it last minute. So I'm going through a bit of withdrawal.

[bsaza2358]

Jug, if you're willing to sit through a timeshare presentation, I can probably get you 2 nights free at the Fairfield Resort over by the Taj.

[Big Mike]

I lost with A-9 against A-K.

OHHHH, sorry.

[Jughead10]

Jug, if you're willing to sit through a timeshare presentation, I can probably get you 2 nights free at the Fairfield Resort over by the Taj.

Appreciate it, but not neccesary. My buddy should be able to get the free suite next Monday or Tuesday night or the week after. I believe he just contacted them too late. He got a call letting him know the Trop has a free suite for him any Monday or Tuesday night in March or April. We talked about going all last week but he didn't place the call to reserve it until last night and they didn't have one available.

Edit: This post just reminded me to call him. And yes in fact he has already booked the free suite for next Monday. But again I appreciate the offer.

[bsaza2358]

Well, this is an anytime proposition. My gf and I just bought into the Fairfield in AC. We get money off our payments each time people go and listen to the presentation, so I'm being mildly greedy about it. haha. Anytime you want to go on your own, you can. PM me if you need the hookup.

That goes for everyone, of course. You have to be 21.

[MaxV]

I've never played in a tournament in AC before. I would love to do it one of these days.

[bsaza2358]

AC Tournaments are very difficult to do well in consistently. If you're not a strong player, you have to get very lucky. If you are a strong player, you have to be very careful when making bluffs and moves because you can often get called down. Of course, when you hit a monster or are on a draw, you can often get paid off nicely. If you can make strong reads and get away from hands, you can win consistently. Of course, you still need some luck...

[Acreboy]

AC Tournaments are very difficult to do well in consistently. If you're not a strong player, you have to get very lucky. If you are a strong player, you have to be very careful when making bluffs and moves because you can often get called down. Of course, when you hit a monster or are on a draw, you can often get paid off nicely. If you can make strong reads and get away from hands, you can win consistently. Of course, you still need some luck...Most people get confused and think they can bluff amateurs. It's harder to bluff amateurs they need to find the strongest players and bluff them because they are more likely to lay down a big hand.

[bsaza2358]

Most people get confused and think they can bluff amateurs. It's harder to bluff amateurs they need to find the strongest players and bluff them because they are more likely to lay down a big hand.

Agreed. I can be bluffed, but it's getting harder as my reading ability improves. The easiest players to bluff are the very new weak-tight players, then the above average players who are just improving to the point that they'll lay down a hand.

When I'm in AC in these lower limit tourneys, I play A-B-C poker. Sure, I'll raise with some junk, then value bet when I flop big, but you can't do advanced plays, like the squeeze against amateurs and idiots.

[bsaza2358]

Bump out of spite.

[Acreboy]

Bump out of spite.hehe

/10characters

[my future me]

Just needed to vent

Playing 1/2 Omaha 8/OB @ at Pokerstars. I'm up about $110 in a half-hour. Im in the BB w/ a very poor hand of 2 4 6 8 rainbow. 3 players call to me, I check. Flop comes 6 6 2, and I flop the nuts. I check. Button raises 5 dollars. I know he must have a six and w/ 2 cards to come I want to push him out of the flop, so I raise 20. He raises all in (about 110 total) so I call. He has a six and catches an Ace on the river to win the almost 200 dollar pot.

[duckseason]

Just needed to vent

Playing 1/2 Omaha 8/OB @ at Pokerstars. I'm up about $110 in a half-hour. Im in the BB w/ a very poor hand of 2 4 6 8 rainbow. 3 players call to me, I check. Flop comes 6 6 2, and I flop the nuts. I check. Button raises 5 dollars. I know he must have a six and w/ 2 cards to come I want to push him out of the flop, so I raise 20. He raises all in (about 110 total) so I call. He has a six and catches an Ace on the river to win the almost 200 dollar pot.
I hate online poker. When that nut buster comes on the river, I want to see it leave the dealers hand. Something about playing online is too fake for me.

[MaxV]

I hate online poker. When that nut buster comes on the river, I want to see it leave the dealers hand. Something about playing online is too fake for me.

Well obviously the biggest negative about online poker is that you don't get to see your opponents and can't read them.

[bsaza2358]

Online poker is very valuable if you can read betting pattern tells. In this scenario, my future made a good read and knew the guy had the case 6. Still, his call was correct because the guy might have had a 2 and then 9 outs to beat him. His implied odds were very solid here, and I would have made the same play. Of course, I also hate Omaha because of the swings like that...

[Damix]

I hate A-K, I never win with it, Anna Kournikova, looks good but never wins. Suited is even worse, its gotten to the point that I pretty much fold it if anyone bets a reasonable ammount.

[bsaza2358]

Folding A-K is not a solid EV play. It is the best drawing hand in hold 'em. Of course, to play it right you have to get a little lucky and make good reads. Playing A-K online is incredibly tricky. I have stopped playing online because of the idiot bad beats (bad programming + bad players), plus the fact that I have solid hand-reading skills and tell-reading skills that are eliminated by the electronics. I also tend to play way too much.

[reigle9]

Folding A-K is not a solid EV play. It is the best drawing hand in hold 'em. Of course, to play it right you have to get a little lucky and make good reads. Playing A-K online is incredibly tricky. I have stopped playing online because of the idiot bad beats (bad programming + bad players), plus the fact that I have solid hand-reading skills and tell-reading skills that are eliminated by the electronics. I also tend to play way too much.

Just read all your stories. Moral of the story...play cash games. I have no dreams of seeing my face on ESPN, I just want enough money so I'll never have to get a real job.

Playing poker online is more stressful than brain surgery. I agree with what you said about it.

Didn't you end up going to see GW? I saw they took it. Then got blown out in the big one, but at least they made it.

Listening to the UNLV game right now.

[jag]

Well I'm not the best at poker, but me and a few friends get together and play poker at my place about every other week.

I don't really know what this added to the conversation but hey, whatever.

[Acreboy]

I'm going to a casino for my 21st B-Day and play in a few cash games. Don;t know what casino yet. Probably somewhere close to home. I can't wait.

[bsaza2358]

Where is New Iberia?

[bsaza2358]

Just read all your stories. Moral of the story...play cash games. I have no dreams of seeing my face on ESPN, I just want enough money so I'll never have to get a real job.

Playing poker online is more stressful than brain surgery. I agree with what you said about it.

Didn't you end up going to see GW? I saw they took it. Then got blown out in the big one, but at least they made it.

Listening to the UNLV game right now.

Reigle, my friends played cash games and hit it big. For me, I'm just a better tournament player. I was supposed to get a bonus at work, but they delayed it until the end of the month, so my bankroll was really low. I really only had $200 to spend on poker. I wasn't about to put myself in a position to lose my entire bankroll on Day 1, so I did the tournaments and played well. Of course, if I had played as well at the cash tables as I did playing tournaments, I would have made out like gangbusters...

[duckseason]

Well obviously the biggest negative about online poker is that you don't get to see your opponents and can't read them.

I just mean that I have a hard time trusting online poker. No need to state the obvious. It just seems like the cards fall off in perfect sequence in order to promote the biggest pots (and rakes) possible. Not always, but I did notice that there was an extraordinary number of such occurrences. People who play a ton of poker get a feel for how often certain things are going to happen, and they expect it. Online, it seems like strange things happen every other hand. Odds don't seem true. I'm sure there are legitimate sites to play at, but I never found them. I want to see the dealer in front of my face. Not some card showing up on my screen from who knows where.

[bsaza2358]

I agree with your concerns, duck. It is a big concern of mine, as well. When I first joined Fulltilt, it seemed like the programming was very randomized. Cards came out randomly, and there weren't a ton of big hands. As time went by, it seemed like they skewed the cards a bit to give one person first nuts and another second nuts on every hand. There were a lot of outdraws and crazy river cards to catch runner runner crap. When I could play the best odds possible and get my money in with the best hand every time and still lose $20, I said it was time to stop. I'd rather play for real than deal with this other stuff.

[reigle9]

bsaza,
I forgot to mention this in my first post. I don't know how it works at other casino's, but if your friends played a cash game for more than four hours at The Trop, they'll get the poker rate for rooms that really cuts it down from normal rates. That is assuming one of them had a Trop Poker Club card and got them scanned.

Or you don't mind the timeshare thing lol........then by all means. It's actually a really good idea if you'd have to pay for your own room.

[Acreboy]

Where is New Iberia?
http://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&channel=s&tab=wl&q=

[bsaza2358]

bsaza,
I forgot to mention this in my first post. I don't know how it works at other casino's, but if your friends played a cash game for more than four hours at The Trop, they'll get the poker rate for rooms that really cuts it down from normal rates. That is assuming one of them had a Trop Poker Club card and got them scanned.

Or you don't mind the timeshare thing lol........then by all means. It's actually a really good idea if you'd have to pay for your own room.

My buddy Christian can get us a poker room rate if we wanted to. Same goes for my buddies Matt, Mark, Tony, and Howard. I'm near qualifying for a poker room rate myself. Regardless, when I go to stay at the Fairfield Resort in AC, I'm guaranteed free parking on the boardwalk, jacuzzi in my room, kitchen in my room, computer lab on site, full gym to work out, and all kinds of other resort amenities included with my stay. I can also take the points and go to any Fairfield or Wyndham Resort in the world.

[Jughead10]

Oh forgot about this thread. At about 4pm eastern time afternoon I will be leaving work and rushing home. Changing quickly and getting on the road to get down to the Trop ASAP.

[bsaza2358]

Awesome! Good luck. Playing some $1/$2 NL?

[Jughead10]

I'm not sure. I might not actually play poker at all. I'm only going down with only one buddy and his brother, and they play zero poker. More of a roulette guys, which I am also quite fond of that game. So instead of splitting up I might just play mostly roulette tonight since it is because of him I am even going down. Especially since the poker room is so far away from where most of the roulette tables are in the trop.

[MaxV]

I just mean that I have a hard time trusting online poker. No need to state the obvious. It just seems like the cards fall off in perfect sequence in order to promote the biggest pots (and rakes) possible. Not always, but I did notice that there was an extraordinary number of such occurrences. People who play a ton of poker get a feel for how often certain things are going to happen, and they expect it. Online, it seems like strange things happen every other hand. Odds don't seem true. I'm sure there are legitimate sites to play at, but I never found them. I want to see the dealer in front of my face. Not some card showing up on my screen from who knows where.

I've noticed that also.

The worst part is being ahead on the hand by a big margin, only to lose it on a river. I know that happens during regular games, but it seems to happen during online games WAY TOO OFTEN.

[Acreboy]

My friend and I were discussing who the best players in the world are.

All of poker i'd have to say Andy Bloch and Chip Reese

Texas Hold 'em it depends whether it's a cash game or tourney.

Tourney i'd say Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu.

Cash games i'd say Chip Reese and Todd Brunson and no one is even close to them.

Opinions?

[MaxV]

Guys is it possible for us to set a game up??? I don't really know how to set up an exclusive table online, but I'm sure there is a way.

We should do it for bragging rights only though.

[Acreboy]

I think there is a way to do it on pokerstars.net but i'm not sure.

[SuperKevin]

I play every weekend at the casinos in the San Diego area. I'm actually up like a total of 800 dollars in the past 3 weeks. I love how popular poker has got on TV because now everyone thinks they are a superstar at the table. So many backfired reads its ridiculous

[RyanLeaf#1]

Sunday me and a friend went to the Taj for the 6:10 $100 tournament. 72 people registered. I wasnt getting cards all night, but some how there were only 13 people left and I still had around 9400 in front of me. We started with 5000. With the blinds being 800-1600 and 200 antes. I look down at AA. The first person to act with only 1200 left goes all in. The next guy folds. Now its up to me and there are 5 people after me to act. So I decide to just call and hope someone raises and tries to steal the blinds. The next guy calls and the button folds. Both of the blinds call. So I kind of got what I wanted a pretty big pot and I decide what ever happens after the flop im pushing. The flop comes 2 7 8 rainbow. Both blinds check the other guy is already all in. I Push with my remaining 7200. The chip leader of the whole tournament to the left of me calls immediately. Everyone else folds. He shows 8 9 off suit. The turn is an 9 the river is an 8. I was sick. I played perfect the whole time only playing 6 hands over a 3 hour span, and winning all 6 of them hands.

[bsaza2358]

Sucks, dude, but I think you played it wrong. When you have a big pair and the blinds are that large and someone else is all in, you have to make a move to take down pots. Especially with A-A, you have to isolate. With 13 players left, there should have been 2 tables, 1 with 7, 1 with 6. Looks like your table had 7 at it. Between the antes and blinds, plus the all-in ahead of you, there was $5000 in the pot. If you push all in, it is highly unlikely that most of the other people call you. Since it was late in the tournament, you probably don't get more than 1 call. The hands that can call are other pocket pairs (you're a 80% favorite), AK (90% favorite), and perhaps a bad call with an A-x (likely AQ-A-9, you're a 92% favorite). Depending on the size of the chip leader's stack, he might have decided that eliminating 2 players was worth the risk, meaning you were probably fahked anyway.

By letting people limp, you let hands like 8-9os get in the pot. When you called, the pot was $6600, and the cutoff had position, the big stack, and had to pay $1600 to see a pot of $8200 (more than 5:1 pot odds). If you include the implied odds of the small blind, he had 5.6:1 pot odds. With your stack only $9500 (give or take), you're hoping to chase everyone else, win the all-in, and add 50% or more to your stack. You have several things going for you in this case. First, your table image is incredibly tight, so these other players should give you credit for a huge hand if you're moving to isolate. Secondly, your all-in for 9000 makes the pot $14000 or so. The big stack now has to pay $9000 to see a pot of $23000. His odds are less than 3:1, so he shouldn't make that call. Given that the blinds just called and checked with huge odds, they probably would have had to throw away their hands. If you get called by one of these guys, you are a pretty huge favorite to at least win a side pot of over $14000. If you push and lose to the short stack, you still get $400 chance and have a stack of $7800.

Fact is, aces are a huge favorite against any random hand, but when you start having other people in the pot, the odds of you winning shrinks. You want an all-in heads up and nothing else, maybe 1 caller at best. Basically, you limped and gave odds to the cutoff and blinds to call and check. Late stage of a tournament, you can't get cute when you are a shorter stack. You have to steal pots when you can and get a little lucky. You really can't afford to get cute with the rockets.

[RyanLeaf#1]

I admit I was being a pig, but even so after the flop I was a huge favorite he had 7 outs in the whole deck, and he hit 2 of them lol.

[bsaza2358]

I am in agreement with you on that. It was a crappy beat. You should have won. My problem here was that you limped to possibly win an extra $2400 chips (if anyone folded), when you likely would have won $5000 with less of a problem. $5000 is a really nice pot and gives you breathing room. You take advantage of your table image, bump your stack to $14k, and then you play some more. Even so, I'm really surprised that the big stack instacalled you with 8-9 on that board... God I love and hate AC...

[MaxV]

Sunday me and a friend went to the Taj for the 6:10 $100 tournament. 72 people registered. I wasnt getting cards all night, but some how there were only 13 people left and I still had around 9400 in front of me. We started with 5000. With the blinds being 800-1600 and 200 antes. I look down at AA. The first person to act with only 1200 left goes all in. The next guy folds. Now its up to me and there are 5 people after me to act. So I decide to just call and hope someone raises and tries to steal the blinds. The next guy calls and the button folds. Both of the blinds call. So I kind of got what I wanted a pretty big pot and I decide what ever happens after the flop im pushing. The flop comes 2 7 8 rainbow. Both blinds check the other guy is already all in. I Push with my remaining 7200. The chip leader of the whole tournament to the left of me calls immediately. Everyone else folds. He shows 8 9 off suit. The turn is an 9 the river is an 8. I was sick. I played perfect the whole time only playing 6 hands over a 3 hour span, and winning all 6 of them hands.

Wasn't it Doyle Bronson that said that pocket rockets is one of the worst hands you can start out with?

He said, when you win with them, it's ussually small, but when you lose, IT'S HUGE.

[bsaza2358]

Doyle likes playing big pocket pairs, but he says that you have to play them aggressively in a cash game (Doyle's preferred medium) because if you don't play them strongly, you have a tendency to lose a big pot. Doyle would rather win a small pot than lose a big one. I think that's apt philosophy. Of course, any person would rather win a big pot any day...

[bsaza2358]

The general rule is that amateurs tend to lose more money playing with bigger pocket pairs because they can't bet the proper amount to win these pots, and they can't fold the hands. When people get cute with their big pairs and big hands, they sometimes let in other hands and get outdrawn. No matter what, on any given draw, it is possible for any hand to beat any other.

[MaxV]

Doyle likes playing big pocket pairs, but he says that you have to play them aggressively in a cash game (Doyle's preferred medium) because if you don't play them strongly, you have a tendency to lose a big pot. Doyle would rather win a small pot than lose a big one. I think that's apt philosophy. Of course, any person would rather win a big pot any day...

Yeah, that is a good philosophy.

I have a very bad history with pocket rockets, and most of that was because I was playing them slow.

[bsaza2358]

My rule with rockets is that when I limp with them and don't hit a piece, I will often release them against a scary board or if I make a read. Of course, if I hit a huge chunk, I will immediately play them for value. My main rule is that after second preflop position (#4 overall), I will not limp with A's or K's. It's just dumb to get too cute with them. I'd rather take a small pot or play then heads up or against 2 other players than risk it.

[MaxV]

My rule with rockets is that when I limp with them and don't hit a piece, I will often release them against a scary board or if I make a read. Of course, if I hit a huge chunk, I will immediately play them for value. My main rule is that after second preflop position (#4 overall), I will not limp with A's or K's. It's just dumb to get too cute with them. I'd rather take a small pot or play then heads up or against 2 other players than risk it.

What if you are playing against VERY loose players, that will call big bets with 3 6 off-suit of something like that?

[someone447]

I have yet to find a place to discuss poker with anyone.

Hopefully we can discuss it here.

Here we can talk about the WSOP, WPT, PPT, and any other poker tourney's.

Share secrets, bad beats you got, bad beats you gave, home games, strategy's, etc.

Lets get this thing going.

www.twoplustwo.com

[bsaza2358]

What if you are playing against VERY loose players, that will call big bets with 3 6 off-suit of something like that?

Well, there are loose callers and loose raisers. If you have a very loose and aggressive raiser in an unopened pot, you can try to limp and reraise, but I find it's best with bigger hands to get the money in the pot and chase out a lot of the garbage ahead of time. Again, with a larger pair, you don't want more than 2 other people in the hand with you. If you just limp, the other people can call, then you run the risk of getting outflopped. If someone is dumb enough to call 4-5x the BB with 3-6os, they'd better get very lucky or have amazing instincts, or they're going to go broke very quickly.

[RyanLeaf#1]

Tonight I have a 100+10 tournament to go to in my neighborhood. From what i've heard the players are terrible and the blinds are real slow. So im hoping to atleast cash tonight if not take down the whole thing. They said they are expecting anywhere from 25-30 people.

[bsaza2358]

Looks like at least $1100 for the winner. With slow blinds, it's nice to actually play poker and not have to worry about getting lucky. You still need luck, but you can at least pick your spots...

[RyanLeaf#1]

Looks like at least $1100 for the winner. With slow blinds, it's nice to actually play poker and not have to worry about getting lucky. You still need luck, but you can at least pick your spots...

Exactly im hoping I can atleast cash.... Its all you can drink, but I wont drink since ill be playing. So even if I dont get knocked out early ill put on a load and watch the Yanks and the Phillies games.

[bsaza2358]

That's a pretty nice deal. We have some of those types of tournaments in the DC area. Unfortunately, they're usually about 30 miles outside the city. Not really worth driving to the middle of nowhere to pay a rake. I try to go to one every 3 months because they actually serve as fundraisers for local fire departments.

[RyanLeaf#1]

That tournament on Friday it was a 3 way split for first. I bought in for 110 and left with 530. Not as many people came as expected, but im not mad with the 420 profit.

[bsaza2358]

Awesome job, dude. Your hourly rate was very healthy, and you got dinner out of it, no? Solid stuff.

[Acreboy]

Looks like at least $1100 for the winner. With slow blinds, it's nice to actually play poker and not have to worry about getting lucky. You still need luck, but you can at least pick your spots...

man playing a little home game I have about a good size chip stack and people got knocked out early so we got to the final table pretty quickly.

I get Ad-Ah in middle position, blinds are $500-$1000 so I raise it to $4500 and I get 4 quick calls. Flop comes Kd-3c-8d. I bet $5000, guy behind me calls quick and everyone else folds. turn is a Jd. I bet $15,000 he calls. Now I have Ad-Ah with 4 to a flush so when the river is a 4s I am a little dissapointed because I wanted a diamond but I figure I still have the best hand and bet $20,000. Guy just goes all in for like $3,000 more and I don't hesitate I call. He turns over K-3 giving him 2 pair. How he called my raise to begin with threw me off.

I had about 16K left and I worked my way back up to over 100K but caught no cards after that. Finally blinds got up to 10K and 20K and I had 24K left so I had to go all in with 4-6 off suit.

if it wasn't a home game i'd have been pissed.

[bsaza2358]

If you have good instincts, you can call with a lot of junk and hope to outplay people after the flop. In this case, he called in middle/late position with potential implied odds. If he called you, then the next few guys have the odds to call with lesser hands. He was hoping to invest a small amount and get lucky. He did, and he cracked you. I think he played it correctly. I assume he put you on a big pair or A-K on the flop, so he flat called you to basically milk it. Once the flop hit, he was betting for value. You basically bet it to get his money in the pot without necessarily putting him on a hand. He milked you good.

[Acreboy]

If you have good instincts, you can call with a lot of junk and hope to outplay people after the flop. In this case, he called in middle/late position with potential implied odds. If he called you, then the next few guys have the odds to call with lesser hands. He was hoping to invest a small amount and get lucky. He did, and he cracked you. I think he played it correctly. I assume he put you on a big pair or A-K on the flop, so he flat called you to basically milk it. Once the flop hit, he was betting for value. You basically bet it to get his money in the pot without necessarily putting him on a hand. He milked you good.

I see a call there with at least K-10 on up. Not a K with a very weak kicker.

[bsaza2358]

It was not a strong call, but he was looking to flop big, and he did. That's a "call, see a flop, and fold if you don't get a piece" hand. I don't like big-small cards, but I'll play them every once in a while with odds and position. I don't like his call, but it was deceptive, and you had no idea what he had. I'll also point out that he could have made that call with K-J, and you didn't give him credit for that type of hand. That is a hand that could call you preflop and also make the call of your raise on the flop. You didn't put him on a hand, and that was part of the reason why you lost as much as you did.

[Moses]

man playing a little home game I have about a good size chip stack and people got knocked out early so we got to the final table pretty quickly.

I get Ad-Ah in middle position, blinds are $500-$1000 so I raise it to $4500 and I get 4 quick calls. Flop comes Kd-3c-8d. I bet $5000, guy behind me calls quick and everyone else folds. turn is a Jd. I bet $15,000 he calls. Now I have Ad-Ah with 4 to a flush so when the river is a 4s I am a little dissapointed because I wanted a diamond but I figure I still have the best hand and bet $20,000. Guy just goes all in for like $3,000 more and I don't hesitate I call. He turns over K-3 giving him 2 pair. How he called my raise to begin with threw me off.

I had about 16K left and I worked my way back up to over 100K but caught no cards after that. Finally blinds got up to 10K and 20K and I had 24K left so I had to go all in with 4-6 off suit.

if it wasn't a home game i'd have been pissed.

Obviously calling with K-3 preflop to that big of a raise is generally a bad idea but poker isn't a game about the right and wrong plays. He got lucky on the flop and you likely played your hand too aggressively (tends to happen when you have a great preflop hand, you can't let it go).

[Acreboy]

It was not a strong call, but he was looking to flop big, and he did. That's a "call, see a flop, and fold if you don't get a piece" hand. I don't like big-small cards, but I'll play them every once in a while with odds and position. I don't like his call, but it was deceptive, and you had no idea what he had. I'll also point out that he could have made that call with K-J, and you didn't give him credit for that type of hand. That is a hand that could call you preflop and also make the call of your raise on the flop. You didn't put him on a hand, and that was part of the reason why you lost as much as you did.
I did put him on a K at least and almost folded when the J came off but I had the nut flush draw as well.

[bsaza2358]

If you had the nut flush draw, why not check and let him bet to see how he defines his hand? You could have made a big laydown there or maybe seen the river for cheap. If he had checked behind you, you could have put him on a Q-10 or on smaller flush draw. You also discounted the fact that he could have had a made flush. In the end, it cost you a lot. It is tough to lay down A's, but when you get called by 4 people pre-flop, it tends to get ugly afterwards.

In your situation, he called you quickly post-flop with 2 diamonds on board. He also called your big turn bet with potentially a made hand. You were likely very behind at that point with only 6 outs. Your best option would be to check the turn and try to hit on the river and value bet. It is a tough hand, but you can't assume your A's are automatically good.

[RyanLeaf#1]

Awesome job, dude. Your hourly rate was very healthy, and you got dinner out of it, no? Solid stuff.

Yea definitely got dinner out of it.

[Acreboy]

If you had the nut flush draw, why not check and let him bet to see how he defines his hand? You could have made a big laydown there or maybe seen the river for cheap. If he had checked behind you, you could have put him on a Q-10 or on smaller flush draw. You also discounted the fact that he could have had a made flush. In the end, it cost you a lot. It is tough to lay down A's, but when you get called by 4 people pre-flop, it tends to get ugly afterwards.

In your situation, he called you quickly post-flop with 2 diamonds on board. He also called your big turn bet with potentially a made hand. You were likely very behind at that point with only 6 outs. Your best option would be to check the turn and try to hit on the river and value bet. It is a tough hand, but you can't assume your A's are automatically good.Well, thats why I posted this. To see what you guys think.

It wouldn't have been the first time I layed down Aces. Thanks for the help.

[bsaza2358]

It is hard to lay it down, but part of the development of a good player into a great player is trusting his reads and making this stuff happen. You were a tremendous favorite preflop, but you didn't give your opponent credit for a hand when he called your raise preflop, postflop, and on the turn. It is a lesson, but at least you were able to rebound somewhat with some great shortstack play.

[RyanLeaf#1]

Me and my friend went to the Taj last night from 8pm to 430 am we both played 1-2. I bought in for 140 and left with 300. At one point I was up to 580, but took some terrible bad beats where on 2 occasions someone hit a 2 outer on me. Where I already had a fullhouse and on the river they got the better fullhouse.I cant be mad, but I can barely keep my eyes open right now. I havent slept for 28 hours. Once you stop drinking Red Bull its like your dead. My boy who is a really good player was down like 220 in cards and 600 in Roulette and other stuff. So he was down 820 total so be before we leave he puts 25 on 8 and 25 on 11 in roulette and the 8 comes out. So we both ended up winning on the night. Scary ride back to Philly though cause he was dipping out the whole way home.

[bsaza2358]

Way to grind it out, but have fun staying awake today. Nothing you can do about the bad beats.

[SuperKevin]

I won 120 in a tournament last night at a local casino.

[bsaza2358]

Well done. Did you finish first, or did you just cash? Where is local for you?

[SuperKevin]

Well done. Did you finish first, or did you just cash? Where is local for you?

Cashed at 8th place

[bsaza2358]

How many players? What was the buy-in? What casino? I always keep a catalog of where good places to play are.

[SuperKevin]

How many players? What was the buy-in? What casino? I always keep a catalog of where good places to play are.

60 dollar buy in. 79 players at Morongo Resort and Casino near Palm Springs, CA

[bsaza2358]

And they only paid 8th place $120? Or was it $180 for 8th, and you made $120 profit? That sounds like a pretty weak payout if it's only $120 total.

[SuperKevin]

And they only paid 8th place $120? Or was it $180 for 8th, and you made $120 profit? That sounds like a pretty weak payout if it's only $120 total.

10-9 made their buy in back

8-6 made 120

5 made 180

4 made 300

3 made 450

2 made 600

1 made 850

Small time weekly tournament

[bsaza2358]

Not a bad layout, I guess. To me, getting your money back is just ridiculous. No one wants to sit there for hours only to make a net of $0. Pay 5th-8th more money and up the amount. I hate when they try to let as many people as possible cash...

[RyanLeaf#1]

Not a bad layout, I guess. To me, getting your money back is just ridiculous. No one wants to sit there for hours only to make a net of $0. Pay 5th-8th more money and up the amount. I hate when they try to let as many people as possible cash...

I agree in some tournaments it just isnt necessary to pay the whole final table.

[bsaza2358]

For multitable tournaments, I believe you should generally pay the top 10%. In my home game tournaments, we have 3 tables (27), and we pay the top 4. However, the top 2 spots get 75% of the prize pool. Obviously, that should be a little less as more people are paid.

[RyanLeaf#1]

Friday me and my boy went to the Taj. We played 1-2 from 9-midnight. Then at midnight we played the midnight tournament. We started with 12,000 chips after the first break I was down to 9,000 pretty much because of the blinds going up every 12 minutes. But the good thing about the midnight tournament their are no antes. But anyways after the break the blinds are 300-600 and im the big blind. I look down at 4-5 off. There are 3 callers the flop comes 4-5-8 with 2 clubs. With 1800 in the pot and being first to act with 2 pair I immediately push. The next guy calls me right away and the other guy folds. He turns over A-9 of clubs. The turn is a 8. So now I only have 5's and 8's. The river is an ACE... He counterfeited me I was so sick. No club, but a terrible counterfeit.

[bsaza2358]

WSOP is well underway. 55 events or so this year. Helmouth has already won his 11th bracelet. Looks like Michael Binger (3rd place in the 2006 ME) has been doing very well, cashing in 5 of 9 events with 3 final tables. Fields are not as big as last year, but they're still getting 2500+ for most NLHE events.

[jballa838]

Hellmuth is legit.

[bsaza2358]

Very astute observation. His record 59 WSOP cashes and 11 bracelets are also evidence to that effect.

[jballa838]

he is full of himself though. I don't blame him, he gets some bad beats often.

[bsaza2358]

In terms of televised hands, Helmouth rarely makes bad mistakes and usually has his money in with the best of it. He is a very shrewd and smart player. Yes, he is a bit of a brat, but he is an excellent and consistent player.

[BigDawg819]

I forgot that we have this thread but I am glad someone beat me to the punch in posting that Phil Hellmuth Jr has won his record 11th bracelet. This now places him alone at the top of the poker mountain as the person with the most bracelets. Also Allen Cunningham, a personal favorite of mine, has won his 5th bracelet in this year's World Series.

[RyanLeaf#1]

I forgot that we have this thread but I am glad someone beat me to the punch in posting that Phil Hellmuth Jr has won his record 11th bracelet. This now places him alone at the top of the poker mountain as the person with the most bracelets. Also Allen Cunningham, a personal favorite of mine, has won his 5th bracelet in this year's World Series.

My best friend flew out to play in the event that Hellmuth won. Heres how he went out. They started out with 3000 chips btw. Blinds were 200-400 and a guy went all in first to act with 5500. My friend is 5th to act he has KK and pushes all in. They both have the same amount of chips. No one else is in the hand. The other guy flips over A 4 off suit. What a terrible play first to act. The flop comes 10 high. The turn is a 4. The river is a 4. Thats such a bad suck out.

[Acreboy]

I hate Hellmuth. He's one of, not the best but damnit I him and his ego.

[MaxV]

Guys, is it possible to set up an online game between NFLDC users?

[Acreboy]

I think there is some way on Pokerstars.net

[bsaza2358]

It is hard to do, but not impossible. I think you have to set up a private room and password it. I would be down to try it, but I'm not willing to set it up.

[Acreboy]

What even did Phil win his bracelet in?

Also, do you guys consider Tuan Le a good player?

[duckseason]

What even did Phil win his bracelet in?
No Limit Hold 'em

Also, do you guys consider Tuan Le a good player?
Yes of course. Anybody who displays an ability to win consistently at the professional level is a very good player.

[simms2clayton]

I hate A-K, I never win with it, Anna Kournikova, looks good but never wins. Suited is even worse, its gotten to the point that I pretty much fold it if anyone bets a reasonable ammount.

Here is how I always play AK in cash games.

AK is just ace high and it is rare that you really improve on the flop with this hand. In early position, just play this hand very conservatively. Just limp with AK. If someone raises, give him the benfit of the doubt and don't reraise, just call.

In late position, play this hand aggressively, but if you get reraised, just call to see a flop, or fold if you are mid to short stacked.

Use the same strategy with pairs QQ and lower in early position.

[simms2clayton]

My friend and I were discussing who the best players in the world are.

All of poker i'd have to say Andy Bloch and Chip Reese

Texas Hold 'em it depends whether it's a cash game or tourney.

Tourney i'd say Phil Ivey and Daniel Negreanu.

Cash games i'd say Chip Reese and Todd Brunson and no one is even close to them.

Opinions?

Brian Townsend, aka sbrugby, is by far the best NLHE cash game player in the world imo. He owns online and he has done very well recently in Vegas in live games. He won 600k off of Sammy Farha playing HU, and 1.25m more playing 3 handed again Johnny Chan and Farha (I think Farha, but could be wrong on the 3 handed game).

The thing that ticked me off when I read his blog is that he didn't even tip the dealer when we won that 1.25m. Not a dime. I would have throws a 2k bone.

[simms2clayton]

My rule with rockets is that when I limp with them and don't hit a piece, I will often release them against a scary board or if I make a read. Of course, if I hit a huge chunk, I will immediately play them for value. My main rule is that after second preflop position (#4 overall), I will not limp with A's or K's. It's just dumb to get too cute with them. I'd rather take a small pot or play then heads up or against 2 other players than risk it.

I disagree. I see Paul Wasicka play AA very interestingly on High Stakes Poker.

He was under the gun (UTG, or to the left of the big blind) and limped. Limpers all around, about 6 ppl in the pot. The flop came (forgot what it was), and someone bet and he folded immediately.

The thing is, no sense in trying to make reads with AA since so much is out there with a lot of players in the hand. Just fold it and move on.

The thing about raising with AA and KK in early position is that you don't want to raise and get like 4 or 5 callers which sucks and then you are in bad position the rest of the hand. I usually raise big with AA or KK in early position or limp-raise. However, if I limp and say it folds around the the button, and he raises, and then the blinds fold, then I will just call to make myself look weak and slow play them.

I'll probably check the flop, and then he will make a continuation bet and then I'll make a raise there. Say he bets $15, then I'll raise to $40...so that is about what a 166% raise?

[duckseason]

There is no text book way to play any hand. Far too many variables involved on a hand to hand basis in this game. Generally, you want to raise with a premium hand such as AK. By pushing others out of the pot, you automatically increase your chances of winning from the get go. Also, it's easier to read others when they are reacting to your play, rather than vice versa. Don't let somebody with A-10 make that big raise and take the pot from you. You make the big raise and put him to the decision. Don't be nobody's puppet. You pull the strings. When people call a big raise pre-flop, you've already got a sense for what they've got. Trying to figure things out in an unraised pot is much tougher. But I'm just speaking in general terms. Like I said, there are far too many variables to come up with a specific play for any given hand.

Bottom line- If you're not winning consistently with hands like AK, you're not playing them correctly. If you're folding AK based off superstition, then I'd suggest not putting money on the table in the first place.

[simms2clayton]

man playing a little home game I have about a good size chip stack and people got knocked out early so we got to the final table pretty quickly.

I get Ad-Ah in middle position, blinds are $500-$1000 so I raise it to $4500 and I get 4 quick calls. Flop comes Kd-3c-8d. I bet $5000, guy behind me calls quick and everyone else folds. turn is a Jd. I bet $15,000 he calls. Now I have Ad-Ah with 4 to a flush so when the river is a 4s I am a little dissapointed because I wanted a diamond but I figure I still have the best hand and bet $20,000. Guy just goes all in for like $3,000 more and I don't hesitate I call. He turns over K-3 giving him 2 pair. How he called my raise to begin with threw me off.

I had about 16K left and I worked my way back up to over 100K but caught no cards after that. Finally blinds got up to 10K and 20K and I had 24K left so I had to go all in with 4-6 off suit.

if it wasn't a home game i'd have been pissed.

That is brutal that he didn't raise you on the flop and you could have put him possibly on two pair or a set. Calling really fast usually means a flush draw or top pair. or an open ended strt draw.

Brutal beat, good raise preflop, but I would have checked the turn when the diamond came out and just flat call the river.

[simms2clayton]

Not a bad layout, I guess. To me, getting your money back is just ridiculous. No one wants to sit there for hours only to make a net of $0. Pay 5th-8th more money and up the amount. I hate when they try to let as many people as possible cash...

Me too. I think the last payout should be 2x the buy in and it should pay out the top 10%.

[someone447]

I am seriously going to kill someone. I lost 45 bucks today in a home game. I lost 35 of it in 10 minutes to the same guy, both times he had pocket kings.

I am on the coldest streak I have ever seen. The past 3 times I have played, I have had 7 pocket pairs, 3 of them lower than 5. These times I have played have been for 5-7 hours each. It is absolutely horrible.

8 out of every 10 times I have had all or most of my money in, I have been ahead. Yet I have gotten sucked out on just about every time. Even my buddies I play with are saying it is like a single rain cloud is following me around.

[RyanLeaf#1]

I am seriously going to kill someone. I lost 45 bucks today in a home game. I lost 35 of it in 10 minutes to the same guy, both times he had pocket kings.

I am on the coldest streak I have ever seen. The past 3 times I have played, I have had 7 pocket pairs, 3 of them lower than 5. These times I have played have been for 5-7 hours each. It is absolutely horrible.

8 out of every 10 times I have had all or most of my money in, I have been ahead. Yet I have gotten sucked out on just about every time. Even my buddies I play with are saying it is like a single rain cloud is following me around.

It happens to everyone sooner or later.

[SuperKevin]

Everyone has a weird hand that they love to play. Mine is pocket 8's. For some reason I will always play pocket 8's and it usually works out in my favor.

[simms2clayton]

I am seriously going to kill someone. I lost 45 bucks today in a home game. I lost 35 of it in 10 minutes to the same guy, both times he had pocket kings.

I am on the coldest streak I have ever seen. The past 3 times I have played, I have had 7 pocket pairs, 3 of them lower than 5. These times I have played have been for 5-7 hours each. It is absolutely horrible.

8 out of every 10 times I have had all or most of my money in, I have been ahead. Yet I have gotten sucked out on just about every time. Even my buddies I play with are saying it is like a single rain cloud is following me around.

Just think what it is like for the big pros playing $100/$200 blinds.

[SuperKevin]

Just think what it is like for the big pros playing $100/$200 blinds.

Or Phil Ivey regularly playing the Big Game at the Bellagio with $4,000/$8,000 blinds. Although he's the greatest cash game player ever so it's no big deal for him

[simms2clayton]

Or Phil Ivey regularly playing the Big Game at the Bellagio with $4,000/$8,000 blinds. Although he's the greatest cash game player ever so it's no big deal for him

sbrugby>Ivey...I also think Ivey is overrated at NLHE...his best games by far are 7 stud, PLO, and 7stud hi/lo.

[jballa838]

Or Phil Ivey regularly playing the Big Game at the Bellagio with $4,000/$8,000 blinds. Although he's the greatest cash game player ever so it's no big deal for him
Phil Ivey < Phil Hellmuth

[SuperKevin]

Phil Ivey < Phil Hellmuth

Hellmuth only plays Texas Hold Em' and he's better in tournament play. I think Phil Ivey plays the cash game better than anyone else right now

[Acreboy]

I am seriously going to kill someone. I lost 45 bucks today in a home game. I lost 35 of it in 10 minutes to the same guy, both times he had pocket kings.

I am on the coldest streak I have ever seen. The past 3 times I have played, I have had 7 pocket pairs, 3 of them lower than 5. These times I have played have been for 5-7 hours each. It is absolutely horrible.

8 out of every 10 times I have had all or most of my money in, I have been ahead. Yet I have gotten sucked out on just about every time. Even my buddies I play with are saying it is like a single rain cloud is following me around.I was like that. Had a really rough streak. I quite playing for about a month and just played in a little home tourney Saturday night. I won that tourney. Just take some time off. Play a little online and go back in a bout a month.

Hellmuth only plays Texas Hold Em' and he's better in tournament play. I think Phil Ivey plays the cash game better than anyone else right now

Or Phil Ivey regularly playing the Big Game at the Bellagio with $4,000/$8,000 blinds. Although he's the greatest cash game player ever so it's no big deal for himChip Reese says hi.

[simms2clayton]

How do you all know so much about high stakes cash games...its not like you play at them.

[MaxV]

I don't like Hellmuth. He's a very good player, but he's annoying.

Same with Mike "The Mouth", except Mike is kind of mediocre for a pro.

[SuperKevin]

How do you all know so much about high stakes cash games...its not like you play at them.

I got to Las Vegas A LOT since it's only 2 hours away and you hear a lot.

[SuperKevin]

I don't like Hellmuth. He's a very good player, but he's annoying.

Same with Mike "The Mouth", except Mike is kind of mediocre for a pro.

Mike Matusow and Phil Hellmuth are great for TV because they are very entertaining to watch

[Acreboy]

Hellmuth has a chance at his 12th bracelet today.

He's not in good position to get it though, he's last in chips at a 10 handed final table.

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/chip_counts/7251

[simms2clayton]

Beth Shak is 2nd in chips...she is ******* hot and apparently a great poker player.

[Acreboy]

Look at this top 20. This is going to be the most exciting tourney to watch for this years WSOP.

Just some names that are in the top 20

Allen Cunningham
Jeffery "I'll rip your head off" Lisandro
Humberto Brenas
Joe Sebok
Jesus Ferguson
Scott Fischman


http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/results/7234

Beth Shak is 2nd in chips...she is ******* hot and apparently a great poker player.

YUP

http://www.pokerpages.com/players/images/photos_200x250/64283.jpg

[BigDawg819]

Look at this top 20. This is going to be the most exciting tourney to watch for this years WSOP.

Just some names that are in the top 20

Allen Cunningham
Jeffery "I'll rip your head off" Lisandro
Humberto Brenas
Joe Sebok
Jesus Ferguson
Scott Fischman


Very exciting, especially since Allen won this tourney for his 5th bracelet.

[Acreboy]

I also can't believe Chris Reslock beat Ivey heads up to win his bracelet.

I'm not taking anything away from Reslock because he's a regular on the WPT final tables but against Ivey?

[jballa838]

Phil is in top 8.

[Acreboy]

Phil is in top 8.
What top 8?

[jballa838]

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/chip_counts/7251

[jballa838]

7th in chips as of now

[Acreboy]

Thought you mean Ivey, thats why I was like WTF?

[Acreboy]

Beth Shak is on a downward spiral. She went from 2nd in chips to 7th.

Phil is back in 8th place but added 84K to his stack.

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/chip_counts/7251

[jballa838]

1st-6th is...
1. Dustin Holmes with 1.13 mil
2. Benjamin Fineman with 1.06 mil
3. Beth Shak with 1.022 mil
4. Shankar Pillai with 940 Thousand
5. Jason Song with 370 Thousand
6. Phil Hellmuth with 348 thousand

Edit: not how much they won, but chip stacks

[Acreboy]

Check out this hand...Crazy...

Magic in the Room, Brett Richey Eliminated 8th ($42,227)
Wow. In a truly amazing poker moment, Brett Richey has been eliminated. Brett Richey raises to $80,000 and Beth Shak moves all in. Phil Hellmuth immediately moves all in, and in response Shak starts dancing. Hellmuth starts celebrating as well, and they give each other a high five. Then, unexpectedly Richey calls as well. Shack tables her hand first, Ahttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/diamond.gifAhttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/heart.gif and the crowd explodes. Richey then shows down Khttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/club.gifKhttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/spade.gif and a sick groan mixed with cheers goes up. Then Hellmuth drops Ahttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/club.gifAhttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/spade.gif on the table, and rail erupts the loudest it has been at this years WSOP. The board comes 10http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/spade.gif7http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/spade.gif3http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/diamond.gif8http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/club.gif4http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/club.gif, Richey is sent home, and Hellmuth splits with Shak.

[SuperKevin]

Check out this hand...Crazy...

That is unbelievable.

[Acreboy]

That is unbelievable.At a WSOP final table no less.

Can't wait to hear the crowds reaction on tv.

Edit: On second thought I taste sarcasm in this post.

[Acreboy]

And the chase for the 12th bracelet comes to an end. Even with his money he won he still owes Phil Ivey money..

Phil Hellmuth Eliminated 6th ($76,464)
Hellmuth raises to $120,000 and is called by Beth Shak. The flop comes Qhttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/spade.gif10http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/diamond.gif6http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/heart.gif, and Shak moves all in, putting Hellmuth to a decision for all of his chips. Hellmuth makes the call and shows down Ahttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/club.gif10http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/club.gif, but is behind Shak's Khttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/heart.gifQhttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/heart.gif. he next two cards brick out when they come 9http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/heart.gif2http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/spade.gif and Hellmulth is eliminated in 6th place. He ends up losing $109,000 to Ivey on the day, so even though he made $76,464 for sixth place he is down $32,536 on the night.

[Acreboy]

New chip counts

1.) Beth Shak 2,455,000

2.) Shankar Pillai 1,850,000

3.) Jason Song 655,000

[SuperKevin]

At a WSOP final table no less.

Can't wait to hear the crowds reaction on tv.

Edit: On second thought I taste sarcasm in this post.

There was no sarcasm

[RyanLeaf#1]

Or Phil Ivey regularly playing the Big Game at the Bellagio with $4,000/$8,000 blinds. Although he's the greatest cash game player ever so it's no big deal for him

Chip Reese is obviously the greatest cash game player ever.

[drowe]

i won at poker last night. craziest game we've had in weeks. i ended up heads up with a guy...i started out with about 3x more chips than him, but within a few hands, i was very shortstacked. we went back and forth for a long time, with the shortstack going all in several times. and everytime one of us would go all in, we'd win with the worst hand. it was crazy. i finally won by pairing a king when he had an AJ.

[bsaza2358]

Chip Reese is obviously the greatest cash game player ever.

8000% agree, though Johnny Moss is one legendary player that people really forget about quite a bit.

[bsaza2358]

i won at poker last night. craziest game we've had in weeks. i ended up heads up with a guy...i started out with about 3x more chips than him, but within a few hands, i was very shortstacked. we went back and forth for a long time, with the shortstack going all in several times. and everytime one of us would go all in, we'd win with the worst hand. it was crazy. i finally won by pairing a king when he had an AJ.

Long heads up sessions can be killers. You need quality aggression to make those things happen. Well done. What kind of dough did you win?

[RyanLeaf#1]

8000% agree, though Johnny Moss is one legendary player that people really forget about quite a bit.

But for someone to say Phil Ivey is the best cash game player of all time obviously doesnt know what their talking about.

[drowe]

Long heads up sessions can be killers. You need quality aggression to make those things happen. Well done. What kind of dough did you win?


hah, $30. it's a simple $5 buy in. we do it to be social and have a few beers. if we played for high stakes, nobody would play.

[bsaza2358]

But for someone to say Phil Ivey is the best cash game player of all time obviously doesnt know what their talking about.

Ivey is a great poker player and is highly regarded in every circle of poker. However, he needs to continue his work for another 40 years or so to get close to Chip Reese.

[RyanLeaf#1]

Ivey is a great poker player and is highly regarded in every circle of poker. However, he needs to continue his work for another 40 years or so to get close to Chip Reese.

I agree 100%

[Acreboy]

That hottie Beth Shak came out 2nd.

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/results/7251

[Acreboy]

This is my favorite game. H.O.R.S.E.

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/chip_counts/7262

Mostly because its filled with people I actually know.

[BigDawg819]

Well its well into the second day of the H.O.R.S.E. event and the action as well as the notable names sent to the rail are growing. My boy Allen Cunningham is top 5 in chips so far:

http://www.bluffmagazine.com/tournaments/event.asp?tourneyid=3466&dispType=3&dayof=

[Acreboy]

My boy Negreanu is in good position.

This will be a kick ass final table.


Nice to see Amarillo Slim back at a final table.

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/chip_counts/7264

[BigDawg819]

Negreanu took a loss and now Allen is 2nd place in chips. :D

[Acreboy]

Man Negreanu was up to 1.2 million in chips and is now down to under 120 thousand.

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/live_updates/7262?day=11365

IDK if that link is up to date because it conflicts with the current chip counts.

If this is correct i'm pulling for Barry Greenstein.

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/chip_counts/7262?viewall=true

[BigDawg819]

Man Negreanu was up to 1.2 million in chips and is now down to under 120 thousand.

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/live_updates/7262?day=11365

IDK if that link is up to date because it conflicts with the current chip counts.

If this is correct i'm pulling for Barry Greenstein.

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/chip_counts/7262?viewall=true

With so many big names gone from the H.O.R.S.E. event: Chip Reese, Phil Ivey, Allen Cunningham, Phil Hellmuth Jr, etc, its hard to believe that Mike "the Mouth" Matusow is still in the running for the bracelet. He is my sentimental pick, but now I'm rooting for Gabe Kaplan.

[jayceheathman]

I had three bad plays a couple of days ago playing real money Full Tilt poker. I had poket Kings and this guy raised like$10 on the flop only on a draw. I then got a straight of 9,10,j,q, k and called his $20. Only to find out he had Ace, King so his straight barely beat mine. If it wasnt for the queen on the river I would have won

Another time I was running low on chips and went all in with pocket queens and only to be called by someone with pocket aces. There was only 4 other people at my table so whats the odds of that happening? He destroyed me by getting another Ace on the river.

Another bad time was I was big blind with 7,2 off suit and 2 other 7's come up on the board. I got happy and started betting a lot and two other people kept calling. One of the two had the other 7 and beat me with a higher kicker.

[BigDawg819]

I had three bad plays a couple of days ago playing real money Full Tilt poker. I had poket Kings and this guy raised like$10 on the flop only on a draw. I then got a straight of 9,10,j,q, k and called his $20. Only to find out he had Ace, King so his straight barely beat mine. If it wasnt for the queen on the river I would have one.

Another time I was running low on chips and went all in with pocket queens and only to be called by someone with pocket aces. There was only 4 other people at my table so whats the odds of that happening? He destroyed me by getting another Ace on the river.

Another bad time was I was big blind with 7,2 off suit and 2 other 7's come up on the board. I got happy and started betting a lot and two other people kept calling. One of the two had the other 7 and beat me with a higher kicker.

That's Poker! :D


First of all on the first occasion, that will happen unless you can either bet him off the draw or read the board and place him on a straight or a big draw so muck your hand before you lose a ton of money.

Second occasion, hell that's Poker and nothing you can do about it. You played the hand right but got beat.

Third occasion, you were playing 2,7 offsuit and betting trips and people are calling you got to figure one of them has the other seven and obviously is going to out kick you.

[Acreboy]

New chip counts

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/chip_counts/7262

[BigDawg819]

Its getting close to the finish, I'm shocked that Matusow did as well as he did. I know he can be a good player but still I'm shocked. I'm still backing Gabe Kaplan but watch out for Barry Greenstein.

[Acreboy]

Its getting close to the finish, I'm shocked that Matusow did as well as he did. I know he can be a good player but still I'm shocked. I'm still backing Gabe Kaplan but watch out for Barry Greenstein.Who is my pick :D

[BigDawg819]

Who is my pick :D

Your boy Negreanu got busted! :D

[Acreboy]

Your boy Negreanu got busted! :DYeah, i know. He needs his energy. He's going to win the ME.

[BigDawg819]

Yeah, i know. He needs his energy. He's going to win the ME.

How can he when Allen Cunningham is going too?

[Acreboy]

How can he when Allen Cunningham is going too?He's going to come out 2nd, duh.

[BigDawg819]

He's going to come out 2nd, duh.

Uh no, he's coming out with his 6th bracelet. :D

[Acreboy]

Gabe isn't looking too good now..

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/chip_counts/7262

[BigDawg819]

Gabe isn't looking too good now..

http://www.cardplayer.com/tournaments/chip_counts/7262

He's still playing so its not over yet. But hey Barry Greenstein is holding his own.

[simms2clayton]

How can he when Allen Cunningham is going too?

For being a rich guy, his girlfriend is ******* busted ugly!

Forgot her name, but she is a good poker player.

[Acreboy]

For being a rich guy, his girlfriend is ******* busted ugly!

Forgot her name, but she is a good poker player.

http://www.pokerpages.com/pokerinfo/photogallery/pics/hayden-melissa-02.jpg

[BigDawg819]

He man, Allen can bang who he wants. I still think he's the best player out there.

[bsaza2358]

I always thought Cunninham "preferred the company of men", not that it matters. I don't care what any of these guys do away from the table. I care about learning from them when I see them on TV. As long as they're not harming anyone else, I could care less.

[High Roller]

http://www.pokerpages.com/pokerinfo/photogallery/pics/hayden-melissa-02.jpg

That's ****** up

[BigDawg819]

I always thought Cunninham "preferred the company of men", not that it matters. I don't care what any of these guys do away from the table. I care about learning from them when I see them on TV. As long as they're not harming anyone else, I could care less.

Well said sir, well said.

[jayceheathman]

I'm starting to see why all the WSOP veterans hate amatuers. I was playing online poker for real money last night and I had pocket aces while there was nothing on the flop. A guy bet $10 with a 7,j and the flop was 4,6,Queen and of course I raised. Why would he call every raise with nothing? What are the f*cking odds that the next two cards would be 5,8 and he would land a straight? He bet like $25 on a 3 card draw.

[bsaza2358]

You can't control luck. You can only get your money in with the best of it and let odds take care of the rest. Make the correct plays, and you'll end up with a moron's money most of the time. I would gladly play 20 straight hands like that.

[BigDawg819]

I'm starting to see why all the WSOP veterans hate amatuers. I was playing online poker for real money last night and I had pocket aces while there was nothing on the flop. A guy bet $10 with a 7,j and the flop was 4,6,Queen and of course I raised. Why would he call every raise with nothing? What are the f*cking odds that the next too cards would be 5,8 and he would land a straight? He bet like $25 on a 3 card draw.

First of all your not a pro but your irate feelings are somewhat understandable. Poker is a game of skill but also a game of luck and right there he got lucky. You were right to raise the flop but just because you're right to do so doesn't mean he has to fold. At the turn you probably raised which again could be a right move but again he doesn't have to fold. At the river and seeing whats on the board I personally would have checked and if he bet, well pocket Aces are a nice hand and beat any one pair on the board but I would have folded them because of the possible straight. Besides if he had pocket Queens prior to the flop and called all your bets and then showed you trip Queesn you wouldn't be bitching about amateurs now would you?

[Acreboy]

Gabe is out..

During seven-card stud eight-or-better Gabe Kaplan raised to $100,000 on third street and both Freddy Deeb and Thor Hansen called. On fourth street Kaplan bet $50,000, Deeb raised to $100,000, and Hansen made the call. Kaplan now faced an all-in decision and he decided to rick all his chips. In the battle for the side pot Deeb and Hansen got into a raising war, which when the dust setlled, left Hansen with only $40,000. Deeb turned up his hand and exposed 6http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/diamond.gif 6http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/club.gif (5http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/heart.gif 6http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/heart.gif Khttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/heart.gif Jhttp://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/spade.gif) 6http://www.cardplayer.com/images/common/suits/spade.gif for quads. Both Hansen and Kaplan mucked. Hansen was crippled, Deeb eclipsed the $3 million mark, and Kaplan was eliminated in ninth place. He took home $131,424 in prize money.

Not looking good foe Greenstein either..

Final Table Set

Amnon Filippi: $4,015,000
Freddy Deeb: $3,500,000
Kenny Tran: $2,445,000
John Hanson: $1,995,000
David Singer: $1,330,000
Bruno Fitoussi: $895,000
Barry Greenstein: $750,000
Thor Hansen: $40,000

[BigDawg819]

Gabe is out..



Not looking good foe Greenstein either..


Yeah it sucks for Gabe but hey he made the money. I just want a "known" name to win this bracelet because its such a prestigious one. But the better player will win and kudos to them whoever they are.

[bsaza2358]

Thor Hansen is a major dog to finish in 7th place. If he does, he will get lucky a few times. Greenstein is in an interesting position because only Filippi can call his all-in comfortably. If BG pushes with $750k, Fitoussi, Singer, John Hanson, and Kenny Tran will have to risk at least 30% of their stack to call him. Deeb would have to risk over 20% of his stack. One double-up, and Barry is pretty much in the conversation.

[Acreboy]

Yeah it sucks for Gabe but hey he made the money. I just want a "known" name to win this bracelet because its such a prestigious one. But the better player will win and kudos to them whoever they are.
Going for Deeb now and if he's out then Singer.

[bsaza2358]

I just want a "known" name to win this bracelet because its such a prestigious one.

Pretty much only the insanely good, the insanely rich, or the insanely crazy people have entered this tournament. I'm pretty sure Kaplan made it in on a satellite or was partially staked. Everyone at the final table is a professional player. I've seen 6 of the final 8 play quite a bit, and I know of all 8. This is a very underrated final table. Not as prestigious as last year, but still awesome.

[bsaza2358]

I like how Kenny Tran plays. I'm rooting for him. Deeb is an incredible player as well, but I really like Tran's game personally.

[BigDawg819]

I still would have loved to see Chip Reese repeat.

[bsaza2358]

Chip Reese is one of the best players ever. I also enjoyed the marathon television exposure of the $50k Horse Event in 2006. It was well done all around.

[BigDawg819]

Chip Reese is one of the best players ever. I also enjoyed the marathon television exposure of the $50k Horse Event in 2006. It was well done all around.

Yeah the 2006 event was an exception one to view and I loved watching it. Chip Reese needs more tv exposure dammit!