Random thoughts, proving I’m nutz!
Text Box: 2-25-10 Recently I was playing in a lower limit cash game at the local card room. I had not planned on playing that night; I was only going to deal. However, there were only a few players there, so when the owner said “You guys feel like playing a little HORSE?” I about jumped out of my skin. “I’m IN!” Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to slight the talent and skill of the other players that were there, but I have all the confidence in the world in my own skill. And when it comes to a mixed game, that confidence explodes from high, to supernova status. I’ve been playing poker, starting with stud, since I was about 12 years old. I’ve played against some of the best players in the world at the WSOP, Circuit events, and even home games. I’ve held my own most of the time, and had my ass handed to me others. Each time, even the losing ones, I came out a better player. I’ve found a way to learn each time I sat in a game. The only variables were the lesson and the teacher. Some of the best lessons I’ve had were in low limit cash games. So this was one more chance for me to expand my knowledge. The game was small and I took the unenviable task of playing and dealing. The others were ok with this, since nobody had to shuffle. In the game was a solid NLH player that had very little experience in stud games, a new member to the club that seemed to have an understanding of the games, a very good stud player, and a couple players that were new to games that required more than 2 cards in your hand. This was exactly what I needed to help pick me up after the emotionally tough week I had experienced. During this game, watching the players, I found decent reads on them and was playing well when the following took place. With rolled up sevens, there wasn’t a missed bet, and I had been raising each street to a couple calls. When after sixth, he bet out, was insta-raised by what looked to be a straight, and I tanked for a minute before looking down at a missed boat with one to come, and I made the lay down. Seventh changed none of the action as he bet, was raised, and he re-raised and was finally called. He turned over his straight flush and took down the pot. His first five cards gave him a 7-high straight flush, and it just kept getting better as he finished with an 8 high straight flush. A dealt, pat straight flush from the get, against rolled up sevens and Broadway, which is why playing poker is clearly a game of skill. Maybe I’ll learn how to catch hands like that some day, if I study hard and keep working on my game. In all honesty though, the game was good, I didn’t run bad, and made nearly a double-up profit on my buy-in. I’m hoping we get that game running on a regular basis. I feel like I have the best edge at that table. A quick note about the online world. A new challenge has come around and this time, maybe it will play itself out. If you are interested, the challenge starts with NO cash and by playing free-rolls and FPP buy-ins only, to run up a roll. I’ll post details when they are more concrete and I’ll do my best to keep up to date on the progress. As for the rest of the things going on in my life, I don’t feel like sharing at the moment. Other than I took my daughter to see Avatar this past weekend, and it was a fun time. I won’t be praising the movie like most have, but it was a visual treat and I loved spending that time with her. So until next time, SEE YOU ON THE FELT! 2-18-10 Well another year older. I don’t feel any different really. However, when I have to write my age it now starts with a 4, that might hurt. With all the snow and cold here in Ohio, my mind keeps turning towards Vegas in the summer. The blistering heat, bright sun, thousands of people at the Rio for the WSOP, and, of course, the below freezing temperature of the Amazon Room. Yeah, just step outside and I feel like I’m right there. As you may have guessed, my backers are having some issues of their own so I’m still not playing much. I’m hoping that we get this all worked out as soon as possible. When I have played, I’ve been doing everything right. I’ve had some sick suck outs against me, but that happens. I’m looking forward to getting back to the felt just as soon as possible. I’m hoping that happens in the next few days. At the very latest, there’s a HORSE tourney coming up in a couple weeks. And look out folks, I’m ready to play! SEE YOU ON THE FELT! 1-25-10 With the prospects of a long term backer deal, and the excitement of the new tournament year that has just begun, I am dedicating myself to being the most focused I have ever been before. I have recognized a few leaks in my game that I have either corrected, or I am taking steps to correct. The hardest part, when it comes to fixing those small or even large holes in your game, is finding a way to see the game in a way that will allow you to recognize the problems, then to fix them.   I have coached a few players in the past year or two, and during those instructional sessions, it became clear that I wasn’t taking my own advice. While explaining the gap principle, position, selective aggression, and certain physical things to look for in opponents, I refresh my own thoughts and regain some of the most basic ideas that have contributed to my game over the years. The exercise of explaining the process of thinking through a hand and the reasons behind decisions is a huge help.   As I begin preparation for the MRPC that starts in the middle of February, I’ll be going over some of the concepts that are most beneficial to the less experienced player, and that are always a good idea to review before a large tourney series. Of course, it’s always easier to teach when you have a student. Playing the part of the new player will be a blast from my past. I met Jax when we were 16 and I am planning on helping her become the best tournament player she can be, while refreshing myself with the basics that I have used as the building blocks of my game. This should be a win-win scenario.   The MRPC starts in the middle of February, so along with playing that series, I’ll be able to celebrate my birthday at the tables for about the fifth year in a row. This is a tradition, early as it may be, that I hope to continue for many years to come. And for this, everybody is welcome to join me. In the immediate future, as you can see from the graphic above, I will be taking part in the WBCOOP. I hope you support me in this exercise. I look forward to seeing many of you on the rail.   On a quick side note, it doesn’t look good for the BSPL this year. With only a few players committing, and a definite loss of three players, the league seems to have finally run it’s course. I am holding out hope that there will be an eleventh hour miracle, but I won’t be holding my breath.   Until after the MRPC, PLAY STRONG!! 1-16-10 Unfortunately, due to some bad timing and some person conflicts, I didn’t make it for the Darvin Moon Series. Even though it was disappointing, I am still confident in the direction that 2010 will take. I am now turning my focus to the MidWest Regional Poker Championship starting in mid February. I’m looking into the events list and working out a plan to play as many of them as I can, so details will be coming soon. Right now I want to take a moment to say goodbye to a well respected poker professional, Amir Vahedi. Amir was one of the first recognizable faces of poker that came from the Moneymaker Effect. He was at that final table, and had many memorable hands during the broadcast. He always handled himself with an amount of grace and dignity that some of the younger player today should take notice of and try to emulate instead of the examples set by a few of the F-MOOKS that get more air time on ESPN (yes Phil, I’m talking about you.) I played at Amir’s table only once, but each time after that, he acknowledged me when we made eye contact. In the halls or a couple tables apart, he at least seemed to remember my face, and that always made me feel pretty good. My thoughts and wished go out to his family. I am not one that can call Amir a friend, but he has had an influence on my life. I would have liked to have had the time to get to know him better. Amir Vahedi 1952-2010 1-11-10 Seems like forever since Christmas, but I’m finally back at this update. With all the events that are approaching in the coming year, I have made the decision that updates will be more regular. I have been working on a few things that will, if all things go to plan, allow me to take part in more of the events that I want to play, and have enough freedom to enjoy them. This all starts with the Darvin Moon Challenge Series later this week at Wheeling Island Casino in West Virginia. 4 events at varying buy-in amounts, and a point system. I’m feeling pretty good about my game, still a couple holes to plug, and I’m planning on correcting them while there. Hopefully, I’ll have more interesting things to post after I return. While I’m on the trail, follow me on twitter for the daily grind (@BlndSkwerl). Until I return from the road, Play Strong!!