Welcome to Tilt Town

The title comes from a Sit & Go I was playing. Facing a guy who make moves with any pair. I flopped top pair (Q) with top kicker (A). He bets, I raise trying to show strength. He reraises and I move all-in. He shows Q10 and hits a 10 on the river. So I'm down to my last 500 early in the tournament. He limps, I min raise with KK he reraises. I don't think theres a chance he limps with AA so I move in, he snap calls with AQ and flops Broadway (J K 10). Goodnight everyone. Thankfully I was out on that hand and couldn't tilt anymore. And I made sure that was all the poker I played for the night.

So my second month (not full) of Pokerstars has ended with my bankroll at $12.93. I started the month with 10.70 but when you consider I was down to my last 1.90. Cash games I found to be more profitable but I love sit and go's. I may treat sit &go's like a treat.

Jan Highlights:

High: $17.01

Low: $1.90

Best Day Jan 24: $4.30

Worst Day Jan 5: $-4.00

Best Game: Cash Games $5.83

Worst Game: Heads Up $-7.60

Now if you excuse I'm gonna play a quick cash game.

Peace out

PStars Bankroll Update: Sucking out for "big" cash

Cash games have been positive for the most part. I play .01/.02, and I buy in for 3 dollars so I have plenty of play. I made 2.89 my first time out because I kept typing in incorrect raises. I meant to raise to .08 but I typed .80...building up the pot more than I intended but it worked out twice as I made flushes both time and got paid off once. So far my sessions have been:

Jan 18- +2.89
Jan 19- +.22
Jan 19- -3.00 (was playing too many hands and got frustrated)
Jan 21- +3.79
Jan 21- +1.51

I'd be remissed if I didn't talk about my two big suck-outs. I raised with pocket 10's and got re-raise (for 8 cents with my about 1.14 behind) and got reraised, right behind me. One thing I noticed is that online people generally don't re-raise pre-flop unless they have AA, KK or AK. So I called in hopes of a scary flop for that hand. Flop comes complete air, with a Q on the board. I check looking to see what he does. He bets .60, putting my at a decision. I'm not quite sure he would bet with AA or KK but I thought he had it and I was frustrated so I shoved and he called showing Kings...I hit a 10 on the turn and won the pot...horrible I know.

Another game my first hand in I pick up KK in BB. Guy UTG raises. I reraise. He reraises. Being that I haven't seen him play- I move all-in for 3 dollars and if he has aces it's a cooler. He calls shows Aces. I then flop a King and take the big pot.

Those two pots won't go down as highlight reels for my poker career but sometimes you just rather be lucky.

Just finished a session winning 60 cents so my bankroll currently stands at $15.53...not too shabby

PStars Bankroll Update: On the Up Swing

So quick Pokerstars bankroll update: I lost a couple of 9 player Sit& Go with only two cashes out of five (both 3rd). I kinda realize that 9P S&G's are crap shoots: when you finish third you earn 1.80 while risking 1.20...so if you don't cash the next event you are in the negative. So it is almost imperative that you finish 1 or 2 at the mirco levels. I played an 18 player S&G in hopes of a bigger cash...finishing 9th. I played way to passive (hadn't been reading enough Gus, I guess). I went back to Heads-Up S&G and won three in a row. Heads-Up S&G are like boxes of chocolate...you never know what your gonna get. Some smart opponents, some really dumb opponents (a guy called my call all-in for his tourny life with 8 high). But I believe if I stay patient, I have a high percentage of winning. I also finished 2nd in 9 player Sit&Go as well. So my bankroll now sits at $13.90.

I was listening to All-Strategy on Pokerroad.com and Daniel advised that playing cash games was the best way to build your bankroll so I am going to try a shot at cash games. I have avoided cash games because I don't know the differences in style of play between them but I will give it a shot.

So the Freeroll last night I busted in 91st. I was taking alot of small pots but not big ones. I lost one flip 99 v. AJ. I wasn't feeling confident even though I was making a deep run, which I think was a bigger factor in my bust out. I had A10 in SB (folded around me), I min raised to 2,400 (hoping to steal). He re-raised to 6,000. I had it in my mind that I would shove if he re-raised (looking back I should folded or called but I had only about 15 or 16 BB). I shoved he called showing AJ I floped at 10 and then he hit runner runner to complete Broadway. I wasn't really mad just disappointed in my play. Anyway back to the grind!

FT Update: Hansen Like Agression

So away from the virtual felt I have been reading Gus Hansen's book Every Hand Revealed, in which Gus details every hand he played in the 07 Aussie Millions. And needles to say it has had an effect on my game. I have been playing alot weaker hands that I wouldn't normally been playing in position. Generally I usually play about 15-22 percent of hand, but in one freeroll I was playing 30 percent at one time. I've also been more aggressive post-flop and looked more for possible back door draws.

My chip stack was up and down using his "style" (at least my verison of it). I eventually busted when I mistyped my bet LOL. Pot was 800 and I meant to bet 200 but I typed 2000 leaving me only 245 behind. Of course someone moved in and I was forced to call with 7-high. Good luck and goodnight.

Other than that I've been playing a couple of "Freguson" freerolls (top 100 get $1 tournment dollar). These freeroll arn't really poker. Blinds go up every 3 minutes, so it becomes a shovefest. I almost cashed in this. There was about 180 players left, and with the blind structure you never know how much time you actually have left. I thought I might have a shot but could use a double up. Guy moved in from the BB, I thought he might be making a play I had K5, not great but I had been running well and went with my read and called. He showed 6's and doubled up. I quickly was bounced shortly after.

I'm actually playing a freeroll now:

15,230 in chips (88 of 426)

blinds 100/200

Two hands stand out...I had Aces in a five way all-in pot. Frankly I don't remember what anyone had but nobody else had a pair or AK. Watching the action I had no clue what I need to dodge to win but I did.

I also called all-in Kh Qd with 3 hearts on the board (ace included) and caught on the river. It was a tough call but I was given decent pot odds.

I am feeling alright about my chances...I got along way to go before cashing.

FT Bankroll: $1.11

Pokerstars Bankroll Update: Back In Business

Well after nearly having my bankroll disintegrate before my very eyes (.70 cents if I didn't cash in 18 player Sit & Go, which I won...see previous entry), I'm back up to $10.60 after finishing 3rd, 8th and 1st in three 9 player Sit&Go's. I start out patient and wait for others, take a small pot here and there, double up, wait until 3 players are left then try to make a move.

I lost my first match on a couple of key hands: I caught Kings v. Queens and they held up to obtain a key double up with 4 players left. Then got King and slow played them into a loss: I limped in (sb) and BB checked. Flop: [5s Js 6d]. I check, he bets 400. Turn: [7h]. I bet 800 trying to show strength, he calls. River: [4c] I'm not crazy about that card, putting an open ended straight draw on the board. I check, he bets 800...in my mind he could still have Jacks and think he was ahead, so I call and he shows 5x 8x for the straight. Very next hand I pick up Aces on the button. BB moves all-in, I thank my lucky stars and call he shows [Ah Qs] (I'm a 92% favorite and pretty much cripple him). Flop: [5h Js 4h]. So hes drawing dead unless he hits a Queen or heart...heart on the turn...heart on the river. Hello third! While it is a cash (and that's the name of the game) it means little because you win $1.80 but you paid 1.20 for the tournament.

I lost my second tournament due to another trap gone wrong: I raise with [8s 9s]. One caller (in BB). Flop comes [Js Ks 2s]...Jackpot! She checks. I check. Turn [As], don't love that card but I could still have the best hand. She bets 30 I call. River:[Td] She bets 120. I decide to raise to 400 (thinking only one card beats me Qs...actually 10s also would beat me). She re-raised to 680. I call. She shows Qs. I lose. I should have probably either called the first bet or folded to the re-raise. I may or may not have been influenced by the fact she had the name of an ex-girlfriend in her name (lol). I shoved with K 4 with two limpers (for no real reason) got called by A 5. Hit a four, guy hit runner runner for a straight. Hello 8th!

In the third match...I played tight until there was only 4 left and then we got down to three handed. I had 2870 in chips (1st had 7370 and 2nd hand 3320). I let the other two battle it out and then made a move with Kings and got called by A5 and won. I eventually got heads up down in chips big time 9705 to 3795. I could read this guy very well so I was actually confident (he seems to call too much). I shoved on the river twice trying to get a quick double up (with two pair and straight). I eventually took the chip lead (7570 to 5930). However momentum shifted (a bad call, bad hands, and too much speculation) and I found myself down (12130 to 1370). Although I believe I can win heads-up even with large deficits, I was kicking myself for losing so much ground and thought I blew my chance. However, I got back when I shoved on the river (finally worked) with a straight and got paid off. I doubled up AK v. K10 (can't believe he made that call), giving me the chip lead again. I won the tournament when I flopped top two (KJ), he bet, I raised, he moved in...I called. He had a flush draw and blanked on the final two. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

So my bankroll is up to $10.60 and I am feeling very confident about my game.

Bankroll Update: Bad play, Bad Beat and Tilt

As the titled suggests things haven't been easy for me. I have played badly: playing too many hands and trying to bluff too much (Greg Raymer advises amateur against these things). Taken some bad beats (KK v. 66, KK v. 94, AA v. KQ, having someone dominated a ton of times). And as a result played on Tilt. My last update my Poker Stars bankroll was at $13.10. Since then I won one heads up match and placed third in one S&G 9P. I could feel this loosing streak effecting my confidence and my play. It got soo bad that I was down to $1.90 when I decided to go for broke playing a $1 18P S&G. I wrote down every hand in a notebook (for discipline reasons), and if I won and if I lost what happened (bad flop, badly played etc.). This must have done something because I won the Sit Go. Pretty much saving my bankroll on Pokerstars. So my bankroll currently sits at $7.90....and I couldn't be happier!

I played a $1+.25 Matrix on Full Tilt. I played very well at these with play money, however the level of competition was harder and people played tighter. This is where I lost KK v. 66 when he shoved and made a straight on the river, pretty much ruining my mood for the tournament. I finished third in one of the events, putting my bankroll at $1.11 on Full Tilt. I also played a freeroll on Full Tilt finishing 61st. I really enjoy the freeroll tournaments because I seem to play a lot more disciplined because of how many people are in the tournament and how many cash. I have made a vow never to be all-in pre-flop (unless of I have AA or maybe KK) and only to be all-in post-flop with very strong holdings. There are just so many A.D.D. manics that want to play for big pots early with crappy holdings. It's tough to tell early if your opp. is one of these or a serious player. So I find it best to avoid it.

PStars Bankroll: $7.90

Full Tilt Bankroll: $1.11

PStars Bankroll Update

My bankroll has been on a yo-yo for a couple of days, although I am up since my last update. I've been playing almost too much, or too much impatiently I should say. My bankroll peaked at $16.30 and now sits at $13.10.

Heads-Up: After ending the new year at 4-0. I have been on the skids lately, losing my last 3 matches (7-4 record). I have been trying to hard to bluff and not respecting raises from opponents. I have to reevaluate my heads up strategy as I go along. I never want to be satisfied with my game, so if there is a better way I want to try it.

S&G 9p: I have actually been playing well in these. I have cashed (1st or 2nd) in four of my last six events. I am confident in my game when I play patient and pick my spots.

I played in two other events. I played in a 90 player Sit & Go for .25 cents (and no rake). I crunched the numbers and you actually have a higher return on investment (Prize/(Rake+Entry) than you do with 2.00+.2 with the exception of winning. This tourny was bad for two reason. First it's pretty much a shovefest and secondly my Internet connection wasn't work for about 10 minutes. I am not make this tournament a regular thing.

I also played in a double or nothing tournament: 10 handed, play until 5 are left. Everyone gets 2.00. Of course the table was super-tight. It got frustrating pretty quick and I busted trying to shove someone off a hand.

I am going to play a little each day but school starts back up so that will be my priority.

PStars Bankroll: $13.10

Week goal: $20.00

FT Freeroll: Final Hand Lead Up

I realized I skipped some hands of mine but it's irreverent as I'm sure nobody reads this anyway (not until I turn my freeroll bankroll into something significant).

So I was in the money 6th in chips with roughly 15 players left. I was at 295,105 in chips when my bust out (for all intensive purposes) hand occurred. When we are at the money bubble there was a player with only 5,000 chips left, I expected him to be the one to bust. To my suprise he sat down at our table late with about 249,000 in chips. So he had to be making alot of moves and getting lucky. He moved all-in preflop twice before this hand, with no callers, so I knew he had a large range. Here's how the hand went down:

He limps in third pos for 10,000. I reraise with J's to 45,000. Everyone else folds, he calls. Flop comes [9c 5h 8c]. He moves all-in for 247,536. I snap call knowing he usually doesn't need much to move in. He shows [7h 7c]. Turn As. River 6s completing his straight, leaving me with 1,569 chips, enough for ante and move in [Ac 4s] losing hand. From a poker stand point, I was happy because I made the right decision. From a cashing standpoint, I should have waited and thats what haunting. FT freeroll payout $2 from 27th to 10th. I finshed 13th, with enough chips to make the final table. The final table payouts are: 8+9: $3 7th $4, 6th $5, 5th $6, 4th $7, 3rd $9, 2nd $12, 1st $15.

Had I finshed fith I would have felt comfortable with my bankroll to play mirco Sit&Go's. Instead I am back to playing crap shoot freeroll. Ahh the life of a cheap ass.

FT Bankroll: $2

FT Freeroll run: Tables 3+4

I played only two hands at my third table. Eliminating a player when I turned a straight (he lost with two pair). I bet on the flop with a pair of tens on a board of 10 K 8 and went uncalled.

I moved to my forth table as the big stack, having double more than anyone else. And truth be told, I am not used to playing the big stack. Short or medium is what I typically am yielding. I made a major misstep trying to push someone off a hand. I was dealt [Ad Jc], guy UTG limps I reraise to 7,100 on the button (2,000 BB) he calls. Flop comes [9s 7d 8h]. He waits and then bets 19,450 (pot) leaving himself only 10,455 left. I move all-in trying to push him off his hand believing he is not that strong (especially limping in 1st pos). He calls time and then calls [4d 4s], for a pair no draw. I was actually 40% to win the hand but turn and river blank and lose a large chunk of chips. Looking back he was pretty much committed to the hand, so folding is less of an option, however he overcomitted with his 4's and certainly considered he was beat. I am mixed on if I played that hand well. So I went from 112,768 to 75,513.

I played a couple of hands with decent holding but didn't hit anything and went down to 60,583 in chips.

I took another hit when I picked up A 10 off in the SB against a guy with only 1,738 in chips to start that hand. So I obviously put him all-in and he calls with 7 2 suited. I flop and ace and hits a 7 followed by 2 on the turn and river. I told him I wasn't even mad I was impressed. I would have felt worse had it been any substantial amount of chips, however I'm trending downward (46,787 by the time a play my next hand) and the moment with the money in site. My fear that I am donking off my money seems to be coming to pass.

And I almost did as a took a big risk against the player who called me with 4's. He limps again from early pos and I reraise to 10,000 (3,000 BB). He calls, flop comes [Kd 5s Ac]. I am first to go and I shove (for what reason I do not know. lol). He folds and I win my first pot in awhile.

I eventually eliminated the guy who hit 7 2 when I played A 3 suited from the button (just calling). Flop comes [3d Qc 3c]. Guy bets 9,000, I reraise to 40,000. Mr. 7 2 calls other guy folds, shows [Jd Qd]. I hit quads on the river and KO mr. 7 2.

I also eliminated another player when I raise with [Qd Jd], guy behind me moves in for 21,090. While I don't love it, I am getting 3 to 1 on a call and I do. He shows 8's. I flop a Jack. Back in business baby! 118,083 in chips

I used to not be a big fan of 3 bullet bluffs. However sometimes it is necessary to push your opponent of a hand. I get [2c 2s] in the BB. I check my option. Flop comes [4s Kh 6s]. I bet 8,000. One guy folds, guy check-calls. Turn comes [Jc]. Guy checks again I fire 10,000, he calls. River [3c]. He checks again. I was thinking of shutting down but I didn't think he would check 3 times with a strong hand, I bet 12,000 and he folds. Nothing better than a river bluff.

I finish that table trending upward 180,933 in chips, feeling like cashing is very possible and necessary.

Next Post: Cashing and Elmination Hand.

FT Freeroll Table 2: Starting to make a run

I switched tables and immediately notice there was too much limping and calling going on, and they didn't seem like they'd lay any hands down. I started 5th in chips at the table and above average for the tournament.

I got paid off early when I picked up Aces in middle position. I raised to 250 (2.5 times BB). And got a call from the button and BB. Flop comes 9 6 A rainbow. BB and I check, button bets pot 800. I call BB folds. 9 comes out on turn, giving me a full house. I check again, he bets pot again 2,400. I go all in for my last 3,680. He call and turns over 6 5 of clubs (are you serious?). He's drawing dead and I move up to 9,760 in chips.

I got paid off with AQ to go up to 13,160.

I kept getting low pocket pairs UTG or early position. I picked up 8's and 5's on consecutive hands. I folded the 8's, and I called an all-in with 5's (some what of frustration) against Jack's and lost a decent size pot.

I bluffed a couple pots on the flop, which is very easy to do against bad players, especially with certain board.

I encounter a tough player "Mamma" I bluffed her a couple times on the river with Ace high (on a board [Jc 6c Qc 7h 3s]) of but she got the better of me a couple of times. She made some good calls however, I had 66 and she got me with JJ on a board of [3h Ad 3c 5c 7c], so certainly there are alot of hands that beat hers. Another hand she got me with, I min raised from UTG with 6's, got two callers. Flopped top set with 6 2 4, with two clubs. "Momma" check,I bet 1,000 which was about 60% of the pot, she called. Next yard was a club. She bet 1,680, I called (loose call but hoping the board pairs). She checked the river, as did I and she rolled over 8c Qc for a flush.

I made a couple of shoves just to pick up blinds and ante. Once with AK once with A10 suited. Sometimes I feel it's the best value to shove rather than try to win a pot otherwise with good hands.

I eliminated one player when I floped two pair and and he floped top-top. I moved up to 39,198, feeling very confident about my chances. I knocked a couple of short stacks out to move up to 51,809, loving my chances to continue my deep run.

Rereading my hand history, I certainly did not play every hand perfectly (as expected I am a young poker player). I may need to reevaluate my bet sizes to accommodate the situation, my hand, the board, the player etc.

Next Post: More FT Freeroll hands

FT Freeroll Table One

I started out very focused in the tournament. I was taking notes on the play and I immediately. Too much limping, no reraising no check raising. Unfortunately for me I felt card dead early on.

The first hand I played was A 9 off, I called from the big blind for 30 (30 in already). I whiffed on the flop and folded to a bet. I could have possible rerasied (pre or post flop) or check-rasied but it was early and I didn't feel like I needed to make moves.

Next pot: I get KK in the button, 3 limpers for 50. I reraise to 200. 2 calls. Flop comes 10 7 6 rainbow. I check hoping that someone would suspect the flop missed me and bet. Sure enough "knob" (not his full name) bets the pot 680. I have 1,185 left so calling would leave me with 505. I shoved feeling like I had no choice. He calls turns over 10 4 suited (are you seriouss??). I hold up and go up to 3,050.

Very next hand I pick up K J off. "Knob" moves all-in for 710, another guy shoves for 505. I don't like my hand that much but I am getting 1.7 to 1 on my money (maybe bad rationalization). I call to see that "Knob" has pocket 5's and other guy has aces. "Knob" sucks out and wins 1,985. This is important for the next hand.

Very next hand I pick up Kings again! "Knob" limps for 40. I reraise to 160. SB calls, "Knob" calls. 7 2 6 rainbow. Both players I check, I bet 300 (over half the pot). SB folds "Knob" moves all-in for 1,825, I call (would have had 655 left). He shows K 2 (are you seriouss again???). . Turn and river blank. Win 4,170. Thank you very much "Knob".

I only played two other hands beside those (I folded A Q off UTG, only fold of note). I had A J off in the BB. I decided to check rather than raise (maybe to trap if I hit, not to overplay). I missed and folded to a bet. I stole one pot with A J off from the button betting 270 with BB at 60.

So I get moved with my chip count at 4,450. Happy with how was getting paid off with my big hands (showing how poor the players really were).

Donk Wins 8.2 Million!

Two things wrong with that title. That donk is me not Jerry Yang (while I think he is a good person, I don't think he'll ever sniff another major title). Secondly I only won 2 dollars on a Full Tilt Freeroll. But I still am very excited! I probably played by best poker ever (not without some donkey moments). I finshed 12th. I got crippled by a bad beat and was forced all-in next hand (I woulda gone with any hand, I just happened to have a dry ace). I was focused, I played tight-aggressive, read my opponents, waited for the right moments. I only remember a few times where I was at risk, usually with strong holding after the flop. I still have things to work on, however. I will blog the major hands, table by table.

FT Bankroll: $2

Poker Stars Update

This blog and challenge was originally going to be a Full Tilt project only. They have the Ferguson, which is tailored to increase your bankroll for a low price. I had Poker Stars on my computer because my roommate had it and I wanted to check it out. I like Full Tilt much better, play moves faster and you can see how much they bet compared to the pot without it counting the bet in the pot. So PokerStars was pretty much on my computer for amusement.

However Christmas came early for me as they gave me a complimentary 5 dollars on December 19th. This is a drop in the bucket to anyone else. But to somehow who's only played poker for many at their home games, I was rich (j/k)! So I immediately starting playing at micro level sit&go's. So far I have played 9 player Sit&Go's and Heads Up Sit& Gos.

9 Player Sit&Go's

I have played 5 single table Sit & Go's, only cashing once when I finished first (finishing out of the money 4th twice). So right now they are losing money for me. I can't believe how many bad players there are playing these. Some people are just too dumb to be bluffed. And they play Q-2 off... With that being said I haven't played perfect either. I have made rushed decisions and lacked patiencein hand selection. I believe I can succeed at these, I just need to step up my focus at the table (taking notes if necessary).

Heads-Up Sit&Go's

I have played 4 Heads-Up Sit&Go's and won all 4. Clearly these have been my money maker so far. These players are bad. The first I played was a calling machine, however he always had bad timing, when I bluffed he folded when I had it he called. The second guy I was actually down in chips 1900 to 1100 but I grinded him down. The third guy asked before the match if I wanted to go all-in first hand. I almost said yes (but I would have seen my hand and then decided), I said no (of course I pick up Jack's first hand). I win the first pot then he says "I am bored" and pushes. He had this sent to the chat box about the same time that the cards were dealt so I felt he had no way of looking (an online tell! lol). I had A 3 suited, so I knew I was likely a favorite so I called at it held up. The forth guy was agressive pre flop but I got cards early and the match ended in 5 hands. I attribute my early sucess of Heads-Up Sit&Go's to the FT Heads-Up Championship Freerolls. I picked alot of basics and skills from those. I will continue to play Heads-Up as it keeps my bankroll growing.

Current Poker Stars Bankroll: $10.70

Poker Stars Forecast: Sit& Go Micro Level Blizzard until I get a bankroll to playing bigger tournments/levels.

Next Post: Some Hands from PokerTube and a deep Full Tilt Freeroll run.