I made a big comeback during Level 1 today going from 13,900 to start the day to 84,500 by the end of the level. I doubled up on the 4th or 5th hand with KQs against 22 all-in preflop (I thought this was a pretty terrible call btw as he is dominated a lot in this spot and I shoved with almost 15 big blinds). I spiked a king on the river, which made it that much sweeter. I then made a big fold with A10 in a 4-handed raised pot when the flop came down 10, 4, 2 rainbow. The preflop raiser checked, the first limp-caller led for 5k and the next limper made it 14k to go. I thought about shoving but mucked instead. The hand got showed down and 22 scooped the pot against J10. After blinding down to about 22k, I raised to 2,400 (400/800 blinds, 100 ante) from mid position with 1010 and got reraised from the small blind to 8k. I took my time as I was essentially making a decision for my tournament life. I decided my opponent was pretty weak and was likely on a resteal so I reraised all-in. He reluctantly called with 33 and my tens held up and I was up to 45k and feeling good. I made two resteals from the blinds during the next two orbits and broke the 50k starting mark for the first time. A few hands later an agressive player open raised to 2k from under the gun. Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier smooth called and I reraised to 10,500 with AK. The under the gun raiser folded and ElkY surprisingly shoved all-in for another 25k. ElkY had a very unusual line in this pot and could have easily been trapping the first agressive raiser with AA or KK. At a minimum, he had to have a big hand here. I considered folding, but was getting too good a price considering my hand. I called and he flipped up QQ. I continued to run well as I won the flip, spiking an ace on the turn. I was up to ~85k and a few hands later the level ended and I was at 84,500. After level 1, the field was down to 360 players (from a starting field of 545), so I was about 10k above the average stack of 75k. Not a bad place to be considering where I started the day.
I came back from the break feeling good, ready to grind and hopefully make a deep run. The very first hand in level 2 (500/1000, 100 ante), I woke up to KK under the gun. I had been raising to 3 times the big blind during level 1, so I made it 3,000 to go. It folded around to the small blind (a tough solid pro with about 100k in chips), who reraised me to 13k. He has to give me credit for a real hand here since I raised from under the gun, and I know that he is only reraising me here with a big hand from the small blind. The large reraise, however, immediately led me to think he had either AK, 1010, JJ or QQ (Real, reraising hands, but hands that you want to take down preflop, especially out of position). I considered coming over the top, but decided that smooth calling and trying to win a big pot made more sense since I was in position and he would likely cb on almost any flop. I was taking a substantial risk, because he could easily have AK or AQ in this spot and could outflop me, but I thought it was worth the upside of potentially doubling up against a hand like 1010 or JJ if the flop came rags. The flop was perfect, 742 rainbow. My opponent led for 25k (which I read as a I want to take this pot down now type of bet) and I was pretty confident that he had 1010-QQ. I took my time, hollywooding a bit, because I wanted to get called by QQ or JJ. I shoved all-in for another 45k or so and my opponent insta-called with AA. The board bricked out and I was out that quickly. I'm not unhappy with the way I played the hand, and I just have to give my opponent credit here for outplaying me. I'm not sure if he was intentionally trapping me with his large reraise preflop and bet on the flop, but he played the hand well and sold me on a smaller pair.
The rollercoaster ride this morning made it that much tougher to swallow, because I let my hopes get up just a little after rebuilding my stack. Tournament poker is really really tough. You have to focus every hand, look hard for weakness and opportunities, and care a lot to be a top player and you will still lose your buy-in at least 80-85% of the time. I firmly believe that at the highest levels, the right mental approach to the game is as important as talent in deteriming long term success.
Anyways, the timing worked out well as I was able to catch an afternoon flight back to Cleveland. I just finished watching the Cavs game on DVR, and was pleasantly surprised all around. LeBron and Z carried us to victory in Game 1, but the whole team played ridiculously well (especially on D) today. It will definitely be tougher in Washington, but it seems like we are in Washington's head at the moment. Going to try and make it to Game 4 on Sunday if I can get a ticket.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Not My Day
I had a really really frustrating day today. My table draw was excellent considering the field: no big name pros and two very weak players at the table: an asian woman three to my left and an older gentleman on my immediate right. The rest of the table was filled with tough, action players who created lots of action at our table all day long. My 9 hour day came down to two big pots, which bookmarked the day, one ten minutes into level 1 and the other the second last hand of the night.
The first hand was eerily similar to a hand I played almost 3 years ago in the $2,500 WSOP in which I managed to bust on the second hand of the event. Anyways, we started with 50k in chips and the blinds were 5o/100. The asian woman limped under the gun and sort of did a lookaway while doing it. I immediately put her on a big hand (AA or KK) and was hoping I could outflop her and win a big pot. Four additional players limped and I completed the small blind with QJ offsuit. We took the flop 6-handed and it came down QJ6 rainbow. I checked, the big blind checked, and the lady led for 500. It folded around to me and I check raised her to 1,700. The big blind folded and she reraised me to 5,500. At this point in the hand I was quite confident that I had the best hand. I smooth called and the turn was a 3. I decided to lead on the turn for 8k, expecting her to call, but instead she raised me to 20k. Typically, this early in a big buy-in tourney, top two is not good in this spot. Still, after studying my opponent for a good three or four minutes, I was pretty sure that she was just overplaying her big pair. I almost shoved (I had another 24k), but decided to just call, planning on check calling on the river if the board did not pair. The river was a 6 completing a board of QJ636. I checked and she flipped up AA for aces up. Pretty sick. I was down to 24k (rather than up to 76k) within the first ten minutes. From there, I grinded away playing pretty tight/solid the whole day, picking my spots well. I avoided big pots the rest of the day, grinding my stack back to 36k (only showing down one or two hands the whole day) by the end of level 5. On the second last hand of the night, at 300/600 blinds with a 75 ante, it folded around to the button (a solid, straight forward player) who had about 22k in chips. He open raised to 2,800 and I looked down to see AKs in the big blind. The small blind folded and I decided just to shove (I didn't want to make a small reraise giving him the option of shoving on me). He called quickly with 99 (little suspect he called so quickly, but I don't blame him for calling) and I lost the flip (you have to run well to win tournaments). So, at the end of day 1 I was officially at my low point for the day with 13,900. There were 535 entrants (3.4 million for first) and we lost about 100 players yesterday and today, so the average stack is just above 60k. Blinds tomorrow will start at 400/800 with a 100 ante, so I will be losing 2,200 each rotation. I am officially on life support, but the good news is if I can double up twice, I will be right back to average. I hate being in this position coming into day 2, but I am certainly going to give it my all tomorrow.
The first hand was eerily similar to a hand I played almost 3 years ago in the $2,500 WSOP in which I managed to bust on the second hand of the event. Anyways, we started with 50k in chips and the blinds were 5o/100. The asian woman limped under the gun and sort of did a lookaway while doing it. I immediately put her on a big hand (AA or KK) and was hoping I could outflop her and win a big pot. Four additional players limped and I completed the small blind with QJ offsuit. We took the flop 6-handed and it came down QJ6 rainbow. I checked, the big blind checked, and the lady led for 500. It folded around to me and I check raised her to 1,700. The big blind folded and she reraised me to 5,500. At this point in the hand I was quite confident that I had the best hand. I smooth called and the turn was a 3. I decided to lead on the turn for 8k, expecting her to call, but instead she raised me to 20k. Typically, this early in a big buy-in tourney, top two is not good in this spot. Still, after studying my opponent for a good three or four minutes, I was pretty sure that she was just overplaying her big pair. I almost shoved (I had another 24k), but decided to just call, planning on check calling on the river if the board did not pair. The river was a 6 completing a board of QJ636. I checked and she flipped up AA for aces up. Pretty sick. I was down to 24k (rather than up to 76k) within the first ten minutes. From there, I grinded away playing pretty tight/solid the whole day, picking my spots well. I avoided big pots the rest of the day, grinding my stack back to 36k (only showing down one or two hands the whole day) by the end of level 5. On the second last hand of the night, at 300/600 blinds with a 75 ante, it folded around to the button (a solid, straight forward player) who had about 22k in chips. He open raised to 2,800 and I looked down to see AKs in the big blind. The small blind folded and I decided just to shove (I didn't want to make a small reraise giving him the option of shoving on me). He called quickly with 99 (little suspect he called so quickly, but I don't blame him for calling) and I lost the flip (you have to run well to win tournaments). So, at the end of day 1 I was officially at my low point for the day with 13,900. There were 535 entrants (3.4 million for first) and we lost about 100 players yesterday and today, so the average stack is just above 60k. Blinds tomorrow will start at 400/800 with a 100 ante, so I will be losing 2,200 each rotation. I am officially on life support, but the good news is if I can double up twice, I will be right back to average. I hate being in this position coming into day 2, but I am certainly going to give it my all tomorrow.
Vegas, Round 3
Arrived in Vegas yesterday mid-day (after taking the previous week off in Cleveland), and after crashing by the pool for a couple of hours, I put in an evening session playing 10-20 at Bellagio. I played well overall, but made two BIG mistakes in the two largest pots of the night. I folded the best hand once (I had top and bottom pair and the guy re-reraised me with a flush draw and a gut shot on the flop) and stuck it in drawing to 13 outs against a made hand. Fortunately, I rivered my opponent (SUCK OUT CITY), hitting my flush and ended up on the session just over 5k. The result was certainly nice but not exactly my best poker. (I can explain the two key hands in more detail later, but I have to be brief right now as the tourney is starting shortly).
The Bellagio main event starts in 15 minutes and I'm feeling pretty good. I worked out this morning (which I want to do every morning during the WSOP) and am feeling pretty sharp. 50k stacks and 90-minute levels means lots and lots of post flop play. My guess is with such a steep buy-in people will be playing squeaky tight, scared to go broke on day 1. It will obviously depend on my table draw, but I have a feeling that I will be quite active today. I just checked the board and it was at 500 total entrants, way above my expectation. Nothing like a 12 million + prize pool to get you motivated. Hopefully, I will continue running well.
I will update later, but cardplayer and other sites may have live updates.
The Bellagio main event starts in 15 minutes and I'm feeling pretty good. I worked out this morning (which I want to do every morning during the WSOP) and am feeling pretty sharp. 50k stacks and 90-minute levels means lots and lots of post flop play. My guess is with such a steep buy-in people will be playing squeaky tight, scared to go broke on day 1. It will obviously depend on my table draw, but I have a feeling that I will be quite active today. I just checked the board and it was at 500 total entrants, way above my expectation. Nothing like a 12 million + prize pool to get you motivated. Hopefully, I will continue running well.
I will update later, but cardplayer and other sites may have live updates.
Friday, April 11, 2008
SHIP IT!
I ran very well at the final table, picking up several big hands early and having them hold up. Within the first half hour, I doubled up three times: my A9 outflipped 77, then AK held up against J10s (all-in pre), and then I played a huge pot with AA, getting it all-in on the turn against 89 with a board of K,10,8,6. I faded his 9 outs on the river, and my starting stack of 28,500 was up to well over 200,000. From there, I grinded away and after about two more hours, I found myself heads up with Toto Leonidas (http://www.pokerpages.com/players/profiles/12900/toto-leonidas.htm).
He started with a 2:1 chip lead, but after about 4-5 hours of play we were essentially even (I had 700k, he had 640k). I proposed a chop and he agreed (initially, he was adamantly against any kind of deal). I let him have the bracelet (and the card player points for 1st), and I took an extra 10k in exchange. We split the rest and I grossed 176k (after a 3k tip) in cash plus a $25,500 entree into the Bellagio main event next weekend.
I feel like I played well both yesterday and today, but you obviously have to run very very well to win a tournament. Definitely feels good when the cards fall the right way though.
He started with a 2:1 chip lead, but after about 4-5 hours of play we were essentially even (I had 700k, he had 640k). I proposed a chop and he agreed (initially, he was adamantly against any kind of deal). I let him have the bracelet (and the card player points for 1st), and I took an extra 10k in exchange. We split the rest and I grossed 176k (after a 3k tip) in cash plus a $25,500 entree into the Bellagio main event next weekend.
I feel like I played well both yesterday and today, but you obviously have to run very very well to win a tournament. Definitely feels good when the cards fall the right way though.
Final Table, Super Short Stack
I final tabled the 5k preliminary WPT event at Bellagio. There were 134 entrants and they paid 18. 9th place is 10k (5k profit) and 1st is ~250k. Unfortunately, I am super short stacked with 28,500 with blinds at 2k,4k and antes of 500. I had around 100k at my high point, but ran into two tough hands towards the end of the night.
The average stack is ~140k, so if I can double-up twice, I'll be right back in it. The good news is I'm starting the day tomorrow in the cutoff. Definitely going to keep fighting, but I need to pick up a hand in a hurry and I need to run well when I do.
We resume play at 3pm tomorrow. Will give a full tourney summary once it is over and I am less exhausted.
The average stack is ~140k, so if I can double-up twice, I'll be right back in it. The good news is I'm starting the day tomorrow in the cutoff. Definitely going to keep fighting, but I need to pick up a hand in a hurry and I need to run well when I do.
We resume play at 3pm tomorrow. Will give a full tourney summary once it is over and I am less exhausted.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Back in Vegas
I arrived back in Vegas Monday mid-day (gotta love those 7am Southwest flights) and went straight from the airport to Bellagio. I decided not to play in the tournaments on Monday and Tuesday as the fields were very small and very tough. I played cash games instead and ran well playing 10/25, winning just over 4k. I only put in about four hour sessions each day as I have been exhausted. I have literally been traveling non-stop for the past four weeks and it is finally catching up with me.
I gave back $2,500 today as I played in the super satellite this afternoon for the main event (Bellagio's main event has a 25k buy-in, which is becoming more and more typical). My first table draw was excellent. I was literally the youngest player at the table by more than 25 years. There were two or three sharp players, but overall, the table played very tight/passive (older players are stereotypically calling stations), and I was able to play agressively and chip-up without showing down any hands.
The conversation at the table was very interesting. Several of the gentlemen were apparently quite wealthy and were openly discussing their experiences staking various tournament professionals. Their staking proposition seems ridiculous to me: if they put a player into a tournament and the player cashes, the buy-in is taken off the top and then profits are split 50/50. If the player busts, the loss is on the backer with no retribution from future tournaments or winnings. So, if a player loses a backer 30k (busting from three main events) and then wins 60k in the fourth, the backer breaks even and the player is up 30k. I honestly just can't imagine how this arrangement is profitable for the backer. It was also very interesting to hear the list of names these guys have and are still backing. Many big name pros who apparently have terrible money management skills.
Anyways, I left my original table with just over 8k in chips (starting stack of 5k) and was moved to a much tougher table. At 100/200 blinds, I open raised to 600 from mid-position with 9c7c (a marginal play at best, but I hadn't played a hand in my 30 minutes at the new table and felt like I would get no action once I did wake up with a hand). The button called (~20k) and the big blind called (~6k) and we took the flop three-handed. The flop came down Jc,10c,4h, giving me a flush draw and a gut shot straight draw. If the stacks were deep, I would lead in this spot, looking to 3-bet all-in if I got raised on the flop. Unfortunately, given my 7-8k stack, I felt like a raiser would be pot-committed to calling me, taking away the real strength of the hand (fold equity). I checked (hoping the button would bet), and the button led for 1,200. The big blind called (I didn't give him much of a hand), and I thought this was an ideal spot for a check raise. I raised to 4,000, slightly more than half of my remaining stack, clearly committing myself to the hand. I wanted to indicate that I was playing this hand for my entire stack if necessary, but I chose not to shove, because I thought that would look more like a flush draw and I didn't want to get called light (by AJ or something). Anyways, I thought I represented a pretty big hand like a set of J's or 10's. Apparently not. The button tanked and shoved, the big blind folded, and I obviously called. He showed Jd9d and we were basically flipping for my stack. I hit a 7 on the turn, picking up two more outs, but I missed on the river and was out. I said something like, J9, wow, thought you would fold a weak jack. He responded with, I was just playing big stack poker. I'm not even sure what that means. I guess he thought I might fold after putting in 60% of my stack on the flop. I guess by big stack poker he meant terrible poker (yeah, I'm still a little bitter). In retrospect, a check raise all-in (or a call) would have been a better move against this player, but I had only been at the table for 30 minutes, and he hadn't gotten out of line. I guess the lesson is get to know your opponents before making moves. Still, can't believe he reshoved with J9 there.
Big decision for tomorrow is whether or not to play the 5k tournament. It is very tempting to play, but I honestly think my expected value is probably slightly higher playing in the 10/25 cash games. I'll probably see how many people sign up and go from there.
I gave back $2,500 today as I played in the super satellite this afternoon for the main event (Bellagio's main event has a 25k buy-in, which is becoming more and more typical). My first table draw was excellent. I was literally the youngest player at the table by more than 25 years. There were two or three sharp players, but overall, the table played very tight/passive (older players are stereotypically calling stations), and I was able to play agressively and chip-up without showing down any hands.
The conversation at the table was very interesting. Several of the gentlemen were apparently quite wealthy and were openly discussing their experiences staking various tournament professionals. Their staking proposition seems ridiculous to me: if they put a player into a tournament and the player cashes, the buy-in is taken off the top and then profits are split 50/50. If the player busts, the loss is on the backer with no retribution from future tournaments or winnings. So, if a player loses a backer 30k (busting from three main events) and then wins 60k in the fourth, the backer breaks even and the player is up 30k. I honestly just can't imagine how this arrangement is profitable for the backer. It was also very interesting to hear the list of names these guys have and are still backing. Many big name pros who apparently have terrible money management skills.
Anyways, I left my original table with just over 8k in chips (starting stack of 5k) and was moved to a much tougher table. At 100/200 blinds, I open raised to 600 from mid-position with 9c7c (a marginal play at best, but I hadn't played a hand in my 30 minutes at the new table and felt like I would get no action once I did wake up with a hand). The button called (~20k) and the big blind called (~6k) and we took the flop three-handed. The flop came down Jc,10c,4h, giving me a flush draw and a gut shot straight draw. If the stacks were deep, I would lead in this spot, looking to 3-bet all-in if I got raised on the flop. Unfortunately, given my 7-8k stack, I felt like a raiser would be pot-committed to calling me, taking away the real strength of the hand (fold equity). I checked (hoping the button would bet), and the button led for 1,200. The big blind called (I didn't give him much of a hand), and I thought this was an ideal spot for a check raise. I raised to 4,000, slightly more than half of my remaining stack, clearly committing myself to the hand. I wanted to indicate that I was playing this hand for my entire stack if necessary, but I chose not to shove, because I thought that would look more like a flush draw and I didn't want to get called light (by AJ or something). Anyways, I thought I represented a pretty big hand like a set of J's or 10's. Apparently not. The button tanked and shoved, the big blind folded, and I obviously called. He showed Jd9d and we were basically flipping for my stack. I hit a 7 on the turn, picking up two more outs, but I missed on the river and was out. I said something like, J9, wow, thought you would fold a weak jack. He responded with, I was just playing big stack poker. I'm not even sure what that means. I guess he thought I might fold after putting in 60% of my stack on the flop. I guess by big stack poker he meant terrible poker (yeah, I'm still a little bitter). In retrospect, a check raise all-in (or a call) would have been a better move against this player, but I had only been at the table for 30 minutes, and he hadn't gotten out of line. I guess the lesson is get to know your opponents before making moves. Still, can't believe he reshoved with J9 there.
Big decision for tomorrow is whether or not to play the 5k tournament. It is very tempting to play, but I honestly think my expected value is probably slightly higher playing in the 10/25 cash games. I'll probably see how many people sign up and go from there.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Strike Out
I struck out this week, failing to cash in either the 3k or 5k preliminary events. I ran a little bit better in cash games, but still dropped a little over 8k on the week. Not my best week financially, but tournament poker is going to be very very volatile. I have been trying to focus on the quality of my play, as the results will naturally follow from solid play over the long run. I feel like I played very fair poker (C- grade) on Tuesday in the 3k event, but I really brought my A game today in the 5k.
I drew a terrible table in the 3k event. Victor Ramdin was on my immediate left and Cliff "Johnnybax" Josephy was on his immediate left. Six of the other seven players were solid, full time tourney pros. Fortunately, there was one weak player at the table who was on my immediate right. Due to my table draw, I probably played a bit tighter than I should have. Playing ABC poker is just not going to work in this type of field as good players will not pay you off with QQ (when you have AA or KK) if you are only playing one hand every three rotations. Still, I went fairly deep as I used my tight image to my advantage, picking up several small pots with strong bets and raises preflop and on the flop. With about 50 players left (130 entrees), the cutoff made it 2,400 to go at 400/800 blinds with a 100 ante. The button called and I woke up with AQ offsuit in the small blind. I shipped my 15k stack into the middle and got insta-called by the cutoff who had AK. AK held up and I was out in 50th. This was a pretty standard move given the situation, but I needed to build my stack more rapidly to avoid this type of situation.
On the bright side, I did pick up 500 bucks from Victor Ramdin. He had about 5,500 in chips and I had 8,500 early in the tourney. He said he needed motivation and asked the table if anyone wanted a straight up last longer bet. I shipped it immediately for 500. I don't care how good a player is, I will take that bet every time when I have a 3:2 chip lead. Victor got cracked less than an hour later. Both he and Johnnybax were very friendly and enjoyable to play with.
The 5k field was by far the toughest tournament field (live or online) that I have ever played in. There are no satellites for 5k events, so everyone is putting up the money themselves. Of the 72 entrees, I would guess that 60 were full time tournament pros. Eric Lindgren, Victor Ramdin, Kenna James, Kathy Liebert, John Phan, Amnon Fillipi, Bernard Lee, Michael Binger, and Bill Gazes were just a few of the name pros in the field. My table draw, however, was excellent considering the field. Almost everyone was tight/solid and I felt very comfortable playing agressive poker. I employed a Gavin Smith strategy of frequent, small raises. At 25/50, I was raising to 125, at 50/100, to 250, etc. I was looking for callers as I wanted to see a lot of flops early with a wide range of hands. I demonstated to the table that I was capable of making moves (showing two big post-flop bluffs), so people stayed out of my way for the most part. I felt like my reads were very sharp today, raising successfully when I sensed weakness and folding at the right times. Unfortunately, I did not pick up any big hands in the right situation to win a big pot, but I managed to more than double my stack winning several small (relatively uncontested) pots over the first four levels. My table got tougher as players were eliminated (Eric Lindgren and Bill Gazes got moved to our table), but I continued to grind away until we were down to 21 players (only the final 9 cashed). I had ~40k in chips (average was about 50k), we were playing 7 handed, and the button (~55k) open raised to 6,000 at 1,000/2,000 with a 300 ante. I had KQ of spades in the big blind. Typically, this is a fold or shove situation, but the button was one of the weaker players at the table, and I felt like I might be able to outplay him after the flop. I smooth called and the flop came down Q33, two hearts. I checked hoping to check shove, but my opponent checked as well. The turn was the 9 of hearts (three hearts on board), and I led for 10k. The button then insta-shoved, putting me all-in. Typically, this is a pretty easy fold as a pre-flop raise followed by a check on the flop and a raise on the turn normally equals a monster. Still, I felt like he might be making a move and I tanked for at least five minutes. I asked the guy if he had something stupid like QJ, J10, KJ, K10, x9 with one heart. He wouldn't talk to me, but finally muttered something about having me beat and being willing to show if I decided to fold. I wasn't buying it, but I had a hard time pulling the trigger as I could easily be drawing dead. I finally decided to go with my read and I made the call. He flipped up Ah,Kc for no pair, the nut flush draw and one over card. He had 12 outs (9 hearts and 3 aces) of 44 total cards on the river. River, ace of diamonds. CRACKED. I handled it well, lightly tapping the table and saying nice hand. Lindgren, Gazes and the rest of the table complimented me on the "sick call" and on my overall play. Obviously, this did not make me feel any better. After 10+ hours of play, you get emotionally attached to these stupid tournaments. I paced the Foxwoods halls for a good half hour, grabbed some food, and felt fine an hour later. Reflecting on it now, I am just glad that I played well today after a disappointing performance in the 3k yesterday. Gazes, Fillipi and Bernard Lee all went on to final table. Would have been a fun final table to be at. Will just have to ship the next one.
I drew a terrible table in the 3k event. Victor Ramdin was on my immediate left and Cliff "Johnnybax" Josephy was on his immediate left. Six of the other seven players were solid, full time tourney pros. Fortunately, there was one weak player at the table who was on my immediate right. Due to my table draw, I probably played a bit tighter than I should have. Playing ABC poker is just not going to work in this type of field as good players will not pay you off with QQ (when you have AA or KK) if you are only playing one hand every three rotations. Still, I went fairly deep as I used my tight image to my advantage, picking up several small pots with strong bets and raises preflop and on the flop. With about 50 players left (130 entrees), the cutoff made it 2,400 to go at 400/800 blinds with a 100 ante. The button called and I woke up with AQ offsuit in the small blind. I shipped my 15k stack into the middle and got insta-called by the cutoff who had AK. AK held up and I was out in 50th. This was a pretty standard move given the situation, but I needed to build my stack more rapidly to avoid this type of situation.
On the bright side, I did pick up 500 bucks from Victor Ramdin. He had about 5,500 in chips and I had 8,500 early in the tourney. He said he needed motivation and asked the table if anyone wanted a straight up last longer bet. I shipped it immediately for 500. I don't care how good a player is, I will take that bet every time when I have a 3:2 chip lead. Victor got cracked less than an hour later. Both he and Johnnybax were very friendly and enjoyable to play with.
The 5k field was by far the toughest tournament field (live or online) that I have ever played in. There are no satellites for 5k events, so everyone is putting up the money themselves. Of the 72 entrees, I would guess that 60 were full time tournament pros. Eric Lindgren, Victor Ramdin, Kenna James, Kathy Liebert, John Phan, Amnon Fillipi, Bernard Lee, Michael Binger, and Bill Gazes were just a few of the name pros in the field. My table draw, however, was excellent considering the field. Almost everyone was tight/solid and I felt very comfortable playing agressive poker. I employed a Gavin Smith strategy of frequent, small raises. At 25/50, I was raising to 125, at 50/100, to 250, etc. I was looking for callers as I wanted to see a lot of flops early with a wide range of hands. I demonstated to the table that I was capable of making moves (showing two big post-flop bluffs), so people stayed out of my way for the most part. I felt like my reads were very sharp today, raising successfully when I sensed weakness and folding at the right times. Unfortunately, I did not pick up any big hands in the right situation to win a big pot, but I managed to more than double my stack winning several small (relatively uncontested) pots over the first four levels. My table got tougher as players were eliminated (Eric Lindgren and Bill Gazes got moved to our table), but I continued to grind away until we were down to 21 players (only the final 9 cashed). I had ~40k in chips (average was about 50k), we were playing 7 handed, and the button (~55k) open raised to 6,000 at 1,000/2,000 with a 300 ante. I had KQ of spades in the big blind. Typically, this is a fold or shove situation, but the button was one of the weaker players at the table, and I felt like I might be able to outplay him after the flop. I smooth called and the flop came down Q33, two hearts. I checked hoping to check shove, but my opponent checked as well. The turn was the 9 of hearts (three hearts on board), and I led for 10k. The button then insta-shoved, putting me all-in. Typically, this is a pretty easy fold as a pre-flop raise followed by a check on the flop and a raise on the turn normally equals a monster. Still, I felt like he might be making a move and I tanked for at least five minutes. I asked the guy if he had something stupid like QJ, J10, KJ, K10, x9 with one heart. He wouldn't talk to me, but finally muttered something about having me beat and being willing to show if I decided to fold. I wasn't buying it, but I had a hard time pulling the trigger as I could easily be drawing dead. I finally decided to go with my read and I made the call. He flipped up Ah,Kc for no pair, the nut flush draw and one over card. He had 12 outs (9 hearts and 3 aces) of 44 total cards on the river. River, ace of diamonds. CRACKED. I handled it well, lightly tapping the table and saying nice hand. Lindgren, Gazes and the rest of the table complimented me on the "sick call" and on my overall play. Obviously, this did not make me feel any better. After 10+ hours of play, you get emotionally attached to these stupid tournaments. I paced the Foxwoods halls for a good half hour, grabbed some food, and felt fine an hour later. Reflecting on it now, I am just glad that I played well today after a disappointing performance in the 3k yesterday. Gazes, Fillipi and Bernard Lee all went on to final table. Would have been a fun final table to be at. Will just have to ship the next one.
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