Just got back from KC after being there for a weekend. Was a pretty fun time in general, went with some old friends and stayed downtown. Hung at the power and light district and gambled at the Harrahs there (though some friends didn't want to gamble which sucked). Some lame drama occurred on Saturday when my drunken friend got into a bar fight after wandering off alone. Went to a Royals game the day after which was fun and then finally home. Hanging with old friends is priceless, as cliche as it sounds. I know that in the future these moments will be rare and few and its best to enjoy time together as we can.
While I've been hanging with old friends my diet has also taken a turn for the worst. Eating fast food and other terrible things have had their effect. I've been slacking a bit in exercise as well (though I did do a class today at the Y). This is partly because of friends and heavier volunteer work last week which I hope to fix. We'll see how I do when school finally starts and how my diet will be affected then. (school starts in less than a month, we are moving into new APTs in early August which should be fun).
Poker has been so so lately. Probably will finish about +6k or so over 12k hands in PLO (PLO tracks hands far far slower than NLHE). I'm pleased with this being my first month into this game. Next month I plan on playing about half and half, hopefully get back into NLHE again. Next month (Aug) I also plan on trying to become a DC coach (hopefully will become one, I've coached a few of the current coaches there as well as been coached by 2 of them in the past). Also should have a PLO video with late night coaching and Joe Tall/Parlay Slow in the making within the next few days so that should be cool.
I have a few more days before I head to Chicago for Lollapalooza. Kanye West/Lupe Fiasco/NIN/Rage are all going to be awesome. Not really sure how long we'll be there for but it'll be a good time. Plan on heading to Great America/6 flags while there along with other tourist stuff. Also like 33 more days until College football season starts, the anticipation is huge.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Strange
I just purchased PLO tracker and looking forward to actually saving my hands/reviewing my stats and play. Also going to purchase HEManager I think in the near future.
Today I played NLHE for the first time in a long time. Wow I spewed so bad. It wasn't even good spew either. The plays I made were unspeakably terrible. I'm not sure what came over me and as I said previously, my goals were to become more solid of a player. It's funny thinking about the evolution of a poker player. As Ray Zee and aejones have written posts previously on the evolution of a poker player, it's funny to see how each and every player develops. Players go through stages and phases in which styles and such can go from super tight to super aggressive and loose and many others. I for one went from a nitty bad TAG (in retrospect) to a looser more aggressive player. And even though I am still playing relatively the same stakes I have played since 2 years ago (who knows where I could have been had that first 2/4 shot gone well), I am so so much better than I was at that time.
Friends and I were discussing different points along our poker careers that could have changed everything. One good friend in particular said that if he had lost a 30k pot or something along those lines on Cake (therefore busting his roll), he has no idea where he would be today. I for one look back and think what could of happened had my first 2/4 shot gone well (all those years ago). It's best not to think what could of or should've happened, only to evaluate what best you can do now to win.
So I went from nitty TAG to terrible LAG (after bobbofitos' program) to something in between and eventually back to very spewy. Now the goal is to get back to solid play. Plan on continuing to play PLO the rest of this month and the goal is to get to iron man (need 6 more days here or so to get it). Some friends and I are planning on going to KC, MO this weekend to go to a Royals game and Worlds of Fun, should be a good time.
Today I played NLHE for the first time in a long time. Wow I spewed so bad. It wasn't even good spew either. The plays I made were unspeakably terrible. I'm not sure what came over me and as I said previously, my goals were to become more solid of a player. It's funny thinking about the evolution of a poker player. As Ray Zee and aejones have written posts previously on the evolution of a poker player, it's funny to see how each and every player develops. Players go through stages and phases in which styles and such can go from super tight to super aggressive and loose and many others. I for one went from a nitty bad TAG (in retrospect) to a looser more aggressive player. And even though I am still playing relatively the same stakes I have played since 2 years ago (who knows where I could have been had that first 2/4 shot gone well), I am so so much better than I was at that time.
Friends and I were discussing different points along our poker careers that could have changed everything. One good friend in particular said that if he had lost a 30k pot or something along those lines on Cake (therefore busting his roll), he has no idea where he would be today. I for one look back and think what could of happened had my first 2/4 shot gone well (all those years ago). It's best not to think what could of or should've happened, only to evaluate what best you can do now to win.
So I went from nitty TAG to terrible LAG (after bobbofitos' program) to something in between and eventually back to very spewy. Now the goal is to get back to solid play. Plan on continuing to play PLO the rest of this month and the goal is to get to iron man (need 6 more days here or so to get it). Some friends and I are planning on going to KC, MO this weekend to go to a Royals game and Worlds of Fun, should be a good time.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
College Football 2008
I'm bored right now so I'll go through my favorite team, the Florida Gators. (Background I grew up in Gainesville,FL, dad taught at UF, I went to games and grew up a gator. UF is my first love as far as collegiate sports followed by Nebraska). I am also an absolute college football fiend and love the sport with tremendous passion. During the fall and football season I will be ranting frequently.
Anyways this year should be very exciting. There are great players everywhere and I think the 2009 draft should be very rich with talent. The national spectrum is interesting. The top teams this year are the typicals (USC/tOSU/UF/OU) as well as other consistent but solid teams (Clemson/UGA/UT/WVU/etc). There are strengths everywhere- tOSU has 19 starters coming back from their MNC team last year, USC has much of their defense (Sedrick Ellis aside) back, UF and OU have two of the best QBs in the nation (as well as dominating OLs). UGA has many offensive weapons back (including that douche Moreano). I could go on and on.
UF is going to be very good next year. Any more than 1 loss and I'll be disappointed. I suppose 2 could be very possible but I would nonetheless be pissed because the sky is the limit. Perhaps as a UF fan I have been spoiled the past few years (for obvious reasons) but I really do expect great things. The problems last year were obvious and very vivid- a very young team with little leadership and a defense that was inexperienced and frankly confused. This year we have 16 starters returning (8 each on both sides of the ball) and a year under our belts. All losses were competitive and close (UGA was sortve gay but meh).
Offense- UF's offense was among the best in the country last year. Our losses were never due to the inefficiency of our offense. Despite not having a very stable running back, the offensive production was nonetheless the strength of our team this year.
QBs- Tim Tebow won the heisman and led the SEC last year in total offense. He is the ultimate badass for obvious reasons. Tebow answered all questions about his throwing ability last season where he passed for 32 TDs and ran for 23 more (a feat previously not held by a QB). Tebow is built like a tank and is the key for the offense. The backups are pretty piss poor. Cam Newton (typical black QB, can run but not throw) showed he likes to throw the ball into the ground or 30 feet above the reciever in the O&B game and John Brantley hasn't been proven yet (due to injuries).
RB- a hilarious joke the past few seasons. Deshawn Wynn wasn't that bad in 2006 and we got by with a medicore running game. 2007 was a different story though- Tim Tebow was the leading rusher on the team (in a non option based offense this is pathetic). Kesthan Moore was the starting RB last year. While a solid producer typically (he is a capable blocker and has a decent average for yards/carry), he has a fumbling problem. While other Rbs/players (Tebow included) have fumbled in the past (and KM's carry to fumble ratio isn't THAT bad), its the times that killed us. KM was destroying in the LSU game until he fumbled, thus killing the drive and therefore the game. He fumbled twice in the first quarter of the UGA game which took the momentum from us. This year USC transfer Emmanuel Moody (probably the most talented of the bunch in terms of being an every down back) should provide some help for Tebow. Chris Rainey, a speedy back from Lakeland, FL also showed that he deserves a spot on the field (be it RB or slot reciever or whatever).
WRs should be among the very best in the nation. Check out this video on Percy Harvin, our best reciever: Right here . He is super versatile and a threat whenever he touches the ball. Other killers out there are Deonte Thompson, Louis Murphy (a track star), new cc transfer Carl Moore (though he has been disappointing thus far), Riley Cooper (a deep threat who is actually white lol), and Cornelius Ingram (a hybrid TE/WR). This group should be among the very best in the nation (bar Texas Tech perhaps).
Offensive Line should be a strength of this team. Last year we had true freshman on the line (Pouncy twins). This year with the addition of Matt Patchan this unit should be better than last years. I think the 2008 offense should be better than the previous years.
Defense was a joke last year. The DL was pathetic. Give me a helmet and I can make a bigger push on the interior than those pussies did. While we had Derrick Harvey (first rounder to Jacksonville), this unit was poor throughout the year. I blame youth and shallowness. The DTs had zero push inside, allowing QBs (even the likes of Brandon Cox my God in heaven...) tear us a new one. I think the DL will be improved from last year (its hard not to be) and hopefully will cause much more pressure than last year. DT is the key and a few recruits/transfers (Troy Epps/Omar Hunter) could help tremendously. Carlos Dunlap should replace Harvey pretty confidently. He is a star in the future.
The LBs are a solid group though definitely questions have arisen. Those idiots have been out of place and trying to tackle at all the wrong angles at times. Brandon Spikes was excellent last year and was an All-SEC pick at MLB. The other two are suspect though and average at best. Dustin Doe and AJ Jones may have to fight for their spots with the addition of some very solid recruits.
Secondary is also a hilarious position. It was widely criticized last year as UF pass defense was near the bottom of NCAA. But many don't realize that it was due to the shitty front 4 that the CBs were so exposed. Give anybody time and they will get free. Wondy Pierre Louis sucks. Joe Haden showed promise (and was on the SEC freshman team last year) but also how new he was to the position. The backups are pretty meh as well, as Jacques Rickerson showed promise in the FSU game and then was hilarious in the Michigan one. Major Wright should be excellent next year but will hopefully move to SS where he is more natural (I really really hope Will Hill lives up to the hype as a FS). Otherwise we could be in for a long season. Safety was once our deepest position but we've since had idiots like Hornsby doing credit card charges on a dead girl and another pussy going back home (UI). If this unit is not improved then I will kill someone.
There have been some coaching changes. We lost our safeties coach (Doc Holiday left us to go back to WVU to help there). We lost our RB coach to UTenn (like he did anything anyways) and acquired Vandy's RB coach (as well as UMichigan's CB coach). Perhaps the biggest addition is Dan Mccarney who turned USF's DL into a menacing force last season with Selvie. I'd be stoked if he did the same for UF's.
Some cool links -
ESPN Blue ribbon preview, pretty much what you just read except better lol...
Planet Gator has all UF games the past 2 years for free, you just have to register.
Head to Head is a cool football site that shows the records of any two teams and the results of those matchups. Something to toy with when bored.
Anyways I'm tired. Will write more on CFB very soon.
Anyways this year should be very exciting. There are great players everywhere and I think the 2009 draft should be very rich with talent. The national spectrum is interesting. The top teams this year are the typicals (USC/tOSU/UF/OU) as well as other consistent but solid teams (Clemson/UGA/UT/WVU/etc). There are strengths everywhere- tOSU has 19 starters coming back from their MNC team last year, USC has much of their defense (Sedrick Ellis aside) back, UF and OU have two of the best QBs in the nation (as well as dominating OLs). UGA has many offensive weapons back (including that douche Moreano). I could go on and on.
UF is going to be very good next year. Any more than 1 loss and I'll be disappointed. I suppose 2 could be very possible but I would nonetheless be pissed because the sky is the limit. Perhaps as a UF fan I have been spoiled the past few years (for obvious reasons) but I really do expect great things. The problems last year were obvious and very vivid- a very young team with little leadership and a defense that was inexperienced and frankly confused. This year we have 16 starters returning (8 each on both sides of the ball) and a year under our belts. All losses were competitive and close (UGA was sortve gay but meh).
Offense- UF's offense was among the best in the country last year. Our losses were never due to the inefficiency of our offense. Despite not having a very stable running back, the offensive production was nonetheless the strength of our team this year.
QBs- Tim Tebow won the heisman and led the SEC last year in total offense. He is the ultimate badass for obvious reasons. Tebow answered all questions about his throwing ability last season where he passed for 32 TDs and ran for 23 more (a feat previously not held by a QB). Tebow is built like a tank and is the key for the offense. The backups are pretty piss poor. Cam Newton (typical black QB, can run but not throw) showed he likes to throw the ball into the ground or 30 feet above the reciever in the O&B game and John Brantley hasn't been proven yet (due to injuries).
RB- a hilarious joke the past few seasons. Deshawn Wynn wasn't that bad in 2006 and we got by with a medicore running game. 2007 was a different story though- Tim Tebow was the leading rusher on the team (in a non option based offense this is pathetic). Kesthan Moore was the starting RB last year. While a solid producer typically (he is a capable blocker and has a decent average for yards/carry), he has a fumbling problem. While other Rbs/players (Tebow included) have fumbled in the past (and KM's carry to fumble ratio isn't THAT bad), its the times that killed us. KM was destroying in the LSU game until he fumbled, thus killing the drive and therefore the game. He fumbled twice in the first quarter of the UGA game which took the momentum from us. This year USC transfer Emmanuel Moody (probably the most talented of the bunch in terms of being an every down back) should provide some help for Tebow. Chris Rainey, a speedy back from Lakeland, FL also showed that he deserves a spot on the field (be it RB or slot reciever or whatever).
WRs should be among the very best in the nation. Check out this video on Percy Harvin, our best reciever: Right here . He is super versatile and a threat whenever he touches the ball. Other killers out there are Deonte Thompson, Louis Murphy (a track star), new cc transfer Carl Moore (though he has been disappointing thus far), Riley Cooper (a deep threat who is actually white lol), and Cornelius Ingram (a hybrid TE/WR). This group should be among the very best in the nation (bar Texas Tech perhaps).
Offensive Line should be a strength of this team. Last year we had true freshman on the line (Pouncy twins). This year with the addition of Matt Patchan this unit should be better than last years. I think the 2008 offense should be better than the previous years.
Defense was a joke last year. The DL was pathetic. Give me a helmet and I can make a bigger push on the interior than those pussies did. While we had Derrick Harvey (first rounder to Jacksonville), this unit was poor throughout the year. I blame youth and shallowness. The DTs had zero push inside, allowing QBs (even the likes of Brandon Cox my God in heaven...) tear us a new one. I think the DL will be improved from last year (its hard not to be) and hopefully will cause much more pressure than last year. DT is the key and a few recruits/transfers (Troy Epps/Omar Hunter) could help tremendously. Carlos Dunlap should replace Harvey pretty confidently. He is a star in the future.
The LBs are a solid group though definitely questions have arisen. Those idiots have been out of place and trying to tackle at all the wrong angles at times. Brandon Spikes was excellent last year and was an All-SEC pick at MLB. The other two are suspect though and average at best. Dustin Doe and AJ Jones may have to fight for their spots with the addition of some very solid recruits.
Secondary is also a hilarious position. It was widely criticized last year as UF pass defense was near the bottom of NCAA. But many don't realize that it was due to the shitty front 4 that the CBs were so exposed. Give anybody time and they will get free. Wondy Pierre Louis sucks. Joe Haden showed promise (and was on the SEC freshman team last year) but also how new he was to the position. The backups are pretty meh as well, as Jacques Rickerson showed promise in the FSU game and then was hilarious in the Michigan one. Major Wright should be excellent next year but will hopefully move to SS where he is more natural (I really really hope Will Hill lives up to the hype as a FS). Otherwise we could be in for a long season. Safety was once our deepest position but we've since had idiots like Hornsby doing credit card charges on a dead girl and another pussy going back home (UI). If this unit is not improved then I will kill someone.
There have been some coaching changes. We lost our safeties coach (Doc Holiday left us to go back to WVU to help there). We lost our RB coach to UTenn (like he did anything anyways) and acquired Vandy's RB coach (as well as UMichigan's CB coach). Perhaps the biggest addition is Dan Mccarney who turned USF's DL into a menacing force last season with Selvie. I'd be stoked if he did the same for UF's.
Some cool links -
ESPN Blue ribbon preview, pretty much what you just read except better lol...
Planet Gator has all UF games the past 2 years for free, you just have to register.
Head to Head is a cool football site that shows the records of any two teams and the results of those matchups. Something to toy with when bored.
Anyways I'm tired. Will write more on CFB very soon.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Living
I assume the majority of readers of this blog are poker players. One of the things I've constantly struggled with throughout my poker career is volume (in terms of hands played). I know that this can be elevated with number of tables/software but in terms of hours played I am severely lacking. Poker doesn't interest me nearly as much as it did in the earlier years (not to sound arrogant, I know that I'm at the very totem poll in terms of skill level) and I feel my drive is stagnant (though PLO has since revived that). Why do we play poker? The simple and easy answer is money. Money is nice, it can greatly improve our future and is a very valid reason to grind tons of hands. A friend of mine hopes to make 1 million from poker so he can be set up for life (again, a very valid and reasonable goal).
I think the same friend would agree that having a balanced lifestyle is also a very excellent goal. For those who feel bored with life or confused (with the only answer dual moniters glowing in the darkness) think about some ways to refresh. This ramble isn't to tell you what is good in life and what isn't (grinding is certainly fine and can coexist with having a balanced lifestyle-look at cts). Only to strive for other things other than poker. One of the reasons I made this blog was to keep in check those goals and what I hope to accomplish (moreso non-poker stuff) in the future. Learn to cook. Ride a bike. Read a book. Learn a language. Learn a martial art. Learn to build a computer (though most of you probably already do know how). Make the most of your life and the oppurtunites you people have (being young and very rich for your age). Traveling is something I recommend everybody do at least once in their lives.
Anyways, thats my little stint on that. I feel like I need to take more advantage of the opportunities that are availble to me. We'll see when school comes around. In other news football season is like a month away and I am super pumped for that. Volunteer work this week as well (last weeks was a blast).
I think the same friend would agree that having a balanced lifestyle is also a very excellent goal. For those who feel bored with life or confused (with the only answer dual moniters glowing in the darkness) think about some ways to refresh. This ramble isn't to tell you what is good in life and what isn't (grinding is certainly fine and can coexist with having a balanced lifestyle-look at cts). Only to strive for other things other than poker. One of the reasons I made this blog was to keep in check those goals and what I hope to accomplish (moreso non-poker stuff) in the future. Learn to cook. Ride a bike. Read a book. Learn a language. Learn a martial art. Learn to build a computer (though most of you probably already do know how). Make the most of your life and the oppurtunites you people have (being young and very rich for your age). Traveling is something I recommend everybody do at least once in their lives.
Anyways, thats my little stint on that. I feel like I need to take more advantage of the opportunities that are availble to me. We'll see when school comes around. In other news football season is like a month away and I am super pumped for that. Volunteer work this week as well (last weeks was a blast).
Saturday, July 19, 2008
PLO/Dark Knight
Saw The Dark Knight tonight and absolutely loved it. I thought Heath Ledger's performance was fantastic and very eerie. I'm sure that everyone has heard how much praise this movie has received and rightly so- it was a tad bit long but overall I thought it was very well done. If these movies continue their current trend (the same direction/etc) I feel that they can be the best comic movies ever. Batman's villains are among the best in the entire industry (rivaling Spiderman and X-men).
PLO has been going okay lately. The variance in this game is insane- hand ranges are so much less defined than in NLHE and as my friend liked to put it- "It's like you're investing but instead of waiting you get to see immediate results". This game (in my short experience) is all about pushing small edges in terms of equities and when you're a 60-40 in a large pot, those edges are important.
Some things I've observed in PLO is how face up players play. I obviously have never played against super crushers and very tough opponents who will put you to the test (and whose hand ranges are so blended and splattered it is impossible to figure them out). But in the smaller stakes games (1/2 PLO) players play in such faceup manners it's ridiculous. Take for example a TAG c/c-ing two streets and then open potting when the flush hits the river. (This such example can be seen in NLHE as well). They are rarely ever bluffing in these situations and paying off such bets is ludacris. This is sort of ties into that ramble I wrote previously on ranges- when someone's range is so so so weighted towards nut hands (or very very strong hands) and never ever really a bluff they become very easy to play against. Whatever.
Learned how to make salmon today. My family likes to do this-
-slice 1lb of bacon/chop 1 green onion/cook both till bacon is 3/4ths done.
-while doing so, spread mayonaise on salmon, heavier nature's seasoning as well as thin slices of butter.
-once onions/bacon is done, put it on top of uncooked salmon (as well as some of the grease). put it in the oven (or grill) for 20 minutes and its good.
Too lazy to get pics but I'm sure you get the picture. Also learned burgers that my family does which is soy sauce, egg, bread crumbs and onions (and the ground beef). good stuff.
PLO has been going okay lately. The variance in this game is insane- hand ranges are so much less defined than in NLHE and as my friend liked to put it- "It's like you're investing but instead of waiting you get to see immediate results". This game (in my short experience) is all about pushing small edges in terms of equities and when you're a 60-40 in a large pot, those edges are important.
Some things I've observed in PLO is how face up players play. I obviously have never played against super crushers and very tough opponents who will put you to the test (and whose hand ranges are so blended and splattered it is impossible to figure them out). But in the smaller stakes games (1/2 PLO) players play in such faceup manners it's ridiculous. Take for example a TAG c/c-ing two streets and then open potting when the flush hits the river. (This such example can be seen in NLHE as well). They are rarely ever bluffing in these situations and paying off such bets is ludacris. This is sort of ties into that ramble I wrote previously on ranges- when someone's range is so so so weighted towards nut hands (or very very strong hands) and never ever really a bluff they become very easy to play against. Whatever.
Learned how to make salmon today. My family likes to do this-
-slice 1lb of bacon/chop 1 green onion/cook both till bacon is 3/4ths done.
-while doing so, spread mayonaise on salmon, heavier nature's seasoning as well as thin slices of butter.
-once onions/bacon is done, put it on top of uncooked salmon (as well as some of the grease). put it in the oven (or grill) for 20 minutes and its good.
Too lazy to get pics but I'm sure you get the picture. Also learned burgers that my family does which is soy sauce, egg, bread crumbs and onions (and the ground beef). good stuff.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Poker blows
Ugh...another losing day. This stretch has been super frustrating for me as a player. Some friends of mine have been through 100k hand breakeven stretches (DoubleEagle says 200k or something ridiculous like that). They are all solid winners at the game as well which is scary. There haven't been alot of things going my way lately. I've been playing solid enough its just I keep running into the top of everybody's ranges.
I hope that I'm not experiencing one of those super long stretches. I feel it can happen at any limit, no matter how huge you crush the game. I beat 1/2 for 10ptbb/100+ for 120k+ hands. But the last 2-3 months have been among the most frustrating of my life. I've been dabbling in the 2/4NL games on FTP and while they are pretty good I've been recieving the ass end of variance. And I tell myself I should be used to the swings- I've lost 7k in a night before playing 5/10NL. But sadly this is just not the case, and losing 3k or so still pisses me off bad.
PLO has been going okay. I lost a few buyins today but still up a decent amount overall (playing 1/2PLO). I'm making large mistakes but am fortunate enough that my opponents don't have a fucking clue as to play this game (limp calling 4442 is not a winning strategy). I've started coaching as well from Parlay Slow (who also coached me previously in NLHE) and I'm looking foward to learning this game. I find that I can play PLO for hours on end much unlike NLHE (where I'm hard pressed to grind more than 1k hands in a session). The game is just much more intricate and thinking about all the different situations is fun (though difficult). I plan on getting more into PLO though this month and have decided I'm going to take a slight break from NLHE even if it means costing some $ from my hourly (though this month my hourly is LOL).
I've been doing some volunteer work the past few days at my church. I'm a group leader for preschoolers at a water event, super fun stuff. Working with kids is truly rewarding for me and perhaps confirms my decision to become a teacher in the future. Waking up early sucks though. As for my other goals, I've been learning a few easier dishes in the kitchen and hope to learn a few more before summers end. I've been running a ton as well, doing 3 miles at a time (probably averaging maybe 12-15 miles a week) and am pleased with that. Other than poker not going well, life is good. (Though I need to read more as well).
be good
I hope that I'm not experiencing one of those super long stretches. I feel it can happen at any limit, no matter how huge you crush the game. I beat 1/2 for 10ptbb/100+ for 120k+ hands. But the last 2-3 months have been among the most frustrating of my life. I've been dabbling in the 2/4NL games on FTP and while they are pretty good I've been recieving the ass end of variance. And I tell myself I should be used to the swings- I've lost 7k in a night before playing 5/10NL. But sadly this is just not the case, and losing 3k or so still pisses me off bad.
PLO has been going okay. I lost a few buyins today but still up a decent amount overall (playing 1/2PLO). I'm making large mistakes but am fortunate enough that my opponents don't have a fucking clue as to play this game (limp calling 4442 is not a winning strategy). I've started coaching as well from Parlay Slow (who also coached me previously in NLHE) and I'm looking foward to learning this game. I find that I can play PLO for hours on end much unlike NLHE (where I'm hard pressed to grind more than 1k hands in a session). The game is just much more intricate and thinking about all the different situations is fun (though difficult). I plan on getting more into PLO though this month and have decided I'm going to take a slight break from NLHE even if it means costing some $ from my hourly (though this month my hourly is LOL).
I've been doing some volunteer work the past few days at my church. I'm a group leader for preschoolers at a water event, super fun stuff. Working with kids is truly rewarding for me and perhaps confirms my decision to become a teacher in the future. Waking up early sucks though. As for my other goals, I've been learning a few easier dishes in the kitchen and hope to learn a few more before summers end. I've been running a ton as well, doing 3 miles at a time (probably averaging maybe 12-15 miles a week) and am pleased with that. Other than poker not going well, life is good. (Though I need to read more as well).
be good
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Hand Ranges
Alright, this is a sort of random poker ramble. I'll do this periodically when I'm either bored or what have you on some thoughts I've been having recently/been meaning to share. Any thoughts/comments always appreciated.
The Basics of Hand Reading and How to Exploit:
Hand reading is a skill learned through practice and repetition. Determining the most +EV play ( call/fold/raise/etc) is heavily dependent on board texture, opponent, dynamic, flow, and hundreds of other random variables. These are the pieces of a puzzle that must be solved as long as your time bank allows. When I think about the hand ranges of opponents there is a process I take:
1) Opponent type. In SSNL, there are many player categories that are definable through style and tendencies. As you move up and encounter stiffer competition, 'TAG' or 'LAG' will fail to define a particular style or player. In SSNL/Micros you WILL see many player tendencies that are comparable across all sites/stakes (1/2 and below). With the availibility of PA hud/PT/etc, true poker reads have evolved to 3-20 numbers across a screen, defining a player and his tendencies. While PA is useful I feel that true reads are attained instead by watching the table and identifying what particular hands opponents are calling down with/what they are bluffing with/etc.
When playing a hand, I first identify my opponent and how I think he will play. TAGs in SSNL take very predictable lines, including checking behind marginal hands on the turn, using check/call lines when their hands are faceup (think if their flop bet is raised, they check call the turn and check the river, this is very often some overpair looking to get to showdown). And there are of course hundreds of others. Further when loose passive players check and call multiple streets their ranges can be hugely widened compared to the more definable TAG's. There are hundreds of various opponent types and as each street passes, more information is given.
There is no complete science for hand reading. As stated previously, board texture and opponent psychology are two highly important factors when determining the correct play.
An example hand: villan is semi loose and passive. His PT stats were 23/7/1.5 over a smaller sample (150 hands). I was playing loose and aggressive (though I'm not sure if this player was observant of my table image). I will break this down street by street:
Absolute Poker $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em - 6 players
The Official 2+2 Hand Converter Powered By DeucesCracked.com
Hero (BTN): $427.55
SB: $243.00
BB: $164.50
UTG: $330.50
MP: $554.85
CO: $297.50
Pre Flop: Hero is BTN with 8
Q
2 folds, CO calls $2, Hero raises to $10, 2 folds, CO calls $8
**With semi deeper stacks, a nice hand in position, this is a very easy iso-raise. Because Villan was slightly passive, I expect his range to be any hand like 22-99, stuff like 67s, and perhaps KQ/AJ. In other words, its slightly wide.**
Flop: ($23.00) 9 5
9
(2 players)
CO checks, Hero bets $14, CO calls $14
**Flop c-bet should be fairly standard. I am targeting the unpaired hands (KQ/AJ) etc as well as the 46s type hands as well. Even though I technically 'beat' those types of hands, I want to protect my equity as well as take down the pot now. (The basics of a c-bet are clear and will not be discussed). After he calls the flop, I think his range can be narrowed a bit. I feel that he will fold nearly all his air hands (in terms of the 46s type hands/JTs). He (may) peel with KQ once as these players sometimes hope to get lucky. Nonetheless, I feel that I can often get much of his range to fold to a second barrel (stuff like 22/33/etc) on nicer cards (any paint or T+). On a total brick turn though (3x) I think I would just check back or fold to a bet. These players often still tell themselves I have missed overs and will stubbornly call down.
Now, think about his range compared to a TAGs. Had I been playing a TAG, I can often cut out hands like AJ/KQ automatically after his flop call. His range is almost always weighted towards hands like 22-88 and sometimes even weak overpairs like TT. (Though admittingly a TAG would not limp/call preflop). But had a TAG gotten in this situation OOP against me, my plan can change dramatically- I can choose to double barrel the turn and perhaps triple barrel the river depending on how the board changes. The 23/7 opponent will not fold 66 on this board but a TAG will use a very predictable check/call, check/fold the turn line very often.
Turn: ($51.00) 4 (2 players)
CO checks, Hero bets $37, CO calls $37
**Turn is obviously a great card for me. It targets the range that I stated previously. Checking is certainly a viable option as well as I'm not quite sure how often he will fold those low pocket pair type hands. However I feel that I have plenty of cards to use as scare cards by the river (any paint really) as well as cards to improve me (any Q/8/spade). This double barrel would be highly +EV against a TAG in many SSNL games as I feel that double barreling is somewhat unused and given lots of credit. However against this opponent I would say that it is a bit closer (though still a double). Had this been an offsuite 4, I think checking and folding is probably best. But with the spade + added equity, barreling this turn (and perhaps many good river cards) helps control frequencies as well. After he calls the turn, I feel his range is solidly something like TT/stronger pairs like 66+/5x (think A5s or something). I can cut out the KQ/AJ type hands that perhaps peeled the flop. On a brick river I am probably checking and giving up as I do not feel he will fold these hands. On others, I have a variety of options.
River: ($125.00) 8
(2 players)
CO checks, Hero bets $77, CO calls $77
**An nice river card. As stated, I felt his range was heavily weighted towards something like 22-TT, or even moreso 5x. I think this is a fairly easy value bet in most cases. Sure you will get valueowned sometimes by stuff like TT or whatever but in general I expect to be ahead here alot.
Think about how ranges would differ by player type. I would expect most TAGs to check raise 9x somewhere in the hand before the river. Despite their range NEVER being ANYTHING but a boat/9x they continue to use lines that are so heavily weighted towards the nuts and nothing else. Better players will use lines where their ranges are more blended/merged/whatever word you want to use.
(results: I win vs. 77).
One more hand vs. a TAG:
Alright, background, villan is a multitabling TAG plays like 21/17. I feel I have an edge over him and have been messing with him on multiple tables. I will explain my thought process street by street.
Absolute Poker $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em - 6 players
The Official 2+2 Hand Converter Powered By DeucesCracked.com
UTG: $591.20
MP: $169.40
CO: $563.65
Hero (BTN): $397.00
SB: $276.20
BB: $49.55
Pre Flop: Hero is BTN with 8 8
2 folds, CO raises to $7, Hero calls $7, 2 folds
** 3-betting is an option but I much prefer calling here in position. There are advantages to 3-betting preflop (forcing villan to play in an inflated pot OOP or just winning the pot now). My preference is to call though.
Flop: ($17.00) 3 9 3 (2 players)
CO bets $12, Hero calls $12
** I think this flop is pretty cut and dry. I think raising accomplishes little in this spot. I don't really fold any better hands at all, I don't gain value from much else. I have position and a nice showdown hand/can control the pot easier. I would probably raise here with FD/3x and total air but not much else.
Turn: ($41.00) K (2 players)
CO bets $31, Hero calls $31
**Here is the interesting street. TAGs have been taught to double barrrel these boards with air no matter what. THERE IS A HUGE PROBLEM HERE. TAGs do not often value bet 9x/TT/etc here though. A common line I've observed is check/calling from his standpoint with such hands. When one's range becomes polarized towards either nuts (in this case, Kx) or bluffs (total air which he could very well have) and not much in between (I did not feel that this opponent was good enough to value bet A9 or something like that on the turn and/or river). This is a key concept against better opponents- do not play such that your ranges are so weighted towards one side or the other. When you are bluffing this card often you must also value bet it as well with your lesser hands.
River: ($103.00) 6 (2 players)
CO bets $62, Hero calls $62
**By the time he fires the river, my thoughts are confirmed. I did NOT feel villan was capable of value betting QQ here on the river and would often check A9/JJ/etc. His range becomes very polarized between nuts (K+/3x) or nothing. I felt this was a pretty easy call on the river due to this fact. Can you see how much more difficult this call would be had I did factor in those more medium/strong hands? So many more combos that I would have to factor in. Instead, this opponent played fairly cut and dry and while sometimes I will get valueowned by KQ or something, I think this is a pretty easy call.
(alas, I win vs. 64s).
So, sorry I didnt finish this entire article. I'll add more later on board texture and how many TAGs freeze up when they really shouldnt. cheers.
The Basics of Hand Reading and How to Exploit:
Hand reading is a skill learned through practice and repetition. Determining the most +EV play ( call/fold/raise/etc) is heavily dependent on board texture, opponent, dynamic, flow, and hundreds of other random variables. These are the pieces of a puzzle that must be solved as long as your time bank allows. When I think about the hand ranges of opponents there is a process I take:
1) Opponent type. In SSNL, there are many player categories that are definable through style and tendencies. As you move up and encounter stiffer competition, 'TAG' or 'LAG' will fail to define a particular style or player. In SSNL/Micros you WILL see many player tendencies that are comparable across all sites/stakes (1/2 and below). With the availibility of PA hud/PT/etc, true poker reads have evolved to 3-20 numbers across a screen, defining a player and his tendencies. While PA is useful I feel that true reads are attained instead by watching the table and identifying what particular hands opponents are calling down with/what they are bluffing with/etc.
When playing a hand, I first identify my opponent and how I think he will play. TAGs in SSNL take very predictable lines, including checking behind marginal hands on the turn, using check/call lines when their hands are faceup (think if their flop bet is raised, they check call the turn and check the river, this is very often some overpair looking to get to showdown). And there are of course hundreds of others. Further when loose passive players check and call multiple streets their ranges can be hugely widened compared to the more definable TAG's. There are hundreds of various opponent types and as each street passes, more information is given.
There is no complete science for hand reading. As stated previously, board texture and opponent psychology are two highly important factors when determining the correct play.
An example hand: villan is semi loose and passive. His PT stats were 23/7/1.5 over a smaller sample (150 hands). I was playing loose and aggressive (though I'm not sure if this player was observant of my table image). I will break this down street by street:
Absolute Poker $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em - 6 players
The Official 2+2 Hand Converter Powered By DeucesCracked.com
Hero (BTN): $427.55
SB: $243.00
BB: $164.50
UTG: $330.50
MP: $554.85
CO: $297.50
Pre Flop: Hero is BTN with 8
Q2 folds, CO calls $2, Hero raises to $10, 2 folds, CO calls $8
**With semi deeper stacks, a nice hand in position, this is a very easy iso-raise. Because Villan was slightly passive, I expect his range to be any hand like 22-99, stuff like 67s, and perhaps KQ/AJ. In other words, its slightly wide.**
Flop: ($23.00) 9
5 9 (2 players)CO checks, Hero bets $14, CO calls $14
**Flop c-bet should be fairly standard. I am targeting the unpaired hands (KQ/AJ) etc as well as the 46s type hands as well. Even though I technically 'beat' those types of hands, I want to protect my equity as well as take down the pot now. (The basics of a c-bet are clear and will not be discussed). After he calls the flop, I think his range can be narrowed a bit. I feel that he will fold nearly all his air hands (in terms of the 46s type hands/JTs). He (may) peel with KQ once as these players sometimes hope to get lucky. Nonetheless, I feel that I can often get much of his range to fold to a second barrel (stuff like 22/33/etc) on nicer cards (any paint or T+). On a total brick turn though (3x) I think I would just check back or fold to a bet. These players often still tell themselves I have missed overs and will stubbornly call down.
Now, think about his range compared to a TAGs. Had I been playing a TAG, I can often cut out hands like AJ/KQ automatically after his flop call. His range is almost always weighted towards hands like 22-88 and sometimes even weak overpairs like TT. (Though admittingly a TAG would not limp/call preflop). But had a TAG gotten in this situation OOP against me, my plan can change dramatically- I can choose to double barrel the turn and perhaps triple barrel the river depending on how the board changes. The 23/7 opponent will not fold 66 on this board but a TAG will use a very predictable check/call, check/fold the turn line very often.
Turn: ($51.00) 4
(2 players)CO checks, Hero bets $37, CO calls $37
**Turn is obviously a great card for me. It targets the range that I stated previously. Checking is certainly a viable option as well as I'm not quite sure how often he will fold those low pocket pair type hands. However I feel that I have plenty of cards to use as scare cards by the river (any paint really) as well as cards to improve me (any Q/8/spade). This double barrel would be highly +EV against a TAG in many SSNL games as I feel that double barreling is somewhat unused and given lots of credit. However against this opponent I would say that it is a bit closer (though still a double). Had this been an offsuite 4, I think checking and folding is probably best. But with the spade + added equity, barreling this turn (and perhaps many good river cards) helps control frequencies as well. After he calls the turn, I feel his range is solidly something like TT/stronger pairs like 66+/5x (think A5s or something). I can cut out the KQ/AJ type hands that perhaps peeled the flop. On a brick river I am probably checking and giving up as I do not feel he will fold these hands. On others, I have a variety of options.
River: ($125.00) 8
(2 players)CO checks, Hero bets $77, CO calls $77
**An nice river card. As stated, I felt his range was heavily weighted towards something like 22-TT, or even moreso 5x. I think this is a fairly easy value bet in most cases. Sure you will get valueowned sometimes by stuff like TT or whatever but in general I expect to be ahead here alot.
Think about how ranges would differ by player type. I would expect most TAGs to check raise 9x somewhere in the hand before the river. Despite their range NEVER being ANYTHING but a boat/9x they continue to use lines that are so heavily weighted towards the nuts and nothing else. Better players will use lines where their ranges are more blended/merged/whatever word you want to use.
(results: I win vs. 77).
One more hand vs. a TAG:
Alright, background, villan is a multitabling TAG plays like 21/17. I feel I have an edge over him and have been messing with him on multiple tables. I will explain my thought process street by street.
Absolute Poker $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em - 6 players
The Official 2+2 Hand Converter Powered By DeucesCracked.com
UTG: $591.20
MP: $169.40
CO: $563.65
Hero (BTN): $397.00
SB: $276.20
BB: $49.55
Pre Flop: Hero is BTN with 8
82 folds, CO raises to $7, Hero calls $7, 2 folds
** 3-betting is an option but I much prefer calling here in position. There are advantages to 3-betting preflop (forcing villan to play in an inflated pot OOP or just winning the pot now). My preference is to call though.
Flop: ($17.00) 3
9 3 (2 players)CO bets $12, Hero calls $12
** I think this flop is pretty cut and dry. I think raising accomplishes little in this spot. I don't really fold any better hands at all, I don't gain value from much else. I have position and a nice showdown hand/can control the pot easier. I would probably raise here with FD/3x and total air but not much else.
Turn: ($41.00) K
(2 players)CO bets $31, Hero calls $31
**Here is the interesting street. TAGs have been taught to double barrrel these boards with air no matter what. THERE IS A HUGE PROBLEM HERE. TAGs do not often value bet 9x/TT/etc here though. A common line I've observed is check/calling from his standpoint with such hands. When one's range becomes polarized towards either nuts (in this case, Kx) or bluffs (total air which he could very well have) and not much in between (I did not feel that this opponent was good enough to value bet A9 or something like that on the turn and/or river). This is a key concept against better opponents- do not play such that your ranges are so weighted towards one side or the other. When you are bluffing this card often you must also value bet it as well with your lesser hands.
River: ($103.00) 6
(2 players)CO bets $62, Hero calls $62
**By the time he fires the river, my thoughts are confirmed. I did NOT feel villan was capable of value betting QQ here on the river and would often check A9/JJ/etc. His range becomes very polarized between nuts (K+/3x) or nothing. I felt this was a pretty easy call on the river due to this fact. Can you see how much more difficult this call would be had I did factor in those more medium/strong hands? So many more combos that I would have to factor in. Instead, this opponent played fairly cut and dry and while sometimes I will get valueowned by KQ or something, I think this is a pretty easy call.
(alas, I win vs. 64s).
So, sorry I didnt finish this entire article. I'll add more later on board texture and how many TAGs freeze up when they really shouldnt. cheers.
Playing/learning/etc
Poker has been nice the past few days. Been easing my way into the FTP 2/4 games. In my short sample, it seems soft enough. I've been 4-tabling recently and it's interesting to see how thinking things through (as opposed to robotically playing) can benefit your game.
I've been watching PLO vids as well and up until yesterday was quite displeased with my play thus far this month. There are many situations where I played truly sub-optimally (even from a noob analysis). As I joked with my roommates in Vegas, I must overcome genetics (azn degeneracy) and look instead to the most +EV play. Too often I find myself jamming because I like to gambolll when in reality I'm getting it in as a slight dog (or situations where flatting is more +EV than shoving). Fixing some PF leaks though and truly trying to play more solid in general. This month that was one of my main goals- to tighten up and play more solid both pre and post. Last month I found myself spewing to a sick degree and it led to horrible results.
As far as AP results go this month, they are semi disappointing. I have come to realize that I am not yet rolled for the 2/4 games there and losing $800 at the 2/4 deep tables stings a little. That's not to say I don't have plenty on FTP to play with (and in reality it'd probably be more +EV to play the AP 2/4 games as opposed to FTPs) but meh. I don't want to go through the hassel of either redepositing or trading for AP money (lol). Instead I've decided I will not play any 2/4 on AP this month until I am properly rolled. I've won about 17ptbb/100 or so at 1/2NL at AP this month (small sample) but lost decently at 2/4, thus hampering results.
Plan on starting up coaching again with my former coach. I can't decide if I'm going to try with PLO coaching or just 6max NLHE. Playing PLO this month has been great, if for nothing but game selection purposes.
About to go write an article here though on some random poker thoughts.
I've been watching PLO vids as well and up until yesterday was quite displeased with my play thus far this month. There are many situations where I played truly sub-optimally (even from a noob analysis). As I joked with my roommates in Vegas, I must overcome genetics (azn degeneracy) and look instead to the most +EV play. Too often I find myself jamming because I like to gambolll when in reality I'm getting it in as a slight dog (or situations where flatting is more +EV than shoving). Fixing some PF leaks though and truly trying to play more solid in general. This month that was one of my main goals- to tighten up and play more solid both pre and post. Last month I found myself spewing to a sick degree and it led to horrible results.
As far as AP results go this month, they are semi disappointing. I have come to realize that I am not yet rolled for the 2/4 games there and losing $800 at the 2/4 deep tables stings a little. That's not to say I don't have plenty on FTP to play with (and in reality it'd probably be more +EV to play the AP 2/4 games as opposed to FTPs) but meh. I don't want to go through the hassel of either redepositing or trading for AP money (lol). Instead I've decided I will not play any 2/4 on AP this month until I am properly rolled. I've won about 17ptbb/100 or so at 1/2NL at AP this month (small sample) but lost decently at 2/4, thus hampering results.
Plan on starting up coaching again with my former coach. I can't decide if I'm going to try with PLO coaching or just 6max NLHE. Playing PLO this month has been great, if for nothing but game selection purposes.
About to go write an article here though on some random poker thoughts.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Poker, The Hulk, etc
Feeling home feels so good. I can't even describe how relieving it is to have your own bed, your own place/car, good friends, family, etc.
Have been running 2-3 miles a day the past few though and it's been good. I'm in better shape than I thought previously. Diet has been improving as well, as I have relatively cut the poor elements out (ie. frozen foods, greasy stuff like pizza and chicken fried steak, etc). I gained my lost weight back in Vegas and hope to get back down to 175 or so again.
Played my second day of poker this month yesterday and still running poor. I am pleased with my play but it still seems as if I'm getting coolered alot (ie. people have the nuts every time). Here is a fun hand I played yesterday-
Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com
saw flop|saw showdown
Button ($186.50)
SB ($117.30)
Hero ($729.65)
UTG ($244.81)
MP ($410)
CO ($112.50)
Preflop: Hero is BB with Kc, Ad.
UTG calls $2, MP calls $2, 2 folds, SB completes, Hero raises to $14, UTG folds, MP calls $12, SB calls $12.
Flop: ($44) 6d, 3h, Qh (3 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $27, MP calls $27, SB folds.
Turn: ($98) Kh (2 players)
Hero bets $61, MP calls $61.
River: ($220) 2c (2 players)
Hero bets $125, MP calls $125.
Final Pot: $470
Results in white below:
Hero has Kc Ad (one pair, kings).
MP KsTs
Outcome: Hero wins $470.
Villan seemed competent at the time as well...strange. I also went to the Horseshoe last night as well with a friend, playing some 1/3 and 2/5. Overall it went well. Some observations/hands from last night-
folded to donkey sb. they chop. sb flips his hand, AQ. "i had a pretty good one" he says. the other super donk bb flips A6 "yeah i suppose you had me. well maybe not though, mine is suited..."
super ****ing donkey who overplays every hand and spazzees whenever he has TP (also thinks he is excellent at poker, wearing glasses and berates players for their play) calls a raise i call with 59. flop J24 he checks i donk, pfr folds, he c/rs to like 105 i call. turn Ax he donks pot i call. river A he donks pot i call (i know that i couldve 3-bet on flop or turn but i wanted him to keep spazing). he has J8 LOL and berates me for playing a nine high flush.
got it in 4 ways at 1/3 while waiting for the 2/5 game on the flop. flop 584 board in a limped pot. i had 55, and was up against 67, QQ, K3 and 85. all my ****ing outs are gone and the 67 wins. he's a dumb kid and he hits and runs.
near the end of the night, i open AA early, old bad donk calls, other calls. flop A52r i bet he calls, other folds. turn T i bet he calls, river Q i bet he calls. he has Ax or something.
overall ended +900 or so. actually ran good for once.
I also saw the Hulk a few nights ago was not a bad flick. Not spectacular or amazing but still worth a watch. I used to love comic books and The Hulk used to be one of my favorites. There were a few cheesy moments but overall I thought it was okay. Looking foward to other movies coming out (The Dark Knight specifically).
Have been running 2-3 miles a day the past few though and it's been good. I'm in better shape than I thought previously. Diet has been improving as well, as I have relatively cut the poor elements out (ie. frozen foods, greasy stuff like pizza and chicken fried steak, etc). I gained my lost weight back in Vegas and hope to get back down to 175 or so again.
Played my second day of poker this month yesterday and still running poor. I am pleased with my play but it still seems as if I'm getting coolered alot (ie. people have the nuts every time). Here is a fun hand I played yesterday-
Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com
saw flop|saw showdown
Button ($186.50)
SB ($117.30)
Hero ($729.65)
UTG ($244.81)
MP ($410)
CO ($112.50)
Preflop: Hero is BB with Kc, Ad.
UTG calls $2, MP calls $2, 2 folds, SB completes, Hero raises to $14, UTG folds, MP calls $12, SB calls $12.
Flop: ($44) 6d, 3h, Qh (3 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $27, MP calls $27, SB folds.
Turn: ($98) Kh (2 players)
Hero bets $61, MP calls $61.
River: ($220) 2c (2 players)
Hero bets $125, MP calls $125.
Final Pot: $470
Results in white below:
Hero has Kc Ad (one pair, kings).
MP KsTs
Outcome: Hero wins $470.
Villan seemed competent at the time as well...strange. I also went to the Horseshoe last night as well with a friend, playing some 1/3 and 2/5. Overall it went well. Some observations/hands from last night-
folded to donkey sb. they chop. sb flips his hand, AQ. "i had a pretty good one" he says. the other super donk bb flips A
6 "yeah i suppose you had me. well maybe not though, mine is suited..."super ****ing donkey who overplays every hand and spazzees whenever he has TP (also thinks he is excellent at poker, wearing glasses and berates players for their play) calls a raise i call with 59
. flop J24 he checks i donk, pfr folds, he c/rs to like 105 i call. turn Ax he donks pot i call. river A he donks pot i call (i know that i couldve 3-bet on flop or turn but i wanted him to keep spazing). he has J8 LOL and berates me for playing a nine high flush.got it in 4 ways at 1/3 while waiting for the 2/5 game on the flop. flop 5
84 board in a limped pot. i had 55, and was up against 67, QQ, K3 and 85. all my ****ing outs are gone and the 67 wins. he's a dumb kid and he hits and runs.near the end of the night, i open AA early, old bad donk calls, other calls. flop A52r i bet he calls, other folds. turn T i bet he calls, river Q i bet he calls. he has Ax or something.
overall ended +900 or so. actually ran good for once.
I also saw the Hulk a few nights ago was not a bad flick. Not spectacular or amazing but still worth a watch. I used to love comic books and The Hulk used to be one of my favorites. There were a few cheesy moments but overall I thought it was okay. Looking foward to other movies coming out (The Dark Knight specifically).
Monday, July 7, 2008
First Day of Poker
Today was the first real day I grinded this month. I played about 1k hands and made $600 or so (though I did drop $300 playing PLO :(). Overall, I am fairly pleased with my play. I made a few mistakes (one cost me a stack when I misread the board) but other than that feel I played solidly enough.
I am still not running the best though. I am running into the top of everyone's ranges constantly and its very frustrating. Some hands I stacked off to today:
Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (4 handed) Absolute Poker Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)
saw flopsaw showdown
BB ($211.70)
UTG ($377.82)
Button ($418.30)
SB ($210.60)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Qs, Ac.
1 fold, Button raises to $8, SB calls $7, 1 fold.
Flop: ($18) 2h, Ts, 9c (2 players)
SB checks, Button bets $12, SB calls $12.
Turn: ($42) Ad (2 players)
SB checks, Button bets $34, SB raises to $190.6, Hero calls $156.60.
River: ($423.20) 6c (2 players)
Final Pot: $423.20
Results in white below:
Hero has Qs Ac (one pair, aces).
SB has 9h Ah (two pair, aces and nines).
Outcome: SB wins $423.20.
Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Absolute Poker Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)
saw flopsaw showdown
BB ($399)
UTG ($200)
MP ($398)
CO ($574.80)
Button ($117.75)
SB ($386.73)
Preflop: Hero is CO with Kh, Kd.
UTG raises to $8, 1 fold, CO raises to $27, 3 folds, UTG raises to $60, CO raises to $383, UTG calls $132 (All-In).
Flop: ($578) 5s, Qc, 2c (2 players, 1 all-in)
Turn: ($578) 8d (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($578) Qs (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $387
Results in white below:
UTG has Ah As (two pair, aces and queens).
Hero has Kh Kd (two pair, kings and queens).
Outcome: UTG wins $387.
Full Tilt Poker, $2/$4 NL Hold'em Cash Game, 6 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter
BB: $560.80
UTG: $127.10
MP: $400
Hero (CO): $413.60
BTN: $635.30
SB: $405.50
Pre-Flop: A
Q dealt to Hero (CO)
2 folds, Hero raises to $14, BTN calls $14, SB folds, BB raises to $55, Hero raises to $145, BTN folds, BB raises to $560.80 and is All-In, Hero calls $268.60 and is All-In
Flop: ($843.20) T
7 8 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Turn: ($843.20) 4
(2 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: ($843.20) 3 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: $843.20 Pot ($3 Rake)
BB showed 8 8
(three of a kind, Eights) and WON $840.20 (+$426.60 NET)
Hero showed A Q (Ace Queen high) and LOST (-$413.60 NET)
Full Tilt Poker, $2/$4 NL Hold'em Cash Game, 5 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter
BTN: $768
Hero (SB): $428
BB: $412
UTG: $139.10
CO: $103
Pre-Flop: A K dealt to Hero (SB)
2 folds, BTN raises to $14, Hero raises to $52, BB folds, BTN raises to $120, Hero raises to $428 and is All-In, BTN calls $308
Flop: ($860) T 5 2 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Turn: ($860) 4 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
River: ($860) 7 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)
Results: $860 Pot ($3 Rake)
BTN showed 8 8 (a pair of Eights) and WON $857 (+$429 NET)
Hero showed A K (Ace King high) and LOST (-$428 NET)
Also lost a ton of small pots where I was either flipping or strongly ahead. Today was fairly frustrating but I ran swell enough in other pots to still edge a profit out.
As far as goals go, I helped mother in the kitchen today as well as ran 2.5 miles around a nearby trail.
I am still not running the best though. I am running into the top of everyone's ranges constantly and its very frustrating. Some hands I stacked off to today:
Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (4 handed) Absolute Poker Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)
saw flopsaw showdown
BB ($211.70)
UTG ($377.82)
Button ($418.30)
SB ($210.60)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Qs, Ac.
1 fold, Button raises to $8, SB calls $7, 1 fold.
Flop: ($18) 2h, Ts, 9c (2 players)
SB checks, Button bets $12, SB calls $12.
Turn: ($42) Ad (2 players)
SB checks, Button bets $34, SB raises to $190.6, Hero calls $156.60.
River: ($423.20) 6c (2 players)
Final Pot: $423.20
Results in white below:
Hero has Qs Ac (one pair, aces).
SB has 9h Ah (two pair, aces and nines).
Outcome: SB wins $423.20.
Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Absolute Poker Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: HTML)
saw flopsaw showdown
BB ($399)
UTG ($200)
MP ($398)
CO ($574.80)
Button ($117.75)
SB ($386.73)
Preflop: Hero is CO with Kh, Kd.
UTG raises to $8, 1 fold, CO raises to $27, 3 folds, UTG raises to $60, CO raises to $383, UTG calls $132 (All-In).
Flop: ($578) 5s, Qc, 2c (2 players, 1 all-in)
Turn: ($578) 8d (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($578) Qs (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $387
Results in white below:
UTG has Ah As (two pair, aces and queens).
Hero has Kh Kd (two pair, kings and queens).
Outcome: UTG wins $387.
Full Tilt Poker, $2/$4 NL Hold'em Cash Game, 6 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter
BB: $560.80
UTG: $127.10
MP: $400
Hero (CO): $413.60
BTN: $635.30
SB: $405.50
Pre-Flop: A
Q dealt to Hero (CO)2 folds, Hero raises to $14, BTN calls $14, SB folds, BB raises to $55, Hero raises to $145, BTN folds, BB raises to $560.80 and is All-In, Hero calls $268.60 and is All-In
Flop: ($843.20) T
7 8 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)Turn: ($843.20) 4
(2 Players - 1 is All-In)River: ($843.20) 3
(2 Players - 1 is All-In)Results: $843.20 Pot ($3 Rake)
BB showed 8
8 (three of a kind, Eights) and WON $840.20 (+$426.60 NET)Hero showed A
Q (Ace Queen high) and LOST (-$413.60 NET)Full Tilt Poker, $2/$4 NL Hold'em Cash Game, 5 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter
BTN: $768
Hero (SB): $428
BB: $412
UTG: $139.10
CO: $103
Pre-Flop: A
K dealt to Hero (SB)2 folds, BTN raises to $14, Hero raises to $52, BB folds, BTN raises to $120, Hero raises to $428 and is All-In, BTN calls $308
Flop: ($860) T
5 2 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)Turn: ($860) 4
(2 Players - 1 is All-In)River: ($860) 7
(2 Players - 1 is All-In)Results: $860 Pot ($3 Rake)
BTN showed 8
8 (a pair of Eights) and WON $857 (+$429 NET)Hero showed A
K (Ace King high) and LOST (-$428 NET)Also lost a ton of small pots where I was either flipping or strongly ahead. Today was fairly frustrating but I ran swell enough in other pots to still edge a profit out.
As far as goals go, I helped mother in the kitchen today as well as ran 2.5 miles around a nearby trail.
UFC 86/Home
I went to UFC 86 at Mandalay Bay on the 5th of July. It was a fun time and it was great to finally see many of the fighters I've seen on t.v. or the internet. I have been a mild MMA fan the past 3 years or so (watching PRIDE on FSN and other highlights was what first grasped my interest). The main headliner was Jackson/Griffin. Some pictures from the event:
In any event, most of the fights were exciting and cool. A few were lame (ie. just attempt to take down and no standup whatso ever) but that's to be expected in these events. I went with two roommates (Clayton and Nick) and met up with Joe and John (42it/Grunch). We all thought that Rampage won but apparently were mistakened when the very pro-crowd Griffin emerged victorious. I thought that Griffin was probably the better fighter- he was much more versatile when it came to his ability to kick and grapple with Jackson. It was a close match nonetheless and very fun. I've never really loved Jackson much- the LHW division is super stacked and I think there are plenty of other deserving candidates. The Quentin Jackson/Forrest Griffin fight is here: http://www.myvideofight.com/video/ufc/ufc-86-quinton-jackson-vs-forrest-griffin/index-2.html
My favorite MMA video is here-
http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/shogun/video/x2pnks_rampage-vs-shogun-mpower_extreme
(Where Shogun Rua destroys Quentin Jackson).
Looking foward to the upcoming events. Anderson Silva moving up to LHW div. should be very interesting. He has dominated Middleweight thoroughly and it will be cool to see him compete with a very stacked division.
Finally have arrived home. It has been a long journey (nearly a month in Europe and 5 weeks in Vegas) and having a base is something I have been longing for. Getting back into a daily routine (hopefully those goals will kick in) will be nice and add some sense of structure to my life. Waking up at 5pm is not the answer.
In any event, most of the fights were exciting and cool. A few were lame (ie. just attempt to take down and no standup whatso ever) but that's to be expected in these events. I went with two roommates (Clayton and Nick) and met up with Joe and John (42it/Grunch). We all thought that Rampage won but apparently were mistakened when the very pro-crowd Griffin emerged victorious. I thought that Griffin was probably the better fighter- he was much more versatile when it came to his ability to kick and grapple with Jackson. It was a close match nonetheless and very fun. I've never really loved Jackson much- the LHW division is super stacked and I think there are plenty of other deserving candidates. The Quentin Jackson/Forrest Griffin fight is here: http://www.myvideofight.com/video/ufc/ufc-86-quinton-jackson-vs-forrest-griffin/index-2.html
My favorite MMA video is here-
http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/shogun/video/x2pnks_rampage-vs-shogun-mpower_extreme
(Where Shogun Rua destroys Quentin Jackson).
Looking foward to the upcoming events. Anderson Silva moving up to LHW div. should be very interesting. He has dominated Middleweight thoroughly and it will be cool to see him compete with a very stacked division.
Finally have arrived home. It has been a long journey (nearly a month in Europe and 5 weeks in Vegas) and having a base is something I have been longing for. Getting back into a daily routine (hopefully those goals will kick in) will be nice and add some sense of structure to my life. Waking up at 5pm is not the answer.
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