Entered the $300 no limit event at the local card club.
200 entries.
After the first five rounds, I was not doing well. I was down to $2500 and the blinds were up to $200-$400 with a $50 ante.
On the cut-off a player raised preflop and I had an easy fold with 7-2. The raiser was called and the flop was A-K-4. Suddenly I had this feeling I was going to find a big Ace on the next hand, and be knocked out.
The next hand a player raised to $2,000 pre-flop. Sure enough I looked at my cards...A-Q! No! What to do? This raise meant he had a hand like pocket J's or 10's. I know it sounds nuts, but I just had this bad feeling...I folded!
That was the best hand I had seen today, and it was not easy to fold.
After more bad hands, I was two under the gun. I had 4-5 of hearts. I was about to fold when I had this feeling to play it. I moved all in and got called by an opponent who had A-J. I hit the straight on the turn and the flush on the river.
I was up to about $6,000. The same blinds. A tight player raised to $1,600, and the button called. I was in the SB and found pocket Q's! I moved all-in.
The first player thought for about one minute and folded. The player on the button had about $12,000 and couldn't decide. I waited and waited...and yes, I had this feeling that I would win the hand if he called unless he had pocket 10's. I don't know why I was having these thoughts or whatever they were...
He called, and turned over 10-10. I sighed because I knew it was over. The flop had the 10 and I was out..
Is this esp or just plain nonsense?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
7 For 7 On Amazon....but lost last 2 times played
All 7 Amazon reviews have been 5 out of 5 stars, and here are the top lines:
Best poker book released this year!!!, October 1, 2008
Unbelievably awesome, August 25, 2008
Full of sound advice and a lot of fun to read, August 1, 2008
Superb!, June 25, 2008
Outstanding!, July 3, 2008
Great Poker Book, July 2, 2008
Excellent tournament poker tips, May 24, 2008
I've played twice more at the club. And, one Sunday I built I decent chip stack. It got down to the last 3 tables but I lost every time I was all-in with either small or big advantage.
Today, I just played bad. Passive play. My number one weakness. These things happen for a reason.
Since I wrote the book, I've played only in 6 no limit tournaments. I finished in the final table in 3, and went out in the other 3 One of the final tables was a win.
Best poker book released this year!!!, October 1, 2008
Unbelievably awesome, August 25, 2008
Full of sound advice and a lot of fun to read, August 1, 2008
Superb!, June 25, 2008
Outstanding!, July 3, 2008
Great Poker Book, July 2, 2008
Excellent tournament poker tips, May 24, 2008
I've played twice more at the club. And, one Sunday I built I decent chip stack. It got down to the last 3 tables but I lost every time I was all-in with either small or big advantage.
Today, I just played bad. Passive play. My number one weakness. These things happen for a reason.
Since I wrote the book, I've played only in 6 no limit tournaments. I finished in the final table in 3, and went out in the other 3 One of the final tables was a win.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Won the Sunday local Poker Tournament
After over a month of inaction due to work, I headed to the Oaks Card Club Sunday event. Only 70 players entered the event.
Since I was rusty I reviewed my book "Tournament Poker: 101 Winning Moves." Hey, just 'cause I wrote it doesn't mean I recall everything.
I ended up winning $5,000.
Frankly, I really never had any hands until I got to the final table.
I was low on chips and had to risk it all with 4 tables left with A-9 against 2 players. I had to make this play given the situation. I figured I needed to hit my Ace to win, and I did.
It allowed me to get down to 2 tables. Where once again I was low on chips. The table was 7 handed and I moved all in with A-7, after a player raised. I knew I was behind, and it was a small bet for the initial raiser to call so once again I was playing the Ace. I hit the 7 and won against his 4-4.
When we got down to the final table, I finally got premium cards. Which allowed me to go on a small rush.
I also won a hand when I was in the big blind with just K high, against an all-in bet. I called since I was getting more than 3-1.
Since the blinds were big my wins got me to be the chip leader with 4 players left. I refused to chop since I was in front by a lot.
I lost a big hand with 3 players left. I called an all-in preflop bet from a player who had about $80k. I had twice that amount, and a big hand A-Q. He had K-7. He hit his 7.
Now he was in the lead. The player in 3rd place got knocked out, so now it was heads-up. But, I was down to 2-1.
I am a fairly good heads-up player so when he offered to give me a few dollars to end the match I said no thanks.
The second hand heads-up, he raised pre-flop and I called with about 1/3rd of my chips. I had 10-8 suited. The flop came 10 high. I checked. He moved all-in and I called. He was bluffing.
Now I was in the lead 2-1. I offered him a sweet deal to end the match, but he turned me down. His friends told him he was going to win.
Not gonna happen. The next hand, he limped on the button. I had J-3. The flop missed me, I checked and he checked. The turn missed me, I checked and he checked. The river missed me, and he bet a little more than half the pot. I had J high, and I didn't believe him. I called. He showed 10 high.
His friends couldn't believe I called.
I offered the same deal to end the match. But my opponent refused.
We split the next two hands, and on the last hand he moved all in. I had A-10 and called right away. He had nothing worthwhile. No one improved, and I won the $5,000 and the Oaks Card Room jacket.
I also had my picture taken holding my book, which they post for a week at the card room. Oh well...back to work.
Since I was rusty I reviewed my book "Tournament Poker: 101 Winning Moves." Hey, just 'cause I wrote it doesn't mean I recall everything.
I ended up winning $5,000.
Frankly, I really never had any hands until I got to the final table.
I was low on chips and had to risk it all with 4 tables left with A-9 against 2 players. I had to make this play given the situation. I figured I needed to hit my Ace to win, and I did.
It allowed me to get down to 2 tables. Where once again I was low on chips. The table was 7 handed and I moved all in with A-7, after a player raised. I knew I was behind, and it was a small bet for the initial raiser to call so once again I was playing the Ace. I hit the 7 and won against his 4-4.
When we got down to the final table, I finally got premium cards. Which allowed me to go on a small rush.
I also won a hand when I was in the big blind with just K high, against an all-in bet. I called since I was getting more than 3-1.
Since the blinds were big my wins got me to be the chip leader with 4 players left. I refused to chop since I was in front by a lot.
I lost a big hand with 3 players left. I called an all-in preflop bet from a player who had about $80k. I had twice that amount, and a big hand A-Q. He had K-7. He hit his 7.
Now he was in the lead. The player in 3rd place got knocked out, so now it was heads-up. But, I was down to 2-1.
I am a fairly good heads-up player so when he offered to give me a few dollars to end the match I said no thanks.
The second hand heads-up, he raised pre-flop and I called with about 1/3rd of my chips. I had 10-8 suited. The flop came 10 high. I checked. He moved all-in and I called. He was bluffing.
Now I was in the lead 2-1. I offered him a sweet deal to end the match, but he turned me down. His friends told him he was going to win.
Not gonna happen. The next hand, he limped on the button. I had J-3. The flop missed me, I checked and he checked. The turn missed me, I checked and he checked. The river missed me, and he bet a little more than half the pot. I had J high, and I didn't believe him. I called. He showed 10 high.
His friends couldn't believe I called.
I offered the same deal to end the match. But my opponent refused.
We split the next two hands, and on the last hand he moved all in. I had A-10 and called right away. He had nothing worthwhile. No one improved, and I won the $5,000 and the Oaks Card Room jacket.
I also had my picture taken holding my book, which they post for a week at the card room. Oh well...back to work.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Get a Free Poker Tournament Evaluation
I have posted a free poker evaluation to help you improve your no limit tournament game.
It is at www.apokerexpert.com/evaluation.html
There are 15 questions to answer. Unlike a poker quiz which just gives you the correct answer, the evaluation tells you what it means when you select a wrong answer. The poker evaluation will help in your approach to no limit tournaments and identify the leaks in your game.
Good luck.
It is at www.apokerexpert.com/evaluation.html
There are 15 questions to answer. Unlike a poker quiz which just gives you the correct answer, the evaluation tells you what it means when you select a wrong answer. The poker evaluation will help in your approach to no limit tournaments and identify the leaks in your game.
Good luck.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Poker and Olympic sport this year?
A guy from China download the ebook--maybe he's getting ready for the Olympics. Poker tournaments are an Olympic sport this year? I didn't even know China would allow access to gambling products.
Just think--maybe I can offer him a MLM deal on selling my books--how many billion people on the net in China?
Other stuff:
Amazon's real late on the "Search inside"feature. They are suppose to get it up in 6-8 weeks. Now we are into month 3. Doesn't help. Real bummer.
Finished 200 or so on the FT Sunday event. Tough way to get taken out with A-Q versus 10-9 offsuit. That loss crippled my stack.
Just think--maybe I can offer him a MLM deal on selling my books--how many billion people on the net in China?
Other stuff:
Amazon's real late on the "Search inside"feature. They are suppose to get it up in 6-8 weeks. Now we are into month 3. Doesn't help. Real bummer.
Finished 200 or so on the FT Sunday event. Tough way to get taken out with A-Q versus 10-9 offsuit. That loss crippled my stack.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
I always like to hear my Poker Book is helping poker players
From Two plus two poker forum:
Re: Tournament poker: 101 winning moves
Take it how you want it, but the book is great. There were so many tips in this book that I didn't know that have helped my MTT play tremendously. Reading this book together with "Every Hand Revealed" will definitely teach any player how to play LAG successfully.
Re: Tournament poker: 101 winning moves
Take it how you want it, but the book is great. There were so many tips in this book that I didn't know that have helped my MTT play tremendously. Reading this book together with "Every Hand Revealed" will definitely teach any player how to play LAG successfully.
Monday, July 14, 2008
New Review of Tournament Poker book
Author and poker player, Mitchell Cogert, sets down 101 “Winning Moves” for no-limit tournaments in a thoughtful, meticulous manner. These moves fall under three main categories: Pre-Flop Moves, Flop Moves and River Moves. The premise of the book is handy, and it makes you feel “armed” for your next tournament.
Part of what Cogert succeeds at is illustrating his conviction that playing aggressively is the way to win no-limit poker tournaments. And he supports his argument by giving good advice on various types of raises and bluffs.
Cogert teaches the “No-Look” Blind Steal, Under-the-Gun Steal-Raise, Leave-Something-Behind Re-Raise and the Naked Ace Bluff, among others. These are tough, but needed, moves to pull off in a no-limit tournament, according to Cogert.
Throughout the book, Cogert gives little quizzes at the ends of each section and chapter. What’s great about these little tests is the amount of detailed information given in order to make your decision. Cogert sets up scenarios well. He tells you how many chips you and your opponents have, your seat position, blind amounts and what table images you and your opponents might have, and of course what cards you’re holding.
The only place to really fault Cogert is that his full-throttle approach to tournament poker doesn’t leave much room for tight, conservative play, or anything in between. Yes, you have to make some risky plays in order to win in tournaments, but Cogert preaches a “Risk is Good!” sermon almost to a fault.
This book has its fair share of stats and percentages, which are useful in the way Cogert uses them, and he doesn’t just throw numbers at you because he can. Another useful tool Cogert offers the reader is a two-page Appendix called “Planning: Boring But Necessary.” In this section Cogert gives the potential tournament player a little “pep talk” by listing key questions the player should be thinking about before and during the tournament. It boils the book down nicely, so if you can at least walk away thinking of those questions your tournament life should improve.
More fun little sections in Cogert’s book are the little stories he writes between a few of the chapters about hands he played against pros such as David “The Dragon” Pham, Daniel Negreanu, Layne Flack and others. Cogert doesn’t take himself too seriously in these stories, so it’s a nice distraction from the rest of the book.
As far as poker books go, this is an easy one to relate to. It’s based on real experience, a little theory, and a lot of courage! At about 200 pages, it’s a quick read and worth picking up.
-texasholdem101.com
Part of what Cogert succeeds at is illustrating his conviction that playing aggressively is the way to win no-limit poker tournaments. And he supports his argument by giving good advice on various types of raises and bluffs.
Cogert teaches the “No-Look” Blind Steal, Under-the-Gun Steal-Raise, Leave-Something-Behind Re-Raise and the Naked Ace Bluff, among others. These are tough, but needed, moves to pull off in a no-limit tournament, according to Cogert.
Throughout the book, Cogert gives little quizzes at the ends of each section and chapter. What’s great about these little tests is the amount of detailed information given in order to make your decision. Cogert sets up scenarios well. He tells you how many chips you and your opponents have, your seat position, blind amounts and what table images you and your opponents might have, and of course what cards you’re holding.
The only place to really fault Cogert is that his full-throttle approach to tournament poker doesn’t leave much room for tight, conservative play, or anything in between. Yes, you have to make some risky plays in order to win in tournaments, but Cogert preaches a “Risk is Good!” sermon almost to a fault.
This book has its fair share of stats and percentages, which are useful in the way Cogert uses them, and he doesn’t just throw numbers at you because he can. Another useful tool Cogert offers the reader is a two-page Appendix called “Planning: Boring But Necessary.” In this section Cogert gives the potential tournament player a little “pep talk” by listing key questions the player should be thinking about before and during the tournament. It boils the book down nicely, so if you can at least walk away thinking of those questions your tournament life should improve.
More fun little sections in Cogert’s book are the little stories he writes between a few of the chapters about hands he played against pros such as David “The Dragon” Pham, Daniel Negreanu, Layne Flack and others. Cogert doesn’t take himself too seriously in these stories, so it’s a nice distraction from the rest of the book.
As far as poker books go, this is an easy one to relate to. It’s based on real experience, a little theory, and a lot of courage! At about 200 pages, it’s a quick read and worth picking up.
-texasholdem101.com
Monday, July 7, 2008
Ratings on amazon: 5 out of 5 stars
Not a bad start for the feedback on amazon. One player thanked me for winning more tournaments than ever before. Another player said they cashed for the first time at the WSOP after reading my book.
Anyway, I appreciate the positive feedback and I'm happy the book is helping players.
Anyway, I appreciate the positive feedback and I'm happy the book is helping players.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Book Review on Amazon for Tournament Poker: 101 Winning Moves
I had the honor of reading the manuscript to this book before it was released. Mitchell had contacted me through my personal poker blog and asked if I would like to review his up and coming book on tournament hold'em and I couldn't refuse!
I read the book cover to cover two or three times and thought to myself "these tips could never work" as I was trained to be a tight-aggressive player based on the works of Harrington and Sklanksy. However, I put my pride aside and decided to try about 15 or so of these awesome moves in my upcoming tournaments. Things turned out to be fantastic with the awesome preflop moves I used from this book! Also, the subjects on c-bets has really helped me be super aggressive on the flop, even when I didn't hit any piece of it. I have since played 47 tournaments, placing in the money in 13 of them, and took down 7 of the them!
Bottom line: If not for this book, I would not have made it very far in the tournaments I have played in. Harrington on Hold'em is still the greatest series of books in my opinion, but if you really want to up your game and mature from the kids to the big boys, read this book.
-Jules Carter
I read the book cover to cover two or three times and thought to myself "these tips could never work" as I was trained to be a tight-aggressive player based on the works of Harrington and Sklanksy. However, I put my pride aside and decided to try about 15 or so of these awesome moves in my upcoming tournaments. Things turned out to be fantastic with the awesome preflop moves I used from this book! Also, the subjects on c-bets has really helped me be super aggressive on the flop, even when I didn't hit any piece of it. I have since played 47 tournaments, placing in the money in 13 of them, and took down 7 of the them!
Bottom line: If not for this book, I would not have made it very far in the tournaments I have played in. Harrington on Hold'em is still the greatest series of books in my opinion, but if you really want to up your game and mature from the kids to the big boys, read this book.
-Jules Carter
Monday, June 23, 2008
Full Tilt Sunday $750K Guarantee
Something like 3,500 players.
The first hand I was dealt was pocket Kings, I raised and everyone folded. The first hour I got premium hands more than I may have ever gotten before online, and the result I was down! Why?
I doubled up in the BB with my KK against the SB's QQ...which got me up to about $6,000 real early.
But, I made a call of a pre-flop raise in the SB with Q-J. The flop came Q-8-4. I check called. When the Q hit the turn, I moved all-in since I put my opponent on an overpair as he had been playing real tight. He called right away. He had pocket 8's. Doh! Back down to $3,000.
The premium cards stopped coming of course, but I was able to build my chips to a good size again. I played aggressive using my "risk is good" approach.
I got lucky when I had K-K against A-A and hit the K on the turn.
So, it was down to about 150 players. And I got moved to a new table. I hate getting moved to a new table since I have no clue on player images.
Second hand I was on the button with K-J. Everyone folded to me and I raised the $1,800 BB to $7,200. The BB thought a long time and moved all-in. Bummer. He had about $38,000 and I had $30,000 left, so if I called and lost I was out.
I had no clue how this guy played. My rule on Button play in this situation is that if you are going to call a move all-in from a blind after you raise pre-flop, just move all-in preflop.
I didn't follow my rule. I called all-in. He showed A-8. The flop had the A, and it was over.
Hours of play for a lousy $500 win. I made a bad decision....do as I write, not as I do...
The first hand I was dealt was pocket Kings, I raised and everyone folded. The first hour I got premium hands more than I may have ever gotten before online, and the result I was down! Why?
I doubled up in the BB with my KK against the SB's QQ...which got me up to about $6,000 real early.
But, I made a call of a pre-flop raise in the SB with Q-J. The flop came Q-8-4. I check called. When the Q hit the turn, I moved all-in since I put my opponent on an overpair as he had been playing real tight. He called right away. He had pocket 8's. Doh! Back down to $3,000.
The premium cards stopped coming of course, but I was able to build my chips to a good size again. I played aggressive using my "risk is good" approach.
I got lucky when I had K-K against A-A and hit the K on the turn.
So, it was down to about 150 players. And I got moved to a new table. I hate getting moved to a new table since I have no clue on player images.
Second hand I was on the button with K-J. Everyone folded to me and I raised the $1,800 BB to $7,200. The BB thought a long time and moved all-in. Bummer. He had about $38,000 and I had $30,000 left, so if I called and lost I was out.
I had no clue how this guy played. My rule on Button play in this situation is that if you are going to call a move all-in from a blind after you raise pre-flop, just move all-in preflop.
I didn't follow my rule. I called all-in. He showed A-8. The flop had the A, and it was over.
Hours of play for a lousy $500 win. I made a bad decision....do as I write, not as I do...
Friday, June 20, 2008
Book Review from What're the Odds: Tournament Poker:101 Winning Moves by Mitchell Cogert
How many moves do you know?
In an attempt to improve my poker game during the last couple of years, I've purchased several poker books. I'm sure many of your bookshelves are also stacked with Sklansky, Harrington, Cloutier, Brunson and the 'Tell Guys'; Mike Caro and Joe Navarro. Today, I'd like to recommend an excellent one to add to your collection. The latest addition to my poker library is Tournament Poker: 101 Winning Moves by Mitchell Cogert.
Tournament Poker: 101 Winning Moves gives you one hundred and one expert plays for no-limit tournaments. It is the poker reference book that combines winning poker moves found in almost 20 years worth of poker materials with plays uncovered in heads-up battles against poker pros. -Mitchell Cogert
I have to confess, even as a poker blogger and an avid reader of poker strategy, I didn't even know about some of the moves discussed in this book! Of course, some are extremely well known, like the Continuation Bet, the Squeeze Play, the Stop and Go, the Isolation Play etc., but there were several that were unknown to me.
You may know some of these moves, but you don't know them all. And if you don't know them all, you are at a distinct disadvantage. It's time to step up to the poker table with confidence and an arsenal full of winning moves. -Mitchell Cogert
Each move is defined in a straight-forward, easily understood manner with example hands following. Unlike other strategy books I've read, I didn't have a single huh?? moment throughout the entire book!
Cogert's mantra for this one is Risk is Good and talks about embracing the risk associated with NL tournaments. Risk is good, because playing safe in tournament poker is a sure way to lose. While we may all know this, it helps to be reminded. I remember a live tournament that I played at Sam's Town not long ago where I 'forgot' this simple Golden Rule and proceeded to play the weakest poker of my life. I'll never forget that tournament. It was a lesson well learned. Too bad I hadn't read his book the night before that one.
Of course, it's all about knowing when to take these risks. For this, Cogert provides an Odds Chart with the number of outs you have and odds against improving on the flop and turn in the back of the book. Also, there's a FAQ section, such as How often will I be dealt pocket Aces? or What's the probability of my opponent having an Ace-high hand with a better kicker than me? The answer gives percentages on AJ, A10, A9 and A8, which I found interesting.
Then there are the Tips sections sprinkled throughout. There are some great tips in this book, such as the one on Fear: When your opponent makes a bet that puts fear in you, ask yourself if that is true or false. Remember that fear is often referred to as False Evidence that Appears Real. Is he bluffing? Semi-bluffing? I found these tips to be smart, thought-provoking and very useful.
If you've ever overheard someone say something like...."I decided to float the flop, then the turn. When I bet the river, he tanked and folded."...and wondered what they were talking about, you should definetly give this book a read. Even if you are familiar with floating, with 101 moves there are bound to be ones you don't know, but should know.
Not only will this book help you to incorporate more power moves into your tournament poker game, it will also help you spot when opponents are making these moves on you! You'll be able to effectively counter their moves and foil their plans.
My verdict: Ship it or skip it? Ship it!
In an attempt to improve my poker game during the last couple of years, I've purchased several poker books. I'm sure many of your bookshelves are also stacked with Sklansky, Harrington, Cloutier, Brunson and the 'Tell Guys'; Mike Caro and Joe Navarro. Today, I'd like to recommend an excellent one to add to your collection. The latest addition to my poker library is Tournament Poker: 101 Winning Moves by Mitchell Cogert.
Tournament Poker: 101 Winning Moves gives you one hundred and one expert plays for no-limit tournaments. It is the poker reference book that combines winning poker moves found in almost 20 years worth of poker materials with plays uncovered in heads-up battles against poker pros. -Mitchell Cogert
I have to confess, even as a poker blogger and an avid reader of poker strategy, I didn't even know about some of the moves discussed in this book! Of course, some are extremely well known, like the Continuation Bet, the Squeeze Play, the Stop and Go, the Isolation Play etc., but there were several that were unknown to me.
You may know some of these moves, but you don't know them all. And if you don't know them all, you are at a distinct disadvantage. It's time to step up to the poker table with confidence and an arsenal full of winning moves. -Mitchell Cogert
Each move is defined in a straight-forward, easily understood manner with example hands following. Unlike other strategy books I've read, I didn't have a single huh?? moment throughout the entire book!
Cogert's mantra for this one is Risk is Good and talks about embracing the risk associated with NL tournaments. Risk is good, because playing safe in tournament poker is a sure way to lose. While we may all know this, it helps to be reminded. I remember a live tournament that I played at Sam's Town not long ago where I 'forgot' this simple Golden Rule and proceeded to play the weakest poker of my life. I'll never forget that tournament. It was a lesson well learned. Too bad I hadn't read his book the night before that one.
Of course, it's all about knowing when to take these risks. For this, Cogert provides an Odds Chart with the number of outs you have and odds against improving on the flop and turn in the back of the book. Also, there's a FAQ section, such as How often will I be dealt pocket Aces? or What's the probability of my opponent having an Ace-high hand with a better kicker than me? The answer gives percentages on AJ, A10, A9 and A8, which I found interesting.
Then there are the Tips sections sprinkled throughout. There are some great tips in this book, such as the one on Fear: When your opponent makes a bet that puts fear in you, ask yourself if that is true or false. Remember that fear is often referred to as False Evidence that Appears Real. Is he bluffing? Semi-bluffing? I found these tips to be smart, thought-provoking and very useful.
If you've ever overheard someone say something like...."I decided to float the flop, then the turn. When I bet the river, he tanked and folded."...and wondered what they were talking about, you should definetly give this book a read. Even if you are familiar with floating, with 101 moves there are bound to be ones you don't know, but should know.
Not only will this book help you to incorporate more power moves into your tournament poker game, it will also help you spot when opponents are making these moves on you! You'll be able to effectively counter their moves and foil their plans.
My verdict: Ship it or skip it? Ship it!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Reflections on trip to WSOP...
1. Yeah, bad decision on forgoing a chance at $38,000 at the Venetian event. I was in 4th place in chips and I felt I could win it all.
2. Believed my NL book helped me to get to the final 10 players in both NL events---the 150 and 450 player events. Also, I read Gus Hansen book which gave me some more ideas on how to play aggressive and smart.
3. I need to figure out what to do when the blinds jump so high at the end and everyone is pushing. At one point in both events, I think I was chip leader or close to it. But once the pushing started, I felt it was best to get out of the way unless I had to call or had a hand. Maybe I need to review how Gus handles these situations, and his percentage evaluation when he calls with the worst hand.
4. Playing at B&M was easier than online since I was able to read the players better. Also, I really think the players at these two events were not very good.
5. It was the first time I was sick and actually played good poker. I was surprised.
2. Believed my NL book helped me to get to the final 10 players in both NL events---the 150 and 450 player events. Also, I read Gus Hansen book which gave me some more ideas on how to play aggressive and smart.
3. I need to figure out what to do when the blinds jump so high at the end and everyone is pushing. At one point in both events, I think I was chip leader or close to it. But once the pushing started, I felt it was best to get out of the way unless I had to call or had a hand. Maybe I need to review how Gus handles these situations, and his percentage evaluation when he calls with the worst hand.
4. Playing at B&M was easier than online since I was able to read the players better. Also, I really think the players at these two events were not very good.
5. It was the first time I was sick and actually played good poker. I was surprised.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Las Vegas Trip Report and the WSOP
Arrived Wednesday night. Entered a $330 No limit event at the Rio. Over 200 players and finished 3 from the money.
Thursday at noon. Entered a $330 No limit event at the Venetian. Over 450 players.
When it got down to 10 players, it was 2:20am. The director said that when one more player got knocked out, we would restart on Friday at 4pm. I told him that I couldn't make that time, since Friday at 5pm was the Razz event. He said sorry. First place was $38,000--what should I do? I decided to go for the Razz and I pushed all in on the next hand, and lost.
Finished 10th and Won $1,200. Was it the wrong decision?
Friday at 5pm. $1,500 Razz WSOP event. I had Marco (Jen Harmon's husband on my left). Nice guy, excellent player. I only lasted till around 9pm. One guy at the table killed me on this hand. I raised with x-x-3. He called. On 4th street I hit an Ace. He hit an 8. I bet and he called. On 5th street, I hit a 2. He hit a 10. I bet and he called. On 6th street, I hit a 10, and he hit a J. I bet and he called! The river I bet and he called. My river card was a King. He won with a 10 low. (I had A-2 in the hole).
Saturday at 7pm. Entered a $150 event at Caesar's Palace with 150 players. At 2am I got knocked out in 8th place. Won $500.
Thursday at noon. Entered a $330 No limit event at the Venetian. Over 450 players.
When it got down to 10 players, it was 2:20am. The director said that when one more player got knocked out, we would restart on Friday at 4pm. I told him that I couldn't make that time, since Friday at 5pm was the Razz event. He said sorry. First place was $38,000--what should I do? I decided to go for the Razz and I pushed all in on the next hand, and lost.
Finished 10th and Won $1,200. Was it the wrong decision?
Friday at 5pm. $1,500 Razz WSOP event. I had Marco (Jen Harmon's husband on my left). Nice guy, excellent player. I only lasted till around 9pm. One guy at the table killed me on this hand. I raised with x-x-3. He called. On 4th street I hit an Ace. He hit an 8. I bet and he called. On 5th street, I hit a 2. He hit a 10. I bet and he called. On 6th street, I hit a 10, and he hit a J. I bet and he called! The river I bet and he called. My river card was a King. He won with a 10 low. (I had A-2 in the hole).
Saturday at 7pm. Entered a $150 event at Caesar's Palace with 150 players. At 2am I got knocked out in 8th place. Won $500.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Won the Satellite for Sunday's 150 Seat Main Event Satellite
It cost $75 to enter the satellite...24 players.
3 seats up for grabs.
Key hand...7 players left. I was getting low on chips with $2800.
A tight player raised 3'x the big blind to $1,200. He had $3,500.
I had 10-10 in SB. I could move all-in. But, I know he would call and it would be a race.
OR, I could call and push no matter what hits the flop. I decided to just call, since if he had 2 overcards he only had a 33% of hitting his hand.
The flop was all rags, and I pushed. He thought a long time, but finally folded.
That turned things around for me.
Another nice hand is when I had $7,000 and I moved in with 5 players left. I had J-J. Got called by A-K. Flop had two J's. Nice way to live. Only happens online.
3 seats up for grabs.
Key hand...7 players left. I was getting low on chips with $2800.
A tight player raised 3'x the big blind to $1,200. He had $3,500.
I had 10-10 in SB. I could move all-in. But, I know he would call and it would be a race.
OR, I could call and push no matter what hits the flop. I decided to just call, since if he had 2 overcards he only had a 33% of hitting his hand.
The flop was all rags, and I pushed. He thought a long time, but finally folded.
That turned things around for me.
Another nice hand is when I had $7,000 and I moved in with 5 players left. I had J-J. Got called by A-K. Flop had two J's. Nice way to live. Only happens online.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
How to Win a No Limit Poker Tournament
The more I play the more I realize that luck is a big part of the game. I've been on an awful run of bad beats both online and in the card room. In every case I was able to get my opponent all-in preflop, while I was in the lead.
A-Q versus A-3
J-J versus 8-8
K-K versus A-Q
Etc.
Lost them all. Sick.
We've all been there for sure.
The only answer to these bad beats is to focus on accumulating enough chips in an event so you can withstand a bad beat.
Sometimes I make the mistake of being passive. And I know that winning poker requires me to take action, to be aggressive and be feared at the table.
My mantra for No-Limit Hold'em Poker Tournaments: Risk is Good.
But sometimes I forget.
In a tournament time works against you, as time eats away at your chips with bigger and bigger blinds and antes. That's one reason why deep stack tournaments have become so popular--so the less aggressive players can survive a bad beat.
Even if you have pocket Aces against pocket Deuces, you are going to lose one out of five times. And what if that one time is when your opponent has you covered with more chips? You are out.
The fact is that you can outplay your opponent on a given hand and still lose.
My conclusion: To win a no-limit hold 'em poker tournament requires that you take action, take risks, and not sit back and wait for premium hands. You need to gamble. You need to accumulate chips.
You need to embrace the risk inherent in the game. You need to get so many chips, that you can handle a bad beat and still win.
Risk is good, because playing safe in tournament poker is a sure way to lose.
A-Q versus A-3
J-J versus 8-8
K-K versus A-Q
Etc.
Lost them all. Sick.
We've all been there for sure.
The only answer to these bad beats is to focus on accumulating enough chips in an event so you can withstand a bad beat.
Sometimes I make the mistake of being passive. And I know that winning poker requires me to take action, to be aggressive and be feared at the table.
My mantra for No-Limit Hold'em Poker Tournaments: Risk is Good.
But sometimes I forget.
In a tournament time works against you, as time eats away at your chips with bigger and bigger blinds and antes. That's one reason why deep stack tournaments have become so popular--so the less aggressive players can survive a bad beat.
Even if you have pocket Aces against pocket Deuces, you are going to lose one out of five times. And what if that one time is when your opponent has you covered with more chips? You are out.
The fact is that you can outplay your opponent on a given hand and still lose.
My conclusion: To win a no-limit hold 'em poker tournament requires that you take action, take risks, and not sit back and wait for premium hands. You need to gamble. You need to accumulate chips.
You need to embrace the risk inherent in the game. You need to get so many chips, that you can handle a bad beat and still win.
Risk is good, because playing safe in tournament poker is a sure way to lose.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Poker Stars $109 NL
Finished 12th--won like $200....another long 4 hours...
Players are more aggressive on PS
Push on their re-raises pre-flop
Like any Ace alot--with all-ins preflop
Didn't really see any bad beats.
I was the chip leader with 27 players left out of over 300.
Lost on the turn a big pot.
A few hands later lost with K-Q vrs. 5-5.
Tough way to go...
Players are more aggressive on PS
Push on their re-raises pre-flop
Like any Ace alot--with all-ins preflop
Didn't really see any bad beats.
I was the chip leader with 27 players left out of over 300.
Lost on the turn a big pot.
A few hands later lost with K-Q vrs. 5-5.
Tough way to go...
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
No Limit Tournament on Full Tilt
I twas a $75 event...played for 4+ hours since there were so many players. I finally got knocked at 3am. 14th place for a big win of $150...
Last hand was tough as it was one of those blind versus blind. Small blind min raised and I had 6-4 offsuit. The odds were too good. I flopped bottom pair and moved all in on the small blind bet. He called and had a straight draw. He hit it and that's the way it goes.
I was able to accumulate chips by playing passive against a very aggressive flop, turn and river bettor. He's raise min pre-flop, and if I was on the big blind I'd call. Or on the button I'd call.
If I hit any pair, I'd check and call his bets from the big blind. He was very upset...because the 4th time it happened...he disconnected on the river. Clearly it was on purpose. The funny thing I had nothing and would have folded to his river bet.
Later on though he ran into some big hands and was back to one of the chip leaders when I got knocked off. He played into the fear of his opponent with his betting.
Last hand was tough as it was one of those blind versus blind. Small blind min raised and I had 6-4 offsuit. The odds were too good. I flopped bottom pair and moved all in on the small blind bet. He called and had a straight draw. He hit it and that's the way it goes.
I was able to accumulate chips by playing passive against a very aggressive flop, turn and river bettor. He's raise min pre-flop, and if I was on the big blind I'd call. Or on the button I'd call.
If I hit any pair, I'd check and call his bets from the big blind. He was very upset...because the 4th time it happened...he disconnected on the river. Clearly it was on purpose. The funny thing I had nothing and would have folded to his river bet.
Later on though he ran into some big hands and was back to one of the chip leaders when I got knocked off. He played into the fear of his opponent with his betting.
New Promo idea: Free Poker Evaluation
I am trying something new to launch my Tournament Poker: 101 Winning Moves book. Here is the concept:
How many times have you entered a no limit poker tournament and not cashed? Or have you cashed a few times but never won an event?
Perhaps it's time for you to get outside help so you can stop making the same mistakes and improve your tournament play.
Here are three options to improve your game:
1. Ask friends for help.
The advantages of using friends is that it will not cost you any money and they are nearby. They can watch you play online or sit behind you while you play at a casino. The disadvantages is that your friends may not be poker experts and may not be able to identify where you need help. Also if you compete against them, you may not want to give away how you play.
2. Hire a poker coach
The advantages of using a poker coach is that they are experts and can help you improve your game. The disadvantage is the cost. The big seminars from Poker Pros often cost thousands of dollars.
3. Get a Poker Evaluation.
The advantages of a poker evaluation is that is totally free and you take the exam at your leisure. When you have completed the test, you review not just the right answers but also you get specific advice on what your wrong answer means as to how you approach a poker tournament and a given situation.
Getting help means knowing answers to questions like these:
1. Do you have the right mindset to win a poker tournament?
2. Do you know how to play in early stages of a poker tournament?
3. Do you know the best way to play pocket Jacks?
4. Do you know when it is the right or wrong time for a continuation bet?
5. Do you really understand how to use a semi-bluff?
6. Do you know when to bet or check on flops?
7. Do you know how to take advantage of scare cards?
8. Do you know how to approach heads-up play?
If you are not making any money playing poker, get help. Ask friends, hire a coach or start with a Free Poker Evaluation.
Take the Free Poker Evaluation at http://www.apokerexpert.com.
To watch the Poker Evaluation video ad go to:http://revver.com/video/902692/how-to-win-a-poker-tournament/
How many times have you entered a no limit poker tournament and not cashed? Or have you cashed a few times but never won an event?
Perhaps it's time for you to get outside help so you can stop making the same mistakes and improve your tournament play.
Here are three options to improve your game:
1. Ask friends for help.
The advantages of using friends is that it will not cost you any money and they are nearby. They can watch you play online or sit behind you while you play at a casino. The disadvantages is that your friends may not be poker experts and may not be able to identify where you need help. Also if you compete against them, you may not want to give away how you play.
2. Hire a poker coach
The advantages of using a poker coach is that they are experts and can help you improve your game. The disadvantage is the cost. The big seminars from Poker Pros often cost thousands of dollars.
3. Get a Poker Evaluation.
The advantages of a poker evaluation is that is totally free and you take the exam at your leisure. When you have completed the test, you review not just the right answers but also you get specific advice on what your wrong answer means as to how you approach a poker tournament and a given situation.
Getting help means knowing answers to questions like these:
1. Do you have the right mindset to win a poker tournament?
2. Do you know how to play in early stages of a poker tournament?
3. Do you know the best way to play pocket Jacks?
4. Do you know when it is the right or wrong time for a continuation bet?
5. Do you really understand how to use a semi-bluff?
6. Do you know when to bet or check on flops?
7. Do you know how to take advantage of scare cards?
8. Do you know how to approach heads-up play?
If you are not making any money playing poker, get help. Ask friends, hire a coach or start with a Free Poker Evaluation.
Take the Free Poker Evaluation at http://www.apokerexpert.com.
To watch the Poker Evaluation video ad go to:http://revver.com/video/902692/how-to-win-a-poker-tournament/
Friday, May 16, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Crazy, I won the wrong no limit poker tournament.
Instead of winning the big one, I won the 45 player $75 buy-in event. Won $1,100.
The crazy thing is that I got real good hands, or flops or turns or rivers in this event. While in the big event today, I got nada. A win is a win.
The crazy thing is that I got real good hands, or flops or turns or rivers in this event. While in the big event today, I got nada. A win is a win.
I'm out...of the Sunday FTOPS
Went out in BB with A-9 against A-K...overplayed my hand, and really knocked myself out. Rather than a check-raise, should have just called the bet on the flop.
I had just moved into this table so I wasn't sure how these guys played...only another 1500 to go...
I had just moved into this table so I wasn't sure how these guys played...only another 1500 to go...
Friday, May 9, 2008
Won Satellite to Sunday's No limit tournament for FTOPS
That should be a 3pm start. An opportunity to put the book into action. Not sure I recall all 101 moves.
In the satellite when it got down to the final table, I was the chip leader. Since 4 players would get seats and I had enough chips already I decided to just fold my way to a seat.
That is, until the 1st hand, QQ. The first player raised 3x's the BB, I called as did the BB. The flop came K high. BB bet small, the next player made a big raise and I folded.
From then on I folded and folded.
When it got down to 5 players I was still fine....but then the game got so tight...I ended up blinding myself off to the low stack!
The second lowest stack moved all-in and I called with JJ. The flop came with a J and I doubled up. The other player had few chips and started building up. Finally, he got eliminated...it was a long event.
Sunday prize pool is $1.5 million.
In the satellite when it got down to the final table, I was the chip leader. Since 4 players would get seats and I had enough chips already I decided to just fold my way to a seat.
That is, until the 1st hand, QQ. The first player raised 3x's the BB, I called as did the BB. The flop came K high. BB bet small, the next player made a big raise and I folded.
From then on I folded and folded.
When it got down to 5 players I was still fine....but then the game got so tight...I ended up blinding myself off to the low stack!
The second lowest stack moved all-in and I called with JJ. The flop came with a J and I doubled up. The other player had few chips and started building up. Finally, he got eliminated...it was a long event.
Sunday prize pool is $1.5 million.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The proof for the book arrrived-NOOOOOO!
Createspace messed up the cover again. Good grief. This is going to delay the paperback even more. What a bummer.
New Poker Book "Tournament Poker: 101 Winning Moves" released today
As an ebook...on www.apokerexpert.com
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
FT-No Limit Poker Rebuy event. Won $1,700
Didn't have a hand, so I didn't take the rebuy. I decided to take the add-on to give me some chance.
But in the same seat and no cards. Finally, 6 handed I moved in on the CO with Q-9 both blinds called who had big stacks. I hit runner runner 9 to triple up...which allowed me to survive until I got my first hand.
A-A and right time as a player had K-K and I doubled up.
Got me low stack to the final table, where I finally got a new seat and a rush of hands.
Moved all-in on a min raise with 10-10, guy called with A-3! I doubled up and went card dead.
I tried to make 2 position steals but each time a player moved all-in on and I had to fold.
When it got down to 5 players, on the button I moved in with A-4 but BB had A-J...oh well...nice win for more folding than ever...but did take a long long time.
But in the same seat and no cards. Finally, 6 handed I moved in on the CO with Q-9 both blinds called who had big stacks. I hit runner runner 9 to triple up...which allowed me to survive until I got my first hand.
A-A and right time as a player had K-K and I doubled up.
Got me low stack to the final table, where I finally got a new seat and a rush of hands.
Moved all-in on a min raise with 10-10, guy called with A-3! I doubled up and went card dead.
I tried to make 2 position steals but each time a player moved all-in on and I had to fold.
When it got down to 5 players, on the button I moved in with A-4 but BB had A-J...oh well...nice win for more folding than ever...but did take a long long time.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
No-limit tournament on Full Tilt
I didn't have time for a large event, so I entered the $75 one with 45 players. Pay top 6.
Ugh..won $700 for 2nd place but I should have won.
Heads-up the guy calls my BB. I have 8-2.
The flop comes 5-7-8 rainbow.
The guy moves all in....the pot is $4,000 and he bets $30,000.
I know he has a 6...so I call.
He has 6-2.
4 on turn...bummer.
The difference was winning another $400. oh well.
There was no great plays or bluffs in this game. A did slowplay my pocket Aces at the final table...
I raised the $500 BB to $1,500.
A player on the cutoff raised to $5,000. I just called.
The flop came A-3-4.
I checked and he bet the turn. I called.
The turn was a J.
I checked and he moved all in.
I called. He has K-Q...no outs.
It was a big hand since it doubled me up and put me in the chip lead.
Ugh..won $700 for 2nd place but I should have won.
Heads-up the guy calls my BB. I have 8-2.
The flop comes 5-7-8 rainbow.
The guy moves all in....the pot is $4,000 and he bets $30,000.
I know he has a 6...so I call.
He has 6-2.
4 on turn...bummer.
The difference was winning another $400. oh well.
There was no great plays or bluffs in this game. A did slowplay my pocket Aces at the final table...
I raised the $500 BB to $1,500.
A player on the cutoff raised to $5,000. I just called.
The flop came A-3-4.
I checked and he bet the turn. I called.
The turn was a J.
I checked and he moved all in.
I called. He has K-Q...no outs.
It was a big hand since it doubled me up and put me in the chip lead.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
The ebook launches on Wednesday...
on my site www.apokerexpert.com.
It is going to be a major challenge promoting this book because of the amount of competition from poker champions and established poker writers.
Also Google is charging way to much for their adwords...ridiculous pricing. It is why the deal with Yahoo is going to be most painful for the small business and home business owners. It will be a monopoly in keyword based search ads. Not good at all.
Back to my book...I know that this is the best poker reference book on the market for beginning and intermediate players. The reason is that the top poker moves are in this book, along with insight on how to think about a hand, tells, and so much more.
The book is over 200 pages long and filled with examples.
I've been lucky in that the players who read so far loved it.
It is going to be a major challenge promoting this book because of the amount of competition from poker champions and established poker writers.
Also Google is charging way to much for their adwords...ridiculous pricing. It is why the deal with Yahoo is going to be most painful for the small business and home business owners. It will be a monopoly in keyword based search ads. Not good at all.
Back to my book...I know that this is the best poker reference book on the market for beginning and intermediate players. The reason is that the top poker moves are in this book, along with insight on how to think about a hand, tells, and so much more.
The book is over 200 pages long and filled with examples.
I've been lucky in that the players who read so far loved it.
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