FULL RIG

Many people play on Full Tilt Poker (FTP). In my opinion FTP has other meaning. It stands for Feed The Pros. I normally don't play on that site based on 2 reasons:

1) The site is rigged!
2) Their software is cursed. It jinx my PS account.

Since I have busted my PS account, now I will give it another go. Why?

1) I like their tournament. Their structure are quite good. Even in turbo tourneys, the blinds only increases by a small fraction.
2) Field size. Always not a big field in small buy-in tournaments. Normally those $3.30 MTT, the field size would be around 200 to 600 entrants (depends on when you play).
3) They have more PLO tournaments than PS.
4) Those PLO players are mainly Holdem players. They would not let go with their AA. I can always see the flop early in the tournament without costing my stack too much. If I hit a big draw, I would be 70%+ fav over their over pair.
5) I haven't been playing there for a while, maybe they'll miss me! Rig it my way for a short while and suck me in.

I deposite a lazy $40 into it and test the water there. I know the site is rig. No doubt about it. So I need to make some adjustments to my play, especially in NLH. Based on my past experience in that site, I figure out several things. An Ace alone would be enough to go all-in, even better if it is sthooted. KK is the trouble hand in that site. Forget about QQ and JJ, they simply can't win unless you get very lucky.

Let's do a bit of Harrington's Math in this one. Any sthooted Ace vs KK. The Ace will be on the board 1 out of 3 times (33%). If your hand is sthooted, FullRig will make it more exciting by giving you a big draw (If no Ace on the flop). Most of the time it would be flush draw, and occasionally straight draw. 1 pair + Flush draw and those Open-ended + Flush Draw always happens. So with any sthooted Ace, in FullRig, you will hit something in some way. Definitely! Lets work out the percentages:

Board with an Ace 33%, but the guy might hit trips or straight/flush by river. Normally with Ace on the board, KK winning percentage would be down to 10% in suck-outs. 0.33 X 0.9 = 30% (win %)
You hit 1 pair but no Ace (10% of the time), so after the flop you are 20% to win, 0.10 X 0.2=2%
Nut Flush Draw (20% of the time), 0.20 X 0.45 = 9%
Straight Draw with an Overcard (20% of the time) 0.20 X 0.4 = 8%
Open ended + FD with an overcard(10% of the time). 0.1 X 0.6 = 6%
In the remaining 7% of the time, the guy with KK might hit trips, quads, boats; but at the same time we might hit trips and some runner runner funky LT ChowHi miracles. Conservatively we might win 2 out of 7 which make it 2% overall.

30% + 2% + 9% + 8% +6% + 2% = 57%

So we all should call with A-x sthooted if we know the all-in guy has any big pair coz we are 57% fav. Late in the tournament, when we have KK, because of the blinds and antes relate to our stack, mathematically it is correct to shove with KK even we are taking slightly worse of it due to POT ODDS! If you think that way, it would be a huge mistake! KK bump into AA always happen in FullRig, it happens at least 1 out of 3. So your actual winning % pre-flop with KK would only be 43% X 0.67 = 29% ( You might call by lower pair, the chance of you hitting a set against AA would be the same as someone hitting a set against you with lower pair. So it evens out). With only 29% chance to win, we should be happy with our KK shove all-in pre-flop and win the blinds and antes.

At first I bought in a PLO SNG, and found out it was a hyper-turbo with only 300 starting chips. Basically it was a lottery. Obviously I busted in that one. Then played a $3.30 PLO MTT, finished 26th out of 190. Flop dead all the way! Then played in a $2 NLH KO-Tourney, early on I had Ks7s on the button. Limp pot, I called for $30. BB pop to $150, all limpers called, I called. Flop 4s 5s 6d. BB bet $300 into a $750+ pot. Fold to MP shoved all-in, I shoved all-in as well with my big draw (He had me covered by $10 or so). BB fold. He showed Ah 6h. Turn Qc, river 6c, I missed the lot.

With less than $30 in the account, I donked it away in a 10c/25c deep stack table. I tried to run a big bluff with the board of 8c 10c 10s 4c 6c. I got no pair but only K high no clubs. I bet aggressively thru out the hand in position, shoved all-in on the river. The Telstra guy in SB check called me all the way with JJ with no clubs. Then in the BB, with only less than $7 in front of me, I dealt nothing but KK. MP raised to $0.75, Telstra guy shoved all-in for $31+, I called, MP folded. Telstra guy had AA. Flop AA x xx and he flopped QUADS.

I deserved to lose, coz I didn't learn my lesson. I should fold my KK pre-flop in the BB. You can't play normal poker in some abnormal site. You need to follow the flow of the site from time to time. As I said, I can only win 29% of the time all-in pre-flop with KK. I have no business in that spot as pot odds only laid me a touch better than 1 to 1. I need 3 to 1 in pot odds to justify a call.

Time to head back to snooker table as Albury only 1 month away. Haven't touched my cue for the last 10 days need to start practicing. Otherwise will be another 1st round loser.

IAS

Haven't really updated my sportsbook activity since Mr.Suzuki's reliable tip. Honestly, I haven't heard from him since! Which is good in certain way.
1) If someone give you tips every week, those would be BS tips with no inside info.
2) It makes his tips more reliable than others
3) I received it about twice per year at most. So I can bet with confidence.

Since then I withdrew most of the money in my account and left about $100 inside. I lost half of it in some dodgy Champions League soccer game, but I bet $50 on LA Lakers winning the whole lot at $2.50. About 2 weeks ago, I bet $100 at $1.90 on Frementle at home against Geelong receiving +42.5 starts. Although they lost, but they only lost by 15 points, so I took the cash! This week, I bet another $100 in a 5 way AFL combo at $1.80. (Geelong, Saints, Bulldogs, Adelaide and Brisbane). The Crows game was a bit close, but all others were right in the bag.

I also had a few MLB bets, but all having mixed results. Thanks to Mr.Suzuki, I managed to make a $500 profit out from nothing. Once again I will withdraw most of it and leave $100 in there, start rolling and see how it goes.

BUST

So far this week, I have been playing poker a lot and no snooker at all. KO Master is experimenting his short stack strategy. Basically very similar to Ed Miller and Bill Chen's short stack cash game play. You play tighter than a NIT, tighter than a Rock, and tighter than Paris Hilton's pantyhose. This strategy is proven, and it works. Because you will be folding a lot of hands, so they recommend you play a few more tables at the same time. Today I try it in 3 separate tables. My AK lost to 55, KK lost to JJ and my QQ lost to AK. Every pot were all-in pre-flop. The key to this strategy is to eliminate any implied odds you will be facing. Since you're in short stack, a lot of times you will get call by big stacks and you will be in +EV situation. Somehow, I find this system very boring. These days a lot of people are using this system, with a lot of success. Furthermore, I always find it difficult sitting in a NLH table with a couple of mushroom stack using this system. I have no problem to people using this play. Its their money, and they can do whatever they like. I personally don't like it, and that's it for me.

Start of the day my bankroll was about $260. After a very unsuccessful mushroom stack experiment, my roll was down to $225. Then play in the deep table 25c/50c NLH. After several rounds, my stack dropped from $50 to $45+. Dealt 8d6d in CO, UTG raised to $2, there were 2 callers in front of me, so I called as well. Button and BB folded, SB called, 5 way action. Flop A 10 4 all diamonds. BB lead out for $5, UTG called, other folded, I raised to $15, leaving about $28+ behind me. BB folded, UTG shoved all-in and I called. Turn 10, river Jd. UTG showed AsKd and took my stack.

With only $175 in my account, I decided to take a break. After an hour or I decided to play again. Were I still on tilt? Maybe! Instead of grind my way back, I decided to do a Master Buck. Since my financial advisor has already taken my initial deposit, all left behind in the account is my profit, so I decided to swim with sharks again in $1/$2 PLO short-handed. Time to roll to Poker Enlightenments!

I bought in for my whole bankroll of $175. After 2 rounds, this hand came up. In CO, dealt 4567, all fold to me and I raised to $7. SB and BB made the call. Flop J 5 6 rainbow. Both checked to me and I liked this flop a lot, especially short handed HU situation. I bet pot for like $19+, BB flat call. Turn 7s. Now with 2 spades on the board, BB checked once again. I bet $55+ to put him all-in ( He had $55 in front of him). I don't think he had straight, even he had higher 2 pair, I still got outs with 3 pairs + open-ended. He called his whole stack all-in. River off suite K. BB showed AKJ2 (with no spade). No idea how he called it with 1 pair on the turn and no draw. If I had trips, or straight, he would be drawing dead. Even I had AJ in my hand, he was drawing to 6 outs. If I had flush draw with over pair, 4 to 6 outs to him. The max he could have in that spot would be 10 outs, if he precisely put me on QQxx with no draw. What a Lucktard!

After that hand my stack down to $97+. The guy on my right was extremely loose, loves to pot pre-flop with a c-bet on the flop. So at the meantime, I have shift my target into him as I had position on him. 1 round later, on the button dealt A579 ds. All folded to the CO, as usual he pop to $7. I called on the button, SB and BB folded. Flop 4 K T all clubs, I had no clubs in my hand and no draw as well. To my surprised, he checked to me. I took a stab at the pot and bet $8, now he check-raised me to $30. My instinct told me he got nothing. I think he would bet the flop if he had a semi-strong hand from 2 pair, small flush or a set. A check-raise in that spot indicated either he had the nut flush, or absolutely nothing. He might call me with a set, but as I said he would bet the flop with a set rather than check-raised. So I trusted my instinct and shoved all-in for $97+ total. He folded instantly!

Now my stack closed to $135, dealt AK 9 J UTG, I pop to $6, now everyone called. Flop A 10 3, I bet pot for $23+ on the flop representing AAA, the Lucktard called instantly, then the NIT on button re-raised to $100+, I folded my hand instantly. 1 round later, with about $109 stack, in the BB dealt A754 (sthooted Ace-7). This time UTG pop to $7. Folded to SB called, I called as well. This hand is well concealed, I could hit trips, and small cards on the flop, I would be in business. Flop 559 rainbow. SB check, I check as well ( going to check-raise). UTG bet pot for $20. SB flat call, now I bet pot for $98+. UTG folded, SB called his whole stack about the same amount. Turn 3, river 10. SB had A996. Another cooler! Next hand I lost it all with only $8 in front of me. Now I am officially BUST!

The word "DUE" is extremely powerful. Did I jinx myself by mentioning that magical word? Or was that what I deserved for not listening to Master Gee's word of wisdom? Anyway, won't be playing much in the next 2 weeks. Need to focus back in snooker.

Fiancial Advisor

"There are always a woman behind every successful man!"

Really? Maybe in the real business world, but I don't think it will apply in poker! Maybe I can go a step forward. " There must be good financial advisor behind every successful poker player!" Most of the big name celebrity poker player, they will invest their earnings in different fields. Howard Lederer has a majority stake in Full Tilt; Eli Elezra owns multiple business in LV joint; Brian Townsend, Tuan Le always said that they won't play poker forever.

Don't get me wrong! I am NOT a successful poker player! I am nowhere close to their level. I am just another fish, swimming around in a small pond. Perhaps a Goldfish, swimming in a bowl, and never need to worry about the outside world. Playing low-limit at Stars, I don't need to worry too much about bumping into sharks. My "hit and run" strategy will avoid me losing too much when I build up my stack. So I am taking the quote to the extreme,"Behind every above average micro-limit poker grinder, there is always a SUPERMEN!"

I have been running quite well lately, I always remind myself one of Master Gee's word of wisdom, "DUE!" I managed to build my bankroll close to $475 last night at PS, now the IRS knocked on my door. Who else? Superman! Somehow my bankroll decrease by 50% without losing a hand. From Master Gee's word of wisdom, since I have been running hot lately, so I might be DUE (to lose) very soon. No way I would like to donate back my winnings, so I just treat Superman as my financial advisor in poker. I gave him another Infinite term/Interest free Personal Loan, with all the bank fees, exchange rate service fees being paid by ME! This is not the first time I've done that, and I know for sure, it won't be the last time.

Bodog

Master Gee played in the City of Melbourne Championship today. He asked me to come to Princes in the afternoon, then might do some tag-team things afterwards. I went there around 2pm, but all I saw were Sam Fishy and KO Master. KO Master told me Master Gee "Spat the Dummy" and left already. Somehow he was not happy with his cue and he forfeited his last match. I try to call him several times but he didn't answer the phone. It really piss me off! I hate people arrange something with me and then no show at all. At least he can call me before hand, so I don't have to go there and I can make other arrangements. Not being a member of the MOPS, I couldn't expect too much from him!

Went home afterwards and played a bit in PS. Not really in any mood and dropped $15 in NL 2-7 low-ball and that's it. Somehow Bodog sent me an email and they gave me $5 free credit. So I transfer $20 from PS and test the water over there. I managed to roll my $25 to $110 in 25c/50c PLO. In the last hand, I had about $45 in front of me. UTG raised to $1.5, several callers, I called in the CO with As 10h 9s 8c. Flop Ad 8s 7s. UTG bet pot for $7+, 1 caller, I were going nowhere with my open-ended straight + Nut flush draw + Top 2 pair. Just worry about one of those guys might have a set. If the board not pairing, I will continue. Turn 3h. This time UTG checked, MP bet $15, I called, UTG folded (must be one of those snooker morons, try to win by blind potting). River Qs. Now I had the nuts. MP shoved all-in and had me covered. I called and he had Ks K 10 5s for 2nd flush.

Following my system, I left the table after that hand. One thing for sure, I will NEVER play on that site again. Their graphic/layout is OK. Game pretty loose, although the traffic a bit quiet, but playing in low-limits, there are always a few tables to choose from. I have no comment if the site is rig or not (at least they might rig my way today). There is only 1 reason I will NEVER play there because they have "Casino" tab in their lobby. I bought in close to $30 (leaving $80 behind) and muck around in BJ and Pai Gow. I lost it all in the 10 minutes, betting $1 or $2 every hand. That's it! Thank you very much, but I won't see you again. So withdraw the money and transfer back to PS. Mojo stands as $420 at the moment.

Money management / Trend?

City of Melbourne snooker Championship is on this weekend, but I am not playing in it. As I said before, I am not going to donate to Neil Robinson's snooker fund. Bow-tie, self refereeing is also an issue. I want to make it clear, I have nothing against Neil, but I prefer donating to local snooker players whom they will represent Australia overseas. Master Gee draw a tough group. He won't qualify 1st in his group coz Neil is in there, and he need to beat Sam Fishy and Steve Cain to qualify. Then most likely he will bump into Roger Leighton. Tough break master! Vinny "the GIMP" Calabrese headed to England last Sunday. This time he will stay there for 11 months. Good luck Vinny! I beleive you can make it.

As my snooker goes, I played allright on Wed night. We had a 9-9 draw with Brunswick (BOBO) and I won my match 3-0 against Bully. My 1/2 table potting and positioning was good, but I am still missing the long pots. Guess I need to spend more time on my long potting.

I have started playing a bit more on PS this week. After a short break from the table, I feel that I am as fresh as ever. 2 weeks ago when I had prop bet with Superman, my PS mojo was only $88. The last couple of days, I guess Pokerstars really miss me a lot. Most of my big hands held up, lost a few hands against mushroom stack but managed to win the side pot. Although I didn't scoop, but still had a minor profit in the hand. I gave away a huge suck-out 1 night in a NLH 25/50c table. I was UTG with JJ. I was short, with only about $15 in front of me. I raised to $1.50 UTG with JJ. The next guy flat call me. Folded around to MP pop to $5.50. At that moment, I knew I couldn't flat call, either shove or fold. If my stack a bit bigger, I might just call. I shoved all-in for $15+, all of the sudden the next guy also shoved for $40. MP went to tank and called his whole stack for a touch less. Flop As Js 7d, turn 6c, river 9c. I scooped the main pot with JJJ, UTG+1 had KK and MP had AK. Finally got a break!

After killing the $30/$60 limit Holdem, Master Buck has cooled off a bit lately. He lost a bit in the $50/$100 limit, and haven't seen him since. I guess he withdraw part of his winnings and rolled the rest. That's good money management! Speaking of money management, right now I am trying my own system. So far the result is good. Here are the rules I set to myself:

1) Only allow to play 10/25c PLO, or 25/50c NLH, 50c/$1 on all other limit games (Stud, H/L etc)
2) In each table, I am allowed to re-buy once. No re-buy/top up allow in limit games
3) For NLH or PLO, I can only buy-in for 50 to 60 BB, allow to top-up/re-buy only once for same amount (50/60 BB). Buy-in for 20 BB in all limit games
4) In limit games, once you double up from your starting stack. You can either leave the table or keep on playing. Once your stack drop below 2X your starting stack, you must leave.
5) For NL or PL, same rule apply for your first buy-in. For your 2nd buy-in, once you break even at the table, you must leave.
6) Must leave if stack reach 4 times your buy-in.
7) Does not apply to Crown. The game is just to loose over there. People will give you all kind of actions when you have the nuts.

So far I am doing OK using this system. Manage to build my bankroll from $80 to $370 in 2 weeks (OK! I do admitted I got lucky in 2 sessions). This system is to limit your swing on your bankroll. If you are able to win 3 out of 5 sessions, you should able to win in a long run. I can always play in higher limits, only if I am comfortable sitting at those tables and need at least 15 buy-ins or more in my bankroll.

During one of my session a few nights ago, I bumped into Master Chan at 25c/50c NLH table. WTF was he doing in there? I remember he used to say this to me, " You must play at least $1/$2 NLH in PS. In those lower limits, there are just too many fishes. Everytime you bet, they would not fold. Most of the time, they will call you down! But in the higher limits, people are more willing to fold, so everytime I bet big at the end, I usually win!" Based on this conversation, I realized several things. Master Chan is a big bluffer. As bluffing is a very dishonest act, so I can now conclude he is a very dishonest person! Still, why is he sitting in such a low stake table? Is it because the Neverlose Effect? As far as I know, Donohoe has already follow his footstep in snooker, so Master Chan might be next. It wouldn't surprise me at all, all three guys have similar personalities. They always brag how good they are in their respective field. Blah! Blah! Blah! Why are they so good? That's why I always think Master Gee is a better person, and that's why I worship him. We all know he is good, but at the same time he is very humble as well. I would like to hang around with him, but unfortunately, hes just too busy socializing with the MOPS.

I sat down in his table, sitting directly to his right. So he had position on me most of the way. Since he has been doing so well recently, obviously I am eyeing on his stack. I don't mind sitting on his right coz I know most of the time he will bet with nothing. So I can play my hand aggressively thru check/calling all the way (ATC). In the first 1/2 hour, I didn't play much due to card dead. Manage to win a few small pots to maintain my stack. Master Chan didn't recognize I had been there for so long until this hand came up. UTG +1 pop to $1.50. All folded to me and called with KhJh. Master Chan also called for value (he simply Neverfold a hand in raise pot + 1 caller). All other folded, 3 way action. Flop Ac 5c 6d. UTG checked, I try to steal the pot with a $2.50 bet. Master Chan called (obviously, especially an Ace on the board), UTG fold. Turn Jd, I still felt that I'm in front, so I value bet $3.50. Master Chan could have anything, coz he is sort of guy calling pre-flop with 10 5 sthooted. Master Chan flat call again. River 7d. I check the river, coz I knew he would bet. He bet $7 on the river, easy call for me coz I didn't put him on an Ace all the way. He showed AdQd for the nuts. Damn! I top up for another $30. 1 round later had AA in the BB. MP pop to $1.50, 1 caller, I pop to $5.50, MP called, CO fold. Flop Ah Jc 8c. I lead out for $3.50, MP pop to $10, I shoved, he called. Turn 5c, river 3c. I had the Ac and won with the nuts. MP had 888.

Now he realized I were at the table, and he called me to my mobile. We chatted a bit, wondering why he sat down in a small stake table like this. He told me he has been running good so far and just muck around in here, bought in for $40 thru his loose changes. He told me he won big in the $2/$4 table, called $40 raised pre-flop with 22, cracked AA when flop A22. He also told me he flop straight flush in raise pot with 67, 3 way all-in when 1 guy had Ace high flush, and the other guy had fullboat. Well somehow I couldn't track all those hands in PTR.com. Hmmm! I guess that site needs to do a better job than that.

Donohou / Master Chan / Master Buck

Not much special happening this week for me. All of the sudden I couldn't pot a ball. Been doing a lot of solo lately, found out I am hitting with a lot of right hand side on the cue ball. I am not in the City of Melbourne Championship, so I still have a lot of time to fix it before Albury. Last week in pennant, we lost to Princes Blue 7-11. Apart from Humphrey Bear, that team is full of fags. Roger Leighton filled in for them, and he seems a decent guy. So at this moment, he is excluded.

I won my match 2-1 against a prick who has a bigger head than than MVP. He used to be the #1 player at his team, but due to some team controversy, he was dropped to #5. Why would a guy lower themselves so much, dropped himself from #1 to #5? Is he like Sam Fishy, trying to follow Neverlose's footstep? As the Princes Player Manager (MVP), he always talk about Team Chemistry. I have no idea what Team Chemistry can really do in snooker, but I certainly would prefer other type of science in snooker. How about playing stripe snooker with a bunch of HOT chicks (NO LTMF), then some Pie eating, cream licking, pillow tossing action after the match? That's the ULTIMATE SNOOKER BIOLOGY. I certainly prefer that.

Before the match he said to me, " Adriam! I don't think I will have a chance against you tonight. I saw you played Steve Mifsud in Vic Champ and he was lucky to beat you 4-0." (In fact, Mr.Invincible made 40+, 40+, 50+, 60+ and 93 in 4 frames to beat me 4-0.) What a jerk he is! He sure fire me up. He was on fire in the first frame and won easily. Then I got my cue arm going, and played very solid snooker. I won the next 2 easily, although I didn't make any breaks, but I managed to score around 30 everytime when I was given a chance. My safety play was very good. After the match, he spat the dummy and left.

Uncle Glen was in Melbourne for the weekend, coaching 4 juniors at Princes with Neil also giving tips on break building and game tactics. Somehow that prick also appeared and gave away snooker tips of his own. I am sure all those boys will benefit a lot from Glen and Neil and stay away from that prick. He is a good player, but only Hilton will reckon he is a top player. Steve Donohou, you've just make MVP seems like a nice guy. So please shut the F*** up!

I haven't played much poker lately, last night I had a side bet with Master Gee. KO Master was doing well in a $1.1 MTT. He was 14th in chips with 450+ players remaining (Total entrants 2500+). So I listed a betting line on how far KO Master will finish.
Final Table, 10-1
Final 2 tables+, 5-1
Final 3 tables+, 3-1
Top 45+, 2-1
Top 63+, 1-1
Top 100+, 1-2
Outside 100, 2-1

Master Gee bet 1 Nandos meal, predicting KO Master will finish in top 27th. Unfortunately for KO Master, those $1 MTT is such a donk fest and he busted out in 70th. At the sametime, we also saw Master Buck in action. This time he bought in for $400 in a $2/$4 NLH game and managed to double up after 96 hands. As usual, he would carry his whole bankroll to play higher limits. He stopped over in a $3/$6 NLH 6-max table and won another $475. With $800 profit already, its time to play in a bigger game. Master Buck showed his true colour tonight and crashed the game in limit holdem $30/$60 level and won another $2500. So overall profit about $3300 from $400. Very good effort Master Buck, you are amazing!

If you think that is impressive, wait until you see Master Chan. Master Chan also in action tonight as well. He is the suckout specialist and always play $1/$2 or $2/$4 NLH. He always bought in for the min, ATC a lot, and loves to shove with anything except the nuts. Tonight I saw him cracked AA, sets a lot with his Suck-out missiles. Currently up about $1200 in the last 16 hours, always bought in for the min and ran away after doubling/tripling up. His flop frequency would be about 50%+ and limp with any sthooted cards. Never fold pre-flop after he limp. Never stay at the same table for a long period of time. He has applied "Hit and Run" strategy into perfection. There were 2 hands which really stands out.

Hand 1

Stake $2/$4, NLH Master Chan about $160 stack.
Master Chan had Ac 3c on button. Called $16 raise from CO. Flop Q 4 5 rainbow. CO bet $20 on the flop, Chan called. Turn A. CO bet $32, Master Chan shoved for $120+. CO called. River 2. CO showed 44 for flop set. Master Chan won with A2345.

Hand 2

Stake $2/$4 NLH. Master Chan has $320+ stack.
Master Chan mini-raise to $8 UTG with AQ. Button pop to $32. Master Chan called, HU. Flop 256. Master Chan check call $48 bet. Turn 7. Went check/check. River 5. Master Chan shoved all-in for $200+. Button went to tank and called with AK. Master Chan stacked with AQ.

Well! It seems like Master Chan has cold off a bit. After nearly 18 hours of hit and run, fatigue might catch up with him. As the Energizer of this poker world, we all know Master Chan will keep on going-going-going until he donk his bankroll away. So wait and see how he goes!

How can you swim without the Guilding Light?

Just came home from a swim. I had a hit with Ben Leung at Princes, then drove to Crown for something to eat. All of the sudden, I felt like having a late night swim. Call up Master Gee, but he felt too tired. So I can only swim alone.

It was a quick session. Not many tables opened, and most of them weren't full. I sat down in a table but playing 7 handed. I bought in for $200, there was another short stack, around $150+. The others were all $400 to $800 in front of them. It will be a tough game, so need to follow Daniel Sklansky's strategy. "Put your stack in at the right time and no post flop play!"

As usual, every pot was raised to $15+ and several callers. I didn't play a hand in the first orbit. Then in the CO, dealt KcJc. UTG+1 pop to $15 and 2 callers. I called, button fold, SB called, BB folded. Flop Qd Jh 8c rainbow. All checked to me, and I took a stab at the pot, betting $30. BB called, plus a MP also called. Turn 9c. Now I picked up a FD + GS, but 4 straight cards on board. BB checked, MP bet $40, I called, BB check-raised all-in for $300+, MP also called. With $150+ behind me, I decided to fold. River blank. MP had J 10, and BB had Ac 10c. So I were drawing to 2 outs.

I kept on folding, as the table was a bit wild. Dealt AQ and pop to $15. No help on the flop and fold. Then had 77, called $15 raise and facing 3 over cards, folded on the flop. Top up another $100. Somehow the 4 and 7 has been following me the whole night. Can't remember how many K4, Q4, J7, 10 7 I had tonight. Then in the BB, dealt 9 10, this time only 4 way limp pot. Obviously I check. Flop 78J with 2 hearts. I lead out for $10, and took it down. Bugger!

1 round later, dealt QQ in MP. UTG+1 raised to $15, I pop to $40. Button called so did UTG, 3 way action. Flop A K 6. UTG check, I check, button bet, UTG called, I folded. Most likely the button had an Ace, as UTG check/fold his turn bet. Now stack down to like $160 and dealer called for time charge. 2 more players were leaving and I decided to leave as well. So overall down like $150 and played only 1 hour. Although I lost, the table was tough, but no poker professor like Sam Fishy in it. As no one giving poker lesson, you can always focus and let your cards do the talking. Just wish the Master was there and guide me to poker Enlightenment!

Prop bet II

Prop bet with Superman has finished. He bust in his 11th SNG, cashing only once in his 4th SNG, finishing 12th for $4.24 profit. Would like to run another prop bet. Anyone would like to send me $50, all I could play will be $8.80 PLO multi-table tournament (MTT). Like the prop bet with Superman, I need to be able to buy into my 11th tournament. We can talk about the stake later if anyone is interested in it. Right now Grand Master has shown some sign of interest. So wait and see.

Last night Grand Master called me up, we had a home game at Troy's house. They had a RSL comp at Dendenong RSL, I dropped in there around 6pm. At the end of the night, Paul James offered everyone 25 to 1 if the highest will be broken on Sunday. Currently the highest is Humphrey Bear's 64. Getting 25 to 1 odds would be just too tempting to pass on. So I chuck a lazy $5 on it. Apart from Humphrey Bear, Master Gee, KO Master, Sam Fishy, Jamie Cornish, Peter Butterworth, Mr.Perfume ....are all playing in it. Wait and see how it goes.

The home game was OK last night. Sam Fishy was talking all the time. In the RSL, he was talking how he built up his bankroll in Full Rig from $50 to $350 in just 2 weeks. Asking everyone about their bankroll management etc. It was a bit annoying at times. Why ask everyone when he has one of the most successful poker player at Crown, NeverLose, as his mentor? He approached me and ask me how I handle my bankroll, and what I do when my bankroll gets up? Here are my answers:

- I don't have a bankroll, because I play just for fun in micro-limits and I can always afford it.
- I get up in the morning
- I get up before sex
- I get up when I see some hot chicks, especially when they are exposing their tits.
- I don't get up 6 am in the morning for a walk
- I don't get up when I am halfway thru the tournament
- I don't get up when I see your girlfriend.

We started off the night playing $20 SNG. Me, Grand Master, KO master, Sam Fishy, John, Troy and Paul James. Sam Fishy commentating all the way, doing worse job than Norman Chad and MVP. Since Sam Fishy has been teaching me how to play poker through out the night, during HU, I decided to test his knowledge whether it is for real or not. I limp on the button, John shove all-in (he outchip me about 3 to 2) and I called with my whole stack. Before I turn over my cards, I ask Sam, "What I have?" Sam replied, " An Ace, a pair, KJ/K 10!!!". I flipped over Q 10 off, and John had A J sthooted. Then Sam said, "Yeah, I was right! I put you on a hand like that!" I would like to know which high school he attended. Having multiple answers in a multiple choice question is certainly the way to go! Anyway I end up winning the SNG.

Then we play some cash games, only 10c / 20c for a bit of fun. Soon after, a Crown superstar walked into the room, sitting just next to my right. My first instint is to give this prick an elbow straight up his nose. First hand he flopped straight in a raise pot with 45 off, and took Grand Master's stack. Next hand, Paul James raised UTG to 60c, and that pro said, " It is a string bet. You can only call. They won't allow you to do that at Crown!" I don't know why people would lower themselves so much, from playing at the biggest game at Crown to 10c/20c home game? Just because you are wearing a beanie, it doesn't mean that you are ALI-G. All those craps were just too much to handle. Troy is a very nice guy and I don't want to make a mess in his new home, so I decided to leave right afterwards.

Prop Bet update

Prop bet with Superman continues. Right now he is playing in his 9th SNG and he only had 1 cash so far, finishing 11th. Here are the result:

SNG Result Balance
1 L 110th $35.6
2 L 164th $31.2
3 L 32nd $26.8
4 W 11th $31.04
5 L 135th $26.64
6 L 45th $22.24
7 L yet to update $17.84
8 L 90th $13.44

As I am watching him play right now, he has built his stack from 1500 to 2350. Still in the first level. First hand had QQ in sb, pop to $160 after several limpers, all called. Flop 588, Superman bet $560 and too it down. Then he limped with K 6 sthooted UTG and called $100 raise. Flop K86, and he bet $100 on flop, 1 caller. $300 on the turn when 5 came and took it down. Looks like the challenge will end very soon. Will update on Sunday.

Looking for Weakness when swimming

My prop bet with Superman has already begun! The betting line has changed slightly, right now he only have to buy-in into his 14th SNG only. Still! I still think I am the favorite to win it. Thursday night, got nothing to do. Called up Master Gee several times but he hasn't called back yet. Suppose to have some Tag Team action tonight, but I guess it is off now. Hopefully I don't have to wait long before he could enlighten me in poker again.

At the meantime, I am reading Eric Lindgran's book "Making The Final Table". As I go thru the book, I found out a very interesting chapter. It says "Looking for weakness". In the book, E-Dog says if you drawn to a new table and facing opponents that you haven't seen before, you can tell 90% of the time what kind of playing style they usually fits in.

For example: A young player, dressed neatly, looks like spent a lot of time in his wardrobe with expensive sunglasses. His shirt is untucked and handle chips like a season veteran, riffling them without effort. His read would be this guy is very aggressive. On the other hand, a middle/old age guy with a cowboy hat, always look at their cards when dealt to him and fold instantly. His read would be this guy will play very tight. etc.

I think it is a very interesting topic to discuss. How about at the biggest fish pond in the Southern Hemisphere? Does it implied over there? If his 90% rule is very true in WPT tournaments, let me access these following players. No point discussing those Lucktard Fat Mama type of players. They are not defendable. You can keep firing bullets at them, but they will drop a missile when you have AA preflop or the nuts on the flop. Their "Runner-runner Missile" is more damaging than those "Patriot Missile" from the US Army. No one can survive. There are many other type of players who like to swim. Hopefully one day E-dog will read my blog and give me some comments.

PLAYER 1

Type: Trailer Park Junkies

Appearance: Looks like haven't shower for weeks. His hair is as greasy as those Fish & Chips around the corner. You can tell what kind of bourbon or scotch he has been drinking in the last 5 hours. You can even smell his body fragrant 100m away.

Style: Maniac. Watch out when he is in the big blind. Most of the time he will mini raise it, coz he is thinking "I need to call $3 to see the flop!" Most of the time they only have 1 bullet, and his stack will shrink slowly. Not only he will check/call a lot (ATC) and fold on the river, but he will keep on buying drinks while at the table using chips in his stack.

Conclusion: Just don't play any pot against him without the nuts. Not much value against these kind of players. His stack will gradually go to the bar.

PLAYER 2

Type: Old Farts

Appearance: Very neat with a touch of Old Spice aftershave.

Style: Generally there are 2 types of Old Farts. Normally they are old school players and play like a NIT. They play nothing but pairs 77 above or AK, AQ sthooted. The others are a bunch of Calling Stations. Will call with anything and neverfold river with any pair or even AK high. They are potentially good social workers and loves to keep the poker community together. They never bluff because bluffing is very dishonest. At the same time, they love to "Keep you Honest " too!

Conclusion: Since they are not LT type of players, so we are not scare. Just value bet against them and fold if they bet big on the river (NeverBluff).

PLAYER 3

Type: MOPS or MOPS wannabe (please read earlier posts if you don't know what MOPS means)

Appearance: Well, just surf the Internet and look for Phil Lark.

Style: No matter they are real or fake, they are aggressive. Raising preflop then Continuation bet is a must in their repertoire. The real MOPS are very good players, if you bump into one of them at your table, bad luck to you. Only LT with Runner-runner missiles could destroy them. Fortunately you won't find them a lot in $2/$3 tables or lower. The Wannabe type will keep on firing, but they have no read at all. They will try to play your hands but they have no idea whether you have the nuts or not. They will keep on firing at pots, representing all sorts of hands on different streets. Most of the time it just doesn't make sense. From AA pre-flop, to top set on the flop, to straight on the turn, to the nuts on the river. They make poker so complicated, so they simplized it by betting. Normally the bigger they bet, the weaker their hands will be.

Conclusion: Normally you can tell straight away if they are real or fake.

1) The more online poker site logos they are wearing, the more wannabes they are. I have seen someone wearing a Full Tilt cap, Pokerstars jacket with a PartyPoker T-shirt. They got more combos than MVP's grip/stands in snooker.

2) Sunglasses. Most wannabes will wear $10 plastic sunnys from their local petrol stations.

3) Chip Stack. It only implies to Limit games. Wannabes love to impress other players at the table by having a monster stack. So they will buyin $1500 or more in a $5/$10 Limit holdem game.

PLAYER 4

Type: University Professor / Millionaire Businessman

Appearance: Neat casual dress. You won't see them dressed in suite because they are so rich, they don't need to work.

Style: They are not a wild bunch and generally play a tight SOLID game. Their game is based on mathematics and they always put their stack in at the right time. Normally they would open shove with big pairs preflop or a set on the flop. Post flop play would be their weakness coz either all their chips would be in the middle or they would fold on the flop. They would never give you the right price to draw. They are as solid as a Rock!

Conclusion: They are not professional poker players and they play as their hobby. They are so successful in life that money is not an issue. They will have thousands in their pocket, more bullets than a machine gun and never bother $2/$3 games. Sometimes you might find them in $2/$3 tables. If thats the case, it will be your day. The words Luck, Wishful Thinking and Failure are not in their dictionary. They just can't accept defeat to Lucktards, cracking his AA with QQ all-in preflop. With horribly bad luck on his side, plus some wishful thinking. We will transform ourselves into a LT and destroy them with Runner-runner missiles of our own!

PLAYER 5

Type: MASTER!!!!!

Appearance: Ordinary. Nothing special.

Style: Unpredictable. Generally a small ball expert but doesn't mind playing big pot at times. Players like these knows how to craft a meta-game. Always put in small bets to keep his opponents off guard. Never overbet the pot, so you can't figure out if he has a make hand, drawing or bluffing. His read is so good, it makes no difference if his opponents turn over their hand or not. The most fearful player you could ever face on a poker table.

Conclusion: Unfortunately you might bump into 1 or 2 everytime you swim around at Crown. They normally have a solid stack in front of them and they know when to leave when they are up. They would like to play in lower stakes game. Their edge is so big, its like free money handling to him from time to time. Very hard to spot one of these players, as they always slip under the radar. By the time you spot them, it might be too late. Unless you got lucky, otherwise you will be looking at your bullets in their stack.

Another Prop Bet!

No pennant snooker tonight as our team is having a bye. After Kings Cup, I haven't touched my cue a lot. Had a hit last night and that's it. I don't think I am going to play the City of Melbourne based on the several reasons.

1) Self referee
2) Bow tie
3) Not going to donate any money to Neil Robinson.


Had a chat with my buddy Superman today. He thinks he has improved a lot in poker after he LT a $4.40, 180 players SNG a couple of weeks ago. Since then he has played a few and finished 12th only once. He is whinging about his bad luck, not only his KK, AK got suck-out by a lesser hand; but also his A7, K9 flopping top pair, and shoved the flop, losing to better hands. Since I had a great time during Kings Cup taking a lot of prop bets, today I offer him a prop bet he simply can't refuse. Here is my prop bet offers:

- I will send him US$40 into his PS account, all he can play is $4.40, 180 players SNG
- He must play at least 1 SNG per day
- He will win if he can play 15 SNGs, (from the $40) and have 1c left in his account
- I will win if he doesn't have enough to buy-in his 15th SNG
- Cash tables, tournaments and other type of SNGs are not allowed to play.
- If I win, he needs to pay me AUD$150
- If he wins, he can keep all the money in his account plus I shout him to any 5 stars brothal of his choice for 1 hour.

Although I am not good in poker, but I know he is even worse than me. He is a FISH! I have told him a million times but he still doesn't beleive it. He is one of those guys thinks any Ace is playable, QJ sthooted would be a monster. Based on his sharkscope stats (above pic), his ROI should be close to -50% instead of -39%. All thanks to the SNG (and the only 1) he won a couple of weeks ago. And thats was the only time he ever reach the final table. I am not a math whiz like D.Sklansky, but I am pretty sure once again I am in a +EV situation. Will keep you guys update, as it progresses.