POTTING ANGLE

The More I play, the more I realise I have no idea

2011-08-25T19:54:00.002+10:00

It has been more than 1 year since I update my blog. Miss me??? For the past year I haven't been playing much poker. I am in the autumn of my snooker career, I would rather enjoy my snooker as much as possible.

Recently headed back to the poker table. WOW! I couldn't win a pot both in PS or at the POND. Whats going on?? Here is a recap on PS, all the hand are pretty standard:

* AK on the CO or button, raised, got re-raised. Flop K x x. Shoved, I called. Bumped into AA.

* MP limped, I raised with AQ, MP called. Flop A -7 -6, he checked call. Checked/checked on turn. Either A or Q river, he betted big and I called. He flopped set.

* KK in BB. UTG popped to 3X BB, multi-caller. I pushed, got 1 caller. A on the river. He showed A 10 off.

* Raised with AQ lat position. BB re-pop, I called. Q -6 - 8 board. Turn 9, river 9. He showed 9 10 sooted.

* QQ/KK/AK bumped into AA, KK

In PLO

* Double suited Aces, raised 3X, some idiot pot with KKQx, 1 flat caller, I shoved. Both called. All rags. Donkey had something like 2368 for 2 pair.

* AQJ9, flop K 10 x, turn picked up flush draw. All-in on flop, missed everything. Lost to top and bottom 2 pair.

* Flop middle set + Top card, bumped into top set.

The list can go on and on and on.

If you thinks its bad, then at the POND its even worse. In the last 3 visits, I dealt premium hand only once with KK. All fold to me on the button, raised to $15. BB called. Flop, 10-3-4. He checked called my pot bet. Turn A, he shoved, I called (very confident he didn't have an Ace). He flipped over 2 5 off for wheel. Dealt AK about 3 times, flopped nothing all 3 times. Went there last night with Master Buck, same old story. I raised with KsJs UTG to $15, button called, SB re-pop to $45, I called and button called. FLop 9 10 x with 2 spaded. I shoved, button called. Missed everything and button showed J 10.

WTF????? Don't think i will be playing anymore poker anytime soon. Fuck this game. Fortunately for me, MLB, EPL, AFL and horses been kind to me. So the end result, pretty much square or maybe down a little bit. Overall, I didn't burn my finger.

Looking for backers!

2010-04-16T19:12:00.003+10:00

Haven't played much poker at all after the Sook's PLO tourney. I have no mood playing online, especially cash games. Played a couple of PLO donkaments, but as usual, gone deep to the final 2 or 3 tables before bumping into some lucktards, check/raise shove with nothing and hit miracles. In my last PLO tourny, some big stack raised with 99 34 ds, I re-raised with AKKJ with 1 suite putting 1/2 my stack in pre-flop. Flop K 5 6, gave my top set with nut flush draw. Stack went in on the flop and the guy can spike the 2 river. What a joke!

The next live tourny series at the Pond will be the Melbourne Poker Championship in May. Schedule and structure has been released. The $175 PLO with 4k starting stack is a joke. With blinds start at 25/25, there won't be much play at all after a few levels. Although the field won't be big, assuming about 120 runners, 50% of the field will have no idea (bunch of NLH players, will call anything on a 9 high flush on paired board), but double chance format really protect the lesser players. You can never bluff them coz in most situation they are pot committed. It will be a combination FRY RICE with a lot of dead money in it. At the same time, based on their structure, the luck factor will dominate. I probably will play only if I can sell 50% of my stake, otherwise a no go for me.

This time around, I might fork out $240 in Event 5, NLH with 10k start stack. Although NLH is not my strength, but with a good structure I might able to make a deep run. I am looking for any backers as this FISH will work-out often in the next few weeks. My flippers will grow stronger and bigger. I will swim faster than before. Stay tuned!

Also in May in PS, SCOOP returns. I will definitely play in 2 tournys. Based on the result on the first 2, I might play the third or forth. I am definitely playing the $22 PLO Heads-up and also the $11 NLH, 100k guarantee. I might also play the $55 PLO 6-max depends on the result of the previous 2 ( or find some backers). If I manage to cash anything decent, I will also play the $107 Main Event. Only problem, the entry fees won't be an issue, but the starting time will be. Can I stay awake or wake up 4am in the morning? I know fishes don't sleep, but I am still in a transforming status. Going back to Adelaide next week for 2 weeks. Might play in some live tournys over there, will keep you updated!

You gotta love those Cocksuckers!

2010-04-07T17:38:00.002+10:00

After the Sook PLO, nothing much happening in life. Don't have much feel playing any poker online. Occasionally grinding in FullRig as they are giving me $25 as Take2 bonus. As usual its a gimmy! My everyday 10 hands of poker starts there and ends it right there.

Been playing a bit of snooker lately. One thing really amazed me. Nowadays, you never know how many self proclaim superstars but actually wannabes you will cross path in snooker these days. Went to Princes last week, had a hit with some B graders. At start, he didn't play too well. It was a friendly game, and I played very loose. After 1 frame, he picked up his cueing and start potting.

In the next frame he made a 94 break against me. It was good to watch. We played on table #52, which is a bucket. Start of the frame there were like 6 or 7 loose reds, nothing on the cushion. After potting a long red and cannon several reds on the way, he landed perfectly on the black. He made like 42+ with a couple of long shots to top corner pockets. Then cue ball ran out of position, smashed in another long red, cue ball went straight into the pack, but not with a lot of pace. Somehow, he managed to get on the pink. Then he made a 94 break. Thru out the break, I can tell either hes the Master in cannon, or a pure potter with no position. His cue ball will cannon something every second shot but not necessary. Anyway, thats not the point. The things that he and his mate said afterwards really amazed me.

I lost to him 4-1. After the match, we went for a smoke. Now the conversation starts heating up.

Player A : "I guess I should make a century there if I managed to pot the last red along the rail."

His Mate: " Do you think he is good enough to play A grade? He is good in break building and very good long potter. Don't think anyone in B grade can beat him."

Player A: " I have seen some players in A grade, they are just average."

ME:" Of course he can, if he can consistently pot the way he is like tonight. At least Brad Harris plays that that."

Player A: "Well! A bit lucky tonight. I know you are a good player (In fact he doesn't know who I am before tonight). I know I can't beat you in the long run. Somehow I have to play up to my usual standard in order to beat you!"

Player A still bragging how good he played and the way he free up the packs Blah Blah Blah! After a minute or so he left.

His Mate: "Adriam, you know he is a very good in 9-ball. His standard is like Steve Mifsud and Aaron in snooker. They are good in potting. Good in 1/2 table shots. And they love cannon the edge of the pack to free up red balls. Those are how 9 ball players used to play!"

WOW! I didn't say anything afterwards. No wonder how Princes won so many flags in B grade over the years. Its all about CHEMISTRY. Team chemistry plays a big part in success. The more I listen, the more I want to laugh. I know I am not very good in this game. I know I don't play 9-ball. When is 9-ball players in these days good in cannon? Honestly, no point for me arguing with him, I don't want to insult my own intelligence in this game. You gotta love these players. They talk more shits than MVP + Godahou combined. Once again I am motivated, time to get on the snooker table and start practicing.

Another close finish!

2010-03-31T15:11:00.003+11:00

So far this year I have been running stone cold in both online and the Pond. After the Oceania Snooker Championship, I rushed back to Melbourne to play in the Sook Deepstack series. There were 2 tournaments I want to play, unfortunately I can managed to play in one of them. In the team event, the Master decided to be stingy and kept all his poker secret to himself. All of the sudden Superman can't play on that night, so I were left alone. In the next day (Monday night), Superman decided to play in the terminator, hopefully going 1 place better than last time. As usual, I had 1/3 of him. This time he played like a spastic and busted out after the first break.

Tuesday night was my turn. $220 PLO, double chance with 10k stack in total. Due to the fact after Sydney, I am cash strapped, as well as running cold. I decided to sell the Master 30% of my stake. Blinds start off 25/50, and I cashed in my re-buy card. In PLO, you need a stack. In position, I can control the pot, use my stack and play 4 fold poker. Small field, with only 101 players. Final table pays. In the first 2 levels, I managed to build my stack from 10k up to like 17k, without much showdown. Just before the first break on the button I got 2345. Blinds were 50/100, I called. Flop K 2 5. All checked to me and I bet $600. UTG checked raised to $1800. All folded and I called with my bottom 2 + open ended. Turn blanked. UTG fired $2400, I put him on either top 2 or a set. I got outs and called. River 4, stucked with bottom 3 pairs. He value bet $3k and I mucked instantly. So on the break, I had like 13k in chips.

After the break, blinds 75/150, I dealt 9 10 J Q UTG. I mini-raise to $300, got 3 callers. Flop 7 8 Q with 2 clubs, I had no clubs in my hand. I decided to bet pot and see whats going on. Flush draw won't go away, and any set or 2 pair will either shove or all. No the guy next to me, shoved all-in for $4k+. All fold, easy call for me. He turned over 2 pair. Turn nothing and river 10. Stack close to $20k.

Making a lot of small bets here and there in position. Won a lot of small pots on the flop uncontested. Then I managed to bust a guy with medium stack in BB. Limp pot in BB got 3 4 7 K. I checked my option, flop 2 5 6 with 2 spades. I flopped with nut with higher straight draw but no flush draw. With like $1400 in the middle, I bet $900 and see whats going on. All folded to the CO and he mini-raised to $1800. All folded to me, I had 3 things in mind. Either he had a set, or flush draw or 34. Instead of jamming the pot, I asked him how much he had behind. He had like 9k+. So I mini-raised him to $3300. Hes not shoving without the nuts straight. Now he jammed, and I shoved instantly. He turned over A 3 4 6, with no spades. Turn gave me a diamond draw and river 3. I won with a higher straight. Now stack close to $35k.

I slowly built up my stack close to 40k and took a minor hit. First in UTG + 2, I dealt 7733. Blinds 150/300. Instead of limping, I decided to raise to $750. Standard 2 and a 1/2 BB. These small pairs play badly OOP and against a lot of limpers. Either I won't have top set, or I there will be a lot of draws out there with 7 on the board. I try to mini the field, and now only both blinds called. Flop 5 7 10 with 2 spades. Flop middle set and most likely in front. With a lot of draw out there, pot control is the key. The last thing I want will be a race. Need to use my position to my advantage. All checked to me and I bet $1200 on the flop. Both blinds called. Turn another 10. Now both blinds checked once again. I bet $3k. This time only SB called. River J with no spade. SB checked for the third time. I was thinking either he missed all his draws or he was trapping. I decided to check. I showed 77, but he had 10 5. Lost min in there.

I have gone quiet in the next level. stack about $30k. Now blinds 500/1000. CO raised to $3k, in BB I dealt AQ108. Flop 8 9 J with 2 hearts, but I had the Ah only. I checked my nut straight expect him to bet. Now he bet $6k. With 25k behind me, time to roll. I shoved and he folded. Then made a huge bluff against the same guy with A 10 10 8. I raised to $2500 pre flop. Flop Q 3 3 , I bet $5k and he called. Turn 5 went check/check. River 7. I tossed in $10k and he mucked.

Now blinds $1k/$2k. Dealt A 2 2 6 with As 2s. In the CO I raised to $5k, only the BB called. Flop A K 5. I bet $7k on the flop and he called. Turn 2, went check/check. River 8. BB tossed in $15k. I knew he had no Ace. Hes a tight NLH player, try to shove his stack in with any AK, AQ, and bet the flop with any Ace. The way the hand played out, he had no A. Only worry he might fluke some kind of 2 pair. But since a tight player won't bet river with middle 2 pairs, so i assumed he either slow-playing a set or miss draw. I called and he had 8 10 J Q. I won a good size pot with 1 pair A with no kicker.

Now blinds $2k/$4k, many short stack are in all-in mode. I have like $75k in front of me. Lost 3 hands, double up mushroom in the process, but managed to win it bck thru aggression pre-flop. Then this hand came up. Had AKQ8 with Qs8s in BB. All folded to SB, and he raised to $12k. I called. Flop Ah 5s 7s. I got AK with Q high flush draw. He checked to me, and I bet $15k, he called. Turn another 7. He checked and I bet $22k, leaving $24k behind, and now he shoved, had me covered. I made a very tight fold, figuring it definitely a cooler. AK with higher flush draw, or AA or A 7 all within his range. Stack $24k.

Didn't play a hand in the next round, now stack $19k. Dealt KKJ9 ds. I shoved it preflop and got 2 callers. Flop K x x with 2 hearts. Turn another hearts. River paired the board and I triple up with Kings full. Stack back to $50K.

Things start turning around, I stole a couple set of blinds, and limp in position, bet with nothing on the flop and took it down. Then had 5 7 9 J in SB. Blinds 3k/6k. MP limp, I called. Flop 2 6 8, I checked my straight wrap, and MP bet $10k, I called. BB folded. Turn 4, I check once again, and mow he bet $25k, I shoved and he folded. Now over $110k in chips. I kept my aggression pre-flop against several players in BB whom just want to make the bubble. Then against bigger stack in BB, I simply limp and play flops with them. Now 10 players left, I were about 2nd in chips. Stack about $150k. In the CO, I dealt JJ 10 5 ds. With blinds 4k/8k, I raised to $20k pre-flop. Button called and blinds fold. Button had like $130k+ and 3rd in chips. Flop J 7 2 rainbow. Seriously I didn't want to play any pot against him OOP. Too many easy money out there, no point risking it right now. I flop top set, and no obviously draw out there. I bet the pot, and try to end it right there. Now he re-raised me all-in and I snap called. He had 8 9 10 Q for an inside wrap, but I had 1 blocker. So 8 outs for him but I had re-draw to boat. Turn x river another 7 and I won a monster pot. Now stack over $300k.

Also in the final table was the guy who defeat Superman in last year Sook terminator, as Superman finished 2nd. Blinds 5k/10k. This time he shoved all-in pre-flop for $34k, all folded to me and I snap call with J Q 10 3. He had something like A 6 8 8. He hit the 8 on the flop and I hit the 3. Turn blank and river another 3. So I seek some revenge for Superman. I also bust out another guy who look a bit like Van Marcus. He is a tough player. He shoved with QQKx and I called with AKxx. Flop AA 6 and he left with 2 outs. With 6 players remaining, I left great. All the major threats were gone and with a massive chip lead, I felt I can win it all.

Now things start getting more interesting. Blinds 10k/20k and playing 5 handed. Called a raised in BB for $70k with 4567. Flop A K 10. Folded instantly, as he showed AA. I sort of maintaining my stack about $250k. Now blinds 15k/30k. Lost $100k to him with KJJ5 ds. I were in BB, and he open shoved with A 10 77 ds. You gotta love those idiots try to shove all-in pre-flop in PLO. I have seen him survived 5 times already with his mushroom stack and he never died. This time I called, figuring he might be on a steal. I took my time and made the call. You gotta love the speech he gave me when we turned our cards over.

" Oh! I have an Ace, but you don't!"
"Oh! I had you covered in clubs "
"Oh! My hand is double sthooted!"
"You had a pair of Jacks, why you take so long for calling?"

Shut the fuck up! Are we playing in FullRig while they play 10 Aces with 20 cards of the same suite? What are JJ beating in PLO? None of my flush outs were nuts. I would be a flip with AK10, I would be massive dog if he had higher pair with higher flush draw. I also a dog if he had AKQ. Please do us yourself a huge favor. Please shut up and stop insulting your own intelligent. I didn't do much but just humbly replied, " I am still learning the game. You must be good making this far to the final table, surviving 5 all-ins in the process!" He hit 7 on the flop and held up.

Then in SB, with blinds 40k/ 80k, I shoved with AK95, putting the old fart all-in, and he called with A Q 9 7. Flop 8 10 3, turn 4, river J. Not much pre-flop, slight dog on the flop even I were in front. 60/40 fav on the turn but river sucks! In the next hand I just shoved with 7 8 9 Q ds with my mushroom stack, and lost! So I finished 3rd, for something less than $3k. Right now my record in any kind of Omaha tournament at the Pond stands at:

Played: 8
Cashed: 5 times
Final table: 3 times
Best finished: 3rd

I played brilliant last night. I felt comfortable. My read was good. Somehow, once again you can't beat a lucktard in any sort of poker. I shipped the Master's share this morning. At the same time I know why the Master is by far more superior than me. At the Pond, fishes will ship their money into your stack, but the Master do it in the next level. All the fish will still ship their money towards to the Master, but the Master no need to be at the table. He can do it in his comfort at his own home. Sleeping middle of the night and still achieve financial enlightenment. Clearing all the debts along with gaining new poker mojos, while without putting a cent in, is certainly the way to go. Now I know apart from crafting a meta-game, there are still a lot more to learn from him! Hoefully one day he can help me creating a Masterpiece!

Oceania Snooker Championship

2010-03-26T21:58:00.002+11:00

I had a great week in Sydney. Very inconsistent in my snooker, but all ended up well. Here's my week in review:

SAT 20th March

Drive up to Sydney. I left my home like 2pm. About 7 pm, I reached a place called Gundagai. I drove into a KFC, had dinner over there. At the same time I had my laptop ready. Master Buck had sent me numerous SMS. Nothing much, nothing special. Every message had the same word. "SEND! SEND! SEND!" I sent him his relief fund. Drove for another 3 hours or so. Reached Goldboun, and stayed overnight in a motel there.

SUN 21th March

Up and driving about 12pm. About 200km away from Sydney, caught speeding 135km/h in a 110 km/h zone. $375 fine, thank you very much. Checked into my hotel in the avro. The 6 red comp starts tonight, first match against S.Budd. I lost 3-0, than played Hassan, start potting a bit but still lost 3-1. The table conditions were pretty ordinary. Not quick, re-stretched cloths, big buckets with a lot of drift. The condition doesn't suit me at all.

MON 22nd March

Had lunch with Grandma, then played Mark Jackson in the 6 red comp at night. Lost 3-2, final frame, he fluked the pink and won the match. Then played Jaydon in a dead rubber. Lost 3-2 again. So played 4, lost 4. Nothing to be proud of. I didn't adjust to the condition and struggle big time.

TUE 23rd March

Had lunch with grandma again. We went to Chinatown, and I got lost in Sydney CBD. Paid about $20 in toll charge, site seeing a bit. Nothing special.

WED 24th March

Woke up in the morning and my right foot was hurting. Got biten by some insects, either ant or spider. Played my first match against Roger Dalitz, he left me plenty of chances. Scrappy 1st frame, and make a 40+ and a 30+ in second frame. Won 2-0. Then played D.Fong, the PNG champ in my next match. That guy is a freak, pots everything from everywhere with no position. My game still struggling, couldn't make any breaks, lost 2-0 pretty standard.

After the match, I went straight to the doctor as my foot was killing me. Swollen another foot size. Took medicines and went back to hotel. Another early night for me.

THUR 25th March

Now my foot felt a bit better. Still hurt a bit, but not as bad as Wednesday. First match vs Uncle Glen, no chance, what so ever. So lost 2-0. Than I played Ali G in my next match. I need to win that match in order to qualify. So sick about my performance, chances everywhere. My highest break in the match was 13. Lost 2-0, I felt snooker is some kind of punishment. I want to snap my cue in halves. Mr.Invincible was there watching a WA chick in action. Obviously something behind the scene. For the first time this year, I told him I need a beer. I skull a bottle within 5 min. Went passed Adam Wyard, the tournament director, I told him I will forfeit my last match against the Dunk. Went back to Mr.Invincible with another bottle. All of the sudden they called my name. I decided not to play, but Mr. Invincible insisted I must play or no Yum Cha winning will be received. OK! I skull another beer and play.

All of the sudden, I were half drunk, but start potting. I played on a better table. A lot quicker, and the cloth has less drift and a lot more grab. I played in my lightning pace. I bit scrappy in the first frame, but had the frame under control even i were behind. I won it on the pink. Then in the second frame, Stu Dunk made a nice 48. With 4 reds remaining, about 50 points behind, I potted a good red, got position and clear up within 5 min. WOW! I didn't expect this would happen. With some results going my way, I might sneak into the last 32.

FRI March 26th

I need to win my match against Austin Power. Either Ali G or Fong need to lose both of their matches, then I will sneak in. They played each other in the first match. Fong won comfortably 2-0. Up next Ali G had to beat Uncle Glen, if he lose, I will be in. Scrappy 1st frame and Uncle Glen won on the black after a fluke pink. Uncle Glen ran away in 2nd frame and I qualify 4th in my group. After the draw, I played Smoking Joe Minici in the last 32.

In the first 2 frames, I struggle again. Joe was smoking and he took a 2-0 lead. In the 3rd, I finally pot something and my shakes had calm down a lot. I played in a quick pace and won the next 2 frames without any trouble. So 2-2, and final frame. We both had a couple chances but under pressure, we didn't score much. With 3 reds remaining, I were like 12 points in front. Joe left me a red over the middle pocket. Pink was on the spot, the other 2 reds were under the pink but touching each other, forming a little triangle. When I went down for the easiest shot in the world, some idiot walked in front of me. I twitched, the red still went in but now I left with no position on any colour. I played a pretty good safety shot but Joe fluked the red. Although he didn't clear up but he was in control. I went down 3-2.

I don't like the format, best of 3 round robin stage is a joke. They shouldn't put the Billiards and Snooker together. I hate the 6 red comp, it plays like pool. The table condition is horrible, hard to play on an old cloth with no grab. Somehow MVP had different idea. He reckons the tables are tight, but everyone thinks they are buckets. I am not going to argue with the MVP, as he has infinite knowledge in this game with a couple of lineup 147 under his belt. After struggling early, I came back strongly in my last 3 matches. Losing 3-2 to Joe certainly not a shame. Not too disappointed losing the match that way. I had my chances but didn't fully capitalize it. My half of the draw was good. Now Joe will play Ricky Emery in the last 16, then either Kurt Brown or Paul Blazer in the QF. If I play well, I have a good chance beating them. Can't expect too much as I almost concede my match against the Dunk not too long ago. Looking forward for more snooker, as well as Sunday night Sook tag team Event at the Pond with the Master. More update later.

Its funny how people can go so low!

2010-03-18T19:50:00.003+11:00

How can people go so low? It is only a stupid game on Facebook. "Be a Tycoon" is the name of the game. I have been playing this stupid game for the past 2 years. You need to build up your Net Worth, bid on items etc. You can also trade RARE items with others. So that means, just in the real world, there are scammers everywhere. I bumped into 1 yesterday.

You gotta love this. Most of these scums are all Indians. As my Dad used to tell me, he will never do business with the Indians. They are all dishonest scumbags. We negotiate a trade, after I sent my item to him, he deleted my name in his list and hide. OK! I admitted I were being stupid. But it was only a fucken game. I went thru the chat history, found something very funny. Here are a few things that he said:

"That item means a lot to me. I need it desperately!"
"Please do it quick!"
"I appreciate if you send me the 2 items first......"
"Send me the other one and I will send my Med.SPA back immediately"

Obviously I sent him the first item, then I request him sending me his before I will send him the second one. Then here said.

"My item is more precious than yours, so you must send both before I send back to you"
" I can't trust you, coz you might go away after you receive my item and I will be in a massive lose."

Blah! Blah! Blah! Now I knew I got scammed. Fuck those Indians! Most of them are dogie, and all of them have strong body odour. Obviously I didn't send him the 2nd one, and for sure he ran away. I should be more careful next time. Should ask myself a few questions. Why he need those Rare items so desperately? Why some items in a virtual world with no money value means so much to them? Without owning some fucken item in a Facebook game, does it means you can't perform at night in bed? Did that item has some magic, so you can grow a few inches longer? That item you are looking for must have some crytonite power. You must become a supernatural right now. Running faster than Usin Bolt, swim quicker than Phelps, stronger than any weight lifter in this world. Most importantly you are unbeatable at night in bed. Finish the whole process within 10 sec. You are good! Real good!

No poker for me in the past week. I didn't bust my account, but thanks to all my mates, my current PS balance is $0. First up was Master Buck, not only he bust my account, but also used up all my fpp, about 1k+ of them. Then deposited $30, built to like $60+, Superman busted it for me. Master Gee transfer me $50 in FullRig, bust it in 10 min playing Rush PLO. Life without poker is peaceful. No stress, no pot odds, no read, no hands, no IRON FIST what so ever!

For the past week, I simply practice snooker all the time. The draw for the Oceania Snooker Championship is out. In the 6 red comp, I drew in a tough group with S.Budd, Hassan Kerde, Jaydon and someone from QLD. Top 2 qualifys, Tough group, but only 6 reds, anything could happen! In the Main Draw, I am in the same group with Uncle Glen, S.Duncan, Roger Dalitz, Austin Power, Ali Gangi and the PNG snooker Champion. Top 4 qualify, but only best of 3 in round robin. The format doesn't suit me because I am bit of a slow starter. Apart from Uncle Glen and Duncan, I should be ok against the rest of the group. Just need to perform at the right time.

Struggling in pennant last night at Kings, lost 3-0 to Tony Freidman. I used to kick his ass everytime I play him. Somehow the table condition was horrible. So $20 to our snooker pot, once again donated by ME! Right now I found something very interesting but I don't have an answer yet.

The more I practice.....
1) The more I struggle
2) The more I realize how shit I am in snooker

GLITCH is working

2010-03-11T18:27:00.003+11:00

A few weeks ago I got a horrendous bad run of cards in both PS and FullRig. Somehow I found a pattern in all those bad beats. All those check/raise or re-raise shove in a nothing pot on the turn, when obviously you are behind, no odds to call, no business in the hand what so ever. All those poker room will reward you with miracle river. Recently I haven't played much poker, both online or at the Pond. All those plays define logic, but I am willing to test it out.

This hand came at PS. I started the hand with about $33 in my stack, played 7 handed. Table very tight but aggressive pre-flop. UTG I raised to $1.50 with my Q 9 sthooted. Nothing special about the hand, but who knows. Since they all play passive after flop, I might outplay them from there on. All folded to SB who popped to $4.50. He might have a big Ace or Big pair. $3 more for me + position, I decided to take the flop. BB folded. I flopped 2 pair as board 889. SB lead out for $6, standard continuation bet with a big stack behind him. Either I am way in front or way behind, I called and see what he will do on the turn. Turn 7d, now I have 2 pair along with Flush draw. Now he bets another $11.50. He definately have a big pair, but I could represent 10 J in my hand. Wishful thinking from my part, because in this limit, no one going to fold over pair. No matter what, they will bet or call shove with their family lives on the line. Folding in their part definately not an option. At the same time I was thinking, if the glitch really work, I should still shove. I am behind, but have more than 10 outs to win. So I shove for $23+ and he snapped call. River 9, the glitch is working.
..
This one on FullRig, 10c/25c PLO rush table. Everyone plays like a maniac. UTG raised to $0.85, all folded to me in the SB, called and BB also called. On the flop, UTG bet pot to $2+. I check/raised to $8+. I feel I have enough outs to be fav in this hand. BB folded, UTG called. Turn an absolute blank 2 c. I check once again, and this time UTG bet pot for $17+. I still have like $20+ inside, so I took the aggressive route by shoving. UTG called showed JJJ. Glitch is WORKING! 10 on the river.

As a mathematical player like I am. It is very hard for me to make plays like this. No odds shoving in that spot. Most of the time I tend to keep the pot small, rather than playing big pot without something close to the nuts. In order to execute this play, it took my tremendous amount of guts and courage, also believed in the Glitch that is not virtually existed. Might try more in the next couple of days and see how it goes!

Poker home game at the Master's place tomorrow night. Master Buck might also make a special appearance. Hope Neverlose won't be there. I have enough of all those "Whats the experience like playing at the high limit area at Crown" BS bunch of craps. Move to Las Vages! Bar none!

As my snooker goes, I am playing almost everyday. I want to make a slash next week in Sydney at the Oceania Snooker Championship. Unfortunately for me, I found out I am a slow starter. In all those best of 5 format, very hard for me to get a good start. I have been playing ok in pennant recently. Here are my results so far:

Week 1: Lost to Steve Cain 2-1. Final frame by 1 point.
Week 2: Lost to Sausage 3-0. They put a number 1 player against me. Table in perfect condition, didn't adjust in time.
Week 3: (Monday) Lost to Peter ManiV 2-1. Got lucktarded in first 2 frames. Final frame make 37 and 38 in 2 consecutive visits.
(Wednesday) Won 2-1 against M.Keagan with break of 48 in last frame.

Overall my game is on the way up, and see how it goes before Oceania.

Bad Cueing

2010-03-06T12:06:00.002+11:00

Since I came back from HK, I have been playing snooker 5 nights a week. I don't know what happen, I just lose my cueing after the Matchroom Open. Wed night in pennant, I lost to Sausage 3-0. Totally different condition at Brunswick, compare to Princes. The table was lightning fast, and the cue ball felt heavier. In another term, they were using the correct match sets, compare to Princes using a feather white. Struggling with my cueing and nothing went right. So I donated $20 into the Fat Banana Snooker Pot.

This morning, I went to Princes and played the Handicap tournament. Lost in my first match against S.Daltiz. First frame was close, I were 2 points in front with colours remaining. Green and brown over the pocket. Blue and pink on spot, black was open somewhere under the yellow spot. I played a good safety shot on the yellow, cue ball tide up on the top rail, about 2 inches from the right side pocket. Yellow on the right side rail close to the balk line about 1/2 inches off the cushion. Somehow he slammed the yellow in and cleared up. That was a good pot, even Neil Robbo might only pot it 1 in 10. If he miss, most likely I will have a chance and clear up. Just like in poker, with flop Q 10 3 rainbow, people will shove with AJ, thought would have AK, then I call with my QQ. Rag turn and K river. So 1-0 down. In the next frame, he made a 30 break at the start, then I pot 3 long reds and all 3 times my cue ball went in off. I have no idea what's going on, better donate $50 to Slowvari on Monday and let him fix it all up for me.

After Wed night pennant, I had a 14 hours marathon poker session. Started off well, played 25/50c NLH. In the BB, had 78 off. UTG raised to $1.50. Button and SB called, I called as well for extra $1. Flop 9 10 J with 2 spades. I flopped the lower end straight on a draw heavy board. SB check, I check as well, expect UTG will bet. UTG bet $4 into a $6 pot, UTG flat called, SB folded. I was thinking UTG might have a set, AJ or over pair. Button should be on draw. So I look for a safe card on the turn. Turn 4c, now 2 spades and 2 clubs on the board. With $16 inside, and about $30 behind me. Either I shove it right now, or check-raise shove. I check, expect UTG will fire a second barrel, something not too big in the $12 range, so I can move over the top. Button might have KQ, if so nothing I can do about it. I checked again, but this time everyone check. River the Ad. Definitely a good card for me. All the draws have missed and might improve to 2 pairs or so. If UTG had KK, he will definitely check. 2 pair, he might raise me. While button might call with pair Aces if hes on nut flush draw. So I made a solid bet of $16, UTG called, and button fold. UTG had A 10 for 2 pair and I won a decent pot.

Stack down a bit, then table broke up. Then I went to 10/25c PLO 6 handed. Lost my first buy-in $25 when I flopped middle set on As Js 4h board. Stacked in on the flop, the guy had KQ102 with no spades. 65% fav on the flop and he hits runner runner flush. Then I re-buy, and double up with my middle pair + 2 way gutters + nut flush draw, vs KKxx with 2nd flush draw. I made my nuts at the end. Won a few medium size pot, and left with $72+.

Then my down fall had begun. Went to 50c / $1 NL Omaha H/L table, my AA 3 4 lost to A 2 K Q for $150 pot. The guy flop straight and I were drawing dead. Lost $100 there and another $50 in lowball table. Lost another $100 shopping around from games to games. Then check my balance, only $56+ left. Then I started a mini rush.

I found a fish in 25/50c PLO HU table. I bought in for $50. Managed to run it up to $200 within 25 hands. In one hand I flopped the nut straight with nut flush draw, went into a raising war on the flop, and he held AAxx. Then he check raise me on the river on a 4 straight board 5 7 8 9 10 with 2 pair, when I had 10 J in my hand. Now I am having new mojo within my blood, time to move on. I bought in for $200 in a $1/$2 PLO HU table.

Start off slowly, down to $188. Then on a As Js 4h board, I had bottom 2 with crap flush draw vs my opponent AKJxx no spades. Hit my flush on the turn, went check/check, river 4, and I bet 1/2 pot and he paid me off. Then down a couple $$, with stack $244+, this hand came up.

In BB I dealt K997. SB popped to $6, I flat call. Flop 8 8 J rainbow. Well I didn't have much apart from a GS with 99. I check to him and he fired a pot size bet. I knew I was behind, but I had something different in mind. I could represent trips. Just need to know if he had the 8 or not. So I float around, and called his pot size bet on the flop. Turn 4s. Now 2 spades on the board. I check to him once again, but to my surprise he checked as well. So hands that will bet on this board will be any 8, JJ, any overpair with nut flush draw. So once he check, he will either have something like, bare over pair, straight draw, 2 pair or flush draw. So I know for sure he didn't have an 8 in his hand, and I can make a play on the river. River Kd. No straight or flush possibility. So he either have a monster (KK or JJ) or a very weak / average hand. I stalled for a while, thinking what he might do on the river. BTW I still have some show down value with my 2 pair Kings up. I checked for the third time, and now he made another pot size bet of $36+. I instantly re-raised him another $100. He folded instantly. Most likely he was bluffing. But at least I can make him fold a lot of hands that had me beat. After the session, PS mojo stood at $370.

Happy Snookering

2010-03-02T18:09:00.002+11:00

First time in the last 4 years, I feel like playing snooker everyday. Enjoying the game as much as ever. Thanks to all the cocksuckers I met in HK, they really motivate me big time. They are all MVP in the making. Remember the time when MVP told me to get my ass back in B Grade, then Yarraville Club called me to play for them. Right now I am having the same feeling. I am not a championship type player, and I know I won't win any open event in Australia. I can't afford to practice 6 to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. I know I can give any player in Australia a good run for their money at any time if I play well. One day I found a DVD of myself playing against Fat Banana, I realize how good I used to be, and right now I am about 60% compare to my peak. Kick, Stroke, Breath, paddle..... whatever it takes, I am determine to get back to my old form. I am practicing nearly everyday. Time will tell if I can achieve my goal.

Fat Banana and their B grade team is doing a snooker pot. Its how it works: Each playing has to pay $5 for every frame they lose in pennant night. If a player lose 3-0, then there will be an extra $5 penalty (Total $20 for the night). At the end of the season, there will be a massive pool, so we will spend the money dining and have a big night out. History said the pot will exceed $600 by the end of the season. Tony Lee and his C grade team years ago, in a 4 men team created a pot of $750+. The biggest pot ever was about $850+ when King of Power, Fat Banana and company in the 6 men B grade side couple years ago. Although I am not in their B grade team this year, but I have joint them. I will still pay them the money base on my result at Yarraville A grade side. Should be fun!

Oceania Snooker Championship will be held at Sydney later this month. I have entered both the 6 reds and the Open events. I am leaving on the 21st, and should be back by the 27th. Then on the 28th, I will play the Sook Deep Stack team Event along with the Master. It will be my honor hopping along side with the Master in his quest for poker supremacy. It will be my once in a lifetime opportunity playing along side with the Great One without having him eyeing on my stack all the time. It will be exciting, it will be entertaining and the Pond will be electrifying! Can't wait for that night to come!

Matchroom Open Review

2010-02-23T19:21:00.003+11:00

I am back! Had a great time over there. I can't recall when was the last time in Australia we have a $20k snooker tournament with only 44 entries. Monty and the Matchroom staffs has done a good job running the tournament. Somehow there are still a lot of improvements could be make. The table conditions were very crap. Only 6 tables were available, and I think 4 of them has new cloths in it, but the cloths on the cushions are old. It gives an uneven bounce off the rail. On Friday and Saturday, it was 37C outside. The room still using the evaporating type air con system. It was hot inside the room and also sticky. Too much moisture in the air, even on a new cloth, the table runs very slow. Table #1 and #2 has tight pockets, but all the balls roll off the rail. It is impossible to pot balls along the rail no matter how hard or soft you hit them. I didn't play on table #4, 5 and 6, so no comments from me, but they should definitely throw Table #3 away. More on it later!

My first match was against M.Hook, I played absolutely crap. Too hot inside the room and I were sweating after 5 min. Won the first frame easily, and won the second frame with a bit of luck on the black. In the final frame I cued well and won by a big margin.

On Saturday, I were up against Paul Balzer. We played on the butcher table #3. It was an old cloth, I think re-stretched. After a few shots, there were something wrong with the table. The table was not levelled. I played a shot from the top rail, rolls towards the balk. The cue ball rolled towards the yellow pocket about 1 1/2 ball length. Further more you can't play a lot of shots. When you hit it hard, the cue ball throws to the other way; No drag shots allow, coz the cloth has no grab, so everytime you drag, it becomes a swerve. No screw back when 2 balls like 2 feet's apart, coz the cloth has no grab ( either stop or stun follow), plus hitting it hard, the cue ball might throw off. Scrappy game all 5 frames, even Paul can't make anything over 30 with clear chances, pack wide open and colours all on spots. Playing on tables like this actually works in my advantage. Now it becomes a crap shot against a better player. Even Vinny, Ben Nunan, Jayden, they all can't pot a string of balls together on that table. Aaron made a break of 104 over there, by hitting plain ball on every shots.

In the first frame, I had a good chance to pinch it. With 3 reds on the table, all open, I cut back a red about 1/2 ball to the middle when the red was a couple inches under the blue spot. Just before it rolls to the pocket, the red rolled towards the upper jaw. Paul made a 15 break or so and pot 1 ball at a time and won the frame.

I won the second and Paul ran out in the third. In the forth frame I won on the yellow when he needed 1 snooker. Paul did enough in the final frame and won the match 3-2. Hard to judge my effort playing on conditions like these. Somehow I am having the feeling to play almost everyday. Its something lost in my blood over the last 4 years. Looking forward for the pennant tomorrow night vs Humphrey Bear's team. Should be a good season coming ahead.

Whenever tournaments is on, I will have a prop bet or 2 with Mr.Invincible. Before the tournament starts, I were already down $25 when Man United won 3-2 at Milan. So here are the bets I had with him for the weekend.
1) Everton +1/2 in EPL vs Man.United
2) Luke Hough vs MVP
3) S.Budd at 5 -1 to win the tournament
4) Vinny at 5-1 to win the tournament
5) Laying 4-1 on Mr.Invincible
6) Laying 8-1 on Bobo

Everton got up, Budd lost in first round. MVP 3-0 over Luke, but Vinny won the tournament. So I am up $125 Yum Cha credits.

My bad run in cards continues. Lost another $800 in Adelaide. I played in the $65 NLH freeze out tourny on Wed night. $2500 starting chips, and built it up to $4k+ after 2 rounds. With blinds $50/$100, I got AA in MP. After 2 limpers, I raised to $450. All folded to SB called, all folded to UTG also called. So 3 way action. Flop J Q 5 rainbow. All checked to me and I bet $800. Now SB shoved for $2k+ and UTG folded. I called. SB had 9 10 for straight draw. Turn 8 and I were drawing dead. Still had $2200 behind. A few hands later, I dealt the MIGHTY TUNA UTG. I raised to $250, sort of a block raise, knew no one will pop me back without a real hand. Now all folded to the BB and he called. Flop J 2 3 with 2 spades. I had no spades in my hand. SB over betting the pot for $600. With my top pair, I called. He might be on draw, want to know what he will do on the turn. Turn card an off suite J, so now I have trip Jacks. This time he shoved and had me covered. I called instantly. He turn over 4 5 off. River card 6. Now I bust! I lost another $700+ on Friday night playing BlackJack, losing 15 hands in a row. Can't win a hand, so from now on, I am not going to Crown or any casino for the next 6 months. I will go to the Pond, but not for cash games but only for the 2 tournys in the Sook's Deepstake. Need to stay away from there, and play more snooker. Once again I am enjoying it. It helps!

Rush Poker

2010-02-16T00:04:00.002+11:00

Happy Chinese New Year to you all!

Last Saturday I travelled all the way to Pakenham and visited the Master. It was his birthday and we had a 10/20 home game. BTW we played in cents. Grand Master was there, along with the Master, Stacy, myself, Sam Fishy, Marty and also Nehad. Neverlose wasn't there and it was the best thing for the night. I have heard enough whats it like playing at the high stake area at the Pond. We have heard enough about "string bets" for 60 cents. Also we have heard enough about his short but fruitful poker career. Sam Fishy still annoying as ever.

We played 7 handed, and the Master played about 80% of his hands, so did Grand Master. There was a major difference between the two. The Master managed to win 50% of his hands played, but Grand Master just mucked 75% of the time on the river. Once again the Master showed to all his fellow students how to play small ball, as well as the power of raising. He played his position well and bluff at the right situation. For me I played very well. Tighter than Action Dan. Card dead for the whole night. We played closed to 8 hours, My best hand was pocket 10s. Had AK once, but folded before the flop instantly. The action went like this: Sam Fishy limped, Nehad raised, I re-raised, Sam Fishy shoved all-in, and both of us folded. I guessed I have read the same book, Sam fishy was reading. I put him on the big pair. Later I found out he had QQ. I ended up winning $20. The Master broke even due to running into AA 4 times when he had KK. Grand Master was the biggest winner for the night, up like $60. It was a great night out, looking forward for the next home game (only if Neverlose not there).

As far as my online goes, I managed to win back 1/3 of my lost so far this year. Superman has just quit PS for good. I think I might follow his footstep soon, if those donkeys keep on shoving on draws when I am at least 2 to 1 fav in every spots. I recently tried my hands in Rush Poker at FullRig, and I am having mixed results. The NLH is tough. I am losing in that game at Rush poker. There are a lot of things I need to adjust. The action goes so fast, and you can always fold in advance. So everytime when a player enters the pot, their starting hand generally will be better than in an average ring game. People lose patience and starts playing more hands. In PushPoker, you see a lot more hands in a minute, so you will be dealt more good hands in a minute. So the UTG raise or MP raise first in, not necessary means AJ or middle pair. Most of the time they will have a premium hand. So folding KQ, A 10 in position will not be a bad play. You will be amazed how often you bump into AA or KK over there. Because I haven't adjusted to the flow of the game yet, I am losing there.

Rush Poker also have PLO. Normally they played 6 handed, which I am doing very good right now. I tend to play short session. For 15 mins or so, I can play like 40 hands at least. I know the table will be loose and many people will take the pot bet as always. I guess I have adjusted to the flow of the game by folding a lot of hands OOP. Once I am on the button or CO, that will be my seats. I bluffed a lot of pots in position. Imaginative Representation is the key in there. Calling the first raise in position won cost you too much. Betting the dangerous card on the turn or river when OOP player checked will become very profitable. Since you will be shuffle to a different table every hand, your opponent won't have a read on you. Generally they will think you play tight, and bluff less. I took full advantage of this. I once ran my stack from $25 to $180+, also from $15 to $87, within 10 minutes. All I played was 10c/25c PLO short handed. I will be playing more often in PLO than NLH. In NLH, my play is based on my read and on my opponents betting patterns. You never get any of them in Rush Poker.

After losing $600 at the Pond last week, I went there again with Fat Banana on Sunday and donked away another $400. So I won't go there again untill the Sook Deepstack Series and I plan to play the $230 PLO, or maybe the team event if I can come back from Sydney in time. I am heading to Adelaide on Wed, and I will play in the $65 NLH tourny that night, then back to snooker. The Matchroom Open's draw is out already. My first match will be against M.Hooks. I think I sort of knowing who he is and I should be 2 to 1 fav in that one. Then in last 32 will be up against Paul Balzer. I need to pot well and full capitalize my chances if I have any chance beating him.

Had a hit with Rudy this afternoon. I lost to him 4-2. In the first 4 frames I lost it all. I had like 10 visits to the table in total. Rudy made a 101 in the first frame in his first visit. In the second frame, he made 82. Then 72 in third and 89 in forth. I won a scrappy 5th on the black and ran away winner in the 6th with a 30 and 40. So at least I can win some frames after I warm up! Tomorrow another ass whipping from Mr.Invincible. Need to perform under pressure, and against these kind of monsters will be the way to go!

Unhappy Swim

2010-02-12T02:34:00.003+11:00

Since I got crushed by a bunch of lucktards recently in PLO, I have done a lot of analysis about my play. Those big check/raised or big re-raised on the turn when drawing after a strong almost committed bet, I still couldn't figure it out. Those guys were just creating better odds for themselves by volunteer shipping majority of their stack in a nothing pot with only 1 card to come. What make it worse was they simply can't get the benefits of implied odds by calling. Checking a lot of forum, I found out Tom Durrrr, Phil Galfond loves doing this move. Based on the hands they played, their stack size compare to the pot ratio was totally different. They don't re-raise a huge bet on the turn when drawing when the guy almost committed. So I have learnt a lot in that session:

1) You can never beat Lucktards in this game
2) I joined a Pure Luck Omaha table
3) I am still a worm
4) There might be a glitch in all poker sites. Check-raise or re-raise after a huge bet, if the aggressor shoves, you must call or shove when drawing. All those online site will reward you. PERIOD!

Went to the Pond on Wed night. They have $60 PLO tourny there. I knew the structure will be crap, but for $60, I'm willing to test the water there. If PLO in PS stands for Pure Luck Omaha, than this tourny must mean Pure Lottery Omaha. Everyone limp and button will pot, then everyone will call. After the flop anything could happen. All-ins everywhere. "CONGRATULATION Player X! You have just won the Bingo in hand number 1."

Went there again tonight with Superman. I guess my bad run continues. Bought in for $200 in $2/$3 NLH. In CO I dealt 4d 5d. UTG raised to $15, after 2 callers, I decided to take the flop. SB also called and BB folded, so 5 players in and flop came Ad 10d 3d. I flopped flush with Steel Wheel draw. Everyone checked to me and I bet $45 to start with. SB called and everyone folded. Turn Kh, checked to me again, and I bet $107. Now SB shoved all-in for $150. Easy call for me. He turned over 7d 2d. Drawing dead!

WTF was he doing with 72 sthooted? By playing my small sthooted connectors, always a chance losing to a bigger flush at any point. I guess I played it right by playing it fast especially the Ace on the board. I also mistaken the power of 72 sthooted. After a long thought, I realised why people play 72 sthooted.

1) Its STHOOTED
2) It has 2 straight draws
3) 2 chances for straight flush draw
4) He might think he is Joe Sebok
5) Can also hit a pair, 2 pair, trips, fullhouse, Quads
6) He must have too much mojos playing 7 2
7) Runner runner possibilities if you know whats coming
8) Most importantly, its a FAMOUS HAND

I re-buy for another $200. After like 2 rounds, my stack down to like $180. dealt Kh Qh. UTG raised to $15, got 1 caller in the middle. I also called in MP+3. One of the blinds also called. 4 way action. Flop 10h 8h 5s. UTG bet $22, After a bit of thought I raised to $55 with my flush draw + 2 overs. All folded to raiser and he shoved. I called. Turn 4 river 8 with no hearts. UTG showed 45 off and I busted again.

Superman also didn't fair too well tonight. We went upstairs and I lost another $200 in Baccarat + Pai Gow. Overall down $600 for the night. Not pleased with that. I guess I better stop going there for a while untill the Sook Deepstack series. Need to practice more in snooker as I am heading to Adelaide next week for tourny. If feel boring, might start grinding again in PS. So far I have grind back $100 after that PLO session. Still a long way to go, but need to be patience. Tomorrow, I am heading to Pakenham, visiting the Master and have a home game over there. 10/20 blinds NLH should be interesting. As he is the Model of Excellent, hopefully the Master will teach me a trick or two. Hopefully I can turn the table in no time. By the way, the blinds we'll be playing tomorrow are in cents!

Rough start!

2010-02-06T00:50:00.011+11:00

At the start of year, every poker room and bookies usually have some kind of bonus. At the start of the year I received an email from IAS. They were giving me $200 (100%) bonus. I deposited $400 in it and cleared it in no time. Once I cleared it, I withdraw $1000 straight away and still have $100 open bet on the Saints in Superbowl.

With $600 AUD profit, I had something else in mind. I said to myself, I will take a shot at higher limits in PLO. So I deposited US$500 in my PS account and start rolling. My target is to play at $1/$2 PLO. I would like to give it a try and I am confident I will be OK. My PS adventure didn't start too well. Coolers after coolers. I didn't think I played it bad. I played most of my hands in position. A lot of times, I managed to keep the pot small pre-flop and on the flop. Then based on my read, I either, re-raised or check-raised on the turn, managing to ship my stack in when I were well in front. Not 1 time my hand held up. What a sick feeling. I guess PS just wouldn't allow me to play at those middle stack. Or perhaps I am a worm, so they will award bad players the monster pot at my expenses. No idea whats going on. I guess I will stay away from there for a while.

I bought in for $175 in $1/$2 PLO and after a few rounds, I built it up to $185, then this hand came up. On the button, UTG limp for $2, CO raised pot to $9. My hand KJ68 ds, not a bad hand on the button. I flat called. Blinds folded, UTG called. $30 pot on the flop. I hit middle pair but no draw. All checked to me, so I checked as well. Turn 6. Now I had middle 2 pair along with 2nd nut flush draw. UTG checked as well. Now the initial raiser bet $22. The 6 most likely won't help him. His checked on the flop gave his hand away. Any kind of hand from 2 pair or set, he would at least bet a bit on the flop. I guess he would also bet the diamond draw and wrap. So most likely he had nothing but an overpair. Since no one showed any strength on the flop, he tried to take a stab at the pot. I believed I am in front. If he had a lower wrap, or AA with flush draw. I must make him pay. If he hd a set, I still got outs. So I raised the pot to $94+ leaving $82+ behind. Tried to end it right there. UTG folded, CO re-raised all-in, I called. My read spot on. I were 60% to win. What a donkey he was. I must have at least 2 pair. If I had a set, he could be close to 3-1 dog. Anyway DONKEY RULES!

At the same time I also playing in 25c/50c NLH. Straight after I busted in the PLO this hand came up. UTG raised to $1.50, all folded to me in the big blind. I called. Hit top pair on the flop, but I expect him to bet. I figured he had a hand, so I took the aggressive route by checking. He bet $2.25, but I still not sure if my hand good or not. So I called. Turned Qd. With 3 flush on the board, I can't check anymore. I figured my hand were good, HU situation, can't put him on flush. If he had overpair, he will check/call behind me. So I lead out for $6, almost the size of the pot. Now he raised me to $19.50. If he had a small flush, or set then hes too good. I put him on AA with Ad. Can't really call the bet and left $20 behind. So I shoved all-in for $42 ($23+ more for him). He snapped called me with nothing but AK. I were 75% to win on the flop, 73% to win on the turn, but in this game, you NEVER beat a SNAPPER on draw.

Then I went back to 25c/50c PLO full table, lost about $60 when my flopped top set lost to turned straight for another $100 pot in BB. So I quit for the night and went back the next day.

With bankroll about $230, I kept my promise. Went back to $1/$2 PLO 6 handed. Bought in for full amount $200 and slowly up to $220. Now on the button dealt 3456 ds. UTG folded, CO called, I raised to $6. Perfect hand to play on the button with a raise. If I hit the flop hard, I will win a big one. BTW my opponents most likely put me on high cards, so my hand would be well disguised. Both blinds called along with CO, so $24 pot pre-flop. I hit the flop well with bottom 2 pair + open ended. No flush draw there, so even I didn't have the best hand, I certainly had the best draw. Both blinds checked, CO bet $10, I mini raised to $20, Looking for a free card on the turn. Both blinds folded, CO called. Turn another 10. I figured he had turned a set, maybe boat but very unlikely coz he must have 10 4 or 10 3 in his hand. Now he checked and I checked behind him. River completed my nut straight. CO bet pot for $60. 50/50 situation for me. He might have A 10 or boat. I knew he put me on high pair, but I had straight. Made a curious call and he had quads.

Now stack $131. Down to $93. The guy on my right was a fish, never fold a hand. I had position on him, so I got the perfect seat. I slowly built up my stack back to $174, raking a lot $20+, $30+ pot. Then this hand came up in BB. Had AAQJ ds. All folded to SB fishy and he raised to $6. With my huge hand HU + position, I re-raised him to $18. He had no choice but called. I caught a good flop, 10 6 2 rainbow. No obvious draw out there and that guy has to raise with junks to hit 2 pair. Best hand he could have will be 2456 or 6789 or 679 10 sort of hands. Now he checked, need to play it quick and try to end it right there. I bet pot for $34+. Now SB re-raised to $89 all-in. His range was huge, from 2 pair to 789. Since he raised pre-flop, I put him on KKxx, 4 high cards with a 10. I trusted my instinct and called him straight away. Once again my read spot on. Once again I were 69% fav pre-flop, 83% fav on the flop when the money went in. He must know whats coming and the spiked the Kc on the turn. Even though I still have re-draw, now I had a big wrap with nut flush draw. Although he spiked the miracle, I only 40% dog to win. River completed my flush but the board paired. Lost another one. $214 pot.

Now stack down to $67. I made a re-raised bluff on the turn with my wrap and took a much needed $50 pot. I slowly built it back to $140+. Then this hand came up once again with AAxx in BB. All folded to button and he raised to $7. SB had no choice coz he never fold and he called. I had AA39 1 suite. I were not folding, but my AA a bit weak. If I had a larger stack, I might just call. With $140 behind, I could either raise or call. Since the button played very aggressive and always raised in position, I decided to re-raised. So I pot to $28. Button folded instantly which was good. SB ATC again. Flop K 5 6 with 2 spades. Now SB checked, I decided to bet the pot coz I had the As. Representing AA with nut flush draw. I bet $60 leaving $58 behind. SB thought for a long while and shoved. He had me covered by a few $$$. Tough decision on my part. Since he had a long delay check/raise, I knew hes on draw. He would slow play a set, plus any kind of big hand he would check raise a lot quicker. He would check/call on crap flush draw, lead out with 2 pair. I thought for a long while, and put him on AKxx. Getting 4 to 1 on my money, I need a bit of luck there. He got 1 pair + up and down with no flush draw. I only 46% dog in this hand, but could easily be 67% fav if I had the flush draw. Turn blank, river 4s. BUSTO!

Losing US$500 in 2 days really hurts my poker mojo as I normally play in micro-stakes. Since I am on a free roll from IAS, I can still handle that. Did I play it that bad? I lost all the big pots when I were in good shape. I didn't shove it on the flop, but most of the time on the turn with only 1 card to come. Somehow PS always reward pots to those players shoving it on draw, espically on the turn. I lot of river rats these days. Perhaps ATC is the way to be no matter what. That's really piss me off. I am off from poker in the next few weeks. I am off to Adelaide on the 17th and play in the snooker tourny over there. I will also go to Sydney for the Oceania Snooker Championship in March. Need to spend more time in snooker and F*** poker right now!

I am Back!!!!

2010-02-02T14:49:00.002+11:00

I am back in Melbourne after 40 days in Hong Kong. My time over there was OK, spent most of my time with family and did a limit time of swimming over there. My original plan was to take part in the FEPT (Far East Poker Tour), and test my 1/2 assemble IRON FIST in some poker room in Hong Kong before invading the Pokerstars home base across the border in Macau. I went to a poker room one night and found out poker in the Far East was like playing Bingo. With blinds $5/$10 (HKD), everyone would shove pre-flop with all kind of hands for $500+. I saw a 4 way all-in pot, with no mushroom stack, all-in preflop and no one had any Premium hand. AQ vs KJ vs JJ vs 89. WTF was going on in there? Unfortunately I didn't get any big pairs to play with. After 2 hours or so I broke even.

I planned to goto Macau as well. Soon after I went to Guangzhou, I abandoned my plan. Just too much fun up there in China. I ended up spending the weekend up there. At the meantime, I heard that Mr.Sklansky has retired from poker. Really? Without poker, what else can he do? Without poker, what does he worth? Without poker, his life will become meaningless! As one of the most influential figure in poker history, he has conquered millions of poker player around the world. Even in Hong Kong, during the countdown on New Years eve, I even heard people chanting his name at the Edinburgh Square. How can he retired? Poker is part of his life and The Pond is his home away from home. He thrives in all kind of all-in situation. His Iron Fist has revolutionized the world of NLH. Everytime hes at the table, the rail will explode. He can electrify all the players in the room. His opponents fear him and even the dealer is getting goose bumps. So my guess is that he is taking a break from poker, time to spend some of his winnings. Once he find the loneliness without poker, he will definitely head back to the Pond.

WBCOOP

2010-01-19T03:43:00.000+11:00

I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker! The WBCOOP is a free online Poker tournament open to all Bloggers, so register on WBCOOP to play.

Registration code: 923709

2009 REVIEW + Award / 2010 Resolution

2009-12-15T15:35:00.004+11:00

I will be going to Hong Kong this Friday for 6 weeks. So would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Don't drink too much, and use a condom. 2009 not too bad or me in terms of poker. The only disappointment I have would be no final tables at the Pond, haven't won any donkaments online as well as still haven't won any NLH tournaments. The upside would be I become a more consistent player, with less swing in my account. Here below are the figures:

Year 2007:
Total online profit = $1110 (USD)
Total Pond profit = $134 (AUD)
Total Live Cash game = -$391 in 108 hours

Year 2008:
Total Online profit = $1561 (USD)
Total Pond profit = $1529 (AUD)
Total Live cash game = -$403 in 32 hours

Year 2009:
Total Online Profit = $1520 (USD)
Total Pond Profit = $878 (Excluding $3k profit from staking Superman)
Total Live cash game = $1063 in 30 hours

Compare to previous years, my profit at the Pond has increased especially in cash tables. I made some minor adjustments at the Pond and it worked out OK. Instead of grinding long hours at the Pond, I decided to play shorter session. It works quite well. Manage to maintain my overall figure without any big cash in tournaments. So next year, I probably will swim a bit more and stick to my short session system. Hopefully I could also win a PLO tournament as well.

As far as my online goes, I have no idea how I could keep up that figure. This year I have played a lot less. I spent a lot of time visiting my parents interstate (I didn't play much when I were over there), I tried to do Master Buck twice with no result, donked like $600 away in the process, also I dropped 1 level in cash tables (mainly play 10c/25c instead of 25c/50c). I didn't win any smaller field donk fest this year, with my best finish only 2nd in PLO H/L for $100+. Maybe my hit and run strategy is working. Anyway, would like to play more tournys online next year. Hopefully I could manage to take down my first ever NLH donkament.

As my snooker in 2009 wasn't anything special. I didn't play a lot of tournaments this year, and everytime I bumped into a brick wall in my last 32 match. I lost in my first match to Alibaba at Yarraville was a bit of disappointment. Then I lost all of my second round (3rd round once) matches to either Mr.Invincible, Slowvari, Ben Judge and the Great Has Been which I had no chance at all. I missed the Princes Cup due to personal reason. The only highlight I had this year would be at the National Championship. Best of 7 against the Gimpsland State Champion, I won 4-3 at the end, but I gave him 1 frame start coz I rocked up late. I did very good in snooker prop bet this year. This year my goal is to get back to top 30 in Aus ranking. Mr.Invincible is laying me 2-1.

Now its time for all the AWARDS. There are no panels, no voting, no ballots.

Most inspiring figure: Mr. Sklansky

Most spectacular move: IRON FIST

Lucktard of the Year: Superman

Most annoying person: Lucktard Fat Chowhi

Trash talking line of the year: " I don't think your AK would be any good in this spot." I had AK on flop K 6 2, unfortunately LT had AA. My stack, gone.

Most consistency: Teapot

Biggest BS of the year: Master Chan. Always kill the game in PS $1/$2 and $2/$4 level, but PTR had him down almost $9k US for the year.

Roller-coaster ride of the year: Superman.

I need help award: Master Buck. Send! Send! Send!

FaceBook line of the year: "Why people loves comparing the Moon to the Sun? You might be able to walk on the Moon, but good luck if you try to walk on the Sun!"

The best show on FaceBook: "Love is in the Air!" by Master Gee + Cate

The PottingAngle award: The Master Gee. I can't leave him out. He is my spiritual leader. Even he is on semi retirement, but he has already set the bar for all his fellow student to follow.

I let the Master down!

2009-12-10T03:13:00.002+11:00

Well, after nearly 3 months of waiting, FINALLY the Master came to my place and we had some tag-team action. I want to make it crystal clear, we are not colluding. We played under 1 account, each player chooses their table and play for 1 hour. Then we swap it over and change tables. So nothing we did were against PS rules. Tonight we played under Master Gee's account. We both deposited AUD$50 (Total $90US) and started rolling.

At first Master Gee drove the action. He had a $11, 27 players SNG running as well as $30 in a 25/50c NLH table. He hit nothing at all at the SNG and busted at the 4th level. Then he entered a $5.50, 45 players SNG and had no joy as well. Somehow Master's speciality not only in SNG, but in cash tables as well. Everytime he played a pot, he will bring in for a raise. He steam rolled the table and slapped everyone around like his little bitch. He maintain his stack at $30 and than flop a set of 4s and double up straight away. There were 2 pots which he flopped a straight but 3 flush on the board. The 4th flush card hit the board on the turn and forced to fold. After a while he ran his stack to around $95+ and he said this to me. " To my student, my favorite Grasshopper! Its time for you to lift. Take this stack and go to PLO. Its time for you to shine. Your guiding light will be watching. Hopefully you can find the PATH to POKER ENLIGHTENMENT."

With our roll at $140, I took $100 and sat down at a 50c/$1 PLO 6 handed table. I started off pretty well, after missing several flops, limp pot stack down to like $93, I bet all the way in the BB with middle pair + GS + small flush draw, representing a straight on a 4 5 8 board. The turn was 6 and river complete out flush, went check/check. Won an ok pot about $20+. Then we flopped the nut flush on the button, limp pot again. I bet pot on the flop, both blinds called. Turn rag but no pair on board. BB check called again. I put him either had a flush (hopefully K high) or a set. Our nuts held up and I went for the kill, he folded river pot bet after some thoughts.

Moments later, this hand came up. I were in CO with a bunch of low connecting cards 3 6 7 9. Nothing spectacular about this hand, but I love this hand at the right situation. In full ring game, with callers in front of me, I definitely fold. 6 handed, in late position first in, different story. I need to bring in for a raise. My hand totally conceal. High cards flop, people put me on high cards and hit the flop nicely. Rags flop, it will be in my territory.It plays like low sthooted connectors in NLH, but with a lot more outs. With our stack about $129, and the table playing tight, time to bully them a bit. I bought in for a raise to $3, hopefully I can buy the button. Button called, so did the blinds. So 4 way action.

Flop K 4 5 rainbow. Now we have a 5 card wrap draw. Any 2 3 6 7 8 will make us a straight. All check to me, and its time for a big semi-bluff. I hit a big draw and ready to go to war! I bet the pot for $11.40. Button fold, SB called, and all of the sudden BB popped to $50 leaving $42 behind. Now I knew he had at last 2 pair and very likely a set, but my hand still very good. I am willing to play for my whole stack at this point. SB check called me, either he also on draw or 2 pair at best. Hopefully he had 2 pair and took away some outs if BB had a set. If he is on some kind of up and down, hope he would fold, so I could scoop for the whole pot. So I went for the IRON FIST and shoved it on the flop. SB flat called again and so did the BB. SB turned over 67 for up and down only, and BB had top set. Still ok, I am 50% to win at least half the pot, thx to SB took away 2 of my outs and split pot with 5 or 8. I have a +EV of 35% overall so I didn't make any mistake. If SB didn't check call me I probably will flat call BB check-raise, no pair board on the turn, I am going nowhere for extra $40+. Unfortunately for us, we missed and lost a big one.

Sorry Master! Once again I let you down. Being a grasshopper that I am, I think I can only hop around in micro-limits. Grinding on donkey tables and win $10 here and $15 there. I have such a bad record in those 50/50 situation for the whole stack. Master, you gave me the opportunity to shine, but I am the MOON. You are shining brightly coz you are the SUN. Like Master Buck famous word of wisdom, " Human started walking on the Moon 50 years ago, but good luck if you try to walk on the SUN." Sorry Master, once again I let you down! Thank you for showing faith in me. Thank you for your Master Class. One thing for sure, I won't give up. I might be back to my micro-limits and donkaments, I am going to improve my game. Hopefully next time when I step to the plate, I can hit a Home Run off a hanging curve-ball.

Suck-out Galore!

2009-12-03T21:52:00.004+11:00

PLO is a game of swing, but in lower stakes, you still need to dodge a bunch of bullets. Having the IRON FIST in your arsenal, a lot of times would not be enough. Not only because its Pot-limit, but with 4 cards combination, your opponents always have OUTS! When the pot getting bigger and bigger, the word VALUE will take over. People tends to have this in mind, " WOW! Big pot! I must call and see all the cards." Or they might be thinking," The guy must be on draw or just one pair, although I am behind right now, but I could improve to 2 pairs and win a monster." Here are some hands that I have experienced, either you can say they are a bunch of LUCKTARDS, but in my most humble opinion, they are just TOO GOOD!.

This hand was back a while ago. After 1 or 2 limpers, the KKds guy raised the pot. From what I have seen, either he has 4 high cards, or high pair. Since I were holding AA, so the possible of him having the same hand will be minimal. The next guy flat call, plus 1 or 2 callers. Now in the SB, I had the perfect situation to re-raise with my AA. With the stack related to the blinds were so deep, if I could not put 1/2 of my stack in, I would just flat call. Otherwise, re pot. Now I pot to $10+, the KK guy didn't disappoint me by shoving all-in. The next guy with A 10 10 3, also shove. I forced to call, and turned out I am getting 2- to 1 on 40% fav preflop, 64% fav on the flop, 70% fav on the turn. Just like all other online poker site, they need to keep the fishes alive. Nice hand Sir, you are too good. You just won the lottery for $71.

...

This hand also played a while back, but in 25/50c deep table. After several limpers, I raised to $3.50 with my AKQQds. The guy behind me re-raised to $12. Fold to the Gimp flat called, I called as well, so $35+ inside already. On the Flop UTG gimp check, I bet the pot. I hit a nice flop, with a bunch of outs plus overpair. Most likely the guy behind me had AAxx, and my bet on the flop could make him fold. He folded instantly, and now the GIMP shoved all-in. I called. He turned over that piece of crap and hit bottom set. I still have a bunch of outs about 45% to win. As usual in these lottery contest, PS will reward the donkey with a monster pot.

...

Nothing special about this one, but I wish I could use all 4 cards.

...

If you think it only happens in PS, then you are wrong. FullRig has the right name for their site, and you know how rig it is. In 25c/50c PLO. I called with KKxx. A bunch of people called, then SB all of the sudden pot it to like $5. He was a manaic, and I didn't respect his raise at all. I could have a case for either calling or folding, but I mini-raise him to $10 and see what he would do. Now MP flat called for the second time, SB just called, so I knew he didn't have AA. Flop top set but a bunch of draws out there, SB lead out for $10, and I applied the IRON FIST. MP flat call again and SB folded. I filled up but he made QUADS. Very nice hand sir! Now I believe 2 7 10 10 is a monster hand and should be played aggressively. ATC all the way would be the way to go. As usual FullRig will reward you for your ultra-aggressiveness.

...

This one in NLH, 25c/50c. MP opened raised to $1.50, CO called, I called with 33 on the button. The blinds folded. On the flop, MP made c-bet of $1.00, then CO re-raise to $3.00. I figured some big pairs out there. If either one of them have a set, nothing I can do. 2 pair also a possibility. No point slow playing it, coz if the Ace come, and both of them have pairs, I won't get any action. Remember in FulLRig, they are playing 10 Aces in a deck. Once again, I applied the IRON FIST, and figured will be called by 1 place. MP folded instantly, now CO thought for a long while and made the call with 44. How the hell he can call with 44? I were shoving $20+ into a $8 pot. He's not getting anything close to 2-1. Well, I didn't make any mistake. Once again in FullRig poker, if the board not coming 3 flush with a King, then they will come 4 straight with an Ace. So with his pocket 4s, he would be 100% chance to win. PERIOD!!!

...

Back to PS, some 10c/25c donk fest. Limp pot, the guy who won this hand just joined the table and posted BB. Folded to him, he checked. Others folded, SB called, I checked my option in BB. I hit a decent flop. Nut flush draw + wheel draw + backdoor crap flush draw. I knew AA not out there, coz they will go crazy with there AA. No raise pre-flop, everyone had random hand. SB lead out for $0.75, I flat called. Now that PLO Superstar, he raised pot. SB fold. Do I want to continue? He might have 2 pair, which I have full 11 outs to win. He might have 444, full 11 outs as well. QQQ? then I would be in bad shape, but not as bad as it appears. So I decided to play this hand aggressively, ATC all the way. So I check/call $3+ flop bet and $8 turn bet. I hit my set of 5s on the river. Based on the action, most likely he has 2 pair or set rather than 23 or 68. Pot was protected, I thought my hand was good, and shoved for last $5+, he called. Another cooler in the making. ATC only works for some individuals, and I know I am not the one!
...

Changed table straight away, post BB in my first hand. With middle position, limp pot I checked my option with AJ73. Button called, SB raised to 75c, everyone called. After the flop, MP bet $2. I definitely call. So did the button. Now I had the nuts on the turn with 1 way flush draw. With $8 inside already, I bet pot to protect may hand. Button re-raised all-in and I called with my nuts + flush draw. He had the same hand as I did, but with a set. River, I lost. Well I have no complaint about this one, coz it could go either way. His hand much better than mine, but why coolers always keep following me?

...

Now I top-up. I said to myself, if I bump into coolers again, I won't play PS for the rest of the year. Now UTG just call, in MP 2nd in, my AKK looks pretty good, but can't sell my hand cheaply. So I just flat call. A bunch of players limp, and we saw the flop AA3. UTG bet $1.25 on the flop, I figured my AK good right now, I re-pot him straight away. All fold, and he called. Turn 2, now, he checked, I bet pot and he check-raised me all-in. I called in an instant. I had enough of that shit. If he had 45, what a donk he is. A 2, A 3, so be it. He turned over A 10 2 2. OMG! Stupid 5 outer again. maybe this time PS heard my voice and gave me a miracle river card. I scooped a much needed pot with the nuts!

He is back!

2009-11-30T14:57:00.007+11:00

He is back! He is out from retirement. Right now the poker world is buzzing. They all talk about who the hell is that guy Isildur1? There are many rumors about his true identity. Here below are my 2 cents:

1) Victor Bloom

I don't know who the hell he is, so no comment!

2) Guy Libertre

Maybe, but he is a fish. Can't win, so most likely not.

3) Bill Clinton

Maybe, as his wife is too busy in the political circus, the only way you won't lose your husband is to lock him at home for some online poker.

4) Osama bin Ladan

Nothing to do inside the cave somewhere in Afghanistan. So the best way to hit the US economy is to win all the fishes money online.

5) Daniel Sklansky

No way! Although he loves to shove, but can't do it in PLO.

6) James Wood or some Hollywood actors

Probably! They have millions. Money not really an issue for them. Somehow highly unlikely coz they can't show boating their acting skills online.

7) Kobe Byrant

Maybe! His boss Jerry Buss loves poker. The question is: How can he loggon to FullRig the same time when the Laker's game is on?

8) Micheal Jordan

Maybe! Just like Superman, he has gambling addiction. He loves Blackjack and Roulette more than poker.

9) Bill Gate

His Microsoft team already hacked into FullRig site. Now they just create a bot and ready to kill the game. Very soon we will see MicrosoftPoker.com They will take over the industry and have more customer than their Window 7.

10) Master Gee

He has the skills. He has the look (all depends on your taste). He has the hearts (willing to go broke anytime). Somehow he doesn't have the bankroll.

Wait! Master Gee........ Maybe its him. He is back and kill the table at PS last night. After GrandMaster grand showing in the $1 re-buy donkament, plus final table at Crown on Sunday. Maybe Master Gee could get $50 off him. Phil Galfond, Tom Dwan, James Obsts, they all winning millions online, but they all start from either playing freeroll or from $50. If they can do it, the Master can do it as well. Since the Master was in action last night, and I was fortunate to find him. Time for me to watch him play. Hopefully I can learn a trick or 2.

He played 25c/50c at the start. Bought in for $20+. Then he double up with KK and stack ran up to $40+. Then this hand came up. Master raised to $2 on the flop, SB called. SB played the hand very aggressively by check/calling on every street (ATC). Normally it works, but not against the Master. The Master always have the goods. He has some special poker ability thats so unique in this world. Its called "Donkey Magnet." I would love to have it, but all I got were "Suck-out Magnets".

Now the Master is hungry for more. A few hands later, he dealt AQ sthooted UTG, raised to $1.50. MP will KK mini-raised him and Master called. They saw the flop. Just like in your local Maccas, they will ask you, "Sir! Would you like fries with your burger?". Tonight is different, the Master is so hungry, he would love to have some Mushroom with his Poker. Since the Mushroon is too short, its there for the taking. Master flop a monster, as he always do, "When you flop a monster draw, get ready for an all-in brawl!" What else, he shoved. MP couldn't lay down his KK, not fearing Master might have 99 or A 2, and went for his 2 outer. Well, he deserved to lose.

..
Now the table surrounded by fungus. He moved to a new table with 50BB min. In his 2nd hand in SB, he dealt the most horny hand in poker of all time. The 69 sthooted. CO raised to $2, Master called, and they saw the flop HU. Once again the Master hits big. He had straight draw + flush draw + backdoor trips + runner 2 pair + any 6 or 9 might be good, if the guy had A 2 or 33. With hand so much combos, he must be a massive favorite to win the hand. He lead out for $3. CO call. Turn complete his flush. He bet $7, CO called. River blank, and he bets like $15. Co called with JJJ. Another donkey in the making. CO should learn how to fold top sets. His mistake, so it became the Master's gain.

Nothing special about this hand. Just SB vs BB confrontation and proves to all of you that the Master is not a flop rack. He will lose some pots after putting money in. Like all the good players in this world, he managed to lose the min everytime.

Now, the table really knows who the best player is. Like 99% of poker player out there, they never give up on their egos. Since the Master is a Donkey Magnet, and all superstars wannabe would like to win a pot against the Master, they would give the Master plenty of action. All fold the Master, and he raised to $1.50 with QQ. both blinds calls. SB lead out for $2.50, Master call. SB lead out for $8.50 on the turn, Master mini raised to $17, SB called. River, SB check/call Master's all-in shove with top pair. See! the Master played this hand very aggressively. If ATC on the flop not aggressively enough, then a check-raise on the turn follow by the IRON FIST on the river really give you enough infos. Just like most donkeys in this world, they will hand their chips to the right direction, to the Master's stack.

Couple of rounds later, once again the SB vs BB confrontation. Master called with A 8 and flop top pair, elected to check. Master demonstrated what ATC is all about in this hand, check/calling $1.50, $3.00 and $7.00 bets. The guy had something close to nut low.

How can someone keep getting slapped around by the Master? Once again the Master limped with Ad5d, the donkey popped to $2.50, Master called. As usual Master will check with his straight. The donkey will bet and fired $3.50, this time the Master changed gear, and raised to $7. The guy called. Now he fired $8 on the turn and the donkey fold. He must feel pain in his ass right now. He should give Master Buck a call, he will tell you which hospital to go in order to stitch up your ass.

If this guy is not suffering from diarrhoea, he must be special. Another SB vs BB confrontation. Master bets $1 on the flop and the BB called. Then Master check/call his $3 bet on the turn with straight. River check/call again his $6 bet. I know the Master could have raise him on the river, but somehow he might be a bit remorseful after all these beatings giving to him. Another nice pot to the Master.

This time against the same donkey, again SB vs BB, again the Master dominated. If you think he is a flop rack, then you are wrong. In this hand the Master had nothing. After the flop, he check call a $1.50 from his favorite donkey. On the turn he check raise his $3.50 bet to $8.50 total. After all those beatings, about time to go to toilet. So he folded and left the table after that hand.

His favorite Donkey has gone. So time to pick another target. Somehow no need to do anything when you were dealt AA, and they call your re-raise pre-flop.

The Master fear no one, nothing can stop him except some lucktards. Master first in pop to $1.50 with JJ, got 2 callers. Master fired $3 on the flop and only the SB called. On the turn Master fired $9, and this time SB mini-raised to $18. Master called. River went check/check. Huge suckout with the guy holding A 7.

We all know we can't beat lucktards in this game, but against normal donkeys, Master's skills will dominate his opponents in all areas. ATC, check-raise move, IRON FIST, well timed bluff, changing gear, etc. I have seen it all on TV, but the Master once again showed his superior poker skill and demonstrated it in 1 short session. You have inspired all the grasshoppers like myself. You are good! TRUELY AMAZING!

Technical Swimming: Individual Medley

2009-11-27T20:58:00.002+11:00

Just got back from the Pond. I have done the Grand Slam of poker today. I woke up very early today, and still pissed off about the $75 donkfest from FullRig last night. So first thing in the morning, I decided to punish FullRig by withdrawing my full bankroll over there. Leaving less than $2 for emergency. Its also the beginning of my marathon swim. Instead of playing in the same site/table for a long period of time, I added some tweeks into it. Here's how I went:

LEG 1: Online Poker

I want to see how far I can go with only $2 in my account. KO Master did once before, built to $700 from like $5. Ok, I am not as good as he is, but I might give it a try. All those bankroll management, % buy-in related to bankroll, short stack strategy blah blah blah. I just chucked all them out the window. My bankroll right now only $2 (in FullRig), I don't care if I donk it away in 1 pot. Coz I can afford it!! Anyway, can't really buy-in to any SNG except $1.10 donkfest. If I lose that, I can't really do with 90c. So I grinded a bit in Stud H/L table, I made 30c in the process. Then I played 2 HU SNG, NLH and PLO each cost me $2.15. Lucky for me, I won them both, so my RIG roll right now stands at $6. Then Superman rang me up, and asked me to go for a swim. I went there after lunch.

LEG 2: Limit Holdem

I didn't feel like playing any cash table at the start. Not many tables opened, and each of them playing very loose and always a couple of monster stack over there. I saw Happy Andrews in the $5/$10 Limit table, so I cashed $150 and muck around with him.

I played very tight all the way, mostly play nothing up front. One thing I found out, the rake was killing me. They took $2.50 out from everypot right from the start. Most pot were above $50. So they took $7.50 rake for pots over $50, $10 in rake for pots over $75. Most importantly, they took the rake by the end of the hand. So instead of having 10% in rake, they are charging more than that.

The table as always in all limit games are very loose, no one willing to fold pre-flop. Everyone going to see the turn card for $5 as well. Position in this game is very important. The turn card would be the key. If you have a good hand, in late position, you can drive out a lot of opponents. I played like a NIT all the way, folding a lot of hands. I won a couple of mid-size pots today, and 1 monster pot. I had K 10 off on the button. After several limpers, CO raised to $10, I flat called. Everyone called, flop A J 7. Everyone fold to the raiser, and he bets. I flat called, plus 2 callers. Turn 9, now made 2 diamonds on the board, I had no diamonds. All of the sudden MP came out firing $10, initial raiser flat call, I called as well for my GS on the button. With close to $100 inside already, I gamble. I knew both of them not folding, so I have $20 implied odds to make my hand. So I were like getting 12 to 1 on a 10 to 1 shot, I called. BB folded. River Q, and I made the nuts. They all check to me and as I expected, they both called my $10 river bet. Happy Andrews left soon after and I followed him. A bit boring in those limit games, simply impossible to drive out people. Overall up $115 over there.

LEG 3: NLH

With $115 profit already, all it would cost me was $100 more to swim around with Superman. I joined his table, didn't play a hand in the 1st orbit. Dealt JJ in BB, limp pot, I pop to $25 and everyone fold. Couple of hands later, got AA in the middle. After 2 limpers, I raised again to $25, all of the sudden the guy next to me re-raised to $100. All folded to me and I applied the IRON FIST for total $205. He called. AA vs AK and I double up. A few hands later, UTG+2 dealt KQ, I raised to $18, all of the sudden the Maniac 2 seats on my left re-raised to $55, got 1 caller. Folded to me and I folded. I was thinking all I could hope for would be JJ or 10 10 for a flip. Although the Maniac re-raised, odds were those type of players love to raise with anything, but only re-raise with premium hands. Flop 9 10 J, Bugga!!! The maniac had QQ and took it down.

Once again I wish I have no idea. 2 face cards, I should go all the way! I should at least see the flop. I should fish around since my flippers is working today. If you never see the flop, you never know if you win or not. I should be sitting there with $800+ stack. Like Doyle Brunson used to say, " You need to play or you never know if you are on a rush or not." Pump my ass please!

My stack hovering around $400, then this hand came up. I dealt 5c6c in BB, limp pot and I checked in the dark. Flop 788 with 1 club. UTG fired $20, all folded and I snapped call. Turn Ac, I checked again, but not going anywhere. I put him on 7 instead of trips. Most likely I will have a free hit. He checked! River 9c. Instead of drawing to straight, I ended up making a flush. Since I put him on 7, I bet a teasing $15, hope he would call. He raised me instead to $50. Maybe he had full house, I snapped call him and he showed 5 6, same hand as me on the flop but I won with runners. Now stack about $530.

Then I lost the min on button with Jd 4d. Limp pot, and I called. Flop TT8 with 2 diamonds. All checked on the flop and I took a free hit. Turn 7d. Now I made the flush. SB came out with a $25 bet, BB flat called. I put one of them with 8, so if river no pair, I should be ok! River Qs. This time SB checked, BB came out betting $20. I flat called feared SB might going to check raise, since he representing trips on my part. SB called, BB showed Kd 2d and beat my flush. SB said he also had flush. I guess I lost the min in that one.

After the Maniac has left, I loosen up my game. Since I have established a tight image, I managed to run several bluffs at the pot and they all folded. Now stack close to $470. Then had KJ off, I raised to $8 UTG pre-flop. Got 3 callers. Flop J 9 8 with 2 diamonds. I fired out $20 on the flop, Superman and SB called. BB check-raised shoved for $150. I made another tight fold, invested only $28, I felt I were either marginally in front, or way behind. Not going to risk it at a small pot, so I folded. They called time soon after and I left with $440 stack. Superman didn't fare well today, as he busted his whole stack with KK, ran into AA preflop. Losing 2 buy-ins today.

FINAL LEG: Bonus Holdem

On the way to the carpark, I stopped by the bonus holdem table. $15 ante, $30 to play, $15 on flop and turn, plus $5 jackpot. First hand folded 8 3 off, and the next hand I called $30 with 6h3h, hit nothing and lost. Thats $70 already, I guess I better leave.

When I want to win, I lose. When I want to lose, but I can't!!!!!

2009-11-26T23:41:00.003+11:00

Login to FullRig today, I had like 6k in points over there. I used them and played some SNG. I registered a 1800 ftp, top 3 will win a $26 token. The first one I played, I had no joy. Somehow I won in my 2nd attempted. Apart from entering tourneys or SNGs, these token are absolutely useless. I though for a while whether I should use it in SNGs or MTT. I found a SNGs which top 2 paid $75 token and 3rd place paid $66.

I did ok at the start. I didn't play much but it was a turbo SNG. The table seems a bit tight, so it ok. Lets make it a shoving game. At blinds $25/$50, I raised to $150 with my AJ. I got 3 callers. $650 in the middle already. Flop 8 8 9 with 2 clubs. Both blinds check, and UTG also check. With only $1k behind me, I took a stab at the pot by applying the IRON FIST. BB called, all-folded. BB turn over 10 4 clubs, so I were still in front. Turn+river blank and I almost triple up. Then won another pot with QQ vs KJ. With $4500+ in chips, I only needed to maintain my stack and I will be home. Now another question popped up in my mind. Should I take the cash for $66? or should I play and try to win the $75 token?

Now the bubble had bursted. I decided to take the cash. There were 2 ways doing it. Either I can sit out and get blind out, or I shove with nothing. The problem on the first option would be, if both guys all of the sudden wake up with something, then I can't lose. So I took the other option.

Now blinds 300/600. I had about $4k in chips in BB, SB had like $5k+ and button had $4.2k. I dealt 7 3 off. Perfect! Button pop to $1800, SB folded, now I shoved with my 7 3 off. Button thought for a long while and made the call. He showed A J. Perfect!!!! The flop brought nothing but sadness to my face as I made trips, and he drew dead on the turn. In the very next hand I have to post $300 in SB and BB all-in for less than that amount. So I was forced to play, dealt QQ vs his QJ. Flop all rags and no draw for him all the way. So instead of trying to cash 3rd, I ended up winning it.

What can I do with that stupid $75 token? Not going to play high buy-in tournys with that. I want cash but I can't sell it. I had that token all free, so I went to a donkfest NLH turbo SNG with only 300 starting chips. Also top 3 paid, $319/$200+/$126 something like that. It is a shoving game. Here is the strategy:

1) Any Ace = shove
2) 2 face cards = Shove
3) Any Pair = Shove
4) Any K in late position but first in = Shove
5) Anything in SB vs BB = SHOVE

The action was fast and furious. I managed to double up with A5 vs 9 10 sthooted, all-in preflop, rivering the Ace. Soon after, down to 4 handed. I managed to maintain my stack and now folded to me with K 8 off. Blinds 50/100 and only had $500 behind me, so I shoved. BB had $440 and he called with Q 10 off. Q on the flop and no King on turn/river. With $60 behind me, shoved with Q 4 sthooted. Hit nothing and busted out in 4th place.

That's what poker is all about. If you want to win, all you get is suck-outs. So I thought it would be easier for me to lose. Somehow the site must know something. Perhapes I should never shove with 7 3 off in the first place. Joe "The Sook" Hachem won the WSOP with that hand. As I am a worm, FullRig might think I have been watching too much TV. Shoving with 7 3, and they rewarded me with the pot. Giving a huge suck-outs late stage in tournament is exciting, good for railbirds, good for viewers, good for TV. FullRig might want me to stick around in the cash tables. Since they thought I am an action player, I will juice up the pot. So more rake to them and thats good business!

The Hot run / Cold Deck continues

2009-11-22T22:00:00.005+11:00

When you are on running good, you are playing like GOD. No one can stop you, and money just kept on flowing into your acc. Superman is on a hot streak. After he took 2nd at the Pond, time for him to tax all those fishes online. On Thursday night he ran wild in PS. He entered a $75 NLH turbo, registered 45 min past the hour. An hour later, he was top 10 in chips. He played aggressively all the way, but this time it was a bit different. Some short stack played back at him. It didn't matter that much to him coz he stole enough blinds to gamble along the way. He reached the final table 3rd in chips, but a cooler at the end busted at 4th place. All folded to SB, raised, Superman shoved allin with AQ, SB called with KJ. FLOP 9 10 Q, and he drawing dead. Still a very good effort, pocketing $1500 in the process.

Then he withdrew most of it and donked off the rest to a team Pokerstars PRO "Exclusive" in a $2/$4 NLH table. Losing close to $400 in the process. Then he went to FulLRig, played some $48 HU SNG with 300 starting chips. He went 7-2 against some FullRig PRO, and also won a $45 9 players SNG. Pocketing $500 in the process. See if you are running hot, you can Neverlose!!!!!

According to me, I can't get anything going. It has been a couple of weeks that my Bankroll has been stuck. No big cash, and also in cash table nothing went right. Played a lot of Donkaments, sick beats everywhere. Everytime I had the goods but somehow they were just too good at the end. Too good knowing whats coming on the flop. Too good catching cards on the river. Here are a few coolers.

...

FullRig donkfest. I think in the second level. I limp with my AA55. Not too fuzz about my hand as stack still too deep. The whole table limp, button raised pot, 1 caller, and I re-pot. He 3-bets. Middle guy folded, I 4-bets. He shoved all-in, I called. KKK4 and 1 outer on the flop! Why is he so good?

...

This hand normal 3XBB raised pot, I think blinds 50/100. I bet pot on the flop, with my 2 pair + small flush draw. BB check/call. Turn made me 3 pair with potential straight on the board. BB lead out 1/2 pot and I re-pot him, putting more than 3/4 of my stack in there. River completed my flush and he put me all-in. I made the call coz pot committed. BB showed the nuts and I busted. He really played his hand aggressively. ATC all the way with 1 pair + nut flush draw. As the result, FullRig will reward you for your aggressive play.

...

This one another Classic. Still early in the Donkaments. Blinds $40/$80. Limp pot and the guy with 6 9 mini-raised to $160. Everyone call, about 6 way action. I hit the almost perfect flop. Middle pair + flush draw + GS + straight flush draw. Based of Master Gee's aggressively play, "When you hit a monster draw, get ready for an all-in brawl!" I check the flop, button bet $700, 1 caller in the middle and I put the IRON FIST in play. BB called for his whole stack about $4k+. UTG folded. I were way in front the whole way until the river. Now i know what aggressive means. I didn't play my big draw aggressively coz mathematically I were way in front. BB played it well with his bottom pair + GS. Thats aggressive! Since he played it that well, FullRig will reward you with your gutsy effort.

YOU ARE BETTER THAN ME

2009-11-18T21:06:00.003+11:00

After my 14th place finish in PLO on Monday night, Tuesday night its time for Superman to shine in the $340 NLH terminator. Not long ago, he opened an account at FullRig, since than he fall in love with those KO tournaments. Somehow I know he wanted to play in that KO tourney at Crown, but wouldn't like to fork out $340 entry fees. So I staked 1/2 of his buy-in. I will get 1/2 of his winnings capped to $3k. This is his maiden live tournament. I would be surprised if he survived the first break. One thing stood out in my mind, he will have a jaw breaking experiance.

Since each bountys worth $100, I told him to work on the bountys. If he managed to win 3 of those, then he will be free-rolling. We went there in the same car, and I first thought it will be short. Somehow he survived the first few levels, with 1 KO in the pocket. The starting bank was $15k, he lost a $6k pot with AK, flop A 3 4. He bet all the way and at the end lost to a runner runner 2 pair. The guy had 6 7, called with GS all the way and hits lightning.

He came over and chat with me every hour, and he said the table was full of fishes. He managed to triple up with AA. With blinds 75/150. After several limpers, he raised to $1500 with AA. Got several callers. Flop 669 rainbow, and he lead out for $3k. Some Crown PRO re-raised shove all-in with 5 5, and talked a lot about his poker theory, put him on AK or so. Superman called and AA held up. He then managed to bust several mushroom and collected their bounty. At the first break, his stack reached alomost $75k.

After the break, things were all the same. Maybe the way he dressed, the table tought he is a big fish. He dressed like a nerd, has his usual bowl cut from his local $5 brabershop and you looked at him from a distance, hes a bit like "GobbleBoy" Jimmy Fickke. He got all the action he need when he had a monster. People try to bully him all the way, at the end Superman just need to falt call all the way and shove the river. At the break, his stack reached over $100k with 5 KO.

Half of the field had gone, with a massive chip lead, Superman didn't change gear at all. His stack yoyoing up and down but collected an extra bounty on the way. I stood there like an idiot and watched him from a fare distance. After 8 hours, finally he made into the money. I didn't watch him play much but saw him raking up a lot of pots. He played very aggressive, but under control. Another 2 hours past, he reached the final table with about $400k stack, 3rd in chips.

At the final table, everyone was playing tight except him. He raised everytime when folded to him in late position and picked up a lot of blinds. No one played back at him and kept on folding. He played like Gus Hansen on TV, steam rolling the final table. Now with Blinds 20k/40k, 5 players reamining, this hand came up. Superman had A 10 off in SB. Folded to mushroom in middle shoved all-in with 88 for $100k+. Superman made the call. BB folded 8 9 off. Flop A x x, but turn the 1 outer 8. He lost to trips. In the very next hand Superman on button dealt Q 10 off. All folded to him and he pop to $100k. BB called and had him covered. Both still had $400k+ in chips. Flop 2 5 7 rainbow. BB lead out for $75k, Superman mini raised to $150k, BB called. Turn the miricle 10. This time BB shoved all-in and Superman snapped call with Q 10. BB showed 5 6. River J, Superman won a monster pot. He soon took another 2 bounty, both with KJ vs QJ. Both times KJ held up, now total 9 KO.

Close to 8am in the morning and we were HU. Both players had similar stack, and they both agreed to chop. So each get $7500 and left about $700 in the middle for the winner. If short handed poker is his specialty, then HU poker would definately be his achilles heal. All I can say he sucks in HU. After like 10 hands, he lost more than 1/2 of his stack. In the final hand, his 22 lost to AK all-in preflop and he finished 2nd place.

CONGRATULATION to you. Very good effort! Now you are OFFICIALLY better than me in NLH. Now you can brag all you want unless I manage to take down 1st place in some big tournys. I stood there for more than 13 hours, barracking for you and its totally worth it. I have learnt a lot. I learnt that image is very important. A special combo of Tony G 's $5 haircut along with Gobbleboy's nerdy outfit will give your opponents a FISHY image. Thats how you find the donkeys, re-raising you with 10 J when you had KK. Everytime you push with the good, they will put you on AK. Everytime you shove, they will call you with 6 7 due to POT ODDS. Now you have the BRAGGING RIGHTS and you can give me all the shits you want, coz you deserved it!

Sook PLO Deep Stack Reveiw

2009-11-17T04:17:00.002+11:00

Playing the PLO tonight, $15K starting bank, triple chance format. Before I started, my strategy was start with $5k and played very loose, before I used my re-buy cards. Total of 125 players entered and top 16 paid. We played 8 handed all the way.

I started out very well. Double up in the first orbit. Then had AA, I raised the pot in CO, flop A 6 7. One guy had A 5 8 9, we both shipped our stack in there. Turn 7 and he was drawing dead. Then I won another $15k pot, flopped nut flush vs a set. And my hand held up. Before the break, I managed to build my stack close to $50k (including $10k rebuy). Lost a bit at the end, and stack $45k at the break.

After the break, nothing went right for me. I was dealt a lot of those medium rundowns, raised pot and I will call with those 5679, 9 10 J K all day long. Somehow I couldn't hit anything on the flop and slowly down to $30k. Then I bluffed at a pot with K678 in SB. Blinds $300/$600. Flop 5 9 Q. I lead out almost a pot size bet on the flop and got 3 callers. Turn another Q, I lead out again for 1/3 of the pot, everyone fold. Several hands later in CO, dealt J244 ds. Multiway limp pot as well. I caller, flop A 4 5. UTG bet the pot, I called so did button. Turn 2. UTG checked, and I bet the pot for like $3k. Both called. River 5. UTG shoved for $6k. I though for a long while, with $18k inside, I made a tilt call. I knew button on draw and won't be a threat. UTG might try to buy the pot with his wheel, as it turned out, he had A 5. WTF? Calling with 2 pair and hit 4 outer in a 4 straight 2 flush board? SIMPLY AMAZING!!!!

As the blinds kept increasing, $30k didn't look that much. Not a lot of plays remaining. There was a loose cannon at my table, entering in everypot and likely to bet with anything when checked to him. With blinds $400/$800, I had a free look in BB with my 44 8 10. Flop A 4 7 all diamonds. I had a set but no diamond. I checked as the whole table checked as well. Turn 5, I lead out for $3k, and the loose cannon called, all folded. River another 5. This time I checked, figured he will bet for sure. He didn't disappoint me and fired $6500 into the pot. I snapped call him, coz I had an under boat. Can't re-raise in case he fluked a bigger boat. He had straight and I won the pot. Now stack back to about $40k.

Somehow the table playing very slow, people thinking a lot. With each levels only 25 min, there weren't many hands to play at each level. At the meantime the table loved to raise with big pair, and big pair only pre-flop. Dealt a lot of junks and forced to muck. After like 3 rounds, now blinds $800/$1600, my stack down to $25k. All folded to the NIT on button called. SB called and I checked with my KJ86. Flop K 10 8 with 2 diamonds. I flops 2 pair but dangerous board. SB checked, and I bet $4k. The NIT shoved $15k plus. I mucked faced up, and she showed 1010 for set + flush draw. One round later on button dealt KQJ7 with hearts, stack about $12k. The whole table limp and I called. BB raised pot to $9.6k, all folded to me and I shoved. My KJQ7 held up against 6789. Now stack just less than $40k.

The blinds really increasing rapidly. Soon after, the blinds were 1k/2k. After that 2k/4k, 3k/6k and 4k/8k. I forced to fold a lot of hands. I didn't play a hand in 4 rounds, either dealt all kind of junks or totally missed the flop completely. My AKJ10, can't even bluff on a 457 board against several players. Now stack down to $20k+. Dealt AAJ6 ds in BB. A bunch of limpers, and raised., took the blinds and dead money in the middle. Then dealt KK4 9 ds. I raised to $6k UTG, the guy behind me repop to $27K. I folded my KK, figured he either had AA or High pair rundown with sthooted Ace. So either marginally in front or way behind. He showed KK as well with an Ace, but my double suite were live. Still I consider not a bad fold.

Soon after with blinds 2k/4k. I dealt KQJJ. I raised the pot and got called by the BB. Flop 8 AA. He checked and I shoved, took it down. 2 rounds later I dealt AAKJ ds. There were 2 mushroom all-in already preflop and I called. They both had junks, had them all the way and I hit ROYAL FLUSH on the river.

Kept folding my junks and now blinds 4k/8k. My stack still about $50k. Managed to keep my stack in play but the blinds really caught up to me. Now with 17 players remaining, my stack down to $30K. Blinds 6k/12k. Table playing 6 handed. With blinds coming up to me, I had to shove with AQ77 ds. Fortunately the BB folded. After that hand, someone busted on the other table and I sneaked into the money.

I managed to win a small pot when I were in BB vs SB. Now blinds jumped from 6k/12k to $8k/$16k. Dealt KK23, with $55k behind me, I had to shove as well. 1 mushroom called for $4k, but the SB also called. My KK23 vs A899 vs QQJ10 (BB). Flop AQ3 and I almost drawing dead. I picked up a few outs on the turn as the 4 hits. River blanked and I were out in 14th place.

Overall I didn't think I play my best, but I satisfied with my effort. I had a good start, but played a bit too loose in the middle stage. Also, flop dead when blinds 300/600 onwards didn't help my clause. I think I called too many hands OOP with medium run-downs in the middle stage of the tournament. Well, always next time.

Melbourne Heats

2009-11-10T23:14:00.002+11:00

I am back to Melbourne. Not much going on in the past few weeks. No snooker for me, a bit of donkfest online. Nothing really exciting. One night I played in FullRig and came 3rd in a PLO event. Entering the final table, I were the shortest stack with about 20k in chips. Managed to build it up to $114k. In the last hand, I were in the SB, I flopped top 2 pair with lower GS + flush draw vs a made straight. I ended up making my straight but not good enough. Very please with my effort in that one.

In the last couple of days, it is really hot outside, 34C everyday. Mum visiting me and grandma, so I spent the weekend with them. Since the weather is hot, beautiful under the sun. Last night I were tempted to go for a SWIM. Superman is doing quite well recently. He is going there nearly everyday and getting good results. Next week they have another SOOK Deep Stake tourney. I am going to play the PLO on Monday night. So last night I went there trying to win my buy-in.

Sat down in the table and there were 2 guys fighting against each other in every pot. Dealt AJ sthooted UTG, I opened raise to $15. Got re-raised to $25 by MOPS #1. Then his maniac villain shoved all-in for $190+. We both mucked instantly, and the maniac showed 77. Now I know it is an all-in table. I have to play tight in early position. Occasionally need to limp raise pre-flop with premium hands.

Then won a small pot with 10 10. Stack stayed the same around $225. Then dealt AQ UTG. I limp for $3, coz if the MOPS raise, my hand good enough to call. If the maniac shoves, I will call as well. This time both MOPS and maniac folded. CO raised to $11, BB called, and I called as well. Flop Q 4 7. BB checked, I lead out for $15, CO flat called, now BB re-raised to $35. I knew CO didn't have much. But BB, I had no idea. He only have like $70 behind him, so I raised $100 more. CO folded, and later he said he had JJ. BB called with Q 10. My AQ held up. Now stack about $350+.

About 1 round later, I dealt J Q off in BB. This time MOPS raised to $11, 2 callers in the middle, I called as well. BB also called, 5 way action. Flop 3 9 10 with 2 spades. All checked to me, and I checked as well. MOPS is capable check-raising with nothing and most likely I am behind right now, so I took a free card. Turn another 10 but put 2 diamonds on board along with 2 spades. Now MOPS lead out for $35, 1 caller in the middle. I thought for a long while, knew the middle guy most likely on diamond draw, but to MOPS, I still had no idea what he had. Already $100+ inside, I made the call. BB folded. River off suite Q. Both checked to me and I flipped over my JQ. MOPS shook his head and they both mucked.

Now stack about $470. I remember about a month ago when I didn't leave when I set myself a target. Not going to make that same mistake again, even thou I felt I will win more if I kept playing. So I left the table with $245 profit. So next week, I am free-rolling in the PLO tournament.

Back to swim after 2 months. Same old BS!!!

2009-10-29T23:06:00.002+11:00

Ultra boring in Adelaide. Nothing to do every night, so last night I decided to go for a swim. They have $65 freeze out MTT last night, as well as $1/$2 PLO cash games. I am not going to play at their NLH cash table. I have had bad experience before. Too many stables, too bloody good.

The tournament capped at 100 players. Top 12 will be paid. Each player will have 2500 starting stack, 20 min level. In the very first hand I dealt AK off. After several limpers, I pop to $250. BB called as well as 1 limper called. Flop QQ8 with 2 hearts. BB lead out for $400, next guy folded, and I called with my AK. Didn't know what he had, but more likely on the draw. Turn rag, he checked, I also checked. River K but completed the flush. He checked to me and I checked as well. He showed J 9 off for a missed GS, and I won with my AK.

The action was fast and furious. With blinds 50/100. All folded to CO raised to $300. I called in the BB with 7 8 off. Flop 6 9 10 rainbow. At that moment, 2 things crossed my mind. I flopped the nut straight, from Grand Master's Word of Wisdom, I must fold! In the other side, based on Superman's fantasy playbook, I must slow play. Since Superman has been doing well recently in FullRig, I am following his lead. So I checked. Button bet $500, I raised to $1k. Then he shoved, I called. He showed A 10 and my hand held up.

I splashed around a bit afterwards. Hit nothing at all, and create a lot of action. Then a rock UTG raised to $400, I flat called in BB with JQ off. Flop 6 8 10 with 2 clubs. I lead out for $600 and see what he will do. He flat called only. Turn another 8 but complete the flush. I lead out for $1.2k. After a lot of thought, he mucked.

With stack almost $8k. I played tight in the next level. Now I can see a lot of mushroom in the house and getting very horny. Now blinds up to 200/400. I had pocket 9s UTG. I raised to $1200. All folded to the BB and he called. Flop 9 6 4 rainbow. BB bet $2500 into me. I gave myself a lot of TV time in the process. Master Gee loves doing this at the Pond. I flat called. Turn J. He shoved all-in into me and I called instantly. He showed A 10 off. Dead!!!!

Now with a big stack, I got moved to another table. A bunch of monster stack over there, and I played very tight. I didn't have any cards at the new table. With blinds 600/1200 stack about $20k. I laid down A 9 off to the Rock, open shoved on button for $13k. 1 round later I dealt pocket 10s in BB. UTG shoved all-in for $8k, one mushroom called for $3k+. I called as well. AA vs AK vs 10 10. AA held up. Then the table laugh at me, saying what a donkey call that was with pocket 10s after 2 shoves. Did I missed something? Cost me less than 1/3 of my stack with no further betting to come, getting more than 2-1 odds, I think it was a right call. I were in gambling mode. Since there were a side pot, my hand didn't need to beat both to win.

I managed to sneak into the money, but short in stack. Here are the payout structure:
12th to 8th pays $135
7th pays $175
6th pays $260
5th pays $345
4th pays $445
3rd pays $625
2nd pays $850
Winner pays $1475

At the final table, I shoved all-in twice with marginal hands and won the blinds to keep my stack flowing. Then I got lucky with my A 4. With blinds $1k/$2k, UTG limp for $2k. I shoved with A 4 off for $8k. All fold, and UTG called with QQ. Flop 3 5 6, turn 9 river 7. I got lucky there with A 4. Then I managed to triple up with KK. Chip leader donkey raised to $7k, next guy shoved all-in for $25k +. I shoved for $18k, UTG folded. My KK held up against AK.

Several guys busted, and now 5 handed. The guy next to my right talks a lot, and brag that he made the 888.com poker team via some satellite. At first I thought he must be good, but later I found out he is nothing but a donkey. Blinds 2k/4k, he limp in CO with KJ off. SB called, and BB shoved all-in for $9k. SB acted out of turn and called the bet. So cost him extra $5k to call, and he had like $20k behind him. Then he said," I must be dominated!" Then he folded! WOW! Dry pot, getting more than 4-1 and he fold? AK vs 99. The board ran out J high and no straight no 9, plus small pair. No idea what kind of poker theory is that? Maybe I should go and play at 888.com.

Moments later, I double up the 888.com mushroom. All folded to him in SB and he shoved for 12k. Cost me $8k to call in BB and I got 10 7 off. I knew he would shove with wide range of hands, but due to pot odds, I called. He showed pocket 2. Hit 2 on the turn. But I managed to win it back all in the very next hand with 6 2 off. UTG limp, folded to me in SB and called. BB checked. Flop 6 9 10. I lead out for $5k and everyone folded.

During 5 handed, the blinds come around very quickly. The button stole my big blind twice already when all folded to him. I gave him credit for the first time, but the second time I had no hand to call with. Now for the third time, he pop to $12k. 888.com folded. I had A 6 off. I picked up a tell on him, knew he was weak. I had like $40k behind me and I shoved all-in. Somehow he was a Snapper! Snap called me with Ah 7h. He had me covered by $2k or so. I flopped 6, but he got runner flush. I busted out in 5th place.

I have no idea how he can call with that hand? I have been playing tight /solid in the final table. I shoved a few times, but showed the table I had a hand. AQ, 88 or so. Now, please tell me what does his Ah 7h beating? Based on my shoving range: Flip with 66 or below, 60/40 fav vs 2 high cards like 10J, KQ or so; but 3-1 dog vs bigger Ace or any pair 7 or above. At the end it didn't matter. I played the hand bad, not because I shoved with A 6 and knew he was weak; but my play was simply too advance for those donkeys to realise. As I said before, I try to paint the hand so much, at the end I was selling Dali's Masterpiece to some retards. They never get it, and they never fold!

The BIG EEL

2009-10-22T19:46:00.003+11:00

I am back in Adelaide. Nothing much to do in here, and I won't be swimming over here. It is a shark tank! Recently I have found out something, I can't play any cash tables either in PS or FullRig! Coolers always following me, I can't win with AA vs AK, and my BIG SNAKE always bump into AA. Different story to Superman. He is killing the KO game in FullRig (sort of).

Recently I have done well in PLO donkfest tourneys in both PS and F.Rig. So I tried my hand in some of their cash tables as well. So the result, I burnt my finger. Always bought in for the max, but I never last more than 10 hands. It was a lottery. All those guys have potential to become the next Neil Robertson or Ronnie O'Sullivan. They just love potting with any sort of hands, and never fold to any bets. Everytime I flop a set, I lost to some crappy draws, and all my 24 outs draw, never got there against their AA. I think I better stick to PLO tournys instead. One night I played a $14 PLO sub-satellite in Full Tilt. I won a $109 ticket to another satellite. Still thinking about whether I should play in it or not. That main satellite is for a $535 seat to FTOPS Event 6.

Had a prop bet with Superman the other night. We agreed to play 5 KO SNG, and see who will get the most prizes. At the end, both of us didn't cash in any of them, but he got 1 KO more than me. Losing to him is hard to swallow, plus now he has the bragging right. OMG! Now I have to cop all those shits from him. After 2 days, he is driving me insane already. Not only he won the prop bet, but he also did well in some PLO table, from $50 up to $200+. Hitting everything with any 4 cards dealt to him. Sure it helps!

The most amazing part was not online. Couple days ago, he went to the Pond with $100, sat down on a $2/$3 table. After paying $5 time charge, he only had $95 behind. He managed to double up early with JQ, flopping top pair, and some big stack pro tried to bully him. Put him all-in with A 5. Obviously Superman called and his top pair held up.

Several rounds later, he dealt 22 in late position. That same big stack raised to $15, and Superman called with his pair of ducks. Flop A A 2. As usual Superman will slowplay it, but the table went ballistic. Turn 4, which had 3 flush on the board. After a lot of betting and calling, we saw a 4 way all-in. Superman had 22 for full-house, one guy had an A, one guy didn't show but most likely he had flush or the other A. The big stack showed J 5 off. WOW! Superman's 22 held up and he quadruple up. Then he donk away his stack a bit.

In the final hand before he left, he had 6 8 off. Flop 6 8 10. He lead out for $25 on the flop and got 2 callers. Turn J which complete 3 flush. Superman bet $50, 1 fold and the last guy went all-in for $130. Superman made a crying call. He discussed the hand with me and I said the guy shoved with 10 J. I were right, but since Superman has improved a lot, he told me he saw the 8 was coming. River 8! Bingo!!!!

I always think Superman is a fish! Now I admit I am totally wrong. Now he has become those top instinct player, with a bit of those little funny feelings (Like Phil Hellmuth)! He has transform himself from a fish into a bigger creature. An EEL!!! An eel also eats worms, they eat little fishes, but sharks would never touch them! An eel could be lethal. They hide between rocks and corals. They will snap you in an instant. Some of the eels are so special, they might have some fancy play syndromes, but when they turn over their hands, you can feel the electricity in the water! Since he is very good friend of mine, he is generous enough to give me some advise or two. He told me not to play NLH anymore, coz I suck at it. Just stick to PLO and I might be able to grind a dollar or two! Thank you for your advice, but I don't think I can play either one of them. If you have Luck, you are a Superstar! If you don't have luck, you just SUCK!

The BIG SNAKE

2009-10-16T19:43:00.003+11:00

I am taking a break from snooker right now. Without any flippers, I haven't swum at the Pond for a while. No intention going there as well. So at the meantime, I just swim in PS and FullRig.

I haven't touched any cash game at PS lately. All tournaments! Those ultimate luckfest, $5 or lower buy-in, field of 5000+. You simply can't win those tourneys without luck. Shoving preflop with AK will called by several places while they are holding 44 or 10 J. You need to play a lot more tourneys to get a result. Playing those donkfest won't affect my bankroll too much. It is part of the learning process, plus a lot of entertainment in the chat box.

One day, in the first orbit. I saw a 3 way all in preflop. KK vs QQ vs A5 sthooted. At the end obviously the AK will win most of the time because in PS they are playing 10 Aces in the deck with 20 cards of the same suits. That's not the point! The guy lost with KK was a bit stiff, bitching a bit in the chat box. The AK guy said this, " I got the BIG SNAKE! It is an all-in hand!"

Am I out of date? Is there someone out there just revolutionize the English poker dictionary? What the hell is a Big Snake? The one in between your legs? A cobra, anaconda, scorpion or rattle? I know what a Big Chick is. (AQ) and the Big Slick (AK, might be the old version). But a Big Snake is just too bit scary for me. I prefer a Big Lick on my Big D*ick! After a while I might give you a Big Flick.

Anyway, I played a lot of PLO tourneys this week with decent results. After last week 2nd showing in the PLO H/L, this week PS released a bunch of donkfest PLO tournys. I played quite a few of them. Managed to make a deep run, but still no final table. Generally I think I played pretty solid. On the down side, I didn't change gear at the later stage of the tournament when the table was tight.

...

I started off the week making Final Table at FullRig. Second in Chips entering to the final table, but the chips were pretty even. I ended up busting out in 5th place. Not a bad result, considering I missed a lot of flops, and the table played quite aggressive. I need to win those key pots, but I didn't. Well very please with my effort there.

...

Then I played a bit in PS. Managed to finish 11th in a PLO H/L tournament, losing to a 2 outer on the river when I had the nut low + Flush draw + GS vs a made low straight. The 2 on the river killed all my draw and the low. In the next PLO H/L tourney, I busted out midway thru. I had Ah 3s 5s Qh, the guy had AAK8 rainbow. HU raised pot pre-flop. I checked raised all-in on the flop and he called. Flop 2h 4h Qd. OK! His AA was in front, but any A, 3, 5, 6, Q or hearts, I would have the best hand. Also could have chop with any 7 or 8. So I had like 20 outs to win straight up, plus 6 outs for a chop. With such a big draw, although I won't put my life in it, but certainly go to war with you! At the end, AA held up!

...

Screw those H/L games. Lets play some real stuff. They have a new tourney $4.40 PLO with 3k bank. I manage to survive the early donkfest. With 12 players remaining, I were 5th in chips. Blinds only 2500/5000. I have 135k+ stack. I played pretty solid thru out. Managed to steal a couple of small pots just to maintain my stack. Then this hand came up. All folded to button, he pop to $15k. SB fold, I had 2446. Many people will fold this hand, but both of us had a deep stack, I decided to gamble. Table playing very tight and most of them play high cards. My card is not that important. If high cards flop, I can get away easily. I will hit big time if low cards flop, middle cards on the board, I can do a lot of moves and outplay them. If I have the chip lead at the final table, I am very confident I will finish in the top 3 at least. Flop 4 6 K rainbow. I check and the guy bet $20k. I pop to $50k and he shoved all-in. On a flop like this, many people will go crazy with their AA, or AKQ9. I held a 6, so mostly he won't have 666. Only losing to KKK. Would he had middle rundown like 5678? Very unlikely, because that guy is not up to that standard yet. He will limp on the button with that hand. So I call, and you know the result.

Had a chat with Suprman before, and he has quited PS. He reckons you can't win in PS unless they let you win. All those coolers are killing him. PS rewards donkeys shoving all-in with 33 vs your higher pair. 2 outer on the river is PS speciality. For me, I hardly lose to the 2 outer river, but cold deck always follows me at crucial moments, esp in those donkfest tournys.

Time for some self-reflection!

2009-10-07T23:15:00.003+11:00

"Why am I a worm?" Good question! Then there is another question pops up in my mind. " Why am I no good?" Guys like the Master and Mr.Sklansky keeps on killing the game in all levels they played in it. While I can only grind in the micro-limits. Winning $2 to $5 in the process, but always lose much more than that. Why?

Lack of knowledge? I don't think so. Having more than 30 books in my poker library, and I have read them all. I read more books than when I were in college. Most of them I read it more than once.

Did I bluff too much? I don't think so! I play tighter than a rock.

Money management problem? NO! Playing micro-limits won't hurt my bankroll too much. I consistently using my hit and run strategy to keep my swing to the min.

Inferior oppositions? This must be it! Why everytime when I had the goods on the flop, I always get chased out? Everytime I was bluffing when I missed all my draw, the guy will snap call my bet with 22 on a A K J 9 9 board? Do they have pokerrng? or they can read my cards! I don't know about that, but one thing for sure. They might be a poker expert in their own mind, but I am definitely the better driver. I drive so slow, I always have enough time to step on the breaks. I always know that FOLDING is like the IRON CURTAIN, it will protect your chip stack like nothing else. If you never go all-in, you will never bust! Easy as that! It is the most useful weapon in your poker Arsenal.

Back to topic! So why I still lose? Now I just find out the answer.
1) I read too many poker books
2) I watched too much TV
3) I try too hard to copy the Master's superior poker ability. Try too hard to create my own Masterpiece.

Everytime when I am in a hand, I try too hard to play it perfect. Watching the Master did all his fancy moves was truely amazing. I forgot one thing. To win the war, you must know yourself as well as your enemies. If you are not up to that standard, you should never try it. All those limp raise UTG with AA followed by an all-in bet on the flop, doesn't work at micro-limits level. Poker God will punish you being sneaky. Also those 3 bullets bluff with air doesn't work at my table because they work for Telstra, a bunch of calling stations. Those check/raise bluff on the river will never work for me, my opponents love to keep me honest! Those check/raise on the turn, follow by an all-in bet on the river, also never work for me. I create the pot so big, due to POT ODDS, they always get 2-1 on their money to call. So folding on their part will not be an option.

Every hand I play, I try to follow the Master's footstep. I try to create some Masterpiece. Try to play the Meta-game. No matter how hard I try, it will not work. You try to paint your hand as beautiful as possible, at the end you are just selling Mona Lisa to a bunch of blinds and retards. They won't get it. Talking to idiots and morons about Monet and Renoir is just waste of time. My downfall in poker is caused by my play. I lot of times I play the hand far too sophisticated (try be like the Master) for the poker public in gereral to understand.

Right now I should follow another poker expert's footstep. Fold or all-in preflop. If Folding is the Iron Curtain, then ALL-IN preflop must be the IRON FIST in the poker arsenal. The good thing about this strategy is, it is a lot easier to play. Also most of the time you will win the hand uncontested. Even winning the blinds is still a win. Now I have learnt something. Thank you Mr. Sklansky! From now on I will be following your lead! Wherever you lead, I will dance with you!

PS wants me back!

2009-10-03T21:42:00.002+10:00

What will you do if someone you just dump wants you back? Right now, in my mind I am in the cross path. I am lost and I don't know what to do. Should I go straight forward, or sort of making a U-turn? Should I stand my ground firm and treat all those were nothing but illusions? Am I dreaming? Or am I being setup for more horrendous bad beats to come?

Couple of days ago, I decided to quit Pokerstars for good. No more money in the account and ready to install that silly software. All of the sudden, something popped out of my mind. I still have like 3500+ FPP in their. So what I did, was spent it all in those donfest satellites. I played about 8 of them, and won 2 for a total T$22. Once again Pokerstars proved the whole world that there is no math involved in poker. I won like 2 out 8 with my pair vs A-rag. There is an old say:" If you don't have an Ace, you don't really have a case!" So thank you Pokerstars, once again I learnt a valuable lesson from you.

Master Buck did his trick again, and he just got back from the hospital. He had his arse stitched up after a pounding from Pokerstars. With no money in his account as well, I told him to play in my account. Play whatever tournaments he liked, and we split 50/50. At first he went to a $5 NLH with re-buy and obviously did no good. Then he registered in some $1 NLH donkfest, didn't cash at all. With $2.10 in the account he had the last roll of the dice. He finished 16th the $1 donkfest for $10. Brought his $10 to some cash table, and roll up to whatever amount. Also cashed in a $11 NLH MTT for $20. He played in my account for 20 hours straight, and end up building the roll over $100+. After that Master Buck transfer back his share of the pie, and left about $54.41 in my account.

With suck a huge bankroll, no way I am going to stay put. First thing I did was withdrawing $50, no matter what and left $4.40 behind for SNGs. Then I registered in $2.20 NLH donkfest. I finished 12th for $9.65. In the last hand, we were playing 6 handed, the guy had AA in the BB played very well. I had Kh Qs, first in raised 3 times BB. Fold to BB flated called with AA. Flop 8 8 10 with 2 hearts. He check- miniraised my c-bet on the flop. Qh on the turn and he shoved. I called with my top pair, good kicker + flush draw, and he showed AA. I could still won the hand with Q and heart on the river, but blank came. Well, made mistake on the flop. Should have folded to the check-raise rather than floating around. Very please with my effort!

Straight after that, with about $10 in the account, I registered in another tournament. $5.50 PLO H/L. I went all the way to the final table. I held the chip lead at one point with 4 players remaining. I were 2-1 deficit in chips against the flop rack who never missed anything. I ended up finishing 2nd in the tournament for $110.

With such a monster bankroll, of course I have to withdraw. $100 back to Neteller, and leave $18+ in there. Today I cashed in another $3.30 NLH MTT. Somehow Pokerstars back to normal. All you have to do is to run/run/run, chase/chase/chase, swim/swim/swim. Pokerstars will reward you for your persistent. I built a good chip stack early on the tournament. In the first orbit, I got 99 on the button. Multiway limp pot and I pop to $100. Obviously everyone call. Flop 9 10 10. I flopped the boat. All checked to me and I made a teasing bet of another $100. This time folded to UTG and he pop to $400. Got 1 caller, and I called as well. Turn Jd, UTG bet $600. MP folded, and I flat called. River Kd. So the board read 9 10 10d Jd Kd. Now he shoved all-in and I was thinking about folding. In PLO, this is a no brainer. We knew he had a 10. 9 10, J 10, K 10 are all within his range. I could only beat A 10, Q 10 and 10 8. With 3 flush and 4 straight on the board, I can eliminate A 10 and 8 10. If he had one of those hands, he wouldn't shove the river. Only beating Q 10, what the hack! I made a crying call, and he really showed Q 10.

Then had KJ in SB, raised pot. UTG raised with AQ, several callers, and I flopped top 2 pair. I check raised UTG on the flop, and he shoved the turn when another blank came. I called instantly and bust his arse again. Sitting around 12k in chips, blinds 50/100 with no antes, about 1000 players remaining, this hand came up. I am in the BB with JJ. Several limpers, I check my options. Many people will raise in my spot, but I decided to check. Here's why:

1) Keep the pot small preflop
2) People tend to chase overs when the pot is big
3) No intention to play a big pot with my stack right now.
4) Don't want any all-in donk fest.
5) Most importantly, no one going to fold.

Flop 9 10 4 but with 2 clubs. SB check, I check as well. UTG bet $100. Got 1 caller and I check-raised to $1200. UTG had about $6K left in his stack flat called. All folded, which is a good sign for me. Either he had the 10, a set or flush draw. Turn off sthoot 5. I put him all-in and he snapped called his whole stack about $4.6K with nothing but QJ off. River K and he double up and my stack crippled. Managed to sneak into the money.

With $20 in the account, time to donk away in cash tables. Went to NLO H/L, try to shove everything pre-flop, but ended up getting chop in every hand. Managed to double up with A245. Flop 3 6 8. I open shoved and got a guy called with a dry A 2. 2 on the river and I double up to $35. At the meantime I am going to play recklessly. I am going to play like there is no tomorrow. I am going to play like a sex manaic, horny at its peak, just shove everything up all those donkey's asses. Go ahead! I am going to smash all you donkeys whoever is in my way. All of you should go back and report to the rail. Most importantly you should check back in to the mental hospital where you came from. Because all you donkeys are a bunch of spastics. Get out of my way!

IT IS OFFICAIL!

2009-10-01T02:13:00.003+10:00

It is OFFICIAL! I am quitting Pokerstars for good. No more cash game in that RIG site, and no more donkfest tournaments over there. No matter what I do in there, those guys just know what is coming. In the last couple of sessions, the only way I could win was caught people bluffing, or winning the blinds preflop. It was very weired. A lot of hands I got chase down on the river for nothing but CHOP. It is especially true in NLH games. I've seen a guy always raised preflop when ever he entered the pot. Willing the call 3 bets shove for $15 with 7c 4c in 25c/50c table. Flop 448. In today session, not once, not twice but 3 times I had the nuts on the turn, raised pot, made over the pot bet like $15 to $20 into a $15 pot. Someone will call with a gutter against my made straight. 2 outers/3 outers river for a chop. In the final hand, MP first in pop to $1.50, I flat called with AQ on the button, BB also called. Flop QJ5 with 2 hearts. MP bet $2, I popped to $6, BB folded, MP called. Turn off suite 7. He check, I bet $16.50 into a $14 pot. He check/raised me all-in for $30. He showed Kh Qh, river 10h.

I always admit you can't beat any lucktard in this game. They carry more missiles than the US Army. When they drop a bomb on you, you can't hide. Since I am not a terrorist, and I don't look anything like Osama bin Laden; I can't even dodge bullets like Phil Hellmuth. Please tell me what chance do I have? I used to love PS a lot. When the love is over, it is over. PS is totally different than your ex-GF. Your ex always gives you the best blowjob in the world. Somehow, PokerStars gave me nothing but Bad Beats. With only $6.40 in the account, time to donk it away in my swung song tournament. Master Buck sent me extra $2.40 and I entered the $8.80 PLO. Here was how I went.

...

Very first hand in the tournament dealt 2345. Limp pot to the guy on my right made it $80, I called to see the flop. As usual in these donkfest tournament, everyone called. I hit a wrap with bottom pair. I have 6 clear outs, maybe 8 if no one had a set. Flush card a bit worry but everyone had deep stack relative to the blinds. Donkey on my left bet pot, I called. That moron on my left re-pot. All fold to the Donkey called. Cost me $600 something more to call, I decided to call. Turn 5. I had the nuts but still vurnable. Donkey bet all in, I had to call, so did the button. I triple up in the very first hand.

...

People says :" A good start is halfway to success!" Sorry mate! I don't think so, especially in PS tourneys surrounded by either Lucktards or mushrooms. In my opinion, " A good start is halfway to collapse!" With a good start, your self destruction will be more spectacular than normal. Because it is good for TV, good for railbirds and good for Poker wombats in general.

Called a pot double raised pre-flop with 6789 on button. Missed flop and folded instantly. Still have $9k in chips, now Robin Hood came in for a ride. Dealt AA36 ss in BB. I am not going crazy with this hand with the stack so deep. If I want to play, I will play a monster pot pre-flop. Not really want to raise OOP in BB selling my AA cheaply. MP opened the pot for $60, now Robin Hood re-pot to $210. Got 2 callers in the middle. Ideal situation for my hand, now I can re-pot to $1k+. All folded to Robin Hood, he re-pot me to a touch less than $3k. All folded to me and I put him all-in, he called. Flop, turn, river. You know what happen with his junks. Robin Hood is a real hero, but the fake one, as he is, is nothing but a moron . He has nothing in common with Bacon and Eggs, the Professor of snooker. Also I don't think Berry Greenstein will shove and play the way he did. Also, I don't think he has done much charity work in the past. All I can tell was hes a lucktard idiot, perhaps feeling very horny. He just want to shove everything up his ass whenever he can. Robin Hood then went on a tear, after robbing from my stack, he ended up busting out within the next orbit. Sharing my chips around to all members at the table.

...

My stack still about $6k. Then this one came up. Blinds $15/$30. Huge multiway limp pot. I called in kighjack position with 3567. I had good position and don't mind seeing a cheap flop. Flop 3 4 K rainbow. What a flop for my hand. Now I have a pair of 3 along with a big wrap. Forget about the 3, I still have 13 outs to the nuts. With no flush draw there, my hand is a monster. SB lead out for $180, got 1 caller, I pop to $900, trying to buy the button and a free card on the turn as well. Now SB went ballistic, and shove. The MP caller also shoved. I was thinking, both guys must have at least 2 pair or sets. Mathematically I am still 40% to win, with no more betting to come, and the pot laying me better than 2-1. I love those situation. By the way who doesn't love to Get Laid? I called, SB called all-in. 2 pair vs 2 pair vs my big draw. I hit my 2 on the turn with 2 flush blockers, plus SB also had a blocker. I was 78% to win the hand, and you know what happen next.

Those guys play 2 pairs on the flop like there is no tomorrow. I know I am a worn in NLH, but not in PLO. I always take great pride on my PLO reads and plays. Somehow, for some reason I simply can't beat those Holdem players in Omaha. What's going on in here?

...

Now I am back to my original stack, about $2900. Instead of limping and calling. Through out the tourney I played less than 10 hands that I were dealt. My flop percentage was like 30%, so it was a bit on the tight side in PLO. Now in the SB, blinds 25/50, dealt AKK2ds. As always got 5 limpers, I massage the pot for a $200 raise. Not going to go crazy in SB, as my stack still pretty deep. If I hit a good flop, I can do I lot of moves. Flop A82 with 2 spades. Had top and bottom pair, but very vulnerable. I am representing AA, and bet 1/2 pot $600. I need to find out how many Ace out there and who is on flush draw. All folded to the button and he flat call. Here was my assumptions:
1) He either had the A for 1 pair (coz if he had 2 pair or set, he will go ballistic!).
2) Bottom 2 pair (coz they play all kinds of junks).
3) Maybe only a pair of 8 with running cards ( About time for me to fish around, and might get lucky. I can always hit something on the turn and continue. Maybe PS has some malfunction, and would let me use all 4 of my cards at the same time).
4) 345 combo (Likely)
5) Flush draw (very likely).

Turn an off suite 10. Not the card I was hoping for but still not too bad. If he hit the turn for 2 pair, nothing I can do. Still think I am in front, and try to end it right there. I bet the pot for $2.4k, now he shoves, and cost me another 800 to call. Can't fold, coz I am still beating 10 8, AQJ or A9J7 combo. You know what happen next! 60% favorite on the flop, any flush card, I definitely fold unless 2s. Need to give me the worst card of all. He had no implied odds whatsoever, and he still stacked!

Pokerstars. I won't miss you, and please! From now on you and me are parting ways. Spring time is here. Perhaps you should open a Booth at the Royal Melbourne show ground. You can go ahead and invite all those motherluckers there, so the whole world will know what a lucktard is like. Also I can give you another great idea. You can sponsor the Spring Racing Carnival. Make a race like Pokerstars Melbourne Cup. Run some freeroll donkfest satellite in your site, I am sure you will find the best 20+ donkeys in this world. The race won't be run at Flemington but at the POND. It will be the last race at the Emirates Cup day. Make it an international event, invite the best camels from the Middle East. I am pretty sure all your donkeys will outswim those camels!

Yep! Thats me mate!

2009-09-29T00:39:00.002+10:00

I hate Spring! Pennant snooker tonight and we played at Brunswick. Our captain Kevin Stone decided to swap the order around, and I ended up playing at number 3. I have been practicing a bit in the past week, but somehow I couldn't get it going. Thanks to those hayfever and stuff, I am taking too many drugs at the moment. Got down on the table, not only my hands/arms were shaking, but I felt my body is moving sideways. I felt like I were fishing in the sea. I ended up losing my match 2-1. My opponent potted well, and played far better than me. Losing to the Oceania Champion and former World Doubles Champion certainly is no shame on my part. All of the sudden, some creepy thoughts popped up in my mind. I wish I am someone like Kester Sameya. So I can travel around the world and become a top player. Anyway, congratulation to my opponent tonight. You beat me fair and square! Well done Kathy Howden!

As my poker goes, it has been a quiet week. The 10d always floats in my mind when I was at the POND. Mucking around at FullRig all the time at 5c/10c table. Up about $50 in the past week. Then used the winnings to play someone in 25c/50c PLO HU. Managed to build it up to like $85+. Donked away my last $30 in PS. Thats OK! Although both my PS and FullRig balance is low at the moment, but most importantly my Neteller balance remains healthy.

Master Gee supposed to come to my place for some tag team action last Thursday, but he didn't show up. I know! Why should the most dominant force in poker give up 50% of the pie to some worm like me? Although I won't consider the Master is a math wizard, but tag teaming with me is definitely an -EV situation anytime, anyday. A worm is a worm!

Not long ago, I busted in all sites. Thanks to Master Buck, I managed to build it up from his $20. Last week I returned the favour to him. I sent him $100, and right now he is killing the game. He sent me back the money, and I think right now he is up like $700+. Maybe all these inter money transfer has very good omen! Keep it up King! Smash those yarras! All hail to you! By the way, I only have one question for you," Why are you so good?"

Pokernews Cup this week at Crown. They have a $550 buy-in PLO. The entry fees is far too steep for me, so I decided to parlay my way to the tournament. At first I had $200 on Geelong laying 9.5 points against the choker Saints in the AFL Grand Final. Thanks to Max Rooks, he really look after FOOKS. He kicked a goal after the siren and bought the margin to 12 points. I won $185 in that game. On the same night, I bet $285 on Manchester United plus Chelsea in EPL at $1.89. So if I win that as well, I would have won like $440. So I would use that money to buy into that PLO tourney. So all it cost me would be just $110 to enter the tournament. It is a bit like a sportbet satellite into poker event for me. Unfortunately Chelsea lost to Wigan 3-1. Overall I lost $100. Thats OK! No PLO tourney at the POND for me.

Titan Experience

2009-09-23T02:23:00.002+10:00

Thanks to Danial Sklansky, he gave me a site (www.pokersource.com) which offered $75 free to play in some minor poker site. So I dipped into Titan Poker. They are using the old Party Poker software. Hard to play in those NLH game. Everytime I sat in the table, I were surrounded by a bunch of fungus. Everyone play the same way. Buy-in min; First raised usually 5 to 6 times the BB. After that either everyone fold, or one of those mushroom will shove. Everyhand is played like that, no flop whatsoever. PLO very soft, but very hard to find a table 25c/50c or above. Mostly you can sit at 10c/20c table and the average stack would be like $2 to $4. Anyway test my flippers in a 25/50c PLO HU table. My opponent sat there with a $200 stack. I bought in for $50. After less than 40 hands played, I took like $60 off him. Managed to build my roll from $75 to like $120. Unfortunately for me, I donk it away within 1 minute. Felt a bit boring, so I bought my stack into a Blackjack table. $25 a hand, first 2 hands got dealt 2 face cards against 6 and 9 both times. Dealer managed to spike 21. Final hand I went all-in and dealt 10 5 sthooted, but dealer had A J off soot. As the result, I say goodbye to my $120 free roll money. Don't mind their site, but I won't go there again. Thank You very much!

As far as my snooker going. I am playing crap at the moment. Last week I lost to Tuna, and I also lost to Bully last night in pennant 2-1. I have no idea what's going on. After 3 months of snooker boot camp, all it took was 1 week of flu to destroy it. Whenever I got down to the table, I felt like my body was wobbling around. Anyway need to start more practice.

Had a hit with Mr.Invincible this afternoon at Brunswick. I think right now he has the Master Gee's syndrome. I told him before I couldn't hit a ball. Today, all of the sudden he said we play best of 5 for Yum Cha, off scratch. WOW! Do you think I am that stupid? Do you think I am an ego maniac like the MVP? I don't know, but we ended up playing best of 7, and I got 2 frames start. That's OK for me. Since I have taken so much Yum Cha dollar off him in the past (Thanks to Humphrey Bear) in snooker prop bets, I think its time to give back some. In my world, there is no one way traffic. We had another prop bet at the end. Next week in pennant, I will be up against Laksa Prince. I will win $50 in Yum Cha off him of I win. If I lose 2-1, I lose $25. If I lose 3-0, I lose $50. High stake snooker on the line, better do more solo next couple of days.

Test my Flippers

2009-09-18T21:03:00.002+10:00

I felt like having a swim today. Recently I am doing OK in FullRig. They have the mini-FTOPS, and they are running a bunch of micro buy-in satellite. I managed to win 3 out of 5. So it is not too bad, consider you only need to buy-in small, 10% of the field paid, and close to 10 times of the buy-in in return. The only downside is, it is a donkfest.

Master Gee sent me a SMS this afternoon about a home game at Sam Fishy's place next week. It will be 50c/$1 with $100 buy-in. Straight away I refuse to go. I know no way I can win. No chance at all. Once again the Master beg me to go, but I know his MASTER PLAN. He wants me to go because I will be his insurance guy. He will try to bust either Sam Fishy or Neverlose. If things doesn't go well, he will shift his focus on to me. Once again I am not that Desperate. Furthermore, I am not as stupid as you might think. So please tell me what chance do I have? I know I am a worm, and Sam Fishy will eat me alive. Neverlose simply never lose. And the most concern of all, the Master always eye on my stack. So please!!! I don't mind you think i am stupid, but STOP INSULTING MY INTELLIGENCE!!!

Went to the Pond around 6pm. I played for only 2 hours. Started off quite well. In the first orbit, got 7d 9d. Called $15 raise in CO, 4 way action, I were last to act. Flop Kd 8d 7h. SB lead out for $25, Initial raiser flat called, I made it $60 to go. Only the SB called. Turn blank 3, we went check/check. River another 7, he checked and I bet $75. Then he asked me a very serious question. "You missed your flush draw?" I looked at my cards, and told him "YES!" He made the call with K 10 and I won a decent pot.

Now stack close to $370+. Table not that loose, and I managed to play a few more hands without costing me too much. Then I bust a mushroom stack with my AK. All fold to the mushroom in highjack, and he pop to $20. Folded to me and had AK, I put him all-in, and he called. Board ran out like Q 9 x x x with a small pair on board. He had A J and I won. Now stack close to $440.

Played a tight small ball all the way, and slowly built up to $500. First in UTG, dealt AQ off. Pop to $15, got 4 callers. Flop 228 rainbow. I lead out for $50 and all folded. Then flop 2 pair with A 8, board A 8 10. Checked to me and I bet $25, got 1 caller. Turn 4, I bet $45 and the guy mucked.

With $500+ in front of me, and about 20 min to go before taking time charge. I was thinking about to go when they take the charges. That's a big mistake on my part. I swear to you, I will never make this kind of mistake again. When you decide to go, you must go. No second thought! Here is why!

Limp pot, on the button I dealt QcJc. I limp for $3, all of the sudden SB pop to $30. BB flat called $30. UTG flat called $30, plus 1 caller. I called as well. Flop A K 10 rainbow. WOW! I flop the nuts. SB has a huge stack about $600 in front of him and check, BB had about $400 and lead out for $50. All fold to me and I flat called. Now SB check/raise to $150, we both called. Turn blank (8 or 9 something like that), SB lead out for another $150. BB flat called the second time. Now I know I am up against a set, or AK. BB could have AQ or AJ, maybe A 10 or K 10. I called for sure, coz they won't go away if I raise, and any card on the river they won't fold, unless J or Q. Bit of defensive nuts play on my part. River another 10. Now SB shoved all-in, BB called for like $100 and I folded. SB showed AA, while BB had K 10. I lost $330 in that pot thanks to that disgusting river card. Then I was card dead and fold all the hands. Once they asked for time charge, I left the table straight away. Lost like $35 for the night.

What mistake did I made?
1) Should fold pre-flop. QJ sthooted just too weak to play for $30, even a bunch of VALUE plus the button in front of me. Since I am a worm, I have no flippers. How can I outswim all of them without flippers?
2) When you think about leaving, you should leave. Poker God will punish you not being aa honest man.
3) Grand Master's Word of Wisdom. If too much action on the flop, and you have the nut straight, you MUST fold. You have no draw. If you don't have any re-draw, then you are stuck! Play smart, and cut your losses.
4) Know your Roll! I should never go to the Pond. I am a worm, any fish will eat me alive! Forget about winning, a worm will have a hard time surviving in a fish tank!

Yep! I am a WORM!

2009-09-15T00:40:00.002+10:00

Pennant snooker tonight, and I lost to TUNA 2-1. Played crap! I have no idea what's going on, all I can say is I am a WORM. Against any kind of fish, they will eat me alive. Need to start practicing a bit more. I have entered the Gary Cullen handicap this Sat, and Princes Cup is coming up. More practice, swim less, bar none!

Saw D.Sklansky and his Kings High team tonight. The way he played snooker is totally different than his style at the poker table. Instead of playing big pot, all-in snooker, tonight he is playing small-ball. Scoring nothing over 15, and try to milk his opponent in every visit. Unfortunately for him, his opponents fluke too many balls and hit too many gut-shots on him, whenever he is in good shape. Better luck next time! Master Gee and MVP has a grunge match tonight at Princes. He called me up and ask me for any kind of Prop bet. I smell a trap straight away. So I didn't bother look at my cards, and fold pre-flop. See! I will never take MVP, no matter what. That means I have to bet on the Master to win, but he is actually playing. So everything will be under his control. Very Smart Master! I am not that DESPERATE yet!

According to my prop bets on the weekend. Thorpy lost in his 1st match, so all his bets were void. Rudy lost to Lawler 3-2, and Humphrey beat Laksa King 3-1. So I am all square against Bobo, but up $50 against Mr. Invincible. Should be more action coming up at Princes Cup.

South Pacific Prop Bets

2009-09-11T21:06:00.002+10:00

All the guns are in Sydney for the South Pacific snooker Championship. Every snooker tournaments, I usually will have some Prop bets with Mr.Invincible and Bobo. Here are the matches we are betting on:

1) Laksa King vs Humphrey Bear
2) Rudy vs Lawler
3) Thorpy vs Blazer

Bobo taken LK + Lawler + Balzer (2 out of 3 ) for Yum Cha
Mr.Invinsible took LK, Rudy and Balzer for $25 each

Huge stakes on the line. See how it goes!

Look at this beauty

2009-09-10T00:07:00.003+10:00

Put $100 in PS today and want to play BIG! Sit in 50c/$1 PLO straight away. The table is wild especially Monstro, 2 seats to my right. I didn't have a good start, tried to play scary board against that maniac with board 367. He pot $4.50 on the flop, and I had 7 10 10 Q. My hand was not that important because I was on the button. Everyone fold, after the flop, he pot bet $10+, I flat call with top + over pair. Turn another 6 and he pot another $30+, I forced to fold. Now stack down to $80+.

Missed a couple of flops and stack down to like $75. Then I caught him bluffing afterwards. All folded to him and he made it $3.50, SB folded, I called with KK47 ds. Flop A 8 J with 2 clubs. I had no clubs in my hand. I checked to him, and ready to give up. Surprisingly he checked as well. Turn 3c. With 3 clubs on board, I checked as well, so did he. River Kc, now I made my set, but still potential flush and straight on the board. I knew he had no flush, but didn't know if he had straight or not. I checked to him, but I'm willing to call any bets he fired. He bet pot on the river and I called, he had nothing. I played that hand Ultre Aggressive, ATC to max. Now stack back to $85+.

In the very next hand I got KQQ10 in SB. "7MUSE7" limp, "palermeto" made it $4.50 to go with his mushroom stack. I called, so did BB and "7MUSE7". Look at that flop, it hit everyone. The Case K,Q and 7 all on the flop. No way I am folding there. Not too worry about top set, coz I held a K in my hand. Already $17+ inside, not going to do anything fancy. I lead out for pot, BB shoved allin for $21+, "7MUSE7" mini re-raised to $62+, "Palermeto" AA donkey called all-in for $25+. I shoved MUSE called. After the hands were revealed, I could still lose to 6 outers. When all said and done, FINALLY I won a monster pot!!!!!

Quiet Week

2009-09-05T18:51:00.003+10:00

Nothing much going on this week, still feeling a bit croak. Haven't swum at the Pond and not planning to do so in the near future. FullRig had new promotion, and easy $50 for me to grab. All I need is to play 2 tables at the same time and earn 1 points each day in the process for 25 days in September. Piece of cake for me!

I have abandon any thoughts try to Wave Surfing ever again on my own. At the same time, I am convinced that the Forex market could be very lucrative. So instead of testing the water by myself. I would let the pros do the job for me. I found a site on the Internet, seems too good to be true. All I need would only be US$100, join one of their plan and lock it up for 180 trading days. After the mature period, I would get like $900+ in return. No idea whether it is a scam or not, but I will give it a try. All it cost would only be US$100. But you need to open a bunch of e-currency account in the process with a lot of surcharges. Right now it has cost me $136 AUD. Still less than 1 bullet swimming at the Pond. The maturity date is 20th May 2010. Let see how it goes!

I played for the Master yesterday in a $4.40, 180 players SNG (1500 stack). He was half way there but had to leave. So I continue the tourney for him. When the time he handed over to me, he was sitting on 3600 chips, with 90 players remaining. I managed to go all the way to the final table, 2nd in chips with 6 players remaining. Got 4 coolers in a row and busted at 5th place. At first my A6 lost on a Ace high flop, but only SB vs BB confrontation. I lost on the kicker, but lost min in the process. Then my pocket 10s had to fold on AK6 sthooted board. Than had 88 in BB. I called a small raise from MP. Flop 5s 5c 7s, He lead out small, and I check-raise him on the flop, he flat called. Turn Jc but made 2 flush board. I lead out big on the turn, MP called with 1/2 his stack. River Qc, I shoved coz no pot committed. He might lay down a better hand like 99 or so. He instant call, showed Ac 3c for runner runner flush. All those hands were against the same guy. In the last hand, that Lucktard raised with 44. I had KK in the BB, I re-pop him and he called. Flop all rags, and I shoved, he instant called. He hit another runner runner flush and I busted in 5th place.

During Final table, I gave Master a call, and see if he wants to continue. Since he is the FINAL TABLE EXPERT, he will finish in the top 3 GUARANTEE!!! He said he was playing in some High Stake Pool games at Potters, these $4.40 final table was just monkey business for him. Well! Master, I have tried my best. Please don't blame me by busting out early.

The most I have lost in 4 years

2009-09-01T21:55:00.005+10:00

Feeling very sick! Both mentally and emotionally. For all of you reading this blog, please DON'T try Wave Surfing. Not only it is in the sea, but I it is full of sharks. Especially online, it is a shark tank. Last week I was free rolling in eToro, but unfortunately my free roll had busted. I took them 5 working days to withdraw funds from the account.

Yesterday I had a chat with my friend on phone from HK, he told me to buy US$ against Yen. There were some dodgy political election over there, and for some reason, he said the Yen will plunge. So I deposite $200 in there, and roll short. Somehow, the Yen kept moving up due to the left wing party won the election first time in like 50 years. Anyway, since I hammer in it, all I thought I could lost would be like $200. In fact the the site had technical difficulties, that they didn't stop my trade. I lost more than I plan to invest , as the result I need to fill the gap. Anyway, I reversed the withdrawal request, and right now I don't have much left in there. Those wave surfing site is RIG. More rig than PS and more rig than FullRig. They are the UltiRig. Thank you very much. Let me donk away the remaining balance, and you won't see me again. ALL my online Poker winnings for 2009, GONE! Remember, "WAVE SURFING COULD BE LETHAL. IF YOU ARE NOT A PROFESSIONAL, DO NOT TRY IT AT HOME!"

Caught some kind of flu, and coughing like hell. eToro's surprise present never make me feel any better. Today got an email from PS, and really surprise, Master Buck sent me $20 back. Since I got nothing left in PS, I try to roll from $20 back to $700. Stop at 50c/$1 NLH table and use the mushroom strategy. First hand I dealt A 10 off. MP limp and I pop to $5. All folded he mini-raised me again to $9 and I shoved, he called with KQ. Flop K Q 9. What else? But I picked up a lot of outs on the turn when the A pop up. River J and I double ups. Then I called a raise from BB, all folded to SB and he popped to $4, I flat called with 4 7 off. Flop 3 4 6. He bet $5 on the flop and I pop to $15 and took it down.

1 round later I triple up. Limp pot from button, I called in SB with 9d 10d, BB is a rock and he check. Flop Kd Qd Jh. I checked in SB, BB lead out for $3, button pop to $12, then with no hesitation, I shoved all-in for $40+. Both called. BB had Ah 10h for the nuts, and button had K 9. Turn was a heart and river was a lovely diamond. I scooped the $120+ pot.

With stack close to $120, I ran a huge bluff with Q 10. First in I raised to $3 from UTG +2, got multiple caller, 4 way action. Flop 9 6 5. I made my c-bet of $8 on the flop. Only button called, all folded. Turn was ugly 7. I lead out for $14, hope he would go away, but he flat called again. River J. Now I got nothing but Q high. I didn't think he had 8, and I thought all he got was a pair of 9. I bet out for $40+ and he folded after a lot of deliberation. Then I think I've cooled off a bit and left the table with $170.

Mentally I am still on tilt. Went to PLO 50c/$1, 6 handed. First hand I got Kc Qc Kh 5h in BB. CO popped to $3, both button and SB called, I called as well. Flop Q 3 4 with clubs. I bet $8 on the flop, CO pot raise, all other folded. I shoved all-in and he called instantly. He had AA with 2 clubs. Turn another club and I officially drawing dead.

Donked another $20 in low-ball as well as losing a $5 SNG. Went back to 50c/$1 NLH. Lost half of my stack with JJ in BB. I think I played it badly. There were 2 limpers, button raised to $6. I flat called with my JJ in BB. Both limpers called. Flop 10 7 5 with 2 spades. I checked the flop and see what the button will do. With that flop, I could easily bumped into a set. They all checked. Turn another 10. Now I lead out for $10. One guy in MP called and all folded. River 3s. I checked, and he bet $22. I called and he showed 7s 6s. With about $50 left, I went back to PLO.

At first I sat down on a 25c/50c full table. Managed to build from $45 to like $55. But the table full of rocks. So I jumped into 50c/$1 PLO full table. The table was very wild, double up with my middle set against some KK overpair donky. Then lot 1/2 my stack, with 9885 ds. Flop 10 9 6, the guy shoved with AA9, and held up. I missed totally with GS + Flush draw. In the next hand I won it all back with my flush draw against his set. Soon after, I left the table with $80. Went back to 50c/$1 PLO 6 handed. Small ball my way to like $116. All those guys just loved check/raise shoved. Somehow they never shove when I had the goods.

All I want to say is "Thank You Master Buck!" I am so appreciate that when I am in a hard time, you give me a hand. When I am down, you give me a lift. When I need some winning feeling, you give me those magical $20. When I'm feeling horny................ Hopefully you won't do anything!!!!

Wave Surfing

2009-08-28T18:06:00.002+10:00

I guess I am hooked to this one. Earlier this week I opened an eToro account and they gave me $100 bonus on top of $500 I deposited in there. All I need to clear the bonus was invested a total of 40 lots. Well! I cleared it in 2 days. I withdraw my initial deposite, and still have like $100+ in it. I am on a freeroll right now.

It has been a wild ride in the last couple of days. Looking at the chart when the US$ rally and slide against all other currencies, the chart looks like the wave in the ocean. I am not a financial expert, and I have not much idea about Forox. My one and only strategy is from the experience I gained form playing Baccarat. You have to follow the trend. No matter the wave is high or low, you need to surf along the wave, and not getting too greedy. I started off investing low with high leverage ( $25 or $50 with 200X or 400X leverage). Watching my balance swing $2 to $4 up and down on each pip nearly gaving me a heart attack.

Since I am starting low with high leverage, all I could lose in one trade would only be $25 or $50 (depends on the lot I am buying). In one session, US$ had a strong rally, I invested $50 with a 400X leverage, buy US$ against JPY. I ended up profiting $200 within 2 hours. I closed the trade, but if I stayed in for next 4 hours, I could easily triple my profit. Anyway, I am happy with the gain, but I has been very stressful. More stressful than swimming with sharks in $1/$2 PLO at PS. In PS, you know you have the nuts on the flop and you could act accordingly, but in here, I still figuring out which currency is the Nuts or Aces. I got a feeling, I am in a high stake Baccarat table at Crown, and the whole table is cheering the Banker or Player to come. WAVE SURFING is too exciting, I think I am hooked.

A true professional player mindset

2009-08-25T00:34:00.004+10:00

Went to swim yesterday TWICE with Superman. In the first session, I double up early with KK. Raised to $20 and got 1 caller. Flop K xx with 2 clubs. The guy lead out for $20, I put him on draw/ K / or set. I re-raised to $60 and he shoved. I called instantly and he had flush draw. My trips held up. I didn't have much hands and Superman as usual, ATC everything under $15. He busted at the end.

After dinner, we went back to the Pond again coz the Master was there. I watched the Master played a bit on the rail but he was struggling. He was down to like $70. I knew he had no more bullets, so I made him an offer. I will stake him the same amount at the table and we go 50/50. The Master had a long thought and said wait until he built up to like $100. OK for me, but soon after he triple up. There were 2 seats open at his table and he BAGGED me to sit in there. No problem!

I donked away my first bullet, then re-buy. Nothing much going right to me, and soon after Superman also joined our table. The table was wild, a guy from Sydney was outrages. You can tell straight away he is a MOPS. The highest form of MOPS, MAFIA MOPS. After a few orbits, this hand came up.

Master open raised to $10. I sat next to him and I re-raised to $20 with my KQ. From what I knew from his pattern, he had either small pair, sthooted connector or Sthooted Ace. Hopefully we can drive someone out, plus making the pot a bit bigger. No one can call 2 raises without at least a pair, or AK, AQs AJs. Higher pair will shove, and we had everything under control. Unfortunately, everyone folded. So me HU with the Master! Flop Q J 6 with 2 spades. All of the sudden Master shoved all-in for $75. Should I fold? Why shoved? Normally I would bet $25 at most on the flop, if he called, I am willing to check it down. One thing for sure, I knew he didn't have AQ, KK or AA. QJ is a possibility, or 66 flopping a set. Most of the time my KQ would be in front. If he had one of those hands, I'm willing to pay him off. Most likely he could have KQ, Q 10 or draw. Why should I let my hand go when I am in front? After a lot of deliberation, I called. He turned over Ks 10s. Turn was spade and I lost.

Was I upset? Not at that time, but I was extremely disappointed afterwards when he said this to me. " When I shove, I hope you would go away! I have a big draw, no way I am folding." By the way correct me if I am wrong. You know I am going to play soft with you, so everytime you shove, I must fold. If that's the case, I have no chance in winning. Secondly, I hit and you were on draw, so you try to semi-bluff me out. Are you trying to rob me knowing that I will be soft against you? If I had AK or AJ sort of hands, I will lay it down. What happen if I have AA KK or flopping trips? Should I still lay it down?

I busted soon after. On the way back, Superman asked me a question. "Why would the Master go so hard at you when only you 2 in the pot? He only had a draw." I told him I don't really know the answer. Maybe I can be pushed around, but one thing for sure, he wanted the pot. He wanted the money inside, and he was desperate.

So for $75, I have learnt a valuable lesson. The lesson about the "True professional mindset!" No matter what game or sport you play, it is not a game. You are in the battle field. You should try to kill all you opponents in order to succeed. Try to play soft against you mates will result you in failure. You should fight for every chips in the pot. If you see a soft spot, you should pull the trigger. Playing friendly against your mates are just Wishful Thinking on my parts. Since the Master had such a big draw, no way he was going to fold. You can put a gun in his head, he still wouldn't fold. Put a gun in his GF's or his son's head, he might ask you to pull the trigger, so they won't see him shipping his stack into the pot. That's the true professional mindset, you always go for the kill. Whoever is on your way, they should be executed! I don't call it professional, but I call it " The Dark Side Of Human Nature."

Went back home, felt so disappointed. Donk away my $30 in Full Rig, the guy hit a 1 outer when I had him crushed on the flop. My Top set, vs his middle set, and he spiked his 1 outer on the turn. I were really on tilt at that time, went to play BJ at Bodog, and lost another $50. Took some stupid bet at Partybets and lost another $70. Took $60 bet in MLB at IAS and this morning the Dodgers/Cubs went Under 8 and won some back.

With $112 at PS, I sat down in a 25c/50c NLH table and won like $10. Donk $24+ in 2-7 low ball, then put my last $100 in 50c/$1 PLO. Surprisingly I killed the table, and built my stack to $240. Busting 2 mushroom stack on the way and they all left. So the night finished with a bit of joy for me. Before I went to bed, I also opened a eToro account (Forex and Commodities trading). Deposite $500 in it, and this morning they are giving me a heart attack.

The Ultimate Poker Exhitbition!

2009-08-22T01:39:00.006+10:00

FINALLY the Master have time to give me some poker coaching. I have been waiting for 4 months now, and today, I know what poker is all about. I always thought I have transform myself from a worm into a fish. Although a shark is also consider as some kind of fish, but what I saw today was nothing but amazing! Calling the Master a shark is an understatement. He is not a shark! He is simply a DOLPHIN!

It all starts in the afternoon. Each of us put in AUD$50 (US$ 83 in total) in PS and he drove first. At first, he busted early in a $10 SNG. At the same time he also had $30 in a 25c/50c NLH cash table. That's where the Master specialized in. It doesn't matter if the table is full of sharks or not, the Master will crush his opponents just by a single click in his mouse. I have read many books that said if you have a good hand, you must bet in order to build the pot; or slowplay it waiting for a check-raise. The Master did it in the opposite way. He would just bet small on the flop, checked the turn most of the time, but by the river, his opponent will shove their whole stack to the Master. That's the next level of poker, that ordinaries like myself will never achieve. That's what he calls "Delay Slow Play". Without a bright poker mind, you will never understand how it works (at least I don't). Today I realised how to win big pots. For me to win big pots, I need to have coolers going my way. Like set over sets, A high flush vs straight flush, boat vs quads etc. For the Master, he will give his opponents an opportunity to bluff big at the river. You need to give action to get any action. A lot of times, Master will call the flop, donating 50c to the community for further action. He gave the table a false image as a loose calling station, and he can be run over. So people will keep betting into the Master when he has the goods. At the end, his opponents will shove the river. So the Master will win an all-in pot by clicking the "call" button. That's how you craft a "meta-game", the highest form of poker. Below are some of the hands Master won. So Spectacular, truly Amazing!

The AQ guy raised to $2.50 pre-flop, got 1 caller, then the Master made it $7.50, both called. Master had no hesitation, shoving on the flop, the guy instant called with AQ. Like many Crown experts would have said, " Hmmm! I have up and down with 2 overs. So any Ace, King, Queen or 8 will do. So I have a total of 14 outs. We multiply 14 times 4, so I am 52% favorite to win this hand with 2 cards to come. The pot laying me good odds, so I must call!" If that's the case, I think we got lucky there.
..

This hand was a limp pot, Master raised to $2 on the button, SB called plus 2 limpers also called. After the flop SB bet $5, Master flat called. SB checked the turn and the Master bet $10. SB check-raised all-in and the Master called. That's how you win big!

..

Master called a $2 raise from QQ and hit his middle set. Already $10 inside and Master second last to act. After the flop, all checked to the Master, and he told me, "I am sure some big hands is floating around out there!". At first I was thinking he must be talking about himself. Then he made a teasing bet of $3 on the flop, got only 1 caller. Turn full-boat, checked to the Master and he

bet $7.50. Like all idiots around the world, they just love shoving into the Master with their over pair. Check-raise all-in is a very powerful move, but not so powerful under 2 circumstances.

1) Against the Master.
2) When the guy had something close to the nuts!

..

If you think the Master is a flop rack, then you are definitely wrong. His read is nothing but flawless. He can read his opponents like a book. Faster than the Messiah or Sam Fishy reading a Bible. Limp pot and Master raised to $2 with AK on the button. Got 3 callers. Standard c-bet on the flop and got 1 caller. Check/check on the turn, and the fish shoved all in on the river. Master called with AK high. Afterwards he told me that's an easy call. He got everything under control. "Piece of cake!"

He totally played in 3 tables today, each time bought in for $30 and managed to leave the table with $100. Money flowing into his stack makes him feel boring. Then he let me drive in the PLO. I didn't let him down and managed to win another $15. Then Master teased me a bit, asked me the Magic Question that I always asked him. I really want to know "Why are you so good?" I want to know your secret of success. This time you asked me the same question without giving me your answer. OK! Here's why:

1) I know you
2) I learn from you
3) You INSPIRE me
4) I play and practice a lot
5) All these years of practicing, I think I have reached 30% of your poker ability.

The Master is running hot at the moment. So we decided to go for a SWIM. We went to Nandos and I paid up all the Nandos bets that I lost to him. We sat down at the same table, I got nothing going. All of the sudden I picked up pocket 10s. Master was sitting to my right. After 2 limpers, Master made it $18 to go. I called with my 10s, so did the limpers. Flop 8h 7h 4s. Checked to the Master and he fired $55. I knew I must be beaten, so I folded. Only 1 limper called. Turn 3c. Checked to the Master and he shoved for $117. The guy called, river 5s. Master turned over QQ, and the guy had 4h 5h. Calling pre-flop with 4h5h was debatable, but he was going nowhere after the flop.

I plan to keep playing till the time charge. The table was full of pricks. The "45" guy asked the whole table whether he made the right call or not. Blah Blah Blah Blah! I told him, its your money and we are at the casino. So its all your decision. He kept on talking for another 5 minutes. If that's not annoying enough, the guy in Seat 5 with a red/white Holden HSV cap is another instant classic. That guy has been watching too much poker on TV lately. He must be thinking he is Phil Mellmuth. He acts like Phil, talks like Phil but plays like a maniac. I just don't have any hand to confront him as he was sitting behind me. Somehow my arms are not long enough, otherwise I would give him an elbow up his nose. Then a Malasian Lady ga-ga took Master's seat next to my right. His body perfume was so strong and unique, I couldn't breath at all. This table is like a jungle! After I won a small pot and I left straight away.

Master Buck said today on facebook that Slowvari is a tram with 2 gears and he is a Ferrari with 8. So I wonder what does the Holden HSV fits into? By the way, whats the point driving a Ferrari with no gas in it? Or is it a Ferrari body with Hyundai engine? We would all want to know!

With the Master's superior poker skills, we all know that he will win in a long run. Over the years he has won numerous battle, conquering thousands of opponents/MOPS, breaking all sort of barriers and created millions of MASTERPIECES. Today in PS, he showed me that I am still a worm, just a bigger one. Somehow we all know no matter who you are. At the poker table, you can never beat a LUCKTARD. The Master will be back big time! Sure he will!

Want to swim but I forgot to bring my flippers!

2009-08-20T02:21:00.002+10:00

Yum Cha with Mr.Invincible yesterday near the Pond. He said he wanted to try swimming. But I told him "NO!". Not only he doesn't have any flippers, but in fact he is a "worm". So he scrapped the idea and we hang around in the craps table. I don't normally play that game, but what I saw was everyone loved to bet on the "Win" line. No idea what their strategy was, but the game just didn't interest me at all. Went "shopping" around the casino and dropped $150.

Tonight Superman called me for a swim. Went their around 8:30pm, chucked a lazy $30 in my favorite pokies machine, hit $350. Then Superman sat down on a $2/$3 table, and I went to have a smoke. At the meantime, put another $20 in a machine, got back $150. When I was ready to swim, I saw Superman walked out from the table. He told me he played less than 2 orbits and his stack reached $650+. He double up in the very first hand with A 8, flop 2 4 8. One guy tried to bluff him with Q 9, shoved on the flop. With his top pair/top kicker, he called and A 8 held up. Then he had A 5, all checked on the flop, turn A, and he called a big turn + river bet. The guy tried to bluff him again with nothing. Soon after, he dealt pocket 10s. The Q 9 idiot raised $20 pre-flop, Superman called. Flop Q 2 2. The hyper aggressive never stop betting professional wannabe Sook shoved again and Superman called. He turned over 99, and Superman took down another pot.

At the end, I didn't swim tonight. We shopped around upstairs and Superman donked away all his winnings. Right now he thinks he should stick to poker. He reckons all those Steps SNG have help him a lot. So I give him another Prop bet. I will let him play my account, using 1500 FPP. All he has to do is to win 2 STEP 4 tickets for me. If he wins any, then I go and play those big buy-in tourneys and we go 50/50. If he fails to win any, then he has to shout me for dinner. If he wins 2 or more, not only we will split the tourney's winnings, but I will shout him to any 5 stars brothel of his choice for an hour! The stake is high, and the GAME is on! Lets see what he can do!

<*({{{(><

2009-08-15T20:56:00.003+10:00

I felt like another swim Friday night, but I played well in my first round match against the Gimpsland State Champion. So no swim for me! The conditions in RACV were top notch. On Friday, I arrived 5 min late and got penalized 1 frame. After a few shots, I found my cueing straight away. Potting everything and level at 1-1. In the next 2 frames, R.Tibbs showed that hes not a Gimp, making 45+ and 50+ in the next 2 frames and went ahead 3-1. In the fifth, I had a solid frame and won easily. In the 6th, it was very scrappy but my long potting got me over the line. In the decider, it was very close. There was some controversy as the referee didn't call Foul&Miss on my opponent, on the last red. He missed it by like 6 inches+ off 1 cushion, but the ref had been calling it everytime through out the match. Where's the consistency? At that time I cracked it! R.Tibbs pot a good long red and sat nicely on the colour. All he need was up to the brown. He pot the pink, then yellow and then fluked the green. Then he choked on the brown. After that I managed to pot out and won on the black ( OK! I fluked on the blue).

This morning I played my coach Slowvari, but I lost 4-0 to him. I played very average and didn't have much chances. My long potting were OK, safety play was good but my positional play was nothing but crap. I couldn't control the cue ball within half table, so I didn't make any breaks. Deserved to lose 4-0.

Went back home, but too tired heading to The POND. A couple of days ago, PS sent me a gift. They really miss me! I deposited $50 and mucked around, managed to triple up within 20 hands in 25c/50c PLO. Then donked away $20 in the other table but that's fine for me. Busted my FullRig account but that's OK, I got nothing in it.

Superman has been running hot lately. He used 63 FPP and turned it into W$530 at PS. After that he sold all his $W for US$470. First he used 3 FPP and won a STEP 1 ticket thru MTT. Then he also used 60 FPP and won another STEP 1 ticket thru SNG. He managed to roll all the way to STEP 4 using those 2 tickets. Instead of playing in the STEP 5, he registered into some $215 satellite and won a seat in a $530 WCOOP EVENT. Obviously he had no intention to play in it, so swapped to $W and took the cash. As far as I know, he already busted in a $109 NLH tournament and lost $100+ in cash table ($1/$2 NL) in 1 hand. His Pokerrng was working, he had 78off and the software showed the board will have 9 10 J. So he called the button raise from the SB and flop 9 10 10. He check/call button's flop bet and J on the turn (no flush). He checked raise shoved on the turn and button called with 9 10. DDDRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!

Willis season starts next week. First match will be against Master Gee's team with KO Master, Grand Master, Sam Fishy and Neverlose in it. Should be interesting! More interestingly, Daniel Sklansky's B grade team has been named King's Full. Good Luck to them, and I hope they do well. Otherwise by the end of the season they will be stucked with just King High!

Wed Night Swim

2009-08-13T02:56:00.002+10:00

Back from Albury, I would like to have a swim. Daniel Sklansky called me up on Monday, but I didn't go. How can I go there without the guidance from the Master? So I made a preposition to him. I will stack him $200 to go, I will cover all the loses, and I will only take 50% of the profit whatever he wins. I gave him the deal twice, on Monday and on Tuesday again, but he refused both times. Somehow the Master, with his superior ability, always look at the bigger picture. I know he should be playing in the $20/$40 NLH with "Strudel". No point swimming around with little fishes. Many people say these things at The Pond recently and I think it is true.

" We are all poker citizens."
" Some dress like aliens, some play like barbarians."
" At the table, The Master will always be the hero, and others are all villains"
" He can read people like an Liberian!"

" There's a place called The Pond, and its at Crown."
" When Master fires at pots, his chip power will take it down!"
" Don't mess around with him, or you will be acting like a clown,"
" When the Master show his cards, he will take you and your stack to Chinatown!"

Sorry Master! I don't have that much money yet. One day I will, take my word on it!

Anyway tonight I can't wait anymore. I went there with Superman and we are going to chop it half/half. My night went very quiet. We both sat down on a new table, with a couple of guys bought in with a mushroom stack. First hand I got AK sthooted. Several limpers, I pop to $18, got 1 caller. Flop 4 6 9. MP checked to me and I fired a c-bet for $35 and took it down. I didn't play a lot of hands and my stack stayed about the same. Had 8h10h on the button, limp pot. BB all of the sudden pop to $20 pre-flop. Only 1 caller and I called as well. Flop Ad 6d 7d. I stared at the BB all the way and I spotted he didn't like the flop. UTG limp/call the raise and he checked as well. I put him on nothing, and I fired $45 on the flop with 10 high and they both folded.

Then took 2 hits and my stack dropped to about $100+. At first, limp pot, I called with Ah8h. Flop A 4 5. Turn 10 river Q. I called UTG bet $15 on the flop, $25 on the turn and $25 on the river. He showed AJ. Nice play! Then had Kd 10d in SB, limp pot. Flop Q 6 4 with 2 diamonds. I lead out for $10 and test the water. 1 called and button raised to $30, I called, all folded. Turn 8s. I check, and button bet $50 and I folded. He showed Q but he said he had 2 pair.

Then I slowly building up my stack. Had 66 in CO, MP raised to $15, I called and 4 callers. 6 way action. Flop 3 QQ. Checked to me and I bet $30 and took it down. Later had 10 J, another raised pot, flop 89J. I fired $30 and they all folded. Then had Jh 5s in BB. There was an idiot limp with QQ. Flop Qs Js 7s. I bet $10 on the flop and he mini raised to $20. All fold and I called. Turn another spade. Went check/check. River blank. I check but at the meantime I said," I check in the dark and see what you do!" He checked as well and showed QQ. I won with my 5 high flush.

I didn't have much hands tonight. Had KK once on the button, family limp pot, and I raised to $2 and they all fold. I "strudel" to $6 UTG, button pop to $20 and I looked and found JJ. I re-raised to $70 and he folded. He said he had 2 overs, so must be KQ. After 2 hours, I left with $240+, so a minor profit.

Superman had a roller coaster ride tonight. ATC a lot, stack from $200 up to $250 and down to $54. Then in SB he open shoved all-in with QQ, limp pot but got no callers. Then his upswing began! He hit runner runner flush 3 times and slowly build back up to $150. Then he busted a mushroom with A 2. Limp pot, Flop A 9 3. Checked to him in CO, he bet $15. BB called. Turn 2, he bet another $20 and BB check-raised to $70. He called. River J. BB all-in for $4 and he called. BB had 6 9 off, and Superman won with his 2 pair. Now his stack about $250.

Then he won a big pot with KJ off. He limped UTG with KJ, flop Kh 10s 7h. He bet $20 on the flop, button raised to $50, all folded and he called. Turn 4c. He check-called $100 bet. River Ah, potential straight and flush on the board. Went check/check. Superman showed KJ, and the guy mucked! Now his stack at $450+ and we left moments later as they asked for time!

Not a bad swimming session and Superman had his missiles on target! Now back to snooker for me!

National Championship

2009-08-11T18:02:00.002+10:00

This week Australian National Championship at RACV, and the draw just released. In my first match I got an un-known player named R.Tibbs. At first I thought he was related to D. Dibbs from Yarraville. Out of curisosity, I searched his results, later I found out he is the 2008 and 2009 Queensland State Champion.

I should not search him at first. As the Messiah said, "REPUTATION" playes a big part in snooker. Right now his name is inside my mind. So I am 1-0 down already before the match even started. The good thing is, he is from Queensland. If the Messiah is the former Queesland State Champion, then the standard would not be that good. So I might have a chance.

According to some prop bets, here are some interesting ones.

1) Will Slowvari show up this week?
2) I need 2 frames start against R.Tibbs
3) Alex Blender vs D.McKay. Match time Over or Under 3 hours.
4) J.Minici vs B.Nunan
5) J.Gorski vs P.Darby
6) GHB vs G.McNeil. Greame's aggregate score in 4 frames Over or Under 50 points.
7) B.Harris vs Justin Tsang

Second Round Matches

1) Humphrey Bear vs Sausage
2) S.Cain vs Blender
3) MVP vs Ted.

Albury review

2009-08-09T22:29:00.002+10:00

As a snooker player, the Fred Osbourne Snooker Classic is a must attend tournament. This year is a bit of a disappointment. Although the tournament was well run, and the organizer had done a great job, but the condition was nothing but CRAP. All the tables had been re-stretched, but those clothes probably been used for the last 4 years or more. The pace was quick, but got nothing in it. Almost impossible to screw 3/4 of the table because the cloth is so worn out, it doesn't grab.

They also moved the room downstairs. That's the worst decision ever made by them. The new room is so compact, low ceiling and very hot inside. Most importantly it has lost the atmosphere and the "Grand" feeling you used to have in the old room. The new room is nothing special, similar to any snooker room in your local RSL joint. Having been to this tournament for the last 6 years, I would have to say this year is the worst.

According to my matches, I played like a genius first up against Kiwi. Demolished him 3-0 within an hour. I were potting everything and he only scored 8, 8 and 14 points in 3 frames. Against the GHB, I played like a spastic. Perhaps too much pressure because 5 bowls of wonton noodles was on the line there. And I lost 3-0.

I also had other bets for the weekend. MVP gave the crowd a huge fist pump after he beat Tim Ng 3-1 (which cost me a feed of Yum Cha), but Dazz beat Bully for 2 feeds. So I am 1 up against Bobo. Me and Mr.Invincible had other bets as well. I had Rudy in his first match against McGee, giving 2 frames starts. Rudy won 3-0 and brought home the bacon. I also had Stuart Duncan against GHB and he won 3-1. Micheal Sharp also brought home the goods as he beat KY. The only bet I lost was Nathan White, he lost 3-2 against Bacon and Eggs. Overall I won YC$50.

I went up there with Rudy and Donahue. For 3 1/2 hours when I was driving, Donahue was talking all the time in the car. There's only 3 subjects in his conversation. God, Jesus and how he used to practice with the pros in England. When he was not talking, he was reading Bible. All of the sudden he will yell out something like," Hey, Rudy! Is this fascinating?" Then he will read out something from the Bible, Blah blah blah............ Lucky me Sam Fishy not there. What a start to the trip.

After I lost to the GHB, I were not going to play in the plate. Time to get pissed! Friday night at the Club was OK, but Sat night was DEAD. We really missed Master Gee, KO Master, Keith and Happy Andrews. KO Master normally will keep the bar busy; Happy Andrews and Keith will be there at the TAB; Master Gee will do his specialty entertaining the crowd. Sat night I ended up watching the Crows lost to the Pies with Dazz, dropping another bowl of noodles in the process to the Master. Later in the night, Rose, Mr.President, Jamesy and Tazz joined in. Stratos was missing and he was working in his room for some banks. Just wondering which bank he works for? The next day we got the answer. Not ANZ, not Commonwealth, Westpac etc. but the great bank called "SPERM". It is a tough job my friend. Wonder how much he gets paid for the first shot. Will the price fluctuates in his second? What happen if there's a hair in it? Wonder if he can pump a litre! All I can say is, life's tough in recession! Although we only had a small group, but I was fun. Mr.President was so drunk, he gave Dazz and Tazz a series of "French Kisses". I got the photos in my mobile, if anyone interested in it. I might do a private sale. Otherwise I will put it up on e-bay.

Due to the crap conditions, many players were struggling. Uncle Glen, Mr.Invincible, Aaron, Brother Paul, Ben Judge. They all played like a B graders. On the way back to Melbourne, finally Donahue changed his subject. He was talking to Rudy about techniques. How the Pros play in England, Rudy's weakness and the correct mindsets. As all the big guns were playing so crap, he reckons he should be playing in the finals. The reason Uncle Glen and Mr.Invincible could go all the way to the semi because of their "REPUTATION". He said "Reputation" plays a big part in the game. Having a good reputation, your opponents will fear you; they will be playing with a lot more pressure. As the result, they can't perform up to their standard. They will choke at the crucial moment. So all the big guns with REPUTATION don't need to perform up to their standard, but they can bluff their way to the next match. Very interesting in fact!

We got a SMS from BOBO and the final will be Budd vs Mr.Invincible. We try to pick the winner and we all went with Mr.Invincible. Here is why:

Donahue: Reputation!
Rudy: No one in snooker history can defend the title in their first attempt. (Hendry, Davies didn't). No back to back winners at Fred Osbourne winners board. (Don't know about that!)
My reason: I got no choice! My mind said Shawn, but my heart said Steve. From Master Gee's word of wisdom, Mr.Invincible is DUE!

We all know what the result is. Congratulation to S.Budd winning the 2009 Fred Osbourne Classic!

Albury Prop Bets

2009-08-05T00:27:00.002+10:00

I couldn't sleep last night afer the PLO bust-out. Still thinking about the hand I played. Bit of a cooler. I thought about it for so long, I would still play my hand the same way. Anyway, it's all over now. Move on to snooker.

Albury this weekend, and I have a chance to win my Noodles back! After I dropped 5 bowls of noodles to Master Gee at Kings Cup, I need to win it back. I am getting 5 to 1 if I beat the Great Has Been in my second match (Only if I win my first rounder). Had a hit today against Slowvari and I took $15 off him. I beat him 4-1 but I got a start. We would like to play for longer, but unfortunately he had to go. We only played 5 frames but it took 3 hours to finish. Tomorrow will have a hit with Mr.Invincible. Not expecting much, but want to see how I perform.

Fred Osbourne is a big tournament, just like Kings Cup, some prop bet is a must. I am getting 5-1 against The Great Has Been from Master Gee (Noodle bets). At the same time I also have some other bets with BOBO. We've looked at the draw, and there are several matches we would like to have a bet on.

1) Dazz vs Bully
Very hard to separate those 2. Bully more consistent, but if Dazz playing well, he is capable to do a lot of things.

2) Tim Ng (Wu) vs MVP
Battle between the Princes Boss. The former against the current. No way I am taking MVP, he can stick his short butt up his ass.

3) Jason Magee vs Rudy
A very dangerous match for Rudy. Jason is a local player, and he knows the table well. He also beat Dean O'Kane a couple of years ago in the same tourney. If anyone running a book, he will be like $4 to win HU. Definately over price! No way I am betting against Rudy. He is the SiSook. (SiSook is the same level as SiFu, but the later is a bit better.)

4) Chris Calabrese vs Donahoe
Very hard to split between these 2, all depends on which Chris is going to show up. I would love Chris to win, so I can hear all the whinges Donohou going to say after the match. By the way, SiSook called me last weekend and asked me if I would mind sharing the room with his friend as well. I told him its all good. Later I found out he friend is Donohoe. So I am stuck with him for the whole weekend.

Here is my Quadrella. Rudy + Chris + Dazz + TIM NG.

Wish I have no idea!

2009-08-04T01:36:00.002+10:00

PLO tourney tonight. Buy-in $230, but Superman bought 1/2 of it for $100, and I won $50 on pokies upstairs. So it only cost me $80 to enter. I always feel good in my PLO play. The structure was OK. $5K start bank, second chance format ( $2500 + $2500). My table was full of unknowns, the only recognized player was Sam Khouiss. I started with $5k chips, expect the table will be loose even with blinds started with $25/$25. My strategy was to double up or bust in the first 2 level. I need a stack, and need it early. I saw a lot of flops early on and missed all of them. Stack hovering around $5k. Then lost half of my stack with As Js 9 10. Flop AA4. Blinds only $25/$25 (First level). I got check-raised on the flop from the BB. Turn 2s, I picked up a sort of meaningless flush draw. BB shoved all-in and I called. River Qs, I made my flush but his A 4 held up.

In the next level, I managed to double up. Had QQK10. Flop Q JJ, Sam bet $100 on the flop and I smooth called. Button pops to $750, Sam folded, I shoved and he called with AKJ. Sam said he had the other J and he picked a tell on me. Then won another $2k pot with JJ in the next level. Blinds $50/$100. Family pot. Flop 77K, Sam bet $100 again and I called, so did button. Turn another 7, all checked. River 4. Checked to the button, he bets $400. Sam folded and I called. Button showed 66, and I won with bigger boat.

Managed to fold the second nuts on the turn with my KhQhxx. Blinds $75/$150. I were UTG and called with KhQh 10 9. A lot of callers, flop 2 8 6 with 2 hearts. SB bet $500, I called. Several callers behind me as well. Turn Jh, very likely my flush no good with 3 callers behind me. Checked to the guy on my left and he bet $1650, we all folded. 2 hands later in the SB, had KKxx. Folded to the button raised to $450. I called and BB called. Flop K xx with 2 clubs, I had no clubs at all. I expect the button the bet, so I checked. We all checked, turn another club. No point betting right now, but we all checked. River board paired. I value bet for $1000, BB called, button folded. I won with Kings full.

In the next level, blinds $100/$200, I ran a huge bluff in the SB. Stack about $7K. Had Ks 5s 4 8. UTG +1 called, all folded, I called in SB, BB checked. Flop 2s 3s 10. I bet $400 on the flop with my up and down + 2nd flush draw. BB folded, UTG called. Turn 5h. I still have nothing, but I lead out with a $1000 bet. Hope he would folded. I would folding if he pops me back. He only flat called. River Qd. I stuck with a pair of 5, but I put the guy either on a draw or 1 pair, I bet pot for $3000+ and he folded.

Sam had a huge stack after the first level, about $20k in front of him. But he ran into 3 sets and down to only $1125 in chips. My stack down a bit and now about $8000. Blinds $150/ $300. All folded to Sam and he shoved $1050 (POT) blind. Folded to me and had 10 J Q 6. I put him all-in, and he turned over AQQK. Flop K 10 x, turn 9, river blank. I busted Sam Khouiss with the MIGHTY TUNA!

Then I won a small pot with nothing on the button then changed table. Now my stack about $9K+, and my new table was full of old Sharks. Everyone had about $20K in front of them and the best player would definitely be Peter Greek the Gimp! Now blinds $200/$400, in the BB I made a huge call to chop the pot. I had 237J in BB. Flop A 2 5 with 2 clubs. I had no clubs in my hand. All checked on the flop. Turn 4d. I checked again, don't really knows what's going on. If too much action behind me, I would folded my straight. Checked to the button and he bets $1800 (Pot). I called, all of the sudden MP shoved all-in ($9000) and had me covered. Button folded and I called. He had the same hand but no flush draw, so I were free-rolling him with any 6. River 7c and we split the pot. Now stack about $12K.

For the rest of the level, I simply card dead and didn't play much at all. Now stack about $10K. Blinds went up to $300/$600. With my stack right now, I have to play very tight and can't afford to see a lot of flops. Then I got Kh Qh Kd 4d (double sthooted Kings) UTG. I raised to $2000. Folded to MP and he shoved for $3K+, all of the sudden Peter Greek the Gimp re-pop to $7500. Blinds folded and I took my time. Don't think he is bluffing at all and must have AA. I can't call the bet and leave myself like $2K behind with the blinds coming in the very next hand. So either fold or shove. I put him on AA, so I folded faced up. He showed AAJ5 with AdJd. So it was a good fold from my part. He had me covered with diamonds as well. Unfortunately the K was on the flop and I would have won if I stayed in there.

I WISH I HAVE NO IDEA AT ALL! How many people would shove instantly with that hand? I need to double up. I need chips to do all my moves. With a close to mushroom stack, I am handcuffed. I can't do much, but either shove with AA or ride with my bg draws. Most importantly I can't see a lot of flops. If I suckout on him, people will just call me an LT. That's it! I don't mind coz I want to be a lucktard. I would rather be lucky than good. After that hand the table broke again.

I moved to a new table with my $9000+ stack. The chip leader at the table had about $80K+ stack. Now blinds gone up to $400/$800. With about 12 BB left in me, I have to play tighter than a NIT. I won 2 small pot, once on the flop with 9 10 J 7, flop 2 9 10. The other one was SB vs BB confrontation. I were in BB with junks. Flop Q 9 3. SB checked and I bet $1500 with a pair of 3s. He folded and showed A788. Two hands later I made another huge call. I consider one of the best call I have ever made in any PLO tourney.

Blinds still $400/$800. Limp pot, I called on the button with A 10 9 3 double sthooted. I had about $10K stack. Flop J 9 3 rainbow. All checked to me and I bet $3000 with my bottom 2 pair. Blinds folded and UTG re-raised all-in and had me covered. All folded to me and would cost my stack to call ($5700+ to call). I thought for a long while, and I put him on draw. So much money inside, tough decision on my part. Bottom 2 pair is not a good hand to go all-in. I could be drawing dead as well. He might have a big wrap or a set. Apart from 33, I will be drawing dead. I put him on draw, but too much money inside, I decided to call. I trusted my instinct. He flipped over QQ 4 7 for an over pair only. Turn 6 river A. My hand held up and stack close to $24K. Mixed reaction at the table. Some called me a donkey (expected), some called the guy an idiot re-raised with QQ. Only 2 people reckoned I made a good call. I won the hand, and that's the most important.

After 1 orbit, now my stack about $22k. There were 26 players remaining and I were still a bit below average. Dealt Ac Kc 10s 6s. I decided to limp and hope to see a cheap flop. All folded to SB, the chip leader at the table, loves to bully people around, he called $500 more. BB checked, 3 way action. Flop 10c 6c 4s. All checked to me and I bet pot $3000 with my top 2 + nut flush draw. SB called, BB folded. Turn 9s. SB bet pot for $9000. I only have $18k behind me. Did he had 7 8? My read told me he had the nuts, but I got plenty of outs. Did he had 78 with 2 higher spade? I don't think so! I guess he would bet smaller, something like $6k and milk me for more. Is he bluffing? Maybe! 9 10? Maybe. Set? No! He will check-raised me on the flop. I put him on 78. So I need to exercise my options.

FOLDING.) IMPOSSIBLE! No way I am folding with my double flush draw + 2 pair on the turn. Although if I fold, I still have $18K behind, still have some moves left. Only invest $4000 so far and 22% of my stack. My chip position should still allow me to sneak into the money ($450 for 16th). If I fold this hand, I won't play PLO again!

CALLING.) Need to call 1/2 of my stack on the turn. If I miss, I still have $9K in chips. The problem is I need to post BB next hand. Plus blinds increase in the next 3 minutes. No move at all! I don't think I will get paid off if any club hits. I will have a tough time calling if a spade hits. I thought for a long while so I took the more aggressive route.

ALL-IN.) That's what I was thinking. It doesn't matter what kind of hand he had, I got a bunch of outs. I knew I got at least 9 outs, maybe 22 outs. If I win that hand, I would have like $45K in chips and sitting pretty. I could start raising in position with drawing hands and doing my moves. Getting to the final table was my aim, but I need to get lucky! I need to look at the bigger picture and it only cost me $80 for the buy-in. So I shoved and he called showing 6 10 7 8 but all reds. So I got 18 outs to win (45%) and 4 outs to tie (5%). River Jd and I'm out 26th place.

Saw Sam Fishy playing $2/$5 tonight and he was doing well.

Why the background so beautiful?

2009-08-03T00:09:00.002+10:00

Now I am more confident about tomorrow. I played pretty well in this tourny, unfortunately my stack got cripple. My top 2 pair lost to the a chaser all-in on the turn with board As 9s 7 5. I had A 9 J J, and he had K 10s 5s 10. Stack went from $60k down to $15k. In my final hand my double sthooted K bumped into AA and AA held up. Finished 7th in the tourny. Hopefully better luck tomorrow.

$20k and a $40k pot

2009-08-02T00:52:00.003+10:00

Went to Yum Cha with Mr.Invincible yesterday. Then went to Brunsick and had 3 hours of solo. So far so good, but after I've seen my Albury draw, I am thinking how to make it through to Saturday. My first match will be against Bill Bolton, I know he is a super heavy weight in size, but I have no idea how good or bad he is. So it is a total mystery to me. If I win, then I will be up against my team mate, "The Great Has Been". I lost to him 3-1 in the final at the Yarraville Club Championship last week. So this will be the second time I play him. Now I see a problem. If it is the first time, he might take on me lightly and I might surprise him. Hard to run a bluff against him in my second attempt. Hopefully I win my first match and gets my MOJO working. See how it goes!

Had dinner with Mr.Invincible, after that he wanted to watch people SWIMMING. Obviously we went to THE POND. We saw Toffi over there and we watched him a bit at the $2/$5 table. Behind that, there was a big game going on. $20/$40 NLH with Straddle. Everyone at the table had at least $10K in front of them. I stood there and watched for like 20 minutes, can't believe how bad some players are playing. I expected there should be a tight aggressive game, as it turned out, it was just another luck fest. Table playing 8 handed, and 2 of them were Calling Stations. ATC a lot and Neverfold. One of the Calling station has a monster stack in front of him, about $50k. This hand came up.

Straddle $80, then UTG immediately pops to $600. CS Fat Papa called, button also called, everyone folded. Flop 7h 8s 2s. UTG checked, Fat PAPA checked, Button bets $2k. UTG folded, Papa called. Turn 10c. Fat Papa immediately shoved all-in, Button went to tank and finally called all-in for about $10K. River blank with no spade. Fat Papa turned over 6 9 off, and I peeked at the button's card and he had 10s 7s. I can find a reason why the button called pre-flop, but calling with 6 9 off UTG + 1 in sandwitch position. I can't find a reason. The only reason I can see would be Fat Papa haven't had sex for the last 12 months. That's why he is obsessed with 6 9. At the same time, I think the table would love to see what his wife looks like. We might able to get some info if he loves to play pocket 8s or any Q. If he is gay, we will know he loves Jacks, Kings, 2 and 3.

Toffi was doing all-right at his table. Building his stack from $500 to $1500 within an hour. Hitting flops all night definitely helps. Walked around in The Pond and not really in any mood swimming. Saw there was a $2/$4 PLO. I watched a bit, might have a swim over there, but I changed my mind soon after. Every hand raised to $30+ pre-flop and get multiple callers. The game was played like lottery. No thanks!

Walk around upstairs, then check out how Toffi was going. Then in the big table, there was a monster pot building up. After a lot of preflop raising, I think already $6K inside already, 3 way action. Flop As Js 6d. SB shoved all-in for like $5k, Fat Papa called, button shoved all-in as well for like $18K+. Fat Papa went to tank and finally called. Turn 9, river 5 no spades. Button showed AA for top set and scooped the pot. No one knows what Fat Papa had, but SB obviously on flush draw. Still ok, Fat Papa only lost 1/3 of his stack and still sitting pretty. After that hand, we left soon afterwards.

PLO on Monday night. Hopefully I can repeat last year's performance. Then for the rest of the week I will be concentrated on snooker. National Championship next week as well at RACV. Won't see me playing poker a lot.

I Hate Poker!

2009-07-30T01:39:00.003+10:00

Superman called me up again and we went for another swimming session on Tuesday. I showed up around 3pm, and he's already busted. I only had about $500 in my wallet, and he asked me for $200. I lend it to him and watch him play on the rail. Somehow my money must be a lucky charm to him. Soon after he dealt 10 10 in CO. All fold to MP raised to $25, he called as well as button, all others fold. Flop Qd 10c 7d. MP bet $50, leaving $75 behind him. Superman flat called, button folded. Turn Ks. MP shoved all-in, Superman going nowhere and called. MP showed JJ, river blank and he won with his set.

In the very next hand he dealt 88. Limp pot and he raised to $20. A bunch of callers. Flop A 8 6 with 2 diamonds. All checked to Superman and he checked as well. Turn another diamond, and checked around to him and now he bet $35. Got 1 caller. River blank, and he bet $60. The guy called and Superman won with another trips. I walked away came back in 30 min and saw his stack built up close to $700.

It was around 4pm and I went to have something to eat. Came back around 4:30pm, and saw his stack down to $170. I asked him what happen? He told me he got 2 bad beats + he missed a big draw. In the first hand, he called $15 raise with 3 5 sthooted. Flop A 2 4. He slow played his hand on the flop, and check-raised all-in when a guy bet big on the flop. That guy had A 4, A on the turn and he drawn dead. Down $200 in that pot. Then he called another $25 raise with 5 J off. Flop 5 5 K. The flat called $50 on the flop, then another $170+ all-in bet on the turn. The guy had AK, river K. So down another $200+ in that hand.

Then he had JQ sthooted. Called another $20 raise pre-flop. Flop K rag rag. He fishing around on the flop, called a $30 bet. Turn 10s. Gave him open ended + flush draw. He called another $60 bet. Missed the river, so down another $100+ in that hand.

He kept on calling raise with ATC pre-flop. In one hand he called $15 with J 6 off. Missed the flop and folded. Then in the very next hand he got J3 sthooted. He folded to a $10 raise pre-flop. I asked him, "Why you folded? Only cost you $10 plus your card is STHOOTED. So you must be thinking with J 3, you will have kicker problem!" To make matters worse, flop came JJx. LOL!!!

It had been fun watching him play. At the same time standing at the rail really hurt my feets. Soon after he busted with pocket 10s all-in preflop, lost to the MIGHTY TUNA. Then I had to shout him for dinner and lend him another $200. Obviously he lost it in 20 min playing BJ and Baccarat. During dinner he asked me about the odds on those hands. I told him every hand he was either huge favorite or priced in on his draw. At the same time I told him he shouldn't get involved at all to start with. Bad luck in the suck-outs, but those hands he should put it in the muck pre-flop. Also he has "Fancy Play Symptoms!"His responds were very professional. Here are his reasons for calling:
1) He can always hit!
2) The pot was big!
3) No one folding, so he always have ODDS to call.
4) People going to pay him off if he hits big hand.

Well! I can't argue with him. Those are the NEXT LEVEL thinking I am trying to Master. Better ask Master Gee or Mr.Sklansky about ODDS, as I have no idea whats it all about.

After my FullTilt experience, now I am back to PS. Went to Brunswick club and watched the pennant finals. KO Master, Grand Master and Neverlose lost in the "B" reserved Grand Final. Bad Luck, but the Princes Wankers really had a strong team with Malaga, King of Side, Nichole4P. Went home afterwards and I had the worst 30 minuted ever in PS. First I donk away $25 in 25c/50c PLO. With flop 10QKA with 2 spades, my stacked went in with KJs8s9. Unfortunatly the other guy also had the same hand AJ but also As 6s. Spade river! Gone!

Went to 25c/50c NLH deep table. I fold in the first orbit without playing a hand. First hand I played got KK. Won a small pot. Then I ran a semi-bluff with Ad Jd in Q high but 2 diamond board. Built it up to like $60. Then the very next hand in MP got AK. I raised to $1.50. Only the blinds called me, 3 way action. The table was pretty tight but aggressive. Flop 99A. They all check to me, but I checked as well. I try to keep the pot small, coz either I were way in front or way behind. Flush draw or Ace will mostly bet on the flop, and I don't mind giving 1 free card. Turn another Ace. SB lead out for $3.50, BB folded, I flat called. I am not folding and try to let him bluff at it on the river. River 5d. Now he shoved for $40+. I called and you know what he had from the pic above! Then shoved all-in with 10 10 for $12+ and bumped into KK.

Really on tilt! Went to 50c/$1 PLO HU table. In the third hand, I were in the BB. SB pop to $3, I called with Ac Kh 10c 6h. Flop 2h 4h 9h. I lead out for $5, he called. Turn 5s. I bet $15. He called. River 7h. I shoved all-in for $36+, he called again. Showing the nuts! You gotta love this game. Losing $120+ in the process won't effect my mojo. But all on coolers really hurts. Time to head back to snooker tables as Albury is on next week. Hopefully I have a good draw.

The Neverlose Love Affair

2009-07-27T13:50:00.002+10:00

I lost in the final in the Yarraville Club Championship over the weekend. It wasn't a strong field as Alan Croft, Thorpy, David Collins and Steve Cain didn't play in it. I beat a C-grader 3-0, then Kevin Stone 3-0. In the semi I won 3-1 against Brad Harris, but lost in the final against The Great Has Been (Stan) 3-1. Overall I played pretty good, but need to work on my break building. Scoring 30+ break in an open pack won't be enough against good opponents. Need to work on it to have a good run at Albury in a fortnight.

Went home afterwards and watched the Crows demolished Port poofters in the Showdown. Unfortunately the bloody Bombers lost to the Tigers by 5 points and screwed me up. I had $50 parlay on Lions + Bombers + Dockers + Crows and Sydney. Damn!

Then Superman called me up and we went for a SWIM. We sat down in a new table but playing 7 handed all the way. Nothing really spectacular on my play. My stack went from $200 down to $95 back up to $350 and I left with $280. Won an all-in pot with QQ. UTG limp, I pop to $18, all folded, UTG called. Flop Jd 4d 5c. UTG check/called my $50 flop bet. Turn another 4. I shoved for $107 all-in. He called with Ad 3d. River another J.

Superman didn't fare well in the table, he busted his $200, re-buy for final $50 and built up to like $90. Then table broke up and he moved. From $90, he managed to double up twice plus winning some small pots. His stack reached to $400. His table was very wild, there was a mushroom stack shoving preflop every hand. Superman dealt KK UTG, he limped (planning to shove when the mushroom shove as well.) Unfortunately all limp, flop J Q 7. Superman bet, and now 2 players shoved, he called $200 more. Turn A river rag. He lost to AQ.

With less than $200 in the stack, now he took a more aggressive route. ATC every hand, and soon after this hand came up. He limp in CO with 34 off. Limp pot and flop 3s3c4s. SB check, BB bet $20, UTG called, Superman called, SB called, others folded. Turn 7d. SB checked, BB bet $50, UTG shoved for $125+, Superman shoved for $150+, SB check-raised to $250. BB folded. SB showed 56 for straight, UTG didn't show but he asked for a repeat, Superman stood up and kept quiet. (Perhapes he has been watching too much TV lately) River another 4 , UTG jumped in the air and celabrate with joy flipped over J 3 off. SB mucked his hand in disguess, then Superman flipped over his bigger boat. What an acting job he has done. He slow-rolled his hand into perfection. Looking at UTG's reaction afterwards was nothing but priceless! Well done!

I also saw Sam Fishy last night. Had a chat with him and as usual, he was annoying as ever. Everything came out from his mouth is about Neverlose. I told him I don't care about him, I don't think I could have any conversation with him because I don't like him as a person. Somehow Sam Fishy wouldn't stop, promoting Neverlose as the Guru in this world. After 2 minutes, I left. I am not going to listen to all those crap anymore.

Why is Sam Fishy so obsessed to Neverlose? Are you 2 having a love affair? Did he give you the biggest cum ever in your life? Are you gay? Is it because Neverlose's penis just a touch thicker than a toothpick, and it fits perfectly up your ass? Is it because he was your first love? Or is he the guy that broke your virginity? Maybe Neverlose has some special odore that really turns you on? After I said, I don't like to talk about this guy, why would you still mentioning about him? Is he the true Guru in your mind and you are his #1 follower? Are you just acting stupid, or you are in fact stupid? Or actually you are mentally retarded? Too many questions with no answer. Forget about it!

Did I play it bad?

2009-07-24T21:47:00.003+10:00

My $40 in FR has busted. They know I am leaving, so they decided to give me 2 suck outs so I can leave in peace. Lost $20 in NL omaha H/L, open shove preflop with AA57, got called by A2KJ. Flop KK9 and I am gone. Then in PLO, The guy flop top set but he checked. I also checked with my nut flush draw on the button. I made my flush on the turn, the guy with top set bet pot, I shoved all-in and he called. Board pair river, BUSTO!

It has been a good ride in FR, so back to PS again. Just deposite US$150 in there and want to see if they are missing me or not. So far so good, played in the 50c/$1 NLH. Dealt AA once, KK twice and JJ once. I raised each time and got no callers. Donk away a bit in PLO, those guys played like lottery. Fucken sick! Then bought in for $50 in 25c/50c deep table. Had a good start in first hand in BB. Got Ah 8h , limp pot, A K 3. All check on the flop, 9 on the turn, SB bet turn and river . I caught him bluffing for $10 pot. Then dealt KK, raised $1.50 UTG+2, only 1 caller. Flop quads turn A, check/check all the way and he fold to my $2 bet river.

Then took a little hit with 77 in SB. 1 limper, button raised to $2 , we all called including BB. Flop K 3 6. All checked the flop. Turn 2 , I lead out for $4, BB and button folded, MP Gimp called. River J and I bet $11, he called and won showing 23. Now I know that guy is a gimp. In the very next hand on the button dealt 33. All fold to the Gimp and he raised to $1.50, folded to me and I took Master Gee's route, raising to $6. Blinds fold and he called. Flop 8h 3h Jc. He lead out for $3, I put him on a strong hand, 10 10, QQ, AJ, KJ etc. I pop to $9 acting I am on tilt. He flat called. Turn 5s. He checked, I knew he is not folding unless he had AK. With $30 inside, and I got $23 behind me, I changed gear to Sklansky mode. All-In! He instant call. River 6c. He showed AhKh and I won $74 pot.

A couple of hands later, got AA in MP. This is the hand I don't know whether I played it good or bad. I felt my image is very loose, so I will get a lot of action. The guy on my right is a tricky player. He doesn't mind play flops and call raises. He is willing to bet river (3/4 pot +) with semi-strong hands, nuts as well as bluffs. He opened the pot with a $2 raise, I re-raised him to $7.50 with my AA. All folded, and he called. Flop As Jd 8c. He checked to me and I bet $9.50 on the flop and he instant called. Turn 10d. He checked again. With $35 inside, and I had $57 behind me. I don't know how much to bet. His range could be so big, he might pick up a diamond draw on the turn. Any K, Q , 9 or 7 , I knew he will bet big and I won't know what's going on. He might have nothing at all, and will bluff river because of the Ace showing. I didn't have the Ad in my hand so the Adxd could be in his range.

I shoved it on the turn, and he folded saying he had KK. The reason I shoved because the pot was big enough to take it down. Any bet I made, I won't fold on the river. I also feel that I overbet the turn by a mile. How would you play it? Would like to know your opinion! Comments always wellcome!

I am Back!

2009-07-24T12:01:00.002+10:00

Finally back in Melbourne. I didn't play the PLO/NLH tourney on Sunday and I didn't swim again when I were in Adelaide. Would love to play that $1/$2 PLO. Next time thou!

Yarraville Club Championship is on this weekend. Went there yesterday and I saw Robby G. The table condition over there is very good, but those club balls are absolutely crap. Looks like they have shine the white ball with some Colgate toothpaste, but after you take a closer look, you will find they have more dents than the moon surface. The white is lighter than normal and it flys everywhere. I got no choice but to change the white ball from the billiard set of my own.

Now things start getting more interesting. Robby G saw it and jumped out from his wheelchair. Yelling at me and said that's not a proper white ball. He said," The white in the box is good. It is very responsive. You should practice with it." Robby G, I have no idea why they let you out from the nursing home. Even they let you out, it doesn't means that they will let you play snooker. He was so pump up, I fear he might have a heart attack very soon. So I just kept my mouth shut and ignored him. I tried a long shot and managed to screw back the whole length of the table with no effort at all. Here's my assumption:
1) The table condition is too perfect.
2) My cue action is as good as Neil Robinson
3) The Colgate white is too light.

I changed back the white ball, and now there were 2 C graders jumped onto me. They cruitized me using a different white again. At that moment, I felt my life was in danger. I felt that I was surround by a bunch of spastics and I had no idea what they will do next. Robby G might just transfer from nursing home to a mental hospital and he brought his mates along. All of the sudden Yarraville snooker room became a very dangerous place to stay. I left the jungle soon afterwards.

FR still being nice to me but I can feel the tide is changing. More and more river miricles are dropping against me. Managed to build my roll from US$40 to US$290. Withdraw US$250 already and the rest I don't care if I donk it away.

My PLO experience

2009-07-18T17:31:00.003+10:00

I am still in Adelaide, last night I went for a swim. They were no tournaments running, and I have no intention to play in any of their NLH cash tables, but they have $1/$2 PLO. I went there about 9pm, they only have 1 PLO table running and the list was short. Well, I stood on the rail and watch how they play and I found out most of them were Holdem players. They would go for a long way with their AA or KK. Raising (POT) with those hands pre-flop, with a pot-size bet on the flop is a must. I would love to sit in there.

The blinds were only $1/$2, and you can buy-in for any amount between $60 to $180. The table were very loose. You never see a cheap flop. Either the button or one of the blinds will automatically raise the Pot in every hand. Those are stupid aggression, especially from the blinds.
1) All they could raise to would be like $14 to $17, depends on the number of limpers.
2) No one folding for that amount.
3) They will be OOP through out the hand.

My strategy would be playing very tight if out of position, and very loose if I am on the button. I bought in for $180. Missed a couple of flop and slowly down to $150+. Then on the button had Kd Jc 10c 7c. Limp pot, I called $2, SB raised to $16, everyone called. $110 inside already. Flop Kh 10s 8h. As usual SB make a continuation bet $50, (mostly with nothing). 1 caller, and I shoved all-in for $134 total with my top 2 pair ( the GS 9 to the lower end straight is not really an out. Most likely if the guy is drawing, he should have JQ in his hand). SB folded instantly (Thank you for your dead money Sir!) MP called. Turn Qs , river 5c. MP turn over AKQ but he also had nut flush draw. So even with my top 2 pair, I were in pretty bad shape (Losing to any A Q J and hearts.) After the hand the SB said he had JJ with small flush draw. Bragging what a lay down he made on the flop. Blah! Blah! Blah! Blah!. Yeah! Well done! No wonder you are the real SB. No only you were in the small blind. You amazing play, great read, tough lay down, discipline in poker really make you a stand-out in this table. You deserved to be the real SB....... Stupid Bitch!

I re-buy for $170 (thats all I got in my wallet). I won a $90 pot with the nut straight on the turn. I bet pot and the guy folded. Now my stack at about $245+. Dealt 2 8 9 J ds on the button. The Great SB in his fav position do his fav move again after 4 limpers. He Pot to $14. This time only 1 caller, and I also call with my junks on the button. About $43 inside. Flop 8 10 3 rainbow. SB lead out with another Pot continuation bet. MP folded, I mini-raised him and see what he would do. I put him on an over-pair, but I have enough outs to goto WAR with him. Now he flat call. Turn 5. I still miss, he checked to me and I bet $90+ leaving $100 behind me. He ATC again. River K. Now I have to bluff. He checked again and I shove for $100. He took a long time and finally called. I said I missed, and he turned over QQ 24. OMG!

FullRig still serving me quite well at the moment. Now my mojo stands at $216. Most of my profit came from 25c/50c PLO. In PS, PLO in that limit is already a very tough game. Somehow I felt very comfortable playing in FR in that limit. I always get action when I had the nuts. In one hand, I flop boat, bet on the flop, got 4 callers. Turn was a flush card, I bet 1/2 pot, got 1 caller and a third guy raised me with the nut flush. I shoved all-in and both called. ( Ace high flush, King high flush and I got boat). They used to say, " If you can't bluff in Omaha, you simply can't win!" Not in here. Now I felt remorse whenever I bluff and win a pot. I won a $20 pot tonight bluffing on the river and you will never know how sad I am at the moment. I feel so remorseful, that I should donate my winning in that hand to somewhere. I also decided to penalize myself to donate more out from my own pocket. As I am a man of my own word, and I can tell you I have done it. I just paid up for the Australia National at RACV and it cost me $105.

Adelaide

2009-07-15T19:00:00.002+10:00

I am in Adelaide. Spend most of my time with Dad. I will be back next Wednesday. So far FR rig it towards my way. From $40 to $132 within a week. Just withdraw $100. Want to see how far I can go. Still think that site is rig, lost a couple of big pots already, 3 or 4 outers on the river. Had 5c 6d 8c 9c. 25/50c 6 handed table, $25 stack. UTG pop to $1.75, I flat call, SB re-pop to $5, UTG called, and I called as well. Flop 7c 10c Qs. SB bet $5, UTG all-in , I went all-in as well. Turn Js, river 3c. UTG had KKc 2c x. Stupid 4 outer on the river. At the meantime, I will still play in there coz of the 5X Happy Hour. Currently I have 3200+ points in there, need to reach about 8500 points for the retro bowling shirt.

Might go for a swim on Sunday. They have $95 buy-in NLH/PLO freeze out MTT, with 4K starting chips and 20 min bank. With PLO in there, I will play. Also I will play in the Vic Champ $230 PLO on Monday August 3rd. Looking forward to it!

FT vs PS

2009-07-11T16:07:00.002+10:00

Snooker on Wed night, and we need to win big against RACV to have any chance to qualify for the finals. I won my match 3-0 against George Hoy, and overall we won like 15-3. Although it looks like a huge win, but still not enough to qualify for the finals. Not long ago we were sitting pretty in the top 4 and were several games in front of Humphrey Bear's team. Since then, they added Roger Leighton to their side, and he made a whole lot of difference. I would like to wish Humphrey Bear all the best in the final. At the same time, I also feel a bit sorry for him. He has to stuck with those faggots for at least another week. Thats shame!

Speaking of George Hoy. I really respect him a lot. He and Alan Croft and Paul Cosgriff are the 3 members really work hard in the VBSA board. I used to call George Hoy "5 B". That was ages ago and we were joking around. I said to him I would only call him "5B's" instead of "6 B's". Coz "6 B" stands for "Big Bad Bold Ball-Breaking Bastard!" Since he is all-right, I wouldn't call him a bastard. That's how 5B was formed.

Since my record breaking swim at the Pond, I have no intention going there again in the near future. I also tilt away my PS account, so time for deposite again. This time I deposited US$40 in PS as well as FT (also $40US). Already bust my PS account, had 2 buy-ins in the 10c/ 25c PLO. Flop dead all the way. In my first buy-in, my Ad Js 10d 8d lost to bottom 2 pair in 8 7d 4d. It was a raised pot and the guy had KK 47. I put him on over pair as he was the initial raiser. All the money went on the flop and he hit 4 on the turn for full-house. In my second buy-in, my bottom set bumped into top set. Not much I can do there, as I had 5677, flop K X 7.

In the other site, its about time that FT rig it my way. The PLO game in FT is a lot softer than in PS. Occasionally, there a a lot of pre-flop raising and people play like lottery. One thing I like in FT is that, people would bet right into me when I have the goods. They will also called my bet, when I had a set+ nut flush draw, all the way to the river with some 7 high flush draw. There was a hand when I had AKJx ds in CO. Limp pot, and I raise to $1 for value. Flop AAK, they all check to me and I bet $4 on the flop, and I still got 2 callers. Turn rags, we all check, river another rag. Some guy will shove into me with just a K in his hand. You gotta love it! Also in FT, I tend to hit more flops than in PS. From $40, I manage to build it up to $110. There is also a tournament I like to play in FT. "The daily dollar". Only $1 to enter, with a guarantee prize pool of $10k. On average, only 8000 entrants, pays top 1080th. Winner gets $1600. The structure is good, non-turbo with double stack. Plenty of play in it.

I guess a will stop playing at PS for a short while. Just want to see how far FT will rig it my way before I quit again! Heading back to Adelaide next Tuesday for a week. Might swim around over there. Mostly in tournaments. I had bad experience playing cash games over there. All I can say is, there are too many stables.

My Record Breaking Swim.

2009-07-07T16:44:00.002+10:00

In the last few days, I tried to get my life back to normal. So no more late night, and hopefully wake up before 9am. Sunday morning, I woke up around 5:30am, then went to Princes. I had 2 hours of snooker solo. Monday morning woke up around 6am, same as today. So right now I am having a good life style, why not make it a bit healthier? So I decided to go for a swim this morning in THE POND.

I went there about 7am, and there was still 5 tables running. Each table had around 7 or 8 players in there, so not too bad. My table was 8 handed, 5 of them have at least $500 stack, I had $200, and the other 2 had less than $200. In he first 2 hands I were in the blinds, folded pre-flop. The table seems not too wild, but soon after, it was all an illusion. In the 3rd hand, I were on the button dealt KK. UTG raised pre-flop to $20. Got 2 callers in the middle and I made it $80. No Ace on the flop and I will shove. All of the sudden, SB shoved all-in for $167, initial raiser flat called, all the MP folded, I shoved for $193. UTG called extra $26. Flop J 9 9, turn 8 river A. I lost the side pot, as UTG showed A J, SB had Q 10. First bullet gone!

I re-buy for another $200. In a limp pot, I dealt Ac 7c, I called for $3. I hit bottom pair and fold on the flop. I managed to see a cheap flop in the BB with 8 2 off, hit nothing and fold. Then next hand in SB, dealt 9d 10d. The same donkey with AJ raised to $18, as always got 2 callers, I called, the same Lucktard in the BB called as well, 5 way action $84 inside already, and my stack about $174. Flop Qs 6d 8d. A very good flop for me, 2-way gutter + flush draw (straight flush draw). I checked in the dark, so did BB. AJ donkey lead out for $35. 1 guy in the middle folded, and the other called. This time I raised to $85. I am going nowhere. I am shoving no matter what comes on the turn. This time BB ATC $85. UTG folded, so did the CO. Turn 4h. I shoved for $90, and he called. River Kc. I missed the lot and can't win. I showed my 10 high and BB showed 4d7d and won with a pair of 4s.

Well! I don't want to say much in here. As usual that lucktard taught me a lesson. He said, "I am not going to fold my straight flush draw!" I knew the mistake I have make in this hand. I should lead out like $30 on the flop and shove the turn, or just check-raise shove on the flop. Since the LT in BB is not folding, I guess the result would be the same(He would still call). 7:25am in the morning and I am in no mood for any poker lectures. I left straight afterwards. Went back home and I were still on tilt, I donk away $80 in my PS account. Hmmmmmm! Whatever! I am still devastated!

All Star Table

2009-07-02T02:20:00.004+10:00

Pennant snooker tonight and I lost to Don Richter 2-1. I don't like my performance tonight. Since I haven't played much snooker lately, can't expect I will be on fire once get into the table. The tables at Kooyong are pretty tight and fast. In my opinion, they are the best 3 tables in Melbourne at the moment. In the first 2 frame, I couldn't pot a ball and lost by a big margin. In the third, finally I found my cueing. Don gave me a long shot after break off, and I made 64 break. I missed on the pink, with 5 reds remaining. Damn! I thought it was going in, but the pocket was tight!

After the match, I called up Master Gee and we headed for a swim. At first we sat down on separate tables. I didn't like my initial table very much. It was like playing in PS with a bunch of mushrooms shoving pre-flop with anything up their asses! I only won 1 hand in that table. UTG, I limp with 66. A lot of people limp and flop came 6s 9d 10d. An average flop for my hand, with a bunch of draws out there. I lead out for $20 and see whats going on. The mushroom next to me called and all other fold. Turn another 6, now I made QUADS. I teased him with another bet of $25, no way he could fold! He called instantly. River 4c. I saw him have $37 behind, I figured another $25 will guarantee a call. A shove in that spot gains nothing, as he might fold a 9. He called instantly and I won with QUADS.

After that hand, the all-in pre-flop system continues and I changed to Master Gee's table. I didn't play a hand in the first round, but I realized they are a bunch of Poker All-stars over there. Here are the Chips and Player's seat position:

Seat 1: Me, the donkey at the table, plays tighter than a NIT. Stack, $200

Seat 2: Master Gee. The best player in the room, only cards can stop him to poker immortality. Stack $120.

Seat 3: Some Gut-Shot Guru. Guru in appearance, Lucktard in nature. He is the GS expert, can't count how many GS he has made in this table. Stack $800+

Seat 4: Quiet Asian. He doesn't talk much, but I am sure he understand English. Stack $200

Seat 5: Johnny World. He ATC a lot pre-flop, but he plays solid poker after the flop. Willing to fold if missed. Stack $180

Seat 7: Sahid Afridi. Some Pakistanis with an I-pod. I can't figure him out, Period! Maybe he doesn't even know what he is doing? Stack $400.

Seat 9: Brendon Favola. Some Italian youngster plays poker like bingo. Very Aggressive pre-flop out of position, and made a lot of blocking bets on the flop onwards. Just like the Charlton Spearhead, he talks more than Sam Fishy with a cocky nature.

After 1 orbit, I dealt Ks 10d in MP. Limp pot, I called. Master Gee in CO folded, Guru called, Johnny World in SB popped to $18. Everyone called, I called as well. Flop Ah Qh 3s. All check to me, try to steal it for a $40. Guru fold, Johnny World check-raised to $100. We all folded. He showed AK!

In the very next hand, I dealt QQ in BB. Everyone limp and I pop to $30. Now everyone called. Massive pot already. Flop 9 10 4 rainbow. I shoved all-in for $109. Guru raised to $250. Everyone fold. Guru said to me, I am in front but he doesn't want all those fish to chase. Turn Q, river K. I thought he might have 10 J, but he showed K 10, and I won a massive $300+ pot.

After the hand, Favola was whinging that I were very lucky coz Guru raised him out of the pot, and he had J in his hand. Well, Favola showed his true colour and we all know what a wanker he is in the AFL.

Two hands later on the button, dealt A 7 off. Limp pot, Flop A Q 8. All checked to me and I bet $10. All folded to Favola, he called. Turn 2. He checked, I bet $20, and now he raised to $50. I called for $30 more. River another A. He checked for the 3rd time. I thought for a while, with trips Aces- no kicker, no point betting and get called by the worse hand. So I checked, and Fevola showed 22. Now the conversation starts getting more interesting. He checked the river coz he put me on AQ. WOW! No way! I asked him why he called with 22 on the flop if he put me on AQ? He said only cost him $10 and he can always hit. OK!

A couple hands later in SB got Qc 10c. Limp pot and I called extra $1. Master Gee pop $10 more. No one folded and I called. Flop Qd Jh 2d. I lead out for $30, Master Gee folded, Guru called, Afridi shoved for $129 more. I stared at Afridi, and he was very confident. Didn't look like he was on draw. While Guru most likely on draw and I don't want to price him in. So I FOLD! Guru folded as well and showed J 7 off. Afridi showed J 2 off. WTF are those guys playing with those junks?

At the meantime, the Guru took a bunch of Afridi's stack. Limp pot, flop 5 5 Q. Afridi's lead out for $15, Guru called, all other folded. Turn A. Guru check/call another $25 bet. River K. Afridi bet $50, Guru popped to $125, Afridi called and showed 5. Guru showed 10 J for runner runner straight. As I said before, this game is all about Lucktards. By the looks of the Guru, he seems like more of a traditional Indian Guru to me. After he drop that runner-runner missile, he said he would call any bets in position coz he know the guy will pay him off if he hit. He also said this game is all about decisions.

I guess he has make a lot of good decisions in the past. Based on his outfits, I can tell he has been wearing those jumpers for days. Based on his cap, I wouldn't surprise if it is still back in the early 90s. So all these years, he must have make a lot of good decisions:

1) He is not a big spender. You can tell by his 90s outfits.
2) He must have invested his money wisely. Instead of investing in the stock market, he choose to invest it in Poker.
3) Based on my reliable source (Don't ask me! It is a secret!). His best decision ever made was 15 years ago. He decided to do an infamous penis transplant and FINALLY broke his virginity after 40+ years of incompetence.

Guru's Gut shot exhibition didn't end there. A couple of hands later, he took Afridi's stack. With $90 inside already, flop J Q 8, he called Afridi's $16 flop bet. Turn 10. Check/call Afridi's $30 bet. River 7, he shoved all-in and Afridi called. GS Guru showed A 9, and Afridi said he had a set. Now Favola starts talking again. He criticized Guru chasing GS on the flop and the conversation really heating up. I just have 1 question. With only $12 inside and I bet $10 on the flop, he put me on 2 pair and call with 22 (2 outer) and he thinks it is a good play. How can he think it is a bad play when Guru call a weak $15 bet on the flop, $90+ inside with his GS plus an Ace? I know you try to comfort Afridi. If you really want to comfort him, just go next door in the Crown Tower, open a room and give him a nice Thai massage. No one will know whats going on in there. Just like the Charlton football club, hash money will always in play.

In the very next hand, I dealt JJ in the BB. Another limp pot, this time Fevola pop to $30 pre-flop. Now I have 2 options. No way I am folding this, but he might have something like KQ which I don't want him to make a tilt shove. Don't really want to shove pre-flop with JJ, especially in a loose game like this. I expect him to make a continuation bet on the flop, and if I catch good flop I can isolate all the guys behind me. So I just called. Guru called as well as Johnny World. Flop Qh 8h 3s. Not a flop I was hoping for but still not too bad. Guru will call with anything, flush draw going nowhere and all I fear was Johnny World. Fevola bet $35 on the flop, I flat call. If anyone raised behind me, I knew I was beaten and can fold easily. To my surprised both fold. Turn Jh. Now Fevola bet $50. I knew I am in front, but with 3 hearts in board, I must raise. Thanks to Danial Sklansky, I learn something from him. I shoved all-in, in case he has a single heart in his hand. He folded instantly. I raked another $300+ pot.

Several hands later, I dealt 55 in raised pot. Flop 10 10 J, I took a stab at it on the flop for $40, Guru called. Turn Q, now I am done with my hand. Went check/check and check-fold river when 8 came. That was the last hand I played and I left soon afterwards.

Master Gee didn't fare well tonight. He built his stack back up to $200 and lost with JJ. Flop 557, he shoved all-in and Guru turned straight with 46. How can he miss if he has been hitting GS all-day? We all know Lucktards will dominate Masters, and the highest form of LT would be a Guru. Bad Luck Master Gee, you simply have no chance at all tonight!

FULL RIG

2009-06-30T18:29:00.002+10:00

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

2009-06-28T19:21:00.002+10:00

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

2009-06-27T23:26:00.002+10:00

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

2009-06-23T17:38:00.002+10:00

"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

2009-06-21T03:39:00.002+10:00

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?

2009-06-19T19:55:00.003+10:00

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

2009-06-14T20:33:00.003+10:00

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?

2009-06-10T03:12:00.002+10:00

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

2009-06-07T18:40:00.002+10:00

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

2009-06-06T01:23:00.002+10:00

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

2009-06-04T17:10:00.004+10:00

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!

2009-06-03T21:27:00.000+10:00

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.

KINGS CUP, Bow to Master Buck!

2009-05-30T18:44:00.001+10:00

No poker for me for the last few days coz of the Kings Cup. Today I lost to Ben Judge 3-0 in the last 32. Overall I think my performance was above average. On Friday night, I won 3-2 vs Danny Bedi. I scored only 34 points in the first frame, but somehow I won. Second frame, I made a 46 break and won easily. In the third, I started to go for a few more shots, and Danny played a lot of good safety, pot 1 ball at a time, eventually he won the next 2 frames both on the black. With score tied at 2-2, Danny was 22 points in front in the decider with colours remaining. I thought I was done. I was looking for Master Gee, hope he could inspire me. He was just too busy socializing with his MOPS (Melbourne Online Poker Superstars). I remember KO master said you need to be patience and wait for your spots. So being short stack at the table, I didn't give up. I took a half chance on the yellow and made 27 clearance to pinch the frame and match.

This morning, I played well against Rodo. I won the first frame on the black. He fluked 2 balls in a row but fortunately he left the black over the hole and a easy pot for me. I was in control in the second and won comfortably. Rodo fired up in the 3rd and make a 56 break. With 5 reds remaining, I never give up. I forced an error and make a 34 clearance for a 3-0 win. My journey in Kings Cup ended in my next match vs Ben Judge. Nothing to talk about as he is too good for me and I lost 3-0.

I know I have no chance winning the tournament. To make my donations a bit more interesting, I decided to make several prop bets for the weekend. Put my money in +EV situation, hopefully I could win a bit of money + bragging rights. It makes the game more interesting to watch as well. At the end of the day, one very valuable lesson I have learnt this week. "You should never mess around with the MASTERS!"

It all started on Thursday night. I had a snooker session with Master Gee. We played best of 5 for Nandos or beef brisket noodles. I won the first set 3-2, then 3-0. Final set, we double the stake and I was lucky enough to win 3-1. So I got 4 bowls of noodles in my hand and my mojo certainly rising. On Friday night, I watched Master Gee dominated his 1st round opponent. Then he asked me if I would give him 5-1 vs The Great Has Been in his next match. With 4 bowls of noodles in my hand. I accepted the bet. That's a big mistake! Master Gee won his match this morning 3-2. He was setting up a trap perfectly for me to step in. Just like in poker, he would check/call then fold river in consecutive hands. Then he would slow play his AA pre-flop, acting he was weak, so I can bet into him heads-up and now he is ready to play a monster pot. So overall, I lost 1 Nandos meal to him.

I also had several other bets. BOBO bets $30 (Yum Cha credit) on Kurt Brown winning against Ben Judge. Also $30 YCC that Charlie and Master Bucks match will go under 1 hour. Obviously Kurt lost, but Master Buck finished off Charlie in 58 min. So we are squared. Mr.Invincible lay me 4-1 on M.Scerri making to the last 16 for $25 YCC. M.Scerri had a good showing but lost a tough one against Dave Collins 3-2.

Now the biggest bet of all. $100 PS$ on Master Busk demolishing MVP. I am betting against myself in this one, coz I am in a no win and no lose situation. Its one of those bets I would win nothing, but very happy giving $100 away. MVP has been running his big mouth both online and at Princes for years. He always draw the biggest crowd whenever he plays (wonder why?). He is the master snooker technician. He has invented numerous stands and grips in snooker, that no one in the world can overcome. I think today he is using stand #106 along with grip #29. It must be a special combo for this special occasion. As a special player that he is, his snooker mind truly exceeds ordinaries like me. It must be some special secret behind his stand today, but unfortunately I don't find it any special. It looks a bit gay to me. Looks like Princess of Princes just poke his ass and he forgot to wear any diapers.

As I expected, Master Buck trashed him 3-0 and I am happily sending him $100US into his PS account. For $100, I can have a dig at the Great MVP after the match. I consider $100 is very good value and I am certainly in a +EV situation. Maybe not! Master Gee once again show why he is the Master of us all, and never pass away any opportunity especially in a indefinite +EV situation. He just jumped the line in front of me and had a dig at MVP for 15 min before I could even approach him. See! Master Gee always dominates me no matter what. That's why he is so good, he eats "pot odds" for breakfast. I guess I still have a lot to learn from him.

Gorski (for 1 night only)

2009-05-28T00:53:00.000+10:00

It has been a quiet week since my last post. Kings Cup is on the weekend. I like my draw pretty much. I will play the winner of Suzi Bell / Danny Bedi on Friday night, hope Bedi won't show up. If I win, then play Rodo on Sat. Both matches won't be too tough, but I won't take them lightly. I changed my tip on Sunday, right now it feels a bit strange. Nothing wrong with this new tip, but I prefer a bit thinner than usual. Need to get use to it.

VBSA pennant tonight, and we have a tough lost to Cheltenham 10-8. I lost to Justin Holland 2-1, and I must admit, it could have gone 3-0. I fluked a pink and made 40, then with 2 reds remaining, I fluke snookered Justin. He gave me a chance and I cleared it up. Our team tonight were myself plus the 5 Gorskis (Stan, Margaret, Brad, Josh and Ben). My condolences goes to Manny Stanfaou's family as he lost his DAD last night. So for tonight and for 1 night only I am part of the Gorski's clan.

Also a very sad news from the Brunswick club. Last Thursday night they have voted the Brunswick apartment will go ahead. So the snooker room will be history in the near future. Most members vote for the project, so they can keep the beer price same as before. FFS! The price of petrol has gone up, so does the beer! Move forward and live with it!

Played a bit in PS the last 2 nights and had a reasonable run. Only a short session last night, but I did quite well. I first sat in 25/50c PLO table, only play like 10 hands and managed to double up my money. Dealt AA97 in the middle, flop A J 6. Went to raising war with another guy on the flop and he double me up holding JJ for middle set. Then played NLH. I pop to $2 first in, CO with Ah 5h, only the SB called. Flop Qh 5c 4h. SB check-raised my $3.50 flop bet, and I shoved all in and got called on the flop. 10h on the turn, and SB held AQ was drawing dead. Then 2 rounds later I bust a medium stack with AA, I pop to $2 UTG+2, he re-pop to $10 in BB after 1 caller in the middle. I just open shove, figure his has a good hand, and he called me with KK. My AA held up for $60 pot. So I was up close to $100 for the night, then Superman called me. As usual he asked me to transfer him money and took away my profit.

Lucktard Fat ChowHi

2009-05-22T15:04:00.000+10:00

Melbourne Poker Championship starts this week. Although I haven't played much poker lately, but I decided to play in the 100k guarantee today. Looks like a good structure to me, with 5k start bank, 30 min level, blinds start at 25/25 and only cost $230 to enter. Once I set down on the table, all these craps were just illusions. During the first level, I speculate a bit in position. Paid $25 to see 8 flops, and check/fold all of them, hitting nothing. Then I had 88 UTG, I pop to $75 (3 times the BB), got 2 callers, then the button re-raised to $800. I choose to fold coz not getting really the right odds to call. Although the table seems tight and passive, but still never short of action.

With blinds now 25/50, we saw 2 all-in pre-flop. Both of them were UTG open shoved (for like $5k). Both times got no callers and their aggressive play was rewarded for $75 from the blinds. Then dealt AsQs near CO. UTG pop to $150, got several callers, I called as well. Big multi-way pot. Flop 88Q. All checked to me, and I tossed in $300, all folded. Not a bad result. Couple of hands later, had Qc 10c UTG. I limp, and got several callers. Flop Q 10 6 rainbow. I decided to slow play my top 2. Two seats to my left is a Fat Chowhi. She lead out for $200. Based on my observation, she is a very passive player. She had pocket 10s twice, no raise pre-flop and hit trips on the flop both times, but only managed to win small pots, like $500 to $700 and someone bet into her as well. Once she bet $200 on the flop, all folded to me and I only flat called. Wouldn't surprise me she had an overpair, AQ or KQ. The guy sandwich between us also call, so I put him on some sort of a draw. Turn 2. I checked again, Fat ChowHi bet $500, now I pop to $1000. Middle guy folded in disguise. She called. River 8, I value bet $1400, and she called. She also had Q 10, chop pot!

Soon after that, the table split up. I moved to a new table, after 2 hands, a new player joined us and he sat next to my right. He just won a morning series earlier today and consider as one of the best tournament play at Crown. Peter Greek the Gimp! Right now my stack about $5500, had A7 in BB. Limp pot and I checked. Flop A23, I checked called a $150 bet on the flop, 3 way action. Turn K, also check/call $250 bet. Hope 2 or 3 on the river and I bluff at it. Another K on the river, My kicker would be no good and I folded. UTG had A9 and the other guy had A4.

Didn't do much in the next orbit. Now BB again, dealt 75. Only CO limp $50, Greek the Gimp called in SB, I checked. Flop 963. Gimp fired $100 on the flop, and I called, CO folded. Turn another 6, Gimp bet $225 and I pop to $550. He folded. A couple of hands later, in CO got AsQs again. Folded to MP called, Greek Gimp pop to $275, and I called, so did MP. Flop A 9 6, MP checked, Greek Gimp bet $550, and I flat called. MP folded. Turn K, went check/check. River 10. Gimp checked, and I value bet for $800, put him on AJ. He called and mucked his cards showing me an Ace.

Soon after that hand, the table broke up again. That Lucktard Fat ChowHi in my table as well. My stack about $7k, still ok coz still early. Dealt AK UTG, with blinds now 50/100, I pop to $300. Button, SB and BB called. 4 way action. Flop 7 high with 2 diamonds. Both blinds checked, and I fired $850. All folded to the BB called. Turn 10. BB checked, and I looked at his stack, he only had like $1800 behind him. So I checked as well. River another diamond, went check/check. He had Jd 9d and won with river flush. He is really nice gentleman. He is so generous, that he wouldn't mind sharing his poker secret with me. Unlike Master Gee, he would teach me nothing, coz he is so humble he consider himself as a donkey. Also unlike Mr.D, he told me he is a very solid player, always get his chips in at the right time. Even I am willing to pay him $1000 per hour, to coach me 1 on 1, he still wouldn't do it. Maybe he is asking for David Sklansky price. Sorry mate, I couldn't afford it. That poker professor told me that I should bet the turn. OK! I reply to him straight away in my most humbling manner. I really want to know his answer, coz I want to learn more, I want to get better. " With 3.5k in the middle and your mushroom stack, would you lay down your flush draw + GS + 2 overs?" Just like all other tight-ass in this world, he didn't reply.

After that hand, my stack down to $5000+. The table is a bit wild. An Asian guy with a huge stack got slapped around. He raised to $500 UTG (blinds still 50/100), got 3 callers. Flop A 5 5 and checked/folded to a $800 bet on the flop. Flashed pocket Kings when muck. Then on the button, limp pot, on a QQ6 flop. He got check-raised by the chip leader (BB) at the table. He re-pop min, and the chip leader went all-in and he mucked. Several hands later I was on the button and dealt AhKh. Fat ChowHi limp UTG, the Tilt Asian pop to $350, all fold to me. I re-pop him to $1200. All of the sudden Fat ChowHi flat called. Tilt Asian shoved all-in for $7k+ after a lot of thoughts. I shoved as well, ready to play big pot with my AK sthooted. Fat ChowHi flat called almost her whole stack. I had AhKs, Tilt Asian had KsQs, and Fat ChowHi showed 88. Flop J62, turn 7h. Just like Full Rig Poker, I picked up flush draw. River blank as usual, and I busted in the 3rd level.

Why do I have to bump into those Lucktards all the time? Is Crown going to change their business nature from a casino into something like the Adult Match Maker? To be honest, she is nowhere close to my type. Maybe she has a crush on me, but please.......! No way I will go out with some fatties, weight 300lbs, with arms bigger than my thighs. She looks like haven't shower for weeks, no one at the table willing to give her any high fives. Her taste of perfume is so unique, that everyone at the table will cover their mouth with something. Please............. Its not my fault that I wouldn't go out with her. Why punish me with a donkey play like that? I felt good and felt like playing good. Imagine if I win that pot and stack close to $20k. Damn! I guess i better stop it right now. As I am writing this post, I just saw a big spider on top of the ceiling. Thats scary! Real SCARY!

Vic Championship

2009-05-18T04:00:00.000+10:00

Vic Champ at Brunswick this morning. I woke up like 8am and didn't have much sleep last night. Drank a few coffee to keep me awake. I won my first match against Papaya 3-2. Those Sunday morning starts certainly not my favorite. I was still half asleep in the first frame and didn't pot much. So as usual 1-0 down at the start. Once those caffeine kicks in, I felt a bit better. I won the next 2 frames. In the forth, I had 2 good chances but I were bit stiff. Got 2 huge kicks on the colour when the pack was open and I were on a break. Lost it on the pink and now 2-2. In the deciding frame, I played very solid. I made a 38 and followed by a 25. Mr.Papaya didn't have a shot at all. With 4 reds remaining, he already need snookers.

On the other table, KO Master won his first round match 3-0. Unfortunately he bumped into The Great Has Been and lost 4-1 in his next match. Now I have to face reality. I know my match verses Mr.Invincible will be short and quick. He is 1 of the 4 players in Aus that I absolutely fear. KO Master was refereeing my match, and I were looking for some inspiration! At the end of the day, it wouldn't make any difference. Against a guy who can pot like Neil, break like Bobo and balls roll like Alex Render, I had no chance at all. Came close in the 3rd, and a break of 94 in the 4th frame seal the deal.

I felt a bit painful after the beating I got. Its a bit like someone shuff their short butt up your ass. I don't feel the pain physically (coz I don't know how it feels and never will. For more info, please ask POP and MVP. Those 2 are the experts in these areas), but it hurts mentally and spiritually. Need to get over it asap.

I am ready for the WHIPING!

2009-05-15T20:40:00.000+10:00

Not much happening in the last few days. After BOBO's "Whinge of the Century"! Had a hit on Tuesday and then pennant on Wednesday night. We were heading down to Kings. I won my match 3-0 vs their resident coach. That guy has no idea! That's all I can say. Don't want to go any further, and don't want to have a dig at him. Mal, Val and Mr.D has been very kind to me all these years, I just felt a bit sorry for them! End of Story!

Last night, I just want to have a break from snooker, so I popped up at Master Gee's place for some High Octane Tag team Poker. As usual both of us put in AUD$50, and Master Gee dove first. He bought in $35 to 2 tables (25c/50c NLH). Not much happening and bust shortly in 1 table. In 1 table, he lost 1/2 of his stack with KQ in MP, raised to $1.50. Called by 3 players. Flop K-rag-rag. Master Gee lead out on every street and river went checked/checked. CO had AK. Then he raised with AJ, MP a few rounds later. Flop Ad x x with 2 diamonds. Master Gee lead out for $2 and button popped to $6. Turn 10s, went checked/checked. River K h. Master Gee checked, button value bet $8 and we called. He showed Kd 10d. What a Lucktard!

On the other table. Master Gee small balling and built his roll to about $45+. Then this hand came up. UTG, Master Gee raised to $1.50 with 77. Got a few callers, flop 8d 7c 5c. SB lead out for $2, BB called, Master Gee got the action he wanted and pop to $7. All folded to the SB shoved all-in, BB folded. SB had us covered, $38+ to call. Master Gee asked me, " Should we call or fold?" He said SB could have a straight. Here were my assumptions:

1) We can't fold, coz we hit.
2) He might have a big draw.
3) He might flop 2 pair, or a set. If he had 888, nothing we can do.
4) Don't think he would shove with a straight on the flop. Our stack is still deep enough. Why not milk us some more?
5) Even he flop straight, but we still have OUTS! Wishful Thinking is a must in this game!

Master Gee called instantly and out set held up. Master Gee put him on Ac 6c, but I put him on Kc 8c. SB had Jc8c. I knew Master Gee was testing me. If you want to be success in certain things in life, you better learn it from someone who is good at it. You can always hire a coach if you don't know anyone. But the problem is, that coach you hire might be a self proclaim world champion, but in fact he has no idea. I feel so grateful that Master Gee is my poker mentor. He is passing me his superior poker knowledge from time to time without charging me a penny. Occasionally he will give you a test and see your progression. I guess I pass the test this time, and I am sure there will be many more to come. Nice try master! Nice Try!

Then I took over and won a $50+ pot in PLO. We flop Broadway and held up against top set + nut FD. Then we decided to play our profit only, and I donked it away in NLH. Try to make a play at a guy. He limp, I pop to $2 with A6. Flop K 10 5. He checked, I bet $3.50 on the flop. He called and turn J. He checked, and I shoved all-in (about 1.5 pot bet) and he instant call with 9 10. River blank. If I was raising with any 2 high cards, I will have him beat. Knew he was weak, and I picked my spot well. Can't figure how his 9 10 be good! Either he has superior reading skills or he can actually see my cards. I thought only MVP can do it! Now I just found out another! He must be MVP in the making. Maybe he works for Telstra or AT&T. As there employee, those telephone company must give him a good deal to make calls like that.

As I were on major tilt, Master Gee drove the action again. Shortly afterwards, our KK held up, got check-raised all-in on the flop againt J4. (The guy had bottom pair on the flop.) Then Master Gee felt a bit tired and we stopped. We had $40 profit for the night.

Victorian State Snooker Championship is on this weekend. I don't like my draw that much. Since I haven't played much snooker last year plus bad results, now my ranking drops rapidly. My first match will be tough against Mr. Angelo Papaya. He is a decent player, and we are playing at his home club will just make my task even tougher. If I get thru him, who else? Mr.Invincible. Well........ At least I will be on the rail, having the best seat in the house and enjoy some high quality snooker!

Stop whinging please!

2009-05-13T01:08:00.000+10:00

Not much poker recently, PS mojo still stays at $280+. As most players are now focusing on WSOP, but I am still focusing on my snooker. After losing to Alibaba in Lance Pennall, I didn't give out. Still practicing enough to keep it going. On the weekend, there was a handicap tournament at Kings. I lost in the second match vs Roger Dalitz. Giving 25 start to a guy who can pot is a tough task. Pot a long one, scores 10 to 15 and played safety. Just like those mushroom stack online. Always hit and run. The bright side was I made 62 break in my first match. (but I choked with 2 reds remaining).

Monday night as usual, I filled in for Yarraville for "A" reserve. The past 2 weeks, I bumped into Andrew Hicks, and Humphrey Bear. This week, another top player filled in for Brunswick, and his name BOBO. I feel like I am jinxing the team. Three weeks in a row, three different fill-ins from our oppositions. From Andrew, to Rudy, and now Bobo. So whose next? Neil?

Anyway, I lost my match 2-1. Played like a spastic, and didn't play well at all. I lucktard the final frame without making any break over 20. We played on the #1 table at Yarraville, and it has new cloths on it. Unfortunately, the balls are crap. Even in pennant, we are only allow to use club balls, because the tournament balls are only for Lance Pennall Classic only. Those white balls in the club set are very light, it will fly everywhere especially on the new cloths. So we replace the white from the billiard set.

After the match BOBO was whinging about the white ball being too heavy. He was complaining for over 30 minutes, and called me "SHIFTY!". He was whining that I replaced the white (before the match), so he can't perform to his usual standard. Charlie and Kevin played in the first round and they were using the same white ball, and they had no complaints. Even he didn't play well, but still more than enough to kick my ass. Although I took 1 frame off him, so what? I don't find it such a big deal. At the end of the day, I lost and I played crap. I am not going to celebrate by winning 1 frame off one of the best player in Australia. Just like at Crown, I am not going to celebrate after sucking out my opponents hitting a 2 outer on the river. I am not going to run around the casino, doing a victory lap pretending I just won an Olympic gold medal. Some people might, but I am not that kind of guy.

So BOBO, here is my advice. Instead of being a cry baby (as you are right now), you should try and work on your techniques. As a top player, you should be able to adjust to different playing conditions. If you have any difficulties, you can always go to Princes every Saturday afternoon and consult the MVP. He will be there from 12pm till 4pm. All it cost you will be $20 including table charges. Tell me if you can't afford it, and I will pay for you. There is no big deal by losing a frame to an average player like me. Get over it! Instead of being a whiner, forget about it and work on your game. So that:

1) next time you won't lose to Vinnie

2) you will be able to win several frames if you decide to go to England

3) ABSC will pick you ahead of Mathew Bolton, even you don't live in Perth

4) Most importantly, you no longer need to live under your brother and MVP's shadow any more.

MVP Masterclass!

2009-05-06T23:50:00.000+10:00

I have make up my decision. Can't retire from competitive snooker without giving my last shot! On Monday night, I filled in for Yarraville in A reserve against Princes, although I lost 3-0 to Humphrey Bear, but I really enjoy the game. I should have won the first 2 frames, but I choked. Tonight in A grade pennant, I won my match 3-0 against KY. I can feel my game is on the way up. Hopefully I can recapture back my old form.

During supper, that's where the fun started. They were showing Pokerstars EPT on the big screen. Then this hand came up. Blinds were 1k/2k with 200 ante. The guy in CO held pocket Js. He raised to $6500. Folded to the SB called with 22, and the BB also called with 66. So about 20k in the pot already. MVP doing commentary! Flop A 8 2 with 2 diamonds. SB lead out for 10k and everybody folded. I reckon MVP did a better job compare to Norman Chad for ESPN. He thinks SB is an idiot. Leading out with trips would be the worst play in the world. He thinks the SB should check/call all the way. The reason is the other 2 guys had nothing and fear the Ace, so no point betting right now.

WOW! He is good! Real good! He simply put himself in the SB position and he can read everyone like a book. He is so good, that he can see his opponent's hold cards. He always maintain the highest level no matter what game he plays. His commentary in this single hand is enough to demonstrate us what's like to craft a "Metagame". The highest form of poker, where the top pros and Master Gee are master at. For ordinary players like me, we bet if we have a good hand and fold if we have nothing. We look at our cards and act accordingly. MVP, himself is at the Next Level. He will do a lot of fancy moves, from slow-playing to break dancing to moon walking. He has more moves than Ricky Martin ever has. He said he only plays play money on Stars, and has around $60k play money in there. His screen name "Borsun". In Chinese, it means " God of Ball". Normally refer to individual sports like golf, tennis and cue sports. No wonder he is the MVP, he is SIMPLY AMAZING!

Decision to make!

2009-05-02T17:06:00.000+10:00

Feeling shit right now. Lost to Alibaba in the first round of Lance Pennall this morning. No excuse, I played SHIT! On the upside, at least I won a frame. This is the 6th time I play in the Classic, in the previous 5 times, I lost 3-0 first round ( George Spiteri, Mathew Bolton, M.Kagan, KY and Dallas Hersell) in each occasions. Why I drop in form? Maybe too much poker in the last few years. Maybe not much motivation in snooker. Not much practice. Just don't enjoy as much as I used to (but I still love the game). I didn't feel excited this morning, especially after I knew they put me on a crap table (quite slow), and nothing went right from the beginning. Maybe I don't have the right mindset. It is so FUCKSTRATING!

Now I am thinking, should I just play snooker socially and don't care the result anymore? No more tournament, no more donations, just pennants once a week. Or should I give it a last shot? Used to practice 10 hours solo every week, and match play or pennant every second day. In reality, I know I can't win any tournament in Australia. Being a lucktard in snooker can only win you a couple of frames. During my best years, I had a reputation being a very solid player. I was proud of my achievements and respects my oppositions gave me. Now I feel that I am a failure. Big decision to make!