Lucktard Fat ChowHi

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Our Spiritual leader!

Went to Master Gee's place tonight, what's new? Pokerstars as usual. I donk away $14 in 10c/25c NLH, MP pop to 75c, I flat call on the button with KcQs. Flop As Ks 10s. It didn't take long and I shoved all-in on the flop. Initial raiser had 6s4s and held up. Nothing special! Then I looked for some inspiration from Master Gee. We decided to to put $50 each (US$70 in total), and see what happen.

I drove first in 50c/$1 PLO. We had a good start, winning several pots and built it up to $90+. Then had a sick beat. With flop AK 10 with 2 hearts, both me and a mushroom shipped our stack in the middle. He had top and bottom pair, while I had a GS + FD. We hit our flush on the turn and he hit his 4 outer ont he river. Now stack around $75 and I let Master Gee took over. We sat in 50c/$1 NLH. Master Gee had nothing going right, stack down to $50+, then I took over again. I busted a mushroom with JJ vs his 88. Then lost a few pots with AK and AQ, both times raised pre-flop and got re-raised, flop nothing and folded. Then stack about $90 and I let Master Gee took over the action. Master Gee ran bad tonight, his AK lost to 72 off, BB called with 72 and hit lightning. Lost several pots and now stack down to $65.

I took over again and went to 50c/$1 PLO. Won several small pots with nothing on the button, and I bust another mushroom with my nut flush on the flop. He called me with 1 pair on the flop, 2 pair on the turn, and paid me off with his straight on the river. Now stack over $100. We decided to play the winning only, about $36. Master Gee took over the action and went to 25c/50c NLH.

Master Gee small balling around and built up our profit to $50. Then he passed the torch to me, I took the profit to 50c/$1 PLO 6 handed table. I didn't play there long, only a few hands, won like $12+ along the way and the table broke up. Then I went to 50c/$1 PLO H/L. First hand I posted in the CO, got 2445. Everyone folded to me and I checked, SB pop to $4, BB folded and I put him with A2xx or AAxx. In PLO8, somehow you can count what cards is coming on the flop. Most players will play small cards and work their way up, and any A2 or A3 are all playable. With so much players already fold, there are a good chance either the flop will come LOW, and an Ace will be on the flop. (Remember, most players play low cards and any Ace. With so much folding, they probably have 3 middle high cards + 1 low). So I flat call with position as well. Flop A c 3s 8c. SB bet pot, now I have the Low lock-up plus a wrap. Any 2, 4, 5 will make me a wheel. Time to build up the pot, so I mini raised to $16. He flat called. Turn 2h. Now I had A2345, we call it NUT/NUT. SB bet $10, and I shoved. He called, pot $128. River 8 and the SB lucktard chopped the pot with his boat. What a lucktard! I was free rolling him all the way and he was only 25% to win back 1/2 of the pot. What an escape!

I was sort on tilt, with $62 profit, I let Master Gee took over again. In 50c/$1, Master Gee went bad, down to like $43. Then this hand came up. Master Gee had QcTc in BB. MP pop to $4 and we called. Flop J 10 6. Master Gee checked, MP bet $5, a weak bet. Master Gee check-raised to $15. MP shoved, Master Gee called. Turn 9, river 5. MP had AQ and out pair 10s scoop the pot. That's what I am talking about! His read = SPOT ON! His chips = FEARLESS! His moves = AMAZING! No wonder he is our SPIRITUAL LEADER. He is our INSPIRATION!

Master Gee didn't run good tonight, then his KK lost to 67. Flop 789 with 2 clubs. Turn Jc. River 6. Nothing you can do about it, but all you can say is he lost the absolute min. All the Pros in the world says, "You need to maximize your profit and minimize your loss!" That's what Master Gee was showing me tonight.

With our profit right now at $76+. I took over again and donk away $10 in 50c/$1 limit Badugi. Then went to 50c/$1 PLO. With such an inspirational figure sitting behind me and watching me play all the way, I feel like I am Super Natural! You can feel those MOJOs circulating inside your blood. It gives me confidants. Sat down with $67. In the second hand in SB, called $3 raise with 79TJ. Flop 89Q rainbow, went to a raising war with the raiser and ended up chopping the pot. The very next hand on button, got 4467 ds. Same guy pop to $3, I flat called. Flop 3 8 9, I had open ended + weak FD with a pair of 4s. Everyone check to us and I bet pot like $15. Only the initial ATM raiser called. Turn 10c. Now we have the sucker straight but double flush draw as well. ATM checked, we bet $40+ all-in and he folded.

The very next hand, we got KQJ7 in CO. This time limp pot, and I called as well. Flop A 10 3 with 2 diamonds. We only have a mini wrap, and no diamond draw. All checked to the ATM, bet $3 on the flop. I called in position and also 1 guy called as well. Turn Jh. Now we have the nuts, all checked to me, not going to fool around and bet pot for $15+. A pot bet in position will get a call or even re-raise in PLO more frequently coz people might think you try to steal. And that's exactly what I want. UTG folded and ATM called. River 5c. ATM checked, now I put him on 2 pair, so I make a value bet $25 on the river and he snapped call. He showed Qd9d55, and river trips.

As our stack about $140+ and already 2 am, we decided to end it! Its always good to have a spiritual leader by my side. It really gives me confident. Without Master Gee's presence, I don't think I will succeed.