Trip Report – Vegas Day 2
We wake up at the crack of 10am (yep 3 hours sleep so far) and head across the street for a slice of pizza. It was actually… ok. This was my first meal in Vegas and it cost me a whole $6. We were all extremely hung over. So much so that we all decided that laying around poolside would be in order. Man was that place packed and plentiful… numerous groups of girls as far as the eyes could see kept us there for about an hour (short but sweet) until I got restless and wanted me some more poker action! I decided to give the old sitngo a try. I bought in for the cheapo – mistake #1 ($70 each two places paid) and man did I ever pay the price. What a bunch of donkeys!! It’s really a eye opener for someone like me who expects the play to be so much better and then to realize about 3 hands in that I can easily run over every single person if I am just patient. I should have just listened to Chad.
I play extremely tight for the first two levels and finally raise with 3’s and get back to even. I slow played my turned full house after betting my flopped two pair and min raised the river when the guy bet his 4th pair into me. Quit funny actually, maybe I should have pushed as I am sure he would have called and I could have avoided what would be my demise by the very same foe. The villan would get his revenge though after sucking out on me in back to back hands and then sends me home in 3rd when he CALLS my all in (K10c) with…. wait for it… 7-3 of spades! A seven on the river sends me packing and I go Oh No for One. Fawkin’ crap players. The guy couldn’t even stack his chips! Bullshit.
Anyway, while that was going on the rest of the crew was laying out by the pool and the Jacuzzi. I caught up with them after lunch and two of them decided to go to the Rhino. Alan had suggested that I go there, but for some reason I just wasn’t interested. At the time, I just didn’t feel like getting the high pressure sales of the ladies… I hear that they basically just sit on your lap and don’t let go until you cough up some cash and move to the VIP room. I’m glad I decided to stay back and play some table games… although they didn’t turn out the way I had planned.
I’ve always been a sucker for the roulette table. Jordan specifically suggested that I stay away… but if you know me at all, if I see an opportunity, then I pounce. This story I am about to get into is exactly what happened to me 10 years ago when I visited Vegas for the first time… weird how some things just never change.
So I’m walking around and just watching various tables (I’ve been trying to learn craps lately) and I see a roulette table that catches my eye. I am a sucker for betting on the outside. I figure it gives me “almost” fair enough odds to gamble on. I look and see a table that has had about 8-9 red numbers in a row. Funny enough, there is also another crew of two body builder type dudes (you know the kind – tighty shirts, bulging pecs and just trying to find the gun show gangsta wannabe types… but who knows maybe they really were actually part of the mob…) and their lady friend. These guys are high rollers, obviously, because they have man-purses and pull out wads of bills just like rich people do. Anyway, I figure they are on to the same theory as me… it must hit black sooner or later right? So I pull out $20 and place it on black and it hits, these guys did the same, except it was for $200 each! Crazy. So I pull out $20 and put down my profits and hit black again! Woo hoo, $40 in 2 minutes… Vegas is so easy.
I use that profit and blow it at craps (easy come easy go… even again!) and then keep walking around a bit more until I find ANOTHER different roulette table with the same situation… and guess who rolls up right behind me? The two muscle shirt wearing ballers!! So this time the action is flowing and everyone is on black to double up again as there has been another sighting of a streak of reds (maybe about 8 in a row at this point). So I pull out $20, lose. They pull out $200, and lose. I go another $20 and lose and so do they (always at least 10 times more than me though). These guys continue to pound the table for two more tries (but now moved up to $500 a spin and have gotten special permission from the pit to do so as the max was only $200… they also get a few comp’s in the process) while I just sit back and watch. I’m already in the hole and figure what is the point. They miss again! Now it’s been about 12-13 in a row and I just have to get back in there. I pull out $100 this time and it misses again!! Faaaaaack! When is this sucker going to pay off! Other people have now joined in the fun and there is collectively over $1000 riding on each spin of the wheel. FINALLY, it hits and the crowd goes wild!! A few guys were lucky enough to hit it once and they were out with their profits. I grab my break even money and get out of there and so do the mobsters… So after all that stress… I lose money, but at least it wasn’t $240! I’m pretty sure that “team gun show” left in the hole for at least $400-600 each. Crazy times.
That night we ate dinner at the Mirage at a place called Japonais. It was unbelievable! Although for $100 per person it should be… Kobe Filets - $46, numerous appetizers, Miso - $6. I had to laugh. I’ve tried hundreds of miso soups in my life; however this one I can say was top two. The other being the one I had the next night at Okada at the Wynn. Both meals were cooked to perfection and well worth the hundred bones per. Mouth watering and delicious! Okada was pretty cool. They have a designated chef that comes and cooks the various courses right in front of you. You sit in an 8 person square table and the chefs are great. The service is great and the food was awesome. We started with a salad and miso. Then a hot baby scallop appy followed by your choice of freshly fried rice or noodles. Then we topped it off with a perfectly cooked 10 ounce New York steak. We all skipped dessert, but it was some chocolaty goodness of some sort. Too full!!
Night number two we crashed hard (after our dinner at Japonais). Everyone was so full of food that we all headed to the room for a nap… We had been drinking all day again and after the nap three of the guys decided that it was time to go out again. Off they went. ND even met Fred Couples for the first time at the Playboy club. Kinda makes me wish I had gone out that night just for that experience. An ex Masters champion was in Vegas and I missed him! Bad beat.
So after the guys left and CD was asleep I went down for some more poker fun. I decided to take another crack at a Sitngo. Mistake #2! I played tight. Tighter than ever. For some reason (no wait I know why) no one noticed this except for one player. I raised UTG+1 with AA and got two callers. The flop was K-10-8 rainbow and I check raised and was called by A-K. Double up thank you. About two orbits later I find JJ in EP again. I raise 4x and get one caller who happened to be on quite the tear and was the chip leader by far. With seven players remaining I guess he felt like he could bully me. The flop comes 8-10-10. I bet out half the pot and he raises me 3x. I guess I could have laid it down right then and there but decided that he was a donkey and I pushed and he called. He flipped over… K-10o. Who calls 4x BB raise with K-10 offsuit! Donkey’s in Vegas that’s who! I decided then and there that I would not be playing in another of those ever again. Fuck that shit.
After watching a couple of more hands I decided to head over to the sportsbook and see what that was all about. I wanted to place some football bets so that Sunday would be all the more interesting (as if I needed an excuse). I should have found an internet connection and checked out what Miami Don had to suggest for this week, but instead went with my weak instincts and it didn’t pay off. I guess my problem was that I really didn’t know what the best formula was. Should I bet one game? Two? Parlay? Total? Bet the line? I don’t even know any other terms or what I should have done so I just went with what I do at home. Bet 3-4 games with the spread and hope that I go 100%. Well of course we all know how hard that can be, so needless to say I went 2-4 in the morning and 2-3 in the afternoon. I bet small so I wasn’t too worried (less than $50 in total). The funny thing was I must have spent 20-30 minutes grinding out a couple of those games. Especially the Pats vs. Dolphins. I just couldn’t come to grips with the fact that the Dolphins were THAT good where they would actually cover 17 points! As you know, I am a Colts fan and have been for over 10 years now. I also remember reading Don’s blog once and how he said that giving up that many points is a suckers bet. Well I guess I was the sucker!
The evening ended with me getting to bed at a reasonable 1am this time. There was a plan though. I remember at the end of my first cash session, two or three people showing up at my table around 6-7am and making a killing off the drunk/sobering up people such as myself. I decided to turn the tables and give it a try. So my plan was to get up early and hit the cash table hard bright and early.
Did my plan work? Stay tuned for Day 3.
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In other news, there seems to be a lot of great writing going on lately with regards to this BBTwo freeroll seat for the best story. Well it's just been taken to the next level. Check out Kaj's newest dedicated blog. There are a few other good ones out there but I am too crunched for time to go and look for them again and link them. Maybe next time.
Happy Spooky Day. I'm in, are you?
31.10.07
30.10.07
Aces Cracked... The Hammer lives on... blind!
I thought this hand last night was post worthy. I went to the club to donk it up in some cash games and near the end of the night it turned into a complete pushfest for no reason... So after a few pushes from various donks I pick up AA in the SB 5 handed. The button - ND (see Vegas Trip report Day 1) decided it would be funny to push from the button... BLIND!! He had about $15 left in total and the blinds were only $0.25/$0.50. I smooth call, and the big blind also calls.
The flop comes out Jc-8c-10d. I push another $25 hoping to go heads up, but not too worried about him calling as I am sure he would be on a draw or TP. Sure enough he calls and flips over AJ for top pair (gold)... So my side pot is looking great and I really can't lose any money... I just hope that I have ND beat as well. He laughs as he is not sure what he has yet and flips up.... the hammer! I laugh and imediately start to pray... Well take a guess what happens next. The turn - a 2. The river a 7! So gross.
I had to laugh. I mean how often will you really see something like that happen? I had them both in the perfect spot to take every. single. chip. So all I win is the side pot, but still manage to make money.
So of course the BB goes nuts about how I slow played my aces by just calling preflop (obv. move IMO) and he also can't believe that he just lost all of his chips to a blind all in hammer. I probably laughed for a good 5 minutes along with ND. Such a donkey play, and the reward was priceless.
$30 well spent.
I'm working on getting Day 2 up shortly.
Our apartment is as good as sold, more on that later.
My FF team just booked its third win (3-5 now) with a victory over this Chica. I guess Wynn had one carry the whole night for one yard... I won by 5 points. Yaa hoo. How awesome is Favre though? So cool to watch him play, he is something very Jordan like for sure. Big plays at big moments.
Have a good week everyone.
The flop comes out Jc-8c-10d. I push another $25 hoping to go heads up, but not too worried about him calling as I am sure he would be on a draw or TP. Sure enough he calls and flips over AJ for top pair (gold)... So my side pot is looking great and I really can't lose any money... I just hope that I have ND beat as well. He laughs as he is not sure what he has yet and flips up.... the hammer! I laugh and imediately start to pray... Well take a guess what happens next. The turn - a 2. The river a 7! So gross.
I had to laugh. I mean how often will you really see something like that happen? I had them both in the perfect spot to take every. single. chip. So all I win is the side pot, but still manage to make money.
So of course the BB goes nuts about how I slow played my aces by just calling preflop (obv. move IMO) and he also can't believe that he just lost all of his chips to a blind all in hammer. I probably laughed for a good 5 minutes along with ND. Such a donkey play, and the reward was priceless.
$30 well spent.
I'm working on getting Day 2 up shortly.
Our apartment is as good as sold, more on that later.
My FF team just booked its third win (3-5 now) with a victory over this Chica. I guess Wynn had one carry the whole night for one yard... I won by 5 points. Yaa hoo. How awesome is Favre though? So cool to watch him play, he is something very Jordan like for sure. Big plays at big moments.
Have a good week everyone.
26.10.07
Vegas Day 1
Trip Report – Vegas Day 1
We arrived in Vegas at about 11pm and hopped into our limo which was graciously reserved by one of my buds (ND). He’s the man with the plan this time and if it wasn’t for him this trip would have never gotten off the ground.
We started drinking as soon as we could, which meant our first round was before our plane even left the ground. I made numerous attempts to make some early prop bets but no one would bite… just yet. So we get on the plane and hammer back 3-4 more drinks each and as we are descending I finally get my first taker. I asked him how long he thought it would be until we landed… as we looked out the window and saw the Vegas lights and the bright beam that shone straight up from the pyramid otherwise known as the Luxor (never been there), I gave him the choice to set the over under in minutes AND have first choice. He set it at 12 minutes until we land and took the over! LOL, so I laughed a little, bet 5 bucks and in less than 5 minutes I had won my first bet in Vegas.
Of course, I gave him a chance to win it back. I bet him another 5 on whose bag would come down the carrousel first… he won. Even already, and I haven’t even left the Vegas Airport!
So we jump in the limo and head to the Mirage. I have never stayed at the Mirage; in fact this was only my second trip to Vegas, and my first in 10 years. For those of you who have never been to the Mirage… GO! It is great there to say the least. The food was awesome; I never had a bad meal (although I stayed away from a lot of the iffy choices) and never had to stand in line for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Ok, so we head to our room, quickly get changed and get downstairs to the bar (the one right across from the check in counter and just down the way from JET). A few $16 drinks later we decide to go to the JET nightclub that is attached to the Mirage. By this time we are all feeling great and hopped up on the two drinks of choice which were RedBull & Vodka or Rye & Coke… doubles of course.
Before we go into the club I start to feel a bit weird. It’s that feeling you get when you’ve had too much Redbull… you follow me? So I do the manly thing and hit the can and do a little dry heave and instantly feel better. I come out of the bathroom and see that the guys are already going in the door… I yell “hey wait up!” and decide that JUMPING over the ropes is the best idea to catch up… now please note that I’m a bit of a moron that way and don’t really know how things work. The next thing I know there are 4 doormen swarming me!! Swarm swarm! I get caught, but thankfully ND saw this going down and quickly slipped the bouncer $50 to get me in. Phew (I guess). In return I paid for his cover ($30 each!) and we are off and running. Yadda yadda, we are hammered and myself and CD (buddy #2) decide that it would be smart to play some poker… ummm yeah. Smart.
I get sat at a different table than CD and before I can even post my first blind CD is yelling “I need more chips!” He’s a donkey, but he was also very very drunk. Not a good combo at all. He picked up A6sooooted and decided to push all in preflop! The guy to his left insta-calls after stating “this guy is drunk” and flips over Aces. Nice one CD you dumb fuck. Rebuy! Another 1.5 hours later he is sent packing and $500 lighter in the wallet. I get a call from him an hour after that (still completely smashed as he doesn’t even remember calling me, in fact he doesn’t remember donating that last hundo either!) and I eventually find him on the floor of our bathroom in the fetal position passed out!
I crawl into bed at 7am (up for 24 hours straight) and call it a night. How did I do in poker you might ask? Well I played about as well as a drunk Schaubs can… but I had nothing to show for it. I ended up shoving my last $60 into the pot after about 5 hours and no re-buys and I really can’t even remember what I had! Stuck for $200 already! Don’t worry, there’s more poker content to follow. That night is still a bit fuzzy… although it was a lesson that I would learn and use to my advantage in the mornings to come…
We arrived in Vegas at about 11pm and hopped into our limo which was graciously reserved by one of my buds (ND). He’s the man with the plan this time and if it wasn’t for him this trip would have never gotten off the ground.
We started drinking as soon as we could, which meant our first round was before our plane even left the ground. I made numerous attempts to make some early prop bets but no one would bite… just yet. So we get on the plane and hammer back 3-4 more drinks each and as we are descending I finally get my first taker. I asked him how long he thought it would be until we landed… as we looked out the window and saw the Vegas lights and the bright beam that shone straight up from the pyramid otherwise known as the Luxor (never been there), I gave him the choice to set the over under in minutes AND have first choice. He set it at 12 minutes until we land and took the over! LOL, so I laughed a little, bet 5 bucks and in less than 5 minutes I had won my first bet in Vegas.
Of course, I gave him a chance to win it back. I bet him another 5 on whose bag would come down the carrousel first… he won. Even already, and I haven’t even left the Vegas Airport!
So we jump in the limo and head to the Mirage. I have never stayed at the Mirage; in fact this was only my second trip to Vegas, and my first in 10 years. For those of you who have never been to the Mirage… GO! It is great there to say the least. The food was awesome; I never had a bad meal (although I stayed away from a lot of the iffy choices) and never had to stand in line for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Ok, so we head to our room, quickly get changed and get downstairs to the bar (the one right across from the check in counter and just down the way from JET). A few $16 drinks later we decide to go to the JET nightclub that is attached to the Mirage. By this time we are all feeling great and hopped up on the two drinks of choice which were RedBull & Vodka or Rye & Coke… doubles of course.
Before we go into the club I start to feel a bit weird. It’s that feeling you get when you’ve had too much Redbull… you follow me? So I do the manly thing and hit the can and do a little dry heave and instantly feel better. I come out of the bathroom and see that the guys are already going in the door… I yell “hey wait up!” and decide that JUMPING over the ropes is the best idea to catch up… now please note that I’m a bit of a moron that way and don’t really know how things work. The next thing I know there are 4 doormen swarming me!! Swarm swarm! I get caught, but thankfully ND saw this going down and quickly slipped the bouncer $50 to get me in. Phew (I guess). In return I paid for his cover ($30 each!) and we are off and running. Yadda yadda, we are hammered and myself and CD (buddy #2) decide that it would be smart to play some poker… ummm yeah. Smart.
I get sat at a different table than CD and before I can even post my first blind CD is yelling “I need more chips!” He’s a donkey, but he was also very very drunk. Not a good combo at all. He picked up A6sooooted and decided to push all in preflop! The guy to his left insta-calls after stating “this guy is drunk” and flips over Aces. Nice one CD you dumb fuck. Rebuy! Another 1.5 hours later he is sent packing and $500 lighter in the wallet. I get a call from him an hour after that (still completely smashed as he doesn’t even remember calling me, in fact he doesn’t remember donating that last hundo either!) and I eventually find him on the floor of our bathroom in the fetal position passed out!
I crawl into bed at 7am (up for 24 hours straight) and call it a night. How did I do in poker you might ask? Well I played about as well as a drunk Schaubs can… but I had nothing to show for it. I ended up shoving my last $60 into the pot after about 5 hours and no re-buys and I really can’t even remember what I had! Stuck for $200 already! Don’t worry, there’s more poker content to follow. That night is still a bit fuzzy… although it was a lesson that I would learn and use to my advantage in the mornings to come…
24.10.07
My blog would be very angry at me if...
...I forgot that today is our one year anniversary. Holy crap! One year already, now that is nuts!! I can't believe that I have been writing (if you can call it that) for a full year now... so crazy. I've stumbled accross so many good people and my game has vastly improved over time... all because of blogging!
I don't really have time today to write a recap of my trip to Vegas, but stay tuned for a G-rated version very shortly. It was unfortunate that I wasn't able to meet up with Lightning36 (we did talk on the phone a few times and also played phone tag) for a beer and some donkey 1/2, but seeing as my visit was only three nights it made it difficult to jam everything into one trip. I'll be sure to have more time in December...
Ok gotta run for now but make sure you check out tonights game as Boomer takes the dirt bump in an effort to be the first Canadian to ever get a win in the World Series!!
GO ROCKIES!!!
I don't really have time today to write a recap of my trip to Vegas, but stay tuned for a G-rated version very shortly. It was unfortunate that I wasn't able to meet up with Lightning36 (we did talk on the phone a few times and also played phone tag) for a beer and some donkey 1/2, but seeing as my visit was only three nights it made it difficult to jam everything into one trip. I'll be sure to have more time in December...
Ok gotta run for now but make sure you check out tonights game as Boomer takes the dirt bump in an effort to be the first Canadian to ever get a win in the World Series!!
GO ROCKIES!!!
19.10.07
Less than 72 hours of Vegas
That's all the time we have? I know it is just going to FLY by... hoping to meet up with one or two bloggers, but I am just not sure if it will happen since I will be either in a poker room (best chance of meeting a blogger I'd say) or drinking our faces off... or both. I mean what else right? I'll probably look for this ghey blogger (Yes, he's baaaaack) and this sports bettor on Saturday.
Just don't gamble when I'm drunk! That is my first rule. Unless the point of gambling is to GET drunk. Then I will be playing some form of limit poker for a few hours and getting hosed. eh.
I'll try to make a few notes so that I can actually post some form of a trip report when I return. I'm sure I'll need the help in remembering some of the ridiculously fun times we will be having.
I really wanted to report that I've finally sold our apartment, but the fuckers backed out at the 22nd hour last night and didn't remove thier final subject. Fuckin' hell. So it's back to the drawing board, show our place a bunch more and hopefully the third accepted offer is the keeper.
Have a good weekend everyone, and if it's nice in your part of town, go outside and play.
Just don't gamble when I'm drunk! That is my first rule. Unless the point of gambling is to GET drunk. Then I will be playing some form of limit poker for a few hours and getting hosed. eh.
I'll try to make a few notes so that I can actually post some form of a trip report when I return. I'm sure I'll need the help in remembering some of the ridiculously fun times we will be having.
I really wanted to report that I've finally sold our apartment, but the fuckers backed out at the 22nd hour last night and didn't remove thier final subject. Fuckin' hell. So it's back to the drawing board, show our place a bunch more and hopefully the third accepted offer is the keeper.
Have a good weekend everyone, and if it's nice in your part of town, go outside and play.
18.10.07
Two Degrees of Jeff Francis AKA Boomer
There was a time when Boomer (as his mom coined early on, just as she gave nicknames to all her kids and husband) was a tall, lanky fella who dominated youth league baseball in grades 8 (probably even earlier) through 10. He never looked back. Jeff went to school with Lola and to this day they are still friends (although mostly through cyberspace since graduating). I asked her the other day if he played any other sports when they were younger and she said "He played basketball until grade 10, then decided to concentrate on pitching"... I have a feeling it started a little earlier than that, but regardless, he's now in the spot light of the Big Show... the Series. Lola and I were watching his post game interview after he won game one of the NLCS and she said "It's weird to hear his voice without it cracking like it use to."
All you die hard ball fans who think Colorado does not deserve to win this year are just. plain. dumb. eh.
Another two degree'r is also in relation to a guy I currently work with who used to be his cub scout leader before his voice even learned to crack. Small world sometimes.
10 game winning streak (and not just any 10 game winning streak), read about it here and especially here. Talk about chemistry. That rookie Toulawitzki is fawking sweet at SS too. Actually when you look at it, they might go down as one of the best "teams" ever. period. If they rattle off four more in a row (which is highly unlikely as you only need to look as far back as last year's matchup to know that 10 days rest is not recommended... but I think they are doing the right thing by going to their spring practice facility) you've gotta think they are right up there.
Needless to say, most baseball fans in my part of town are Colorado Fans and have been for a a few years now.
So if we ever meet, you'll be three degrees from a possible 26 year old Ace pitcher and World Series Champion.
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Thanks to all who commented earlier this week and emailed me to make sure things are ok. I do appreciate it very much.
RIP Pappa.
All you die hard ball fans who think Colorado does not deserve to win this year are just. plain. dumb. eh.
Another two degree'r is also in relation to a guy I currently work with who used to be his cub scout leader before his voice even learned to crack. Small world sometimes.
10 game winning streak (and not just any 10 game winning streak), read about it here and especially here. Talk about chemistry. That rookie Toulawitzki is fawking sweet at SS too. Actually when you look at it, they might go down as one of the best "teams" ever. period. If they rattle off four more in a row (which is highly unlikely as you only need to look as far back as last year's matchup to know that 10 days rest is not recommended... but I think they are doing the right thing by going to their spring practice facility) you've gotta think they are right up there.
Needless to say, most baseball fans in my part of town are Colorado Fans and have been for a a few years now.
So if we ever meet, you'll be three degrees from a possible 26 year old Ace pitcher and World Series Champion.
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Thanks to all who commented earlier this week and emailed me to make sure things are ok. I do appreciate it very much.
RIP Pappa.
16.10.07
Death is a bitch
I don't even know what to write. I just figured I should. Maybe it will make me feel better right? "Age is just a number". It's not really about how "long and wonderful of a life you've had" no matter what people say. It's not about that at all. I used to say "it's all about the experience" throughout my twenties. I'd always say that right before the next adventure. Sure, I'd be contradicting myself if I didn't say that at the time, it was true. I have always been one to keep my emotions in check. Those of you who really know me (probably no one that reads here regularily) will say that I am a pretty even steven type of a guy. I mean, sure, there is something to be said about "living each day to its fullest" and "not regretting it when you are old" because you never went through with something, faced your fears, or even just tried something that you never had the balls to do when you were younger. I agree with all of that. However, there comes a time in everyone's life where we must face death. Stare it right in the face and ask what's next. This is an experience that I think I can safely say... no one looks forward to. Death is a bitch, but we've all got to go through it. It's not about me and it's not about you. It's about the person knocking on death's door. It's not about anyone else. It is and should only be about the ones you love and surrouding yourself with them during these tough times. Make sure they know it before it's too late... because it is THAT experience, that you will never forget.
Take care.
P.S. - I am fine, but when it rains, it pours.
Take care.
P.S. - I am fine, but when it rains, it pours.
11.10.07
Three days in Vegas... what should we do?
It should be finalized by the end of the day, we leave next Friday and come back Monday night.
So I ask you, the loyal reader - what should we do?
The obvious is obvious (drinking, poker, more drinking, more poker). I'll probably spend most of Sunday watching sports in a sports book... but which one? I'll be placing some short term and long term bets for sure.
Club? I doubt it, but I am going with 3 other dudes who are single so you never know... I might just find some tournament to play in instead of sweating the wing duties that usually are expected of such a friend.
Which leads me to my next question - where should I play poker and what tournaments have the best value? I'm looking for buyins of less than $500.
Help!!
So I ask you, the loyal reader - what should we do?
The obvious is obvious (drinking, poker, more drinking, more poker). I'll probably spend most of Sunday watching sports in a sports book... but which one? I'll be placing some short term and long term bets for sure.
Club? I doubt it, but I am going with 3 other dudes who are single so you never know... I might just find some tournament to play in instead of sweating the wing duties that usually are expected of such a friend.
Which leads me to my next question - where should I play poker and what tournaments have the best value? I'm looking for buyins of less than $500.
Help!!
6.10.07
FCPC so close but not really
I was dealt Pocket Aces about 1.5 hours into this single table shootout. I doubled through the chip leader when I flopped a set of aces and he flopped a set of 5's. Presto was going to be out and about all night you see. 10 players in total bucked up $125 down at the False Creek Poker club. Winner takes all (second place money back) for a nice pot totalling $1100. This was a satallite that I really wanted to take down as the winner was to use the money to buy their spot in the BCPC event where THAT winner would scoop roughly $112,500. As you can tell, this was a great opportunity to make a splash and finally get into a biggie and eventually, well win.
I was unprepared.
There is a lot to be said for playing on a regular basis, especially in person. There are just so many other factors to consider as opposed to online. I found that bet sizing was consistenly difficult. I don't know if it was me not being used to grabbing chips instead of punching in some digits that made sense, or if it was the fact that I didn't play up to my expectations and make the correct decisions when absolutely necessary. Either way, it's always a grind and the players are the FCPC definitly have a grasp of most of the concepts that I read about and try to apply online. Congrats to Simon, the winner, I'll be there at the River Rock railing you if possible.
But I'm getting a little ahead of myself, so let's take a look at where I went wrong.
First off - your opponents are not going to make the right decisions all of the time, and they will still get lucky and beat you. This a fact of poker. The risk of the unknown.
So when you raise it 3.5x the BB from the CO with 5 players left with pocket fives, you have to reasonably assume that there will be instances when your opponent will call with say a hand like Q-10h on the button. Yep.
You know how it goes. I flop a set (Presto is gold was there by the way, more on that later) of fives and I am now out of position after the button called my preflop raise. Fuel called preflop as well but folded after checking the flop and watching me bet out 30% of the pot (mistake) and being called by the button call station. The turn is a 10c. I double the bet but still "price her in" and she raises and I auto push. She flips the flush draw with the pair and boom down comes the ace of hearts... about 30 minutes later I am done.
____
ok enough of that. Somehow I hit "post" and I am too lazy to figure out how to "undo this post until it is ready" so I'm just going to finish it off for now.
I wrote most of this a few days ago, so it might not even mae sense now.
Oh well.
Have I said how much I hate people that comitt to an offer, and then have to collapse it based on the fact that their "guarantor" backed out of the deal. So fawking annoying!!
____
I'm currently playing in my first MFC and was dealt 9's against mookie:
Good times.
Lots going on re: the apartment. But nothing is a guarantee until its a guarantee...
I was unprepared.
There is a lot to be said for playing on a regular basis, especially in person. There are just so many other factors to consider as opposed to online. I found that bet sizing was consistenly difficult. I don't know if it was me not being used to grabbing chips instead of punching in some digits that made sense, or if it was the fact that I didn't play up to my expectations and make the correct decisions when absolutely necessary. Either way, it's always a grind and the players are the FCPC definitly have a grasp of most of the concepts that I read about and try to apply online. Congrats to Simon, the winner, I'll be there at the River Rock railing you if possible.
But I'm getting a little ahead of myself, so let's take a look at where I went wrong.
First off - your opponents are not going to make the right decisions all of the time, and they will still get lucky and beat you. This a fact of poker. The risk of the unknown.
So when you raise it 3.5x the BB from the CO with 5 players left with pocket fives, you have to reasonably assume that there will be instances when your opponent will call with say a hand like Q-10h on the button. Yep.
You know how it goes. I flop a set (Presto is gold was there by the way, more on that later) of fives and I am now out of position after the button called my preflop raise. Fuel called preflop as well but folded after checking the flop and watching me bet out 30% of the pot (mistake) and being called by the button call station. The turn is a 10c. I double the bet but still "price her in" and she raises and I auto push. She flips the flush draw with the pair and boom down comes the ace of hearts... about 30 minutes later I am done.
____
ok enough of that. Somehow I hit "post" and I am too lazy to figure out how to "undo this post until it is ready" so I'm just going to finish it off for now.
I wrote most of this a few days ago, so it might not even mae sense now.
Oh well.
Have I said how much I hate people that comitt to an offer, and then have to collapse it based on the fact that their "guarantor" backed out of the deal. So fawking annoying!!
____
I'm currently playing in my first MFC and was dealt 9's against mookie:
Good times.
Lots going on re: the apartment. But nothing is a guarantee until its a guarantee...
3.10.07
My first student? We'll see.
The funniest thing happened on the way home from a wine tasting event this evening. Lola and I had been invited by our realtor to come down to a "client appreciation night" in the city. Well on the way back she said "You should teach me how to play poker..."
.
.
Bingo. The funny part is, SHE is actually a teacher. Funny to me anyway.
As I paused and struggled with what my response would be, I realized that it could have just been the wine talking. However I'm going to go with my initial instinct which was "wow, hard work really does pay off." Keep pluggin' away and good things will happen. Not only in poker, but in all apsects of life.
We've been bustin' our asses getting the apartment in tip top shape for various showings that we've accomodated over the past few days. More action tomorrow.
----
Played some poker, went to the River Rock and donked off everything in one fell swoop about two hours after I had grinded out a healthy stack which was close to double my initial buy in.
Picked up Queens in the SB and a MP raise to $7 was matched by the CO and the button. I raised it to $27 total from the SB and I had two callers. The flop reads 5-Q-8 and I bet out $20 (too small?) and they both fold. I, for some reason show my set and move on. I keep forgetting not to show my stuff. Bet your sets right? Be a man right? I did. And didn't get paid. I probably could have checked that set in this instance, but decided to "stick with what I know best" and of course, it doesn't pay off. Surprisingly, the CO told me he had pocket tens after I showed the Queens. Damn it.
I could go on, but honestly my mind is elsewhere and writing up a poker analysis seems too redundant to me right now. After I bust, I seem to review where I went wrong for days on end. I don't feel the need to write it out or analyze it with words. I know that for some others, this helps. However for me, it seems tedious and frustrating. I'm sure I'll change and flip back and forth about this theory, but right now, it's just the way it is.
Poker this Friday, time to make some moves.
Are you registered for this?
See you there? Click on this box (above) or the link on the top right. Yeah, just scroll up a little, and there it is...
What about this?
.
.
Bingo. The funny part is, SHE is actually a teacher. Funny to me anyway.
As I paused and struggled with what my response would be, I realized that it could have just been the wine talking. However I'm going to go with my initial instinct which was "wow, hard work really does pay off." Keep pluggin' away and good things will happen. Not only in poker, but in all apsects of life.
We've been bustin' our asses getting the apartment in tip top shape for various showings that we've accomodated over the past few days. More action tomorrow.
----
Played some poker, went to the River Rock and donked off everything in one fell swoop about two hours after I had grinded out a healthy stack which was close to double my initial buy in.
Picked up Queens in the SB and a MP raise to $7 was matched by the CO and the button. I raised it to $27 total from the SB and I had two callers. The flop reads 5-Q-8 and I bet out $20 (too small?) and they both fold. I, for some reason show my set and move on. I keep forgetting not to show my stuff. Bet your sets right? Be a man right? I did. And didn't get paid. I probably could have checked that set in this instance, but decided to "stick with what I know best" and of course, it doesn't pay off. Surprisingly, the CO told me he had pocket tens after I showed the Queens. Damn it.
I could go on, but honestly my mind is elsewhere and writing up a poker analysis seems too redundant to me right now. After I bust, I seem to review where I went wrong for days on end. I don't feel the need to write it out or analyze it with words. I know that for some others, this helps. However for me, it seems tedious and frustrating. I'm sure I'll change and flip back and forth about this theory, but right now, it's just the way it is.
Poker this Friday, time to make some moves.
Are you registered for this?
See you there? Click on this box (above) or the link on the top right. Yeah, just scroll up a little, and there it is...
What about this?
26.9.07
WPBT Event #9
I played in this event last night as I continue to support this event and all it has become. It seems as though the bloggers have decided that they would rather do something else with there time. I am not sure if it is the cost ($24) or if it is the lack of interest that makes other people, well, uninterested. Of course, there is always the core group of 4-5 that show up and the odd newbie. Congrats to the Gnome for taking it down. I took third place for a huge $46.20 payout. Funny thing is, I risked 25% of my roll to win it. Nothing special to report regarding hand history, although I'll probably go through it just for kicks and post anything that I might be unclear on.
MattahFahtu is starting up a new tournament in October. It's mostly geared for the West Coast types as it gets started a bit too late for those early risers in the east. Check it out.
I'm in the process of selling our apartment and buying a new place so I am not sure how much blogging I will be doing in the near future. I'll be around though, so feel free to check in and I'll be doing the same in your neck of the woods.
Later.
MattahFahtu is starting up a new tournament in October. It's mostly geared for the West Coast types as it gets started a bit too late for those early risers in the east. Check it out.
I'm in the process of selling our apartment and buying a new place so I am not sure how much blogging I will be doing in the near future. I'll be around though, so feel free to check in and I'll be doing the same in your neck of the woods.
Later.
22.9.07
Who needs a Wii when you've got old school Three
I'm sitting here watching Lola (she's currently in world two) play Mario Brothers Three on our original Nintendo (the one from the eighties) and wondering how I just blew through ninety four percent of my bankroll on Pokerstars. Ok, that sounds worse than it really is. You see earlier today I received ten whole dollars from none other than HighOnPoker's Jordan as payment for our most recent chess matches (sounds exciting doesn't it). Jordan had challenged me to two games of chess at five bucks a pop.
After a long and drawn out battle spread over approximately one day I was victorious. So he asked where I wanted it sent and I chose to have it put into my pokerstars account... the one that had zero dollars in it yesterday, now has sixty cents in it at the end of the night tonight. I laugh now because I remember telling Jordan today how I was going to try and take a run at the micro limit cash tables and see where I could take this newly earned roll. It took me less than an hour to donk of nine dollars and forty cents at two tables. One was a two cent / five cent game (I bought in for six dollars) and the other was a three dollar and forty cent sit'n'go. GG me.
After a long and drawn out battle spread over approximately one day I was victorious. So he asked where I wanted it sent and I chose to have it put into my pokerstars account... the one that had zero dollars in it yesterday, now has sixty cents in it at the end of the night tonight. I laugh now because I remember telling Jordan today how I was going to try and take a run at the micro limit cash tables and see where I could take this newly earned roll. It took me less than an hour to donk of nine dollars and forty cents at two tables. One was a two cent / five cent game (I bought in for six dollars) and the other was a three dollar and forty cent sit'n'go. GG me.
Now Lola is in world seven with twenty two lives left. Damn!
Have a great old school weekend. Friday is officially over and the weekend is just beginning!
19.9.07
Ayyyy, Matey
Congrats to Jordan on his 1001st post! Coincidentally, this is my 101st post!! Yaaay me!
Anyone know what day it is today?
Well of course you do, you can tell by the title of my post right?
It's so obvious! It's "International Talk Like a Pirate Day"!
I remember running across this day last year and the year before. It always sticks out for me and I can't figure out why. A few years ago Lola dressed up like a she-pirate for Halloween... maybe that is it. Or maybe it is because I used to carry around a stuffed parrot and staple him to my shoulder when I was a little boy. Ok that is a lie. Actually maybe it is because my parents made me "walk the plank" when we lived in our old house that had a pool. Naaaa, that can't be it either. Anyway, whatever it is, I like Pirates. They are sneaky and deceptive, just like poker players.
Oh wait, maybe it is the fact that MeanHappyGuy has written a great little short story all about the pirate life? Have you read it yet? Check it out.
So to honor the day I present you the top 10 pick up lines for use on this fine day:
10 . Avast, me proud beauty! Wanna know why my Roger is so Jolly?
9. Have ya ever met a man with a real yardarm?
8. Come on up and see me urchins.
7. Yes, that is a hornpipe in my pocket and I am happy to see you.
6. I'd love to drop anchor in your lagoon.
5. Pardon me, but would ya mind if fired me cannon through your porthole?
4. How'd you like to scrape the barnacles off of me rudder?
3. Ya know, darlin’, I’m 97 percent chum free.
2. Well blow me down?
And the number one pickup line for use on International Talk Like a Pirate Day is …
1. Prepare to be boarded.
Here's 10 for the lady reader:
10. What are YOU doing here?
9. Is that a belayin' pin in yer britches, or are ye ... (this one is never completed)
8. Come show me how ye bury yer treasure, lad!
7. So, tell me, why do they call ye, "Cap'n Feathersword?"
6. That's quite a cutlass ye got thar, what ye need is a good scabbard!
5. Aye, I guarantee ye, I've had a twenty percent decrease in me "lice ratio!"
4. I've crushed seventeen men's skulls between me thighs!
3. C'mon, lad, shiver me timbers!
2. RAMMING SPEED!
...and the number one Female Pirate Pick-up Line:
1. You. Pants Off. Now!
Anyone know what day it is today?
Well of course you do, you can tell by the title of my post right?
It's so obvious! It's "International Talk Like a Pirate Day"!
I remember running across this day last year and the year before. It always sticks out for me and I can't figure out why. A few years ago Lola dressed up like a she-pirate for Halloween... maybe that is it. Or maybe it is because I used to carry around a stuffed parrot and staple him to my shoulder when I was a little boy. Ok that is a lie. Actually maybe it is because my parents made me "walk the plank" when we lived in our old house that had a pool. Naaaa, that can't be it either. Anyway, whatever it is, I like Pirates. They are sneaky and deceptive, just like poker players.
Oh wait, maybe it is the fact that MeanHappyGuy has written a great little short story all about the pirate life? Have you read it yet? Check it out.
So to honor the day I present you the top 10 pick up lines for use on this fine day:
10 . Avast, me proud beauty! Wanna know why my Roger is so Jolly?
9. Have ya ever met a man with a real yardarm?
8. Come on up and see me urchins.
7. Yes, that is a hornpipe in my pocket and I am happy to see you.
6. I'd love to drop anchor in your lagoon.
5. Pardon me, but would ya mind if fired me cannon through your porthole?
4. How'd you like to scrape the barnacles off of me rudder?
3. Ya know, darlin’, I’m 97 percent chum free.
2. Well blow me down?
And the number one pickup line for use on International Talk Like a Pirate Day is …
1. Prepare to be boarded.
Here's 10 for the lady reader:
10. What are YOU doing here?
9. Is that a belayin' pin in yer britches, or are ye ... (this one is never completed)
8. Come show me how ye bury yer treasure, lad!
7. So, tell me, why do they call ye, "Cap'n Feathersword?"
6. That's quite a cutlass ye got thar, what ye need is a good scabbard!
5. Aye, I guarantee ye, I've had a twenty percent decrease in me "lice ratio!"
4. I've crushed seventeen men's skulls between me thighs!
3. C'mon, lad, shiver me timbers!
2. RAMMING SPEED!
...and the number one Female Pirate Pick-up Line:
1. You. Pants Off. Now!
17.9.07
How do YOU remember?
I find it hard to remember hands that came up during a live tournament or a cash game. I've never taken notes, but rather have gone from memory on whatever hands stood out as winners or losers. I think the reason I've never taken notes right there at the table is because, well frankly, it just feels like a loser-ish thing to do. I might as well put a target on my back, or let everyone know up front that I'll be blogging about my session and that if they could just wait a minute while I write down the bet sizes on the turn and the river it would be much appreciated.
Dork.
I haven't ever really seen anyone taking notes, but I've read various blogs where people actually do this while they play. Do these people sneak away from the table to write this stuff down or do they dorkishly (no offense) whip out their pen and note pad and scribble little coded notes on what just happened?
I'd like to think that taking notes and writting about it later would help my game in the long run, but I just can't seem to muster up the dorktatude to pull it off.
Online is so much easier, the HH is right there for analysis anytime. Other tools are also available to help you figure out leaks and weaknesses. Where you over played a hand or the types of hands you tend to over play on a regular basis.
Any feedback would be appreciated (as always).
This question has been brought to you by the guy that can't remember the last time he played in the MATH.
Good luck tonight.
MNF and Prison Break are calling my name.
I lost to MiamiDon 126-119 damn it! I blame it all on you Chad Johnson... although Jamal Lewis was a nice surprise yesterday and has fit in nicely for now...
----
On the golf front we played in a scramble on Saturday and let me tell you... what a way to celebrate a birthday. It was such a great time. I think I cracked my first beer right as the shotgun went off at 1pm. I didn't stop until the next day... It was a bit fuzzy at the end to say the least and I paid for it dearly the next morning. That pain was eased by the fact that I won the long drive and the closest to the pin prizes (both small gift certificates). However the real joy was knowing that the tournament raised another $35,000 for Leukemia Research. This is a tournament that I have played in for 7-8 years straight now of its 17 years running. We won it once in year 12 and now again in year 17. However, winning pails in comparison to the feeling you get when you realize the effect that all of the volunteers and donations of time and money have on a family who is going through and is coping with a disease such as Leukemia.
Dork.
I haven't ever really seen anyone taking notes, but I've read various blogs where people actually do this while they play. Do these people sneak away from the table to write this stuff down or do they dorkishly (no offense) whip out their pen and note pad and scribble little coded notes on what just happened?
I'd like to think that taking notes and writting about it later would help my game in the long run, but I just can't seem to muster up the dorktatude to pull it off.
Online is so much easier, the HH is right there for analysis anytime. Other tools are also available to help you figure out leaks and weaknesses. Where you over played a hand or the types of hands you tend to over play on a regular basis.
Any feedback would be appreciated (as always).
This question has been brought to you by the guy that can't remember the last time he played in the MATH.
Good luck tonight.
MNF and Prison Break are calling my name.
I lost to MiamiDon 126-119 damn it! I blame it all on you Chad Johnson... although Jamal Lewis was a nice surprise yesterday and has fit in nicely for now...
----
On the golf front we played in a scramble on Saturday and let me tell you... what a way to celebrate a birthday. It was such a great time. I think I cracked my first beer right as the shotgun went off at 1pm. I didn't stop until the next day... It was a bit fuzzy at the end to say the least and I paid for it dearly the next morning. That pain was eased by the fact that I won the long drive and the closest to the pin prizes (both small gift certificates). However the real joy was knowing that the tournament raised another $35,000 for Leukemia Research. This is a tournament that I have played in for 7-8 years straight now of its 17 years running. We won it once in year 12 and now again in year 17. However, winning pails in comparison to the feeling you get when you realize the effect that all of the volunteers and donations of time and money have on a family who is going through and is coping with a disease such as Leukemia.
13.9.07
I'm on a break?
Really? I guess it just hit me. I haven't played in the Math in what seems like forever. The mookie took place last night and I didn't play in it either. I'm actually enjoying the break so I can't really complain too much. I watched "Blades of Glory" last night for the first time on DVD. I saw it in the theatre and it was just as funny the second time. "Get out of my face!" "I'm inside your face!!" whaaaaat?
I just went to check out who won the Mookie and much to my surprise... the Goat!
Nice work Julius, congrats. Stop by his place and congratulate him on his newest addition as well.
I did play a small SitnGo live at a stag I went to over the weekend (that's a whole other topic that I doubt I will write about... only because, well you know). I finished second when my homey Cookie slow played his flopped straight.
I had K2 on the button, I called, he checked. The flop comes K-Q-10 and he checks and I check my top pair thinking I can trap. The turn is a deuce and I am licking my chops on how to reel this fish in. He checks again, I bet small, he raises, I push and can't suck out on the river when he shows J9o. That's poker! Huge pot too, I think it was 80 bucks in total... oh darn... LOL. The funny thing is he was so drunk, he felt bad and flipped me another 10 bucks on top of the 20 that was mine for second. I can honestly say... I would never do that!
Week 2 is almost here for Fantasy Football and I take on the mighty MiamiDon's Vegas Hurricanes in a battle for supremacy. His team looks very very good:
LaDainian Tomlinson - jinx
Chad Johnson
Edgerrin James
Anquan Boldin
Matt Hasselbeck
Randy Moss - jinx
Marshawn Lynch
New England Patriots
Jay Cutler
Nate Kaeding
Deion Branch
Randy McMichael
LenDale White
I turn the not-so-big Three One on Saturday, so maybe I'll get a little lucky and pull this one off just as I did against Hoy's Boys.
Adios for now.
I just went to check out who won the Mookie and much to my surprise... the Goat!
Nice work Julius, congrats. Stop by his place and congratulate him on his newest addition as well.
I did play a small SitnGo live at a stag I went to over the weekend (that's a whole other topic that I doubt I will write about... only because, well you know). I finished second when my homey Cookie slow played his flopped straight.
I had K2 on the button, I called, he checked. The flop comes K-Q-10 and he checks and I check my top pair thinking I can trap. The turn is a deuce and I am licking my chops on how to reel this fish in. He checks again, I bet small, he raises, I push and can't suck out on the river when he shows J9o. That's poker! Huge pot too, I think it was 80 bucks in total... oh darn... LOL. The funny thing is he was so drunk, he felt bad and flipped me another 10 bucks on top of the 20 that was mine for second. I can honestly say... I would never do that!
Week 2 is almost here for Fantasy Football and I take on the mighty MiamiDon's Vegas Hurricanes in a battle for supremacy. His team looks very very good:
LaDainian Tomlinson - jinx
Chad Johnson
Edgerrin James
Anquan Boldin
Matt Hasselbeck
Randy Moss - jinx
Marshawn Lynch
New England Patriots
Jay Cutler
Nate Kaeding
Deion Branch
Randy McMichael
LenDale White
I turn the not-so-big Three One on Saturday, so maybe I'll get a little lucky and pull this one off just as I did against Hoy's Boys.
Adios for now.
10.9.07
A legend in his own mind
Not sure if I can tie the title into this post or not. It's basically in reference to a guy that recently resigned for reasons that I am calling "completely moronic." I don't really want to get into the details here for various reason, the most important one being... legal. Why do people think that their shit don't stink? Why can't people take something negative, and turn it into an opportunity instead of pulling the shoot and bailing on the rest of us? Instead, try stepping up the plate and being a leader. Not a coward. Fucking chicken weak tights everwhere, not just the poker table...
----
So on to more important topics like Fantasy Football and Golf.
How fawking good is Tiger Woods? Completly. Totally. Undoubtedly. Amazing. A living breathing confirmed legend is alive and dominating the golf world... again. 63 on the final day is just sick. Make sure you soak it in while you can, because one day we'll be looking back at the record books and telling our grand children that we were there to witness a true legend in the game of golf. Ben, Bobby, Jack and Tiger with Gary rounding out the top 5 ever.
----
Here is how my draft went down on Wednesday night with the blogger Fantasy Football Donks:
1-7 Peyton Manning - I really struggled with this pick for about a week. Once I found out I had 7th pick I knew that I was going to be left with a tough decision that could potential affect my entire draft. I went through a few mock drafts and in the end I decided that I would take my chances and draft Peyton. After all he is a FF horse who is a safe bet and is less likely to succumb to an injury a la Brian Westbrook. Willie Parker was available and I would have taken him with my 2nd pick, except he got taken 13th overall damn it!
So I had to go with this guy instead:
2-14 Reggie Bush - not the strongest pick I must admit, and in hindsight I probably should have gone with a different approach and taken back to back WR's as I know I could have gotten two bonified studs. Oh well, I think I still did ok.
3-27 Antonio Gates - I jumped the gun here, but I figured why stop now. I was committed to taking a different strategy, and I know that all you readers out there will say this was about 2-3 rounds too early... but whatever.
4-34 Brandon Jacobs - AFI. Already fucking injured - 3 to 5 weeks! Nuff said.
Here are the rest of my picks:
5-47 Andre Johnson - not sure what to think yet, but I have seen good things so far.
6-54 Hines Ward - my go to pick.
7-67 Jamal Lewis - run damn it run!!
8-74 DeAngelo Williams - If Deshaun would just crap out, I'd love this pick a lot more.
9-87 Donte Stallworth - now that Moss is the man (1 game big deal) I am sure they'll turn to him as soon as he is injured...
10-94 Pittsburgh Steelers
11-107 Matt Schaub (Had to do it)
12-114 Devin Hester (just punch his name into youtube and you'll see why I took him).
13-127 Josh Brown
So there they are for all to criticize and mock. But before you do, just know that my team is currently leading the entire league in points this week, and managed to hold on to the victory over Hoy's Boys by 8 (119-111). This is including 2 points from Bush and 3 from Jacobs... I knew I would struggle in the RB department based on my strategy, but this is a bit ridiculous.
----
So on to more important topics like Fantasy Football and Golf.
How fawking good is Tiger Woods? Completly. Totally. Undoubtedly. Amazing. A living breathing confirmed legend is alive and dominating the golf world... again. 63 on the final day is just sick. Make sure you soak it in while you can, because one day we'll be looking back at the record books and telling our grand children that we were there to witness a true legend in the game of golf. Ben, Bobby, Jack and Tiger with Gary rounding out the top 5 ever.
----
Here is how my draft went down on Wednesday night with the blogger Fantasy Football Donks:
1-7 Peyton Manning - I really struggled with this pick for about a week. Once I found out I had 7th pick I knew that I was going to be left with a tough decision that could potential affect my entire draft. I went through a few mock drafts and in the end I decided that I would take my chances and draft Peyton. After all he is a FF horse who is a safe bet and is less likely to succumb to an injury a la Brian Westbrook. Willie Parker was available and I would have taken him with my 2nd pick, except he got taken 13th overall damn it!
So I had to go with this guy instead:
2-14 Reggie Bush - not the strongest pick I must admit, and in hindsight I probably should have gone with a different approach and taken back to back WR's as I know I could have gotten two bonified studs. Oh well, I think I still did ok.
3-27 Antonio Gates - I jumped the gun here, but I figured why stop now. I was committed to taking a different strategy, and I know that all you readers out there will say this was about 2-3 rounds too early... but whatever.
4-34 Brandon Jacobs - AFI. Already fucking injured - 3 to 5 weeks! Nuff said.
Here are the rest of my picks:
5-47 Andre Johnson - not sure what to think yet, but I have seen good things so far.
6-54 Hines Ward - my go to pick.
7-67 Jamal Lewis - run damn it run!!
8-74 DeAngelo Williams - If Deshaun would just crap out, I'd love this pick a lot more.
9-87 Donte Stallworth - now that Moss is the man (1 game big deal) I am sure they'll turn to him as soon as he is injured...
10-94 Pittsburgh Steelers
11-107 Matt Schaub (Had to do it)
12-114 Devin Hester (just punch his name into youtube and you'll see why I took him).
13-127 Josh Brown
So there they are for all to criticize and mock. But before you do, just know that my team is currently leading the entire league in points this week, and managed to hold on to the victory over Hoy's Boys by 8 (119-111). This is including 2 points from Bush and 3 from Jacobs... I knew I would struggle in the RB department based on my strategy, but this is a bit ridiculous.
5.9.07
Iggy Rawks
Wow. When I logged on this morning, I initially couldn't figure out why I had so many hits without having posted something since last week. Then I realized very quickly.... IGGY!!!
If you are a regular visitor here and you are not reading GuinessandPoker you are really missing out. His blog has to be one of the first ones I read and it is always chalked full of great content and hilarious pictures, stories and news feeds. Thanks for the linkage Iggy!
If you are a new visitor via his link, then I thank you for taking the time to stop by and take a look. I've been away for a bit working on this evenings online FF draft so I haven't had a whole lot to say lately.
----
Poker - I did play in the deepstacks tourney on Friday night down at the False Creek Poker Club and didn't do a whole lot there. I played my usual hidden LAG style not having to show down many hands all night. I really only remember getting KK once and 99 twice. Other than that AQo was the nuts for everyone but me as it was the final hand that took me out. I pushed UTG (probably not the right play, but I wanted to win, not limp into third) with K10c with 5 people left and just around 10 BB's. Of course, the BB woke up with the almighty AQo and took me down. Congrats on the victory Cathy. Fuel ended up heads up with Cathy and couldn't pull off the victory. This was only hours after he won a SitnGo with Joe Hachem on Stars. Nice work Fuel! Thanks again to Simon for hosting another well run deepstacks. I'll see you in three weeks.
----
Golf - Played in a 36 hole scramble on Sunday. It was a BLAST. Unfortunately, we could not pull off the victory as some of the other teams just "had it going" that day I guess. Baggers. Not bitter one bit...
Anyway, we won a couple of nice KP (closest to the pin) prizes which seemed to soften the blow. Oh and we won a skin as well making an eagle on a par 4 for $250 for the group, so that also helped. I managed to drive the green, and my team made the putt. I love it when a team comes together.
----
Fantasy Football - well I was thinking of going into my keeper pool draft and how that turned out. However, after reading Recessrampage's thoughts about how it might work against me, I figure I'll just wait until later this week when I can recap tonight's online draft along with the one that I just did on Monday. If you recall, I had 7th pick overall and I was really trying to figure out the best strategy with regards to keeping Chicago (which I did) and dropping Robbie Gould (which I did, but kinda regret). Anyway with my first pick (7th overall) I picked up Brady Quinn which could quite possibly be the steal of the draft. I also got Adam Vinateri in the 4th round... so that worked out nicely as well. More on all that stuff later.
----
See you at the draft tonight?
Have a good day everyone, and thanks again to all the newbies for making it this far!
If you are a regular visitor here and you are not reading GuinessandPoker you are really missing out. His blog has to be one of the first ones I read and it is always chalked full of great content and hilarious pictures, stories and news feeds. Thanks for the linkage Iggy!
If you are a new visitor via his link, then I thank you for taking the time to stop by and take a look. I've been away for a bit working on this evenings online FF draft so I haven't had a whole lot to say lately.
----
Poker - I did play in the deepstacks tourney on Friday night down at the False Creek Poker Club and didn't do a whole lot there. I played my usual hidden LAG style not having to show down many hands all night. I really only remember getting KK once and 99 twice. Other than that AQo was the nuts for everyone but me as it was the final hand that took me out. I pushed UTG (probably not the right play, but I wanted to win, not limp into third) with K10c with 5 people left and just around 10 BB's. Of course, the BB woke up with the almighty AQo and took me down. Congrats on the victory Cathy. Fuel ended up heads up with Cathy and couldn't pull off the victory. This was only hours after he won a SitnGo with Joe Hachem on Stars. Nice work Fuel! Thanks again to Simon for hosting another well run deepstacks. I'll see you in three weeks.
----
Golf - Played in a 36 hole scramble on Sunday. It was a BLAST. Unfortunately, we could not pull off the victory as some of the other teams just "had it going" that day I guess. Baggers. Not bitter one bit...
Anyway, we won a couple of nice KP (closest to the pin) prizes which seemed to soften the blow. Oh and we won a skin as well making an eagle on a par 4 for $250 for the group, so that also helped. I managed to drive the green, and my team made the putt. I love it when a team comes together.
----
Fantasy Football - well I was thinking of going into my keeper pool draft and how that turned out. However, after reading Recessrampage's thoughts about how it might work against me, I figure I'll just wait until later this week when I can recap tonight's online draft along with the one that I just did on Monday. If you recall, I had 7th pick overall and I was really trying to figure out the best strategy with regards to keeping Chicago (which I did) and dropping Robbie Gould (which I did, but kinda regret). Anyway with my first pick (7th overall) I picked up Brady Quinn which could quite possibly be the steal of the draft. I also got Adam Vinateri in the 4th round... so that worked out nicely as well. More on all that stuff later.
----
See you at the draft tonight?
Have a good day everyone, and thanks again to all the newbies for making it this far!
30.8.07
The question still remains...
Should I keep Robbie Gould and give up a 3rd round pick (keeper pool remember) or should I dump him and grab a kicker in the 4th or 5th round... maybe even get him again.
There seems to be a bunch of good ones out there, so I am leaning towards dropping him and making the best out of my 3rd round pick. No one else will be keeping a defense so I think I will still have an advantage there when people realize that the Ravens are gone next and push the panic button in the third round.
One season does not make a kicker.
----
Played in the Mookie last night and couldn't really get into it. I was too busy studying for the upcoming drafts!
I've been talking with Fuel a bit about the December gathering and it looks like it will be a go. It's just a matter of finding a place to stay, and there have been some preliminary discussions about the Canadian dudes getting a big place together at the Bellagio. More on that later. He noted that the 10/20 game there is pretty soft and juicy... probably a bit out of my league, but I might take a stab if it looks to be ridonkulously easy.
Deepstacks tomorrow should be interesting. I'll attempt to trap Fuel again, but I think he is on to me already... I check my sets... remember that okay Simon?
There seems to be a bunch of good ones out there, so I am leaning towards dropping him and making the best out of my 3rd round pick. No one else will be keeping a defense so I think I will still have an advantage there when people realize that the Ravens are gone next and push the panic button in the third round.
One season does not make a kicker.
----
Played in the Mookie last night and couldn't really get into it. I was too busy studying for the upcoming drafts!
I've been talking with Fuel a bit about the December gathering and it looks like it will be a go. It's just a matter of finding a place to stay, and there have been some preliminary discussions about the Canadian dudes getting a big place together at the Bellagio. More on that later. He noted that the 10/20 game there is pretty soft and juicy... probably a bit out of my league, but I might take a stab if it looks to be ridonkulously easy.
Deepstacks tomorrow should be interesting. I'll attempt to trap Fuel again, but I think he is on to me already... I check my sets... remember that okay Simon?
29.8.07
I've a got a fever... and the only prescription... is... Fantasy Football!
I need some keeper advice. Below is my FF team as it ended in early 2007. I must keep 7 players (including defense if I so choose) and I can keep an optional 8th player if he is a rookie in 06/07 and was not in the top 10 in his position.
For me, that is Lendale White. He's no slouch, but I am not sure if I can justify keeping him as it would result in having to give up my third round pick. Not to mention the fact that, well, he sucks. He's just got no heart and no will.
The other factor, is expansion. Our league expanded to 14 teams this year and we will therefore have an expansion draft prior to the free agent draft. There will only be the 2 new teams in the expansion draft and they will be entitled to draft from the pool of "dropped players" that we choose to leave behind. Note that they can not take any new rookies as part of their initial 7 picks.
The two expansion teams have also received the 2nd and 3rd pick of each of the subsequent rounds after expansion (i.e. - the free agent draft). Giving them a shot at a decent rookie... but not the best available (such as Calvin Johnson). So Calvin goes first (I know this already as it is Thorndog's pick) and so on.
I have 7th pick.
Here is my current roster as it stands. I need to keep 7 for sure, and like I said, I can always keep Lendale White in my rookie slot (although I've pretty much decided that I am going to drop him unless someone here can convince me otherwise - by Monday).
Philip Rivers
Larry Johnson
Tony Gonzalez
Hines Ward
Reggie Wayne
Robbie Gould
Bears Team Defense
Chad Pennington
JP Losman
Lendale White (rookie, and did not finish in the top 10 in RB last year)
Ronnie Brown
Marty Booker
Mike Furrey
Heath Miller
So.... oh wise readers, who do you keep? Keep in mind I will have 7th pick in the free agent draft. However, 14 additional players will be drafted prior to that, so effectively I have the 21st pick.
I think it's pretty straight forward as far as the top 6. Let me know your thoughts as I am struggling with my final strategy.
I obviously need depth at RB and WR. However I'm pretty confident.
Having 7th pick on the rookies almost makes me want to take Chicago Defense again if there are no decent rookies in Round 1.
----
EDIT!
I just came up with a new scenario!! Philip Rivers is also a rookie and finished 11th in scoring!
In my original plan I had decided to just keep him in my original 7...
Therefore, I could actually keep Rivers in the rookie slot and I would still be able to keep the Bears defense, along with my kicker... and of course, drop Lendale!!!
I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier, it's like it just hit me out of nowhere. I love it when that happens! I also just noticed I am using a lot of exclamation points right now!
Anyway, this is quite a breakthrough and I am sure there are a few of you who have given up reading by now, which is totally fine. If you're still here... thanks!!!!
Time to run some new scenario's!
I guess the question is: would I benefit from keeping the bears defense?
(in which I would have to give up a third round pick for... where I believe the Bears and maybe even the Ravens might be gone by then).
I just think that if I can shore up both the K and Defense positions prior to the draft it will give me a lot more flexibilty in drafting my bench and bye week subs.
Anyway, thanks for listenening. It might make more sense in the morning... or it might just put a little more pressure on me to make the right decision.
I need advice, so feel free to speak your mind!
For me, that is Lendale White. He's no slouch, but I am not sure if I can justify keeping him as it would result in having to give up my third round pick. Not to mention the fact that, well, he sucks. He's just got no heart and no will.
The other factor, is expansion. Our league expanded to 14 teams this year and we will therefore have an expansion draft prior to the free agent draft. There will only be the 2 new teams in the expansion draft and they will be entitled to draft from the pool of "dropped players" that we choose to leave behind. Note that they can not take any new rookies as part of their initial 7 picks.
The two expansion teams have also received the 2nd and 3rd pick of each of the subsequent rounds after expansion (i.e. - the free agent draft). Giving them a shot at a decent rookie... but not the best available (such as Calvin Johnson). So Calvin goes first (I know this already as it is Thorndog's pick) and so on.
I have 7th pick.
Here is my current roster as it stands. I need to keep 7 for sure, and like I said, I can always keep Lendale White in my rookie slot (although I've pretty much decided that I am going to drop him unless someone here can convince me otherwise - by Monday).
Philip Rivers
Larry Johnson
Tony Gonzalez
Hines Ward
Reggie Wayne
Robbie Gould
Bears Team Defense
Chad Pennington
JP Losman
Lendale White (rookie, and did not finish in the top 10 in RB last year)
Ronnie Brown
Marty Booker
Mike Furrey
Heath Miller
So.... oh wise readers, who do you keep? Keep in mind I will have 7th pick in the free agent draft. However, 14 additional players will be drafted prior to that, so effectively I have the 21st pick.
I think it's pretty straight forward as far as the top 6. Let me know your thoughts as I am struggling with my final strategy.
I obviously need depth at RB and WR. However I'm pretty confident.
Having 7th pick on the rookies almost makes me want to take Chicago Defense again if there are no decent rookies in Round 1.
----
EDIT!
I just came up with a new scenario!! Philip Rivers is also a rookie and finished 11th in scoring!
In my original plan I had decided to just keep him in my original 7...
Therefore, I could actually keep Rivers in the rookie slot and I would still be able to keep the Bears defense, along with my kicker... and of course, drop Lendale!!!
I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier, it's like it just hit me out of nowhere. I love it when that happens! I also just noticed I am using a lot of exclamation points right now!
Anyway, this is quite a breakthrough and I am sure there are a few of you who have given up reading by now, which is totally fine. If you're still here... thanks!!!!
Time to run some new scenario's!
I guess the question is: would I benefit from keeping the bears defense?
(in which I would have to give up a third round pick for... where I believe the Bears and maybe even the Ravens might be gone by then).
I just think that if I can shore up both the K and Defense positions prior to the draft it will give me a lot more flexibilty in drafting my bench and bye week subs.
Anyway, thanks for listenening. It might make more sense in the morning... or it might just put a little more pressure on me to make the right decision.
I need advice, so feel free to speak your mind!
27.8.07
Another second place, Double pocket aces cracked, and Vegas baby!
I finished 2nd yesterday in event #8. I did have one suckout on presto where I turned a boat on my top 2 pair vs. a bottom set of 5's. That set me up for a comfortable run for first, but in the end Mattazuma was just too much, and he took me down after about 30 minutes of heads up action. It looks like I'll be in second place for a little while longer.
I played a bit of cash on the weekend. I've dropped down in levels in an attempt to be bank roll responsible. I got it all in vs. a couple of dudes and this is how it turned out:
A major suck out.
Variance rules.
If I recall correctly, MP limped, I raised, BB smooth called, MP re-raised all in... I called (donkey) and BB called as well. They were both short stacks and it seemed like a donkey call at the time knowing that I am beat by at least one. As you can see by the massive pot that I won, I was pretty happy...
I love hitting a 2 outter to take out double aces. That is definitly a first for me.
----
In other news... I am heading to Vegas!!! Details to follow, but it looks like we are planning a trip October 19th-22nd. Beers, Poker, Golf. It's been way too long, so I am glad that I will be making the trip in little over a month.
Can't wait.
Now I just need to figure out which tournaments I should try to play in and hit the River Rock and start building a bank roll. I am sure Chad will have some good advice on which Vegas tourney's have the best value.
I'm still not sure if I will be making it out for the winter classic, so this trip just might have to do. Time will tell.
Have a good week everyone.
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