What are you?

I'm not sure what this means, other than I am not being very productive at work!

Should have folded KK (part V)

Actually, I did fold it. This opponent was extremely aggressive, but I just couldn't, especially without the Kspades. Wouldn't you have folded?

1/2 limit hands

Here are some examples of the play at the 1/2 cash tables. I know "tight is right", but if you mix it up once in a while you can really cash in.

Full Tilt Poker Game #3672745858: Table Wildcat (speed) - $1/$2 - Limit Hold'em - 22:24:37 ET - 2007/09/25
Seat 1: jamyhawk ($52.50)
Seat 2: new2dis ($28.50)
Seat 3: Kambler44 ($20)
Seat 5: mbf0700 ($34.75)
Seat 6: thmn_kron ($30), is sitting out
Seat 7: TheRealPicard ($5)
Seat 9: DonCantabrigia ($94.25)
mbf0700 posts the small blind of $0.50
TheRealPicard posts the big blind of $1
Kambler44 posts $1
The button is in seat #4
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to jamyhawk [Tc 8c]<--Soooooted 1 gapper.
DonCantabrigia has 8 seconds left to act
DonCantabrigia is sitting out
DonCantabrigia has timed out
DonCantabrigia folds
jamyhawk raises to $2<--If I'm playing, I'm raising.
new2dis folds
Kambler44 calls $1
DonCantabrigia has returned
mbf0700 calls $1.50
TheRealPicard calls $1
*** FLOP *** [7c 8d 8h]<--BINGO!
dpy150 sits down
mbf0700 has 8 seconds left to act
mbf0700 bets $1<--good.
TheRealPicard raises to $2<--even better.
dpy150 adds $16
jamyhawk has 8 seconds left to act
jamyhawk calls $2<--maybe I should have raised, but I want to try to keep as many players in for the turn as possible.
Kambler44 has 8 seconds left to act
Kambler44 folds
mbf0700 calls $1
*** TURN *** [7c 8d 8h] [Qh]
mbf0700 checks
TheRealPicard bets $1, and is all in
jamyhawk raises to $3<--Now I can start raising it up.
thmn_kron has returned
mbf0700 has 8 seconds left to act
mbf0700 calls $3
*** RIVER *** [7c 8d 8h Qh] [7h]<--woo hoo. I hope he hit his flush.
mbf0700 checks
jamyhawk bets $2
mbf0700 calls $2
*** SHOW DOWN ***
jamyhawk shows [Tc 8c] a full house, Eights full of Sevens
mbf0700 mucks
jamyhawk wins the side pot ($7.75) with a full house, Eights full of Sevens
TheRealPicard mucks
jamyhawk wins the main pot ($16.25) with a full house, Eights full of Sevens
TheRealPicard is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $25 Main pot $17. Side pot $8. Rake $1
Board: [7c 8d 8h Qh 7h]
Seat 1: jamyhawk showed [Tc 8c] and won ($24) with a full house, Eights full of Sevens<--Obviously, I won this hand. Not a surprise. But look at what my opponents have.
Seat 2: new2dis didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: Kambler44 folded on the Flop
Seat 5: mbf0700 (small blind) mucked [9d Ad] - two pair, Eights and Sevens<--called all the way to the river and my river bet with A high. WTF? Please sit at my table more often.
Seat 6: thmn_kron is sitting out
Seat 7: TheRealPicard (big blind) mucked [6d 5s] - two pair, Eights and Sevens<--of course the short stack goes all in on a draw.
Seat 9: DonCantabrigia didn't bet (folded)


Full Tilt Poker Game #3672756719: Table Wildcat (speed) - $1/$2 - Limit Hold'em - 22:25:38 ET - 2007/09/25
Seat 1: jamyhawk ($67.50)
Seat 2: new2dis ($28.50)
Seat 3: Kambler44 ($18)
Seat 4: dpy150 ($16)
Seat 5: mbf0700 ($25.75)
Seat 6: thmn_kron ($30)
Seat 7: TheRealPicard ($0), is sitting out
Seat 9: DonCantabrigia ($94.25)
DonCantabrigia posts the big blind of $1
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to jamyhawk [Qs Kh]
TheRealPicard stands up
jamyhawk raises to $2<--If I'm playing, I'm raising.
new2dis folds
dbtom sits down
Kambler44 has 8 seconds left to act
dbtom adds $20
Kambler44 calls $2
mbf0700 folds
DonCantabrigia calls $1
*** FLOP *** [9c 2s 2c]<--total miss.
DonCantabrigia has 8 seconds left to act
DonCantabrigia checks
jamyhawk checks
Kambler44 bets $1
dbtom adds $20
DonCantabrigia has 8 seconds left to act
suzyqmb sits down
DonCantabrigia folds
jamyhawk calls $1<--the beauty of limit poker. I know we are heads up, so the most I'm losing here is $5. He could be on any draw or even Ace high. I can rule out AA, KK, AK, QQ because of no re-raise pre-flop. I imagine any K or Q will be good to take the pot.
*** TURN *** [9c 2s 2c] [Jd]
jamyhawk checks
suzyqmb adds $32.75
Kambler44 bets $2
jamyhawk has 8 seconds left to act
jamyhawk calls $2<--I hope he doesn't have JJ, but I have 4 more outs with the 10's. I can fold to a river bet and have only spent $3 to get there. And again, I am not going to play KQo/s very often, especially after missing the flop. I would be out of this hand already if there were 1)2 opponents instead of 1 2)no draw after the turn or 3)if a 9 or 2 hit the turn.
*** RIVER *** [9c 2s 2c Jd] [Ts]<--runner runner to payday.
jamyhawk bets $2
Kambler44 calls $2
*** SHOW DOWN ***
jamyhawk shows [Qs Kh] a straight, King high<--so I luckbox into a straight. That's going to happen once in a while. But look at the mucked cards below.
Kambler44 mucks
jamyhawk wins the pot ($15.25) with a straight, King high
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $16 Rake $0.75
Board: [9c 2s 2c Jd Ts]
Seat 1: jamyhawk showed [Qs Kh] and won ($15.25) with a straight, King high
Seat 2: new2dis didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: Kambler44 mucked [Ad 9s] - two pair, Nines and Twos<--what is it about A9? I hate playing Arag, but I guess somewhere, it is a great hand to have???? So I luckbox into a straight but this guy should have folded pre-flop.
Seat 4: dpy150 is sitting out
Seat 5: mbf0700 (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: thmn_kron is sitting out
Seat 7: TheRealPicard (small blind) is sitting out
Seat 9: DonCantabrigia (big blind) folded on the Flop


Full Tilt Poker Game #3672798356: Table Wildcat (speed) - $1/$2 - Limit Hold'em - 22:29:32 ET - 2007/09/25
Seat 1: jamyhawk ($73.25)
Seat 2: new2dis ($26)
Seat 3: AZ and WI Kid ($20)
Seat 4: dpy150 ($10)
Seat 5: mbf0700 ($22.50)
Seat 6: thmn_kron ($62.25)
Seat 7: suzyqmb ($29.75)
Seat 8: dbtom ($39)
Seat 9: DonCantabrigia ($87.25)
dpy150 posts the small blind of $0.50
mbf0700 posts the big blind of $1
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to jamyhawk [5h 5c]<--Presto is gold, so says Fuel55 (he actually hit 55 three hands in a row. Click on his name to see the results)
thmn_kron has 8 seconds left to act
thmn_kron folds
suzyqmb folds
dbtom folds
DonCantabrigia raises to $2
jamyhawk calls $2<--3 behind me to act, so I am calling.
new2dis folds
dpy150 calls $1.50
mbf0700 has 8 seconds left to act
mbf0700 calls $1
*** FLOP *** [Kd 4s Qc]
dpy150 checks
mbf0700 checks
DonCantabrigia checks
jamyhawk bets $1<--let's see if we can steal the pot.
dpy150 folds
mbf0700 calls $1
DonCantabrigia calls $1
*** TURN *** [Kd 4s Qc] [5d]<--whoa! Presto is Gold!
mbf0700 checks
DonCantabrigia checks
jamyhawk bets $2<--obvious
mbf0700 calls $2<--on a draw.
DonCantabrigia raises to $4<--wait a minute. That 5 couldn't have helped him. He was slow playing. AA? Surely not KK or QQ? A set would have re-raised me after the flop. Even AA should have. Maybe K5 soooooted?
jamyhawk raises to $6<--let's build the pot.
mbf0700 has 8 seconds left to act
mbf0700 calls $4
DonCantabrigia raises to $8
jamyhawk calls $2
mbf0700 calls $2
*** RIVER *** [Kd 4s Qc 5d] [2h]
mbf0700 checks
DonCantabrigia bets $2<--as expected.
jamyhawk raises to $4
mbf0700 has 8 seconds left to act
mbf0700 folds
DonCantabrigia calls $2<--no re-raise? must not be the set of K's or Q's.
*** SHOW DOWN ***
jamyhawk shows [5h 5c] three of a kind, Fives
DonCantabrigia mucks
jamyhawk wins the pot ($42) with three of a kind, Fives
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $43 Rake $1
Board: [Kd 4s Qc 5d 2h]
Seat 1: jamyhawk showed [5h 5c] and won ($42) with three of a kind, Fives<--winner! Presto is gold.
Seat 2: new2dis (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: AZ and WI Kid is sitting out
Seat 4: dpy150 (small blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 5: mbf0700 (big blind) folded on the River
Seat 6: thmn_kron didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: suzyqmb didn't bet (folded)
Seat 8: dbtom didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: DonCantabrigia mucked [Ac As] - a pair of Aces<--poorly played AA.

Then I switch tables. I'm working on some other stuff, so I play at a lower limit table and not a speed table, so I can bounce back and forth easily between programs. At the .50/1 tables, I always sit down with $25.

I show this hand to illustrate how many people will chase draws.

Full Tilt Poker Game #3674652884: Table Desert Inn - $0.50/$1 - Limit Hold'em - 1:49:29 ET - 2007/09/26
Seat 1: BT101 ($41.10)
Seat 2: Mangomango ($26.40)
Seat 3: sapphiretonic ($28.90)
Seat 4: jtmurph ($21.25)
Seat 5: guyt8019 ($18.60)
Seat 6: guybrush_th ($22.35)
Seat 7: megabyter ($22.65)
Seat 8: jamyhawk ($25.55)
Seat 9: dchowder ($87.70)
Mangomango posts the small blind of $0.25
sapphiretonic posts the big blind of $0.50
5 seconds left to act
dchowder posts a dead small blind of $0.25
dchowder posts $0.50
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to jamyhawk [Ad Ah]
jtmurph folds
guyt8019 folds
guybrush_th folds
megabyter calls $0.50
jamyhawk raises to $1<--bet your strong hands!
dchowder has 15 seconds left to act
dchowder calls $0.50
BT101 folds
Mangomango folds
sapphiretonic folds
megabyter calls $0.50
*** FLOP *** [Kc 3c 9s]
megabyter checks
jamyhawk bets $0.50<--bet your strong hands! No slow playin' here.
dchowder folds
megabyter calls $0.50
*** TURN *** [Kc 3c 9s] [5s]
megabyter checks
jamyhawk bets $1<--bet your strong hands!
megabyter calls $1
*** RIVER *** [Kc 3c 9s 5s] [Js]
megabyter checks
jamyhawk bets $1<--he was on a club draw, surely.
megabyter folds<--folds with 6:1 on his money for a call. So you know he was chasing a draw. Maybe even Ace high.
Uncalled bet of $1 returned to jamyhawk
jamyhawk mucks
jamyhawk wins the pot ($6.65) <-- That's a winner!
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $7 Rake $0.35
Board: [Kc 3c 9s 5s Js]
Seat 1: BT101 (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: Mangomango (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 3: sapphiretonic (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: jtmurph didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: guyt8019 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: guybrush_th didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: megabyter folded on the River
Seat 8: jamyhawk collected ($6.65), mucked
Seat 9: dchowder folded on the Flop

1/2 limit tables and Survivor

For the past couple of years that I have played online poker, I have been playing NLHE most of the time. Most of the time, I have played at low limit or micro limit tables and the play there is horrible. You know the players I am talking about. The "WTF, it's only $5. I'm all in, needing runner, runner to win." I think at those limits, a lot of times it is just a matter of getting the cards. You can't play poker. You can't bluff; you can't re-steal a pot. You can't raise someone off of a draw.

Lately, I have been playing $1/$2 limit poker at FTP, and have rarely had a down session. The tables are extremely soft. It seems people have enough invested that they can find the fold button. I have bet top pair any kicker down to the river when I read my opponent on a draw and they will call all the way down. If I see the draw hit, I can limit my losses, but if it doesn't, some players will fold a $2 call into a $20 pot. I typically sit down with $50 at the $1/$2 tables, which seems to be an amount that is enough to sustain a couple of bad beats, but not so intimidating that people won't get into pots with you. Try these tables and see. I will try to start posting more hands at these levels.

I would also be interested in any feedback on how the $1/$2 tables are compared to the $2/$4 tables. I would like to move up, but haven't built the bankroll up enough to feel comfortable at those levels.

Now on to Survivor. I haven't missed a season yet. Technology today is amazing! I have 3 TIVO's in my house and don't think I would watch TV without it these days (except sports). I can catch up on 3 weeks worth of shows in one Saturday night. If you don't have TIVO yet, prioritize. Put it on the top of the list. Anybody that watches TV should make it a must!

Well, last week it happened. I forgot to TIVO Survivor. Not one single machine had it ready to go (I don't use the auto recording feature where the TIVO will record what it THINKS you want recorded -it fills up our hard drive too fast doing that). I had seen the previews on Big Brother 8 and on CBS football, but never programmed it to record.

But never fear! Technology rescued me once again. I hooked my laptop up to my 42" flatscreen, connected some external speakers and I could watch Survivor over the Internet directly from the CBS website. Unbelievable! The only downside was being forced to watch Viagra ads (the gheyest commercials of all time -8 middle aged guys in a barn playing instruments and singing "viva vi-agra" while smiling at each other like they are about to get it on). You couldn't skip through the ads over the Internet, but I got to watch my show!

That's about it for now. Hope you are making money! Stay patient...

Friday Night Lights (formerly To Call or Not To Call)

Cal's team won their 3rd game in a row. They are now 3-1. Cal had 6 carries for 24 yards (runs of 20, 8, 4, -4, -4, and 0 -not in that particular order). In the official stats, they listed him as having 4 carries for 6 yards. I don't know how they figure his stats but it is way different than what I am coming up with. I did think that they may be confused at times, since the starting running back is 13 and Cal is 31, and they are built the same (see pic below) and they rotate in and out so frequently. So if you are not paying close attention, like I obviously do, you could give the carries to the wrong person (and I would assume you always give them to Troy, unless it is obvious that someone different is in there).





Cal got to play more on defense, since their opponent was a 75%+ passing team. They wanted his speed in there for pass coverages. He was in for 50% of the defensive plays and 20% of the offensive plays. They still had the 4 deep kickoff returners (imagine 4 high school kids trying to decide who will catch the kickoff -clusterfuck), and they added Cal deep on punts alongside Troy, however, he never got the opportunity to even catch a punt.

All that being said, I am done whining about his playing time. Troy played a great game, Cal has been getting opportunities each game to show his talents, and they won. So there is really nothing more I can do, other than to continue encouraging Cal. It sure is a change from the past, but I know each year he moves up, so does the level of competition. Hopefully, he can find a way to get back to being one of the "stars" of the team by working hard.

So next, I'll be updating how they are doing, sans the bitching. Next game is this Saturday and then the week after that, they play the Alma Mata of none other than the Vegas Pro himself: MiamiDon. I wonder what the Vegas odds will be on that game? I'm sure I'll be able to get some action on it.

Some fun Poker

You gotta LOVE when your draw hits!



I only know this from reading Fuel, but here is proof that Presto is Gold!


Full Tilt Poker Game #3626074249: Table Buffalo - $1/$2 - Limit Hold'em - 0:14:29 ET - 2007/09/21
Seat 1: sam1373 ($31)
Seat 2: ooo MonKee ooo ($49.25)
Seat 3: jamyhawk ($63)
Seat 4: Hung 2 Long ($12.75)
Seat 5: BadBeats13 ($10)
Seat 6: xanchovy ($29.25)
Seat 7: badjr5 ($46.25), is sitting out
Seat 8: AProsko ($131.75)
Seat 9: mrcina ($36)
ooo MonKee ooo posts the small blind of $0.50
jamyhawk posts the big blind of $1
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to jamyhawk [5h 5d]
Hung 2 Long has 15 seconds left to act
Hung 2 Long folds
BadBeats13 raises to $2
xanchovy folds
AProsko folds
mrcina folds
sam1373 folds
ooo MonKee ooo folds
jamyhawk calls $1
*** FLOP *** [5c Qs Kh]<--Sweet action!
jamyhawk bets $1
BadBeats13 calls $1
*** TURN *** [5c Qs Kh] [Td]
jamyhawk bets $2
BadBeats13 folds
Uncalled bet of $2 returned to jamyhawk
jamyhawk shows [5h 5d] three of a kind, Fives<--that's a winner!
jamyhawk wins the pot ($6.25)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $6.50 Rake $0.25
Board: [5c Qs Kh Td]
Seat 1: sam1373 (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: ooo MonKee ooo (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 3: jamyhawk (big blind) collected ($6.25)
Seat 4: Hung 2 Long didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: BadBeats13 folded on the Turn
Seat 6: xanchovy didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: badjr5 is sitting out
Seat 8: AProsko didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: mrcina didn't bet (folded)


Full Tilt Poker Game #3626353755: Table Buffalo - $1/$2 - Limit Hold'em - 0:44:48 ET - 2007/09/21
Seat 1: sam1373 ($44.75)
Seat 2: ooo MonKee ooo ($62.50)
Seat 3: jamyhawk ($86)
Seat 4: lil minnow ($36)
Seat 5: BadBeats13 ($38.50)
Seat 6: nranallo ($17.50)
Seat 7: LadyK77 ($60.50)
Seat 8: danomatic ($12)
Seat 9: mrcina ($44)
mrcina has 5 seconds left to act
mrcina posts the small blind of $0.50
sam1373 posts the big blind of $1
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to jamyhawk [5s 5c]
ooo MonKee ooo raises to $2
jamyhawk calls $2
lil minnow folds
BadBeats13 calls $2
nranallo folds
LadyK77 folds
danomatic calls $2
mrcina folds
sam1373 calls $1
*** FLOP *** [Qd Jd 2c]
sam1373 checks
ooo MonKee ooo checks
jamyhawk checks<--Check call
BadBeats13 bets $1
danomatic calls $1
sam1373 folds
ooo MonKee ooo folds
jamyhawk calls $1
*** TURN *** [Qd Jd 2c] [Jh]
jamyhawk bets $2<--Let's see if I can take control of this pot
ooo MonKee ooo stands up
BadBeats13 calls $2<--good sign it is not re-raised
danomatic calls $2<--really good sign. Although a Queen is possible, it is more likely they are holding AK or K10.
*** RIVER *** [Qd Jd 2c Jh] [2h]
F1R3FOX stands up
jamyhawk bets $2<--represent, represent, represent
BadBeats13 folds<--missed their draw
danomatic folds<--another swing and a miss.
Uncalled bet of $2 returned to jamyhawk
jamyhawk mucks
fearlesshero12 adds $20
jamyhawk wins the pot ($18.75)<--picked up 9BB on 55. Not too bad.
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $19.50 Rake $0.75
Board: [Qd Jd 2c Jh 2h]
Seat 1: sam1373 (big blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 2: ooo MonKee ooo folded on the Flop
Seat 3: jamyhawk collected ($18.75), mucked
Seat 4: lil minnow didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: BadBeats13 folded on the River
Seat 6: nranallo didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: LadyK77 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 8: danomatic (button) folded on the River
Seat 9: mrcina (small blind) folded before the Flop

To call or not to call Part IV

For anyone still following this story. Last Friday night, Cal played in his 3rd High School Football game of the year. His team won on the road 15-0. Cal played more than in previous weeks since one of the 3 rotating running backs re-tore his ACL and is done for the season. Now there are just the two running backs that rotate: Cal and Troy.

**Warning -whining post ahead. You can turn back now**


Cal's first run was an 8 yard gain in the middle of the 2nd quarter and then he fumbled the ball right as he was going down. The ref ruled he was down already so it wasn't a turnover, but the coach pulled him out and didn't play him again until the second half. He had about 4 runs (none under 5 yards) and had a 40 yard touchdown run called back for a holding penalty. He looked really good every time he touched the ball, but the coach just doesn't play him much. He also had 2 tackles on special teams and recovered a fumble.



In the second half of the game, the coach was sending plays in with Cal and Troy (which I think is ridiculous -leave one back in so he can get into a rhythm). So Cal did indeed get more playing time, but the rushing plays were mostly called with Troy in.



Complete frustration comes over me watching the games, as Cal averaged 3 touchdowns a game prior to this season (prior to breaking his leg and missing last season). I want to call the coach and say "Hey idiot, this kid ran back 3 kickoffs last year in the first game of the season with a 46 yard average return and you are not even letting him run back kicks this year". He has explosive speed and is a playmaker -the coach even said so to me when I did talk to him last week. Frustrating.



I guess I have to let it play out. Cal is still working very hard and does play and the team is winning so no amount of me telling the coach or anyone that he is doing something wrong, will do any good. Troy is a good player, but Cal is a GREAT player and I'm worried this may hurt his chances at a scholarship.

And one other thing. Who does High School Football game stats? Not one of the three games for Cal's team has been accurately documented. They entered no stats whatsoever (other than the final score) for the second game of the season. They got Cal's stats wrong in the first game and they didn't even list him as playing in the 3rd game. So when the local journal reports all the area rushing, receiving, tackling leaders, Cal's team isn't up there because it's like they are one game behind. Oh well. Now I am just rambling. . . Let's get back to some poker!

Short stacks suck

I was short stacked and here is the call I got from my pre-flop all in in the Dookie...

If you are not reading Smokee -you should be. Some funny shit there.

New Site to Play on

I'm looking for a new site to play on. I like FTP, but no longer get rakeback. I will keep some funds on FTP, but would like to accomplish a couple of things here:
1)Get rakeback
2)Play in the rakeback freerolls (a lot of free cash)
3)See if I can find some softer cash games (although FTP has some pretty soft ones)
4)Find some more aggressive frequent player rewards than FTP has

I would like for YOU to tell me where else you play and why you like it (or why you think I would like it)
I greatly appreciate any feedback you have.

Don't forget tonight

Hope to see you there.

Catching up from the weekend

Despite having a D- rated draft and a terrible trade while attempting to correct my mistakes, I managed to win a second straight week. 2-0. I don't know how long my receivers will overproduce and compensate for my week running backs, but I will take it for now.

What a crazy weekend in the NFL. How many of you picked the Browns to hang 51 points on Cincy? Not me. My Broncos sucked out on the river for the second week in a row. ICE ICE BABY. I didn't think Icing the kicker really worked anymore.

And, oh yeah, I played poker this weekend. I played online Friday night. Made a nice run getting up 50BB playing 1/2limit.

Saturday night we had a home poker tourney. 13 players total, so it was a little smaller than usual. We should be back in the 20's consistently starting in January. $20 buy in. I was card dead all night. Never saw a pocket pair higher than 77. I managed to buy a few pots and steal a few blinds, but would give it back getting caught later. I didn't use my pen and paper (see this post) so I don't have any HH to give you, but it wouldn't be interesting anyway. I finished 7th. My brother, who ALWAYS finishes in the money with his tight, tight, tight play, bubbled for the first time in a long time. Congratulations to Bill E. for taking it down.

We played a second tournament with 9 players. Same story for me. No cards, tried to push people out of pots, got caught stealing a few times and went out 5th.

Then we played $1/$2 NL. This is when everything changed for me. I started off aggressive taking a few losing (bluff) hands all the way to showdown. This set me up as a maniac. After that I could call down to the river and finish off with a min-raise and win nice sized pots with Top pair only (they were assuming I was drawing and then bluffing?). I also took several pots with c-bets after raggy flops since they assumed I was playing ATC even after pre-flop raises. A couple of nicely played monsters helped. We finished at 5:30am, and I was up 70BB. Not a bad night, I paid for 5 entries to the tournament (Hawkette, one of my son's, and mine), paid $25 entry due for my fantasy football league, paid for $40 in white castles for everyone, and then had exactly the same amount of money left when I went up to bed. That's pretty good entertainment.

Stay patient...

Sunday Football

Lock of the Week? Cincinnati! Cleveland is awful. I took Seattle last week, so I am tempted to make New Orleans my pick against Tampa Bay, but Cleveland is terrible. Cincy -7 = LOTW!

Bring it in and Push it out

Full Tilt Poker Game #3547148044: Table Helen (6 max) - $0.10/$0.25 - No Limit Hold'em - 1:18:43 ET - 2007/09/13
Seat 1: Keyser0 ($25)
Seat 2: Dung714 ($22.50)<--I've been at this table about 15 min and I know this guy is a donkey. He took a big pot from me when his third pair tripped on the river, so I am looking to take him down.
Seat 3: k RIO k ($25)
Seat 4: simplifypkr ($18.70)
Seat 5: seib ($32.30)
Seat 6: jamyhawk ($23)
Dung714 has 5 seconds left to act
Dung714 posts the small blind of $0.10
k RIO k posts the big blind of $0.25
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to jamyhawk [Ts Tc]
simplifypkr folds
seib folds
jamyhawk raises to $0.85<--my standard raise at this table and it gets called every time.
Dung714 calls $0.75
k RIO k folds
*** FLOP *** [9h 5h Qh]<--scary board.
Dung714 checks
jamyhawk bets $1<--I can throw away the hand with any re-raise
Dung714 calls $1<--He obviously does not have flush or a Q. He may have A or K of hearts.
*** TURN *** [9h 5h Qh] [Td]<--I really like this card although it is scary.
Dung714 checks
jamyhawk bets $3<--still representing a weak flush.
Dung714 raises to $6<--re-raise from this player on the turn means absolutely nothing. He sees I am a bit weak so I take this as a weak re-raise.
jamyhawk calls $3
*** RIVER *** [9h 5h Qh Td] [Ac]<--I don't like this board, but I don't see him having more than an A high in his hand already. Could have a 9 or 5. Let's see what he does.
Dung714 has 15 seconds left to act
Dung714 bets $0.25<--OK. This really throws me for a loop. What in the hell could he have that he is betting .25 into a $16 pot. I request time because I can't decide how much I want to raise. If he has any hand at all, he is value betting, right? Even an AQ throws out a 1/2 pot bet. But why not check if you don't like your hand? I decide he missed his draw and push all in.
jamyhawk has 15 seconds left to act
jamyhawk has requested TIME
simplifypkr adds $6.30
jamyhawk raises to $15.15, and is all in
Dung714 calls $14.40, and is all in<--Oh SHIT! I'm dead. He has me beat for sure.
Uncalled bet of $0.50 returned to jamyhawk
*** SHOW DOWN ***
jamyhawk shows [Ts Tc] three of a kind, Tens
Dung714 mucks
jamyhawk wins the pot ($43) with three of a kind, Tens <--Seriously? Wow.
Dung714 is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $45.25 Rake $2.25
Board: [9h 5h Qh Td Ac]
Seat 1: Keyser0 is sitting out
Seat 2: Dung714 (small blind) mucked [8c Ah] - a pair of Aces <--So he was on the flush draw. I can understand that. But how do you call my all in with A8? I could have so many hands there. Two pair, Straight, Flush, A9, AJ, etc... He paid me off just as I expected.
Seat 3: k RIO k (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: simplifypkr didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: seib didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: jamyhawk (button) showed [Ts Tc] and won ($43) with three of a kind, Ten

I am playing pretty aggressive at this table. Most of my raises are called, I go up to $60 but get caught stealing and double up a couple of short stacks, so 30 min later I am about where I was when I felted Dung714.
Full Tilt Poker Game #3547382042: Table Helen (6 max) - $0.10/$0.25 - No Limit Hold'em - 1:47:39 ET - 2007/09/13
VLV4130 adds $25
Seat 1: Keyser0 ($27.75)
Seat 2: symbo57 ($34.65)
Seat 4: madman162534 ($23.55)
Seat 5: seib ($52)<--we've been playing together for about an hour, and generally stay out of each other's way.
Seat 6: jamyhawk ($44.55)
seib posts the small blind of $0.10
jamyhawk posts the big blind of $0.25
The button is in seat #4
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to jamyhawk [Ac 6c]
Keyser0 folds
symbo57 calls $0.25
madman162534 folds
seib calls $0.15
jamyhawk raises to $1<--Standard move here. I attempt to take the blinds.
symbo57 folds
seib calls $0.75
*** FLOP *** [2c Qc Th]
seib bets $1.50<--Got a piece of the flop.
jamyhawk raises to $3<--Let's see how much he likes his piece.
seib raises to $51, and is all in<--WTF? This overbet means 1 thing only. Draw hand. Flush or straight, I have the nut flush draw and am probably ahead with the A. I am hoping he has J9 or KJ.
jamyhawk calls $40.55, and is all in
seib shows [Kc Jc]<--BOOM! I love it when I am right. Sucker. Give me my money now. I read you like a book. You shouldn't mess with me.
jamyhawk shows [Ac 6c]
Uncalled bet of $7.45 returned to seib
*** TURN *** [2c Qc Th] [2h]
*** RIVER *** [2c Qc Th 2h] [Kh]<--Aaaaarrrrrrgggggghhhhhhhh! The poker gods slap me in the face.
seib shows two pair, Kings and Twos
jamyhawk shows a pair of Twos
seib wins the pot ($86.35) with two pair, Kings and Twos<--I suck! One card defined my whole night. I win that hand and I am up 2 buy ins plus paid for my tournaments. Losing that hand I am down for the night. Should I have not even been in that hand? I guess that is the curse of playing Ace/rag.
seib is sitting out
jamyhawk is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $89.35 Rake $3
Board: [2c Qc Th 2h Kh]
Seat 1: Keyser0 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: symbo57 folded before the Flop
Seat 4: madman162534 (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: seib (small blind) showed [Kc Jc] and won ($86.35) with two pair, Kings and Twos
Seat 6: jamyhawk (big blind) showed [Ac 6c] and lost with a pair of Twos

Mookie result 9 12 07

Mookie last night payed top 7. Here is the bubble hand. I went all in and was called by big stack at the table. I would have moved up to around 3rd. But here is what happened:

Why do you play?

Waffles brought up an interesting point in this post. I am trying to build my bankroll but I really enjoy winning. So even though, I may lose money overall in an evening, I will take great delight in felting one particular person, or finishing 1st in a tournament (I hate finishing 2nd -sometimes I feel like I would rather go out first than finish 2nd). And I make way more money at my day job than I would ever risk making, playing online poker. So whatever I make at poker is just so I can move up a level, so I can lose faster when I take a bad beat (or donk it up), so I go back down a level and try to make more money so I can move up a level so I can lose faster so.......
Anyway, It's not to supplement my income. But will I hit a level where I could make enough to play to make money? Maybe I am thinking about this all wrong.

Why do you play?

Fantasy Football week 1

Sorry not much poker content lately. I will be posting some hands from my cash games last night, soon. I am planning on playing in the mookie tonight. Come and play. Every Wednesday, 9pm CST on FTP. $10 buy in. Password is vegas1.

You won't believe this ridiculous shit! Check out this post from the Pokerwolf.

First week of FF was good to me. I was down 8 points going into Monday night and I had Matt Leinert and Joe Nedney versus Anquan Boldin. I was pretty confident going in, but man!, did Leinert scare me. I thought for sure I was a loser, but somehow, I won by 2 points.





Are you ready to say WTF? In an effort to thin out my New England heavy roster (and because I hate him) I traded away Tom Brady for Matt Leinert and Ahman Green. Two 3rd round picks for a 1st round. I know, it was stupid, but I wanted another starting running back and I felt that Arizona will be playing behind a lot therefore Leinert would be throwing a lot. So far that trade doesn't look so hot. I got 20 points versus the 29 I gave away. But I know Brady will bust, eventually. He will get back to 125-160 yards passing with 1 TD games, as New England pounds the ball out on the ground.

And for anyone interested, Cal was quoted in the local paper. Click here for the article. They left out one of his rushes, but still a good week for the Indians.

To call or not to call Part III

Week 2 of the "Friday Night Lights" in our house was actually played on Saturday. Cal's team started on defense. First drive, they blocked a punt and ran it in for a TD. From there, they pretty much dominated the rest of the game. The other team was undersized and under skilled all around. Cal was limited in playing time again, until the 4th quarter, when they were up 28-0. The coach put him in for one series and let him get 4 carries. He went for 1, 12, 5 and 24 yard runs with the last one being a TD. That's a 10 1/2 yard average and a TD. I didn't notice if the other team had put in their 2nd string defense yet or not -it was 5 minutes into the 4th quarter that he scored (stats here). They did still have their first string offense in but pulled them after this score.

It left me confused again. He didn't start at tailback or on defense and had limited touches. After talking with him, he was frustrated, but happy nonetheless, since they won the game so handily. Everyone on the bus ride home was in a good mood. You can imagine.

I wimped out and decided to talk to the coach. Actually, I did have to talk to him about something else, so thought I would ask while I had him on the phone. He actually surprised me with what he said. I simply asked if Cal's attitude was good and I said he has never played on a team where he wasn't starting offense/defense and special teams and I just wanted to make sure he wasn't in any trouble or anything. The coach said he knows "Cal has big play ability and he has a gear out on the field that others don't have. But there are other kids that have picked up the schemes faster, and they have a better understanding of their schemes. Even though he has the ability to run off 30 yards on any given play, he's not going to do that every play and we need kids who understand the schemes we are trying to run." He went on to say his work ethic is great and his attitude is great and they are trying to work him in. He said it is the same on defense. As a free safety, he has to be the QB of the defense and the person ahead of him knows all the reads and checks better.

We ended on a real good note, even though I could read he was nervous/defensive, with a parent asking about playing time. I tried to be real upbeat by telling him I really understand he has a lot of talented kids and I just wanted to make sure Cal is still working hard, and that he did a great job Saturday (even though I don't agree with the offensive style he is running). I tried very hard to make it non-confrontational but more like a parent asking for information to help improve his child. I think it worked.

I'm really glad I talked to him. I was glad that he acknowledged Cal's skills (I was afraid that he didn't realize his talents). Cal had said the other running backs were sucking up. Well now that made perfect sense. They were probably putting in extra time talking to the coach about the plays and about exactly what they were supposed to be doing. Cal probably felt he didn't need to do that since he is already so talented. What the coach was describing is exactly my son. He uses his talents and skills well, but he doesn't prepare or study enough (or not at all sometimes). He has had so much talent in football that he didn't need to hit the right hole every time because he can make things happen. His speed is natural and his understanding of the game (up to this age) has come easily. As he gets older though, the talent around him will continue to rise to the point that he cannot rely on his game play alone. He will have to really study the game and know the schemes/plays inside and out. And this conversation has helped me, in that now I can try to guide Cal in the right direction to continue improving, rather than staying at the plateau he has obviously hit.

I may still be the biased dad. I would try to get the most touches to the kid that has that big play ability and that "other" gear that most kids don't have. But I see the coaches point. Look out! Cal's goal is to score 5 TD's in one game (playing at the Varsity level), and if he really starts preparing, he can hit it.

The countdown begins

I'm not really sure what value this has, but here is a test I got from recessrampage. I know one fact is that I would have 73 days to mourn Alan's passing before I have to go, if we had been born on the same day.

10 Week Challenge Part II

I work in an office with a bunch of loan officers sitting at their desks all day (with an occasional stroll to the fax machine). Sedentary is the best description, IMO.

In January 07, we decided to do a Biggest Loser contest. 8 people, $100 each, 10 weeks, biggest % drop wins. I took it very seriously (as I do all competitions- I'm sure you do as well if you are a poker player and gambler). I went from 258lbs to 227lbs or a 12.02% drop in weight. The next closest person to me dropped 7.47%. As I said, I take any competition seriously. But I think a lot of people stopped trying so hard after I was pulling away in week 6.

I wanted to continue working off some weight, my ideal weight is 210, and I think the charts say I should be under 200lbs -I am 6'3" tall. But I took a couple weeks off, then spent a week in Vegas and the next thing I knew, I was full blown off the exercising and eating right. Summertime was coming and we were doing more parties, more weekends out on the boat (with cooler of beer), more late nights, etc... Now I am back up to .......... drum roll please .......... 257.8 lbs.

So we are starting another 10 week challenge. Weigh in was last Friday and I have 10 weeks to destroy 30lbs of fat again. I am working on doing it the same way. I used the "You on a Diet" book which basically was cardio 30 minutes every day and eating only non-processed foods. I also eat 6 times a day, to keep my metabolism high and I do two 30 minute sessions 4 days a week and 1 30 minute session 2 days a week. 1 day I don't work out and eat whatever I want in the evening (pizza and beer usually).

The office has me listed as the favorite, so I am twice as determined as last time. I can't ruin my reputation by not blowing everyone away again? Don't you agree?
I'll keep you posted.

Ironic?

My best win % is KK. Hmmmmm. Maybe I should change this site to "HOW TO WIN WITH KK". OK, not really. Notice, out of almost 2000 hands I only got KK 3 times. And this is not tournament play. Ring games only. AA was down at 50%. Tournament play probably would show KK at 50% or worse.

I need to figure out how to really use pokertracker. I am having trouble looking up tournament hands. Maybe I am closing out the tournaments too early? I don't think I am data mining either. Or at least I don't have the right settings marked. Either way, since early July, I show 17 hands played in tournament play. That is obviously wrong.

Friday night we are going to a wedding and then Saturday and Sunday will be kids events (soccer game, football game, soccer game, and boy scout meeting). I hope to at least get in the Sunday night football game. BTW, I changed my pick for tonight from Indy to NO at 4pm today, based on this guy and Mr. Q both talking about New Orleans covering. Off to a great start!

Stay patient...

To call or not to call Part II

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I could justify any of your answers.


Jusdealem brought up maintaining a friendly relationship with the coach. I wish I could, but I work 10 hour days, and only see the coach at fundraisers and games. And I do talk to him then, but won't see him again until the next game. Yabi's idea to challenge the coach in poker is my favorite idea, but I'm on a cold run lately, so I decided to not chance it. I think Willwonka's advice to encourage Cal to talk to the coach was right in line with what I was thinking. And Reccessrampage said it best: "I think it's important to let Cal make his decisions." In the end, I decided to do option C: Do nothing.


Well, not really nothing. I didn't call the coach and I didn't tell Cal he HAD to talk to the coach about his playing time. But I did ask Cal how he felt about it and what he is doing to improve his situation. The tailback with the most carries last game, got hurt in the 4th quarter and may miss this week's game. So Cal is getting more reps on offense and he was moved up to starting linebacker on defense. And they moved him up to starting punt returns. He is planning on working hard, doing his best and letting his play prove to the coaches that he should be in more.
Next game is this Saturday at 5pm. I'll keep you posted.

On another subject, yesterday was my 4 year anniversary with the hawkette. Man! Life has been good to me to meet her. 5 1/2 wonderful years together and many more to come. And she loves to play poker. How about that? I knew we were meant for each other the first night we were together. I brought her back to my place and put on some sexy music and turned down the lights (trying to impress her), and then she asked "Can we turn on Sportscenter?" Sold! We were married 1 1/2 years later and still going strong. I LOVE YOU, HONEY.

Stay patient...

Should have folded KK (part IV)

Full Tilt Poker Game #3466463692: Table Durham Springs - $0.10/$0.25 - No Limit Hold'em - 2:14:52 ET - 2007/09/05
Seat 1: dandelos ($24.30)
Seat 2: milkmoney1 ($15)
Seat 4: Jones 833 ($10.15)
Seat 5: Dillinger17 ($25)
Seat 6: jamyhawk ($16.20)
Seat 7: thegamerwhite ($18.90)
Seat 8: pasnia ($26.40)
Seat 9: Yusuf89 ($39.35)
pasnia posts the small blind of $0.10
Yusuf89 has 5 seconds left to act
Yusuf89 is sitting out
Yusuf89 has timed out
dandelos has 5 seconds left to act
dandelos is sitting out
milkmoney1 has 5 seconds left to act
dandelos stands up
milkmoney1 is sitting out
milkmoney1 has timed out
Jones 833 posts the big blind of $0.25
5 seconds left to act
Dillinger17 posts $0.25
The button is in seat #7
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to jamyhawk [Ks Kd]<--ruh roh!
Dillinger17 checks
milkmoney1 stands up
jamyhawk raises to $1.10<--always raising.
thegamerwhite calls $1.10<--good sign no re-raise
pasnia folds
AlexanderH sits down
Jones 833 calls $0.85<--i must be ahead pre-flop.
Dillinger17 folds
*** FLOP *** [3h 4c 5d]<--yuck. sets are all possible here.
Jones 833 checks
AlexanderH adds $25
jamyhawk checks<--plan to check raise
thegamerwhite bets $3.65<--overbet.
Jones 833 has 15 seconds left to act
JoeNBA1K sits down
Jones 833 raises to $9.05, and is all in<--now this is the scary bet. But short stack makes it more reasonable for me to call. hmmmm. what to do. I think I am ahead still. Jones has been loose, can see a draw here. .
JoeNBA1K adds $10
jamyhawk calls $9.05<--should have re-raised, not called.
thegamerwhite raises to $17.80, and is all in
jamyhawk calls $6.05, and is all in<--pot committed? something committed, that's for sure!
thegamerwhite shows [Ac 7h]<--hell yeah!
Jones 833 shows [2c Tc]<--are you kidding me? WTF? I'm golden.
jamyhawk shows [Ks Kd]
Uncalled bet of $2.70 returned to thegamerwhite
*** TURN *** [3h 4c 5d] [9d]
*** RIVER *** [3h 4c 5d 9d] [Ad]<--LOL. FU. MF. ARRRRRRRGHHHHHH.
thegamerwhite shows a pair of Aces
jamyhawk shows a pair of Kings
thegamerwhite wins the side pot ($11.50) with a pair of Aces<--worst part is he gets some of the pot.
Jones 833 shows a straight, Five high
Jones 833 wins the main pot ($29.30) with a straight, Five high
jamyhawk is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $42.90 Main pot $30.80. Side pot $12.10. Rake $2.10
Board: [3h 4c 5d 9d Ad]
Seat 1: dandelos is sitting out
Seat 2: milkmoney1 is sitting out
Seat 4: Jones 833 (big blind) showed [2c Tc] and won ($29.30) with a straight, Five high
Seat 5: Dillinger17 folded before the Flop
Seat 6: jamyhawk showed [Ks Kd] and lost with a pair of Kings
Seat 7: thegamerwhite (button) showed [Ac 7h] and won ($11.50) with a pair of Aces
Seat 8: pasnia (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 9: Yusuf89 is sitting out

Not a bad beat, just bad play. FOLD THAT KK!

To call or not to call

Please tell me what would you do?

My son's first football game was Friday night. He played all of about 10 plays, not even going in on offense until the second quarter. No big deal for most people and as a parent I know I would be biased in this situation. However, as a sophomore, he was starting tailback on offense, starting cornerback on defense, starting punt, punt returns, kickoff and kickoff returns. He did break his leg first game of the season LAST YEAR, but has healed 100% as that was 1 year ago. The athletic director, other parents, other students all have commented on how excited they are that Cal is back and how big that is for their football program. Now as a Junior he is no longer a starter? And another brilliant move: the coach was rotating in 2 quarterbacks and 3 running backs, throughout the game.

In the 10 plays he played (stats are here under Holt -hawkins) he had a 39 yard screen play, a 25 yard screen play (called back because of penalty), a TD saving tackle, and 3 of 5 rushing plays for positive yardage (2 plays he was tackled when handed the ball).

OK, so I am boring you to death about my son. But this IS my BLOG! And I coached football for 5 years at the 8-13 year old levels. I know you play your best kids as early and as often as you can. And Cal is, without a doubt, a football stud. If for no other reason, he has the speed and the years of experience. I asked my son why he didn't play and he said because the other two running backs suck up to the coach all of the time.

Now for my question:
Do you

A: Call the coach and ask politely if there is a problem you should be made aware of? Has my son had a bad attitude or gotten into trouble with the coaching staff? Keep it non confrontational but find out why he played him so little.

B: Instruct your son to go to the coach and ask why he is not playing? What can he do to get more playing time?

C: Do nothing. Don't risk you or your son looking like whiners. Wait until after the second game, then pull your son out of the football program and move to a new school that is desperate for a good running game.

OK, maybe not everything in C is appropriate, but I am curious as to weather you would call the coach or not?