Stud Tournament

I recently played a small buy in seven card stud tournament. I know that stud is not my best game, so I wanted to get some practice in more than anything else. I probably played my best stud in a long time and ran into some unfortunate spots. I had held an average chip stack through most of the tournament when the following hand came up. I was sitting to the right of the bring in and one other player called the bring in. I had an ace up, so this is an automatic completion bet. I completed and both players behind me called. On fourth street, I picked up another ace, giving me just a pair of aces. Neither of my opponents improved on fourth, so I bet the larger amount and was called in both spots again. I now was concerned about my hand a bit. I caught a blank on fifth street, but my opponents did also. Knowing that my pair was good, I bet again and got two calls. I catch another ace on sixth street and fire once again and I finally get one player to fold. I checked in the dark on 7th as I knew my opponent had a draw that could beat the 3 aces I held. He checked behind me and commented that he was checking just in case I filled up. I didn't fill up and he made a flush on 7th. So sick. This player called on 3rd with nothing; picked up a gutshot on 4th and a flush draw on 5th that got home on 7th. I hate it when people chase and catch. It is very frustrating for solid players like myself.

Although I just lost a big pot, I still had some chips to play with and wasn't in a desperate mode yet. I move tables and played a big pot with a short stacked player. He was betting the whole way and I put him all in on 5th street with just A-K high. It was better than his K-10 high. My read was right. I end up with A-K-Q-J-9 on 7th--the best nothing you can have. My opponent caught a pair of 3s on 7th. There is not much I could have done on that one. I was now in a bit of a desperate mode and got it all in on 4th with 4 over cards to my opponents pair of 4s. On sixth street, I had 6 over cards to his pair. I made a pair of jacks on 7th, but my opponent made two pair. Just like that I was done. I made it down to the final 4 tables, and only two were getting paid. I can feel reassured that I played well during the event, but was frustrated about getting unlucky in some key spots. As they say, that's poker.

Where your money comes from

If you are a winning player, you should have an idea about where your money comes from. I'm not talking about knowing if you make your money from playing hold 'em or omaha or if you make more during the day or night or online versus live. While all of these things are important to know, what is often overlooked in my opinion is how you made that money. What this basically boils down to is determining if are you outplaying your opponents or if you are simply capitalizing on their mistakes (or both).

Lets assume you play an ABC variety of poker and you are playing in a no limit hold 'em cash game. It is folded to you on the button and two novices are in the blind. You look down at A-K. You raise 3xBB, small blind folds, big blind calls. Flop comes K-6-3. You value bet on the flop, turn and river and the big blind shows you Q-6. Clearly, you didn't do anything special to win this pot. The money that was won was a result of the inexperience of the big blind. You often hear people say that you can't bluff amateur players. This is because they do not know how to fold a hand like in the above example. What if you had held A-J? Surely, you would raise on the button and make a continuation bet on the flop, but would you fire the second and third bullet? I guess that depends on what kind of player you are.

The point here is that you can make money at the lower limits by continually exploiting your opponents mistakes. While you may be able to pull off a bluff of two from time to time, it probably won't be a profitable play in the long run against a bunch of rookies. However, as you move up in limits or begin to encounter good players who are exploiting these rookies as much as you are, you will find that you will have to make adjustments to your game to win money from more experienced players. At the higher limits, players make fewer mistakes and there is less money to be won via someone else making a mistake. It is at the higher limits where you will have to employ more "fancy plays" to win. However, I would recommend avoiding fancy play syndrome at lower limits.

Checking in PLO

One of the overlooked ploys to controlling pot size in pot limit omaha (or any pot limit game for that matter) is checking. Now this is a bit contrary to a "raise or fold" style of play. I wouldn't recommend habitually checking in a pot limit game and if you are inexperienced with pot limit games, I wouldn't check too often. A check can be a useful tool when the pots are small and heads up. Because the size of the pot can grow exponentially, you may prefer to check and call rather than bet out.

Lets say you have a good draw such as a gut shot straight draw and flush draw to go along with a pair. While your hand is strong, you don't want to get priced out in a tournament situation. Lets say blinds are 100-200, you have 3,500 in chips and the pot size is 500. If you bet 300, your opponent could raise you to as much as 1,400. Essentially, you now have to commit to the pot or fold. If you get it all in, you can't be a huge underdog (unless you are up against better draws) but if you fold, you have lost your bet.

However, if you choose to check in this situation, the most you would have to pay to see the next card is 500. If you are in a situation where you feel your hand is beat, but want to draw cheaply, a check call may be right in some situations. Betting out may raise the price of the draw to a level that is too high for your stack and then you either fold or play a huge pot where you are behind. A check call is just another tool one can add to their bag of tricks in a pot limit game.

Did this guy know we were playing razz???

I just don't get what this guy was thinking on this hand. Gotta love the razz donkeys. If you can't figure it out, I'm in Seat 2. This one doesn't even require any comments from me. It is just that bad.

Seat 1: (1,485)
Seat 2: (1,515)
Seat 1 antes 5
Seat 2 antes 5
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [9s]
Dealt to Seat 2 [4h 5h] [9d]
Seat 1 is high with [9s]
Seat 1 completes it to 30
Seat 2 calls 30
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [9s] [Js]
Dealt to Seat 2 [4h 5h 9d] [7h]
Seat 2 bets 30
Seat 1 raises to 60
Seat 2 calls 30
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [9s Js] [Td]
Dealt to Seat 2 [4h 5h 9d 7h] [6c]
Seat 2 bets 60
Seat 1 raises to 120
Seat 2 raises to 180
Seat 1 raises to 240
Seat 2 calls 60
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [9s Js Td] [Jh]
Dealt to Seat 2 [4h 5h 9d 7h 6c] [As]
Seat 2 bets 60
Seat 1 raises to 120
Seat 2 raises to 180
Seat 1 raises to 240
Seat 2 calls 60
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 2 [4h 5h 9d 7h 6c As] [Kd]
Seat 2 bets 60
Seat 1 raises to 120
Seat 2 raises to 180
Seat 1 raises to 240
Seat 2 calls 60
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Seat 1 shows [4s Ah 9s Js Td Jh Ac] J,T,9,4,A
Seat 2 shows [Kd 5h 9d 7h 6c As 4h] 7,6,5,4,A
Seat 2 wins the pot (1,630) with 7,6,5,4,A

Online Table Selection

You can find an assortment of writings that explain which games you may want to play in on line based on hands per hour or average number of players seeing a flop (or fourth street). What I want to address is heads up play (and to a lesser extent sit and gos). If you play a lot on line, you should be keeping notes about those with whom you play. I'll admit that I'm not the best at this, but you'd prefer to play against weaker players as opposed to playing stronger ones. This is basically the same principle with regard to table selection. You may be the best razz player in the world, but why play against 6 or 7 other top razz players when you (a good omaha 8/b player) can play omaha 8/b against 8 weak players? It just makes more sense in my opinion to attack the weaker players.

If I'm playing online and want to play heads up, I rarely open a table and let people come to me. Instead, I go to players that are already seated. This may seem like a trivial point, but by selecting your opponent you avoid a stronger player coming to sit with you. Instead, you have control over who you play against and who you may avoid. There are skilled players that I'd rather not play if there is an option of playing against a weaker player. This same principle can be applied to sit and gos. Don't open a table--try to be one of the last 3 to sit. Look for tables full of weak players and you'll find that your results should improve.

Straight Flush

The purpose of this post is not to gloat in my straight flush but to make the point that players need to raise and bet enough to prevent draws from calling you. I was in my regular $1-$2 no limit hold 'em game and picked up 9s-7s in late position. The pot was not raised so I limped in for the $2. There were about 6 players in the pot as is typical for a low stakes game. I know some people would argue to play my position and raise the pot pre-flop, but that is just not my style. I know I can out play my opponents after the flop and if I happened to hit a monster flop I would probably get paid off.

The flop came Js-10s-x. That is a great flop for my hand. I figured I would win with any spade or any 8--that is 12 outs. After a couple of checks a player led out with a bet about 3/4 of the size of the pot. I know raising is definitely an option, but I didn't want to go crazy without a made hand. I flat called and so did a player to my left. Everyone else folded. I hit my 8 on the turn--it was the 8 of spades. I just turned the nuts. The player to my right moved all in. You just can't ask for a better situation. Now I still had a player behind me so I didn't instantly call. I debated raising, but figured my best chance for the other player to get involved was if I just called. I called, the player to my left folded and the player to my right turned over a jack. He was drawing dead and I took down a nice pot.

Big Tournament

A few months ago, I took a stab at a 4 figure buy in tournament. I was confident in my game and wanted to see how I fared against some better competition. I got off to a rocky start. I lost almost half of my chips in the first level. It wasn't due to bad play--I was just getting cold decked. I limped in the small blind with 9-2 off suit. My opponent flopped two pair and trapped me while I turned a lower two pair. I held A-2 in the small blind. My opponent on the button held A-Q and didn't raise the pot. We both make trip aces on the river and I lose the minimum.

I was struggling for chips when I picked up K-K in the second level. I raised and then got reraised. I raised again (of course, the third bet is always aces or kings) and got called in two spots. I didn't like that at all. The flop came jack high and action was checked to me. I moved all in and got called instantly by Q-Q. The kings held up and I was back in it. I picked up a couple more pots at that level and things were going well. In the third level, I raised with 7-7 and flopped an open end straight draw. My opponent led out and I raised with my pair and draw. My opponent called and then moved all in when an ace hit the turn. I had to fold and gave up a big pot.

For the next few levels, I was treading water. I really went card dead, but did manage to pick up a pot here and there. However, I proceeded to get short stacked. I was in the small blind with K-J and faced a minimum raise. I felt as if was dominated here, so I just folded the hand. I later picked up A-J and raised all in and won a pot pre-flop. I called a raise with 3-3 on the button. The flop came all clubs and my opponent led out. I probably should have reraised all in pre-flop, but that is hard to do with a small pair. I finally made a move by limping in and then reraising all in with 6-6. Of course, I ran into K-K and was out after surviving about 50% of the field.

If anything, that tournament taught me that I can hold my own against solid amatures and professionals. I was surprised that there was some extremely bad play in the early levels. While I'm not planning on playing bigger buy in events on a regular basis, I will certainly play one every now and then.

Chinese Poker

I've recently started playing Chinese poker before and after my regular home game. While there is more of a luck factor in this game, skillful play can beat a novice player. We normally play the variety with a 2-7 lowball hand in the middle. Chinese poker is more of a relaxing form of poker as there is no bluffing involved. You are just trying to play your hand as best as possible knowing what your opponents like to do with their hands. If you play a lot of poker, I recommend trying a few hands of Chinese for variety.

A triple draw mistake

I recently played in a 2-7 triple draw tournament. I wanted to capitalize on my good finish earlier in the year as I knew there would be a lot of bad play early on. And indeed there was. It seemed like every hand would be at least 4 way with at least 2 players drawing two cards on every draw. I played tight early and stole a couple of pots against aggressive opponents who would miss their draw after the third draw. I won two pots with pairs and never had to show it down. I then went on a horrible streak when I would make good hands (8-6 or better) and ran into a player who kept drawing two cards and hitting the nuts. This happened three times. After that, i was a bit short stacked. I managed to win a pot with an 8-5 low to keep afloat. I then picked up the fourth nut (7-6-5-4-2) and got good action on it.

After my table broke, I was moved to the table with the chip leader. Still short stacked, I managed to double up with third nut low against the chip leader's 8 low. I now had enough chips to feel comfortable. I proceeded to have a run of paint cards that would have been great for draw high poker, but I was folding a lot of hands. I finally got dealt a pat 8-5 low and slow played it and got an extra bet out of my opponent. I then picked up a couple more small pots. We were finally down to 7 players and at the final table. I lost one pot early after I bet a 9-8 lo after the second draw and got check raised. I folded that one. I was starting to get marginally short stacked. I knew I had to find a hand and go with it soon.

Action was folded to me on the button. I usually don't always raise on the button in triple draw as that play is very obvious to a good player. However, I looked at A-J-8-6-4 and decided stealing the blinds was worth it at this point in the tournament. I raised. The small blind made it 3 bets. The big blind folded. I called. I thought about why the small blind made it 3 bets. Was he trying to keep this pot heads up and shut out the big blind? Did he think I was on a total steal with absolutely nothing? My opponent drew two cards. I obviously did the same. I now knew that he started with 3 wheel cards. I drew a Q and a 3. My opponent checked. I improved my hand so I bet. With the pot this big, I didn't think he would fold. He didn't and then drew two more cards. I took one off and picked up a 7. I now had a good, but vulnerable hand: 8-7-6-4-3. My opponent led out and bet.

Why would he lead out after drawing two when I drew one? If he checks, I'm almost certain to bet there as I was down to two big bets. Did he really hit two perfect cards? I'm guessing he has a one card draw to a 7. I have a made hand so I decided to raise and get all in. He called. Then he stood pat. This totally confused me as I was almost certain he was going to draw since I could tell that he didn't like my raise after the second draw. Now I'm in a very tough spot. Did I make a wrong read? Did he hit two perfects to make a or a smooth 8 and lead out with it? If he made a 7 or 8, my hand is no good. If he has a 7, I'm practically drawing dead. Even if I hit a 2, I only have 4th nut. If he has an 8, I'm still in bad shape as I'm still drawing to the 2 if I throw away the 8, or drawing to a 2 or a 5 if I throw away the 7. If I hit an 8-6 low, it might not be good either. I'm really in a tough spot. I decided to go with my read that I was beat. I threw away the 8. As soon as I did that my opponent said, "I think you just broke the winner." I was crushed. My read was wrong. He turned over 10-8-7-5-2. At least I had a few outs to stay alive. I drew a jack and it was over.

My mistake was not considering how much worse my hand could get if I drew. Sure, I was going with the read, but nobody is ever perfect in their reads. After raising all in with my 8-7-6, I should have been content with it. If I'm beat, I'm beat. What is even more frustrating is that this mistake is all on me. I didn't get sucked out on or have a bad run of cards. I simply made the wrong decision and it cost me. If I win that pot, I'm up to 2nd or 3rd in chips and have a good chance to win it all. While I haven't played too many triple draw tournaments, I shouldn't have made that mistake.

Heads Up

I recently played heads up on one of those PokerTek heads up machines against a well known female professional. We were playing a $100 freeze out of $1/$2 no limit hold 'em. I would have preferred razz, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to play against a great player for only $100. I feel pretty good about my heads up play and I reasoned that she would give me credit for a hand more times than not so I played a bit more aggressively than I normally do to start out the match. I got off to a good start and won a few pots without a showdown. While I did hold a few good hands, I also bluffed at a few pots. I was up about $135 to $65 when I raised on the button and bet on every single street with a 9-4 off suit. A King hit the river and I made a value bet on the river to represent a hand like A-K. I figured that would win me the pot as I had fired the third bullet at the pot. I was getting called down by K-rag with no draw and had the king not hit, I think I would have won the pot.

That was the first showdown of the match, so I knew I had to adjust my play accordingly. I know knew that my opponent knew I was capable of betting with absolutely nothing. I tightened up a bit and after folding a few hands, I was down about $90 to $110. I then picked up A-2 on the button. Normally, this is a spot where I raise. However, I wanted to set up a bit of a trap as I knew my bets would not gain me as much respect as they did earlier in the match. I limped on the button and then got minimum raised. This sent off a few warning signs in my head as she had not minimum raised all match. Her standard opening raise was anywhere from $7 to $10 (mine was only $6). I chose to call the raise as I did not want to play a big pot with a weak ace pre-flop.

The flop came K-Q-2. She checked. I wasn't sure if I was getting set up for a check raise, so I put out a feeler bet to see where I was at with my pair. There was $8 in the pot and I bet $7. She called. The turn was an ace. There is now $22 in the pot. She moves all in for $99 and has me covered. I just turned aces up. I had to think this one through. Here is a list of the hand she could have that beat me: A-K, A-Q, K-K, Q-Q, 2-2, J-10. Of these six hands, the only likely hands she would have held are 2-2 and J-10. Against those hands, I'm drawing thin, but not dead. I would not expect a minimum raise and a check-call on the flop with the monster starting hands. Here is a list of other hands she might move in with that I could beat: K-Q, K-2, Q-2, A-J thru A-2. Her small pre-flop raise led me to believe that she held a hand like K-Q or an ace. If I was right about her hand, I stood to be in good shape.

I made the call. She turned over J-10. I didn't fill up on the river. Game over. I'll give her credit for over betting the pot with the nuts and getting a call out of me. I still think it is very difficult to fold my two pair in that spot. Based on my analysis of her likely hands, I win more times than I lose. That is what making a read is all about. It is not necessarily putting your opponent on a specific hand, but correctly analyzing the range of hands they might have and determining where your hand stands. Although I didn't win the match, I confirmed to myself that I can hold my own against the best.

Running Bad

Sometimes, you just can't win a pot. However, after losing pot after pot to poor players who make bad plays, poker can be frustrating. This May, I had the worst month I had in about 20 months. I wasn't playing bad; the cards were just not cooperating with me. While I am still in process of getting out of this funk, I have found a few methods that can be helpful.

• Don't play. It sounds simple enough, but take some time away from the table to clear your head.
• Avoid fancy play. Go back to a more basic, ABC approach to the game. You might not win as much, but you should be able to right the ship and book a win.
• Play a different game. After taking a brutal beat in a $1/$2 no limit hold 'em game, I hopped into a $1-$5 stud game and ended up a small winner. It wasn't much, but it was a win.

The purpose of having a bankroll is to be able to make it through the times when you run bad. As long as you are playing well and getting your money in with the best of it, you will win in the long run. Short run variances are just a part of the game. The best advice if you keep getting knocked down, is to get back up again and keep playing. As long as you are not letting your emotions take over, you will eventually start running better.

Heads Up Pot Limit Omana in Six Hands

I recently played a heads up Pot Limit Omaha tournament. As the title indicates, the tournament was over in six hands. I only lost one pot where I was in the big blind and folded to a bet on the flop. My win was largely due to the overaggressiveness of my opponent. I am in seat #2 and my comments are in italics.



Heads Up Sit & Go 10/20 - Pot Limit Omaha

The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Seat 2 [5h Tc Th As]
Seat 2 calls 10
Seat 1 raises to 60
Seat 2 calls 40
I want to see a flop here. I'm in position with a decent hand, but I don't like the pot sized raise preflop. I'll proceed cautiously.
*** FLOP *** [Ah Jc 9c]
Seat 1 bets 60
Seat 2 calls 60
The half pot bet here could just be a continuation bet. I have top pair. I'll just call as this is a draw heavy board and I don't want to invest too much early in the match.
*** TURN *** [Ah Jc 9c] [7h]
Seat 1 bets 120
Seat 2 calls 120
This is a good card as I have now picked up a flush draw. The half pot bet won't scare me away.
*** RIVER *** [Ah Jc 9c 7h] [5s]
Seat 1 checks
Seat 2 bets 260
I just made a strong hand--aces up. I need to value bet this. It looks like my opponent missed a flush or straight draw.
Seat 1 calls 260
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Seat 2 shows [5h Tc Th As] (two pair, Aces and Fives)
Seat 1 shows [Kd 2c Ts Ks] (a pair of Kings)
Seat 2 wins the pot (1,000) with two pair, Aces and Fives
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 1,000 Rake 0Board: [Ah Jc 9c 7h 5s]
Seat 1 (big blind) showed [Kd 2c Ts Ks] and lost with a pair of Kings
Seat 2 (small blind) showed [5h Tc Th As] and won (1,000) with two pair, Aces and Fives
I guess my opponent was value betting the kings and a gutshot. I'm glad I got paid off here as better players would easily fold that hand.


Heads Up Sit & Go 10/20 - Pot Limit Omaha
Seat 1 (1,000)
Seat 2 (2,000)
Seat 1 posts the small blind of 10
Seat 2 posts the big blind of 20
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Seat 2 [Jh 3h 8h 6s]
Seat 1 calls 10
Seat 2 checks
No need to raise here. Let's see a flop.
** FLOP *** [4c Qd Ad]
Seat 2 checks
Seat 1 bets 40
Seat 2 folds
This a no brainer. I missed the flop completely. Time to fold.
Uncalled bet of 40 returned to Seat 1
Seat 1 mucks
Seat 1 wins the pot (40)
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 40 Rake 0Board: [4c Qd Ad]
Seat 1 (small blind) collected (40), mucked
Seat 2 (big blind) folded on the Flop

Heads Up Sit & Go 10/20 - Pot Limit Omaha
Seat 1 (1,020)
Seat 2 (1,980)
Seat 2 posts the small blind of 10
Seat 1 posts the big blind of 20
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Seat 2 [6s 2c Ts 4d]
Seat 2 calls 10
I'll just limp in and try and see a cheap flop.
Seat 1 checks
*** FLOP *** [5h 8s 2h]
Seat 1 checks
Seat 2 checks
*** TURN *** [5h 8s 2h] [Qs]
Seat 1 checks
Seat 2 bets 20
I have a flush draw, gutshot straight draw and a pair. Maybe I can win the pot by betting.
Seat 1calls 20
*** RIVER *** [5h 8s 2h Qs] [3c]
Seat 1 checks
Seat 2 bets 40
Seat 1 folds
Uncalled bet of 40 returned to Seat 2
Seat 2 mucks
Seat 2 wins the pot (80)
I had to value bet the nuts.
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 80 Rake 0Board: [5h 8s 2h Qs 3c]
Seat 1 (big blind) folded on the River
Seat 2 (small blind) collected (80), mucked

Heads Up Sit & Go 10/20 - Pot Limit Omaha

Seat 1 (980)
Seat 2 (2,020)
Seat 1 posts the small blind of 10
Seat 2 posts the big blind of 20
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Seat 2 [Ah 7c Ac 6c]
Seat 1 calls 10
Seat 2 raises to 40
Seat 1 calls 20
I like the minimum raise with aces in PLO--especially heads up. I don't want to invest too much with just one pair at this point.
*** FLOP *** [Ad As Ts]
Seat 2 checks
I like it when I flop the nuts. I hope my opponent catches up a bit.
Seat 1 checks
*** TURN *** [Ad As Ts] [Th]
Seat 2 checks
Please have quad 10s......
Seat 1 checks
*** RIVER *** [Ad As Ts Th] [2s]
Seat 2 bets 40
Time for a value bet.
Seat 1 calls 40
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Seat 2 shows [Ah 7c Ac 6c] (four of a kind, Aces)
Seat 1 mucks
Seat 2 wins the pot (160) with four of a kind, Aces
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 160 Rake 0Board: [Ad As Ts Th 2s]
Seat 1 (small blind) mucked [Qh 8h 2d 9s] - two pair, Aces and Twos
Seat 2 (big blind) showed [Ah 7c Ac 6c] and won (160) with four of a kind, Aces
This player is not that good. I don't see anyway that Aces and twos with a queen kicker would be good in that spot.

Heads Up Sit & Go 10/20 - Pot Limit Omaha
Seat 1 (900)
Seat 2 (2,100)
Seat 2 posts the small blind of 10
Seat 1 posts the big blind of 20
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Seat 2[5d 4h Js Ts]
Seat 2 calls 10
I want to see a cheap flop with a hand like this.
Seat 1 checks
*** FLOP *** [3d Tc 8h]
Seat 1 checks
Seat 2 bets 40
I have not led out with a pot sized bet yet. My opponent should respect this bet. I hold top pair but nothing more. I'm just using my big stack more than anything else to win the pot here.
Seat 1 folds
Uncalled bet of 40 returned to Seat 2
Seat 2 mucks
Seat 2 wins the pot (40)
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 40 Rake 0Board: [3d Tc 8h]
Seat 1 (big blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 2 (small blind) collected (40), mucked

Heads Up Sit & Go 10/20 - Pot Limit Omaha
Seat 1 (880)
Seat 2 (2,120)
Seat 1 posts the small blind of 10
Seat 2 posts the big blind of 20
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Seat 2 [9h As 3s 2d]
Seat 1 raises to 60
Seat 2 calls 40
I'll try and flop big. I'm out of position, but I have enough chips to gamble a bit at this stage.
*** FLOP *** [2s 5s 3d]
Seat 2 checks
I flopped big. I have not check raised yet. That is my plan.
Seat 1 bets 120
Seat 2 raises to 480
I'm a bit worried about a pot sized bet here. I know I have outs regardless of what my oppoent holds. I'll play a big pot with a hand like this.
Seat 1 raises to 820, and is all in
Seat 2calls 340
Pot committed with this hand. Easy call.
Seat 1 shows [Kd Ad 8s 8d]
Seat 2 shows [9h As 3s 2d]
Wow, going all in with just the overpair. Must be an omaha rookie.
*** TURN *** [2s 5s 3d] [4s]
I win.
*** RIVER *** [2s 5s 3d 4s] [Ts]
Seat 1 shows a pair of Eights
Seat 2 shows a straight flush, Five high
Seat 2 wins the pot (1,760) with a straight flush, Five high

*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 1,760 Rake 0Board: [2s 5s 3d 4s Ts]
Seat 1 (small blind) showed [Kd Ad 8s 8d] and lost with a pair of Eights
Seat 2 (big blind) showed [9h As 3s 2d] and won (1,760) with a straight flush, Five high
That was about as quick of a heads up tournament as I have ever played.

A monster with a suited connector

Much has been written about the value of playing small suited connectors in no-limit hold 'em. I won't reiterate any of those themes here. Instead, I have posted how one of the suited connectors I recently played in a low stakes cash game turned out. I only had about 30 minutes to play, so I bought in to a six handed $0.25/$0.50 no limit hold 'em game. I had just got done folding both blinds and was now on the button. I am in seat #1 and my comments are in italics.

$0.25/$0.50 - No Limit Hold'em

Seat 1: ($19.25)

Seat 4: ($21.55)

Seat 6: ($19.60)

Seat 9: ($9.95)

Seat 4 posts the small blind of $0.25

Seat 6 posts the big blind of $0.50

The button is in seat #1

*** HOLE CARDS ***

Dealt to Seat 1 [5h 4h]

Seat 9 folds

Seat 1 calls $0.50

I'm in position. I want to see a flop as cheap as I can.

Seat 4 raises to $1

Seat 6 folds

Seat 1 calls $0.50

A minimum raise is a bit suspicious. I'm surprised that the BB didn't call. I'm getting a good price and I am in position. I'll call.

*** FLOP *** [7h 6h 3c]

Seat 4 bets $1.50

Seat 1 calls $1.50

I just flopped the nuts with a redraw to the super nuts. I'm just going to call.

*** TURN *** [7h 6h 3c] [3h]

Seat 4 bets $3

Seat 1 calls $3

I just turned a monster. I'm hoping my opponent has the Ace high flush. There is no value in raising here. I hope my opponent catches up some on the river.

*** RIVER *** [7h 6h 3c 3h] [Tc]

Seat 4 bets $6

Seat 1 raises to $13.75, and is all in

I have to raise here. If I raised the minimum, I'm left with just $1.75. I'm all in.

Seat 4 has 15 seconds left to act

Please call. Please call.

Seat 4: QQ tough spot

Seat 4 folds

Uncalled bet of $7.75 returned to Seat 1

Seat 1 mucks

Seat 1 wins the pot ($22.35)

I can believe that my opponent had QQ. Good fold.

*** SUMMARY ***Total pot $23.50 Rake $1.15

Board: [7h 6h 3c 3h Tc]

Seat 1: (button) collected ($22.35), mucked

Seat 4: (small blind) folded on the River

Seat 6: (big blind) folded before the Flop

Seat 9: didn't bet (folded)

A Pot Limit Omaha Royal Flush

When you play as much poker as I do, you are bound to hit some monster hands from time to time. I was fortunate enough to hit this royal flush about 3 weeks before I hit the one in stud 8/b. Again, I'm in seat #1 and my comments are in italics. To start this hand, I was down about 2 to 1 in chips. At the end of the hand, I had a small chip lead. Here is how it went down:

Heads Up Sit & Go - 20/40 - Pot Limit Omaha

Seat 1 (900)

Seat 2 (2,100)

Seat 2 posts the small blind of 20

Seat 1 posts the big blind of 40

The button is in seat #2

*** HOLE CARDS ***

Dealt to Seat 1 [4h Tc Js Jc]

Seat 2 calls 20

Seat 1 checks

I rarely raise preflop in PLO--that is just the nature of my game. The blinds are still small enough that I don' t need to gamble.

*** FLOP *** [Kd Ac Qc]

Seat 1 bets 40

Seat 2calls 40

I just flopped the nuts with a great redraw. I want to find out where I am at, so I'll bet half of the pot. I didn't get raised, so I probably have the best hand.

*** TURN *** [Kd Ac Qc] [Kc]

Seat 1 bets 80

Seat 2 calls 80

At a full table, I definitely check the royal here. However, I'll disguise my hand by leading out for another half pot bet. If my opponent hit his flush, I'll probably get paid off on the river too. I'm really hoping that he is full at this point.

*** RIVER *** [Kd Ac Qc Kc] [9d]

Seat 1 bets 160

Seat 2calls 160

I'll put in a half pot value bet here. The 9 makes for more straight possibilities. I hope to get paid off or raised.

*** SHOW DOWN ***

Seat 1 shows [4h Tc Js Jc] (a Royal Flush)

Seat 2 mucks

Seat 1 wins the pot (640) with a Royal Flush

The blinds are now 25/50

*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 640 Rake 0 Board: [Kd Ac Qc Kc 9d]

Seat 1 (big blind) showed [4h Tc Js Jc] and won (640) with a Royal Flush

Seat 2 (small blind) mucked [Ts Ad 4c 2c] - a flush, Ace high

I got called down by a weak flush. I love donkeys in heads up play.

A Royal in Stud 8/b

These were the last 3 hands of a small buy in 7 card stud 8/b heads up tournament I recently played. I was cruising along and held a 2-1 chip advantage in the second level of the tournament. I then proceeded to quickly put my opponent away. Hand history is below. I am in seat #1. My comments are in italics.


Heads Up Sit & Go
40/80 Ante 7 - Limit Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo
Seat 1: (2,031)
Seat 2: (969)
Seat 1 antes 7
Seat 2 antes 7
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [3d 5c] [7c]
Dealt to Seat 2 [7s]
Seat 1 is low with [7c]
Seat 1 brings in for 10
No need to complete here. I want to see what happens on 4th st.
Seat 2 calls 10
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [3d 5c 7c] [6d]
Dealt to Seat 2 [7s] [Ac]
Seat 2 bets 40
I'd bet with the Ace showing too. I probably have the best low draw and a gutshot. I have good implied odds on getting paid off if I make the 7 high straight.
Seat 1 calls 40
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [3d 5c 7c 6d] [5d]
Dealt to Seat 2 [7s Ac] [3h]
Seat 2 bets 80
Seat 1 calls 80
I don't like to see another 3 or 7 up. I'm still confident in my low draw and I now have a pair. My opponent may think I'm just drawing to the low and his Ace high is good.
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [3d 5c 7c 6d 5d] [Ts]
Dealt to Seat 2 [7s Ac 3h] [Qh]
Seat 2 bets 80
Seat 1 calls 80
Based on the way I have played the hand thus far, my opponent probably thinks I'm just drawing to the low. I think my 5s are good and I have a decent shot at the low too. I also have a good chip lead and have some gambling chips.
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [3d 5c 7c 6d 5d Ts] [2d]
Seat 2 checks
Seat 1 bets 80
I made my low. I don't think my opponent has a better low. I'll make a bet here.
Seat 2 calls 80
I'm glad to not get raised on 7th st.
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Seat 1 shows [5c 3d 7c 6d 5d Ts 2d] (a pair of Fives) (7,6,5,3,2)
Seat 2 shows [Ks 8d 7s Ac 3h Qh 5h] (Ace King high) (8,7,5,3,A)
Seat 1 wins the high pot (297) with a pair of Fives
Seat 1 wins the low pot (297) with 7,6,5,3,2
The limits are now 50/100 with an ante of 10
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 594 Rake 0
Seat 1 showed [5c 3d 7c 6d 5d Ts 2d] and won (594) with HI: a pair of Fives; LO: 7,6,5,3,2
Seat 2 showed [Ks 8d 7s Ac 3h Qh 5h] and lost with HI: Ace King high; LO: 8,7,5,3,A
I was right. My pair of 5s was good for high. I got lucky to dodge some big cards to win the high and was fortunate that my opponent also made a low.


Heads Up Sit & Go
50/100 Ante 10 - Limit Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo
Seat 1 (2,328)
Seat 2 (672)
Seat 1 antes 10
Seat 2 antes 10
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [Ac Td] [Th]
Dealt to Seat 2 [7c]
Seat 2 is low with [7c]
Seat 2 brings in for 15
Seat 1 completes it to 50
I have a pair and want to keep putting pressure on my short stacked opponent.
Seat 2 calls 35
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [Ac Td Th] [6h]
Dealt to Seat 2 [7c] [3h]
Seat 1 bets 50
If my opponent is chasing a low, I want to charge the full price.
Seat 2 calls 50
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [Ac Td Th 6h] [4s]
Dealt to Seat 2 [7c 3h] [Jd]
Seat 2 checks
Seat 1 bets 100
I don't think the Jack helped any, so I'll keep betting. You don't want to give any free cards out on 5th st.
Seat 2 calls 100
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [Ac Td Th 6h 4s] [8c]
Dealt to Seat 2 [7c 3h Jd] [Kh]
Seat 2 checks
Seat 1 checks
I don't like the two over cards to my 10.
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [Ac Td Th 6h 4s 8c] [Ad]
Seat 2 checks
Seat 1 bets 100
Aces up is definitely worth a bet here.
Seat 2 calls 100
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Seat 1 shows [Ad Ac Th 6h 4s 8c Td] (two pair, Aces and Tens)
Seat 2 shows [4h 4d 7c 3h Jd Kh 3s] (two pair, Fours and Threes)
Seat 1 wins the pot (620) with two pair, Aces and Tens
Got paid off by a weaker two pair. This match is almost over.
No low hand qualified
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 620 Rake 0
Seat 1 showed [Ad Ac Th 6h 4s 8c Td] and won (620) with HI: two pair, Aces and Tens
Seat 2 showed [4h 4d 7c 3h Jd Kh 3s] and lost with HI: two pair, Fours and Threes


Heads Up Sit & Go
50/100 Ante 10 - Limit Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo
Seat 1 (2,638)
Seat 2 (362)
Seat 1 antes 10
Seat 2 antes 10
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [Kh 6s] [Qh]
Dealt to Seat 2 [8s]
Seat 2 is low with [8s]
Seat 2 brings in for 15
Seat 1 calls 15
No need to complete with just big cards. I want to see 4th st.
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [Kh 6s Qh] [Jh]
Dealt to Seat 2 [8s] [Kd]
Seat 2 checks
Seat 1 checks
I'll take a free card here.
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [Kh 6s Qh Jh] [Th]
Dealt to Seat 2 [8s Kd] [3s]
Seat 2 bets 100
Seat 1 calls 100
I have a monster draw here. I don't need to raise as I don't think my hand will be good unless I hit.
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [Kh 6s Qh Jh Th] [9s]
Dealt to Seat 2 [8s Kd 3s] [7d]
Seat 2 bets 100
Seat 1 raises to 200
I hit the straight. My opponent does not have much left. I want to raise right now.
Seat 2 calls 100
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to Seat 1 [Kh 6s Qh Jh Th 9s] [Ah]
Seat 2 checks
Seat 1 bets 100
I think a bet here quite obvious. I know I'll take the high.
Seat 2 calls 37, and is all in
Uncalled bet of 63 returned to Seat 1
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Seat 1 shows [Ah Kh Qh Jh Th 9s 6s] (a Royal Flush)
Seat 2 mucks
Seat 1 wins the pot (724) with a Royal Flush
Seat 2 stands up
Seat 1 stands up
No low hand qualified
*** SUMMARY ***Total pot 724 Rake 0
Seat 1 showed [Ah Kh Qh Jh Th 9s 6s] and won (724) with HI: a Royal Flush
Seat 2 mucked [8h 8d 8s Kd 3s 7d 3d] - HI: a full house, Eights full of Threes
Wow, my opponent was rolled up and made a boat. That must be a horrible way to get eliminated. I would have completed on 3rd St. or raised earlier in the hand.

A donkey gets rewarded

Yeah, it happens. A bad player makes a bad play with bad cards and somehow manages to get his hand to hold up and win a pot. While this is very frustrating, that is the kind of play you want to run into as it will never succeed in the long run. It stings a bit more in tournaments than it does in cash games. I was in a omaha 8/b tournament at my local casino. It was a small tournament and we had just gotten down to the final table. I was on a good run and had even made the steel wheel (a 5 high straight flush) to scoop a big pot earlier. I get involved in a big pot with a very aggressive player where I flopped top set and he turned a straight. I lost a key pot there, but still had enough chips to survive a couple of orbits.

Going card dead with a short stack is never a good thing. More pots were getting raised preflop and I just never had a good enough hand to see a flop. As the big blind was getting closer to me, I knew I had to get all of my chips in soon if I wanted to survive. We had lost one player and were 8 handed. A player new to omaha 8/b raised in middle position, a solid player made it 3 bets to go and I look down at As-2s-Kc-Qc. I made it 4 bets and that almost put me all in. I was surprised when the initial raiser called the 4 bets. I figured I would just go heads up against the solid player. I knew he had a hand, but I had no clue what the initial raiser held. I get it all in on a flop of 2c-4s-10c. I had a pair, flush draw and a back door low. The turn was the 8d and the river was the 9h. I missed my flush, had no low and a pair of 2s for the high. The solid player (who got all in on the turn) showed Ad-3d-5c-Kh. He had ace king high for the high and the nut low.

And what did our novice donkey have? 5h-5s-5d-7d. Yes, he open raised with trips in his hand. A horrible play. I can somewhat comprehend this play if he was on a straight steal. But I don't see how he can call two more bets preflop with such a horrible hand. Maybe he just didn't know how to play omaha 8/b. He called another bet on the flop with a pair of 5s and a bad low draw. He also put more money in the pot with our solid player got all in with his pair of 5s and 8-7 low. Obviously, his pair of 5s held up for the high part of the pot. Another bad play getting rewarded. I know the best preflop hand in omaha doesn't hold up that often, but this was a very frustrating hand as it knocked me out of a tournament.

An Amaizing Run

About two months ago, I had the most amazing run of cards and good play at the table. In the span of about an hour and a half I turned a $200 buy in into a little over $500 in a $1/$2 no limit hold 'em game. It was the perfect storm of good cards, inexperienced players and a good table image. I slow played A-K preflop and hit the K. Another player also hit top pair and raised me when I led out and bet at the pot. I put him all in. I won. I raised with 7-7. Flop came 6 high. I led out and bet. Opponent raised. I reraised all in. I won. Opponent had top pair. When I missed and led out everyone seemed to fold. I rarely was involved in a show down and when I was, I had it. I never held any big pairs, but I always managed to get myself into situations where I was able to bet strong and win a pot and not show. I also had my fair share of pots where people didn't think I was too strong and raised me and I pushed back with my big stack. I guess they thought I was bullying the table. I wasn't. It is always easy to bully the table when you hold good cards.

I was also taking advantage of inexperienced players. I fired the second and third bullet a few times against players who I knew could not stand a big bet. I limped in a pot with Ad-4d. I flop a flush draw. I lead out at the pot and get called by a novice player. I turn a pair of 4s and check. The novice makes a very small bet on the turn. I instantly call. I check again on the river and my opponent made another small bet. I raised him all in and won. Sessions like that don't happen often--making $300 in 1.5 hours is a pretty good hourly rate ($200/hour).

Triple Draw Lowball

With the popularity of hold 'em these days, it is hard to imagine that people actually play other varieties of poker. Obviously, all of the easy money is in no limit hold 'em these days, but I like some variety in my poker playing. I've always made it a point to try and make myself a well rounded poker player and competent in all poker disciplines. It is usually pretty easy to get into a pot limit omaha, omaha 8/b or a stud game. Razz and stud 8/b are harder to find--I usually play those games exclusively online. I know triple draw lowball (both 2-7 and A-5) is spread on one of the big online sites. However, I don't have any money on that site.

I was determined to take a shot at a triple draw lowball tournament. In my opinion, only good poker players will try their hand at draw poker. It is "old school" in the sense that you heavily rely on your reading of other players. I don't know why I wanted to play this tournament. I guess I was just up for the challenge of playing against a talented field of players. I had played a few triple draw hands in my home game and even a few online for play money, but had never played this game in a real casino. I played this tournament the day after I fumbled around in the H.O.S.E. event. I guess I wanted some redemption after making a few mistakes in that tournament.

I got off to a bit of a slow start and didn't pick up any big hands. I quickly learned how valuable position is in this game. My first big confrontation was in a 3 way pot with one player holding 2-3-4-6-8 who led after the third draw. The pot was raised, I called and the player with the 8 also called. I held 2-3-5-6-7, while the raiser held 2-3-4-6-7. Ouch. I kept my composure, but the cards were just not cooperating. I made a good read on a California area pro but couldn't make the overcall with my 9-6. The pro had a smooth 10 low and the caller had a 9-7.

When the cards are not cooperating, sometimes you just have to take things into your own hands and manufacture a win here and there. I certainly did that when I had position. I started bluffing a lot. I was standing pat and betting with nothing--just hoping that my opponents did not make their draw. I led out and bet after the third draw more often and was winning pots. I even led out with a pair of 3s after the third draw and got my opponent to fold his pair of 3s. While I really wanted to show that bluff, you can't afford to give any information away in a game like this. Before too long, I realized that we were down to the final 3 tables (18 players--draw poker is 6 handed) and I was sitting with an average stack. I was pleased with my little run to get back in this thing. I maintained my aggressiveness on the button (which meant standing pat and betting a lot of 10 lows) and did not allow myself to lost my average chip stack size.

I believe my patience paid off as we we got down to 10 players pretty quickly. By the time we were 8 handed, I had become short stacked. The tournament only paid out the top 6, so I had to decide if I was going to to go for the win or try and fold my way into the money--I went for the win. I put it all on the line with an 8 draw and I pulled out a 2 on the last draw to hit. I was still somewhat short after that, but I picked up a couple of pots to build my chips back up a bit. By the time we got to the final table, I was 4th in chips and felt confident in my game.

I went on a bit of a tear early on at the final table. I stood pat with a jack low while my opponent drew one card. He led out after the draw and I called him down with my jack. I was right--he made a pair of 3s and I took down a huge pot. If you didn't know a made jack against a 1 card draw is about even money. At that point I was the chip leader and carefully played the big stack. I attempted to knock out a local pro with a 10-9 after he kept drawing and he made a crying call with a 10-8 after the third draw. I knew my table image changed at that point as I couldn't turn over a hand that could beat a 10-8. I tightened up a bit as I had just doubled up a short stack and no longer held a huge chip lead. Eventually, we got to heads up between myself and the local pro. He had knocked out two players while I had done the same. However, he held a 3-2 chip lead over me and the blinds were high.

We traded pots back and forth for a while. After playing 10 hours, I figured heads up could last quite a long time. It didn't. About 5 hands into heads up play, I lost a big pot when I folded a made 9-7 after getting raised after the last draw. I went with my read that my opponent drew out. Maybe I should have called there, but I just felt as though I was beat. I was now down in chips about 3-1 and needed to get back in it. I had the button and raised after the first draw where we both drew one card. After the second draw, we both drew one again and I made the 8-5 low. The fifth nuts. We capped the betting after the second draw. I was somewhat worried that I was beat, but how do you break the nut 8 and draw to a 7? If my opponent has a 7, then I'm drawing to 3 outs. If he doesn't, my hand is good. I got my last bet in after we were both pat on the last draw. Of course, my opponent rolls over 2-3-4-6-7--the second nuts. I was out in second. While the money was nice, you are always disappointed when you get eliminated from the tournament--especially with a hand like that. While I don't have the bankroll to play in a triple draw cash game (you rarely find a low stakes game going), I'll definitely play more triple draw tournaments.

H.O.S.E.

I recently played in a HOSE tournament (limit hold 'em, omaha 8/b, stud and stud 8/b). While I didn't get too far in the tournament, I came to realize that you can not afford to make any mistakes in a mixed games tournament. Having not played much limit hold 'em, I failed to lead out with Ace high on a ragged flop and allowed my opponent to catch a pair on the river. I made up for most of those lost chips by making two full houses in the omaha 8/b round (although I got little action on them). Knowing that stud isn't my best game, I tried to stay out of marginal situations. I made one bad stud play where I got priced into a pot where I had a pair of Aces, straight and flush draw. I was up against a tricky player who was representing a straight. Of course, he could have easily held two pair also. I knew I had a better straight draw and I also had a flush draw too. There was also a chance that I could pair again and make a better two pair. I totally missed and had to fold on 7th street. After that, I was marginally short stacked.

I split two pots in stud 8 and picked up a few chips. Then we went back to hold 'em and I knew I had to acquire some chips at this level if I wanted any kind of decent shot of winning. I made it two bets to go with K-Q and after a ragged flop hit, there was a bet and a raise before action got to me. I had to fold. I finally picked up 10-10 and raise pre-flop again. I got only one caller and I was pot committed so I threw my last few chips in on a jack high flop. My opponent held Q-J and I was done. While I would have liked to last a bit longer in this tournament, I learned that even small mistakes are costly. I also learned that I could use some more work on my stud game. If anything, it was a learning experience that will make me a better player.

Sick. So Sick.

I was off to another good session of $1/$2 no limit hold 'em action when this interesting hand came up. I'll explain the action and then explain my reasons for playing the hand the way I did. To set up the situation, I along with a hyper aggressive player are the only two big stacks at the table. This player was already stuck about $300 for the day and I was up about $75. To the surprise of nobody, the hyper aggressive put on the $5 straddle. I'm in middle position and pick up Ac-Kc. I limp into the pot after two other players limped. Two more players limp behind me and the straddle raises to $15. After two folds, I reraised to $40. I got one caller along with the straddler. The flop came 10c-6c-3c. I led out and bet $40 after the hyper aggressive player checked to me. I got the other player to fold as the straddle just called. The turn brought the Qd. The straddler checked and I checked behind him. The river brought the 3s. The straddler led out with a bet of $100 and I called with my flush. The straddler turned over the Q-3 for a full house.

If all you knew about the situation was the betting that occurred, it would appear that I misplayed my hand. However, based on my assessment of the situation, I think I played my hand to perfection and just got an unfortunate river card. Allow me to explain. Standard poker theory says that you want to raise and reraise with a suited A-K. However with the straddle on in this situation, I was very confident that the hyper aggressive player would defend his straddle with a raise. This player was raising about 5 times every orbit and I wanted to trap him for a big pot. Of course, I got what I wanted when he raised to $15. This action would most likely get out the junk hands, but I wanted to get heads up so I reraised to $40. I certainly could have reraised more, but I wanted action from the aggressive player. I also wanted to be able to fold my hand if I got reraised. After all, aggressive players do pick up real hands from time to time also.

I didn't expected to get called by the third player. In fact, the straddler might not even call my raise if there was not another $40 in the pot. I was not too concerned with this player as he only had about $35 left in his stack after calling the $40. I put him on a medium pair or maybe A-K also. When I flopped my nut flush I led out and bet it. Normally, this is a good spot for a check, but I wanted to set up the trap for the hyper aggressive player. I only bet $40 for two reasons. First, I wanted to commit the other player to the pot as he was short stacked. Second, making a small bet of $40 into a pot that had more than $150 appears weak. I wanted my opponent to think that I was on just a draw to the flush and didn't have it made already. I got the third player out and after a call we were now heads up. I was not too concerned with the Q on the turn. After my opponent checked, I checked also as I wanted him to think that I was taking off the free card for my flush draw. Some might argue that I should bet big right there, but I didn't want to lose my opponent. As long as a club did not hit the river I knew he would bet.

Well, a club didn't come on the river. I hated to see the board paired. I now no longer held the nuts and had a big decision to make. I got the big bet I wanted. However, I know that this player will make that bet with any kind of hand. I was expecting that bet as long as that club didn't hit the river. He even started to speak and said that I should fold as I missed my flush. I know that people usually don't speak unless they are very comfortable with their hand, but this player talks all of the time and a little verbal jab on the river doesn't mean much. After he spoke about my possible missed flush, I put my opponent on a flush which I certainly had beat. However, with the board paired, I couldn't reraise him as a full house was also a likely holding as this player plays almost any two cards at any time. I called and lost the pot. I was proud of my ability to manipulate my opponent into making a bad read on me. To my opponents credit, his reasoning behind his betting makes sense based on the story I was selling. He'll defend his straddle with anything, so there is no surprise that he wants to thin the field with his Q-3. I made a weak bet on the flop and he flopped a pair. He figured he was ahead against my draw so he called. He checked with he made two pair on the turn. I'm assuming he was going to call any bet I made or even raise me. He led out with a boat with a bet that looked like he was trying to buy the pot. He had purchased more than his fair share of pots during that session and I'm stuck calling off a big river bet with a second best hand.

Sometimes players get lucky. I know I could have protected my hand and played it differently. However flopping the nut flush does not happen too often and I was trying to get maximum value out of the hand--I'm 97% to win on the flop and 90% on the turn. I'll take those odds everyday.

Home Game

Playing in a regular home game can be beneficial to one's poker development. By continually playing with the same players, you are forced to change your style of play as your opponents will easily be able to exploit any tendencies that you have. Of course, the social setting and being able to share a bad beat story or two also helps. A good home game can also serve as a forum to discuss how some hands might have been played differently. Everyone has a unique approach to the game of poker and I think that there is something that can be learned from everyone about how they play.

When you play with the same group over and over, your reads on what your opponent might have can sometime be extremely accurate. In one session, I called out the hand of my opponent twice. The easier one of the two was K-K. I flopped top pair and my opponent made top set on the turn and put in a big bet on the river after checking the turn. The other one was 6s-8s. Maybe it was a lucky guess, but I knew my two small pair was no good with the nut straight possibility out on the board. I pull off bluffs and play hands in a variety of different ways in my regular home game. I wouldn't even consider to try some of those moves in a cash game in a casino. Once, a player in the game commented, that I tend to make pot sized bets with hands like A-K when I miss on all streets. I got called down and lost a big pot once. However, I turned around and made the same big bets against that player with the nuts and got paid off. Had I been up against another player, I would have bet differently.

The point of this is that you can use a home game as a place to experiment with new plays and bluffs. Most likely, you are not paying for that much money, but it never hurts to win.

Some $2/$5 NL action

I took a trip with some friends back in January of this year and we were staying at one of the Harrah's properties. As I wandered to the poker room, I realized that the only no limit hold 'em that they were spreading was $2/$5. The $2/$5 game at my local casino does not have a maximum buy in so it is usually the big game and people usually play with very deep stacks. All of my $1/$2 play does not involve deep stack poker as most players are short stacked. I was glad to hear that there was a minimum buy in of $200 and a maximum buy in of $300. However, if you were at the main table, the maximum buy in was 75% of the big stack.

I bought in for $300 and quickly doubled up a player when he flopped a flush and I flopped aces up. I called a raise with 5-5 and caught a player bluffing on an eight high flop. After that, I gained the respect of the table and gradually built my stack up and left about a $250 winner. The next day, I played a long session during the afternoon. I was at the main table but it had just opened up, so nobody was sitting with a whole lot of chips. I had won a few small pots and was about $100 winner on my initial $300 buy in. I noticed a player try to buy in to the game for $1,000. The dealer quickly informed him that he could not do so. Instead he bought in for about $450. It was obvious that this guy had money and he wasn't afraid to throw it around. He was getting involved in pots with junk and was trying to bully the table a bit. I knew I could bust him if the right hand came up.

Under the gun, I picked up As-Jc and raised to $15. Normally, I would raise more than 3 times the big blind, but I figured I would get respect from an under the gun raise. I get two callers, one of which is the bully. The flop came J-7s-2s. I led out with a bet of $40 into a $52 pot. I get raised to $100 by the bully. Two pair did not seem like a possible holding and neither did an over pair. The only hands I was really worried about was a flopped set. However, I just didn't think this guy had it. I reraised him all in. He called quickly stating that he had me on the flush draw. He turned over J-5 of hearts and didn't improve. What a donkey. Even if I had a hand like As-Ks, he is only about even money with his jack against my over cards and flush draw. Needless to say, he went broke a few hands later and I left that session a $500 winner.

I played one $2/$5 no limit hold 'em session later on that evening. I was taking advantage of inexperienced players who were showing weakness. If I felt weakness on a hand, I was usually raising and taking down the pots. I made a few minor mistakes, but still managed to end that session about a $300 winner or so. All in all, it was a good trip as I made more than enough to cover hotel and travel expenses.

Straight Flush

I was playing in a small buy in heads up pot limit omaha tournament recently. I had over a 2-1 chip lead when the following hand came up. I limped in with 6c-8c-4-4. This is certainly not a powerful hand, but you are usually drawing live. I had straight possibilities along with a pair and clubs. I flopped a flush. The flop came 2c-7c-10c. I also had a gutshot straight flush draw. My opponent checked and I checked as well. I usually bet out with weak flushes in omaha, but with my chip lead, I wanted to see if my opponent would make a mistake. I turned the nuts when the 9 of clubs hit. I was now hoping that my opponent also had a flush. My opponent led out and bet and I smooth called. The river was a blank and I knew I held the nuts. With the board not being paired, I figured I wouldn't get much action unless I was up against a flush. My opponent led out at me again and I decided to raise the minimum.

I was surprised when I got reraised. I now knew what I was up against. It became clear that my opponent flopped the ace high flush. His check on the flop and bet on the turn combined with the big reraise of my raise on the river told the story. My only decision was to figure out how to get all of his chips. Making another minimum raise might be a bit too obvious. I raised the pot to put him all in. He called and I won the match.