I thought I was done with this particular blog segment, but Vegas has a knack of keeping you involved right to the end. We left the hotel at 10.15 and arrived at the airport in plenty of time for our noon hour flight. More time than we needed, since they advised us our flight had been pushed back to 1.15pm.
Normal people would find a quiet corner to rest in, and wait for their flight. Not us - we inveterates! We walked directly over to the taxi stand; headed back to the Venetian; dumped our luggage in our original room - the keys still worked; and headed downstairs for an hour of blackjack.
In the taxi on the way Svetlana found a penny on the floor. She was really pleased as for sure this meant Lady Luck would smile on us.
She was right. We bought in for $600 at a $25 table; never were down more than $175; and by the end of an hour we were to the good $725.
Subtract $40 for the two extra cab fares, and a happy ending was still had by all !
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Vegas in August part 10 - the final day - mostly BJ
This morning I played some DD before my swim and caught $350 more. After swim and lunch and a nap, we just went down to the tables for our last evening in town. I noted the changing of the cards again; gave the new decks a whirl but they were too choppy, so I told Sveta I had to keep distracted for 10 - 15 minutes till the cards got worked in - so here I am working on this blog entry.
Fast forward to 10 PM, and we had another great dinner - this time at Sushi Samba in the Palazzo - though we ate no sushi - unless you count the kobe beef roll. a mix of Peruvian, Brazilian, and Japanese dishes in their three different kitchens. We like to bring guests here - they usually really like it.
The blackjack before dinner was boring and non eventful. We ebbed and flowed (taking turns with the same chips) and unfortunately our playing partners in 4th seat and anchor got tired of hitting their 15's and 16's against the dealer's face cards.
The first time it happened, I stayed in the shoe - against my normal principles - I got lucky to win the next hand with a blackjack, before dealer pulled a 6 card 21 on the other players. Then I remembered why I usually sit out in such situations.
I decided to give them a second chance in the next shoe. It was going to be our last shoe before dinner anyway as the supervisor staff were lurking with freshly minted cards to poison our chip stacks with.
But our playing partners were not up to the task again, and we lost 3 $75 bets in a row; the third happening after another brake-stop on 16 against dealer's 8.
The session ended down a bet or two - nothing to show for our time at the table, but no damage either.
I am assuming I am done for the trip. Although our results have been pretty modest, and I failed to cash in my three poker tourneys, it was still a real good time - as it usually is. Airfares and entry fees covered; food and room comped; and a wee bit extra for the stash. It's all good.
Fast forward to 10 PM, and we had another great dinner - this time at Sushi Samba in the Palazzo - though we ate no sushi - unless you count the kobe beef roll. a mix of Peruvian, Brazilian, and Japanese dishes in their three different kitchens. We like to bring guests here - they usually really like it.
The blackjack before dinner was boring and non eventful. We ebbed and flowed (taking turns with the same chips) and unfortunately our playing partners in 4th seat and anchor got tired of hitting their 15's and 16's against the dealer's face cards.
The first time it happened, I stayed in the shoe - against my normal principles - I got lucky to win the next hand with a blackjack, before dealer pulled a 6 card 21 on the other players. Then I remembered why I usually sit out in such situations.
I decided to give them a second chance in the next shoe. It was going to be our last shoe before dinner anyway as the supervisor staff were lurking with freshly minted cards to poison our chip stacks with.
But our playing partners were not up to the task again, and we lost 3 $75 bets in a row; the third happening after another brake-stop on 16 against dealer's 8.
The session ended down a bet or two - nothing to show for our time at the table, but no damage either.
I am assuming I am done for the trip. Although our results have been pretty modest, and I failed to cash in my three poker tourneys, it was still a real good time - as it usually is. Airfares and entry fees covered; food and room comped; and a wee bit extra for the stash. It's all good.
Vegas in August - part 9 Saturday Blackjack
Well it's Sunday Afternoon - and tomorrow we come home. It's been a great time. Last night we were comped to see Joan Rivers putting on a limited engagement show at the Venetian Showroom. Star gazing saw Louie Anderson, Jerry Springer,(or a look alike), Petula Clark, and David Brenner in the audience.
She was very raunchy and very funny - an awesome performer - and 76 years old !
Why Joan Rivers, you ask? Well, we've seen just about every show we want to see here in the past. Most of the Cirque shows, and a few others. We are not big fans of aging 50's and 60's musicians cashing in on memory lane, so that eliminates half the entertainment.
We had dinner at Valentino's after, which is one of the restaurants we like in the Venetian. Not too fancy, but always good food with a home cooked feel, and a nice vibe in the place.
Problem now was it was early and neither of us wanted to go to bed - especially on a Saturday night in Vegas - but I did not see optimal blackjack table conditions, and did not feel like anymore poker that day.
So I killed time at a 5 cent multi play poker machine while Svetlana did battle at the $50 tables in the double deck pit.
I wondered over a bit later and she had moved tables (usually not a good sign) and this time she was at a $100 table - also not a good sign. I knew she would be uncomfortable if I saw her early in play there - she would already be nervous, so I circled around the room looking for entertainment.
With great reluctance I sat down at a $25 shoe game in a corner of the room that was not so busy. Bought in for $150 and ran it up to $475 in 1/4 of a shoe. Some guy with smelly armpits decided he should get in on the action, and leaned over my shoulder to bet the spot to my right - effectively taking my cards - which were pretty hot.
I did not vent - this is one's lot in the floor, and just another one of the obstacles you have to overcome - like bad players; grumpy dealers; changing cards, streaking cards; etc.
But I pulled in my reins and began to breathe through my mouth. I did make a point of not moving over to allow him comfort to take a seat though - but he was happily flat betting his $25 and winning 4/5 hands.
After ten minutes of this, I understood nothing was going to change, so I finally got up with a $250 profit, and gave my chair to smelly armpits.
I decided it was prudent to check in on Svetlana, and was relieved to find her smiling, and up several hundred. She was equally relieved to see me, as the pressure was getting to her and she wanted me to bet her spot, as she felt it was solid. The guy beside her had just taken out his fourth $5000 marker. He was a liquidator from New Jersey - things, not people, he assured me.
So liquidator and I got into a comfortable setting and began to play. His bets typically ranged from $500 to $1600 and a couple of times $2000 or $2500. I was somewhat lower needless to say.
We began to win right away - especially NJL (New Jersey Liquidator). So they changed the cards and Sveta and I went into the Salon for an upscale bathroom break, and to rub shoulders with incredibly rich Asian gamblers in their private lounge.
We came back to a new dealer, and a new player - a dour Iranian guy sucking on an unlit cigarette in the third seat, with Harry the NJL still on first base. (I was in anchor)
There was no magic with this new confluence of circumstances, and the gains from before were quickly passed back to the dealer's tray.
We switched tables in an effort to stem the tide but that didn't work either. Fortunately, the dealer at the orginal table, Gilbert, returned from his break, so we went back to him to help repair the damage.
This worked out fine. I ground out a win of $970. More importantly, Harry the NJL, my new best friend, won back all but $1500 of his $20,000 - and had the sense to get out before his fortunes reversed.
He was betting heavy and winning more hands than he was losing - which of course we all pray for in a given session, but in the long run simply cannot be.
The dour Iranian took NJL's place, and he was last seen grinding away in flat betting mode while we repaired to our rooms for a good night's sleep.
So for us, a good ending to a tough day (poker wise).
She was very raunchy and very funny - an awesome performer - and 76 years old !
Why Joan Rivers, you ask? Well, we've seen just about every show we want to see here in the past. Most of the Cirque shows, and a few others. We are not big fans of aging 50's and 60's musicians cashing in on memory lane, so that eliminates half the entertainment.
We had dinner at Valentino's after, which is one of the restaurants we like in the Venetian. Not too fancy, but always good food with a home cooked feel, and a nice vibe in the place.
Problem now was it was early and neither of us wanted to go to bed - especially on a Saturday night in Vegas - but I did not see optimal blackjack table conditions, and did not feel like anymore poker that day.
So I killed time at a 5 cent multi play poker machine while Svetlana did battle at the $50 tables in the double deck pit.
I wondered over a bit later and she had moved tables (usually not a good sign) and this time she was at a $100 table - also not a good sign. I knew she would be uncomfortable if I saw her early in play there - she would already be nervous, so I circled around the room looking for entertainment.
With great reluctance I sat down at a $25 shoe game in a corner of the room that was not so busy. Bought in for $150 and ran it up to $475 in 1/4 of a shoe. Some guy with smelly armpits decided he should get in on the action, and leaned over my shoulder to bet the spot to my right - effectively taking my cards - which were pretty hot.
I did not vent - this is one's lot in the floor, and just another one of the obstacles you have to overcome - like bad players; grumpy dealers; changing cards, streaking cards; etc.
But I pulled in my reins and began to breathe through my mouth. I did make a point of not moving over to allow him comfort to take a seat though - but he was happily flat betting his $25 and winning 4/5 hands.
After ten minutes of this, I understood nothing was going to change, so I finally got up with a $250 profit, and gave my chair to smelly armpits.
I decided it was prudent to check in on Svetlana, and was relieved to find her smiling, and up several hundred. She was equally relieved to see me, as the pressure was getting to her and she wanted me to bet her spot, as she felt it was solid. The guy beside her had just taken out his fourth $5000 marker. He was a liquidator from New Jersey - things, not people, he assured me.
So liquidator and I got into a comfortable setting and began to play. His bets typically ranged from $500 to $1600 and a couple of times $2000 or $2500. I was somewhat lower needless to say.
We began to win right away - especially NJL (New Jersey Liquidator). So they changed the cards and Sveta and I went into the Salon for an upscale bathroom break, and to rub shoulders with incredibly rich Asian gamblers in their private lounge.
We came back to a new dealer, and a new player - a dour Iranian guy sucking on an unlit cigarette in the third seat, with Harry the NJL still on first base. (I was in anchor)
There was no magic with this new confluence of circumstances, and the gains from before were quickly passed back to the dealer's tray.
We switched tables in an effort to stem the tide but that didn't work either. Fortunately, the dealer at the orginal table, Gilbert, returned from his break, so we went back to him to help repair the damage.
This worked out fine. I ground out a win of $970. More importantly, Harry the NJL, my new best friend, won back all but $1500 of his $20,000 - and had the sense to get out before his fortunes reversed.
He was betting heavy and winning more hands than he was losing - which of course we all pray for in a given session, but in the long run simply cannot be.
The dour Iranian took NJL's place, and he was last seen grinding away in flat betting mode while we repaired to our rooms for a good night's sleep.
So for us, a good ending to a tough day (poker wise).
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Vegas in August part 8 - Deep Stack Poker Tourney
First I want to say I had the pleasure of sitting beside Tony Korfman, a very funny guy who gave me an autographed copy of his book early in the deep stack tournament. His website link is here http://www.pokergas.com/
Tony chopped the WSOP seniors event in 2007, and had just won the previous day's daily tournament at the Venetian.
Tony looks like Mr. Las Vegas. Wearing a bright red blazer, gold watch, gold bracelet, gold buttons, and a large distinguished man to boot who made me feel small forward on Shaq's team. All the poker room staff know him, but he was actually quite self effacing about his own resume.
What about this tournament? I sure had my chances - but to cut to the chase I did not cash (again!) The entry fee was a steep $550 (specially on Saturdays) and there were only 50 entrants - paying the top 5 - with first place north of $8400.
I had been quiet for 25 minutes, with the blinds still only $25/$50 and original stacks of $15,000. I held K10 of spades in first position. I wanted to play a hand and figured if I came in no one would raise me unless they had a monster as I was already pegged as the table's "nit".
So I put in $150, and a total of six of us went along for the ride.
The flop was S9 S2 5H
I had nothing except the spade flush draw. Nonetheless, I decided to weed a couple of people out and bet $300 after two checks to me. A guy in mid position called, as did FTP cap in the SB.(Full Tilt Poker cap)
Next card was the club 5, and the action was on me after SB checked again. I bet $1000, and this got rid of the guy in the middle, and kept the interest of FTP cap.
The river was the diamond 5, so we have a board that looks like 92555.
I felt I had been representing a pair, and not a bad one at that. SB checked again and I bet $3000 trying to grab this pot once and for all. But he called and flipped over 102 offsuit for the weakest possible full house - but good enough to beat your fool-no-one hero.
Still, although I had immediately lost 1/3 of my stack, it felt like I got some respect from the table for my moves - as they all thought he was nuts to call me - but he was good enough to call me I guess.
A little later the table chip leader had the misfortune of holding pocket Aces and got a walk when not even the SB looked him up - the only walk I saw for the first 4 hours.
The blinds were now up at $50/100 and I held A10 of spades, in first position. I bet $300, and got 2 callers, including Tony Korfman on my immediate right in the BB. The board was A of clubs, 8 and 2 of spades - a pretty great flop for me.
Tony checked and I bet $700. The other guy got out of the way, and Tony called. The next card was the spade 6, and other than straight flush draws I was looking really good. Tony checked and I bet out $1500. He called.
The river was the diamond king, so I finally had the nuts. He checked again and I dithered. He reminded me it was my turn to bet and as I responded he said whatever you bet I am calling you - a bit of gamesmanship to be sure.
Anyway I bet $3500 which he happily called. I don't know what he had but I had gotten back what I had lost the previous orbit.
Shortly after the blinds were at $100/$200 and I had 108 of hearts on the dealer button. The guy three off the BB bet $700 to go, and I called, as did the BB.
The flop was QH 7H 6S.
So I had a heart flush draw and a gutshot straight draw. I hoped the betting would not get too heavy with three players still involved.
The BB checked, and the guy in the middle bet $1000. I dunno what is right - I think I am supposed to call, which I did, as did the BB.
The turn was 5 of clubs - so now I have an open ended straight draw, as well as the flush draw.
BB checked and the guy in the middle stuck in $4000 - now what am I supposed to do - we are not at the river yet and 1/3 of my stack will be in this pot - and I don't know what the guy on my left plans to do yet.
I called as did the BB. The river was a red king - it seems helping no one - we checked down the river and the BB scooped a nice pot with Q6 offsuit.
Meanwhile FTP and the guy in the middle were getting personal. Not with words but with their action. I did not catch all the betting, but suddenly there was a hand where FTP had all his chips in with Q7 of diamonds in his hand and a flop of 952 rainbow.
Middle guy had a far bigger stack and he called with 109 suited. FTP hat spiked a queen on the turn and middle guy was NOT a happy camper - $28000 pot.
Middle guy seemed to be steaming after that. Shortly after I had AK suited in clubs in the hijack seat and FTP bet $700 in first position. I called as did the SB (middle guy)
The flop was J of spades, and 8-5 of hearts. Middle guy shoved right away with his last $8375.
I had about $9500 left. FTP got out of the way and it was up to me. Who knew if middle guy had a made hand or a drawing hand but I did not want to essentially put my tournament on the line so early; so I folded and showed my hand. (something I almost never do)
The first major hand I won was holding 88 in first position. The blinds were 100/200 with a $25 ante. I bet out $400 and I got five callers, including Tony on my right in the BB.
The flop was 346 rainbow and Tony instantly went all-in with around $2200. With this flop I felt I had to stay involved but I really did not want multi way action so I raised all-in myself with my $8775.
Ben two to my left called me and everyone else folded. We turned over.
Tony had flopped a straight - gulp, but I was ahead of Ben with his pair of 5's and a gut shot straight draw.
The turn was an 8 - giving me a set of 8's; but still behind Tony. The river was a 6 - yes - a 6, and my pair of 8's had now converted to a full house and I cleaned up the whole pot. I sheepishly shook Tony's hand and thanked him again for his autographed book.
He signed the inside something to the effect
"To Ross the blogger, whatever the f*** that is !
Best regards, Tony Korfman"
If you visit his website or read his book, you'll understand that this is his schtick -and nothing to take personally.
So now I was in business with a stack of over $20,000 - around average.
I thought I played another hand real well and got lucky a bit later. I had Ace of clubs and nine of spades in early position. The blinds were $200/$400 with a $25 ante.I raised it up to $900, and the BB looked me up, as had another guy in the middle.
The flop was 6 and 4 of clubs, and the ten of hearts. The BB checked and I bet out $2200 with basically nothing to show for my bravado.
The button folded, and the BB called.
Next card was the club 8 - so now I at least had a club flush draw. BB checked to me and I checked too - happy for the free card.
The river was the glorious ten of clubs. BB checked to me and I only had to figure out how much to bet.
I put out $4000; he called, and he put his Queen high flush on the table - so of course I won.
He had the flush at the turn, so he could have squeezed me out of the pot had he bet big after the turn - but the free card he gave me destroyed him. I guess my hand was hard to read, or he was not really sure how best to play - as he knew he had the winning hand after the turn. Still I was not complaining.
Now I was up in the mid to high twenties and feeling ok.
I stayed quiet for a while, and got a sweet extra $18000 when the SB decided I was joking with my Aces in the BB and he put me all in with AQ after a three card rainbow rag flop.
So now I was table chip leader with over $50K. I feel like a putz for not making it to final five. I made the classic mistake of getting involved in a huge pot with the other big stack at the table – FTP cap guy.
I had AQo in the SB, and the blinds were I think $300/$600 with a $75 ante. He bet $1500 in early position, a guy in the middle called and so did I. The flop was Q73 rainbow.
I led out for $5000, and FTP called and middle guy folded. The turn was a three in the fourth suit. I was not sure where I stood in the hand. I checked – the pot was already around $15-$16000. And FTP splashed $25,000 into the pot.
It felt like he did not want me to call – this was an overbet. On the other hand – should I care? Should I not just let this go and wait for another spot against another player? He could have a set (unlikely to be queens) or he could have QJ, KQ, AQ, Q10 even. Yes KK and AA are possible, but with this guy at this time I was sure not. Still with so many possible hands, you can see I was not in a comfortable position - I should have executed a squeeze play pre flop, and maybe raised it up to $4500 or so.
What to do? Well no sense in calling I thought as we are headed towards all the money in so I decided it’s all in or fold. I went all in and he called after much thought and turned over KQ.
You have guessed the outcome – the river was a king and I barfed inwardly as I passed over all but $9000 or so of my chips to the new tournament chip leader.
All you good players out there – tell me I was wrong to call – I must have been – look at the result.
But I was determined not to tilt or steam – although I am sure many were waiting for me to do so. I hung in and rebuilt back to around $25,000.
The blinds were getting pretty high and we were down to two tables. $1000/$2000 with a $300 ante. Each orbit was costing $5400 or so.
I was trying to play poker but my options were limited since to see a hand all the way to the river was costing my stack size it seemed. I got blinded down to around $21,000 until I picked up KK in the BB. OK here is my time.
My LHO (Ben) limped in; as did the next guy, as did a fourth guy – I hoped I could squeeze them all out with an all-in move.
But LHO and his LHO both called ! Well this was a chance to triple up. I was sure I had the best starting hand.
Flop was 10 clubs 8 and 7 of spades. I suppose people might be flushing and straightening, but it still felt I had a chance. The other two guys both got it all in for a separate side pot and now I did not like my chances. If three people like their hands this much, two of us will be wrong!
LHO flipped a pair of sevens to show his set; and his LHO was gunning for the Ace high spade flush.
Neither a spade nor a king came on the turn or river and two of us subsided. 15th and 16th. There were only 50 entrants because of the large entry fee – and only five places paying.
First was $8400 or so and fifth around $1700 with a prize pool of around $24,000 plus.
I came back to watch the ending – six players left with two large stacks - $192000 and $250,000 and four smaller stacks. The big stacks took home $5000 each; two other guys took home $3900; one guy took $3400 and the little guy in sixth still took home $2900. Four of the six were from my original starting table. The guy who put me out with 77 was one $5000 winner and FTP cap guy was a $3900 winner.
Sigh ! Good news is I am not that far off in my game for this sort of thing – but you still need luck even if your game is good enough. But I truly enjoy the grind and battle of a tournament – though many cash players would say I am nuts since I can invest so much time for no return whereas they can be making their average hourly rate at the regular tables.
But until I improve, this milieu is fine for me.
Tony chopped the WSOP seniors event in 2007, and had just won the previous day's daily tournament at the Venetian.
Tony looks like Mr. Las Vegas. Wearing a bright red blazer, gold watch, gold bracelet, gold buttons, and a large distinguished man to boot who made me feel small forward on Shaq's team. All the poker room staff know him, but he was actually quite self effacing about his own resume.
What about this tournament? I sure had my chances - but to cut to the chase I did not cash (again!) The entry fee was a steep $550 (specially on Saturdays) and there were only 50 entrants - paying the top 5 - with first place north of $8400.
I had been quiet for 25 minutes, with the blinds still only $25/$50 and original stacks of $15,000. I held K10 of spades in first position. I wanted to play a hand and figured if I came in no one would raise me unless they had a monster as I was already pegged as the table's "nit".
So I put in $150, and a total of six of us went along for the ride.
The flop was S9 S2 5H
I had nothing except the spade flush draw. Nonetheless, I decided to weed a couple of people out and bet $300 after two checks to me. A guy in mid position called, as did FTP cap in the SB.(Full Tilt Poker cap)
Next card was the club 5, and the action was on me after SB checked again. I bet $1000, and this got rid of the guy in the middle, and kept the interest of FTP cap.
The river was the diamond 5, so we have a board that looks like 92555.
I felt I had been representing a pair, and not a bad one at that. SB checked again and I bet $3000 trying to grab this pot once and for all. But he called and flipped over 102 offsuit for the weakest possible full house - but good enough to beat your fool-no-one hero.
Still, although I had immediately lost 1/3 of my stack, it felt like I got some respect from the table for my moves - as they all thought he was nuts to call me - but he was good enough to call me I guess.
A little later the table chip leader had the misfortune of holding pocket Aces and got a walk when not even the SB looked him up - the only walk I saw for the first 4 hours.
The blinds were now up at $50/100 and I held A10 of spades, in first position. I bet $300, and got 2 callers, including Tony Korfman on my immediate right in the BB. The board was A of clubs, 8 and 2 of spades - a pretty great flop for me.
Tony checked and I bet $700. The other guy got out of the way, and Tony called. The next card was the spade 6, and other than straight flush draws I was looking really good. Tony checked and I bet out $1500. He called.
The river was the diamond king, so I finally had the nuts. He checked again and I dithered. He reminded me it was my turn to bet and as I responded he said whatever you bet I am calling you - a bit of gamesmanship to be sure.
Anyway I bet $3500 which he happily called. I don't know what he had but I had gotten back what I had lost the previous orbit.
Shortly after the blinds were at $100/$200 and I had 108 of hearts on the dealer button. The guy three off the BB bet $700 to go, and I called, as did the BB.
The flop was QH 7H 6S.
So I had a heart flush draw and a gutshot straight draw. I hoped the betting would not get too heavy with three players still involved.
The BB checked, and the guy in the middle bet $1000. I dunno what is right - I think I am supposed to call, which I did, as did the BB.
The turn was 5 of clubs - so now I have an open ended straight draw, as well as the flush draw.
BB checked and the guy in the middle stuck in $4000 - now what am I supposed to do - we are not at the river yet and 1/3 of my stack will be in this pot - and I don't know what the guy on my left plans to do yet.
I called as did the BB. The river was a red king - it seems helping no one - we checked down the river and the BB scooped a nice pot with Q6 offsuit.
Meanwhile FTP and the guy in the middle were getting personal. Not with words but with their action. I did not catch all the betting, but suddenly there was a hand where FTP had all his chips in with Q7 of diamonds in his hand and a flop of 952 rainbow.
Middle guy had a far bigger stack and he called with 109 suited. FTP hat spiked a queen on the turn and middle guy was NOT a happy camper - $28000 pot.
Middle guy seemed to be steaming after that. Shortly after I had AK suited in clubs in the hijack seat and FTP bet $700 in first position. I called as did the SB (middle guy)
The flop was J of spades, and 8-5 of hearts. Middle guy shoved right away with his last $8375.
I had about $9500 left. FTP got out of the way and it was up to me. Who knew if middle guy had a made hand or a drawing hand but I did not want to essentially put my tournament on the line so early; so I folded and showed my hand. (something I almost never do)
The first major hand I won was holding 88 in first position. The blinds were 100/200 with a $25 ante. I bet out $400 and I got five callers, including Tony on my right in the BB.
The flop was 346 rainbow and Tony instantly went all-in with around $2200. With this flop I felt I had to stay involved but I really did not want multi way action so I raised all-in myself with my $8775.
Ben two to my left called me and everyone else folded. We turned over.
Tony had flopped a straight - gulp, but I was ahead of Ben with his pair of 5's and a gut shot straight draw.
The turn was an 8 - giving me a set of 8's; but still behind Tony. The river was a 6 - yes - a 6, and my pair of 8's had now converted to a full house and I cleaned up the whole pot. I sheepishly shook Tony's hand and thanked him again for his autographed book.
He signed the inside something to the effect
"To Ross the blogger, whatever the f*** that is !
Best regards, Tony Korfman"
If you visit his website or read his book, you'll understand that this is his schtick -and nothing to take personally.
So now I was in business with a stack of over $20,000 - around average.
I thought I played another hand real well and got lucky a bit later. I had Ace of clubs and nine of spades in early position. The blinds were $200/$400 with a $25 ante.I raised it up to $900, and the BB looked me up, as had another guy in the middle.
The flop was 6 and 4 of clubs, and the ten of hearts. The BB checked and I bet out $2200 with basically nothing to show for my bravado.
The button folded, and the BB called.
Next card was the club 8 - so now I at least had a club flush draw. BB checked to me and I checked too - happy for the free card.
The river was the glorious ten of clubs. BB checked to me and I only had to figure out how much to bet.
I put out $4000; he called, and he put his Queen high flush on the table - so of course I won.
He had the flush at the turn, so he could have squeezed me out of the pot had he bet big after the turn - but the free card he gave me destroyed him. I guess my hand was hard to read, or he was not really sure how best to play - as he knew he had the winning hand after the turn. Still I was not complaining.
Now I was up in the mid to high twenties and feeling ok.
I stayed quiet for a while, and got a sweet extra $18000 when the SB decided I was joking with my Aces in the BB and he put me all in with AQ after a three card rainbow rag flop.
So now I was table chip leader with over $50K. I feel like a putz for not making it to final five. I made the classic mistake of getting involved in a huge pot with the other big stack at the table – FTP cap guy.
I had AQo in the SB, and the blinds were I think $300/$600 with a $75 ante. He bet $1500 in early position, a guy in the middle called and so did I. The flop was Q73 rainbow.
I led out for $5000, and FTP called and middle guy folded. The turn was a three in the fourth suit. I was not sure where I stood in the hand. I checked – the pot was already around $15-$16000. And FTP splashed $25,000 into the pot.
It felt like he did not want me to call – this was an overbet. On the other hand – should I care? Should I not just let this go and wait for another spot against another player? He could have a set (unlikely to be queens) or he could have QJ, KQ, AQ, Q10 even. Yes KK and AA are possible, but with this guy at this time I was sure not. Still with so many possible hands, you can see I was not in a comfortable position - I should have executed a squeeze play pre flop, and maybe raised it up to $4500 or so.
What to do? Well no sense in calling I thought as we are headed towards all the money in so I decided it’s all in or fold. I went all in and he called after much thought and turned over KQ.
You have guessed the outcome – the river was a king and I barfed inwardly as I passed over all but $9000 or so of my chips to the new tournament chip leader.
All you good players out there – tell me I was wrong to call – I must have been – look at the result.
But I was determined not to tilt or steam – although I am sure many were waiting for me to do so. I hung in and rebuilt back to around $25,000.
The blinds were getting pretty high and we were down to two tables. $1000/$2000 with a $300 ante. Each orbit was costing $5400 or so.
I was trying to play poker but my options were limited since to see a hand all the way to the river was costing my stack size it seemed. I got blinded down to around $21,000 until I picked up KK in the BB. OK here is my time.
My LHO (Ben) limped in; as did the next guy, as did a fourth guy – I hoped I could squeeze them all out with an all-in move.
But LHO and his LHO both called ! Well this was a chance to triple up. I was sure I had the best starting hand.
Flop was 10 clubs 8 and 7 of spades. I suppose people might be flushing and straightening, but it still felt I had a chance. The other two guys both got it all in for a separate side pot and now I did not like my chances. If three people like their hands this much, two of us will be wrong!
LHO flipped a pair of sevens to show his set; and his LHO was gunning for the Ace high spade flush.
Neither a spade nor a king came on the turn or river and two of us subsided. 15th and 16th. There were only 50 entrants because of the large entry fee – and only five places paying.
First was $8400 or so and fifth around $1700 with a prize pool of around $24,000 plus.
I came back to watch the ending – six players left with two large stacks - $192000 and $250,000 and four smaller stacks. The big stacks took home $5000 each; two other guys took home $3900; one guy took $3400 and the little guy in sixth still took home $2900. Four of the six were from my original starting table. The guy who put me out with 77 was one $5000 winner and FTP cap guy was a $3900 winner.
Sigh ! Good news is I am not that far off in my game for this sort of thing – but you still need luck even if your game is good enough. But I truly enjoy the grind and battle of a tournament – though many cash players would say I am nuts since I can invest so much time for no return whereas they can be making their average hourly rate at the regular tables.
But until I improve, this milieu is fine for me.
Vegas in August part 7 - odds n sods
Well I started off this morning with a brisk walk along the Boulevard - already impressed by the wall of heat given off - the air is almost too dry and hot to breathe here. Talked to a couple of guys from Atlanta on their way to play golf - they assured me this is better than 90F in Atlanta - I'll take their word for it.
Next I went to Club Grazie to collect my promotional slot credits of $100. Also redeemed $55 in free slot play accumulated from my last trip. Now I had to cycle the credits through a machine and whatever was left I could keep. Went to a funky 5 cent 3 play jacks or better - where if you bet the max 30 credits, the machine would give you a multiplier payout on every hand. I counted my plays so I would know when the credits were used up and had about 80% of the money left when I was finished my cycle.
Normally I cash out here, but the devil told me to press the button one more time and I was rewarded with 4 fives - before the draw ! It ended up I cashed out around $207 - free money - if you believe in such things in Vegas.
I stayed away from slots on day 2 but yesterday I found time to parlay $20 into $125 eventually. First machine I played I increased it to $28. Later I went to another and increased to $50. Later in the evening I increased it again to $125 and cashed it out.
It may sound lame but I also get pleasure and entertainment from video poker slots even at 1 cent, 5 cents, or 25 cents, as I do from heavier action card games. You cannot play cards for too long I believe - you have to keep yourself busy and distracted. I don't play slots for anything but small stakes - I play to while away time and for the enjoyment.
That's why I usually read a couple of books while I am here, play slots, poker tournaments, swim, walk, girl watch or whatever. I thought I would try this blogging stuff too as it keeps me away from the tables till I feel the time is right.
As for poker slots - it still comes down to the same principles - discipline, money management, and hit and run. And the games I play actually involve my brain - Spin Poker - where I can play 1 to 20 hands and all combinations thereof; 4 level Multi Strike Poker; or occasionally 100 play poker.
Once a trip I play blackjack on cool machines they have at the Palazzo which lets you play all seven spots per hand - these machines can be deadly either way - either they pay well of they kill you - so it's not something I do regularly.
Anyway, today I will enter the daily "Deep Stack" poker tournament at noon. I feel ok - head still a bit dodgy but I think I am fine to play. Hopefully I will have a deep run and enjoy myself.
Next I went to Club Grazie to collect my promotional slot credits of $100. Also redeemed $55 in free slot play accumulated from my last trip. Now I had to cycle the credits through a machine and whatever was left I could keep. Went to a funky 5 cent 3 play jacks or better - where if you bet the max 30 credits, the machine would give you a multiplier payout on every hand. I counted my plays so I would know when the credits were used up and had about 80% of the money left when I was finished my cycle.
Normally I cash out here, but the devil told me to press the button one more time and I was rewarded with 4 fives - before the draw ! It ended up I cashed out around $207 - free money - if you believe in such things in Vegas.
I stayed away from slots on day 2 but yesterday I found time to parlay $20 into $125 eventually. First machine I played I increased it to $28. Later I went to another and increased to $50. Later in the evening I increased it again to $125 and cashed it out.
It may sound lame but I also get pleasure and entertainment from video poker slots even at 1 cent, 5 cents, or 25 cents, as I do from heavier action card games. You cannot play cards for too long I believe - you have to keep yourself busy and distracted. I don't play slots for anything but small stakes - I play to while away time and for the enjoyment.
That's why I usually read a couple of books while I am here, play slots, poker tournaments, swim, walk, girl watch or whatever. I thought I would try this blogging stuff too as it keeps me away from the tables till I feel the time is right.
As for poker slots - it still comes down to the same principles - discipline, money management, and hit and run. And the games I play actually involve my brain - Spin Poker - where I can play 1 to 20 hands and all combinations thereof; 4 level Multi Strike Poker; or occasionally 100 play poker.
Once a trip I play blackjack on cool machines they have at the Palazzo which lets you play all seven spots per hand - these machines can be deadly either way - either they pay well of they kill you - so it's not something I do regularly.
Anyway, today I will enter the daily "Deep Stack" poker tournament at noon. I feel ok - head still a bit dodgy but I think I am fine to play. Hopefully I will have a deep run and enjoy myself.
Vegas in August part 6 - clubbing and BJ
So yesterday was a change of pace for me. The afternoon was mostly a wipe out as I nursed a bad headache in the room. In between pain spasms I got into a pretty interesting historical fiction novel called "Pompeii" describing the tale of the city in the few days leading up to the eruption of Vesuvius. Not bad.
I recovered sufficiently by 6 pm for my evening BBO practise session with Keith, and from there it was onto dinner and dancing.
Earlier I had scored passes to TAO - in the Venetian - but we feared we were too old for Lindsay Lohan and her crowd, so we settled on Tryst at the Wynn. We scouted the club before dinner and met a hostess who was convinced Svetlana was a Chanel model, so was tripping over herself to accomodate us. We did not dispel her impression of course.
I told her we would like to come but (a) we don't want to be out of place (read - too old) and (b) we don't like standing in lines. Angie gave me her business card and promised she would look out for us in the VIP line up. Sure enough later that evening we were whisked into the beautiful club and enjoyed music, a few drinks, and even dancing till 1 AM.
I was surprised how dead the Wynn casino was - it is a gorgeous facility - as is the Encore - but looked like a Monday night - not a Friday night. And they still jacked up their table limits - the DD pit was almost empty with one $100 game and mostly $200 and $300 minimums at the others. Meanwhile the Venetian and the Palazzo are hopping - table limits ratcheted up many times according to ye old supply demand model.
We dined at a fabulous Chinese restaurant in the Wynn called RED - had the best hot and sour souop we have ever had - anywhere. Our entree was steamed Chilean Sea Bass and that was wow too. Red has been added to our list of places we like to eat at in Vegas!
Saw the lead actor from Entourage with a couple of his buddies at the Red - he was dressed very casual in jeans and tee, but no mistaking him. (sorry I don't know his name)
Bigger thrill (?) was walking past and almost into Rod Stewart (or his spitting image) in the walk back from The Wynn to The Venetian.
Back to our hotel and perhaps a blackjack flutter before bed. Found a $50 limit table that was not packed and we agreed I would play and Sveta would cheer. Nothing to cheer about. One of those tables you cannot will to pay you. Counts favorable - you lose. Dealer was so strong with her bust cards showing you almost preferred she show an ace or face.
I tried all my moves - changing the number of hands; judicious sit outs; don't double when I usually would - but after a 15 minute struggle I realised this was not to be and exited to the next table beside us - where everybody's grandfather was quietly sitting one on one with the dealer and had a huge stack of black and green chips in front of him.
He simply started every shoe with $125 bet and increased by $25 if he won a hand - as he was winning 3/5 hands his stack was steadily growing all night. He was so absorbed, and non responsive to anyone or anything, I wondered if he was a permanent fixture at the table - kind of a tourist attraction.
Anyway, my disrupting grandpa's game had no affect on his results, but his luck did not spill over to the anchor position. Started out well, then it turned luke warm - not as bad as the previous table, but playing a higher limit (past my current day comfort point to be honest) I was not really in a zig zagging mood. Caught back half what I lost at the other table and reminded myself that patience is still the key.
These same tables will be empty in the morning and the limits will be $25 and I can be Captain Control and all will be right in the world.
So I grabbed a bunch of free poker mags from the poker room and went to bed, reading about guys I have never heard of and their big scores in tournament poker.
I recovered sufficiently by 6 pm for my evening BBO practise session with Keith, and from there it was onto dinner and dancing.
Earlier I had scored passes to TAO - in the Venetian - but we feared we were too old for Lindsay Lohan and her crowd, so we settled on Tryst at the Wynn. We scouted the club before dinner and met a hostess who was convinced Svetlana was a Chanel model, so was tripping over herself to accomodate us. We did not dispel her impression of course.
I told her we would like to come but (a) we don't want to be out of place (read - too old) and (b) we don't like standing in lines. Angie gave me her business card and promised she would look out for us in the VIP line up. Sure enough later that evening we were whisked into the beautiful club and enjoyed music, a few drinks, and even dancing till 1 AM.
I was surprised how dead the Wynn casino was - it is a gorgeous facility - as is the Encore - but looked like a Monday night - not a Friday night. And they still jacked up their table limits - the DD pit was almost empty with one $100 game and mostly $200 and $300 minimums at the others. Meanwhile the Venetian and the Palazzo are hopping - table limits ratcheted up many times according to ye old supply demand model.
We dined at a fabulous Chinese restaurant in the Wynn called RED - had the best hot and sour souop we have ever had - anywhere. Our entree was steamed Chilean Sea Bass and that was wow too. Red has been added to our list of places we like to eat at in Vegas!
Saw the lead actor from Entourage with a couple of his buddies at the Red - he was dressed very casual in jeans and tee, but no mistaking him. (sorry I don't know his name)
Bigger thrill (?) was walking past and almost into Rod Stewart (or his spitting image) in the walk back from The Wynn to The Venetian.
Back to our hotel and perhaps a blackjack flutter before bed. Found a $50 limit table that was not packed and we agreed I would play and Sveta would cheer. Nothing to cheer about. One of those tables you cannot will to pay you. Counts favorable - you lose. Dealer was so strong with her bust cards showing you almost preferred she show an ace or face.
I tried all my moves - changing the number of hands; judicious sit outs; don't double when I usually would - but after a 15 minute struggle I realised this was not to be and exited to the next table beside us - where everybody's grandfather was quietly sitting one on one with the dealer and had a huge stack of black and green chips in front of him.
He simply started every shoe with $125 bet and increased by $25 if he won a hand - as he was winning 3/5 hands his stack was steadily growing all night. He was so absorbed, and non responsive to anyone or anything, I wondered if he was a permanent fixture at the table - kind of a tourist attraction.
Anyway, my disrupting grandpa's game had no affect on his results, but his luck did not spill over to the anchor position. Started out well, then it turned luke warm - not as bad as the previous table, but playing a higher limit (past my current day comfort point to be honest) I was not really in a zig zagging mood. Caught back half what I lost at the other table and reminded myself that patience is still the key.
These same tables will be empty in the morning and the limits will be $25 and I can be Captain Control and all will be right in the world.
So I grabbed a bunch of free poker mags from the poker room and went to bed, reading about guys I have never heard of and their big scores in tournament poker.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Vegas in August part 5 - Blackjack
So I went down to the BJ pit and found Sveta at a $25 DD table, not really enjoying herself. Last night's dinner was having a delayed negative reaction on her - my reaction had been rather more immediate last night.
So nursing a medicinal glass of Henessey, she asked me to play with her chips till she began to feel better.
I played two spots and got up a bit as the guy on first base got knocked out of the game. Another player watched me for a while and decided he wanted the first hand out of each shoe so he jumped in - but at least not mid shoe.
I experimented with one or two hands till the cards settled down and got up around $690. Then an aging combover with his wife (who looked like someone from That 70's Show with glasses the size of brandy snifters) sat down at first base and majestically placed his $100 bill on the table.
Feeling friendly, as a courtesy I offered the information that I varied from two hands to one. He thanked me and said he was fine with that as he liked to do the same thing. Yikes - never good news when a combover from Missouri wants to control my table with his 4-unit buy-in.
Sure enough, it only took him a few hands to spread to two, and whatever magic I had been enjoying started to ebb from the table.
So we took our $575 profit and looked for a greener pasture. Found an empty $50 table where Sveta charmed the supervisor into lowering the limit for her, and still playing with her chips, I continued heads up against this dealer.
First shoe was a rush as I got up around $300. Next shoe was up $100 when major pressing signals flashed their pretty faces at me. I spread to two hands of $80 and lost both one double down to boot. But the count was still dynamite so I increased to two hands of $120 and promptly lost those too.
In a flash the profit was wiped out from this table, and I started to grind. The casino threw new cards at me (never a great thing) and the hotel convention supplied lots of willing and unlucky playing partners for me - all of whom crashed and burned over the next hour.
It was a tough set. I could not get it going in either direction. So complaining of a headache (which is true) and boredom, L left the table in Svetlana's capable hands, with a profit of a measly $25 for that table session. Still - a win is a win -just take what the cards give you.
So hopefully she can grind it out. I will take it easy now and prepare for our big night out dancing (the things you do to keep a good relationship!) and a nice dinner.
So nursing a medicinal glass of Henessey, she asked me to play with her chips till she began to feel better.
I played two spots and got up a bit as the guy on first base got knocked out of the game. Another player watched me for a while and decided he wanted the first hand out of each shoe so he jumped in - but at least not mid shoe.
I experimented with one or two hands till the cards settled down and got up around $690. Then an aging combover with his wife (who looked like someone from That 70's Show with glasses the size of brandy snifters) sat down at first base and majestically placed his $100 bill on the table.
Feeling friendly, as a courtesy I offered the information that I varied from two hands to one. He thanked me and said he was fine with that as he liked to do the same thing. Yikes - never good news when a combover from Missouri wants to control my table with his 4-unit buy-in.
Sure enough, it only took him a few hands to spread to two, and whatever magic I had been enjoying started to ebb from the table.
So we took our $575 profit and looked for a greener pasture. Found an empty $50 table where Sveta charmed the supervisor into lowering the limit for her, and still playing with her chips, I continued heads up against this dealer.
First shoe was a rush as I got up around $300. Next shoe was up $100 when major pressing signals flashed their pretty faces at me. I spread to two hands of $80 and lost both one double down to boot. But the count was still dynamite so I increased to two hands of $120 and promptly lost those too.
In a flash the profit was wiped out from this table, and I started to grind. The casino threw new cards at me (never a great thing) and the hotel convention supplied lots of willing and unlucky playing partners for me - all of whom crashed and burned over the next hour.
It was a tough set. I could not get it going in either direction. So complaining of a headache (which is true) and boredom, L left the table in Svetlana's capable hands, with a profit of a measly $25 for that table session. Still - a win is a win -just take what the cards give you.
So hopefully she can grind it out. I will take it easy now and prepare for our big night out dancing (the things you do to keep a good relationship!) and a nice dinner.
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