$2/$5 NLHE - Motor City Casino - 08.15.10
I limp in Mid with Qh Td. The Hyjack (30's guy) raises to $20. Five players see a Flop of Jc 9c 2s. It checks around to the Hyjack, who bets $60. The Button (a 50's guy) calls. It folds around to me. I'm not a big fan of chasing Straight draws on a Flush draw board, because it seems that my Straight card usually also makes the Flush. But I am getting decent odds ($60 to win $220). And with two other players in the pot, there's a better chance that one of them will pay me off if I do hit. So I call.
Turn [Jc 9c 2s] 8s. Yahtzee! I check. Hyjack bets $125, which is about half his stack. Button hesitates for a moment, and calls the $125 which is more than half his stack. With both of them seemingly pot-committed, I check-raise them All-In, and they both call. The Button has $205 total for the Main pot. Hyjack has $50 left for the Side pot. I show my Nut Straight. Button shows his KK in disgust. Hyjack just says, "I've got outs."
River [Jc 9c 2s 8s] 2d. Yuck, that could be one of his outs. But it wasn't, as he just shakes his head and mucks. The Dealer ships me the $990 pot, and I tip him $5.
The Button was on Tilt for at least 30 minutes about how he screwed up KK on the Button, and let QT offsuit win the pot. He was correct, but I didn't tell him that.
Showing posts with label Motor City Casino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motor City Casino. Show all posts
Monday, August 16, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Riding The $2/$5 Rollercoaster
12:50 $500 - I walked into the Motor City Poker Room as they were opening up the first $2/$5 table of Sunday afternoon. I marked my chair (Seat 3), and headed over to the Cage. I bought $800 in chips, and put $300 in my pocket.
It took some time for everyone to leave their $1/$2 tables. Only one player bought in for the max of $500. Most others sat down with $200-$300. I'm not sure if that's normal, or just because they were playing $1/$2.
1:30 $318 - This table has been playing rather calm, which is what I expected on a Sunday afternoon. Lots of limping, but not much raising. I really only played one hand. I called a $20 raise with Td Ts in the Cutoff. Six players saw the Flop of 8h 7d 6d. The initial raiser (Hyjack) bet $100, and I was the only caller. Turn [8h 7d 6d] 3h. He went All-In for $235. I decided that this wasn't a battle worth fighting, and folded.
2:00 $497 - I pulled $200 in chips out of my pocket, and added them to my stack. Pot sizes have increased at this table. Players are really overvaluing Top Pair, and I'm not impressed by anyone at this table. A Lady wins an $800 pot with AQ on an A-high Flop against two players with lower kickers. The lower kickers were shortstacked, and got their stacks in the middle.
My cards suck so far. I did win my first pot of the session. There was one limper, and I was the BB with 72o. It got checked down, and I won the pot with a 4-Card Flush.
2:30 $580 - I limped on the Button with 87s. Six players saw the Flop of 9h 6s 2s. UTG (60's Lady) bet $35. It folds to me, and I decided to raise to $100 with my monster Combo Draw. After the Blinds fold, UTG goes All-In for $150 with A9o. The Turn was a Brick, but the River gives me the Straight.
Very next hand, there are a few limpers. I'm the Cutoff, and raise to $15 with AKh. Five players see the Flop of J T 3. It checks to me, and I bet $40. Only the Hyjack called. Turn [J T 3] 2. He goes All-In for over $200. I fold.
3:00 $466 - I lost chips in various small pots, $15 here and $25 there. Cards haven't been good so far. It's really frustrating to sit here while there are two Action Guys at the table, and one of them is on my direct Right. But I know that if I'm patient, then it should pay off.
3:30 $487 - I raised $15 in Mid with J9c. Four players saw the Flop of Qc 9d 8c. Action Guy on my Right leads out for $40. I decide to raise to $125 to isolate, but he folded.
I limped UTG+1 with KJd. Six players saw the Flop of Kh Qh Jc. I lead out for $20 with Top Two Pair, and get three callers. Turn was [Kh Qh Jc] 2d. It checked to me, and I bet $50. A Mid player called. The SB (50's guy) check-raised to $100. I knew this meant that he flopped the Straight. I called the extra $50, since he's giving me odds to hit my 4-outer. The Mid player also called. River [Kh Qh Jc 2d] 9c. All players checked, and SB wins the pot with T9d.
A few players limped. Mid player raised to $20, and Action Guy called. I'm the Cutoff. I look down at AKh, and 3-bet to $75. Only Action Guy "gives me some action". Flop was 7 2 2. He checked. I bet $125, and he folded quickly.
4:00 $356 - I raised in Mid position, but airballed the Flop. Next hand, I raise with Ad Ah. Only the Action Guy called. Flop was Tc Td 3d. He checked, I bet $25, and he called. Turn [Tc Td 3d] 5h. We both checked. River [Tc Td 3d 5h] 3c. He bets $50, and I call. He shows T8h, and scoops the pot.
A few limpers. I've got KK in the Cutoff, and raise to $15. Five players see the Flop of 6h 5d 2c. It checks to me, and I bet $50. Only one player called. Turn [6h 5d 2c] Th. He checked. I bet $80, and he folded.
I limp in Mid with 98o. As it turns out, it's a Straddle pot by a very tight player who's on Super Tilt, so I call the extra $5. Naturally, he goes All-In for $65. I call the extra $55 hoping that other will do so, but nobody does. He went All-In with Q6o, and hit his 6.
I limp in Mid with TT. The SB (50's Guy same one who flopped the Straight against my Two Pair) raised to $20. Four players see the Flop of Q Q 5. It checked to me, and I bet $50. Only the SB called. Turn [Q Q 5] Q. SB bets $75. I think about it for a bit, and reluctantly call. River [Q Q 5 Q] 7. He checked, and so did I. He shows AA, and I'm mad at myself for calling the $75.
I pull the last $100 out of my pocket, and add it to my stack.
4:30 $334 - There has been a lot of turnover at this table. Both of the Action Guys are gone. One left with $1200+, and the other went busto. Only two others of the original players are still here. I really didn't play any pots. I'm just sitting back trying to be patient, and watching the new players.
5:00 $809 - I win a sweet pot with AK that will be a future Hand Of The Day. A few hands later, I limp in Mid with J9s. Five players see the Flop of 9c 9d 2d. I'm not sure why, but I checked, and so did everyone else. Turn [9c 9d 2d] 6d. I happily check again. The Hyjack bet $15, and I'm the only caller. River [9c 9d 2d 6d] Jc. I lead out for $25 with my Full House. Hyjack raised to $65. Since I have the 2nd Nuts, I 3-Bet to $175. He thinks for a moment, and calls in disgust. I show my Boat, and he shows 2 2 for a smaller Boat. Nasty.
I raised in the Cutoff with AK. I airballed the Flop, but I called a bet from the Button. I hit my A on the Turn, but the Button flopped Top Set (TT). I lost $100 on the River.
5:40 $980 - I raised with KK, and got five callers. The Flop was 7 7 7, and I won a decent pot against 55.
I was planning on leave around 6pm, so I cashed out with some profit, and headed home. $180 isn't what I was hoping for by playing $2/$5. But considering the hole I dug for myself, and my pathetic history at $2/$5, I'm happy to take any profit.
It took some time for everyone to leave their $1/$2 tables. Only one player bought in for the max of $500. Most others sat down with $200-$300. I'm not sure if that's normal, or just because they were playing $1/$2.
1:30 $318 - This table has been playing rather calm, which is what I expected on a Sunday afternoon. Lots of limping, but not much raising. I really only played one hand. I called a $20 raise with Td Ts in the Cutoff. Six players saw the Flop of 8h 7d 6d. The initial raiser (Hyjack) bet $100, and I was the only caller. Turn [8h 7d 6d] 3h. He went All-In for $235. I decided that this wasn't a battle worth fighting, and folded.
2:00 $497 - I pulled $200 in chips out of my pocket, and added them to my stack. Pot sizes have increased at this table. Players are really overvaluing Top Pair, and I'm not impressed by anyone at this table. A Lady wins an $800 pot with AQ on an A-high Flop against two players with lower kickers. The lower kickers were shortstacked, and got their stacks in the middle.
My cards suck so far. I did win my first pot of the session. There was one limper, and I was the BB with 72o. It got checked down, and I won the pot with a 4-Card Flush.
2:30 $580 - I limped on the Button with 87s. Six players saw the Flop of 9h 6s 2s. UTG (60's Lady) bet $35. It folds to me, and I decided to raise to $100 with my monster Combo Draw. After the Blinds fold, UTG goes All-In for $150 with A9o. The Turn was a Brick, but the River gives me the Straight.
Very next hand, there are a few limpers. I'm the Cutoff, and raise to $15 with AKh. Five players see the Flop of J T 3. It checks to me, and I bet $40. Only the Hyjack called. Turn [J T 3] 2. He goes All-In for over $200. I fold.
3:00 $466 - I lost chips in various small pots, $15 here and $25 there. Cards haven't been good so far. It's really frustrating to sit here while there are two Action Guys at the table, and one of them is on my direct Right. But I know that if I'm patient, then it should pay off.
3:30 $487 - I raised $15 in Mid with J9c. Four players saw the Flop of Qc 9d 8c. Action Guy on my Right leads out for $40. I decide to raise to $125 to isolate, but he folded.
I limped UTG+1 with KJd. Six players saw the Flop of Kh Qh Jc. I lead out for $20 with Top Two Pair, and get three callers. Turn was [Kh Qh Jc] 2d. It checked to me, and I bet $50. A Mid player called. The SB (50's guy) check-raised to $100. I knew this meant that he flopped the Straight. I called the extra $50, since he's giving me odds to hit my 4-outer. The Mid player also called. River [Kh Qh Jc 2d] 9c. All players checked, and SB wins the pot with T9d.
A few players limped. Mid player raised to $20, and Action Guy called. I'm the Cutoff. I look down at AKh, and 3-bet to $75. Only Action Guy "gives me some action". Flop was 7 2 2. He checked. I bet $125, and he folded quickly.
4:00 $356 - I raised in Mid position, but airballed the Flop. Next hand, I raise with Ad Ah. Only the Action Guy called. Flop was Tc Td 3d. He checked, I bet $25, and he called. Turn [Tc Td 3d] 5h. We both checked. River [Tc Td 3d 5h] 3c. He bets $50, and I call. He shows T8h, and scoops the pot.
A few limpers. I've got KK in the Cutoff, and raise to $15. Five players see the Flop of 6h 5d 2c. It checks to me, and I bet $50. Only one player called. Turn [6h 5d 2c] Th. He checked. I bet $80, and he folded.
I limp in Mid with 98o. As it turns out, it's a Straddle pot by a very tight player who's on Super Tilt, so I call the extra $5. Naturally, he goes All-In for $65. I call the extra $55 hoping that other will do so, but nobody does. He went All-In with Q6o, and hit his 6.
I limp in Mid with TT. The SB (50's Guy same one who flopped the Straight against my Two Pair) raised to $20. Four players see the Flop of Q Q 5. It checked to me, and I bet $50. Only the SB called. Turn [Q Q 5] Q. SB bets $75. I think about it for a bit, and reluctantly call. River [Q Q 5 Q] 7. He checked, and so did I. He shows AA, and I'm mad at myself for calling the $75.
I pull the last $100 out of my pocket, and add it to my stack.
4:30 $334 - There has been a lot of turnover at this table. Both of the Action Guys are gone. One left with $1200+, and the other went busto. Only two others of the original players are still here. I really didn't play any pots. I'm just sitting back trying to be patient, and watching the new players.
5:00 $809 - I win a sweet pot with AK that will be a future Hand Of The Day. A few hands later, I limp in Mid with J9s. Five players see the Flop of 9c 9d 2d. I'm not sure why, but I checked, and so did everyone else. Turn [9c 9d 2d] 6d. I happily check again. The Hyjack bet $15, and I'm the only caller. River [9c 9d 2d 6d] Jc. I lead out for $25 with my Full House. Hyjack raised to $65. Since I have the 2nd Nuts, I 3-Bet to $175. He thinks for a moment, and calls in disgust. I show my Boat, and he shows 2 2 for a smaller Boat. Nasty.
I raised in the Cutoff with AK. I airballed the Flop, but I called a bet from the Button. I hit my A on the Turn, but the Button flopped Top Set (TT). I lost $100 on the River.
5:40 $980 - I raised with KK, and got five callers. The Flop was 7 7 7, and I won a decent pot against 55.
I was planning on leave around 6pm, so I cashed out with some profit, and headed home. $180 isn't what I was hoping for by playing $2/$5. But considering the hole I dug for myself, and my pathetic history at $2/$5, I'm happy to take any profit.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
What I Love About Tournaments
I was planning on heading over to Greektown for their 11am tournament. But I didn't think I could get there on time since they don't allow late buy-ins. One of the reasons I was running behind was due to the Fire Alarm going off in the Motor City Hotel at 5am.
Since I played at MGM last night, I decided to stay and play at Motor City. After I checked out of my room, I went down to the Poker Room just before 11am. I put my name on the $1/$2 list. The player who walked in right after me asked about the tournament. I didn't even know that Motor City was running tournaments. It's a $65 tourney that starts at 11am, so I signed up.
"Shuffle Up & Deal" 4000 - So far, it's just a two table tourney, with 18 players total. I don't recognize anyone at my table, but it looks like the usual mishmash of people that you would expect to find at a daily casino tournament. The levels are 20 minutes long.
End of Level 1 (25/50) 4125 - I won a pot with a Straight in the BB. This table is rather normal for a weekday tournament. Most every is playing tight and passive. There is one Action Guy, a 25 year old kid, who is playing a lot of pots, and he's two seats on my Left.
Level 2 (50/100) 8500 - I won two pots against the same Lady. The first one was with my A3d vs A2h on a Board of Axx A 3. In the second hand, I called her raise with 87s, and flopped Two Pair. One hand later, I get moved to the other table. I win one nice pot over there. My KQ vs Q9 on a Q88 A A board.
Level 3 (100/200) 7000 - I raised to 700 on the Button with K7h. Only the BB called, but he's only got 500 left behind. Ooops! We both checked the Flop. He moved All-In on the Turn. I called because I picked up the Flush Draw. He showed QT, no pair. He missed his Pair Draw, and was eliminated.
Halfway through the level, we reached the Final Table. (Yes, it's only Level 3, and we're at the Final Table.) There are 9 players left, and I am 2nd or 3rd in chips with 9100. Action Guy from before is the Chip Leader, and he is on my direct Left.
Last hand of the Level. UTG+1 raised to 700. The Cutoff called. I'm the BB with KQo, and reluctantly called. I checked the Flop of As Kc Js. UTG+1 bet 1800. Button folded. I thought for a minute, and reluctantly called. I checked the Turn [As Kc Js] Jc. UTG+1 bet 3500, and I folded. This hand was a mistake from the start. KQ out of position in a 3-way pot is terrible at this stage of the tournament. I dusted off almost 25% of my stack.
Level 4 (200/400) 13300 - I raised to 1100 with 87s in the Cutoff. Only the BB called. He checked the Flop of Ad Jc 9c. I C-Bet 1600 with the Gutshot Straight Flush Draw. Turn was [Ad Jc 9c] Jh. The BB started staring me down, probably to see if I was uncomfortable with the J. After a few moments, I started staring back at him. He started tapping his finger while checking me out. The Dealer asked if he checked. I told the Dealer, "No, he's just trying to get a read on me." The BB finally checked, and so did I with my 8-high. River [Ad Jc 9c Jh] Td. BB went All-In for 2400. Well, I hit my Straight, but it's the bottom end of it. So I had to call. He showed AQ, and I knocked out another player.
Level 5 (300/600) 15500 - I played really tight. I won two limped pots from the Blinds that were checked down.
We are now at Break. There are 7 players left, and I'm 2nd in chips. Action Guy is Chip Leader with 21500, but he's still playing rather loose. They are coloring up the black 100 chips during the Break. This structure is about to get stupid.
Level 6 (500/1000) 17000 - Still playing rather tight. I won the blinds once with A9. I 3-bet once with AQ, and they folded. We are still six handed. The short stacks keep doubling up. The Action Guy is helping out the Short Stacks by calling with quality hands like J9o.
Level 7 (1000/2000) 72000 - Players finally start getting knocked out. The former Chip Leader (Action Guy) is knocked as our Bubble Boy (4th). He went All-In UTG for 11k with A2, and I called in the BB with A7. The 7 on the Flop popped the Bubble.
When 3 handed, the short stacked mentioned a Chop. The other player said, "there's not enough money to bother chopping." Maybe five hands later, the Button limped. I'm the SB with KJ, and called. The short stack goes All-In for 12k from the BB, and we both call. I flopped Two Pair, and am now the monster chip stack.
As we begin Heads-Up, I've got a 4-1 chip lead, roughly 57k to 15k. Unfortunately, I have to show the Dealer and the Floorperson how to deal Heads-Up, because most tournaments are chopped by this point. After a few minutes of discussion and debating, we finally start playing. He's an older gentleman who usually plays $2/$5 or higher.
We both were playing Small Ball. Very little preflop raising to start out. The first big pot was me limping in the BB with T7d. Flop of Kh Jc Th was checked by both of us. Turn [Kh Jc Th] Ts. He checked. I bet 3k with my Trips, and he called. River [Kh Jc Th Ts] Qh. He leads out for 6k. I hate that card, because every draw hit. But I called, and he showed Ah Ac for Broadway. (Yes, I know that he acted out of turn on the River. This was not uncommon during Heads-Up. I think he has rarely played it before, since he was asking question about how it worked.)
The next big pot is me limping in the BB with 44. Flop is 7d 7c 4c. Yahtzee! We both checked. Turn [7d 7c 4c] 5h. He bet 2k out of turn, again. I raised to 5k. He shoved, and I called. I showed my Boat, and he showed Q7h. I say to the Dealer, "Please don't screw me." She didn't as the River was a Brick. I win the tournament, and $440 after the $10 Dealer Tip.
I know this might sound stupid, but the thing I love about playing tournaments is Winning. Cash Game players just don't understand this concept. All they see is that I won $375 in 2.5 hours. Yes, the money is sweet. But I love the idea of maneuvering through the field and shifting gears. You get to play different types of Poker, whether it's a deeper stack full Ring early in the tournament, a shorter stacked 6 max as we get closer to the Final Table, the Push-N-Pray at the Final Table, or the Heads-Up battle. And when the Dealer turns over the River card on the final hand, I get that sweet, sweet taste of Victory.
I won $377 in 2.5 hours last night at MGM Detroit, and I won $375 in this tournament which lasted around 2.5 hours. The victory in the tournament was much more enjoyable for me. Plus, this was the first daily casino tournament I've made it to the end that hasn't chopped in any way.
Since I played at MGM last night, I decided to stay and play at Motor City. After I checked out of my room, I went down to the Poker Room just before 11am. I put my name on the $1/$2 list. The player who walked in right after me asked about the tournament. I didn't even know that Motor City was running tournaments. It's a $65 tourney that starts at 11am, so I signed up.
"Shuffle Up & Deal" 4000 - So far, it's just a two table tourney, with 18 players total. I don't recognize anyone at my table, but it looks like the usual mishmash of people that you would expect to find at a daily casino tournament. The levels are 20 minutes long.
End of Level 1 (25/50) 4125 - I won a pot with a Straight in the BB. This table is rather normal for a weekday tournament. Most every is playing tight and passive. There is one Action Guy, a 25 year old kid, who is playing a lot of pots, and he's two seats on my Left.
Level 2 (50/100) 8500 - I won two pots against the same Lady. The first one was with my A3d vs A2h on a Board of Axx A 3. In the second hand, I called her raise with 87s, and flopped Two Pair. One hand later, I get moved to the other table. I win one nice pot over there. My KQ vs Q9 on a Q88 A A board.
Level 3 (100/200) 7000 - I raised to 700 on the Button with K7h. Only the BB called, but he's only got 500 left behind. Ooops! We both checked the Flop. He moved All-In on the Turn. I called because I picked up the Flush Draw. He showed QT, no pair. He missed his Pair Draw, and was eliminated.
Halfway through the level, we reached the Final Table. (Yes, it's only Level 3, and we're at the Final Table.) There are 9 players left, and I am 2nd or 3rd in chips with 9100. Action Guy from before is the Chip Leader, and he is on my direct Left.
Last hand of the Level. UTG+1 raised to 700. The Cutoff called. I'm the BB with KQo, and reluctantly called. I checked the Flop of As Kc Js. UTG+1 bet 1800. Button folded. I thought for a minute, and reluctantly called. I checked the Turn [As Kc Js] Jc. UTG+1 bet 3500, and I folded. This hand was a mistake from the start. KQ out of position in a 3-way pot is terrible at this stage of the tournament. I dusted off almost 25% of my stack.
Level 4 (200/400) 13300 - I raised to 1100 with 87s in the Cutoff. Only the BB called. He checked the Flop of Ad Jc 9c. I C-Bet 1600 with the Gutshot Straight Flush Draw. Turn was [Ad Jc 9c] Jh. The BB started staring me down, probably to see if I was uncomfortable with the J. After a few moments, I started staring back at him. He started tapping his finger while checking me out. The Dealer asked if he checked. I told the Dealer, "No, he's just trying to get a read on me." The BB finally checked, and so did I with my 8-high. River [Ad Jc 9c Jh] Td. BB went All-In for 2400. Well, I hit my Straight, but it's the bottom end of it. So I had to call. He showed AQ, and I knocked out another player.
Level 5 (300/600) 15500 - I played really tight. I won two limped pots from the Blinds that were checked down.
We are now at Break. There are 7 players left, and I'm 2nd in chips. Action Guy is Chip Leader with 21500, but he's still playing rather loose. They are coloring up the black 100 chips during the Break. This structure is about to get stupid.
Level 6 (500/1000) 17000 - Still playing rather tight. I won the blinds once with A9. I 3-bet once with AQ, and they folded. We are still six handed. The short stacks keep doubling up. The Action Guy is helping out the Short Stacks by calling with quality hands like J9o.
Level 7 (1000/2000) 72000 - Players finally start getting knocked out. The former Chip Leader (Action Guy) is knocked as our Bubble Boy (4th). He went All-In UTG for 11k with A2, and I called in the BB with A7. The 7 on the Flop popped the Bubble.
When 3 handed, the short stacked mentioned a Chop. The other player said, "there's not enough money to bother chopping." Maybe five hands later, the Button limped. I'm the SB with KJ, and called. The short stack goes All-In for 12k from the BB, and we both call. I flopped Two Pair, and am now the monster chip stack.
As we begin Heads-Up, I've got a 4-1 chip lead, roughly 57k to 15k. Unfortunately, I have to show the Dealer and the Floorperson how to deal Heads-Up, because most tournaments are chopped by this point. After a few minutes of discussion and debating, we finally start playing. He's an older gentleman who usually plays $2/$5 or higher.
We both were playing Small Ball. Very little preflop raising to start out. The first big pot was me limping in the BB with T7d. Flop of Kh Jc Th was checked by both of us. Turn [Kh Jc Th] Ts. He checked. I bet 3k with my Trips, and he called. River [Kh Jc Th Ts] Qh. He leads out for 6k. I hate that card, because every draw hit. But I called, and he showed Ah Ac for Broadway. (Yes, I know that he acted out of turn on the River. This was not uncommon during Heads-Up. I think he has rarely played it before, since he was asking question about how it worked.)
The next big pot is me limping in the BB with 44. Flop is 7d 7c 4c. Yahtzee! We both checked. Turn [7d 7c 4c] 5h. He bet 2k out of turn, again. I raised to 5k. He shoved, and I called. I showed my Boat, and he showed Q7h. I say to the Dealer, "Please don't screw me." She didn't as the River was a Brick. I win the tournament, and $440 after the $10 Dealer Tip.
I know this might sound stupid, but the thing I love about playing tournaments is Winning. Cash Game players just don't understand this concept. All they see is that I won $375 in 2.5 hours. Yes, the money is sweet. But I love the idea of maneuvering through the field and shifting gears. You get to play different types of Poker, whether it's a deeper stack full Ring early in the tournament, a shorter stacked 6 max as we get closer to the Final Table, the Push-N-Pray at the Final Table, or the Heads-Up battle. And when the Dealer turns over the River card on the final hand, I get that sweet, sweet taste of Victory.
I won $377 in 2.5 hours last night at MGM Detroit, and I won $375 in this tournament which lasted around 2.5 hours. The victory in the tournament was much more enjoyable for me. Plus, this was the first daily casino tournament I've made it to the end that hasn't chopped in any way.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Friday Night at Motor City
9:00 $500 - After waiting almost two hours and being at the top of the List, they decide to open up a 3rd $2/$5 table. It's a Must Move table that goes to the 2nd table, and then you get a Must Move to the 1st table. We started with seven players.
9:30 $554 - Since I was at the top of the List, I played only three hands before moving to Table 2. Raised to $20 with KQc, and won with a C-Bet on the Flop.
10:00 $591 - Raised to $25 with QQ in SB, and got four callers. The Flop was 5-high. I bet four Green chips, and everyone quickly folded.
10:30 $454 - Raised to $15 with Qs Qd. Five players saw a Flop of Th 5h 2c. I bet $50, and only UTG calls. He an older gentleman who seems to be very tight & passive. Turn [Th 5h 2c] Qh. Interesting card that give me a Set, but completes the Flush. He checks. I decide to bet $50 to see where I'm at. He calls. River [Th 5h 2c Qh] Ac. He leads out for $150. I roll my eyes, think for a moment, and fold my cards face up. He shows AJh.
11:00 $631 - I call a $20 raise from the Tight & Passive guy. I'm the CutOff with 55. The Hyjack and Button also call. SB goes All-In for $155. T&P guy folds. Hyjack folds. I think for a minute, and decide to call. With the extra dead money in the pot, I'm willing to gamble for 30 Big Blinds. Button folds. SB shows AQd, and I win the Race.
11:30 $449 - Dealt Q5s in BB. Flop is 8c 5c 5h. I lead out for $15. Only a Mid player calls. Turn [8c 5c 5h] 2s. I bet $25. He goes All-In for $85. Naturally, I call. River [8c 5c 5h 2s] 8d. He shows 87d for a rivered Full House. That's the second time tonight he's done that to someone. It must be nice to have that ability. I also called a $25 raise with 76c in the Cutoff. The Flop was all Hearts.
12:00 $359 - I raised a few times and stabbed at a couple of pots. Most of them failed miserably. I'm really starting to get frustrated.
12:30 $334 - I limped with 44 in Mid position. SB goes All-In for $65. UTG+1 calls, and so do I. It gets checked down, and I miss. I did manage to win a small pot with 98o in the BB. I hit Two Pair on the River.
1:00 $185 - I raised in Mid with Ad Qc. Four players see a Flop of Q high with 2 Clubs. I bet $30 and got one caller. Turn Ac. I check. He bets $40, and I call with Two Pair and Q Flush Draw. River is a brick. I check and call a $60 bet. He shows T9c for a Flush. That's the 3rd Flush that I've seen hit against me, with another one or two that I think they hit.
I'm in a really bad state of mind. (OK, I'm borderline TILT). I'm debating whether to add on more chips, or just cut my losses and call it a night.
1:30 $269 - I didn't add on any chips, and got moved to the Main table. Most of the players I was with at Table #2 are here.
I won a decent pot with A9s. I bet $15 on a Q97 Flop, and got at least four callers. The Q paired on the Turn, and I quit betting. But so did everyone else, and I won the pot. I missed some value on this hand. I was the last to act in the hand, and I should have realized that if it gets checked around on the Turn and River, then nobody has a Q or is slowplaying something big. A $50 stab would have gotten at least one caller with a 9 in their hand.
Also, I raised to $15 UTG with AQ, and won it on the A-high Flop.
1:40 $0 - I raised in Mid with AK. Five players saw a Flop of Kh 5h 2d. I bet $35. The "Tight & Passive" dude from earlier check-raised to $100 from the BB. I roll my eyes, say "Fuck it" to myself, and go All-In. He calls, and says I'm ahead. I show my AK, and he shows 34h for the big Combo Draw. Turn is a brick, but the River is the Qh. (Yes, the same Qh that was in our previous hand.) I say, "Nice Hand, Sir," and head up back to my room to call it a night.
This was just another wonderful example of my inability to beat a $2/$5 table.
9:30 $554 - Since I was at the top of the List, I played only three hands before moving to Table 2. Raised to $20 with KQc, and won with a C-Bet on the Flop.
10:00 $591 - Raised to $25 with QQ in SB, and got four callers. The Flop was 5-high. I bet four Green chips, and everyone quickly folded.
10:30 $454 - Raised to $15 with Qs Qd. Five players saw a Flop of Th 5h 2c. I bet $50, and only UTG calls. He an older gentleman who seems to be very tight & passive. Turn [Th 5h 2c] Qh. Interesting card that give me a Set, but completes the Flush. He checks. I decide to bet $50 to see where I'm at. He calls. River [Th 5h 2c Qh] Ac. He leads out for $150. I roll my eyes, think for a moment, and fold my cards face up. He shows AJh.
11:00 $631 - I call a $20 raise from the Tight & Passive guy. I'm the CutOff with 55. The Hyjack and Button also call. SB goes All-In for $155. T&P guy folds. Hyjack folds. I think for a minute, and decide to call. With the extra dead money in the pot, I'm willing to gamble for 30 Big Blinds. Button folds. SB shows AQd, and I win the Race.
11:30 $449 - Dealt Q5s in BB. Flop is 8c 5c 5h. I lead out for $15. Only a Mid player calls. Turn [8c 5c 5h] 2s. I bet $25. He goes All-In for $85. Naturally, I call. River [8c 5c 5h 2s] 8d. He shows 87d for a rivered Full House. That's the second time tonight he's done that to someone. It must be nice to have that ability. I also called a $25 raise with 76c in the Cutoff. The Flop was all Hearts.
12:00 $359 - I raised a few times and stabbed at a couple of pots. Most of them failed miserably. I'm really starting to get frustrated.
12:30 $334 - I limped with 44 in Mid position. SB goes All-In for $65. UTG+1 calls, and so do I. It gets checked down, and I miss. I did manage to win a small pot with 98o in the BB. I hit Two Pair on the River.
1:00 $185 - I raised in Mid with Ad Qc. Four players see a Flop of Q high with 2 Clubs. I bet $30 and got one caller. Turn Ac. I check. He bets $40, and I call with Two Pair and Q Flush Draw. River is a brick. I check and call a $60 bet. He shows T9c for a Flush. That's the 3rd Flush that I've seen hit against me, with another one or two that I think they hit.
I'm in a really bad state of mind. (OK, I'm borderline TILT). I'm debating whether to add on more chips, or just cut my losses and call it a night.
1:30 $269 - I didn't add on any chips, and got moved to the Main table. Most of the players I was with at Table #2 are here.
I won a decent pot with A9s. I bet $15 on a Q97 Flop, and got at least four callers. The Q paired on the Turn, and I quit betting. But so did everyone else, and I won the pot. I missed some value on this hand. I was the last to act in the hand, and I should have realized that if it gets checked around on the Turn and River, then nobody has a Q or is slowplaying something big. A $50 stab would have gotten at least one caller with a 9 in their hand.
Also, I raised to $15 UTG with AQ, and won it on the A-high Flop.
1:40 $0 - I raised in Mid with AK. Five players saw a Flop of Kh 5h 2d. I bet $35. The "Tight & Passive" dude from earlier check-raised to $100 from the BB. I roll my eyes, say "Fuck it" to myself, and go All-In. He calls, and says I'm ahead. I show my AK, and he shows 34h for the big Combo Draw. Turn is a brick, but the River is the Qh. (Yes, the same Qh that was in our previous hand.) I say, "Nice Hand, Sir," and head up back to my room to call it a night.
This was just another wonderful example of my inability to beat a $2/$5 table.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Hand Of The Day #34
$1/$2 NLHE - Motor City Casino - 04.14.10
UTG+1 raises with two Red chip, and mumbles something. Three players call $6. I'm on the Button with K4d, so I call the $6. UTG+1 says that he raised to $10. Some of us want to take our bets back, including me. The Dealer says that the money is over the Line, and must stay in if we fold, and threatens to call the Floor over. So I have to call the extra $4.
Flop is Kh Td 7c. UTG+1 bets $20. A Mid player calls. This wasn't the Flop I was hoping for, but I did hit Top Pair. UTG+1 only has $20 behind, but the Mid players has a good stack, and has been active. So I decide to call, and peel off just one card.
Turn: [Kh Td 7c] 4c. Bingo! UTG+1 puts his last $20 over the Line. Mid calls. I raise to $70. Mid folds. I show my Two Pair, and UTG+1 shows 7h7d for a Set.
River: [Kh Td 7c 4c] Th. My Two Pair gets counterfeited, but it doesn't matter. I lose $50 on a hand that I didn't even want to play.
UTG+1 raises with two Red chip, and mumbles something. Three players call $6. I'm on the Button with K4d, so I call the $6. UTG+1 says that he raised to $10. Some of us want to take our bets back, including me. The Dealer says that the money is over the Line, and must stay in if we fold, and threatens to call the Floor over. So I have to call the extra $4.
Flop is Kh Td 7c. UTG+1 bets $20. A Mid player calls. This wasn't the Flop I was hoping for, but I did hit Top Pair. UTG+1 only has $20 behind, but the Mid players has a good stack, and has been active. So I decide to call, and peel off just one card.
Turn: [Kh Td 7c] 4c. Bingo! UTG+1 puts his last $20 over the Line. Mid calls. I raise to $70. Mid folds. I show my Two Pair, and UTG+1 shows 7h7d for a Set.
River: [Kh Td 7c 4c] Th. My Two Pair gets counterfeited, but it doesn't matter. I lose $50 on a hand that I didn't even want to play.
Friday, March 12, 2010
And BINGO was his name-O
7:45 $200 - Walked into the Motor City Poker Room, and immediately got seated at a $1/$2 table. Not much money on this table. A few stacks under $100. The biggest stack is $450, and is two seats to my left. (I'm in Seat 8. He's in Seat 10)
8:00 $210 - I raised to $7 with QJ on the Button, and took it down on the Flop. The Big Stack is a LAG-tard. He raised with 73o in Mid position, and turned Two Pair to wipe out a small stack. Since he's got position on me, I will keep a close eye on him to pick up some patterns.
8:30 $197 - Big Stack is now over $650. He's playing 80%+ of the hands. The bad news is that he's actually got some talent. He made a very sweet Value Bet ($30) on the River with just 88. The good news is that he seems to be telegraphing his intentions preflop. Things like grabbing chips early to raise. Hopefully, he will keep it up.
9:00 $250 - Big Stack cracked AA with T7s. He raised UTG, called the AA 3-bet, and flopped Top Pair & Flush Draw. When you're having a good night, things like Pot Odds don't seem to matter. Oh, and I won two pots.
9:30 $317 - I won a decent pot involving Big Stack that will be a future Hand Of The Day. Big Stack also won his third pot of the night with 73. At least, this time it was suited.
Also, we had the first Quad Straddle (to $10) that I have ever seen in a casino. Later in the session, there were a few Double Straddles to $6. I have never seen a casino that would allow this silliness.
10:00 $444 - Got my first pocket pair of the evening, 44, in a straddle pot. I flopped a Set, and turned a Boat (T94 9). I even got paid off by saying, "Call". Big Stack is up over $800. Someone overplayed a baby A with just Top Pair. Big Stack had him outkicked.
10:30 $445 - Big Stack just left the table with a little over $900. Only one guy on the other side of the table seems to be an action guy. A few new players have just sat down.
11:00 $374 - I decided to shift gears, and step on the gas. This was not a good idea, since I should have waited to see how the new players are playing. This table has turned into a Bingo table. A helluva lot of limping. Any small preflop raise is called by everyone. Pots with less than six players are rare. Bluffing and C-Betting are a terrible idea.
11:30 $319 - I've gone into Bingo mode in late position (Button, CutOff, & Hyjack). Unfortunately, I'm really card dead. But if I get hit a hand, I should get paid off by these guys.
12:10 $257 - I picked up my 2nd pocket pair of the night, QQ, and they got cracked. I raised in Early position. Five players saw a Flop of 9 6 4 rainbow. The player in front of me bet $20. I raise to $50. It folded back around to this guy, who goes All-In for $109. I grab the extra $60, and pause for a minute to think. He's been sitting here for a while. He's been playing Bingo like everyone else. But what hand would he lead out with, and then 3-bet All-In? I have to think that I'm behind. I'm getting the proper Pot Odds for Two Pair, which is 3-1 (25%). But against a Set, I'm crushed. So I decide to fold. He didnt' show.
I did get some money back with AJ on an A high Flop. I bet all three streets, and got called.
Since I worked all day, I was planning on ending at Midnight. So I cashed out with a tiny profit that doesn't even cover the buy-in for tomorrow's tournament at Greektown.
I have to admit that I'm not sure how to play at a Bingo table. This is my second straight session at one of the tables, and my results aren't good. Both times, I had a good stack that got bled away.
Basic Poker Theory states, "Play the opposite of the everyone else at the table." Since everyone else is playing loose & passive, I should be playing tight & aggressive. And I think I am mostly. I'm not limping in Early and Mid position with marginal hands. I am still raising preflop, even though I know it will be called by many players. I am playing loose in position (Button, CutOff, and maybe Hyjack). Because any good Flop should get paid off.
The problem is that I just don't hit hands like that. I am not a Lucky player. I'm not saying that to bitch, whine or moan. I'm just stating it as a fact. There are player that I play with regularly who play all kinds of crappy hands, or rely on Luck too much. And some days they hit really big, and some days they dust off a few buy-ins. The Big Stack tonight is a good example of this.
But as I've already said, I just don't get lucky like that. It is so incredibly rare that I go on a sick run of cards, or just have one of those magical nights. My record cashout for a $1/$2 table is only $720 (Oct '08), and I've had two other session over $600. My record at Dave's Poker Pit, a $1/$1 home game, is $550. That was the last "Magical Night" that I can remember (April '09). At least 2-3 times a month, a player will cashout over $1000.
8:00 $210 - I raised to $7 with QJ on the Button, and took it down on the Flop. The Big Stack is a LAG-tard. He raised with 73o in Mid position, and turned Two Pair to wipe out a small stack. Since he's got position on me, I will keep a close eye on him to pick up some patterns.
8:30 $197 - Big Stack is now over $650. He's playing 80%+ of the hands. The bad news is that he's actually got some talent. He made a very sweet Value Bet ($30) on the River with just 88. The good news is that he seems to be telegraphing his intentions preflop. Things like grabbing chips early to raise. Hopefully, he will keep it up.
9:00 $250 - Big Stack cracked AA with T7s. He raised UTG, called the AA 3-bet, and flopped Top Pair & Flush Draw. When you're having a good night, things like Pot Odds don't seem to matter. Oh, and I won two pots.
9:30 $317 - I won a decent pot involving Big Stack that will be a future Hand Of The Day. Big Stack also won his third pot of the night with 73. At least, this time it was suited.
Also, we had the first Quad Straddle (to $10) that I have ever seen in a casino. Later in the session, there were a few Double Straddles to $6. I have never seen a casino that would allow this silliness.
10:00 $444 - Got my first pocket pair of the evening, 44, in a straddle pot. I flopped a Set, and turned a Boat (T94 9). I even got paid off by saying, "Call". Big Stack is up over $800. Someone overplayed a baby A with just Top Pair. Big Stack had him outkicked.
10:30 $445 - Big Stack just left the table with a little over $900. Only one guy on the other side of the table seems to be an action guy. A few new players have just sat down.
11:00 $374 - I decided to shift gears, and step on the gas. This was not a good idea, since I should have waited to see how the new players are playing. This table has turned into a Bingo table. A helluva lot of limping. Any small preflop raise is called by everyone. Pots with less than six players are rare. Bluffing and C-Betting are a terrible idea.
11:30 $319 - I've gone into Bingo mode in late position (Button, CutOff, & Hyjack). Unfortunately, I'm really card dead. But if I get hit a hand, I should get paid off by these guys.
12:10 $257 - I picked up my 2nd pocket pair of the night, QQ, and they got cracked. I raised in Early position. Five players saw a Flop of 9 6 4 rainbow. The player in front of me bet $20. I raise to $50. It folded back around to this guy, who goes All-In for $109. I grab the extra $60, and pause for a minute to think. He's been sitting here for a while. He's been playing Bingo like everyone else. But what hand would he lead out with, and then 3-bet All-In? I have to think that I'm behind. I'm getting the proper Pot Odds for Two Pair, which is 3-1 (25%). But against a Set, I'm crushed. So I decide to fold. He didnt' show.
I did get some money back with AJ on an A high Flop. I bet all three streets, and got called.
Since I worked all day, I was planning on ending at Midnight. So I cashed out with a tiny profit that doesn't even cover the buy-in for tomorrow's tournament at Greektown.
I have to admit that I'm not sure how to play at a Bingo table. This is my second straight session at one of the tables, and my results aren't good. Both times, I had a good stack that got bled away.
Basic Poker Theory states, "Play the opposite of the everyone else at the table." Since everyone else is playing loose & passive, I should be playing tight & aggressive. And I think I am mostly. I'm not limping in Early and Mid position with marginal hands. I am still raising preflop, even though I know it will be called by many players. I am playing loose in position (Button, CutOff, and maybe Hyjack). Because any good Flop should get paid off.
The problem is that I just don't hit hands like that. I am not a Lucky player. I'm not saying that to bitch, whine or moan. I'm just stating it as a fact. There are player that I play with regularly who play all kinds of crappy hands, or rely on Luck too much. And some days they hit really big, and some days they dust off a few buy-ins. The Big Stack tonight is a good example of this.
But as I've already said, I just don't get lucky like that. It is so incredibly rare that I go on a sick run of cards, or just have one of those magical nights. My record cashout for a $1/$2 table is only $720 (Oct '08), and I've had two other session over $600. My record at Dave's Poker Pit, a $1/$1 home game, is $550. That was the last "Magical Night" that I can remember (April '09). At least 2-3 times a month, a player will cashout over $1000.
Friday, December 18, 2009
A Little $2/$5 Action
Walked into the Greektown Poker Room around 8pm Wednesday night. There was a list for $1/$2 and $3/$6, but they were just opening a $2/$5. I was a bit surprised, since I haven't seen a $2/$5 game there in 18 months. But, I did have $600 on me, so I walked back to see if there was any open seats. There was only three players, so I marked a seat, and walked back to the Cage to get $600 in chips ($400 Green & $200 Red). I put $400 on the table, and wait for the game to start.
8:15 $300 - Only three players want to play $2/$5. A Floorman changes game from $200-$500 ($2/$5) to $100-$300 ($1/$2). It seems really weird to me that they can just create a $300 max $1/$2 game. Why not always have it? But that's Greektown for ya.
8:50 $400 - Stacked off a player with Nut Flush for about $75. I bet the Flop with the Draw, and Check/Called his All-In with Two Pair on the Turn. He missed his 4-outer.
A different Floorman comes over, and discovers our unique $1/$2 table. He rules that the $100-$300 game has $2/$5 blinds starting next hand. I think this is a terrible decision. There are players with just $100, and this game will break soon. Just make it a regular $1/$2 game.
Again, typical Greektown.
9:30 $376 - This is not a normal $2/$5 table. It is playing more like a $1/$2 game with bigger blinds. Tight & passive play with standard preflop raise to $15. More than three players to see a Flop is rare.
10:00 $300 - Because it is so tight, I'm doing more limping or raising in late position. Having mixed results. Won a decent pot with JJ. Lost $90 with Top Pair vs Set on Flop.
10:30 $231 - Really card dead. Only significant pot was a loss. Top pair on Flop vs Flush on Turn.
We are only 6-handed now, and this table is dying quickly. Only two new players have shown up since they made it $2/$5. Most hands are a preflop raise and everyone folds, or everyone folds and the blinds chop.
10:40 $228 - Table breaks. Once again, I have shown my inability to win at $2/$5.
I considered joining a $1/$2 table, but it's getting late to buy into a new table. If I can't sit for at least three hours, then it just becomes a case of luck whether I win or not.
I decide to head back to Motor City, where I have my Free Room. Last week, I didn't even walk into their casino. So I decide to play a little in the Pit and "pay" for the Free Room.
I sat down at the Texas Hold'em Bonus table, and played for almost two hours. I was grinding away, but not winning. I almost went broke, and then started to make a comeback. It didn't last, and I busted out for $200.
So I walked over to the 3-Card Poker table. This is the only Pit game that I've been beating lately, and it didn't disappoint. I didn't hit any big hands, but grinded out $275 of profit in over an hour.
Finally, I got up to my room a little after 2am, and passed out.
8:15 $300 - Only three players want to play $2/$5. A Floorman changes game from $200-$500 ($2/$5) to $100-$300 ($1/$2). It seems really weird to me that they can just create a $300 max $1/$2 game. Why not always have it? But that's Greektown for ya.
8:50 $400 - Stacked off a player with Nut Flush for about $75. I bet the Flop with the Draw, and Check/Called his All-In with Two Pair on the Turn. He missed his 4-outer.
A different Floorman comes over, and discovers our unique $1/$2 table. He rules that the $100-$300 game has $2/$5 blinds starting next hand. I think this is a terrible decision. There are players with just $100, and this game will break soon. Just make it a regular $1/$2 game.
Again, typical Greektown.
9:30 $376 - This is not a normal $2/$5 table. It is playing more like a $1/$2 game with bigger blinds. Tight & passive play with standard preflop raise to $15. More than three players to see a Flop is rare.
10:00 $300 - Because it is so tight, I'm doing more limping or raising in late position. Having mixed results. Won a decent pot with JJ. Lost $90 with Top Pair vs Set on Flop.
10:30 $231 - Really card dead. Only significant pot was a loss. Top pair on Flop vs Flush on Turn.
We are only 6-handed now, and this table is dying quickly. Only two new players have shown up since they made it $2/$5. Most hands are a preflop raise and everyone folds, or everyone folds and the blinds chop.
10:40 $228 - Table breaks. Once again, I have shown my inability to win at $2/$5.
I considered joining a $1/$2 table, but it's getting late to buy into a new table. If I can't sit for at least three hours, then it just becomes a case of luck whether I win or not.
I decide to head back to Motor City, where I have my Free Room. Last week, I didn't even walk into their casino. So I decide to play a little in the Pit and "pay" for the Free Room.
I sat down at the Texas Hold'em Bonus table, and played for almost two hours. I was grinding away, but not winning. I almost went broke, and then started to make a comeback. It didn't last, and I busted out for $200.
So I walked over to the 3-Card Poker table. This is the only Pit game that I've been beating lately, and it didn't disappoint. I didn't hit any big hands, but grinded out $275 of profit in over an hour.
Finally, I got up to my room a little after 2am, and passed out.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Game Selection
At my regular home game on Saturday night, we got into a small discussion about Detroit poker rooms. Someone agreed with me that Motor City is the nicest room, but they also said that the players are tougher at MC and Greektown has the softest games.
To be perfectly honest, I never really compared the 'toughness' of the $1/$2 NL games. Most because I've always thought that $1/$2 is the same at every casino. I just go to different places for some variety.
Since I keep track of my poker wins and losses in a database, it's very easy to make a query to compare results. So I did some poking and prodding, and came up with some surprising results.
I used results from the last few years for all Detroit rooms, as well as Mountaineer since it's just as close.
I have to use a disclaimer. Since these are using a small sample size, the numbers could change drastically if my next session at any room is either +$500 or -$300. But these are the numbers I have, so that what I'm gonna use.
Well, I was obviously wrong. Looking at these numbers, I have no reason to go back to Motor City, except for the "free room" offers. Greektown seems to be the best results. I know that MGM is also great on weekends, but super tight on weekday afternoons.
And since I've been getting so many "free room" offers from Detroit, I have only been to Mountaineer only a few times in the last six months. That's something that I need to fix.
To be perfectly honest, I never really compared the 'toughness' of the $1/$2 NL games. Most because I've always thought that $1/$2 is the same at every casino. I just go to different places for some variety.
Since I keep track of my poker wins and losses in a database, it's very easy to make a query to compare results. So I did some poking and prodding, and came up with some surprising results.
I used results from the last few years for all Detroit rooms, as well as Mountaineer since it's just as close.
I have to use a disclaimer. Since these are using a small sample size, the numbers could change drastically if my next session at any room is either +$500 or -$300. But these are the numbers I have, so that what I'm gonna use.
Motor City: 18 sessions (8-10 .444) $248 profit ($13.78 avg)
MGM Detroit: 17 sessions (9-8 .529) $960 profit ($56.47 avg)
Greektown: 13 sessions (8-5 .615) $890 profit ($68.46 avg)
Mountaineer: 38 sessions (24-14 .632) $4014 profit ($105.63 avg)
Well, I was obviously wrong. Looking at these numbers, I have no reason to go back to Motor City, except for the "free room" offers. Greektown seems to be the best results. I know that MGM is also great on weekends, but super tight on weekday afternoons.
And since I've been getting so many "free room" offers from Detroit, I have only been to Mountaineer only a few times in the last six months. That's something that I need to fix.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Hand of the Day #4
$1/$2 NLHE - Motor City - 10.28.09
UTG +2 raises to $7. He's a middle aged regular player who often plays higher than $1/$2. He's on the loose side, but not aggressive. Only the Button called. I'm the BB, and I call with 6c 6s.
Flop: Ks 8s 6d. I check my Set. UTG+2 bets $7, and Button calls. I check-raise to $20. UTG+2 calls, and Button folds their Flush Draw and Two Overs, QJs. (She told me what she had after the hand.)
Turn [Ks 8s 6d] Jh. I bet $35. He calls.
River [Ks 8s 6d Jh] 5s. Even though the Flush hit, I still bet $50. He calls with his remaining $33. Fully confident, I show my Set. He shows 72s for a six-outer Flush.
Nice Hand, Sir.
UTG +2 raises to $7. He's a middle aged regular player who often plays higher than $1/$2. He's on the loose side, but not aggressive. Only the Button called. I'm the BB, and I call with 6c 6s.
Flop: Ks 8s 6d. I check my Set. UTG+2 bets $7, and Button calls. I check-raise to $20. UTG+2 calls, and Button folds their Flush Draw and Two Overs, QJs. (She told me what she had after the hand.)
Turn [Ks 8s 6d] Jh. I bet $35. He calls.
River [Ks 8s 6d Jh] 5s. Even though the Flush hit, I still bet $50. He calls with his remaining $33. Fully confident, I show my Set. He shows 72s for a six-outer Flush.
Nice Hand, Sir.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Hand of the Day #2
I'm putting this in the "How Would You Play It?" format. I'm not sure I did the right thing in this hand, so feel free to leave some feedback.
$1/$2 NLHE at Motor City 10.28.09
UTG +1 & +2 limp in. Old Geezer in Hijack raises to $12. He's been here for a few hours chasing the BBJ, and has played few hands. When he does raise preflop, it's always been to $5, and he always plays passive after the Flop. This is the first time he has raised bigger. I think he's serious, and has a big pair: AA, KK, or maybe QQ. He's got about $250 total.
Button calls the $12. You're the BB, and look down at QQ. You've got around $200 total.
Your Turn.
While I think all 3 options (Call, Raise, Fold) are plausible, I think Call is the worst. It allows the hand to become a multi-way pot, without any more information about the Geezer's cards, other than my read of "Big Pair". That essentially turns my hand into a set mine. With JJ or lower, this might be acceptable, but QQ is just to strong just call and hope to hit a two-outer.
I could just Fold based on my read, but it's only $12 which is a standard $1/$2 preflop raise. If someone else raised, and the Geezer made it $40, then Fold would seem prudent. But folding to just a standard raise just seems to tight, even for me.
So that leaves Raise. I don't want to blow up the pot, and commit myself. It would seem to make more sense to do a smaller raise, and hopefully isolate with Geezer. If he calls, then I may be good, or we're flipping with AK. If he re-raises, then I'll know to eject.
I choose Raise, and make it $30. Both UTG +1 & +2 call, which I didn't expect. Geezer counts his chips, and ships it All-In for about $250. Button folds. I flash my cards to my neighbor, and make the easy fold. UTG +1 & +2 also folds.
Geezer shows KK, and scoops a nice pot, thanks to me.
Of course, there is also the question, "What if I looked down at KK, instead of QQ?"
$1/$2 NLHE at Motor City 10.28.09
UTG +1 & +2 limp in. Old Geezer in Hijack raises to $12. He's been here for a few hours chasing the BBJ, and has played few hands. When he does raise preflop, it's always been to $5, and he always plays passive after the Flop. This is the first time he has raised bigger. I think he's serious, and has a big pair: AA, KK, or maybe QQ. He's got about $250 total.
Button calls the $12. You're the BB, and look down at QQ. You've got around $200 total.
Your Turn.
While I think all 3 options (Call, Raise, Fold) are plausible, I think Call is the worst. It allows the hand to become a multi-way pot, without any more information about the Geezer's cards, other than my read of "Big Pair". That essentially turns my hand into a set mine. With JJ or lower, this might be acceptable, but QQ is just to strong just call and hope to hit a two-outer.
I could just Fold based on my read, but it's only $12 which is a standard $1/$2 preflop raise. If someone else raised, and the Geezer made it $40, then Fold would seem prudent. But folding to just a standard raise just seems to tight, even for me.
So that leaves Raise. I don't want to blow up the pot, and commit myself. It would seem to make more sense to do a smaller raise, and hopefully isolate with Geezer. If he calls, then I may be good, or we're flipping with AK. If he re-raises, then I'll know to eject.
I choose Raise, and make it $30. Both UTG +1 & +2 call, which I didn't expect. Geezer counts his chips, and ships it All-In for about $250. Button folds. I flash my cards to my neighbor, and make the easy fold. UTG +1 & +2 also folds.
Geezer shows KK, and scoops a nice pot, thanks to me.
Of course, there is also the question, "What if I looked down at KK, instead of QQ?"
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Bad Beat Effect
Just like many players, I hate the Bad Beat Jackpot. It's just taking $1 out of the pot that I will never see again.
I know I will never be involved in a Bad Beat for two reasons. First, I'm not a lucky player. I'm not say that to bitch, whine, and moan. It's just a simple fact. I don't go on sick runs of cards and cashout for $1000+ like everyone else seems to do. I only get quads or better like once every six months. I don't think I've ever had a live Royal Flush. I know someone who gets quads at least once every two weeks.
Second, I've never been involved in a hand that would qualify for a Bad Beat. That includes casino and home games, tournaments and ring games. The closest I've ever seen was at Binion's during my last trip to Vegas. Someone flopped a straight flush, and another player hit running quads. But it was one in his hand and three on the board, so it wouldn't qualify (for example: Tc 9c 6c 6h 6s - 8c 7s vs 6d 5d)
Also, I've only been a casino one time when the Bad Beat hit, and I wasn't even playing. I was a Greektown railing a friend in a tournament, and the Bad Beat hit at a $3/$6 Limit table (of course).
But, like it or not, the Bad Beat Jackpot is here to stay. Mostly because it does what it is designed to do. It gets people in the door and at the tables. Gamblers love the Big Prize, even it's a 1/1million chance to win part of $100,000+.
As I previously mentioned, Motor City's Bad Beat Jackpot is at $101,000, which is huge for Detroit standards.
I got to the Poker Room at 9:30, and sat down at a $1/$2 table. The "plan" was to sit there for 8 hours, and take advantage of the Bad Beat chasers who are more interested in funding their retirement accounts than in playing poker.
When I arrived at 9:30 on Wednesday morning, about half of the 14 tables were full. By 11am, all the tables were full, with 9 of them being $1/$2 NLHE. And most everyone was there was for only one reason. At my table alone, there was a guy who had been there for 30 hours. Another dude call off work for two days, went home for 5 hours of sleep, and came right back to the Room. Another player, who was a regular in the Room, was going to other tables and making deals with other regulars to swap some money if it hits: $300 for a Table Share; $600 for the Winning hand; $1200 for the Losing hand. He ended up with deals on five different tables.
For an example of the mentality of the Bad Beat Chasers, here's a hand I played at Four Winds Casino back in December (Hand #1)
My session had it's ups and downs. With so many players buying in for just $100 and waiting for the lightning strike, there were times that the action was quite dead. I was able to win numerous small pots, but I don't think I won more than $70 in any pot. However, any time I took a hit I was able to rebuild by grinding out the small pots. I also made two River mistakes (a bet and a call) that cost me about $75.
I ended up playing 8.5 hours. During that time, my stack hovered between +160 and -50, I ended up leaving the Poker Room at 6pm +$116. And, surprising as it may be, nobody hit the BBJ.
I guess I should have gone to Greektown.
I know I will never be involved in a Bad Beat for two reasons. First, I'm not a lucky player. I'm not say that to bitch, whine, and moan. It's just a simple fact. I don't go on sick runs of cards and cashout for $1000+ like everyone else seems to do. I only get quads or better like once every six months. I don't think I've ever had a live Royal Flush. I know someone who gets quads at least once every two weeks.
Second, I've never been involved in a hand that would qualify for a Bad Beat. That includes casino and home games, tournaments and ring games. The closest I've ever seen was at Binion's during my last trip to Vegas. Someone flopped a straight flush, and another player hit running quads. But it was one in his hand and three on the board, so it wouldn't qualify (for example: Tc 9c 6c 6h 6s - 8c 7s vs 6d 5d)
Also, I've only been a casino one time when the Bad Beat hit, and I wasn't even playing. I was a Greektown railing a friend in a tournament, and the Bad Beat hit at a $3/$6 Limit table (of course).
But, like it or not, the Bad Beat Jackpot is here to stay. Mostly because it does what it is designed to do. It gets people in the door and at the tables. Gamblers love the Big Prize, even it's a 1/1million chance to win part of $100,000+.
As I previously mentioned, Motor City's Bad Beat Jackpot is at $101,000, which is huge for Detroit standards.
I got to the Poker Room at 9:30, and sat down at a $1/$2 table. The "plan" was to sit there for 8 hours, and take advantage of the Bad Beat chasers who are more interested in funding their retirement accounts than in playing poker.
When I arrived at 9:30 on Wednesday morning, about half of the 14 tables were full. By 11am, all the tables were full, with 9 of them being $1/$2 NLHE. And most everyone was there was for only one reason. At my table alone, there was a guy who had been there for 30 hours. Another dude call off work for two days, went home for 5 hours of sleep, and came right back to the Room. Another player, who was a regular in the Room, was going to other tables and making deals with other regulars to swap some money if it hits: $300 for a Table Share; $600 for the Winning hand; $1200 for the Losing hand. He ended up with deals on five different tables.
For an example of the mentality of the Bad Beat Chasers, here's a hand I played at Four Winds Casino back in December (Hand #1)
My session had it's ups and downs. With so many players buying in for just $100 and waiting for the lightning strike, there were times that the action was quite dead. I was able to win numerous small pots, but I don't think I won more than $70 in any pot. However, any time I took a hit I was able to rebuild by grinding out the small pots. I also made two River mistakes (a bet and a call) that cost me about $75.
I ended up playing 8.5 hours. During that time, my stack hovered between +160 and -50, I ended up leaving the Poker Room at 6pm +$116. And, surprising as it may be, nobody hit the BBJ.
I guess I should have gone to Greektown.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Hand of the Day #1
$1/$2 NLHE - Motor City - 10.28.09
I've got AA in the Cutoff, and make it my standard $7 preflop. Four players see a Flop of Kc Th 8h. It checks around to me, and I make it my standard $15. All fold except for the Hijack, an middle aged black lady, who check-raises to $30. She's one of the $101,000 Bad Beat chasers, and has been playing tight, passive poker. I'm 90% sure that I'm behind, but I still call.
Turn [Kc Th 8h] 9d. She bets only $15. I call.
River [Kc Th 8h 9d] 3c. She checks. OK, maybe I'm not behind. I value bet $20. She calls and show TT for a flopped set.
What the hell was I thinking? I knew I was behind from the moment she said Raise. So why didn't I just check the River, and be thankful for the free showdown. All I did was light a $20 bill on fire.
I've got AA in the Cutoff, and make it my standard $7 preflop. Four players see a Flop of Kc Th 8h. It checks around to me, and I make it my standard $15. All fold except for the Hijack, an middle aged black lady, who check-raises to $30. She's one of the $101,000 Bad Beat chasers, and has been playing tight, passive poker. I'm 90% sure that I'm behind, but I still call.
Turn [Kc Th 8h] 9d. She bets only $15. I call.
River [Kc Th 8h 9d] 3c. She checks. OK, maybe I'm not behind. I value bet $20. She calls and show TT for a flopped set.
What the hell was I thinking? I knew I was behind from the moment she said Raise. So why didn't I just check the River, and be thankful for the free showdown. All I did was light a $20 bill on fire.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Never Go Gambling At The End Of A Bad Day
Today really sucked.
I had a terrible day at work. Our little group, the CPMG, also had some drama last night and today.
With tomorrow being an Off Day, I had a free room at Motor City booked tonight. Because of working late, and other stuff, I finally hit the road for Detroit way later than I wanted. By the time I got to Motor City, checked into my room, and got to the poker room, it was 9pm. And, of course, the poker room was packed. The Bad Beat Jackpot (BBJ) was $101,000 which is huge for Detroit, so 8 out of the 14 tables were $1/$2. I had to wait about 45 minutes to get a table.
I only sat at the table for about 1.25 hrs. I'm really tired and distracted, so I'm just not into playing poker. Plus I just wasn't getting a good feel for the table. So I ended up leaving down $74.
Since I wasn't in the mood to do much thinking, I figured I sit in the Pit, and grind out a bit of profit for the night. Well, that didn't go as planned. In about 45 minutes, I dropped around $450 at three different tables (Texas Hold'em Bonus, then 3-Card Poker, then Pia Gow). I was getting pummeled so badly at the first table, that I grabbed my remaining chips and went to a different table game. Of course, I continued to get thrashed by dealers who were catching more cards than Darvin Moon. How that is possible on three different tables with three different games, I'm not sure.
So, I hope tomorrow gets better, although it can't get much worse. I was planning on going to MGM for a $100 Blackjack tournament at 12noon. But with the oversized BBJ, I may just stay at Motor City, and take advantage of the Bad Beat chasers who are more interested in hitting the jackpot than winning at poker.
I had a terrible day at work. Our little group, the CPMG, also had some drama last night and today.
With tomorrow being an Off Day, I had a free room at Motor City booked tonight. Because of working late, and other stuff, I finally hit the road for Detroit way later than I wanted. By the time I got to Motor City, checked into my room, and got to the poker room, it was 9pm. And, of course, the poker room was packed. The Bad Beat Jackpot (BBJ) was $101,000 which is huge for Detroit, so 8 out of the 14 tables were $1/$2. I had to wait about 45 minutes to get a table.
I only sat at the table for about 1.25 hrs. I'm really tired and distracted, so I'm just not into playing poker. Plus I just wasn't getting a good feel for the table. So I ended up leaving down $74.
Since I wasn't in the mood to do much thinking, I figured I sit in the Pit, and grind out a bit of profit for the night. Well, that didn't go as planned. In about 45 minutes, I dropped around $450 at three different tables (Texas Hold'em Bonus, then 3-Card Poker, then Pia Gow). I was getting pummeled so badly at the first table, that I grabbed my remaining chips and went to a different table game. Of course, I continued to get thrashed by dealers who were catching more cards than Darvin Moon. How that is possible on three different tables with three different games, I'm not sure.
So, I hope tomorrow gets better, although it can't get much worse. I was planning on going to MGM for a $100 Blackjack tournament at 12noon. But with the oversized BBJ, I may just stay at Motor City, and take advantage of the Bad Beat chasers who are more interested in hitting the jackpot than winning at poker.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I DO Remember How to Play This Game
I went up to Motor City on Wednesday. I got to the Poker Room at 8:30 am. There was a 1/2 table and a 2/5 table open. The 1/2 table was full, so I put my name on that list, as well as the 5/10 Omaha H/L list they have every Wednesday. I grabbed a pager, and went to play some table games.
There was no Texas Holdem Bonus tables open, so I sat down at a empty BlackJack table. I used to have a system of betting more when I lost a hand. Some times it worked wonderfully, and other times in ended very quickly. Losing five hands in a row happens a lot more than it should. These days I just buy-in for $300, 12 green chips. I bet $25 each hand. If I'm having a good shoe, then I might push the bet to $30, using the red chips that I win with a BlackJack. When I'm up $200 or more at the end of the shoe, I walk away.
Since I was alone for most of my session, I saw a lot of hands. I got off to a great start. But about halfway through the shoe, things started to cool off. I ended the first shoe down one pink chip (2.50). The second shoe was even better. Halfway into the shoe, I had more than doubled up, so I walked away +$330 after tipping the dealer three pink chips. Sweet, I'm freerolling in the Poker Room.
I headed back to the Poker Room. They said that they had been paging me for 15 minutes. I handed back my inactive pager, and took a seat at the 1/2 table. There was only one player with a big stack (>1000), but I don't know how long he'd been playing.
As usual for a morning game, it was a tight passive table. Lots of limping, and not much raising preflop. There weren't any action players. Just players who were not as tight as the others. The real tight ones are easy to spot. They kept bitching that they don't get any cards.
There was only one hand of interest:
It's been a long time since I've played any Omaha-8 in a casino, hence the title of this post. It's one of my favorite games, but it is very rare to find a game in this part of the country. Mountaineer will get a 3/6 table sometimes on the weekends. The last time I played it there, half of the players were playing '9-card Bingo'.
I bought in for $300, 30 BB. There were definitely some players who could play this game. Only one player had 'Dead Money' stamped on his forehead.
I got off to a great start. I won many half pots, along with a couple of scoops. I don't have any hands to share, because there are just too many cards to remember. After about two hours, I had realized that I doubled up. I was gonna leave at the end of the orbit, but I lost two pots, so I kept playing.
Of course, I then went brutally card dead. When you go card dead in a NL game, you just fold or maybe limp in late position. It only costs you $3-$7 per orbit. But in Limit games, and especially Omaha, you gotta see Flops, and a few Turns. And that can really drain your chip stack if you keep hitting air.
Finally, after seeing half of my profit vanish, I walk away from the table up $119.
There was some snow forcasted for the afternoon and evening, so I decide to head home early with some profit. On the way to my car, I made my ritualistic donation to the Video Poker gods. It went a little better than usual. I never went above my $100 buy-in, but I did play for a while, and cashed out for $50.
There was no Texas Holdem Bonus tables open, so I sat down at a empty BlackJack table. I used to have a system of betting more when I lost a hand. Some times it worked wonderfully, and other times in ended very quickly. Losing five hands in a row happens a lot more than it should. These days I just buy-in for $300, 12 green chips. I bet $25 each hand. If I'm having a good shoe, then I might push the bet to $30, using the red chips that I win with a BlackJack. When I'm up $200 or more at the end of the shoe, I walk away.
Since I was alone for most of my session, I saw a lot of hands. I got off to a great start. But about halfway through the shoe, things started to cool off. I ended the first shoe down one pink chip (2.50). The second shoe was even better. Halfway into the shoe, I had more than doubled up, so I walked away +$330 after tipping the dealer three pink chips. Sweet, I'm freerolling in the Poker Room.
I headed back to the Poker Room. They said that they had been paging me for 15 minutes. I handed back my inactive pager, and took a seat at the 1/2 table. There was only one player with a big stack (>1000), but I don't know how long he'd been playing.
As usual for a morning game, it was a tight passive table. Lots of limping, and not much raising preflop. There weren't any action players. Just players who were not as tight as the others. The real tight ones are easy to spot. They kept bitching that they don't get any cards.
There was only one hand of interest:
A few limpers when I look down at Jd Js in the BB. I make my standard raise to $7. Five players see a flop of 7d 6c 4d. That is a horrible flop for an overpair, but I need to fire a bet to see where I'm at. $20My 1/2 session was only about two hours. I was up a little, and down a little, but was down $33 when they called the list for the 5/10 Omaha-8 table.
UTG calls. Mid position calls. Cutoff, who just sat down, raises to $100. Now this is an easy laydown. Even if the Cutoff just called, I probably would have checked the Turn, since I'm out of position. UTG, an older guy who is very passive, shoves All-In for $19 more. Mid player folds, and Cutoff calls.
Turn: (7d 6c 4d) Jh
River: (7d 6c 4d Jh) Jc
Old Guy turns over 7 7 for a full house. Cutoff mucks and says that he flopped a straight.
Why can't I be a donkey, and not be able to fold an overpair like so many players?
It's been a long time since I've played any Omaha-8 in a casino, hence the title of this post. It's one of my favorite games, but it is very rare to find a game in this part of the country. Mountaineer will get a 3/6 table sometimes on the weekends. The last time I played it there, half of the players were playing '9-card Bingo'.
I bought in for $300, 30 BB. There were definitely some players who could play this game. Only one player had 'Dead Money' stamped on his forehead.
I got off to a great start. I won many half pots, along with a couple of scoops. I don't have any hands to share, because there are just too many cards to remember. After about two hours, I had realized that I doubled up. I was gonna leave at the end of the orbit, but I lost two pots, so I kept playing.
Of course, I then went brutally card dead. When you go card dead in a NL game, you just fold or maybe limp in late position. It only costs you $3-$7 per orbit. But in Limit games, and especially Omaha, you gotta see Flops, and a few Turns. And that can really drain your chip stack if you keep hitting air.
Finally, after seeing half of my profit vanish, I walk away from the table up $119.
There was some snow forcasted for the afternoon and evening, so I decide to head home early with some profit. On the way to my car, I made my ritualistic donation to the Video Poker gods. It went a little better than usual. I never went above my $100 buy-in, but I did play for a while, and cashed out for $50.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Motor City Review
Motor City Hotel & Casino is in Detroit, MI. It is located off of Grand River Rd near I-75.
Poker Room:
The Poker Room is located on the 1st floor. When you walk in from the parking garage, there is an escalator on your left. Take it down to the 1st floor, and walk straight ahead. The Poker Room is on the left, just past a bar.
The Poker Room has 14 tables. It is a separate room from the rest of the casino. The tables and chars are crammed into the space. It's really hard to move around in there.
The rake is $6 max plus $1 for the Bad Beat Jackpot, which is Aces full of Jacks beaten by Quads. Both hold card must be used. Currently, there is a Royal Flush Jackpot. It ranges from $100-$500, depending on how frequently it gets hit.
Games that are spread daily are 1/2 ($200 max), 2/5 ($500 max), 5/10 ($1000 max). They will occasionally get a 5/10 Limit game going. On various days, they spread 10/20 NL, 5/10 Omaha H/L with Kill, and 15/30 Round x Round (Limit Hold'em and Omaha High).The room is usually packed. On my last visit, I arrived at 9:30am on a Monday. There were three tables of 1/2 and a table of 2/5. It's not uncommon to wait up to two hours for a seat on evenings and weekends. I have to wait at least an hour almost every time I walk in there.
The quality of play is mixed. Detroit is a big city, and they've had poker rooms for almost ten years. There are definitely some quality players who play for a living, or just for a hobby. Of course, there are many action junkies, bullshit artists, and tight grinders who are hoping that the BBJ will fund their retirement accounts.
There are no official comps for poker players. But Motor City was kind enough to put a snack area in the Poker Room. It has a Coke machine, coffee, cookies, chips, and other munchies. Next to the table is a small fridge with sandwiches and fruit salads. There is no charge for any of it, just walk over and grab some.
Motor City does have daily tournaments, usually at 11am & 7pm. The buy-in varies from $65 to $550 on Sundays. I have played in a $120 on a weekday. The structure was terrible, and not worth the money. The Sunday one might be better.
Casino:
Motor City Casino has all the usual table games, including 4-Card Poker, Mini-Baccarat, Casino War, and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. All of the table games are located on the 2nd floor. The table minimums are usually between $10-$15.
Avoid the video poker. I haven't found one with a good pay table.
There is a buffet and various other eating places. There are in a separate area away from the casino on the 2nd floor, and is a bit of a walk.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Ending the Year on a High Note
My last casino trip of 2008 was an overnighter to Detroit. Since I was off work Monday, I would usually go up in the morning. I decided to try going on Sunday afternoon, and spend the night. Hopefully I can get a more lively card game on a Sunday afternoon or evening.
I got up to the MGM Detroit poker room about 5 pm, and was seated immediately at a 1/2 table. There were definitely some action players at the table, along with some calling stations. Unfortunately, what was missing from the table was cards for me. I sat there for three hours, and saw just three pocket pairs, nines being the highest. There were just no opportunities for me. (-$191)
I left the poker room, and grabbed some dinner the food court. I then headed over to my new favorite casino table game, Texas Hold'em Bonus. To sum up the game, you play Limit Hold'em Heads-Up against the Dealer. It's a good game to sit for a while, and grind out some profit.
Fortunately, I didn't need to sit for long. After less than an hour, I had doubled up, and left the table up $550. On the way out the door, I did my ritual donation to a Video Poker machine (-$150), and head to the motel up $209 for the day.
On Monday morning, I headed over to Motor City Casino. I walked into the poker room about 9:30, and got seated at a 1/2 table. This table was very typical for a weekday game. Lotsa limping, and not much action. I couldn't get on any kind of run, with my stack floating between +$75 to -$75.
About 12:30, I raise two consecutive hands, get a couple of callers each time, and win about $300 total. First hand was a set of sevens, and second hand was top pair with open-ender that hit on the turn. I left the poker room at 1:30 up $268.
I decided to try my luck again at Texas Hold'em Bonus, and it turned out to still be good. I played about eight hands, and won all of them (+$525).
Headed over to the buffet for lunch. While gorging, i did a little math, and realized that I was up a grand for the trip. I was contemplating whether to head home, or go play some more poker. I decide to buy-in to the 2/5 game for half my profit and see what happens.
I go back to the poker room, and put my name on the 2/5 list. During my hour wait for a seat, I make another ritual donation to the Video Poker gods (-$100).
Once I finally got a seat, I only got to play about two hours before I had to head for home. I left the table down $174. Since it was a short session, i had to rely on catching some luck. As usual, there just was not many opportunities.
So I headed home from Detroit up $728. A sweet way to end the year.
I got up to the MGM Detroit poker room about 5 pm, and was seated immediately at a 1/2 table. There were definitely some action players at the table, along with some calling stations. Unfortunately, what was missing from the table was cards for me. I sat there for three hours, and saw just three pocket pairs, nines being the highest. There were just no opportunities for me. (-$191)
I left the poker room, and grabbed some dinner the food court. I then headed over to my new favorite casino table game, Texas Hold'em Bonus. To sum up the game, you play Limit Hold'em Heads-Up against the Dealer. It's a good game to sit for a while, and grind out some profit.
Fortunately, I didn't need to sit for long. After less than an hour, I had doubled up, and left the table up $550. On the way out the door, I did my ritual donation to a Video Poker machine (-$150), and head to the motel up $209 for the day.
On Monday morning, I headed over to Motor City Casino. I walked into the poker room about 9:30, and got seated at a 1/2 table. This table was very typical for a weekday game. Lotsa limping, and not much action. I couldn't get on any kind of run, with my stack floating between +$75 to -$75.
About 12:30, I raise two consecutive hands, get a couple of callers each time, and win about $300 total. First hand was a set of sevens, and second hand was top pair with open-ender that hit on the turn. I left the poker room at 1:30 up $268.
I decided to try my luck again at Texas Hold'em Bonus, and it turned out to still be good. I played about eight hands, and won all of them (+$525).
Headed over to the buffet for lunch. While gorging, i did a little math, and realized that I was up a grand for the trip. I was contemplating whether to head home, or go play some more poker. I decide to buy-in to the 2/5 game for half my profit and see what happens.
I go back to the poker room, and put my name on the 2/5 list. During my hour wait for a seat, I make another ritual donation to the Video Poker gods (-$100).
Once I finally got a seat, I only got to play about two hours before I had to head for home. I left the table down $174. Since it was a short session, i had to rely on catching some luck. As usual, there just was not many opportunities.
So I headed home from Detroit up $728. A sweet way to end the year.
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