Hanging around...hanging around...

Here we sit at the airport. Big Red insisted that we get here early, even though she wasn't riding with the first wave of the NDPT'ers. As of now, we have another hour and a half to wait for our flight...we've already eaten and letting that Quizno's sub settle right now. The Columbus Brewing Company is right next to our gate, so here shortly I'll head over and have another cold one just to pass the time. I'm actually okay getting here early, since we have better news than a lot of the other folks sitting here in the terminal. Due to a number of bad storms on the east coast A LOT of flights have unfortunately been cancelled. They can fly out of Columbus, just can't land a lot of other spots, La Guardia, Pittsburg, Atlanta, and etc... have been cancelled and folks are being told that they're going to have to wait until tomorrow. THAT would SUCK bad!!! But we're the lucky ones. Maybe that's a good omen for us. Lucky news on the flight status, lucky at the tables. Hey, I'll take it as an omen folks.

It is unbelievably hot in this terminal though. I've never been here when it is this bad. They even had fans setup at the security check point. Hopefully the air will be cranked on the plane, and I can dry out a little. Flight leaves at 8:15pm EST...and we'll arrive around 9:30pm PST. Gotta love that timezone thing going out. Not so much on the way back.

I've rambled enough for the time being...just trying to combat the boredom while stuck here in the terminal. Internet connection is UBER FRIGGIN' SLOW, so I"m not even going to attempt to play some online poker. I'd prolly get ACES and get disconnected.
Enough for now, I suppose.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Soaring with eagles...

The Eagle is being removed from the Endangered Species List. That seems like an incredibly proud accomplishment. Back in the 40's the national symbol was next to extinct. Now it seems to be thriving, and soaring proud! Congratulations and big thanks to all who had a hand in saving this remarkable species.

All of this information is courtesy of the Times Picayune

Speaking of soaring with eagles...hopefully that's how I'll be flying in Las Vegas!!! The time is nearly here folks! I'm here at work for a few short hours til Noon, and then I head home to square away a few last details, and then it'll be off to the land of dreams, and bright lights. I'm planning to continue to blog the whole time we're there, and try to post lots of pictures out here as well. Primarily for JJ's benefit and harrassment. Sorry buddy, I couldn't resist. Wish you were going, maybe we'd have that run at the BlackJack table again like we did with the Jersey Boys. Even though we both know that game is EVIL!

I'll continue to post, as time permits. I particularly hope to head over to RIO and see what pro-watching I can do at the WSOP!!! Stay Tuned!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Almost there!!!

Patience grasshopper...patience...You just have to hold on til tomorrow. In just under 24 hours from now, I'll be leaving Columbus, OH for Las Vegas, NV. Can you feel the excitement in my voice people! I think I may be sporting wood here folks! I know...I know t.m.i. Keep it PG-13 for the kids right. I just can't help it, I've been all calm cool and collected all this time...and now I'm just friggin' ready to get going. We leave home at 3:00pm tomorrow...and if I thought it'd get me there any quicker I'd leave right now! I think everyone else would too. Although our plane will touch down in Vegas at around 9:30pm PST, it'll probably be close to midnight or so before we get our bags stowed away, and hit the floor running. I doubt seriously that I'll attempt anything other than $2/$4 Limit Hold 'em tomorrow night at the Imperial Palace. Some of the gang may head off for a late night Tournament somewhere, but I'm questioning where my head is going to be after a full day, then being kooked up on a plane for 4 hours. Tilt could actually be an emotional state that would be a step up from how I may feel when I actually sit down to play some cards. And if I'm feeling alright, I'll have time to observe the No Limit table which will be very close at the Imperial Palace Poker Room. Either way, I'll be playing poker, and how bad could that be?!?

Maybe more later, now...I'm all about laundry and getting packed.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Tick...Tock...

It won't be long now. I'm excited, but holding it in to everyone else. I'm already unfocused enough as it is. The last thing I need to do is make it worse for myself at work. Just 2 more days and I'll be in Las Vegas!!! Plane leaves from Columbus, OH at 8:25pm! I've got a busy few days before it gets here though, so I'm hoping that the time FLIES by. Cole has All-Stars practice tonight. Tomorrow night I have to work server maintenance, for a little OT. Leave home at 4:00pm the next day bound for the airport. Big Red will be leaving the following morning...which is ACTUALLY a very good thing this time. She will be able to attend the first game of Cole's next tournament in Vienna. Unfortunately we won't be there for him for the rest of the weekend's activities. He will be well taken care of by Stephanie at the games, I have no doubts. Ellen, Libby, and my mom will be there for everything else. I'm hoping the Whitney steps up to support her little brother during these tournament games. Had we known that Cole was in All-Stars, we would have opted for another time to go to Las Vegas. But I'm hopeful that all will go well for us all.

I'm still debating what I'm going to do in Vegas. What I'm going to focus on. $2/$4 Limit, or $1/$2 No Limit. How patient do I really want to be while I'm on vacation. Do I want to have fun...or do I want to play my game. Maybe somewhere in between. I know I'll play blackjack, and some Let It Ride. I just want this to be a trip to remember! I want to spend some time with my wife. I do enjoy her company, and she deserves attention for having put up with me for all these years. But she may be carrying me all week, like she's done lately! : ) I'm a kept man...and hey it ain't all that bad, guys! I want to take my computer along and hope to post to the blog daily, and upload pictures while I'm there. I also want to be able to stay up on all the goings on at the series! I could just buy time on the computer in the coffee shop downstairs at the Imperial Palace and forget about lugging my own along. I'd probably be spending $12-20 bucks a day for internet access anyway. Nothing comes for free in Las Vegas. There is a pricetag to everything. Somethings that you can't get anywhere else. : ) Either way, I'll try to keep the blog posts rolling out.

Tick...Tock...




Regards,


cheer_dad

First tourney of the year...over for us : (

Well gang, the Murrays are back in town, having spent the weekend on the road to Athens and back...and forth again...and back, for our first All-Star Tournament of the season. Sadly, it did not go well for the boys. Out of the four games we played, we only chalked up a single win. I think I feel more dejected than the boys do. I'm definitely more hoarse than anyone else, players or parents. They tried, I really believe that they did. Just weren't focused enough to get the job done. So many of the top players were hitting poorly, popping up and getting caught. And remarkably we were striking out from time to time. This team of boys just didn't look like the same group that had been tearing up the practice field. I guess everyone can choke from time to time. But we're getting together this evening to practice...and hopefully iron out some of the wrinkles that really killed us out there yesterday and today. Baserun errors, and infield fielding were KILLING US!!! I'm racking my brain to figure out how I can help the boys to do better. I'm not one of the coaches...I'm just one of the guys helping to keep the dugout organized and herding the boys. : ) But I feel the pain and stress just like everyone else. I want to see all of them do well, not just Cole. And I know he's not as good as some of the others. But I want more than anything for this to be an enjoyable, positive experience for him. I want him to look forward to this, and strive to achieve it again next year. So keep your fingers crossed about the rest of our season. Win or lose...we'll do it as a team.

I'm here at the house alone now. Cole's up the street playing at Nick's house. Big Red and Whit, headed for the mall, so I'm working on laundry and catching up on email, and stealing a few moments for online poker. Going okay on Carbon Poker so far. Bonus Chasin' once again! Live play at Shuman's on Friday night was not good...but I did it to myself. Although I got busted off of my A-Ksoooooted like 5 friggin' times. I ran in to JR's Aces to go out the last time, but I had a garbage hand that time, and was just trying to steal and suck out. By that time...having bought in for the final time (in for $60 total) I was on mondo tilt, and I knew it. I got busted on Big Slick once by AQsooted by JJ, when he flopped the NUT FLUSH! I just couldn't bring myself to believe him. Luckily, Big Red true to form as of late was on a ROLL!!! She carried me (us rather.) She bought in for $20, and cashed out for just over $100! ATTA GIRL! Of course I can continue to play poker poorly. When the cards just don't come your way, particularly in THAT game...I need to sit back and wait. Unfortunately, I'd vested too much interest and desire in this game, since I know I'm not able to play as often as I'd like. I need to focus on playing well when I get the chance, instead of seeking out the rush of winning, I played too many hands even for the loose level that I play in that game. Of course, maybe I'm getting all the "losing" out of my system before I hit VEGAS! Thursday Night People!!! I'll be staring at a big bright spot in the Desert! I'm excited and ready to go. While I'm spacing out mulling over this trip, I'll bring this post to a close.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Weekend Agenda

Here's my weekend schedule:
Friday night: Big Red and I will be headed over to Shuman's for return of his "Friday Night Cash Game." We'll probably show up over there at least for a little while. We'll have to leave before the hour gets too "WEE" since the rest of the weekend is chocked full of activity all centered around BASEBALL!!!

Saturday: Depart house with the whole family, and Stephanie and Jeffrey in tow at 9:00am SHARP, headed for Athens Ohio.

Specific Destination is outlined here, http://athenssandlot.com/ under the Tournaments section. Yes, it's All-Star Tournament Time people! The boys are scheduled for games at 11:00, 1:00, and 5:00. If all goes well, they'll move on to Day 2 on Sunday, and who knows what that will bring. Believe it or not, I'm really looking forward to all of this. The team looks very good. There's a lot of talented ballplayers on this team. This is Cole's first year in All-Stars, so I'm sure there's a lot for him yet to learn. BUT, even now, I've seen marked improvement in him. When he's focused and on top of things, he's tough out there. If the coaches can convince him of his size and bulk with a bat in his hand, he's going to really crush the ball for them. I'm happy NOT to be coaching. I'm learning a lot just watching these two who are so much better at it. They have experience in this game. I do not. I was a musician...not a jock. Although I should get off my backside and get back in to running again. The belt line is getting more snug than I'd like. I don't like the guy who keeps looking back at me from the other side of the mirror. Not only is he old and gray...but chubby too!

Sunday: I'm sure the boys will be back for Day 2, since there's no questioning their talent. They could go ALL THE WAY! Keep your fingers crossed for them.

Monday: Thank goodness it's my AWS day, and work will not be there to tear me down. : )

As for the rest of next week, I work Tuesday, Wednesday, and part of Thursday. Only part of Thursday because I'll be getting ready to drive to Columbus Airport...destination SIN CITY BABY!!! Viva Las Vegas Time, a.k.a. Rednecks in Paradise! I am so charged up for this I can't stand it. The only downside to the trip is that while Big Red and I are gone, Cole has another baseball tournament in Vienna, WV, that we're going to have to miss. He won't, we're going to have "grandmas and friends" take him. The friends Stephanie and Jeff have a boy on the team as well, so they don't mind. Besides we told them we would take care of Jeff, during one of the weekend tourneys when they are both tied up. So life has a way of working out. Which is good, because I really didn't want this weighing on my mind. Teresa and I really need this Vegas trip. Just to spend some time together, and enjoy one another's company. Also, we need some down time from the daily grind that work has been lately.

A post I came across on http://www.upforanything.net/poker/ by Otis titled Face in the Crowd, really got me to thinking about down time. He was remarking that he felt a little lost...and just basically not himself. I think I'm there right now too. But reading someone else's comments on it has really fired me up, and got the mind working again. The cobwebs are clearing a bit. Maybe he struck a chord with me...maybe misery just loves company. Either way, I feel a little better. So much so, that I posted a comment back to his post. Hopefully he reads these, and finds a pearl of wisdom in there somewhere.

I've been considering submitting my writing sample to another blog site to take over a Poker Blog that they have, but I don't know if I can commit the kind of time and effort that it deserves. I don't know that I'm in a position to be any source of interest on the topic either. I'll continue to debate the issue in my own mind, unless some sign points in one direction or the other.

Have a great weekend all!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Ace on the River, quick analysis

Barry Greenstein's

Ace on the River

Last Knight Publishing Company

(June 30, 2005)

328 pages

What strikes me as most interesting about this book is that it differs greatly from many of the other books that I've read regarding and related to poker. This was not an instructional book, with in depth odds discussion. It wasn't a book about the mechanical nature of a game, or a "how to." Instead Greenstein lays out his own poker history. In the beginning due to his intellect and education he was a mathametician of the game. Structured and calculating of the game. As he progressed the calculating and analytical mind was brought to bear on the opposing player at the table. No longer were the cards the only consideration...and never the money, but the man and the circumstances currently present on the table. Greenstein discusses his move upward in the poker world, from humble beginnings, moving up slowly as his skill improved with time, and dropping back at times as well, when he learned his game was not ready for another level. He like others, busted out at times. He tried never to go into debt to anyone, thinking that the circumstance was not something he was willing to be a part of. How in the long run it would affect his play and his overall character. He exudes confidence in his style. When I first saw Barry Greenstein play on the World Poker Tour, I thought he was arrogant, and geeky. The geeky part may have been right, seeing as he was formally educated as a mathametician. But my assessment of his arrogance was unfounded. His book, and writing style on the whole, is in a way humble. He was not prideful, not pushy, just matter of fact. His discussion almost clinical, but nevertheless engaging.

The most instructional or educational portion of Ace on the River is the individual hand discussion, calling upon a number of the hands that have been played out in his career at the tables. It wasn't always the monster hands that were impressive, but how he analyzed the competition, how he put them on a hand. Each turn of the card opened up possibilities, and was cause for him to evaluate and re-evaluate his opponent and all of his possible holdings. The logic was impressive, the thought process genius. The greatest thing that I take from this book is a desire to strive to that level of logic...and of intuition. From his book I want to be better, to develop the best game that I can, and then move beyond even that.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Is it over yet? Vegas awaits!

Monday was just more than I could withstand at work. I don't like Mondays. I never have. I used to be off every Monday, and then I moved up the foodchain, and became a Team Lead, and it was decided that "leads" can't work 4 x 10's. Instead only the 5-4-9 thing is available. So I can work like 45hrs week 1 and then 35hrs week 2. That does get me a 3-day weekend every other week. But I'm spoiled, and it used to get me out of Monday's altogether. But that's the price. Anyway, let's get back on track. I didn't go to work on Tuesday...(cough, cough) and that helped shorten the work week. A bunch of us opted on Monday night to go to Texas Roadhouse. Every Monday (we learned) they have $1 Margs and draft beer, all night! I may never miss a Monday there again! After we finished up there, we all headed back over to our house and threw together a card game. Matt, Jody, Frank, Julie, Mike, Sally, Scott, Teresa, and I played in this cash game. $10 buy in... for $10 in chips. Blinds .25 and .25... Big Red and I both had to rebuy early on for another $10. But before the night was over, and after the dust settled, we both cashed out for over $80 each. Not bad for an unplanned pickup game. Big Red in particular is on a ROLL people, stay out of her way! Since the first game of this month over at the Wolfe's (where she won) and then at the Yanok's (where I won both tourney's of the night, and then at our monthly tourney Teresa won the tourney, and I did VERY well in the cash game) and then Monday's pick up game, between the 2 of us, we've made a profit of in the neighborhood of $800+. And we've actually been able to squirrel some of it away, in the secondary account. That'll help finance the Vegas trip which comes up now in just a few short days!!! I can almost hear the incessant bells and whistles from the slots, the clang of quarters hitting the tray, the sound of chips being raked my direction at the poker tables, and the taste of a good stiff comped drink. (Shudder...excuse me I think I need a moment.)
AHHH! Sorry, I went to my happy place there for a bit.

Shuman announced his cash game for this Friday, but I don't know yet if we'll be able to attend. This whole week is a whirlwind, which culminates in Cole's All Star (baseball) tournament in Athens, OH on Saturday and Sunday. I really don't know what to expect. I hope the boys do well. I hope Cole in particular gives it his all, and doesn't let his mind wander off. I want him to do well. I think that's what he actually wants this time too. All stars is a completely different animal compared to regular season ball, as odd as that seems. Wish us luck throughout the summer.

I'm up a few bucks on the Carbon Poker site, just playing at the .10/.25 NLHE tables. It's good practice, and the game has been enjoyable. If I can just stay on top of the cash on this promo. Of course I've go to accumlate 50,000 points to collect my $200 in bonus. 3 points are awarded per raked hand at the site, at least at the stakes I play.
The day drags onward...my eyes grow heavy. Good luck to each of you in your quest to stay awake.
Quote of the day: Overconfidence can lead to carelessness in decision-making. The poker gods can provide a run of bad cards that will make anyone look foolish.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Weekend tournament reflections

First off I want to say congratulations to my lovely wife, Teresa, for chalking up a win in Saturday's NDPT Event #6. Teresa bested the crowd of 25 that gathered at our house. She has definitely become a force with which to be reckoned. She went heads-up against Mike Westbrook, and according to Chris there was a lot of back and forth, of the chip stack, until Big Red took it down. She has been on a streak here lately...and they best thing for her to do is to continue to ride it out. The best advice to offer up to the rest of us...when a train is coming down the track...get out of the way! : )

I once again, busted out early. I think I was like the 5th player out...and frankly did it to myself, which has been a recurring theme for me this year, at least at MY HOUSE. Newcomer to the NDPT crew Scott Eddy made the right move by calling me preflop. He and I were in the blinds, and everyone folded to me, on the SB. I thanked the table...and said can I steal it? He said maybe...so rather than calling for another $50, I make it another $200 to go with my wired Jacks. Then, I realize he hasn't looked at his cards yet. He looks and makes the call. I determine my next move before the cards even come out, thinking that I can take it down, if an Ace doesn't hit. The board comes out K-Q-3-ish I think. I push my last $575 into the middle, which is greeted by an immediate call. I've put him on an Ace-moderate to garbage kicker. When no Ace popped up, I thought perhaps I was golden. I didn't make him for Big Slick or Little Slick for that matter. Unfortunately, it was worse still...when he turned over his SET of Queens, I was dead. Runner, Runner was my only hope, and that wasn't in the cards...I might not have called a preflop raise with Jacks. He might have dusted me right there. But it worked out well for him. I would likely have pushed preflop, to take it down right there, and not risk the suckout, by anyone who might have caught a card. Anyway, he took it down. Congratulations.
Teresa made a comment that I'm pushing too hard. In the movie Lucky You, they might have called me a "Blaster." This comment came while she and I were watching the next evening a replay of the 2006 WSOP. She watched a player bet $100,000 after the flop when the board showed KKJ, and he was sitting on AJ. Jamie Gold made a read here, and pushed over the top...BIG, and got the guy to fold. Teresa said that she thought the Bet, post flop was excessive. The Big Blind was $20,000, and I don't know what the ante was at that stage. Sorry! But I wouldn't consider a 5X bet, all that excessive. She told me that was my problem. I was pushing too hard, and needed to just play "right" and that my recent ways were actually the cause of my low placings in the NDPT tournaments. At first it irritated me...and I mouthed off, but the longer I thought about it, she may actually have a point. My old "money-winning" style was playing uber-tight, and aggressive. What I should really be doing is either tightening way down, and limping with marginal hands. Make the willing calls, but slow down a bit. Also, stop convincing myself that sub $500 is still a very playable/survivable chip stack to have. I've done it before. Granted it sucks...but I have a reputation for being able to comeback from horrific chips. I apologized later to her, for mouthing off, about how I play. Regardless of whether I go back to my roots of tight aggressive play, is yet to be seen. Then again, lately the sneak attack hands are the ones pulling down the monster pots for me. Also, if I can make the final table...I'm able to switch gears very effectively, and it takes a few hands for the rest of the table to catch on. To do that though, I need to make the final table!

The tournament play was lacking but the Cash Game, was VERY profitable to me. I bought in for $10, and cashed out for $135!!! SWEET, a much different play style really did pay off. I would have made more had I called a hand when I was on the open ended Straight/Flush, possible Royal draw. But in the face of a $22 bet, and call, I knew one or both of them already had the boat! My miracle card would have fell. That would have been in the neighborhood of a $60 pot. But, you can't have it ALL!

I read this morning that Eli Elezra won his FIRST WSOP braclet. Way to go Eli!!! I really enjoy watching him play on High Stakes Poker. We'll have to wait and see what else the series offers up!

It is just a few short days to Las Vegas, for the NDPT crew! I'm excited, ready to go, and next Thursday evening can't get here EARLY enough!

Hope the week treats you well.

Regards,
cheer_dad

On your mark, get set...

I've got a BUSY DAY on tap for today!

I did manage to sleep in until 8:00AM, which I really needed, but the rest of this day is going to be an absolute blur, people. I have to have Whitney at Godbey Field at 9:45 for pictures. Then leave there and head to Mineral Wells for her softball game at 11:00. Around NOON, Teresa will get there with Cole to take over, and allow me to drive (with Cole) for his All-Stars practice at 1:00 way down at Tri-C fields. Then, Whitney has to leave the ballfields (game over or not) by around 1:15, so she can get to Dance Clinic and tryouts with the Ohio Valley All-Stars. Yes, you'll recall that name as O-V-A, from her previous lifetime of cheerleader and dancer. This go around she just wants to try the dance thing...sans cheerleading. Either way, I'm okay with it!

Cole and I will likely finish up All Stars practice at around 3:00. Then, I'll head home, get him fed...and cleaned up (self as well.) I'll have to make sure everything is ready here at the house, get ice (and beer) and get ready for tonight's NDPT Event #6, and the 25 players that will be converging on the house tonight! I'm hopeful, no confident... :) that tonight's MY NIGHT! Okay, as long as I'm not first out, and am having a Good Time.

Thought for the day is "Missed Opportunities Are Worse Than Making Mistakes." That was the title of a post from the Probloggers Blog that I have on my iGoogle page. It has a double meaning at least for me. They were referring to making money on their blogs, and marketing themselves. Which I wouldn't mind doing either, but to me it has a greater meaning in my Poker playing. We are all going to make mistakes at the tables, but the even bigger problem is not capitalizing on the opportunities in front of us. Making the next bet, betting higher, stealing the pots, observing reactions, surviving the round...all these things affect your bankroll and you would be advised to seize every opportunity like a ravenous dog. So, tonight NDPT'ers if I snarl at you and growl a little...you'll understand.

See you tonight!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Angst for the rest of us

I've had this window up since yesterday, and intended to write something profound in it for that long...or longer, to ultimately post up to the ole blog; but there's just been a big nothing there all day long. Nada! I'd like to tell you that had changed, but it would be a lie. And poker players never do that. EVER! Okay, well this time it's true, nothing earth shattering has entered my pea-sized brain worth writing about, so as usual you're stuck with the same old fluff.

I just read a heart-felt, gut wrenching, angst-laden post by Pauly from over at the Tao of Poker (http://taopoker.blogspot.com/) Wow...are you feelin' a little bitter there little camper? I could picture was Denis Leary making this speech/rant, and getting a standing ovation at the end of a comedy concert. He made that teenage angst for the tweeners AND thweeners a friggin' trademark. Pauly nearly took it to a new level. When he wandered through the ruination of downtown Las Vegas, I swear he was channeling Alec Baldwin's character from The Cooler. I'm surprised he didn't make an anti-Steve-Wynn comment to go along with the extensive, thesaurus exhaustive post. As long, and drawn out, and painful as it all was, I urge you to read along, and drink it in. All in all I loved it! Check it out for yourself like I said at http://taopoker.blogspot.com/ topic "WSOP Day 14: Lost Paradise." Atta boy Pauly!!! I can feel the itch from here! And that itch comes from a good many of the things you mentioned in this blog post! Some you can obtain an ointment for or something out of a syringe...others...not so much!

JR brought me a DVD of all of the pictures and videos that he took at the Kenny Chesney concert. My favorite, aside from those depicting a sleeping Frank (leader of the Wolfe Pack,) is this little beauty! Blurred and hopelessly jagged, and nothing to do with the concert, except for the fact that it's the Pittsburgh skyline, more closely resembling what the majority of the crowd in our section of the stadium was actually seeing during this concert. This picture has become my desktop wallpaper for the time being, and for the foreseeable future until something better comes along. Between the tailgating the cooler of beer, margaritas, and "Black Haus" we drank on the way up. : ) It's a wonder any of us have a liver left! If ever any of us is an organ donor...refuse that one folks, really! It can only lead you awry...or toward the RYE anyway!

Whit had softball last night, I spent most of the night throwing my arm out playing catch with Cole, and then later with some of the other kids running around. The twins really are adorable. Cole has baseball tonight...last regular season game. WAHOO! Tomorrow, Whit has pix at 10:00, game at 11:00 at a DIFFERENT FIELD, Cole has All-Stars practice at 1:00. Whitney has Dance Try Outs for Ohio Valley All-Stars from 2:00-4:00...and then we round it ALL off with NDPT Tournament #6. Yeah...POKER...I know. I'm really Jonesin'! I know all that sounds hectic...and it is, but it's only going to get WORSE, throughout the summer, what with the All Star schedule that Cole's going to have. But hey, what else is life for anyway!

I'll be the blur on the way to and from the ball fields.

Regards,

cheer_dad

3 Topics Foremost in my Mind

There are three topics which are foremost in my mind. And not in chronological order here they are:

1. Did you SEE the Sopranos Series Finale???! I was glued to the TV to witness the end of a series which I've looked forward to for more Sunday nights than I can even remember. I love mob movies, stories, books, you name it. Last night though, sort of shattered that for me. I watched every second, felt the tension mount through the hour. I saw Meadow and AJ start to get their acts together, sorta. I saw Tony visit Uncle Junior, and affirm to himself that he was gone. His mind was gone. The mafia and all memory of it was gone. Tony in a way made peace with it all. I watched Phil Leotardo get whacked...and go out with a bang, and worse still a ROLL! EWWW, squish! Then as it all built to climax. The diner interior, Meadow parking the car...the uneasy hurried glances of the guy at the counter, the pounding beat of Journey's " Don't Stop Believin'" the door to the diner opens as Meadow enters and then...FADE TO BLACK {extended pause} roll credits...end an era. The series sleeps with the fishes. Ouch...my mouth dropped open, Big Red was convinced the cable went out or that I'd accidently hit the remote, but then when the credits started to roll, her eyes got as wide as mine! Wow, what a build up...what a let down. I mean I understand it, leaving it to the imagination, but so many things were left unsaid and undone. I knew they couldn't tie it all up, but sorry Mr. Chase this was bad form. The fans were owed a bit more than this. This is the sentiment of the majority of that fan base. Of course in you mind I'm sure it was a tremendous success because it got us all talking. But for ill or naught...it's over. Bada Bing!
2. Phil Hellmuth made history in the Poker World. He broke the threeway tie between he, Doyle Brunson, and Johnny Chan, when he won his 11th Bracelet at the World Series of Poker. The event was the $1,500 NLHE tournament. 2,500+ players did battle, and Phil came out with win. Just over like $650,000, which is nothing to sneeze at, but the honor and glory of the bracelet must have been sweet. BUT, all that's now in my mind...you'll never get the Poker Brat to SHUT UP now...EVER!!! But hey, you gotta hand it to him. He's the man. The win is his. Kudos Phil, kudos. Gotta give it to ya...well done! Additional info from the blogosphere regarding this: The Poker Brat (Phil Hellmuth) made poker history as became the first player to win 11 bracelets, which surpasses Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan both at 10 each. Phil also set the record for total number of cashes at the WSOP at 59, which I'm sure he'll keep adding to over the next six weeks. He's also made 38 final tables at the WSOP, which is just one shy of TJ Cloutier's record. Information obtained from the Tao of Poker Blog: http://taopoker.blogspot.com/ Congrats Phil!
3. Finally, Ohio County in West Virginia voted 2 to 1 to permit Wheeling Island Gaming Center to add TABLE GAMES at their dog track and slots-o-rama!!! While similar measures were defeated in Charles Town, Wheeling okay'd it! Two other counties are also set to vote on the issue for other race track and gaming centers. Wheeling says it will be up and ready to roll by Labor Day this year...that's just 83 short days away! Poker room will be up and running by then and the claims are that by October all the other casino acoutrements will be in place for an honest to goodness casino. Unreal! Now, when will I have the stones to hit the tables myself?!? I'll keep information about this posted here as it becomes available. For more information see this article: Table Games Are Coming To Ohio CountyWheeling Island Ready To Begin Construction On Poker Rooms
   FINAL RESULTS:
   YES - 7,568 (66%)
   NO - 3,956 (34%)
   100% Precincts reporting
   36% Voter turnout

Voters in Ohio County, W.Va. have approved a proposal to add table games at a racetrack.
With all precincts reporting, a referendum to allow Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center to expand its gambling offerings won 66 percent to 34 percent.
Hit hard by the decline of steel and other heavy industry in recent years, Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center has pitched the vote on table games as a chance for an economic boost, with promises of hundreds of new jobs and millions in new construction.
Bob Marshall, the track's general manager, said the track will begin hiring immediately, and could begin construction plans as soon as Monday.
Current track employees celebrated at the gaming center's showroom after the votes were tallied Saturday night.
"I'm excited and thrilled and I'm honored that the people of Ohio County have stood up for us," said Lee Ames, who works at one of the restaurants at the casino.
"I mean it sincerely when I tell you it is a thrill to be a part of this and most of all it is a thrill to be an Ohio County resident and know that we stood up and did the right thing."
Members of the First Baptist Church in Wheeling had opposed the expansion of gaming.
"We are concerned about what it's going to do to the life of our community and the negative impact it will have on families: increased divorce, child abuse and domestic violence," said Pastor Darrin Wright.
Local state lawmakers took the lead on the legislative intiative to bring the issue of expanded gaming to a public vote.
"I think the real winner today was the people," said State Senator Andy McKenzie (R-Ohio County).
"No one can walk away and say their voice was not heard."

And that's the way it is boys and girls...that's where my mind is.

Regards.

cheer_dad

Good weekend...

It's been a good weekend. On Friday we got some MUCH NEEDED RAIN, here in the Mid-Ohio-Valley. Although now my grass will grow! This did impact Whitney's softball game...and it had to be rescheduled for Sunday, which is today. But since the evening was freed up, Big Red and I were able to head over to the Yanok's for the card game! I took first in BOTH tournaments! A total cash out for the night of $280. And I took the lead in the year end game, which means I'll have the biggest chip stack. SWEET!!! I would have blogged about it but we left the next morning for Pittsburgh and the concert! 7 of us piled into the Durango and headed off. Lots of beer, lots of music, lots of fun! I'll try to get the pictures from JR to post to the blog and the website so that you can all see the place. Heinz Field is really nice.

Nice place to visit...I wouldn't want to live there though. Too congested for my taste.

I'm trying to knock out the last 20-ish raked hands on Poker Rewards, so I can get my $100 bonus, SOON! But I don't feel so bad now since I did well at Yanok's. Maybe it's a trend, that'll move forward into Saturday's tournament here at the house. We'll see!

Enough for now, maybe later.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Fish n Chips

aahEEt...let's get this thing started.I looked around for a Google Image before getting started on this post. Nothing in particular, just something to explain...say sorry for...or otherwise make up for failing to post more regularly. But then I thought I'd just get started instead. I was procrastinating my procrastination for Pete's sake. I mean how sad is that. Talk about indecisive. Get on with it already.
I logged some more raked hands at Poker Rewards last night. I'm still hovering just over the $20 mark. How messed up is that, but don't let me get started again. I need 62 more raked hands (.25 rake or better, so the pot must go above $4.00 at least) to claim the elusive $100 bonus. That will put me back at the pre, I got humped by the neighbor's cat level, when my 15 minute round cost me $100 with a case of the second best. I struggled for a while after that with what to fix in my game. I'm coming to the realization that it wasn't broken. You can't fix it if it ain't broke. Really. You can't, so stop trying.

So with $20 left in my account I've been forced to turn back into the rock that I once was. Hell, even worse. But last night's session taught a little bit of something. Rock gardens eventually crack, and start playin' the game. Not that being a rock isn't playing but it's not profitable to bonus chasing when everyone at the table is a rock! It doesn't work that way. But there's a balance that must be struck. You need a wildcard at the table. Someone who's taking it up a notch...but not too much, else he pushes everyone out and there's nothing but Blind Ambition going on. Eventually someone cracks and calls, but always it seems at the wrong time. The pushy little donkey will inevitably come up with a hand at about the moment. Then he becomes empowered and emboldened with a bigger roll. Unfortunately, this forces you into an even tighter level of play. Tight can be safe while you're not losing money, but you ain't makin' any either. You force yourself into waiting for monster cards. Two things happen when you get 'em. You push or you play passive. Tight agressive suggests push. But don't forget donk meister, and all the other rocks in the garden that have made you for a rock too, but everyone's lookin' for a reason to call. Really they want to believe that you're still being a rock...that you're playing it straight up, but it's gonna bug 'em though, because they expect the push move from the donkey at the table, but they can't help but think you're making a move on 'em and they're going to want to make sure. You can't bet too high or too low here and every guy at the table's going to have a different threshold of belief. Someone's going to call. You can't please them all. If they don't you're only going to get the blinds. That ain't enough. When you hit big slick it will HAVE TO HIT the flop for it to be profitable. If it doesn't and you bet out 1/2 pot and they smooth call, you're screwed. You can't bet the turn too, and by the River he's going to be wise to you, and bet the pot to which you can't call, with your high card.

I guess all I'm trying to say is that it sucks to play from deep in the hole. You don't have the cash to make the moves that are required. You're really stuck just playing passive, meek and mild. When you're playing deep with the fish, and get burned, you can't drop back down anywhere to build back up. So you do what you have to, to survive. It bites. But fish and chips...they can be good eatin'!

Sorry reader, I've rambled off on a tangent again. I know I had a point when I started all this, but I lost it. The work day has a way of inserting itself, and derailing the train of thought.
Hope all continues to go well at the Series. Vegas still beckons. 20 days from now, I'll be there. I need my confidence fully in tact by then. One goal...one objective. Play well, the money is how we keep score.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Whacked

Ever start to feel like you're at the table with these guys? Not that they're good at the game, skill wise, but wise guys with an edge. Maybe I really am in the midst of a horrific trend, maybe the deck really has gone cold, maybe I just suck at this game, I love so much. Maybe this is addiction! Maybe I should stop saying maybe! I know quitcherbitchin! I've just never had such a run in which doing the right thing goes so far awry. Making the smart choices, making the right moves, call/fold/raise at the right time, and then have it turn out all upside down by the river. Hey I know "that's poker," but it's the surrounding trends which perplex. The one guy at the table who fires every time, at the right time...the only guy who shouldn't have even been in the hand since before the flop comes out big on top. Every time, all the time. Watching your monster hands, even when you DON'T bother to raise them preflop, pull down ONLY the blinds. Everyone, and I mean everyone folding to you. I don't think the online cardrooms are rigged, and I don't think they have a magic SMITE button. But I'm not entirely convinced that the algorithms in place aren't being rooted out by the script kiddies and cheats. Maybe all of this is just sour grapes! All I know is what used to be a small profit playing style, has turned way south. I'm watching not the tight aggressors profit, but the donk-packs cleaning up and laughing all the way to the bank. I know..."in the longrun!" Well how long's this marathon o' cards gonna go? The frustrating thing is that money is difficult to get online anymore. So you hate to drop any change anywhere. I had $400 easily movable dollars online. Now I'm left with $220 unless I can figure out how to squeeze out another 120 hands on 20 BUCKS. This will at least bring me back to $320-ish. All told online I'm at over $1,000 but I've been up further than that, but dropped some uber levels for my puny little bankroll. I guess I'm just reeling from the feeling here folks. When it gets like this folks it's not much fun. It's no fun at all. But I'm not going to walk on the $100 bonus. I'm at least going to play through to claim that small pittance. So hang on to it boys...I'll be coming for it. Then I'll hit the cashout to EcoCard button, and move it to some other site, for some other bonus chase. Enough about the poker already!!!

All Stars practice tonight at 5:30...please let the boy not be tired and cranky! And Whit has a softball game. So it'll be a busy night for your truly and family! The weekend will be just as bad too. Card game at the Yanok's on Friday. Concert in Pittsburgh on Saturday. All Stars on Sunday. Thank goodness Monday will be my AWS day, but oh hey, I've got a baseball game that night!!! It never ends.

Regards,

cheer_dad

$15 up short lived

Just a note, outdrawn tonight on PokerRewards, when douchebag decides to bully. I call w/two pair. Best Hand...and get outdrawn by runner runner, for his straight. So I lost my $20 buy in, plus whatever I lost at the other friggin' table. I may never make my 1,000 hands. Think I'll switch to passive mode, in an effort to get there, and slow the loss of blood from my bankroll. Yeah, I hate the game again. I think I really am the sucker at the table.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Baby Steps Back

Okay, they're baby steps, but I'll take 'em. After running horrific over the weekend, or just on Saturday afternoon, when I lost the cataclysmic $100 that I previously ranted about; I logged on briefly last night to Poker Rewards for a few hands of Hold 'Em. I really just logged on to figure out how to get in a few more "raked" hands toward the 1,000 goal, so I can claim my bonus. Well I did get 12 hands closer to that mark, and made just over $14 sitting at a WILD .10/.20 NLHE table. These pots averaged bigger than the ones you see at the next level. I made most of it NOT on big hands, but the sneaky ones, instead, where I was holding unsuited connectors like 6-7, and hitting the flop for 2 pair. Only minimal upfront cost to call and easy to pitch in the muck if it didn't hit, or didn't hit strongly enough. When the 10 man table dropped to 5, I made my exit and counted my chips. What this helps out on is that now I can play 2 of these little fish tables at the same time now, and zero in on my 1,000 hands. I believe that I am in the neighborhood of 150 hands shy of that mark. I'm just not going to push it, and hopefully I can find another of those wicked wild tables, and just friggin' get there. This is grinding out of another sort, I suppose. If I can just play break even till then I'll be happy, REALLY! That would put me at about $145 then. Which kinda sucks since my initial deposit was $200 and I've basically forfeited the bonus and lost money. But on the flip side...I could have been playing straight up, with no bonus coming, and just been out the cash altogether. This option is less palatable still. I will likely play the site at LOW LEVEL/LOW RISK tables, for a while longer, to see if I can re-crack the $200 mark. Log myself enough hands to get me back into the weekend freerolls. I really would love to cash at some level in one of these, if scheduling permits, and the poker gods smile, and avoid the SMITE button.

Enough for now...

Regards,

cheer_dad

It wouldn't be so bad...but

Like the title says, " It wouldn't be so bad...but the players who've been beating me online have been donks. Really, I'm not just being bitter here, just calling it like I see it. I've been a punching bag to these unprepared young punks, who then get a confidence booster by sucking out and think that's the way to roll. I swear there are days I wish I could hunt them down. I know, I'm tilting a bit. It's hard to run this bad and not feel a little down trodden. There's just no place to find comfort. I found a little at the Wolfe's game I guess. I got knocked out of the tourney, but have only myself to blame. I sucked out once against Matt, w/ my least favorite hand, which I NEVER EVER play (KJos) and turned it into a straight against his AQs. Then later I donk it off against Jim with an AJos against his AQs. Big Red on the other hand played a fine game and took down her first 1st Place Finish! You Go GIRL! Congratulations...now where's my cut! I did manage to bounce back ever so slightly in the cash game afterwards. Being restricted to a $10 initial buy in w/.25 blinds NL is a little crazy, but we all still do it. I would prefer to at least start with $20-$25. But whatever, I made money at it, cashing out for $54, at the end of the night, still playing on the initial $10. Profit for the night...$24, since I have to count the tourney and the cash game. That does little to bounce me back from the $100 shellacking took online. It would be so bad but that's a chunk of available online money for Pete's sake. It's hard to get it out there anymore! As JJ has advised me...I need to go back to the fundamentals for a while, and play for the sheer enjoyment of the thing, and stop the chasing which I know I'm doing.

I spent Sunday afternoon at the ball fields for Cole's All Stars practice. I'm very proud of him...of the way he's stepped up already. How much better he looks when playing with people that are so good. He's hustling, he's getting it done. He's not perfect and he's not the best kid out there, but he's learning so much and really putting forth the effort. If only we'd been able to get that level out of him on the One Community Team! But, I think these coaches will bring out the monster in him, that I know is there, and he hasn't even dreamed of. Yes, you can tell I really am proud!

Today has however been a wasted day, at least for me. Mondays just are NOT my friend! Why did I have to lose my AWS day Monday, every week, and now instead only getting it every other. I have read that the 2007 WSOP has awarded it first bracelet to Steve Billirakis who picked up $536,287 in prize money when he won the first event, $5000 Mixed Hold'em. He also became the youngest player to win an event, having celebrated his 21st birthday just 10 days ago! According to Prof's Vegas Poker Blog , "he defeated a premium field of 451 players including many of poker's superstars. Norm Chad asked him to clarify his statement that he would go back to school when he was done with poker, mainly when would that be? He replied, "When I have more bracelets than Phil Hellmuth."" Is he entering into the thing with Fear and Ignorance, or Fear and Arrogance. Either way, my congratulations to the lad!

Well it's time to get back to it.

Regards,

cheer_dad

F-Bomb

This is how I get fucked bonus chasing...even when I don't do anything wrong. I sat down to relax just for a few hands, and on hand number two I get pocket rockets. I reraise to $11 preflop (at a .25/.50 NLHE table) to a guy who made it $3 to go in the first place. I learn later when I get BEAT that he was holding 6-7s...how do you combat this?

Welcome to Long Winding Road
>Disconnect all ins are not allowed in this game!
Any disconnects will be treated as a fold by the player.
>Game # 1,421,148,033 starting.
> Dealing Hole Cards(As Ah )
> gnapsack, you have 10 seconds to respond
> gnapsack, you have 5 seconds to respond
> chip_tastic shows Two Pair, Aces over Queens(As Ah Qh Qd 7h )
> odds77 shows a Full House, Sevens full of Queens(7h 7d 7c Qh Qd )
> odds77 wins $97.25 with a Full House, Sevens full of Queens

Maybe it'll get better luck tonight at Frank and Julie's house, but I wouldn't count on it. I was so close to claiming my bonus and being above $200 that I started with, now the best I can do if I can even fuckin' hang on is $185. But hell there's plenty of time for cocksuckers like odds77 to bust me again, and leave with me with nothing before I put in the next 181 hands.

AND NOW, after this OTHER hand...I'll be lucky to GET to the bonus $'s at all, I mean REALLY...
Some days I really hate this fuckin' game!

Regards,
cheer_dad

...Epilogue...

I dropped the $50 rebuy at this table too. I'm the small blind, and since it's unraised I call the .25...and hit two pair on the flop w/8-4os. I bet out, and get called, of course. I push all in and I make my boat by the river, only to be beat by a better boat, by the guy who had ALSO HIT TWO PAIR (ACES and Eights) on the fuckin' flop! I now have $35.64 in my Poker Rewards account. Yes, in 26 raked hands...I lost $100!

I just may not recover, from this year of bad poker.