Updates, Strategy, Girls, and Life (2/22/2010)

Traffic was absolutely miserable this morning.  It took me over an hour to get to work.  The commute is back to being hands-down the worst part of my life.  Sitting in the traffic causes me to question my very existence.  The prospect of dealing with it another year is a terrifying thought.  Hopefully I can escape in a few more months.

Last night I played another 4 hours, and at least I hit the 20-hour goal for the weekend.  I had a commentary I recorded on the session, but I’m not going to post it this time.  Another extremely frustrating session, ended up down -$60 overall.  I vividly remember 3 hands in the last hour that really screwed up any chance of a possible profit. 

Hand 1:  All in preflop with AA against 10-10.  Dude drills a TEN.  You gotta love it.

Hand 2:  All in preflop with AK against AQ.  Guy nails a queen on the flop.  He turns another queen just to rub it in.

Hand 3:  All in preflop KK < AA.  Why am I the only one on this site who seems to have a problem hitting a 2 outer when I need it?

There were a few more, but you get the general idea.  Yet overall, I was still down only -$60 in the 4 hours.  That puts me just over break even for the full 20 hours.  The last 2 hours of the Sunday session I was also 8-tabling (the most tables I have played at once during this format).  I actually felt relatively comfortable playing the 8 tables at once.  I did make one ten dollar blunder, as I hit “min-raise” by accident on a far left table.  My 3-5 off-suit was promptly 5-betted and I had to fold.  That mistake could have been a lot worse.  If the opponent had already raised $20 instead of $6 it would have been a full buy-in.  But normally I would have only lost -$4.  I normally don’t make that sort of error, it was completely unacceptable.  But I have a feeling it occasionally happens to the best of us.   

I’m going to discuss a few strategy topics below.  I have a lot to sort out:

Should I crank up the table volume, or sacrifice a few tables for increased research?

This is an interesting debate that I haven’t quite figured out.  It may seem stupid that I’m considering increasing my table volume, when realistically I haven’t showed a consistent profit when four tabling.  All I’ve shown is the ability to get my money in with the best of it and lose to horrific suck-outs again and again.  I’m not sure how even 8-tabling would help that fact.  Sure it should balance out the shit-luck, but maybe it will just increase my misery x8.  Well I think the topics of player traffic, research being over-rated, and HUD should factor into my decision.

Player Traffic

When I played 8 tables on Sunday, it really seemed to make sense.  There was an abundance of very solid tables, and there seemed to be at least 2 fundamentally poor players at each table.  Things were very much getting crazy, and I would have stayed longer if it wasn’t for obligations the next day.  In this type of situation I think it would be ideal to sacrifice some table selection for increased table volume.

However, if I tried the same strategy Saturday afternoon for example; I don’t think it would have made sense.  The tables were super-tight, and there wasn’t much action anywhere.  During times of limited action I think I should stick to a max of 4-tabling while intensely researching during the time being.  However, during peak times I think I could benefit from 6-8 tabling.

Table Research may be Over-rated in This Format

I honestly can’t believe I am making such a statement.  If someone made this comment with regards to my online poker situation three weeks ago I would have sarcastically laughed in their face.  But in some instances, it seems that table research can be almost border-line detrimental.  I have to understand that the main point of my strategy is to CHIP UP AND LEAVE.  Therefore, when I do all this research and get on the best tables I think it sometimes messes with me.  Often I double up and want to go to war with my $100 stack against a terrible player.  This strategy should be used sparingly; when used it needs to be a VERY IDEAL situation.  Otherwise it could be screwing me up in the long-run.  Even the time I spend researching could go into winning a few extra big blinds here and there. 

Every-time I’m using a doubled up stack to go after a weak player I am making a drastic strategy shift on one of my tables.  This is doable, but it is not easy.  And many times it could be taking away valuable focus from the other tables.  Meanwhile, I could split the $100 stack into almost 3 additional buy-ins and play optimally against semi-weak players.  I don’t think I can ever completely write off researching and committing more against super-weak players.  However, I am now more aware of some possible negatives to this strategy.  That being said, there are still certain situations that I would label as 100% foolish to not attack.  I guess having an adaptable mind-set and being aware is essential here.

When I boil it down it seems going after the weak with a bigger stack is setting myself up for a big score.  But in the process I lose a slight amount of profit per hour.  When the score hits it is worth it.  But I am increasingly aware of what I am giving up to even go after the score.  Hitting the score is rare, but sometimes worthwhile.  Usually the guy is just going to end up stacking off to a regular who is dealt QQ+ within 10 minutes.  There are also the risks of getting caught up with a regular when trying to go after the fish.  Not that I should be scared of regulars, but in this situation I would be under-stacked against them, which is an enormous disadvantage.

HUD Implications

Within a week of using an HUD display I have already noticed the unavoidable dynamic that has be introduced to my personal game.  The HUD allows me to cut down on the research.  It even gives me a clearer picture of who to steal from at certain times.  It is massively important, especially when I was playing 8 tables Sunday.  However, personal research is sometimes better than the HUD.  I realize people playing more than 8 tables are pretty much screwed without the HUD, I get that.  They use the HUD to make pretty much ALL of their reads and strategy adaptations while playing.  Everything makes so much more sense to me now.  The HUD is such a valuable tool.  But sometimes it can cost you. 

For example, last night I remember a hand I lost a full buy in when using an HUD read while 8-tabling.  I pushed all in pre-flop with AQ off against a very loose player.  Without the HUD I wouldn’t have made the play.  But the HUD read gave me that slight read that ultimately pushed my decision to ALL-IN, rather than FOLD.  The guy turned over QQ.  That being said, based on his VPIP% and Pre-flop raise% I had to make that push.  Serves me right for using an HUD!

The HUD gives an increased advantage to putting in more table volume, and sacrificing some research.  

Conclusion on focusing on volume or research

Going forward there really is no conclusion.  I’m going to adapt based on the feel of the situation.  If there seems to be great traffic and tons of profitable tables I will increase my table volume.  If the site seems to be dead I will cut back to a 4-table maximum and ramp up the research while doing so.

Hardware Upgrades

I now have two enormous 22 inch+ monitors linked up together.  Sunday I had 8 tables up and could keep a view on them at all times.  It’s funny though because my right monitor is more distant from my view then the left monitor.  It’s almost like a different world over there.  And the two tables on the far right of the right monitor are like Pluto or something.  Funny but maybe this isn’t always bad.  I probably stick to a more conservative strategy on the far right.  The HUD eventually becomes more in charge of the two tables on the VERY FAR right.  And maybe that’s not always bad.  Besides what the hell do I know?  The HUD is probably a better player than me.  I bet it could do more than break even if it played on its own. 

That being said, I think keeping a view on your tables at all times is still much better then stacking tables on top of each-other.  Even if I’m only 4-tabling I can be researching new tables on the second monitor, or keep a running commentary if I please.  I also have my mac-book set up to my left (on the same desk).  The book can be used to research opponents while playing.  So I’m now utilizing 2 machines and 3 screen displays during my sessions.  I also bought a new laser mouse that is super responsive and a great improvement.

I’m also thinking about hooking up a car battery to my portion of the room.  If I did this I would have a lamp and my computers available as the rest of the neighborhood plunged into darkness during a power outage.  This way I won’t lose anything even if the power goes out for a few hours.  I would be immune to power surges.  I haven’t had problems with power yet, but it’s just something to plan for in the future.  Thunderstorms sometimes cause problems during the summer.

Weekly Poker and Obligations

This upcoming weekend I want to put in 20 more hours.  I will probably get at least one solid session in during the week, but I’m not sure yet.

I am absolutely forcing myself to go to the gym and work out at least TWICE this week.  I am looking to go Monday and Wednesday, getting it out of the way.  I have been seriously slacking the last two weeks.  Last week I went ONCE, lol.  Sure I’ve been drinking less, but two times a week needs to be a minimum going forward. 

If I need to go out once during the week it will be on Thursday.  Again, this ensures my work schedule is screwed up and not the weekend.  Last weekend I went out Friday night and I’m sure it messed with my poker game the first half of Saturday.

I plan to not go out this upcoming weekend and put in the time with poker.  I’m going away the first week of March, so this weekend is a big-deal.  I should most likely just turn off my phone Thursday night through Sunday evening.  It is very important to stay focused.

Russian Girls are still my Ultimate Weakness

I went out Friday because it was one of my best friend’s birthdays.  I was not looking for a girl.  It was a shitty bar (it was not my choice), and I didn’t expect there to be one girl that was worth hitting on anyways.  I planned to hit on a chair in the corner or something.  As in an actual bar-stool, not a girl that is as big as a chair.  Yes I figured I’d be spending the night hitting on an inorganic object.  That sums up my hopes for this particular place.

Of course out of nowhere there is this gorgeous girl.  I don’t think we broke eye contact the first 20 minutes we met.  Immediately there was a connection.  I find out this girl lives 5-10 minutes from me and is from Ukraine.  And this attractive?  How?  Her looks are stunning.  Her accent is unbelievable.  Her name is amazing.

For starters, this bar was close to my house, which is basically considered the country.  Russian girls DON’T LIVE IN THE COUNTRY.  This is impossible.  I’m agnostic, but at this point I’ve concluded that a higher force is OBVIOUSLY FUCKING WITH ME.

Secondly, Russian girls are my weakness.  The higher force knows this.  I semi-dated a girl last summer who was straight up from Russia, and it was her first summer in the U.S.  I have never been attracted to someone more.  I basically sacrificed months of my summer driving 3-hours each way to the beach just to see her (I was still working 9-5 during the week).  Sure it ended in a raging inferno, but WE SHARED A MOMENT OK. 

Back to the bar, I later talk to one of her friends (that I somehow happened to know from a while back).  I just ask if she could put in a good word for me.  She immediately goes “no”.  So I’m like wtf?  She said the girl has a boy-friend so FML.  This is why I DON’T GO OUT; SERIOUSLY.  Go fuck yourself.  I didn’t like you anyway.  You aren’t even real Russian; Ukraine is some bull-shit satellite nation.

That being said she told me to call her and seemed really interested.  So I texted her the next day and received no response.  It was against my morals not to contact this girl.  I’m not sure why she seemed so interested and lead me on if she had a boyfriend.  Actually I am sure.  Either she was really drunk, got lost in the moment for an hour, and was just having fun.  Or she is looking for a back-up plan, girls do that shit all of the time.  In my experience this logic ESPECIALLY refers to really good looking girls.  These girls need constant attention and without it they cease to exist in a way.  These girls take preemptive steps to make sure they always have a solid source of constant attention.  These attention sources ultimately define them.  They are actually so insecure that they will wrap up a solid “back-up plan” months before their current relationship comes to a fiery end.  When the first signs of problems pop up they begin looking for a back-up.  Well I’m hoping I am a back-up plan, because I would um….. how do I say this…..

Be totally in on that. 

I’ll probably try to call her one more time and that’s it.  What a waste of time going out really is though.

I’m currently content being single, but when stuff like that happens it makes be momentarily lose focus.  Ok let’s say someone said choose A or B and I could only have ONE:

A)  You hook up with the girl from Ukraine.  She dumps her BF and you begin hooking up regularly.  Somehow you get into a relationship, but are only required to see her once every week or two.  She is somehow totally cool with this.  She hasn’t even mentioned marriage.

B)  You become profitable enough playing online poker where you can quit your job at the end of May with EASE.  You won’t need to think about quitting, it will just make sense.  You then steadily build your bankroll as you plan your next step to Vegas.

I’d choose B.

-bag

2/21/2010 (14 Hour Satuday Session)

This is a long post.  It includes commentary from my 14-hour session.  Hoping to review again and find a few mistakes:

1:10 p .m

Session under-way.  Regular raises UTG.  I bump $37 all in pre with AK off on the button.  Just don’t let him have AA please.  Ok he folds.

2:00 p.m

Somehow I’m card dead on 4 tables for over an hour.  Oh and these tables are absolutely pathetic.  I shift every 5 minutes and still can’t find anything playable.  It’s 50% regular rocks, and 50% short-stackers.  This is REALLY FUN.  How do 5 idiot short-stackers sit on a table with each-other and think it’s profitable in any way?

2:50 p.m

$30 all in pre with AK off.  $60 pot lost against QQ.  COURSE NO FLIP.  Winning that yeah right?  So fucking predictable.  I’m playing about 6 tables so something has got to give here.  I should really cut back to 4, but whatever.  Oh if I raise early and 8 people fold around I’m instantly leaving the table.  NO questions asked I am not wasting my time.

3:10 p.m

I attempt a steal from late position on a super-tight table with QK off. I flop top pair king, queen kicker against a short stack opponent.  He leads out $8 on the flop, I bump to $32 all in pre.  THE MOTHER FUCKER TURNS OVER K 10 OFFSUIT TOP TWO PAIR. GREAT CALL MAN, nice to get rewarded when you play like an idiot.  Are we seriously going to do this the entire day now?   Or should I just leave now and save the 6 fucking hours I would put into this bullshit rig???  I just can’t avoid getting screwed no matter what.  Another day same bull-shit result.  Not even that mad, it’s just expected.

Just got raped out of a 40 FPP buy in tourney.  AA gets smashed by KK all in pre.  The tool-shed flops a king.  I knew it was coming.  Absolutely standard.  At least it wasn’t on a cash table.  HELL WHY THE FUCK WOULD A TOURNAMENT BE ANY DIFFERENT THEN THE REST OF THE SITE?  WHEN YOU’RE RIGGED YOU’RE RIGGED.  Fucking disgusting I don’t care how small of a buy-in it is.

Just busted out of the 30,000 VIP weekly AQ < 66 all in pre.  I just typed that sentence before the board even came out.  That’s obviously NEVER WINNING.  Oh incredible snap call with 66 preflop that was necessary as well.  Amazing how that holds on to win.  If I snap called preflop in a huge tournament with 66 my opponent turns over AA, and a gun comes out of the monitor and starts shooting at me.  And thanks for the Ace or queen you fucking bull-shit site.  Taking a break.  This has been by far the most disgusting load of shit I have ever experienced ACROSS THE BOARD.

I’m somehow down $-142.00 in 2.5 hours. 

Going to text this drop dead gorgeous Russian Girl I met at the bar last night.  No clue what she was doing at that shit bar, but she somehow lives 5 minutes away from me.  I also found out later from one of her friends that she had a boy-friend.  No surprise, a girl I’m actually attracted to not having a boyfriend would be like be dodging a 2-outer on PokerStars; not very likely.  But that being the case I don’t know why she gave me her number and was flirting with me hard-core.  Maybe she’s looking for a back-up, girls do that all of the time.  Then again it’d be against my morals not to at least text her, and she told me to contact her.  Though I don’t expect her to get back to me.  We did have a damn strong connection for at least an hour.  I don’t think we stopped looking at each-other the first hour we met.  And you wonder why I’d rather get fucked over on Poker Stars then actually go out on a Saturday and get screwed over by some girl.  What the hell is the point?  Nothing good ever comes from me going out.  Then again nothing good ever comes out of playing on STARS.

I guess when I come back if I ever regroup I will try to keep it to TWO TABLES until I actually find two PLAYABLE TABLES, and work from there.  UGH FML.  Brutal day so far.  I didn’t experience a full double up in those 2 hours.  That’s almost impossible.

4:00 p.m

And I’m off.  Here I go again.  I’m going to act like that first session never happened.  I’m not sure how else to look at it.  This is basically a new session.  My attitude has been shit and I’m going to try to change it.  Things aren’t going to keep going this bad.  I just have to keep doing my research, pick my shots, and get my money in with the best of it.  That’s all I can do.

4:30 p.m

Pretty much had to rebuy up to $40 on ALL FOUR TABLES.  Not one hand worth raising in 30 minutes playing 4 tables at once.  This is b.s is obviously ending no time soon.

Lost a full $30 with AQ all in pre.  Guy turns over AA.  The donk LIMPED IT pre.  Amazing.

4:40 p.m

First double up of the day QQ> A7 all in pre.  1 Double up in about 3.5 hours while 4 tabling.  That has got to be some sort of record.  I’m looking forward to the pending crash and burn on the 3 other tables.  Not really, but I can kid myself.

5:00 p.m

Just made a bad play on table 2.  It cost me $6.  Some guy raised $6 pre and I Called on the button with AQs.  Calling here really isn’t an option it’s either all in or fold, but I decided to revert back to being a moron for whatever reason.  I wasn’t sure the guys range, but I didn’t want to just fold so I called.  Worst play I’ve made today, but it only cost me $6. 

Another KK dealt and 8 idiots fold around.  Leaving the table instantly.  Fucking terrible site.

 5:20 p.m

First AA dealt of the day.  Some guy joins and dead bets second to act.  I bump to $6 preflop from the small with no action.  Dead-better calls pre with 59 SUITED AND FLOPS THE miracle fucking STRAIGHT.  Speechless I have nothing to say.  The disgust with this session continues.  Here’s what I will do.  Every-time I log on for the rest of my fucking life I will look you up and sit on your god-damn table until I get you back for that call.  I wish you the worst you one-tabling son of a bitch.  Same guy just sucked out someone else’s AA playing K7.  He rivered the straight.  At least it was against that punk Yugor.

Table 4 all in $40 pre with KK.  It actually holds vs AQ.  Would have had a nice run without the AA suck-out mentioned above.

5:40 p.m

Cold called a $10 raise preflop with AA in order to keep the donk in I have been watching.  The regular raised $10 pre and I knew if I re-raised I would chase the guy I was watching and the regular would pathetically surrender his $10 bet.  I needed to call to have a chance of getting paid.  I end up doubling up as the donk commits $36 on the flop with bottom pair 2, jack kicker.  I don’t have great position on him, but the guy is so bad that it would seem against my morals to leave.  Even though I have $95 on the table and staying is against my general strategy, whatever.  The tables are so bad right now that it can’t hurt.  Not giving a Russian girl a chance to ruin my life is also against my morals.  Off topic?  Yeah well if you don’t like it go screw off somewhere else then.  I texted her about an hour ago and no response.  Whatever, she’s not even true Russian.  She’s from Ukraine, bull-shit fucking satellite nation.

6:00 p.m

Doubled up all in preflop to $90 on table 2.  Opponent called my 4-bet with 88 pre-flop.  My QQ holds and it’s obviously a miracle.  I played that great.  Same increment raise I made on a steal earlier in the same position.  I think two previous steals threw him off my range there.  Still not a great call against my 4-bet, but I guess he is commited and you have to assume my range includes AQ and AK at least.  Maybe even 55-77.

6:30 p.m

Just limped UTG with KK on table 3.  Wanted to hopefully establish position on two really bad players a few seats away on my right.  Instead a short-stack regular raises to $7 and the action folds to me.  I reraise all him and he CALLS with 10-10.  Dodged the two outs and doubled there.  I really dislike his call.  Well with regards to my end result, just thought it was a bad play that he could have avoided.

7:00 p.m

All in pre with JJ.  The worst player on the table calls and the fucking clown-box hits his QUEEN holding AQ.  Could have used a flip for once.  What an ass.  Any other time he’s calling with jack-shit.

$35 all in pre with KK on table 2.  FLOP ACE FUCK YOU.  Idiot super-user short stacker holds AA AMAZING.  Nice $100 pot lost on another bull-shit cooler.   Again I must be losing overall on this site with KK.  I’m almost sure of it.  And I mean all in preflop or with the overpair KK.  I never over-play the hand but, it continues to be instant rape for me.  I would almost rather KK take down $3 in blinds rather then get any sort of action with it on STARS, that’s about all the hand can do for me.

7:30 p.m

Taking a break and eating dinner when the blinds hit me on the 4 tables.  Somehow I finished up +$23 in the last 3.5 hours despite not being able to win a race to save my life, and getting coolered to hell.  But for the day still down $120.

Might also take a nap after I eat and put in a monster session later.  Still don’t feel great from going out last night.  I wasn’t planning on it, but it was one of my best friends’ birthdays.  I’ve already played 6 hours today and it hasn’t been going great at all.

10:00 p.m

I feel refreshed after smashing that nap for sure.  Phone is on silent, my friends hate me as much as STARS, and I’m back.  Doubled up early KK > QQ all in preflop.  Leaving table 1 with $72.  Entered an $11 rebuy tournament like an idiot.  I haven’t had much luck with these, but I wanted to mix this session up some.

$31 all in pre on table 2 with AK offsuit 3-betting.  TWO-CALLERS.   Idiot holding A-10 off splits the pot with a straight.  Horseshit.

10:40 p.m

Smashed $40 gone with a table clearing up.  3 people.  I hit mid pair 7 ace kicker.  OPPONENT HAS THE 810.. top pair 8 AND IT HOLKDS.LMFAO.   With his range I had too.  What a lucky son of a bitch. 

11:00 p.m

Just clicked a $6 fucking call by accident on the river with five-high.  Maybe playing too many tables wow.  When it rains it pours.  Good thing he didn’t go all in amazing.  That was embarrassing and could have been much worse.

11:30 p.m

Lost a huge pot all in pre with JJ vs KK.  Standard cooler.  Getting fucking screwed tonight.  6 tables and I’m failing to get anything going.  I think my mult-tabling is messing with my ability to select more profitable tables which is never good.  The guy with KK on that last pot was ironically the loosest player on the table.  #Hilarity.

ALL IN 40 preflop with AK off.  Two callers with 99 and JQ!..  Idiot flops a QUEEN WITH JQ OFF AND WINS  $110  fucking WOW.  Like usual the aces and kings were all in a distant universe somewhere.  Down to 4 tables plus the $11 rebuy which I will bust soon.  Down over $100 in an hour and a half.  The usual.

11:50 p.m

Absolutely pathetic.  Riase pre-flop to $10 with 10-10; called by A2. Off.  I go all in on the flop with the overpair, he calls, and TURNS THE ACE BABY!  I JUST CAN’T WIN.  That’s all there is too it.  $11 REBUY BUST KK < 67 OFFSUIT ALL IN PRE.  HE RIVERTS A STRAIHGT.  WHY DID HE CALL THAT EXACTLY?  WHAT THE FUCKING MOTHER UFCKDSIGZXKL”DGqsh.  Yes that was me mashing my keyboard incoherently.  I’m thinking about quitting for the night.  I can’t take another idiot calling all in pre with 67 and winning every time.

12:20 a.m

Just took the worst suck-out of the night.  I bumped to $20 pre-flop 3 betting with QQ.  TJ suited donk calls and top pairs a ten, jack kicker.  HE THEN CALLS $30 ON THE FLOP.  Turn BLANK CALLS $25 MORE ALL IN.  RIVER JACK (awarded his stupidity with a two pair on the river).  That’s it game over.  I can’t regroup from that so I have no clue, but I’ll keep fighting like the stupid shit I am.   $150 pot gone.  Instead of up to even on this session I’m down $150.  The mother fuck sits out after it as well.   The site is absolutely dead right now.  And I’m really sick to my stomach to be honest.  I’ve felt low from the game the past few weeks, but this is by far the worst I have felt.  I can’t believe he hit that river.  I’m going to see it in a nightmare tonight I’m sure.  I might as well play 4 180 turbos and play bingo.  There is absolutely no difference what I do on this site.  I just can’t release this rig off me.

12:30 a.m

Back to playing two tables.  The guy who sucked me out came back and he’s two seats to my right.  He has almost $500 on the table.  I bought up to $75 on that table in case I ever get another chance.  So I can get ripped apart by another atrocious suck-out.  I have no faith in anything right now.  And certainly not my ability to dodge any sort of two-outer against this guy, even if I am in fact dealt another hand tonight.

12:35 a.m

All in pre-flop $37 on table 2 with QQ.  I get one caller with JQ suited and hold on to actually win a pot.  A ten on the river would have gave him a straight.  I thought it was coming.   How could I not at this point?

1:00 a.m

Just tripled up on table one and took down a huge pot.  Leaving the table with $150.  I flopped trip queens, ace kicker.  Two opponents and myself were all in on the flop.  One was chasing a flush draw, the other had trip queens +8 kicker.  Dodged the suck-out and NO SPLITS with the Queen-8.

1:30 a.m

Just got sucked out on the river again.  THE SAME GUY that fucked me earlier hitting the ten on the river.  This time it was a $60 pot, at least it wasn’t 150.  He has $650 on the table.  HE JUST LEFT WOW.  He left a single 200NL table with more money then I will ever profit on this site by sucking out people 50 times in a row.

TABLE TWO.  Idiot calls my $10 raise preflop  with 67.  Then $15 all in on the flop with a flush draw.   COURSE HE TURNS IT.  ARE WE SERIOUS HERE?

2:00 a.m

Just doubled up to $120 on table one with Qs Qh.  Best read I’ve made all night.  By the turn board was Ts 6s Ad As.  I raised pre and had control until he raised my $12 turn bet, putting me $40 all in to call.  I called based on his range, I knew he didn’t have the ace.  He had Ks Jd and missed the suck-out on the river.  Good time for a break, I don’t feel like shit for once.

2:25 a.m

Resumed

2:50 a.m

Just made a stupid play pissing away $12 overplaying a pair made from the blind.  After the flop I really had no business putting anymore money in, despite how bad the guy was.  Currently 3-4 tabling and not really getting anything to play.

3:10 a.m

Doubled on table 3 and left with a nice play.  Also eeked up a buy-in to $70 on table 4 and left.  Some crazy tables are starting to pop up around this ungodly hour.

3:40 a.m

Won a $35 pot on table two with top pair queen, king kicker all in on the flop.  Opponent had top pair queen, 10 kicker.  I felt somewhat uncomfortable making the final push all in on the flop, but I read his range correctly.  And I dodged the 10 for once.

On table 4 I just doubled up to $80 all in preflop with AK preflop.  I had no choice in that matter really.  Opponent held KK.  FLOP ACE.  I just got lucky and sucked out with the worse hand, now I’ve seen it all.  Some crazy shit can go down at 3:40 a.m.

4:15 a.m

Down to playing just two tables.  Not really much to report.  Everything is very dead right now, except the 100BB tables which I don’t have the roll for.  Getting very tired, will probably stop by 5.  There is one really bad player to my right on table 2.  I actually have position.  He keeps re buying for $100 and completely pissing it away.  It’d be nice to get a double up against him before I end, but I’ve been card dead a while.

4:30 a.m

Just lost a $70 pot with AK.  I mixed up the play with it calling preflop.  Some super-user ends up turning a 6, then riving 3 of a kind against my top pair king.  What a load of shit.  Should have bet it on the flop, but playing with 8 super-nits I was trying to let someone catch up with a draw or something.  I’m fine with mixing it up, but I should have CALLED the river, and not re-raised all-in.

4:50 a.m

Very disappointed, thought I was in line to win a $100 pot on table 2.  Flopped trip kings with an ace kicker.  Problem is the other guy had the same hand.  Only ended up netting 8 stupid dollars on the hand!

Just lost a few small pots trying to steal on two different tables.  I need to tighten up some.  Starting to get a little stupid with the ace-high steals.

The ONE TIME I’m dealt a premium hand on the table with the donk to my right EVERYONE folds including him.  So frustrating.

5:05 a.m

The clown-box I was waited for finally busted and left.  I have 3 tables up and they actually aren’t that bad.  I think I may stick around a bit.  Just made another over-aggressive play on Table 3.  Not sure what the fuck he could have hit on that flop but instant 3 bet my CB.  This is such shit.  Ok one more mistake and I’m seriously pulling myself off every table when the blinds come to me.  There’s profit to be made here, but not when I’m being stupid.  I have to be patient, especially at this hour.  Everyone wants to be a hero and make a ridiculous steal.

5:15 a.m

Just won a massive pot on table 1 going from $35 to $90.  Dealt AA and flopped 3 of a kind.  The river also advanced me to a full house, but gave one of my opponents a flush.   The guy on table 1 just decided to piss away $100 playing K3.  He had a bottom pair 3, king kicker and still bet $60 on the turn.  I’m not sure where this fool gets his money from, but it’s CERTAINLY NOT POKER.  He’s almost made the table a must stay.  I have $93 on the table that I built up from $40 and it’s worth risking it to get in a pot with him.

5:30 a.m

It’s hours like these where a sane person would probably question what they are doing with their life.  Yet I continue going 4 tables strong.  I want to attack my K3 hero on table 2, but I need a hand to do it.  He is pissing away chips at a mind-boggling rate.  Trying to be patient here.  If I make one more mistake as I said earlier I’m leaving all of my tables.  IT’S A PRIVLEDGE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY to chase these donks; don’t blow it.  I had a chance to go all in with him pre for $80 with a mid-pocket pair, but I couldn’t pull the trigger because I suck at poker.  He just rebought to $200 WOW.  This could be a long night.

Just got dealt AK… 3 bet to $12 pre-flop, but COMPLETELY MISSED.  Had to fold FUCK.  The next flop there was an ace and king on the board of course.

5:40 a.m

All in $37 preflop with QQ.  TWO CALLERS.  One holding AK, the other holding 10 10.  BLANK BLANK BLANK.  IT FUCKING HELD????? WOW.  Leaving the table with $110.  That is the type of hand that has NOT been holding for me the past 3 weeks.

Cutting back to two tables.  Only one is worth it.  And that one table is by far the best 200NL available right now, even when including 100 BB tables.  The waiting list is 11 people long, it’s average pot is over $50, and the player/flop percentage is over 30%.  I don’t think I can leave this table.  Even if I don’t ever get a hand and break even my FPPs will sky-rocket just sitting here.  The king-trey hero has re-stacked to $200 again.  This guy is insane.

I’ve been card dead a while and I’m down to just over $65.  I should seriously consider buying more chips in case I ever get a hand.  However, I might play smarter short.

6:00 a.m

This table is very much slowing down.  The king-trey hero is there, but he is pretty much all alone.  There was another very loose player that was at least giving him a lot of action, but now the guy is alone and not playing as much.  It’s only a matter of time, but it could take all night.  Also I have terrible position on him.  I’m going to call it a night when the blinds hit me, screw it ugh.  The guy keeps making ridiculous bluffs and showing.  Last was a $24 3-bet pre with Q4 off.

6:10 a.m

ONE MORE TIME AROUND LOL.  This always ends badly.  I’m dealt JJ.  Raise to $6 pre everyone folds.  Ok whatever screw this I’m out.  LOGGED.

From 2:25 a.m – 6:20 a.m I was up +$142 in the 4 hours.  For the total 14 hours I played today I ended up +$62.  Another below minimum wage session.  I know I was having some struggles earlier so it feels good at least ending positive for the session combined.  Though I would have rather the Russian girl texted me back.  Strange that I texted her a distant 14 hours ago now.   Cheers to a messed up beyond repair schedule!

Time Played:  14 Hours

Start:  $2025.00

End:  $2206.00

Profit:  +$62.00

2/18/2010 (Goals and Updates)

I played a 4-hour session Tuesday.  I ended in a small profit, basically break-even.  Again a horrific suck-out screwed up the profit that should have been (KK<QQ all in pre as an opponent nails a QUEEN on the river).  The typical Stars session.  However, every-day that I don't play I still do some sort of poker related research or study.  Last week I played over 40 hours and had a substantial loss.  When you run that badly it can really mess with your psychology.  Sometimes it’s good to step back and regroup.  Giving up is not an option to me.  This current dip online is going to eventually turn, or it's going to spiral down to a point where it destroys me.

I started off short-stacking because I realized it was a great way to clear a particular bonus.  From there I was hooked.  It worked out and I instantly saw some benefits to utilizing the strategy.  Also, I could play the stakes of my choice with my smaller bankroll.  However, I didn’t realize that the strategy already had such a following.  There are waves of drone short stackers all over the poker sites.  Though I suppose there are always going to be more non-short stackers on the tables.  I feel like I somewhat missed the golden-age of short-stacking, which is unfortunate.  But I still feel I have what it takes to be profitable in this format.

And for some goals/updates:

Short-Term Goals:

S-1) Continue Playing and Improving.

I want to continue putting in the volume.  By the end of Sunday I’m aiming for more than 20 hours of play.  Also I need to continue reviewing all of my hands and sessions. 

S-2) Utilize Hold Em Manager.

This week I installed Hold Em Manger.  I just purchased the full-version, even know I'm not 100% familiar with the software yet.  I have already got the basics down.  I thought it was annoying and distracting at first, but it takes some getting used to.  From looking around it seems like every single semi-serious online poker player has this installed.  I feel like I’m at a disadvantage not having it.  I was probably the only Platinum Star player on Poker Stars without an active HUD while I play.  I have mixed feelings on using an HUD.  I’ve also read some articles that raise very good points on why you shouldn’t rely on HUDs to much.  It seems like it would benefit people playing 6+ tables the most.  I may start off playing without the HUD, and just using HE Manager to analyze my personal stats.  It’s a shame online poker has come to this.  Where you feel like you have to buy $100 software to not be at a disadvantage.  It’s quite disgusting in some ways.  And it’s only going to get worse.  This is another advantage to being more of a live player.

 Long Term:

 L-1) Become a Consistent Profitable Online Player

This is going to be a hell of a battle; especially with the way I have been running online.  Things just have to turn around if I keep putting in the volume and research.  And I have to keep my confidence level up through the down-swings.  I need to be able to earn a consistent profit playing online.  It is my ticket to a smooth transition out of corporate.

L-2) Quit my 9-5 Job.

My contract is up at the end of April.  However, it’s over 95% likely that my contract will be renewed for another 5-6 months.  This has happened at least 4 times since I started working here.  Well this time around I am really hoping they just LET ME GO.  This way I can at least collect unemployment a month or two during a transition period.  It would actually be in my best interest to do AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE, so they let me go at the end of April.  However, if they do renew my contract (which they will), I need to quit.  My birthday is in May.  I want to give myself the ultimate birthday present; taking the necessary step to get myself out of this situation.  My corporate tale is coming to an end.

It would be a disgrace to give another summer of my mid-twenties to this horrible dead-end place.  I want freedom.  I want NATURAL SUNLIGHT.  I want to enjoy my life again.  Is it unfair to ask for these sort of things?  Hopefully I can get online poker to a point where I can make income during a transition period.  Even if I was only making +$1000 online the first month it would be enough to live off of (while living at my parents).  This way I can immediately be making money when I quit.  I won’t feel pressured to immediately move to Vegas.  Maybe I can at least enjoy the summer months, while grinding up a steady bankroll online.  This would be my ideal situation.  Then I could live anywhere in the world and not need to settle for a terrible part-time job.

This is going to be a hell of a long road ahead to get myself in this position.  However, I have three long months to do it.  I plan to go away the first weekend of March.  Every other weekend I want to be playing poker online 20+ hours.  I am entering the ultimate grind, but it is the only way out.  The only way I can save myself.

L-3)  Don't Get Distracted

This especially refers to girls.  At this point in my life nothing good will come out of it.  I found out recently that the girl from N.Y has a boyfriend now.  This is my typical sort of luck.  So I guess I will just get my brother to get my ring back from her.  Apparently the bitch got a boyfriend a week or two after I left.  Ok it's not really fair to talk like that, but yes I was absolutely disappointed and pissed off.  But I think she's a really cool girl, and I do want her to be happy.  I'm going to be mature and I hope it works out for her.  It's certainly more then I can give her.  I mean should I really be surprised here?  She's a really cute girl living in Manhattan, surrounded by millions of single guys.  Obviously I'm not that special.  I'm a baglife mother fucker who wants to play poker for a living, but can't even put together a winning session online.  Besides, it would have ended up being a huge distraction and waste of time.  It was destined to end in certain disappointment when it all came crashing down.  It's not like this girl owed me anything.  I do have to give her credit though.  She did an amazing job of acting like I actually meant something.  Even a week after texing "Come back soon!".  Yeah that was fucking cute thanks.  Sure let's meet up!  We can have a three-some with your BOY-FRIEND included?  I'm sure everyone will have an amazing time!

I always had a tough time dealing with how emotions can end up meaning nothing to most people.  I just have to move on and get over it.  I probably will in a week or so, just not completely.  I should be used to getting "screwed over" by girls at this point.  Though she didn't technically do anything wrong, I still feel screwed over in a way.  Well she probably shouldn't have agreed to borrow my ring.  That was a little fucked up; but still.  As long as I get it back whatever. 

I had a feeling she was in "find boy-friend mode", I thought I picked it up by the way she was talking and acting.  I assumed she would get a boy-friend in the next half-year, but I didn't think it would be so soon.  This upset me some, and it was disappointing in a way.  However, it has provided me some sense of closure.  It certainly explained why she became distant so quickly. 

So much for no strings attached sex with a cute girl who lives in one of the coolest cities to visit in the world.  I'm still pretty sure if I happened to be visiting the city I could still hook up with her.  But whatever it doesn't matter dropping it dropping it DROPPING IT.  I'm done talking about this shit.  Or typing about it whatever.

Weekly Thoughts:

In response I went out last night and drank enough booze to kill a small elephant.  I also needed to just go out a night and have fun.  Combined with the lack of sleep I'm suprised I even showed up today.  It was the first time I went out in 2 weeks.  I decided if I feel the need to go out once every week or two; it's better to go out on a weeknight.  This way I screw up my work schedule, but not my weekend time (which is used to play poker).  I feel miserable and hung-over at the moment.  This upcoming weekend I'm not really planning on going out.  I want to play online over 20 hours.

It's tough because I feel like I'm basically working 75+ hours a week.  My job (including commute) is basically 50 hours wasted.  And I take poker as seriously as a job, even know it would be more enjoyable if I could have a session that actually ran good.

That's about all I have for today.  I will keep updating with sessions, there will be a few this weekend.  I also need to make another $600 deposit to feel comfortable.  Various sources have stated that 40 buy-ins should be plenty to short-stack full ring games.  But whoever gave that advice has obviously never ran as bad as me.  I have 37.5 buy-ins online right now.  A deposit will get me to around 52 buy-ins. 

-bag

2/13/2010 (Commentary: The Session That Ruined Me?)

I'm going to put in my session below un-cut.  This is exactly what was going through my mind as I was playing, and I typed it while I was playing.  There is a lot of emotion, anger, and hopelessness below.  I'm going to leave it as it is for a few reasons:

A)  Entertainment value.

B)  So I can look back and see what a complete psycho I really am.

C)  To try to find any leaks later.

Anyways The session lasted about 8 hours so here you go:

I lost -$100 playing two hours earlier; that session really didn’t go well.  I decided to play another few hours. I’m going to keep in low on the tables this time.  My bankroll is not in a good state.  Starting with $1531, if I drop to $1200 I’m going to need a deposit. 

9:20 p.m

The session begins, I’m starting off with two tables.

10:30 p.m

Really not much happening for a long time.  The dry spell just broken on table 4 as I doubled with AA.  I got it all in pre-flop and was called down with JJ.  My hand narrowly avoid catastrophe on the river.  I’m leaving that table with $100.  I was 4 tabling, but I’m constantly cutting back on tables that aren’t worth my while.  That’s about 95% of the tables available

11:00 p.m

Stomach really feels like shit; ate this disgusting hot-dog for dinner.  Currently 4-tabling and not much has been going on.  Very tight tables at the moment.

11:10 p.m

Just lost a buy-in with KK.  The standard ace flopped.  I lead out he calls.  I turned the nut flush draw and went 24 all in.  He calls.  His AQ holds.  The passive call like an idiot on the flop won him some extra there.  Back to pretty much even and really pissed off.  Taking a small break.

11:30 p.m

Time to regroup; I’m back.  Starting out with 2. 

12:00 a.m

I should have stayed on break.  A whole lot of nothing for a long time.  This is also the worst I have ever seen the tables.  Offically -$20 down for the session.  This is sad.

12:05 a.m

Just doubled up on one of the tables to $70 with AQ.  Flopped a queen and got action.  Feels very strange seeing a playable hand and actually having it pay off something.

12:20 a.m

Just doubled up on table 4 shoving AK all in preflop.  The guy called with 66 for some reason.  I hit a flop for once as well.  I’m going to leave the table with $85, it’s a shame because it’s a really bad table and I’d like to stick around.  But I really need that double up and don’t want to risk the full $80 right now.  I’ll just focus on finding a comparable terrible table.

12:45 a.m

IDIOT FUCKER limps UTG.  I re-raise to $8 from the cut off.  He goes all in I call.  My KK gets sucked out by AK on the turn.  Un-fucking-real.  Yeah I really needed that THANKS.  It just never ends on this site, it really doesn’t.  You know I have to have a net loss with KK on this site.  I’m so pissed the fuck off right now.  Pokerstars the one poker-site where patience NEVER pays off.   That was huge.  Down for the session instead of up because I can’t dodge 3 outs.

1:00 a.m

I just made a nice read on table 1.  I was in a pot with QQ, still stuck around with a bet or call on the flop, turn, and river despite the king showing.  He tried to bluff the river, did not work.  I should have raised him harder!  I may leave that $96 stack on table 1.  I have incredible position on the worst player.

All in $51 pre on table 3.  Please win it?  FLOP KING HELL YES PLEASE HOLD.  Absolutely huge.  He called $50 with QQ.  Flopped the king, up to $105, bailing out Obama style; PEACE.  Finally up for the session with that hand.

2:00 a.m

Card dead for about an hour now.  The tables are also pathetic.  Down to two tables unless something good ever develops.  I’m about 150 FPPs from clearing a $50 stellar rewards bonus.  How about you just void out the next suck-out lol?  I also have to clear about 1,000 FPP to reach Platinum Star status.  I’ve never had it before.  There really isn’t much difference from gold-star except you earn FPPs at an accelerated rate, which is nice.

2:40 a.m

AA $12 pre.  He flops a fucking set of 10’s.  Nice $80 pot gone.  Fuck my life seriously.   How about you shove the $50 reward bonus up your ass and LET ME DODGE 2 OUTS ONE FUCKING TIME.

2:45 a.m

I’m down for the session.  Lost another $90 pot on the same table.  YUGOR OF ALL PEOPLE; THE ONLY CLOWN-BOX SHORT-STACKER WHOS BAD ENOUGH TO MAKE THAT CALL.   I’m tilting my ass off.  He called my pre raise with a 22 and HIT A SET against my overpair 88.  I actually screamed out loud.  There is no salvaging that.  Fucking impossible, thanks stars I’m down for the night.  I’M GOING TO HAVE TO DEPOSIT  ARE YOU FUCKING HAPPY?

God I hate this shit. My blood is literally boiling.  If I could have avoiding ONE OF THOSE SUCKOUTS my night would have been fine.   I swear I am losing my mind.  It’s already gone.  $100 gone in suck-outs in 20 fucking minutes screwing my night.  Back around $1500.  Looking at that number makes me want to puke my guts out.

2:51 a.m

$35 all in preflop on table 2 with KK.  I get two callers.  The one guy had AK.  The other guy had A6 suited.  I lost the $120 pot to A6 suited.  He turned the flush.   I don’t know what else could possibly go wrong.  This has turned into a complete nightmare.  Oh and the guy with AK gave me protection and re-raised over $100 preflop.  The guy with A6 suited still called.  Amazing.

3:00 a.m

Table 3.  All in preflop $40 with AK .  Super-user calls with QK and flops top two pair.  Never mind.  I’ve just accepted that Stars has put in some kind of code where I will lose every hand until my bank-roll hits zero.  My online poker “career” is obviously over.  I could play 10 fucking years and not have this bad run balance out.

BANKROLL $1435.

FUNNY I haven’t made one incorrect play in the past hour.  NOT ONE.

The tables  have suddenly all dried up at once.  All the bad players gone.  And I’m left with nothing.  Impossible to even begin to mount a comeback from what has occurred the past hour; let’s be honest.  It could take months.

3:10 a.m

Just won a $70 pot all in with AQ preflop.  I flopped a queen against 10 10.  It’s a play I might have not made earlier.  It was based on the opponents range.  Yes I said I actually WON A POT.  I know it makes no sense.

3:20 a.m

Lost a $70 pot right back with AQ.  Again the play was based on the opponents range.  He had QQ.  Of course I couldn’t hit a 3-outer, only opponents can do that.  It’s a one way street; fucked up world I live in.  Doubled up shortly after on another table.  My over-pair 99 held up to dodge 7 outs, now that’s a god damn miracle.

3:25 a.m

Just reached the reward for a FIFTY DOLLAR BONUS?  It’s like a friend burned my million dollar house to the ground; but then gave me a card-board box to live in.  He then says:  “We are still cool right?”

Yeah that’s what just happened there……..

I wish the $50 “reward” was in paper check form so I could rip it up and mail it back.  Next time just try not torturing me for 2-hours, letting my opponents hit every ridiculous suck-out imaginable to ruin my bankroll.  TRY NOT LETTING THE A4 SUITED BEAT MY KK ALL IN PRE for a $120 pot.  Can we do that or something?

 4:00 a.m

I guess things have mellowed out.  The calm after the disaster if you will.  Pretty much keeping it to two tables, there isn’t much going on this late.  I entered a 200 FPP rebuy to try to get into the $40 mirco million by satellite.  When I get sucked out of that I will go to sleep.  Even if I don’t get the satellite I will still buy in.  What is $40?  Looking at the shit above not much.

4:40 a.m

Nothing really going on the tables at this point.  Haven’t had anything in a while.  There are 7 people left in the satellite and 6 get seats.   I’m average stack so I don’t have it on lock, but we will see.  I should have more experience here from my 180 days.

The one table I’m playing I just doubled up to $80 getting all-in with JJ.  The opponent calls with AJ and MISSED HIS THREE OUTS.  I shouldn’t feel lucky to dodge 3 outs, but I absolutely do.  That is not an easy thing for me to do apparently.

Done with the cash tables for tonight. 

4:50 a.m

7 people in the satellite all in pre with AQ… called with 77.  I HIT AN ACE wow.  That would have sucked to be knocked out literally one seat away.  I now have 15k chips in second place.  I have plenty of chips to wait it out until one more of these fools go busto.  The play here is terrible by the way.  It should have been over a long time ago.  Seat 2 just got knocked out that’s it; I placed.  I turned about 600FPP into a $40 entry fee, which is very sweet.  Hopefully I can wake up by 3:00 p.m to use it.

Finished a sad $1490 bankroll for the night.  I’m going to add the $50 bonus to that to make myself feel better and say I was up barely.

Start: $1531

End: $1540

Hours: 8

Wow I’ve never felt so happy chalking up +$9 in 8 hours of play.  I feel like I’ve lost -$500.  Looking at some of the beats above it is shocking that I’m not down a lot more.   Tough night; almost lost my sanity.  Maybe I already have.

-bag

2/12/2010 Session (Commentary)

11:00 p.m

So the session begins.  I’m using a tighter more aggressive strategy this time around.  I am a proud robot.  I am a proud robot living in a basement to meet with the goal of grinding up a bankroll, making the correct decision, no matter the outcome.  That is my purpose.

You understand the concept of chasing fish as a distant objective.  You understand it, but will never let it make or break you.

Sticking to extreme table selection for a while until I find the correct ones to play.  I don’t expect to swing as much with this strategy, but we shall see.  4-tabling, but plan to cut tables that aren’t profitable with frequency.

11:50 p.m

Just doubled up on one table playing AQ vs a noted donk.  I have $73 on the table, but I might stick around until the one super-bad player leaves.  I’m already adjusting my strategy a little, shrug.  Poker is all about the situation though.

12:00 a.m

I doubled on one of the four tables.  Adjusted my strategy raising under the gun with 10 10.  I got the caller I wanted.  Nailed a set and he paid me off with top pair ace, rag kicker.  I stuck around until he left, then left with $80.

12:30 a.m

Just doubled on table 3 to $70.  My AA held against top pair 10, 7 kicker.  The one person that could possibly pay me off on the table did.  Last night he was a train-wreck, but he has tightened up substantially.  I’m going to stick around because he might get bored and revert back to his old ways eventually.  I still see him make stupid plays, just not as frequently. 

Right now I’m only up about +$20 on the session.  This is surprising since I doubled on about 3 tables.  I guess the blinds are just really intense when four tabling.  Some of these tables are EXTREMELY tight right now.  I’ve had to adjust my strategy and steal blinds more, which works pretty much 4 out of 5 times against the right players.  This is important for my image, and to steal blinds and break even while I wait out a hand.  I need to keep filtering tables that are worthless.  This is very necessary, the tables should have action so at least I’m getting rake out of it.   I’m already hungry again.

As soon as a table falls to at least 3 other short-stackers, and it’s really tight it’s time to get up and leave.  I just folded an AK because I was typing this.  Now that was beyond stupid. 

1:15 a.m

Not much going on 4-tabling.  Still about +$20 for the session.  Seem to be hovering around that mark.  I’m starving.  I’ll probably break in 15 and get a damn snack.  With a protein shake, hopefully that will shut my stomach up a few hours.  I think since I’ve cut out drinking a lot and my metabolism is just going crazy.  Normally all the sugar and shit probably slows it to a still above average rate.  Naturally it’s on an above-average on crack rate.

1:20 a.m

I just scooped a $70 pot playing AK.  Put out a 4x bet pre with AK and got one caller playing K9.  He flopped a nine and called my continuation bet.  Figured I was completely screwed.  Turn ACE; game over.  This could be a great confidence boast for the break.  I’m stopping at 1:30 a.m.  When that time hits I’m not allowing myself to post another BB on any of the four tables.  I’m also, much less emotionally.  Then again I haven’t been dealt AA 3 times getting sucked out massively in a 3-hour span yet.

1:35 a.m

Break-town.  Up +$61 in 2.5 hours.  I feel really good about that session though.  Hey, Rome wasn’t build in a day right?

1:50 a.m

A protein shake, banana, apple, carrots, and strips of roast beef.  If this doesn’t hold me over until the end of the night I seriously give up.  I’m going to resume my two most profitable tables while I eat and bail out Obama-style on the others.  I will keep researching for new tables after.

PART II

2:10 a.m

Back 4-tabling.  I crushed everything with the exception of the stupid apple.  Really not shit going on and I haven’t had a hand in a while.  That is expected though.  Maybe in an hour I can get one hand on a table, get paid, and break even for the hour lol? 

2:30 a.m

One raise before me I go all in preflop with AK offsuit to $42.  Somehow NOT ONE GOD-DAMN OUT.  Super-user holds AA.  I hit a king and still lost.  Amazing.  So much for a decent session.  BTW when the fuck have I ever been dealt AA over AK all in pre vs someone on this site?  I don’t remember it ever happening.  Pokerstars had to make this session was ruined.  I can’t have one session without it the other way around.

2:45 a.m

I tried to get tricky on table 3 limping under the gun with AKs and looking to 3 bet someone all-in.  Unfortunately I have no position on that table with 2 of the worst players being 2 and 3 seats away to my left.  Anyways all of the tool-sheds of course instant fold that I want in the pot.  Someone raises me late, so I go all in $35 total.  He calls with QQ.  King on the river saves me.  That was beyond needed.  Still a little down overall for part II so far.  I just went up to $70 on table 3.  I’m not going to leave it.  It’s still a profitable position even know my position isn’t great.  Good tables are hard to come by right now.  Somehow completely down for the night all thanks to the AA > AK bs.

3:00 a.m

I just pulled in an $80 pot at the table I stayed in on with a larger stack.  Scary hand; I raised from middle position pre with 99.  A donk I knew REALLY WELL decided to play along.  Flop came somewhat favorable and he called on the flop and turn, eventually folding river.  He might be a donk, but he certainly isn’t as loose or crazy anymore.  But he still loves to gamble and chase.  I have $115 on that table now.  I’m going to wait for a hand and try to go after him again.  It might not happen without position though, especially with my luck.

3:05 a.m

WOW; table 3 strikes again.  Just took the same guy for a $110 pot; a very big hand.  He tried to bluff me out big on the river, but I held my ground.  There was a possible rivered flush draw out there and 2 kings showing (I didn’t have a king).  My 2^nd best pair queen, ace kicker HOLDS.  I now have $162 on that table, which I worked up from $40.  The mega-donk has $576.  I’m leaving the money on that one.  I just re-raised him to $14 pre with 99.  Flop came an ace and a 10.  I check.  He bets $10.  I fold.  He shows the 5-8 off-suit bluff LOL.  I’m seriously not even worried about it.  He’s trying to make me play him down with shit-hands, I won’t lose my cool.

Table 1:  Raise all in pre with JJ, guy calls with AJ.  FUCKING IDIOT HITS THE RIVER AND WINS WITH THE STRAIGHT.  OMG FUCK YOU STARS.  Relaxing, relaxing, deep breath, deep breath wow.  I did everything right there and got absolutely fucked, I can’t believe this shit.  It’s bad enough getting coolered all night, but then I can’t dodge to save my life.    I lost a nice $70 pot there.  Man I could have been up decent.  Instead only up $10 in part 2.

3:13 a.m

Some girl just called me that I literally hooked up with let’s see; maybe early senior year in college.  Well that’s over three years now.  She was never my girl-friend, but is a complete psycho and stalker type.  Why can’t a hot girl call I actually want to hook up with call me?  What the hell.  Crazy it was at 3:13 a.m, a very unlucky number I would say.  I obviously didn’t answer.  I can’t believe she still tries to get in touch with me; now that is insane.

3:20 a.m

I just lost everything on the one table with the donk.  He sucked out a ridiculous straight on the river against my top pair.  Back down to a $40 buy-in on that table.  I called $100 on the river, but I had to with his range.  That absolutely fucks me.  This is why you hit and run on a short-stack.  I’m such an idiot.

All in with the $40 pre with the donk again this time with AK pre.  His A7 nails a 7 on the turn.  I don’t know how I’m not throwing shit through my glass-window right now.  The fucking clown-box has $850 on the table.  Insanity.  I can’t dodge 4 outs . FOUR-FUCKING-OUTS.  Down on the session overall I can’t believe this is happening.  The guy has single handedly ruined me.  All comes back to the $100 call on the river I guess.  I dug my own grave.

3:40 a.m

JJ < AA all in pre.  Down below $1600 overall.  I hate this game so much.

3:45 a.m 

I just won a $80 pot.  I had to actually work for it.  I wasn’t dealt KK over JJ like the clown-boxes who run like gold against me every 30 minutes.   That puts me over $1625.  This session is somehow salvageable if I stay focused.

3:55 a.m

Just doubled to $87 against the villain donk who is now my arch-nemisis.  He decided to instant all in the flop with a king high against my set.  Justice?  Not really, but it’s a start.

4:20 a.m

There are some crazy tables going on right now.  I’m currently playing 4.  Up to $125 on the table with the donk who ruined me about an hour ago.  I just lost a tough $80 pot on table 2.  In the blind I lost as someone flopped top 2 pair vs my top pair queen; nothing I could do based on how bad the opponent was and his range.  I’m actually around even right now so I have scrapped back and I’m feeling disciplined.  If nothing else these crazy tables should sky-rocket my FPPs.  I only need a thousand more FPP’s to get a $50 stellar reward bonus.  I know this session is going to make or break based on the $120 stack sitting on table 3.  There isn’t a better table to risk it though.  Well I’m sure there is somewhere; but it’s personal now.  I’m not even tired for some reason; man my schedule is screwed up.

4:40 a.m

Just made a $2 hate call on table 2 pre-flop.  DO NOT DO THAT SHIT.  Don’t be stupid.  Stick to your strategy.  Flop completely blanked of course haha.

5:00 a.m

The rival donk is down to $377.  He has been free-falling the last hour.  For the first time in about 4 hours he is no longer the chip leader.  You think this tale would end soon, but I have a feeling that it will not.  Your stack on that table is back up to $140.  This is about what you build yourself up to when he sucked you out on that straight not so long ago.  I’m not sure when I’m going to sleep; I’ll probably stay until he leaves.  I have no plans tomorrow so screw it.

I’ve decided to cut back to two tables.  I’ve already made a few mistakes on the other table in the last 5 minutes.  It’s ABC there from here on out.  I should just accept that I may not get another chance, and be patient.  Meanwhile, the donk is down to $270; this could end soon.

5:30 a.m

Back to 3 tables.  I ‘ve been card dead well over an hour now on every single table.  The donk is down to $150 and I sense the end is near for his chip-stack.  I’m actually starting to feel a little exhausted as well.  Overall down on the session thanks to this ridiculous dry-spell.  This would be a different night if I didn’t call that $100 on the river a while back.  I still don’t consider it mistake; sure it was questionable from a discipline standpoint (leaving the big-stack on the table). 

5:50 a.m

The donk shoves his final $15 all in pre-flop.  I call last to act with A8.  The guy fucking hits with 710.  Wow if only he could play ever hand against me this guy would never lose.  It’s like a sick re-occuring joke; it really is.  I’m sure he will re-distribute the chips in a matter of seconds.  Yep he just went busto.

6:00 a.m

Ending the session.  It’s uh 6:00 a.m…..  Ended with $1640.  If I combine 11:00p.m to 6:00 a.m I finished up +$12 total.  It’s brutal to put that much time in and basically break even.  But I’m happy to not have a loss the way things have been going the past week.  I feel like I set up the ground-work for a solid strategy tonight.  The biggest mistake was going after a noted donk with a $150 chip-stack, but it’s a risk I would be willing to take every time.  

Damn I’m tired.  I wish everyone a good-night or morning.

-bag