I Have Finally Reached the $80 Mark!!

Well, I have finally passed the $80 mark.  Hopefully, I will reach $100 soon, so I can start taking some shots at $2 tournaments.  I took 2nd in a 45 man SNG last night for $11.25.  I also played in "The Ferguson" again, but didn't finish well, I went out in 500th place out of over 1400.  My bankroll is now $83.16.  I will be playing a couple of 45 player SNG's tonight as well as a single table razz SNG (if there are enough players to get it going).   If I am not too tired, I may play in "The Ferguson".  Tonight, it will be a HORSE tournament. 
On another subject, I have been watching quite a bit of video on CardPlayer TV's site.  I have been watching old episodes of Mike Matusow's show.   He talks a lot about PL Omaha and says that is where the money in poker is right now.  His point of view is that most poker players are able to play NL Hold'em pretty well these days and that the profit is not what it used to be because the players are so much more informed than they were a few years ago.  This is where PL Omaha comes in.  Not a lot of people know how to play PL Omaha well, so there is more money to be made.  There isn't a lot of instruction out there on Omaha, there are next to no books available on the subject, and most poker discussions revolve around NL Hold'em.  I am thinking of taking some shots in single table SNG's to try to learn the game.  I did play in an Omaha SNG the other night, although it was completely by accident.  I thought I had clicked on a single table Hold'em SNG, but it was an Omaha game and I didn't realize it until the game started (it's a good thing that I am only playing in $1 tournaments right now!!).  I ended up taking 2nd place.  The entire time I was playing, I was just listening to Matusow's show, trying to pick up any bits of advice I could.  Most of his advice was just to play tight and wait until you have  a big hand or a big draw to get involved.  He believes that most of the Omaha players are pretty weak and will get their money in with as weak as top pair.
That is all for now.  See you at the tables!!

Razz Tournament

Last night, I played in "The Ferguson" again.  This time it was a razz tournament.  If you aren't familiar with razz, it is a variation of seven card stud where you try to make the lowest hand.  A2345 is the best possible hand.  I did quite well considering I am not really a razz player.  I finished 63rd out of 475 players.  I didn't make the money, but I was excruciatingly close.  On my final hand, I was heads up with a player who had a slightly larger stack than me.  On 4th street, I had A234 and my opponent had J7 showing.  We raised and reraised until I was all in.  All I needed was for one of the next 3 cards to  be a J or lower.  Seems easy, right?  Well, my next 3 cards were KKQ in that order.  So much for my double up, and so much for making the money.  If I had won this hand, I would have cruised into the money with plenty of chips to maneuver with. 
I have found that I really enjoy razz and I believe that I could be quite good at it.  I hope to play more razz tournaments in the future, maybe some single table SNG's. 
It would seem that the secret to razz is just to play tight and wait until you get a A2, A3, or A4.  If you have low cards showing, there are many opportunities to bluff.  Example:  you have KQ in the hole and an A showing.  On 4th street you pick up a deuce.  Your opponent has a 9 showing.  This is a perfect opportunity to bluff even though you have the worst hand.  If you bet, your opponent will have a tough time calling unless he specifically has A2 in the hole and another low card showing.
I think razz is a very interesting game, as it has a totally different dynamic than other poker games.  I did watch a razz tournament on ESPN once, it was very slow, and not very exciting to watch.  Playing, however, is a totally different experience.
My bankroll after this tournament and a couple of SNG's is at $77.91

Best Finish Yet!!

Today I played a $1 tournament on Full Tilt.  There were 1376 players.  The payouts in this tournament are not as flat as in "The Ferguson" meaning you need to finish higher to cash.  I busted out in 43rd place.  Prior to going broke, I was 6th in chips of the remaining players. I had built up my stack by making large raises in position when other players had shown weakness.  Here is an example.  I was at one table where the hijack seat would always limp into a pot when it was folded to him.  I would raise to 5 or 6 times the BB, everyone would fold, and I would take down the pot.  I was also able to make this same play from the SB when a single late position player limped.  The other wasy I was accumulating chips was to see a lot of flops in position when it was a small field.  At one table the player 2 to my right would constantly try to take down the pot with incredibly small bets (the minimum bet or 2x the minimum bet)  I could reraise him with air and he would fold.   I don't know if he was betting a draw and trying to see another card cheaply, or if he was bluffing. 

  This is the hand that led to my undoing.  I had AK 2 behind the BB.  I raised 3.5 times the BB.  A middle position player who had about 2/3 of my stack thought for a long time before calling.  I put him on possibly a middle pair.  The flop was a Q42.  I bet 2/3 the pot hoping that if he had a middle pair the Q would scare him away.  He thought for a while and finally moved all in.  It wasn't that much more for me to call, so I did.  He showed QQ for top set.  I was very surprised.  This was one of the last hands I would put him on.  I thought he would have reraised me preflop.  I made a couple of mistakes in this hand:  I didn't pay attention to his stack size, if he wins the pot, my stack will be substantially smaller.  Also, I didn't have position and probably should have been able to check-fold the flop when I missed.  After this hand, I only had about 10 BB's left I was losing almost 20% of my stack per orbit with the blinds and antes as high as they were.  I finally had to make a stand with A4 suited from the cutoff.  The BB called with AJ and I was eliminated.  I finished 43rd out of 1376 players.  Overall I am happy with my play.   I constantly put pressure on the small stacks and the only time I was all in for my tournament life was the last hand.  I was paid $3.48, but I think if I had gotten away from AK when I should have, I could have made the final table where I would have made at least $20.  First place was paid just over $300.
My bankroll is now at $79.11.  I am hoping to make it over the $100 mark this week and then I can start taking some shots at $2 tournaments (following the rule of not buying into a tournament for more than 2% of your bankroll). 

Small Cashes are Becoming My Specialty

I cashed in "The Ferguson" again.  This time it was for a whopping $2.17.  I am happy that I can consistently make the money, but I need to find a way to move up the pay ladder.  I could have tried moving up the pay scale by not playing any hands, but I was losing almost 20% of my stack with every orbit.  On my final hand, I moved in with TT and was called by AK.  A king fell on the flop and that was that.  If I would have won the hand and doubled up, I would have been able move up at least 2 more spots on the pay ladder.  Once I make the money, the blinds are really high.  It looks like I am going to have to win a lot of coin flips to make it up the ladder, unless I can make it to the money with a sizeable stack. 
After this cash and losing a buy in for a 45 player SNG, my bankroll is $77.78

By the way, thanks to everyone who is following my blog.  It is encouraging to know that someone other than myself is interested in my experiment.  Today I acquired my 10th follower.  Not bad for less than a month of blogging!! 

Cashing in "The Ferguson".... Again

Well, I cashed in "The Ferguson" again.  I am getting consistent on making the money in this tourney.  Now if I can just move up the pay ladder.  I only cashed for $1.48.  I am reaching the money by playing extremely tight and not getting involved in very many hands, but when I reach the money, I don't have a lot of chips to maneuver with.  I need to learn how to accumulate more chips before reaching the money, so that I can make a deeper run. Maybe I can pick up my aggressiveness near the bubble by attacking the short stacks who are just trying to survive.  At least I am past my downswing and I am starting to rebuild my bankroll which is now at $77.86.  I am going to play in "The Ferguson" again later tonight, as well as a couple of 45 player SNG's.  See you at the tables!!

First Place Finish!!

I just finished a 45 player SNG and was able to take down 1st place.  I tried to play pots in position as much as possible to give myself the best chance to win them.  I also tried not to risk a large portion of my stack on any given hand unless I was very strong.  At the final table, I didn't get involved with any of the big stacks until we were in the money.  Overall, I am very happy with how I played.  I was rewarded $17.10 for first place and my bankroll is now at $77.38.

Bad Beat in Heads Up

I finally cashed in a 45 player SNG.  I made it all the way to heads up play.  I had a slight  chip lead and had AT on the button.  I raised and my opponent called.  The flop was TT4.  He bet and I raised.  He moved all in and I called.  He showed 88.  I am in good shape to take down the tournament until the river hits.  An 8!!
He makes a full house and doubles up.  I am crippled.  I moved all in a few hands later with A7.  He called and showed AK.  Oh well... what can I do?  I took down 2nd place for $11.25.  My bankroll is now at $64.48. 
I believe that my tournament play is improving and I have found myself folding hands that I previously would have played.  Tournament play is all about protecting your chips and I am very careful about which hands I am willing to risk my chips with.

Dry Spell

Last night, I played five 45 player SNG's and failed to cash in any of them.  I made one final table, but with a short stack. 
I also played in the $1 Ferguson tournament.  Last night it was a HORSE tournament.  Considering I haven't played much HORSE, I did quite well.  I went out in 72nd place out of  539 players.  56 places were paid.  I did well in the Razz levels.  It seems like it would be a hard game to learn, but it is quite simple.  A lot of the player didn't understand it and I was able to accumulate a lot of chips on the Razz levels.  A lof of the pots I took down were complete bluffs.  I just played my opponents cards and knew when they wouldn't be able to call.  I busted out during a Stud Hi level, which was my own fault.  I had enough chips that I probaly could have folded all of my stud hands and made the money.  I should have just stuck to Razz and Hold'em.  Overall, I was happy with my performance in this tournament.
After these losses, my bankroll is now at $54.48.

Another Deep Run

Last night I played "The Ferguson" again.  I busted out in 63rd place out of 1,489 entries.  Not bad!!  I never had a big stack, but I picked good spots to get my money in.  Quite often, I found myself nursing a short stack, but I was patient and just waited for the right time to put my money in the pot.  I tried not to get involved in spots that would put my whole stack at risk unless I was very strong.  Overall, I am happy with my performance.  I cashed $3.27 for my efforts.  I'm going to keep trying this tournie until I get a final table finish. My bankroll is now at $61.73.
Today I started a spreadsheet to track my tournament performance.  I will keep track of my profit and my percentage of cashes.  Also, I am going to be avoiding cash games for awhile to focus on my tournament play. 

Bubble Boy Again

I was the bubble boy again in a 45 player SNG.  I busted out 7th and 6 places were paid.   Overall, I think I played well.  I outlasted most of the field even though I was pretty card dead the whole tournament.  In the 45 player tournaments, I am consistently at the final table.  If I can translate this success to the large field tournaments, I should do well.
Speaking of large field tournaments, I am currently playing in "The Ferguson".  Most of the time, I bust out pretty early in this tournament. Hopefully, this time I can go deep.

3rd Place Finish

Tonight, I played in 2 45 player SNG's.  I was knocked out quickly in the first, but managed to take down 3rd place in the second for just over $7.   My bankroll is now at $60.21. 
I have adjusted my strategy in the 45 player SNG's.  I have been not been playing anything but premium hands until the BB is at least 100.  This seems to be the level when my opponents seem more willing to let me take down the blinds uncontested.  If it is folded to me in late position, I will raise with A8 or better, any pocket pair, or any 2 cards higher than a J.  I typically raise 3-4 times the BB.  If I take down the blinds, fine.  If the blinds choose to defend, I play carefully after the flop, trying not to put a large percentage of my stack at risk unless I flop big.  At this point in the tournament, the strategy is to build up a stack without getting involved in too many big pots.  Try to pick up small pots uncontested whenever possible.
In the later levels when the blinds are huge, if I have enough chips to wait out the other players, I will just wait for them to knock each other out.  As we approach the money, I try not to get involved with any opponent who can bust me.  During this middle stage of the tournament, the strategy is survival.  Avoid playing any pots with the middle and larger stacks unless you are short stacked.
Once we reach the money, the game changes entirely.  I will take  more risks and try to find spots to steal.  I will put pressure on the smaller stacks and force them to have a hand if they want to get involved.  At this point in the tournament, the goal is to move up the pay ladder.  Gaining chips however you can so that you will have a decent stack when it reaches heads up is key to giving yourself a chance at first place.  I have found myself using the "stop and go" play quite often at this late stage of play. 
If you are unfamiliar with the "stop and go"  play, it goes like this:  You are in one of the blinds. A player raises your blind. You have a hand you want to play, but your stack is such that if you reraise, the raiser will be pot committed and forced to call.  In this case, you just call the raise and push in after the flop NO MATTER WHAT COMES on the flop.  More often than not, the flop will be unfavorable to the original raiser and he will fold.   Example:  You have 12 BB's left and you are in the BB with 88.  A middle position player raises to 4 times the BB.  If you reraise him and move all in, he will getting 2:1 and will correctly call.  He will get to see all 5 board cards.  If you just call and then push in after the flop, many times he will have missed the flop and he only gets to see the 3 flop cards instead of all 5 board cards.  What if the board is unfavorable to your pocket 8's (Example: J93)?  It doesn't matter.  Push all in no matter what the flop looks like.  Most of the time, your opponent will have missed.  Think about his range of raising hands:  AK, AQ, KQ, TT, etc.  This flop is unfavorable to most the hands he would raise with.  What if the flop is AK3?  PUSH IN ANYWAY!!  Maybe he has QJ, TT, KQ,  or a weak Ace.  He is not going to like your push on the flop with any of these hands.  Of course, if he hits the flop, he will call, but in the long term, making this play will push him off of more hands than he will hit with.  The "stop and go" is an effective tool that any serious tournament player should have in his arsenal.

Bubble Finish

I just finished another 45 player SNG.  I was the bubble boy.  I reached the bubble as the short stack.  I had 2700 in chips and the BB was 300.  I moved in from the cutoff with K9. The button had 77 and called.  The flop brought a 7 and I was eliminated.  The bankroll is now at $57.26. 

Pro Bounty

I am playing in a $1.25  45 player SNG.  Marco Liesy and Lynette Chan, 2 Full Tilt pros, are at my table.  I was able to knock out Liesy.  I got a $1 bounty for busting a pro.  Every little bit helps.  Maybe I can knock out Lynette Chan and double up on my buy-in!! A couple of years ago, I knocked out JJ Lieu and recieved a nice t-shirt in the mail. 
I am currently 5th in chips with 3800.  There are 27 players remaining.  The chip leader is to my immediate left, so I will need to be careful. 
I just lost a lot of chips.  I am down to 2200.  I got involved in a big pot with the chip leader and lost.  I have to be more careful.  I raised from the cutoff with JT suited after it was folded to me.  He smooth called from the button.  The flop had a J on board, so of course I bet.  He smooth calls again.  I check the turn and he checks the turn.  Wierd.  River is a blank.  I bet half the pot and he raises me.  I call and he shows QQ.  He is tricky.  I need to avoid playing many pots with him.
On a side note: I have not seen Lynette Chan play a single hand yet.  If she enters a pot, I am folding unless I have the nuts.
The chip leader was just moved to a different table. That should make things a little easier. 
I have QQ in the cutoff.  Blinds are 100/200.  I raise to 550 and take down the blinds.  I now have 2500 in chips.
I have K3 offsuit in the SB.  Blinds are still 100/200. There is one limper.  I limp and the BB checks.  The flop brings a 3 and 2 other small cards.  I bet 200 and take down the pot.  I now have 2900 in chips. 
Lynette Chan has been blinded down to 640 in chips and I have not seen her play a hand.  I wonder if her strategy is to fold her way to the final table?  I would expect something better from a "pro".
Blinds are now 150/300 and I have 2500 in chips.  The rest of the tournament should go quickly now.  I will try to play in position and if it is folded to me, steal the blinds.  At this point, I have only 2 options, all-in or fold.
I move all in from middle position with 44 and triple up to 7100 in chips.  If I stay out of trouble, I should make the final table without any problem.
I am # 2 in chips with 9700 and 12 players remaining.
Blinds are now at 250/500.  I have over 10,000 after picking up a couple sets of blinds.  Things should move pretty quickly now.  The short and middle stacks are going to start shoving with any reasonable hand.  I am going to stay as uninvolved as possible until we reach the money, unless I have a big hand.
A player moved all in with QJ and I called with 77.  I flopped a set and he was eliminated.  We are now at the final table.  I am #2 in chips with 12,500, but the BB is now 600.
2 players were just eliminated in one hand and we are now on the money bubble.  I am going to play a minimal amount of hands until the bubble bursts.  After that, I will just try to pick my spots well and move up the money ladder. 
The BB is now 800 and the short stack at the table only has 3500 remaining.  I don't think the bubble will last much longer.  I am now the chip leader after a couple of the big stacks had their blinds stolen a couple of times.
I am down to 11,000 after I shoved on one of the short stacks with 22.  They called with KT and doubled up when a K came on the flop.
The bubble has burst and we are in the money and I am 3rd in chips.  I will try to do my best to get my chips in good. I will avoid getting involved in too many pots with the players who have me outchipped.  My plan is to raise in position with anything QJ or better.  Hopefully, I can take down the blinds uncontested a few times and hang on to move up the money ladder.
The BB is now 1,000.  The chip leader has about 19k, so there is going to be a lot of shoving soon. 
We are now 5 handed.  I have moved up at least one spot in the money. 
One of the big stacks just had a blow up with the chip leader and was eliminated.  We are now 4 handed.
I am down to 7600.  I will be either moving in or folding.  If I am the first action,  I will be moving in with any A, any pair or any 2 cards above a J.
After a couple of shoves, I am up to 13k in chips.  The BB is now 1200. 
We are now 3 handed.  I moved in with A6, the chip leader called with KQ.  He hit a Q on the flop and I am eliminated in 3rd place.  I won just over $7 for my efforts.  My bankroll is now at $58.51

Deep in "The Ferguson"

It has been a few days since I have posted.   Myself and my wife have not been feeling well the last couple of days and we have a 3 year old daughter, just to make things interesting.   Between work and being ill, I have been too exhausted to post much.   I did manage to squeeze in a few short cash sessions, but I did not do very well.  I guess its not a good idea to play when you are sick.  It is very difficult to keep your full concentration.
Once I was feeling  a little better, I played "The Ferguson"  a $1 tournament on Full Tilt.  Out of over 1600 players, I was able to finish in 23rd place.  I recieved a whopping $5 for my efforts.  It took over 4 hours, so I made appx. $1/hour after the buy in.  At one point, I was even the chip leader in the tournament after a couple of big pots.  I made one huge donkey move though that depleted my stack.  I was in the cutoff with 47 suited and it was folded around to me.   I thought maybe I could steal the blinds and antes with a good raise as I had not played a pot for the last couple of rounds..  I raised about  4 times the BB and the BB called.  The SB folded.  The flop was 35K, giving me a gutshot, not bad, but not great either. The BB checked and  I bet 2/3 the pot and hoped my opponent would fold.  He called.  Not good.  The turn was another 3. He makes bets an amount that looks like he is begging for a call.  I am sure he has a 3, but the bet was only about 1/8th the size of the pot.  Thinking I can stack him if I hit my 6, I call.  The river is another 5 putting 2 pair on board. He thinks for a long time and finally puts out a bet of about 1/4 of the pot.  I am still sure he has a 3 and it feels like he is just hoping I will call, but not raise.  I decide that I may be able to move him off of his hand  if I size the bet right.  I raise to about 3/4 the size of the pot, trying to represent the 5.  I feel this was an appropriate bet size as if he called and was wrong, he would be crippled.  He thinks for a long time and finally makes the call.  He shows A3 for 3's full of 5's and wins the pot.  After this hand, I had about 12 BB's left and just couldn't ever get back in it.  On my final hand, a middle position player raised.  I had AQ in the BB and pushed in.  He called with 77.  I didn't get any help on the board and I finished in 23rd place for just over $5 (1st place paid $299!)
I am not sure what to think of my play on the 47 hand.  On one hand, if I had taken the pot, I would have been an overwhelming chip leader and would have sailed to the final table.  This would have been a huge boost to my bankroll.   On the other hand, losing the pot put me among the short stacks.  I think my bet on the river was a good one, but I am not sure of my play on previous streets.  I wish I could remember the bet sizes, stack sizes, etc, but it was a couple days ago. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. 
My bankroll is now at $53.41.  I am up slightly from my original deposit.

A Much Needed Cash

I finally cashed after a long dry spell and I did it while dealing with a screaming 3 year old and a nasty head cold.  Not bad!!  I placed 2nd in a 45 player SNG.  I was agonizingly close to 1st place.  I had a slight chip lead during heads up play and was in the BB with  67 offsuit. My opponent limped and I checked.  The flop was 589 rainbow.  I flopped a straight!!!  I made small bet and was raised for more than 1/2 of my opponents stack, so I reraised all in.  He called with Q9 for top pair.  The turn and river were both 9's giving him quads.  After this hand, I was crippled and didn't last much longer.  I busted out in 2nd place and recieved just over $11 for my efforts.
  I was unable to post last night, due to the aforementioned head cold and 3 year old screaming.  My bankroll is now $59.97.  Hopefully, the slump is over.  I will be playing a 45 player SNG shortly.  Stay tuned for updates!!

Playing While Blogging

Tonight, I am going to type up my post while I am playing.  In the past when I have done this, I seem to have had better results.  I think that it helps keep me focused on my game because I am writing about it while I am playing.  Also, it helps keep me from getting bored and playing things I shouldn't.

Lets see how this goes!! I am waiting for a 45 player SNG to start.

Shuffle up and deal!!
The first hand I get involved in,  I have Q3 offsuit in the BB.  there were a couple of limpers and the button min raised.  The flop was 245, I flopped open ended.  there was 300 in the pot, everyone checked to the button who bet the pot, the SB called and I called.  Turn was a blank and it was checked around.  River was also a blank, button bet half pot and I had to fold.
Next hand I had AQ offsuit in SB.  There were 2 limpers, I raised size of pot and both limpers called.  Flop was KT3 with 2 clubs.  I was out of position, no pair, no draw, so I checked.  First player bet 2/3 pot, second player called.  I folded but am down to 330 in chips after missing horribly.
A few hands later, I have KJ offsuit in middle position, I move all in and get 2 callers.  Flop is JT2.  First position bets all in, the other player folds.  The bettor shows QJ.  I have him outkicked!!  He doenst improve and I triple up.  I now have 1340 in chips. 
I have AQ offsuit UTG.  I just limp.  I wanted to keep the pot small as I have had several bad things happen with AQ in a big pot.  After I limp, one other player limps and middle position player raises the pot to 360.  I decide to call and see what happens.  The flop is AKJ.  I have top pair and gut shot draw.  I shove in and hope he doesn't have AK.  Of course, he does have AK and I am eliminated.  I am really starting to hate AQ.  I am thinking of not even playing AQ unless I have position. 

On to the next SNG!!  Try, try again!
This tournament, the first hand I get inolved with, I am on the button.  There is one limper in front of me.  I limp with 67 offsuit.  SB calls and BB checks, the flop is K4T.  If everyone checks to me, I may bet.  The first limper thinks a long time and checks.  I decide to check also.  The river is an A.  The first limper bets 60 into a pot of 140 and I fold.
The player to my immediate right has been making big preflop raises literally everyhand.  If I get anything playable, I plan on coming over the top.
Scratch that plan.  He just moved in with 9T and was called by QQ and eliminated.
I have 68 suited in middle position, there is one limper in front of me.  The blinds are 25/50.  I raise to 225, everyone folds and I take the pot. 
The next hand, I have KQ offsuit in late position.  The same limper is in the pot again.  I raise to 225 again and this time the limper calls.  He checks, and I bet 300 into a pot of 500.  He moves all in for 580 more.  There is 1700 in the pot. I am getting better than 3 to 1.  I figure I am against a pair of some type, hopefully not bigger than JJ.  Unless he has a 2 in his hand, I am getting the right price.  I call and he shows A6 for top pair.  I fail to improve and I now have 385 chips left.  I move in with QT a few hands later.  I am called by QJ and am eliminated.
This session is not going well so far. 
I am going to enter on more 45 player SNG.  If I do not cash in this one, I am done for the evening.  Wish me luck.
The first 2 hands I am in the blinds with trash, it is raised preflop both times and I am forced to fold.
I have 55 in middle position.  It is min raised to 60 from UTG.  There are 2 callers in front of me.  I call and the player to my left calls.  The flop is 6A2.  Nothing for me.  The player to my right bets and I fold.
I have A2 spades in late position.  Blinds are 20/40.  I raise to 140 after it is folded around to me. The BB calls.  The flop is A58 , all diamonds.  BB checks and I bet the 360 into 500 chip pot.  BB calls.  Feels like he has a big hand.  Turn is another diamond.  He checks and I check.  Turn is a black Q.  BB bets and I fold.
I have 455 chips left.  I am in the SB with 88.  I move all in after it is folded to me.  The BB calls with KT suited.  The flop is TTK and I am drawing dead.  I am eliminated.

This session was definately not one of my better ones.  My bankroll is down to $51.22. I hope things turn around soon.  I think I will give up on SNGs for awhile and focus on grinding it out in some cash games.

Downward Spiral....

If you are new to this blog, welcome!!  The purpose of this blog is to keep my readers updated as I try to replicate the Chris Ferguson Bankroll Challenge.  I started with $50 and my goal is to build it up to $10,000.  I must follow some basic guidelines as far as percentage of my bankroll that I can risk in any given game.  These rules are outlined in a previous post.
My losing streak continues.  Last night, I tried multitabling, which proved to be a bad move.  I lost several buy ins.  I also failed to cash in any tournaments the last couple of days.  I did finish  in 295th place out of 1100 in "The Ferguson" tournament.  Only 180 players were paid in that tournament, but it is my deepest finish yet. I know that if I keep pounding away at this tournament that I will be able to finish at the final table.
My bankroll is now at $54.97.  I have lost almost $30 in the last week.
 I have been working on a squeeze play that has served me well several times.  When there are several late position limpers and I am in SB or BB, I am often able to make a large bet (6-8 times the BB) and take down the pot.  My logic behind this is that none of the late position limpers is very strong.  They did limp after all.    This has been most effective after the blinds reach 50/100.  You must proceed with caution, however, if you get any callers.  You are out of position and you have just built a sizeable pot.   I have made this play many times and have only been called a couple of times. 
I have also been able to resteal a few pots from the SB when the cutoff or button raises to steal the blinds.  I have found that with the bankroll rules in place, I am better able to make these kinds of plays, because the downside is not a large percentage of my bankroll.
Hopefully, with focus and good decision making, my slump will end soon.

Mine Field

Sometimes these micro buy in tournaments are a mine field for the first few levels.  Tonight, I was in the SB with KK.  The button raised big.  I reraised and he pushed in.  I instacalled and he showed the 69 offsuit.  The flop came 78T.  He flops the straight and I am one of the first eliminated.  What could I do?  Oh well, I will try again tomorrow night.

I Am Up Slightly

I just finished a long .01/.02 cash session.  I am up $1.61 after a couple hours of play.  BIG MONEY!!
I am registered for "The Ferguson" $1 tournament scheduled to start in about an hour.   My game plan is to keep pots small, see flops in position for as cheaply as possible, and not get involved in too many pots with big stacks.  Last night I finished 300th and 216 were paid.  I almost made it to the money!  I know that I can finish deep in this tournament if I keep trying and keep my focus.

Final Table

I made it to the final table in a 45 player $1.25 SNG.  I busted out in 8th place.  I was in the BB with KK.  There was one limper and the SB min raised.  I reraised the min hoping he would thing I was raising weak and move over the top of me.  He just called.  The flop was 665.  He min bet, I raised and he moved all in.  I called and he showed A6 for trips.  I fell short again.  I should have had plenty of chips to make it to the money.  I made several mistakes in this hand:  I should have reraised more, I didn't pay attention to the size of my opponents stack, and falling in love with my hand when I could have been able to fold and wait for a better spot.
After this loss, my bankroll is at $63.15.

First Big Down Swing

Last night I had my first big downswing.  I lost 8 consecutive buy ins at various .02/.05 NL tables.  Also, I failed to cash in any of the SNG's I played in.  My bankroll is now at $65.39.  I am not really sure what happened.  It could have been that I was very tired and not focused on the task at hand.  From now on, if I am as tired as I was last night, I will wait until I am rested and ready to focus.  I am disappointed at my loss last night, but I am determined to press forward.  This is the first point in my Bankroll Challenge journey that I have truly realized the importance of the bankroll management rules.  If this had happened to me just a few weeks ago, I would probably have gone broke already.  I am about to start another session.  I am determined to stay focused and make the best decisions I can.  Wish me luck!!

Matrix Tournament

I just finished playing a "Matrix" tournament on Full Tilt, to my dissappointment, Keanu Reeves was nowhere to be found.  I wonder if Neo would know what my cards are before I do? Maybe an interesting scene would be a heads up poker match between Neo and Morpheus instead of the kung fu scene.

Anyway, a Matrix Tournament is a very interesting game, although it doesn't seem very profitable.  It is played with 9 players and 4 tables.  You play 4 different single table SNG's at the same time versus your 8 opponents.  You get points for lasting longer than other players and knocking players out.  You win your share of the prize pool by placing in the money at each table and by scoring more points than the other players.  I think it would be good training to learn to multitable, but I just dont't think there is enough money in it to make it worth while.  Also, there arent many players looking for these tournaments, it took quite awhile for a 9 player tournament to fill up.  I may play these from time to time for an interesting challenge, but for the most part I will stick to cash games and multitable tournaments.

I played a $1.25 Matrix.   I placed 1st at 2 of my tables for $1.80 and 2nd in points for another $.54 for a total of $2.34.  A profit of  $1.09.  My new bankroll balance is $83.20. 

Good Read, Unlucky Turn

Tonight I played a 45 Player $1.25 SNG.  I was playing well and was the chip leader when the following 2 hands came up:
I had appx 11000 in chips, blinds were 150/300.  I raised to 1050 from middle position with 66.  The BB moved all in for appx 5000.  My initial instinct was that I had him beat.  His bet told me he didn't want to see a flop, maybe AT to AK?  As I had him covered, I called.  He showed AK and hit a K on the turn to double through me.  Did I make a good call? You be the judge.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this hand.  On one hand, I made a correct read and trusted my judgement.  On the other hand, I placed 1/2 of my stack at risk on what was most likely a coin flip. 

A couple hands later, I had 88 in early position, I had Appx 4500 chips, and limped in.  The button limped, the SB and BB limped and checked, respectively.  The flop was K8T.  I flopped a set, I had appx 4200 left in chips and the pot was already 1200.  SB and BB both check, I check and the button bets the pot (appx 1200), SB and BB both fold, I reraise to 3000 and the button moved all in.  I call and the button shows K9.  I am in great shape to double up!!!  Well, the turn was a 9 and the river was another 9.  Running 9's unbelievable!!.  I bust out in 13th place.  I went from chip leader to busting out within 3 hands. 

I believe that I played the 66 vs AK correctly.  I didn't play it for my tournament life as I had my opponent covered by 2:1 and I would still have enough chips to maneuver with if I lost.  If I had won the hand, I would have been the overwhelming chip leader and would have easily been able to make it to heads up without even playing a hand.  Your thoughts?

Cash Game Session

I was unable to post last night as my daughter was having difficulties falling asleep.  I did manage to sneak in a short cash session.  I continued my strategy of buying in short, doubling up, and leaving the table.  It still seems to be an effective method of building my bankroll.  My current balance is $83.36.  I hope to make it to $100 in the next few days.  Once I do make it to $100, I will be able to buy into a few $2 tournies where the prizes will be bigger. 
I do feel that I am playing better using this bankroll management method.  I am more focused, and I am not playing scared as I am not risking a large percentage of my bankroll on any one buy in.  I have no idea how long it will take to reach my goal of $10,000, but I am determined to do it, no matter how long it takes.

2nd Place Finish

I just finished a 45 player $1.25 SNG.  I was 8th in chips when we reached the final table.  I picked up a few big hands and was soon running with the 3 chip leaders.  I made a few big bluffs and a few reraises in position and soon had a healthy chip lead.  When we got to heads up,  I had a 2.5:1 chip lead.  My opponent was playing very aggressively and making big all in bets everytime he had the button.  I picked up KQ suited in the BB.  As expected, my opponent moved all in.  I tanked for quite awhile, I was sure I had the best hand, but didnt want him to double up.  I finally called and he showed 93 of clubs.  The flop was KK2 with one club.  I was patting myself on the back when the turn brought another club.  The river was, you guessed it a 3rd club on the board giving him a flush.  After this hand, I just couldn't get any momentum.  I was picking up some small pots, but couldnt win the big ones.  On the final hand 77 fell to AT and I was eliminated in 2nd place for a cash of just over $11.  My bankroll is now $80.84.  This is the first time it has been over $80. 

Bankroll update

My bankroll is down to $69.59 after failing to cash in any of the 4 SNG's I played today.  I also lost a little in a cash .02/.05 NL game.  I have bought into one more 45 player $1.25 SNG for the evening.  This will be my last tournament for the evening.  Hopefully, I can do better.

Another AQ disaster.

I am in another 45 player 1.25 SNG.  The action has been fast and furious in the first couple rounds.  I pick up AQ in early position.  I raise the pot and get 2 callers.  The flop is TJ2.  I miss, but have 2 overs and a gutshot.  I check and the player in latest position bets 360, the size of the pot.  I call and the player between us folds.  The turn brings an A.  Perfect!!! Or so I think.  I bet the pot and the other player calls.  Turn is a blank.  I move all in.  Other play calls and shows AK.  Once again, I am busted with AQ.  Doyle Brunson once said "Never go broke with a queen in your hand."  I am starting to see the wisdom in that.

First SNG Session After Extended Weekend

I am sitting in my first SNG session after returning from the holiday weekend.   So far,  I am pleases with the results of my bankroll experiement.  I have been steadily increasing it, and haven't suffered any big losses (the beauty of this bankroll system is that if you stick to it, none of your losses will be devastating, as they will be a small percentage of your total bankroll.
I am currently in the early levels of a 45 player $1.25 SNG.  The 5th hand of the tournament, and early position player moved all in for almost 1500.  I was in the small blind and had AA.  Naturally, I called and was able to nearly double up to about 2900.
A few hands later, I am under the gun with AT suited, blinds are at 25/50.  I raised to 175, one player called behind me, and the button made it 600 to go.  Easy decision.  I don't have position, and I don't want to play a big pot with AT.  I fold.
A couple of hands later, blinds still at 25/50, I have 79 offsuit in the BB.  An early position player min raises to 100.  He gets 3 callers, so I decide to call too, since I am getting 8.5:1.  Maybe I can hit a lucky flop and stack someone.  No such luck.  I have a gutshot draw on the flop, but I am bet out of the pot.  I have about 2500 in chips remaining.  I am in the middle of the pack, but there is still a lot of play left.
Blinds are at 30/60.  I have 34 suited in late position.  A middle position player raises to 180.  I call hoping to catch a good flop, but totally miss.  I have about 2200 remaining. 
Blinds are now at 40/80.  I haven't been able to play a hand for the last few rounds. Once blinds reach 50/100, I am going to try to ramp up my aggression for a while and see if I can chip up.
Blinds are still at 40/80, I have JT offsuit in the middle position, I raise the pot to see if I can pick up the blinds.  The SB calls and the BB calls.  The flop is Q99 with a possible flush draw.  I have a straight draw.  Not a great flop, but not a horrible one either.  SB and BB both check.  I check to keep the pot small and to take a free card.  SB and BB both check the turn.  I decide to make a small bet to see if I can take the pot.  The pot is appx 800 and I bet 300. I win the pot and now have appx 2700 in chips.
Blinds are now 50/100.  MirzaK18 has been very aggressive the last few rounds raising more than half of the hands dealt preflop.  I have 22 on the button.  MirzaK18 is in middle position and as expected raises to 300.  I call, planning to move in on him if the flop doenst have an cards over a 10.  The flop hits me better than expected:  52T with 2 clubs.  I have a set of deuces and MirzaK18 bets into me, I move all in. and he calls.  He shows K5 offsuit. and I take down a big pot.  I now have appx 4200 in chips.
Blinds are now at 60/120.  Mirza is still being pretty aggressive, although the table is starting to play back at him.  He raises from UTG to  480.  I reraise to 1500 with AK in middle position.  He moves all in for 425 more.  He shows AT offsuit and I am in great shape to stack him.  The poker gods see it otherwise and the flop comes 22AA7, giving us both the same full house.  We split the pot.
MirzaK18 just got moved to another table, so maybe I will finally be able to start taking the initiative on steamrolling the table. 
Blinds are now at 80/160.  I have KQ offsuit in middle position, I raise the pot and take down the blinds.
Very next hand I have AT in middle position.  I raise the pot again and take down another set of blinds.  I have appx 3900 in chips.  I am in 8th place out of 18 remaining players.
I am at a new table.  Blinds are at 100/200.  This table seems pretty passive, so I raise with 67 suited from middle position and take down another set of blinds. 
I have QJ offsuit in the SB.  There are 4 limpers, so I limp also and the BB checks.  Flop is 69J with 2 diamonds.  I have top pair, but worst position.  There are 3 players to act behind me and the pot is already big, so I just check.  Everyone else checks.  The turn is an offsuit 5.  I bet 2/3 of the pot and take it down.
A couple hands later a middle position player makes a pot sized raise from middle position.  I am on the button with AJ suited.  I call.  The flop misses me completely, but the initial raiser checks.  I make a bet of about 1/2 the pot and he moves all in.  I have to fold and have about 3200 remaining.  I would like to try to steal the blinds, but 3 players to the left of me are all severely short stacked and I am sure they will call with almost anything higher than a J. 
Blinds are now 120/240.  I pick up JJ in early position.  I raise the pot and player 2 to the left of me moves all in for 400 more.  I call and run into AA.  I have appx 1100 remaining.
The next hand I pick up AA UTG.  I just call.  the button and BB are the only players that stay in the pot with me.  The flop is A99.  I flop the nut full house.  The BB and I both check.  The button bets 240.  Button folds and I smooth call.  Turn is a J.  I check again and the button bets.  I move all in, the button calls.  He shows 97 for trips.  The river is a blank and I double up to just over 2200.
The very next hand I am in the BB with AQ.  Late position player  raises the pot.  I call and the flop brings a Q and 2 small cards.  I check, the preflop raiser makes the minimum bet.  I raise to 900 and the preflop raiser calls.  The turn is another small card, I move all in with top pair, top kicker.  Preflop raiser calls and shows KK. I fail to improve and am eliminated in 13 place.  I hate AQ!!!

Back From Long Weekend

I am back from my long weekend and it was a blast!!!  We are back in Vegas now and everyone is taking a nap after a long trip , so  I am able to type up a quick update. We went to the Iron County Fair in my hometown of Parowan.  We took my daughter on lots of rides, visited the grandparents, and I was able to catch up with some old friends. 
I was also able to sneak in a few SNG's in the hotel room after everyone was asleep. I was able to cash in a couple of them, increasing my bankroll to $75.84.  I was experimenting with a very loose aggressive style similar to that of Gus Hansen.  This worked out particularly well in one tournament.  At the final table, I had a 4:1 chip lead on the next closest player.   At the final table a couple of players picked up on my aggressiveness and were making it difficult, so I had to tighten up.  I made it to heads up with a 2.5:1 chip lead, but got unlucky a couple of times and finished second.  That is all for now, I hope to resume my regular posting later tonight or tomorrow night.

Day Off!!!

Its my day off.  Well, not really.  I did have to work for a few hours this morning.  But I am off now.  I spent the first hour off setting up a new wireless printer that we purchased last weekend.  After hooking up the printer, I went to In-n-Out burger for lunch and now I am at Barnes & Noble playing poker online. 

I am on a great winning streak!!  I started out my session with a bankroll of $59.55.  So far, I have increased it by more than $10.  I have been buying into a $5 max buy in .02..05 NL game with $2.  When I double my buy in, I leave the table and move to another one.  Seems to be working pretty well so far.  I am not at a table long enough for my opponents to figure out my style.  My bankroll is over $70 now.  I will play again tonight, but I will be taking a break for a few days for the holiday weekend. 
My wife and I both have a 4 day weekend for Labor Day, so we are taking the little one and heading up to beautiful Utah for the weekend.  We are taking my daughter to see Grandma, Grandpa, and the dogs.  Also, we will be going to the Iron County Fair to play some games, go on rides, and eat junk food.  Should be fun!

I am at home now and am playing .02/.05 NL again.  It isnt going so well this time, I have made some good reads on preflop all ins, and just cant win a race.  I had 77 vs AK, 66 vs AJ, and 99 vs 88.  I lost all three all ins.  I did however take 3rd in a 45 payer SNG for just over $7.  My bankroll balance is now at $66.43.  That is all for the next few days.  I will be in Utah enjoying the nice weather. 

Short Stacked

I just finished a cash session.  I tried a different strategy today.  Instead of playing the usual .01/.02 NL with a $2.00 max buy in, I played .02/.05 NL and bough in for the same $2.00.  I got stacked within the first few minutes, but I rebought and was able to win a few nice size pots.  The last pot was a monster.  As per the rules of the challenge, I left the table when my stack reached the size of 10% of my total bankroll. 
My bankroll balance is now $59.55, up $.19 from yesterday. I will try the same strategy again tomorrow.  Buying in short against larger stacks seems to give me an advantage.  I do have to pick my spots better than with a larger stack, but I am not risking as much in case I run into a monster hand and am pot committed.
I do feel that I am becoming a better player by recording my notes and thoughts on each session.  Prior to this experiment, I would just keep things in my head, but once I see them on paper, they seem more clear.

$1 HORSE

Tonight I am playing in "The Ferguson" again, but tonight it is a HORSE tournament.  HORSE is Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, Stud, and stud Eight or better.  It is a limit game.  It should be interesting, but I will not be able to put as much detail into each hand as it is going to take me extra time to read the cards.  I have played each of the games, but not much.  I don't expect to do well, but maybe I will get lucky.  I will update my chip count as we change to each game.
At the end of the first Hold'em level, I have 1410 in chips.  I was down to appx 1100, but took down a pot just before we changed games.
In the second hand of Omaha H/L, I picked up AJ25 double suited, a nice starting hand.  I flopped middle pair and the nut flush draw.  I turned 2 pair, with a wheel draw and straight draw.  I couldnt hit any of my draws and my opponent had flopped top 2 pair.  I lose a big pot and am down to 930.
I got slaughtered atOmaha and finish the level with 360.  Next up is Razz, which is the same structure as stud, but you try to make the low hand.  Pairs are no good, flushes dont count and the best possible hand is A2345.  Should be interesting.
We are at the break and I am down to 220.  Blinds are at 50/100, so its not looking good for this donkey.
I just busted out.  I have to admit, I have no idea what I am doing in that game.  It was entertaining though.
Down another dollar.  I cannot update my bankroll balance yet, as I am in the middle of a .02/.05 cash game.  As soon as I cash out of that game, I will update the balance.

"The Ferguson" Tournament

Last night, I played in "The Ferguson," which is a $1 tournament named after Chris Ferguson and his bankroll challenge.  200 out of the appx 1200 players were paid.  I  believe  top prize was over $100.  This tournament is a good way to get some tournament experience and have a chance of getting some money back.  Unfortunately, there isn't much to tell about this tournament as far as my play goes. I only played 2 hands. I got all the money in on the flop with AA and somebody called me with a gutshot which they hit on the river.  
Early in this tournament it looks like the play is pretty wild and fast.  I think if I was able to survive the first few levels, that play would return to a more normal pace.  I will keep attempting this tournament.  I know that if I am patient enough, I can finish near the top. 
After this tournie, my account balance is $59.36.  I am up $9.36 from my original bankroll.

Another 45 Player SNG

Last nights session didn't go so well. My chip stack was up and down with some wild swings, so I am going to tighten up early on and try to pick my spots better.

First hand of the tournament and I pick up KQ clubs in the SB.  A player in early position and the button both limp.  I make a pot sized raise, the BB folds and both limpers call.  The flop is K94 with 2 hearts.  I bet and both players call.  The turn is the J spades.  I check, early position bets and button moves in. AK, KJ, K9, a set or a straight all beat me not to mention there are 2 flush draws on board.  I fold, early position shows straight and the button shows 2 pair.  Good Fold!!  I still have 1290 in chips.

Blinds are at 25/50.  I have K2 spades in BB.  The action is limped around to me and I check.  The flop is KQ7.  The SB bets 40 into a pot of 160.  I raise to 160 to try to figure out where I stand with top pair.  The button calls and the SB reraises.  I figure I have to be beat and I fold.  Both players end up all in.   The small blind shows K8 and the button shows QT for middle pair.  It is interesting that the SB would reraise with K8. I will keep that in mind for future pots.  I have 1040 chips left.  Hopefully I can improve my situation soon. 

The blinds are still 25/50 and I have QT diamonds in the SB.  Action is limped around and I limp, the BB checks.  Flop is 85J with 2 spades.  There is 200 in the pot and the BB bets 50.  One player calls and I call with and inside straight draw.  I hit my 9 on the turn and bet the pot (350).  The BB calls and the river is a low spade making a possible flush.  I check and the BB checks, I have a straight and the BB shows a flopped set.  I guess I missed a bet although im not sure he would have called on the river.  I now have 1690 in chips.  I have finally made a step in the right direction.
I have managed to steal the blinds 2 out the last 3 rounds and now have 1930 in chips.  Blinds are at 40/80.

I have AJ clubs in late position.  A middle position player limps and I raise to 360.  BB calls and middle position moves in for 1055 total.  He is either very weak or very strong, so I have a big decision.  There is 1815 in the pot and it is just under 700 to call.  I am getting better than 2 to 1.  He has recently seen me raising a lot of pots, so he may be making a move.  It is possible, however that he was slow playing a big hand.  Based on the pot odds and my read that he is making a move, I call.  He shows A4 of spades.  I am in great shape to take him out!!  The river had other plans for me though.  He spiked a 4 on the river and took a huge chunk of my stack.  I have 875 left.
The very next hand, the blinds increase to 50/100 and I pick up QJ.  I only have 6 rounds left, so I move in.  The BB calls with AA.   The flop brings a J and the turn brings a Q.  LUCKY!!  I double up.

The blinds are now at 60/120.  I have been blinded down to 1660.  I need to get some chips quickly if I want to make the final table.
Blinds are now at 100/200.  I am down to 1420.  I have had no playable hands at all and have been unable to steal the blinds due to action behind me.  I am going to have to make a move with the first reasonable hand I get.  I am officially the short stack of the entire field and the blinds are about to hit me.
99 in the BB.  Here we go!!  Banzai!!  The button moved in and I insta called.  He shows AT and fails to improve.  I double up, he is crippled and eliminated the next hand.  I have 2750 in chips and finally have a little breathing room.
Blinds are now 120/240 and there are 13 players left, 4 more to the final table!!  Hopefully, I can hold on.  After 2 more players are out, I may get more aggressive on the bubble and see if I can chip up.
Play is now 5 handed at my table and the blinds are coming around fast!!  I am the short stack, so I need to tread carefully to avoid elimination.  I will try to find a spot to make a big play.
So far I have been holding my own at this 5 handed table.  My chip stack is holding steady and I have been able to take down as many blinds as I have had taken from me.  However, I am still the short stack.
One player left to the final table.
Its official, I am the final table BUBBLE BOY!!  I was in SB with AT spades with blinds at 150/300.  I had 2750 left, so I shoved.  BB called me with Q2 and he spiked a 2 on the flop.  I am eliminated in 9th place.
On a more positive note, I was playing .01/.02 NL at the same time as the tournie and was able to make $1.98.  So I am up  $.73 on the day.  My account balance is now $60.36. I am up $10.36 from where I started.  Another day, but not quite another dollar.

Chris Ferguson Interview

Here is a Chris Ferguson interview from Poker Player Magazine.   If you are a new reader, I am attempting to replicate Chris Ferguson's bankroll challenge using some simple bankroll management rules.  This interview points out the advantages of using this bankroll management system:

1. Comprehensive poker education
2. The rules motivate you to play well
3. Anyone can do it
4. Prevents you from playing too big and going broke