A minor Bank Holiday domestic saw me curl up on the sofa on Sunday afternoon with Sliding Doors, recorded on my Sky from ages ago.
Then suddenly I realised it was Sunday afternoon and 10 mins into the PokerStars Sunday Ladies league. So I paused Gwyneth, hurriedly flipped open the laptop, logged on, topped up 40 quid and bought in as a late reg - against my tournament karma and religion, normally, but I'd only missed one level and 1500 starting chips would have got me into the middle of the field, so I convinced myself it was a good idea.
Is a kinda funny tournament; plenty enough time to wait for decent hands and suss most of the girls out (says she who went steaming in 1st hand in with a 4x bb raise with a pair of 8s from early position....).
There were some good players, sure, a few wild ones, a couple of plain crazy ones, a couple of chancers (one in particular who seemed to be constantly rewarded on the river, much to my chagrin and muttered grievances).
I made a measured-ish, if slightly ropey, call for a third of my stack against an all in, where my 8 of my J8 had caught top pair with a 3 and 4 also out there. She had checked, so I had 2x-min bet. She had been all in I think 3 times before, always on her terms though and as the aggressor, and the one hand she had to show she had it. If she'd have shoved into me on the flop, I'd have probably got rid, but it just smelt like an 'I'm not sure I'm winning here, but I'm hoping to scare you off' type all in, so I called.
She was up and down with 2-5, so better shape than perhaps I had hoped she would be. She caught a 5 on the turn and a 5 on the river. Now THAT is annoying.
So then we were into damage limitation for a good while, until Aces got paid by the same all in merchant, with a raise pre flop and a call of my shove on a paired 7s board. She had 2s. Ooookaaaayyyy....
Antes kicked in at 50/100 which made pots worth winning. I had my chance (I think) with KJ when A, Q, 9 came down and I folded to a big bet out from the 2nd chip leader, when surely the all in over the top could have worked. A clearer head and a bit more confidence and I fancy they'd have gone over the line.
I ended up all in pre-flop with AQ v AJ, after a raise from me, a re-raise back from the big chipleader. She hit her jack on flop - and the river, for good measure. Out 16th of 40 (the numbers are going up week by week for this tourny, so the 2500 euro guaranteed pot was split between the first 6 tonight, with the winner getting 900 quid or so - still, definitely worth having).
Not great, but in a better, calmer mood and with some more luck, I can do well in that tourny, I feel sure. All things considered I actually enjoyed it for a bit. This could well become a regular fixture. One half decent cash and the EPT buy in (and white wine kitty) is taken care of.
Off to cook steak and drink Rioja now and get back to Gywnnie I hope sorting her life out.
Sunday, 29 August 2010
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Cash Calf
I am getting really rather in to this cash lark, I don't mind telling you.
I have really only played 'social' cash after a few beers, in the Vic or Empire with work colleagues before, but I've never taken it as seriously as I am realising I should have. Other than that, I've tended to shy away from cash games (save a couple in Vegas where it's kinda the law to play), as, if I bust out of a tournament, the last thing I normally want to do is go and chase any losses with the poor, tilty saps who have also gone out early doors. I am much more of a 'storm off, order a glass of chardonnay and sit in the corner and sulk' type.
That said, sitting comfortably in your nightie with your laptop propped on the sofa arm, music/football on in the background and playing deliberate, patient cash poker does have its merits, I have discovered - certainly financial ones.
Time does get away from you (it was 1.45am when I looked at the clock on my laptop last night and, other than piecing together the evening by working out when I finshed cooking and eating and the duration of the washing machine cycles, I could barely account for where the last 5 hours had gone... ). And I will admit I struggle, like most, I'm sure, to walk away at the optimum moment (you don't have to worry about making that decision, of course, in a tournament), but I have managed to double my account this week in 2 sittings which is most pleasing.
Last night was slightly more scenic than I'd have liked, having lost the profit I had built up earlier in the week with the most petulant call(s) with a pair of deuces on a paired board of Jacks. Of course he had the other Jack! Even if he had had the 10 (or the 7 or the 5), I was losing. What a muppet. But I hit some lovely hands and, without the stress of blinds going up and needing to get busy, it was really nice to just sit and see lots of hands and play the premium ones (and some of the less premium ones for a giggle and to try to outplay people - which, for a significant part, worked).
Might I be morphing into a grinder in front of my own eyes? This is a very interesting and unexpected development. I do like the 'comfort' of the beginning, middle and end of tournaments, and knowing what you're going to lose (or potentially win!) before you start; I crave structure, so can't see myself ditching them entirely. But this week has been most revelatory and has opended my eyes to a world which, while I was aware of its existence, has potentially massive untapped and unacknowledged potential.
Hmmmmmmmmm. Vic or Mint on Friday, possibly....
I have really only played 'social' cash after a few beers, in the Vic or Empire with work colleagues before, but I've never taken it as seriously as I am realising I should have. Other than that, I've tended to shy away from cash games (save a couple in Vegas where it's kinda the law to play), as, if I bust out of a tournament, the last thing I normally want to do is go and chase any losses with the poor, tilty saps who have also gone out early doors. I am much more of a 'storm off, order a glass of chardonnay and sit in the corner and sulk' type.
That said, sitting comfortably in your nightie with your laptop propped on the sofa arm, music/football on in the background and playing deliberate, patient cash poker does have its merits, I have discovered - certainly financial ones.
Time does get away from you (it was 1.45am when I looked at the clock on my laptop last night and, other than piecing together the evening by working out when I finshed cooking and eating and the duration of the washing machine cycles, I could barely account for where the last 5 hours had gone... ). And I will admit I struggle, like most, I'm sure, to walk away at the optimum moment (you don't have to worry about making that decision, of course, in a tournament), but I have managed to double my account this week in 2 sittings which is most pleasing.
Last night was slightly more scenic than I'd have liked, having lost the profit I had built up earlier in the week with the most petulant call(s) with a pair of deuces on a paired board of Jacks. Of course he had the other Jack! Even if he had had the 10 (or the 7 or the 5), I was losing. What a muppet. But I hit some lovely hands and, without the stress of blinds going up and needing to get busy, it was really nice to just sit and see lots of hands and play the premium ones (and some of the less premium ones for a giggle and to try to outplay people - which, for a significant part, worked).
Might I be morphing into a grinder in front of my own eyes? This is a very interesting and unexpected development. I do like the 'comfort' of the beginning, middle and end of tournaments, and knowing what you're going to lose (or potentially win!) before you start; I crave structure, so can't see myself ditching them entirely. But this week has been most revelatory and has opended my eyes to a world which, while I was aware of its existence, has potentially massive untapped and unacknowledged potential.
Hmmmmmmmmm. Vic or Mint on Friday, possibly....
Monday, 23 August 2010
Blinked and missed it
That didn't go according to plan.
First attempt at the £16 satellite to 109 quid final satellite for EPT London Ladies event tonight and it would be an understatement to say it wasn't the best night of my life.
...I say 'night'. Technically, it wasn't the best 25 minutes of my life.
5 minute blinds (which literally disappear in front of your eyes, especially when you're sat on an empty table, which has been opened to accommodate late reg players, for 2 minutes) and 1500 starting chips.
In spite of my winning the 2nd pot of the 'night' with A-high, a small (aborted) chase here, an early all-in over the top of your 8s, that logic and pot odds say you kinda have to ditch, there, an un-defendable big blind here and pair of pocket 4s un-done by an AK there, and, before you've drawn proper breath, you're shoving with KQ, with 6 BBs left, getting called by the BB's A4, the latter of which hits, and you're in the proverbial (and literal) early bath.
Am really rather frustrated at not being able to play properly; If you have no cards or your decent hand gets sucked out in the first 3 levels, you're left optionless. There were some girls in that event, against whom I played in the Monte Carlo satellites earlier this year, some of them very useful players, who ended up busting out even earlier than me - am still not sure if that makes me feel better or worse, though.
The whole tournament was done in an hour and I have to say I'm still to be convinced how such a lightning quick format can really separate the women from the girls (or men from the boys - it's not a gender thing). For the last 20 mins, drawing lots, arguably, could have settled it just as easily. I know that's the game sometimes (and, admittedly, I knew what I was getting into before I did it) - but it still doesn't help my foul mood right now...
I think I'm most frustrated, as I can't even see where I put a foot wrong to have it go so badly, so can't even learn much from it. If I had the whole thing over again, the only thing I MIGHT do differently is chance my lucky pocket 8s and call my stack off, on a bit of a wing and a prayer. Something which the Textbook Poker Fairy in my head doesn't like one bit, but needs must sometimes, I guess.
At the moment, I'm thinking I have to be better off just buying into the 109 quid weekend gig; 1 in 13 get a seat in the live event - and it's 15 min blinds, at least! - Or just knocking the whole idea on the head and buying in for my £200 direct, no messing about. Which is a shame, really, as I thoroughly enjoyed my Monte Carlo quali adventure, earlier in the year, and I got to play some good poker in very good company.
But even my maths is telling me it isn't making much financial sense the way it is, especially if I have committed to myself that I'm going to play, regardless - and, while picking Vanessa Rousso's brain would, of course, be very handy, I don't NEED the accommodation package, what with living 20 mins from Edgware Rd.
Anyway, whatever the sad emoticon with its bottom lip turned over like a 5 year old having a tantrum is, insert it here....
First attempt at the £16 satellite to 109 quid final satellite for EPT London Ladies event tonight and it would be an understatement to say it wasn't the best night of my life.
...I say 'night'. Technically, it wasn't the best 25 minutes of my life.
5 minute blinds (which literally disappear in front of your eyes, especially when you're sat on an empty table, which has been opened to accommodate late reg players, for 2 minutes) and 1500 starting chips.
In spite of my winning the 2nd pot of the 'night' with A-high, a small (aborted) chase here, an early all-in over the top of your 8s, that logic and pot odds say you kinda have to ditch, there, an un-defendable big blind here and pair of pocket 4s un-done by an AK there, and, before you've drawn proper breath, you're shoving with KQ, with 6 BBs left, getting called by the BB's A4, the latter of which hits, and you're in the proverbial (and literal) early bath.
Am really rather frustrated at not being able to play properly; If you have no cards or your decent hand gets sucked out in the first 3 levels, you're left optionless. There were some girls in that event, against whom I played in the Monte Carlo satellites earlier this year, some of them very useful players, who ended up busting out even earlier than me - am still not sure if that makes me feel better or worse, though.
The whole tournament was done in an hour and I have to say I'm still to be convinced how such a lightning quick format can really separate the women from the girls (or men from the boys - it's not a gender thing). For the last 20 mins, drawing lots, arguably, could have settled it just as easily. I know that's the game sometimes (and, admittedly, I knew what I was getting into before I did it) - but it still doesn't help my foul mood right now...
I think I'm most frustrated, as I can't even see where I put a foot wrong to have it go so badly, so can't even learn much from it. If I had the whole thing over again, the only thing I MIGHT do differently is chance my lucky pocket 8s and call my stack off, on a bit of a wing and a prayer. Something which the Textbook Poker Fairy in my head doesn't like one bit, but needs must sometimes, I guess.
At the moment, I'm thinking I have to be better off just buying into the 109 quid weekend gig; 1 in 13 get a seat in the live event - and it's 15 min blinds, at least! - Or just knocking the whole idea on the head and buying in for my £200 direct, no messing about. Which is a shame, really, as I thoroughly enjoyed my Monte Carlo quali adventure, earlier in the year, and I got to play some good poker in very good company.
But even my maths is telling me it isn't making much financial sense the way it is, especially if I have committed to myself that I'm going to play, regardless - and, while picking Vanessa Rousso's brain would, of course, be very handy, I don't NEED the accommodation package, what with living 20 mins from Edgware Rd.
Anyway, whatever the sad emoticon with its bottom lip turned over like a 5 year old having a tantrum is, insert it here....
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Nobody Home (except me, it seems)
Am most frustrated.
Got home in good time. Got the washing on. Got the toasties under the grill. Got the toasties into my stomach. Got the wine open. Got a couple of glasses into my bloodstream.
Got registered for my first (and hopefully last) attempt at the £16 freezeout satellite for EPT London Ladies, the winner of which was guaranteed a seat in the weekly final £109 satellite for the live event in October.
Got the washing out of the machine. Got hair up in a ponytail. Even got pink Las Vegas cap from my mirror. Got game face on.
And then, a notice to all players; this tournament has been cancelled owing to insufficient player numbers.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I was feeling really good. Gutted.
So, in the absence of a ladies game, I resolved to play a turbo SNG with the boys and cashed 4th, then made a surprising but pleasing 100% return from a low-ish stakes cash game - rather chuffed, I was, and at least some frustration diluted.
So I will be making my 2010 EPT satellite debut next week instead, then, when I return from a weekend in the Essex countryside, some golf and probably a not insignificant amount of wine, food and poker on the living room floor with the boys.
Got home in good time. Got the washing on. Got the toasties under the grill. Got the toasties into my stomach. Got the wine open. Got a couple of glasses into my bloodstream.
Got registered for my first (and hopefully last) attempt at the £16 freezeout satellite for EPT London Ladies, the winner of which was guaranteed a seat in the weekly final £109 satellite for the live event in October.
Got the washing out of the machine. Got hair up in a ponytail. Even got pink Las Vegas cap from my mirror. Got game face on.
And then, a notice to all players; this tournament has been cancelled owing to insufficient player numbers.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I was feeling really good. Gutted.
So, in the absence of a ladies game, I resolved to play a turbo SNG with the boys and cashed 4th, then made a surprising but pleasing 100% return from a low-ish stakes cash game - rather chuffed, I was, and at least some frustration diluted.
So I will be making my 2010 EPT satellite debut next week instead, then, when I return from a weekend in the Essex countryside, some golf and probably a not insignificant amount of wine, food and poker on the living room floor with the boys.
Monday, 16 August 2010
.....Bit distracted..... Hmmmm?! ... Wha? :-s .....
I just flopped quad 8's in my SNG and managed to get fully paid off by a full house and a chancer. Next hand, I raised with AQ from early position and got shoved over the top of for as good as the remainder of my stack.
I swear I took my fingers off my laptop, thought for a moment, said outloud 'He's got Kings' to myself.
And then called anyway.
I am an idiot.
I only did it cos he was the same guy who had river sucked me out of my 2 pair (of A2 - goodness knows what I was still doing in the hand after the turn, mind - certainly still only calling, not raising - but that's a lesson for another day) early doors and he seemed to be raising every hand afterwards. No excuse, of course.
I wasn't really playing properly, which was silly; I was just fulfilling a void post-dinner and University Challenge. Earlier, owing to a Thai cooking-time miscalculation, I had arrived at my laptop too late to sensibly enter the £16 freezeout turbo satellite to the £109 final satellite for the EPT London's Women's event on Stars.
I seriously thought about taking a spin, but even I could work out the maths didn't make sense, with blinds as they were, and only 1 seat guaranteed at that point. I did stop and watch, though, for just under an hour, to see what the likely competition would be like later in the week (when Spurs aren't playing in Europe or when I'm not having dinner with Leigh). I am either a very sad cow or a very smart cookie. Probably half of each, in reality.
I am also well up for the next Stars Sunday Women's Poker League. My eyes weren't deceiving me before, it was indeed 50 + 5 Euro buy in and it paid to 4th, with 1,125 Euro to the winner the other Sunday, and was repeated yesterday, with a couple more entrants. It's as good as a shoe-in I'll be there this week; it's like dangling northern ale and a bag of pork scratchings in front of my nose in a beer garden on a sunny Sunday afternoon; I can't say no.
Am off to watch WPT on Sky now to remind myself how it's really done. No Nenad Medic to swoon over, which is a bit of a shame for my hot-blooded, heterosexual, female eyes (sorry, ladies, I saw him first...), but at least I can focus on what you're s'posed to do with what, and can keep depositing in my Smart Poker Play bank - Is going to be a big couple of poker months, I fancy I'll need all the credit I can find.
I swear I took my fingers off my laptop, thought for a moment, said outloud 'He's got Kings' to myself.
And then called anyway.
I am an idiot.
I only did it cos he was the same guy who had river sucked me out of my 2 pair (of A2 - goodness knows what I was still doing in the hand after the turn, mind - certainly still only calling, not raising - but that's a lesson for another day) early doors and he seemed to be raising every hand afterwards. No excuse, of course.
I wasn't really playing properly, which was silly; I was just fulfilling a void post-dinner and University Challenge. Earlier, owing to a Thai cooking-time miscalculation, I had arrived at my laptop too late to sensibly enter the £16 freezeout turbo satellite to the £109 final satellite for the EPT London's Women's event on Stars.
I seriously thought about taking a spin, but even I could work out the maths didn't make sense, with blinds as they were, and only 1 seat guaranteed at that point. I did stop and watch, though, for just under an hour, to see what the likely competition would be like later in the week (when Spurs aren't playing in Europe or when I'm not having dinner with Leigh). I am either a very sad cow or a very smart cookie. Probably half of each, in reality.
I am also well up for the next Stars Sunday Women's Poker League. My eyes weren't deceiving me before, it was indeed 50 + 5 Euro buy in and it paid to 4th, with 1,125 Euro to the winner the other Sunday, and was repeated yesterday, with a couple more entrants. It's as good as a shoe-in I'll be there this week; it's like dangling northern ale and a bag of pork scratchings in front of my nose in a beer garden on a sunny Sunday afternoon; I can't say no.
Am off to watch WPT on Sky now to remind myself how it's really done. No Nenad Medic to swoon over, which is a bit of a shame for my hot-blooded, heterosexual, female eyes (sorry, ladies, I saw him first...), but at least I can focus on what you're s'posed to do with what, and can keep depositing in my Smart Poker Play bank - Is going to be a big couple of poker months, I fancy I'll need all the credit I can find.
Friday, 13 August 2010
If you're gonna get busted, you might as well get busted by the best
Bluff magazine held another Gaming Industry 'Notworkers' (see what they did there?) poker social last night, again back at Mint Casino.
It would have been rude not to go, of course, even if I was a bit tired and not on tip top form, so I took our new IT consultants (and incidentally rather good poker players) under my wing and, with a brief pit-stop at KFC Gloucester Road, which was just what the doctor ordered, we swiped ourselves in, grabbed a Riesling and some Guinness and went to mingle.
It was a little disappointing that the room wasn't filled, as it was last time, with less than 30 showing up and a disproportionate number (nearly a third) of them being recruitment consultants.... Bluff and IGaming business had a few people there and the rest were seemingly stragglers and randoms - including an accountant(!), but a very friendly and chatty room nonetheless.
There were 2 ladies in the tournament, both sat at table 1, one in seat 4 and one in 6 (myself the latter); Who should be 'drawn' in seat 5? Michael Caselli....; Great chat and hyper as always, so great value and I'd never begrudge being sat next to him - especially when I could have drawn the accountant - but man, how I wished he had been to my left, he's so bloody wild.
Thankfully in the 2nd level, he hit his ragged Ace and got called on both flop and turn when my 2nd and 3 Jacks hit (with King kicker). The potentially flush-filling spade on the river killed even his action, but I was happy to take the 1500 or so in the pot. Might not sound like a lot, but when you only start with 2k, it really helps.
It also feels pretty good to take a half decent pot in front of the industry guys, but morevover when a pro is sat in seat 9; John Tabatabai had came down with Caselli.
I have never known such a lovely, polite, funny, intelligent and charming poker player (not that I know that many, in fairness). I couldn't believe that half the guys didn't seem to know who he was (one of my colleagues included, who got busted by him around halfway, when his AJ got done by Tabatabai's Aces, which were min raised on the button and shoved over the top of by the AJ. Ooops).
He just introduced himself as 'John', was playing up a little bit, suggesting it was only his 2nd time playing, 'string' betting his calls almost apologetically and nervously. He forgot himself once in a while, though, when he mucked, picking his cards up and doing that cool, effortless, flicky thing back to the dealer (I will sooo be practising that this weekend, as I can't 'ripple' chips for the life of me, not with my nails, so I could do with a trick).
I can't imagine what he must have thought of us with our crap-shooty 30 quid buy in tournament. I guess it was a nice warm up for him before he went off to 'work' after midnight (online, I assumed). He was immaculately presented, he is very 'pretty' if you'll forgive the expression, lovely features and eyelashes, he happily engaged me in conversation, rescuing me from Caselli's barrage of banter at times and was just genuinely a lovely human being.
I was fortunate enough to be sat in seat 2 next to him at the final table, that I had sneaked on to, very short (but longest-laster in my company, so now the proud owner of office bragging rights for the forseeable future). I had got away with an all-in over the top of the other girl, who had raised from late position trying to bully the short blinds, around the FT bubble, but I had picked up 10s. Good and right move, of course, by her, but she must have been doing it with genuinely nothing, as my all in was probably only a min raise back - if that - and she folded, when she must have been priced in to an extent? Either my maths is terrible (very possible) or she's a really wus-y girl. She cashed, in fairness, so maybe I should be quiet, but she did get veerrry lucky in couple of multi-way all ins on the 2nd last table....
I was desperate to stick around as long as possible on the Final Table, watch John play and enjoy having the opportunity chat to him; we covered religion, fasting, The Devilfish, heads up play, toungue rings and probably a couple of other topics over what must have only been 20 minutes or so before I was out; he was quite fascinating, what a life he must have.
I ended up having him raise into me when I had found pocket 5s in the big blind. Plenty good enough for me with my probably 4 chips total (one of which was a '1000', mind) and over the line they went. He thought for about 5 seconds (which must have been him just being gentlemanly and courteous, especially with the fortress and turrets he had built in front of him), before calling and showing Q-10 off.
I was stood up, I think more in hope and expectation; I must have done it subconsciously to get the best possible view of the board. I looked down at him and offered my hand before the flop came down and said, 'Good luck'. Ridiculous, I know. And I certainly didn't mean it, I'd have loved to have gone home with my 'I got doubled up by a pro' story, let alone stay in the tournament a while longer.
Sadly, he spiked a 10 on the river but I have no problems losing to a player and a man like him - especially as he went on to wipe the floor with the other rec cons, publishers and woman and take the tournament down. So proof it is a game of skill.
A very jolly night. I left my colleagues playing cash (and avoiding the verbal assaults and aggressive finger wagging that was going on one table in particular) until the wee hours, while I grabbed a cab home and treated myself to a 1am toastie.
My love for poker is most definitely back. Which is impeccable timing, as PokerStars launched their satellites for London EPT this week; there's two Ladies events this year, it seems - and they're taking place on a weekend. 'Whoo-hoo!' all round to that! Going to investigate their new Women's Poker League too; if I read it right, there was a $50 tournament last Sunday with 25 players in it and the winner got over $1k. That has to be worth a proper look - I'll be retiring from recruitment before long, if I'm not careful (only kidding, Mum, don't worry...)
It would have been rude not to go, of course, even if I was a bit tired and not on tip top form, so I took our new IT consultants (and incidentally rather good poker players) under my wing and, with a brief pit-stop at KFC Gloucester Road, which was just what the doctor ordered, we swiped ourselves in, grabbed a Riesling and some Guinness and went to mingle.
It was a little disappointing that the room wasn't filled, as it was last time, with less than 30 showing up and a disproportionate number (nearly a third) of them being recruitment consultants.... Bluff and IGaming business had a few people there and the rest were seemingly stragglers and randoms - including an accountant(!), but a very friendly and chatty room nonetheless.
There were 2 ladies in the tournament, both sat at table 1, one in seat 4 and one in 6 (myself the latter); Who should be 'drawn' in seat 5? Michael Caselli....; Great chat and hyper as always, so great value and I'd never begrudge being sat next to him - especially when I could have drawn the accountant - but man, how I wished he had been to my left, he's so bloody wild.
Thankfully in the 2nd level, he hit his ragged Ace and got called on both flop and turn when my 2nd and 3 Jacks hit (with King kicker). The potentially flush-filling spade on the river killed even his action, but I was happy to take the 1500 or so in the pot. Might not sound like a lot, but when you only start with 2k, it really helps.
It also feels pretty good to take a half decent pot in front of the industry guys, but morevover when a pro is sat in seat 9; John Tabatabai had came down with Caselli.
I have never known such a lovely, polite, funny, intelligent and charming poker player (not that I know that many, in fairness). I couldn't believe that half the guys didn't seem to know who he was (one of my colleagues included, who got busted by him around halfway, when his AJ got done by Tabatabai's Aces, which were min raised on the button and shoved over the top of by the AJ. Ooops).
He just introduced himself as 'John', was playing up a little bit, suggesting it was only his 2nd time playing, 'string' betting his calls almost apologetically and nervously. He forgot himself once in a while, though, when he mucked, picking his cards up and doing that cool, effortless, flicky thing back to the dealer (I will sooo be practising that this weekend, as I can't 'ripple' chips for the life of me, not with my nails, so I could do with a trick).
I can't imagine what he must have thought of us with our crap-shooty 30 quid buy in tournament. I guess it was a nice warm up for him before he went off to 'work' after midnight (online, I assumed). He was immaculately presented, he is very 'pretty' if you'll forgive the expression, lovely features and eyelashes, he happily engaged me in conversation, rescuing me from Caselli's barrage of banter at times and was just genuinely a lovely human being.
I was fortunate enough to be sat in seat 2 next to him at the final table, that I had sneaked on to, very short (but longest-laster in my company, so now the proud owner of office bragging rights for the forseeable future). I had got away with an all-in over the top of the other girl, who had raised from late position trying to bully the short blinds, around the FT bubble, but I had picked up 10s. Good and right move, of course, by her, but she must have been doing it with genuinely nothing, as my all in was probably only a min raise back - if that - and she folded, when she must have been priced in to an extent? Either my maths is terrible (very possible) or she's a really wus-y girl. She cashed, in fairness, so maybe I should be quiet, but she did get veerrry lucky in couple of multi-way all ins on the 2nd last table....
I was desperate to stick around as long as possible on the Final Table, watch John play and enjoy having the opportunity chat to him; we covered religion, fasting, The Devilfish, heads up play, toungue rings and probably a couple of other topics over what must have only been 20 minutes or so before I was out; he was quite fascinating, what a life he must have.
I ended up having him raise into me when I had found pocket 5s in the big blind. Plenty good enough for me with my probably 4 chips total (one of which was a '1000', mind) and over the line they went. He thought for about 5 seconds (which must have been him just being gentlemanly and courteous, especially with the fortress and turrets he had built in front of him), before calling and showing Q-10 off.
I was stood up, I think more in hope and expectation; I must have done it subconsciously to get the best possible view of the board. I looked down at him and offered my hand before the flop came down and said, 'Good luck'. Ridiculous, I know. And I certainly didn't mean it, I'd have loved to have gone home with my 'I got doubled up by a pro' story, let alone stay in the tournament a while longer.
Sadly, he spiked a 10 on the river but I have no problems losing to a player and a man like him - especially as he went on to wipe the floor with the other rec cons, publishers and woman and take the tournament down. So proof it is a game of skill.
A very jolly night. I left my colleagues playing cash (and avoiding the verbal assaults and aggressive finger wagging that was going on one table in particular) until the wee hours, while I grabbed a cab home and treated myself to a 1am toastie.
My love for poker is most definitely back. Which is impeccable timing, as PokerStars launched their satellites for London EPT this week; there's two Ladies events this year, it seems - and they're taking place on a weekend. 'Whoo-hoo!' all round to that! Going to investigate their new Women's Poker League too; if I read it right, there was a $50 tournament last Sunday with 25 players in it and the winner got over $1k. That has to be worth a proper look - I'll be retiring from recruitment before long, if I'm not careful (only kidding, Mum, don't worry...)
Sunday, 8 August 2010
At least I've still got my lipsalve
As we were lying in bed on Saturday morning, thinking and talking about what might happen in Maidenhead, Leigh was doing his best to convince me I had every right to be there and I would be absolutely fine (and even if I wasn't, it didn't matter anyway). I had high hopes and although of course knew I (like anyone) would need the cards to run hot, I felt overall surely I'd have as much chance as anyone of making the money.
"What you've got to be aware of is, someone at some point is going to make a call with a nonsense hand and suck you out and it'll be how much you lose and how you deal with it that will be important", he said, wisely.
So we toddled off to Paddington, me at times with my stomach in a knot wanting to hurl and exhaling heavily, at other times, feeling pretty good and relaxed about the whole affair and actually pretty excited to be getting a shot at likely 2.5k first prize for my 40 quid satellite investment (plus 12 quid for the train fares and 6 quid in Starbucks).
When we got there, we walked into literally a cafe (wasn't even sure they did wine until I asked the lady at the 'bar'; thankfully she answered in the affirmative), we registered as members of the club so Leigh could play cash or a SNG in the 'man creche' upstairs. I reg'd for the tournament downstairs, just by announcing my name; everything had been taken care of. Marvelous.
Lack of Betfred sponsor badge, though, that I was hoping to, be given for qualifiying through their site. That would have settled some nerves, so, in the absence of that, I went back upstairs and tucked into a glass of vin blanc and went and sat away from the 'in' crowd, the core, the club, who all knew each other very well, it seemed. There were some other 'outsiders' sat on individual tables opposite their respective obedient husbands, boyfriends, partners, bag carriers. I resolved to just smile politely at as many people as possible and speak if I was spoken to.
We were half an hour late starting as a number of (I'm guessing important) people had been stuck in traffic on the motorway, but when we did get going, I was sat on table 6, seat 4.
I was asked just before we started by seat 1 if I was Leshia. I said yes, pulled a quizzical face and asked how she knew (she pointed to the seating plan. Ah, yes. Blonde....) She introduced herself as 'Polly' (Paula); turns out I had been on her table in the satellite on Thursday. She said 'So you won a seat then?' I said yes. She said I had played really well (loudly enough that the table heard - I could have kissed her). I said thank you graciously.
I plopped my free keyring and branded lipsalve ito my handbag (apparently everyone used to get a polo shirt or at least a chip protector in years gone by; recession poker tour, clearly...) and then we were off.
There were a couple of nice, clearly experienced, seemingly mutually known and respected ladies in seat 2 and 3, a very quiet, pretty oriental girl in 5, a lady who looked familiar to me in 6, but it might have just been her hair. That kind of perm you don't forget. There was a lady I think called Jackie in seat 7, another one of the club members, I think; I don't remember her having much humour. I found out 10-15 mins in that seat 8 was 'MrsLewy' from the other night, still don't know her real name. And seat 9 was empty at the start, but was to be filled in due course by a slender lady with blonde hair who I was convinced I had at some point played cricket against, but I never got the chance to ask.
I think I won the second pot of the day, calling a raise from the big blind from the oriental lady. I had K-10 and my 10 hit the flop so I bet and was called. Blank on the river so I bet again, with feeling this time. She folded. Not sure why I was shaking, I was confident I was ahead. Even when she had folded I couldn't grip some of the chips to stack them up. I asked Leigh, who had nodded his approval to me, for glass of wine number 3 (in a tall glass so it would fit into the drink holder in the table). So much for switching to coffee...
I was getting lots of respect when I was betting which was pleasing. I was generally hitting, but a couple of bluff leads on the flop were getting through too. I, unusually, didn't count my stack for a good hour. I will admit I thought I was doing better than my chip stack could attest to when I did count up, so I decided to slow down a bit, on both the betting and the drinking. I was, though, as confident as I have ever been at a poker table and really enjoying it, making acquaintances if not firm friends (this lot were FAR chattier than my table at EPT last year). I was keeping people amused above the rail while playing serious-looking poker below it, which seemed to be working for me all-round.
Then I had the chance to take someone out. I am still 50/50 on this decision. I had raised from half way round with pocket 7s. The short stack, who I think was in the big blind shoved for 2.5k more. I had 7k at the time. She had been all in I think twice before, winning once with a big Ace and having it folded back to her the other.
I counted out the 2.5k which would leave me 4.5k if I lost (only 1500 less than we started with); blinds were still tiny. I guessed she could have found a big(ger) pair, but equally she could have had AK, AQ, AJ, possibly even A-10 and all I'd need to do is dodge cards, rather than find them. I really wanted to call, part for the potential financial reward, but also partly (and arguably mostly) to set a tone that I had come to play.
So in they went.
She had 10s and they held up. Everyone seemed to understand my logic, anyway and there weren't too many eyebrows obviously raised.
Only 2 hands later, I called an average raise with pocket 9s from the big blind, I think. Flop came down A clubs, 9 hearts, Q clubs.
The whole time (white-wine-guzzling-notwithstanding) I had been playing very thoughtfully and much slower than usual (in fact I think much slower than anyone else at the table); I was really thinking through all my options every time, what had happened before in that hand, and with that player in general, was it a time to make a move? What will make this hand end when I want it to and with the result I'm looking for?
Anyway, I elected to min bet my set, rather than what I'd normally do which is check. With 2 over cards out there and a flush draw I wanted to get a feel for where I was and, if I was then sure I was ahead, get the most out of it I could.
My bet was immediately raised I think 2.5 times by the perm in seat 6. The other player in the hand, the sweet friendly club member in seat 2 re-raised her to half my remaining stack.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm......
Old, scared, negative, fast-acting Leeshy probably would have already folded. But, as I had come to play, and play positively, there was no way in the world I was going to fold. So the only other option was to get them in. I knew it straight away, but didn't do it for a bit, making out I was having an internal argument with myself and I wasn't sure my hand was good (possibly representing A-9 or AK).
The words 'I'm all in' got a tad stuck in my throat when I announced them (wasn't faking that, I was going to be so gutted if it was to end there, I was having so much fun). The raiser got out of the way (figure she was drawing to the flush), the re-raiser immediately picked up chips (gulp), asked how much (oh dear, but ok, if she needs a count...) and called (here we go then).
I flipped my 9s and leapt out of my seat. I was pretty sure she'd show A-Q and she duly did. I crossed fingers on both hands and held them in front of my mouth, saying quietly 'no queens, no aces... please.... no queens, no aces'.
The dealer thankfully obliged. 'Yay' I squeaked, quietly.
At the first break (free dinner buffet of chilli or chicken/cream stroganoff-y thing included! - the day just got better and better!), I had just under 12k, double what they were saying the average was, not that I pay too much attention to that. I think we had lost 12 or 13 of the 63 starters. I was beaming, was a little light headed from the wine, but relaxed and in control and loving it. The all-in aside, I hadn't been under too much pressure and don't think I had done anything silly and had generally played well and positively, and couldn't wait to get back.
The personnel at the table had changed slightly. The oriental girl next to me who never got going and had been busted out had been replaced by another club member, seat 7 had become an older blonde woman in a polo shirt who looked like a younger version of my nan, seat 9 was now filled by a young pretty northern exile, with long dark hair who had a big stack and clearly hadn't built it up by accident; I thought she was very good. Thankfully she seemed to like me, wanted to chat across the table about Yorkshire and cash games and we held I think a significant amount of mutual respect for each other. Then in seat 1, a lady again from the north (Leeds I guessed from her accent but didn't ask to confirm it), who had played in a number of these legs but wasn't seemingly in the club. She was very slender and drawn, dressed every conservatively, was a little shakey and confessed she never played online as she 'and computers don't get on'. She had also, early on in that level, played 2-7 from the big blind and flopped an full house, playing it very aggressively, (betting out the flop and re-re-raising, the turn I think) and got full value out of my nan's doppelganger, with an all in on the river, which had swelled her stack.
I started well, picking up a few hands, hitting some flops and a couple of bluffs. I got KK for the 2nd time of the evening (I had played it strong before, having had a call from the pretty girl in 9, pre flop, but she folded on the flop with a paired 10 board and another meaningful bet from me). This time I was faced with a raise for c3.5 x BB from the same pretty girl. Conveniently, the nice lady from TC's came round with sweets just at that moment, so, with a mouthful of humbug sticking my teeth together, I announced 'wleRe-Raiseh' and made it double her bet (eventually. I can't count, especially when people bet odd numbers like 1725 so I think I threw in 3350 or something - it looked like a lot of chips anyway, so figured it would be enough. ...Then I put in 100 too many trying to make the bet up, at the dealer's request. I apologised sincerely as I wasn't playing or acting, I just genuinely can't add up).
Anyway, brilliantly, the waitress also came by just at this time, so I took the opportunity to look disinterested in what seat 9 was going to do and confidently ordered myself another white wine. She (seat 9, not the waitress) tried to look at me but didn't hold it for too long and smiled. I just stared right back, serious as you like. She folded after a time. Very sensible, although I was actually quite relived, just in case an A had come on the flop, as I'd have been in no man's land then against her (and her stack), regardless if she'd had one or not.
We had lost about half the field by now and it must have been just after 8pm, around another hour til the next break (I wondered if we were going to get cheesecake at that one...)
Then I think the very next hand I was dealt 5s in the BB and decided to check. The blinds had just gone up, so when I made my min bet on the flop of I think 3, 7, 6 rainbow, I was 100 short. Thankfully the dealer and everyone else had good humour about it. Only my nan called. Check, check the turn and a queen on the river, which I checked, allowing her to bet 2k into what I counted up to be a 3k pot. I screwed up my face, not because I didn't like it, just cos it made no sense. It reeked of trying to nick it and again I instantly wanted to call. But I stopped myself and thought it through logically. Limped in, yes; Queen-9 or something, yes of course possibly. Might have hit the middle cards, of course, but she'd have raised the flop or bet the turn surely? And if she wanted me to call, she'd have bet 1200-1800 into that relatively small pot. I was talking to myself the whole time out loud and I didn't care. I wanted to get it right (and hopefully make sure everyone else thought I was an intelligent player). I did call and she shrugged like 'you got me', so I flipped over my 5s and she nodded, but also showed the busted straight draw.
So now I was up to 17k, possibly just the chip leader on our table and I figured had to at least be in the top 15 of the 34 or so left, taking a cursory glance around the room (I have since discovered from the Rock Poker live update partner site that I was in fact in the top 3 - and there were loads of 4-6k stacks around).
Then I was dealt A-8 spades, 2nd to act I think. I called and there was no more than 1 call behind until the blinds. Can't remember if the girl in seat 1 was big or small blind but she made up the difference or checked.
Flop came down 2, 7, 4 I think (the four might have been a 5) but there were 2 spades. Seat 1 bet out, I called and the remaining player got out of the way. Queen of spades on the turn; happy days are here again! Nut flush! Whoo-hoo. Seat 1 puts out a really rather chunky bet (a little shakily). Oookkaayyyyyyy..... Think, Hawkins, think, what might she have and how are we going to get lots of chips coming our way?
Her bet was I think 1400-1500. Has she a flush too? That would be awesome! Has she a set? This is also splendid news. Either way, it's going to cost her a lot of money to see a river card. Or we can just end it here. I don't really mind. So I raise. To around 3.5k. She looks like she is going to fold. She fiddles with her cards, she picks up some chips, she plays with them for a bit. She ponders some more and then calls. I am only very slightly concerned, more confused as to what she has and how she can possibly think she is anywhere near winning - and I am already thinking about what I can do on the river - especially as Leigh has just popped downstairs to see how I am getting on, so it will be nice to scoop a monster pot in front of him.
The river comes a 2. She announces all in straight away.
'You are F***ING KIDDING ME???!!" I explete and get out of my chair and put my hands on my head.
This is sick. My immediate thought is quad 2s. That would make sense with the betting, but the chances are just so slim. Then I figure it's 2-7. That would make a lot more sense as far as the bet out goes on the flop, but would you really call a huge raise on a flush board with 2-7? Then I count what's in the middle. Over 10k. Her all in is 10.2k. My remaining stack is 12-and-a-bit-k. This is hideous.
I look at Leigh for inspiration, I wander round in my half a metre square for a bit more, bemoaning my luck. I am coming to the realisation she has hit a house and sucked me out. I kneel up on my chair and look back down at the pot again. Instead of seeing the 20k of chips in there already, I start hallucinating that I am seeing £2.5k, the cash that the winner will receive.
If I call and win, I will certainly be top 3 (I thought - I would have actually been chip leader by over 10k) and set up for this tournament; heck I'll have a great chance of at least cashing big and possibly winning the bloody thing. If I fold, I am back to under an average stack; still in of course, but I also know if I end up just clinging on and going out in some nonsensical way in 14th, not cashing and subsequently stuck in some crappy hotel in the arse end of Maidenhead, cos we missed the last train home by 10mins, I'll never get over it and will always wonder 'what if'.
If I call and lose I'm as good as out. I am so torn.
I sit on my knee on the chair again and lean right over and look her dead in the eye. "You haven't had another '7-2 special' have you?" I ask her. She starts chatting away, way too much, going on about 'well I was in the blind.... blah, blah, blah...' This is far too cocky. She's barely spoken at all the whole tournament. Why is she speaking now? Anyway it's not 7-2. The possibility of a king high flush crosses my mind again briefly, but she must have a 2, the river card wasn't even on its back before her chips crossed the line. Ok, then could it be a set of 2s with an ace kicker?... I so want to call.
I decide to throw my last die. I have never announced to anyone ever what I have before showdown, but I decide to tell her;
'This is horrible, I have the Nut Flush', I say.
She sits up and looks at the board and actually looks concerned. If she was acting, give the girl a flipping Oscar. I will never be sure if she even saw the flush draw, the whole board was black until the 2 of diamonds came, it's possible she could have missed it.
This is enough for me. I convince myself she has a set of 2's and thinks that's good enough, so I call and throw my cards in, just for confirmation.
She turns her face down. The 2 is shown first.
And then a Queen.
I am distraught. First and foremost that my tournament is (effectively) over, second that it was a hand I never considered and lastly, the real knife in the back, I have just been done by my (now former) favourite hand.
I sense sympathy from around the table. The nice Yorkie says 'if you hadn't see her play 7-2 you would never have considered it, would you'. She seems genuinely sorry for me.
I shake my head, my shoulders have gone down, I look at Leigh and say out loud 'what could I have done with that?'. I put my head back on the top of the back of my chair and look up at the ceiling and the yellow '6' hanging above the table. I can feel a lump in my throat starting to develop. I am starting to cry so I pull my shades over my eyes and put my head down. I confirm to myslef that I have less than 1800 left.
And oh, to add insult to injury, I hear 'your big blind madam...'
I resist the temptation to shove petulantly with my 6-3 and with the J-4 I get in the small blind next hand. But the one after that, when it is folded round to me and I see K-7 with only a couple left to get through, I get them in.
I hear 'all in' behind me, for 5k.
I put my chip protector in my pocket and start to put my jumper on.
K-7 v 10s. No Kings come.
I hear genuine 'unlucky' and 'well played' around the table, and sense some melancholy for me.
I muster a 'thank you, well played, good luck everyone' but all I want to do is get out of there as quickly as I can.
I get outside and burst into tears properly. Leigh joins me and I bury my head into his chest and don't want to come out. I request a pint for the road in The Vine 'old man pub' just next door. We have plenty of time for the bloody train.
I am still of course going through that hand over and over in my head and I know I won't get over it for a while, but I do keep coming back to the assessment of 'No regrets'. I gave it a go and gambled properly, for the first time, arguably in my poker 'career'. Of course, I could have folded (knowing what I know now, in relation to the stage of the game and comparitive stack sizes etc, it's becoming a much more stone cold, if massively painful, fold) - but I'd probably still hate it more if I had folded and then done something ridiculous like bubbling. That spot in the tournament though was reserved for the girl with the Q2 full house that beat me.... Laughed??! I nearly fell off the sofa!!
So, it seems I am going to be a ladies poker 'circuit' player, and I am quite excited about it. I know I can compete, I played some of the best stuff of my life last night and it came down to one hand. Another day, I'm certain I can at least cash in this format, so I am going to chase the dream. Starting in Birmingham on September 4th.
And I think I would quite like to join the club, if they'll have me.
"What you've got to be aware of is, someone at some point is going to make a call with a nonsense hand and suck you out and it'll be how much you lose and how you deal with it that will be important", he said, wisely.
So we toddled off to Paddington, me at times with my stomach in a knot wanting to hurl and exhaling heavily, at other times, feeling pretty good and relaxed about the whole affair and actually pretty excited to be getting a shot at likely 2.5k first prize for my 40 quid satellite investment (plus 12 quid for the train fares and 6 quid in Starbucks).
When we got there, we walked into literally a cafe (wasn't even sure they did wine until I asked the lady at the 'bar'; thankfully she answered in the affirmative), we registered as members of the club so Leigh could play cash or a SNG in the 'man creche' upstairs. I reg'd for the tournament downstairs, just by announcing my name; everything had been taken care of. Marvelous.
Lack of Betfred sponsor badge, though, that I was hoping to, be given for qualifiying through their site. That would have settled some nerves, so, in the absence of that, I went back upstairs and tucked into a glass of vin blanc and went and sat away from the 'in' crowd, the core, the club, who all knew each other very well, it seemed. There were some other 'outsiders' sat on individual tables opposite their respective obedient husbands, boyfriends, partners, bag carriers. I resolved to just smile politely at as many people as possible and speak if I was spoken to.
We were half an hour late starting as a number of (I'm guessing important) people had been stuck in traffic on the motorway, but when we did get going, I was sat on table 6, seat 4.
I was asked just before we started by seat 1 if I was Leshia. I said yes, pulled a quizzical face and asked how she knew (she pointed to the seating plan. Ah, yes. Blonde....) She introduced herself as 'Polly' (Paula); turns out I had been on her table in the satellite on Thursday. She said 'So you won a seat then?' I said yes. She said I had played really well (loudly enough that the table heard - I could have kissed her). I said thank you graciously.
I plopped my free keyring and branded lipsalve ito my handbag (apparently everyone used to get a polo shirt or at least a chip protector in years gone by; recession poker tour, clearly...) and then we were off.
There were a couple of nice, clearly experienced, seemingly mutually known and respected ladies in seat 2 and 3, a very quiet, pretty oriental girl in 5, a lady who looked familiar to me in 6, but it might have just been her hair. That kind of perm you don't forget. There was a lady I think called Jackie in seat 7, another one of the club members, I think; I don't remember her having much humour. I found out 10-15 mins in that seat 8 was 'MrsLewy' from the other night, still don't know her real name. And seat 9 was empty at the start, but was to be filled in due course by a slender lady with blonde hair who I was convinced I had at some point played cricket against, but I never got the chance to ask.
I think I won the second pot of the day, calling a raise from the big blind from the oriental lady. I had K-10 and my 10 hit the flop so I bet and was called. Blank on the river so I bet again, with feeling this time. She folded. Not sure why I was shaking, I was confident I was ahead. Even when she had folded I couldn't grip some of the chips to stack them up. I asked Leigh, who had nodded his approval to me, for glass of wine number 3 (in a tall glass so it would fit into the drink holder in the table). So much for switching to coffee...
I was getting lots of respect when I was betting which was pleasing. I was generally hitting, but a couple of bluff leads on the flop were getting through too. I, unusually, didn't count my stack for a good hour. I will admit I thought I was doing better than my chip stack could attest to when I did count up, so I decided to slow down a bit, on both the betting and the drinking. I was, though, as confident as I have ever been at a poker table and really enjoying it, making acquaintances if not firm friends (this lot were FAR chattier than my table at EPT last year). I was keeping people amused above the rail while playing serious-looking poker below it, which seemed to be working for me all-round.
Then I had the chance to take someone out. I am still 50/50 on this decision. I had raised from half way round with pocket 7s. The short stack, who I think was in the big blind shoved for 2.5k more. I had 7k at the time. She had been all in I think twice before, winning once with a big Ace and having it folded back to her the other.
I counted out the 2.5k which would leave me 4.5k if I lost (only 1500 less than we started with); blinds were still tiny. I guessed she could have found a big(ger) pair, but equally she could have had AK, AQ, AJ, possibly even A-10 and all I'd need to do is dodge cards, rather than find them. I really wanted to call, part for the potential financial reward, but also partly (and arguably mostly) to set a tone that I had come to play.
So in they went.
She had 10s and they held up. Everyone seemed to understand my logic, anyway and there weren't too many eyebrows obviously raised.
Only 2 hands later, I called an average raise with pocket 9s from the big blind, I think. Flop came down A clubs, 9 hearts, Q clubs.
The whole time (white-wine-guzzling-notwithstanding) I had been playing very thoughtfully and much slower than usual (in fact I think much slower than anyone else at the table); I was really thinking through all my options every time, what had happened before in that hand, and with that player in general, was it a time to make a move? What will make this hand end when I want it to and with the result I'm looking for?
Anyway, I elected to min bet my set, rather than what I'd normally do which is check. With 2 over cards out there and a flush draw I wanted to get a feel for where I was and, if I was then sure I was ahead, get the most out of it I could.
My bet was immediately raised I think 2.5 times by the perm in seat 6. The other player in the hand, the sweet friendly club member in seat 2 re-raised her to half my remaining stack.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm......
Old, scared, negative, fast-acting Leeshy probably would have already folded. But, as I had come to play, and play positively, there was no way in the world I was going to fold. So the only other option was to get them in. I knew it straight away, but didn't do it for a bit, making out I was having an internal argument with myself and I wasn't sure my hand was good (possibly representing A-9 or AK).
The words 'I'm all in' got a tad stuck in my throat when I announced them (wasn't faking that, I was going to be so gutted if it was to end there, I was having so much fun). The raiser got out of the way (figure she was drawing to the flush), the re-raiser immediately picked up chips (gulp), asked how much (oh dear, but ok, if she needs a count...) and called (here we go then).
I flipped my 9s and leapt out of my seat. I was pretty sure she'd show A-Q and she duly did. I crossed fingers on both hands and held them in front of my mouth, saying quietly 'no queens, no aces... please.... no queens, no aces'.
The dealer thankfully obliged. 'Yay' I squeaked, quietly.
At the first break (free dinner buffet of chilli or chicken/cream stroganoff-y thing included! - the day just got better and better!), I had just under 12k, double what they were saying the average was, not that I pay too much attention to that. I think we had lost 12 or 13 of the 63 starters. I was beaming, was a little light headed from the wine, but relaxed and in control and loving it. The all-in aside, I hadn't been under too much pressure and don't think I had done anything silly and had generally played well and positively, and couldn't wait to get back.
The personnel at the table had changed slightly. The oriental girl next to me who never got going and had been busted out had been replaced by another club member, seat 7 had become an older blonde woman in a polo shirt who looked like a younger version of my nan, seat 9 was now filled by a young pretty northern exile, with long dark hair who had a big stack and clearly hadn't built it up by accident; I thought she was very good. Thankfully she seemed to like me, wanted to chat across the table about Yorkshire and cash games and we held I think a significant amount of mutual respect for each other. Then in seat 1, a lady again from the north (Leeds I guessed from her accent but didn't ask to confirm it), who had played in a number of these legs but wasn't seemingly in the club. She was very slender and drawn, dressed every conservatively, was a little shakey and confessed she never played online as she 'and computers don't get on'. She had also, early on in that level, played 2-7 from the big blind and flopped an full house, playing it very aggressively, (betting out the flop and re-re-raising, the turn I think) and got full value out of my nan's doppelganger, with an all in on the river, which had swelled her stack.
I started well, picking up a few hands, hitting some flops and a couple of bluffs. I got KK for the 2nd time of the evening (I had played it strong before, having had a call from the pretty girl in 9, pre flop, but she folded on the flop with a paired 10 board and another meaningful bet from me). This time I was faced with a raise for c3.5 x BB from the same pretty girl. Conveniently, the nice lady from TC's came round with sweets just at that moment, so, with a mouthful of humbug sticking my teeth together, I announced 'wleRe-Raiseh' and made it double her bet (eventually. I can't count, especially when people bet odd numbers like 1725 so I think I threw in 3350 or something - it looked like a lot of chips anyway, so figured it would be enough. ...Then I put in 100 too many trying to make the bet up, at the dealer's request. I apologised sincerely as I wasn't playing or acting, I just genuinely can't add up).
Anyway, brilliantly, the waitress also came by just at this time, so I took the opportunity to look disinterested in what seat 9 was going to do and confidently ordered myself another white wine. She (seat 9, not the waitress) tried to look at me but didn't hold it for too long and smiled. I just stared right back, serious as you like. She folded after a time. Very sensible, although I was actually quite relived, just in case an A had come on the flop, as I'd have been in no man's land then against her (and her stack), regardless if she'd had one or not.
We had lost about half the field by now and it must have been just after 8pm, around another hour til the next break (I wondered if we were going to get cheesecake at that one...)
Then I think the very next hand I was dealt 5s in the BB and decided to check. The blinds had just gone up, so when I made my min bet on the flop of I think 3, 7, 6 rainbow, I was 100 short. Thankfully the dealer and everyone else had good humour about it. Only my nan called. Check, check the turn and a queen on the river, which I checked, allowing her to bet 2k into what I counted up to be a 3k pot. I screwed up my face, not because I didn't like it, just cos it made no sense. It reeked of trying to nick it and again I instantly wanted to call. But I stopped myself and thought it through logically. Limped in, yes; Queen-9 or something, yes of course possibly. Might have hit the middle cards, of course, but she'd have raised the flop or bet the turn surely? And if she wanted me to call, she'd have bet 1200-1800 into that relatively small pot. I was talking to myself the whole time out loud and I didn't care. I wanted to get it right (and hopefully make sure everyone else thought I was an intelligent player). I did call and she shrugged like 'you got me', so I flipped over my 5s and she nodded, but also showed the busted straight draw.
So now I was up to 17k, possibly just the chip leader on our table and I figured had to at least be in the top 15 of the 34 or so left, taking a cursory glance around the room (I have since discovered from the Rock Poker live update partner site that I was in fact in the top 3 - and there were loads of 4-6k stacks around).
Then I was dealt A-8 spades, 2nd to act I think. I called and there was no more than 1 call behind until the blinds. Can't remember if the girl in seat 1 was big or small blind but she made up the difference or checked.
Flop came down 2, 7, 4 I think (the four might have been a 5) but there were 2 spades. Seat 1 bet out, I called and the remaining player got out of the way. Queen of spades on the turn; happy days are here again! Nut flush! Whoo-hoo. Seat 1 puts out a really rather chunky bet (a little shakily). Oookkaayyyyyyy..... Think, Hawkins, think, what might she have and how are we going to get lots of chips coming our way?
Her bet was I think 1400-1500. Has she a flush too? That would be awesome! Has she a set? This is also splendid news. Either way, it's going to cost her a lot of money to see a river card. Or we can just end it here. I don't really mind. So I raise. To around 3.5k. She looks like she is going to fold. She fiddles with her cards, she picks up some chips, she plays with them for a bit. She ponders some more and then calls. I am only very slightly concerned, more confused as to what she has and how she can possibly think she is anywhere near winning - and I am already thinking about what I can do on the river - especially as Leigh has just popped downstairs to see how I am getting on, so it will be nice to scoop a monster pot in front of him.
The river comes a 2. She announces all in straight away.
'You are F***ING KIDDING ME???!!" I explete and get out of my chair and put my hands on my head.
This is sick. My immediate thought is quad 2s. That would make sense with the betting, but the chances are just so slim. Then I figure it's 2-7. That would make a lot more sense as far as the bet out goes on the flop, but would you really call a huge raise on a flush board with 2-7? Then I count what's in the middle. Over 10k. Her all in is 10.2k. My remaining stack is 12-and-a-bit-k. This is hideous.
I look at Leigh for inspiration, I wander round in my half a metre square for a bit more, bemoaning my luck. I am coming to the realisation she has hit a house and sucked me out. I kneel up on my chair and look back down at the pot again. Instead of seeing the 20k of chips in there already, I start hallucinating that I am seeing £2.5k, the cash that the winner will receive.
If I call and win, I will certainly be top 3 (I thought - I would have actually been chip leader by over 10k) and set up for this tournament; heck I'll have a great chance of at least cashing big and possibly winning the bloody thing. If I fold, I am back to under an average stack; still in of course, but I also know if I end up just clinging on and going out in some nonsensical way in 14th, not cashing and subsequently stuck in some crappy hotel in the arse end of Maidenhead, cos we missed the last train home by 10mins, I'll never get over it and will always wonder 'what if'.
If I call and lose I'm as good as out. I am so torn.
I sit on my knee on the chair again and lean right over and look her dead in the eye. "You haven't had another '7-2 special' have you?" I ask her. She starts chatting away, way too much, going on about 'well I was in the blind.... blah, blah, blah...' This is far too cocky. She's barely spoken at all the whole tournament. Why is she speaking now? Anyway it's not 7-2. The possibility of a king high flush crosses my mind again briefly, but she must have a 2, the river card wasn't even on its back before her chips crossed the line. Ok, then could it be a set of 2s with an ace kicker?... I so want to call.
I decide to throw my last die. I have never announced to anyone ever what I have before showdown, but I decide to tell her;
'This is horrible, I have the Nut Flush', I say.
She sits up and looks at the board and actually looks concerned. If she was acting, give the girl a flipping Oscar. I will never be sure if she even saw the flush draw, the whole board was black until the 2 of diamonds came, it's possible she could have missed it.
This is enough for me. I convince myself she has a set of 2's and thinks that's good enough, so I call and throw my cards in, just for confirmation.
She turns her face down. The 2 is shown first.
And then a Queen.
I am distraught. First and foremost that my tournament is (effectively) over, second that it was a hand I never considered and lastly, the real knife in the back, I have just been done by my (now former) favourite hand.
I sense sympathy from around the table. The nice Yorkie says 'if you hadn't see her play 7-2 you would never have considered it, would you'. She seems genuinely sorry for me.
I shake my head, my shoulders have gone down, I look at Leigh and say out loud 'what could I have done with that?'. I put my head back on the top of the back of my chair and look up at the ceiling and the yellow '6' hanging above the table. I can feel a lump in my throat starting to develop. I am starting to cry so I pull my shades over my eyes and put my head down. I confirm to myslef that I have less than 1800 left.
And oh, to add insult to injury, I hear 'your big blind madam...'
I resist the temptation to shove petulantly with my 6-3 and with the J-4 I get in the small blind next hand. But the one after that, when it is folded round to me and I see K-7 with only a couple left to get through, I get them in.
I hear 'all in' behind me, for 5k.
I put my chip protector in my pocket and start to put my jumper on.
K-7 v 10s. No Kings come.
I hear genuine 'unlucky' and 'well played' around the table, and sense some melancholy for me.
I muster a 'thank you, well played, good luck everyone' but all I want to do is get out of there as quickly as I can.
I get outside and burst into tears properly. Leigh joins me and I bury my head into his chest and don't want to come out. I request a pint for the road in The Vine 'old man pub' just next door. We have plenty of time for the bloody train.
I am still of course going through that hand over and over in my head and I know I won't get over it for a while, but I do keep coming back to the assessment of 'No regrets'. I gave it a go and gambled properly, for the first time, arguably in my poker 'career'. Of course, I could have folded (knowing what I know now, in relation to the stage of the game and comparitive stack sizes etc, it's becoming a much more stone cold, if massively painful, fold) - but I'd probably still hate it more if I had folded and then done something ridiculous like bubbling. That spot in the tournament though was reserved for the girl with the Q2 full house that beat me.... Laughed??! I nearly fell off the sofa!!
So, it seems I am going to be a ladies poker 'circuit' player, and I am quite excited about it. I know I can compete, I played some of the best stuff of my life last night and it came down to one hand. Another day, I'm certain I can at least cash in this format, so I am going to chase the dream. Starting in Birmingham on September 4th.
And I think I would quite like to join the club, if they'll have me.
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