It has been so long since my last post, I've damn near forgot how to post on this thing formerly known as the Poker Pub Poker Blog. I say formerly, as a blog "should" be updated somewhat regularly. In looking through my posts, it's far from regular for me.
I'd say I've not had the time to post, but that would be roughly three-quarters of the story. More correctly, I've not made the time. I enjoy writing. It allows me a creative outlet of sorts. And quite frankly, I've not "made" the time to do many of the things in which I enjoy.
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I'd like to thank John, Earl, and Robert for stopping by to say hello. I'll be popping in on the three of you to say hi shortly. Additionally, a tip of the beer mug to my friends who may stumble upon the blog post. I miss you all and will be "back in business" soon.
Well, this 21 yr old has tired himself out... Expect at least one substantial post per week from here on out.
Mike
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2007/12/18
| [+/-] |
How is it you post again? |
2007/08/07
| [+/-] |
Still Alive... |
Just wanting to give everyone a quick update. For those of you wondering, yes I am in fact still alive. I'd say there's nothing to write about, but that would be far from the truth. Truth be told, I've not made time to write much (obviously). Though, in the interest of fairness, I've not really had much what I'd call "free time" to sit down and write.
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Recently, my main focus has been on the live front, where there's been some very interesting hands playing out, as well as on the home front, where my twins have been keeping me ever so busy.
Please do check back periodically, as I do have lots to tell - time willing.
Mike
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2007/07/28
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz Games to resume |
Starting in August, games for CheckRayz will be set to resume.
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Mike
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2007/07/26
| [+/-] |
Sick beat on table 13... |
1-2 NL "Table 13" 5 handed...
Folded to me on the button...
I raise to 7 with Q-10 offsuit
The SB and the BB both call. Each of us have anywhere from $150-200 in our stacks.
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Flop comes Q diamonds, 10 diamonds, nine clubs.
Checks to me, where I bet 16 into the 20 pot. I get one caller in the small blind, who is a tricky, trappy player - more than capable of bluffing or call bluffing.
I begin to think about what kind of hands he called me on the flop with. He could have anything, thinking I was on a steal and continuing it. Or he could have a hand such as AQ, KJ, J10, Q9, A9, AA, KK, a smaller pocket pair. Additionally, any K, Q, J combination could have called here if in his hand.
Turn is a 10. I'm sure I now have the best hand. I have to bet here, to make it look like a somewhat disguised steal to my opposition, otherwise, I risk either a check behind or a fold. I bet out 40 into the 52 dollar pot.
The player thinks, and says "I have to push, I'm all in."
He has me covered. I think for a second, a quick second and call.
"You have me beat, don't you?" he asks.
I tell him I think I do, and ask which he has, an overpair, a straight or a flush. He tells me he needs a king, knowing I have a boat. He calls for a king on the river, and sure enough, he hits his 2 outer. Kings over queens vs my 10s over queens.
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2007/07/08
| [+/-] |
How do you get away from this hand? |
$1/2 NL - $100 max 10 seated.
UTG, I am dealt 10 ♦ - 9 ♦ . I limp for $2. Player next to me raises to $12. Action rolls back around to me. I call for $12, with $59 behind. My call makes the pot $72 preflop, as there are six callers. To give you background on the players involved, there are two short stacks, another stack similar in size to my own. Additionally, there are two stacks containing well over $300 and another with almost $200.
This table has been rather soft, as there has been little reraising prior to this, and the players - less one, are not tricky. Of course, the table often lacks "standards" in that hands such as A-9 offsuit have been raised and shown. Additionally, Q-9 is a regular "calling hand" here too. So, while I do not have any delusions that I'm the best, or even close preflop, my hand is "playable" at this table oop.
The flop delivers 7 ♦ , Jack ♦ and the King ♣ .
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The blinds check, as do I. My check was with the intentions of raising or calling. This is a great board for me, as I have eight outs to the flush. Additionally, I have three additional queens that can give me the straight, though not the nut straight. Speaking of nuts, three eights give me the nut straight and the 8 ♦ gives me the nut straight flush. In total, I have 15 outs, though some of them may make me second best. I'm ready to let a pot be built, then push.
The guy to my left continues with $20 into that $70 pot. There's a raise to all-in, followed by another raise to all-in. Two of the deep stacks call cleanly, one of the blinds fold and I move all-in as well. The initial better folds. The main pot now contains about $375.
Action does continue on the turn between the deep stacks, as the turn card is an 8 of ♣ . The two deep stacks end up all-in. The river brings me my eight of ♦ , though I already hit the nuts on the turn. But the straight flush on the river was a nice touch.
The hands shown were queens, King Jack, Queen Jack, and my 10-9. No one saw the straight on the board. The dealer, in fact, almost did not see it. They did call it a flush initially, I corrected saying it was a straight flush.
Now, in the interest of fairness, I had my ass handed to me in the next session, as I could not hit a set during the entire 18 hour session. In fact, I made some really really nice second besters that were great on the push, and bad on the come. That session was absoutely sick, and going to be mentioned no further here (for now, until my stomach settles).
Mike
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2007/06/30
| [+/-] |
Mistake in a big pot |
One of the strategies I employ in NL Hold'em cash games is making small mistakes on purpose in small pots in exchange for others making big mistakes in big pots. Here's a hand in which I made a huge mistake, which cost me a lot in missed opportunity:
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Live game 1/2 NL $100
SB (seemingly lucky player who has over $300 in chips. While he seems lucky, he's not necessarily shown down garbage or less than the nuts thus far.).
BB (friend of SB, more solid player has over $200 in chips).
UTG (playing any two cards. Stuck to the table for over $600 at this point, has $85 in chips. Would love to isolate).
Late position player ($275 in chips. Seems to overplay draws quite a bit. Not very aggressive until the river).
Your's truly ($225 in chips and on the button).
Hand
UTG limps for $2
2 more limpers.
Late position raises to $12.
I call cleanly on the button with A ♣ 5 ♣.
The SB, BB, and UTG.
All others fold.
Pot contains roughly $50
4 handed, the flop comes: 3 ♣ , 10 ♥ , jack ♦
When I initially called with this hand, I was not so delusional that I thought I had the best hand. I was looking to get into a big pot, catch, and/or knock someone off the pot and take it down. I'd taken down several pots in position with aggressive play, betting with nothing. Sometimes, firing two barrells to get my point across.
SB & BB & UTG check. Late position (original raiser) - bets $25. I make the call cleanly, looking for a reason to pop it on the turn, or maybe a free card, for that matter.
The SB, BB, and UTG all call as well.
Pot now contains roughly $150.
Turn: 8 ♣
This card is good for me in that there's a flush draw on the board, of which I have the ace of clubs. It also presents a possible straight on the board.
The SB checks, BB bets out $20. UTG shoves allin for $43. Late position calls cleanly. I sit there and think. I KNOW I have the implied odds to call. I also have correct pot odds. I'm really worried about one of the blinds and the money they have behind. Too many people have bet out at this point, and I'm pretty convinced that someone has a straight, and/or a set, maybe even a flush draw. While the odds scream call, I fold. The BB calls after the SB folds.
The river is a Jack ♣ . This gives me the flush, however it also puts the possibility of quads or a bot on the board. The BB moves allin, and the late position calls. BB had AJ, SB had flush 9-7, UTG had pocket queens. It appears that had I stayed, I'd have had the nuts.
Opportunity missed. My mistake! Overall, it was a quite profitable session though.
Mike
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2007/06/28
| [+/-] |
through 21 events |
Here's the top of the leaderboard through 21 events.
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Reelcrazy 207.9
cardluvr 191.1
yellowrose 185
careybear 173.4
imjusthere4thebeer 156.7
vegasjj 142.7
bc5457 124
Lazrus 89.6
Tonight we crown the champion...
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2007/06/27
| [+/-] |
noteworthy live hands - hammer drop 1 |
Lots of live play for the Beerguy this week. Here's the highlight reel...
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Hand 1 - Charity tournament
Blinds - 50 - 100 10 ante 32 players started, 24 players remain... 8 handed, avg stack 2666
UTG (3500 chips) raises 2.5 times the blinds,
button calls (1700 chips),
I call from SB (4500 chips) with 2 ♠ 7 ♦
BB also calls (roughly 900 chips)
Pot contains: 1080
Flop comes: 2 ♣ 10 ♣ king ♥
Action:
I check, BB checks, utg bets out 500. Button folds. I suspect BB is going to either fold or go allin, so I raise to 1200 - which is enough to both cover him and not make it appear as if I'm trying to force him out. Additionally, I'm interested in seeing how the UTG plays this. He thinks and calls cleanly.
Pot contains: 3480
Turn card is the 7 of ♥
I check, being reasonablly certain he's going to bet here again - especially considering there are now two flush draws on the board, not to mention the straight draw. All of which have not been filled on the turn. My suspician is that he will bet here hoping for a fold.
He does in fact bet out, and bets 800. I again raise to put him all in. He postures and someone at the table mentions I'm playing the hammer. He thinks some more and says, "We're boys, he wouldn't drop the hammer on me." He concludes I'm either on a straight or flush draw, so he calls with top pair, ace kicker.
River's a blank and the hammer correctly holds up. I go on to finish fourth place...
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2007/06/17
| [+/-] |
Happy Father's Day to all |
Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Father's Day. Sometimes being a father is easier than other times... However, whether easy or challenging, it's all worthwhile!
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My kids are my world. They put a smile on my face, as well as the faces of everyone around them. Nothing, no one brings me a greater joy.
All you fathers out there, take a second to thank your children for allowing you the privilege of being a father, their father. Abby, Zack... it's an honor to be your Dad. Happy Father's Day, kids!
Daddy/Mike
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2007/06/16
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz Forum coming soon... |
In a few short days, We'll be opening the CheckRayz forum... It's been quite some time since I've posted on a forum of any sort. After the "falling out," I posted in a few different forums, but nothing seemed like "home."
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The new CheckRayz forum will serve as my new "home." Some of the best conversations and blog posts I've participated in have been started from forum posts. I can't wait to get the forum fired up...
I've been short on words lately, and I really can't explain why...
Coming soon... CheckRayz Forum!
Mike
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2007/06/14
| [+/-] |
Leaderboard update |
Despite what was said last post, it was after 15 events. Here's the CheckRayz Leaderboard after 18 events...
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player total
Reelcrazy 197.9
cardluvr 179.1
careybear 167.4
yellowrose 150.9
imjusthere4thebeer 148.7
vegasjj 102.4
bc5457 89
Lazrus 68.5
shamanalix 44.3
bomber44 33
angels2005 32.1
texasdan333 29.2
Ohmanda 25.1
TSM12 16
deadmonk26 15
creepykenny 12
runroughshod 11
clayshooter 10.6
hyppichyck 10
Chinga2 7
acekicker2 5
PrinceSheba 5
1breaks 4
roneil33 3
ThreeDimes 3
Merlin558nj 3
Knapping 2
Braisco 2
Willplay 1
TJMoney08 1
Superdad6 1
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2007/06/07
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz Leaderboard Update... |
Here's the CheckRayz Leaderboard after 16 events.
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Reelcrazy 179.4
cardluvr 168.1
careybear 121.9
yellowrose 116.6
vegasjj 102.4
imjusthere4thebeer 99
bc5457 82
Lazrus 60.5
shamanalix 44.3
angels2005 31.1
bomber44 33
texasdan333 29.2
Ohmanda 25.1
TSM12 16
deadmonk26 15
creepykenny 12
runroughshod 11
clayshooter 10.6
hyppichyck 10
Chinga2 7
PrinceSheba 5
1breaks 4
roneil33 3
ThreeDimes 3
Merlin558nj 3
Knapping 2
Braisco 2
Willplay 1
TJMoney08 1
The CheckRayz Leaderboard Tour at Poker.com plays out every Wednesday and Thursday nights at 9pm EDT. Passwords are available on the CheckRayz tourney schedule and passwords page. You must be registered and logged in to access the passwords. Register for free at CheckRayz.
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2007/05/30
| [+/-] |
Appologies |
My appologies to the CheckRayz members for dropping the ball this week. Between intermittant internet connection, family "events", birthday week and other things, we did not get any games in this week.
We'll resume a full schedule next week (starting Friday this week) and all games will be posted on the Rayz site by this evening.
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Mike
Related Posts
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2007/05/25
| [+/-] |
If you truly cant understand... |
If you truly cannot understand how one cleanly can make a call of a 7x raise preflop (in a cash game) with a hand such as 5d-4d, and take a flop, especially when that player terminates preflop action AND is in the big blind, I really want you playing at my table.
By "Really," I do in fact mean, please, sit next to me - and "good luck, ole chap!"
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I have seen several instances recently, both live and onine; hands I've been in, or observed - and some people just do not get it. Stopping short of trying to educate the masses, playing cash game is so much more than playing premium hands in a "tight, aggressive manner." There's so much more to cash play than actual pot odds.
An example or two...
UTG+1 raises preflop 7x's blinds. Button calls cleanly. I sit in the BB with 5d-4d, terminating action. Both the button and the raiser have a sizable stack. I suspect that I'm way behind preflop, but also know that the raiser seems to overplay his hands, at least some of the time. I also suspect the button "may" be calling with an ace, suited ace, or a small pocket pair and is likely playing position.
Odds are, I'm behind now, no matter how we look at it. However, investing six more BB into a pot containing 14ish BB, terminating action and the potential to win at least one stack "if" I get the right flop. On the other hand, I will lose no more if I do not get the right flop. So, I'm investing six more BB's to win at least 50 BB's, maybe even 100 BB's.
The flop just happens to come 4-4-J. I check, raiser continues, button folds. I was hoping the button would either call or raise, then I'd push. He did not, so I call cleanly, not fearing the jack. Turn is a nine. I bet out about 1/2 my remaining stack. Raiser moves allin. I insta-call, he has QQ. River delivers a redundant five.
Scenario number two, UTG (an ABC player who plays premium and semi-premium hands hard) raises 6x blinds. The button, one of the most disciplined cash game players I've sat with locally calls cleanly, as does the SB. Rubbish flop of 2-6-10 rainbowed arrives. SB bets out 10BB, UTG raises to 30BB. The button reraises minimally. The SB, who is a successful cash player as well, folds - thinking top pr is no good here. UTG reraises "putting the button all in." The button postures for a bit, and "calls his kings or aces."
Sure enough, UTG turns over his KK, thinking he's way ahead. The button turns over his 2h-6h. The turn and river fires blanks and roughly 240 BB's head over to the button. UTG goes absolutely ape shit.
Again, implied odds, and justifying of loose calls.
Again, have a seat!
Mike
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2007/05/20
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz Leaderboard at Poker.com update |
The CheckRayz Leaderboard Tour at Poker.com has a bit more than one month to go, and the race at the top is tightening. With twelve events remaining in the tour, it is still anyone's to capture.
This week, we'll be featuring a seven card stud tournament on Wednesday and a pot limit omaha game on Thursday night. Don't miss out!
Additionally, there's an exclusive CheckRayz deposit bonus at both Poker.com and Carbon Poker!
Both rooms are offering our members either a first time 200% up to $100 using the deposit code initialcheckrayz or a reload bonus of 75% up to $100 using the code reloadcheckrayz. Don't miss this opportunity!
Below is the leaderboard standings...
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Reelcrazy 146.6
cardluvr 143.1
yellowrose 108.6
imjusthere4thebeer 95
careybear 93.9
bc5457 73
vegasjj 69.8
Lazrus 40.3
shamanalix 39.3
bomber44 33
texasdan333 29.2
angels2005 28.1
Ohmanda 25.1
deadmonk26 15
TSM12 12
creepykenny 12
runroughshod 11
hyppichyck 10
PrinceSheba 5
1breaks 4
roneil33 3
ThreeDimes 3
Merlin558nj 3
Knapping 2
Braisco 2
Willplay 1
TJMoney08 1
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2007/05/19
| [+/-] |
Thanks Gary! |
Just wanted to say a quick thanks to Gary Carson. I received an autographed copy of his book, "Hold'em Poker - A comprehensive guide to playing and winning" today in the mail.
Very much appreciated, Gary - thank you!
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I'll do a review upon completion.
Mike
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2007/05/13
| [+/-] |
Pink is just not a manly color... |
Note to self, pink is not a manly color. I had two big hands against Pink_Lady today at Bugsy's Club in the $3K Guaranteed. These hands occured back to back. The hand history really speaks for itself...
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Hand Number: 437,178,899
Table Number: 6,115,551
Event Name: $3K GTD $20K SUPER LEAGUE (#3900258)
Event Started: Sunday May 13th 3:00:04 PM CDT 2007
Event Type: Real Money Tournament
Event Buy-In: $30+$3 ($3,000 guaranteed)
Total Prize Pool: $3,000
Game: No Limit Hold 'em
Level XI: 200 Ante 800/1,600 Blinds (100 Minimum Chip)
Average Stack: 36,296.29 (10,000 starting chips)
Remaining Players: 27 (98 started)
Seat 2 : Dbugs starts with 24,300
Seat 3 : cparsley starts with 74,300
Seat 4 : F-ingIrish86 starts with 40,300
Seat 5 : captainNdiet starts with 41,200
Seat 6 : julie_s starts with 50,100
Seat 7 : Pink_Lady starts with 11,100
Seat 8 : ckim1004 starts with 9,100
Seat 9 : Montizle starts with 19,500
Seat 10 : CheckRayz starts with 18,100
Seat 8 : ckim1004 has the dealer button
>>>DEALING HOLE CARDS<<<
CheckRayz dealt down Kc Ks
Dbugs posts the ante 200
cparsley posts the ante 200
F-ingIrish86 posts the ante 200
captainNdiet posts the ante 200
julie_s posts the ante 200
Pink_Lady posts the ante 200
ckim1004 posts the ante 200
Montizle posts the ante 200
CheckRayz posts the ante 200
Montizle posts the small blind 800
CheckRayz posts the big blind 1,600
Dbugs folds
cparsley folds
F-ingIrish86 folds
captainNdiet folds
julie_s calls 1,600
Pink_Lady raises 9,300 to 10,900 and is all-in
ckim1004 folds
Montizle folds
CheckRayz raises 7,000 to 17,900 and is all-in
julie_s folds
CheckRayz takes back 7,000
CheckRayz cards were Ks Kc
Pink_Lady cards were As 7s
>>>DEALING FLOP<<< [ 6h Jc 3s ]
Pink_Lady: vn
>>>DEALING TURN<<< [ Qc ]
Pink_Lady: gl all
>>>DEALING RIVER<<< [ Ah ]
Pink_Lady wins 26,000 with a pair of aces
Pink_Lady: sorry
>>>SUMMARY<<<
Hand Ended: Sunday May 13th 5:53:01 PM CDT 2007
Total Pot: 26,000
Board: [ 6h Jc 3s Qc Ah ]
Seat 2 : Dbugs lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 3 : cparsley lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 4 : F-ingIrish86 lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 5 : captainNdiet lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 6 : julie_s lost 1,800, folded pre-flop
Seat 7 : Pink_Lady bet 11,100, won 26,000, net +14,900, showed hand [
As 7s ]
Seat 8 : ckim1004 (button) lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 9 : Montizle (small blind) lost 1,000, folded pre-flop
Seat 10 : CheckRayz (big blind) lost 11,100, showed hand [ Ks Kc ]
------------------------------------------------------------
Hand Number: 437,179,151
Table Number: 6,115,551
Event Name: $3K GTD $20K SUPER LEAGUE (#3900258)
Event Started: Sunday May 13th 3:00:04 PM CDT 2007
Event Type: Real Money Tournament
Event Buy-In: $30+$3 ($3,000 guaranteed)
Total Prize Pool: $3,000
Game: No Limit Hold 'em
Level XI: 200 Ante 800/1,600 Blinds (100 Minimum Chip)
Average Stack: 36,296.29 (10,000 starting chips)
Remaining Players: 27 (98 started)
Seat 2 : Dbugs starts with 24,100
Seat 3 : cparsley starts with 74,100
Seat 4 : F-ingIrish86 starts with 40,100
Seat 5 : captainNdiet starts with 41,000
Seat 6 : julie_s starts with 48,300
Seat 7 : Pink_Lady starts with 26,000
Seat 8 : ckim1004 starts with 8,900
Seat 9 : Montizle starts with 18,500
Seat 10 : CheckRayz starts with 7,000
Seat 9 : Montizle has the dealer button
>>>DEALING HOLE CARDS<<<
CheckRayz dealt down Kh Kd
Dbugs posts the ante 200
cparsley posts the ante 200
F-ingIrish86 posts the ante 200
captainNdiet posts the ante 200
julie_s posts the ante 200
Pink_Lady posts the ante 200
ckim1004 posts the ante 200
Montizle posts the ante 200
CheckRayz posts the ante 200
CheckRayz posts the small blind 800
Dbugs posts the big blind 1,600
cparsley folds
F-ingIrish86 folds
captainNdiet folds
CheckRayz: no worries
julie_s folds
Pink_Lady raises 5,800 to 7,400
ckim1004 folds
Montizle folds
CheckRayz calls 6,000 and is all-in
Dbugs folds
Pink_Lady takes back 600
Pink_Lady cards were 5c 5h
CheckRayz cards were Kh Kd
>>>DEALING FLOP<<< [ Qc 8c Jh ]
>>>DEALING TURN<<< [ 2c ]
>>>DEALING RIVER<<< [ Jc ]
Pink_Lady wins 17,000 with a queen high flush
CheckRayz has left the table
CheckRayz finishes in 27th place
Pink_Lady: oh man
(Observer) CheckRayz: that is sick...
captainNdiet: ul
(Observer) CheckRayz: lol
>>>SUMMARY<<<
Hand Ended: Sunday May 13th 5:53:49 PM CDT 2007
Total Pot: 17,000
Board: [ Qc 8c Jh 2c Jc ]
Seat 2 : Dbugs (big blind) lost 1,800, folded pre-flop
Seat 3 : cparsley lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 4 : F-ingIrish86 lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 5 : captainNdiet lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 6 : julie_s lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 7 : Pink_Lady bet 7,000, won 17,000, net +10,000, showed hand [ 5c
5h ]
Seat 8 : ckim1004 lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 9 : Montizle (button) lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 10 : CheckRayz (small blind) lost 7,000, showed hand [ Kh Kd ]
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2007/05/10
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz Leaderboard at Poker.com |
After ten events, here are the current standings on the CheckRayz Leaderboard at Poker.com. The player who has the most points at the end of June will receive at least $100.
This CheckRayz Leaderboard Poker Tour takes place every Wednesday and Thursday Nights at poker.com at 9pm EDT. All passwords for these events are on the CheckRayz Tournament Schedule and passwords page.
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Reelcrazy 113.7
cardluvr 106.1
yellowrose 100.6
careybear 88.9
imjusthere4thebeer 83
vegasjj 60.8
bc5457 49
Lazrus 40.3
shamanalix 39.3
bomber44 33
texasdan333 25.2
Ohmanda 25.1
deadmonk26 15
TSM12 12
creepykenny 12
angels2005 12
runroughshod 11
hyppichyck 10
PrinceSheba 5
1breaks 4
roneil33 3
ThreeDimes 3
Merlin558nj 3
Knapping 2
Braisco 2
Willplay 1
TJMoney08 1
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| [+/-] |
Aussie Millions Final Table This Weekend on FoxSports |
This weekend, the final table plays out on Fox Sports for the 2007 Aussie Millions. While I did "accidentally" cheat and watch two weeks ago, I had not planned to watch this event until I could watch it start to finish. I have pages and pages of notes that I took while I was there. As many know, originally I was to go there to cover the event for Poker.com on the Aussie Millions Blog. However, what we will call "technical issues" prevented proper coverage. I took pages and pages of notes, of which I've went over once since my return. I'm really wanting to break them out, but not until the entire Aussie Millions plays out on television. I'm really wanting to watch this cover to cover.
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While I did mention that I "accidentally" cheated and watched two weeks ago, I plan to purposely cheat and watch the final table on television. I remember the buzz on the floor the day of the final table. Tina and I, along with several other of the poker.com crew (Scott and Lenora, Ben, Cornelius) went down to the main floor to watch the final table. The table was actually in the TV room on the other side of the casino.
I met several familliar faces on this day - while the final table was playing out. Ellen from Poker Analysis, the owners of SharkScope - to name a few.
There was such excitement on the floor as this table played through. I was really pulling for gobboboy to come through and take this tournament down. Gus ended up being too much for him though.
After the tournament, the Crown through one hell of a party. I hung with Tina, the Collins and the Allens for the majority of the party - mostly helping Tina score photos with as many of the pros as possible. I kept introducing her to Pauly, trying to sell her on the fact that Pauly is a doctor.
Speaking of Pauly, he and I had a nice talk that evening. While he has a job that is a dream to most of us, it was then - at that very moment (at the reception) that I realized that while doing what he is doing is one sweet gig, there's a whole lot of work involved in what he does. Covering an event of that magnitude, whether with a staff or flying solo, is not an easy task. 16-18 hours plus in actual work is put in daily - many times without breaks, without food, and sometimes feeling like nothing is going right.
It was... and still is quite overwhelming to think about my time there. I do not typically watch poker on television. I enjoy the game, how cereberal the play is, and the social aspect that poker brings. I also enjoy the challenges involved in playing. I never really got into the spotlights or the glamour of the game, however. So, while I was not star struck by being in the presence of many of "the pros," I was in awe over the magnitude of the event. I still cannot properly put into perspective that which Oz was.
I'm thinking/hoping that when I do finally sit down to watch the entire Aussie Millions, I'll begin to process my experience in Oz.
Mike
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2007/05/08
| [+/-] |
more on said ethical poker issue |
I've received a bit of a response on my discussion of the ethical issue I mentioned in regards to affiliates encouraging players to create multiple accounts at the Merge Poker Network. I'd like to further discuss this by further clarifying my position, as well as address other people's positions on the topic (who have written in).
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Joey writes in asking "Isn't there a feature where if you are signed on at one account of a skin, you are blocked access from the other (i.e. crappy Titan and Kiwi Poker)??"
Joey, there is a feature that blocks a player from being signed on at the same time, meaning that you can not run more than one occurance of the poker software per computer at a time. This did not stop Absolute Poker/Vegas24-7 players, however from registering themselves for the same tournament multiple times.
Additionally, many people have multiple computers in the household. It was not uncommon, especially in the private games, to be sitting talking to someone and they answer your question with their "other screen name."
So, with respect to that question, simply allowing one occurance to run will not knock down the multiple account possibility.
Royal writes in with the following feedback:
"I don't see the logic behind calling multiple skin accounts (and hence the encouragement of affiliates) unethical. If, for example, Nordic poker offers a better rakeback than Carbon I would be foolish not to sign-up and play under that skin. This has been standard ever since party launched skins and it's really no different today.
Now if someone is choosing to abuse this by have multiple accounts at the same ring game, SnG, MTT, etc. then of course that's unethical. And as I wrote in a blog post if Merge allows this then shame on them. Even party got that one right and their software is way behind poker.com's."
Good response. I think that in order to answer this I need to further clarify my position. I'm not totally against taking advantage of opportunities (i.e. - rakeback). In fact, I'm all for maximizing one's opportunity. I am, however, against mining a bonus at poker.com as imjusthere4thebeer and then coming through Nordic as CheckRayz taking advantage of their bonus or offer.
From a business standpoint, I don't believe that anyone who is an existing player should be permitted an additional first time deposit bonus at either poker room in the network. I think that will hurt business, especially with the network being relatively new.
Where the ethics come into play is when people are encouraged to use new email address and new screen name to buck the system, even if it's not said "do this to buck the system." The intent is there.
Solutions?
Microgaming actually has this one correct, IMO. When I register at River Belle and work their bonus off. Then, I come across another Microgaming room, say 32 Red, for example (forget for a second that 32 red no longer accepts US Players). I am able to take advantage of the 2 seperate bonuses, however, when I register my email address the system notifies me I already have an account with the network and LOCKS ME INTO MY SAME SCREEN NAME. This prevents multiple accounts in so far as I'd have to register as my wife, dog, kid, girlfriend, dead uncle, etc. in order to get two accounts going at the same time.
Additionally, they too only allow one occurance of the software to run at a time on the computer. Now, not that this "prevents" cheats from having two accounts, but it makes it a bit more of a pain in the ass.
IMO, this would be the best way to solve the potential problem.
Mike
Related Posts
Leaderboard Tour at Poker.com
ethically bankrupt
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2007/05/05
| [+/-] |
An Ethical Hot Topic |
There's been a bit of a buzz regarding the Merge Poker Network (MPN) - which is chiefly Poker.com and Carbon Poker. Recently MPN took on a skin called Nordic Poker. For those of you not in the know, often poker rooms that are owned by multiple companies band together in a network to merge their pool of players together to allow everyone bigger tournaments and more players. The seperate poker rooms are referred to as skins. Although the tables may look different, they're all being played in the same online card room.
As stated, recently, Nordic joined the MPN. Lately, there has been a push by an affiliate (person who promotes poker rooms, hoping to bring players in that will deposit, play and make money for the poker room and the person marketing it) for players to download and deposit at Nordic Poker. This in and of itself is acceptable. Poker rooms thrive on affiliates spreading the word and bringing players to the marketplace.
However, when these players are encouraged to "use a different email address and screenname to register with the new skin" we're treading on a ZeeJustin-like ethical issue.
I'm going to make this clear - registering an account under a different email address and screenname at a network where you already have an active account is unethical and is a form of cheating. Anyone knowingly encouraging such activity is encouraging you to cheat.
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This sort of thing was going on at Absolute Poker, as the skin of AP - Vegas 24-7 was accepting new players under "email addresses unique to AP." This resulted quite often in the BeerGuy sitting at a table at AP with the same person under two different screen names. How many times do I need to knock a donk out of a tourney in a freezeout before he's eliminated? Am I playing the screenname or the player? Surely you can see where I am coming from...
I will not be surprised if action is taken over this issue at the MPN. The staff at poker.com have always been on top of things. I know for a fact this issue has been brought to their attention. I also know they've taken action. I strongly suspect further action may be taken. I'd not be surprised if accounts are closed, if not frozen. Not that I'm in the know, or speaking for anyone, but I know these guys personally, and I suspect they do not tolerate cheats, and will not accept this sort of unethical marketing going on in their house.
I strongly suggest that anyone who has accounts in both places close the newer of the multiple accounts immediately. I'd also suggest that you steer clear of anyone telling you "just use a new email address" or "register the account in your dog/wife/kid's name." All of this is shady. Poker.com is a second home to me, and I do not like my house being disrespected in this manner. You're encouraging cheating, being unethical, and attempting to manipulate the system. It needs to stop now. Nuff said
Mike
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2007/05/04
| [+/-] |
Poker tournaments, skins, derbies, other ramblings |
As perhaps a bit of foreshadowing, I'm posturing to make up for the last month or so of non-substantial posts. While I do not offer an appology for the lack of posts, I shall point out that I've got a million of projects running simultaniously, all of which take up a great deal of time. In addition to family responsibilities, along with the additional duties of breathing; when I actually have time to sit down and write, I've just got no gas left in the tank. That being said, today the tank is full and I just might have something to say!
Freeroll weekend
For starters, in case you didn't get the memo, tournaments all weekend long at the grand opening of Pharaoh's Poker Palace. CheckRayz will be there for the festivities, as we have THREE private tournaments scheduled there this weekend, two of which are freerolls. Download Pharaoh's poker palace here.
Nordic Poker
Along the same topic, it's been asked of me several time if I am supporting a poker room that is a skin of poker.com. I'm going to preface this by stating up front, I am a poker.com guy. That out of the way, I obviously support Carbon Poker, as it's an evolution of sorts that is going to be the focal point of the Merge Poker Network. Carbon was created out of the need to mainstream advertising, which was uncovered due to logistical challenges in Australia with respect to branding.
Upon the conclusion of the Aussie Millions, Carbon Poker and Merge Gaming Networks were revealed. Nordic is a skin in the Merge Network. "In theory" networks of this sort are created to help several different marketplaces come together to create 1 pool of players. The benefit is that each of these standalone marketplaces (skins) will combine to help support one another, in that more players will equal more games, bigger tournaments; and thus all parties involved will benefit, because more players more opportunity to play, more game selection, bigger prize pools, and more money all around.
In theory, each skin brings it's own marketplace. When asked if I am promoting Nordic Poker, the answer is "no." I have my marketplace in the Merge Network. I represent the Carbon Brand and/or the dotcom brand. It's neither right, nor ethical for me to utilize the Nordic brand to market a network I'm already marketing. The goal, once again, is to bring new players to market, not to recycle the marketplace. My understanding is that all current players are... or will be barred from having duplicate accounts at Nordic, if they already participate at dotcom or Carbon. And additionally, I will not encourage anyone to get accounts in their wife's or dogs name either. That, again, is unethical and is very used car salesmanish in recommending such a thing (no offense to any honest salesman out there). Disclaimer: There's nothing wrong with Nordic, it's just not my marketplace, and I will not resell my market on a place they already are, period.
TRANSLATED: MArketing Nordic under the premise of "You'll need to use a unique email addy and a unique screen name (unique from poker.com/Carbon) when installing (hoping that solves the prob)" <=== shady - unethical, very AP/V247-like... not doing it, not condoning it and will report when/if discovered.
Now, all that being said, I will be "properly" positioning the Poker.com and Carbon Poker brands by offering a special CheckRayz First time deposit bonus and Reload bonus. THIS is how one would/should properly represent the network. Details of the deposit bonuses, as well as the codes, all will be revealed at the top of next week.
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Moving on...
Derbies
This is the weekend of Derbys - the Kentucky Derby and the Manchester Derby. Usually, I closely follow the KY Derby, however, partially because I've been extremely busy, and also because this race is so wide open, with little in track records to follow; I have no prediction. Not that I'm a horse picking expert, but I have been a bit fortunate in my predictions, specifically with the Derby - but this year, I don't see anything that gives me a bettors edge in this race. Thus, no predictions, no bets. Greenstein would advise me to sit this one out and rest.
However, one Derby I do know something about is the Manchester Derby. I do not see the UEFA defeat sitting well with United. Look for United to wrap up the Premiership this weekend, and focus on the Double with the FA.
Other Ramblings
I mentioned the Aussie Million a bit earlier in this post. I have to say, I've managed to see very little of it on TV. My friends mention seeing me a few times, and they talk of seeing "that Jimmy kid." I'm waiting (for more free time) to watch it in full. I have so much stored upstairs, that I want to watch the television taping from start to finish so that I can brain dump and reflect all at once.
Finally, I'd like to give a shoutout to one of my partners in crime Matt a.k.a. - "bornsupreme." Look for Matt to have a guest spot right here at the Poker Pub in the near future. He's got lots to say and knows his stuff, and I'm thinking it's time to bring in a guest blogger or two, as well as to attempt to refocus my energy.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Mike
Related Posts
CheckRayz Leaderboard Tour at Poker.com
Freerolls at the Grand Opening of the Palace
2006 Derby Thoughts
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