Whale (and brother) does Vegas - Freedom trip
05-12-2022
, 11:39 PM
Today started with one last trip to the gym at Ballys before checking out. Wanted to check out the pool as well now that the weather has warmed up, but didn't have time as I had booked an appointment at the barbershop at Cosmopolitan. Despite the location, the prize is the most reasonable one I have found on the strip for a quick shave.
Then made it over to Aria and was able to check in immediately through the MGM-app. Room looks really great, and I love the iPad next to the bed that controls everything from the curtains, to music, to ordering houskeeping etc. I actually also think it's possible to set yourself on the waiting list for the poker room from it - have to check that out!
Probably should have played here:
But instead I jumped into a $1-$3 cashgame at Aria, while brother took another shot at the $160 tourney. Started out session break even for the first 45 minutes or so, after a few small pots here and there - none very interesting. The most interesting one was maybe when there was a raise from $10 from EP (a player from Israel), an active player called in MP, and I call for $7 more from BB with Q7cc.
Flop comes 3-5-6 with one club, and I check. Plan was to consider check-raising, however original raiser bets $17 and MP calls. Don't think I can push out both then, so I just fold. In hindsight however I wish I had gone for it, as I have two overcards and a gutshot, and backdoor flush. And it turned out they only had KJo (raiser) and A5o (caller), so it would have worked for sure.
Then a new player comes to the table, a very fishy player from Arizona who didn't have a fold button at all. He either limped or raised to $6, and in my first hand with him he did exactly this from early. I find A9o on button and call, although in hindsight this might be a mistake. BB also calls. We see A-3-2 two hearts, and it checks to me. I make it $11 into $19 and only the raiser calls.
Turn is another heart (Ah), and he checks again. In hindsight should probably have checked behind here, but didn't want to let another heart come out in case he had one. So I bet $20, and he jams for his remaining $89 USD. An annoying spot, as it seems clear he was trapping me and could have a better Ace or a flush. Although he seemed a bit spewy pre, he seemed relucant to put in a lot of money post if the board was scary. This was however early in session and didn't have that information. So I made a reluctant call, although I realized I probably needed to boat up to win the hand. I did not, as river was Qd, and after I show my hand he excitedly shows KQs for the flush.
More trouble later, as I complete my options in SB with 96hh after 4 players have limped in. Flop comes J-7-2 two hearts, and I check. UTG-limper leads $10 and get two calls. I honestly think I should cut my losses here, as a board like this can overflush me + I have no overcards. I did consider both these things, but still ended up calling which is likely a mistake.
4-ways to turn, which comes a 9. I check, BB bets $35 this time, first caller folds, second one calls, and I mull it over and call again. I though that if a 9 or 6 are outs, then it might be justifiable. However, the bettor had twice lead into multiple players, so I likely underestimated the strength of his hand. River comes a 6, and I upgrade to 2 pair. I decided to lead for $50 here (into $160) to get a crying call out of a Jack and avoid it checking around. BB calls, and third player folds. I show my hand, but he shows J9s for better two pair. In hindsight not too surprising, and I should have avoided this mess altogether by folding flop.
Suddenly down over $200 then, which is not ideal. I also lost a bit more when I raised KJo from MP after a female player had limped in from early. She calls, and we go heads-up to K-4-T rainbow. She checks, and I decided to check this back. No real draws to talk about, except QJ - which I block. And not really many worse Kings to get value from either. That said, should probably just bet small and get value from Tx or medium pairs who want to call once.
Turn is a Q and she leads $10. I call with TP and open-ender, and we see 3 on the river. Obviously a complete blank, but she is not done betting. She makes it $30, and although this would normally be slightly uncomfortable I saw her made a illogical bet with second pair in a similar spot just a few hands earlier. Combined with blocking straight + having underrepped my hand, I call quickly - only to be shown AJo for nut straight.
At the low point I was down over $325 or so (in for $600) after a few other small pots not going my way, before it started turning around. I got a 3-bet through with 87hh over $10 raise and a call - I made it $41 from button and got folds.
Then I raise A3ss from UTG to $12, as we were now playing 7-handed. An active player calls in SB, and we go heads-up to 2-6-8 with 2s. Good enough to start a backdoor-bluff I guess, plus I raised UTG. So I bet $11, and opponent calls. Turn is the 9s, and after he checks I bet $22 this time around. Not too big, but board can obviously hit a lot of his range as well, and I want to have room to bet-call unless he makes it like $100 or something. He does however 'only' call again.
River is a Ts, so we make the nuts. And even better news is that he leads for $70 into $91. I have around $215 left, and push all-in after giving it a few seconds. He does however not like my push and agonizes for a few seconds before folding what he said was two pair. Seems likely, but with 4 to a straight and a flush out there he couldn't call the push.
Then the fish limps in for $3, and I find black Aces in cutoff. I make it $15, and he calls. Flop comes 9-6-4 two clubs. He checks, I bet $16, and he calls. In hindsight wish I had sized up a bit here given player profile. Turn is another 6, and he leads into me for $15. With another 6 out there it's obviously much less likely he has one, and I think he is mostly trying to buy himself a cheap showdown with 9x or a flushdraw. I raise to $50 (could have gone higher) and he calls fairly quickly.
River comes 7c. Not an ideal card as board is a bit straighty and flush comes in, however with me having Ac I am not too worried. So after he checks I decide that I must target one pair-hands like 9x. I bet $55, which is very small into $168, but I didn't want to scare him away + wanted to leave room to fold in case he pushed for the $200 or so he had left. He does however only call fairly quickly, and shows JJ after I exposed my hand.
In hindsight obviously wonder if I could have gotten more here, but I could obviously not put him on that strong of a hand when he only limp-called pre.
Played a few rounds more without anything exciting happening, and decided to just cash out after 4 hours and 15 minutes. -$83 was the result, which is fine given I was down over $300 at times. I do think however that I made some mistakes once again, which leads to these lackluster results compared with previous trips. I need to improve betsizing and possibly ramp up aggression in some spots, and also combine it with being more disciplined in trouble spots.
Not entirely sure what the plan is now, but it's Vegas - I'll work something out
Cash Games:
Hours played: 20h 00 min
Won/Lost: +$345 USD
Hourly rate: +$17.3 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
Then made it over to Aria and was able to check in immediately through the MGM-app. Room looks really great, and I love the iPad next to the bed that controls everything from the curtains, to music, to ordering houskeeping etc. I actually also think it's possible to set yourself on the waiting list for the poker room from it - have to check that out!
Probably should have played here:
But instead I jumped into a $1-$3 cashgame at Aria, while brother took another shot at the $160 tourney. Started out session break even for the first 45 minutes or so, after a few small pots here and there - none very interesting. The most interesting one was maybe when there was a raise from $10 from EP (a player from Israel), an active player called in MP, and I call for $7 more from BB with Q7cc.
Flop comes 3-5-6 with one club, and I check. Plan was to consider check-raising, however original raiser bets $17 and MP calls. Don't think I can push out both then, so I just fold. In hindsight however I wish I had gone for it, as I have two overcards and a gutshot, and backdoor flush. And it turned out they only had KJo (raiser) and A5o (caller), so it would have worked for sure.
Then a new player comes to the table, a very fishy player from Arizona who didn't have a fold button at all. He either limped or raised to $6, and in my first hand with him he did exactly this from early. I find A9o on button and call, although in hindsight this might be a mistake. BB also calls. We see A-3-2 two hearts, and it checks to me. I make it $11 into $19 and only the raiser calls.
Turn is another heart (Ah), and he checks again. In hindsight should probably have checked behind here, but didn't want to let another heart come out in case he had one. So I bet $20, and he jams for his remaining $89 USD. An annoying spot, as it seems clear he was trapping me and could have a better Ace or a flush. Although he seemed a bit spewy pre, he seemed relucant to put in a lot of money post if the board was scary. This was however early in session and didn't have that information. So I made a reluctant call, although I realized I probably needed to boat up to win the hand. I did not, as river was Qd, and after I show my hand he excitedly shows KQs for the flush.
More trouble later, as I complete my options in SB with 96hh after 4 players have limped in. Flop comes J-7-2 two hearts, and I check. UTG-limper leads $10 and get two calls. I honestly think I should cut my losses here, as a board like this can overflush me + I have no overcards. I did consider both these things, but still ended up calling which is likely a mistake.
4-ways to turn, which comes a 9. I check, BB bets $35 this time, first caller folds, second one calls, and I mull it over and call again. I though that if a 9 or 6 are outs, then it might be justifiable. However, the bettor had twice lead into multiple players, so I likely underestimated the strength of his hand. River comes a 6, and I upgrade to 2 pair. I decided to lead for $50 here (into $160) to get a crying call out of a Jack and avoid it checking around. BB calls, and third player folds. I show my hand, but he shows J9s for better two pair. In hindsight not too surprising, and I should have avoided this mess altogether by folding flop.
Suddenly down over $200 then, which is not ideal. I also lost a bit more when I raised KJo from MP after a female player had limped in from early. She calls, and we go heads-up to K-4-T rainbow. She checks, and I decided to check this back. No real draws to talk about, except QJ - which I block. And not really many worse Kings to get value from either. That said, should probably just bet small and get value from Tx or medium pairs who want to call once.
Turn is a Q and she leads $10. I call with TP and open-ender, and we see 3 on the river. Obviously a complete blank, but she is not done betting. She makes it $30, and although this would normally be slightly uncomfortable I saw her made a illogical bet with second pair in a similar spot just a few hands earlier. Combined with blocking straight + having underrepped my hand, I call quickly - only to be shown AJo for nut straight.
At the low point I was down over $325 or so (in for $600) after a few other small pots not going my way, before it started turning around. I got a 3-bet through with 87hh over $10 raise and a call - I made it $41 from button and got folds.
Then I raise A3ss from UTG to $12, as we were now playing 7-handed. An active player calls in SB, and we go heads-up to 2-6-8 with 2s. Good enough to start a backdoor-bluff I guess, plus I raised UTG. So I bet $11, and opponent calls. Turn is the 9s, and after he checks I bet $22 this time around. Not too big, but board can obviously hit a lot of his range as well, and I want to have room to bet-call unless he makes it like $100 or something. He does however 'only' call again.
River is a Ts, so we make the nuts. And even better news is that he leads for $70 into $91. I have around $215 left, and push all-in after giving it a few seconds. He does however not like my push and agonizes for a few seconds before folding what he said was two pair. Seems likely, but with 4 to a straight and a flush out there he couldn't call the push.
Then the fish limps in for $3, and I find black Aces in cutoff. I make it $15, and he calls. Flop comes 9-6-4 two clubs. He checks, I bet $16, and he calls. In hindsight wish I had sized up a bit here given player profile. Turn is another 6, and he leads into me for $15. With another 6 out there it's obviously much less likely he has one, and I think he is mostly trying to buy himself a cheap showdown with 9x or a flushdraw. I raise to $50 (could have gone higher) and he calls fairly quickly.
River comes 7c. Not an ideal card as board is a bit straighty and flush comes in, however with me having Ac I am not too worried. So after he checks I decide that I must target one pair-hands like 9x. I bet $55, which is very small into $168, but I didn't want to scare him away + wanted to leave room to fold in case he pushed for the $200 or so he had left. He does however only call fairly quickly, and shows JJ after I exposed my hand.
In hindsight obviously wonder if I could have gotten more here, but I could obviously not put him on that strong of a hand when he only limp-called pre.
Played a few rounds more without anything exciting happening, and decided to just cash out after 4 hours and 15 minutes. -$83 was the result, which is fine given I was down over $300 at times. I do think however that I made some mistakes once again, which leads to these lackluster results compared with previous trips. I need to improve betsizing and possibly ramp up aggression in some spots, and also combine it with being more disciplined in trouble spots.
Not entirely sure what the plan is now, but it's Vegas - I'll work something out
Cash Games:
Hours played: 20h 00 min
Won/Lost: +$345 USD
Hourly rate: +$17.3 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
05-13-2022
, 04:10 AM
Speaking of promos, I decided to join brother - who was already there - to Venetian for some promo hunting. Will try to make this a short post as I am tired, but let's run through some quick hands.
As always I started with losing, after an Asian player who seemed ok compentent (at first glance) raised to $17 pre. Fairly big, but I call with KQo on button. We go heads-up to A-2-6 flop, and surprisingly he checks. Thinking he might have missed and/or have a pair under an Ace, I bet $15. He thinks and calls. Turn is a 5 and he checks again. I decided to try one more barrel, as that should be enough to get him off pairs under A, and I don't think I need to go huge. So I bet $35, but he calls again. I just give up then, and check back 9 river. Surprisingly enough he shows AQo for the winner.
Did however win a lot of small pots to work myself close to even, when I get AJdd UTG. I raise to $11 and get 1 call from MP, rest folds. A-Q-Q, and I bet $10. Opponent thinks and calls. Turn is a 4 and the second diamond, so I add a flush draw as well. I now bet $20 to keep getting calls from worse Aces, and with the nut flush draw I can easily call a raise should he choose to do so. He does however only call.
River is a 3 that does not fill a flush, however to me it seems very clear I must for value here. It would be a distaster if I check and he checks back something like AT or lower suited Aces, as my kicker still plays. So I bet $40 to target such hands, and he agonizes for close to a minute before finally flicking in the call. I turn over my hand somewhat confidently, but he flips KQo for trips. He says he was afraid I had AQ or AA. Ok, dude.
I then flop a set of 33 in a limped pot and win a little bit on that one (sadly no quads for the high hand promo), before the biggest pot of the night comes up.
It folds to me on button and I make it $10. Small Blind calls, before Big Blind - who seems like a very tight, typical promo hunting Asian - makes it $90 (!). I am a bit perplexed and take 20 seconds to think it over. I have seen such sizes with AA before in Vegas, but would be a very strange play overall. It seems more like someone who doesn't want to see a flop, and having AA and KK blockers is obviously great.
I would have been more confident getting in AKs here, but I do decide to just move in. Certainly not a no-brainer versus this type of opponent, but I just didn't think he would make it that big with AA or KK. Or, maybe KK at times, but not AA. He calls almost immediately.
Board runs out horrible; something like 8-T-Q-3-9, so I beat nothing. I show my hand, and he shows QQ for top set. Sigh.
Oh well, I reload for $300 and see several limps ahead of me. I chose to limp along holding 86hh, and we go something like 6-way to 2-3-5 one heart. It checks around, although in hindsight I should have started a bet here. I did however get a bit distracted by the dealer who said that only the $100 stack that he gave me would play this hand, and that my remaining $200 would be in play after a chip runner had given me the remaining.
Turn is 7h giving me both OESD and flush draw, and it checks to me again. I bet $15 into $18 to promote fold-eq, since I have 8 high - but a boatload of equity if called. Asian player from QQ-hand now springs to life, and raises to $40. I confirm with dealer I can only play the $100 this hand, and move in. Much better to maximize my winnings should I hit here. He snap-calls, and we see 9h on river. I make both draws, and beat the Asians 77 for turned trips.
In hindsight it's very annoying that I wasn't allowed to play with a full stack on this hand, as I would have doubled up. I would 100% have ultra-fastplayed this spot for the reason stated above. But such is life.
A bit later there is a raise to $11 from EP, and I call in CO with TT. Considered 3-betting, but raiser only had like $150, so would be akward if I raise and he 4-bet pushes. Same Asian again this time 3-bets to $60 from SB. Original raiser calls, and I also calls as I am around $400 deep with Asian. Sadly we only see Q-J-7 flop, and I have to fold to a continuation-bet of $80.
I do however win a lot of small pots here and there with some raises, plus a decent medium sized pot with AK when I river TP 3-ways and got paid off on a value bet. Also won medium sized pots with 99 and 88 towards the end. Random stack picture taken sometime during the session below:
Around that time we also got to make a huge hero-fold, which starts with a very tight Asian in a wheelchair raising to $12 from EP1 after UTG having limped in. This is the first time I have seen him raise, so I only call in CO with A4ss when it gets to me. Button, SB, BB and limper also calls, so we actually go 5-ways to 5-5-4 flop with one spade.
Everyone checks to me, and I throw out $25 for some equity-protection in case they all have high cards. Plus, there are some decent turns for me as well. SB and BB folds, but the original limper calls (raiser folds). This is the same guy that only called me down with trips earlier, clearly being afraid of monsters under the dark.
Turn is a 4 which is an interesting card. I now have a full house, and so far I am thinking the limpers most likely holding is a medium pocket pair. He limped from UTG so I guess he could have AA/KK, but I really think he would have limp-reraised those with so many callers. Anyway, I bet $45 into $110. Fairly small, but didn't want to scare him off in case he has like 66/77. He thinks about it and then jams all-in for $275 USD (!)
Ouch, not what I wanted to see. I really go into the tank here, but many things pointed me towards a fold. He is very nitty, clearly afraid of unlikely monsters, he was able to keep up a conversation with an opponent while I was thinking, and what else can he really have besides a five? That said, I don't think he ever expects me to have a four, and why would he bet so much if he has basically a lock on the hand?
Eventually I did find the nitty fold. Although I was tempted to call, he just doesn't have KK or AA here given the limp-call closing action 6-ways, and I block some Aces anyway. So I turn my hand face up and folds, and he is kind enough to show me 95dd (lol, great limp-call) for top full house. I guess I am glad he didn't just call, because I would have 100% bet the river as well (with view to bet-fold of course).
Weirdly enough I think I played quite well in this session, even though the result was -$317 USD. Obviously most of it went in the big coinflip, but I also lost at least $150 to this nitty guy in the two hands together. So I was clearly playing winning poker otherwise, and it would have been a great session if AK had won the flip etc.
Anyway, I can't control other players actions any more than I can control the cards that the dealer spreads out. So just have to focus on what I can do something with, which is to play better. But honestly didn't see many mistakes tonight, at least not any big ones. Obviously it's not ideal to be break-even so far on trip (for cash games), but lol sample size. The weekend is coming up, and I will put in a lot of hours then - maybe even some $2/5 one of these days.
Now I am tired, and it's time to shut the drapes and go to bed in this comfy-looking Aria bed.
Cash Games:
Hours played: 22h 45 min
Won/Lost: +$28 USD
Hourly rate: +$1.2 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
As always I started with losing, after an Asian player who seemed ok compentent (at first glance) raised to $17 pre. Fairly big, but I call with KQo on button. We go heads-up to A-2-6 flop, and surprisingly he checks. Thinking he might have missed and/or have a pair under an Ace, I bet $15. He thinks and calls. Turn is a 5 and he checks again. I decided to try one more barrel, as that should be enough to get him off pairs under A, and I don't think I need to go huge. So I bet $35, but he calls again. I just give up then, and check back 9 river. Surprisingly enough he shows AQo for the winner.
Did however win a lot of small pots to work myself close to even, when I get AJdd UTG. I raise to $11 and get 1 call from MP, rest folds. A-Q-Q, and I bet $10. Opponent thinks and calls. Turn is a 4 and the second diamond, so I add a flush draw as well. I now bet $20 to keep getting calls from worse Aces, and with the nut flush draw I can easily call a raise should he choose to do so. He does however only call.
River is a 3 that does not fill a flush, however to me it seems very clear I must for value here. It would be a distaster if I check and he checks back something like AT or lower suited Aces, as my kicker still plays. So I bet $40 to target such hands, and he agonizes for close to a minute before finally flicking in the call. I turn over my hand somewhat confidently, but he flips KQo for trips. He says he was afraid I had AQ or AA. Ok, dude.
I then flop a set of 33 in a limped pot and win a little bit on that one (sadly no quads for the high hand promo), before the biggest pot of the night comes up.
It folds to me on button and I make it $10. Small Blind calls, before Big Blind - who seems like a very tight, typical promo hunting Asian - makes it $90 (!). I am a bit perplexed and take 20 seconds to think it over. I have seen such sizes with AA before in Vegas, but would be a very strange play overall. It seems more like someone who doesn't want to see a flop, and having AA and KK blockers is obviously great.
I would have been more confident getting in AKs here, but I do decide to just move in. Certainly not a no-brainer versus this type of opponent, but I just didn't think he would make it that big with AA or KK. Or, maybe KK at times, but not AA. He calls almost immediately.
Board runs out horrible; something like 8-T-Q-3-9, so I beat nothing. I show my hand, and he shows QQ for top set. Sigh.
Oh well, I reload for $300 and see several limps ahead of me. I chose to limp along holding 86hh, and we go something like 6-way to 2-3-5 one heart. It checks around, although in hindsight I should have started a bet here. I did however get a bit distracted by the dealer who said that only the $100 stack that he gave me would play this hand, and that my remaining $200 would be in play after a chip runner had given me the remaining.
Turn is 7h giving me both OESD and flush draw, and it checks to me again. I bet $15 into $18 to promote fold-eq, since I have 8 high - but a boatload of equity if called. Asian player from QQ-hand now springs to life, and raises to $40. I confirm with dealer I can only play the $100 this hand, and move in. Much better to maximize my winnings should I hit here. He snap-calls, and we see 9h on river. I make both draws, and beat the Asians 77 for turned trips.
In hindsight it's very annoying that I wasn't allowed to play with a full stack on this hand, as I would have doubled up. I would 100% have ultra-fastplayed this spot for the reason stated above. But such is life.
A bit later there is a raise to $11 from EP, and I call in CO with TT. Considered 3-betting, but raiser only had like $150, so would be akward if I raise and he 4-bet pushes. Same Asian again this time 3-bets to $60 from SB. Original raiser calls, and I also calls as I am around $400 deep with Asian. Sadly we only see Q-J-7 flop, and I have to fold to a continuation-bet of $80.
I do however win a lot of small pots here and there with some raises, plus a decent medium sized pot with AK when I river TP 3-ways and got paid off on a value bet. Also won medium sized pots with 99 and 88 towards the end. Random stack picture taken sometime during the session below:
Around that time we also got to make a huge hero-fold, which starts with a very tight Asian in a wheelchair raising to $12 from EP1 after UTG having limped in. This is the first time I have seen him raise, so I only call in CO with A4ss when it gets to me. Button, SB, BB and limper also calls, so we actually go 5-ways to 5-5-4 flop with one spade.
Everyone checks to me, and I throw out $25 for some equity-protection in case they all have high cards. Plus, there are some decent turns for me as well. SB and BB folds, but the original limper calls (raiser folds). This is the same guy that only called me down with trips earlier, clearly being afraid of monsters under the dark.
Turn is a 4 which is an interesting card. I now have a full house, and so far I am thinking the limpers most likely holding is a medium pocket pair. He limped from UTG so I guess he could have AA/KK, but I really think he would have limp-reraised those with so many callers. Anyway, I bet $45 into $110. Fairly small, but didn't want to scare him off in case he has like 66/77. He thinks about it and then jams all-in for $275 USD (!)
Ouch, not what I wanted to see. I really go into the tank here, but many things pointed me towards a fold. He is very nitty, clearly afraid of unlikely monsters, he was able to keep up a conversation with an opponent while I was thinking, and what else can he really have besides a five? That said, I don't think he ever expects me to have a four, and why would he bet so much if he has basically a lock on the hand?
Eventually I did find the nitty fold. Although I was tempted to call, he just doesn't have KK or AA here given the limp-call closing action 6-ways, and I block some Aces anyway. So I turn my hand face up and folds, and he is kind enough to show me 95dd (lol, great limp-call) for top full house. I guess I am glad he didn't just call, because I would have 100% bet the river as well (with view to bet-fold of course).
Weirdly enough I think I played quite well in this session, even though the result was -$317 USD. Obviously most of it went in the big coinflip, but I also lost at least $150 to this nitty guy in the two hands together. So I was clearly playing winning poker otherwise, and it would have been a great session if AK had won the flip etc.
Anyway, I can't control other players actions any more than I can control the cards that the dealer spreads out. So just have to focus on what I can do something with, which is to play better. But honestly didn't see many mistakes tonight, at least not any big ones. Obviously it's not ideal to be break-even so far on trip (for cash games), but lol sample size. The weekend is coming up, and I will put in a lot of hours then - maybe even some $2/5 one of these days.
Now I am tired, and it's time to shut the drapes and go to bed in this comfy-looking Aria bed.
Cash Games:
Hours played: 22h 45 min
Won/Lost: +$28 USD
Hourly rate: +$1.2 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
05-14-2022
, 04:03 AM
Before going to bed on this Friday evening, I will give a quick update of some activities from today. We started the day with a obligatory trip Downtown for:
After eating some donuts we checked out Circa, as brother hadn't seen it before. It really is a pretty casino, very spacious and everything looks new & fresh. Plus, the Sportsbook look really amazing as well:
We also wandered through The D, where the temptation was strong to try this legendary game. We did however not have any coins to play with:
Actually did not play any poker while there, but I will go down to Golden Nugget to play either Sunday or Monday evening I think. Although I probably shouldn't announce it here, because now good players will flock down there to get whatever is left of my bankroll (spoiler-alert: not much).
Instead we went back to Aria. It has been super hot outside today, which means that we had to try the pool as well:
Also found time for a gym session at the amazing gym they have here at Aria. I have always enjoyed the Park MGM gym while staying there on previous trips, but this one was really next level in comparison. Will definitely go there first thing tomorrow morning - well, after I have updated this TR.
I am exhausted now, as I just got back from Resorts World where I played a rather crazy session. Will write all about it when I wake up, although it wasn't very pretty and I am definitely feeling the other side of variance on this trip. Don't get me wrong though, I probably make a ton of mistakes as well. But we can get to that in a few hours.
Until then, good night from Las Vegas.
After eating some donuts we checked out Circa, as brother hadn't seen it before. It really is a pretty casino, very spacious and everything looks new & fresh. Plus, the Sportsbook look really amazing as well:
We also wandered through The D, where the temptation was strong to try this legendary game. We did however not have any coins to play with:
Actually did not play any poker while there, but I will go down to Golden Nugget to play either Sunday or Monday evening I think. Although I probably shouldn't announce it here, because now good players will flock down there to get whatever is left of my bankroll (spoiler-alert: not much).
Instead we went back to Aria. It has been super hot outside today, which means that we had to try the pool as well:
Also found time for a gym session at the amazing gym they have here at Aria. I have always enjoyed the Park MGM gym while staying there on previous trips, but this one was really next level in comparison. Will definitely go there first thing tomorrow morning - well, after I have updated this TR.
I am exhausted now, as I just got back from Resorts World where I played a rather crazy session. Will write all about it when I wake up, although it wasn't very pretty and I am definitely feeling the other side of variance on this trip. Don't get me wrong though, I probably make a ton of mistakes as well. But we can get to that in a few hours.
Until then, good night from Las Vegas.
05-14-2022
, 12:56 PM
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As mentioned in previous post, we went down to Resorts World last evening. It had a decent number of tables running, but we both got seated almost immediately. Random picure taken of left half of poker room while waiting:
I bought in for the full $400 as I could allow myself to be outplayed playing deep stacked. Although it actually started off quite well. There was a young-ish (around 30) grinder at the opposite end of the table, who lived in Vegas, and he looked very active pre-flop. I find red AKo from 2nd position and raise to to $12, and we see the short stacked button (around $150) call. Then this reg makes it $60 out of BB, and he 'only' has around $170 left after this raise. So unlike at Venetian earlier, this seemed like a rather trivial push. I move them both all in, and get snap-folds from both.
Then lose a few small pots, most interesting one when a young woman raises to $15 from MP. She has just reloaded after getting very unlucky in some spots, but seemed like a reasonable enough player. I have 99 in SB and chose to just call (can mix in some 3-bets for value I guess). We go heads-up to 7-6-3 two clubs (I have none), and after I check she checks behind. Turn is a 8 and I lead out for $12. I meant to make it $17, but live-misclicked and grabbed one less chip than intended. She calls.
River is an A and I check it over to her. My small bet might have enticed her to float with Ax, and indeed she bets $35 after a few seconds. In hindsight could have considered turning my hand to a bluff as I double block the nuts. I wish I had given it some thought at the table, but instead I just folded as I obviously also double-block OESD that she could have picked up on turn (and now bluff with on river).
Then UTG makes it $12, the pro calls from 3rd position, and I call with 88 in BB. Flop comes 6-6-5 two clubs, and after I check the raiser bets $35. The pro folds, and I call. He bets almost full pot and I have no club, but seemed to weak to fold given there are some good turns.
One of them lands on turn with 7, and I am thinking this is a good spot to lead. Board is way better for my range than him, however being in seat 9 and him in seat 1 I hadn't checked out his stack. He moves all-in for around $95 or so (stupid of me to not look), and I obviously call for so little more. River is an 8 which obviously gives me the best hand, as I sucked out verus his JJ.
An older gentleman replaced the player in seat 1, and this player turned out to be anything but tight. I won one pot with him holding TT on Q-3-Q-8 after having raised and called his 3-bet, however he also 3 bet me another time and I had to fold (don't remember what I have). He had 3-bet at least 5-6 times in his first 30 minutes at the table, although we never got to see any showdown.
With that as backdrop I make it $12 with KQdd from cutoff, and here he comes again; 3-betting to $35 from button. In hindsight I made a mistake here, as my hand is way too playable to turn into a bluff. At the table however, I almost thought I could 4-bet for value here + suited hands are better to reraise with than off-suit. So I make it $100, only to see him 5-bet to $300. I cannot really do much then, although I would still have $200 left behind if I call. But would be suicidal versus a 5-betting range and out of position, and I would be pot stuck on many boards. So I fold.
Continue to lose chips, this time raising A6ss from button to $10 when the old guy is sitting out. The pro in the BB 3-bets to $40. I decided to call given position, although it might be a mix between all 3 options here. Anyway, flop comes T-6-2 one spade. He bets $50, and I am obviously not going anywhere just yet. We see 4 turn, no spade, and after he bets $100 I agonizes a bit and fold. Can't really continue with only second pair and no more equity. He flashes QQ after I fold.
Then a real OMC comes to the table, buys in for $200, and raises to $10 from UTG one of his first hands. Given his look and overall demeanor, I chose to just call AQhh in 2nd position, and we go 4-way to K-Q-3 two hearts. Interesting. Old guy bets $90 (!) into $45 or so, and it seems blatantly clear he has Aces or AK and just want to win the pot before any hearts comes. He only has $100 behind however, so I can't really call and play turns. I chose to move all-in, although in hindsight I should have thought more about the fact that hitting an Ace will never be an out. Anyway, the rest fold, old guy calls, and he wins with AK when board bricks out.
A while later, after having lost a few small pots more and now being stuck at least $200, we see the old guy once again raise to $10 from early position over a limp. I chose to just call with 76hh, although in hindsight this is a mistake as it's (unlike what many thought before) not really a good hand to go multi-way with.
Once again the old LAG 3-bets, although he only makes it $40. The pro cold-calls on button, the limper calls (lol) and raiser calls. I obviously call, closing the action and getting an insane prize. We go 5 ways to 5h-4c-2h. Sick flop giving me two draws. It checks over to the pro on button and he bets $100. He could however do this with many overpairs he didn't feel comfortable 4-betting pre, although it shows strength betting into 4 opponents. But with PFR checking it's not as scary. Anyway, it folds to me and I move in for around $270 or whatever I have left.
He snap-calls, and we see 5 on turn and 3 river. I made my straight, but opponent quickly announces that he hit quads (!) on the river. 55 obviously beats my meager straight and this pot of around $740 is pushed in the wrong direction (imo).
While I reload, lets look at the huge globe inside Resorts World instead:
Played a few semi-interesting medium pots after that also, but this TR is already getting long, so will bring you to the last big pot of the night instead. I raise to $12 from EP1 with JJ while we are 6-handed, and a shortstack makes it $25 from button. A stoner guy in BB cold-calls the $25 and it's back to me. The sizing is a bit scary to me, but with the dead caller there I chose to just move all-in, covering both players easily. 3-bettor only had $148 in total, and he doesn't snapcall but eventually put the chips in. Stoner guy thinks a bit (or zoned out because he was high) before folding.
The caller flips up AQ while I do not show. 9-7-2-Q-5 and another big-ish pot goes the wrong way.
I chose to leave after 4 hours and 15 minutes, down -$583 USD. Not very fun, although it feels like I got a bit coolered left and right yesterday. I obviously made some costly mistakes, like the 4-bet with KQ suited, but overall it's probably a bit unlucky that I don't win at least 1 of the bigger pots.
But such is poker - no need to think about what could have been. The cards fell the way they did, and it would be stupid to only focus on that instead of my own mistakes. And I did obviously get lucky with 88 early in session, so it's not like I was unlucky all the time.
Cash Games:
Hours played: 27h 00 min
Won/Lost: -$555 USD
Hourly rate: -$20.6 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
05-14-2022
, 01:05 PM
I'm fairly sure that's Secret Pizza
05-15-2022
, 03:23 AM
Yep, but in line with the theme I wanted to keep it a secret
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On that note, time for another update. I was super tired this morning, and although I was up at 9am or something and writing the previous installment, I went back to bed for a nap a bit later after having been at CVS for some refreshments. In that regard, here is a random picture on the way there, of Polo Towers:
Feeling more refreshed after the nap I went over to Ceasars with brother, where he joined the tourney and I joined a $1-$3 cash game. The poker room has gotten a new logo now, which looks really cool:
Game was fairly tight in the beginning, but as usual I couldn't get anything going. I raised up QTdd from 2nd position in one of the first hands, after what looked like a fishy player had limped in. He called, and we go heads-up to 4-8-4 no diamonds. Despite no backdoor, this board shouldn't hit him hard at all. I bet $15 (same as pre-flop), but he calls and then leads $20 on 6 turn. Not much I can do then, so I just fold.
Then someone makes a small raise to $10 over a limp, many people call, and I call from BB with 88. We go 7-ways to Q-J-7, which is not really what I was looking for. So I have to fold to a bet & a raise before it even gets back to me (I checked first to act).
Then I complete J7cc for $2 more from SB in a limped pot, and we see J-2-2. I check, and it checks to cutoff who bets $8. The fishy button calls, and I call. Turn is a 8, I check, cutoff bets $25 and button folds. I chose to call here, playing the standard 'fifth street chicken' as Bart Hanson would call it - if opponent bets again on river, even if nothing changes, I have to fold as the bet in itself is change enough. And that is exactly what happened, as a 6 landed on the river. I check, he bets $62 and I fold immediately.
Continued losing small pots here and there, and was very card-dead overall. Midway through the session I changed seat to the 8th seat, as the seats next to dealer are my favorite ones. In addition, there was a spewy young-ish player that had entered the game a bit earlier to my left, and I wanted position on him. As part of my move, I had to post $1 instead of my SB, and I decided to limp along with A3o after UTG had limped in. That said, the hand is trash and I could easily have folded for $2 more.
Anyway, the spewy young guy in BB are also in, and we see A-2-3 with two diamonds. Checks to me, and I bet $5. BB calls and UTG also calls. Turn is a K, and it checks to me again. This time I bet $16, only to see them both call again. River is a 4, and BB checks. UTG now moves all-in with his short stack for $32, and I decided to call. Might be a losing call, but couldn't see many fives besides A5 + the flush draw missed. However, BB rejams after I call and I have to fold. They both had a 5, with 95o (BB) and K5dd (UTG).
The splashy guy was running like crazy, and getting opponents and all-in and winning. So at times we were playing 4-5 handed, simply due to him knocking out everyone. He had well over $1000 when I left. In hindsight should maybe have stayed longer, but the guy was not easy to play with as he often raised pre and seemed to have some awareness of his image.
Kept losing small pots, and was at one point down over $200. Did however manage to recover a bit, when CO raises to $10 over a limp from the spewy guy. I call on the button with 97cc, which might be a bit borderline but we were only playing 5-handed. BB calls, and limper calls, so we go 4-way to Q-T-2 with two clubs. It checks to the raiser who bets $15, I call and BB also calls. Limper folds.
Turn comes 5c, so I make the flush. It folds to me, and I bet $45 (into $75 or so). BB folds, and raiser thinks for a long time and seems very unsure before calling. River is a 2 of hearts, which changes nothing. He checks, and I decided to bet $70 into $165. It just didn't see like he was super strong with his deliberation on turn, but I did want a call from a Queen. He ended up calling after taking his time on the river as well, and after I showed my flush he showed AQ with the Ace of clubs. Seemed very nitty that he had to think so long with that exact combo, but I was just happy to finally drag in a decent pot.
Played for a little while longer and won a small pot versus the spewy guy on A-2-A-T when I had raised pre with ATo and he had defended from BB. He did call flop, but sadly not turn - so I guess he didn't have an Ace.
Cashed out of the game after 3 hours and 45 minutes, down -$74 USD for the session. Hardly too significant, and given how card-dead and spot-dead I was (shoutout to PokerfaceAsh for latter expression) I'll take it.
After leaving Ceasars I went back to Aria and joined a $1-$3 game there. I will write more about that one tomorrow, for now I'm going to bed. Will update stats etc. after writing about the Aria-session - which (spoiler-alert) was a fun one!
--------
On that note, time for another update. I was super tired this morning, and although I was up at 9am or something and writing the previous installment, I went back to bed for a nap a bit later after having been at CVS for some refreshments. In that regard, here is a random picture on the way there, of Polo Towers:
Feeling more refreshed after the nap I went over to Ceasars with brother, where he joined the tourney and I joined a $1-$3 cash game. The poker room has gotten a new logo now, which looks really cool:
Game was fairly tight in the beginning, but as usual I couldn't get anything going. I raised up QTdd from 2nd position in one of the first hands, after what looked like a fishy player had limped in. He called, and we go heads-up to 4-8-4 no diamonds. Despite no backdoor, this board shouldn't hit him hard at all. I bet $15 (same as pre-flop), but he calls and then leads $20 on 6 turn. Not much I can do then, so I just fold.
Then someone makes a small raise to $10 over a limp, many people call, and I call from BB with 88. We go 7-ways to Q-J-7, which is not really what I was looking for. So I have to fold to a bet & a raise before it even gets back to me (I checked first to act).
Then I complete J7cc for $2 more from SB in a limped pot, and we see J-2-2. I check, and it checks to cutoff who bets $8. The fishy button calls, and I call. Turn is a 8, I check, cutoff bets $25 and button folds. I chose to call here, playing the standard 'fifth street chicken' as Bart Hanson would call it - if opponent bets again on river, even if nothing changes, I have to fold as the bet in itself is change enough. And that is exactly what happened, as a 6 landed on the river. I check, he bets $62 and I fold immediately.
Continued losing small pots here and there, and was very card-dead overall. Midway through the session I changed seat to the 8th seat, as the seats next to dealer are my favorite ones. In addition, there was a spewy young-ish player that had entered the game a bit earlier to my left, and I wanted position on him. As part of my move, I had to post $1 instead of my SB, and I decided to limp along with A3o after UTG had limped in. That said, the hand is trash and I could easily have folded for $2 more.
Anyway, the spewy young guy in BB are also in, and we see A-2-3 with two diamonds. Checks to me, and I bet $5. BB calls and UTG also calls. Turn is a K, and it checks to me again. This time I bet $16, only to see them both call again. River is a 4, and BB checks. UTG now moves all-in with his short stack for $32, and I decided to call. Might be a losing call, but couldn't see many fives besides A5 + the flush draw missed. However, BB rejams after I call and I have to fold. They both had a 5, with 95o (BB) and K5dd (UTG).
The splashy guy was running like crazy, and getting opponents and all-in and winning. So at times we were playing 4-5 handed, simply due to him knocking out everyone. He had well over $1000 when I left. In hindsight should maybe have stayed longer, but the guy was not easy to play with as he often raised pre and seemed to have some awareness of his image.
Kept losing small pots, and was at one point down over $200. Did however manage to recover a bit, when CO raises to $10 over a limp from the spewy guy. I call on the button with 97cc, which might be a bit borderline but we were only playing 5-handed. BB calls, and limper calls, so we go 4-way to Q-T-2 with two clubs. It checks to the raiser who bets $15, I call and BB also calls. Limper folds.
Turn comes 5c, so I make the flush. It folds to me, and I bet $45 (into $75 or so). BB folds, and raiser thinks for a long time and seems very unsure before calling. River is a 2 of hearts, which changes nothing. He checks, and I decided to bet $70 into $165. It just didn't see like he was super strong with his deliberation on turn, but I did want a call from a Queen. He ended up calling after taking his time on the river as well, and after I showed my flush he showed AQ with the Ace of clubs. Seemed very nitty that he had to think so long with that exact combo, but I was just happy to finally drag in a decent pot.
Played for a little while longer and won a small pot versus the spewy guy on A-2-A-T when I had raised pre with ATo and he had defended from BB. He did call flop, but sadly not turn - so I guess he didn't have an Ace.
Cashed out of the game after 3 hours and 45 minutes, down -$74 USD for the session. Hardly too significant, and given how card-dead and spot-dead I was (shoutout to PokerfaceAsh for latter expression) I'll take it.
After leaving Ceasars I went back to Aria and joined a $1-$3 game there. I will write more about that one tomorrow, for now I'm going to bed. Will update stats etc. after writing about the Aria-session - which (spoiler-alert) was a fun one!
05-15-2022
, 01:47 PM
As mentioned above, I went down to Aria yesterday evening for a $1-$3 session. Obviously convenient playing at the same hotel you are staying at, plus I assumed the games would be good on a Saturday evening.
For once this trip I started winning right out of the bat. My second hand at the table saw me raising AJo to $17 from BB after two limps. Only the first limper called, and we go heads-up to A-2-2. I bet $15, although in hindsight should go higher as any lesser Ace will call. He does call. Turn is a 4, I make it $42, and he folds. Guess he didn't have an Ace.
Then there is a minraise to $6 from the same player as above, many people call, and I call $5 more from SB with 22. We go 5-ways to Q-J-2, which is nice. I check, but it checks around. Turn is another Q, and it folds to button who bets $15. Could raise here, but seems more like he is taking a stab, so I decided to call and then lead river to get calls from maybe a non-believing Jack.
River is a 5, and while I am pondering what to lead the opponent checks out of turn. On one hand I can't go too big as he is likely not very strong, but on the other hand he could think that I am trying to buy the pot after his weakness. I should have gone $50, but instead settled on $30, and he agonized for a bit before calling (no idea with what).
More sets to be had; as we see a limp for $3 and I limp on the button with 44. Could maybe raise here, although I think it's easy enough to build a big pot post-flop regardless if we flop a set. BB makes it $11, which is a very small sizing, and first limper surprisingly folds. I obviously call, and we go heads-up to A-3-8. No set, and although he checks I didn't think I could rep a ton here with my limp-call, so I just check behind.
Obvious turn comes in the form of a 4, and he leads for $12. Definitely gonna fastplay this one, so I raise to $41. He calls quickly. River is a 6, and he actually leads into me for $46. He has a bit less than $200 left, and it seems clear he has something. But it could obviously also be a blocking-bet with a medium Ace to stop me from betting. I decide to go for the tactic of leaving him some money behind, as players are apparently more likely to make big calls if they don't go bust on it. I was gonna bet $125, but stupidly live-misclicked and only placed out $115 (I didn't announce). He agonizes and calls, and gets rather frustrated when he sees my hand.
(he later told me he had A-8 for top two pair, so knowing that I obviously should have gone for his stack)
Just like that up over $200, although I actually think I missed value on both the sets - which is a bit annoying.
More big pots when there are many limps, and I complete SB with A3cc. I do think I have become a bit too passive in these spots, as this could be a raise. That said, should maybe reserve it for A4s and A5s. Anyway, 6-ways to the insane flop of A-3-3, which checks around. Turn is a 7, and it checks to a young-ish guy who seemed like a grinder, who bets $15. It gets back to me, and he's either taking a stab or got something, so I raise to $50. He thinks about it, and it almost looks like he wanted to raise, but settled on a call.
River is a harmless K, and if I had something like AT here this would be an amazing spot for an overbet to get someone off a chop (AA-33-K). So although I am obviously stronger than that, I decided to bet $140 into $118. He thinks and agonizes, before finally calling with A7o for turned two pair.
More run-good follows, as I find AA from 2nd position and makes it $12. The guy who was a bit annoyed at losing when I had 44 makes it $25, and a player who seems on tilt cold-calls from SB as well. Oh that feeling of having Aces and get 3-bet. I make it $95, and 3-bettor moves all-in for not much more ($130 total?). SB folds, and I obviously call and tell him I have Aces. "Of course you ****ing do!" he said, but not really angry at me - just the deck. He obviously had Kings, board ran out Q-high and I won another huge pot.
Gigantic stack now, and I must admit it messed with my head a bit as I realized I am now up for the trip, and became a bit reluctant to play gigantic pots against other stacks in the $500-range. This shows in the next two hands, although they gave me more money than they would have with a more aggressive route.
First a middle aged English guy, who I had some friendly conversation with, to my right makes it $12 and I find AQcc. Should really be a 3-bet but I chose to just call, and a really bad player also calls on the button. BB also calls, so we go 5-ways to Q-9-3 rainbow. Check to me, and I make it $30. The terrible player behind me calls, and rest folds. Turn is a 6, and he only has around $100 left. So I put out a stack roughly enough to cover him, he jams and I call. River is another Q , and I drag in the chips versus Q2 suited (Israeli-Ron approved).
More passive play when a new player, a grinder-type who looks foreign, makes it $12 from 3rd position, and English guy just calls on button. I have ATdd in SB, and I think this is a slam dunk 3-bet versus these profiles and given UK guy is never very strong here. Instead I just call (sigh), and the terrible player in BB also calls.
T-8-6 two hearts, and it checks to the English guy. He bets $22, I considered raising to prize out draws behind me, but just called. Terrible player also calls, but raiser folds. Turn is a 2 and checks around. River is a 5, and although there is a straight out there I have to bet and get value from lesser Tx. I will hear from 97 anyway if someone have it. So I bet $37, BB folds, and English agonizes and calls with KTo. Gotta love some value, although I should have 3-bet pre in an optimal world.
Like I wrote above, I didn't quite trust myself to play optimally with such a big stack and decided to just take the win. It's stupid, as one should put in longer sessions with a winning image, so that is something I need to work on in my mental game. But all the run good that has eluded me so far this trip came in the span of 2 hours, and I got a bit too wrapped up with the result in my head.
Total result was +$876, which means I cashed out $1176 USD. Not a bad feeling!
It's now Sunday, so two more full days in Vegas + most of Tuesday remaining. Let's hope I can continue to run good, and hopefully play better as well.
Cash Games:
Hours played: 32h 45 min
Won/Lost: +$247 USD
Hourly rate: +$7.5 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
For once this trip I started winning right out of the bat. My second hand at the table saw me raising AJo to $17 from BB after two limps. Only the first limper called, and we go heads-up to A-2-2. I bet $15, although in hindsight should go higher as any lesser Ace will call. He does call. Turn is a 4, I make it $42, and he folds. Guess he didn't have an Ace.
Then there is a minraise to $6 from the same player as above, many people call, and I call $5 more from SB with 22. We go 5-ways to Q-J-2, which is nice. I check, but it checks around. Turn is another Q, and it folds to button who bets $15. Could raise here, but seems more like he is taking a stab, so I decided to call and then lead river to get calls from maybe a non-believing Jack.
River is a 5, and while I am pondering what to lead the opponent checks out of turn. On one hand I can't go too big as he is likely not very strong, but on the other hand he could think that I am trying to buy the pot after his weakness. I should have gone $50, but instead settled on $30, and he agonized for a bit before calling (no idea with what).
More sets to be had; as we see a limp for $3 and I limp on the button with 44. Could maybe raise here, although I think it's easy enough to build a big pot post-flop regardless if we flop a set. BB makes it $11, which is a very small sizing, and first limper surprisingly folds. I obviously call, and we go heads-up to A-3-8. No set, and although he checks I didn't think I could rep a ton here with my limp-call, so I just check behind.
Obvious turn comes in the form of a 4, and he leads for $12. Definitely gonna fastplay this one, so I raise to $41. He calls quickly. River is a 6, and he actually leads into me for $46. He has a bit less than $200 left, and it seems clear he has something. But it could obviously also be a blocking-bet with a medium Ace to stop me from betting. I decide to go for the tactic of leaving him some money behind, as players are apparently more likely to make big calls if they don't go bust on it. I was gonna bet $125, but stupidly live-misclicked and only placed out $115 (I didn't announce). He agonizes and calls, and gets rather frustrated when he sees my hand.
(he later told me he had A-8 for top two pair, so knowing that I obviously should have gone for his stack)
Just like that up over $200, although I actually think I missed value on both the sets - which is a bit annoying.
More big pots when there are many limps, and I complete SB with A3cc. I do think I have become a bit too passive in these spots, as this could be a raise. That said, should maybe reserve it for A4s and A5s. Anyway, 6-ways to the insane flop of A-3-3, which checks around. Turn is a 7, and it checks to a young-ish guy who seemed like a grinder, who bets $15. It gets back to me, and he's either taking a stab or got something, so I raise to $50. He thinks about it, and it almost looks like he wanted to raise, but settled on a call.
River is a harmless K, and if I had something like AT here this would be an amazing spot for an overbet to get someone off a chop (AA-33-K). So although I am obviously stronger than that, I decided to bet $140 into $118. He thinks and agonizes, before finally calling with A7o for turned two pair.
More run-good follows, as I find AA from 2nd position and makes it $12. The guy who was a bit annoyed at losing when I had 44 makes it $25, and a player who seems on tilt cold-calls from SB as well. Oh that feeling of having Aces and get 3-bet. I make it $95, and 3-bettor moves all-in for not much more ($130 total?). SB folds, and I obviously call and tell him I have Aces. "Of course you ****ing do!" he said, but not really angry at me - just the deck. He obviously had Kings, board ran out Q-high and I won another huge pot.
Gigantic stack now, and I must admit it messed with my head a bit as I realized I am now up for the trip, and became a bit reluctant to play gigantic pots against other stacks in the $500-range. This shows in the next two hands, although they gave me more money than they would have with a more aggressive route.
First a middle aged English guy, who I had some friendly conversation with, to my right makes it $12 and I find AQcc. Should really be a 3-bet but I chose to just call, and a really bad player also calls on the button. BB also calls, so we go 5-ways to Q-9-3 rainbow. Check to me, and I make it $30. The terrible player behind me calls, and rest folds. Turn is a 6, and he only has around $100 left. So I put out a stack roughly enough to cover him, he jams and I call. River is another Q , and I drag in the chips versus Q2 suited (Israeli-Ron approved).
More passive play when a new player, a grinder-type who looks foreign, makes it $12 from 3rd position, and English guy just calls on button. I have ATdd in SB, and I think this is a slam dunk 3-bet versus these profiles and given UK guy is never very strong here. Instead I just call (sigh), and the terrible player in BB also calls.
T-8-6 two hearts, and it checks to the English guy. He bets $22, I considered raising to prize out draws behind me, but just called. Terrible player also calls, but raiser folds. Turn is a 2 and checks around. River is a 5, and although there is a straight out there I have to bet and get value from lesser Tx. I will hear from 97 anyway if someone have it. So I bet $37, BB folds, and English agonizes and calls with KTo. Gotta love some value, although I should have 3-bet pre in an optimal world.
Like I wrote above, I didn't quite trust myself to play optimally with such a big stack and decided to just take the win. It's stupid, as one should put in longer sessions with a winning image, so that is something I need to work on in my mental game. But all the run good that has eluded me so far this trip came in the span of 2 hours, and I got a bit too wrapped up with the result in my head.
Total result was +$876, which means I cashed out $1176 USD. Not a bad feeling!
It's now Sunday, so two more full days in Vegas + most of Tuesday remaining. Let's hope I can continue to run good, and hopefully play better as well.
Cash Games:
Hours played: 32h 45 min
Won/Lost: +$247 USD
Hourly rate: +$7.5 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
05-16-2022
, 03:06 AM
Today started off in a lazy mood, with a trip to the Aria-pool. The highlight there was two young-ish girls laying on sunbeds pretty close to our right, with hardly any clothing at all. Sadly I do not have any picture of this (that would be somewhat creepy), but man are there lots of pretty girls/women in Vegas!
Oh well, unlucky in love but maybe lucky in cards? I joined brother to Venetian, as he had plans to play the $400 freezeout 1-day tourney there (sadly 16th place with 12 paid.. ). And while he registered that one, I got myself a seat in a $1-$3 game.
The first hand I played was a really cool one, although one can question the preflop decision. There are a few limps to me, and I come along on button with A9o. We go something like 6-ways to J-T-8 with two spades. An older guy bets $10, and I call with my OESD + Ace of spades. Turn is a 7, so I do make the straight. He bets $15, and I call once more.
River comes with 6s, and he bets $20. Bet seems a bit weak to me, but that's just how they play here. Despite the terrible sizing, I think we are likely chopping - and I am not interested in that. So I raise to $110, repping the flush. He quickly says "nice catch" and fold his hand. Good stuff. Given his comment, it seems very likely he folded a straight.
Up a little bit early then, but then I played 3 hands in a row that didn't work out at all:
* Hand 1: I raise 88 to $15 over a limp, and get called by an Asian player on the button + the limper. We see Q-5-6, and after the limper checks I bet $13. Another live misclick, meant to bet $18 but grabbed too few chips. Asian raises to $36, and I chose to call. Maybe too light as I block primary draw, but at the same time I have some good turns. Turn comes A, and he checks. I check behind - mostly want to get to showdown. River is another 6, he bets $38 and I fold. He shows AA for the boat.
* Hand 2: Very next one, I raise AQo to $12 and get 3 callers, including BB. Flop comes A-K-4 all hearts, and it checks to me. I bet $25 to charge draws and get calls from lesser Aces, and only BB call. Turn is a 6, and he checks again. I bet $55 this time (into $90 or so), and he once again calls. I was a bit on the fence if I should go for value on the river as well, but as it turns out it was 7h for fourth heart. He checks, and I just check it back with showdown-value. He does however have AK, which is just absurd but nothing I can really do much about.
* Hand 3: I make it $12 again and announce "third time's the charm" with TT from UTG. A new guy looking a bit serious/douchey makes it $30 from button, and after checking out his stack (he started with $200) I call. Flop is Q-7-4 rainbow, I check, and he bets $25. Can't go nowhere just yet, so I call. Turn is a 2, and I check once again. He bets $32, and I chose to call once more. Again debatable since I block most obvious draw, but this guy seemed loose enough to where I thought it was worth to see what he does on the river. It comes K, which is not a good card at all. I check, he bets $38 and I just release.
All this betting and calling gets expensive really quick, so suddenly I down almost $200. I have around $210 in my stack, but I usually don't top up unless I get under $200. Anyway, after folding for a while we open up 9Tcc to $15 over a limp from a weak older player, we get the expected call from the new loose guy on the button (he was in there almost every hand), and BB and limper also calls.
8-5-3 all clubs is favorable, and after it checks to me I bet $40. The guy on the button says "let me check if I have the Ace of clubs, ok?" and makes a show of looking at his cards before moving all-in. The other two folds, and I call immediately. Not going to be worried about his speech play or whether he has a better hand. He does indeed show the Ace of clubs, but turn and river are both random red cards, and he says I'm good and shows A3o.
Back in a small profit then, although I go very card-dead for long periods after that hand. In the meantime the active guy tells the table that he busted 65th with 62 paid in the $600 Monster Stack 2-day event, so I assume he was still steaming a bit from it. He is in there in most hands, but not having too much luck and eventually find himself down to less than $150 in his stack.
He straddles on the button, and I find 99 from early position. I raise to $20 and he is the only caller. J-7-6 comes on the board, and I bet $20 once again. He moves all-in for $115 total, and although this would be an easy fold versus someone else I do think this guy is properly tilted by now and could do this with any pair. Obviously I am crushed if he has a Jack, but this is a board that shouldn't hit me too hard. So I make the call after thinking about it for 20 seconds or so, and it runs out T on turn and 5 on river. He shows 54o for a missed OESD that turned into a pair on river, and I scoop the pot with my nines.
Also played another fun hand a bit later when there are two limps, before a player on the button makes it $12. Very small raise, giving me good prize from the BB with 43s in spades. We got 5-ways to 6s-6c-5s which is an interesting flop to say the least. It checks to PFR who bets $35 into $60. Seems likely he has something when he bets into this many opponents, but with my monster draw I am not going anywhere. I raise to $115, and would have been willing to call off a shove. It didn't come to that however, as he just thinks about it for a bit before folding.
One could always say I should just have called trying to get the straight flush for the High Hand Promotion. However, given my location they would likely have taken $100 out of $300 in tax or something (like at The Orleans). Plus, I rather promote fold-equity with my 4 high than take my chances on an unlikely miracle card.
Played at Venetian for 3 hours, before deciding to take the win and wanting a change of scenery. Plus $236 USD was the result, which I hardly can complain about (was in for $400).
Obviously played more poker later in the day, will post that update & stats tomorrow morning. In the meantime, enjoy this nice scenery from Las Vegas:
Oh well, unlucky in love but maybe lucky in cards? I joined brother to Venetian, as he had plans to play the $400 freezeout 1-day tourney there (sadly 16th place with 12 paid.. ). And while he registered that one, I got myself a seat in a $1-$3 game.
The first hand I played was a really cool one, although one can question the preflop decision. There are a few limps to me, and I come along on button with A9o. We go something like 6-ways to J-T-8 with two spades. An older guy bets $10, and I call with my OESD + Ace of spades. Turn is a 7, so I do make the straight. He bets $15, and I call once more.
River comes with 6s, and he bets $20. Bet seems a bit weak to me, but that's just how they play here. Despite the terrible sizing, I think we are likely chopping - and I am not interested in that. So I raise to $110, repping the flush. He quickly says "nice catch" and fold his hand. Good stuff. Given his comment, it seems very likely he folded a straight.
Up a little bit early then, but then I played 3 hands in a row that didn't work out at all:
* Hand 1: I raise 88 to $15 over a limp, and get called by an Asian player on the button + the limper. We see Q-5-6, and after the limper checks I bet $13. Another live misclick, meant to bet $18 but grabbed too few chips. Asian raises to $36, and I chose to call. Maybe too light as I block primary draw, but at the same time I have some good turns. Turn comes A, and he checks. I check behind - mostly want to get to showdown. River is another 6, he bets $38 and I fold. He shows AA for the boat.
* Hand 2: Very next one, I raise AQo to $12 and get 3 callers, including BB. Flop comes A-K-4 all hearts, and it checks to me. I bet $25 to charge draws and get calls from lesser Aces, and only BB call. Turn is a 6, and he checks again. I bet $55 this time (into $90 or so), and he once again calls. I was a bit on the fence if I should go for value on the river as well, but as it turns out it was 7h for fourth heart. He checks, and I just check it back with showdown-value. He does however have AK, which is just absurd but nothing I can really do much about.
* Hand 3: I make it $12 again and announce "third time's the charm" with TT from UTG. A new guy looking a bit serious/douchey makes it $30 from button, and after checking out his stack (he started with $200) I call. Flop is Q-7-4 rainbow, I check, and he bets $25. Can't go nowhere just yet, so I call. Turn is a 2, and I check once again. He bets $32, and I chose to call once more. Again debatable since I block most obvious draw, but this guy seemed loose enough to where I thought it was worth to see what he does on the river. It comes K, which is not a good card at all. I check, he bets $38 and I just release.
All this betting and calling gets expensive really quick, so suddenly I down almost $200. I have around $210 in my stack, but I usually don't top up unless I get under $200. Anyway, after folding for a while we open up 9Tcc to $15 over a limp from a weak older player, we get the expected call from the new loose guy on the button (he was in there almost every hand), and BB and limper also calls.
8-5-3 all clubs is favorable, and after it checks to me I bet $40. The guy on the button says "let me check if I have the Ace of clubs, ok?" and makes a show of looking at his cards before moving all-in. The other two folds, and I call immediately. Not going to be worried about his speech play or whether he has a better hand. He does indeed show the Ace of clubs, but turn and river are both random red cards, and he says I'm good and shows A3o.
Back in a small profit then, although I go very card-dead for long periods after that hand. In the meantime the active guy tells the table that he busted 65th with 62 paid in the $600 Monster Stack 2-day event, so I assume he was still steaming a bit from it. He is in there in most hands, but not having too much luck and eventually find himself down to less than $150 in his stack.
He straddles on the button, and I find 99 from early position. I raise to $20 and he is the only caller. J-7-6 comes on the board, and I bet $20 once again. He moves all-in for $115 total, and although this would be an easy fold versus someone else I do think this guy is properly tilted by now and could do this with any pair. Obviously I am crushed if he has a Jack, but this is a board that shouldn't hit me too hard. So I make the call after thinking about it for 20 seconds or so, and it runs out T on turn and 5 on river. He shows 54o for a missed OESD that turned into a pair on river, and I scoop the pot with my nines.
Also played another fun hand a bit later when there are two limps, before a player on the button makes it $12. Very small raise, giving me good prize from the BB with 43s in spades. We got 5-ways to 6s-6c-5s which is an interesting flop to say the least. It checks to PFR who bets $35 into $60. Seems likely he has something when he bets into this many opponents, but with my monster draw I am not going anywhere. I raise to $115, and would have been willing to call off a shove. It didn't come to that however, as he just thinks about it for a bit before folding.
One could always say I should just have called trying to get the straight flush for the High Hand Promotion. However, given my location they would likely have taken $100 out of $300 in tax or something (like at The Orleans). Plus, I rather promote fold-equity with my 4 high than take my chances on an unlikely miracle card.
Played at Venetian for 3 hours, before deciding to take the win and wanting a change of scenery. Plus $236 USD was the result, which I hardly can complain about (was in for $400).
Obviously played more poker later in the day, will post that update & stats tomorrow morning. In the meantime, enjoy this nice scenery from Las Vegas:
05-16-2022
, 01:50 PM
As I am a sucker for playing everywhere, I went over to this location yesterday evening:
I didn't really think about it until checking Bravo, but they had the Mariano & Rampage meet-up game there yesterday, and there was 9 tables of $2-$5 going. So I hoped that all good players would be stuck there, and that I could find some fish at $1-$2. In addition, I do enjoy Mariano's vlogs, and would have said hello if the opportunity was there. However, these two had already left the building by the time I got there.
I quickly got a seat in a $1-$2 game, and after being slightly down early I found an interesting spot when an active Indian player - who seemed a bit spewy - raised to $15 from 3rd position. I chose to call in cutoff with 54cc, might be a bit borderline, but hopefully not terrible. We go heads up to A-Q-6 two clubs. He bets $25 and I have no other choice but to call. Raising on this board versus his range would be suicide I think, even if he is wide pre.
Turn is Kc ,so I make my flush. He bets $50, and I am not sure why I just called and did not raise here as we can get value from so many good hands he could have. However, I was seated in the 8-seat on these new weird-looking tables they have at MGM, and it was honestly a bit hard to read the board from there (I switched seats later). And I didn't want to stand up for a closer look as that would make it very obvious I had a flush. Or - at least I thought I did with 99% certainty
Regardless, river is an A which is not an ideal card. I lose to AK, AQ, QQ, KK, and he bets $125. Fairly big into $180 or so, and against a tighter player I would seriously have considered a fold. But this guy seemed spewy/fishy just from my observation the first 30 minutes, and after standing up and double checking that I indeed have a flush I make the call. He turns over QJo, which is obviously not good.
(if he turned it into a bluff it's somewhat of a sexy play, although to be honest I think he was just clicking buttons).
Also had Aces a bit later and won a small/medium pot from those, before going card-dead for a very long time. At least the stack was looking decent:
I didn't fare too well in the latter half though, which started with me raising TT to $10 from early position. A young local hoodie-kid calls on the button, and we go heads-up to Q-J-3. Not really the ideal flop, should maybe have bet small to target 77-99 hands, but I chose to check. He checks behind. Turn is a 5, and this time I bet $12 for some equity denial. He calls.
River is a 7, and given he checked back flop he definitely does not have a Queen I think. He likely has a Jack, or a non-believing pocket pair. 77 made trips, but I could still eek out value from 88 and 99. That said, might be too thin as there are obviously still many Jx combos out there. But there and then it made sense to make a kind-of blocking bet that could also (I thought) get called by worse on a few occasions. So I bet $16, and he calls very quickly. I show my hand, and he shows JT suited.
Same villain again, as I open 76dd from MP to $10 a bit later, and he 3-bets to $35 from SB. With position and both being over $300 deep it seems like a call to me. Flop comes K-Q-9 with the latter a diamond, and he checks to me. Maybe this is a spot where I should use my position to start a backdoor bluff? At the same time, flop smashes parts of his 3-betting range hard - and even if he has something like JJ it will take two bullets to get the job done. I check it back, and turn is a 6. He bets $55 and I just let it go - could maybe call and try to bet river + I do pick up extra outs. That said, I could also be fairly dead against stronger parts of his range.
More lost pots, when hoodie-kid limps for $2, spewy Indian goes to $16 and a Spanish player who seemed ok calls right behind him. I am in BB with 78ss, and although I could easily call this is probably a good hand to have in a 3-betting range on a few occasions. So that is what I do, making it $67. 3-bets from BB when I am getting a prize to complete should look really strong, but it does not deter the Indian. He 4-bets to $200 and I am caught with my hand in the cookie jar. I obviously fold.
One last hand of note, when a passive American around 40 makes it $11 from UTG. I call third to act with 88 and Spanish player in BB also calls. A-9-8 is favorable versus UTG's range, so after he bets $11 again I make it $35. Spaniard folds, and UTG calls. Squarely putting him on an Ace at this point and he only has around $80-$90 behind. Turn is a J, he checks and I put him all-in. Sadly he folds almost immediately, so I guess he didn't have a good Ace.
The Indian player then left, and a couple of slightly better players had entered the table so I just didn't feel like playing anymore. I took the small profit of $57 USD after 2 hours and 15 minutes. Feels like it should have been more, and maybe I am getting a bit too much out of line pre-flop?
Time flies so fast in Vegas, because today is the last full day for us. Not sure what the plans are, so I guess I'll have a think about it now.
Cash Games:
Hours played: 38h 00 min
Won/Lost: +$247 USD
Hourly rate: +$14.2 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
I didn't really think about it until checking Bravo, but they had the Mariano & Rampage meet-up game there yesterday, and there was 9 tables of $2-$5 going. So I hoped that all good players would be stuck there, and that I could find some fish at $1-$2. In addition, I do enjoy Mariano's vlogs, and would have said hello if the opportunity was there. However, these two had already left the building by the time I got there.
I quickly got a seat in a $1-$2 game, and after being slightly down early I found an interesting spot when an active Indian player - who seemed a bit spewy - raised to $15 from 3rd position. I chose to call in cutoff with 54cc, might be a bit borderline, but hopefully not terrible. We go heads up to A-Q-6 two clubs. He bets $25 and I have no other choice but to call. Raising on this board versus his range would be suicide I think, even if he is wide pre.
Turn is Kc ,so I make my flush. He bets $50, and I am not sure why I just called and did not raise here as we can get value from so many good hands he could have. However, I was seated in the 8-seat on these new weird-looking tables they have at MGM, and it was honestly a bit hard to read the board from there (I switched seats later). And I didn't want to stand up for a closer look as that would make it very obvious I had a flush. Or - at least I thought I did with 99% certainty
Regardless, river is an A which is not an ideal card. I lose to AK, AQ, QQ, KK, and he bets $125. Fairly big into $180 or so, and against a tighter player I would seriously have considered a fold. But this guy seemed spewy/fishy just from my observation the first 30 minutes, and after standing up and double checking that I indeed have a flush I make the call. He turns over QJo, which is obviously not good.
(if he turned it into a bluff it's somewhat of a sexy play, although to be honest I think he was just clicking buttons).
Also had Aces a bit later and won a small/medium pot from those, before going card-dead for a very long time. At least the stack was looking decent:
I didn't fare too well in the latter half though, which started with me raising TT to $10 from early position. A young local hoodie-kid calls on the button, and we go heads-up to Q-J-3. Not really the ideal flop, should maybe have bet small to target 77-99 hands, but I chose to check. He checks behind. Turn is a 5, and this time I bet $12 for some equity denial. He calls.
River is a 7, and given he checked back flop he definitely does not have a Queen I think. He likely has a Jack, or a non-believing pocket pair. 77 made trips, but I could still eek out value from 88 and 99. That said, might be too thin as there are obviously still many Jx combos out there. But there and then it made sense to make a kind-of blocking bet that could also (I thought) get called by worse on a few occasions. So I bet $16, and he calls very quickly. I show my hand, and he shows JT suited.
Same villain again, as I open 76dd from MP to $10 a bit later, and he 3-bets to $35 from SB. With position and both being over $300 deep it seems like a call to me. Flop comes K-Q-9 with the latter a diamond, and he checks to me. Maybe this is a spot where I should use my position to start a backdoor bluff? At the same time, flop smashes parts of his 3-betting range hard - and even if he has something like JJ it will take two bullets to get the job done. I check it back, and turn is a 6. He bets $55 and I just let it go - could maybe call and try to bet river + I do pick up extra outs. That said, I could also be fairly dead against stronger parts of his range.
More lost pots, when hoodie-kid limps for $2, spewy Indian goes to $16 and a Spanish player who seemed ok calls right behind him. I am in BB with 78ss, and although I could easily call this is probably a good hand to have in a 3-betting range on a few occasions. So that is what I do, making it $67. 3-bets from BB when I am getting a prize to complete should look really strong, but it does not deter the Indian. He 4-bets to $200 and I am caught with my hand in the cookie jar. I obviously fold.
One last hand of note, when a passive American around 40 makes it $11 from UTG. I call third to act with 88 and Spanish player in BB also calls. A-9-8 is favorable versus UTG's range, so after he bets $11 again I make it $35. Spaniard folds, and UTG calls. Squarely putting him on an Ace at this point and he only has around $80-$90 behind. Turn is a J, he checks and I put him all-in. Sadly he folds almost immediately, so I guess he didn't have a good Ace.
The Indian player then left, and a couple of slightly better players had entered the table so I just didn't feel like playing anymore. I took the small profit of $57 USD after 2 hours and 15 minutes. Feels like it should have been more, and maybe I am getting a bit too much out of line pre-flop?
Time flies so fast in Vegas, because today is the last full day for us. Not sure what the plans are, so I guess I'll have a think about it now.
Cash Games:
Hours played: 38h 00 min
Won/Lost: +$247 USD
Hourly rate: +$14.2 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
05-17-2022
, 01:06 PM
Sitting here in my hotel room at Aria with 1.5 hours left until checkout, it's easy to reflect on how fast time has flown. It's almost downright scary how fast the days go, even if you try to cut down on sleep and stretch the days a bit.
Sadly yesterday was not very interesting in the way of poker. Started off with a session here:
Game was not amazing, however there was one big action player at the table who showed a tendecy to bluff in poor spots and a wife pre-flop selection. I couldn't get anything going against him however, and we were only involved in one hand of significance together. A new young-ish player raised to $10 with around $150 behind, I make it $35 on button with AKo and the action player cold-calls BB. Raiser folds. Flop is 6-2-3, he checks, I bet $40 and he folds instantly.
This hand + another one was the only hand I won during the time I played. Apart from that just kept losing a few small pots here and there. Eventually the action player busted and was replaced by decent players who knew how to raise and 3-bet. Life is too short for that, so I just cashed out after 1.5 hours down $50 USD.
Made my way over to Bellagio instead. As a sign of the trip ending, the Conservatory was being rebuilt:
List at Bellagio was way too long however, and floor said they would maybe open a new table in 30 minutes or so. Didn't really feel like waiting, so just went back to the room and chilled before an evening session.
Obviously couldn't leave Vegas with at least one session at Golden Nugget, although above was a stack highlight sadly (in for $400 at that time).
Played a couple of weird AK-hands, first one when I raise to $10 from UTG and get two callers. We see A-5-3 two spades (I have none), and I bet $20 after it checks to me. BB is the only caller. Turn is a K and he leads right into me for $40. Unsure of what to make of this, and in hindsight I should have considered raising maybe. As it was I only called. River is another spade (8), and he leads $60. Although his whole line feels a bit bizarre, I don't think I can do much about it. Way too likely he has some kind of flush here. I fold.
After losing a few other small pots there is a limp for $2, an Asian player to my direct right makes it $6 (lol) and I find AKo again. These types of raises are never strong hands, so I make it $26. A very tight BB cold-calls, and raiser also-calls. Flop is 9-7-3 two clubs, and I have Kc. BB checks, and original raiser now leads for $26. This again feels weak to me, like he is trying to find out where he is with a pocket pair maybe. So although I would have preferred to have Ac to make this play, I raise to $75 with plans to continue on some overcards and most clubs. BB folds, and the Asian thinks and calls. Turn is Qs which would have been ok-ish for my plans (he never has Queens I think), however he just jams for his remaining $200 in front. I instamuck obviously, and he shows 33 for a flopped set.
Also lost an annoying pot versus a really bad African American gentleman, who kept busting and reloading for $100 more over and over. There is a limp for $2 and I make it $11 on button with T8cc. Bit light, but at least I have position. Action player calls, and limper calls. We see 9c-7c-5s, so I flop an open-ended straight flush draw. Checks to me, I bet $18, BB calls (with not much behind) and limper folds.
Turn is a 7 which is not what I was looking for, and action player moves all-in for $36. Nothing I can do but call, although I'm obviously behind right now. River does however blank out with a red K and he shows AJo for the winner. Interesting way to play it I guess.
Added on for $200 more in bills but couldn't get anything going for a long time. Then I pick up QQ after cutoff raised to $13, and button and SB both called. I am in BB and make it $75. First raiser calls, button folds and SB agonizes and folds (later said he had JJ). Flop is T-4-6 two spades. I bet $55, which is obviously small but I do want calls from 88/99/JJ type of hands, although I guess I am giving way too good of a prize to flushdraws. But given opponents stack size I either had to bet small or just move all-in. He calls.
Turn is a 7, but I'm not too worried about 89 or 77 obviously. He has around $150 behind now, and I am pot-stuck no matter what I do. So I just jam all-in, although there is not a million of hands I can get value from. He actually folds quickly, so I have no idea what he has.
That hand was however the only highlight as I kept losing afterwards (was down $90 or so after it). Very card-dead overall, and when I got good hands I couldn't get anything going. An example is when I found AQhh and raised to $12 after a limp, only to get called in 4-spots. Flop is 4-8-6 two diamonds no hearts, and I just have to check-fold.
Played for 4 hours and 30 minutes, losing $150 USD exactly.
Results below. Not very impressive at all, but will comment on that later. For now I just have to start getting ready for check-out. Not sure if there will be anymore play today or not before flight this evening.
Edit: Forgot to update profit in stats last post, it was $540 before the above sessions.
Cash Games:
Hours played: 44h 00 min
Won/Lost: +$340 USD
Hourly rate: +$7.7 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
Sadly yesterday was not very interesting in the way of poker. Started off with a session here:
Game was not amazing, however there was one big action player at the table who showed a tendecy to bluff in poor spots and a wife pre-flop selection. I couldn't get anything going against him however, and we were only involved in one hand of significance together. A new young-ish player raised to $10 with around $150 behind, I make it $35 on button with AKo and the action player cold-calls BB. Raiser folds. Flop is 6-2-3, he checks, I bet $40 and he folds instantly.
This hand + another one was the only hand I won during the time I played. Apart from that just kept losing a few small pots here and there. Eventually the action player busted and was replaced by decent players who knew how to raise and 3-bet. Life is too short for that, so I just cashed out after 1.5 hours down $50 USD.
Made my way over to Bellagio instead. As a sign of the trip ending, the Conservatory was being rebuilt:
List at Bellagio was way too long however, and floor said they would maybe open a new table in 30 minutes or so. Didn't really feel like waiting, so just went back to the room and chilled before an evening session.
Obviously couldn't leave Vegas with at least one session at Golden Nugget, although above was a stack highlight sadly (in for $400 at that time).
Played a couple of weird AK-hands, first one when I raise to $10 from UTG and get two callers. We see A-5-3 two spades (I have none), and I bet $20 after it checks to me. BB is the only caller. Turn is a K and he leads right into me for $40. Unsure of what to make of this, and in hindsight I should have considered raising maybe. As it was I only called. River is another spade (8), and he leads $60. Although his whole line feels a bit bizarre, I don't think I can do much about it. Way too likely he has some kind of flush here. I fold.
After losing a few other small pots there is a limp for $2, an Asian player to my direct right makes it $6 (lol) and I find AKo again. These types of raises are never strong hands, so I make it $26. A very tight BB cold-calls, and raiser also-calls. Flop is 9-7-3 two clubs, and I have Kc. BB checks, and original raiser now leads for $26. This again feels weak to me, like he is trying to find out where he is with a pocket pair maybe. So although I would have preferred to have Ac to make this play, I raise to $75 with plans to continue on some overcards and most clubs. BB folds, and the Asian thinks and calls. Turn is Qs which would have been ok-ish for my plans (he never has Queens I think), however he just jams for his remaining $200 in front. I instamuck obviously, and he shows 33 for a flopped set.
Also lost an annoying pot versus a really bad African American gentleman, who kept busting and reloading for $100 more over and over. There is a limp for $2 and I make it $11 on button with T8cc. Bit light, but at least I have position. Action player calls, and limper calls. We see 9c-7c-5s, so I flop an open-ended straight flush draw. Checks to me, I bet $18, BB calls (with not much behind) and limper folds.
Turn is a 7 which is not what I was looking for, and action player moves all-in for $36. Nothing I can do but call, although I'm obviously behind right now. River does however blank out with a red K and he shows AJo for the winner. Interesting way to play it I guess.
Added on for $200 more in bills but couldn't get anything going for a long time. Then I pick up QQ after cutoff raised to $13, and button and SB both called. I am in BB and make it $75. First raiser calls, button folds and SB agonizes and folds (later said he had JJ). Flop is T-4-6 two spades. I bet $55, which is obviously small but I do want calls from 88/99/JJ type of hands, although I guess I am giving way too good of a prize to flushdraws. But given opponents stack size I either had to bet small or just move all-in. He calls.
Turn is a 7, but I'm not too worried about 89 or 77 obviously. He has around $150 behind now, and I am pot-stuck no matter what I do. So I just jam all-in, although there is not a million of hands I can get value from. He actually folds quickly, so I have no idea what he has.
That hand was however the only highlight as I kept losing afterwards (was down $90 or so after it). Very card-dead overall, and when I got good hands I couldn't get anything going. An example is when I found AQhh and raised to $12 after a limp, only to get called in 4-spots. Flop is 4-8-6 two diamonds no hearts, and I just have to check-fold.
Played for 4 hours and 30 minutes, losing $150 USD exactly.
Results below. Not very impressive at all, but will comment on that later. For now I just have to start getting ready for check-out. Not sure if there will be anymore play today or not before flight this evening.
Edit: Forgot to update profit in stats last post, it was $540 before the above sessions.
Cash Games:
Hours played: 44h 00 min
Won/Lost: +$340 USD
Hourly rate: +$7.7 USD
Tournaments:
Won/Lost: -$260 USD (2 played)
05-17-2022
, 02:18 PM
05-23-2022
, 09:20 AM
While MuckPls and other degens are about to head to Vegas and enjoy WSOP, I am trying to come to terms with no pending Vegas-trips the coming months for myself. It's always such a melancholy feeling being back from Vegas, especially this time as I am very unhappy with my own play and the result. But we can get back to that later, let us try a quick summary first.
* Travel: Mostly went by without a hitch, and I actually quite enjoyed breaking up the trip to Vegas in two days. Definitely something I will look at doing in the future as well. And leaving Vegas in the evening is the nuts; as always got plenty of sleep in on the flight over to London.
* Mandalay Bay: Really nice hotel, and would definitely consider staying there again. Although the location is not ideal for poker, the pool is amazing, room was very spacious and chill, and just the overall vibe was a nice start to the trip.
* Ballys: With the exception of a long check-in queue, I enjoyed my days here as well. As I wrote earlier, I think the property and the rooms are underrated, and location is obviously amazing. Sadly didn't get to try the pool this time as weather was a bit strange during those days.
* Aria: Really cool rooms, great location, extremely lively hotel. Pools were a bit small, but lots of 'scenery' to look at while there And the gym is by far the best one I've seen in Vegas so far. Also very smooth check-in/check-out process.
* Weather: Was actually a bit windy and cold-ish (relatively speaking) first half of trip, before heating up like crazy last 5 days with 95F and similar. Latter is obviously nice, but actually made it too hot to walk much around - found myself relying on Ubers etc. way more than I have done on previous trips.
* Vegas in general: Very busy with people, seems to have recovered a lot since pandemic. Things are still not 100% back to normal everywhere, but close enough to where I didn't really think about it.
* Poker/game quality: It might just be my imagtination and/or playing with less confidence, but seemed to be slightly more grinder-types around this time. It might be because WSOP was just around the corner, or just random. Still very soft obviously, but highly unusual to at times have 2-3 decent players at my tables even at the lowest stakes. Should maybe game selected even more, although I at times was quick to leave if I felt the game was not the best.
For some reason, I never got a really good feeling at the tables this time around. Could be because I got stuck early, and I also think I was a bit card-dead/spot-dead compared to previous trips. Good barrelling opportunities just didn't seem to come around very often. Having said that, I would be naive to only blame it on variance. I definitely made a ton of poor plays and mistakes during my 10 days, which taints my overall impression of the trip.
Of course - life is always great when one have time to take a vacation to Las Vegas and play poker - so it's important to not lose sight of the big picture. But I will never progress beyond a small winner at $1-$3 (and this time I struggled just to get a win) if I don't make better decisions going forward. Looking back at HHs I held on for way too long with some hands (including way too many 2-out draws like pocket pairs), and should probably also been much more aggressive in some spots. I still made the occasional cool play here and there, and I am glad that I value owned myself a few times. But for some reason I just never got too confident this time around, and I know it affected some decisions here and there. That was also the reason for (yet) another trip without any $2-$5 - just didn't have the right mindset for it.
Oh well, it's all in the past and nothing we can do about it except learn. Hopefully I can find time & vacation days for one more trip later this year, In the meantime, hopefully other people can contribute with many great TRs. Thanks to everyone reading, until next time
* Travel: Mostly went by without a hitch, and I actually quite enjoyed breaking up the trip to Vegas in two days. Definitely something I will look at doing in the future as well. And leaving Vegas in the evening is the nuts; as always got plenty of sleep in on the flight over to London.
* Mandalay Bay: Really nice hotel, and would definitely consider staying there again. Although the location is not ideal for poker, the pool is amazing, room was very spacious and chill, and just the overall vibe was a nice start to the trip.
* Ballys: With the exception of a long check-in queue, I enjoyed my days here as well. As I wrote earlier, I think the property and the rooms are underrated, and location is obviously amazing. Sadly didn't get to try the pool this time as weather was a bit strange during those days.
* Aria: Really cool rooms, great location, extremely lively hotel. Pools were a bit small, but lots of 'scenery' to look at while there
And the gym is by far the best one I've seen in Vegas so far. Also very smooth check-in/check-out process.* Weather: Was actually a bit windy and cold-ish (relatively speaking) first half of trip, before heating up like crazy last 5 days with 95F and similar. Latter is obviously nice, but actually made it too hot to walk much around - found myself relying on Ubers etc. way more than I have done on previous trips.
* Vegas in general: Very busy with people, seems to have recovered a lot since pandemic. Things are still not 100% back to normal everywhere, but close enough to where I didn't really think about it.
* Poker/game quality: It might just be my imagtination and/or playing with less confidence, but seemed to be slightly more grinder-types around this time. It might be because WSOP was just around the corner, or just random. Still very soft obviously, but highly unusual to at times have 2-3 decent players at my tables even at the lowest stakes. Should maybe game selected even more, although I at times was quick to leave if I felt the game was not the best.
For some reason, I never got a really good feeling at the tables this time around. Could be because I got stuck early, and I also think I was a bit card-dead/spot-dead compared to previous trips. Good barrelling opportunities just didn't seem to come around very often. Having said that, I would be naive to only blame it on variance. I definitely made a ton of poor plays and mistakes during my 10 days, which taints my overall impression of the trip.
Of course - life is always great when one have time to take a vacation to Las Vegas and play poker - so it's important to not lose sight of the big picture. But I will never progress beyond a small winner at $1-$3 (and this time I struggled just to get a win) if I don't make better decisions going forward. Looking back at HHs I held on for way too long with some hands (including way too many 2-out draws like pocket pairs), and should probably also been much more aggressive in some spots. I still made the occasional cool play here and there, and I am glad that I value owned myself a few times. But for some reason I just never got too confident this time around, and I know it affected some decisions here and there. That was also the reason for (yet) another trip without any $2-$5 - just didn't have the right mindset for it.
Oh well, it's all in the past and nothing we can do about it except learn. Hopefully I can find time & vacation days for one more trip later this year, In the meantime, hopefully other people can contribute with many great TRs. Thanks to everyone reading, until next time
05-23-2022
, 06:44 PM
