"The past is a ghost, the future a dream. All we ever have is now." - Bill Cosby

New Years Fireworks





I am going to start off the year with a 10 day mini challenge. The plan is to play 100 hrs in 10 days.

Hand 1:

V1 (1500)- 40 yo black male, limps a fairly wide range, tag postflop, has shown the good in big pots
V2 (600)- 50 yo asian male, tag
Hero's Image (400)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (3):
Hero is MP dealt AA
1 EP limp, V1 limps from EP, Hero raises to 12, V2 calls from LP, limper folds, V1 calls.

Flop (35):
865
Checks to Hero who bets 25, V2 folds, V1 calls.

Turn (84):
T
V1 bets 100, Hero folds.

Hand 2:

V1 (170)- 35 yo white male, loose
Hero's Image (270)- 25 yo white male, tight

Preflop straddled pot (7):
Hero is BTN dealt A9
Hero raises to 16, V1 calls from straddle.

Flop (32):
AJ8
V1 bets 25, Hero calls.

Turn (81):
Q
V1 bets 50, Hero calls.

River (181):
6
V1 bets 79 and is AI, Hero folds.

I was really debating wether to call the river, was going to call if a blank came. Getting decent odds too.

Thank you both for your thoughts.

I am happy I can dig up some wise quotes to share with the community.

Thanks man, glad you like the pics. You are absolutely right about setting and sticking to my goals. Last year I failed to meet them way too many times.

I have nobody to blame but myself for going busto. If I had played 2k hrs last year my bankroll would very likely be in a much better spot. I take full responsibility for ****ing up and being lazy. This year will be different, I am more determined than ever.

Mini Challenge

10.5/100 hrs played

January 2014

Total hours played- 10.5
Average hourly winrate- -$11
Winnings- -$120

GL in the new year. You have the right mentality and enough knowledge to crush the games, as long as you put in the hours.

I like both folds you made. The first one is definitely a tough one that not many players can make.

But why did you overbet in that spot? I think you lose a lot of value from the bottom of his range especially since the ten is somewhat of a scare card.

on the last HH...how is the 6 of clubs not a blank? (just curious, am I missing something?)

it's great that you have a pass time now.

The good thing about modern photography... anyone can buy a camera and do it.
The bad thing about modern photography... anyone can buy a camera and do it.




FYI... there is a photo thread on 2+2.

The river, 6c in this case completes the flush draw.

"Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach" - Tom Robbins

The Strip



I am on track to nail my target so far.

Bellagio, Mirage and Orleans have all recently added usb ports to charge phones at the table which is cool. Venetian and Wynn have regular outlets at each table as well.

Hand 1:

V1 (134)- 30 yo white male, tight
V2 (194)- 30 yo white male, tag
Hero's Image (300)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (3):
Hero is LP dealt 87
1 EP limp, V1 limps from EP, 2 limpers, V2 limps from MP, Hero limps.

Flop (12):
K96
Checks to V2 who bets 20 Hero calls, V1 calls.

Turn (70):
4
checks to V2 who bets 55, Hero calls, V1 c/r to 112, V2 calls, Hero calls.

River (406):
3
V2 bets 60, Hero folds.

Hand 2:

V1 (600)- 50 yo asian male, tag, like to l/r premiums
Hero's Image (400)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (3):
Hero is BTN dealt QJ
V1 limps UTG, 1 MP limp, Hero raises to 12, V1 calls, other limper folds.

Flop (26):
QJ9
V1 checks Hero bets 15, V1 c/r to 30, Hero calls.

Turn (84):
K
V1 bets 35, Hero folds.

Thanks man, I am going to crush this year no doubt in my mind.


I assume you mean from villains perspective? His sizing had been consistantly big and people had been paying him off apparently.


Haha good one, actually you even need to buy a camera. Just about every has a phone can take pics now, that's what I've been using the last 6 months.

Mini Challenge

19.5/100 hrs played

January 2014

Total hours played- 19.5
Average hourly winrate- -$5
Winnings- -$95

oh DUH...my bad...reading on my phone, I missed that somehow...thanks

"There is no failure except in no longer trying. There is no defeat except from within, no really insurmountable barrier save our own inherent weakness of purpose." - Elbert Hubbard

Glass sculpture inside Mirage



I didn't play as long as I wanted to, had some errands to take care of.

I played with TBC for a little while, good to see he is still making it by.

Hand 1:

V1 (174)- 25 yo black male, tight
V2 (215)- 35 yo asian male, tight
Hero's Image (450)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (3):
Hero is MP dealt QQ
V1 limps from UTG, Hero raises to 10, V2 calls from LP, V1 calls.

Flop (29):
865
Checks to Hero who bets 20, V2 calls, V1 calls.

Turn (88):
2
checks to Hero who bets 60, V2 calls, V1 c/r to 144 and is AI, Hero folds, V2 folds.



Hand 2:

V1 (300)- 35 yo asian female, just sat down, I think remember playing with her before and she is tag
Hero's Image (600)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (3):
Hero is CO dealt 74
V1 limps UTG, 1 MP limp, Hero checks posted missed blind, BTN limps.

Flop (10):
K97
V1 bets 15 Hero calls.

Turn (37):
3
V1 bets 15, Hero raises to 45, V1 calls.

River (127):
J
V1 checks, Hero bets 75, V1 calls.



Mini Challenge

26/100 hrs played

January 2014

Total hours played- 26
Average hourly winrate- $9
Winnings- $232

LOL at hand 2

She's definitely not TAG

Hand 1: the turn bet of $60 looks very strong so for villan to shove it means that he can beat our strength. Tough fold for only 80 more though. If villan just calls turn then thier hand looks like jj or less and we probably get it in on river.

Hand 2: I'm raising flop as we flopped well. As played I'm checking back river because our hand looks a lot like a flush and I think the only range we beat that might tank call river $75 are sets.

Enjoy your thread. In Hand 1, post 2107 I'm raising this flop all day and calling off if Villain re raises with those stacks.

nice mini challenge. as a 1/2 grinder that is what you must do. you must put in volume, you must move up

"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best." - Tim Duncan

One more glass sculpture inside Mirage



Since I have my laptop back I am considering trying out ultimate poker and wsop. It is hard to believe I haven't played a single hand of online poker since black friday almost 3 years ago.

If anyone has any topics they are interested in hearing me vlog about I am open to suggestions.

Hand 1:

V1 (600)- 30 yo white male, tag
V2 (200)- 35 yo white male, tight
Hero's Image (300)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (4):
Hero is MP dealt AQ
Hero raises to 12, V1 calls from MP, V2 calls from LP.

Flop (37):
QJJ
Hero bets 12, V1 raises to 37, V2 folds, Hero folds.

Hand 2:

V1 (400)- 30 yo asian female, lag
V2 (300)- 50 to white male, tight
Hero's Image (500)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (4):
Hero is UTG dealt KK
Hero raises to 15, V1 calls from LP, V2 calls from BTN.

Flop (44):
QT5
Hero bets 30 V1 calls, V2 folds.

Turn (104):
T
Hero bets 40, V1 almost raises then calls.

River (184):
6
Hero bets 50, V1 raises to 100, Hero calls.



Apparently not haha I guess my memory is not so great.

H1: Yeah, I had not seen villain spaz so he pretty much has to have me beat and I don't have a redraw.

H2: Sure it's a good flop but vs the overbet I doubt we have much FE. That is one improvement I have made to my game is not overplaying draws. Sure my hand looks like a flush but the small turn bet and check otr I feel obligated to vbet, perhaps size it a bet smaller. I do think set and 2p are in her range.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Thanks! It was 20-100bb at Oaks. I'm always down to talk, just shoot me a PM.

Thanks, you have one of the top 10 avatars on 2+2.

Same reasoning as above, not much FE so playing for stacks is close to a flip. Calling is probably slightly better as we have position and will know exactly where we stand ott and otr.

I appreciate your thoughts.

Mini Challenge

36/100 hrs played

January 2014

Total hours played- 36
Average hourly winrate- $17
Winnings- $621

Checking river with flush is crazy imo

The tag villan did lead turn when the flush card got there, then she called our raise. I don't mind betting but I'm not loving the spot.

"Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination." - William Longgood

Looks like they are dismantling the twirly entrance to Ballys



I am not all that thrilled with my play this week, making a lot of small mistakes.

I'm doing pretty good volume wise, a little behind pace so I need to get in some 11 hr sessions. It is mentally tiring but I've got to do what I've got to do. My primary focus is building my roll, that means sacrificing days off and fun activities for now.

Here are a couple of thin calls I made.

Hand 1:

V1 (220)- 35 yo indian male, loose
V2 (800)- 45 yo white male, lag
Hero's Image (500)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop BTN straddle (10):
Hero is MP dealt AJ
V1 limps from MP, 1 MP limp, Hero raises to 36, V1 calls, MP limper folds, V2 calls from BTN straddle.

Flop (110):
T65
Hero bets 65, V1 calls, V2 folds.

Turn (240):
A
Hero checks, V1 bets 75, Hero calls.

River (390):
9
Hero checks, V1 bets 45, Hero calls.



Hand 2:

V1 (200)- 50 yo white male, lag, seen him bluff and get it in with bottom pair
Hero's Image (300)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (3):
Hero is UTG dealt 77
V1 limps from EP, 2 limps, Hero limps LP.

Flop (10):
876
Checks to Hero who bets 10, V1 calls, 1 other call.

Turn (37):
3
V1 bets 35, Hero calls, other guy folds.

River (107):
T
V1 bets 60, Hero calls.



Thanks for the input guys. Clear b/f spot, like 40 or 50 might be a better sizing.

Mini Challenge

55.5/100 hrs played

January 2014

Total hours played- 55.5
Average hourly winrate- $11
Winnings- $618

Hand 1: Is it fair to say c-betting a T56hh board 3 way is not ideal? Such a wet board means you'll have to fire at least 2 barrels. Were you prepared to do so against these Villains (one a LAG IP)?

"Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees" - Willard Marriott

Bellagio, the epicenter of LV poker



I played alright today, had some chores to attend to so didn't put in as much volume as I would have liked. I am going to have to kill it volume wise the next 3 sessions.

Hand 1:

V1 (600)- 45 yo white male, tight straight forward
V2 (130)- 45 yo white male, spewtard
Hero's Image (425)- 25 yo white male, tight, raised pf a couple times, cbet and gave up, haven't been to sd

Preflop (4):
Hero is BB dealt KK
1 MP limp, V1 limps from LP, V2limps BTN, Hero raises to 21, V1 calls, MP limper folds, calls from BTN straddle.

Flop (79):
954
Hero bets 30, V1 raises to 90, V2 raises to 109 and is AI, Hero folds, V1 calls.



Hand 2:

V1 (400)- 50 yo white male, tight
V2 (800)- 45 yo white male, lag
Hero's Image (600)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (4):
Hero is MP dealt AA
Hero raises to 12, V1 calls from MP, V2 from BB.

Flop (33):
Q74
checks to Hero who bets 25, V1 calls, V2 c/r to 95, Hero calls, V1 folds.

Turn (247):
9
V1 bets 100, Hero calls.

River (447):
2
checks through



Someone asked earlier if I plan to stay in LV all year. I definitely plan on being here during WSOP, I would also like to get in some travel to places I have never been.

Yep, have to hustle. I will keep my foot on the gas and soon I will be in a position to take 2/5 shots at the 100bb cap game at Bellagio.

Thanks dude!

It is definitely a marginal spot to cbet, I am fine c/f here aswell. It sucks that I picked up a piece ott, decided that since the pot was already so big I would call it off even though he usually has a flush here. Probably played the hand poorly.

Mini Challenge

61/100 hrs played

January 2014

Total hours played- 61
Average hourly winrate- $18
Winnings- $1113

"Nothing really worth having is easy to get. The hard-fought battles, the goals won with sacrifice, are the ones that matter" - Aisha Taylor

City Center



I've been sick so I didn't play the last couple days. I was only able to get in 2/3 of the volume I wanted to for my mini challenge. It's disappointing to miss my target but I am not going to beat myself up over it due to extenuating circumstances. I am still on pace to reach 200 hrs for the month which is still pretty solid.

It is kind of a weird feeling when you are your own boss, you have to be tough on yourself to make sure you have the drive to do what you have to do. You also have to be a chill boss to yourself that is part of the perks. It's a delicate balance.

I've decided to do my next vlog on the topic of travel. I have big plans for the next couple of years and I am stoked to dive in. I have never been very good at speaking so I am hoping to improve these vlogs by making each one better than the last.

Hand 1:

V1 (400)- 35 yo asian male, tight
V2 (700)- 45 yo white male, lag
Hero's Image (300)- 25 yo white male, tight

Preflop (4):
Hero is LP dealt 88
V1 limps from EP, V2 limps MP, Hero limps.

Flop (10):
532
Checked to Herowho bets 10, V1 calls, V2 calls.

Turn (37):
K
V1 checks, V2 bets 10, Hero calls, V1 calls.

River (67):
K
V1 checks, V2 bets 50, Hero calls, V1 folds.



Hand 2:

V1 (300)- 55 yo white male, loose passive
Hero's Image (400)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (4):
Hero is BB dealt AK
EP raises to 12, V1 calls from MP, 1 other MP caller, Hero raises to 72, only V1 calls.

Flop (167):
QT7
Hero who bets 100, V1 shoves, Hero calls.



January 2014

Total hours played- 63
Average hourly winrate- $22
Winnings- $1387

Why such a big raise in hand 2?

Looks like a Standard 4x + 12 + 12 = 72

"You cannot be wimpy out there on the dream-seeking trail. Dare to break through barriers, to find your own path" - Les Brown

A couple of my favorite guitarists' axes from Hollywood HR





I'm still a little sick but feeling better than I was.

I have a couple more degen stories to share this month from my early days as a poker player. Some embarrassing stuff but I hope you all can have a laugh at my expense.

Hand 1:

V1 (150)- 55 yo white male, tight passive
V2 (400)- 60 yo white male, loose passive
Hero's Image (300)- 25 yo white male, lag

Preflop (4):
Hero is MP dealt AA
V1 limps UTG, Hero raises to 15, V2 calls from LP, 1 more LP caller, V1 calls.

Flop (60):
876
V1 donks for 25, Hero raises to 75, V2 calls, LP caller folds, V1 folds.

Turn (235):
4
Hero checks, V1 bets 100, Hero folds.



Hand 2:

V1 (296)- 25 yo white male, lag, seen him 3b light before
Hero's Image (400)- 25 yo white male, tag

Preflop (4):
Hero is LP dealt QQ
V1 raises to 10, 1 MP caller, Hero raises to 50, V1 4b to 296 and is AI, Hero folds.


Yep, you nailed it. Just like all my pfr I keep it consistant. It might not be the ideal size for each particular hand but it is the best approach to metagame. A lot of people vary their raise size based on hand strength such as raising more with better hands which is not good for metagame.

January 2014

Total hours played- 70.5
Average hourly winrate- $21
Winnings- $1473

Haloo! Late to the party... subbing. GL

ooo Dimebag Darrell