Monday, June 22, 2015

WSOP 2015 - overall thoughts

Overall Thoughts:

1. It is great to record the first WSOP cash! It only took 9 tries over 4 years.
2. It is great to have cashed in 2 MTTs on this trip.
3. It is also weird to not have a bubble in 2 consecutive MTTs. There were a lot of similarities with how both tournaments ended up. Examples: Hero had to pay blinds multiple times in a row due to table breaking. Hero played well and was making moves.

4. Hero should try to get in more cash game volume when possible. It seemed a bit light.
5. Hero will try to avoid playing PLO8 SNGs if not early in the night. They did not seem soft prior to the 3k PLO8, although it sounds like it was softer earlier in the day. Additionally, 2-7 TD SNGs and 10 game SNGs were non-existent. The buyin might be so low that people refuse to populate the SNGs.
6. Taking a ton of notes helped keep hero engaged. Trying to do a mini-HUD became too cumbersome and hero will not try a HUD again.
7. Hero needs to learn to get more sleep and sleep earlier.
8. Hero tensed up and got nitty in spots in 10 game mix with short stack where hero would probably steal and/or defend. Hero needs to continue to work more on various limit games.

9. Hero was able to grab 7 $10 food comps via minimal cash game time at the Rio. Periodically stopping by and getting to know the floors was the best way. Once they recognized hero came daily, they were very amenable to giving food comps.
10. Hero got to meet the Venetian Poker Room tournament director (Tommy). He was very generous and gave hero a jacket! Hero also helped out Venetian with some social media tweets. Hero was able to get some other Venetian poker gear too. Hero now has a school sized backpack and jacket from Venetian.

11. Unfortunately, hero's flight was delayed 4.5 hours due to mechanical problems. Unfortunately, hero only found out after hero sprinted to the airport and was notified at the gate that flight was delayed from 30 minutes and multiple delays until 3.5 hours. Eventually, passengers boarded, but a warning light forced the plane back to the gate and an additional 1 hour delay. Hero went from a 11:45PM return home to 3:50AM.
12. Since it was Father's Day on a southwest flight, 1 free drink! Since we were delayed, we were pretty much given "unlimited drinks" + $100 travel voucher. Hero was able to smuggle a Bailey's off the plane (50 mL).

13. Hero found possibly the fastest dealer (dealer with the fastest pitch). His speed was 2.5x faster than anyone hero had ever seen. The dealer said he was a former college baseball prospect (LHP with 90 MPH fastball). Pretty sick.
14. Best license plate ever for a poker player (sorry for flash blur due to night photo on iPod Touch).

Saturday, June 20, 2015

All Omaha (PLO, Big O) Cash Game Notes

5-5 PLO Cash Gaming at Rio (200, no max)
5-5 Big O Cash Gaming at Rio (200, no max)
5-5 PLO at Venetian (500-1500)

Hero placed decently well in various PLO cash games, although there were spots were hero missed value. Also, Hero was running higher than EV.

Hero mainly played 5-5 PLO at Rio.
Hero did not feel well in 1 5-5 Big O session and ended quickly. Hero got coolered a bit in a couple spots over the session.
Hero played a brief 5-5 PLO session at Venetian after busting the PLO8 MTT. He ran into random people from Tampa who were playing the 5-5 PLO game.

Friday, June 19, 2015

220 PLO8 MTT at Binion's

220 PLO MTT at Binion's
20000 starting chips at 50/100 blinds and 30 min. levels.

---------------
First Table Reads:
1 young guy/beard and cap (Tyler?)
2 older guy with PS shirt - eventually read as loose/passive and seemed to be very tilt prone
3 hero
4 old guy (sounded like from Texas, eventually saw villain played like a nit)
5 old Asian male
6 empty
7 old guy with Wynn cap
8 old guy w/ cap
9 old guy with glasses

---------------
Hero late registered around 3:15PM at the halfway point in level 3.

---------------
Hero dealt in BB: 9x 7x 5x 4x (rainbow)

Preflop:
5 limpers
Hero: checks

(6 players - 2400 in pot)
Flop: 4x 9c 5c 9x
all players check

(6 players - 2400 in pot)
Turn: 4x 9c 5c 9x
Hero: bets 1500
all other players fold

Analysis:
Flop: A bet with 3 pair on a low board with flush draw is bad because so many turn cards are bad to either chop pot or change the nuts.
Turn: Hero turns a boat and bets for value.

---------------
Hero dealt in SB: 8x 6x 3x 2x

Preflop:
4 limpers
Hero (SB): calls
Vil4 (BB): checks

(6 players - 2400 in pot)
Flop: Ac 3d 8h (rainbow)
Hero: bets 1500
other players fold

Analysis:
Preflop: Villains did not seem overly tight, so hero assumes that many aces are in the deck. This means that this could be a good implied odds hand even when hero is OOP.
Flop: This is an ok spot to bet, but more than 1 caller could cause concerns. Hero bets bottom 2p + 4th nut low. This may be a little loose especially in MW pot where hero could be in bad spot if facing significant action.

---------------
Hero dealt in UTG: Ah 7c 6x 4c

Reads: Table seemed to be loose passive preflop.

Preflop:
Hero (UTG): calls
Vil4: calls
Vil7: calls
Vil8: calls
Vil1: calls
Vil2 (BB): checks

(6 players - 2400 in pot)
Flop: Kh 7x Jx
Hero: checks
Vil4: bets 2000
Vil7: calls
Vil8: folds
Vil1: folds
Vil2: folds
Hero: calls

(3 players - 8400 in pot)
Turn: Kh 7x Jx Tx
Hero: checks
Vil4: checks
Vil7: checks

(3 players - 8400 in pot)
River: Kh 7x Jx Tx 6x
Hero: bets 4800
Vil4: folds
Vil7: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Somewhat loose, but can be ok in a loose passive game.
Flop: This is a not great peel. Hero has 2nd pair and backdoor nut flush and bad low draw with no blockers.
Turn: Same spot.
River; Hero decides to bet river since so much weakness is shown. It is not a great bet since about the only worse hands that could fold are J high 2 pairs. It is also tough to say it is for value with bottom 2 pair.

---------------
Hero's stack at level 5 break: 27800 @ 300/600

---------------
First Table Reads:
1 young guy/beard and cap (Tyler?)
2 older guy with PS shirt - eventually read as loose/passive and seemed to be very tilt prone
3 hero
4 old guy
5 old Asian male
6 middle aged guy, then eventually 20-30s female
7 old guy with Wynn cap
8 old guy with cap
9 old guy with glasses

---------------
Level 5 - Blinds: 300/600

Hero dealt in button: Jc 9c 5x 4x

Reads: Vil5 & Vil6 were tight blinds.

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero: raises to 1500
Vil6: calls

(2 players - 3300 in pot)
Flop: Qx Tx 6r
Vil6: checks
Hero: bets 2200

Analysis:
Preflop: This could be a raise in an LO8 game against tighter players (2 wheel cards). It is considerably loose on button even with tight blinds.
Flop: Hero has bad OESD and bets for fold equity.

---------------
Hero dealt in SB: Ac Jc Tx 4x

Preflop:
(folds to Vil9 in HJ)
Vil9 (HJ): calls
Vil2 (But): calls
Hero (SB): calls
Vil3: checks

(4 players - 2400 in pot)
Flop: Ac 6c 4x
Vil3: checks
Hero: bets 1500
Vil9: calls
Vil2: folds
Vil3: folds

(2 players - 5400 in pot)
Turn: Ac 6c 4x 6c
Hero: bets 4100
Vil9: calls

(2 players - 13600 in pot)
River: Ac 6c 4x 6c 4x
Hero: checks
Vil9: checks

Vil9: shows 8532x

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero is calling a little wide to try to take advantage of weak nitty postflop play.
Flop: Hero bets top and bottom + flush draw, but is this the right bet? What worse hands call? Axxx? A bunch of freerolling hands will call too.
Turn: Hero decides to bet the nut flush on paired board. Hero has no low. This is a bad bet as hero is probably getting freerolled often with only 2/3 as freeroll to other villains' most likely hand (naked low).
River: Hero finally decides to slow down with bad boat to hope to induce bluff. A river bet may have been better than a turn bet due to freeroll problems.

---------------
Hero dealt in HJ: Ad 8x 8x 4d

Read: Vil5 seemed straightforward and a bit tight.

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero (HJ): raises to 1500
Vil5 (But): calls

(2 players - 3900 in pot)
Flop: Ax Qx 5d (rainbow)
Hero: bets 2000
Vil5: calls

(2 players - 7900 in pot)
Turn: Ax Qx 5d 2d
Hero: checks
Vil5: bets pot (7900)
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: This is another bottom of steal range but ok because of suited A4.
Flop: This is probably a marginal cbet. Hero has bad backdoor low and top pair/bad kicker. There is also little fold equity on this board. Sure, villain may folds KK32, but it is so small part of range.
Turn: Hero shows weakness and checks. Hero's hand is very weak and folds to straightforward villain's bet.

---------------
Level 8 - Blinds: 600/1200

Stacks are approximately ~30k per player.

Hero dealt in BB: Ad 5d M-Hx M-Hx (A5 suited, probably with high cards above 7)

Preflop:
(folds to Vil4)
Vil4 (UTG): calls
(other players fold)
Vil2 (SB): calls
Hero (BB): checks

(3 players - 3600 in pot)
Flop: 3x 8x 4s
Vil2: checks
Hero: checks
Vil4: checks

(3 players - 3600 in pot)
Turn: 3x 8x 4s 2s
Vil2: checks
Hero: checks
Vil4: bets 1800
Vil2: calls
Hero: calls

(3 players - 9000 in pot)
River: 3x 8x 4s 2s 2x
Vil2: checks
Hero: checks
Vil4: checks

Analysis:
Preflop: No value in raising suited A5 in BB.
Flop: Hero has second nut low/no high. Hero checks.
Turn: A donk bet may have been best although it announces 65 or 5A.
Should hero check raise the field? It looks super strong.
River: With turn check/call, there is no reason to check and hope someone bets board pairing river. Would villain bet a set or 2p on the turn?
Hero should probably lead for smaller bet (~6k) to try to get crying call from A6 or naked trips/no low.

---------------
Hero's stack: 38,800 @ 600/1200.

Hero won limped pot in BB with Q422 on 442X board with 2 bets.
Hero dealt KJJ5 in BB and bet A45 board when checked to hero.

---------------
First Table Reads - Level 8:
1 young guy/beard and cap (Tyler?)
2 older guy with PS shirt - eventually read as loose/passive and seemed to be very tilt prone
3 hero
4 old guy (sounded like from Texas, eventually saw villain played like a nit)
5 old Asian male
6 20-30s female
7 *young female with happy friday with cap
8 old guy with cap
9 *old guy with glasses (commented on hero's journalling of hand histories)

---------------
Level 9 - Blinds: 1k/1.5k (800/1600 level does not exist and $100 chips were colored up)
Hero dealt in: As Qc 5h 2h

Preflop:
Vil2: raised to 5500
Hero: called
Vil6 (SB): called

(3 players - 19000 in pot)
Flop: 3c 6h 7c
Vil2: checks
Hero: checks
Vil6: checks

(3 players - 19000 in pot)
Turn: 3c 6h 7c 4d
Vil2: bets 10000
Hero: raises to 25000
Vil6: folds
Vil2: calls all in

Vil6: shows AT32

River: unknown brick

Hero 3/4 villain (Vil6).

Analysis:
Preflop: This can be a 3b candidate, but hero decides to play smaller pot.
Flop: Hero could easily bet with wrap + nut low. Hero decides to slow down given flush draw on board.
Turn: Hero raises villain's bet with low straight since freerolling hands (NFD + NLD) have less equity against hero's straight.

---------------
In 4 way pot, hero folded nut low on 4h 8h 3x MW when facing bet/call.

Hero's instincts may have been incorrect in this spot. Villains are so loose/passive that A2xx is small/non-existent part of range. It seems to happen in loose passive games where A2 can actually be good to get 1/2 of a 3 person MW limped pot.

---------------
Hero dealt in MW pot: Ax Kc Tc 2c

Vil9 seemed to have TAGish stats and was raising preflop somewhat often.
Vil9: raises to 6500
Hero: reraises to 21000
Vil9: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero has AK2x against player who seemed to be raising somewhat often (although competent). Hero's hand does well against a range of ok A2xx/A3xx and AAxx. Hero applies pressure, but villain folds.

---------------
Hero dealt on button: Ad Qx Td 9x

Preflop:
Vil7: calls
Vil9: calls
Vil2: calls
Hero: calls
Vil5 (BB): checks

(5 players - 10000 in pot)
Flop: Jx 8x 7x (rainbow)
checks to Hero
Hero: bets 7500
Vil5: calls
other players fold

(2 players - 25000 in pot)
Turn: Jx 8x 7x 9x (two tone)
Vil5: bets pot
Hero: reraises all in
Vil5: calls

Vil5: shows KQT9

River: blank
Hero chops pot.

Analysis:
Preflop: Suited ace with high cards on button = call.
Flop: Hero bets to price out low draws.
Turn: Hero jams with nuts for same reason. Villain could be freerolling though.

---------------
First Table Reads - Level 10/11:
1 young guy/beard and cap (Tyler?)
2 older guy with PS shirt - eventually read as loose/passive and seemed to be very tilt prone
3 hero
4 old guy (sounded like from Texas, eventually saw villain played like a nit)
5 old Asian male
6 *old guy
7 *level 10 - female with short hair || level 11 - young guy with glasses
8 *level 10 - mid aged Asian with grey hair
9 old guy with glasses (commented on hero's journalling of hand histories)

---------------
Level 11 - Blinds: 1500/2500

Hero dealt in BB?: Ax Qx 7x 2x

Preflop:
(folds to Vil6)
Vil6 (8k): raises to 8k
Hero: calls

Vil6: shows AKQ5r
Board: Tx 3x 6x 9x 9x

AQ72 < AKQ5.

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero loses some chips on a standard call with AQ2x.

---------------
Effective stacks: ~75k

Hero dealt in UTG+1: As 5h 3h 2s

Preflop:
Vil2: calls
Hero: raises to 9000
(other players fold)
Vil2: calls

(2 players - 22000 in pot)
Flop: Ad 8h Ad
Vil2: checks
Hero: bets 12500
Vil2: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: This is a standard raise.
Flop: Hero could check this flop and hope villain stabs turn. But, villain does not seem to fit the profile and was simply playing hands face up. Villain may call with 42xx on low enabling turn, so a check could be worthwhile.

---------------
Hero dealt in BB: Ac 8x 4x 3c

Preflop:
(folds to Vil8)
Vil8 (HJ): raises to 10.5k (all in)
(folds to hero)
Hero: calls

Vil8: shows Ah Ax Qh 5x

Board; Th 6x 3h 3x 8h

Analysis:
Preflop: With villain's ~4-5 BBs, this is a trivial call with 3 low cards and an ace.

Hero's stack: 113.5k @ 1500/3000

---------------
Hero's stack at level 13 (dinner break): 104k @ 2k/4k.
32 left, 13 in the money.

---------------
Hero dealt in BB: As Ah Th 8s

Preflop:
(folds to Vil1)
Vil1 (Button, 150k): raises to 10k
Hero (BB, 104k): reraises pot (32k)
Vil1: calls

(2 players - 66k in pot)
Preflop:
Flop: 6c 7c 8c
Hero: thinks for a moment, then checks
Vil1: bets pot
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: With bad aces and 25 BB, hero is not really able to 3b and get most of stack in. This is a bad hand since villains likely will read hero has AA and bad wheel card. Hero also had no reads on villain and no prior history. So, there is probably less fold equity.
Flop: Hero has no low on 3 low board. Hero is forced to check fold.

Hero's stack: 72k

---------------
Hero dealt UTG: Ax Ax Qx 4x
Preflop:
Hero raises to 10k and everyone folds.

Analysis: Standard.

---------------
Hero dealt in BB: 5x 3h 2h 2x

Preflop:
(folds to Vil2 in SB)
Vil2 (SB): calls
Hero: checks

(2 players - 8000 in pot)
Flop: 5x 5h 7h 9x
Vil2: checks
Hero: bets 5000
Vil2: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero notices that villain once in a while folds in the SB to BB's aggression in blind battle. Hero decides to see free flop.
Flop: Villain is not likely to check raise and will call with maybe naked low draws. Hero bets for value.

---------------
Hero dealt in SB: Qx 6c 5c 2x

Vil4 read: Tight as hero. (TAG/nit)

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero (SB): raises to 10k
Vil4 (BB): folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Without read, this is a fold.

---------------
Table breaks: 3 table redraw

1 old guy with cap and glasses
2 old lady with "small cash and eyes on top of it" card protector
3 middle aged guy with glasses
4 hero
5 young guy w/ green cap
6 old guy with glasses
7 old guy with glasses (9 from before), likely British, also commented on hero's hand journal
8 young guy

---------------
Hero's stack: 92000
Level 14 - Blinds: 3000/6000

Hero dealt in EP: Ax Kx Kx 2x

Preflop:
Hero: raises to 14000
Vil7: raises pot (51k) all in
(other players fold)
Hero: calls

Vil7: shows Ax Ax Qx Qx

Board: 9x 9c 5c Ad 3x

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero is bet/calling AKK2 100% time. It's a cooler.

Hero's stack: 15k

---------------
Hero dealt UTG+1 (8 handed): As Qx 8s 4x

Preflop:
Hero: raises to 15000 (all in)
Vil5: calls
Vil6: calls
(other players fold)

(3 players - 54000 in pot, 1 player all in)
Flop: 8d 6x 3d
Vil5: checks
Vil6: checks

(3 players - 54000 in pot, 1 player all in)
Turn: 8d 6x 3d 6x
Vil5: bets 2000
Vil6: calls

(3 players - 94000 in pot, 1 player all in)
River: 8d 6x 3d 6x Jx
Vil5: checks
Vil6: checks

Vil5: shows AT92
Vil6: shows AJ96

Hero: mucks hand

Analysis:
Preflop: This is a somewhat loose open, but probably the right one. An A4 is not a favorite through 6 other players to be the best low. Hero was hoping for only 1 caller. Turn action was bad for hero's hand.

---------------
The field was very soft. Hero was not happy with play for most of the tournament, but hero was happy to have used villain reads to pillage and steal blinds in this small stakes tournament.

Hero finishes 23/131 with 13 places paying.

WSOP 1500 10 Game Mix MTT at Rio

1500 10 Game Mix MTT at Rio
7500 starting chips at 100/200 limits and 60 min. levels.

---------------
Structure was modified just before the event. Many players were unhappy with double levels and events taking almost 2 full days to get in the money (20 levels) for the 2.5/3k limit events. The 1.5k counterparts were taking 17 levels (such as HORSE). Allan Kessler and others advocated a compromise with double levels at 11 and 21 + adding 250/500 limit to make things better. The Nevada Gaming Commission approved of changes a day or two before the tournaments started (for all other future low stakes mixed games - 10 game, Stud, Dealer's Choice, and Stud 8).

Game order was also modified from the original structure sheet. Games also changed when the "dealer's choice" button passed the dealer's box. This ensured that players would not be in the blinds twice in a rotation.

2-7 TD and PLO were swapped to avoid "confusion" when games switch.
NLHE
Razz
LHE
Badugi
Stud Hi
NL 2-7 SD
LO8
2-7 TD
PLO
Stud 8

---------------
First Table Reads
1 mid aged Asian
2 hero
3 old guy with glasses
4 level 2 (late reg) - mid aged Asian with glasses and headphones (after event, found out it was David Chiu)
5 young guy (moved in level 3)
6 young guy with glasses (after a couple game changes, seemed like smart maniac and fired all scare cards)

---------------
Hero late registered and joined an existing table.

Stud Hi

3rd Street:
(2 hearts dead)
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 5x ____folds
Hero: (Jx 6x) Jx ____completes
Vil3: (Xx Xx) Tx ____folds
Vil5: (Xx Xx) 9x ____folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) 2x __brings in___folds

3rd Street:
(no suits dead)
Vil1: (Xx Xx) Ax ____folds
Hero: (Ax Qx) Qx ____completes
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 4x __brings in___folds
Vil5: (Xx Xx) Qx __folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) Jx __folds

Analysis:
3rd Street: Standard raises in both spots with split pair.

---------------
LO8

Hero dealt in Button: 5s 4x 3s 3x

Preflop:
Vil6 (HJ): folds
Vil1 (CO): folds
Hero (But): raises
Vil3 (SB): folds
Vil5 (BB): calls

(2 players - 4.5 small bets in pot)
Flop: As Qs 3s
Vil5: checks
Hero: bets
Vil5: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: 3 connected wheel cards IP is worth a steal attempt.
Flop: Hero bets for value, but villain folds.

---------------
LO8

Hero dealt in BB: Ax 5x 2x 2x (rainbow)

Preflop:
Vil3 (HJ): folds
Vil5 (CO): folds
Vil6 (But): raises
Vil1 (SB): folds
Hero (BB): calls

(2 players - 4.5 small bets in pot)
Flop: 2x 8x 9x (rainbow)
Hero: checks
Vil6: bets
Hero: raises
Vil6: calls

(2 players - 4.25 big bets in pot)
Turn: 2x 8x 9x 2x (rainbow?)
Hero: bets
Vil6: calls

(2 players - 6.25 big bets in pot)
River: 2x 8x 9x 2x 8x (rainbow)
Hero: bets
Vil6: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Against a button open, all A2 hands are worth at least a defend.
Flop: Hero check raises now. Hero gets value from 2p or low draws.
Turn: Hero still gets value from low draws and villain 2p.
River: It seems safer to try and elicit a guaranteed bet. Could villain bluff river with missed NLD or other type hand? Possibly. It's up for discussion.

---------------
Level 2 - Limits: 150/300

PLO
Blinds: 50/75

Hero dealt in SB: Td 9d 7x 5x
Hero had been aggressive and opened a couple pots in PLO.

Preflop:
(3 players fold)
Hero (SB): raises to 200
Vil3 (BB): calls

(2 players - 400 in pot)
Flop: Qd Ad 6d
Hero: bets 250
Vil3: raises to 700
Hero: calls

(2 players - 1800 in pot)
Turn: Qd Ad 6d Jx
Hero: checks
Vil3: checks

Turn: Qd Ad 6d Jx 9x
Hero: bets 1500
Vil3: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: A decent rundown is worth an opening raise.
Flop: Hero decides to continuation bet entire range. When villain raises, hero thinks villain is more likely semi-bluffing or bluffing with air.
Turn: Hero hopes that villain continues to bet (likely as a bluff), but this does not work.
River: TBH, this was a bad lead by hero. The only marginal metagame play is that hero does not have to show hand.
Ultimately, there may not be any value to bet though since Vil3's range is more likely bluffs. In hindsight, a smaller bet may elicit a big bluff raise (that hero can call).
It does not seem like Vil3 was going to bet. Hero decided to try to get value, but this was a mistake. Hero was better off hoping Vil3 barrels the river.

---------------
Stud 8
Limits: 150/300

3rd Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) Bx ____folds
Hero: (3x 2x) 2x __brings in__calls
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 7x __completes
Vil4: (Xx Xx) Bx __folds
Vil5: (Xx Xx) Bx __folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) Bx __folds

(2 players - 2 5/6 small bets in pot)
4th Street:
Hero: (3x 2x) 2x 4x ____bets
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 7x 9x __checks__calls

(2 players - 2 5/12 big bets in pot)
5th Street:
Hero: (3x 2x) 2x 4x 6x ____bets
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 7x 9x Qx __checks__folds

Analysis:
3rd Street: Hero defends against possible steal with pair + low draw.
4th Street: Hero picks up and bets against villain brick.
5th Street: Hero picks up and bets against villain brick. Villain folds.

---------------
Razz

3rd Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 4x ____folds
Hero: (6x 9x) 7x ____completes___calls
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 6x ____reraises
Vil5: (Xx Xx) Kx __brings in__folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) T? __folds

(2 players - 4 5/6 small bets in pot)
4th Street:
Hero: (6x 9x) 7x 2x __bets
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 6x Jx __calls

(2 players - 3 5/12 big bets in pot)
5th Street:
Hero: (6x 9x) 7x 2x Tx __bets
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 6x Jx Kx __folds

Analysis:
3rd Street: Hero completes with only 1 player left to act. Hero calls with almost entire range (except possibly 2 baby wheel cards with dead up cards).
4th Street: Standard play to bet when ahead. Vil3 will almost never fold since it's a 3bet pot.
5th Street: Standard bet. Villain has bricked twice. Even in a large pot, Vil3 should fold unless hero is very likely to be bluffing.

---------------
Badugi
Hero dealt on Button: Qs 7d 4h 3s

Predraw:
Vil6 (UTG): raises
Vil1 (HJ): folds
Hero (CO): calls
Vil3 (But): folds
Vil4 (SB): calls
Vil5 (BB): folds

1D 1B 2D 2B 3D 3B
Vil4: 2 x/c 2 x/c 1 b/c
Vil6: 2 x/c 2 x/c 1 f
Hero: 1 b 1 b pat r

Hero's hand after 1st Draw: 5h 7d 4h 3c
Hero's hand after 2nd Draw: 8s 7d 4h 3c
Hero's hand after 3rd Draw: 8s 7d 4h 3c

Vil4: shows 9 perfect

Analysis:
Predraw: Looking back at hand and reviewing hand charts, a 7 tri is an ok spot to play in position MW.
1st Draw: Standard.
2nd Betting Round: Standard.
2nd Draw: Standard.
3rd Betting Round: Standard.
3rd Drawing round: Standard.
4th Betting Round: Hero raises with an 8 badugi when bet into on river. It is a close fold if b/3b.

---------------
Hero's stack at Level 3 break: 11650 200/400 limits
Table seems soft for draw games.

First Table - Updated Reads:
1 mid aged Asian
2 hero
3 old guy with glasses
4 mid aged Asian with glasses (after event, found out it was David Chiu)
5 young guy (moved in level 3) eventually replaced with mid aged guy with glasses
6 young guy with glasses (after a couple game changes, seemed like smart maniac and fired all scare cards)

---------------
NL 2-7 SD
Blinds: 50/100, Ante: 25

Hero dealt UTG: 85322

Predraw:
Hero (UTG): raises to 275
(all other players fold)

Analysis:
Predraw: Monster 85 smooth 1 card draw. It could be a b/3b predraw, but it would be tough to play OOP and drawing 1.

---------------
2-7 TD
Limits: 200/400

Hero dealt in SB: 542xx (no wheel card blockers)

Predraw:
Vil4 (UTG): raises
(folds to hero)
Hero (SB): calls
Vil3 (BB): folds

1D 1B 2D 2B 3D 3B
Hero: 2 x 2 x/f
Vil4: 2 x 2 b

Hero's hand after 1st Draw: 54222
Hero's hand after 2nd Draw: 5424K

Analysis:
Predraw: Standard.
1st Draw: Standard.
2nd Betting Round: Hero would likely check/call.
2nd Draw: There is no real merit in turning this into a snow. Vil4 is not super strong (unless balancing range by not betting only when improved). With a semi-smooth draw, hero should go for good positive implied odds.
3rd Betting Round: Hero has smooth draw, but has bricked twice. Hero could try to bluff and snow, but it seems best to give it up in a small pot.

---------------
LHE

Read: Vil6 was very much a thinking maniac. Other players (besides me) were adjusting.

Hero dealt in BB: KJo

Preflop:
(folds to Vil6)
Vil6 (But): raises
Vil1 (SB): folds
Hero (BB): raises
Vil6: calls

(2 players - 6.5 small bets in pot)
Flop: Jd 3x 4x
Hero: bets
Vil6: calls

(2 players - 4.25 big bets in pot)
Turn: Jd 3x 4x 6x
Hero: checks
Vil6: checks

(2 players - 4.25 big bets in pot)
Turn: Jd 3x 4x 6x Kx
Hero: checks
Vil6: checks

Hero: Shows KJo
Vil6: mucks hand. Eventually, he says "everyone seems to be trapping me" and said he had 99. He also said he figured hero might have had a K.

Analysis:
Preflop: Against a button raiser who seemed to be raising a ton of range preflop, this seems more like a standard 3b.
Flop: Hero continues aggression and would bet nearly 100% of range.
Turn: Hero hopes that villain will bet the turn on a relative blank. Instead, villain checks behind.
River: Hero thought about leading, but decided to check again and hope villain bets.

---------------
Stud Hi
Vil3's stack: ~2000

3rd Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 4? ____folds
Hero: (Kd Ks) 6c ____completes__calls
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 8c ____reraises
Vil4: (Xx Xx) 6x ____folds
Vil5: (Xx Xx) 2d __brings in__folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) 9x __folds

(2 players - 5 1/2 small bets in pot)
4th Street:
Hero: (Kd Ks) 6c Kh ____checks___raises
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 8c 7x ____bets_____calls

(2 players - 4 3/4 big bets in pot)
5th Street:
Hero: (Kd Ks) 6c Kh Qx ____bets___re-raises
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 8c 7x 6x ____raises_____calls (all in)

Vil3 shows hand: (8d 8s) 8c 7x 6x

Boards:
Hero: (Kd Ks) 6c Kh Qx 7x (Jx)
Vil3: (8d 8s) 8c 7x 6x (5x) (Xx) (brick, mucks hand)

Analysis:
3rd Street: There is some thought in re-raising 3rd, but hero decides to keep range a bit wider.
4th Street: Hero goes for check raise against a somewhat scary board.
5th Street: With betting lead, hero bet/raises to get villain all in. It's a cooler for Vil3.

---------------
Level 4 - Limits: 250/500
NL 2-7 SD
Blinds: 50/100, Ante: 25
Reads: Vil1 - just sat down

Hero dealt in SB: Q8542 (no flush draw)

Predraw:
(folds to Vil1)
Vil1 (But): raises to 250
Hero (SB): reraises to 750
Vil4 (BB): calls
Vil1 (But): folds

Draw:
Hero: 1
Vil4: 1

Hero's hand after Draw: T8542

(2 players - 1650 in pot)
Postdraw:
Hero: checks
Vil4: bets 1200?
Hero: tanks, then folds

Analysis:
Predraw: Standard raise with smooth 85 1 card draw.
Draw: Hero draws 1 OOP.
Postdraw: This was likely a spot where hero should call down. In a 1:1 spot, villain may bluff slightly more often. Hero beats a lot of the 1:1 range. Hero makes a nitty fold.

---------------
Hero's stack at Level 5: 12300 @ 300/600 limits

---------------
Level 5 - 300/600
PLO
Blinds: 75/150
Hero dealt in CO: Kh Kx 9h 6x

Preflop:
Vil6 (UTG): raises to 300
(folds to Hero)
Hero (SB): calls
Vil3 (BB): calls

(3 players - 975 in pot)
Flop: Qx 8c Tc
Hero: checks
Vil3: checks
Vil6: bets 650
Hero: folds
Vil3: calls

Turn: Qx 8c Tc Tx
Vil3: checks
Vil6: checks

Hero does not remember river card.
Vil6: shows Ad Ax Tx Xx

Analysis:
Preflop: With a suited KKxx, this is an ok spot to peel and play in position (IP).
Flop: Hero does not have a flush draw and a weak nut gut shot. Hero folds.

---------------
Stud 8
Limits: 300/600

3rd Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) Qx ____folds
Hero: (Kx Kx) 8h ____completes
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 8c ____calls
Vil4: (Xx Xx) 6c ____folds
Vil5: (Xx Xx) 4d __brings in__folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) Jx __folds

4th Street:
Hero: (Kx Kx) 8h 7x ____folds
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 8c Ax ____bets

Analysis:
3rd Street: Standard.
4th Street: In a high versus low situation, hero should fold when villain hits an A. Although hero has low board showing, hero could be in bad shape. Perhaps this was a better spot to call 4th (and maybe 5th) with hero's disguised board.

---------------
Razz

Hero tried to steal antes with a 9 in the hole in steal position. Sadly, hero bricked on 4th. (Unfortunately, Hero forgot to write down upcards.)

---------------
Badugi

Hero dealt UTG: T72A badugi

Predraw:
Hero (UTG): raises
(folds to Vil3)
Vil3 (BB): calls

1D 1B 2D 2B 3D 3B
Vil3: 1 x/r
Hero: pat b/f

Hero's hand after 1st Draw: T72A badugi

Analysis:
Predraw: Standard raise with T badugi.
1st Draw: Since villain drew 1, hero decides to keep badugi rather than break since 3 card tri is not necessarily strong.
2nd Betting Round: Should hero bet/fold, should hero bet/call and pat/get to showdown, or should hero bet/call and break?
Ultimately, it comes down to hero's read of Vil3's pat range. It seemed to heavily waited towards 8+, so hero decides to bet/fold. This could/should have been a possible break spot though since hero's hand is likely live.
A. bet/call and break: Hero would fold if unimproved on 2nd draw. This may have been best play as hero has about right price to break for ~6 outs with implied odds. Hero is also in position.
B. bet/fold: This was the next best line since hero has to give up more of stack in a higher variance move.
C. bet/call and pat to showdown: Hero could be drawing dead with a relatively weak badugi.

---------------
Stud Hi

3rd Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 5x ____calls
Hero: (Xx Xx) 7h ____calls
Vil3: (Xx Xx) Xx ____folds
Vil4: (Xx Xx) 3? __brings in___folds
Vil5: (Xx Xx) Xx __folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) Kx __completes

(3 players - 4 5/6 small bets in pot)
4th Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 5x 6x ____calls
Hero: (Tx 8x) 7h 8x ____calls
Vil6: (Xx Xx) Kx 3x __bets

(3 players - 3 11/12 big bets in pot)
5th Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 5x 6x Jx ____calls
Hero: (Tx 8x) 7h 8x Jx ____calls
Vil6: (Xx Xx) Kx 3x 4x __bets

(3 players - 6 11/12 big bets in pot)
6th Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 5x 6x Jx 7x ____checks____calls
Hero: (Tx 8x) 7h 8x Jx Tx ____bets
Vil6: (Xx Xx) Kx 3x 4x Tx __checks____calls

(3 players - 9 11/12 big bets in pot)
7th Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 5x 6x Jx 7x (Xx) ____bets
Hero: (Tx 8x) 7h 8x Jx Tx (4?) ____thinks for a while, then calls
Vil6: (Xx Xx) Kx 3x 4x Tx (Xx) __checks___folds

Analysis:
3rd Street: Hero's draw is relatively live against a possible steal (dead suits did not favor heavily one way or another). Hero calls.
4th Street: Hero pairs + gutshot, there is still value to call against other boards.
5th Street: Hero has 4 to a gutshot + pair. This might be a spot where hero should raise with the highest amount of equity (pair+gutshot against overpair), but hero keeps pot smaller and weakens hero's perceived range.
6th Street: Hero bets disguised 2 pair + gutshot for value.
7th Street: Vil1's donk bet in vacuum usually indicates completed draw. However, it is really suspicious given hero has 2 straight blockers and other villain has other low straight blocker. Hero decides to call with 2 pair (given pot size, it is almost correct, and it is even more important to call given the other dead straight cards).

---------------
NL 2-7 SD

Hero saw this hand:
Predraw:
Vil6 (HJ): raises to 450
Vil1 (CO): re-raises to 1500
Vil4 (BB): re-raises to 3300
Vil6 (HJ): calls all in for less
Vil1 (CO): folds

Draw:
Vil4: pats
Vil6: draws 1

Vil4: shows #4 (76542)
Vil6: mucks hand (it appears that villain was drawing dead)

Analysis:
It's rare to see a pat #5 or better in NL 2-7 SD! It is the right play to re-raise.

---------------
NL 2-7 SD
Blinds: 100/200, Ante 50

Hero dealt UTG: 77532

Predraw:
Hero (UTG): raises to 450
(folds to Vil1)
Vil1 (BB): calls

Draw:
Hero: draws 1
Vil1: draws 1

(2 players - 1300 in pot)
Postdraw:
Vil1: checks
Hero: bets 700 (this bet size might have been 600)
Vil1: calls

Hero: shows 76532
Vil1: folds (saying he had K low)

Analysis:
Predraw: A monster predraw. Is raise size ok? A bigger raise (to at least 500) is more normal. Sigh.
Draw: Standard.
Postdraw: Hero's bet size seemed ok to get value. In a 1:1 spot, there is a lot of bluffing with missed hands. Should hero bet larger in a polarized range spot? Perhaps.

---------------
Level 6 - Limits: 400/800
2-7 TD

Hero dealt on button: 762xx

Predraw:
(folds to Vil1)
Vil1 (CO): raises
Hero (Button): calls
Vil4 (BB): calls

1D 1B 2D 2B 3D 3B
Vil4: 2 x 2 x/r/f
Vil1: 2 x 2 x/r/c 1 x/c
Hero: 2 x 2 b/r pat b

Hero's hand after 1st Draw: X9762 (T+)
Hero's hand after 2nd Draw: 76532
Hero's hand after 3rd Draw: 76532

After 3rd draw, hero had 1175 left.
Hero thinks for a bit before betting.

Vil1 was mad after the hand. He said, "You almost always have it with such a short stack".

Analysis:
Predraw: Standard call with smooth 762 2 card draw.
1st Draw: Standard.
2nd Betting Round: Hero did not improve, nor is it really good to start betting missed draws.
2nd Draw: Standard.
3rd Betting Round: Hero's first bet is standard. There is no point in slowplaying by check/pat on 3rd draw. Hero reraise is probably the right play, although there may be merit in flatting and letting Vil4 stay in the hand and getting additional bet there. Hero had been pretty snug, so this screams strength.
3rd Draw: Standard.
4th Betting Round: Hero counting stack before betting was a mistake. It was the right play to do at the time, but it should have happened earlier in the hand (at 3rd draw). A fishy player counting and betting may just not care and want to get it in. But, hero appeared to be thinking player. Hero's range looks super strong and Vil1's comment affirmed it.

Hero's stack: 12575

---------------
Hero's stack at Level 7: 10600 at 500/1000 limits.

First Table - Updated Reads:
1 young/middle aged guy with afro
2 hero
3 younger guy - same guy as seat 5 from earlier when moved away from table to help rebalance (level 3)
4 mid aged Asian with glasses (after event, found out it was David Chiu)
5 grey with fuzzy hair
6 young guy with glasses, seemed like a nerdy type guy

---------------
Level 7 - Limits: 500/1000

PLO
Blinds: 100/200

Hero not involved in hand and betting action may be incorrect.

Preflop:
(folds to Vil4)
Vil4 (10k, CO): raise to 600
Vil5 (7k, Button): raise to 2400
Vil4: calls

(2 players - 5100 in pot)
Flop: Jh 8h 5x
Vil4: likely bets all in
Vil5: calls

Vil4: shows Ax Qh Qx 4h
Vil5: shows Jx Tx 9x 7x (no flush draw)

---------------
NLHE
Blinds: 100/200, Ante 50
Hero's stack: ~7500
Hero dealt in CO: QTs

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero (CO): folded

Analysis:
Preflop: This is a pretty nitty fold and one that hero rarely would make. Hero was not sure how to play against maniacs and Hero was not sure how to handle a reraise at the time (probably fold unless minimum reraise) and for some reason did not want to play postflop.

---------------
Vil3 reads in NLHE:
A3o - snap call against Vil6's shove.
A9o better - raised in CO

---------------
Razz
Limits: 500/1000

3rd Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) Tx __brings in__calls
Hero: (7x 6x) 4x __completes
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 9x __folds
Vil4: (Xx Xx) 4x __folds
Vil5: (Xx Xx) 2x __folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) Ax __folds

(2 players - 3 3/4 small bets in pot)
4th Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) Tx 3x __checks__calls
Hero: (7x 6x) 4x 7x __bets

(2 players - 2 3/8 big bets in pot)
5th Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) Tx 3x 3x __checks__folds
Hero: (7x 6x) 4x 7x 3x __bets

Analysis:
3rd Street: Hero raises with some dead cards for value.
4th Street: This could be a spot where hero could check having bricked hand against bring. Bring may have paired too.
5th Street: As played, standard bet. Hero continues to fire with likely best draw.

---------------
Razz

3rd Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 6x _____________folds
Hero: (6x 2x) Kx __brings in__calls
Vil3: (Xx Xx) ?x __folds
Vil4: (Xx Xx) ?x __folds
Vil5: (Xx Xx) 5x __completes
Vil6: (Xx Xx) 9x __folds

(2 players - 3 3/4 small bets in pot)
4th Street:
Hero: (6x 2x) Kx 2x ______folds
Vil5: (Xx Xx) 5x 7x __bets

Analysis:
3rd Street: This is a possible steal attempt. Hero has relatively live down cards (duplicated 6), so hero decides to defend.
4th Street: Hero is 1-2 cards behind and folds.

---------------
LHE
Hero dealt in HJ: ATo

Preflop:
Vil1: folds
Hero (HJ): raises
Vil3: folds
Vil4 (But): reraises
Vil5: folds
Vil6: folds
Hero: calls

(2 players - 7 small bets in pot)
Flop: Jd 8d 4x
Hero: checks
Vil4: bets
Hero: calls

(2 players - 4.5 big bets in pot)
Turn: Jd 8d 4x 6x
Hero: checks
Vil4: bets
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero raise is standard and hero is forced to call reraise in HU pot.
Flop: Pot is bloated and hero is not able to fold overcard + backdoor gutshot on flop.
Turn: Standard fold unless villain is complete maniac with AT or worse that did not pair. Hero folds.

---------------
Stud:

3rd Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) Xx ____folds
Hero: (7d 7c) Ts ____folds
Vil3: (Xx Xx) Th ____???
Vil4: (Xx Xx) Qx ____???
Vil5: (Xx Xx) 7x __brings in
Vil6: (Xx Xx) Xx __folds

Analysis:
3rd Street: Hero's "draw" is completely dead. Standard fold.

---------------
NL 2-7 SD
Blinds: 100/200, Ante: 50

Hero's stack: ~5000

Hero dealt in CO: T9862 rainbow

Predraw:
(folds to hero)
Hero (CO): raises to 500
Vil4 (Button): folds
Vil5 (SB): reraises all in (6000)
Vil6 (BB): folds
Hero: thinks for a while, then folds.

Analysis:
Predraw: Standard open. When villain reships, what should hero do?
Hero does not have read if villain is competent or not.
If competent, could hero be drawing dead?
If hero broke and left 9862 1 card draw, is hero drawing dead to 97 or better?
What is hero's edge against the field?
Since hero is in position, this could be a spot to call and pat if villain draws 1 or draw 1 if villain pats.

Hero decides to play conservatively and fold. There may be better spots to gamble.

---------------
NL 2-7 SD

Hero's stack: ~4400
Hero dealt in BB: J7653

Predraw:
(folds to Vil6)
Vil6 (Button): raises to 500
Vil1 (SB): folds
Hero: reraises all in
Vil6: folds

Analysis:
Predraw: Against a likely wide stealing range, hero believes there is good fold equity. Hero would likely pat.

---------------
NL 2-7 SD

Hero's stack: ~5k
Hero dealt in CO: 99732

Preflop:
Vil5?: raises
Hero: folds

Analysis: Does hero jam a smooth 97 draw IP? Hero had no reads on Vil5? who raised.

---------------
LO8
Limits: 500/1000

Hero dealt in BB: Ad 7x 5x 2d

Preflop:
(folds to Vil6)
Vil6 (Button): raises
Vil1: folds
Hero: calls

(2 players - 5 small bets in pot)
Flop: Kd Jx Jx
Hero: checks
Vil6: bets
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard defend. There could be merit in a 3b, but hero gets much closer to being out of MTT.
Flop: This is a check/fold. Hero could try to out maneuver, but it is tough with only backdoor nut flush draw on paired board.

---------------
2-7 TD

Hero dealt in UTG+1: 732xx

Predraw:
(folds to hero)
Hero (UTG+1): raises
(folds to Vil6)
Vil6 (BB): calls

1D 1B 2D 2B 3D 3B
Vil6: 2 b 1 b
Hero: 2 c 2 f

Hero's hand after 1st Draw: 732xx
Hero's hand after 2nd Draw: 732xx
Hero's hand after 3rd Draw:

Analysis:
Predraw: Standard raise with smooth 732xx.
1st Draw: Standard.
2nd Betting Round: Hero calls in position.
2nd Draw: Standard.
3rd Betting Round: Standard play. Hero is card behind and sees bet. Hero did not improve and folds two card draw.

---------------
Level 8 - Limits: 600/1200
PLO:
Blinds: 150/300

Hero's stack: ~1400
Hero dealt in Button: Ax Qc Jc 8x

Preflop:
Vil? (UTG): raises to 700
Hero (Button): tanks, folds

Analysis:
Preflop: This may be a bit too strong to fold. It's a weird spot in what likely would be a multiway pot.

---------------
PLO
Hero's stack: 950

Hero dealt in CO: Ks Jh 9s 8h

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero: raises all in to 950
Vil3 (But): folds
Vil4 (SB): folds
Vil5 (BB): throws a bunch of chips in and calls

Vil5: shows Tx 7h 4h 2x

Board: 8x 3x 3x Jx 7x
Hero doubles to 2050

Analysis:
Since pot is unopened, a decent double suited rundown is fine to try and win.

---------------
PLO
Blinds: 150/300
Hero dealt HJ: Ad Kx Jx 4d

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero: raises to 900
(other players fold

Analysis:
Preflop: AKxx is a bet/call with a short stack.

---------------
Stud 8
Limits: 600/1200

Hero does not remember action.
Vil5's board: (Lx Lx) Lx Lx Lx Lx (Lx)
Hero's board: (3x Ax) 6x 3x 7x Qx (Xx)

Vil5 makes low but no pair. Hero chops.

Hero's stack: 2450

---------------
NLHE
Blinds: 150/300, Ante: 75
Hero's stack: 1975
Hero dealt in CO: Q8o

Read: BB (Vil5) seemed to be loose based on calling a PSB.

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero: thinks for a while, then folds.

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero was not 100% sure and decided to try to wait for a better spot since fold equity seemed less obvious.

Looking at a GTO Push/Fold chart, this might be a super small -EV fold.
Push/Fold Chart (MTT Open Shoves V2.3.pdf)
6.5 1 39.7% 22+ Ax+ K2s+ K6o+ Q6s+ Q9o+ J7s+ JTo T7s+ T9o 97s+ 87s 76s

---------------
NLHE
Hero's stack: 1750
Hero dealt in BB: Q9o

Preflop:
Vil3 (UTG): raises to 600
Vil4 (HJ): calls
Vil5 (CO): folds
Vil6 (But): calls
Vil1 (SB): folds
Hero (BB): calls

(4 players - 3000 in pot)
Flop: Kd 9x 8d
Hero: bets all in (1150)
Vil3: folds
Vil4: folds
Vil6: calls

Vil6: shows Qc Tc

Board: Kd 9x 8d 6x 9x

Hero's stack: 5300

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero gets great price to call in MW pot. Hero hopes to flop a pair and go with it.
Flop: Hero gets a pair and bets.

---------------
Hero's stack at Level 9 break: 4100 @ 800/1600 limits.
Twitter: Short stack ninja through a bunch of good short stack games PLO stud8 NLHE. 4100 800 1600 limits.

---------------
Razz:
Limits: 800/1600

3rd Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 9? ____folds
Hero: (5x Ax) 8x ____completes
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 3x ____calls
Vil4: (Xx Xx) 2x ____calls
Vil5: (Xx Xx) Jx __brings in___folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) T? __folds

(2 players - 3 1/3 small bets in pot)
4th Street:
Hero: (5x Ax) 8x 3x ____calls
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 3x 7x __bets

(2 players - 2 2/3 big bets in pot)
5th Street:
Hero: (5x Ax) 8x 3x 5x ____folds
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 3x 7x 6x __bets

Analysis:
3rd Street: Standard complete albeit a bit dangerous with a somewhat dead hand and 2 low cards between hero and bring in.
4th Street: Standard call when villain donk bets with best board.
5th Street: Hero paired up. Hero has worse draw and possibly worse hand. Hero folds.

---------------
Razz:

3rd Street:
(Dead cards are noted, but specific locations of other low cards could be wrong.)
Vil1: (Xx Xx) Bx ____folds
Hero: (2x 5x) Ax ____calls
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 4x ____folds
Vil4: (Xx Xx) Bx __brings in__folds
Vil5: (Xx Xx) 3x __folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) 4x __folds

(2 players - 3 1/3 small bets in pot)
4th Street:
Hero: (2x 5x) Ax 6x ____bets
Vil6: (Xx Xx) 4x Tx __checks__folds

Analysis:
3rd Street: Hero could bloat pot and force both players to continue on bricks. But, short stack hero wants to keep pot small with little equity edge.
4th Street: Standard bet by hero and villain fold.

---------------
LHE:
Limits: 800/1600
Hero's stack: 6200
Hero dealt in BB: QJo

Preflop:
(folds to Vil6)
Vil6 (Button): raises
Vil1: folds
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Should hero flip coin and commit self with 3.5 BB in LHE? Hero decided to wait.

---------------
Badugi:
Limits: 800/1600
Hero's stack: 5800
Hero dealt in button: 432x tri
Read: Vil4 had shown down 7-9 badugi when showing aggression.

Predraw:
(folds to hero)
Hero (Button): raises
Vil3 (SB): folds
Vil4 (BB): calls

1D 1B 2D 2B 3D 3B
Vil4: 2 x/c 1 x/r
Hero: 1 b 1 b/f

Hero's hand after 1st Draw: 432x
Hero's hand after 2nd Draw: 432x

Analysis:
Predraw: Standard open with 3 card 4 tri.
1st Draw: Standard.
2nd Betting Round: Hero bets with likely best tri. Villain may even fold if a brick after 1st draw.
2nd Draw: Standard.
3rd Betting Round: Does hero continue to gamble for tournament life? Villain most likely made a marginal (J+ badugi) and is trying to generate fold equity. There is a small chance of snow too. Hero decides to wait.

Hero's stack: 1800

---------------
Badugi:
Limits: 800/1600
Hero's stack: 1000
Hero dealt in BB: Q532r

Read: Vil3 seemed to be showing strong badugis and folding with pat hands when faced with aggression. A likely very competent badugi player.

Predraw:
Vil3 (UTG): raises
Vil6 (Button): calls
Hero (BB): calls all in

1D 1B 2D 2B 3D 3B
Hero: pat () pat 1
Vil3: pat b pat b pat b
Vil6: 1 c pat c pat f

Hero's hand after 1st Draw: Q542r
Hero thinks for a bit, then pats.

Hero's hand after 2nd Draw: Q542r
Note: Hero tanks for a while, then decides to break on the 3rd draw. Hero realized that Vil3's range is stronger than a Q pat badugi. It likely is 8+ badugi if villain raised/called since villain was not ever seen playing bad pat badugis. Hero went with a default range at first, but realized the mistake in assessing Vil3's range and correctly broke (1 draw too late).

Hero's hand after 3rd Draw: 542x
Dealer wishes hero "good luck".

Vil6: shows 642A rainbow
Hero turns over hand. 542x
Vil6 says, "Wow, I did not realize you were so smooth."

Hero draws 4 of the correct suit - 5442 :(

Analysis:
Predraw: Standard call.
1st Draw: In MW pot, this probably should have been break. Likely a hero mistake, but not sure based on others' opinions. OOP, there could be merit in standing pat and hoping other 2 players are drawing. But Qxxx badugis are underdogs multiway.
2nd Draw: Hero should break here after seeing player stand pat (PFR). There is no reason to think hero is ahead. Hero misanalyzed range and also forgot previous read that villain was competent and unlikely to be raising bad Q/K badugis.
3rd Draw: Hero finally makes the right decision (after tanking) to break hand. Hero almost binked tournament life.

Hero received confirmation from Vil1 (DD) that he should have broken on 2nd draw.

---------------
Hero needs to be careful about tightening up in spots and playing better in steal situations. There were a couple obvious steal spots that hero decided to not try to steal blinds and antes (stud 8, NLHE< etc...). Hero also needs to work a lot on badugi.

Hero out in 127/380. 42 places pay.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

20-40 Mix at Rio

6/17/2015 (before 10 game mix)
20/40 mix

There seemed to be a lot of 6+ badugi.
One player was pat on 2nd draw, then correctly broke. Unfortunately, hero got 4 bet on the 3rd draw and was up against a better 6.

Hero ran really well in 2-7 triple draw. Hero then got 3b in spot with badugi. Hero played an 53Ar tri decently well too.

Hero ran into Ben (from previous years) who introduced the table to high low triple draw. It seemed like a great action game that hero had forgotten about in the past.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

WSOP 1500 PLO MTT at Rio

1500 PLO MTT at Rio
7500 starting chips at 25/50 blinds and 60 min. levels.

---------------
First Table Reads (back of room - left or middle table):
1 young guy
2 old guy with WSOP polo
3 (late registrant) - Young Asian
4 older Pittsburgh Rivers PLO player, very loose
5 (late registrant) - Moroccan, middle aged guy (level 3)
6 old guy/balding
7 late reg - dead stack - middle aged female Asian with Parx hoodie
8 hero
9 late registrant - old guy

---------------
Blinds: 25/50

Read: Vil4 is fairly loose postflop, but seems to maneuver postflop.

Hero dealt in CO: Ac 9c 8x 5x

Preflop:
(folds to hero in CO)
Hero: raises to 150
Vil4 (BB): calls

(2 players - 350 in pot)
Flop: Kx 7x Qc 7c
Vil4: checks
Hero: bets 200
Vil4: calls

(2 players - 750 in pot)
Turn: Kx 7x Qc 7c
Vil4: checks
Hero: bets 425
Vil4: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard raise with suited ace in CO. Hero probably has edge against villains in position.
Flop: This can be a spot to check back. Hero decides to bet as semi-bluff since many cards bring hero additional draws (wrap, flush draw).
Turn: Good barrel turn card. Wide villain range usually folds to hero second barrel.

---------------
Hero dealt in BB: Ah Jh Tx 6x

Preflop:
Vil1 (UTG): raises to 150
(folds to Vil7)
Vil7 (SB): calls
Hero (BB): calls

(3 players - 450 in pot)
Flop: Xx Xx Xx (not sure of board texture)
Vil7: checks
Hero: checks
Vil1: bets 325
Vil7: calls
Hero: folds

(2 players - 1100 in pot)
Turn: Xx Xx Xx Xx (not sure of board texture)
Vil7: checks
Vil1: bets 550
Vil7: folds

Analysis:
Hero did not write down board, sigh. Hero notices that villain can double barrel.

---------------
Hero dealt in HJ: Td 9s 8d 5s

Preflop:
(folds to Vil5)
Vil5 (UTG+1): calls
Hero: calls
Vil9: calls
Vil1 (Button): calls
Vil2 (SB): calls
Vil3 (BB): checks

(6 players - 300 in pot)
Flop: Ah Qh 2x

Villain folds to bet.

---------------
Hero dealt in HJ: Ac Jc 8c 7s

Preflop:
Vil4: calls
Vil5: calls
Hero: calls
Vil9 (CO): raises to 250
(other players fold)
Vil4: calls
Vil5: calls
Hero: calls

(4 players - 1075 in pot)
Flop: 2c Kx 2x Jc
all players check

Turn: 2c Kx 2x Jc
Vil4: checks
Vil5: checks
Hero: checks
Vil9: bets 750
Vil4: folds
Vil5: folds
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: There could be merit in raising, but it is a fairly weak hand. There is little value in trying to isolate, so hero keeps pot smaller.
Flop: Hero decides to check since there is little fold equity for a bluff.
Turn: If there were 3 or fewer people in the pot, a stab could have chances of getting fold. 4 players are a bit tougher.

---------------
Level 2 - Blinds: 50/100

Hero dealt UTG: Ks Qx Js Tx

Preflop:
Hero: raises to 250
Vil9: calls
Vil1: folds
Vil2: calls
(other players fold)
Vil7 (BB): calls

(4 players - 1050 in pot)
Flop: 9x 9x Jx
Vil7: checks
Hero: bets 750
Vil9: folds
Vil2: folds
Vil7: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Super strong rundown = raise in any position.
Flop: This is a semi-bluff bet. Hero's equity is not bad against a 9xxx to call. There chance of drawing dead might mean hero only barrels twice on most runouts.

---------------
Hero dealt in BB: Ax Ax Qx 8x (rainbow)
(Note: action may/may not be correct.)

Preflop:
(folds to Vil4)
Vil4: raises to 200
Vil6 (But): folds
Vil7 (SB): calls
Hero (BB): calls

(3 players - 600 in pot)
Flop: Ax 6s 3s
Vil7: checks
Hero: checks
Vil6: bets 600
Vil7: folds
Hero: calls

(2 players - 1800 in pot)
Turn: Ax 6s 3s 7s 7c
Hero: checks
Vil6: checks

(2 players - 1800 in pot)
Turn: Ax 6s 3s 7s 7c
Hero; bets 1550
Vil7: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero has bad aces and calls to set mine.
Flop: Standard hero bet.
Turn: Board completes flush draws and nut straight draws. A bet is a mistake since only better hands (completed flush/straight draws) call.
River: Hero makes a "bluffy looking" river bet. Hero thought there were a lot of bluff catchers in villain's range. Perhaps hero should have bet smaller to try to get more crying calls from weak flushes and maybe 54xx.

---------------
Hero dealt in SB: Ts 7s 6h 5h

Preflop:
(folds to Vil7)
Vil7 (But): raises to 250
Hero: calls
Vil9 (BB): calls

(3 players - 750 in pot)
Flop: Td 7d 3x
Hero: checks
Vil9 (BB): bets 400
Vil7: calls
Hero: calls

(3 players - 1950 in pot)
Turn: Td 7d 3x 4h
Hero: checks
Vil9: checks
Vil7: bets 1300
Hero: raises to 5000
Vil9: folds
Vil7: calls all in for 2000

Vil7: shows Qc 9c 6s 5s

(2 players - 1 all in)
Board: Td 7d 3x 4h Jx

Hero and Vil7 chop pot.
Vil7's comment: "I thought you had a bigger freeroll."

Analysis:
Preflop: This could be a marginal 3 bet situation against a button open. Hero decides to play a smaller pot.
Flop: Hero has big hand and decides to check/call.
Turn: This is a classic raise freeroll situation. This may have been better to donk bet/call since it was a brick that only hits gutshots. Sigh. Hero gets small freeroll against same hand.

---------------
Hero dealt in SB: 5x 4s 3x 2s

(5 players - ~550 in pot)
Flop: 3s 8c 9d
all players check

(5 players - ~550 in pot)
Turn: 3s 8c 9d Kd
Hero: bets 400
(all players fold)

Analysis:
Preflop: This is a bit loose OOP. Hero rarely makes nut straight in a multiway pot.
Flop: Hero has bottom pair. Hero checks.
Turn: Hero sees a lot of weakness and decides to bluff a brick turn card. Hero would be ready to fire 2 barrels on most/all river cards. (If hero makes a low 2 pair and no flush completes, hero may check/call).

---------------
Hero dealt in HJ: Ax As Kx 3x rainbow

Preflop:
Vil5 (1575): raises to 250
(folds to hero)
Hero (HJ): calls
(other players fold)

(2 players - 650 in pot)
Flop: Ac 6c 3x
Vil5: checks
Hero: bets 350
Vil5: calls

(2 players - 1350 in pot)
Turn: Ac 6c 3x Qx
Vil5: bets 1050 (all in)
Hero: calls

Vil5: shows AQxx with no straight draws and is drawing dead. Vil5 leaves table almost immediately after tabling hand.

Board: Ac 6c 3x Qx Xx (Apologies for hero not writing down board.)

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero decides to play hand deceptively rather than isolate a short stack and have to play large pot with bad aces.
Flop: Standard value bet that is called/shoved on by flush draws/wraps, etc...
Turn: Villain donk bet is unlucky for villain. Villain drawing dead is even worse.

---------------
Hero's stack at level 3: 11275 @ 75/150.

---------------
Updated Reads:
1 young guy
2 old guy with WSOP polo
3 (late register) - Young Asian
4 middle aged guy with headphones (previous villain busted before level 3) | level 4 - eventually Nemish P. (younger Arabic male)
5 (late register) - Moroccan, middle aged guy (level 3)
6 old guy/balding
7 late reg - dead stack - middle aged female Asian with Parx hoodie
8 hero
9 young bald guy with beard - open raises often

---------------
Hero dealt in UTG+1: Ax Ad Qd 8x

Preflop:
Vil7 (UTG): calls
Hero: calls
Vil9: calls
Vil1: folds
Vil2 (SB): calls
Vil3: checks

(6 players - 900 in pot)
Flop: 2x 2x 8d
all players check

(6 players - 900 in pot)
Turn: 2x 2x 8d 3d
Vil2: checks
Vil3: bets pot (900)
(all other players folds)

Analysis:
Preflop: Weak aces = limp
Flop: Hero does not meet criteria for betting.
Turn: Hero could try to spike a top boat or nut flush draw, but limped pot = hero could be up against mostly trips or (less likely boat) (and very rarely a bluff). Hero decides to fold.

---------------
Hero dealt UTG: As Ad 7s 6d

Reads: Vil4 was aggressive.

Preflop:
Hero: calls
(2 other players call)
Vil4: raises - ~450
Hero: calls
all players call

(4 players - ~1800 in pot)
Flop: Jx Tx 6x (rainbow)
Hero: checks
Vil4: bets ~1200
(one player calls)
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: There was merit in trying to raise preflop UTG. Maybe hero should and not worry about the "metagame" that hero is noted with AAxx often. Sigh.
Flop: Standard check/fold since so many turn cards are bad and hero OOP against aggressive villain in MW pot. There could be merit in folding HU sometimes too.

Vil4 eventually shows single pair after triple barrelling.

---------------
Hero dealt in SB: Ac Kx Jc 6x

Preflop:
(folds to hero in SB)
Hero (SB): raises to 400
Vil9 (BB): calls

(2 players - 900 in pot)
Flop: Jx 8x 7x (rainbow)
Hero: bets 500
Vil9 (BB): folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard raise.
Flop: This is probably a double barrel bluff spot since few turn cards will change the nuts (T/9).

---------------
Hero dealt in CO: Kx Kx 7h 2h

Preflop:
(folds to hero in CO)
Hero (CO): raises to 400
Vil9 (But): calls
Vil2 (SB): calls

(3 players - 1350 in pot)
Flop: Ah 2d 3d
all players check

(3 players - 1350 in pot)
Turn: Ah 2d 3d Jx
Vil2: bets 800
Hero: folds
Vil9: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard open in LP unless against maniac.
Flop: This is a check/fold without any draws to anything. If it checks around on 2-3 streets, hero might have best hand.
Turn: Villain donk bet could be steal, but hero has almost no equity. Hero folds.

---------------
Hero dealt in MW pot: Ad Ax Xx Xx

Preflop:
at least 1 player and hero limp
BB: checks

(3+ players - ?? in pot)
Flop: Jd Td 2d
all players check

(3+ players - ?? in pot)
Turn: Jd Td 2d 3x
Hero: bets ???
all other players fold.

Analysis:
Flop: Multiway - hero has no hand and checks.
Turn: This is a nut flush blocker play that makes sense given the line. Hero would bet 2 streets.

---------------
Hero dealt in MW pot: Ks Kd 9s 8x

Preflop:
at least 2 players call
Hero: calls
BB: checks

(4+ players - ?? in pot)
Flop: Ax 7d 6d
Vil9: bets 450
Vil3: raises to 1600
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Bad KKxx is ok to limp.
Flop: Hero has no hand and no draw. Hero folds.

---------------
Level 4 - Blinds: 100/200
Hero dealt in MP: 7x 5x 4h 3h

Preflop:
Vil7 (2k): calls
Hero: raises to 500
Vil2: calls
Vil7: calls

(3 players - ~1500 in pot)
Flop: Jx 9s 8s
Vil7: bets ~1500 (all in)
Hero: calls
Vil2: calls

(3 players - ~6000 in pot, 1 player all in)
Turn: Jx 9s 8s 4c
Hero: checks
Vil2: checks

(3 players - ~6000 in pot, 1 player all in)
River: Jx 9s 8s 4c 2s
Hero: checks
Vil2: checks

Hero did not write down hands.
Vil7: triples up

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero isolating with small rundown to try to get others to fold and isolate with a vulnerable rundown. Hero isolates short stack to try to get heads up. This may have been a leak since hot/cold equity is not great with this hand (does not flop high pairs)
Flop: Hero calls to possibly steal and/or eliminate opponent. It is a bit loose.
Turn: Hero does not see bluff card (Q/T/K/spade) and checks.
River: Hero does not see bluff card (Q/T/K/spade) and checks.

---------------
Hero dealt in MP: Ac Qc Qx 7c

Preflop
Vil9 (UTG): raises to 600
(all other players fold)
Hero (MP): calls
(other players fold)

(2 players - ~1500 in pot)
Flop: Kx 6x 3x 7s 6x (rainbow)
Vil9: checks
Hero: checks

(2 players - ~1500 in pot)
Turn: Kx 6x 3s 7s 6x
Vil9: checks
Hero: checks

(2 players - ~1500 in pot)
Turn: Kx 6x 3s 7s 6x (rainbow)
Vil9: bets 750
Hero: calls

Vil9: shows AA63x
Hero: mucks

Analysis:
Flop: No value/hard to bluff = check.
Turn: Hero could bluff, but it may be with best hand. Hero has no blockers to straight. Hero decides to try to get to showdown.
River: Could villain be stealing? Hero thought there was a chance and decides to bluff catch.

---------------
Hero dealt in BB: Kx Qx 9x 7x

Preflop:
(folds to Vil7)
Vil7 (SB): calls
Hero: checks

(2 players - 400 in pot)
Flop: Jx Tx 3x (rainbow)
Vil7: checks
Hero: checks

(2 players - 400 in pot)
Turn: Jx Tx 3x Ax (rainbow)
Vil7: checks
Hero: bets 300
Vil7: folds

Analysis;
Preflop: Hero does not likely have fold equity preflop. Hero checks.
Flop: Hero has a wrap and could bet. Hero decides to check.
Turn: Hero decides to stab with nuts to get value from top pair + middle/bottom pair.

---------------
Hero's stack at level 5: 7450 @ 150 300.

---------------
Read: Vil9 - bet larger with pair + NFD;checked cards 2x when flush completed, then bet; check/call with board pair
Read: Vil6 - had just potted LP opener 1 hand earlier

---------------
Level 5 - Blinds: 150/300
Hero's stack = ~7300
Hero dealt in SB: Qs Jd 9d 8s

Preflop:
Vil3: raises to 700
Vil5: calls
Vil6: raises pot (2550)
Hero: thinks for a while, then folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Is this is a spot to gamble with not a lot of fold equity? It all just depends. Hero was neutral about reads at the table.
It is also fine to call and take a flop with the likelihood of betting all in on most board textures. Perhaps that could have been the smart play too.
Fold is horribly nitty.

---------------
Hero dealt in CO: Qc Jh Tc 7h

Preflop:
Vil3: calls
(folds to hero)
Hero (CO): raises to 900
other players fold
Vil3: calls

(2 players - 2250 in pot)
Flop: Kx 8h 3x
Vil3: bets pot (2250)
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: With a rundown, hero isolates limper.
Flop: Hero has a backdoor flush draw and no pair. Hero folds.

---------------
Hero dealt in SB: Jx Tx 9d 7d

Preflop:
(folds to Vil6)
Vil6 (2125, CO): raises to 600
Vil7 (Button): calls
Hero (SB): raises to 2825 (all in)
Vil6: calls all in
Vil7: folds

Vil6: shows Ax Ks Qs Tx

Board: 9s 2x Js 6x Qx

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero has another rundown in SB with raise and call. Hero can squeeze. How is this situation different than the previous one? Hero had fewer chips (~5050) and a short stack was also in the pot. Villains in other hand had hero covered. There was also no other raises in front of hero. There may be more fold equity.

Hero's stack: 2225

---------------
Level 6 - Blinds: 200/400
Hero's stack: 2225

Hero dealt in UTG: Kx Qs Js 9x

Preflop:
Hero: raises to 1100
(all other players fold)

Analysis:
Preflop: standard

---------------
Hero's stack: 2625
Hero dealt in BB: Ax Kc Kx Kx

Preflop:
(folds to Vil6)
Vil6 (But): calls
Vil7 (SB): calls
Hero (BB): raises to 1600
Vil6: calls
Vil7: folds

(2 players - 3400 in pot)
Flop: Ac Qc 2x
Hero: bets all in (1075)
Vil6: calls

Vil6: shows Qx Jc Tc 8x

Board: Ac Qc 2x 5x 8x

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero picks up premium preflop hand and raises for value. Hero will bet most flops.
Flop: Hero has TPTK and bets all in.

---------------
Overall Thoughts: Hero felt like this was a normal WSOP tournament. Some highs and lows (from a variance perspective) with a mix of ok/decent players among the ranks.
Hero felt that play was good for the majority of the tournament.

Hero out with 46 tables left (in level 6) + late registrations. 978 total entries.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

220 8 Game Mix MTT at Golden Nugget

240 8 Game Mix MTT at Golden Nugget
15000 starting chips at 100/200 limits (25/50 blinds in big bet games) and 30 min. levels for the first 8 levels, 45 min. levels through final table, 60 min. levels at final table.
Late registration and re-entry through level 8 (600/1200 limits).

---------------
Game Order:
PLO
LO8
2-7 TD
NLHE
LHE
Razz
Stud
Stud8

Reasoning: They wanted to have dealers deal the same number of down cards for as long as possible. Hero thought it was just "let's scramble the plaques and go".

---------------
Hero late registered around end of level 6. Limits: 400/800 (18.75 big bets). End of late registration and re-entry at level 8.

---------------
First Table Reads (Table 17 - late register):
1 bald, middle aged guy
2 young guy with cap
3 hero
4 guy/glasses with UKIPT hoodie
5 Asian - middle aged guy
6 guy - long hair

Hero did not play many hands before moving to next table (table break).

---------------
Second Table Reads (Table 16 - late register):
1 young guy
2 middle aged guy
3 Astros jersey/bald
4 hero
5 Asian - middle aged guy
6 guy - long hair

---------------
Razz:
Third Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) Qx _____________folds
Vil2: (Xx Xx) 4x _____________folds
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 7x _____________completes
Hero: (4x 8x) Kx __brings in__calls
Vil5: (Xx Xx) 8x __folds
Vil6: (Xx Xx) 2x __folds

(2 players - 2 5/6 small bets in pot)
Fourth Street:
Vil3: (Xx Xx) Kx Qx __folds
Hero: (Xx Xx) 7x Ax __completes

Analysis:
3rd street: Against obvious steal, hero calls. Hero is helped by dead low cards, but it may be a little loose to defend with an 8.
4th street: Brick = hero fold.

---------------
Stud Hi:
Third Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 8x ____completes
Vil2: (Xx Xx) Ks ____calls
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 8x ____calls
Hero: (Xx Xx) 4x ____calls
Vil5: (Xx Xx) Q? ____calls
Vil6: (Xx Xx) 4d __brings in__folds

(2 players - 5 5/6 small bets in pot)
Fourth Street:
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 8x 8x __double bets
Vil2: (Xx Xx) Ks 3c __calls
Vil3: (Xx Xx) 8x 9x __folds
Hero: (Xx Xx) 4x 4x __hero thinks for a long time, then folds

Fifth/Sixth Street: (unknown action)
Vil1: (Xx Xx) 8x 8x Kx 7x __??
Vil2: (Xx Xx) Ks 3c 5c 4c __??

Vil1: Says he had QQ88 (wired queens)
Vil2: Says he had maybe a flush draw or straight draw. (Maybe villain picked up four flush or four straight on 4th?).

Analysis:
3rd Street; Hero tries to disguise wired pair by calling. Hero could consider raise, but hero has 4 door card dead and thus range looks weighted towards pairs.
4th Street: Hero could not remember all the up cards :(. Hero was totally unsure what to do and made a super nitty fold. (In all honesty, this is a horrible fold). Hero knew 8 was dead, but hero could not remember if another A was dead. Additionally, hero has top of range and should just continue. Even if villain magically had the case 8, hero should just go broke in general. Given hero's stack (8 big bets), hero should just continue (probably call 4th, then bet/raise 5th) to keep other villains in pot).

---------------
Level 10 - 1000/2000 limits.
Hero's stack: 8600 @ 1000/2000 limits (300/500 big bet blinds)

Table change.

---------------
Third Table Reads (Table 14):
1 mid aged Asian - Hard Rock Cafe shirt
2 old guy with glasses
3 hero
4 old guy with scarf
5 old guy with white headphones
6 old guy with LAPC cap

---------------
NLHE:

Hero dealt on button: QTo

Preflop:
Vil6 (UTG): raises to 1500
Vil1 (HJ): folds
Vil2 (CO): calls
Hero (Button): thinks for a while, then folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero is not sure with old person raising in UTG. Is this a spot to squeeze? Hero decided no for the following reasons:
A. old guy means tighter range
B. UTG raise probably means some positional awareness without reads.

---------------
LHE:

Hero dealt in SB: ATo

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero (SB): raises
Vil4 (BB): folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard raise with LHE hand ranking charts.

---------------
LHE:

Hero dealt on Button: KQo

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero (But): raises
Vil4 (SB): folds
Vil5 (BB): folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard raise with LHE hand ranking charts.

---------------
Fourth Table Reads (Table 13):
1 hero
2 lady, she got tilted just before hero arrived and flashed card before showdown & was given a 1 round penalty
3 guy with long pony tail
4 guy with cap
5 guy with bald head
6 younger male, pro with Run Good Gear (Chris C.)

---------------
NLHE:

Hero folded T6o in CO to min raise by Vil4?

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard play to fold to raise with little fold equity and bad hand equity.

---------------
NLHE:
Hero jammed all in (7500 @ 100/300/500) with J3o on button when folded to hero. Vil3 says "it does not look like you want me to call, then shows 95o?.

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero has ~15 BB effective. This is a bit on the low end of a push fold chart, but it is slightly connected and hero probably has a lot of fold equity for first shove at the table.

---------------
LHE:
Hero dealt on Button: As Js

Preflop:
(folds to Hero on button)
Hero: raises
Vil2 (SB): calls
Vil3 (BB): calls

(3 players - 6 small bets in pot)
Flop: 6x 9c Jc
Vil2: checks
Vil3: bets
Hero: raises
Vil2: calls
Vil3: calls

(3 players - 6 big bets in pot)
Turn: 6x 9c Jc Kx
Vil2: checks
Vil3: bets
Hero: calls
Vil2: calls

(3 players - 9 big bets in pot)
River: 6x 9c Jc Kx 3x
Vil2: bets
Vil3: calls
Hero: calls

SB: shows 6c 3c
BB: shows Ks 5s

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard raise.
Flop: Hero is trying get value from draws, value from worse pairs, and try to eliminate players (increase equity).
Turn: Hero does not like donk bet by a different villain (Vil2). Sigh.
River: Vil3 now donks = worse shape. Sigh.

---------------
Given small sample size, the field seemed soft with some decent mixed game players mixed in.
Hero was really not happy with stud hi spot.

---------------
Hero out in 58th place out of 116 entries.

Monday, June 15, 2015

600 PLO MTT at Venetian

600 PLO MTT at Venetian
15000 starting chips at 50/100 blinds and 40 min. levels.

---------------
First Table Reads (back of room - left or middle table):
1 old guy/glasses
2 young Asian (late register)
3 young white male (friends with young female Asian in Venetian PLO8 MTT)
4 mid aged guy
5 (late - 2nd level) - older Asian
6 hero
7 middle aged Asian
8 young/middle aged guy with cap
9 young guy with glasses/headphones

Level 2 - updated reads
2 new middle aged guy with grey hair

Level 3 - updated reads:
8 big, middle aged guy

Level 4 - updated reads:
3 mid aged African American guy with tattoos and Beats by Dre headphones. He seemed to be loose and open 7542ds towards end of registration period.
4 late registrant - large caucasian guy with glasses, noticed he 3 barrelled and seemed like NLHE player
7 moved to table - young European guy

---------------
Hero dealt in BB: Ax As 9x 4s

Preflop:
(folds to Vil9)
Vil9 (CO): raises to 250
Vil1 (But): calls
Vil2 (SB): folds
Hero (BB): calls

(3 players - 800 in pot)
Flop: Ah 9d Td
all players check

(3 players - 800 in pot)
Turn: Ah 9d Td 4x
all players check

(3 players - 800 in pot)
River: Ah 9d Td 4x 5x
Vil2: checks
Hero: bets 450
Vil9: calls
Vil2: folds

Vil9: mucks

Analysis:
Preflop: Stack depth is too deep to 3-bet.
Flop: There could be merit in donk betting into PFR to setup b/3b scenario. However, it is a bit optimistic + still does not get the majority of hero's stack into the middle.
Turn: Hero should probably bet turn.
River: Hero makes smallish river value bet. Hero would probably bet/fold this hand.

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Level 2 - Blinds: 75/150
Hero dealt in BB: Kd Kx 4d 4x

Preflop:
Vil1 (HJ): raises to 350
Vil2: folds
Vil3 (But): calls
Vil5 (SB): folds
Hero (BB): calls

(3 players - 1125 in pot)
Flop: 6x 6x 2d
Hero: checks
Vil1: bets 600
Vil3: folds
Hero: calls

(2 players - 2325 in pot)
Turn: 6x 6x 2d Ad
Vil1: checks
Hero: checks

(2 players - 2325 in pot)
River: 6x 6x 2d Ad Td
Vil1: checks
Hero: bets 1000
Vil1: folds

Analysis:
Flop: Hero has overpair on board that does not likely hit villain. Hero would fold to raise or 2nd barrel.
Turn: Hero check and may call 2nd barrel with nut flush draw + overpair. Check is good though.
River: Hero goes for thin value with nut flush on paired board. Villain may call with a weirdly played 6xxx, but it's smaller part of range based on flop bet. Axxx might have called a thin value bet, but it's hard given the board was already paired and now a flush came in. There might be some thought to check/calling.

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Hero dealt in on button: Ks Kx 6s 2x

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero (button): raises to 350
Vil7 (SB): folds
Vil9 (BB): calls

(2 players - 775 in pot)
Flop: 9x 5s 7s
Vil9: checks
Hero: checks

(2 players - 775 in pot)
Turn: 9x 5s 7s Tc
Vil9: checks
Hero: bets 350
Vil9: calls

(2 players - 1475 in pot)
River: 9x 5s 7s Tc Ax
Vil9: checks
Hero: checks

Vil9: Shows As Ax 8s Xx
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: standard
Flop: On a connected board, hero decides to play a small pot (deceptively) and check with 2nd nut flush draw + overpair and only 1 straight blocker.
Turn: Hero decides to bluff turn card and possibly fire many rivers.
River: Not a great card for hero, hero changes plan and decides to check.

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Hero dealt in HJ: Ad Kd 3h 2d

Preflop:
Vil4 (EP): raises to 350
Hero (HJ): calls
Vil7 (CO): calls
Vil1 (BB): calls

(4 players - ~1475 in pot)
Flop: Ax Ax 8x (rainbow)
all players check

(4 players - ~1475 in pot)
Turn: Ax Ax 8x Xx(rainbow)
Vil4: checks
Hero: bets 1000
all players fold

Analysis:
Preflop: standard
Flop: Hero could bet, but there are few Axxx & 88xx combinations. Hero also turns hand face up and may not balance check back range in MW pot
Turn: Hero decides to start trying to extract value.

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Hero dealt in ?: Ah Jh 9d 7d

Preflop:
(folds to Vil3)
Vil3 (EP): raises to ~350
Vil4: calls
Hero (HJ): calls
(all other players fold)

(3 players - 1275 in pot)
Flop: 7s 5x 5s
Vil4: bets ????
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard call.
Flop: Hero does not have any real equity and check/folds to bet.

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Hero dealt in UTG+2: Kd Kx 4d 4x

Preflop:
Vil4 (UTG): raises to 300
Vil5: folds
Hero: calls
Vil7: calls
Vil8: folds
Vil9: folds
Vil1: calls
Vil2 (SB): folds
Vil3: calls

(5 players - 1575 in pot)
Flop: Ah Ax 2h
all players check

(5 players - 1575 in pot)
Turn: Ah Ax 2h 9x
Vil?: bets
all players fold

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard.
Flop: Standard. Hero has no equity or blockers to bluff.
Turn: Standard fold.

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Hero dealt UTG+1: Qx Tc 9x 7c

Preflop:
Vil5: folds
Hero: raises to 350
(folds to Vil1)
Vil1: calls

(2 players - 925 in pot)
Flop: Ax Td 8d
both players check

(2 players - 925 in pot)
Turn: Ax Td 8d Xx Xx (doesn't complete flush or straight draw)
both players check

(2 players - 925 in pot)
River: Ax Td 8d Xx Xx (doesn't complete flush or straight draw)
both players check

Vil1: shows Qx Js Ts 9x
Vil1: wins pot

Analysis;
Preflop:  Standard raise with rundown.
Flop: Hero has weak hand and draw and decides to check.
Turn: There could be merit in trying to bet this street and price out naked flush draws, but hero has some showdown value against random hands and decides to check.
River: There could be value in turning hand into bluff, but board did not have any draws complete.

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Level 3 - Blinds: 100/200
Hero dealt in BB: As Kh Th 6x

Reads: Vil9 seemed to be a bit competent in spots.

Preflop:
Vil9 (UTG+2): raises to 500
Vil1: calls
(folds to hero)
Hero (BB): calls

(3 players - 1600 in pot)
Flop: Ah 3h 3x
Hero: checks
Vil9: bets 500
Vil1: folds
Hero: calls

(2 players - 2600 in pot)
Turn: Ah 3h 3x Kh
Hero: checks
Vil9: checks

River: Ah 3h 3x Kh Kx
Hero: bets 2500
Vil6: thinks for 10 seconds, then raises to 6500
Hero: thinks for a while, then calls

Vil9: shows AJxx
Hero: wins pot

Analysis:
Preflop: Suited A + 3 broadway = call MW.
Flop: Hero plays pot control. Villain's betting range could be anything.
Turn: Hero may or may not fold to turn bet. It is a little close as hero has some outs if up against a 3xxx.
River; Hero decides to go for value against a random 3xxx hand. When hero is raised, what should hero do?
Vil9's range consists of {AAxx, 33xx, AKxx, some bluffs}. There's not really value in raise/folding, because only 33xx and AAxx would call. AAxx might even fold once in a while.

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Hero limp/folded preflop with QJJx on button limp once UTG limp/reraised a SB (or BB) raise.
Hero made nitty fold in BB with Ks Kx 5s 5x against Vil3's loose open.

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Twitter: Venetian PLO. 22375 150 300 after break. Played and ran well early.

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Level 4 - Blinds: 150/300

Hero dealt in BB: Xx Xx Xx Xx (hand was random weak hand).

Preflop:
Vil1: limps
(folds to SB)
Vil5 (SB): limps
Hero (BB): checks

(3 players - 900 in pot)
Flop: 9x 9c 7c
Vil5: checks
Hero: bets 500
Vil1: calls
Vil5: folds

(2 players - 1900 in pot)
Turn: 9x 9c 7c 3s
Hero: bets 1200
Vil5: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero had bad hand and checks option.
Flop: This is a little bit of a wet flop given paired nature, but hero decides to barrel twice. It looks a bit strong in limped pot, and one player already checked (with one player behind) to make it profitable.
Turn: A brick turn = hero bets. Hero takes down pot.

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Hero dealt on button: Ac Jc 6x 5x

Preflop:
Vil3 (HJ): raises to ~700
Hero: calls
Vil6 (SB): folds
Vil7 (BB): repots
Vil3: folds
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: This is an ok hand to peel flop in likely MW pot in position, but has very poor equity against AAxx/KKxx (most likely AAxx given unknown villain read).

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2nd Table (due to table change)

1 [empty], eventually younger guy with beard and blue reflective sunglasses
2 hero
3 Colin (Cleveland poker player regular) - young/middle aged guy
4 middle aged African American (black clover symbol on hat)
5 Munn - young/middle aged Asian
6 [empty]
7 young Asian with OKC cap (later - old guy, balding)
8 European - young male
9 old guy with glasses (level 6 - young guy, later young guy with long hair and headphones)

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Level 4 - Blinds: 200/400

Hero dealt in CO: Tc 9c 8s 6c (Hero is not sure of hand, but likely a decent rundown with 1+ suit and possibly 1-2 gaps.)

Preflop:
(folds to Vil1)
Vil1 (HJ): raises to 1400
Hero (CO): calls
Vil3 (But): raises to 5500
(folds to Vil1)
Vil1: calls
Hero: calls

(3 players - 18300 in pot)
Flop: Jx Jh 5h
all players check

(3 players - 18300 in pot)
Turn: Jx Jh 5h 3h
all players check

(3 players - 18300 in pot)
River: Jx Jh 5h 3h Xx (not board pair, likely under card like 8x)

Analysis:
Preflop: IIRC, hero has rundown and really should never fold even when facing a 3 bet.
Flop: In a 3 bet pot, hero is trying to get to showdown cheaply. Hero does not have overpair, J, or any pair. Thus, hero is likely folding to any bet.
Turn: Same as flop.
River; Hero does not really beat anything but bluff. Hero decides to fold.

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Hero dealt in : Kh Qh Td 8s

Preflop:
(folds to Vil5)
Vil5: limps
(folds to Vil8)
Vil8: limps
Vil1 (~6-7k): raises to 2k
Hero (CO, 12k): raises to 8k
(all other players fold)
Vil5: folds
Vil8: folds

Vil1: shows Ac 5c 4x 3x

Board: 4x Jx 6s Ks 8s

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero decides to isolate short stack with good rundown. There is merit to calling and seeing a flop though.

Hero's stack: 23100

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Hero dealt in HJ?: Ah Kc 9h 5c

Preflop:
(folds to hero)
Hero: raises to 1100
(folds to Vil9)
Vil9: calls

(2 players - ~2950 in pot)
Flop: Qx 8x 5x (two tone)
both players check

(2 players - ~2950 in pot)
Turn: Qx 8x 5x 8x (two tone)
Vil9: bets ?? (1500-2000?)
Hero: folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Standard raise in HJ
Flop: Hero decides to check a wet board
Turn: Villain bets. Hero notes villain's willingness to stab on board.

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Level 6 - Blinds: 250/500
Effective stacks; 25000 (50 BB)

Hero dealt in HJ: Ax Ax 9x 4x (rainbow)

Preflop:
Vil9: raises to 1100
Vil1: calls
Hero: calls
Vil3: calls
Vil4: folds
Vil5: folds
Vil6 (BB): calls

(5 players - 5500 in pot)
Flop: Ax Kx Tx (rainbow)
Vil9: checks
Vil1: bets pot (5500)
Hero: tanks, then folds

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero is unable to put in enough of stakc (~33+%) to leave 1 PSB on flop. Hero plays small pot.
Flop: Vil9 "betting pot" screams broadway. Player seemed like old person.
While hero does have enough equity to call and "boat mine", hero may never see turn card and have to risk MTT life unnecessarily especially OOP with other players left behind. This is a "lessen variance in an MTT and fold" spot with a probable edge against the field.

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Hero's stack at level 7 (dinner break): ~23000 @ 300/600

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Level 7 - Blinds: 300/600
Third hand after dinner

Reads; Vil9 had been very aggressive.

Hero dealt in BB: Ks Kx 5s 5x

Preflop:
Vil3 (~40k): limps
Vil5 (23k): limps
Vil9 (~30-40k): limps
(2 other players also limp)
Hero: checks

(6 players - 3600 in pot)
Flop: Qx 5s 3s
Hero: checks
Vil3: bets 1400
(3 players fold)
Vil9: calls
Hero: calls

(3 players - 7800 in pot)
Turn: Qx 5s 3s 6s
Hero: checks
Vil3: checks
Vil9: thinks for a little bit, then bets 5000
Hero: thinks for a while, then calls
Vil3: calls

(3 players - 22800 in pot)
River: Qx 5s 3s 6s 4x
Hero: checks
Vil3: checks
Vil9: thinks for a little while (as on turn), then bets 12000
Hero: thinks for a while, then calls
Vil3: folds

Vil9: shows As Xs Xx Xx
Hero: mucks

Analysis:
Preflop: Hero is unable to get significant portion of stack in middle with KKxx, so hero checks.
Flop: Hero tries to pot control in this spot. Hero has a deep stack in relation to pot and bet size. Hero thought about raise size, but hero could not raise and get 75+% of stack in. Hero decides to continue standard strategy to check call and redetermine on turn.
Turn: A decent turn card. Hero thinks for a while before calling. It is possible villain is bluffing with naked ace flush blocker or even betting a worse hand. Hero likely needs to call 2 bets to get to river.
River: The river barrel further eliminates medium flushes and turns it into the classic PLO/PLO8 scenario: nut flush or nut flush blocker. Hero still thinks there is enough chance given the aggressive nature of villain.
Vil9: Would an aggressive villain continue to barrel repeatedly given the number of players in pot?

In hindsight, villains will more likely play straightforward in a 3+ MW pot. Hero should more easily consider a fold, although it is somewhat close.

Afterwards, Vil3 says he had QQxx.
Additionally, hero said if Vil3 had raised flop, hero would reraise with set+flush draw as a favorite against a lot of things.
Hero's tweet: Lost a big multiway pot. Second second is not just found in multiway split pot games. Sigh. 3900 300 600.

Hero's stack: 3900 @ 300/600

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Hero dealt in HJ: Ac Jx Tx 2c

Preflop:
(folds to Hero)
Hero (HJ): raises to 2100
Vil5 (SB): calls
Vil6 (BB): calls

(3 players - 6300 in pot)
Flop: 4x 6d 7d
all players check

(3 players - 6300 in pot)
Turn: 4x 6d 7d 8x
Vil5: bets 900
Vil6: folds
Hero: thinks for a long time since it is tournament life, then calls

Vil5: shows 84xx

(2 players - 8100 in pot, 1 player all in)
River: 4x 6d 7d 8x 3x

Analysis:
Preflop: This was a loose open with ~4-5 BBs as it's not JJxx+ or AKxx. AJxx with a suit is a bit loose. Also, there's no reason to raise to 2100. 1500 would probably get same amount of fold equity and not "set alarm bells off" considering no other player raised pot.
Flop: Hero hopes to see free turn card in position. There might be some fold equity, but it is very unlikely.
Turn: Math says this is a marginal call at best. Hero could grind short stack better with more equity and try to flip. 900 to win 7200 = ~12.5% equity :(

Hero projected only gutshot - 9-10% equity.
http://propokertools.com/simulations/show?b=4h+6d+7d+8h&g=oh&h1=84kq&h2=js+ts+ac+2c&s=generic
Omaha Hi Simulation ?
5,760 trials (Exhaustive)
board: 4h 6d 7d 8h
Hand Equity Wins Ties
84kq 90.99% 5,241 0
js ts ac 2c 9.01% 519 0
2+2 · Deuces Cracked · LeggoPoker

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Overall Thoughts: There were a couple questionable plays (last 2 hands). Hand analysis was a bit tricky without becoming "results oriented".
Perhaps hero should have preserved chips especially in last "stand" with 3k chips (5BB) by just raising to 1500.

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Hero out in 93rd. 287 total entries and 34 play.