Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
I have been mulling over taking a stab at qualifying for the 2013 WSOP ME for a while now, and a few things have fallen into place that have convinced me to start down the path:
- After posting a hand a few weeks ago where I misplayed QQ, I looked at the criticisms I received and made some important changes to my play. Since that point I have been on an upswing, and I am averaging $20/hr just four tabling NL10-20-30. I am very confident about my cash game, unfortunately my SNG game is currently running as bad as it ever has.
- After avoiding MTT for the past two years due to time restrictions, I now want to resume playing tourneys.
- This morning, about two weeks earlier than I initially expected, I hit the roll I want to have for playing cash at levels up to NL50 (I like to be over-rolled, and play a relaxed and natural game), plus the roll I wanted to carve out for my foray back into MTT.
- If I do make it to the Main Event, I want to arrive as a player with reasonable live experience. Previously I was able to play live tourneys 2 to 4 times per month and had achieved good feel for the live game, but in the past two years I have only been able to go a total of six times. After discussing it with my wife, we agreed on 2 to 3 tourneys per month.
So the path I am thinking of is this:
1. I need practice: Every evening at 6:30 for $8 there is a $1200 guaranteed tourney on 888 with typically around 200 players, so I will be playing this one as often as possible for the next 5-6 weeks. I like it because of its start time, $8 means it is not equivalent to a freeroll but not too expensive, and it will end at a reasonable hour if I make the final table. If I can’t play it for whatever reason, I will play one or two 40 person SNGs.
2. Strategy: I have some books on tournament strategy, so I will read them, as well as post hands on BRM and ask for input.
3. Live play: Starting in September I will hopefully have carved out a bankroll from online to fund my return to live action at our local bar league 2 or 3 times per month. BI is $12, between 20-40 players and top 10% make the money.
4. In the middle of August, if I am doing well, I will try to qualify online for the 888 Super Stack Canada tournament happening on October 16 at the Playground Poker Club about 45 minutes from me. This will be a good exercise in trying to qualify for a live event.
Once I reach that point I will see how I am doing and map out qualifying for the ME. I will keep you updated in my blog. GL all.
Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
So far have participated in five MTT, with the first one being very encouraging and the other ones being... not so encouraging! Finished a $7 BI 202 player event in 34, and would have done better but had been card dead for a while, it was soon time to shove, got AJ and then big stack 3bet raise in early position. My poker sense was saying "Don't, you're behind" but yet my finger clicked the all in button only to see pocket rockets. This morning in $9 BI tourney got busted when my AA fell victim to 55 hitting a set.
Luckily cash game is continuing to roll along and make up for my MTT play. After a while of four tabling on my laptop I dusted off my big screen, and whenever I feel up to it I am ramping back up the number of tables I play with good results, hourly rate is much better with more tables and all nicely sized for my myopic eyes
Joined: Mar '09
Location: Greece
Age: 47 (F)
Posts: 14136
Since you are not losing any cash participating on this, by winning on ring games, you are good to go Keeps your moral still high to do some more buy ins, and try again Sooner or later youll get there gl
Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
Posted by Macubaas: Now you are still playing cash games on 888poker and if yes on what limits do you usually play??
And yes, as long our A game is fine(cash) sooner or later you'll also hit the jackpot on mtt
Usually NL20-50, and if waiting lists are long I will toss in one or two NL10 tables at the start of a session.
Hopefully it is sooner that I will hit on MTT! So far I am pleased with the practice I am getting, but unfortunately relearning lessons I had forgotten for tourney play! The important thing is the overall direction, and although bumpy right now I feel like I am improving so for now I am okay with it. Might play live tourney tonight....
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Posted by mahdrof:
Posted by Macubaas: Now you are still playing cash games on 888poker and if yes on what limits do you usually play??
And yes, as long our A game is fine(cash) sooner or later you'll also hit the jackpot on mtt
Usually NL20-50, and if waiting lists are long I will toss in one or two NL10 tables at the start of a session.
Hopefully it is sooner that I will hit on MTT! So far I am pleased with the practice I am getting, but unfortunately relearning lessons I had forgotten for tourney play! The important thing is the overall direction, and although bumpy right now I feel like I am improving so for now I am okay with it. Might play live tourney tonight....
Finally played live! Finished 6th out of 31 after 3.5 hours and one critical mistake tossed me out when I had worked hard to have a stack slightly higher than average. Happy overall with my game, but pretty rusty for the first half.
Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
Posted by Macubaas: Thats pretty good considering it was your first experience from what i understand
On that place i think you at least recovered your buy in at least, even maybe a small profit.
Keep us posted!
I used to regularly play live, but that was the first time since last September. I was so stiff at first that I tightened up so that I wouldn't do something really stupid. Had decent cards overall, cracked pocket rockets with nut flush on the turn for an early double up, and got AA a couple of times late in the tourney when I needed them bad. Top four got paid but pleased overall. Like I said, bad mistake bounced me out, learning, learning.....
Joined: Mar '08
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 44 (M)
Posts: 6714
I actually got my first AA on Sunday, Im sure I had the WOW expression all over my face, the guy opposite me laughed when I looked at my cards, he knew, but someone sat to my left(2 seats away) was too busy still looking at his cards to realise. I open he re-raises(straight to HU), I go for a 2/3 re-raise, after a long pause and stare down he goes AI, QQ Vs AA, he flops set, I make set on river...7/58
Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
Posted by B1gfoot: I actually got my first AA on Sunday, Im sure I had the WOW expression all over my face, the guy opposite me laughed when I looked at my cards, he knew, but someone sat to my left(2 seats away) was too busy still looking at his cards to realise. I open he re-raises(straight to HU), I go for a 2/3 re-raise, after a long pause and stare down he goes AI, QQ Vs AA, he flops set, I make set on river...7/58
LOL
The ability to peek at the hole cards and not change expression, or flop the nuts and not even seem to care takes a bit of practice. I remember having trouble controlling my shaking hand when I would have AA and was putting the chips in the middle for a raise!
Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
Wow, two and a half weeks since my last post. Got extremely busy with work, as we entered our busiest two weeks of the year and my boss decided to attend a conference for a week and bring along another manager who normally manages the workload. Lots of overtime and fatigue, very little MTT but pleased with cash game.
I keep track of my results in excel in a very simple way, and two weeks ago I added a column where I rate how good I feel before starting a session. It helps me cut back on tilt sessions because it forces you to assess your condition, realize how tilty you may be, play proper stakes for your mindset and get out if you are doing dumb moves. So far it has helped me a lot.
I have already tried qualifying for the 888 Canada Super Stack tournament happening at the Playground Poker Club, but have yet to hit my groove. During one of these tourneys I ran into a player who lives too far away to play the tourney and was looking to sell his ticket for about 40% of the BI price. I have been in contact with him, and the 888 manager who oversees these tournaments has said that it is okay, now I just need to convince my wife....
Leaving tomorrow on vacation, going back to Lake George, New York for a week of tent camping, reconnecting with the family and chillaxing my over-stressed body and mind. Have a good week!
Joined: Jan '11
Location: United States
Age: 60 (M)
Posts: 3361
Nice reading your follow-up. And, hope you enjoy your stay at the Lake. Wonderful way to spend quality time with the family.
Couldn't help asking about your excel spreadsheet! If you don't mind, what type of items are you tracking? Would like some input so I might start one up myself.
Joined: Mar '09
Location: Greece
Age: 47 (F)
Posts: 14136
Good luck with your ticket and game, or should i say good luck with convincing your wife. I laughed so much when i saw that. Tell her that if you win you will get her a nice gift
Joined: May '08
Location: Lithuania
Age: 39 (M)
Posts: 10090
Posted by mahdrof: Wow, two and a half weeks since my last post. Got extremely busy with work, as we entered our busiest two weeks of the year and my boss decided to attend a conference for a week and bring along another manager who normally manages the workload. Lots of overtime and fatigue, very little MTT but pleased with cash game.
I keep track of my results in excel in a very simple way, and two weeks ago I added a column where I rate how good I feel before starting a session. It helps me cut back on tilt sessions because it forces you to assess your condition, realize how tilty you may be, play proper stakes for your mindset and get out if you are doing dumb moves. So far it has helped me a lot.
I have already tried qualifying for the 888 Canada Super Stack tournament happening at the Playground Poker Club, but have yet to hit my groove. During one of these tourneys I ran into a player who lives too far away to play the tourney and was looking to sell his ticket for about 40% of the BI price. I have been in contact with him, and the 888 manager who oversees these tournaments has said that it is okay, now I just need to convince my wife....
Leaving tomorrow on vacation, going back to Lake George, New York for a week of tent camping, reconnecting with the family and chillaxing my over-stressed body and mind. Have a good week!
every time i read your thread the first thing i like is your attitude towards the game- you seem to be very organized and have a precise plan what to do- i think it's very important to maintain a cool head if planning to cash regularly in poker. good luck- we are waiting to see how you roll in main event
Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
I'm back! We were supposed to be gone for 6 days, however with two days of showers and thundershowers scheduled to roll in, we decided to pull up stakes while everything was dry, and made the most of our last day, arriving home at 1:00 AM. Had fun, was definitely nice to get away from it all and spend quality family time, campfires, roasted marshmallows and shmores, as well as lots of swimming, The Great Escape fun park again and mini-putt. For my picture as we left the mini-putt, I put on my best Mahdrof crazy eyes - with shaved head I actually am starting to look like him!
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Posted by Greenmohave: Couldn't help asking about your excel spreadsheet! If you don't mind, what type of items are you tracking? Would like some input so I might start one up myself.
Have a great week away!
Thank you Greenie!
Like I said, it is very basic with just the date, start$, finish$ and a graph of the last two weeks. Maybe someday I will get some real tracker software. In the extra column I rate how well I feel on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being too tired or stressed to play, and 10 being rested and in full control of how I want to play. For instance, I arrived this morning at 1:00, went to bed at 1:30, and was up at 6:00. Before playing I rated myself a 2, and based on that played a tighter game than usual and had nice results for the 45 minutes I played, only one mistake against an obvious play by a shortstacker.
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Posted by Mober: Good luck with your ticket and game, or should i say good luck with convincing your wife. I laughed so much when i saw that. Tell her that if you win you will get her a nice gift
Good idea... I need to discuss strategy with you more often!
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Posted by Macubaas: Great deal on that ticket and also i wanted to warn you you should ask 888 first but it seems you already thought about it
Good luck and keep us posted with your evolution! Also have a nice trip with your familiy!
Thank you!
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Posted by pochui: every time i read your thread the first thing i like is your attitude towards the game- you seem to be very organized and have a precise plan what to do- i think it's very important to maintain a cool head if planning to cash regularly in poker. good luck- we are waiting to see how you roll in main event
Thank you too! Hoping to resume my path now that I am on vacation and back from my trip.
Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
Going off to play live poker in our bar league in a few minutes. Vacation came to an end, and today was my first day back at work I ended up buying my seat at the 888 Canada Super Stack tournament from somebody who had qualified and could not play (paid 40% of the BI price). Tourney is happening Nov. 2-4, and when they had this event in April, 227 played with top 10 in the money, top prize $8600. Hoping to play 6 small live tourneys between now and then, and practice a whole bunch online. WPT will be going to the same venue at the end of November, and if I finish in first I am thinking of buying in directly (costs nothing to dream, right).
A few days after my trip my cash game started to come back around, and played a few tables of NL100 yesterday for the first time in a while. Roll is excellent, I play anywhere from NL10 to NL50 usually, depending on how I feel. More later, GL!
------------ Finished 10th out of 36. Had worked my way to being a medium stack, decently over the average, final table had just been settled when loose-aggressive large stack player on the button raised to 9000 with the blinds at 1500/3000. Sitting on the big blind with KK and 48,000, I raised to 27,000 and he shoved with AJo, turn card ACE Hoping to play two live tourneys in September, and now that I am getting back into the live game mood I hope to cash in one of them.
Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
A couple of months ago 888 gave me VIP status for six months, after one of my withdrawals hit an unexplained snag and took six weeks to get to my bank account. Recently 888 made available to its VIP members a freeroll where first place is a $525 seat on a direct satellite to either the Aussie Millions or WSOP Asia Pacific. This freeroll runs every second Wednesday and the first one was yesterday, and guess who was there? Finished 5th out of 97, and it was quite exciting towards the end as I reached the final table and realized how close I was to being just one step away from a major tournament. Had trips on my final hand to a full house.
At least I have the SuperStack tourney in a couple of months to look forward to. The SS tourney will be my first "real" tourney where I expect to be playing against a number of good, seasoned live players, and with a nice amount of money at stake. GL all
Joined: Nov '09
Location: Canada
Age: 55 (M)
Posts: 2387
Wow, a month and a half have gone by in the blink of eye because:
- back to school for the kids - switched to early morning shift which lets me be home in the afternoon when kids arrive - bad cold - daughter got a palette expander - closing things up in preparation for winter and mostly... THE NEW BOSS I HAVE SINCE A YEAR HAS BEEN MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT FOR ME!
I have been away from BRM for a while, and hope to resume my posting here now. I am mulling over selling my live tourney ticket for the Super Stack tournament in Montreal in a month, as these days I need my weekends to unwind and do homework. Seriously, the last two weeks I have been getting up at 3:30 and doing a couple of hours, and then after supper another hour and a half. I am hoping that by Christmas enough of my projects will be done that I can resume my return to tournament play, specifically with a goal to make the 2013 WSOP ME.
After a long absence from NL, I have gotten back into it and after a few early hiccups am averaging about $25/hour, just six tabling micros, so for now I will continue along that path. GL all!
So far I am pleased with the practice I am getting, but unfortunately relearning lessons I had forgotten for tourney play! The important thing is the overall direction, and although bumpy right now I feel like I am improving so for now I am okay with it. Might play live tourney tonight....
I ended up buying my seat at the 
Finished 5th out of 97, and it was quite exciting towards the end as I reached the final table and realized how close I was to being just one step away from a major tournament. Had trips on my final hand to a full house.
