50 UP!

My blog has now visited 50 different countries in 2007.

With first time visitors from Austria, Lebanon and India this week, I have now reached the half century mark!

ClintonO

2 more final tables

I managed to fit two games in this evening.

The $5k HH and the $4.5k GTD.
I made both final tables finishing 6th in the first and 4th in the 2nd.

In the $4.5k, I was chip leader with just 4 players left. Then this happened.

HOLE CARDS -----
dealt to ClintonO [Th Td]
Soobydo: folds
Jillyfish: folds
ClintonO: raises to 7200
Paulf1001: calls 4800
----- FLOP ----- [4c 8d 9d]
ClintonO: bets 7200
Paulf1001: calls 7200
----- TURN ----- [4c 8d 9d][Kd]
ClintonO: bets 7200
Paulf1001: is all-in 5825.50
Returned uncalled bets 1,374.50 to ClintonO
----- RIVER ----- [4c 8d 9d Kd][8h]
----- SHOW DOWN -----
ClintonO: shows [Th Td] (Two Pairs, Tens and Eights, King high)
Paulf1001: shows [Qd 8c] (Three of a kind, Eights, King high)
Paulf1001 collected 41651 from Main pot

Followed shortly after by

----- HOLE CARDS -----
dealt to ClintonO [8s 8c]
ClintonO: raises to 7200
Paulf1001: calls 7200
Soobydo: folds
Jillyfish: calls 4800
----- FLOP ----- [2c Ah Ad]
Jillyfish: checks
ClintonO: bets 13906 and is all-in
Paulf1001: calls 13906
Jillyfish: folds
----- TURN ----- [2c Ah Ad][5c]
----- RIVER ----- [2c Ah Ad 5c][Qd]
----- SHOW DOWN -----
ClintonO: shows [8s 8c] (Two Pairs, Aces and Eights, Queen high)
Paulf1001: shows [5s 5h] (A Full House, Fives full of Aces)
Paulf1001 collected 51812 from Main pot

"SIGH"

Still 2 from 2 final tables is a good effort and the bankroll continues in the right direction.

ClintonO

A couple of decent performances

I managed to find a few hours to play on Sunday. Playing in the CPC Final and the £40k.

Both ended within a minute of each other, but both financially profitable.
I made my 3rd consecutive final table of the CPC, but went out in 7th place. I received $603 for my efforts, but so did everyone from 2nd to 16th!

In the £40k, it a was a 23rd place finish and £280.

Both tournaments I pushed with top pair on the flop, but was outkicked by one card both times. Both were hands I did not to get involved in, but was priced in.

Always nice to push the bankroll forward!

ClintonO

Playing at last!

How nice to be playing again!

I managed four games last night, which was more than I expected to be able to play but I am not complaining.

First up was the $77 CPC qualifier. I have done very well in these so far, I have previously played in 4 and won 3 of them. 35 runners last night and top 4 made it. Solid poker is the way forward in this type of the event and after getting into 2nd place with 7 left, it was just a matter of playing tight, aggressive poker, putting the short stacks under pressure. I continued my good record to make it through to Sundays $530 final.

Next was the GC 7 qualifier, I wanted to add this to numbers 4,6,8 that I previously qualified for. I made the final table, but was quite short stacked with 7 left and 3 seats available.

I get into a pot cheaply with 34, the board brings 52x and I think this is as good time as any to go for the check raise. I get called by 99, which was a lot better than I expected and missed the help needed.

I played the £6k and finished just outside the money, I managed to get my way up to 7k. Holding JJ, I thought I played the hand really well, eventually getting someone to put all their chips in with K9 and a flush draw with one card to come. He had 11 outs on the river (I held one of the hearts) and hit, to knock me out 4 from the money and robbing me of a chance to move into the top 12.

I also played the $4.5k, for some reason people kept giving me their chips to start with and I had 6k and was leading after the first level.
I stayed in the top ten for most of the tournament.
With 25 left, the button raises me, I have KK in small blind, push all in and get called by TT, a ten hits on the turn.
Shortly after I have JJ and reraise all in to be called by AJ, an ace comes on the river.

I am happy enough with that for a nights work, a seat in Sunday’s final and a couple of unlucky hands which stopped me benefiting financially.

The other subject I want to touch on today is how people react to things that happen during poker.
Someone posted on my blog last night, asking what my views are on the fact that the Eyesight brothers abuse people on line and that abuse can get very strong and yet they claim to be good friends of mine.

I have a few things to say on this subject, which may or may not be controversial depending on your point of view.
Firstly, poker in my opinion is a game of skill, with a greater or lesser degree of luck thrown in dependent on your timeframe and how you approach and play the game.
Some people are prone to more bad luck than others. The tighter the player you are, the more likely it is that when you lose a hand, you lose to a weaker hand.

How you respond to misfortune is a great indicator of how successful you will be in whatever it is you do.

No one enjoys losing with AA to JJ preflop, but it happens and it happens 1 time in 5. However, when it does happen, you don’t instantly turn around and say well that ok, I am due one, you feel gutted and cheated. For those people who think they are the best around, then these hands are almost impossible to take.
I have gone through substantial losing periods with all the big hands and yet if I take a long term perspective of it, the percentages play themselves out whatever you think actually happens.

I do not see the point of abusing people who get lucky against you, what are you trying to make happen, does it affect the way they play, very unlikely. It is more likely to affect you. Poker is a game played in the mind, try playing a game without looking at your cards, that will show you how it’s a mind game.

I have met both the Eyesight brothers, who have been kind enough to play in both my Poccer events.
I had long chats with both of them and they are genuine, decent guys. However when they hit the poker tables they are subject to change!
For a lot of poker players, poker is everything, it’s their livelihood, their bread and butter. What goes with that is a level of confidence and to a degree arrogance. In order to be successful, confidence is a pre-requisite. How you manage that confidence will determine how you appear in the eyes of the all those watching.

I have met some lovely people in the world of poker and I have met some complete tossers! All of these people have confidence in their ability, but how they handle themselves, their levels of arrogance and whether they believe their own hype makes the difference.

I know I can play poker, I know that I am a decent player and am confident when I play. I have been fortunate in that I have qualified for a number of big events and have enjoyed my time in those. I know though, that there are thousands of better players than me in the world. What I do know is how to play to my strengths and make the most of what skills I have and also to take the rough with the smooth.

When I look at Tom, the younger eyesight brother, you can see a decent poker player, with hopefully the potential to do better, who has also won a fair amount online. Not massive compared to some the big names, but credit where it’s due he has done well.

I can’t agree with the verbal assaults he or anyone else gives out when they lose, nor will I try to justify them. At my recent Poccer tournament, he was the only player not be clapped when he went out. What does that mean, if it helps build his image or character as a player, then maybe positive can be taken from it, but let’s be honest, we are not world famous players and you are more likely to open doors with a positive attitude than a negative one. I am not professing to try to be liked by everyone as that is impossible and most unlikely unprofitable! I do suggest though, that everyone has the right to sit down at a poker table and how they play is up to them. All you have to do is work them out and then how to take their chips!

I have met many other young poker players who believe that they are the next big thing, they are cocky, arrogant and so self assured, they honestly believe they are the best poker player in the world. This is not attractive to poker companies, the media or followers of the game, who see so many of these types of people.

Instead of typing expletives down the screen, work out what happened and why. If you genuinely could not have played it better, then that’s just unlucky and it was not to be. If you can learn from victory or defeat, then you are going to be in a much better position for the future.

Now who’s for a friendly game of Poker!
Take Care
ClintonO

Wanted - Time Machine

How do I find more time in the day!

Its my only my second night on the tables in over a week, I really want to play more, but I just don't have the time.

So whats new, well the CPC is still priority 1, but I need to play more to get into the finals, will try and qualify tonight for Sundays final. Where are the Double Shootouts.

I have decided to try to qualify for as many as the Golden Cup Finals as possible. I have so far made it into finals 4, 6 and 8. Thats $960 worth of entry fees so far, would like to make them all if possible without having to buy in.

It was the 2nd Poccer Cup last weekend, which was a really enjoyable day for all involved.
The Ditch Six (a newly formed team) stole the show with a great performance.

From the feedback so far, the average rating for the day is 9/10, bettered only by Poccer customer service up at 9.5/10. This is always nice to see as we put a hell of a lot in to making this work.

I am putting everything into making this work, so lets hope it does. Was great to see Tony Chessa and Dave Colclough come along to see the event in action.

Please be sure to check out www.poccer.co.uk and look at getting involved when you can.

Hopefully I will be back later talking of some successes!
ClintonO

A great night of poker

It just goes to show the old saying of when you're hot you're hot. (Thanks to the grammar police for correctly pointing out I spelt you're as your)
After last nights win, my form continued this evening. Although I do feel I little gutted, too much of a perfectionist.

5 games tonight and 5 results.

The Golden Cup #9 qualifier for the $130 was first on the agenda, 2 seats available, duly secured.

The Golden Cup #8 qualifier for the $530 was next, 3 seats, one taken.

Then the $20k - $200 better off for 14. As AK runs into KK

The $4.5k was next, could I defend my crown. Previously in that competition I had come 1st, then 2nd. Well after yesterdays 1st, it was just 3rd tonight. $575 more.

Finally it was the £6k. We are heads up and I am slightly behind in chips 260 plays 240. I get Ts6s. Flop 3sTc9d. He bets I call. Turn 4s. I have top pair and flush draw.
He bets, I reraise heavilly, he goes all in. I think for ages and call, he has K9. He has 4 outs (1 of the nines will complete my flush). Incredibly he hits the other 9. I am out in 2nd place. £1070 better off.

I am really happy with that as a nights work, although it was almost £600 more!

Still Fridays remain a great night for me and the last two days have bought some much needed revenue!

ClintonO

We're Back

Well after saying how bad I was playing, I guess its only fitting that I then win a tournament!

The $4.5k guaranteed $55 buy in, had 116 runners, $5.8k in the prize pool and $1.74k of it went to me for coming in first!

The evening was made better, due to the fact that I also won a CPC qualifier to the $530 final on Sunday.

I was very pleased with the $4.5k performance. Despite being 3rd with 3 left, I felt very comfortable. Also when heads up, I felt very much in control.

What a lovely feeling to win again, the 3rd success in that tournament for me.

Bed time now with a win under the belt.

ClintonO

Additional note - I just received a comment about tips on winning a tournament. Well one that is particularly relevant, is never give up. With five players left last night, I ran into trips with top two pair, it left me with 943 chips, with blinds at 1200 & 2400. So basically never give up and fight for everything.
Incidently - I had KQ on 943 versus 2 others with lower cards and trebled up, then again when my KJ beat 79 after one guy tried to isolate.
To win the tournament from that position is a very nice feeling indeed!

Poker Update

Nothing is happening for me at the moment. A couple of games last night, but no good whatsoever. I am clearly not at my best at the moment because as usual I am trying to do too much. I am hoping to improve my recent record tonight.

You will find me in the $20k for certain.

ClintonO

Poccer Update

With 12 teams confirmed for Poccer on Saturday 4th, it is shaping up to be a fantastic day.

All the runners and riders can be found at www.poccer.co.uk.
Incredibly the eyesight team have been sponsored by Sunpoker. Are to witness the most dramatic turnaround in Poccer history from last place to 1st place!
I suggest if anyone is interested they contact their poker room and see if they will help you out!

There are a couple of teams that are looking for the odd player, so if you are interested please let me know at enquiries@poccer.co.uk and you don't have to be odd.

ClintonO

Blog on Tour Update

I know this is boring for some, but I find it quite interesting, so just a short posting.

Just a quick update on where my blog has travelled to!
In the last two weeks, its been to another 4 countries taking the total to 47.
Greenland/Lithuania/Bulgaria & Turkey have all paid a visit.

My top 5 countries remain the same, UK, Norway, US, Canada and Denmark.
However if you look how long the average visit is to my site, then its Germany way out in front.

1) Germany 14 mins 7 secs per visit
2) Sweden 12 mins 18 secs
3) Hungary 9 mins 43 secs
4) Iceland 7 mins 10 secs
5) Canada 6 mins 41 secs
6) Spain 6 mins 34 secs
7) UK 5 mins 36 secs
8) Italy 4 mins 54 secs
9) US 4 mins 27 secs
10) Holland 4 mins 24 secs.

I would also like to note that Jamie and his magic cards have become the number 3 generator of traffic this week, so somebodys reading your blog sir!

Now if anyone can come up with a more boring post than that, I want to know about it!

ClintonO

More time needed

Apologies again for the lack of updates, I just simply don't have enough time in the day to do everything I want to do!

Poker wise, I have had a fairly quiet week.
I played in the Sunday £40k, after qualifying in the £13 MTTs and managed to go out on the bubble in 41st place. I was was sitting in about 36th at the time and I get 99 on the button, the cutoff did his usual raise, so I moved in, he instant calls with K3 and hits not one but two kings!

I have had a couple of final tables and made a little money but nothing special, I also played a few hours of fixed limit cash games, winning the grand total of £50, but did manage to rack up 700 mpps in the mean time.

A few words of congratulations, firstly to my good friend Mr Lee Hayward, who won the NTX last night, for his first significant win, well done sir. Also another good friend Paul Barrington-Light won a nice tourney on pokerstars and took down in the region of $5.5k ,very well done.

Whilst I am on the subject of acknowledging people, I would also like to thank the wonderful people at Littlewoods who sponsered Royal Windsor races last night and kindly invited me along.
The first 5 winners helped me enjoy the night, but a few really nice touches like picking out the best turned out horse, (Orchard House of course!!) made it a really special evening.

Rachael got to present the trophy to the winner of the second race, although unfortunately they had to just sell their horse in an auction, so they were not the most pleased winners I have ever seen!!!
Only downside was the torrential rain, but you can't have everything.

Poccer continues to dominate my time, holidays, weddings, injuries etc are taking their toll on the teams who had previously registered, so I am still trying to fill the remaining few spaces. If you fancy getting involved please let me know, would be great to see you.

Cryptologic have got their Golden Cup series back in September, so that should keep a lot of interest in the site, which is good news for players.

One thing I have been looking at is the chat on the site and how wound up some people get! I have taken down a few conversations that just made me laugh.
Please be wary that some of the language used below made be offensive to some, so if you are of a sensitive nature, don't read on.

The terrible bad beat!

omaplata (observer): nice call with 89 u ****head of a donk
Supernosh (observer): whats your problem?
Russ07125: u fug king knob

The I have not heard that one before!

Stonehead: hilaary playing
Stonehead: monica cooking coffee

The Capital letter attack.

Greatest (observer): ROBE U FUC KIN MOR ON , CALLin all ur stack WITH KQ OFF
Greatest (observer): U FUC KIN MENTALIST
Greatest (observer): IS IT COS UR FROM FUC KIN LEEDS U WA NKER
Greatest (observer): I BET U HAVE AIDS U FUC KIN NORTHEN C* NT
Jodave: what a low life you must be greatest

The blame the site.

Wtf_ant (observer): sites a f u c k i n joke
Wtf_ant (observer): calls with 7 outs
Wtf_ant (observer): c * n t

Multiway Insults.

4ofhearts: muppet
Coop11: up yours to ss er
Contrazur: noob ****
Dan040447: up your kozmik
Coop11: 2 to ss ers top right
Kozmik_k: my kozmik what?
Dan040447: a ssss
Kozmik_k: are you gay?
Dan040447: wot kinda names that u sound like an inbread

The are you ever going to drop it.


Sicurrie: that P RI CK called with K8
Sicurrie: what a W *NKER
Sicurrie: errr YES U YOU FKN MUPPET
Reaves: it was worth it u fool
Sicurrie: only one fool on this table
Reaves: yeh and ur it
Sicurrie: listen muppet
Reaves: t wat faced monkey
Sicurrie: calling with hands like that
Sicurrie: the only final table you will see is at your local mortuary
Reaves: bad loser's like u make me sick
Sicurrie: your right its like bad play
Sicurrie: and you fit that perfectly
Reaves: wasn't bad play cos it was worth it
Reaves: i'm gonna come at u like a spider monkey
Reaves: and stab u with a spoon
Reaves: stupid sicurrie very stupid lol
Sicurrie: watching you too long

Self confessed Fish!


psycocopy: lol i am a fish
boohoopok (observer): your a ****i n fish
DANDAN23: lol
boohoopok (observer): unreal you ******g DONLEY
Ruderalis: and ida flopped 3 tens lol
boohoopok (observer): DONKEY
psycocopy: a flounder i be
DANDAN23: lmao
riverkill (observer): says the one who calls all his chips off with bottom pair

Final table tension

Mhumph82: fishin FU CK WIT !
Testicles: mhump DOES have the hump
Mhumph82: do grow up you fool !
Testicles: im not the one crying like alittle girl am i

Silent treatment

Flyndre: J4?
Flyndre: u call raises with that s hit?
Flyndre: fkn donkey
Andy1963: unreal
Flyndre: what a fkn fish
Andy1963: fish always get rewarded on here

Walked in half way through


Slick20 (observer): If i even actually bothered to explain why it is -17 you wouldent belive me anyway so its pointless
maleuk: 1364 games to be precise, so wen u come on here saying im useless, do sum simple checks otherwise u will embaress ureself
maleuk: no do one and get lost
Boingster: all this over one hand....
Boingster: or did i miss summat ??
Slick20 (observer): OK MALE WE ALL KNOW YOU CANT PLAY
maleuk: boing he was insulting everyone on the table
Boingster: ahhhhh
maleuk: so i am just telling him some home truths
Barr08109: could doyle brunson and kid poker take their chat to a private room
Boingster: lmao
Slick20 (observer): all this becaise he missed a flush draw
Slick20 (observer): can you belive it
maleuk: im fine, it was slick having a go at oplayers fo being useless, till i pointed out how bad he is
maleuk: -17%, u shud take up snap
Boingster: well i try to improve a bit with every game....dunno bout u lot
Slick20 (observer): no actually i called all in with j % and u started saying stuff to mr and i havent spoker " u once before
Slick20 (observer): why?
Slick20 (observer): becaus u missed your lfush and dumped chips off to me
maleuk: u went all in on J5, yet u had a go at lots of players, me inc wen u assumed i was going for a flush
Slick20 (observer): why did you think i did that
Slick20 (observer): i was raising every pot faterwards
maleuk: therefore, if u want to look how bad u r, look at -17% over 1300+ games
Slick20 (observer): i was on supertilt after the a !)
maleuk: if u r any good u shudnt tilt
maleuk: but u aint, so f off
Boingster: but that in itself is a weakness...yes ??
Slick20 (observer): did i ever say i percieved myself as being good
maleuk: yes u did
Slick20 (observer): i dont think i did
Slick20 (observer): you think you are good and it hasnt hit home that your not
Slick20 (observer): you just openeed your big mouth started tlkin " me when i havent spoker " u bfore in my life
maleuk: nh
Slick20 (observer): lol
Slick20 (observer): bye bye
Boingster: gg male
Slick20 (observer): donk
Slick20 (observer): donk
Slick20 (observer): donk

All these without an insult from the Eyesight boys! LOL!

Be back soon
ClintonO

Will people call a re-reraise with anything?

Lets have a look.

Effort 1, Bet, raise, I reraise all - in. I am called with 2nd pair
Effort 2, Bet, raise, I reraise all -in. I am called with top pair, king kicker.

So I am guessing yes!


dealt to ClintonO [Jh Kc]
xoneshotx: folds
Greatest: folds
Bally1: folds
Lukylendo: folds
smitad: folds
sibor: folds
BOSSE: folds
Chloe1986: raises to 60
ClintonO: calls 50
Kyle0111: raises to 260
Chloe1986: calls 200
ClintonO: calls 200
----- FLOP ----- [4h 9d Ks]
ClintonO: checks
Kyle0111: bets 240
Chloe1986: raises to 480
ClintonO: raises to 1020 and is all-in
Kyle0111: folds
Chloe1986: calls 540
----- TURN ----- [4h 9d Ks][6h]
----- RIVER ----- [4h 9d Ks 6h][9s]
----- SHOW DOWN -----
ClintonO: shows [Jh Kc] (Two Pairs, Kings and Nines, Jack high)
Chloe1986: shows [7c 9c] (Three of a kind, Nines, King high)
Chloe1986 collected 3060 from Main pot

Effort 2


dealt to ClintonO [Ah Ks]
straycat: raises to 100
Eyesight:: folds
adamy125: folds
Mn_punk: calls 100
VanPersie: folds
Loverat: folds
Pokerbosi: folds
Greatest: calls 100
ClintonO: calls 75
Billy1234: calls 50
----- FLOP ----- [8s Kd 2c]
ClintonO: checks
Billy1234: checks
straycat: bets 350
Mn_punk: raises to 750
Greatest: folds
ClintonO: raises to 3065 and is all-in
Billy1234: folds
straycat: folds
Mn_punk: is all-in 2035
Returned uncalled bets 280 to ClintonO
----- TURN ----- [8s Kd 2c][6d]
----- RIVER ----- [8s Kd 2c 6d][Qc]
----- SHOW DOWN -----
ClintonO: shows [Ah Ks] (A Pair of Kings, Ace high)
Mn_punk: shows [Kc Qh] (Two Pairs, Kings and Queens, Eight high)
Mn_punk collected 6420 from Main pot


Not my night again!
ClintonO

Congrats to Andy + Jon

I just about made it back in time for the CPC final and to be honest wish I did not bother.

I had made little progress in the first 30mins, when I was dealt QQ. I felt all through the hand that I was probably beat and ultimately was by KK. I was the first out and proves the point if you don't have the right planning, you will not play very well.

On a brighter note I watched Andy Reynolds in the PokerStars $400k Guaranteed last night, where he did fantastically well to finish 3rd and win $29k, very well done, unfortunately running into QQ with AQ.

Also well done to 'Skalie' or Jon, who has today made the final table of the WSOP main event. I spoke to Jon outside the Venetian card room for the $300 event there and told him about my Poccer ideas, maybe I have found my wealthy investor!! LOL. At this point he was not even playing the main event! Just a quick note to wish Jon all the best on the final table.

ClintonO

CPC time

I played my second CPC qualifier on Thursday and made it two wins from two to get into the final on Sunday.

The caribbean is such a good experience that I am determined to make it 3 successive years.

Not much play this weekend, as it was my birthday yesterday, (my last year in the 25-34 demographic!) and am continuing the celebrations today. So I will have to wait until Sunday evening to get playing again.

I am not playing enough for my liking at the moment, but there is just so much to do!

There are a few more links on my blog as more and more people get into blogging. Good Luck guys.

I really want a game of poker!
ClintonO

Who said that online was fair

'Jacks, that's a nice hand lets see what develops'

dealt to ClintonO [Jh Jd]
_fjompen_: folds
Marco1970: folds
Rawand: calls 20
Steve_p: calls 20
tisk: raises to 140
robban71: folds
wokiee: folds
CHWIN: folds
ClintonO: calls 120 (Its a sizeable raise, feels like AK - I will just call)
Rawand: calls 120
Steve_p: calls 120
----- FLOP ----- [6s Jc 6c] - BINGO! What more can I ask for.
ClintonO: checks
Rawand: checks
Steve_p: checks
tisk: bets 360
ClintonO: calls 360 (I'll slow play it)
Rawand: folds
Steve_p: calls 360 (another caller great)
----- TURN ----- [6s Jc 6c][Qd]
ClintonO: checks (Milk it again, hope he has AQ)
Steve_p: checks
tisk: bets 1850 and is all-in (Thank you poker gods)
ClintonO: raises to 2000 and is all-in
Steve_p: folds
Returned uncalled bets 150 to ClintonO
----- RIVER ----- [6s Jc 6c Qd][Qh] (YOU SICK SON OF A *$%"%)
----- SHOW DOWN -----
ClintonO: shows [Jh Jd] (A Full House, Jacks full of Queens)
tisk: shows [Qc As] (A Full House, Queens full of Sixes)
tisk collected 5350 from Main pot

Flop a full House, and left with 150 chips, this game is so sick. I vow to the table to get my revenge and win this tournament!!

ClintonO

Back Online!

Ah! It’s nice to be back!
I played a few tournaments over the weekend, making some decent progress.
It was almost nice to see my reraise with Aces called by QJ and losing, my KK all in called by 86 and losing and then seeing someone who had won a CPC seat the day before, call for all his chips my reraise of someone elses reraise with just top pair. KJ on a J high board. Obviously the miracle couple of cards followed enabling him to win.
I felt right at home!

I qualified for the weekly CPC final at my first attempt and then finished 8th in the final winning $600. I moved nicely up the field, before running into AA and badly trying to bluff my way out of trouble. I did recover though and was sitting pretty in 4th place with just 8 left. I reraised all in with KK, only for the chip leader to do the same after me with AK. He hits his ace and its good night.

One thing I will say about the payout, which ultimately did benefit me last night, is that it needs changing. 2nd to 12th got $600, why not take the money and create a CPC Lite seat or two, this way cryptologic increase the number of people at the event and there are more prizes worth winning.

The CPC is my main aim for the rest of the year now, aside from building a bankroll. I am also looking at whether I can find the time to play the UKPT event at Luton.

Blog on tour Update - The blog has now reached 2 further countries - Portugal and Turkey, taking the total to 44!

ClintonO

The Rest of Vegas

Apologies for the breakdown in posts, my connection to the internet completely broke down.

I am now back home in England at the same time as the WSOP main event is starting, somehow that does not feel right!

I decided against the WSOP event as I was not feeling up to it. Over the last few days, the whole world seemed to appear in Las Vegas, whether it was the world series or independence day looming, you just could not move. Every game in town was sold out well in advance of its start time.

I played a few more events at Caesars, Monte Carlo, Paris and Planet Hollywood, there was nothing too exciting to report, I managed two more third places which paid for most things. One I was chip leader with 3 left with AJ on a AJ8 board and managed to lose and come third! He held 44 and a 4 came down, it could only happen online!

I have also learnt that KQ is the one hand that people cannot lay down. In one tournament with blinds at 500/1000. UTG limps, pos 2 reraises all in for 4500, I reraise all in for 8000 with KK. The big blind thinks and calls half of his chips with KQ and inevitably hits two queens, which seemed to help him justify his decision. Unbelievable.

I had a great trip, where I managed to pretty much managed to pay for it with my results. The Bellagio is a wonderful hotel and overall Vegas is a great place to be. The only downsides were an almost unworkable internet connection, difficulties getting a game of poker due to the amount of people there and a credit card issue with the Rio (long story - still resolving!)

I have achieved one aim of live cashes, but still have work to do to cash in a significant one. Coming 54th of 629 in the Venetian was the closest I came and with a bit of luck would have put me on the map, but now its time to knuckle down and work on my game.

My aims for the next couple of months are to run another Poccer event to get that established and qualify for the Caribbean Poker Classic.

ClintonO

Day 6 - Downtown

I woke this morning absolutely exhausted! Something has most definitely caught up with me.

I decided to venture downtown to the Binnions Horseshoe anyway as I had not yet been there in my previous visits. Temperatures are also on the increase as it is 110 degrees and although I was struggling with the heat, I overheard one conversation regarding how this was quite nice and it only gets hot at 125! Yeah, right!

I played in the $150 dollar event at the Binnions, but was struggling to focus due to how I felt. I started reasonably okay, but managed to knock myself reasonably late on in a small blind/big blind battle - A8 vs TT. I did not need to get involved, but was struggling to concentrate and there was no chance of me getting lucky.

Rachael fared a little better, but ultimately got shortstacked and pushed with A3 and lost to QJ.

I am due to play the World Series Event 49 tomorrow, but right now, it feels like a waste of money as I am so tired.
I know its one of those rare opportuinties, but it also seems foolish if I feel like this, the Binnions game was a prime example of only playing when you feel up to it.

I have got my first rule of poker in my head of Discipline! Lets hope I wake up feeling great and don't need to make a decision.

Daily Profit/Loss - $500
Casino - $200
Poker - $300
Running Total +$1500 (the cost of the WSOP entry!)

ClintonO

Day 5 - Close but no cigar

Today was my first ranking tournament on this visit and the venue was the Venetian for the $300 Deep Stack tournament, a massive 629 players took part, with only a paltry 40 getting paid, surely the worst ever!

I started with 6000 chips and quickly lost 2000 playing AJ on a A high board, which ended up with 4 clubs.

During level 3, I pushed with 88 after raising pre flop on a J high flop.

I got up to 10k with the help of my one and only AA of the week against AK and apart from that never showed down a hand. My first all in was AQ vs KQ and I moved up to 23k.
Shortly after this I doubled again reraising all in with JJ vs AQ. I was up at 45k and going well.

At the dinner break, 9 levels were down and just 85 players remained. I called an all in from a short stack with AQ suited and lost to his far superior AQ off!

I battled away, the blinds were getting massive 1000 ante and 2k/4k blinds. With 26k remaining, I find AT on the button, all folds to me. There is 9k in antes and 6k blinds making 15k total. I have to move all in, so do so. The small blind thinks and folds, then the big stacked big blind calls with A2. The flop bought a 2 and it was time to leave. I looked up at the board. Players remaining changed to 53. I was 54th out of 629 and did not get a penny! Thats harsh.

I feel I played really well and could not have got much closer to being on that poker database.
I am absolutely shattered after 10 hours of play. I am due to play at the binnions tomorrow, that will depend on whether I can find the energy.

I am really encouraged by my play to date and am really enjoying the live game.

Rachael managed to get knocked out of this tournament in level 3, but redeemed herself with a 3rd in the 56 runner Paris tournament to cover the entrance fee of the Venetian and the Paris.

Day 5 Loss - $330
Casino - $0
Poker - $330
Running Total +$2000

ClintonO

Day 4 - My first live win!

Unfortunately not in the Venetian tournament!

The deep stack event had sold out 600 players within the first two hours, so I had to give that one a miss, but I am registered for tomorrows event, so I will be there from noon.

I went back to the Paris today to play in the $65 event, 56 runners and my first live win.

I was completely card dead throughout the entire tournament, I won an all in on level five with my best hand of the tournament AQ against JT.
I entered the final table with just 9k of the 112k available chips. I moved all in with nothing on a harmless looking flop and got everyone to fold and fought my way to the money. After I knocked them out, one by one with my best hands of the tournament A5, AJ, KQ and 99. I was a favourite with all four hands and they all held up.

$1064 makes it into the prize fund and it is now looking like a very rewarding trip!

Day 4 Profit $830
Casino - $100
Poker + $930 (including Rachaels buy in - she narrowly missed the final table)
Running Total + $2330

ClintonO

Day 3 - The day of not one cash but two!

Well the jinx has been broken, although unfortunately these won't count on the hendon mob database, they count to me!

First event $65 at the Paris with 58 runners.

It started well, a double up in the first level my set of nines versus AK.
Shortly after that, I started to use my chips, until I ended up with AQ. There was a 5x BB raise from the cutoff, this was from a weak player, I raised to 850, only for him to move in instantly for another 1000. My AQ was not looking good, I had the pot odds though and would still be left with my starting stack of 2000, so I called. He turned over KQ! Fantastic, that is until the river, where the 3 outer hit. Why do people tell me online is fixed!

The next hand I had KK and doubled up again as I played the wounded poker player on tilt mode.

I played solid aggressive poker. With 12 left I had my first piece of fortune, a short stack moved all in, I raised all in to isolate with AK, but the only person who had me covered called also.

Short stack had AK also and the chip leader QQ, fortunately an ace was the first card out.
The blinds were becoming really high by time the bubble came, but I managed to steal some blinds without too much difficulty.
With 3 left I was chip leader, the short stack moved in, I isolated with A5, but again the Big Blind had QQ.

This left me crippled for the heads up, I won the first two without a fight, then reraised all in with KJ, he called with A7 and that was the end. A second place and $714.

Second Event - $65 at Ballys, a slightly smaller field at 48, but another good performance. My confidence was flowing after the first game and I started to dominate my table. I never had to show my cards for the first two hours! I doubled up with KK against 99 and went to the final table in about 5th place.

With 4 left, including my wife, I was sitting in 3rd on the button and pushed with A4, was called with 99 and it was a fourth place and $250, Rachael finished 3rd for $350.

A great day, three cashes for the Orchard team from four performances.
To finish the day off, a straight flush was dealt to Rachael on the Crazy4poker table and we walked away with a money belt to be reckoned with!

Day 3 Profit/Loss +$1500
Casino +$600
Poker +$900

Running Total +$1500

Today its the deep stack extravangza at the venetian, thats starts in one hour, so time to go!

ClintonO

Day 2 - The wedding day

Congratulations to Lee and Verity who got married today and it was a great honour to be there.
The wedding went very smoothly and everybody was extremely happy.

I do hope however that I never have to wear a suit and tie in 43 degrees celsius every again!

No poker today, that all kicks off tomorrow, however the 400 dollars won from yesterday went back to the casino, it did touch 500 profit at one point, but its back to where we started!

Poker kicks off tomorrow in 11 hours! I can't wait!

Day 2 Profit/Loss -$400
Overall Profit/Loss - $0

ClintonO

Vegas Update Day 1

Day 1 of 10 is complete and boy was that exhausting.

Managed to stay up for 24 hours in the hope of adjusting to the time zone.
The Bellagio is a lovely hotel if a little on the expensive side.
Yesterday I managed to buy a new suit for the wedding I am attening today as well as have a few games in the casino.

My aim for the 10 days is to break even from the gaming element!
The Poker starts for me on Day 3. Last night I played a bit of blackjack which was rubbish and then moved to Crazy4poker, this game ensured that I started the trip in profit! So hoping its not all downhill from here.

Day 1 Profit/Loss - +$400
Casino - $400
Poker - $0

The wedding is at 3pm my time, so its relax and explore the hotel until then, maybe some on-line poker!!

ClintonO

Hello from Vegas!

This morning I was up at 4.45am and now 1.10am Monday morning UK time, I am finally in my Hotel room.

This time its the Bellagio. The room is great, although a little on the warm side. Internet connections are not good. Come on Bellagio sort out a wireless offering please!

Anyway I have made my way online and ready to take on Vegas. Tonight its chill out time, the poker starts in earnest on Tuesday for me.

Take Care
ClintonO

Another Final Table

Well its not been the week of poker I planned ahead of Vegas, in fact anything but.

I played two tournaments tonight, one a headhunter in which I lost to another 3 outer on the river AK vs AT.
The other was the $20k guaranteed, I have not played this in a while and I need a win as I have fallen 8-5 behind to Sun_Deshi.

I managed to get to the final table tonight, but only finished 9th. I pushed from the small blind with T8clubs vs the other short stack who instant called with KQ.

Jc7c on the flop gave me 9 outs for a flush, 3 for a straight and 6 for pairing my cards. 18 in total, but neither the turn or the river did anything for me and it was out in 9th for $500. I was hoping to pay for a few of my Vegas games with this but at least its a start.


Vegas Schedule.

I have been working out my events to play during my short stay in Vegas. I have pencilled in 4 at present.

Wed 27th Deep Stack Extravangza @ the Venetian - $300
Fri 29th Binnions Poker Classic @ Binnions - $150
Sat 30th WSOP Event 49 @ the Rio - $1500
Mon 2nd Bellagio Cup III @ the Bellagio - $1500.

These are subject to change, as I will be playing a few smaller tournaments, but these are the ones that will get me on the hendon mob poker database, should I finally manage to cash.

I will be online in Vegas so will keep you to date with all the action. Right now I can't wait!

ClintonO

The 2nd Poccer Cup

The next Poccer event has been confirmed for Saturday 4th August and its back to Birmingham for the occasion.

The first event was a great success, so I am certain places will go fast, please visit www.poccer.co.uk and make sure you don't miss out.

ClintonO

Blog on Tour

Over the last two weeks, my blog has visited an incredible 7 new countries, taking the tally up to 42.

I now have readers from New Zealand, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Israel, Argentina (my first visit from South America), United Arab Emirates and the Faroe Islands.

Proof that Poker is really becoming a worldwide interest.

ClintonO

100% record maintained

2 more games tonight, 2 final tables, making it 3 from 3 for the week.

Last night a 3 outer hit prevented me from winning and it felt much the same tonight, with some rotten luck right at the death, although overall I am very happy with my game considering the lack of play.

First up was the $3.5k. With 97 runners, I started well and was leading with five left.
Holding AhKh on a JhTh4d board I pushed and lost to QQ, losing half my stack. I then pushed with JJ on the button, the small blind called for all but 1k of his chips with 22 and out comes the two.

The second game was the 210 player HH, 5 left again I raise from the SB with AJ, the BB pushes with A8 for a few thousand more. J is the first card out, but a 9 and T follow on the flop, with the invitable 7 on the river. Next hand I move from the button with K8 and get called and beaten by J6.

Two fifth places, around £250 profit, all helpful when you are trying to get a new business underway, oh and the small matter of the trip to vegas!

ClintonO

Time to start playing again

Its all been about Poccer of late and the first tournament went off really well. All the details are on http://www.poccer.co.uk/. Make sure you get your team in for the next event!

I can't believe how frustrating being a tournament director was and not being able to play! (Heres a picture of me in my tournament director shirt, trying to find some more money to pay the winners!)

I had my first game in a while yesterday in the 140 player £20 Headhunter tournament. I managed to finish 4th and take a few scalps along the win to taking home £150.

I am going to have a couple of games this evening in between Poccer work.

Incredibly Vegas is almost here and I have started planning my events! I plan to play at the Venetian, the Bellagio and a World Series event at the rio. I had not even had time to think about it until yesterday. I need to get a cash in one of these big events, to avoid the constant stick I get about not being on the hendon mob database.

I would like to say well done to my friend Kai for winning the £6k last night, to take down his first significant win.
ClintonO

Stop! Poccer Time

Well my lack of visits to the poker tables can be explained by one word Poccer!

My first event is almost upon me and I have to say, Rachael and myself have worked our socks off to get this ready.

We were never planning to make any money from this event (and were most definitely not!), but just to prove that the idea will work.
We have managed to guarantee ten teams, which means that we will have at least 60 people taking part, which means an excellent day will be had by all.

There is still time to get involved if you want to, just let me know. I would like to say a big thank you to those people that are entering teams and they will be heavilly featured in the report on www.poccer.co.uk after the event.

In terms of recognised players, Mr. Tony Chessa is bringing a team down from Scotland to play. The deadly duo of whitedog and berbatov will also be there with their team, as well as an interesting combination of the Eyesight brothers and Mr Onny87.
Other recognised names include Fenners_1 and Leseth_29.

If the day goes as planned then it should be all systems going for a summer series, where we will tour the nation for 8 weeks, searching for the ultimate poccer team.

In other news it has been pointed out to me that my Poker is going downhill! Yes I know - Thanks Kai! My STT record is on Super Tilt! I might need to adjust that right now.

The EPT schedule was announced yesterday, with 2 additional events, a first visit to the Czech Republic and the Pokerstars caribbean adventure. I would love to play in another one this season after my efforts in Dortmund this year, somehow I need to find some more holidays!

After Saturday, I am going to play as much Poker as possible for a week, to get in some hours before the trip to Vegas. I can't believe I will be there in ten days, I have hardly had a second to think about it.

ClintonO

General Update

A little neglection of this blog recently for which I apologise.

I have a few things to comment on.
I recently had a comment about being a solid MTT and a weak STT player, after I commented on my good heads up record.

How do I explain it, well firstly I do have a good heads up record. Looking at my records in the bigger Littlewoods tournaments. I have 20 top two finishes in these, of which I have won 15. Most of the 20 I have gone into the heads up in 2nd place.
Yet my STT record is still poor. I have to question my approach to STTs, am I playing them too passively and only when I get to the last two, do I loosen my game. Again in Stt's I have more 1sts than 2nds, only marginally but still more (86 to 81).
Time to experiment a little more!

The golden cup series. Well the first two events are over, the first I missed as I was away in Barcelona and tonight I played badly after a promising start. I managed to make a great decision to lay down aces on a 869 board. One guy had hit a set of eights, the other had an opened ended straight and hit to win to the hand. I pushed with AK against AA when I did not need to, but I blame the 8 hours I spent in the airport last night waiting for my plane!

Barcelona Gran Casino. I went to the venue of the EPT Barcelona and World Heads up Tournament over the weekend. A nice enough venue, but could I get a game of poker!

Just three tables open, E2/5 NL, E20/40 Limit and E5/10 PL Omaha. Each game had a waiting list of at least 15 people, but would they open up another table, no!

I have also noticed the EPT Events have moved up to E8000 from E5000, time to start saving! lol!

Blog. I managed to reach my 35th country over the weekend, with a reader from Pakistan!

Poccer. This has been the focus of my time, the goals centre star city will be hosting the football and the plush Broadway casino hosting the poker. I played here in the first APAT event, a really good location.
I have about 6 teams left to fill, it really is going to be a real fun day (for the players at least!) so even if you have not played football in a long time, get some friends together and get involved, would be great to meet you.

Well thats it for now, I am hoping to play some poker tomorrow, I am getting too rusty!

Take care all
ClintonO

Heads up World Champion!

Well not quite, but a £10 Heads up Shootout (32 players) was taken down tonight.

In between organising Poccer, I have had little time to play poker, so I thought why not try my hand at something I know I am half decent at. 5 heads up games later and a nice £144 to add to the bank account.

I have given up on the Tournie points over the last week or so, but just want to ensure that I am in the top 50 for the month, to ensure two freerolls for the CPC. That is one holiday I am definitely going on this year!

Thanks to all those people who have been getting teams together for Poccer, it looks like we are going to have some of cryptos finest coming along. It does not matter how good a footballer you are, this day is going to be a lot of fun, so please get a team together and come along, or just let me know you want to play and I will find a team for you.

ClintonO

Introducing POCCER

I have mentioned a few times in the past that my poker hours have been getting shorter and shorter due to the starting up of a couple of businesses. Well finally I am in a position to talk to you about one of them.

Welcome to POCCER. (www.poccer.co.uk)

Poccer is a very simple concept, its designed around the ultimate day out. I have asked a number of pals to describe their perfect day out, most (there were a few odd ones, that I cannot publish!) were very similiar, a kick about with their mates, a few beers, a game of poker. Women were mentioned in a few, but that was out of hope more than anything!

From this moment, Poccer was born and work has begun to make it a reality. Its been a long time in the planning but finally I am happy to announce our first ever event.

Its only a small event in Birmingham, but I am trying to get together 16 teams (of 6) to take part in the first event. Details are on the web site (please excuse the site, I have created it myself for the moment, until the proper site is launched in July)

If anyone is interested in getting a team together or helping me in anyway, then please let me know. I am certain it will be a lot of fun for all involved.
Clinton.Orchard@virgin.net is the email address to contact me.

ClintonO

A few days off, but another final table

The previous post related to the bad luck I was getting in one tournament on Monday, I did not manage to win that, but a 13th place and a cash was testament that you should never give in.

Tuesday through Thursday were nights off from poker as my work is relentless at the moment.
Last night though, it was a welcome night off and another attempt at the $20k.
I started fantastically well and was leading at the first break and the second. With less than two hundred players, the game was destined for an early finish.

After a couple of big losses, I scrambled onto the final table with only 11k in chips, 9th place was about 30k. I did however managed to finish 6th with a $1000 payout, I managed to get up to fifth place, when with A9, I got all my chips in the middle against 44. A nine did hit the board as well as and ace, but unfortunately a four, meant it was game over.

My leaderboard points will be well down this week, with only two nights, played out of five, but the aim is to finish the month in the top 50.

ClintonO

Is it Sunday?

3 hands in one tournament within 5 hands!

dealt to ClintonO [Qh Ad]
Alnugget1: raises to 605 and is all-in
Kiml2108: folds
DaJazzMon sits back
Bbb777: folds
Pipes2007: folds
Gazzza110: folds
DaJazzMon: folds
danutz84: folds
ClintonO: raises to 1180
Roquefort: folds
Returned uncalled bets 575 to ClintonO
----- FLOP ----- [3h Ah Td]
----- TURN ----- [3h Ah Td][2d]
----- RIVER ----- [3h Ah Td 2d][Qd]
----- SHOW DOWN -----
ClintonO: shows [Qh Ad] (Two Pairs, Aces and Queens, Ten high)
Alnugget1: shows [Jc Kc] (A Straight, Ace high)
Alnugget1 collected 1240 from Main pot

dealt to ClintonO [Qh Qd]
Kiml2108: raises to 60
Bbb777: folds
Pipes2007: folds
Gazzza110: folds
DaJazzMon: folds
danutz84: folds
ClintonO: raises to 180
Roquefort: folds
Alnugget1: folds
Kiml2108: calls 120
----- FLOP ----- [Kc Ks 5s]
Kiml2108: bets 210
ClintonO: raises to 540
Kiml2108: calls 330
----- TURN ----- [Kc Ks 5s][Tc]
Kiml2108: checks
ClintonO: bets 3325 and is all-in
Kiml2108: is all-in 685
Returned uncalled bets 2,640 to ClintonO
----- RIVER ----- [Kc Ks 5s Tc][Td]
----- SHOW DOWN -----
ClintonO: shows [Qh Qd] (Two Pairs, Kings and Queens, Ten high)
Kiml2108: shows [As Ts] (A Full House, Tens full of Kings)
Kiml2108 collected 2855 from Main pot

dealt to ClintonO [Jc Jd]
Roquefort: folds
Gazzza110 sits back
Kiml2108: folds
Bbb777: folds
Bbb777 sits out
Pipes2007: folds
Gazzza110: calls 50
Spatzbar: folds
DaJazzMon: folds
Vampdog: folds
ClintonO: raises to 250
Gazzza110: calls 200
----- FLOP ----- [6d 9s 4d]
ClintonO: bets 2465 and is all-in
Gazzza110: is all-in 485
Returned uncalled bets 1,980 to ClintonO
----- TURN ----- [6d 9s 4d][2s]
----- RIVER ----- [6d 9s 4d 2s][Kd]
----- SHOW DOWN -----
ClintonO: shows [Jc Jd] (A Pair of Jacks, King high)
Gazzza110: shows [8d 9d] (A Flush, King high)
Gazzza110 collected 1495 from Main pot

Still in though! Its the £2k guaranteed, any odds on winning! 10000-1!

ClintonO

Sunday was not so bad after all!

A 12th place in the WSOP final ($598.50) and my second final table in the £40k (10th - £600), gave a positive end to the day.

I was very happy to make only my second ever final table of the £40k, I was just very disappointed to go out in 10th again.

I had JJ in the button and ran into AA in the small blind, unfortunately the better hand winning, what was cruel was that the last time I got to the final table of the £40k, I went out in exactly the same way.

All in all though, a decent weekend of poker.

Leaderboards Update
For the last week, I achieved 1093 points and came 7th for the week, I was very happy with this. Third place was 1445, so I need to improve a lot to get there, realistically though, I can't see myself getting that many points.

Monthly Leaderboard is looking good at the moment, with the top 50 my aim, I am currently sitting in 21st with 1405.
For the year I am currently in 45th, which is again a good effort.

ClintonO

Guess what day it is

Losing Hands : AA to 77, TT to 77, AK to AJ all pre flop. Then AK to QQ on a AK23 board, followed by.

----- HOLE CARDS -----
dealt to ClintonO [8h 8s]
ClintonO: calls 50
Bomber010: folds
Forest013: raises to 150
Wigglenig: calls 150
Rebmit: folds
Pau240642: folds
ClintonO: calls 100
----- FLOP ----- [Js 8c Jh]
ClintonO: checks
Forest013: bets 880 and is all-in
Wigglenig: is all-in 335
ClintonO: is all-in 783
Returned uncalled bets 97 to Forest013
----- TURN ----- [Js 8c Jh][Qs]
----- RIVER ----- [Js 8c Jh Qs][Qh]
----- SHOW DOWN -----
Forest013: shows [Qc Ad] (A Full House, Queens full of Jacks)
Wigglenig: shows [8d Kd] (Two Pairs, Queens and Jacks, King high)
ClintonO: shows [8h 8s] (A Full House, Eights full of Queens)
Yes its a Sunday!
I really should not bother!

ClintonO

$20k Guaranteed Winner!

Dear Clinton,

Thank you for participating in the tournament "$20K Guaranteed SAT 4715724", on May 12 2007 11:44PM GMT. Congratulations! You placed 1st and won 6000.00 USD!

My 5th win in the Littlewoods main daily event. Incredibly the time I won it was the same as my first two titles. 00:44. It was destiny!

I had never got going in this tournament all night and had always been towards the back of the field. Approaching the final table I moved up a little but was pratically last when the final table was decided.

G@briel 117,023
Bountyboy 92,218
Trikky 48,997
Lee27015 48,571
Micdav001 37,617
wingwong 34,496
HotTub2 32,095
ClintonO 29,603
Hood69 28,660
Bouffard 28,218

Lots of work to be done and with only $400 for 10th and $6,000 for 1st, a big difference in prize money.

Its was 36 hands before we lost anyone bouffard losing all in with A9 against A8. In that time I had taken down 4 hands and had moved my chips up slightly to 32k.

3 hands late a bizzare hand, my 42 was in the muck, wingwong moves all in with 22k (Ah,9c) HotTub2 goes all in for 52k (7c,7d) and Bountyboy calls with (Jh,Jd)
Flop comes 555 and the turn is a further 5, giving wingwong, quads with an Ace kicker.
HotTub goes out and wingwong moves up to 71k.

We lose Lee in 8th place and as short stack I make my move.
I am dealt my best hand in ages (Js,Qc) and move all in and I am up against (Tc,Td). Its a race.

Board As, 3s, Ts. Its all over he has trip tens, but wait I have the flush on. Turn 7h, River 8s!
Fantastic, I survive and move up to 42k.

wingwong and Hood go next and its down to 5.

G@briel has been bullying the table 214k. Bountyboy 131k, Trikky 91k, ClintonO 49k, Micdav 12k.

Micdav despite doubling twice goes next and then a decisive hand for me.
Bountyboy has 42k and I have 40k. Blinds are 3/6k and he goes all in UTG, I have KQ and decide that I have to make and stand, he had KT and I double up and shortly after we are 3 handed.

I then win my second race of the night, with my TT beating Trikkys AJ and we are heads up.

Gab has 371k, I have 126k. I have won my previous 4 heads up in this tournament, so I am quietly confident and also have nothing to lose being such a long way behind.

The Heads up lasted for 67 hands.

The first 20 hands not much happened, I took one pot of 38k with a 6h,3s bluff, lost a 49k with bottom pair.
My stack fluctuated between a low of 55k up to about 145k. At one point, the board was a straight flush in order!


----- RIVER ----- [Jh Th 9h 8h][7h]

G@briel: shows [2c Qd] (Straight Flush, Jack high)
ClintonO: shows [8c 4d] (Straight Flush, Jack high)

At 55k I won 13 out of 16 hands, to double my stack.

After 50 hands it started to get a little looser, we both ended up all in with A7 to a split pot.

Here are the last 14 hands. Blinds 4k/8k

Hand 54 (9d,9c). 105k vs 391k. I call the 4k, hoping for a raise, he checks. Board (8s,Jc,Th) I have a open ended straight draw, he checks, I bet 16k. He moves all in, I have 80k back. He has been aggressive all night, he could have missed, he could have a part of it, but I decide I definitely have 8 outs x 2 cards, plus the other two nines, roughly 40% if he has a jack or a ten, with 80k to win 130k. I have the odds, I call. He had (Tc,4s), I am behind, but a Q on the turn gives me my straight and I am right in it.

Hand 55 (Kc,Kh) 211k vs 286k. A monster hand at last. He calls from the small blind, I raise to 24k, he calls. Flop 6h,4h,7c. I bet 32k he moves all in, its an instant call for me. He turns over J7. Turn is a 3, river a King. I have doubled again.

Hand 56 (4s,Tc) 422k vs 75k. I call, he checks. Flop 472, I have second pair, he checks, so I bet 16k. He moves all in for 66k. Its 50k to call, I have second pair, I call mainly because the rush has taken over me, he has J7 again, but wins this time. I overplayed it, but second pair heads up is not a bad hand. I was trying to end it too quickly.

Hand 57 (As,9s) 348k vs 149k. I need to catch my breath. He folds

Hand 58 (Td,6c) 353k vs 144k. I see the flop, but miss, he bets out, I fold.

Hand 59 (Qc,4c) 344k vs 153k. He folds

Hand 60 (Qh,2h) 349k vs 148k. Again I am allowed to limp in and see flop, he bets, I completely miss.

Hand 61 (Kh,8h) 343k vs 157k. I call a raise, the flop is Jc,2s,2c. He bets out again, I decide to give it up

Hand 62 (As,8h) 323k vs 174k. I call, hoping for a raise. He checks. Flop 6,6,J. I bet he folds

Hand 63 (Th,Td) 332k vs 165k. My third decent pocket pair in ten hands, will this decide it. He moves all in!. I have to call. He turns over Ah 2d
Board Kh,4h,6c,6s. He comes the river he has 3 outs, Ad! SICK!

Hand 64 (Qs,5c) 167k vs 330k. Its all going wrong. I give up the hand after seeing the flop.

Hand 65 (2d,3d) 158k vs 339k. I call a raise, miss the board completely and am losing my grip on this game.

Hand 66 (2c,2s) 141k vs 356k. He moves all in and at this point I take my chance, he has As5c, Board comes 7c,2h,Jc. Its up for grabs again!

Hand 67 (Qh,Th) 282k vs 215k. He calls, I check. Flop 9c,2s,Js. Open ended for me. I check, he bets 8k, I call. Turn is the magic Kh. I check, he again bets 8k, I call. The river is the 7d. I bet 32k, trying to look like a steal, he moves all in. I call with the nuts. He turn over T8 for a lower straight and I win my title.

----- RIVER ----- [9c 2s Js Kh][7d]
ClintonO: bets 32000
G@briel: raises to 190204 and is all-in
ClintonO: calls 158204
----- SHOW DOWN -----
G@briel: shows [8h Ts] (A Straight, Jack high)
ClintonO: shows [Qh Th] (A Straight, King high)
ClintonO collected 430408 from Main pot

It feels great to be in the winners enclosure again!

ClintonO

Dream Team Update

Congratulations to Jonathan 'Onny87' who took down 1st place for the team last night in the Dream Team II tournament run by BadBeat.

After 17 weeks of the event (3 to go) we are sitting nicely in 4th place of the 32 teams and perfectly set up for the live final. We are a long way clear of 5th place, but a little way behind 3rd, so it looks like 4th place will be the finishing position, but this is far superior to the 12th we finished last year before winning the live event.

The key to the success so far has been a real team effort, no one player has been outstanding but 4 of us appear in the top 30 on the individual leaderboard.
ClintonO '10220pts' 10th
M.M.'8740' 18th
Onny87 '8580 19th
FISHMAC 7300 30th

I am also pleased to announce our team for the live event.

FISHMAC - Aggressive maniac, like a squirrel with his nuts, this boy gathers chips like no-one else, also our most consistent player.
Onny87 - Our new signing, last nights winner, fresh from the EPT Monte Carlo, the backbone!
Injustice - Mr SunDeshi, charming, witty and loveable, winner of the $20k on Wednesday. We almost lost him half way through the season, on fire at the right time.
Heffernan - The man himself, flying over from Germany for the occasion, our Aussie Millions 5th place finisher - Mr Hans Vogl.

Unfortunately I cannot be at the final due to a prior commitment in Barcelona, but it would be an amazing achievement to make it two wins out of two. Good Luck Guys!

In other news the blog has reached Croatia and now has visited 34 countries.

ClintonO

Well I am not winning

But at least I am coming second.

Tonight it was a £1.5k event and it was worth £460, which all helps! Unfortunately KQ was no match for QJ!

They have started a leaderboard on Cryptologic for all of the poker tournaments, now there is no way I am going to be able to win this, because I can't compete with the full time players.

Last week I finished in 195th position with 330 points.
I am hoping to improve on this, after day 1 I have already achieved half of last weeks total and have 166 points.

For the month of May, I have moved up to 69th and 170th for the year 2007. It is difficult to set a target here, but a top 50 for the month, gets me in 2 cpc freerolls, so that seems like a good a target as any, plus a top 100 for the year, well I will give it a go.

I was due to start the Ladbrokes Poker Cruise tournament today, but got no notification that the team had been accepted, so we start week 1 with 0 points! That should not be too difficult to improve on!

ClintonO

A really strange week

Before today my MTT form this week has been awful, I have been too quick to take down pots, trying to play 4 hour long tournaments like a STT. However my cash games have been nothing short of exceptional.
I have comfortably paid for my MTTs and posted a very tidy profit. It is possible that playing more cash games has interfered with my MTTs. Maybe you can't do well at both at the same time!

I have found though that I have been expecting to lose, when the chips are in, I can seem to call the cards that are going to beat me. I believe it proves the importance of confidence, when you think you are going to well you do and vice versa

Since the new leaderboards have started, I have not been able to do anything in MTTs, also my software now crashes every 30 mins! Not ideal.

Tonight though, finally my MTT game improved a little. 3 Final tables, an 8th, 4th and a 2nd. $1.5k, $2k and £1.5k respectively. The 2nd I started a long way behind heads up, got in front and then all the chips went in on a race. I could have avoided this and was frustrated that I did not win. £500+ was a nice reward though for these tournies and finally I feel a little relief that my MTT game is still there.

I have also played a few STTs today and managed to win both £50 6 packs that I entered. The £20 & £30s though I cannot master!

I am avoiding the online scene tomorrow to plough on with my poker ventures, but hope to get an opportunity to play on Monday.

Thanks for all the feedback
ClintonO

Stop Press - We have have reached Russia!

I am delighted to say that today my blog has reached Russia via a visit from Tomsk. Thats now 34 countries!

Thanks for your comments so far, although I would have to point out to Alex that Scotland is in fact part of the UK.

ClintonO

Who reads my blog?

A break from the world of poker for the moment, lets find out a bit more about you!

I was intrigued to find out who reads this blog, so if you do, please let me know, tell me who you are, what you do, why you read it and anything you would like to see on here or that I can help you with.

Here is what I have managed to find out so far.
This blog has been read in 33 countries in 2007 - Belgium, Ukraine and Estonia are the last three countries to join the list.

The top ten readers of this blog are as follows.

1) UK - London, Oxford, Solihull, Glos and Nottingham (top 5 regions)
2) Norway
3) Canada
4) US
5) Ireland
6) Denmark
7) Spain
8) Hungary
9) Sweden
10) Germany.

France are just outside the top ten!

My blog's readers are increasing, with increases month on month since I have started monitoring it at the start of the year.
April saw a 14% increase in unique numbers from March.

Do remember if you have not yet set up a Littlewoods account if you use the link on the right hand side and let me know, I will ensure you get 30% rakeback for your trouble.

ClintonO

Losing Patience

This week I have found myself not playing to my best and this has been due to not being as patient with the game.

When I play I am probably playing too many games, which restricts any edge I might have. Also I am fully expecting to lose when my chips go in. When you lose to runner runner twos and you call it in advance you know its bad!

Still that being said I managed four final tables in the last few days, including a nice payout in the $50k guaranteed on the playtech software (although not having antes in play is a bit odd).
I also qualified for the $530 WSOP final today, but that seems to have been cancelled and money funded to my account.

I have had a decent week though, suprisingly mainly due to some cash games I have played.
One thing that has been enjoyable is actually spending any money won! It certainly feels better when you have something to show for any winnings. A laptop for the missus and 10 days at the Bellagio paid for. Yes spending the money is definitely the way forward.

Right whats to play for at the moment.

Well I must admit I am not a big fan of the changes at crypto with the guarantees. The £12k is now the $20k for the same price, so thats £2k gone. The £8k is now the £6k, another £2k gone, whilst the £4k is now the $7k, so another £500 gone. It seems that as everyone is increasing their guarantees, Cryptologic are lowering theirs - whats going on!

Also the latest Leaderboard tournament, (I am very happy to see that St.Kitts is back on the agenda this year, it is a great occasion and one that everyone should try to qualify for) there is a weekly stt for the top six MPPs earned, three for the most pts in tournaments and one for the £40k winner. The winner gets a CPC lite seat. Well having every single tournament counting towards points, as well as having the top MPP earners, is just rewarding those who can play all day long and does not encourage people to play more, we need more players, the last leaderboard structure was much better.

I do like the look of the Golden Cup, I just need to qualify for them!

I will do an update with any May bonuses, but heres some tournaments to look out for.

Crypto wide.
Mon 30th April $1k free for just 1MPP. This is a terrible value tournament, with over 2000 players already registered - give this one a miss.

The £40k every sunday. Crypto could really do with getting this back up to £50k or $100k.

Golden Cup 4th June to 10th June, this has qualifiers every day and looks well worth taking part in.

Littlewoods
Every Wednesday - Winners Choice tournaments. This tournament gives you the chance to win a £1000 seat in any UK event, plus £200 in expenses. This is a great little tournament, that just needs 10 to run. Its costs £70 and is well worth it, whenever it has run it has had between 10-13 players. Check this one out.

Playboy
There is a great poker chip set available through Playboy (as well as other things!) They have three freerolls a week, one on a Tuesday and two on a Thursday, where they give the chance to win money and points. Never many in it, might be worth a look.

Dusk till Dawn
Every Sunday at the moment there is a $1k GTD for just a $1. There was only 35 players last week, worth checking out.

Betfair

Every Sunday they run a Passport Stamp, this is similar to the Winners Choice on Littlewoods, it costs a little more $165, but has a slightly bigger prize $3k. If you can stand the software, its worth checking out.
There is also a freeroll with Poker Player magazine on the 13th May.

Mansion

Still great value the $100k tournaments are going strong, I don't know why I don't play these more!

Blue Square.

There is a freeroll tonight, which gives you a free bet for just taking part.
There is a $50k GTD rebuy every Friday, which is well worth it, as well as a $250K Gtd at the end of the month.

Sky Poker

They are running another Primo event on the 1st June, it has doubled in price £55 to £110, but they have doubled in prizes - £25k to £50k. I played in the one last time, whilst I lost out with a flopped set to a higher flopped set, just outside the money. This is a sixpack tournament, well worth playing as the standard was not great.

Bodog

They are running a $100k GTD tonight, it clashes with all the other big tournaments, so there may be some value.

Poker Stars.

These guys are supporting the Amateur Poker Tour (APAT), they run a tournament every two weeks where you start with 5000 chips. Well worth having a look at. There is a link on this blog.

Crazy Poker

These guys are running a $200k GTD tonight, for just $50, it is a rebuy, but well worth the effort. This moves to $250k GTD next week.

Full Tilt

Bracelet Race. This is a good one for me, as I am not playing the main event (WSOP) this year, but one or two of the smaller ones. This gives 2 $1.5k seats and starts at 6.30 for just $75

Amco

They are joining in the $100k GTD scene, with theirs at 7pm, no ideas on numbers.

Poker Panthers

Also another 100k this time in Euros, a 6.15pm start for them, 200 Euros the entry.


I have also found out that during my stay in Vegas, it coincides with the Bellagio Cup. They have events on every day and this is something I fancy a shot at.

Right time to plan the week ahead!
ClintonO

KQ off the new nuts

Down to the last 30 in the £12k last night and I saw two amazing deicisions with KQ off suit, one of them taking me out in the process.

We were in level 9 and the blinds were 200/400 antes 50.
The first example was UTG raised to 1200, 2nd position reraised to 7000 and all in. Both players had been reasonably tight all game. Then the guy in 4th position calls half his stack with KQ. UTG folded and he was up against JJ and won.

The next was my demise, loose player with 10k bets 1200 on the button. I look down at AJ diamonds and move all in with 9k. I think its a blatant steal attempt, so I will prevent that happening again, by defending and I have a decent hand if called. He thinks and then calls me for almost all his chips with KQ. I have to say I am happy but shocked when he calls, especially when two more diamonds hit the board, but a queen ruins the day.

Apart from a complete bluff, I am not sure what he was beating, but c'est la vie. I now have to reevaluate the mixed marriage holding and question is this the new rockets!

ClintonO

£12k efforts

I have played the £12k for the last two evenings and have had a pretty good run both nights.

On Monday, I finished in 11th position (for the 4th time - that joins 1st and 15th as the position I have finished in the most!), winning £120.

I took a gamble calling a short stack with A4 with 12 players left, which I thought it was an any two cards move, he actually had 88 and that rightly held up. With 11 left and only 10k in chips, I moved with AT and ran into 77 and unfortunately despite hitting a Ten a seven ended all hopes.

Last night I finished just out of the money. I was short stacked for the most of the 2nd and 3rd hour. I fought and battled for whatever chips I could get. I finally got my chips moving when my AK beat KQ, and then next hand I had JJ and got all 6k+ in the middle against AT. The eight high flop was looking great, but a Ten on the turn and another Ten on the river arrived, a little bit harsh I feel!

I also booked my trip to Vegas last night, prices have been gradually increasing, so I decided to get in before the rush.
Its not the rio or the main event this year, but I have booked myself into the Bellagio. I have a wedding to attend, a lot of fun to be had, plus a serious amount of poker to play and to be honest I cannot wait. It is time to win some money playing live after all!

ClintonO

Responding to criticism

Apologies for not updating my blog, I truly have been snowed under with work, both in my day to day job and also with future plans that I have.

One thing that makes this game of poker so special, is that everybody has an opinion, you can be sure your right and somebody else can think the same and at the end of the day who is to say who is correct.

I have not played anywhere near enough as I would like over the last two weeks, but when you want to get on and you also have a young family, somethings got to give, at the moment its the poker.

Taking on board some of the comments of late. The first was reference a WSOP qualifier, where I raised with A9 and was reraised all in. I called about 2/3rds of my chips and was up against JJ and hit an Ace. Quite simply I got lucky. If I had known he had JJ, I would not have called. But then if I knew he had JJ, I would not have raised him in the first place.

There are sometimes you have a feeling that a play is right, nothing scientific, not a read, but it just felt right. This was one of those occasions and I got lucky. It is not a usual play by me, but if you play the same way all the time, then you will be figured out far too quickly.

The next comment was from David. David, my blog is purely a tale of my journey in the wonderful world of poker. I try to share my learnings, success and failures in the hope that I can encourage other players to play the game, improve their game and ultimately end up feeling as much for the game as I do. If Mike really does read this blog, then I am flattered. I have played at the Palms but not in the ultimate poker challenge.

The final comment is in reference to a thread started on the betfair forum, where a number of people have decided to pass a few comments on me.

If possible I would like to say a few words on this. Firstly I have no issues with anyone commenting on me, anything that is constructive and I can learn from is greatly appreciated, any critiscism as I have said, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

STTs - My stats are poor, they are there for all to see, I do not hide them, with rakeback I am in a minor profit over 1000 games. I do not take them as seriously as I should and that is my failing. I am confident that I could make a small profit at this game with the right dedication, but certainly no where near some of the profits that a lot of people are making.

Online names - I have one name ClintonO, that is it, I do not play under any other names. On some sites there may be a slight variation (Pokerstars - ClintonOh), but they are almost identical. I do not feel the need to hide my identity, as if you know who you are playing, then I need to improve to beat you. By keeping only the one name, it forces me to get better.

Playing for a career - I have made some good money from playing MTTs, but there are so many better players than me out there. I am still learning the game, a game that I enjoy and of course it would be great to do, but realistically, it is a fantastic hobby that has really helped me with extra income, meet some fantastic people and shown me a whole new world, but at the end of the day, there are other things that I am better at.

Live Cash - Unless you count a 5th place in a MTT at the Monte Carlo Hotel in Vegas, then no I do not have one! I would love to cash and it remains on my objectives list. My next attempt will be in one of the $1500 events at the WSOP. I am not playing the main event this year, as a close friend is getting married in Vegas in June and that is more of a priority.

Littlewoods Legends - This was an idea that I had to try and encourage more people to play the game of poker, get more people experiencing live events and use it as source of knowledge - a training camp if you like where those more seasoned players could pass on their learnings. I asked Andy to get involved (007apr) because he is one of many people who has helped me develop my game. I also felt that by getting a team of people together, then it would help the experience and also meant that when you got to a live event, there would be team members there that could advise you what to do and help you relax when you play live for the first time.

It was an idea that I started putting into place at the end of last year, I started a web site, as I got further down the road, but it was something that I put on the backburner as I have other ventures on the go that take priority.

It is my intention to do something within the world of poker, which ultimately will be there to help and enhance peoples enjoyment of the game. I will be involved in a couple of ventures that will start over the next few months, I will share this with you as they get closer to launch.

I do not claim to be a legend of the game in terms of playing poker and I never will be. If however I can continue be successful that would be fantastic. My main aim is to provide for my family, enjoy my life, enjoy this great game and help others whereever I can.

I hope that you can continue to enjoy this blog, please offer advice or criticism where you can and please say hello when you see me on the tables! Good Luck to one and all.

Clinton O

Playing to a minimum

I have kept my play to a minimum this week as I start to regain my strength following whatever illness hit me the previous week.

I have played a number of fixed limit cash games, to try and improve my understanding of this game, ahead of the online Golden Cup games on Cryptologic in June. I have come out level for the week so far, winning some and losing others. I still need to work in this area.

Tournament wise I have played one game a night for this week. Two WSOP qualifiers, where I have bubbled twice, river troubles unfortunately. I also played in the £12k last night, where I am happy to report I reached the final table, but dissapointly went out in 8th for £360.

I was determined to do well last night, after one of my dream team colleagues predicted that I would not! I had an up and down game, moving forwards nicely early and getting up to 10k in chips, before losing half with AK to A8, when I tried to get too clever for my good.

I fought my way up the leaderboard and got fully paid when flopping a straight, against top pair.
As we approached the final table, I made a couple of moves, which did not pay off. I ended up putting my stack in with AT and thankfully hit the required Ace to beat KK. How nice to actually win when behind.

The final table was quite evenly balanced and although I was in 9th place, my 35k was not too far behind the leader on 65k.
The table was quite aggressive early on, with the top 3 locking horns nearly every hand. Opportunities to get involved were very limited. I put in a couple of reraises to keep up with the blinds, but found little cards and opportunitues to do so.
After we had lost two players, my stack had diminished to the mid twenties and I found 88. I moved all in on an early raise and found myself up against AK. The first four cards were blanks, but the inevitable ace made an appearance on the river.

If I had won that hand, I would have been sitting comfortably with 50k+ and in a great position to move forwards. I am happy with another final table appearance, but would liked to have gone further. The way the table was playing, I felt that I would get paid with any reasonable hand and therefore a more patient game was the right play. I do question my tactics in all games I play and look back on my game to see whether I needed to play more aggressive. I always find that the most profitable way to play is the opposite to the way the table is playing and therefore I am comfortable with the way I played it.

I feel that I am still playing well at the moment and have reached ten final tables in the last week from not that many games. Lets hope it all continues.

ClintonO

Aces running bad again!

Three pocket rockets, three times all in pre - 3 losses! Ak,77 and T8. Great!

The only other tournament last night should have been a big pay out.
The tournament was the $50k guaranteed on Blue Square now part of the Playtech network.
Entries made up $43k, so whilst it was not the mansion it was still good value.

21 players left, sitting in 6th, it was all looking good. KK vs QQ, did not help me and then AK to A9 finished me off. $375 for my efforts, but is should have been a whole lot more.

Still not feeling great, so keeping this short.
ClintonO

So close to two in two

Five tournaments played tonight, two final tables and 23rd in the £12k, not a bad effort.

The main tournament of the night was the Bad Beat Dream Team, where after being right amongst it two weeks ago, we had a bad week last week, when half the team were away.

Tonight it was not looking too hot with just me left and 3 of the bottom with 32 left.
I fought my way up the leaderboard and ended up on the final table with a nice chip lead. After a slow start the final table exploded.
I ended up heads up 100k - 150k with the blinds just at 1500/3000.

The heads up was a real battle, I took the lead back in hand one, and then got 180k - 70k in front.
I made a couple of mistakes at this point, not putting in a river bluff to back my previous bets and then not reraising when my I believed my middle pair was good. Problem was with blinds so high I believed I could win.
After playing for an hour, we ended up all in I had KJ and was up against 99, unfortunately I lost and left myself with 20k. I managed to two double ups and was back in it with 120k, when I had JJ. At this point it was really heating up, if he had any sort of hand he was moving.

I raised with JJ, as he had a tendency to go over the top of me, he did as usual reraise, I moved all in and got called with 66. No 6 for the game, but alas there it was 2nd card out.

2nd place and 5000 pts for the team alongside almost $700 for my efforts. The good form continues, just a shame it was not another win.

ClintonO

Back in the Winners Enclosure

It been two months in coming but after 5 final tables in 5 days, a win is back under my belt. A belt that has been tightened a notch this week after being ill!

It was not the £12k unfortunately I managed 24th place and a cash finish, tried to make a move before I got too low and ran into a better hand. Not suprisingly I fared better than the infamous 'shymanic' who finished back in 40th.

The tournmanent win comes in the £800 GTD, the first time I have ever played in this.
Only 35 runners and a cash prize of £320, but a win is a win!

I hit the final table in 2nd position with 7.2k in chips. Chip leader had 8k. Only one short stack at 1.6k, the rest had over 4k each, so there was to be plenty of play.

The top 5 get paid and by hand 42 of the final table the bubble has burst and 5 remain

Pokerboy1 (5335) Tight, aggressive
Hickok#10 (8085) Loose, survived all in with JJ versus AA Hand 7 final table
Airlibird (23062.5) Chip captain, using chips very well.
ClintonO (11082.5) (fill in your own comment here!)
Poiree (4935) Very Tight, I donated chips to him in a SB vs BB battle.

Hands 43-45 (37,76,43)Airlibird throws stack around with little resistance
Blinds 300/600 Hand 46 (K7)Hickok all in for 5.5k called by Poiree. Hickok T8, Poiree KK. Board 38AT5 - Ouch - Down to 4
Hand 47 (A5)- I raise from SB with A5, take blinds
Hand 48-49 (K5,J7) Pokerboy is shortstack and moves all in twice with no callers
Hands 50-51 (72,J8) Airlibird uses his stack again
Hand 52 (52) Pokerboy moves all in again, Hickok instant calls. Its T9 vs A5, Board 495Q6 - Pokerboy doubles
Hand 53 (92)Hickok all in
Hand 54 (Q4)Hickok all in, called by Airlibird. Its QT vs A5, board helps no-one 3 left
Hand 55 (52) Airlibird takes blinds

Stacks now
Pokerboy (10k)
Airlibird (34k)
ClintonO(8k)
Time to start playing, any cards please!
Hand 56 KdJd Best hand I have seen in 30 hands, I raise, Pokerboy all in. I feel I am comitted at this stage and call. He turns over 22. First card is J. Back in it
Hand 57 KhQs Airlibird limps in, I check as I know he will bet in to me. Flop JdTc7c. Nice flop for me. Airlibird bets 1200. I call. Turn Ad. Bingo. Two flush draws out there also, so I raise to 3000. He calls as expected. River is a 3rd club. He bets 1200 again. It feels weak, but he could be worried about the flush or milking it. I call, he turns over J8 for two pair

What did I learn here, well he bet he out with top pair, there is an opportunity to slow play later (called my raise when Ace hit the board, I had checked preflop), I also believe if I had raised on the river he would have called.

Hand 58 55 I put Pokerboy all in, he has J2 - No Jack appears - its heads up (25k vs 27k)

Hand 59 (T5) time to find out how to play the heads up. I limp. He checks - Flop 266. He checks I bet and take hand. He is not usually that weak, he had absolutely nothing.

Hand 60 (42) He raises, I fold
Hand 61 (93) I limp again, I need to check his tendency to raise weakness. He checks. Board KhTh8h. He bets, nothing of board and fold.
Hand 62 (Q7) He raises, I fold - Blinds still 300/600 and both have big stacks, I persuade myself it is okay to fold here
Hand 63 (2c7c) Reverse strategy - I raise, he calls. Flop 6s9c7s. I have middle pair and backdoor flush draw, it could be worse. He leads out with 1200. I am assuming he thinks I have missed the flop. I reraise to 3000. He waits to the very last second before moving all in. He could have hit something, have both straight and flush draws, or just put me on a total bluff. I don't like it but there is plenty of time left I fold.

Chips Counts (19k vs 34k) - I am 4 hands from Victory

Hand 64 (8cTc) He limps for the first time (weak or strong?) Flop QdTd3c. I check middle pair, he also checks. (Weak or very strong?) Turn Th. Bingo! I check to not scare him away, he bets 800 (stringing me along, or still weak) I call. River 5c, That helps noone, I lead out for 2400, he then min raises to 4800. Beating me is full house, or a ten with a better kicker (includes a 3 or 5) I have trips heads up, thats a monster hand, the chances of him having a ten are very remote. I can't put him on a full house, I move all in. He calls Q7. (2 pairs)

This time he did not bet his top pair, he only bet when it was possible he was behind and called a reraise when I show strength. I know I will win this game

Hand 65 (5s7s) Will test for tilt mode, I call he checks. Flop K32. He checks flop, I also check
Turn Jd. He checks, he says he has nothing, so I bet and take pot.

Hand 66 (Qd9h) He calls, again I become suspicious and take the flop. Qc5dKd. Happy with the flop middle pair and flush options. I check he bets 800, that keeps me interested I call. Turn Ad.
Another good card, I am drawing to the nut flush and its unlikely he has an ace. I check, he bets just 800 again, I call. (What are these minimum bets, I would tend to see strength, but I am really believing these are weak) River 9c. No Diamond but two pairs. Only a monster hand has me beat, I bet 2400 he calls with 88. Those bets are weak, he is betting min bets with a flush draw and 3 overcards out there

Hand 67 (5h6h) I limp, he has never raised me yet preflop, so lets see it. Flop Qh6d7s. Again some help with bottom pair. He checks, lets see another. Qc. More than likely my 6 is good here. He checks, so I bet 1600. He moves all in for another 6595. If I call and lose I will still have a 32k to 18k chip lead, so that is a good reason to call. But what does he have. If he has a queen, surely he calls and milks it. A seven would he not have bet earlier, my guess is nothing much, I believe I am in front and make the call. He turns over K2. River is a J. The tournament is over!

Victory at last!
ClintonO

£12k in running

Playing one game tonight to try and get back into thinking straight, however I am still feeling really under the weather. Can barely keep my eyes open.

I am playing the £12k and found myself in the top ten, when this hand happens. Let me know what you think. I am chip leader with 10k in chips on this table. My opponent has 3k in chips.

At least I am already feeling sick, as this would have made me ill.


dealt to ClintonO [Ac Ad]
butch_dk: folds
Anonpg1: folds
Garry2011: folds
Shymanic: raises to 600
ClintonO: raises to 1500
DontPanic: folds
Fukineasy: folds
Sparky065: folds
Super_fox: folds
Shymanic: calls 900
----- FLOP ----- [2d 8d Qs]
Shymanic: bets 1453.25 and is all-in
ClintonO: calls 1453.25
----- TURN ----- [2d 8d Qs][2h]
----- RIVER ----- [2d 8d Qs 2h][5s]
----- SHOW DOWN -----
Shymanic: shows [2s As] (Three of a kind, Twos, Ace high)
ClintonO: shows [Ac Ad] (Two Pairs, Aces and Twos, Queen high)

Time to plan my revenge!
ClintonO

A Live Win

As promised I managed to win the local football team poker match. I needed a little help on the river with the final card mind! AT vs QT all in pre flop, with me having a 60-40 chip lead.
A queen came on the flop, but an Ace on the river. Phew!

I still see a number of people that complain about online poker and the randomness of the cards.
Well in this one live game, I saw a two outer hit 3 times on the river. One hand with four players in that had two sets and two straights. A flop of 888, when someone held K8. Someone else lose to running tens. Live poker can be as sick as online poker at times.

I have not played barely at all since Friday as I have been hit by some bug, that has made me feel like I have been hit by a truck. I do hope to play again soon.

Two great pieces of news today from Cryptologic.

1) The Caribbean Poker Classic is alive and well and will be held again in 2007.
2) The Golden Cup Series of Poker (GCSOP) is to be held across Crypto from w/c 4th June

Full Details below

The £500,000 GOLDEN CUP SERIES OF POKER (GCSOP) is a one-week event consisting of seven separate poker tournaments, beginning on Monday, June 4th and running through to Sunday, June 10th.
Win a piece of the £500,000 guaranteed prize pool and take part in one of the most anticipated Hold’em series online this June...the GCSOP.
The GCSOP offers a range of buy-ins in No Limit and Fixed Limit Hold’em to meet the hearts of online players at all levels. Additionally, players will get triple chips (4500) for the preliminary events, with 10,000 chips for the final event. Blinds will increase every 20 minutes for preliminary events, and every 30 minutes in the £1000 Golden Cup Final.
In other words, there will not only be tremendous value for players, there will be plenty of play with a ton of room to manoeuver!
Best All-Around Player (BAP)
THE GOLDEN CUP IS ALL ABOUT THE SEARCH FOR THE BEST!
The top 15% of finishers in each of the seven tournaments will earn points towards the Best All-Around Player (BAP) awards. $30,000 in cash and prizes will be given away to the top four BAPs!
RANK
PRIZE
1
$10K CPC packagePLUS $5000 cashPLUS the Golden Cup award
2
$10K CPC package
3
$4K CPC Lite package
4
$1000 cash
The BAP will be determined using our tournament points system which considers tournament buy-in, number of entrants, and of course, individual finish in that event. Results will appear the following day in the poker lobby area.
BAP Points earned = Tournament Points x Buy-in.
BAP Points are only awarded for the June 4-10 finals.
The GCSOP recognizes excellence in tournament play.

This is the first time this has been bought to crypto so enjoy it.

Littlewoods are once again offering £100 for 1000 MPPs this month, so make the most of that. No Codes necessary.

Once you have done that you can also get the same from UK Betting and $50 from DTD for 250 MPPs but you will need the code DTDAPR.

Betsafe have a bit worse value but you can get $500 for 3500 Mpps.

ClintonO

5 final tables in 4 nights

2 more final tables last night, not the $3k last night, but the bigger £12k and £8k tournaments. Where is the leaderboard competition when you need it!

It was £480 return in both tournaments - 7th in the £12k and 5th in the £8k.

I do have a really good record at the end of each month, when I have not won much at the beginning. Its that look at the records and seeing a very small figure in the profit column that inspires me to do something about it. £960 last night and $1500 from the previous three evenings has helped address the balance.

A night off tonight as its my football clubs poker night. It won't be for large amounts of money, but I fully intend to win!

ClintonO

The 10pm $3k tournament

I really believe I should just stick to this tournament, maybe they could rename it for me lol!

I have a 50% strike rate for reaching the final table, reaching the top 4 on 12 occasions.
Last night I reached my 3 consecutive final table, eventually losing in a heads up battle. I was dissapointed not to win, as my record in heads up is quite good.
I led the tournament from the first hand to the last three people.

When it got to heads up I was 75-45k behind, the guy I was playing hit a jack on the river to survive against me when 7 were left. I turned around the lead very quickly, but lost a lot of chips with TT to KQ. At the end I played a limp reraise, but unfortunately ran into JJ. Dissapointing but another $850 in the bankroll. 9th,3rd and 2nd in the last three nights, I will play it tonight, but dont expect anything, as I am going to do well in the £12k and £8k!

The debate on the QJ hand continues! Excellent to get so much response on this one. I fully except all the criticism and comments. I have to agree that I played it quite weak, but just some instinct alongside the pot odds told me it was right!

The last comment referred to being blinded away and not going out with a fight. I do agree with this sentiment. Whilst I was in Dortmund there was part of me that wanted to survive as long as possible. However I also was willing to put my chips in when it was possible. I was all in with 3 hands that I usually would not be. Due to the nature of the table, someone was all in everytime in the lasts 60 hands. Also the great thing about this game is that you are always learning. As I approach 2 years of playing the game, I have never stopped learning.

I need to get more live experience and that is my plan whenever I can. I have only played 6 big live tournaments to date and this is one area that by playing more, will help my all round game

Please keep the comments coming in and continue to share any advice you may have.

ClintonO