Trying To Win

Just going through another weekend.

I played in another poker tournament. 4,000 people, and I sucked pretty bad in the first couple of hands. I went from 3,000 chips to 350 in 10 hands. I assumed that it just wasn't my day, so I went all-in blindly. I lucked out, had A-J, and someone called. I doubled up to around 700. I still figured that this wouldn't be enough for me last long enough, so I went all-in again. This time, I had A-K, and 3 people called. My hand held and I went up to nearly 3,000. That's definitely something to work with, so I played my normal game again.

I made it past the 2nd hour, and I was up to 30,000 chips. At the time, 75,000 was the chip average. I was doing well, but not well enough. I think I went all-in with K-Q. 2 people called, and they had me beat. 1 person had A-K, and another had A-Q. The only way I could win the pot is if I got a straight with A-J-10. Very unlikely.

I finished 79th. That's not terrible. The buy in was 30, and I won 190. Still play money though. I will never gamble with real money online. While poker is a game of cards, chance, and skill, it takes a greater understanding of the game to play in a real setting. I am much better at reading an opponent when I can see their face and their hands. Maybe they have a twitch when they bluff. I can see that if they're sitting right in front of me. If you're playing online, you can't even tell if the punk kid across the ocean is smiling.

Still, after May 19th, I want to go play in a real tournament. Next Tuesday, I have another tournament here at the apartment complex. If I have a strong showing, I'll be determined to find a good location. If I suck, I'll keep practicing and wait for my next opportunity.

Ideally, I want to find a small tournament where 1st prize is a seat at the WSOP Main Event. I'll gladly wear a polo with a company's logo if it means I get a free seat in that tournament.