Granny Knows Best
Monday, October 31, 2005
Granny Knows Best
T'was a nice weekend in TripJaxville. The Halloween party I went to on Saturday night was awesome and I had a great time. If you read my previous post you know I was flip flopping on what costume to wear. I ended up going with Granny and I'm very glad I did. Everyone thought it was a trip and it was a fun time being in character. I rarely strayed from acting like Granny and it made for an interesting night. We even went out to the bars afterwards and people were trippin' on our digs. One of my buddies went as SpeedRacer and the other went as Agent Orange. As a group, we were the strangest mix of characters. I had balloon boobies that were hanging way too low and I believe I got more action from people feeling me up than I've had all my life, particularly from the ladies. Who knew the ladies of the night would be down with Granny's boobies?
On Friday night I had been whoring it up at BoDog when I decided to check out the MTT's on Ultimate bet. I had deposited $30 there for the HUC2 which, for me, ended abruptly 1 hour after the deposit. That left about $20 in my account that I totally forgot about until Friday. I logged on at 10:57pm and noticed a $5.50 with nearly 1000 of my dearest friends registered and ready to rock. I plopped the money on the virtual felt and said, "let's light this candle dealer."
Early on I had numerous instances where I had the best of it all the way to the river, but inevitable got owned. Somehow, however, I managed to not lose all my chips by not overplaying my hands. With nearly 700 people still in play I was down to the felt with only about 250 left. I managed to triple up to stay in it and ended up going on a rush to put me at around 8000 in chips with about 300 people left. 1st place paid over $1000 and the top 100 placed in the money. As I was playing I received a hearty hello in the chatbox from DNasty who was playing in the same tourney. I hadn't even noticed, but was happy to see a friend playing. He was actually doing better than me with around 10,000+ in chips.
DNasty and I both made it into the money which was nice. D took some tough hands in the end and I think finished in 60th place. I was able to get down to the final 3 tables and finished, I believe, in 27th place. It was good for more than quadrupling my buy-in and pushing my bankroll near $50. It was nice to actually play well in an MTT as I've had some tough times with them lately. I never felt like I was in command of any table I was at, but I consistantly stayed with the pace in order to maintain my chips. I can't even remember the hand that took me out, but I was happy with my finish. A little more luck with the cards hitting the board and I'll be getting to that final table.
Unfortunately, I lost a buy-in at BoDog and then donked off $10 in a Heads-Up match at UB last night so I pretty much broke even for the weekend. However, I did clear a good bit of my bonus remaining at BoDog so I should be able to clear it by the weekend. I just can't afford to donk my buy-ins away like I did. Tough losing set over set I must say.
Well that will do it for me today. I've been making some very minor changes to the blog just as house cleaning. Primarily colors of text, borders and backgrounds. Nothing that will really be noticeable unless you are me. And last time I checked, you aren't...that'd be interesting.
To LittleAcornMan, I'm sorry I missed your Royal Vegas gig on Sunday. I'll definitely make it up to you in the near future. I want to be able to deposit some real dough and take advantage of VPP's offer as well as help Jordan out with the referral. Unfortunately, until I get clear the BoDog bonus or hit the lottery, I'll have to bide my time.
To GCox, I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I never have good words to say in these moments. I'll just leave it at that really, really sucks. I think your write up was perfect to portray your feelings.
Finally, check out DuggleBogey's new header. I dig it. It's pretty wicked with the gun and all.
posted by TripJax @ 7:18 PM,
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I Am WhiteMan!
Friday, October 28, 2005
I Am WhiteMan!
Short post today. I played well last night and only disliked the way I played one hand. Unfortunately that hand cost me half my buy-in and left me with a loss on the night after being up most of the night. I was playing PL Omaha and called a turn and river bet where I knew I was beat, but still was hoping to improve. What kills me is I didn't improve from the flop (had a set), but still called on the river. I f'ing knew I was beat and still called. Granted, his all-in on the river was only a couple of dollars and there was a goodly amount in the middle, but when you know you're beat...
I've been rushing around today trying to figure out what to be for the Halloween party we go to every year. This is the 4th year I've been and that's not the least bit depressing. The first year I went I was an Oscar Award Winner. The kicker, however, was one of my buddies went as my Grip, so he was walking around with me at all times with a Boom Mike hovering above me. Anytime someone would come up to talk to me - whether I knew them or not - I would start into my Thank You speech. On occasion, after being about a minute into my conversation, my Grip would inform me it didn't go through and I'd have to start all over. It was pretty funny and everyone enjoyed it. One item of note...my Oscar was a Michael Jackson doll wrapped in tin foil and painted gold. To this day, Michael is still wrapped. And don't ask why I have a Michael Jackson doll...dohl!
The 2nd year I went as a farmer which was not so funny. The 3rd year I went as one of the droogs from A ClockWork Orange. Two other guys (including my former Grip) went as droogs as well so it was pretty wicked. The building that is used for the party is lit up in black lights and when we walked in it was pretty bad ass. We got to wear cod pieces. I'll leave it at that.
For my 4th attempt, I've been struggling. I was originally gonna go as a Cubs fan and wear all my Cubs gear, along with a brown grocery bag over my head. I decided against that one though. It's been tough being a Cubs fan for half my life and it doesn't look like it's gonna get any easier. I'll be a Cubs fan to the grave, but I sure hope the Sox winning it all lights a fire under their asses. Let's go Cubbies, erm, next year.
My next thought was to go as my own made up superhero, WhiteMan! WhiteMan! would wear all white from head to toe (including a cape). He would don a W on his chest and when asked who he is, reply in his best Duffman(ish) voice, "I am WhiteMan!" He would have no super powers, but many weaknesses, up to and including no rhythm, the inability to dance, possible tiny junk, and the palest of skins.
My final choices are either A Person Of Interest or a Granny. I can swing the Person Of Interest with some slicked back hair, shaving all but my mustache, some large brown tinted glasses, and an assortment of random clothes (like short sleeve dress shirts and old skinny ties). He would be your typical guy you see sketch artists drawing. The Granny gig would be a long robe with doily's, a night cap, hose rolled down, slippers, a coffee mug (full of liqour) and posibbly a cane and hunched back. I would also shave everything except for some random hairs all over my face. Whenever someone talks to Granny, she'll reply, "What's that?"
We'll have to see what I end up with. No matter what, my favorite part of the outfit will be the drink in my hand. I'll try and hit the online tables this weekend and hopefully play in the blogger SNG over at Royal Vegas if all works the way it's planned. Thanks LittleAcornMan for putting it together. Look for me online when it is time to roll.
posted by TripJax @ 6:35 AM,
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Poker Sites Take Notice - Part 1 - Heads-Up Step-Ups
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Poker Sites Take Notice - Part 1 - Heads-Up Step-Ups
**Addendum**
After reviewing my idea and with some further comments from readers, I would agree that it would not be a good idea to offer $0 rake on the first Heads-Up Game. I would suggest all the info below stay the same except to add the rake on the first game. I still believe this is a viable idea for Poker Sites, so take notice!
**End Addendum**
This post begins my foray into telling the poker sites out there what kind of game concepts I, and possibly others, would like to see added to their sites. I am hoping I can get some responses from my fellow readers for input into ways to improve on my ideas and even new and improved concepts as well. I also gladly accept kudos for a job well done or criticism for a job just sort of done. No matter what, I want to hear from you. In the long run I would love to see one of my ideas make it on a site.
None of this stuff requires being a rocket surgeon to create, just a little time, effort and a calculator if you suck at numbers. I decided to do this last night when I could not sleep and had ideas ringing in my head at 2 am. I needed something to fill the empty space (not in my head, on this site) on my sidebar to the left that currently houses the now defunct PokerStars OPBC ad. I figure this will do the trick. Each time I add a new entry I will add a link to the post on my sidebar for easy access.
As I create these concepts (or improve on existing games*) I will try to keep two frames of mind in play. First, I want it to be something that will appeal to the player. Without customers you will have no business. Second, I will not forget that there must be something in it for the poker site, lest it be banished to good idea, but not gonna happen land. With all this in mind, class, lets begin.
Heads-Up Step-Up Tournaments
The concept is to offer a Heads Up Tournament with first come first serve seating much like a MTT SNG. Offer 32 available seats and begin the tournament by randomly seating 32 players on 16 tables with 2 persons per table. For this example assume a $10 Buy In. Players who lose their first round match drop out losing their Buy-In and players who win their match win an immediate small cash payout as well as a free roll into Round 2. Winners of the Round 2 matches will receive a larger cash payout and a free roll into Round 3. As players win their match they can be matched up accordingly to speed up the tourney. Continue through the Rounds accordingly until you reach Round 5 where you are Heads Up for the Grand Prize of $101 (their total winnings from Rounds 1 through 5). The loser will receive $41 (their total winnings from Rounds 1 through 4). Any player who wins their first 2 Heads Up matches will have paid off their entry fee and will be truly free rolling the rest of the way. All for the low, low risk of $10, and not a dime more. Let me show you the grid I created and then we can take a look at some of my thoughts (pros and cons) about the game to see if this really is plausible.
Round | Players | Buy-In | Rake | If Win | Plus |
1st | 32 | $10.00 | $0.00 | $3.50 | Freeroll Rd 2 |
2nd | 16 | $15.00 | $1.50 | $8.00 | Freeroll Rd 3 |
3rd | 8 | $20.00 | $2.00 | $12.50 | Freeroll Rd 4 |
4th | 4 | $25.00 | $2.50 | $17.00 | Freeroll Rd 5 |
5th | 2 | $30.00 | $3.00 | $60.00 | n/a |
Pros
For starters, there is NO RAKE on the initial $10 Buy In. This makes the player happy and in the end will potentially drive players to take a look at these type tournaments. As far as the player is concerned, the absolute most they can lose by entering one of these tournaments is the Buy In of $10 with NO RAKE coming out of their bankroll. This is thinking like a player. But there is still something in it for the poker site.
The poker site will receive a guaranteed 10% rake on the larger Buy In tournaments that the players are free rolled into. They are guaranteed this rake because once the tournament begins the players will play out the games until there is one person remaining. For this example the poker site will receive a total of $56 in rake for offering 31 Heads Up games.
For the average player who may never actually get a chance to play tournaments higher than their bankroll would normally allow, these tournaments give them a chance to make money each round and free roll into larger Buy In matches with an eye on the prize only 5 Steps away. This also gives the poker site a chance to make rake on higher Buy In tournaments off of players who might otherwise never play that size Buy In. Without ever actually taking a dime of rake out of their bankroll.
Unlike SNGs which can be difficult to get on a streak of 1st place wins, Heads Up matches allow you to only have to play 1 opponent every Round for a maximum of 5 rounds. And there is a payout each round. Plus, if you were to win 5 Heads Up traditional matches in a row you would have a max gain of $45. With the Step Up format you have a max gain of $91 or a $31 max gain even if you lose your Round 5 match.
Cons
You must win 2 matches in a row before you will make money on these tournaments. If you win the Round 1 match you will earn $3.50 so if you lose Round 2 you will take a $6.50 loss. But if you win Round 2 you will win $8.00 plus the $3.50 already earned for a net $1.50 (plus the free roll, lest ye forget). From then on your free rolling for real baby!
Help me out with other cons please…
I have more I want to write about, but I must end this post now, so I will just have to edit after the fact. I would actually rather get some feedback before I go further anyway, so let me know what you think ladies and gents. So ends Part 1 of Poker Sites Take Notice!
*Some of these ideas play off of ideas other sites already use and or incorporate in their arsenal. For instance, this particular idea, while new, is an adaptation of the Party Poker steps tourneys they have. Though many people give Party Poker a hard time, I do think it is great they are finding new and interesting ways to offer their clients games that can benefit both parties. Not all my ideas will stem from existing concepts however. I also like that PokerStars offers Shootouts and will have future adaptations of Shootouts as part of this series...
posted by TripJax @ 8:49 PM,
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57th...
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
57th...
...plus 900th = 957th place for yours truly in the PokerStars Blogger Tourney. It ended up being a tourney - and subsequent day - filled with frustration throughout as you'll soon find. Sorry for the trickeration on the placement, but so many bloggers were using where they placed for their title, and 957th just didn't type very well.
Things started off well enough as I got 44, JJ, 10 10, and KK in my first 10 hands (with the 4's and the J's coming in the first 2 hands). Unfortunately, I lost or conceded the pot in every one except the 10's where I pretty much made the minimum. This put me down from the get go and it was difficult to grind my way back up to above 2000. However, I was able to do so though I can't remember what hand did it for me. I think I peaked at around 2500 before things just went wrong.
For starters, from hand one I was having connection problems. I would lose connection and it would take about 20-40 seconds for the connection to recycle back. This isn't the first time it has happened, but it has been sporadic lately. The first time it happened was while watching GCox in a shootout on PartyPoker a few weeks back. This was discouraging to find my connections to poker sites piss poor, but I was hoping it was just a temporary problem. No such luck.
By the first break I had lost connection at least 10 times and had a few comments from people at my table that I was holding the game up. Nothing mean or pissy, just letting me know that my connection was acting screwy. The connection resulted in numerous hands folded that I may not have folded had I been around to see the cards. But wouldn't you know it, it was my connection keeping me in a hand that ended being the beginning of the end for me.
We were after the first break and, during one of my many disconnections, I was fiddling with my wireless settings to see if anything needed to be repaired. As I was doing this I noticed the pop-up box advising that I was being reconnected to the table/game. I clicked on the PokerStars window at the exact second it reconnected and unfortunately for me I clicked in the exact spot where the raise button was. By the time I could figure out what was going on I was steaming. Turns out I had K-8 offsuit Under The Gun with the blinds at 75 - 150 so my raise was to 300. Not at all what I wanted to do or would ever do. UTG +1 called and everyone else folded.
Now here is where an honest mistake becomes a bad play on my part. I'm still steaming for even being in this situation when the flop comes down with K rag rag rainbow. At this point there is 825 in the pot and I only have about 1500 left after the 300 bet to start the hand. I throw out a 400 bet and get a long pause before my opponent calls. Another rag hits the turn and with 1625 in the pot I go all-in for my last 1100+/-. I get insta-called by KQ offsuit and my game is over when the river doesn't help.
I hate my all-in on the turn there. The reason I hate it is I went into this tourney with a couple of ideas in my head. First, I wanted to play tight and play strong. I figured with the amount of no-shows I could steal some good pots, but also wait for good hands to get into battles with. Up until that hand I had done just that. I folded great starting hands early on because I knew they were losers. For instance, that KK I had early on was beat when an Ace hit the board and I got re-raised. I could have been a donk and stayed in the hand, but I would have been out way, way early.
Second, I did not want to lose all my chips on a 2nd best (or worse) hand when I didn't have to. My play above was exactly what I did. Sure I shouldn't have even been in the hand in the first place, but I violated one of my main rules by pushing all-in there. I won't even try to Justify my play because I could go either way as to my turn and river play, but in the end I went with my gut and my gut lost. Simple as that. Can't blame connections for that.
~
In my head I got this idea that the Instant Messaging system I was using to chat with other bloggers might have been the reason for my disconnections. I looked back and everytime I had been playing and having problems I was also on IM. So during the tourney I logged off of my IM service and did a reboot on my computer. For a while there I thought I was good to go, but of course the connection problems continued as is obvious from my writing above. To the bloggers I had to drop out of chat with due to my paranoia, I apologize. I again went with my gut and was wrong.
~
It was not long after getting knocked out of the PokerStars tourney that I started to feel a tad under the weather (see previous post). Still I hadn't had my fill of poker after the anticipation that the tourney brought with it. Therefore, I decided to try my hand at BoDog with high hopes that the disconnection problems would cease since it was a different site. Bad.Move.Asshat.
I was playing Pot Limit Omaha (not 8 or better) and doing pretty well with my initial buy-in as well as clearing my PSO bonus. Of course, that wouldn't last long. My first and last disconnect at BoDog that night happened on a hand that still hurts right now. I had Ac5d6d5c in the big blind and the flop came down 5s4d7d giving me a set of fives and an open ended straight flush draw as well as a baby flush draw. As I waited for the small blind to make a decision I noticed it was taking way longer than it should. That's when I realized I had lost connection. By the time it came back I had been folded, put in sit out mode, and the next hand had already begun. I was disgusted and couldn't even look at the history of the hand for fear I would throw my laptop. I just logged off and called it a night. A night which quickly went horribly wrong when I was shivering with a 102 temperature and some serious head pain. So how was your Sunday? GCox need not answer that question after reading his blog.
~
Speaking of G, I'm glad you aren't in some hospital or worse. I couldn't figure out what happened to you, but I'm glad to hear it was nothing serious. Although, for you, I know the PokerStars tourney (and poker in general) is serious bitness. Sadly, I lasted past the first break, but still could not beat G or Jordan, who didn't play one hand in the tourney. Ouchie to ego.
~
I would like to thank a few people for wishing me luck in the PokerStars tourney. First, Dragonystic found my table and wished me well. That was very cool. LittleAcornMan also dropped by to tell me hello and wish me luck. Unfortunately that was right around the time I went bye-bye. Also, at the table - of which I knew no one - a guy with a screenname of ArielSanchez (I think) said he had read my blog and wished me luck very early in the tourney, then gave me well wishes on my way out the door. That was very cool of him. If you are reading this Ariel, thank you. If I forgot any one, I apologize. Of course all the guys I chatted with wished me luck, but I've already mentioned them....
~
I have more to write about, but I'm pretty much spent. After a full days work I realize I am no where near back to 100% from being sick. I have no high temp any longer, but I am weak as all get out. My body and mind just don't want to click right now. Therefore, apoligies if none of this post made sense.
Until next time...
posted by TripJax @ 8:24 PM,
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Strugglefest
Strugglefest
This is just a quick fyi post. It's been a rough couple days in TripJaxville. Sunday things started going down hill for me and I ended up on the couch shivering with a 102 degree temperature. That lasted until I woke up this morning and my temperature was back to normal. I woke up feeling better, but still not 100%. I probably should have stayed home one more day, but I just have too much work to do right now. This is the first time I've been online since the Stars tournament, so I have not played any poker or read any blogs, but I'll come visit as soon as I can. Until then...
posted by TripJax @ 12:22 PM,
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Quite Possibly...
Friday, October 21, 2005
Quite Possibly...
...the quickest $36 I've ever spent. Even quicker than the hooker my friends bought me in 3rd grade or the time I bet the rent money on the Bud Lite Bottles to win the Super Bowl half time show against the Bud Bottles. I thought they were due damnit!No, my money was spent on the beginning - and subsequent end - of my HUC2. I played my 1st round match against cmitch last night and the picture to the left pretty much sums it up (click the pic to enlarge). When I caught a decent hand he had a better hand. When I had no hand he out played me. He pretty much outplayed me throughout. He absolutely deserved to win the match the way it ended up being played out. He definitely had me off my game. I may have to drop some sidebets on you cmitch. Good luck in the next round. I'll be railing and rooting!
I knew it was gonna be a tough night when, in the first game, I flopped a straight on a raggedy rainbow flop and lost to his higher straight. Then, only a few handles later, the same thing happened. About the only thing I was proud of in my play was being able to get away from a few losing hands even though I had a decent heads-up hand. On one particular hand I had pocket Jacks with all unders on the flop. The turn brought a Jack giving me TripJax, but the river brought an ugly textured card that made a simple straight if he held one of the cards. When he bet I made a crying call, but kept from raising into a better hand. He did a great job extracting chips from me there.
Overall I don't think I played bad, but I just never had a chance to open up my game and get things going. When you lose that first game your back is immediately up against the wall and it becomes "go time Jerry." Oh well. When does HUC3 start?
I also pretty much got owned trying to whore it up at BoDog after my HUC2 match. I only lost about $10 but I only won one hand the whole night. Then when my internet service decided to go on the fritz resulting in a mucked hand in the big blind while holding As2dKsKd (PLO8), I knew it was time to call it a night. Overall, not counting the $25 I will have to shell out eventually, I was down about $21. That I can handle. And like GCox said in his post, I was freerolling for this HUC2 anyway, so it's all good.
~
Keep DNasty in your thoughts as he and his family deal with job shit as well as a potential storm disaster this weekend.
~
Condolences are also in order for the commish, Jordan, who is also out of the HUC2 after a rough 1st round. Who would of thunk the commish and the champ from HUC would be banished on the 1st night. Dohl!
~
Damn GCox, Wonka, and STeelerJosh, you boys gotta represent...good luck...
~
I forgot to add that if you aren't reading ScurvyDog from Sound Of A Suckout these days you are missing out. He's been pumping out quality post after quality post lately with some fantastic content. I've been remiss in mentioning him here, so there you have it.
posted by TripJax @ 3:25 AM,
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Let The Games Begin!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Let The Games Begin!
The Heads-Up Challenge 2 (HUC2) has officially been set and we are ready to rock and/or roll. We have some of the regular degenerates in the bunch, but there are also some new challengers as well. I, for one, am looking forward to playing a bracket style, though it sux not being able to play everyone in the bunch like we did last time. I understand, however, once you get above 8 players it can get tough (and costly) to schedule everyone playing each other. Therefore, I agree with the commish on this one. I have heard Round 2 might bring with it some changes, but I am sure everything will fall into place just fine.
For my first round, I will be up against cmitch from O-Poker. I linked cmitch a while back and have been reading him ever since. I must say he plays well beyond any limits I am currently comfortable with or could afford. I have been impressed with what I have read so far and I am glad we were able to cross paths. I look forward to our match cmitch! Let me know when you are ready.
~
I whored it up at BoDog last night and have found the bonus clearing to be a little more difficult than I expected. That said, I still feel good about the way things are going so far. Me thinks back when my fellow degenerates were clearing this bonus, BoDog gave you credit for the rake as long as you were at the table, whether or not you contributed to the pot. Now you have to contribute to the pot for the rake to count towards your bonus clearing.
Ever the conservative/tight bankroller these days, I tried to think of the best way to clear the bonus with the least amount of risk, and I think I have come up with a plan. I am playing Pot Limit Omaha 8 Or Better at the .10/.25 level. What this allows me to do is see quite a few more flops than I probably would see at Holdem, thus contribute to the pot, for a very cheap price. Making it even better, if you find the right table, you can almost always limp without being raised so I am able to see a flop and hopefully improve. If I improve I will stay in the pot, but if it does not look good I am out having contributed. Usually the pot will get pretty high (relatively speaking here folks) by the time the betting is over, since it is Pot Limit, and I will have earned some pretty good points.
Last night I tested this out and it went strikingly well. I was able to hit a few big hands to keep me up or even and was able to clear 5 times the amount of bonus points that I did the first night. I think I will probably start 2 tabling from here out in order to speed things up. I have never 2 tabled PLO8 so we will see how that goes. As for the actual game, though I feel pretty good about my PLO8 play, I realize I still have more to learn. My biggest problem is realizing quick enough whether my staying in the hand will potentially result in a net negative, even if I win a portion of the pot. I think I need to read a little bit more on the PLO8 subject to feel more comfortable. Any direction towards some good PLO8 material, online or off, would be appreciated.
~
I have been meaning to mention the wildest hand I have been involved in lately. It was during my 6-Max SNG Challenge and it left me in a bit of a daze, though I was not mad after seeing our hands. Have you ever had a nice Pocket pair pre flop, become a Full House on the flop, become Quads on the turn, become a loss on the river? We were heads up when the hand started and needless to say we got it all in by the end of the hand. I had less chips so I finished second. Here is how it went down.
Hero: QQ
Zero: AK
Flop: KKQ
Turn: Q
River: K
His Quad Kings took down my Quad Biatches. Ouch!
~
That will have to do for now. I may be playing tonight and tomorrow, but I will be at a wedding on Saturday so no weekend poker until I get back on Sunday for the OPBC. I want an iPod damnit, but if I cannot get an iPod I will take a WPT seat as consolation
posted by TripJax @ 6:12 PM,
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BoDoggity
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
BoDoggity
After a thorough review of all the PSO offers, and with some help from my PSO Advisor, I decided to go with BoDog for my next promotion. They seem to be the easiest to clear and based on my games last night I can see this will probably be the case. I didn't play many hands, but when I did I ended up winning them versus some pretty poor play. Here are the pros and cons I've been able to establish just in my short time playing last night...
Pros:
- Seems to have pretty weak players if you find the right tables.
- You only have to clear 200 points to complete the requirements, plus they start you off with 50 points when you sign up so it is really only 150 points to clear.
- Looks like there are enough people playing to always have a table available.
- BoDog is currently on the PSO promotion list for an upgrade to 9000 PSO points. Booyah!
- I like the table software and the smoothness of the game.
Cons:
- There was only a 10% deposit bonus and I was hoping for something a little bit higher.
- You must contribute to the pot in order for the rake to count. That's different than my last promotion.
- I keep wanting to go take a look at the Sportsbook even though I've never laid a bet with an online book in my life. I mean, the Colts will clearly cover against the Texans this week right?! Dohl!
I'll keep you guys apprised of my progress as I go along. I think I will probably work my PSO points towards their iPod, unless I can win one in the PokerStars blogger event (see banner in the sidebar for details if you've been under a rock the last month).
*****
With this new promotion at BoDog, you might be wondering what happened to the 6-Max SNG Challenge I was knee deep in. I have certainly not given that up, but with the things that recently happened at UB/PokerShare (see post below), I want to send my business elsewhere for a while. As it stands right now, I started at $30 and hit a high mark of $137 putting me at Level 2. At Level 2 I had a tough run and ended up back down to $110 where I currently stand. Once I start back I'll still be ready to roll at Level 2, but I want to take a break from UB and see where this PokerShare situation ends up. I hope they will figure out what is best for all parties and allow UB clientele to also join PokerShare. We'll see. In the meantime, there is too much free stuff to be had at PSO not to go that way for a little while.
*****
Took my son with me to the grocery store last night and enjoyed this line from him..."Daddy, Daddy, I want that, I want that...what is it?" Gotta love kids.
*****
I'm very close to dropping $25 over at PartyPoker in order to join in the $5 Shootouts that occur every night. The only thing I don't like is they don't start until 11:40pm EST, so if there are 1000+ people playing and I end up doing well it will probably be after 3:00am before I'm done. That smarts on a weekday. Guess there's always Friday and Saturday. I could see these Shootouts become popular for fellow bloggers who enjoy SNG's. Just as GCox, there's money to be made in theme there tourneys.
*****
Get with the program and join the Heads-Up Challenge 2. It's cheap, fun, and you'll be playing with fellow bloggers.
*****
That's all I gotz right now. Now leave me a comment damnit. I need something to read at work.
posted by TripJax @ 2:28 PM,
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So That's How It's Gonna Be Is It?!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
So That's How It's Gonna Be Is It?!
Fresh off a post singing the praises of PokerShare, I'm now a tad peeved. I went home for lunch today to see if my withdrawals from various poker sites were complete in order to deposit into PokerShare. I was happy to see my Neteller account showed all the withdrawals complete, thus the dough ready to transfer. I fired up PokerShare and made my way to the download section, but not long into the download I received a reject message that, because I am already on the UltimateBet network, I am not allowed to have a PokerShare account.
Now, I get where UltimateBet is coming from, but what they've basically done is piss off a client, AND potentially lose my business at BOTH sites! I had no intentions of cutting ties completely with UltimateBet, but now, even though I enjoy playing there, I'm not sure I will go back. I know they are worried about losing business at UltimateBet, but don't offer some kick ass deal at one of your sites, then expect that your current customers will not be interested. I see both sides of the story, but it still pisses me off that I am being rejected when I'm trying to bring them business.
Does anyone know if there is a way to get around this?
In addition, it seems PokerSourceOnline has removed PokerShare from their available promotions. It seems they were tired of getting the run around from UltimateBet on whether current clients could join PokerShare, so they just bagged it until further notification.
On the PSO tip, I guess since I can't do PokerShare I may try my hand at a PSO promotion. Can anyone offer the best site for clearing a promotion at this point?
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The Heads-Up Challenge Part 2 (HUC2)
I mentioned it briefly in my last post, but I wanted to put a little more time and effort into pimping the HUC2. If you enjoy playing poker, like playing poker with bloggers, and want to spend more time with me (how sweet), then why don't you just click here and tell the commish you are in. I can promise you, whether you win or lose, you'll have a good ole time spending quality time with your poker brethren (actually I don't think brethren will work for HUC2 since the female contingent is in it to win it). Speaking of which, I have added you to my blogroll today Veneno. Good bloggin'. I look forward to meeting you at the HU table.
Now, I can hear it already from some of you. "I'm not very good at heads-up." Ya know what? This is a great way to play some heads up and get a few games under your belt. We're talking about $5 per Heads-Up match and $25 if you don't make it into the money. As it looks, if you are in the top 1/4 of the group, you will not only have done well in the $5 HU matches, but you will be in the money for the final prize. It's looking like first place may bring with it a $200 payday, plus if you make it that far you will have made money on the HU matches. Get with it people...it's a good time.
Leave me a comment if you are interested or head over to the commissioners blog for further details. I heard DNasty and Wonka were thinking of not playing. I certainly hope they will reconsider. It won't be the same without them. And damnit, Kipper, get on up in there!
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That's gonna have do it for today. If you missed yesterdays post keep on moving down. I have a couple of good pics of the chitlins...
posted by TripJax @ 6:27 PM,
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Care To Share?
Monday, October 17, 2005
Care To Share?
My enchantress poker was not so mesmerizing this weekend. After cruising through Level 1 of the 6-Max SNG Challenge ($5 Buy-Ins), and a high mark of $137, I hit a roadblock at Level 2 ($10 Buy-Ins). After my first five $10 SNG's I was 0-5 with four 4th place finishes and one 5th place finish. With only 6 players in each SNG, I would consider that quite poor. A few of the losses were when I was ahead, but got drawn out on, but in the end that is part of poker and I try not to harp on it. Gotta take the good with the bad.
After that piss poor start to the weekend I was not very enthused with my play. But after some thought I couldn't really pin point more than 1 or 2 bad decisions. Still, just those few poor decisions are enough to send you in a downard spiral if you don't watch out. Undeterred, I kept at it for four more SNG's and ended up coming in 2nd place in everyone one of them. That allowed me to go from $55 down on the day to $27 down. I can live with that. However, I'm not really sure what to think of all of the 2nd place finishes. In everyone one of them I had to backdoor my way into the money - barely surviving - and had a near 8 to 1 chip defecit at heads-up. It was great to make the money, but everytime I was so far behind and could never get the luck I needed on the board to survive. Sometimes when the water is cold it is better to just jump in than to slowly dip down. Guess I was slowly dipping into the $10 waters and should have just dove in. Lesson learned.
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Now for the title of the post. I've been playing my Challenge at UltimateBet, but after some discussions with DoubleAs, I'm gonna make the move over to PokerShare this week. It just makes sense as they are a skin of UB, they offer dividends to the players based on their profits, and you are playing the same people from UB anyway. It just makes too much sense not too. Plus, they are offering a 100% deposit bonus up to $250. I should be able to plop $125 into my account and hopefully help out a fellow blogger along the way. If you are looking to make the move, consider using DoubleAs' referral code pockerhacks. Or if you are interested, you can also sign up with PokerShare via PSO (bonus code tripjax).
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This is how we roll in TripJaxville.
Here is Super Lily kicking back in the jacuzzi with a six pack after a long day at work...
For those of you who read this blog and missed out on the 1st
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I did a lot of railing last night instead of playing and specifically enjoyed watching GCox try his hand at the new PartyPoker Shootout Tournaments. If you play SNG's but like the idea of winning some decent money with a SNG format, you gotta check them out. These shootouts sort of blur the lines between SNG's and MTT's in a nice way.
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Congrats to WillWonka on a nice score by winning a $1000 guarantee tournament at PokerWorld. I wanted to rail, but I don't have an account their so I just had to hear the news second hand. Still it was fun to pseudo-rail his nice win.
posted by TripJax @ 6:50 PM,
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Sweet Lincoln's Mullet!
Friday, October 14, 2005
Sweet Lincoln's Mullet!
I fired up the laptop tonight to play some $10 SNG poker, working towards my 6-max SNG Challenge goal, but decided to stop by my email first to see which erection pill was the next best thing for me. Instead I found an email from PokerStars that damn near gave the junk something to rise up and take notice about. The folks who are handling the Online Poker Blogger Championship hooked me up as the 4th Daily Blog Winner.
Big ups to Ryan and PokerStars for putting a smile on this bloggers face. I needed it. Now I gotta figure out what I want from their Frequent Player Points Store. Maybe I'll get a nice shirt or I could get a hat, mug, and then send MeanGene the Isabelle Mercier poster (see pic to the left). I don't know though, as I stated long ago, I dig her too. Thanks again PokerStars for making my day. Considering there are 1200+ folks signed up, this is pretty damn cool. For those who came here from the Online Poker Blogger Championship site, you may need to read my prior post for the anecdote to the razzie comment mentioned there...and no I'm not quitting blogging...not a chance...
posted by TripJax @ 3:05 PM,
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And The Award For Shittiest Blog Goes To...
Thursday, October 13, 2005
And The Award For Shittiest Poker Blog Goes To...
Well, it was a god run while it lasted. I almost made it a year, but I guess it's time to pack it in for this ole blog...call it quits...bag it. For, you see, I'm a shitty blogger. Little did I know a new blogger on the scene is handing out a list of bloggers he hates and/or considers to be shit. A Golden Razzie, if you will, for the poker blogging world. And I had no idea I was even nominated!
Though I wasn't named specifically anywhere in his or any other blog, it is pretty clear his statements are pointed in a general direction I happen to dwell. I have to ask, what is it that provokes a person to not only start a fire, but personally fan the flames, all the while claiming they don't care and don't want the attention. If you don't want the attention, don't leave comments on blogs requesting to "please read my blog."
You are a joke, sir. You don't even get jopke status. My only regret in taking the 5 minutes to write this post is I'm sure it is exactly what you want. Still, I refuse to sit idly by and allow you to be a fuck-tard without at least calling you out for the ass-hat you most certainly have proven yourself to be.
I write this blog because I want to. I play the games I want to play because, erm, I want to. I converse with certain bloggers and poker players because I want to. When I agree with them, I let them know. When I don't agree with them, I let them know. That's what friends and acquaintances do. I am not in some holier than thou Society that dictates who comes and goes and who is in our out. I have a group of friends I enjoy spending time with and that's what I do.
I read the bloggers I like and I stop reading the blogs I decide don't fit in my mix. Eventually they may find their way back into my blogroll, but I just go with the flow as it happens. As an example, I don't agree with everything a certain Rude person writes and believes, but I think he's a great poker blogger and player. That's good enough for me. And when I disagree with him and feel the need to speak out, he'll be the first to hear it, in a constructive manner.
Have your opinion, write what you want, and dog anyone you want to dog - including me. But don't say that you don't care and don't want the hits, then post comments in hopes people will read your blog and start a riot. Lame.
Sorry if you just read all of this and have no f'ing idea what I'm talking about. And no, this blog and I aren't going anywhere. Thanks for reading!
posted by TripJax @ 5:49 PM,
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Peachy
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Peachy
Two posts in one day? Booyah! I just had to put something else up cause that last post was bringing me down. After everything settled down last night I was able to get a few games in...three to be exact. I was first out on my 1st attempt. I finished 2nd in my next. And I won the 3rd attempt giving me a pretty good night and boosting me to level 2 on the challenge guide. Therefore, I'm up to the $10 SNG's now.
Also, DNasty transferred $25 to me for my HU Challenge win. Thanks D, I appreciate it. That puts me at $137 for the challenge bankroll, but even if that hadn't come in I would be at $112 which would qualify for the level upgrade anyway. And since I started the challenge at $30 instead of the normal $55, I figure that $25 I received from D is just getting me where I would have been anyway. I'm looking forward to testing the $10 waters. I've played plenty of $10 SNG's, but it has been a while and I've never played them with a true goal in mind. For now, here are my updated numbers after last night. I will show the level I am on with the peach color. I feel like less of a man after that last sentence.
6-MAX SNG CHALLENGE | 1st | 6 | ITM | 12 | ||||
Level | BuyIn | Go Up | Down | 2nd | 6 | ITM% | 66.67% | |
$55 | $6 | $110 | Zero | 3rd | 1 | ROI% | 81.82% | |
$110 | $11 | $220 | $55 | 4th | 2 | Debit | ($99) | |
$220 | $22 | $550 | $110 | 5th | 1 | Credit | $180 | |
$550 | $55 | $1,100 | $220 | 6th | 2 | Net | $81 | |
$1,100 | $110 | $2,000 | $550 | Total | 18 | Bankroll | $137 | |
posted by TripJax @ 7:36 PM,
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