It's been quite a while since I have posted anything - quick update...
I graduated in July with my MBA! That was pretty tough while working full time. Poker was virtually impossible to work into my schedule, since school was year round. I played about three times over the two years - all three times were small profits. Once i graduated i was back to playing as much as possible - i did take a two week vacation in Cancun to celebrate my graduation as well as my 25th wedding anniversary - it was Amazing and incredibly relaxing!! Then i had to have an unexpected surgery with a much longer recovery period than i expected. Still doing physical therapy but i am totally back in the game and running hotter than ever!! it's been really great.
My bankroll is up to over $9K - and my last week and half sessions i cashed out with no less than $700 after sitting down with no more than $350 for either $2 - 4 or $1 - 2. My mind seems so much clearer and i am able to focus on what is happening with each player at the table. It's interesting to see how the game has changed since before i took my break for school. Its in a different location, many of the same players but far more regular players that have deeper pockets - which results in far more money being put on the table. All very good news for me :)
Last night was effortless, i played just over 6 hours, it was a fairly soft game with few strong players, - several of the guys were drinking and watching the fight. which was great for me! I had many opportunities to bluff them out of hands. The biggest pot of the night I had 44 under the gun and I limped in. The guy to my left raised to $12, i knew he had AA - it was just obvious based on his betting pattern. Of course he was called by two other players that i expected to call - one is a player that plays nearly every hand and easily loses $500 - $1200 at least 2-3 times a week, the second caller was on the button - intoxicated and really not a very good player. I called and while i was putting my chips in i said, "I have a good feeling about this hand!" and smiled at everyone. The flop was Kh 4s Qh - i checked with plan to check raise. AA bet $25, was called by the other two - i raised to $125 - he pushed all in for the exact amount i bet (I didn't do that on purpose) - the other two called - i couldn't believe it. I knew one was on the heart draw, but i wasn't sure if the button was on a straight draw or flush draw. The turn was a 9s - i checked, heart draw checked and button went all in for $202 - i was a little worried about the J 10 possibility but not too worried - i was really more deciding if i wanted to go all in for $400 or just call because the other player had about the same amount of chips as me and he was about ready to be done since he was close to booking a win (which is rare for him)... i smooth called - he took forever to decide but he folded. The river was a blank, 3s - button says i have two pair (K Q) i was happy to turn over my set of 4s, and of course the "short stack" showed his Aces and left. I stacked the $900 pot - and tipped my favorite dealer :)
i went on a little heater after that and a couple people tried to bluff by going all in when i had either the nut straight or a full house. I cashed out at midnight after the game was starting to fade - and most players only had between $100 and $200 in front of them - i was ready to have a nice night of sleep.
The most interesting thing that i have noticed lately is that some of these guys are playing aggressive against me, one of the better players reminded me that i have an intimidating presence at the table - which is so funny to me because i don't try to be intimidating. but when i remember it, i try to use it to my advantage. More often than not i go by my reads and i feel like my reads have been stronger than they have every been...
Gentlemen, my work is done here
Weds the 5th Profit $1700 - Cash me out!
Weds the 12th Profit $800 - Cash me out!
Sat the 15th Profit $760 - Cash me out!
See ya soon!
