Tigers circa 2010

It’s WAY early to do this, especially with the season done for only 12 hours, but what to do with next years roster. My thoughts and opinions below:

C: Laird, Avila: This position seems pretty set. I believe Laird is arbitration eligible, I assume we offer it to him. He will likely get a small raise from 2.8M. His defense and handling of the pitchers is money, hopefully his hitting can make a small step forward. I look for about 100 games out of Laird and 60 out of Avila next year.

1B: Miggy - No way do I think they should try to trade him, unless he has another “incident”. He is a franchise player.

2B: Sizemore, Santiago - You have to move on somewhere, and save some money. Polanco only makes 4.6M, but he will likely command a nice raise. Sizemore looked ready in the minors from what I read, and I think you go with him here. Combined minor league numbers between Erie and Toledo of .308, 17 HR, 21 SB, 4 CS. HUGE mistake to not bring him up for this late season push with all of the call-ups. HUGE!!! Keep Santiago and you have an insurance policy.

SS: TBD - I think what they do at 2B will influence what happens at SS. If Polanco goes, I think they make a push to keep Everett for defensive purposes. His defense was down this year, but you could tell that the ability is there. I think his presence there is calming to the pitcher as well. I’ve heard things about Scutaro, but it’s a bit too early to project free agent targets. Dlugach is another possibility. Again, I would have liked a bit of a look at him. He is rated a good defensive SS, with a bit of pop (9 HR’s in 125 games in Toledo). No chance they go with both Sizemore and Dlugach though….it would remind us of the glory days of Santiago and Infante at SS and 2B.

3B: Inge – 2010 is the last year on his contract and he has to go into the year as the starter. It’s hard to say which Inge is for real, the first half version, or the second half version. I’m inclined to think something somewhere in-between, as he was battling the knee for much of the second half. After 2010 we can decide where we want to go, but with his power/defense combo, he would fetch a premium as a FA (probably more than the 6.6M he will get next year.

Other IF’s – If Raburn doesn’t start in LF, he can play some infield. Other than that, I’m not sure what we do. There has to be some Dominican defensive whiz we can bring in.

CF: Granderson – His fly ball % went through the roof, making it imperative that he moves down in the order. We have to find someone who can bat leadoff either via FA or the farm club….maybe Sizemore, though leading off and starting at 2B as a rookie might be a bit too much to bite off).

RF: Maggs – I think he has another vesting option for 2011. Not sure what the requirements are. If he hits like he did in the 2nd half it’s a no-brainer. He might be a candidate for the #2 spot in the order. DH would fit him better, but not possible with Guillen on the books through 2011.

LF: Raburn –Raburn deserves a shot, but his glove work HAS to improve. You have to jettison Thames.

Other OF’s: Clete - I think he’s proven he’s not an everyday player. Good defensive replacement, spot starts. That’s it though.

Ramirez – Would like to see him get more of a look next year, maybe a longshot LF possibility.

DH: Guillen – Kind of a no-brainer, though not thrilled about it. Handcuffed by contracts forces this.

SP1 – Verlander – enough said

SP2 – Porcello – His stretch performance this year was awesome.

SP3 – Jackson – Torn between trying to save some money now and extending him, or risking another year and him building on this year. I lean towards signing him though, as a lot of contracts come off the books at the end of 2010.

SP4 ,SP5: Don’t resign Washburn….please. These 2 SP’s will come from the group of Robertson, Galarraga, Bonderman, Willis (right), or Zumaya (doubtful). Maybe they find a bargain SP5 in FA.

Bullpen – Closer: Don’t resign Rodney. Lyon is a FA. I don’t mind giving him a shot at closer, or it can be filled by Perry (Street closed right away) or Zumaya. Don’t rule out Bonderman here too, though if he does that we are woefully short at SP.

Late inning bullpen roles: The loser of the closer battle, followed by LH specialists Ni and Seay, alongh with Dolsi, or any other minor league guy that comes up, along with any starter who loses the job. Miner also can be a short man, or a long relief guy, with Bonine (barf) as another long relief option along with Galarraga if he isn’t starting.


There, I have re-constructed the 2010 Tigers, with many of the same components, infused some youth into the roster, and most importantly kept the payroll at or below what they are at now (except for raises likely due a few players).

Pokerstars 180 man chop

I've been playing really terrible tournament poker for some time now, since my focus on cash games...but last night I didn't have much money in my account and some time on my hands, so I played a few multi-table SNG's on Stars. I took terrible beats to lose my first 2 SNG's at nearly the same time, and was left with this one as my last hope.

In the end, I chopped the top prize 3 ways, getting me about $740. Not anywhere near a huge score, but ultimately very satisfying as I haven't been able to navigate any field bigger than 2 tables in a long time. I got lucky in a few spots, unlucky in a few spots, but stayed patient and in control. Hopefully this proves as a confidence boost, and I can review these hands later to see what I am doing when things are going right.

The structure for these $20 non-turbo's is great. I was nowhere below 20BB's the entire time at the final table, and I felt like I had a lot of room to maneuver. For the most part, I played loose pre-flop, but then relatively passive post-flop, trying to execute pot control. It may have been a product of the other players that allowed me to successfully play that style, as I was rarely put to a difficult decision, and if it was a difficult decision, it was for a small number of chips.

Hand #1: I hated the way I played this one, but was surprised by the river that I actually won the pot, and why the guy bet on the end, was it a bluff or for value?

PokerStars Game #30171222799: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level I (10/20) - 2009/07/06 18:36:14 ET
Table '177353676 14' 9-max Seat #2 is the button
Seat 2: KCOLLIS (1080 in chips)
Seat 3: Mysterioso (1850 in chips)
Seat 4: Dr Dolan (1570 in chips)
Seat 5: 2erpaar (4210 in chips)
Seat 6: MonsterFCZ (2200 in chips)
Seat 7: NHWizard (1110 in chips)
Seat 8: cayendar (1490 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (1520 in chips)
Mysterioso: posts small blind 10
Dr Dolan: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [8s 8d]
2erpaar: raises 60 to 80
MonsterFCZ: folds
NHWizard: folds
cayendar: folds
Steeser: calls 80
KCOLLIS: calls 80
Mysterioso: calls 70
Dr Dolan: folds
*** FLOP *** [8c Qs 9s]
Mysterioso: checks
2erpaar: bets 100
Steeser: calls 100
KCOLLIS: calls 100
Mysterioso: folds
*** TURN *** [8c Qs 9s] [6s]
2erpaar: checks
Steeser: checks
KCOLLIS: bets 100
2erpaar: calls 100
Steeser: calls 100
*** RIVER *** [8c Qs 9s 6s] [Jd]
2erpaar: checks
Steeser: checks
KCOLLIS: bets 100
2erpaar: calls 100
Steeser: calls 100
*** SHOW DOWN ***
KCOLLIS: shows [Qh Ad] (a pair of Queens)
2erpaar: mucks hand
Steeser: shows [8s 8d] (three of a kind, Eights)
Steeser collected 1240 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 1240 | Rake 0
Board [8c Qs 9s 6s Jd]
Seat 2: KCOLLIS (button) showed [Qh Ad] and lost with a pair of Queens
Seat 3: Mysterioso (small blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 4: Dr Dolan (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 5: 2erpaar mucked [Kc Qc]
Seat 6: MonsterFCZ folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: NHWizard folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: cayendar folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser showed [8s 8d] and won (1240) with three of a kind, Eights


Hand #2: The villian in this hand was pretty much a moron. My turn play is awful, I should have check raised. By the river, I thought he was either on a diamond draw or an 8. I definitely should have folded but this was when I was at my tiltiest (around the time of my other beats), and elected to call to see what garbage hand beat me.

PokerStars Game #30171558140: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level II (15/30) - 2009/07/06 18:45:53 ET
Table '177353676 14' 9-max Seat #3 is the button
Seat 1: opossom87 (1455 in chips) is sitting out
Seat 2: KCOLLIS (505 in chips)
Seat 3: Mysterioso (1625 in chips)
Seat 4: Dr Dolan (1510 in chips)
Seat 5: 2erpaar (3790 in chips)
Seat 6: MonsterFCZ (3130 in chips)
Seat 7: NHWizard (1275 in chips)
Seat 8: kayser25 (1425 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (2485 in chips)
Dr Dolan: posts small blind 15
2erpaar: posts big blind 30
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Js Ks]
MonsterFCZ: folds
NHWizard: folds
kayser25: folds
Steeser: raises 60 to 90
opossom87: folds
KCOLLIS: folds
Mysterioso: calls 90
Dr Dolan: folds
2erpaar: folds
*** FLOP *** [2d 8d 8h]
Steeser: bets 120
Mysterioso: calls 120
*** TURN *** [2d 8d 8h] [Kc]
Steeser: checks
Mysterioso: bets 150
Steeser: calls 150
*** RIVER *** [2d 8d 8h Kc] [3d]
Steeser: checks
Mysterioso: bets 270
Steeser: calls 270
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Mysterioso: shows [Jd 5d] (a flush, Jack high)
Steeser: mucks hand
Mysterioso collected 1305 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 1305 | Rake 0
Board [2d 8d 8h Kc 3d]
Seat 1: opossom87 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: KCOLLIS folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 3: Mysterioso (button) showed [Jd 5d] and won (1305) with a flush, Jack high
Seat 4: Dr Dolan (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 5: 2erpaar (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 6: MonsterFCZ folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: NHWizard folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: kayser25 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser mucked [Js Ks]


Hand #3: I got a free look at the turn, and was able to turn my set, though on a 3 club board. I elected to just call, and wait for the river to raise. The river paired the board making my hand near a lock, so I value-towned him on the river.

PokerStars Game #30171951138: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level III (25/50) - 2009/07/06 18:57:24 ET
Table '177353676 14' 9-max Seat #6 is the button
Seat 1: MrGrnJeans86 (3495 in chips)
Seat 2: bianca8888 (2250 in chips)
Seat 3: Mysterioso (4950 in chips)
Seat 4: Dr Dolan (1645 in chips)
Seat 5: 2erpaar (3430 in chips)
Seat 6: MonsterFCZ (2895 in chips)
Seat 7: NHWizard (1000 in chips)
Seat 8: kayser25 (1865 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (1765 in chips)
NHWizard: posts small blind 25
kayser25: posts big blind 50
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [7d 7s]
Steeser: calls 50
MrGrnJeans86: folds
bianca8888: folds
Mysterioso: calls 50
Dr Dolan: folds
2erpaar: folds
MonsterFCZ: folds
NHWizard: calls 25
kayser25: checks
*** FLOP *** [Jc Ac 3h]
MrGrnJeans86 said, "983+"
NHWizard: checks
kayser25: checks
Steeser: checks
Mysterioso: checks
*** TURN *** [Jc Ac 3h] [7c]
NHWizard: bets 50
kayser25: folds
Steeser: calls 50
Mysterioso: calls 50
*** RIVER *** [Jc Ac 3h 7c] [Jd]
NHWizard: bets 50
Steeser: raises 300 to 350
Mysterioso: folds
NHWizard: calls 300
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Steeser: shows [7d 7s] (a full house, Sevens full of Jacks)
NHWizard: mucks hand
Steeser collected 1050 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 1050 | Rake 0
Board [Jc Ac 3h 7c Jd]
Seat 1: MrGrnJeans86 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: bianca8888 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 3: Mysterioso folded on the River
Seat 4: Dr Dolan folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: 2erpaar folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 6: MonsterFCZ (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: NHWizard (small blind) mucked [3c Ah]
Seat 8: kayser25 (big blind) folded on the Turn
Seat 9: Steeser showed [7d 7s] and won (1050) with a full house, Sevens full of Jacks


Hand #4: This was the first critical hand, in that the pre-flop cold-caller told me he had KQ. I had considered just calling pre-flop, but then figured there was a very good chance of him calling anyways, so I decided to shove. Very fortunately he folded as I would have suffered a painful suckout and been down to 500 in chips.

PokerStars Game #30172154805: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level III (25/50) - 2009/07/06 19:03:18 ET
Table '177353676 14' 9-max Seat #4 is the button
Seat 1: MrGrnJeans86 (3320 in chips)
Seat 2: bianca8888 (2175 in chips)
Seat 3: Mysterioso (5225 in chips)
Seat 4: Dr Dolan (1570 in chips)
Seat 5: 2erpaar (3430 in chips)
Seat 6: MonsterFCZ (2895 in chips)
Seat 7: NHWizard (475 in chips)
Seat 8: kayser25 (1815 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (2390 in chips)
2erpaar: posts small blind 25
MonsterFCZ: posts big blind 50
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [As Ac]
NHWizard: raises 425 to 475 and is all-in
kayser25: calls 475
Steeser: raises 1915 to 2390 and is all-in
MrGrnJeans86: folds
bianca8888: folds
Mysterioso: folds
Dr Dolan: folds
2erpaar: folds
MonsterFCZ: folds
kayser25: folds
Uncalled bet (1915) returned to Steeser
*** FLOP *** [Qh Tc 8h]
*** TURN *** [Qh Tc 8h] [6c]
*** RIVER *** [Qh Tc 8h 6c] [Kh]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
NHWizard: shows [Jc Js] (a pair of Jacks)
Steeser: shows [As Ac] (a pair of Aces)
Steeser collected 1500 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 1500 | Rake 0
Board [Qh Tc 8h 6c Kh]
Seat 1: MrGrnJeans86 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: bianca8888 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 3: Mysterioso folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: Dr Dolan (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: 2erpaar (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 6: MonsterFCZ (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 7: NHWizard showed [Jc Js] and lost with a pair of Jacks
Seat 8: kayser25 folded before Flop
Seat 9: Steeser showed [As Ac] and won (1500) with a pair of Aces


Hand #5: This was the #1 key hand of the tourney for me. My stack had drizzled down from 3K to just below 2K. The opponent played it kind of odd, and he has one of the worst hands I could expect aside from a set or made straight, as it reduced the outs that I thought I had. But fortunately for me I hit the K on the river, to double up.

PokerStars Game #30173384053: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level V (75/150) - 2009/07/06 19:40:48 ET
Table '177353676 18' 9-max Seat #8 is the button
Seat 1: Parfenova (3355 in chips)
Seat 3: moe86 (2195 in chips)
Seat 4: Kungen90 (4679 in chips)
Seat 5: Steeser (1990 in chips)
Seat 6: BigUnit2 (3380 in chips)
Seat 7: Managero (9880 in chips)
Seat 8: studiace (4665 in chips)
Seat 9: MrGrnJeans86 (3620 in chips)
MrGrnJeans86: posts small blind 75
Parfenova: posts big blind 150
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Ks Ac]
moe86: folds
Kungen90: folds
Steeser: raises 300 to 450
BigUnit2: folds
Managero: folds
studiace: folds
MrGrnJeans86: folds
Parfenova: calls 300
*** FLOP *** [4h 2d 5d]
Parfenova: checks
Steeser: bets 1540 and is all-in
Parfenova: calls 1540
*** TURN *** [4h 2d 5d] [Jd]
*** RIVER *** [4h 2d 5d Jd] [Kh]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Parfenova: shows [6c 6d] (a pair of Sixes)
Steeser: shows [Ks Ac] (a pair of Kings)
Steeser collected 4055 from pot
dyvody is connected
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 4055 | Rake 0
Board [4h 2d 5d Jd Kh]
Seat 1: Parfenova (big blind) showed [6c 6d] and lost with a pair of Sixes
Seat 3: moe86 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: Kungen90 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: Steeser showed [Ks Ac] and won (4055) with a pair of Kings
Seat 6: BigUnit2 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Managero folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: studiace (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: MrGrnJeans86 (small blind) folded before Flop


Hand #6: Just a beautiful flop for a SB hand. I think I got the max I could out of this one.

PokerStars Game #30173699423: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level VI (100/200) - 2009/07/06 19:50:50 ET
Table '177353676 18' 9-max Seat #4 is the button
Seat 1: Crunk_Ninja (9805 in chips)
Seat 2: dyvody (8026 in chips)
Seat 3: PSCOSMO (2920 in chips)
Seat 4: Kungen90 (5118 in chips)
Seat 5: Steeser (3630 in chips)
Seat 6: BigUnit2 (9465 in chips)
Seat 7: Managero (10405 in chips)
Seat 8: studiace (5745 in chips)
Steeser: posts small blind 100
BigUnit2: posts big blind 200
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Ac 3c]
Managero: folds
studiace: folds
Crunk_Ninja: folds
dyvody: folds
PSCOSMO: calls 200
Kungen90: folds
Steeser: calls 100
BigUnit2: checks
*** FLOP *** [Ah Ad 3s]
Steeser: checks
BigUnit2: checks
PSCOSMO: checks
*** TURN *** [Ah Ad 3s] [Qh]
Steeser: checks
BigUnit2: checks
PSCOSMO: bets 400
Steeser: raises 600 to 1000
BigUnit2: folds
PSCOSMO: folds
Uncalled bet (600) returned to Steeser
Steeser collected 1400 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 1400 | Rake 0
Board [Ah Ad 3s Qh]
Seat 1: Crunk_Ninja folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: dyvody folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 3: PSCOSMO folded on the Turn
Seat 4: Kungen90 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: Steeser (small blind) collected (1400)
Seat 6: BigUnit2 (big blind) folded on the Turn
Seat 7: Managero folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: studiace folded before Flop (didn't bet)


Hand #7: Just an example of the hands you have to fold to stay out of trouble. Really a trivial fold in this spot, but I folded small to mid pocket pairs several times throughout the tourney, many of them not even in a raised pot.


PokerStars Game #30173754983: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level VI (100/200) - 2009/07/06 19:52:36 ET
Table '177353676 18' 9-max Seat #6 is the button
Seat 1: Crunk_Ninja (9805 in chips)
Seat 2: dyvody (8026 in chips)
Seat 3: PSCOSMO (2320 in chips)
Seat 4: Kungen90 (5418 in chips)
Seat 5: Steeser (4430 in chips)
Seat 6: BigUnit2 (9165 in chips)
Seat 7: Managero (10205 in chips)
Seat 8: studiace (5745 in chips)
Managero: posts small blind 100
studiace: posts big blind 200
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [7c 7h]
Crunk_Ninja: folds
dyvody: folds
PSCOSMO: raises 400 to 600
Kungen90: raises 4818 to 5418 and is all-in
Steeser: folds
BigUnit2: folds
Managero: folds
studiace: folds
PSCOSMO: calls 1720 and is all-in
Uncalled bet (3098) returned to Kungen90
*** FLOP *** [2c 3s Ad]
*** TURN *** [2c 3s Ad] [Jh]
*** RIVER *** [2c 3s Ad Jh] [6d]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
PSCOSMO: shows [9c 9d] (a pair of Nines)
Kungen90: shows [Qc Qh] (a pair of Queens)
Kungen90 collected 4940 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 4940 | Rake 0
Board [2c 3s Ad Jh 6d]
Seat 1: Crunk_Ninja folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: dyvody folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 3: PSCOSMO showed [9c 9d] and lost with a pair of Nines
Seat 4: Kungen90 showed [Qc Qh] and won (4940) with a pair of Queens
Seat 5: Steeser folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 6: BigUnit2 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Managero (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 8: studiace (big blind) folded before Flop


Hand #8: I 3 bet here as I suspected he would fold, and was going to begrudgingly call if he shoved. I wasn't expecting the flat call. I flop gin, so I give him a street to hang himself and he obliges.

PokerStars Game #30173868280: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level VI (100/200) - 2009/07/06 19:56:13 ET
Table '177353676 18' 9-max Seat #5 is the button
Seat 1: Crunk_Ninja (9505 in chips)
Seat 2: dyvody (3926 in chips)
Seat 4: Kungen90 (12438 in chips)
Seat 5: Steeser (4130 in chips)
Seat 6: BigUnit2 (9265 in chips)
Seat 7: Managero (10405 in chips)
Seat 8: studiace (5445 in chips)
BigUnit2: posts small blind 100
Managero: posts big blind 200
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Js As]
studiace: folds
Crunk_Ninja: folds
dyvody: raises 400 to 600
Kungen90: folds
Steeser: raises 1000 to 1600
BigUnit2: folds
Managero: folds
dyvody: calls 1000
*** FLOP *** [Jh Jc 3c]
dyvody: checks
Steeser: checks
*** TURN *** [Jh Jc 3c] [Kh]
dyvody: bets 2326 and is all-in
Steeser: calls 2326
*** RIVER *** [Jh Jc 3c Kh] [6d]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
dyvody: shows [6s Ad] (two pair, Jacks and Sixes)
Steeser: shows [Js As] (three of a kind, Jacks)
Steeser collected 8152 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 8152 | Rake 0
Board [Jh Jc 3c Kh 6d]
Seat 1: Crunk_Ninja folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: dyvody showed [6s Ad] and lost with two pair, Jacks and Sixes
Seat 4: Kungen90 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: Steeser (button) showed [Js As] and won (8152) with three of a kind, Jacks
Seat 6: BigUnit2 (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 7: Managero (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 8: studiace folded before Flop (didn't bet)


Hand #9: I pretty much played this one like a pussy. I checked the flop to protect against when I miss the flop and check. The turn being an ace froze me, and I missed an easy value bet on the river.

PokerStars Game #30174145980: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level VII (125/250) - 2009/07/06 20:05:08 ET
Table '177353676 16' 9-max Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: dick tryckle (6695 in chips)
Seat 2: Mugen65 (4205 in chips)
Seat 3: CaptSparrow1 (6890 in chips)
Seat 4: t1s812 (6915 in chips)
Seat 5: leechy83 (5945 in chips)
Seat 6: arepoke (4135 in chips)
Seat 7: Bigg Dogg79 (4190 in chips)
Seat 8: Steeser (8171 in chips)
dick tryckle: posts the ante 25
Mugen65: posts the ante 25
CaptSparrow1: posts the ante 25
t1s812: posts the ante 25
leechy83: posts the ante 25
arepoke: posts the ante 25
Bigg Dogg79: posts the ante 25
Steeser: posts the ante 25
Mugen65: posts small blind 125
CaptSparrow1: posts big blind 250
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Qc Th]
t1s812: folds
leechy83: folds
arepoke: folds
Bigg Dogg79: folds
Steeser: raises 450 to 700
dick tryckle: folds
Mugen65: folds
CaptSparrow1: calls 450
*** FLOP *** [4h Qs 9h]
CaptSparrow1: checks
Steeser: checks
*** TURN *** [4h Qs 9h] [As]
CaptSparrow1: checks
Steeser: checks
*** RIVER *** [4h Qs 9h As] [5h]
CaptSparrow1: checks
Steeser: checks
*** SHOW DOWN ***
CaptSparrow1: shows [8d 8c] (a pair of Eights)
Steeser: shows [Qc Th] (a pair of Queens)
Steeser collected 1725 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 1725 | Rake 0
Board [4h Qs 9h As 5h]
Seat 1: dick tryckle (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: Mugen65 (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 3: CaptSparrow1 (big blind) showed [8d 8c] and lost with a pair of Eights
Seat 4: t1s812 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: leechy83 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 6: arepoke folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Bigg Dogg79 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: Steeser showed [Qc Th] and won (1725) with a pair of Queens


Hand #10: This was the first hand of many with Monster. I'm pretty sure this one tilted him. I fired 2 barrels at it as I thought he may be floating the flop. When he flatted the turn I thought he was on a draw more than likely, so I was planning on hero calling the river.

PokerStars Game #30174437812: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level VII (125/250) - 2009/07/06 20:14:28 ET
Table '177353676 16' 9-max Seat #7 is the button
Seat 1: dick tryckle (8295 in chips)
Seat 2: Mugen65 (6675 in chips)
Seat 4: t1s812 (5915 in chips)
Seat 5: leechy83 (5695 in chips)
Seat 6: arepoke (3035 in chips) is sitting out
Seat 7: Bigg Dogg79 (2790 in chips)
Seat 8: Steeser (9671 in chips)
Seat 9: MonsterFCZ (8665 in chips)
dick tryckle: posts the ante 25
Mugen65: posts the ante 25
t1s812: posts the ante 25
leechy83: posts the ante 25
arepoke: posts the ante 25
Bigg Dogg79: posts the ante 25
Steeser: posts the ante 25
MonsterFCZ: posts the ante 25
Steeser: posts small blind 125
MonsterFCZ: posts big blind 250
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Tc 9d]
dick tryckle: folds
Mugen65: folds
t1s812: folds
leechy83: folds
arepoke: folds
Bigg Dogg79: folds
Steeser: raises 450 to 700
MonsterFCZ: calls 450
*** FLOP *** [Ah 7d Ad]
Steeser: bets 850
MonsterFCZ: calls 850
*** TURN *** [Ah 7d Ad] [Js]
Steeser: bets 1850
MonsterFCZ: calls 1850
*** RIVER *** [Ah 7d Ad Js] [9c]
t1s812 said, "hmmmm"
Steeser: checks
MonsterFCZ: checks
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Steeser: shows [Tc 9d] (two pair, Aces and Nines)
MonsterFCZ: mucks hand
Steeser collected 7000 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 7000 | Rake 0
Board [Ah 7d Ad Js 9c]
Seat 1: dick tryckle folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: Mugen65 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: t1s812 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: leechy83 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 6: arepoke folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Bigg Dogg79 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: Steeser (small blind) showed [Tc 9d] and won (7000) with two pair, Aces and Nines
Seat 9: MonsterFCZ (big blind) mucked [Qd Td]


Hand #11: My first "bad beat" of the tourney, but his stack wasn't much more than a nuisance to mine.

PokerStars Game #30174700001: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level VIII (150/300) - 2009/07/06 20:22:58 ET
Table '177353676 16' 9-max Seat #7 is the button
Seat 1: dick tryckle (5595 in chips)
Seat 2: Mugen65 (7925 in chips)
Seat 4: t1s812 (5690 in chips)
Seat 5: leechy83 (7945 in chips)
Seat 6: arepoke (1735 in chips) is sitting out
Seat 7: Bigg Dogg79 (1990 in chips)
Seat 8: Steeser (13271 in chips)
Seat 9: MonsterFCZ (6590 in chips)
dick tryckle: posts the ante 25
Mugen65: posts the ante 25
t1s812: posts the ante 25
leechy83: posts the ante 25
arepoke: posts the ante 25
Bigg Dogg79: posts the ante 25
Steeser: posts the ante 25
MonsterFCZ: posts the ante 25
Steeser: posts small blind 150
MonsterFCZ: posts big blind 300
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Qh Qs]
dick tryckle: folds
Mugen65: folds
t1s812: folds
leechy83: folds
arepoke: folds
Bigg Dogg79: raises 1665 to 1965 and is all-in
Steeser: raises 3135 to 5100
MonsterFCZ: folds
Uncalled bet (3135) returned to Steeser
*** FLOP *** [Ah 5s Tc]
*** TURN *** [Ah 5s Tc] [8h]
t1s812 said, "lol"
*** RIVER *** [Ah 5s Tc 8h] [Jc]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Steeser: shows [Qh Qs] (a pair of Queens)
Bigg Dogg79: shows [As Ts] (two pair, Aces and Tens)
Bigg Dogg79 collected 4430 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 4430 | Rake 0
Board [Ah 5s Tc 8h Jc]
Seat 1: dick tryckle folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: Mugen65 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: t1s812 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: leechy83 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 6: arepoke folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Bigg Dogg79 (button) showed [As Ts] and won (4430) with two pair, Aces and Tens
Seat 8: Steeser (small blind) showed [Qh Qs] and lost with a pair of Queens
Seat 9: MonsterFCZ (big blind) folded before Flop


Hand #12: Monster re-shoves on me here. Easy fold but just setting the table.

PokerStars Game #30174902390: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level VIII (150/300) - 2009/07/06 20:29:40 ET
Table '177353676 16' 9-max Seat #7 is the button
Seat 1: dick tryckle (4445 in chips)
Seat 2: Mugen65 (7925 in chips)
Seat 4: t1s812 (6340 in chips)
Seat 5: leechy83 (7945 in chips)
Seat 6: arepoke (435 in chips) is sitting out
Seat 7: Bigg Dogg79 (6255 in chips)
Seat 8: Steeser (10806 in chips)
Seat 9: MonsterFCZ (6590 in chips)
dick tryckle: posts the ante 25
Mugen65: posts the ante 25
t1s812: posts the ante 25
leechy83: posts the ante 25
arepoke: posts the ante 25
Bigg Dogg79: posts the ante 25
Steeser: posts the ante 25
MonsterFCZ: posts the ante 25
Steeser: posts small blind 150
MonsterFCZ: posts big blind 300
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Ad 5h]
dick tryckle: folds
Mugen65: folds
t1s812: folds
leechy83: folds
arepoke: folds
Bigg Dogg79: folds
Steeser: raises 500 to 800
MonsterFCZ: raises 5765 to 6565 and is all-in
Steeser: folds
Uncalled bet (5765) returned to MonsterFCZ
MonsterFCZ collected 1800 from pot
MonsterFCZ: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 1800 | Rake 0
Seat 1: dick tryckle folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: Mugen65 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: t1s812 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: leechy83 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 6: arepoke folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Bigg Dogg79 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: Steeser (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 9: MonsterFCZ (big blind) collected (1800)


Hand #13: Monster again wanting to play with me, this time he flats and I get a good flop to pick up the pot uncontested.

PokerStars Game #30174934266: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level VIII (150/300) - 2009/07/06 20:30:42 ET
Table '177353676 16' 9-max Seat #2 is the button
Seat 2: Mugen65 (7700 in chips)
Seat 4: t1s812 (6590 in chips)
Seat 5: leechy83 (7870 in chips)
Seat 6: arepoke (360 in chips) is sitting out
Seat 7: Bigg Dogg79 (6180 in chips)
Seat 8: Steeser (9931 in chips)
Seat 9: MonsterFCZ (12110 in chips)
Mugen65: posts the ante 25
t1s812: posts the ante 25
leechy83: posts the ante 25
arepoke: posts the ante 25
Bigg Dogg79: posts the ante 25
Steeser: posts the ante 25
MonsterFCZ: posts the ante 25
t1s812: posts small blind 150
leechy83: posts big blind 300
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [9d Qd]
arepoke: folds
Bigg Dogg79: folds
Steeser: raises 500 to 800
MonsterFCZ: calls 800
Mugen65: folds
t1s812: folds
leechy83: folds
*** FLOP *** [Ac Kh Ah]
Steeser: bets 1300
MonsterFCZ: folds
Uncalled bet (1300) returned to Steeser
Steeser collected 2225 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2225 | Rake 0
Board [Ac Kh Ah]
Seat 2: Mugen65 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: t1s812 (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 5: leechy83 (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 6: arepoke folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Bigg Dogg79 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: Steeser collected (2225)
Seat 9: MonsterFCZ folded on the Flop


Hand #14: Another huge hand, and the final tangle with Monster. I have him covered by less than 100 in chips, and first I did the fist pump that he didn't snap call, and secondly I started hoping he would fold a pocket pair (though I believed he would call with one). He finally called with AQ and gave me a critical double up.

PokerStars Game #30175191630: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level IX (200/400) - 2009/07/06 20:39:09 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #3 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (8445 in chips)
Seat 2: MonsterFCZ (11710 in chips)
Seat 3: PeanutRock (2228 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (15705 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (9110 in chips)
Seat 6: MuckMeHarder (7055 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (13715 in chips)
Seat 8: SirShawty (3275 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (11806 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 50
MonsterFCZ: posts the ante 50
PeanutRock: posts the ante 50
stevecor: posts the ante 50
studiace: posts the ante 50
MuckMeHarder: posts the ante 50
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 50
SirShawty: posts the ante 50
Steeser: posts the ante 50
stevecor: posts small blind 200
studiace: posts big blind 400
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Ah Kd]
MuckMeHarder: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
SirShawty: folds
Steeser: raises 700 to 1100
bradis#1: folds
MonsterFCZ: raises 2100 to 3200
PeanutRock: folds
stevecor: folds
studiace: folds
Steeser: raises 8556 to 11756 and is all-in
MonsterFCZ: calls 8460 and is all-in
Uncalled bet (96) returned to Steeser
*** FLOP *** [Td 2d Kh]
*** TURN *** [Td 2d Kh] [6c]
*** RIVER *** [Td 2d Kh 6c] [5d]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Steeser: shows [Ah Kd] (a pair of Kings)
MonsterFCZ: shows [As Qs] (high card Ace)
Steeser collected 24370 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 24370 | Rake 0
Board [Td 2d Kh 6c 5d]
Seat 1: bradis#1 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: MonsterFCZ showed [As Qs] and lost with high card Ace
Seat 3: PeanutRock (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: stevecor (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 5: studiace (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 6: MuckMeHarder folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: SirShawty folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser showed [Ah Kd] and won (24370) with a pair of Kings


Hand #15: And another one's gone.

PokerStars Game #30175358849: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level IX (200/400) - 2009/07/06 20:44:44 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #9 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (8745 in chips)
Seat 3: PeanutRock (1928 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (16205 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (8210 in chips)
Seat 6: MuckMeHarder (7555 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (14215 in chips)
Seat 8: SirShawty (2575 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (23616 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 50
PeanutRock: posts the ante 50
stevecor: posts the ante 50
studiace: posts the ante 50
MuckMeHarder: posts the ante 50
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 50
SirShawty: posts the ante 50
Steeser: posts the ante 50
bradis#1: posts small blind 200
PeanutRock: posts big blind 400
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Ks Kc]
stevecor: folds
studiace: raises 1300 to 1700
MuckMeHarder: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
SirShawty: folds
Steeser: raises 7300 to 9000
bradis#1: folds
PeanutRock: calls 1478 and is all-in
studiace: folds
Uncalled bet (7122) returned to Steeser
*** FLOP *** [Qh Td Js]
*** TURN *** [Qh Td Js] [Qc]
*** RIVER *** [Qh Td Js Qc] [Ac]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
PeanutRock: shows [9s Ad] (two pair, Aces and Queens)
Steeser: shows [Ks Kc] (a straight, Ten to Ace)
Steeser collected 6056 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 6056 | Rake 0
Board [Qh Td Js Qc Ac]
Seat 1: bradis#1 (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 3: PeanutRock (big blind) showed [9s Ad] and lost with two pair, Aces and Queens
Seat 4: stevecor folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: studiace folded before Flop
Seat 6: MuckMeHarder folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: SirShawty folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (button) showed [Ks Kc] and won (6056) with a straight, Ten to Ace


Hand #16: We were on the money bubble here (19 or 20 left), so I should have just continuation bet the flop....but somehow the board ran out where my 6 played for the win.

PokerStars Game #30175862865: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level X (300/600) - 2009/07/06 21:01:52 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #9 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (7645 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (14230 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (5610 in chips)
Seat 6: MuckMeHarder (6655 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (16215 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (32694 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 50
stevecor: posts the ante 50
studiace: posts the ante 50
MuckMeHarder: posts the ante 50
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 50
Steeser: posts the ante 50
bradis#1: posts small blind 300
stevecor: posts big blind 600
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [4c 6c]
studiace: folds
MuckMeHarder: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
Steeser: raises 1000 to 1600
bradis#1: folds
stevecor: calls 1000
*** FLOP *** [7s 7c 4d]
stevecor: checks
Steeser: checks
*** TURN *** [7s 7c 4d] [Qh]
stevecor: checks
Steeser: checks
*** RIVER *** [7s 7c 4d Qh] [Qc]
stevecor: checks
Steeser: checks
*** SHOW DOWN ***
stevecor: shows [5s 5h] (two pair, Queens and Sevens)
Steeser: shows [4c 6c] (two pair, Queens and Sevens - Six kicker)
Steeser collected 3800 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 3800 | Rake 0
Board [7s 7c 4d Qh Qc]
Seat 1: bradis#1 (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 4: stevecor (big blind) showed [5s 5h] and lost with two pair, Queens and Sevens
Seat 5: studiace folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 6: MuckMeHarder folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (button) showed [4c 6c] and won (3800) with two pair, Queens and Sevens

Hand #17: I had been opening very liberally, easily increasing my stack on the bubble. Finally someone plays back and I fold.

PokerStars Game #30176072733: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XI (400/800) - 2009/07/06 21:09:15 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #4 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (7970 in chips)
Seat 2: bfabulus (13076 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (13955 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (6035 in chips) is sitting out
Seat 6: MuckMeHarder (7180 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (16140 in chips)
Seat 8: poker hinky (6170 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (33469 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 75
bfabulus: posts the ante 75
stevecor: posts the ante 75
studiace: posts the ante 75
MuckMeHarder: posts the ante 75
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 75
poker hinky: posts the ante 75
Steeser: posts the ante 75
studiace: posts small blind 400
MuckMeHarder: posts big blind 800
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [4h 4c]
Scallyw@gs: folds
poker hinky: folds
studiace has returned
Steeser: raises 1300 to 2100
bradis#1: folds
bfabulus: raises 3500 to 5600
stevecor: folds
studiace has timed out
studiace: folds
studiace is sitting out
MuckMeHarder: folds
studiace has returned
Steeser: folds
Uncalled bet (3500) returned to bfabulus
bfabulus collected 6000 from pot
bfabulus: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 6000 | Rake 0
Seat 1: bradis#1 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: bfabulus collected (6000)
Seat 4: stevecor (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: studiace (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 6: MuckMeHarder (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: poker hinky folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser folded before Flop


Hand #18: Another fold of a pocket pair.

PokerStars Game #30176097042: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XI (400/800) - 2009/07/06 21:10:07 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #5 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (7895 in chips)
Seat 2: bfabulus (16901 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (13880 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (5560 in chips)
Seat 6: MuckMeHarder (6305 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (16065 in chips)
Seat 8: poker hinky (6095 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (31294 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 75
bfabulus: posts the ante 75
stevecor: posts the ante 75
studiace: posts the ante 75
MuckMeHarder: posts the ante 75
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 75
poker hinky: posts the ante 75
Steeser: posts the ante 75
MuckMeHarder: posts small blind 400
Scallyw@gs: posts big blind 800
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [6d 6h]
poker hinky: raises 1600 to 2400
Steeser: folds
bradis#1: folds
bfabulus: folds
stevecor: folds
studiace: folds
MuckMeHarder: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
Uncalled bet (1600) returned to poker hinky
poker hinky collected 2600 from pot
poker hinky: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2600 | Rake 0
Seat 1: bradis#1 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: bfabulus folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: stevecor folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: studiace (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 6: MuckMeHarder (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 8: poker hinky collected (2600)
Seat 9: Steeser folded before Flop (didn't bet)


Hand #19: This game is easy when your better hands hold up.

PokerStars Game #30176351737: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XI (400/800) - 2009/07/06 21:19:04 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #7 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (12468 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (8480 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (15920 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (11415 in chips)
Seat 8: poker hinky (6092 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (32794 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 75
stevecor: posts the ante 75
studiace: posts the ante 75
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 75
poker hinky: posts the ante 75
Steeser: posts the ante 75
poker hinky: posts small blind 400
Steeser: posts big blind 800
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Ac Kd]
bradis#1: folds
stevecor: folds
studiace: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
poker hinky: raises 800 to 1600
Steeser: raises 12000 to 13600
poker hinky: calls 4417 and is all-in
Uncalled bet (7583) returned to Steeser
*** FLOP *** [5c 3s Jc]
*** TURN *** [5c 3s Jc] [6h]
*** RIVER *** [5c 3s Jc 6h] [6s]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
poker hinky: shows [Ah Qs] (a pair of Sixes)
Steeser: shows [Ac Kd] (a pair of Sixes - Ace+King kicker)
Steeser collected 12484 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 12484 | Rake 0
Board [5c 3s Jc 6h 6s]
Seat 1: bradis#1 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: stevecor folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: studiace folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: poker hinky (small blind) showed [Ah Qs] and lost with a pair of Sixes
Seat 9: Steeser (big blind) showed [Ac Kd] and won (12484) with a pair of Sixes


Hand #20: We are right on the bubble right now. I have been opening every hand when folded to me, and am fortunately getting some hands to safely 3 bet as well.

PokerStars Game #30176400429: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XI (400/800) - 2009/07/06 21:20:46 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #5 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (13343 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (6980 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (15995 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (10315 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (40536 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 75
stevecor: posts the ante 75
studiace: posts the ante 75
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 75
Steeser: posts the ante 75
Scallyw@gs: posts small blind 400
Steeser: posts big blind 800
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [8h 8s]
bradis#1: folds
stevecor: folds
studiace: raises 1200 to 2000
Scallyw@gs: folds
Steeser: raises 7200 to 9200
studiace: folds
Uncalled bet (7200) returned to Steeser
Steeser collected 4775 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 4775 | Rake 0
Seat 1: bradis#1 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: stevecor folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: studiace (button) folded before Flop
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 9: Steeser (big blind) collected (4775)


Hand #21: Here I get tricky and limp from the SB, with the intention of re-raising as I am almost sure this guy will raise. He obliges.

PokerStars Game #30176421038: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XI (400/800) - 2009/07/06 21:21:29 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #7 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (13268 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (6905 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (13920 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (9840 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (43236 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 75
stevecor: posts the ante 75
studiace: posts the ante 75
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 75
Steeser: posts the ante 75
Steeser: posts small blind 400
bradis#1: posts big blind 800
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Ah Th]
stevecor: folds
studiace: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
Steeser: calls 400
bradis#1: raises 2400 to 3200
Steeser: raises 11200 to 14400
bradis#1: folds
Uncalled bet (11200) returned to Steeser
Steeser collected 6775 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 6775 | Rake 0
Seat 1: bradis#1 (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 4: stevecor folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: studiace folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (small blind) collected (6775)


Hand #22: Finally someone stands up to me. I almost figured it would be the next hand too against the guy I just limp re-raised.

PokerStars Game #30176440383: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XI (400/800) - 2009/07/06 21:22:07 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #9 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (9993 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (6830 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (13845 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (9765 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (46736 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 75
stevecor: posts the ante 75
studiace: posts the ante 75
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 75
Steeser: posts the ante 75
bradis#1: posts small blind 400
stevecor: posts big blind 800
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Ts Kc]
studiace: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
Steeser: raises 900 to 1700
bradis#1: raises 8218 to 9918 and is all-in
stevecor: folds
Steeser: folds
Uncalled bet (8218) returned to bradis#1
bradis#1 collected 4575 from pot
bradis#1: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 4575 | Rake 0
Seat 1: bradis#1 (small blind) collected (4575)
Seat 4: stevecor (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 5: studiace folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (button) folded before Flop


Hand #23: Here I get caught jamming into the big blind with a dominated hand, but suckout into a split.

PokerStars Game #30176654150: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XII (500/1000) - 2009/07/06 21:29:26 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #7 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (5518 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (5360 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (17690 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (12415 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (46186 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 100
stevecor: posts the ante 100
studiace: posts the ante 100
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 100
Steeser: posts the ante 100
Steeser: posts small blind 500
bradis#1: posts big blind 1000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Kc 3s]
stevecor: folds
studiace: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
Steeser: raises 5000 to 6000
bradis#1: calls 4418 and is all-in
Uncalled bet (582) returned to Steeser
*** FLOP *** [6d 8c Qs]
*** TURN *** [6d 8c Qs] [Jh]
*** RIVER *** [6d 8c Qs Jh] [6h]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Steeser: shows [Kc 3s] (a pair of Sixes)
bradis#1: shows [Kh Td] (a pair of Sixes)
Steeser collected 5668 from pot
bradis#1 collected 5668 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 11336 | Rake 0
Board [6d 8c Qs Jh 6h]
Seat 1: bradis#1 (big blind) showed [Kh Td] and won (5668) with a pair of Sixes
Seat 4: stevecor folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: studiace folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (small blind) showed [Kc 3s] and won (5668) with a pair of Sixes


Hand #24: Bust the same guy in a standard spot. The stop and go was just on the .05% chance he would misclick fold.

PokerStars Game #30176690140: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XII (500/1000) - 2009/07/06 21:30:41 ET
Table '177353676 4' 9-max Seat #5 is the button
Seat 1: bradis#1 (4868 in chips)
Seat 4: stevecor (3460 in chips)
Seat 5: studiace (17790 in chips)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (15015 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (46036 in chips)
bradis#1: posts the ante 100
stevecor: posts the ante 100
studiace: posts the ante 100
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 100
Steeser: posts the ante 100
Scallyw@gs: posts small blind 500
Steeser: posts big blind 1000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [4c 4d]
bradis#1: raises 3000 to 4000
stevecor: folds
studiace: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
Steeser: calls 3000
*** FLOP *** [Ks 3h Td]
Steeser: bets 1000
bradis#1: calls 768 and is all-in
Uncalled bet (232) returned to Steeser
*** TURN *** [Ks 3h Td] [Kd]
*** RIVER *** [Ks 3h Td Kd] [8d]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Steeser: shows [4c 4d] (two pair, Kings and Fours)
bradis#1: shows [2d 2s] (two pair, Kings and Deuces)
Steeser collected 10536 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 10536 | Rake 0
Board [Ks 3h Td Kd 8d]
Seat 1: bradis#1 showed [2d 2s] and lost with two pair, Kings and Deuces
Seat 4: stevecor folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: studiace (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: Scallyw@gs (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 9: Steeser (big blind) showed [4c 4d] and won (10536) with two pair, Kings and Fours


Here are the chip stacks when we reached the final table. Obviously I had a great table draw, given that the other 3 stacks were at the other table.
Seat 1: rhino0623 (44468 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (53125 in chips)
Seat 3: zz94 (14332 in chips)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs (12415 in chips)
Seat 6: stevecor (2360 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (11735 in chips)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (77961 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (53604 in chips)


Hand #25: First hand of note at the final table, after I had bled away a bit. I 3 bet the chip leader with AJs and he flats, so we play a flop with me in position. I'm not thrilled with the flop so when he checks, I check behind. He bets small on the turn on a non scary board, and I decide to flat, thinking I may be ahead, or I can steal it on the river. The river fills a running flush draw, and gives me TPTK. I struggled with what to do, either checking behind, jamming, or making a small bet. I figured he had AQ, AK or 99, so decided a small bet was in order, and he folded.

PokerStars Game #30176839326: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XII (500/1000) - 2009/07/06 21:35:56 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (42668 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (73865 in chips)
Seat 3: zz94 (14032 in chips)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs (12115 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (11375 in chips)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (70401 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (45544 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 100
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 100
zz94: posts the ante 100
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 100
vics104: posts the ante 100
Chairboy2001: posts the ante 100
Steeser: posts the ante 100
Mikey_Blotto: posts small blind 500
zz94: posts big blind 1000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Jd Ad]
Scallyw@gs: folds
vics104: folds
Chairboy2001: raises 2000 to 3000
Steeser: raises 5500 to 8500
rhino0623: folds
Mikey_Blotto: folds
zz94: folds
Chairboy2001: calls 5500
*** FLOP *** [6h 2c 7s]
Chairboy2001: checks
Steeser: checks
*** TURN *** [6h 2c 7s] [7c]
Chairboy2001: bets 8000
Steeser: calls 8000
*** RIVER *** [6h 2c 7s 7c] [Jc]
Chairboy2001: checks
Steeser: bets 10000
Chairboy2001: folds
Uncalled bet (10000) returned to Steeser
Steeser collected 35200 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 35200 | Rake 0
Board [6h 2c 7s 7c Jc]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 3: zz94 (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 folded on the River
Seat 9: Steeser collected (35200)


Hand #26: Brimming with confidence from the previous hand, I start a downfall. He shows AK, showing he will call with premo hands. Very fortunate he didn't re-raise here pre-flop.

PokerStars Game #30177044125: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XIII (600/1200) - 2009/07/06 21:43:05 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #4 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (42368 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (73065 in chips)
Seat 3: zz94 (14432 in chips)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs (10315 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (12275 in chips)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (53601 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (63944 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 125
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 125
zz94: posts the ante 125
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 125
vics104: posts the ante 125
Chairboy2001: posts the ante 125
Steeser: posts the ante 125
vics104: posts small blind 600
Chairboy2001: posts big blind 1200
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Qd Qs]
Steeser: raises 2000 to 3200
rhino0623: calls 3200
Mikey_Blotto: folds
zz94: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
vics104: folds
Chairboy2001: folds
*** FLOP *** [3s Ac 8d]
Steeser: bets 5400
rhino0623: raises 33643 to 39043 and is all-in
Steeser: folds
Uncalled bet (33643) returned to rhino0623
rhino0623 collected 19875 from pot
rhino0623: shows [Ks Ad] (a pair of Aces)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 19875 | Rake 0
Board [3s Ac 8d]
Seat 1: rhino0623 collected (19875)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 3: zz94 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 9: Steeser folded on the Flop


Hand #27: One where the passive strategy bites me in the ass, as I lose the pot on the river.

PokerStars Game #30177094752: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XIII (600/1200) - 2009/07/06 21:44:54 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #9 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (52068 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (72690 in chips)
Seat 3: zz94 (16732 in chips)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs (9940 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (11300 in chips)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (54101 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (53169 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 125
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 125
zz94: posts the ante 125
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 125
vics104: posts the ante 125
Chairboy2001: posts the ante 125
Steeser: posts the ante 125
rhino0623: posts small blind 600
Mikey_Blotto: posts big blind 1200
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Jd Ac]
zz94: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
vics104: folds
Chairboy2001: folds
Steeser: raises 2200 to 3400
rhino0623: folds
Mikey_Blotto: calls 2200
*** FLOP *** [Kc 9c 9d]
Mikey_Blotto: checks
Steeser: checks
*** TURN *** [Kc 9c 9d] [Qs]
Mikey_Blotto: checks
Steeser: checks
*** RIVER *** [Kc 9c 9d Qs] [8c]
Mikey_Blotto: checks
Steeser: checks
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Mikey_Blotto: shows [7h 8h] (two pair, Nines and Eights)
Steeser: mucks hand
Mikey_Blotto collected 8275 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 8275 | Rake 0
Board [Kc 9c 9d Qs 8c]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (big blind) showed [7h 8h] and won (8275) with two pair, Nines and Eights
Seat 3: zz94 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (button) mucked [Jd Ac]


Hand #28: Didn't see how I was ahead on the river, despite the odds being layed. Think the turn call is mandatory. It could be debated that I should have bet the turn to keep the pressure on.

PokerStars Game #30177113247: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XIII (600/1200) - 2009/07/06 21:45:33 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (51343 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (77440 in chips)
Seat 3: zz94 (16607 in chips)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs (9815 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (11175 in chips)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (53976 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (49644 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 125
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 125
zz94: posts the ante 125
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 125
vics104: posts the ante 125
Chairboy2001: posts the ante 125
Steeser: posts the ante 125
Mikey_Blotto: posts small blind 600
zz94: posts big blind 1200
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [7h 7c]
Scallyw@gs: folds
vics104: folds
Chairboy2001: folds
Steeser: raises 2000 to 3200
rhino0623: calls 3200
Mikey_Blotto: folds
zz94: folds
*** FLOP *** [5s 3h 9h]
Steeser: bets 5200
rhino0623: calls 5200
*** TURN *** [5s 3h 9h] [8c]
Steeser: checks
rhino0623: bets 4800
Steeser: calls 4800
*** RIVER *** [5s 3h 9h 8c] [As]
Steeser: checks
rhino0623: bets 4800
Steeser: folds
Uncalled bet (4800) returned to rhino0623
rhino0623 collected 29075 from pot
rhino0623: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 29075 | Rake 0
Board [5s 3h 9h 8c As]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (button) collected (29075)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 3: zz94 (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser folded on the River


Hand #29: I've quickly bled from 64K to 35K in a matter of a few hands. Again the passive line bites me in the ass knocking me down to 31K.

PokerStars Game #30177258877: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XIII (600/1200) - 2009/07/06 21:50:41 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #7 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (69393 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (76340 in chips)
Seat 3: zz94 (14307 in chips)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs (10190 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (22350 in chips)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (41476 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (35944 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 125
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 125
zz94: posts the ante 125
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 125
vics104: posts the ante 125
Chairboy2001: posts the ante 125
Steeser: posts the ante 125
Chairboy2001: posts small blind 600
Steeser: posts big blind 1200
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [8h As]
rhino0623: folds
Mikey_Blotto: folds
zz94: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
vics104: folds
Chairboy2001: raises 1200 to 2400
Steeser: calls 1200
*** FLOP *** [3d 7c 4d]
Chairboy2001: checks
Steeser: checks
*** TURN *** [3d 7c 4d] [6h]
Chairboy2001: checks
Steeser: checks
*** RIVER *** [3d 7c 4d 6h] [9s]
Chairboy2001: bets 2400
Steeser: calls 2400
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Chairboy2001: shows [Jc 9c] (a pair of Nines)
Steeser: mucks hand
Chairboy2001 collected 10475 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 10475 | Rake 0
Board [3d 7c 4d 6h 9s]
Seat 1: rhino0623 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 3: zz94 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (small blind) showed [Jc 9c] and won (10475) with a pair of Nines
Seat 9: Steeser (big blind) mucked [8h As]


Hand #30: Getting desperate and push a marginal situation. Fortunately I was right.

PokerStars Game #30177287395: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XIII (600/1200) - 2009/07/06 21:51:41 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #8 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (69268 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (76215 in chips)
Seat 3: zz94 (14182 in chips)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs (10065 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (22225 in chips)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (47026 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (31019 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 125
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 125
zz94: posts the ante 125
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 125
vics104: posts the ante 125
Chairboy2001: posts the ante 125
Steeser: posts the ante 125
Steeser: posts small blind 600
rhino0623: posts big blind 1200
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Ad 4s]
Mikey_Blotto: folds
zz94: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
vics104: folds
Chairboy2001: folds
Steeser: raises 2200 to 3400
rhino0623: calls 2200
*** FLOP *** [Ts Td 4c]
Steeser: bets 4200
rhino0623: calls 4200
*** TURN *** [Ts Td 4c] [7h]
Steeser: bets 23294 and is all-in
rhino0623: folds
Uncalled bet (23294) returned to Steeser
Steeser collected 16075 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 16075 | Rake 0
Board [Ts Td 4c 7h]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (big blind) folded on the Turn
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 3: zz94 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (small blind) collected (16075)


Hand #31: Rhino notes that I love stealing his blinds. He was right.

PokerStars Game #30177426973: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XIII (600/1200) - 2009/07/06 21:56:38 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #8 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (61531 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (84727 in chips)
Seat 3: zz94 (14182 in chips)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs (10065 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (19550 in chips)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (37251 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (42694 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 125
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 125
zz94: posts the ante 125
Scallyw@gs: posts the ante 125
vics104: posts the ante 125
Chairboy2001: posts the ante 125
Steeser: posts the ante 125
Steeser: posts small blind 600
rhino0623: posts big blind 1200
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Qh 9h]
Mikey_Blotto: folds
zz94: folds
Scallyw@gs: folds
vics104: folds
Chairboy2001: folds
Steeser: raises 2000 to 3200
rhino0623: folds
Uncalled bet (2000) returned to Steeser
rhino0623 said, "lol u love stealing my blinds eh"
Steeser collected 3275 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 3275 | Rake 0
Seat 1: rhino0623 (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 3: zz94 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: Scallyw@gs folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: Chairboy2001 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (small blind) collected (3275)


Hand #32: Not much interesting happened to me in getting down to 4 handed, aside from my internet crashing for 10 minutes, requiring a substitute to be called in briefly. Here I get stop and go'ed in a scene I could have predicted before he even made the pre-flop call.

PokerStars Game #30178007179: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XIV (800/1600) - 2009/07/06 22:17:40 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (128328 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (72734 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (20994 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (47944 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 150
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 150
vics104: posts the ante 150
Steeser: posts the ante 150
Mikey_Blotto: posts small blind 800
vics104: posts big blind 1600
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Tc Kc]
Steeser: raises 2600 to 4200
rhino0623: folds
Mikey_Blotto: folds
vics104: calls 2600
*** FLOP *** [Jh 6h 9c]
vics104: bets 16644 and is all-in
Steeser: folds
Uncalled bet (16644) returned to vics104
vics104 collected 9800 from pot
vics104: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 9800 | Rake 0
Board [Jh 6h 9c]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 7: vics104 (big blind) collected (9800)
Seat 9: Steeser folded on the Flop


Hand #33: Sitting barely last in chips and with only 20BB's left, I am in need of a big hand. Fortunately vics, who had played otherwise solid, loses his mind 4 betting me with KQ in a spot where I was obviously committed. Stop and go would have worked here for him.

PokerStars Game #30178136181: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XV (1000/2000) - 2009/07/06 22:22:26 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #7 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (126178 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (40540 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (62888 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (40394 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 200
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 200
vics104: posts the ante 200
Steeser: posts the ante 200
Steeser: posts small blind 1000
rhino0623: posts big blind 2000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Ah Kd]
Mikey_Blotto: folds
vics104: raises 2000 to 4000
Steeser: raises 10000 to 14000
rhino0623: folds
vics104: raises 48688 to 62688 and is all-in
Steeser: calls 26194 and is all-in
Uncalled bet (22494) returned to vics104
*** FLOP *** [4s 4c 9c]
*** TURN *** [4s 4c 9c] [9s]
*** RIVER *** [4s 4c 9c 9s] [2d]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Steeser: shows [Ah Kd] (two pair, Nines and Fours)
vics104: shows [Ks Qh] (two pair, Nines and Fours - lower kicker)
Steeser collected 83188 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 83188 | Rake 0
Board [4s 4c 9c 9s 2d]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 (button) showed [Ks Qh] and lost with two pair, Nines and Fours
Seat 9: Steeser (small blind) showed [Ah Kd] and won (83188) with two pair, Nines and Fours


Hand #34: 2 hands later....chance to get to 3 handed. Unfortunately I lose to his 1 overcard as he makes a full house.

PokerStars Game #30178159811: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XV (1000/2000) - 2009/07/06 22:23:19 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (122778 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (41940 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (22294 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (82988 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 200
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 200
vics104: posts the ante 200
Steeser: posts the ante 200
Mikey_Blotto: posts small blind 1000
vics104: posts big blind 2000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Js Jh]
Steeser: raises 2600 to 4600
rhino0623: folds
Mikey_Blotto: folds
vics104: raises 17494 to 22094 and is all-in
Steeser: calls 17494
*** FLOP *** [Ac 7c 2c]
*** TURN *** [Ac 7c 2c] [8h]
*** RIVER *** [Ac 7c 2c 8h] [8c]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
vics104: shows [8s Ad] (a full house, Eights full of Aces)
Steeser: shows [Js Jh] (two pair, Jacks and Eights)
vics104 collected 45988 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 45988 | Rake 0
Board [Ac 7c 2c 8h 8c]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 7: vics104 (big blind) showed [8s Ad] and won (45988) with a full house, Eights full of Aces
Seat 9: Steeser showed [Js Jh] and lost with two pair, Jacks and Eights


Hand #35: I hit a set 4 handed! I check call the flop, and I check the turn, but his small bet tells me he doesn't have much, and I decide to raise now to not let him hit a mystery straight or flush for cheap and he folds, but I still add a nice amount to my stack.

PokerStars Game #30178213782: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XV (1000/2000) - 2009/07/06 22:25:20 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #2 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (131178 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (41740 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (40188 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (56894 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 200
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 200
vics104: posts the ante 200
Steeser: posts the ante 200
vics104: posts small blind 1000
Steeser: posts big blind 2000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [4d 4c]
rhino0623: raises 4000 to 6000
Mikey_Blotto: folds
vics104: folds
Steeser: calls 4000
*** FLOP *** [Ts 4h 3c]
Steeser: checks
rhino0623: bets 6000
Steeser: calls 6000
*** TURN *** [Ts 4h 3c] [7s]
Steeser: checks
rhino0623: bets 6000
Steeser: raises 38694 to 44694 and is all-in
rhino0623: folds
Uncalled bet (38694) returned to Steeser
Steeser collected 37800 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 37800 | Rake 0
Board [Ts 4h 3c 7s]
Seat 1: rhino0623 folded on the Turn
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 9: Steeser (big blind) collected (37800)


Hand #36: Another set, this time a full house. I check the flop and unfortunately an ace hits on the turn. My only hope is that he has an ace or a 3, neither very likely. He folds to my turn bet.

PokerStars Game #30178264729: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XV (1000/2000) - 2009/07/06 22:27:15 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (110378 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (45940 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (38588 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (75094 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 200
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 200
vics104: posts the ante 200
Steeser: posts the ante 200
Mikey_Blotto: posts small blind 1000
vics104: posts big blind 2000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [6s 6c]
Steeser: raises 2600 to 4600
rhino0623: folds
Mikey_Blotto: folds
vics104: calls 2600
*** FLOP *** [3s 6d 3c]
vics104: checks
Steeser: checks
*** TURN *** [3s 6d 3c] [Ah]
vics104: checks
Steeser: bets 5000
vics104: folds
Uncalled bet (5000) returned to Steeser
Steeser collected 11000 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 11000 | Rake 0
Board [3s 6d 3c Ah]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 7: vics104 (big blind) folded on the Turn
Seat 9: Steeser collected (11000)


Hand #37: This one could have been worse, but again Rhino plays a bigger hand kind of slow.

PokerStars Game #30178374603: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XV (1000/2000) - 2009/07/06 22:31:21 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #9 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (121778 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (63440 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (19088 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (65694 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 200
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 200
vics104: posts the ante 200
Steeser: posts the ante 200
rhino0623: posts small blind 1000
Mikey_Blotto: posts big blind 2000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [8c As]
vics104: folds
Steeser: raises 3300 to 5300
rhino0623: calls 4300
Mikey_Blotto: folds
*** FLOP *** [5h 9h 5c]
rhino0623: checks
Steeser: checks
*** TURN *** [5h 9h 5c] [Ah]
rhino0623: checks
Steeser: checks
*** RIVER *** [5h 9h 5c Ah] [Ts]
rhino0623: bets 4000
Steeser: calls 4000
*** SHOW DOWN ***
rhino0623: shows [Ac Kh] (two pair, Aces and Fives)
Steeser: mucks hand
rhino0623 collected 21400 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 21400 | Rake 0
Board [5h 9h 5c Ah Ts]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (small blind) showed [Ac Kh] and won (21400) with two pair, Aces and Fives
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 7: vics104 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (button) mucked [8c As]


Hand #38: This one could have been better for me, had I raised on the flop. I doubt he would have been tight enough to fold there. But based on his previous history, I didn't think he would pay off with much.

PokerStars Game #30178403814: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XV (1000/2000) - 2009/07/06 22:32:26 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #2 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (137278 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (60040 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (16688 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (55994 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 200
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 200
vics104: posts the ante 200
Steeser: posts the ante 200
vics104: posts small blind 1000
Steeser: posts big blind 2000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [9h Kh]
rhino0623: calls 2000
Mikey_Blotto: folds
vics104: calls 1000
Steeser: checks
*** FLOP *** [Th 2h Ah]
vics104: checks
Steeser: checks
rhino0623: bets 2000
vics104: folds
Steeser: calls 2000
*** TURN *** [Th 2h Ah] [6d]
Steeser: checks
rhino0623: checks
*** RIVER *** [Th 2h Ah 6d] [Jc]
Steeser: bets 6000
rhino0623: calls 6000
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Steeser: shows [9h Kh] (a flush, Ace high)
rhino0623: mucks hand
Steeser collected 22800 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 22800 | Rake 0
Board [Th 2h Ah 6d Jc]
Seat 1: rhino0623 mucked [Ac Tc]
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 (small blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 9: Steeser (big blind) showed [9h Kh] and won (22800) with a flush, Ace high


Hand #39: Another set at the final table!!! I don't make anything off of it but it's nice to be running good.

PokerStars Game #30178464405: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XVI (1500/3000) - 2009/07/06 22:34:41 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #7 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (128278 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (64340 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (8788 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (68594 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 300
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 300
vics104: posts the ante 300
Steeser: posts the ante 300
Steeser: posts small blind 1500
rhino0623: posts big blind 3000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [4d 4h]
Mikey_Blotto: folds
vics104: folds
Steeser: calls 1500
rhino0623: checks
*** FLOP *** [4c 2c 7s]
Steeser: bets 3600
rhino0623: folds
Uncalled bet (3600) returned to Steeser
Steeser collected 7200 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 7200 | Rake 0
Board [4c 2c 7s]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (big blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 7: vics104 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (small blind) collected (7200)


Hand #40: I get another chance to bust Vics in a very similar situation, and this time the cards delivered.

PokerStars Game #30178510242: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XVI (1500/3000) - 2009/07/06 22:36:23 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (117478 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (54352 in chips)
Seat 7: vics104 (20276 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (77894 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 300
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 300
vics104: posts the ante 300
Steeser: posts the ante 300
Mikey_Blotto: posts small blind 1500
vics104: posts big blind 3000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [9s 9c]
Steeser: raises 4500 to 7500
rhino0623: folds
Mikey_Blotto: folds
vics104: raises 12476 to 19976 and is all-in
Steeser: calls 12476
*** FLOP *** [9d 8c Tc]
*** TURN *** [9d 8c Tc] [Th]
*** RIVER *** [9d 8c Tc Th] [7d]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
vics104: shows [Ac 2d] (a pair of Tens)
Steeser: shows [9s 9c] (a full house, Nines full of Tens)
Steeser collected 42652 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 42652 | Rake 0
Board [9d 8c Tc Th 7d]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 7: vics104 (big blind) showed [Ac 2d] and lost with a pair of Tens
Seat 9: Steeser showed [9s 9c] and won (42652) with a full house, Nines full of Tens


Chip update: We get to 3 handed, here are the stacks
Seat 1: rhino0623 (117178 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (52552 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (100270 in chips)


Hand #41: I flop an open ended straight flush draw, and he elects to just call. I hit the flush on the turn on a board pairing card and he folds.

PokerStars Game #30178603034: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XVI (1500/3000) - 2009/07/06 22:39:52 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #2 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (107278 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (74452 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (88270 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 300
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 300
Steeser: posts the ante 300
Steeser: posts small blind 1500
rhino0623: posts big blind 3000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [8h 7h]
Mikey_Blotto: folds
Steeser: raises 5000 to 8000
rhino0623: calls 5000
*** FLOP *** [Th 9h 5s]
Steeser: bets 8500
rhino0623: calls 8500
*** TURN *** [Th 9h 5s] [5h]
Steeser: bets 17200
rhino0623: folds
Uncalled bet (17200) returned to Steeser
Steeser collected 33900 from pot
Steeser: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 33900 | Rake 0
Board [Th 9h 5s 5h]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (big blind) folded on the Turn
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: Steeser (small blind) collected (33900)


Chip update: Here are stacks where they suggest a 3 way chop, which I turn down.

Seat 1: rhino0623 (88378 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (69052 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (112570 in chips)



Hand #42: Pretty interesting hand here with all of us pretty even in chips. I flop a flush draw on a board that is right in the wheelhouse of pre-flop call so I check behind. He bet's the turn which gives me a pair, so I call with the pair and draw. The river is a blank and he checks...I fought the urge to bet, and decided to check behind because I didn't think I was getting him off of a pair, and felt that I may still be ahead.

PokerStars Game #30179090739: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XVII (2000/4000) - 2009/07/06 22:57:44 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #9 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (84678 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (94802 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (90520 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 400
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 400
Steeser: posts the ante 400
rhino0623: posts small blind 2000
Mikey_Blotto: posts big blind 4000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [5c 3c]
Steeser: raises 6000 to 10000
rhino0623: folds
Mikey_Blotto: calls 6000
*** FLOP *** [Jc 8c 7d]
Mikey_Blotto: checks
Steeser: checks
*** TURN *** [Jc 8c 7d] [3d]
Mikey_Blotto: bets 11000
Steeser: calls 11000
*** RIVER *** [Jc 8c 7d 3d] [4h]
Mikey_Blotto: checks
Steeser: checks
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Mikey_Blotto: shows [As 9h] (high card Ace)
Steeser: shows [5c 3c] (a pair of Threes)
Steeser collected 45200 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 45200 | Rake 0
Board [Jc 8c 7d 3d 4h]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (big blind) showed [As 9h] and lost with high card Ace
Seat 9: Steeser (button) showed [5c 3c] and won (45200) with a pair of Threes


Chip update: High water mark
Seat 1: rhino0623 (82278 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (73402 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (114320 in chips)


Hand #43: I played this hand pretty bad, but along the same passive line. Because of this, I think the river call is pretty easy, despite me losing the pot.

PokerStars Game #30179129628: Tournament #177353676, $20+$2 Hold'em No Limit - Level XVII (2000/4000) - 2009/07/06 22:59:12 ET
Table '177353676 6' 9-max Seat #9 is the button
Seat 1: rhino0623 (91878 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (70602 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (107520 in chips)
rhino0623: posts the ante 400
Mikey_Blotto: posts the ante 400
Steeser: posts the ante 400
rhino0623: posts small blind 2000
Mikey_Blotto: posts big blind 4000
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Steeser [Kc Ts]
Steeser: raises 4000 to 8000
rhino0623: folds
Mikey_Blotto: calls 4000
*** FLOP *** [5h 9c 5d]
Mikey_Blotto: checks
Steeser: checks
*** TURN *** [5h 9c 5d] [Ad]
Mikey_Blotto: checks
Steeser: checks
*** RIVER *** [5h 9c 5d Ad] [7d]
Mikey_Blotto: bets 10000
Steeser: calls 10000
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Mikey_Blotto: shows [4s Ah] (two pair, Aces and Fives)
Steeser: mucks hand
Mikey_Blotto collected 39200 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 39200 | Rake 0
Board [5h 9c 5d Ad 7d]
Seat 1: rhino0623 (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (big blind) showed [4s Ah] and won (39200) with two pair, Aces and Fives
Seat 9: Steeser (button) mucked [Kc Ts]



Chip update: Finally, we agree to a 3 way chop here....
Seat 1: rhino0623 (89078 in chips)
Seat 2: Mikey_Blotto (89002 in chips)
Seat 9: Steeser (91920 in chips)

Oakland Hills - take 2

Just like last time, we had a shotgun start. This time we started on 16, the signature hole, and a very difficult one at that.

16: Drilled driver down the left-center of the fairway. Wedge to the front right of the green. First putt about 4 feet by, missed the comebacker when I felt that I hit a good putt, just missed it low. 3 putts for BOGIE

17: Long par 3 playing about 215, uphill and into the wind. Chokedown 3 wood to pin high left of the green. Shank a flop shot, then flop onto the green and lipped out the 8 footer. DOUBLE BOGIE.

18: Drilled driver down the LH side of the fairway. Drilled another 3 wood from 235 to just left of the green. Flop shot to less than a foot. BIRDIE

1: Good drive down the LH side. Very good wedge to a tucked pin to 15 feet. First putt 4 feet by. Missed comebacker as the putt broke opposite of my read. After I missed it, the caddie told me the putt breaks the other way (no shit!). BOGIE

2: Snap hooked driver left (start of a trend) just short of a bunker. From a bad lie, chunked an 8 iron into the middle of the fairway. 7 iron to 10 feet, and just missed the birdie. PAR

3: Medium length par 3 playing into the wind with a cross-wind. Good 5 iron gets blown to the right pin high. Very good flop shot to 8 feet, but missed the putt. BOGIE

4: Hooked driver down the LH side deep into a fairway bunker. 170 yards in I was only able to hit a wedge to the RH side of the fairway. 40 yard wedge went off the back of the green about 10 feet away. Putted to 2 feet. BOGIE

5: Best drive of the day down RH center of the fairway. 7 iron to about 15 feet. Birdie putt just missed on the edge. PAR

6: Tees were up, playing only 300. 3 wood just barely cleared the LH bunkers and barely went into the rough on the RH side. 60 yard lob wedge to 10 feet, and made birdie putt. BIRDIE

7: Kinda skied a drive down LH side of fairway. 6 iron to about 30 feet. Another disappointing 3 putt. BOGIE

8: Pull hooked drive down LH side. 3 wood from 240 uphill left 25 yards short (and way short sided. Hit a really bad and stupid flop shot, leaving it in the bunker just left of the green....ball was plugged in the bunker, with only 5-10 feet of green to work with. Good shot to get out ran all the way to opposite side of the green. 2 putts from there. BOGIE

9: Shot of the day. Playing 210, into the teeth of the wind. Choked down on 3 wood and knocked 2 feet above the hole. Before I hit my putt, another member of my group hit a 4 footer on my same line about 30 feet by. Make the putt for my third birdie of the day. BIRDIE

10: Pulled drive down the left side into the rough. From a bad lie, knocked a 7 iron onto the green about 30 feet short. Another 3 putt (they are starting to run together, I don't remember the details of it). BOGIE

11: Totally skied a driver into the fairway. 3 iron uphill from 200 pin high in the RH rough. Flopped next shot about 8 feet above the hole (intentionally above the hole to avoid going off the green). Missed the par putt low. BOGIE

12: Driver into the LH rough (somehow between 2 bunkers). 3 wood pulled left into the rough under some trees, but with a good angle in. 60 yard wedge to 15 feet. Ho-hum 2 putt for par. PAR

13: Into the wind with a cross wind, 3 iron pin high in the RH rough. Terrible lie with an impossible shot to the pin tucked in back, ball rolls down to the front of the green. Good 2 putt for BOGIE.

14: Tried to cut a drive and blew it way right. Caught a break and had a clearing between some trees. Punched a 3 iron from 200 just short of the LH greenside bunker. Pin was up front, and green is heavily sloped front to back. Got too cute with a flop and left it in the fairway a few yards short of the green. Made the putt from off the green (might have gone 20 feet by if missed). PAR

15: Needing a birdie to break 80, hooked drive way left into the trees. Wedge caught the top of a tree and stopped near the trunk. Abbreviated backswing, knocked it to 10 feet. Missed the par putt. BOGIE

I really struggled with my driver for the last 10 holes, and almost the last 14 save for one good shot. Fortunately almost all of them were snap hooks to the left, so I could manage them. My irons were still solid coming in, but it was definitely a chore. The wind was howling for most of the round, up to about 30mph, so all in all an 81 is a very good score.

Having only 4 pars in a round is odd, but sneaking 3 birdies in always helps the final result. Too many 3 putts, but that is excusable given the difficulty and speed of the greens.

As always, I would love to have another shot at the course.

2009 Kentucky Derby preview

My opinions are subject to change between now and the Derby based on odds, the pace scenario, post positions, and the track bias that day.

All of these are listed in order of Mike Watchmakers projected Derby odds:

I Want Revenge (9-2) – Got beat twice in a row by Pioneerof the Nile out West, so came to Aqueduct and through two monster races under two entirely different sets of circumstances, including his last race where he was nearly left in the starting gate and spotted the field 5 lengths. Big contender, especially given him showing he can win from on the pace or off the pace.

Quality Road (5-1) – Two straight huge races in FLA, both over 110 beyers, including a win over high touted Dunkirk. Figures to be close to what is likely not going to be a very hot pace. My concern on him is his ability to get the mile and a quarter with only 2 routes on his resume. Check the dosage here.

Dunkirk (6-1) – Lightly raced and looks full of talent. Sire is Unbridled’s Song, and I remember his Derby, where he was clear at the top of the stretch but couldn’t hold on. I think he is one that will make a move on the turn and then fade/flatten out in the end.

Friesan Fire (8-1) – Looks and feels like a Derby winner to me. Has 7 races under his belt, but will have 6 weeks off leading to the Derby. Drew clear in the Louisiana Derby and I think he may be sitting on a big race come Derby day.

Pioneerof the Nile (8-1) – If you like I Want Revenge, you have to like him, and at a better price. His Beyers are short, but Revenge made a big step forward going from synthetic to dirt, and it can be projected that Pioneer will as well. His running style may hurt with a slower pace than most Derby’s expected, but his last race showed him staying very close to the pace. If a hot pace is expected, he could move forward even more.

Chocolate Candy (15-1) - Just a length behind Pioneer in his last start, and the lack of pace in Santa Anita likely hurt him, but looking at his running line, I just don’t think he’s good enough. May be good enough for 3rd-4th.

Desert Party (15-1) – The more highly touted of the Goldophin pair, hard to figure with all of his 3 year old campaign being in UAE. I’ll have to compare his ratings to other horses to get a comparable Beyer figure. But until Goldophin shows they can get it done in the Derby, inclined to avoid.

Hold Me Back (20-1) – Would be helped by a live pace, and if the pace completely collapses he could prove to be this year’s Giacamo. I don’t think it’s likely to happen, but he could grab a piece. I also feel he could be sitting on a 105 beyer. I smell a potential 3rd placer here.

Musket Man (20-1) – 5 wins in 6, but top Beyer figure of 98, and that was in a weak Illinois Derby field, a race that I watched. Running style suits Derby winning style, but I just don’t think he’s fast enough.

Papa Clem (20-1) – Profile looks similar to Friesan Fire, however, Friesan Fire hammered him the only time they raced together. Papa’s last race was an all out win over a horse that suffered a major injury too. Although he looks like a decent longshot, I am guessing the Derby chase has taken a lot out of him. Looking past.

General Quarters (30-1) – Difficult horse to figure. Ran a bigger race in the Blue Grass in very slow fractions, near the front end. His other big race, the G3 Davis was also in very slow fractions. While the pace will not be ultra fast, I expect it to be 23 and 46 and change to the half. I also question his ability to go the distance.

Mr. Hot Stuff (30-1) – Can’t argue with the lineage, and the ownership knows what they are doing. I don’t think he’s fast enough to win…but he looks to be cut in the mold of Denis of Cork (last years 3rd placer), and I am definitely playing him on my tickets for 3rd and 4th.

Regal Ransom (30-1) – The other half of the Goldophin group. Maybe he liked the extra distance his last race in finally being able to get past Desert Party. I again question the Goldophin angle, but like the price on him far more than his stable mate.

Square Eddie (30-1) – This one will put in an honest effort, but simply isn’t fast enough, and will need a career effort to hit the board. I may play as 4th if at all.

West Side Bernie (30-1) – How can you argue with 30-1 on a horse coming off a 101 beyer? I’m not sure of the lineage and ability to make the distance though. He also couldn’t beat I Want Revenge despite the hellish trip for him. Still, the price intrigues me, and of the long shots, he’s the one that has shown the most promise so far.

Win Willy (30-1) – Sire is a Derby winner. This one seems to like to close from the clouds, which is normally a bad idea in a 20 horse derby field, and is even a worse idea in a slower pace. Still, you have to believe that he will be making an honest run late, and could easily hit the board. Possible win candidate if the pace is faster, and early speed is having a problem holding.

Charitable Man (50-1) – Very lightly raced, threw two big races as a 2 year old (93,96 beyers) and a clunker in the Blue Grass. It’s very possible he didn’t like the Polytrack, and he also could have needed that race. Based on his 2 year old ability, he has every right to throw a 100+ beyer this race. If he goes off anywhere near 25-1 he is worth playing.

Jeranimo (50-1) – I have no idea on this horse, never saw his PP’s.

Mafaaz (80-1) – I can’t find his PP’s, but I remember looking at them and seeing low 80 beyers. He made the field by winning some stupid race, but probably has little to no shot of doing anything here.

Advice (not listed) – Showed a huge closing move in the Lexington with a slow pace, yielding a career Beyer by 11 pts. Will need to move forward another 15 points to win, which isn’t likely with 2 weeks between starts. 4th maybe.

Flying Private (not listed) – Son of a Derby winner, a 700K purchase and trained by a several time Derby winner. But that hasn’t translated into the races. Career best Beyer of 94, simply isn’t good enough to contend.

Mine that Bird (not listed) – Zero chance.

Summer Bird (not listed) – Late bloomer as 1st race was March 1st. Huge closing move to get 3rd in the Arkansas Derby. Unlikely to get much of a pace to run at. Could be rounding into form around Belmont time. Candidate to hit the board if he runs.