A few weeks back, I was invited to my first poker game here at my new school. I believe there were 9 of us at the first game, and we ended up playing twice, $20 buy in each time. The top 3 positions paid out, I finished 3rd, then 4th, so I broke even for the night. Of course, the real fun was hanging with folks and getting to know them better over beers and chips (both kinds!). A lot of strange stories emanating from this school, evidently!
About a week after the first game, I was invited to second, and this time there were 10 of us. Same rules, top 3 pay out. In the first game, it got down to 4 of us, and we played for about an extra hour and a half (even with blinds going up every 12 minutes). I was low man in the chip count when I went all in with a suited A/Q. I was called by the guy in 2nd place, and if I won, we'd basically flip places. He called with a pair of 7s. The flop brought me both an Ace and a Queen. I was pretty confident! Nothing on the turn, but the river was a freakin' SEVEN. D'oh! So I finished out of the money... Next game was down to 8 people, same rules. I got down to the final 3, and was winning the chip count. I tried to knock the 2nd place guy (a woman, actually -- I used to work with her at the elementary school) when I went all in after being dealt A/A! She did call me (she'd already raised the pot before I went all in, so I figured she had a decent hand and would follow me in). I was correct, and she had unsuited A/K! Ouch for her -- only Kings could help here. Or so I thought. Both my Aces were black, hers was the Ace of Hearts. The 3 cards on the flop were Hearts, and then the turn was a Heart. I didn't even have to wait for the damn river to see I was screwed! Unbelievable... I finished in 3rd, in a match I should have won. Shoulda, coulda, woulda... At least I broke even for the night again, and, in spite of losing 2 big "all ins" I should have won, I had a lot of fun.
Can't wait for the next game, I'm due for a win...
I've gotta say, Texas Hold 'Em may be my favorite game. Not only is there a ton of strategy, but it's a great psychological game. I've been blessed with an excellent "poker face," and this helps. I've itching to get back to the casino to try to do better there than I did last time. I think decades of competitive wargaming have helped to hone my poker skills, and for that, I'm thankful. If I could only win Lotto, I'd head for Vegas and try my hand against the big boys (I'm more than willing to take my lumps, in order to learn, but I can't afford to "learn" from the best on a teacher's salary, LOL!).
10 comments:
Ok, now the Sabres are starting to scare me. I flipped to the game with about 5 minutes to go, saw they were down 3-1, and flipped away. I figured they were due for a down game and a loss. Later I'm watching the news only to find out they came back to beat previously unbeaten Minnesota *at home*! This is crazy. This is how they were (coming back late) when they last made a big cup run. I think I should make some games this year.
I was thinking the same, Grant -- they're playing (and winning) like they were 2 years ago!
I was out gaming last night, and left Greg's house when the Sabres were winning 1-0. When I turned it on late, at home (about 10 minutes left), they were down 3-1. I continued to watch, and, sure enough, they did it!
Man, that was one exciting finish...
Now, can they get over the bad habits of starting slow?
So, I may have CC: Europe with me at next weeks BACSIM. Depends on UPS now.
I must confess I don't understand the huge attraction to poker that's been seen in the last few years. It's actually become one of the most popular spectator sports in the US. I'm amazed that so many people want to sit at home watching people playing poker on tv.
However, if you end up getting rich playing poker, I guess you'll have the last laugh won't you. :)
Watching poker on TV (something I do occasionally, for some of the higher-end WPTs) is something I do both as entertainment and a learning experience. I learn how high-end players handle hands in certain situations which helps improve my game and I get the vicarious thrill of watching people play for lots of money--something I'd never do unless already insanely rich.
I'll take up poker when I'm too old and fat to tie my hockey skates. Even then, if I'm old and fat and rich I'll hire a lace servant to tie them for me.
Besides, I hear poker leads to harder stuff, like CDGs, so that's another reason for me to stick with my hex games and stay away from cards. :)
CC:E! Nice, Grant!
I'm with Jeromy -- I watch some poker on TV to see how the good players do things.
It really is quite the psychological game, and, hopefully, will lead players to CDGS... ;-)
> so many people want to sit at home watching people playing poker on tv. <
Some people pay $4.50 for a cup of coffee also.
>I'm with Jeromy -- I watch some poker on TV to see how the good players do things. <
Yes but guys,,, so is everyone else!!
Cory
But they be dummer than me do.
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