Live Grind: How to Fall Asleep at the Table (Without Getting Caught)
BenjiHustle
Legend
Silver Level
That's what I figured, but it's still 4 broadway cards...?
I was in MP at the time, dumped it, and just sat there puzzled for a while. In a results-oriented sense, I would've only ended up with a pair of kings and it was a fold worth making. I still wonder if I would be playing TJQKr from the same position and why, if I would (because it feels like I oughta), it's any different anyway. It's kind of like being single-suited since I can't guarantee others aren't holding my suit in any situation anyway.
We got a first-timer over here!
Poker...?
I was in MP at the time, dumped it, and just sat there puzzled for a while. In a results-oriented sense, I would've only ended up with a pair of kings and it was a fold worth making. I still wonder if I would be playing TJQKr from the same position and why, if I would (because it feels like I oughta), it's any different anyway. It's kind of like being single-suited since I can't guarantee others aren't holding my suit in any situation anyway.
We got a first-timer over here!
Poker...?
Matt Vaughan
King of Moody Rants
Bronze Level
Position matters if there's action ahead, but this is an open from any position if the pot is unopened and it's a 6m game.
Most of the value of suited cards in omaha comes from blocking flushes/other types of combos, not so much from making non-nut flushes.
Like, AKQT single suited to the A has a LOT more value than say, KQJ9 double suited to the K and J. It partly depends on if you're in a game where you can get people to put money in with worse flushes or not, but A-high is key since no reverse implied odds.
Saying that KQJT monotone is a bad hand is kind of absurd imo. We can ask marginal or deuces or someone, but I don't think it's a close decision pre unless you're in EP in a FR game maybe.
Also, KQJT monotone >> KQJTr. Being able to make any flush is still better than equally blocking other suits or whatever.
Matt Vaughan
King of Moody Rants
Bronze Level
In chip news, ended up going with the bioshock pattern, and I'm going multi-color. Bluish/purplish on the white chips, orange on the red chips, light green on the green chips, white on the black chips.
Matt Vaughan
King of Moody Rants
Bronze Level
Though tbf it's not like we'll even need green and black chips when playing 1/1 =/ I figure you need at least a $800+ stack before you even bother with green chips lol.
But this Friday just running a cash game, and trying to expand my contact list. Hopefully can get a group of people more interested in deeper-stacked games (maybe 200bb buyins) and 1/2. Eventually I'd love to be doing 1 game a week minus the occasional week when I can't run it. And throwing 2/5 into the mix sometimes would be cool.
But this Friday just running a cash game, and trying to expand my contact list. Hopefully can get a group of people more interested in deeper-stacked games (maybe 200bb buyins) and 1/2. Eventually I'd love to be doing 1 game a week minus the occasional week when I can't run it. And throwing 2/5 into the mix sometimes would be cool.
Matt Vaughan
King of Moody Rants
Bronze Level
I haven't really been bumping this enough, but in some ways there hasn't been much to say until now.
Only played at the casino once since my last post with live hands. In the meantime though, my parents visited for a week and a half for Thanksgiving, which was really nice. On top of that, the week after they left, my gf moved in. She has been here a week today. It's going well so far, but it's kind of that honeymoon phase, so I know there will be some rough patches too, as this is a big adjustment for both of us.
While my parents were in town I managed to print labels, and get all of them onto my chips. They look pretty sexy, imo. Might post some pics later, but you can check my twitter in the meantime if you can't wait.
Last night ran my first cash home game. It was $1/$1 blinds, and had a pretty solid turnout. Will give a more detailed post later with my impressions and plans for moving forward. Currently about to run out the door to brunch.
Hope everyone's having a solid grind.
Only played at the casino once since my last post with live hands. In the meantime though, my parents visited for a week and a half for Thanksgiving, which was really nice. On top of that, the week after they left, my gf moved in. She has been here a week today. It's going well so far, but it's kind of that honeymoon phase, so I know there will be some rough patches too, as this is a big adjustment for both of us.
While my parents were in town I managed to print labels, and get all of them onto my chips. They look pretty sexy, imo. Might post some pics later, but you can check my twitter in the meantime if you can't wait.
Last night ran my first cash home game. It was $1/$1 blinds, and had a pretty solid turnout. Will give a more detailed post later with my impressions and plans for moving forward. Currently about to run out the door to brunch.
Hope everyone's having a solid grind.
Matt Vaughan
King of Moody Rants
Bronze Level
Thanks, and yeah.
Def botched some recently online, been playing pretty solid live I think.Glad to read holidays been nice with folks and GF moving in, enjoy the honeymoon phase
Hahah thanks man. We've been together over 4 years, but it's nice to actually be in the same place now.
More detailed poker post coming once I finish editing duggs' MOTM interview.
Matt Vaughan
King of Moody Rants
Bronze Level
Matt Vaughan
King of Moody Rants
Bronze Level
Hahaha yeah I'm trying this new thing where if I go into a thread I have to comment on at least one hand. It helps force me to actually post, and usually once I post on one I get engaged and want to look at more.
***WARNING****WARNING****WARNING****WARNING****WARNING***
ESSAY POST - TURN BACK NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT YOUR EYES TO BLEED
Poker's been hit or miss lately. Haven't played much online - none on Bovada, and not many hands in private game. Down a lot my last few sessions there. Some bad variance, but also just need to buckle down, be patient, and keep value betting. A lot of my recent mistakes have involved bluff lines that people in this game just won't respect because they like calling or don't understand what I'm representing.
Live has gone a bit better. My past few sessions haven't been massive wins or anything, but I've just felt very in my element. I enjoy live more, and I'm also getting better at not sacrificing good play for the enjoyment. It's always a balance, but I feel like I'm able to incorporate table talk more easily into the game, and just starting conversations with people and stuff.
In a similar vein, I hosted my second home game. With my poker chips newly labeled and a cash game on the horizon, I was pretty excited. Not many of the original crowd were interested in cash games, so I had to spread the word a little further. Still mostly coworkers, but I also welcomed people bringing friends with them.
It ended up being a massive success. A total of 14 guys came through, with a peak of 11 people playing on 2 - that's right, 2 - tables. While my secondary side table wasn't as great as my poker table, it still allowed more action, which was nice for the people who would have otherwise had to wait. I only have 12 chairs in my house currently, so if I want to do that regularly and have more than 12 play I'm going to have to stock up. Not a problem I was expecting to have, but I think that's a relatively good thing.
As for the people, it was a very different mix from the first time. Much more like a casino game than a home game, though still more friendly and conversational. Most of the people who came the first time busted within the first couple hours. A few only bought in for $40 or $50 (it was a 1/1 game, buyin of 40-100), but a couple bought in for the full $100. I ended up spotting one guy $100 after he had busted what he brought. Not something I want to turn into a habit, but with him I wasn't worried, and it was that or send him to a distant ATM.
I frankly didn't pay that much attention to how people played, except at a high level. I know a couple players were halfway decent, but most were at the level of bad semi-reg or semi-nit in a casino game. I was mostly focused on the hosting part of things though.
I dumped over 2 buyins in the first couple hours, mostly in cooler situations. AA < K7s AIOTF on K72 two tone in a way, massive, 3way 3b pot (45bb in the pot on the flop), TPTK running into two pair, etc. But I didn't get tilted at all. For one thing, it's actually less money than I'm used to playing for. A bit bad, in that it's easier to spew because I don't care about the money, but I also felt it freed me to make moves when I otherwise would have been worried, and hero call with more confidence when I thought I was right.
On top of my own perceived success, it seemed everyone had a great time and thought the game was run well. For one thing, I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing people catch sight of my poker table for the first time. It's always either "wow," "nice," or just a slight gasp at the setup. It might be a little egotistical, but it feels really good, since I put a lot of time and energy into getting everything set up just right.
A lot of the people who came also play in other home games (most are tournaments only, or tournaments with side cash games), and 3 of the reggy types said it was the best-run home game they'd been to in a very long time. I definitely have private NYC games to thank for that, as a lot of my hosting style I learned from going to other games.
On top of the kind words, I also made $31 in tips lol. It was a bit of a surprise to me, though maybe it shouldn't have been. I did provide some snacks and soda, but given that only 3 people tipped me ($5, $10, $16), I was a little surprised I basically broke even on the snacks. I'm hoping to bring those people's friends around - maybe they have the same tipping mindset. Tbf the guy who tipped $16 cashed out $386 from an $80 buyin, so I doubt he'll be that generous when he was a breakeven night.
In terms of my own game, I did manage to turn the night around with some well-timed reverse coolers and some solid, patient play. I don't know exactly how much I made. I was in for $340 and cashed out somewhere between $450 and $500 - pretty good given how the night started.
I probably won't be hosting again until after the holidays since a lot of people will be gone, but I'm looking forward to making this a regular thing. I know that a number of the players will be back for sure, and several of them will absolutely be telling their other home game-playing friends to come over. I think that I'll be able to host a weekly or bi-weekly game within a few months.
All in all, feeling good about poker, and the varied perspective I'm able to have for it now.
***WARNING****WARNING****WARNING****WARNING****WARNING***
ESSAY POST - TURN BACK NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT YOUR EYES TO BLEED
Poker's been hit or miss lately. Haven't played much online - none on Bovada, and not many hands in private game. Down a lot my last few sessions there. Some bad variance, but also just need to buckle down, be patient, and keep value betting. A lot of my recent mistakes have involved bluff lines that people in this game just won't respect because they like calling or don't understand what I'm representing.
Live has gone a bit better. My past few sessions haven't been massive wins or anything, but I've just felt very in my element. I enjoy live more, and I'm also getting better at not sacrificing good play for the enjoyment. It's always a balance, but I feel like I'm able to incorporate table talk more easily into the game, and just starting conversations with people and stuff.
In a similar vein, I hosted my second home game. With my poker chips newly labeled and a cash game on the horizon, I was pretty excited. Not many of the original crowd were interested in cash games, so I had to spread the word a little further. Still mostly coworkers, but I also welcomed people bringing friends with them.
It ended up being a massive success. A total of 14 guys came through, with a peak of 11 people playing on 2 - that's right, 2 - tables. While my secondary side table wasn't as great as my poker table, it still allowed more action, which was nice for the people who would have otherwise had to wait. I only have 12 chairs in my house currently, so if I want to do that regularly and have more than 12 play I'm going to have to stock up. Not a problem I was expecting to have, but I think that's a relatively good thing.
As for the people, it was a very different mix from the first time. Much more like a casino game than a home game, though still more friendly and conversational. Most of the people who came the first time busted within the first couple hours. A few only bought in for $40 or $50 (it was a 1/1 game, buyin of 40-100), but a couple bought in for the full $100. I ended up spotting one guy $100 after he had busted what he brought. Not something I want to turn into a habit, but with him I wasn't worried, and it was that or send him to a distant ATM.
I frankly didn't pay that much attention to how people played, except at a high level. I know a couple players were halfway decent, but most were at the level of bad semi-reg or semi-nit in a casino game. I was mostly focused on the hosting part of things though.
I dumped over 2 buyins in the first couple hours, mostly in cooler situations. AA < K7s AIOTF on K72 two tone in a way, massive, 3way 3b pot (45bb in the pot on the flop), TPTK running into two pair, etc. But I didn't get tilted at all. For one thing, it's actually less money than I'm used to playing for. A bit bad, in that it's easier to spew because I don't care about the money, but I also felt it freed me to make moves when I otherwise would have been worried, and hero call with more confidence when I thought I was right.
On top of my own perceived success, it seemed everyone had a great time and thought the game was run well. For one thing, I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing people catch sight of my poker table for the first time. It's always either "wow," "nice," or just a slight gasp at the setup. It might be a little egotistical, but it feels really good, since I put a lot of time and energy into getting everything set up just right.
A lot of the people who came also play in other home games (most are tournaments only, or tournaments with side cash games), and 3 of the reggy types said it was the best-run home game they'd been to in a very long time. I definitely have private NYC games to thank for that, as a lot of my hosting style I learned from going to other games.
On top of the kind words, I also made $31 in tips lol. It was a bit of a surprise to me, though maybe it shouldn't have been. I did provide some snacks and soda, but given that only 3 people tipped me ($5, $10, $16), I was a little surprised I basically broke even on the snacks. I'm hoping to bring those people's friends around - maybe they have the same tipping mindset.
Tbf the guy who tipped $16 cashed out $386 from an $80 buyin, so I doubt he'll be that generous when he was a breakeven night.In terms of my own game, I did manage to turn the night around with some well-timed reverse coolers and some solid, patient play. I don't know exactly how much I made. I was in for $340 and cashed out somewhere between $450 and $500 - pretty good given how the night started.
I probably won't be hosting again until after the holidays since a lot of people will be gone, but I'm looking forward to making this a regular thing. I know that a number of the players will be back for sure, and several of them will absolutely be telling their other home game-playing friends to come over. I think that I'll be able to host a weekly or bi-weekly game within a few months.
All in all, feeling good about poker, and the varied perspective I'm able to have for it now.
rifflemao
Pugs Not Drugs
Silver Level
Pics of the table or it's just a cool story, bro.
I'm jealous of your home game. Not sure I'd want to host one myself, but sounds like you've got a great one going. I played a fun live league last year with a decent setup, but it's 120 miles one way.
Mr Sandbag
Legend
Silver Level
Your home game sounds awesome. Glad it went well. Tips = the nuts.
When it comes to tipping, there seems to be a wide range of beliefs. I'm not sure if it is a generational thing or what. For example, my dad, uncles, older cousins, etc. run sports-related pools all the time and there is a hard and fast expectation that the winner will tip 10% to the coordinator. However, I've participated in and/or coordinated pools and leagues with my friends and peers, and tipping can be almost nonexistent.
When it comes to tipping, there seems to be a wide range of beliefs. I'm not sure if it is a generational thing or what. For example, my dad, uncles, older cousins, etc. run sports-related pools all the time and there is a hard and fast expectation that the winner will tip 10% to the coordinator. However, I've participated in and/or coordinated pools and leagues with my friends and peers, and tipping can be almost nonexistent.
Matt Vaughan
King of Moody Rants
Bronze Level
My grandmother passed away this morning. Sorting out funeral details and everything else that goes with a family death just before christmas. =/
I was closer with my grandfather than my grandmother, but this was more unexpected, so I'm still very much in shock. She'd been in the hospital recently, but the issues she was facing weren't to a degree where we saw this coming. But I guess death is always unexpected.
Don't expect many posts from me between now and ~Jan 5th. We're hoping to not "cancel christmas" - basically still want to celebrate with the fam, so still going home before the funeral in Cleveland. Honestly not sure what I'm feeling right now, but glad I get some actual time off so I can process everything.
To end on a lighter note, I really am looking forward to seeing my family. As a goodbye before the new year, and since my next post probably won't be until a goals post after, I'll leave you with this:Try to be with the people you care for, celebrate safely, and keep in mind those less fortunate.
Happy holidays, everyone.
I was closer with my grandfather than my grandmother, but this was more unexpected, so I'm still very much in shock. She'd been in the hospital recently, but the issues she was facing weren't to a degree where we saw this coming. But I guess death is always unexpected.
Don't expect many posts from me between now and ~Jan 5th. We're hoping to not "cancel christmas" - basically still want to celebrate with the fam, so still going home before the funeral in Cleveland. Honestly not sure what I'm feeling right now, but glad I get some actual time off so I can process everything.
To end on a lighter note, I really am looking forward to seeing my family. As a goodbye before the new year, and since my next post probably won't be until a goals post after, I'll leave you with this:Try to be with the people you care for, celebrate safely, and keep in mind those less fortunate.
Happy holidays, everyone.
xdeucesx
Bar Master
Silver Level
