Main Line Poker Club Feb 18 2008

Results from tonight's home game:

Game #3: 1) I.B. & R.W. 3) M.B.
Game #2: 1) B.D. 2)B.L. 3) M.B.
Game #1: 1) B.L. & R.W. 3) B.D.

I've forgotten nearly everything I wanted to write about. Aside from chopping first two times, which is a great outcome for this game, I can say that for me poker is fun right now, and I can't get enough. Maybe winning has helped, but I think I'm making reasonably good decisions, and when my chips go in, I'm usually the favorite. Not all outcomes are in my favor, but I'm playing each hand the best I know how and I'm growing in my understanding and reading ability. I experienced a major growth spurt during tonight's session by
1. calling an all in without looking at my cards because I knew I was priced in with ATC
2. calling an all in with a weakish holding (A8o) after having estimated OP's pushing range (actual hand here A7o). this nearly backfired as one player behind me (nemesis) woke up with a hand (99) and I was behind until the turn but I hit runner runner 8s to knock him out. A particularly bad beat for him since it was precisely the nature of beat that knocked him out of the Borgata tournament from the prior day. I faintly heard his contempt for my play over the jingle jangle of his championship bracelets dangling from his wrist. From my perspective, I had reason to believe I was ahead of OP1 and did not think OP2 (nemesis) would play the hand given the action before him. Hey, I'm entitled just like anyone else. The good news is I used this outcome to finish ITM.

I also recall limping with AA from a blind while eating a sandwhich with 4 limpers ahead of me. Had I been thinking I would have raised to isolate, but luckily the flop came xKx and J.S. to my left bet out and it folded back to me. I pushed AI and was called by his paired K, but my AA held up. Not the way to play it but it worked out for me.

Another consistent showing for B.D., B.L., & M.B. Finishing ITM more than once is not easy to do in this game, not to mention cashing regularly month-to-month. Recently only J.S. has had this strong of a showing.

Homeys M.B., B.S., and B.D. continue to do nicely online. J.S. seems to have a new-found interest in the 45s, winning one and placing second in another

I'm getting a poker table from craigslist with free delivery! Maybe one day I'll get to host the game. Many thanks to W.E. for finding this gem. Here's the original craigslist post:
Original price was $500. Still in box - never used.
Cup holders and poker chip trays at each seat. pecan solid wood finish, with tan grained leather center.
This is a great table with retractable legs to store away when needed.