Final Table

Monday I went to the local Milwaukee Tavern Tourny and made the final table. True I arrived at the final table with a stack equal to the small blind but still I was there and finished 8th, going all-in with Q, 3 suited, the best cards I had seen for quite a while. The final table at my first Milwaukee Tourny, a good omen in my quest for poker glory.

I spent the $5 for the bonus chips and just played smart. Then a bit of theatrics. With a 6, 9 suited I placed a stack of chips on my hold cards and with a K on the table I tried my best to look like I really wanted to bet. Hit a nine on the river and bet 500 to take the pot with a losing hand, as my opponent had a 9, 8. If you have a running back that makes the defense think he is running left when he runs right, do you say he is lying?

That was at Victor's with about 38 people at the tables. A bit disheartening to play well and see those going bust buying back in, buying a round of drinks for bonus chips, and ending up with a stack bigger than yours. But at this level of Tavern Tourny's it is about enjoying yourself and supporting the local establishment. I had no extra cash to be taking advantage of the bonus chip gimmick's. But playing consecutive days gets you 2000 in free chips each day and soon they will be having a tournament on Sunday.

Then Tuesday we were at G-Daddy's BBC on the east-side. Only 18 at the tables. A few college guys were playing. Some not knowing how to deal, but there is always someone, if not everyone, happy to help others learn the game.

I chased a bluff and/or a full house with two A's on the table at the turn. Lucky I didn't make the 8 on the river to go with my pocket pair cause I was facing quads, eagerly shown as I folded. My call of his large raises hopefully made his night. I live to serve. My pocket 7's lost to pocket K's and I was out before the break.

After the first break everyone gets 2000 more in free chips and I was moved to a table of small stacks. There was a guy who had been to the world series of poker. I won an all-in with pocket 8's against the large stack at the table.

Then I decided to play a J, 8 suited; clubs. The flop came J, 10, 7 giving me high pair and a straight draw with one club on the table. I decided to go all-in. The WSOP participant, he was showing us his pictures on his laptop, called with a stack equal to my own. He had a Q, K making my gut shot straight draw a losing prospect. A 3 of clubs came on the turn and he was left with 11 outs as a club would give me the flush. He made the K, red, and I was out. It was a great way to go out. If you can't enjoy the game for the game you don't love poker. We shook hands and that was it for me for the night.

I almost didn't go Tuesday because I felt I wouldn't do well. Part of it was I was a bit enamored with myself from the night before and chased some hands I shouldn't have. And I did finish early but I was happy I went. Really hit a comfort level at the tables and picking up more of the lingo.

Wednesday a seat at the six month Tournament was on the line with an expectation of forty people in attendance but I had something previously planned. I hope to hit a string of games at least once a month. The promoter is hoping to double the numbers at each establishment. Plenty of seats and free chips for anyone interested.

Some at the table were talking about Badger Poker. I added their links in the side bar.