And Then There Were Nine

Getting to the final table on a regular basis is a real confidence builder. I hadn't been to many tournaments as the small buy-in wisely increase one's chances to reach the final table and even that is a bit too much for our budget. But I hit the first Tavern Tourney of the year at Victor's and not only made the final table but took first.

The winnings and the fact that I was in the running to make a special single table tournament led me to make quite a few tournaments this January. I made several other final tables, but missed some, and couldn't go as far (winning more points) as possible as I was off my game a bit. Hard to focus with the numerous difficulties we are facing these last several years as Winter utility bills are a heavy burden. I pushed when I could have rode out my stack or waited for a better hand; costing me points or more than once costing me the final table. I also made some bad calls when I had really good hands but just had that feeling they had a better one.

I played a J, 3 because a sweetener was added to the pot. J high flop and I called a large bet. Another J on the turn and  I faced another large bet. I knew he had the other J and also was confident he didn't have the full house, but I had junk for a kicker. I had a very competitive stack and decided to push all-in. He insta-called and wanted to see my two spades as two spades were on the board. I thought it strange he thought I was chasing a flush but happy he couldn't read me at all. That he didn't put me on the other J. He had an A with his J. On the big blind he had not only a J but had the A. Something I wasn't expecting. with an 8, 9 also on the board a 7 or lower would have meant most likely a chop. I had nine outs. An 8 or 9 for a chop or a 3 for the win. I lost and was out.

But I was still in the running for that special single table tournament to win an entry into the Chicago Poker Classic. I didn't go to every tournament available or buy-in at every chance as I was trying not to extend my costs beyond what I won at that first final table and from another third place finish. Wished I had done things a bit different to catch a few more points with the chances I had but just had to wait to see if I made the cut. Was in good standing but several others were close behind and feared they would overtake me.

The single table tournament was to be for the top eight. The final points were posted a couple days ago and I tied for eight. Meaning there will be nine at he single table tournament for an entry into the Chicago Poker Classic.

I am also qualified for the January monthly which will be on a Sunday this time, which works great for me. And if I get to the final table in the monthly I will qualify for the 'Best of the Best' held every six months. And with just a bit of effort over the next three months am sure to make the next six month tournament.