It was four hours in. I had a reasonable stack, enough to threaten at the final table. Eleven remained. The waitress came by, almost pleading, asking me directly if I would like a beverage. She had come by more frequently as the tournament progressed.
But I was far too stingy to even offer a small tip for a complimentary soft drink. I believe the soft drinks are complimentary. Reading on you may say that it is what cost me a substantial payout.
I had a 9, 10 and got in cheap on the big blind with only one caller. The flop came something like 4, 5, 9; two hearts. I raised all-in. If I had recognized the potential flush draw I would not have gone all-in.
My opponent had something like a 5, 3; two hearts. His hearts scared me. My thoughts were, “Oh no.” he got trips.” when, if I remember correctly, another 4 came, then a 3, no more hearts. My opponent announce two pair and the dealer presented his hand by pushing forward the 3, and 5 on the board.
I thought I lost and walked away from the hand. (actually I believe there may have been a Jack on the board which means I really did lose, but allow me to convey an important aspect about the game) If my memory were correct, I had two pair with the higher pair. A bit of sugar and caffeine would have certainly assisted my memory. In fact, if the hand played out as my recollections torment me it did, I would not have missed seeing two pair, if I had been willing to hand the hard working waitress a dollar tip to bring me a soft drink. I would never ask for a complimentary soft drink if I didn’t intend to tip the staff.
These things happen, if it happened at all. I am not naming the establishment, but the dealer may have acted wrongly or not. The floor boss was also standing next to the table.
When I watch tournament poker on Poker Central, particularly the heads up tournaments, the floor boss is called over for every all-in. The floor boss identifies who has what, what is on the board, if anything, and does a play by play as the final cads are dealt. I have seen floor bosses actual call out how each player stands, what potential exists and who needs what card to overcome their opponent and ultimately declares the winner. Maybe this is just heads up tournament protocol. There is plenty to learn about the game.
That’s what I’ve seen on television anyway. But this is not the first time I’ve second guessed a hand and wondered if I really had won. I am sure my regrets have at times been well founded and at others not. It is part of the game. The reality is, I seldom take in sustenance when I am playing even as many hours pass. I learned from this experience that that is a mistake.
Winning or losing the adrenaline gets flowing when I am competing in anything. All the more so when I am second guessing myself. I wish there were tournaments earlier in the day as I would like to be able to get to sleep at a reasonable hour afterwards.
As it stands now, I have a decision to make. Do I push, investing a bit of bounty we have finally achieved to pursue poker in a professional sense, or do I drop back and make it a well enjoyed hobby when the opportunity presents itself. I intend to push for the next six months when the finances allow, which they do. Why do I relish this decision? Because I am good. Far better than any are willing to give me credit for. When I first started playing, and the tournaments consisted of 24 people or more I was running in the black with my winnings. Some venues are a bit tougher but I believe in my abilities.
The Mid States Poker Tour is coming to The Potawatomi Casino here in Milwaukee in January. At least that is what the bill boards say. They have yet to update their website.
I have also wanted to visit Montreal for a long time to admire its architecture. Via Poker Central I have learned Montreal is home to a well known poker establishment that I would also enjoy visiting.
