I had planned to post much earlier, it has been well over a month since my last post! So what, only my poker buddies have this link and they have probably heard enough of me lately :P
I have been playing really well recently, not really hitting the deck, but making good decisions. (God help boost eating monkeys when I also hit the deck :D)
A few interesting hands in local cash games, I ran a major bluff on a fish down there, Top pair with 10 kicker, flush and straight board, he bets river, and i re-raise all in.
Anyway, had to get that out the way cos I know he reads this :D (the only one :Dhahaha)
Played the biggest game my local casino has seen in a while, £50 plus one add on or rebuy, with £2900 added to prize pool.
The game got the full 80 runners and was capped at this level, i got to final table and a deal was made, I cashed for £800. The game was a crapshoot from the start, and it kind of forced me into playing a style that I do not usually enjoy (short stacking it, shoving now and again to pick up blinds and having to fold nice hands to a raise!) But I did enjoy the challenge and was determined to make it to the final table atl east, £800 cash was a nice result.
Online cash sessions have been very swingy, up $1300 in 4 days, and lost $700 of that in a few days, I was taking shots here and there so not reading too much into it.
Started to be more disciplined and playing away both online cash and live cash, although my results at live cash are still FAR more consistent.
Future plans, looking at possibly going to Vegas on 19th June, definitely going this year, just looking for confirm a date. 19th of June is a definite possibility as a few poker playing mates are already booked for there, so would kind of make sense, we shall see.
On a side note, I am feeling really mellow when taking a bad beat, although I think it's due to the painkillers I am on just now! SERIOUSLY they are very good, and definitely positive EV ;)
Good luck at the tables.
Will post again soon, (hopefully some bragging thread about a few more tourney cashes and a massive heater at the cash games ;) xxx
Barry "Ginger Toys" Chalmers
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
High Stakes For The Win!
Been over a month since my last post, reasons??.......Playing poker, Watching poker, and trying to have a little bit non poker related fun (it does exist if u give it a chance :D)
No results to speak of, cashed in local tourney, playing cash in local casino! Which is quite a lively game these days, blinds of £1-and £1, but usual raises £6-£12 range, it is actually like a $3-$6 or even $5-$10 game essentially. (providing the right mix of players are in the mood!)
In summation, a little bit here and there online (profit) a little bit here and there live (down a little bit for the month)
Anyway forget all that, I have started to watch all the GSN high stakes poker seasons again, seriously THANK GOD FOR THIS SHOW :P As entertainment goes, (particularly if u love poker!) It is unmatched, I think Poker After Dark is amazing as u see effectively a full 6 handed sit and go (i.e all their folds etc, like 90% of the hands)
But high stakes is just the business, Gabe Kaplan is a comic genius... "I know poker players that lose a $1.40 and can't sleep" "Hey AJ, do u ever just throw money around? I do some days I just go mad and buy a toaster, or even tip the valet guy $2, just cos I can"
The new season is due out soon, I seriously cannot wait!!
(Just thinking!! Jesus christ it means that much to me!! :D)
Upcoming events, Paul Hendo's home game, should be another great game, made the final table last two times i've played there, great game, great group of poker players together, drink, karaoke and food.
I really do not know where u can have a great night for a £50 + one add on or rebuy, plus u can get close to a grand if u win!! If anyone knows of a better poker night, I'd like to see it.
Planning on really kicking up the grind online towards the end of the month and for the whole of March, have a few targets and goals, multi-tabling.
I MUST ALSO PLAY MORE MTT'S ONLINE, I HAVE NOT PLAYED ONE IN OVER A MONTH AN THAT IS NOT RIGHT! :D
To close, sad to see Gala cancelled the GCBPT this year, terrible. It was a great tour, with great games, and the main events had good structures.
Positive, the Grosvenor have a summer series in Aberdeen, £200, £300 and £500 games, will definitely play the £500 game. Depends on structure of the other ones.
Good Luck at the tables, life is good ;) xxxxx
No results to speak of, cashed in local tourney, playing cash in local casino! Which is quite a lively game these days, blinds of £1-and £1, but usual raises £6-£12 range, it is actually like a $3-$6 or even $5-$10 game essentially. (providing the right mix of players are in the mood!)
In summation, a little bit here and there online (profit) a little bit here and there live (down a little bit for the month)
Anyway forget all that, I have started to watch all the GSN high stakes poker seasons again, seriously THANK GOD FOR THIS SHOW :P As entertainment goes, (particularly if u love poker!) It is unmatched, I think Poker After Dark is amazing as u see effectively a full 6 handed sit and go (i.e all their folds etc, like 90% of the hands)
But high stakes is just the business, Gabe Kaplan is a comic genius... "I know poker players that lose a $1.40 and can't sleep" "Hey AJ, do u ever just throw money around? I do some days I just go mad and buy a toaster, or even tip the valet guy $2, just cos I can"
The new season is due out soon, I seriously cannot wait!!
(Just thinking!! Jesus christ it means that much to me!! :D)
Upcoming events, Paul Hendo's home game, should be another great game, made the final table last two times i've played there, great game, great group of poker players together, drink, karaoke and food.
I really do not know where u can have a great night for a £50 + one add on or rebuy, plus u can get close to a grand if u win!! If anyone knows of a better poker night, I'd like to see it.
Planning on really kicking up the grind online towards the end of the month and for the whole of March, have a few targets and goals, multi-tabling.
I MUST ALSO PLAY MORE MTT'S ONLINE, I HAVE NOT PLAYED ONE IN OVER A MONTH AN THAT IS NOT RIGHT! :D
To close, sad to see Gala cancelled the GCBPT this year, terrible. It was a great tour, with great games, and the main events had good structures.
Positive, the Grosvenor have a summer series in Aberdeen, £200, £300 and £500 games, will definitely play the £500 game. Depends on structure of the other ones.
Good Luck at the tables, life is good ;) xxxxx
Friday, 2 January 2009
Hello 2009 (all I ask is you to be fair!!)
Happy New year to everyone!
Recent results have not been great, lost £200 in local cash game (but left with £300 still in my pocket, it was just one of those nights when you really should up and walk away :D) Sets flushed away and rivered a few times :D
I played the £200 game in Aberdeen, really did not like the structure. This is a shame, because I have always thought International casino in Aberdeen put on a great game with a great structure, but it was really botched this time. Also the inconcistencies in their rulings are crazy. Anyway, 5 of us from Dundee made the trip, and were all knocked out.
I played the £100 game on the Monday night at the Maybury in Edinburgh, wont even start! Short story I built my stack up to around 15k, blinds were at 200-400, got into a pot with a guy who called my 5xBB raise with Q7 diamonds!!!!!! I had 99, needless to say he chased a flush and hit. Knocking me out, luckily a few other dundee boys were knocked out and we headed to the bar.
Also as a side note, the guy who knocked me out built a monster stack that should have cruised to the final table, he blew up and went out 1 or 2 spots before final!!!! Justice proving plays like that cant get u there in the good old long run ;)
Online cash has been a bitch lately, nut flush cracked twice by houses and two pair against AA, running paired board on the turn and river to ship the pot away from me.
So not a great end to 2008, but I can't complain, have ran well, had many, many scores in online and live tournaments, played my first major two day tournament and have improved my game so much.
In 2009 with my local cardroom basically on life support, I see me moving more and more online, both tournaments and cash games. Also looking to play atleast 1 GUKPT this year and a few of the GCBPT's (if the tour gets the go ahead again, so fingers crossed)
I will still play the Thursday deepstack game, mainly for the social aspect and it is the only really decent game there. I will also attend as many of the cash games down there as I can.
I will be posting a clear outline of my goals for 2009, but I really want to think about them first, and then post them.
Good Luck at the tables, and in life in 2009.
Barry
Recent results have not been great, lost £200 in local cash game (but left with £300 still in my pocket, it was just one of those nights when you really should up and walk away :D) Sets flushed away and rivered a few times :D
I played the £200 game in Aberdeen, really did not like the structure. This is a shame, because I have always thought International casino in Aberdeen put on a great game with a great structure, but it was really botched this time. Also the inconcistencies in their rulings are crazy. Anyway, 5 of us from Dundee made the trip, and were all knocked out.
I played the £100 game on the Monday night at the Maybury in Edinburgh, wont even start! Short story I built my stack up to around 15k, blinds were at 200-400, got into a pot with a guy who called my 5xBB raise with Q7 diamonds!!!!!! I had 99, needless to say he chased a flush and hit. Knocking me out, luckily a few other dundee boys were knocked out and we headed to the bar.
Also as a side note, the guy who knocked me out built a monster stack that should have cruised to the final table, he blew up and went out 1 or 2 spots before final!!!! Justice proving plays like that cant get u there in the good old long run ;)
Online cash has been a bitch lately, nut flush cracked twice by houses and two pair against AA, running paired board on the turn and river to ship the pot away from me.
So not a great end to 2008, but I can't complain, have ran well, had many, many scores in online and live tournaments, played my first major two day tournament and have improved my game so much.
In 2009 with my local cardroom basically on life support, I see me moving more and more online, both tournaments and cash games. Also looking to play atleast 1 GUKPT this year and a few of the GCBPT's (if the tour gets the go ahead again, so fingers crossed)
I will still play the Thursday deepstack game, mainly for the social aspect and it is the only really decent game there. I will also attend as many of the cash games down there as I can.
I will be posting a clear outline of my goals for 2009, but I really want to think about them first, and then post them.
Good Luck at the tables, and in life in 2009.
Barry
Sunday, 21 December 2008
Festive Period!
Been a while since my last post, just been super busy (both poker) and other extra curricular activities! (Very exciting and fun, but poker still my first love :P)
Updates first, played the satellite for Bristol (played so bad, just never got going and did not qualify (always next year!)
Tourney results, continue to do very well at local Thursday £50 freezeout game, it's a 10k starting stack, blinds start 50/100 with a 30 min clock. As close to deepstack as u will find in my local casino, and kind of takes the donkey factor out of the game. Cashed in it pretty much every week, last Thursday got heads up, had chip lead and did a deal.
Cash Results: Can't remember a losing week both live and online, so will just keep grinding away there, I plan on taking a shot soon at $5-$10 NLHE, I will be doing this when I am feeling good, everything else out the way so I can sit down clear headed and play my A-Game. Will post results here GOOD OR BAD :D So watch this space!!
Coming plans, goals and games....
Sure there is a tournament on xmas eve!! haha (BUT I WILL NOT BE PLAYING ANY TOURNAMENTS OR CASH GAMES UNTIL SATURDAY 27th (AT THE EARLIEST!)
Options......
Saturday 27th December £100 (plus one add/on or rebuy) game in International Casino Aberdeen, 5pm kick off. Generally a good game, plenty of dead money, had decent results up there. However, have night out with a lot of the guys I play football with on the same night. So may decide to have a social life and miss that one.
Sunday 28th December £250 deepstack (2 day tournament in Maybury Edinburgh) sure I will just play this one instead, spoke with Ally the manager regards structure, said 20k starting stack which is a monster stack, 40-45 min clock, so a lot of the luck/donk/ factor should be removed. Will play this one as I have not played a large 2-day tourney since Edinburgh GCBPT, and will be good practice, as I plan on playing more events next year (GUKPT and GCBPT'S)
I was gonna fill this post with goals for 2009 etc, but I am going to wait. I don't want to post something that I am not 100% committed to, so gonna have a think and if i post them in February then so be it!
Every new day is a chance to reset and change or go in another direction, it saddens me why so many people wait until January the 1st, do something today ;)
Good Luck, and I hope Santa is good to everyone, and the xmas elves keep bad beats to a minimum.
Merry Xmas.
Barry
Updates first, played the satellite for Bristol (played so bad, just never got going and did not qualify (always next year!)
Tourney results, continue to do very well at local Thursday £50 freezeout game, it's a 10k starting stack, blinds start 50/100 with a 30 min clock. As close to deepstack as u will find in my local casino, and kind of takes the donkey factor out of the game. Cashed in it pretty much every week, last Thursday got heads up, had chip lead and did a deal.
Cash Results: Can't remember a losing week both live and online, so will just keep grinding away there, I plan on taking a shot soon at $5-$10 NLHE, I will be doing this when I am feeling good, everything else out the way so I can sit down clear headed and play my A-Game. Will post results here GOOD OR BAD :D So watch this space!!
Coming plans, goals and games....
Sure there is a tournament on xmas eve!! haha (BUT I WILL NOT BE PLAYING ANY TOURNAMENTS OR CASH GAMES UNTIL SATURDAY 27th (AT THE EARLIEST!)
Options......
Saturday 27th December £100 (plus one add/on or rebuy) game in International Casino Aberdeen, 5pm kick off. Generally a good game, plenty of dead money, had decent results up there. However, have night out with a lot of the guys I play football with on the same night. So may decide to have a social life and miss that one.
Sunday 28th December £250 deepstack (2 day tournament in Maybury Edinburgh) sure I will just play this one instead, spoke with Ally the manager regards structure, said 20k starting stack which is a monster stack, 40-45 min clock, so a lot of the luck/donk/ factor should be removed. Will play this one as I have not played a large 2-day tourney since Edinburgh GCBPT, and will be good practice, as I plan on playing more events next year (GUKPT and GCBPT'S)
I was gonna fill this post with goals for 2009 etc, but I am going to wait. I don't want to post something that I am not 100% committed to, so gonna have a think and if i post them in February then so be it!
Every new day is a chance to reset and change or go in another direction, it saddens me why so many people wait until January the 1st, do something today ;)
Good Luck, and I hope Santa is good to everyone, and the xmas elves keep bad beats to a minimum.
Merry Xmas.
Barry
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Lady Luck Is My Bitch!
I have been quite ill over the last few weeks, but that has not stopped the positive results.
Tournament successes since last time:- I did not play the sattelite last Thursday for the GCBPT final in Bristol, instead went down to local casino and played the deepstack, again down to final 3, chip leader and we did a deal.
Went throught to Edinburgh casino and played the freezeout on Tuesday (result 5th no prize, I did knock out a good friend with 45 spades after a flop of 445, he was also designated driver for the night so that was fun :D)
Friday £10 rebuy game, 57 players, £2500 in the pot, I got down to last 6, blinds started to increase, I was 2nd in chips, decided to to a deal for around £400 each.
Cash results :- Played the local cash game, sat down with £110, left with £385, pretty cooler hand, again for my good friend who I bust with 45. He flat calls £4 straddle, I raise £4 with £16, he goes £50 total. I go all in for £160 more, (I have KK) he doesn't instacall so know it aint AA, he calls with QQ. Quite a cooler, and board does not improve him, shipping me a decent pot.
Online: HAS BEEN GOING SPECTACULARLY WELL.
I am managing the money better, not depositing, actually withdrawing some! Not tilting, really happy with results recently. I have also been running like Jesus (as usual some of u will say!) so that helps.
Few interesting hands from online sessions.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?3492892 600 euro pot with A10, ship it ;) (going through hand again, it was one of these mind games and he thought i thought he thought ones! Unfortunately it was on the boss network, so no idea what he had. Thinking Worse A (as no draws there) or one of those that cant lay KK in that spot.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?3502131 (When u play 45 of clubs, it helps to flop the flush :D)
http://www.pokerhand.org/?3508477 ($200+ pot, yeah I call with bottom pair, 5 kicker, Kenny Tran would have been proud with that one. Again I'm going with my reads, he button raised alot, and max I was giving him credit for was A high, although I was trying to get him off it by representing the 10!!! His button raise with K7 diamonds cost him $100 :D
http://www.pokerhand.org/?3500305 (just to show how well im running when i get big hands!)
http://www.pokerhand.org/?3508490 (Always nice to flop a set)
In summation!
I am playing well, and I believe that there is a spot of me running well, but I've earned it, I ran bad for 3 months and it almost broke me, but I tweaked parts of my game, and if I get tagged a luckbox like ivey then I am happy with that company ;)
Tonight I play the sattelite for the Bristol main event, if I qualify in this form......they may aswell start writing my name on the winners cheque ;)
P.S
I'm still ill and not feeling great, so lucozade, grapes, oranges (any fruit actually!) and little cute texts are all welcome ;)
Good luck
Barry xx
Tournament successes since last time:- I did not play the sattelite last Thursday for the GCBPT final in Bristol, instead went down to local casino and played the deepstack, again down to final 3, chip leader and we did a deal.
Went throught to Edinburgh casino and played the freezeout on Tuesday (result 5th no prize, I did knock out a good friend with 45 spades after a flop of 445, he was also designated driver for the night so that was fun :D)
Friday £10 rebuy game, 57 players, £2500 in the pot, I got down to last 6, blinds started to increase, I was 2nd in chips, decided to to a deal for around £400 each.
Cash results :- Played the local cash game, sat down with £110, left with £385, pretty cooler hand, again for my good friend who I bust with 45. He flat calls £4 straddle, I raise £4 with £16, he goes £50 total. I go all in for £160 more, (I have KK) he doesn't instacall so know it aint AA, he calls with QQ. Quite a cooler, and board does not improve him, shipping me a decent pot.
Online: HAS BEEN GOING SPECTACULARLY WELL.
I am managing the money better, not depositing, actually withdrawing some! Not tilting, really happy with results recently. I have also been running like Jesus (as usual some of u will say!) so that helps.
Few interesting hands from online sessions.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?3492892 600 euro pot with A10, ship it ;) (going through hand again, it was one of these mind games and he thought i thought he thought ones! Unfortunately it was on the boss network, so no idea what he had. Thinking Worse A (as no draws there) or one of those that cant lay KK in that spot.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?3502131 (When u play 45 of clubs, it helps to flop the flush :D)
http://www.pokerhand.org/?3508477 ($200+ pot, yeah I call with bottom pair, 5 kicker, Kenny Tran would have been proud with that one. Again I'm going with my reads, he button raised alot, and max I was giving him credit for was A high, although I was trying to get him off it by representing the 10!!! His button raise with K7 diamonds cost him $100 :D
http://www.pokerhand.org/?3500305 (just to show how well im running when i get big hands!)
http://www.pokerhand.org/?3508490 (Always nice to flop a set)
In summation!
I am playing well, and I believe that there is a spot of me running well, but I've earned it, I ran bad for 3 months and it almost broke me, but I tweaked parts of my game, and if I get tagged a luckbox like ivey then I am happy with that company ;)
Tonight I play the sattelite for the Bristol main event, if I qualify in this form......they may aswell start writing my name on the winners cheque ;)
P.S
I'm still ill and not feeling great, so lucozade, grapes, oranges (any fruit actually!) and little cute texts are all welcome ;)
Good luck
Barry xx
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Rolling, Rolling, Rolling
Things have been good recently, playing very well, making good decisions, and getting my money in ahead most of the time!
I have been in top 3 of last three deepstack games at local casino, and got a 2nd in the sunday game, final tabled game in Edinburgh (went out 5th) and my cash game results have been good.
It is a definite mindset shift, I am now playing within my bankroll, and dropping down limits if need be, and just generally feel very positive about my game.
The GCBPT main event is in the first week of December, £1500 buy in. I really want to play this game and have the money available to directly buy in (something I would not have hesitated to do in the past) But spening £1500 on a buy in for a tourney plus hotel and travel is just negative EV!!
I can use this money to further build my bankroll towards the target of vegas next year!
As a result, my only option is to sattelite in!
I am playin the $150 sattelite on gala poker tonight, so hopefully my next blog is about how I am so great and won a package to the main event in Bristol ;)
Watch this space :P
Good luck at the tables
Barry xx
I have been in top 3 of last three deepstack games at local casino, and got a 2nd in the sunday game, final tabled game in Edinburgh (went out 5th) and my cash game results have been good.
It is a definite mindset shift, I am now playing within my bankroll, and dropping down limits if need be, and just generally feel very positive about my game.
The GCBPT main event is in the first week of December, £1500 buy in. I really want to play this game and have the money available to directly buy in (something I would not have hesitated to do in the past) But spening £1500 on a buy in for a tourney plus hotel and travel is just negative EV!!
I can use this money to further build my bankroll towards the target of vegas next year!
As a result, my only option is to sattelite in!
I am playin the $150 sattelite on gala poker tonight, so hopefully my next blog is about how I am so great and won a package to the main event in Bristol ;)
Watch this space :P
Good luck at the tables
Barry xx
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Just Variance!
So I played the £100 and £75 freezeouts at the Aberdeen Masters, never really got going in the £100 game, pushed 10bb with 910 hearts, AK called, he hit a house! £75 game, was just brutal, I was the victim of set over set! (Only second time it has happened to me live, and in same casino!!) just a cooler, even knocked out Negreanu in the main event this year :P.
After a superb prior week of cashing for $1k for 2nd in the Betfair $5k GTD, £580 at tournament in Dundee, I was starting to add to the roll.
Aberdeen cost around £250 inc expenses, cash results from the week live. Up £170 on the Saturday, down £200 Sunday (dealers choice, i was letting off steam from the Aberdeen set over set!) Down £150 Monday night, walked into Ali's quads. SICK! :D
Took a big downswing online cash as well, but I withdrew a large proportion and still showing good profit.
So lessons from all this??
I'M LEARNING!
Poker is a fascinating game, I really love the game, all aspects. You have to see the bigger picture, you cannot go on one pot, or even one week, or a month!
All young players want instant results, and instant success (in everything, not just poker!) But Poker is a euphemism for life.........
And sayings such as "Good things come to those who wait" and "Patience is a virtue" etc all ring true.
I have been playing the best poker of my life recently, what used to be reckless aggressive bluffs (are I hope now educated moves!) and what used to be a fire a 3rd bullet just to win a pot, is now a check muck if i deem that to be the optimal play for the situation.
The key point I remind myself every time I play.... I am in poker for the long run, I have a thirst for it, and no amount of badbeats, downswings or donk plays is gonna keep me out of the game.
What I love about Poker is you can always start from fresh, stick $100 in an online account and the sky truly is the limit. ;)
Plans for this month:-
Played a hell of a lot over the last month, I am going to reduce the hours at cash and only play when I really feel like playing and feel like I will make good decisions and play my top game.
Play more tournaments, in the £20-£50 range online.
Only Live tournament will be Thursday night £50 freezeout at local casino, for the social aspect mainly, and nice to pick up around £800 for first now and again ;)
Good Luck at the tables
Barry
After a superb prior week of cashing for $1k for 2nd in the Betfair $5k GTD, £580 at tournament in Dundee, I was starting to add to the roll.
Aberdeen cost around £250 inc expenses, cash results from the week live. Up £170 on the Saturday, down £200 Sunday (dealers choice, i was letting off steam from the Aberdeen set over set!) Down £150 Monday night, walked into Ali's quads. SICK! :D
Took a big downswing online cash as well, but I withdrew a large proportion and still showing good profit.
So lessons from all this??
I'M LEARNING!
Poker is a fascinating game, I really love the game, all aspects. You have to see the bigger picture, you cannot go on one pot, or even one week, or a month!
All young players want instant results, and instant success (in everything, not just poker!) But Poker is a euphemism for life.........
And sayings such as "Good things come to those who wait" and "Patience is a virtue" etc all ring true.
I have been playing the best poker of my life recently, what used to be reckless aggressive bluffs (are I hope now educated moves!) and what used to be a fire a 3rd bullet just to win a pot, is now a check muck if i deem that to be the optimal play for the situation.
The key point I remind myself every time I play.... I am in poker for the long run, I have a thirst for it, and no amount of badbeats, downswings or donk plays is gonna keep me out of the game.
What I love about Poker is you can always start from fresh, stick $100 in an online account and the sky truly is the limit. ;)
Plans for this month:-
Played a hell of a lot over the last month, I am going to reduce the hours at cash and only play when I really feel like playing and feel like I will make good decisions and play my top game.
Play more tournaments, in the £20-£50 range online.
Only Live tournament will be Thursday night £50 freezeout at local casino, for the social aspect mainly, and nice to pick up around £800 for first now and again ;)
Good Luck at the tables
Barry
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