Local Live Poker

I was invited to play some live poker last night. Its a bar/beer league thing that has been going on for a few years now in Quebec and a few small spots here in Ontario. I signed up online a few weeks ago. One of my co-workers has been playing in the Quebec version for a long time and likes it.

I had fun and it was very well organized. Congratulations to everyone for a very successful first night. Other than the charming Robin (I think that was her name) I regret not knowing the TD or organizers names yet. All in due time. Irregardless, thanks everyone for hosting a great game.

The location is at a bar/rest called The Mixx on 10th Line in Orleans close to my house which has just been reopened. I have never hung out at this bar as it is kinda tucked away at the end of a strip mall out of sight and it is on the opposite end of the suburb for me. They intend on playing every Wed night, which might be (is) a problem for me. Anytime I can get out of the house on a Wed night, which is most weeks, I meet friends at another pub (Gracie's on Ogilvie). Last night I did both but running pub to pub on a Wed night isn't something I should be doing on a weekly basis. We will see.

Other than a one time small league fee and a very nominal cost of $2 per game there is no cost to play. I think you can even skip the league fee if you just want to play for fun and not keep points.

Last night being the first night I believe we had 4 or 5 tables of 8 to start the game, so about 40 runners. I'm not sure. I wasn't really stoked about this, I didn't read anything in advance. I had no idea about starting stacks, blinds, the point system, anything. I just showed up. Funny thing is the league seems to have cannibalized itself a bit because my coworker who sent me the link and who also plays on Wed night said that only 12 showed up to his game last might. They all went to the new location.

A couple quick notes about the game and the play.

With the exception of one beginner who was also an organizer the play was really quite good. I was impressed. Perhaps a little to much limping PF and a few to many check/checks on the flop/turn but otherwise it was all good. After about the 5th or 6th level the limping and checking came to a halt. Once we got to 20 or so the game became appropriately aggressive. Not a lot of free cards.

I made it to the final table and finished 7th. Not a terrible result. I'd say I played fairly tight with selective aggression if you will. With 7 players left I found myself first to act with 42k, 5000/2500 blinds and a pair of 8's. I guess I could have passed and waited to jam on the blinds but I pushed. 8 BB's, first to act with a decent pair equals go time for me. Especially as I was only aware of one prize, which was for the winner. GG me as I walked into a pair of JJ's and didn't suck out.

I still feel stupid about a brief misunderstanding I had with a couple players and one of the organizers early in the game. I normally just keep quiet and let other people sort things out unless I'm directly effected. But no I had to get my 2 cents worth in. A new player joined the table and moved into the dealer position. Some said deal him in some said no. I naturally said no as well. During the discussion the button and the blinds moved and everything was okay. But I kept arguing that he shouldn't get a hand ....until I snapped out of it and realized what was going on, lol.

No online poker last night. I was tempted at about 11:30 to fire up a few hands but thankfully I just had a snack and went to bed. I played hockey at 7:30am this morning and needed all the juice I could get together.

The Mixx was fun but if I'm a regular...we will see. Playing for $ at home or going to Gracies vs playing for fun at a pub........


If your in the Ottawa area and you like the idea of playing live, cheaply, in a progressive league situation I highly recommend you check out the site and go.

Diary of a losing poker player

I'm not sure if I will complete this or or how often I'll post, but its my idea to discuss from a losers point of view (closer to BE I think, truth be known) the game of poker. Why I lose, when I win, what I think, read, bankroll etc. You see I'm actually pretty good but online is tough and I have some serious holes. Not so much in the way I play (well maybe some, lol) but mainly the way I chose a game, when I chose to play and my mindset during the game.

Because I love the game I do some very stupid things. I'll register in games I may not even be able to play. I'll register in games knowing I may need to sit out a good portion of the game. Virtually every night because I 'm chasing the kids I preregister in games never knowing when or if I'll get to sit down. Mainly the 7pm to 10pm MTT's.

Just recently, a few weeks ago, I was deep in a $10r on stars, I've got 140k in chips about 45th place and only about 60 players left. I was in the money deep as I believe 180 was the bubble. What do I have to do ! I have to drive someone to their hotel in the city. By the time I get back I'm down to 60k. I played a few more hands and busted out when runner runner 4flush took out my AA in the BB. I think I would have gone deeper if I had of just blinded out completely. How many opportunities did I miss? Finished in 32nd place.

Last night is again a prime example of why I can't keep a bankroll. I'm just to much of an addict. I register in 3 games without knowing when I'll get to play and in one I was down to 700 before I saw a card. I want to play virtually every day and in particular the juicy MTT's. My main problem is.......I have a life. I have a job, a beautiful wife and 3 really great children. 12,8 and 4YO.

Thankfully, I will normally only register in freerolls or games <$5 if I don't know when I can start.

But I'll register in anything up to and including the Sunday million without knowing if I can finish.


LOL, I'm not even sure what the point is to what I'm writing. I just set up the blog today and I'm rambling a bit. I hope to write some interesting stories soon. I see some crazy hands...

A bit about me.

I'm an addict, but... I know poker. I've played every day for 4 years and I'm in information sponge. I read every mag, book, blog I can find. I play on PS,Party,Eurolinx,Fulltilt,Fullcontact,Titan,.....& many others. I've done the bonus thing and many others. I like the occassional live game but I find the pace painful. As it is now I'm bored playing less than 2 online games at once. 4 in normal.

More to come soon.

All the best from sunny Ottawa.

Remember if you look around the table and can't find the donk, find another table cuz its not us!