Like my arrival at most social functions, I'm also fashionably late in posting a little recap of last weekend's fesitivities. If you haven't already read a recap from one the guests in attendance, there was a small gathering of Pacific NorthWest bloggers at my humble abode last Saturday evening. In attendance was myself, my roommate Joshua, my good friend Andre (non-blogger, but owner of a real nice poker table,) Mrs. Chako (the wife - Michelle,) Meanhappyguy, Matt, and SeattleJohn. (Zeem was not able to make it.) It was a real good time in all, and I'll be looking forward to similar home games in the future.
We did just two small stakes seven seat NLHE tournaments, (and one failed attempt at micro stakes cash Mixed Limit games.) It was pretty obvious from the get go that there was some actual poker players in attendance, with few, if any, irrational plays being made. (Which was a new experience for me, as I'm used to frequenting petty stakes online tourneys and the occassional random home game that are filled with donkeys unaware of basic tournament poker strategy.) Fortunately for me I was able to hold my own in the first game, and played half way decently, taking 2nd place to Joshua. I'm pretty bitter I allowed the roommate to win outright, as I feel it was primarily due to a case of awwfuckits once we were heads up. We knew we were gonna get in a 2nd tourney, and I didn't want to have the guests have to wait us out for long, (and didn't want to consider a chop thinking it would've raised a conspiracy with the two hosts splitting the whole pot,) so I decided my K6o was worth calling off my whole stack. Ghey. Next time I won't be so quick to concede.
I felt I played a real strong first tournament, making some big laydowns and well timed pushes. Pulled a jamyhawk in one hand, check/folding KK after a flop of AT4, (and having Joshua show me his TT.) Also made a big laydown against SeattleJohn, when his persistent aggression scared me away from my 9c9s on board of 2d3d4d8h. (Although not seein' his holdings and after witnessing his level of aggression throughout the rest of the evening I'm doubting that it was a smart play.) After becoming the chip leader early on, (after taking out Andre with my ATo vs. his 99 after a Ten high flop,) I was able to pretty much coast into the cash without having to make too many "moves."
The second tourney was a complete different story, as it got started well after I was more fully inebriated. Anyone that has played live poker with me before knows how I move from shark to fish in direct relation with my intake of alcohol, and by the 2nd game's start I was much closer to resembling Nemo than I was Jaws! I fittingly don't recall much specifics from the 2nd game. Andre took 2nd place to Matt, with the Wife bubbling both the first and second games, out in 3rd place.
Head over to the others' blogs for other recaps of the festivities. The Wife even has some pictures up if you cared to know what some of the Seattle blogger brethren looked like. And I really enjoyed Meanhappyguy's post here with his thoughts on each of us that were in attendance. I won't delve into any specifics myself, but I will say that it was a very friendly, very entertaining group, with NO exceptions. I believe a good time was had by all, and will look forward to doing it again down the road.
Onto other poker news... I've resumed my routine of playing at least two hours of online poker a night lately, after a prolonged hiatus earlier this year. I've had some decent successes lately; double cashing the daily doubles again the other night, and owning the $5.50 90 seat DeepStack (NONturbo, NONknockout) tournaments all week. (This SnG on FullTilt is a nightly routine for me, and is VERY +EV for anyone with patience and a decent poker IQ. I recommend it highly.) I've been feeling like my tournament game has really been on fire lately, and am looking forward to putting together a decent finish in a bigger MTT soon! (Especially after reading about Hoy's recent significant score in FTP's 50/50.) Hopefully my good results continue at tonight's Mookie. See ya there!
On a different topic... I recently humiliated myself by leaving a very rude comment on another's blog, clearly illustrating a lack of respect for one specific individual that frequents the bloggerments, (although I don't believe maintains a blog him/herself.) Anyway, without going into any details, as I'm still incredibly embarrassed by my actions, I would like to communicate a humble apology...
I'm completely embarrassed about being a fucking tool with the dipshit comment I made about not respecting one specific player. I'm an ass! I made a completely dumbfounded, moronic leap of an assumption from ONE hand a long time ago. (As I can only recall ONE experience even witnessing the individual play, and I let one fucking tiny experience lead me to draw an ignorant, and plain fucked up assumption.) And then I confound my ignorance by making the humiliating decision to share this stupid unjustified opinion with another!?... within a fucking public forum no less!? I can only communicate my sincerest apologies. I'm utterly embarrassed, and hope I can find a way to communicate this to the individual that I so rightfully offended!
My foot tastes disgusting! I feel like an ass for my hypocrisy. I always emphatically clown on the bloggers out there that seem to get so much enjoyment for berating other blogger's play, then I go and do the exact same thing... and not even on my own website, but within anothers' comments section. I'm an ass! And anyway... Evy, I'm sorry... evidently I'm a shit-talkin' donkey! Hopefully I'm able to garner some forgiveness.
Well, 'til next time...
~RaisingCayne
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Home Game Talk
Yet again I've really got no good reason for the extensive delay between posts, but I won't apologize as this time I can at least list excuses. I mean I didn't play any poker in weeks before just last Friday, so haven't had much to put on the ol' poker blog lately. Two primary excuses. First, Full Tilt and I had a little falling out after the first week or two of the year. We got angry... both said some things we shouldn't have... decided to take a small break from each other. I believe it's for the best. Thinking of communicating again soon though, we'll see. And second, a couple weeks back the roommate got his PlayStation3 online. It's a means for demoralizing random invisible internet villains, without the frustration of facing an aggro lucksack's rivered two outer for your tournament life.
Was able to get in some pokering this last weekend. Went down to my buddy Andre's for the game at his place Friday night. It's the home game tournament I've mentioned before; filled with dead money buy ins, without anyone that knows even basic strategy for the game. I'm pretty damn sure I won't be invited for the next one, after completely dominating the tourney again. It was a lot of fun, and really just a social occasion with just a $20 buyin and lots of booze flowing. I seriously almost started feeling bad after raping the whole table throughout. Almost. It did give me a lil' $100 profit after 2nd out of the 9 got $60. None of the competition ('cept for my buddy Andre) had any idea what they were doin'. I found it incredibly easy to separate each from their chips, (but I will admit I did have to suckout to finish off the host.) I won't post about any hands of note, as the game had lots of weird play, and my notable monster pots involved my being called by laughable holdings. It was a great time, although winning always is.
And speaking of home games. I'm excited to say that we're having a home game filled with bloggers at my place in under three weeks, on Saturday February 9th! With the help of Matt for putting it together, the roommate and I are hostin' a little game for local members of the poker blogger brethren. Matt, myself, Joshua, Meanhappyguy, Mrs. Chako, Zeem, and SeattleJohn are hoped to be in attendance. (Plus my buddy Andre, and his awesome poker table.) Lookin' forward to the game.
Good luck all...
Was able to get in some pokering this last weekend. Went down to my buddy Andre's for the game at his place Friday night. It's the home game tournament I've mentioned before; filled with dead money buy ins, without anyone that knows even basic strategy for the game. I'm pretty damn sure I won't be invited for the next one, after completely dominating the tourney again. It was a lot of fun, and really just a social occasion with just a $20 buyin and lots of booze flowing. I seriously almost started feeling bad after raping the whole table throughout. Almost. It did give me a lil' $100 profit after 2nd out of the 9 got $60. None of the competition ('cept for my buddy Andre) had any idea what they were doin'. I found it incredibly easy to separate each from their chips, (but I will admit I did have to suckout to finish off the host.) I won't post about any hands of note, as the game had lots of weird play, and my notable monster pots involved my being called by laughable holdings. It was a great time, although winning always is.
And speaking of home games. I'm excited to say that we're having a home game filled with bloggers at my place in under three weeks, on Saturday February 9th! With the help of Matt for putting it together, the roommate and I are hostin' a little game for local members of the poker blogger brethren. Matt, myself, Joshua, Meanhappyguy, Mrs. Chako, Zeem, and SeattleJohn are hoped to be in attendance. (Plus my buddy Andre, and his awesome poker table.) Lookin' forward to the game.
Good luck all...
Monday, January 7, 2008
Trying To Stay Positive
Had a tough first week of the year at the online poker tables, without any wins of note. It's been tough to not let tilt set in after facing numerous beats lately in MTTs. Been playing at the donkeyesque $5-$20 levels, and the suckouts are sickening. The other night I lost out of BOTH Daily Double tourneys early on, each with what I felt were wicked beats. (Warning: skip down a paragraph to avoid bad beat whinings...) First, holding AcAh in mid position I make it 5x BB preflop after UTG+1 limped in... folds around to the donkey limper who calls, and we see a heads up flop of AsKc2c... and he insta-jams his whole stack (a massive overbet of the pot,)... I call off my stack with my top set "nuts", just to see villain's 8c4c, and, of course I fall to the flush that hits. Then I get deja vu just moments later in the other Daily Double tourney... holding AdAh in late position and a bunch of limpers in front. I bump it up to 6x BB to go preflop... folds around and I get only one caller from EP... heads up flop comes Kc7d8d, and just like before, EP insta-shoves entire stack on the flop... (a massive overbet of the pot,) I call off my chips with my over pair, just to see villain's 6d9d, and one of his outs to hit on the turn. WTF?!
(Warning: skip down another paragraph to avoid explicit derogatory rant directed toward anonymous internet poker donkeys...) I just can't believe how the assclowns that play at these donkey low-level stakes could possibly rationalize some of the idiotic decisions that are made! People that jam with 8-high flush draws deserve VD! Those that call 6x BB preflop raises with 69soooted deserve to have a family member find their body sodomized by a pineapple. The average douche nozzle that plays in the $5-20 scheduled MTTs on FullTilt has the poker IQ of a housefly, I swear. It's fucking ridiculous how bad the play is at these levels: Every fucking hand has five limpers with ATC... every fucking two-suit flop results in an all-in from the fucking flush draws... ace rag is the fucking nuts pre-flop... etc...
Alright, now that my little mini-rant is out of my system, I am going to do my best to stay positive. And I believe despite my recent little losing streak, there's still ample reason for optimism. Specifically, while I hate losing to moronic play, it's important to remember that facing incompetent villains is very +EV! As frustrating as it is when that bitch variance sends me to the rail from a funky beat, I should take some consolation in the fact that my game is head & shoulders above the average villain I face in these tourneys. I really should be able to consistently dominate in these daily double tourneys! I should consider adding another '08 goal, to specifically take down one of these fucking Daily Double things this year! We'll see.
Anyway, I got to thinking about the fact that there seems to be an infinite number of assclowns out there making up these tournament pools, and I wondered where they all come from. Then I remembered a little life motto of mine, to never underestimate the incompetence of humankind! In my personal and professional life I never cease to be amazed by some of the moronic decisions that I witness people make, so there's no reason for me to let incompetence witnessed during online poker surprise me either! Shit, I've witnessed executives make decisions that have had net effects involving six-figure losses... why then would I be surprised to witness some random asshat gift away $10 in tourney chips as a 5 to 1 dog? Simply put, I should not.
I have two friends of mine that play LOTS of online poker, yet are complete tools when it comes to anything resembling even the most basic of logic in their poker decision making. These two clowns consistently crack me up with their "rationalizing" their play ex post facto, and I've now finally given up all efforts on making them better players, given their apparent indifference. I stopped discussing poker play around them, and gave up trying to get them to borrow something from my poker library. It was just an epiphany of sorts when I finally realized that they were completely okay with the current state of their game! This lead me to a conclusion that the average anonymous online poker villain is probably not even trying to get better! The two penis wrinkles that took me out of the Daily Double tourneys I mentioned above were likely content with their getting the chips in behind! Ya know, 'cause they hit their flush draw, so folding wasn't an option.?! (And yes, I'm well aware that the latter straight flush draw may have actually been a tiny bit ahead post flop, but you know what I mean.)
(Warning: skip down another paragraph to avoid explicit derogatory rant directed toward anonymous internet poker donkeys...) I just can't believe how the assclowns that play at these donkey low-level stakes could possibly rationalize some of the idiotic decisions that are made! People that jam with 8-high flush draws deserve VD! Those that call 6x BB preflop raises with 69soooted deserve to have a family member find their body sodomized by a pineapple. The average douche nozzle that plays in the $5-20 scheduled MTTs on FullTilt has the poker IQ of a housefly, I swear. It's fucking ridiculous how bad the play is at these levels: Every fucking hand has five limpers with ATC... every fucking two-suit flop results in an all-in from the fucking flush draws... ace rag is the fucking nuts pre-flop... etc...
Alright, now that my little mini-rant is out of my system, I am going to do my best to stay positive. And I believe despite my recent little losing streak, there's still ample reason for optimism. Specifically, while I hate losing to moronic play, it's important to remember that facing incompetent villains is very +EV! As frustrating as it is when that bitch variance sends me to the rail from a funky beat, I should take some consolation in the fact that my game is head & shoulders above the average villain I face in these tourneys. I really should be able to consistently dominate in these daily double tourneys! I should consider adding another '08 goal, to specifically take down one of these fucking Daily Double things this year! We'll see.
Anyway, I got to thinking about the fact that there seems to be an infinite number of assclowns out there making up these tournament pools, and I wondered where they all come from. Then I remembered a little life motto of mine, to never underestimate the incompetence of humankind! In my personal and professional life I never cease to be amazed by some of the moronic decisions that I witness people make, so there's no reason for me to let incompetence witnessed during online poker surprise me either! Shit, I've witnessed executives make decisions that have had net effects involving six-figure losses... why then would I be surprised to witness some random asshat gift away $10 in tourney chips as a 5 to 1 dog? Simply put, I should not.
I have two friends of mine that play LOTS of online poker, yet are complete tools when it comes to anything resembling even the most basic of logic in their poker decision making. These two clowns consistently crack me up with their "rationalizing" their play ex post facto, and I've now finally given up all efforts on making them better players, given their apparent indifference. I stopped discussing poker play around them, and gave up trying to get them to borrow something from my poker library. It was just an epiphany of sorts when I finally realized that they were completely okay with the current state of their game! This lead me to a conclusion that the average anonymous online poker villain is probably not even trying to get better! The two penis wrinkles that took me out of the Daily Double tourneys I mentioned above were likely content with their getting the chips in behind! Ya know, 'cause they hit their flush draw, so folding wasn't an option.?! (And yes, I'm well aware that the latter straight flush draw may have actually been a tiny bit ahead post flop, but you know what I mean.)
Alright, so that's me trying to stay positive given a knowledge that I'm better than those I face in the daily MTTs that I frequent. And I should be somewhat consoled by the fact that I'm actively trying to make myself better every day, when the average retard is content with their level one thinking and donkeyriffic decision making. The analogy might be a stretch, but I suppose I now know how Bill Belichek might feel, knowing he should beat whomever is the competition, but still has to fade the variance involved in the NFL. I should consistently kick ass in low level MTTs, but damn that football sure bounces funny.
Anyway... I suppose I do have one positive result worthy of mentioning... I was able to final table the Mookie last night! Lost out in 4th place on a coinflip when my 44 fell to the AK of lucktruck, with it all-in preflop. The last twenty minutes of the game really had me understanding the rationale behind Monday's 4-way even chop in the MATH tournament! Going into 4-seated play last night, I actually had a tiny chiplead, but we seemed to simply pass the stacks around amongst us for a long while before I shoved my little pp into big slick. With 1st place taking ~3 times 4th place's prize, and the play really coming down to a crapshoot given the blind levels, I should've probably pursued or at least considered the option of a chop at that point. But at such small stakes, I really didn't want to be "that guy" that pushed for a higher guarantee. Anyway, congrats to CMitch for the win... and thanks to Mookie as always for hosting... and to the boys at BD, no scratch that, "MD/IT Radio" for the entertainment! Good times...
Well... 'Til next time... Good luck all!
~RaisingCayne
PS... GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Happy New Year! This is going to be an uber post, as I have a lot I'd like to get down. So with that being said, I'm going to recommend to the casual visitor that may have come across this post to not bother reading on. Stop now. Really. Unless one has ample time to kill, and an odd desire to know way too much about this random schmuck's many goings' on, I suggest surfing on to another page now. Again, I do not take responsibility for the moments of a reader's life lost by taking part in reading on further, and there should be NO expectations of anything to be gained from continuing. You've been warned.
My intentions with this post are many:
2007 Personally...
If I were to provide a meaningless grade for my 2007 as it pertained to my personal 'life goals' it would probably be a C-. And that's probably only 'cause I thought D+ was failing, and I couldn't be that cruel on myself. I am a real harsh judge though, and by no means do I want to give off the impression that my life is at all bad. As that's really not at all the case! It's just, I've had too persistent feelings of "BLAH" recently to consider myself that happy of a person. Pardon the vague reference, used for lack of a better word I suppose. ...
...Albert Einstein once defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Hard for me to question the 'Man of the Millennium,' as I've recently too often found myself with moments of apparent lossed sanity given a life of nearly unbearable routine.
But anyway, my last intent here is to whine about my life in general. It ain't at all bad! I'm gonna try to use the New Year time as a means to provide a refreshed attitude, and I plan to do my best to look forward to '08 with as much optimism as I can muster. And speaking of looking forward...
...2008!
Poker Goals. Aiming high, but hopefully not unreasonably so, the following are some quantifiable objectives for what I hope to accomplish with poker going forward into the New Year:
Personal Goals. On the non-poker front, I'd probably rather not make a list of quantifiable objectives for the year. I'd much rather use a small list of vague resolutions, (as they're far less apt to bring upon depression after failing to accomplish.) Below are some New Year Resolutions I hope to keep throughout 2008, (or at least have good excuses for losing track of...):
Thanks to BamBam and Mrs. Chako for providing some recent motivation! I appreciate the mild nags. I'll do my best to not renege on future blog pledges (even if I might just be making them to myself.)
And a few big thank yous to Matt for: his initial communications... his introducing me to the Puget Sound area's best structured live play donkaments (albeit he doesn't show up very often!)... and for his work with arranging a Seattle Blogger Home Game! (Well, thanks in advance for the last one. More to come on that another time I'm sure.)
And finally, a very vague, general thank you to the entire 'poker blogger community!' The list of poker blogs/bloggers that I enjoy is too long to list here, (although I suppose I do try my best to capture 'em in the links to the side.) I cannot extend enough gratitude for all the entertainment I've gotten out of taking part in the MATH, the Mookie, Kat's Friday Night Donkament (my favorite), the whole BBT2, etc... Not to mention all the amusement from all the many blog conversations. Thank you all.
Well I don't think this post would be complete without making sure I repeat myself again somewhere, so... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
~RaisingCayne
(I tried to provide sufficient warning to not read all this drivel! ... Told ya so!)
My intentions with this post are many:
- To review the last year of my life; both on the poker front & personally. Including a recap of December, (as I haven't posted since just after Thanksgiving.)
- Take a look forward to the upcoming year. And include some New Year Resolutions of sorts. Again both on the poker front, and personally/professionally. (My goals for 2008 will even include some specific to this as-yet-completely-pointless little blog here.)
- And finally, I will wish all a very Happy 2008! And include a few specific "shot outs" to some within our poker blogger community for their contributions to my finding this odd little society of ours so damn entertaining.
I'm telling you, it's gonna be a long post. Leave now. Here's another option for entertainment, rather than reading on further. No? Okay, how 'bout this? Both are likely more entertaining than proceeding. Again, you've been warned!)
My 2007 In Review...
Poker: I've had a mildly successful year on the poker front. In retrospect, I probably grade it a B-... but I'm a really tough critic on myself. While there was some great successes, I just didn't accomplish the high goals I had for my poker results, and for the level of my game in general. I still have some significant weaknesses apparent in my poker results that I had hoped to already have proven to be resolved. (But more on that another time soon.)
I did manage to take down my largest score ever less than a week into '07 with an 18th place finish in the first-of-the-year PokerStars' Sunday Million tourney... albeit for just ~$6k. January went on to be a great month for me, with two four-figure wins, and some real consistent SnG results. Unfortunately the first month of the year was by far my best, as I haven't seemed to be able to again capture the same rate of success since. Also unfortunate is the fact that this last month of December has been the toughest month on me, as measured by poker results. I experienced a REALLY tough few weeks of MTTs between major holidays, (which significantly contributed to the lack of posts here!) I couldn't seem to win anything the first few weeks of December. It wasn't until after Christmas (& after my 27th birthday, the 23rd), that I even had my first real decent day's results at the felt. But, I have managed to have a moderate last week of the year I suppose. (Including a double-cash bonus in the Daily Double where I just missed the best double finish score, and a very entertaining 2nd place finish in Kat's $1 rebuy Donkament last Friday.)
I'd prefer to focus on the positives for my '07 in poker, and besides the aforementioned January, these include the following:
- I've continued to consistenly win at rates that provide me with indulgences for which I've become accustom. (But, more on that another time soon.)
- I've managed to not play at levels above what I believe is manageable for my limited bankroll. While the ugly bitch we call variance has reared her homely head in my direction by way of some shitty streaks, I've managed to never feel like I lost my ass, and have always proven able to recover from the bad runs.
- I've continued to gain immense invaluable experiences. Which this year include my biggest buy-in online tourneys, and more live tournament play than ever before.
- And MOST notably of my poker positives... I have had more FUN playing poker this year than in recent past. I've rediscovered a passion for this game that I feel was missed for a time, during a too-blind pursuit for part-time profit. And deserving of considerable credit for this renewed exuberance is my involvement in this poker blogger community. (But, more on that another time.)
2007 Personally...
If I were to provide a meaningless grade for my 2007 as it pertained to my personal 'life goals' it would probably be a C-. And that's probably only 'cause I thought D+ was failing, and I couldn't be that cruel on myself. I am a real harsh judge though, and by no means do I want to give off the impression that my life is at all bad. As that's really not at all the case! It's just, I've had too persistent feelings of "BLAH" recently to consider myself that happy of a person. Pardon the vague reference, used for lack of a better word I suppose. ...
...Albert Einstein once defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Hard for me to question the 'Man of the Millennium,' as I've recently too often found myself with moments of apparent lossed sanity given a life of nearly unbearable routine.
But anyway, my last intent here is to whine about my life in general. It ain't at all bad! I'm gonna try to use the New Year time as a means to provide a refreshed attitude, and I plan to do my best to look forward to '08 with as much optimism as I can muster. And speaking of looking forward...
...2008!
Poker Goals. Aiming high, but hopefully not unreasonably so, the following are some quantifiable objectives for what I hope to accomplish with poker going forward into the New Year:
- Have one large score online in excess of $5,000. I did it once, seems reasonable to assume I should be able to do it again.
- Play at least 3 live tournaments per month, track all results, and show a profit of a minimum of four figures. With buyins of $40-$300, I think this is a very small goal that won't require much of an ROI%. While I take part in a few home game routines that I practically dominate, I haven't had the same results at more formal poker rooms. And before I go making any significant live tournament goals, I think it's best to first confirm that I'm at least a 'winning player' over a significant number of tourneys.
- And on the topic of should-be-easily-attainable-objectives, I don't want to lose out on the positives of my status quo, so, ... I must assure my online poker game continues to consistently provide me with the specific indulgences that I enjoy. (But again, more on that another time soon.)
- My online bankroll be in excess of $5k at year's end. May seem a little stupid considering the earlier goal of having one win of at least this size, but considering I've shown in the past a weakness for having a willingness to withdraw, I think it's important to have a goal to not just increase, but to maintain my bankroll.
- Prior to 12/31/08 I plan to have my vacation scheduled for at least one week at the WSOP the Summer of '09. As I plan to play at least one preliminary event in '09, I want to know well in advance that I'll be able to comfortably afford it. Years ago I made a goal of participating in the 2010 WSOP $10k Main Event, and I think that goal, (which I still like to consider attainable,) is fairly unreasonable to expect if I can't make at least one smaller event the year prior.
- And somewhat related to poker, I'd like to list one blog goal for the year. I plan to have at least one poker-related blog post per week. I believe taking part in the blogger community has improved the level of my poker game, and it has inarguably increased my enjoyment of the game. So I figure at least 52 poker related posts in '08 sure couldn't hurt anything... ('cept the blog's viewership I suppose!?) I do have lots of ideas for posts in mind, and I'm gonna be bitter if I again go extended lengths between posts.
Personal Goals. On the non-poker front, I'd probably rather not make a list of quantifiable objectives for the year. I'd much rather use a small list of vague resolutions, (as they're far less apt to bring upon depression after failing to accomplish.) Below are some New Year Resolutions I hope to keep throughout 2008, (or at least have good excuses for losing track of...):
- Be more honest in general. I just find myself too often sugarcoating shit, or biting my tongue, rather than telling people what they should hear. I do too much to avoid any and all uncomfortable situations, even when I know just addressing shit would lead to better resolution.
- Keep up my gym routine. Continue to go at least 3x/week.
- Keep up a decent career pace. Without bothering to go into any details here, the next six months is going to involve a lot of change within my Company, and I have to assure I don't let it negatively affect my career. Long story.
- And one still personal yet blog-related New Year Resolution is for me to be a bit more expressive in my writings here. Similarly to my sugarcoating shit in my personal life, I think in the past I've refrained from really communicating like myself here. ... I just foresee many raving rants where I don't hold back, and whine, curse, & moan about recent bad beats suffered at the poker felt.. and include ample derogatory belittling of random, invisible, anonymous, incompetent, poker villains. (I'll be sure and advise when a viewer's discretion warning may be necessary.)
Before I try to wrap up this incomprehensible, epic-length post, I want to wish any and all a very Happy New Year!!! (Not that I could imagine anyone reading this far, but...) I do hope everyone has the best of years in 2008! Cheers! To good luck... in poker & all one's endeavors.
Some specific well wishes...Thanks to BamBam and Mrs. Chako for providing some recent motivation! I appreciate the mild nags. I'll do my best to not renege on future blog pledges (even if I might just be making them to myself.)
And a few big thank yous to Matt for: his initial communications... his introducing me to the Puget Sound area's best structured live play donkaments (albeit he doesn't show up very often!)... and for his work with arranging a Seattle Blogger Home Game! (Well, thanks in advance for the last one. More to come on that another time I'm sure.)
And finally, a very vague, general thank you to the entire 'poker blogger community!' The list of poker blogs/bloggers that I enjoy is too long to list here, (although I suppose I do try my best to capture 'em in the links to the side.) I cannot extend enough gratitude for all the entertainment I've gotten out of taking part in the MATH, the Mookie, Kat's Friday Night Donkament (my favorite), the whole BBT2, etc... Not to mention all the amusement from all the many blog conversations. Thank you all.
Well I don't think this post would be complete without making sure I repeat myself again somewhere, so... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
~RaisingCayne
(I tried to provide sufficient warning to not read all this drivel! ... Told ya so!)
Monday, November 26, 2007
Long Time No Post
Alright, long time no post. Sorry to any and all dissatisfied visiters to this humble little blog for having not posted much at all this month. I won't go into detail about my reasons for not posting lately, or bother listing a bunch of excuses. Rather, I'll simply sincerely apologize for my lack of attention here lately and vow to do my best to post more often going forward. Hoping that'll suffice...
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Mine was decent, I suppose. Pretty standard really. Early dinner with the fam, and cocktails with friends later in the evening. Good times. It was great to have a four day weekend away from work, as I've been feeling a bit on 'life tilt' lately. The small time off to relax was much needed. Again, I'll spare the personal details, I've just been goin' through some tough personal shit lately, both professionallyand socially, and it's been difficult concentrating on much of anything lately.
On to the poker front... I've had some real poor results online for a few weeks now, losing pretty consistently at my petty stakes MTTs and SnGs. Fortunately I've been doing pretty damn well live! A good friend of mine down South in the Olympia area has been hosting a weekly Saturday night poker game that's proven to be very +EV. I've made it down a few times over the last month or two and have consistently dominated. Each evening has consisted of two to four little $10 to $50 buy in tournaments of just six to ten people. But the players are just complete fish, and the dead money in attendance is ample. It would be nearly impossible to come up with anything resembling a strategy post from the home game, as the play is just horrendous, and there's not much logic or rationale that seems to go into opponents' decisions. It's just been super easy to dominate each game I've been in... I'm afraid I'll be un-invited soon!
At first I was real hesitant about enjoying the game. I was well aware of the idiotic play ahead of time, and was just unsure of the best method(s) of taking advantage of it. I was afraid the donkey calling stations and moronically loose pre-flop play would result in too many suckouts to make the game fun for me. But boy was I wrong! It's proven incredibly easy to separate the fools from their chips at this thing. The game is a player's dream, I swear. I almost have started feeling guilty for dominating... almost. It just boggles my mind why some of the same people keep showing up when they effectively have zero chance of winning. I know, it's just a petty stakes home game that's all meant just for fun, I just find it funny to witness such blatant ignorance of anything resembling strategy.
Anyway, I'll be sure and start posting much more often from here on out. Maybe I'll even delve a little into my personal goings on that have had me feeling so defeated lately. Or, maybe not, I don't know. I'd at least like to tell Mrs. Chako there's good reason I haven't tried to hit on her au pair lately, (and assure her that I'll be back to trying to finangle an introduction very soon. :-)
Hope everyone is doing well! I really wish I was sharing in the excitement of meeting up in Vegas in under two weeks, but, unfortunately this year's December blogger gathering just isn't in the cards for me!
'Til next time...
~RaisingCayne
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Mine was decent, I suppose. Pretty standard really. Early dinner with the fam, and cocktails with friends later in the evening. Good times. It was great to have a four day weekend away from work, as I've been feeling a bit on 'life tilt' lately. The small time off to relax was much needed. Again, I'll spare the personal details, I've just been goin' through some tough personal shit lately, both professionallyand socially, and it's been difficult concentrating on much of anything lately.
On to the poker front... I've had some real poor results online for a few weeks now, losing pretty consistently at my petty stakes MTTs and SnGs. Fortunately I've been doing pretty damn well live! A good friend of mine down South in the Olympia area has been hosting a weekly Saturday night poker game that's proven to be very +EV. I've made it down a few times over the last month or two and have consistently dominated. Each evening has consisted of two to four little $10 to $50 buy in tournaments of just six to ten people. But the players are just complete fish, and the dead money in attendance is ample. It would be nearly impossible to come up with anything resembling a strategy post from the home game, as the play is just horrendous, and there's not much logic or rationale that seems to go into opponents' decisions. It's just been super easy to dominate each game I've been in... I'm afraid I'll be un-invited soon!
At first I was real hesitant about enjoying the game. I was well aware of the idiotic play ahead of time, and was just unsure of the best method(s) of taking advantage of it. I was afraid the donkey calling stations and moronically loose pre-flop play would result in too many suckouts to make the game fun for me. But boy was I wrong! It's proven incredibly easy to separate the fools from their chips at this thing. The game is a player's dream, I swear. I almost have started feeling guilty for dominating... almost. It just boggles my mind why some of the same people keep showing up when they effectively have zero chance of winning. I know, it's just a petty stakes home game that's all meant just for fun, I just find it funny to witness such blatant ignorance of anything resembling strategy.
Anyway, I'll be sure and start posting much more often from here on out. Maybe I'll even delve a little into my personal goings on that have had me feeling so defeated lately. Or, maybe not, I don't know. I'd at least like to tell Mrs. Chako there's good reason I haven't tried to hit on her au pair lately, (and assure her that I'll be back to trying to finangle an introduction very soon. :-)
Hope everyone is doing well! I really wish I was sharing in the excitement of meeting up in Vegas in under two weeks, but, unfortunately this year's December blogger gathering just isn't in the cards for me!
'Til next time...
~RaisingCayne
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...
...Who's the biggest blogging donkey of them ALL???
Why, it's me of course!!! It's appears obvious after looking at Al's updated Leaderboard, which clearly illustrates that I am the weakest link! I'm now the sole owner of most BBT2 events played without even making the points! That's right, a complete "0 for..." thus far. I suck!!! The poor trend continued in the Riverchasers event earlier.
So now I know what it must feel like to be the kid on the short bus that even the other "special" students make fun of! I've always thought that being the best of all the bloggers is sort of like being the hottest girl at fat camp. But, what's this mean about the one who owns the bottom of the blogger standings?! (I probably shouldn't have asked that.)
I hope the powers that be in this BBT2 thing would consider giving away a Gigli award of sorts when it's all said and done. I'd like to think my dead money donations into this thing aren't all for nothing! Hmmm... what could the prize be?
Anyway, while I'm discussing BAD poker play, now is probably a perfect time to introduce my donkey of a roommate, Joshua, to the poker blogging community. Joshua has played a few blogger events, and goes by joshuacarlsen on FullTilt. Although he's still adamant blogging is pretty ghey, he was was conned into creating his own. (I told him it was the only way we would let him play at the Seattle blogger home game Matt is in the works of arranging. More on that later, I'm sure.) Joshua's new blog is http://lategreatjc.blogspot.com/ . You may want to bookmark it for future use in logging harsh complaints about his wicked suckouts.
'Til next time... Good luck all!!!
~RaisingCayne
Why, it's me of course!!! It's appears obvious after looking at Al's updated Leaderboard, which clearly illustrates that I am the weakest link! I'm now the sole owner of most BBT2 events played without even making the points! That's right, a complete "0 for..." thus far. I suck!!! The poor trend continued in the Riverchasers event earlier.
So now I know what it must feel like to be the kid on the short bus that even the other "special" students make fun of! I've always thought that being the best of all the bloggers is sort of like being the hottest girl at fat camp. But, what's this mean about the one who owns the bottom of the blogger standings?! (I probably shouldn't have asked that.)
I hope the powers that be in this BBT2 thing would consider giving away a Gigli award of sorts when it's all said and done. I'd like to think my dead money donations into this thing aren't all for nothing! Hmmm... what could the prize be?
Anyway, while I'm discussing BAD poker play, now is probably a perfect time to introduce my donkey of a roommate, Joshua, to the poker blogging community. Joshua has played a few blogger events, and goes by joshuacarlsen on FullTilt. Although he's still adamant blogging is pretty ghey, he was was conned into creating his own. (I told him it was the only way we would let him play at the Seattle blogger home game Matt is in the works of arranging. More on that later, I'm sure.) Joshua's new blog is http://lategreatjc.blogspot.com/ . You may want to bookmark it for future use in logging harsh complaints about his wicked suckouts.
'Til next time... Good luck all!!!
~RaisingCayne
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Tagged!!!???
Alright, Astin tagged me last week. So...
A) Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog...
B) Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself...
C) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs...
D) Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
A) Done, above.
B) Okay, but this is gonna be difficult after just revealing ten other things in a recent post...
1. I love to dance! I've got a whole repertoire of moves, (all stolen from NFL touchdown celebrations.) Don't assume wrong though, I'm not any good or anything. I'm a funky white guy with no rhythm, but I enjoy myself.
2. I hate television news! I won't rant about it, but I just can't stand watching news on television, save The Daily Show of course... John Stewart rocks.
3. I grew up in a tiny town. My graduating class in High School was 104 people, and was the largest in the town's history. Never had the ambition to live in a similar rural setting, as I've found myself more comfortable in bigger cities.
4. Left-handed people make me uncomfortable. I just find southpaws odd. I'm an athletic guy, yet when I do anything with my left hand I look like I'm having an epileptic fit. I used to be a decent pitcher in baseball, yet throwin' with my left arm I could be mistaken for a 9 year old girl. So anyone that can use that side of their body with any semblance of capably just makes me shake my head. Don't get me started on the ambidextrous!
5. The first women I ever slept with is now a lesbian. Probably not a fact I really need to advertise, but whatever. I was way too young, she robbed my virginity out from under me... I like to think I wasn't the cause.
6. I don't believe in much. I've always thought that blind faith was a scary scary thing. (Not the band, but the action... I like Clapton.) I'm an atheist, and I don't believe in ghosts, the supernatural, special powers, spirits, psychics, gods, demons, magic, etc... I get a kick out of hearing that there's people out there that actually enjoy that horrible show Ghost Hunters on SciFi. I find it ridiculous myself.
7. A popstar tried to sleep with my girlfriend in college once. Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas totally came on to my girl, right in front of me. It was hilarious. It was right after a show they did at my Alma Mater... back before the band was big, pre-Fergie. Personally, I couldn't believe she didn't leave me for him.
Well, that's that I suppose.
C) I respectfully refuse to tag others, and exercise my right not to conform.
D) No, and you can't make me.
----
On the poker front... I've had a moderate week at the low levels, taking 1st place in a $5+.50 90-seat deepstack tourney for $112.50... and cashing in a bunch of $5.50 18-seaters, (albeit they payout the top 4, and I haven't had a lot of firsts.) Played the MATH Monday night, with the new 6seat structure. But did absolutely nothing, and was in the first 20 out. I felt completely owned by both Surflexus and PirateLawyer at my first table. And was pretty crippled in one of the first ten hands. Never got anything going. Hopefully I'll fare better in the Mookie that starts momentarily, and the Riverchasers event tomorrow evening! 'Til next time, good luck all...
~RaisingCayne
A) Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog...
B) Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself...
C) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs...
D) Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
A) Done, above.
B) Okay, but this is gonna be difficult after just revealing ten other things in a recent post...
1. I love to dance! I've got a whole repertoire of moves, (all stolen from NFL touchdown celebrations.) Don't assume wrong though, I'm not any good or anything. I'm a funky white guy with no rhythm, but I enjoy myself.
2. I hate television news! I won't rant about it, but I just can't stand watching news on television, save The Daily Show of course... John Stewart rocks.
3. I grew up in a tiny town. My graduating class in High School was 104 people, and was the largest in the town's history. Never had the ambition to live in a similar rural setting, as I've found myself more comfortable in bigger cities.
4. Left-handed people make me uncomfortable. I just find southpaws odd. I'm an athletic guy, yet when I do anything with my left hand I look like I'm having an epileptic fit. I used to be a decent pitcher in baseball, yet throwin' with my left arm I could be mistaken for a 9 year old girl. So anyone that can use that side of their body with any semblance of capably just makes me shake my head. Don't get me started on the ambidextrous!
5. The first women I ever slept with is now a lesbian. Probably not a fact I really need to advertise, but whatever. I was way too young, she robbed my virginity out from under me... I like to think I wasn't the cause.
6. I don't believe in much. I've always thought that blind faith was a scary scary thing. (Not the band, but the action... I like Clapton.) I'm an atheist, and I don't believe in ghosts, the supernatural, special powers, spirits, psychics, gods, demons, magic, etc... I get a kick out of hearing that there's people out there that actually enjoy that horrible show Ghost Hunters on SciFi. I find it ridiculous myself.
7. A popstar tried to sleep with my girlfriend in college once. Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas totally came on to my girl, right in front of me. It was hilarious. It was right after a show they did at my Alma Mater... back before the band was big, pre-Fergie. Personally, I couldn't believe she didn't leave me for him.
Well, that's that I suppose.
C) I respectfully refuse to tag others, and exercise my right not to conform.
D) No, and you can't make me.
----
On the poker front... I've had a moderate week at the low levels, taking 1st place in a $5+.50 90-seat deepstack tourney for $112.50... and cashing in a bunch of $5.50 18-seaters, (albeit they payout the top 4, and I haven't had a lot of firsts.) Played the MATH Monday night, with the new 6seat structure. But did absolutely nothing, and was in the first 20 out. I felt completely owned by both Surflexus and PirateLawyer at my first table. And was pretty crippled in one of the first ten hands. Never got anything going. Hopefully I'll fare better in the Mookie that starts momentarily, and the Riverchasers event tomorrow evening! 'Til next time, good luck all...
~RaisingCayne
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