Big Syd's Poker Blog

I have to play better than this...

2006-06-22T09:08:00.000-04:00

I know its been a minute since I've posted. But I played hand on yesterday that I want to post, if nothing else but for myself, as a reminder of what I have to overcome if I'm going to get better.

Let me set this hand up. I'm kind of in a hurry. So, I'll come back with another post later today to explain what I was thinking. Anyway, $69+$6 NLHE MTT on Full Tilt. We start with 120 something players. Top 18 make the money. We are down to 20 players. I can easily fold into the money with my stack. However, I get dealt the broads. The Sigfried and Roy. The Batches. Guy second to act min raises the BB to $1000. It folds to me on the button. I come over the top of the min raise and re-raise to $3000 (Mistake #1. I should have pusehd all-in). He calls. We see the flop and a scary A hits the board. He checks. I check (second mistake, I think) Well, Anyway, well, here is the hand. We'll talk about it in a bit. And yes, I busted in 20th place:

Full Tilt Poker Game #731561616: $7,000 Guarantee (4708872), Table 4 - 250/500 Ante 50 - No Limit Hold'em - 18:13:41 ET - 2006/06/21
Seat 1: aceride27 (6,635)
Seat 2: Maxfli46 (16,520)
Seat 3: KappaMan (5,545)
Seat 4: jwprp (3,600)
Seat 6: leafsfreak (2,055)
Seat 8: Danik1 (9,050)
Seat 9: CubGuy69 (9,222)
aceride27 antes 50
Maxfli46 antes 50
KappaMan antes 50
jwprp antes 50
leafsfreak antes 50
Danik1 antes 50
CubGuy69 antes 50
jwprp posts the small blind of 250
leafsfreak posts the big blind of 500
The button is in seat #3
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Qs Qd]
Danik1 folds
CubGuy69 raises to 1,000
aceride27 has 15 seconds left to act
aceride27 is sitting out
aceride27 has timed out
aceride27 folds
Maxfli46 folds
aceride27 has returned
KappaMan raises to 3,000
jwprp folds
leafsfreak has 15 seconds left to act
leafsfreak is sitting out
leafsfreak has timed out
leafsfreak folds
CubGuy69 calls 2,000
*** FLOP *** [8c 4d As]
CubGuy69 checks
KappaMan has 15 seconds left to act
KappaMan checks
*** TURN *** [8c 4d As] [2d]
CubGuy69 bets 3,000
KappaMan calls 2,495, and is all in
CubGuy69 shows [6s 7s]
KappaMan shows [Qs Qd]
Uncalled bet of 505 returned to CubGuy69
*** RIVER *** [8c 4d As 2d] [5c]
CubGuy69 shows a straight, Eight high
KappaMan shows a pair of Queens
CubGuy69 wins the pot (12,090) with a straight, Eight high
Empire Dreams (Observer): wow
CubGuy69: come onYES
KappaMan stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 12,090 | Rake 0
Board: [8c 4d As 2d 5c]
Seat 1: aceride27 folded before the Flop
Seat 2: Maxfli46 folded before the Flop
Seat 3: KappaMan (button) showed [Qs Qd] and lost with a pair of Queens
Seat 4: jwprp (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 6: leafsfreak (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Danik1 folded before the Flop
Seat 9: CubGuy69 showed [6s 7s] and won (12,090) with a straight, Eight high

Friday Night turned out to be an OK Night...

2006-04-17T11:40:00.000-04:00

After busting out of the Friday Evening $50+$5, I decided to give it another shot later that night. It started about midnight and to report that I made it to the final table. Unfortunately, thay is where I messed up.

After making it to the final table 2nd in chips. I ended up finishing in 8th place when a guy made a gutsy call after the flop with middle pair and a flush draw.

Anyway, I finished in 8th Place for a few hundred dollars but had I not made the move I made, I probably could have earned $1000 - $1800. But I'm going to look at it like this. Had he layed downhis hand, I would have easily made at least 2nd place money.

The key is to learn from you mistakes and I definitely learned from this one. Lets see how the story plays out next time.

I didnt get to play much more on Saturday or Sunday due to my son's basketball tournament on Saturday and Sunday being Easter. Oh yeah, and I had to finish my taxes last night. lol

I'll try to get back to it tonight after I mail my taxes off.

Happy Tax Day.

-Big Syd

FTP Friday Night $50+$5 Double Stack Tourney

2006-04-14T20:24:00.000-04:00

Just busted out of the $50+$5 on Full Tilt. Took some beats early and was down to 50 in chips. Somehow, I built it back up to about 1700 but lost it when I tried to get fancy with KQ and ran into AQ of course (The AQ curse).

Got to play with Corey Berrira for a little while. You might remember him from the 2005 WSOP. I think it was a limit tournament where he finished in 2nd I think. The guy whose fiance was there wearing a shirt with his name. Please to play with him. Looks like he's a friend of FTP.

Good Sit-N-Go Play on Wednesday and Thursday...

2006-04-14T08:29:00.000-04:00

Played a few Sit and Gos on Wednesday and Thursday and did very well. I racked up 2 First Place, 1 Second Place, and 2 Third Places.

I gotta admit, it feels good to be on a nice run like that.

Didnt play much earlier this week. Took the kids up to Skyline Drive to see Shanendoah National Park and Luray Caverns. So, I was out of action on Sunday and Monday. Took Tuesday off to rest and recover from the hile that we took in the park.

Well, its Easter Weekend. Lets see how much poker I can get in. I'll definitely play the $50 MTT on Full Tilt Tonight.

Later!

-Big Syd

Back in Action. A little Unlucky though...

2006-04-08T21:24:00.000-04:00

I took a couple of days off from poker (Wednesday and Thursday). But I returned to the felt last night. Got home in time to play the Full Tilt Poker $50+$5 Double Stack tourney. 101 Entrants and I played some damn good poker. When you are firing on all cylinders, you just feel it as you make that run to the final table. I was in the zone.

Unfortunately, I got unlucky in a race towards the end and I finished in 14th Place. I'm going to post a hand to show how luck can affect your poker results. It't the hand that sent me to the rail. As you will see, I was ahead with all my money in the middle with two players.

Full Tilt Poker Game #552128047: Double Stack $50 + $5 (3501306), Table 1
- 500/1000 Ante 125 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:44:16 ET - 2006/04/07
Seat 1: cosjoel (19,660)
Seat 2: Headre4000 (26,620), is sitting out
Seat 3: Slamd (19,615)
Seat 4: racerstation (12,415)
Seat 5: KappaMan (21,955)
Seat 7: VTMADMAN (10,325)
Seat 8: kjam8888 (10,068)
Seat 9: crushu (19,521)
cosjoel antes 125
Headre4000 antes 125
Slamd antes 125
racerstation antes 125
KappaMan antes 125
VTMADMAN antes 125
kjam8888 antes 125
crushu antes 125
cosjoel posts the small blind of 500
Headre4000 posts the big blind of 1,000
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Qd Jd]
Slamd folds
Headre4000 has returned
racerstation folds
KappaMan calls 1,000
VTMADMAN folds
kjam8888 folds
crushu folds
cosjoel raises to 3,200
Headre4000 calls 2,200
KappaMan calls 2,200
*** FLOP *** [6s Qh Js]
cosjoel bets 8,000
Headre4000 raises to 23,295, and is all in
KappaMan calls 18,630, and is all in
cosjoel calls 8,335, and is all in
Headre4000 shows [7s As]
KappaMan shows [Qd Jd]
cosjoel shows [Ks Kd]
Uncalled bet of 4,665 returned to Headre4000
*** TURN *** [6s Qh Js] [9s]
*** RIVER *** [6s Qh Js 9s] [4d]
Headre4000 shows a flush, Ace high
KappaMan shows two pair, Queens and Jacks
Headre4000 wins the side pot (4,590) with a flush, Ace high
cosjoel shows a pair of Kings
Slamd: wow
Headre4000 wins the main pot (59,605) with a flush, Ace high
cosjoel stands up
KappaMan stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 64,195 Main pot 59,605. Side pot 4,590. | Rake 0
Board: [6s Qh Js 9s 4d]
Seat 1: cosjoel (small blind) showed [Ks Kd] and lost with a pair of Kings
Seat 2: Headre4000 (big blind) showed [7s As] and won (64,195) with a
flush, Ace high
Seat 3: Slamd folded before the Flop
Seat 4: racerstation folded before the Flop
Seat 5: KappaMan showed [Qd Jd] and lost with two pair, Queens and Jacks
Seat 7: VTMADMAN folded before the Flop
Seat 8: kjam8888 folded before the Flop
Seat 9: crushu (button) folded before the Flop

That was one helluva beating. To be honest, it affected me to the point where i really didn't feel like play any more afterwards.

I guess you can say justice was served today. I just finished in 1st Place in Sit-n-Go for a nice hit.

All I ever ask if for the cards to break even.

-Big Syd

Last night (4/5/06)

2006-04-05T14:09:00.000-04:00

Last night, I rushed home from work to play in the RGP DonkeyFest on PokerStars. However, I didn't make it home in time to fund my account for the 7pm start time on PokerStars. So, that was a No Go.

I actually took time last night to get caught up on my Tivo'd Poker programming. I like watching the Ultimate Poker Challenge from The Plaze and I'm finally caught up. Good to see Andy Block, a Full Tilt Poker Pro and one of the members of the now-famous MIT Blackjack crew, won the main event. I also caught up on FTP's Learn from the Pros. Now, I just hae to get caught up on High Stakes Poker. I think I'm about 2 episodes behind. After that, I can get caught up on Las Vegas. Las Vegas has the hotties with the bodies! lol

-Big Syd

3rd Place at The SHOP (APSmalley's)

2006-04-02T14:43:00.000-04:00

APSmalley hosts a local tournament ($70+$10 Buy-In NLHE) every other week at his spot (The Shop). It's been a minute since I've been able to make one of these. Since I was in town this weekend, I decided to give it a shot and I finished in 3rd Place out of 20 players.

Actually, we got down to 3 players (top 5 got payed) and came up with a deal where everybody got 2nd Place money and we played for the remaining piece. I ended up getting all my money in the middle with KQoff and ran into AK which Neil was holding. FYI, Neil was the one who I got a nice double up on early in the tournament with Quad sevens. His AK held up and they were down to two. They ended up splitting the remaining money rather than playing it out.

Thanks again to APSmalley (POPS) for hosting a anoter good home poker tourney.

-Big Syd

It's going to be a long night...

2006-03-31T18:43:00.000-05:00

Full Tilt Poker Game #536087783: $5 + $0.50 Sit & Go (3500952), Table 1 - 15/30 - No Limit Hold'em - 18:38:12 ET - 2006/03/31
Seat 1: mybignips (1,485)
Seat 2: 33trips (1,455)
Seat 3: carp1260 (1,740)
Seat 4: KappaMan (1,500)
Seat 5: Adam Rousseau (1,320)
Seat 6: mullspen (1,500)
Seat 7: Magical Aces (1,500)
Seat 8: chirl31 (1,500)
Seat 9: bjunks (1,500)
carp1260 posts the small blind of 15
KappaMan posts the big blind of 30
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Qh Qs]
Adam Rousseau folds
mullspen folds
Magical Aces folds
chirl31 folds
bjunks raises to 90
Magical Aces: shoulda played my 7 2
mybignips folds
33trips folds
carp1260 folds
mybignips: i had 1 2
mybignips: lol
KappaMan raises to 300
bjunks raises to 1,500, and is all in
KappaMan has 15 seconds left to act
KappaMan calls 1,200, and is all in
bjunks shows [Td Th]
KappaMan shows [Qh Qs]
*** FLOP *** [6d 3c 3d]
*** TURN *** [6d 3c 3d] [Ad]
*** RIVER *** [6d 3c 3d Ad] [5d]
bjunks shows a flush, Ace high
KappaMan shows two pair, Queens and Threes
bjunks wins the pot (3,015) with a flush, Ace high
bjunks: haha
KappaMan stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 3,015 | Rake 0
Board: [6d 3c 3d Ad 5d]
Seat 1: mybignips didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: 33trips (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: carp1260 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: KappaMan (big blind) showed [Qh Qs] and lost with two pair, Queens and Threes
Seat 5: Adam Rousseau didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: mullspen didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: Magical Aces didn't bet (folded)
Seat 8: chirl31 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: bjunks showed [Td Th] and won (3,015) with a flush, Ace high

Once again, AQ is cursed!!!!!!!!

2006-03-31T00:12:00.000-05:00

AQ is so cursed for me that it makes no sense. I can't win with it and I can't win against it. The later was the case for me tonight as my AK couldnt even beat AQ with me all-in for about $11,000T.

Tonight, I played the 9pm $10+$1 Double Stack Tourney (NLHE) on Full Tilt Poker. Once again, I played some darn good poker. I'm actually proud of the way I played tonight. No, I didn't win the damn thing. But I did finish ITM (In The Money) at 41st place out of 484 Playeres entered. Top 45 players got paid.

If Only my AK could have beat the Tournament chip leader's AQ, I'm golden. NOT!

Oh, well. Its bed time. Here is the hand history for you to feast on:

Full Tilt Poker Game #534835762: Double Stack $10 + $1 (3385495), Table 43 - 800/1600 Ante 200 - No Limit Hold'em - 0:07:53 ET - 2006/03/31
Seat 1: KappaMan (11,978)
Seat 2: Shannon_Butler (68,335)
Seat 3: Smiley q-_-p (43,823)
Seat 4: MADMAN70 (34,130)
Seat 5: THE RIFLEMAN (22,020)
Seat 6: tlude (34,778)
Seat 7: danielburke (27,074)
Seat 8: onmyown (18,822)
Seat 9: 3 rack (32,445)
KappaMan antes 200
Shannon_Butler antes 200
Smiley q-_-p antes 200
MADMAN70 antes 200
THE RIFLEMAN antes 200
tlude antes 200
danielburke antes 200
onmyown antes 200
3 rack antes 200
KappaMan posts the small blind of 800
Shannon_Butler posts the big blind of 1,600
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [As Kh]
KappaMan: nice
Smiley q-_-p folds
tlude: ty
MADMAN70 folds
THE RIFLEMAN folds
tlude calls 1,600
danielburke calls 1,600
onmyown folds
3 rack folds
KappaMan raises to 11,778, and is all in
Shannon_Butler calls 10,178
tlude folds
danielburke folds
KappaMan shows [As Kh]
Shannon_Butler shows [Ac Qh]
*** FLOP *** [Ts 3s Qd]
*** TURN *** [Ts 3s Qd] [2c]
*** RIVER *** [Ts 3s Qd 2c] [5c]
KappaMan shows Ace King high
Shannon_Butler shows a pair of Queens
Shannon_Butler wins the pot (28,556) with a pair of Queens
KappaMan stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 28,556 | Rake 0
Board: [Ts 3s Qd 2c 5c]
Seat 1: KappaMan (small blind) showed [As Kh] and lost with Ace King high
Seat 2: Shannon_Butler (big blind) showed [Ac Qh] and won (28,556) with a pair of Queens
Seat 3: Smiley q-_-p folded before the Flop
Seat 4: MADMAN70 folded before the Flop
Seat 5: THE RIFLEMAN folded before the Flop
Seat 6: tlude folded before the Flop
Seat 7: danielburke folded before the Flop
Seat 8: onmyown folded before the Flop
Seat 9: 3 rack (button) folded before the Flop

Big Syd and BigFella from MD-Poker.com

2006-03-29T22:41:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of myself with BigFella from MD-Poker.com. We met through MD-Poker and discovered we were Fraternity Brothers as well as PokerBuddies. Good to find one of my brothers on the felt. Yo!

Tom Speaks...

2006-03-29T22:38:00.000-05:00

Here is Tom McEvoy, Guest Speaker at the PokerStars Dinner held during ATLARGE. He delivered a nice Question and Answer session.

PokerStars.com Ice Sculpture

2006-03-29T22:31:00.000-05:00

Here is the PokerStars ice sculpture that was on display at the PokerStars Dinner during ATLarge.

Tom MCEvoy and Big Syd

2006-03-29T22:14:00.000-05:00

Had the opportunity and pleasure to meet Tom McEvoy not too long ago in Atlantic City. Tom co-authored one of the first Tournament Poker books I ever read and is a WSOP Bracelet wearer. He is currently a spokeperson for PokerStars. He was the special guest speaker this yeat at the PokerStars dinner during ATLarge.

-Big Syd

Poker Playing Wednesday (3/29/06)

2006-03-29T21:58:00.000-05:00

Decided to run home and play some poker after work. Got home just in time to play the Full Tilt Poker $50+$5 NLHE Tourney at 7pm. Unfortunately, I didn't make the money. The hand that killed me was AKsuited. Thing is, I know I overplayed it. 125 players and I'msent to the rail in 121st place. How sickening is that. Lost a race to 77.

After that, I decided to play some sit-n-gos on Full Tilt. Played an $11+$1 and busted on the bubble in 4th. Played another immediately afterwards and placed in 3rd Place for a small profit.

After those, I decided to play a $5+.50 SnG. At the start, I run to the bathroom and as I come back, I see I have pocket rockets (aces). However, I'm unable to click "I'm Back" in time to play them and they are folded. So, I play this table for a while and I'm dealt AA again. Yep. Probably less than 10 hands later, I'm dealt AA again. Unfortunately, I wish I wasn't there to play them. I raise. I'm re-raised. I put him on Kings. I decided to push the rest in. If he has Kings, he is gonna call. Right on cue, he calls my all-in with Cowboys (Pocket Kings). Flop comes King-blank-blank. My hand doesn't improve on the turn nor the river. To the rail I go.

So, now, I think I'll finish watching the WPT or perhaps I'll finish listneing to Card Player's The Circuit radio show.

Anyway, tonight was not a good night.

-Big Syd

This hand bothered me all day today...

2006-03-28T23:44:00.000-05:00

I didn't play any poker this evening. However, I am about to post a hand that I played yesterday in the Full Tilt Poker $50+$5 NLHE Tournament. This hand stayed on my mind all day today because I can not believe this guy called me down all the way to the river on a flush draw. Granted, I had nothing but Ace high. However, I raised from EP preflop and I made pot sized bets on the Flop and the Turn. I felt I had established a tight enough table image that this guy should have read me as strong. But I guess if you have a large stack like he had accumulated in a very short time, you can call a guy down to the river with AKs and hope to luck up and hit it. And yes, I know I could have bailed out on the Flop and the Turn.

Full Tilt Poker Game #527676352: Double Stack $50 + $5 (3340033), Table 6 - 30/60 - No Limit Hold'em - 19:36:58 ET - 2006/03/27
Seat 1: rodmir29 (3,525)
Seat 2: JE23 (9,170)
Seat 3: mtbrat (4,555)
Seat 4: Todays Not It (3,010)
Seat 5: MonkeyTrap (3,795)
Seat 6: KappaMan (3,300)
Seat 7: tommypoly (3,625)
Seat 8: clogged (9,780)
Seat 9: jojo17333 (2,895)
mtbrat posts the small blind of 30
Todays Not It posts the big blind of 60
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Qd Ah]
MonkeyTrap folds
KappaMan raises to 240
tommypoly folds
clogged calls 240
jojo17333 folds
rodmir29 folds
JE23 folds
mtbrat folds
JE23 is sitting out
Todays Not It folds
*** FLOP *** [Jc 9c 7h]
JE23 has returned
KappaMan bets 570
clogged calls 570
*** TURN *** [Jc 9c 7h] [6h]
KappaMan bets 1,710
clogged calls 1,710
*** RIVER *** [Jc 9c 7h 6h] [4c]
KappaMan bets 780, and is all in
clogged calls 780
*** SHOW DOWN ***
KappaMan shows [Qd Ah] (Ace Queen high)
clogged shows [Ac Kc] (a flush, Ace high)
clogged wins the pot (6,690) with a flush, Ace high
KappaMan stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 6,690 | Rake 0
Board: [Jc 9c 7h 6h 4c]
Seat 1: rodmir29 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: JE23 (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: mtbrat (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Todays Not It (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 5: MonkeyTrap didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: KappaMan showed [Qd Ah] and lost with Ace Queen high
Seat 7: tommypoly didn't bet (folded)
Seat 8: clogged showed [Ac Kc] and won (6,690) with a flush, Ace high
Seat 9: jojo17333 didn't bet (folded)

Nothing else to report...

2006-03-28T08:17:00.000-05:00

I didn't do too well on the rest of my off-day from work. I played a few more tourneys and took some sick beats. I did play the Full Tilt Poker $50+$5 DoubleStack tourney yesterday. Did very well in it until some guy with AK took out my AQ. Called me all the way down to the river against my pot size bets on each street. Unbelievable. It was as if he knew I didn't make my hand. No way he could have put me on AQ.

Oh well, I thought I'd post these screen shots from a Charity Tournament I played in on Full Tilt Poker. It was called Suckout on Leukemia. I didn't make it ITM. However, I did have fun playing with Rafe Furst and Jennifer Harmon. I actually busted out Rafe Furst and for that they gave me my buy-in back as well as a t-shirt.

-Big Syd

Engine Engine Number Nine...

2006-03-27T13:35:00.000-05:00

Still playing solid poker. Didn't play much yesterday after taking down 2nd Place. I played the 12:30pm satellite yesterday to the $200K Guarantee. Didn't make the money. Decided to call it a day as for poker and do some other things with my Sunday.

Today, it took me a minute to get going but I finally primed the pump and got the train going. I'm 100% sure I could have gone deeper at this final table. However, I have to go pick my daughter up from school. This prompted me to make a post-flop play at the pot, knowing I was beat. But I had to go.

I'll be back though. I'm already registered for the 2pm $6000 Guarantee Double Stack tourney.

-Big Syd

The Early Bird gets The Worm

2006-03-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

After falling to sleep early last night, while watching Tivo'd episodes of Hustle which airs on BRAVO, I woke up at about 5am and could not go back to sleep. I had just missed the 5am $20 Buy-In Tournament. So, I decided I would stay up and play the 6am $10 +$1 Buy-in Tourney.

I feel like I gave it my B+ game and by the time were were down to about 20 or so players remaining, I had developed my stack into what became the tournament chip leader. It wasn't just any old chip lead either. I had about a 2to1 or 3to1 chip lead on my closest competitor. It remained this way til we were down to about 3 or 4 players as I continued to make moves and pick my spots to maintain the lead all the way in to heads-up play.

I'm not gonna lie, there were times during this tournament where I felt like I was in the zone. I was playing some excellent poker. Mixing up my play when I need to. Making steals when I needed to. No, making steals when I wanted to. With the stack that I had, players realized that if they wanted to see a flop with me, their entire stack would be in jeapordy. lol I just played some good solid poker with no TV on or anything to interrupt me. OK, I will admit, I had XM Radio Online piped into my ears and I was listening to one of of the Old School Hip Hop Stations. I was feeling it.

Unfortunately, as you can see if you've been readin my blog from the bottom to the top (Look at the post before this one), I found myself in a race situation and I lost the race. I was severely crippled after losing that hand. We jockeyed a few hands back and forth but eventually, my train ran out of steam.

The end result? 2nd Place for $193.50

Not a big hit, in my book. But as my poker buddy PDoggie always reminds me, Thats one helluva positive ROI (Return on Investment). About 17x or 18x my initial buy-in. I gotta admit, I was really playing for 1st Place in this tourney. Not at one time did I play just to get ITM (In The Money). There really wasn't much to be made until you hit the final 3, as always.

OK, I think I'm going to hit the bed now. Too late to go to church. I think I'll take a nap until the $200K Guarantee Qualifier at Noon.

Good Night. I mean, Good Day!

-Big Syd

I still say AQ (suited or unsuited) is CURSED!!!!!!

2006-03-26T10:23:00.000-05:00

Here is the hand that swung the tournament from my favor to his. As you see, I need AQsuited to win a race. But of course, AQ is still cursed for me. For those of you that haven't been following my blog, It seems like I can't win with AQ and I get beat by it as well. I've seen it happen to many times. How ironic is it that I was listening to Kurtis Blow sing "These are The Breaks"? lol Here is the Hand History:

Full Tilt Poker Game #524410960: $10 + $1 Tournament (3318222), Table 2 - 1000/2000 Ante 250 - No Limit Hold'em - 9:17:36 ET - 2006/03/26
Seat 1: KappaMan (87,636)
Seat 8: hoocares (60,864)
KappaMan antes 250
hoocares antes 250
KappaMan posts the small blind of 1,000
hoocares posts the big blind of 2,000
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Qd Ad]
hoocares: gg, man
KappaMan raises to 8,000
KappaMan: gg
hoocares raises to 24,000
KappaMan raises to 87,386, and is all in
hoocares calls 36,614, and is all in
KappaMan shows [Qd Ad]
hoocares shows [Th Tc]
Uncalled bet of 26,772 returned to KappaMan
*** FLOP *** [Js 9s 3d]
*** TURN *** [Js 9s 3d] [Jh]
*** RIVER *** [Js 9s 3d Jh] [4h]
KappaMan shows a pair of Jacks
hoocares shows two pair, Jacks and Tens
hoocares wins the pot (121,728) with two pair, Jacks and Tens
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 121,728 | Rake 0
Board: [Js 9s 3d Jh 4h]
Seat 1: KappaMan (small blind) showed [Qd Ad] and lost with a pair of Jacks
Seat 8: hoocares (big blind) showed [Th Tc] and won (121,728) with two pair, Jacks and Tens

And then there were 2 (two)...

2006-03-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

After playing excellent poker since 6am, I finally made it to heads-up play. At this point, its all about timing, luck, skill, and some more stuff. It feels so good to be in this postion once again. If only this were the WPT or WSOP and those cameras were really rolling for a real broadcast. lol

But you have to know how to use it when you get it...

2006-03-26T10:14:00.000-05:00

I'm in the 6am $10+$1 Buy-In NL Holdem Tournament. We started with 99 Players. We are not down to the final table as you can see. I've been the tournament chip leader now since we were down to about 20 players remaining. We've come a long way.

They say Big is Always Better!

2006-03-26T10:04:00.000-05:00

Man, it sure does feel good to build a stack when playing poker tournament. I feel like I'm sitting on top of the world! lol

Big Syd, where are you?

2006-03-22T15:47:00.000-05:00

I didn't play any poker on Monday because my Internet was still down. Comcast was suppose to show between 5 and 8. However, 8pm comes around and no Comcast. I call them and I'm told they made a mistake and nobody would be coming out tonight. I'm heated. We schedule for Tuesday between 5 and 8 and I get some credits on my account. Perfect opportunity to relax and get caught up on Tivo.

Tuesday rolls around and Comcast shows up at about 5:25pm and fixes my Internet. However, I somehow came down with a cold and I really felt too weak to play poker. I decided to take the night off and try to recover from the cold.

This brings us to today. I'm feeling a lot better and I'm actually anxious to play some poker. Its been since Friday that I havent played. Its time.

See you on the felt tonight.

-Big Syd

The Ultimate Satellite at The Borgata

2006-03-19T14:18:00.000-05:00

For those wondering about The Ultimate Satellite at The Borgata, it started at 11am with 419 players. The Payout will be 6 packages and 7th place will get $9,000.

Unfortunately, I'll be hitting the highway headed back home shortly. More details on this weekend when I get home

-Big Syd

Qualifier to The Ultimate Satellite...

2006-03-17T20:22:00.000-05:00

I got up at about 4:30am and hit the road about 5:20am. The Nav System is programmed for The Borgata Hotel, Casino, and Spa (As if I dont know my way. lol). I throw on some Biggie and I make it to A.C. in record breaking time. About 2 hours and 37 minutes I belive it was.

I immediately head to The Borgata to register for the Qualifier. Registration stats at 8am. I've alreayd talked to my poker buddy Alex and he is there already and is standing in line to hold me a spot. I dart into The Borgata and valet the whip and then shoot straight for the pokerroom. The line is all the way back to the high limit room. Thank God, Alex is towards the fron of the the line. I go to the desk to get a duplicate My Rewards card and then shoot straight to the front of the line where Alex is and I register.

Registration is complete and the tournament starts at 11am. We have time to burn. Alex is a Black Label My Rewards Card Holder. He invites me to have breakfast. Because the Black Label Club Restaraunt is being redecorated, they allow Black Card holders to dine in the Borgata Buffet for free of charge. So, we go and have a nice breakfast before tourney time. I'm stuffed. Now, I have a very weak stomach. So, I know I'm going to have to do something about the food before start time. So, I handle my business. I play a little video poker to burn some time. I wanted to play some low-limit poker while waiting but they didnt open up any tables. So, I grab a poker magazine, read some, try to do an early check-in, and then prepare for the tourney.

The tourney started just about on time. I had a nice table to start off with. Played there for a few levels and developed one helluva table image. Everybody respected my play after I conducted a few lessons and showed down some very good cards. I thnk I ran my stack of $10,000T up to about 13000 or 14000. Then, they broke my table.

I drew a table where the cards went totally cold for me. I mean, it was like a nightmare. The blinds were getting heavy and it came time for me to make a move. Long story short, I busted out with 14 tables left in the tournament. Unfortunately, the Qualifier only payed 73 seats into the Sunday Ultimate Satellite. So, I blew that one. I really felt bad about that because I was playing some very good cards.

Anyway, I have the urge to avenge my loss. So, Alex and I head over to The Hilton to play there supposedly NO-Rake tournament. We get there and they tell us they have changed the policy and the tournament is now $100+$20. If you ask me. $20 is kind of high for a $100 tournament. But we decide to play anyway.

Tournament starts with 4 tables (about 40 players). I play real good cards as I sit an choose my spots wisely. Before I know it, I'm at the final table. This tourney was very soft when it came to players. A lot of people on vacation and deciding to play since they saw it on tv. Anyway, the first hand after break at the final table, I'm dealt QQ in LP. UTG, raises and it folds to me and I push all-in since my stack is low. He calls. and turns over pocket 8's. Oh hell, Here comes the beat. The flop hits with an 8. No Q on the turn. No Q on the River. Out I go in 10th place. 6 places away from the money.

By now, I'm heated. I go downstairs. I blow $200 in Craps like its nothing. Thats it. No more gambling for the weekend. I decide to just cool off and tell myself to have a good time. Afterall, I am going to the James "Lights Out" Toney vs. Hasim Rahman fight on Saturday night. So, I chill for the rest of the weekend and just relax.

I'll report on the fight in my next post.

-Big Syd

Last Night's Results (3/15/06)

2006-03-16T10:07:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, thanks to Comcast Internet, I dont have much to say about last night. You see, I got home from work on Wednesday evening only to find my Internet connection dead as a door knob. Yep, no Internet Access.

Of course I call Comcast and the earliers they can get someone out is on Friday between 1 and 5 (I'm headed to Atlantic City to play a qualifier for The Ultimate Satellite at The Borgata).

This means, no poker on Wednesday and no poker on Thursday since I will be packing and getting some rest for the trip up on Friday.

So, thanks to Comcast, No Money made and No Poker played!

-Big Syd

Last Night's Results (3/14/06)

2006-03-15T18:34:00.000-05:00

Played some more poker on BoDog last night. WSOP QuarterFinal started at 9:30 with about 24 players. I busted out immediately after the 1st break (The first hand to be exact), or was it the second break, in 14th Place. AQ ran into AA and it was history for me. I'm still feeling good about my game again. I mean, I feel like I'm playing true BigSyd Poker (I like to call it that).

After Playing that, I played a littl $5+$.50 Single Table and donked off the chipe lead to finish in 4th Place on the the bubble. What a frikking night.

You live and you learn.

I then proceeded to blow through some loot by playing craps and then playing some video poker. I'm just starting to play Video Poker. Give me a minute and I'll have the hang of it.

-Big Syd

Last Night's Results (3/13/06)

2006-03-14T13:51:00.000-05:00

Last night, I played at BoDog Pokerroom. I didn't get started until the the 9:30pm WSOP Quaterfinal Event. There were about 46 players entered. I played pretty good and finised in 10th Place. Unfortunately, Only the top 4 finishers got seats into the BoDog WSOP Semi-Finals event and 5th place got some cash.

I also played a $10+$1 Single Table Tournament on BoDog afterwards. I felt like I had to do something to feel better after my 10th place finish. After being down to about a stack of 200 in chips, I launched a comeback towards the end to finish in 2nd Place. I would have finished in 1st Place had my heads-up opponent not called my all-in, which I had a pair of eights, with his hearts flush draw and hit. Oh well, I can't do anything about the luck part.

I'll probably be back on BoDog tonight since I dont have anything in my Full Tilt Account. Had to make a withdrawal to cover my upcoming A.C. trip this weekend.

Talk to you later.

-Big Syd

BoDog $100,000 Guarantee Tournament (3/12/06)

2006-03-12T23:39:00.000-05:00

BoDog $100,000 Guarantee Tournament (3/12/06)

Today, I decided to play the $100+$9 Buy-In $100K Guarantee on BoDog. It is a very good tournament that carries an overlay just about every week. By overlay, I meam the site has to cover the money out of their pockets to meet the $100,000 Prize Pool when enough players dont sign-up to cover it by buy-ins. TOday, there were 759 players. Which meant BoDog had to kick in about $26,000 to the Prize Pool.

I must say, I played pretty good today. I finished in 85th Place. Unfortunately, it was not good enough to make any money since only the top 63 places payed money. If there is anyone that knows that close doesnt pay, its me.

I must admit, I was heated at myself for the way I busted out. Let me see if I can sum it up for you:

Blinds are 400/800 with a 100 ante. I'm sitting with about T14000 in chips. It is getting kinda hected at my table. The big stacks are raising pre-flop just about every hand. Nobody is seeing a flop without at least calling a raise.

I looked down at KhJd and decided to play. UTG min raises to 1600. Kinda fishy but its the table chip leader who is sitting on about 76000 in chips. So, I call from UTG+2. It folds all the way back around and we see a flop with the pot sitting at 5300.

The flop comes As 7h Js and he leads out with a bet of 800 into a pot of 5300. Does he have an A? That A on the board scares me. If I call, I dont learn anything. So, I raise to 1600 and he calls. What the fawk. Is he calling with a flush draw? I know he has a massive stack but dayum. He is hanging in there on my tail and I can't shake him. Pot is now 8500.

The turn is a Jc. I'm now doing an endzone dance. Money card, I think to myself. If he has an Ace, it is no longer any good. I now have trips. Time to walk the dog. I'm fully committed at this time. Its Do or Die, Baby! He checks. Yeah, Baby! Who's your MoFo Daddy? I check trying to disguise my hand. On to the River.

The River brings Qs. Holy Cow Batman! Did I just let the joker River his flush? He bets out for 1000 into a 8500 pot. Is he probing to see if I hit my flush? I just finished doing the "Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens" dance. I pump it up to 2000. He comes over the top and makes it 4000. Does this Bama have pocket sevens. Aw Hellz to the Nawh. Know way he stayed in with 77. DOes he have 2 pair. Did he play AJ? J7? J7? I refuse to give him credit for these hands. And if he hung around with a Flush draw and caught it, So be it. I push all-in for 9370. He calls.

Showdown!

He has the AdAc.

I now feel like I'm owned. Like I'm somebody's B*tch. He had me hook line and sinker.

Out in 85th Place.

Lesson Learned:

First of all, dump that KJ. Second, I know hindsight is 20/20 but I did have the opportunity to drop out on the flop. However, being close to move-In point, I figured those two cards would be live. Granted, the chip leader was not the person to move in on. When you look at it afterward, even if I got my money in pre-flop, He calls with his monster stack and his Rockets.

I played very good poker in this tourney. I just have to work on staying focussed when its crunch time. pick my spots a bit better. Pay a little more attention the way the story is playing out. On the outside looking in, I can see I was beat. But during the heat of the battle, I thought I was good. I was too GunHo.

There is always next time.

I'll talk to you later. I'm off to read Poker for Dummies.

-Big Syd aka KappaMan

THE ULTIMATE SUPER SATELLITE TOURNAMENT

2006-03-12T12:02:00.000-05:00

This coming week, The Borgata is hosting THE ULTIMATE SUPER SATELLITE TOURNAMENT! I plan to participate by playing the qualifier on Friday and hopefully winning my seat into the even on Sunday. Here are the details:

THE ULTIMATE SUPER SATELLITE TOURNAMENT

Friday, March 17 & Sunday, March 19, 2006

SUPER SATELLITE QUALIFIER
MARCH 17, 2006 - 11 AM
Location: Poker Room

Sign up begins in the Borgata Poker Room at 8 AM and lasts till the end of the second level.

One out of every 5 players will advance to the Ultimate WPT Super Satellite on Sunday, March 19, 2006.
Tournament Details >>>

SUPER SATELLITE TOURNAMENT
MARCH 19, 2006 - 11 AM
Location: Event Center - Salon D

Online registration is temporarily not available. However, you may register for the Ultimate Super Satellite Tournament in person at Borgata casino cashier. Sign up at the Main Casino Floor Cage from 8 AM until the end of the second level.

One winner for every sixty entrants will walk away with the ultimate grand prize package totaling $60,000. Prize consists of the following:

· Foxwoods Poker Classic - $10,000
April 6-9, 2006

· Championship at Bellagio - $25,500
April 18-24, 2006

· Borgata Poker Open - $10,000
Sept.15-19, 2006

· WSOP Championship Main Event at Rio - $10,000 - July 28 - August 10, 2006

· $4,500 for Hotel and Travel Expenses

Full Tilt Poker Commercials...

2006-03-12T10:54:00.000-05:00

As many of you know by now (I guess you can tell from allof the ads on my blog), I really like playing on Full Tilt Poker. I am an affiliate and I really believe that the more players that play on there, the better of an experience for me. So, this is my solicitation blog post to give them some shine and hopefully encourage you to start playing on their site.

If you should decide to play on Full Tilt Poker, please click on one of the links on my site so I will get some credit for the referral.

All of this being said, I'll leave you with 3 of the newest commercials that Full Tilt Poker is running on TV these days. They really do do a good job with their marketing efforts.

-Big Syd

Windows: DSL 56K

Windows: DSL 56K

Windows: DSL 56K

If you do not have the Windows Media Player, you can download the latest from here:

Baby, I'm Back!!!

2006-03-12T10:36:00.000-05:00

Guess, who's back? Well, Me, of course! LOL

Yep, I decided to return to blogging my poker life. As many of you know, I took a break in November. In order to devote more time to family and actually live a life again (Ok, maybe I just wanted to get caught up on Tivo), I had to slow down on the poker. I stopped Big Syd's Poker Night (The Tuesday night game that I hosted for over a year). I also slowed down on playin poker online. This much needed break also gave me time to really enjoy the holidays.

Well, the prodigal son has returned. Baby, I'm back. I'm back to studying the game. Finally got caught up on reading my Card Player magazines. Those of you that subscribe to Card Player know that it can be a task trying to keep up with those. They come every two weeks. I am usually 1 or 2 behing by the time the next one comes in. I'm also reading Phil Gordon's Little Green Book. It really is a nice read. Hopefully, it will do a lot better for my poker game than Harvey Pennick's Litte Green Book did for my golf game. lol

I'm back to playing live poker on a regular basis as well. Just last week, I participated in ATLARGE 2006 (http://www.atlargepoker.com/) and had a grea time although finishing in 89th Place in the NLHE event. I did get to meet Tom McEvoy, who co-authored one of the first poker books I read when I started playing poker almost 2 years ago. I'll post a picture later. I've also been playing the Thursday night Annapolis game on a semi-consistent basis. And I still make the occasional trip Atlantic City to get some live play in as well.

The last thing I want to mention in this message is that I have started my run to play in the main event at this year's World Series of Poker. I have begun playing satellites on BoDog to try to make it there. I really like my chances against the fields I have been up against thus far. Just this past Friday night I was 9 players away from winning a package. If first you dont succees, try and try again. Thatsmy plan.

Well, thats enough for now for my Baby, I'm back post. I have a few other things I want to bring you abreast about. I'll post those in separate posts.

I look forward to seeing you on the Felt soon.

-Big Syd aka KappaMan (online poker name)

I'm taking a break...

2005-11-24T11:11:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a break from the blog. Sorry for the absence. I will return soon. Happy Thanksgiving!

Big Syd's Poker Night....Online!!!!

2005-10-26T12:50:00.000-04:00

Yes, I did somthing different this week. Most of you know I host a live poker tournament every Tuesday. Its called Big Syd's Poker Night. It rotates to a different location each week between Greenbelt, Severn, and Mitchellville Maryland. This week it was suppose to be in Severn. However, the Severn host was unable to do it this week. So, I decided to try something new.

For the first time, I took Big Syd's Poker Night online. Yes, We held a priavate tournament on Full Tilt Poker. I invited everyone from my weekly game list as well as players from md-poker.com, pocketfives.com, ftpfan.com, and RGP (rec.gambling.poker newsgroup).

Attendance was good with 26 players entered. Another 3 players would have been in had they gotten their player transfers in time to registers. The final table consisted of 5 players from RGP, 2 players from MD-Poker.com, 1 player from PocketFives.com, and 1 Player from FTPfan.com

The tournament payed 3 places with 1st Place getting $260, 2nd Place getting $156, and 3rd Place getting $104. The buy-in was $20 + $2. The winners were as follows:

1st - VeeRob (RGP)
2nd - NotAComputr (RGP)
3rd - RobBobGolf (MD-Poker)

Also, I added 2 Bounties to the Prize Pool. A $10 bounty on misst74 (RGP) and a $10 bounty on myself, KappaMan. Congrats to blackeye27 for win the misst74 bounty and il Lupo5 for winning the bounty on me.

Also, 5 of us participated in a last long bet which was won by sik_wit_iit (PocketFives) who finished in 6th Place.

I must say, there was some very good poker played last night. I'm pleased with the turnout. I will definitely hold another one of these sometime in the near future. Thanks again to all that played.

-Big Syd

Not a bad showing for 1473 players...

2005-10-24T11:27:00.000-04:00

Had a good time playing in the Inaugural Pokerstars Blogger Championship. 1473 Players were entered.

After fighting and clawing through that massive field, my run came to an end as I busted in 284th Place. Of course I got rivered. I'll post the hand and let you read for yourself.

Anyway, it was a pleasure to be a part of that event. Somehow, I ended up at the tabel with one of my fellow RGP'er, XaQMorphy. He played very well also and made it to the point where you get a hat and shirt. lol. Also got to see another fellow RGP'er make it to the iPod level. Tuscaloosa John. Good Job fellas.

Oh, here's my final hand.

Big Syd aka KappaMan

PokerStars Game #2875603929: Tournament #13081516, Hold'em No Limit - Level VIII (200/400) - 2005/10/23 - 18:03:31 (ET)
Table '13081516 81' Seat #8 is the button
Seat 1: performify (2915 in chips)
Seat 2: The_Venetian (13125 in chips)
Seat 3: KappaMan (3705 in chips)
Seat 4: Ray_Powers (16722 in chips)
Seat 5: XaQ Morphy (18506 in chips)
Seat 6: Andy_Ivey (7067 in chips)
Seat 7: deut23-10 (16992 in chips)
Seat 8: lachiep (11563 in chips)
Seat 9: livingsign (6185 in chips)
performify: posts the ante 25
The_Venetian: posts the ante 25
KappaMan: posts the ante 25
Ray_Powers: posts the ante 25
XaQ Morphy: posts the ante 25
Andy_Ivey: posts the ante 25
deut23-10: posts the ante 25
lachiep: posts the ante 25
livingsign: posts the ante 25
livingsign: posts small blind 200
performify: posts big blind 400
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Qc Qs]
Ray_Powers said, "actually xbox is the onlything I dont want"
KappaMan said, "they can have the xBox"
The_Venetian: folds
KappaMan: raises 1200 to 1600
Ray_Powers: folds
XaQ Morphy: folds
Andy_Ivey: calls 1600
deut23-10: folds
lachiep: folds
XaQ Morphy said, "I want an ipod, and a shirt, lol"
livingsign: folds
performify: folds
*** FLOP *** [Jh 2h Td]
Ray_Powers said, "Like I need another thing to waste my time. :P"
KappaMan: bets 2080 and is all-in
Andy_Ivey: calls 2080
Andy_Ivey said, "wow, i really saw queens"
*** TURN *** [Jh 2h Td][2s]
*** RIVER *** [Jh 2h Td 2s][Jc]
Andy_Ivey said, "wow"
*** SHOW DOWN ***
KappaMan: shows [Qc Qs] (two pair, Queens and Jacks)
Andy_Ivey: shows [As Jd] (a full house, Jacks full of Deuces)
lachiep said, "nice"
XaQ Morphy said, "oh man"
KappaMan said, "ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"
Andy_Ivey collected 8185 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 8185 | Rake 0
Board [Jh 2h Td 2s Jc]
Seat 1: performify (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 2: The_Venetian folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 3: KappaMan showed [Qc Qs] and lost with two pair, Queens and Jacks
Seat 4: Ray_Powers folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 5: XaQ Morphy folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 6: Andy_Ivey showed [As Jd] and won (8185) with a full house, Jacks full of Deuces
Seat 7: deut23-10 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 8: lachiep (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: livingsign (small blind) folded before Flop

Hurry-Up Offense...

2005-10-23T14:20:00.000-04:00

Well, its been about a week since I've been in with an update. Let me hit you with the hurry-up offense and the 2minute-drill since I'm watching my Washington Redskins devour the San Francisco 49'ers.

Tuesday, I hosted Big Syd's Poker Night. Took a few bad beats and busted out.

Wednesday - Played in PocketFives.com special satellite for the BoDog 100K Tourney on Sunday. P5 added 30 seats to the satellite. Top 66 players got seats. I came in 67th Place.

Saturday and Sunday, I failed at satelliting into the FTP $200K game today. A bit dissapointed about that.

Sunday - Today, I play the Pokerstarts Blogger Championship. Maybe luck will be with me on another site.

Big Syd

I'm Registered. Pokerstars Online Poker Blogger Championship.

2005-10-16T09:54:00.000-04:00

As you can see from the ad, I'm playing in the Inaugural PokerStars Online Poker Blogger Championship. This is a FreeRoll for all Bloggers out there with some very sweet prizes. Everything from Apple iPod Nanos to Dell Flatscreen monitors to a WPT Event Package.

Althought I hate large fields (1270 players entered last I checked), I think it would be cool to walk away with some of the prizes being awarded.

It all goes down next Sunday. Wish me luck.

Big Syd

P.S. - I see some of my fellow MD-POker.com players are registered as well. Good Luck to you all.

I'm Back. Lets Get This Party Started!

2005-10-16T09:07:00.000-04:00

I bet you thought I was gone. Nope. Never that. I just took a break from blogging for a couple weeks. You didn't miss much though.

Lets see. I played 2 events at The U.S. Poker Championship, I didn't make them money in neither. The first event ($300+$40 Buy-In NLHE) had about 700 something entrants. I finished in 200th Place. The second event I played ($500+$50 NLHE) I ran my stack up pretty early in the first blind level only to watch it dissappear before the 2nd blind level. Complete blowup. Oh Well.

Since then, I've played my Tuesday night Game once. Made the final table. Only to see my stack dwindle on a hand where I flopped trip Aces and Alex, who is holding pocket Kings, rivers a King for a boat. Man, it sure sucked to be me that night.

Also, the past two Thursdays, I've played a tournament put on by EHonda over in Riverdale. Not bad for a $50+10. Havent cashed yet there. But I will. Its just a matter of time.

I've been hit and miss lately on the online poker. I took this weekend off for the most part and I did the same last weekend. I've been playing some limit holdem and I think that slowed me down on the tournament grind. Well, this week, I return.

Oh, on Friday NIght, I returned to Party Poker. Yep, I played some SNGs on Party Poker after they gave me a free $100 to play on their site. I still hate the site. But it was free money. I'm happy to report, after losing about half of it, I turned things around, got back to even and then called it a night.

Well, thats about it for now. regular reports will return this week. Be on the lookout.

BiG Syd's Poker Night returns as well, this Tuesday. Yours Truly will be hosting.

Big Syd

Heads-Up at The Borgata Poker Open...

2005-09-25T17:38:00.000-04:00

This past Thursday evneing, I made a last-minute decision to shoot up to A.C. to play the $500 Buy-In NLHE for The U.S. Poker Championship. Just so happened the Final table of The Borgata Poker Open was being shot that night. So, I get to town about 9ish and shoot straight to The Event Center at The Borgata.

I get there and find out I can't get in til some other people come out. However, they were showing the taping on big screen in the lobby of the event center. So, I sit out there for about half-hour and watched. Although what we are seeing in the lobby is tape delayed by about an hour due to N.J. Laws and what have you. D'agostino went out in 4th and Kathy Liebert went out in 3rd.

I finally get in and I get to see heads up play. It was pretty cool to watch the setup. I did snap some flicks with my camera phone which you can see below.

I'll be back shortly to report on my trip to The U.S. Poker Championship.

-Big Syd aka KappaMan

2005-09-25T17:36:00.000-04:00

The booth where Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten do commentary for The Borgata Poker Open. (Click on Picture to see Full Size Image)

2005-09-25T17:35:00.000-04:00

Picture-taking time after the Borgata Poker Open. (Click on Picture to see Full Size Image)

2005-09-25T17:34:00.000-04:00

Al, the winner of The Borgata Poker Open. (Click on Picture to see Full Size Image)

2005-09-25T17:33:00.001-04:00

The Winner of The 2005 WPT Borgata Poker Open. (Click on Picture to see Full Size Image)

2005-09-25T17:33:00.000-04:00

Setting up for post tournament photos. (Click on Picture to see Full Size Image)

2005-09-25T17:32:00.000-04:00

Ricardo, The WPT Borgata Poker Open Runner-Up. He is a a regular at The Taj and is from New Jersey. (Click on Picture to see Full Size Image)

2005-09-25T17:31:00.000-04:00

Mike Sexton and the new WPT Spokeswoman (Replaces Shana Hiatt. That's Vince Van Patten blurred next to Mike Sexton. (Click on Picture to see Full Size Image)

2005-09-25T17:29:00.000-04:00

Mike Sexton, Co-Host of The World Poker Tour which airs on The Travel Channel. (Click on Picture to see Full Size Image)

2005-09-25T17:28:00.001-04:00

The Final Table Set. (Click on Picture to see Full Size Image)

2005-09-25T17:28:00.000-04:00

The Final Table set. (Click on Picture to see Full Size Image)

U.S. Poker Championship at The Taj...Here I come!

2005-09-22T13:30:00.000-04:00

I'm headed to Atlantic City this evening to play in the Unites States Poker Championship tomorrow at The Trump Taj Majal. Its the $300+$30 Buy-In No-Limit Holdem event.

I'll be back on Friday Night or Saturday with an update (Unless I decide to stay for the Peter versus Klitschko fight on Saturday at Boardwalk Hall).

Wish me Luck.

-Big Syd

A Poker-Playing free night...

2005-09-22T13:26:00.000-04:00

Decided to take the night off from playing poker. Didnt even bother to get online and check the tables. I was dog-dead tired from being up palte the night before with Big Syd's Poker Night.

Instead of playing poker, I decided to watch some. So, I tivo's up the WSOP airing from Tuesday night which featured Minh Nguyen, a poker pro, coming in 2nd Place to Mark Seif (Absolute Poker's Ambassador). It was pretty cool to watch because just last week I was sitting directly across the table from Minh in the $750 Buy-In Borgata Poker Open event.

After watching that episode, I skimmed through the 7-Card Stud episode and then hit the bed.

-Big Syd

Tuesday Results: Last night, I tied for 1st Place...

2005-09-21T15:17:00.000-04:00

As you all know by now (if you've been reading my blog for a minute), I host a weekly poker tournament in Maryland on Tuesday nights. Its called Big Syd's Poker Night. Its a MTT (Multi-Table Tournament) that usually had a field of between 2-3 tables.

Well, last night, I tied for 1st Place after we were down to 2 players (heads-up). Because of the lateness of the hour, Jesse (JBombs) and I decided to cut a deal. I had about T22000 to his T31000 at the time.

I played some pretty good poker last night. The hardest thing for me to do last night was to lay down pocket Kings (KK). But when the flop came with an Ace and it was obvious my opponent had an ace, I layed it down. It was actually a King night. I got pocket Kings 3 times and pocket aces 2 times.

September marked the 1 year anniversary of Big Syd's Poker Night. I thank all the participants for making it what it .

Also, congrats to Mary (Zalrymyjynx) for finishing in 3rd Place and BJ (Bjizzle) for finishing in 4th Place.

-Big Syd

$3/$6 Holdem and The Redskins beat the cowboys...

2005-09-20T17:54:00.000-04:00

VanGlorious!!!! Oh what a night. Monday Night Football. My Washington Redskins beat The Dallas Cowboys in a last 4minutes comeback. I tell you, it really feels good to be Skins fan today! Hail to The Redskins!

Yes, I played a little bit of poker last night. My new thing is to play 3/6 Limit Holdem while watching tv. I'm actually making money while watching tv. Last night was pretty good and I got to work off most of my bounus I was trying to clear on Full Tilt Poker. I love it.

On the tournament front, I didn't do as well. I played the FTP $8,000 Guarantee and busted out somewhere around the middle of the files after the first break. I just wasnt in my zone last night. Then, I played the RGP Challene where I went down hard when my KJ hand was up against AJ with a J on the board and I was pretty much pot committed. Oh well. There is alwyays next week for that one.

On to tonight. Big Syd's Poker Night. Starts at 8pm and I'm hosting this week. Looks like we have about 20 players registered already for the tournament. I hope to do some damage tonight in that one.

Wish me luck.

-Big Syd

The Weekend....

2005-09-19T17:39:00.000-04:00

I did nothing. Decided to let me brain rebuild all the cells it has lost from thinking so hard the past week or two. I actually got some tv watching in as a result and just relaxed.

OK, I take this back. I did play a little bit of poker. I sat down at some low limit tables on Full Tilt Poker and played to burn off a bonus. It was actually fun. I played .25/.50 all the way up to 8/16 on Full Tilt Poker. It was so much fun, I think I'm going to throw it back into the mix as a means of raising funds for tournament fees. I usually use S-N-Gs for this. We'll see.

Well, thats about it.

Oh, Tonight! Redskins versus cowboys. It dont get any better that tat for Monday Night Football.

The only question is will I attend a game party or watch at home where I can play poker at the same time. We shall see.

Don't forget tomorrow night. Big Syd's Poker Night. Celebrating 1 year of hosting this tournament that has grown from one table to averageing 18-28 players a week MTT.

Good Night.

Full Tilt Poker Guarantees for 9/17 - 9/23

2005-09-18T15:22:00.000-04:00

Full Tilt Poker has posted the schedule for this week's Guarantee Tournaments. I highly recommend these. You can usually find me in the 8pm and 10pm Guarantee during the week. Both of which I have made final tables on a number of occasions.

Here is this week's schedule with Guarantee amounts:

New Feature: Lessons From The Pros

2005-09-18T08:03:00.000-04:00

I have added a new feature to my blog site. Now you can get Lessons from the Full Tilt Poker Pros to help you improve your game. Just visit this site and click on the banner to the right of the screen which leads you to the lessons.

Every 1-2 weeks another lesson will be published by one of the pros. So, do check back regualarly for the latest.

-Big Syd

9th Place Finish in $10,000 Guarantee on Full Tilt Poker

2005-09-18T07:56:00.000-04:00

This past Thursday night I played the 10pm $10,000 Guarantee on Full Tilt Poker. 505 Players entered this event. I made the Final Table and finished in 9th Place. Now, let me just say that I could have finished higher if I wanted to sit there and just let the blinds and antes eat away my stack. However, I decided to take a stand and make a move with AhQh and ran into AK which was being held by the table chip leader. It was a play I had to make if I wanted a shot at the top prize which was $3030. So, I'm quite pleased with my 9th Place finish and I feel that the best is yet to come.

-Big Syd

The Borgata Poker Open....

2005-09-18T07:27:00.000-04:00

Well, from my standpoint, The Borgata Poker Open was an uneventful event. I mean, I had fun. However, I did not bring home the MOOLA!!!

I entered 3 WPT Borgata Poker Events (Events #1-3). I played the $500+$60, the $750+60, and the $1000+$80 Event. None of which I placed in the money. I will say that although the competition was tough, not one time did I feel that I couldn't compete at those levels.

I feel that I played some of the best poker that I have ever played in my life. However, the cards just didnt fall my way. There is a saying in poker that says, "Sometimes it is better to be lucky than to be good". Well, I was good and played excellent poker. I just didnt have luck on my side. I played the cards I was dealt to the best of my ability and just came up short. But enough of that. I dont want to sounds like I'm making excuses for my results. It just wasn't my time to shine.

Now, I will say that I did have a good time. I had the pleasure of brushing elbows with some of the poker greats. Paul Darden, David Pham, Kristy Gazes, Minh Nguyen, and a host of others. In the $750 event, I spent most of my time dealing with Minh Nguyen who was in the 8 seat and I was in the 2 Seat. Boy, I tell you, playing against pros really forces you to play your "A" game. After playing with Minh, I must say that I respect his play and look forward to seeing great things from him. The guys likes to see a lot of flops and he is willing to take a chance and play you on the flop versus pre-flop. Pleasure to meet you, Minh.

I did play a number of satellites and super satellites which I came up short in. I played an Act I where the top 11 got seats to an ACT II and I finished in 13th Place. It just wans't my trip.

Fortunately, I put in some hours in the cash games to help cover some of the losses in tournament fees. I kinda fell in love again with limit poker as a source of raising funds. I think I'm going to start playing a little more of that online as well.

Well, thats about it from The Borgata Poker Open. The onsite photographer snapped a few shots of me in action. They should be up on www.borgatastyle.com soon. Be on the lookout. It looks like I wont be playing the WPT Main Event this year. Maybe next year.

Next Stop? U.S. Poker Championship at The Taj Majal in Atlantic City. That will be followed by a return trip to Foxwoods in CT for the World Poker Finals. More details to come.

Oh, and one final note. A special thank you to all of those that backed me financially at The Borgata Poker Open. Look for great things in the future. Thanks for having faith in my game.

-Big Syd

I didnt have a real good night...

2005-09-08T18:28:00.000-04:00

Last night was not my night. I busted early in two tournaments. I played the 8pm $7,000 Guarantee on Full Tilt and then the 10pm $8,000 Guarantee on Full Tilt. I busted early in both.

First one, My AJ couldnt hold up to AK when a King hit the board. Second one, my Pocket 10's couldnt hold up to JJ.

Its OK. I'm getting all of my bad hands out the way before Atlantic City.

I may jump in and play some tonight. We shall see.

Big Syd's Poker Night (9/6): Results...

2005-09-07T17:59:00.000-04:00

Light turnout this week. About 12 or 13 Entrants I hear (But I heard the side games Joo-sayyyy!!!)

1st Place: DJ Big John
2nd Place: Petch
3rd Place: Mary?

Congrats to this week's winners. Sorry I couldn't make it this week.

Still nothing much happening...

2005-09-07T17:55:00.000-04:00

I didn't do too much last night. Did a money swap with Pdoggie for Absolute Poker cash for Full Tilt Poker Cash over the holiday. Decided to give them a try again for the first time. Hated it. I dont like the setup of AP.

I played a $50 MTT which only attracted 35 Entrants. I finished in 16th Place. I blew a good deal of my stack on one hand not paying attention. I called a raise when I thought I was limping for at the BB rate. Thats what I get for doing mutltiple things on the computer when playing poker.

I think I could run the tables on AP if I felt like really playing there. I just cant stomach the interface and the software. I'll pass.

Back to Full Tilt Poker tonight!

-Big Syd

Nothing much happening...

2005-09-06T18:35:00.000-04:00

I decided to take a day off from poker on Sunday and Monday. Well, not all of Monday. I did play in the RGP Challenge Toourney which I play every Monday night. Finished in 7th Place even though I was about 3rd in chip at the Final table with 8 players remaining. And there was a big jump from 3 to 5th, 6th, and 7th or so. However, I decided to get fancy and play a hand that we know in the RGP circle as Arlo (4-6). I flopped a low straight draw pushed all-in to let Arlo work its magic. The magic didnt happen. I'm out in 7th Place.

Another Full Tilt Poker Charity Event...

2005-09-03T14:53:00.000-04:00

Looks like FTP is doing it again. Actually, just about all of the major online poker rooms have announced Charity Events to support the Relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina.

Here are the details on FTP's next one:

Please join us at 9:15PM ET on Sunday, September 4th for a special charity tournament to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Registration for this tournament costs $20 + a $10 donation to the American Red Cross' Hurricane 2005 Relief fund, which will be matched 100% by Full Tilt Poker.

That means for every Tilter that plays, we'll send $20 to aid the victims of this devastating storm. We look forward to seeing you at the table.

Full Tilt Poker's "Jersey Days"

2005-09-03T14:41:00.000-04:00

Well, I just came in 1st Place in a Single Table Satellite for Full Tilt Poker's "Jersey Days".

Every Saturday in September, they are running a Tournament called "Jersey Days" and the final 10 players each receive one of their highly sought after FTP Custom-made Jersey's.

The cost to get into the Saturday Tournament is 2500 Full Tilt Poker Points. However, I played a Single Table Satellite with a 300 FTP Point Buy-In and won.

You can read more about "Jersey Days" by visiting this link:

http://www.fulltiltpoker.com/proJersey.php

I sure would love to have that Jersey to wear in The Borgata Poker Open.

Wish me Luck!

-Big Syd

The Full Tilt Poker Charity Event

2005-09-02T22:29:00.000-04:00

Well attended with about 718 players. That means FUll Tilt will dontate $14,360 from this tournament alone to the Red Cross.

Lots of Pros signed up to play in this one tonight. They include the following:

david grey
david singer
eirk lindgren
howard lederer
kristy gazes
paul wolfe
phil gordon

I didnt do too well as I lost a hand when my Flush was taken down by a Boat. Here's the hand. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make the money and make another donation. I'll come up with something.

FullTiltPoker Game #205217994: Hurricane Relief Tournament (1283354), Table 20 - 30/60 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:46:45 ET - 2005/09/02
Seat 1: hogwild56 (4,755)
Seat 2: CashHot (1,290)
Seat 3: TheRealPicard (1,345)
Seat 4: Bassrat10 (3,580)
Seat 5: foucault x (2,095)
Seat 6: Patman n Robhim (1,255)
Seat 7: celolec (535)
Seat 8: KappaMan (1,250)
Seat 9: ne2crds (1,665)
TheRealPicard posts the small blind of 30
Bassrat10 posts the big blind of 60
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [5c 6c]
foucault x folds
Patman n Robhim folds
beedab (Observer): man
celolec folds
KappaMan calls 60
beedab (Observer): heck of a call though
ne2crds raises to 120
hogwild56 calls 120
CashHot folds
TheRealPicard folds
Bassrat10 calls 60
KappaMan calls 60
*** FLOP *** [Qc Qd Jc]
Bassrat10 checks
KappaMan checks
ne2crds checks
hogwild56 checks
*** TURN *** [Qc Qd Jc] [4c]
Bassrat10 checks
KappaMan bets 510
ne2crds folds
hogwild56 calls 510
Bassrat10 calls 510
*** RIVER *** [Qc Qd Jc 4c] [3d]
Bassrat10 checks
KappaMan checks
hogwild56 bets 840
Bassrat10 has 15 seconds left to act
Bassrat10 folds
KappaMan calls 620, and is all in
Uncalled bet of 220 returned to hogwild56
*** SHOW DOWN ***
hogwild56 shows [Qh Jh] (a full house, Queens full of Jacks)
KappaMan mucks
hogwild56 wins the pot (3,280) with a full house, Queens full of Jacks
KappaMan stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 3,280 | Rake 0
Board: [Qc Qd Jc 4c 3d]
Seat 1: hogwild56 showed [Qh Jh] and won (3,280) with a full house, Queens full of Jacks
Seat 2: CashHot (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: TheRealPicard (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Bassrat10 (big blind) folded on the River
Seat 5: foucault x didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: Patman n Robhim didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: celolec didn't bet (folded)
Seat 8: KappaMan mucked [5c 6c] - a flush, Queen high
Seat 9: ne2crds folded on the Turn

PS - Good Luck to The Real Picard who made his way to my table and was still in when I busted. Also, Good Luck to BJ, one of my local folk who is in the tourney as well.

Big Syd

AQs sends me to the rail in the $7000 Guarantee (8pm)

2005-09-02T22:15:00.000-04:00

Well, I knew my fate when I played it. 9 spots outside the money, immediately after the 2nd Break, I'm dealt AhQh in the Big Blind. Mid Position Bully raises my 500 BB to 1500. Cutoff calls and I call from the BB. Flop comes Td 7s 6s. I push all-in my remaining 1500 or so. Raiser goes into the tank and thinks. Then calls. I know I'm doomed (AQ curse). Other player folds. Raiser shows 33. Well, how about I just show you the hand history:

FullTiltPoker Game #205246202: $7,000 Guarantee (1194364), Table 29 - 250/500 Ante 50 - No Limit Hold'em - 22:13:10 ET - 2005/09/02
Seat 1: SmBoatDrinks (13,875)
Seat 2: eddiepies (31,080)
Seat 3: bigslimfast50 (10,709)
Seat 4: jimmyjames5 (10,765)
Seat 5: KappaMan (3,150)
Seat 6: averageguy (16,255)
Seat 7: Get_R_Done_Ron (5,955)
Seat 8: TucsonTommy (6,397)
Seat 9: poguemahone68 (12,048)
SmBoatDrinks antes 50
eddiepies antes 50
bigslimfast50 antes 50
jimmyjames5 antes 50
KappaMan antes 50
averageguy antes 50
Get_R_Done_Ron antes 50
TucsonTommy antes 50
poguemahone68 antes 50
jimmyjames5 posts the small blind of 250
KappaMan posts the big blind of 500
The button is in seat #3
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Ah Qh]
averageguy folds
Get_R_Done_Ron folds
TucsonTommy folds
poguemahone68 raises to 1,500
SmBoatDrinks folds
eddiepies calls 1,500
bigslimfast50 folds
jimmyjames5 folds
KappaMan calls 1,000
*** FLOP *** [Td 7s 6s]
KappaMan bets 1,600, and is all in
poguemahone68 calls 1,600
eddiepies folds
KappaMan shows [Ah Qh]
poguemahone68 shows [3d 3h]
*** TURN *** [Td 7s 6s] [6h]
*** RIVER *** [Td 7s 6s 6h] [8c]
KappaMan shows a pair of Sixes
poguemahone68 shows two pair, Sixes and Threes
poguemahone68 wins the pot (8,400) with two pair, Sixes and Threes
KappaMan stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 8,400 | Rake 0
Board: [Td 7s 6s 6h 8c]
Seat 1: SmBoatDrinks folded before the Flop
Seat 2: eddiepies folded on the Flop
Seat 3: bigslimfast50 (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: jimmyjames5 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 5: KappaMan (big blind) showed [Ah Qh] and lost with a pair of Sixes
Seat 6: averageguy folded before the Flop
Seat 7: Get_R_Done_Ron folded before the Flop
Seat 8: TucsonTommy folded before the Flop
Seat 9: poguemahone68 showed [3d 3h] and won (8,400) with two pair, Sixes and Threes

My Big Blind Special versus Clonie Gowen...

2005-09-02T13:29:00.000-04:00

Last night was a bad night for me poker-wise. I didn't do well in the tourneys I played. Well, I did do well in one. Its just that Luck shined upon another player that sucked out on me in the River.

So, instead of going into deep details from last night's play, I'll just try to let my light shine from the fact that last night, I had the pleasure of having Clonie Gowen seated at my table in the $8,000 Guarantee on Full Tilt Poker.

Here is a hand I played against her and won via a reraise. Enjoy!

FullTiltPoker Game #204223444: $8,000 Guarantee (1194358), Table 32 - 50/100 - No Limit Hold'em - 22:52:47 ET - 2005/09/01
Seat 1: lo_pair (7,755)
Seat 2: wizeguy32x (2,395)
Seat 3: MR SPICE (2,650)
Seat 4: Clonie Gowen (9,760)
Seat 5: Blacksheep626 (1,715)
Seat 6: KappaMan (5,610)
Seat 7: dfisheratt (2,220)
Seat 8: lopes (4,930)
Seat 9: herbii (625)
Blacksheep626 posts the small blind of 50
KappaMan posts the big blind of 100
The button is in seat #4
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [2h 7s]
dfisheratt calls 100
lopes folds
herbii folds
lo_pair folds
wizeguy32x folds
MR SPICE folds
Clonie Gowen calls 100
Blacksheep626 folds
KappaMan checks
*** FLOP *** [7c 7h 5d]
KappaMan checks
dfisheratt checks
Clonie Gowen bets 350
KappaMan raises to 700
dfisheratt folds
Clonie Gowen folds
Uncalled bet of 350 returned to KappaMan
KappaMan mucks
KappaMan wins the pot (1,050)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 1,050 | Rake 0
Board: [7c 7h 5d]
Seat 1: lo_pair didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: wizeguy32x didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: MR SPICE didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: Clonie Gowen (button) folded on the Flop
Seat 5: Blacksheep626 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 6: KappaMan (big blind) collected (1,050), mucked
Seat 7: dfisheratt folded on the Flop
Seat 8: lopes didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: herbii didn't bet (folded)

Hurricane Katrina Relief and Full Tilt Charity Event...

2005-09-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

Tonight, Full Tilt Poker will be hosting a Charity Tournament to help raise funds for Hurricane Katrina Relief. The buy-in is $20 + $10 and they are matching the vig and donating it all to the Red Cross.

I have decided to not only play this tournament but I am going to donate half of any winnings that I receive in this tourney to The Red Cross. I challenge each and every one of you that reads this to do the same thing.

If you do decide to play and have not opened an account on Full Tilt Poker, please click on any of the links on my website, http://bigsydpoker.blogspot.com and I wlll donate any monies I recieve from your signup, by me being a Full Tilt Poker affiliate, to The Red Cross as well.

Here are the details for tonight's event and I hope to see you there:

Join other Poker Players on Full Tilt Poker at 9:15PM ET on Friday, September 2nd for a special charity tournament to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Registration for this tournament costs $20 + a $10 donation to the American Red Cross' Hurricane 2005 Relief Fund, which will be matched by Full Tilt Poker.

That means, for every Tilter that plays, we'll donate $20 to aid the victims of this devastating storm. We look forward to seeing you at the table.

Big Syd

Massive Blowup...

2005-09-01T13:12:00.000-04:00

I'm going to spare you the details of How I blew up last night in the FTP 10pm $8000 Gurantee. It was very ugly. I ran my stack up very early to about 6900 very early in the tournament. 400 something players and we were down to 170 something players remainin and the average stack was bout 2000 or so. But for some reason, I just got greedy and called 2 big All-Ins when I should have just layed my hand down. Within in no time. I was crippled. I just logged off after busting out and decided to not play anymore poker last night. I think I just needed a break. So, I decided to watch Live at The Bike (http://www.thebike.com) for an hour or two and go to bed early. Last night at the ike was pretty good. They had a $50/$100 game going on with Barry Greenstein commenting. Real good commentary.

-Big Syd

PayPal Option added...

2005-09-01T13:10:00.000-04:00

FYI, I 've added an option to use PayPal for those that want to get a Piece of Big Syd at The Borgata Poker Open.

To do so, visit the page using the link atop this page. Its quick and secure.

-Big Syd

Believe It or Not...I started to fold Pocket Rockets (AA)...

2005-08-31T00:22:00.000-04:00

Believe It or Not...I started to fold this hand. Yep, I sure did. If you read my blog entry right before this one, you will understand why. I just guess I got some justice. But the other beat still hurts. This one is from the Midnight $20+$2 Tourney that I am in right now. I'll report back later with results.

FullTiltPoker Game #202197185: $20 + $2 Tournament (1226222), Table 11 - 20/40 - No Limit Hold'em - 0:18:30 ET - 2005/08/31
Seat 1: MarkDH (2,505)
Seat 2: WillToWin (2,270)
Seat 3: PaddyHat (1,350)
Seat 4: tskillz187 (1,560)
Seat 5: big Ruben (2,030)
Seat 6: KappaMan (1,305)
Seat 7: lily6 (930)
Seat 8: osugambler (3,635)
Seat 9: Suited23 (1,550)
lily6 posts the small blind of 20
osugambler posts the big blind of 40
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Ah Ad]
Suited23 raises to 80
MarkDH folds
PaddyHat: nice catch
WillToWin calls 80
WillToWin: thanks
PaddyHat raises to 320
tskillz187 folds
big Ruben folds
KappaMan raises to 640
lily6 folds
osugambler folds
Suited23 folds
WillToWin folds
PaddyHat raises to 1,350, and is all in
KappaMan calls 665, and is all in
PaddyHat shows [Td Ts]
KappaMan shows [Ah Ad]
Uncalled bet of 45 returned to PaddyHat
*** FLOP *** [As 6c 8c]
*** TURN *** [As 6c 8c] [4c]
*** RIVER *** [As 6c 8c 4c] [2s]
PaddyHat shows a pair of Tens
KappaMan shows three of a kind, Aces
KappaMan wins the pot (2,830) with three of a kind, Aces
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2,830 | Rake 0
Board: [As 6c 8c 4c 2s]
Seat 1: MarkDH didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: WillToWin folded before the Flop
Seat 3: PaddyHat showed [Td Ts] and lost with a pair of Tens
Seat 4: tskillz187 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: big Ruben didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: KappaMan (button) showed [Ah Ad] and won (2,830) with three of a kind, Aces
Seat 7: lily6 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: osugambler (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 9: Suited23 folded before the Flop

Not a Good Night....

2005-08-30T23:20:00.000-04:00

Today is Tuesday. So, that means its Big Syd's Poker Night. Well, we played in Greenbelt tonight. Wasn't a good night for me as I was one of the first one's out. Guess what hand put me out? Yep, he was holding AQ and I had JJ.

So, I rush home to catch the 10pm $8,000 Guarantee on Full Tilt Poker. 441 Players entered. I make it to first break. We return and, well, I busted out with this hand (170th Place):

FullTiltPoker Game #202119673: $8,000 Guarantee (1194347), Table 16 - 60/120 - No Limit Hold'em - 23:14:19 ET - 2005/08/30
Seat 1: rgood24 (2,160)
Seat 2: Odie22 (2,470)
Seat 3: poppasmurf (8,555)
Seat 4: KappaMan (1,725)
Seat 5: DenverSTi (1,984)
Seat 6: WillieDM3 (1,492)
Seat 7: Quad3s (2,035)
Seat 8: Farva1 (723)
Seat 9: fulltilttomc (4,813)
WillieDM3 posts the small blind of 60
Quad3s posts the big blind of 120
The button is in seat #5
DenverSTi: Had K Q
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Ad Ac]
Farva1 folds
fulltilttomc: AJ off suit
fulltilttomc folds
rgood24 calls 120
Odie22 folds
poppasmurf folds
KappaMan raises to 360
DenverSTi raises to 1,984, and is all in
WillieDM3 folds
Quad3s folds
rgood24 folds
KappaMan calls 1,365, and is all in
DenverSTi shows [Kc Ks]
KappaMan shows [Ad Ac]
Uncalled bet of 259 returned to DenverSTi
*** FLOP *** [9h 5c Kd]
DenverSTi: of course!
*** TURN *** [9h 5c Kd] [3d]
DenverSTi: yes
*** RIVER *** [9h 5c Kd 3d] [Qd]
DenverSTi shows three of a kind, Kings
KappaMan shows a pair of Aces
DenverSTi wins the pot (3,750) with three of a kind, Kings
fulltilttomc: wow
KappaMan stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 3,750 | Rake 0
Board: [9h 5c Kd 3d Qd]
Seat 1: rgood24 folded before the Flop
Seat 2: Odie22 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: poppasmurf didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: KappaMan showed [Ad Ac] and lost with a pair of Aces
Seat 5: DenverSTi (button) showed [Kc Ks] and won (3,750) with three of a kind, Kings
Seat 6: WillieDM3 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 7: Quad3s (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Farva1 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: fulltilttomc didn't bet (folded)

4th Place Finish on Full Tilt Poker

2005-08-29T23:54:00.000-04:00

Yep, I final table'd again. This time I pulled down a 4th Place finish in the 1pm MTT on Full Tilt Poker. About 170 something players entered.

I must say, after last night's finish and the one today, I dont feel so bad about not doing diddly squat this past weekend. Just have to realize there will be swings.

Also, I finihsed in 11th Place tonight in the RGP Challenge that I play every week. Took 2 bad beats that really crushed my stack that had me sitting at the top of the board. Its ok. I still feel good about my play.

Man, I think I'm going to hit the bed early tonight for a change.

God Bless and Good Night!

-Big Syd

I got a little bit of my MoJo back...

2005-08-29T04:48:00.000-04:00

After a very dissapointing weekend, which was preceeded by a 5th Place finish on Thursday night, I finally got some of my Mojo back.

I just finished in 16th Place in a tournament on FTP. There were about 188 players entered. So, I do feel somewhat better than I have been feeling all weekend.

Now, I can go to bed and get ready for another day of good poker. No work on today!!!

-Big Syd

AQ....Need I say anymore?

2005-08-28T01:43:00.000-04:00

OK, maybe I got greedy by letting him see the Turn for so cheap. Boo, Me!

FullTiltPoker Game #199010686: $20 + $2 Tournament (1204942), Table 4 - 100/200 - No Limit Hold'em - 1:34:31 ET - 2005/08/28
Seat 1: TurdFergusen (657)
Seat 2: peampd (2,630)
Seat 3: 300club (2,120)
Seat 4: SLOLRANGER (11,530)
Seat 6: Me_Flea (15,505)
Seat 7: cardking123 (5,540)
Seat 8: khandog (5,410)
Seat 9: KappaMan (8,658)
300club posts the small blind of 100
SLOLRANGER posts the big blind of 200
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Qc Ad]
Me_Flea folds
cardking123 folds
khandog calls 200
KappaMan calls 200
TurdFergusen folds
peampd folds
300club calls 100
SLOLRANGER checks
*** FLOP *** [Qh Qd 2s]
300club checks
SLOLRANGER checks
khandog has 15 seconds left to act
khandog bets 200
KappaMan calls 200
300club folds
SLOLRANGER folds
*** TURN *** [Qh Qd 2s] [4s]
khandog bets 400
KappaMan raises to 2,000
khandog raises to 5,010, and is all in
KappaMan calls 3,010
khandog shows [4d 4h]
KappaMan shows [Qc Ad]
*** RIVER *** [Qh Qd 2s 4s] [Tc]
khandog shows a full house, Fours full of Queens
KappaMan shows three of a kind, Queens
khandog wins the pot (11,220) with a full house, Fours full of Queens
The blinds are now 120/240 with an ante of 25
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 11,220 | Rake 0
Board: [Qh Qd 2s 4s Tc]
Seat 1: TurdFergusen didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: peampd (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: 300club (small blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 4: SLOLRANGER (big blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 6: Me_Flea didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: cardking123 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 8: khandog showed [4d 4h] and won (11,220) with a full house, Fours full of Queens
Seat 9: KappaMan showed [Qc Ad] and lost with three of a kind, Queens

Bad Saturday!!!

2005-08-27T19:47:00.000-04:00

Well, I haven't been doing much since Thursday's night's 5th Place. I didn't play on Friday since I decided to go see my Washington Redskins play the Pittsburgh Steelers and take it down. Saturday has been ugly.

I'd say I'm down about $200-$250 today. I just busted out of Full Tilt Pokers's $20,000 Guarantee in 101th Place out of 277 Entrants. I paired my A10 on the Turn with an A and the other guy catches a K on the River for trip Kings. That hurt. I also played a $50 SnG on FTP and didn't place there either. I also played 2 other SnG tables which were satellites and didn't do didley squat.

I think I'm gonna sitback for a minute and relax. and then try a satellite for the $40,000 Guarantee which takes place on Sunday at Full Tilt Poker. Actually, I have a fridge full of Red Bull. So, I may just make it a night of poker.

Stay Tuned!

-Big Syd

Moving a little slow today...

2005-08-26T16:26:00.000-04:00

I do apologize for not putting up the screens shots from last nights finish. I'm dragging a bit today. I think I OD'd on the energy drink last night and had issues getting to sleep afterwards.

I also have to add the PayPal option for the Pieces of Big Syd special. Look for all of this to be taken care of over the weekend.

-Big Syd

Big Syd finishes in 5th Place at FTP $6,000 Guarantee...

2005-08-26T02:25:00.000-04:00

After a hard fought battle, I ended up making the final table of the Full Tilt Poker $6,000 Guarantee Tournament (10pm Edition). After making the Final Table, I scratched and Clawed my way to a 5th Place finish. Damn, it feels good. It may not be 1st Place but is sure does feel good to know I'm getting close.

We started with 377 Players. This is about the average number of entrants for the 8pm and 10pm edition (between 340 and 400 players). As I write this at 2:30pm, the final 3 players are still dukeing it out. It took me about 4 hours or so to bust out in 5th Place.

I'm dog dead tired. I'll post some screenshots on Friday or Saturday from the final table.

Good Night!

Yay, Big Syd!

-Big Syd

I just made the money in the 10pm $6,000 Guarantee...

2005-08-26T00:35:00.000-04:00

Stay tuned for an update.

No matter how I play AQ, it is still a cursed hand...

2005-08-25T21:39:00.000-04:00

No matter how I play AQ, it is still a cursed hand. I know, I know. I should just lay it down and treat it as 72o. Nope, I just dont have the discipline to day. It was even suited this time. Yep, it got me tonight in the 8pm $6,000 Guarantee on FUll Tilt Poker. AQd. Pretty as it wanted to be. 364 Players started this tourney and we are down 90 something players remaining. Top 36 Players make money. Here is how it went down this time:

FullTiltPoker Game #196577945: $6,000 Guarantee (1189130), Table 9 - 100/200 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:35:41 ET - 2005/08/25
Seat 1: surfskum (6,390)
Seat 2: weazel79 (4,860)
Seat 3: KappaMan (2,750)
Seat 4: mfdfire (10,165)
Seat 5: AjiconAji (6,990)
Seat 7: masonman69 (5,660)
Seat 8: dr_dave13 (2,420)
Seat 9: Billy1971 (2,140)
weazel79 posts the small blind of 100
KappaMan posts the big blind of 200
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Qd Ad]
mfdfire raises to 700
AjiconAji has 15 seconds left to act
AjiconAji folds
masonman69 calls 700
dr_dave13 folds
Billy1971 folds
surfskum folds
weazel79 folds
KappaMan calls 500
*** FLOP *** [Qc 7d 7h]
KappaMan bets 2,050, and is all in
mfdfire raises to 8,350
masonman69 has 15 seconds left to act
masonman69 folds
mfdfire shows [Kd Kc]
KappaMan shows [Qd Ad]
Uncalled bet of 6,300 returned to mfdfire
*** TURN *** [Qc 7d 7h] [2s]
*** RIVER *** [Qc 7d 7h 2s] [9h]
mfdfire shows two pair, Kings and Sevens
KappaMan shows two pair, Queens and Sevens
mfdfire wins the pot (6,300) with two pair, Kings and Sevens
KappaMan stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 6,300 | Rake 0
Board: [Qc 7d 7h 2s 9h]
Seat 1: surfskum (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: weazel79 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 3: KappaMan (big blind) showed [Qd Ad] and lost with two pair, Queens and Sevens
Seat 4: mfdfire showed [Kd Kc] and won (6,300) with two pair, Kings and Sevens
Seat 5: AjiconAji didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: masonman69 folded on the Flop
Seat 8: dr_dave13 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: Billy1971 didn't bet (folded)

I'm in the BB. Big Stack next to me has been raising with anything so, he raises as expected. One more caller comes in for the ride. I call. Now, I could have pushed here. However, I know with my stack, no matter what I have he will call. So, I just call his raise and we see a flop. Flop comes Q77. Perfect. No way they are holding a 7 I say. However, I sense the AQ curse. I know its about to hit me. However, I have to let it hit me if its gonna hit me. And that it does. I push all in for about $2000 and he pushes all-in for and Mid-position folds. Big Chips shows KK. I'm done unless a Q hits on the Turn or River. Well, here I am writing this. No Q. Big Syd is sent to the rail in 96th Place (96/364).

Somebody please help me get rid of the AQ curse. I'm open to vodoo, witches, whatever. Please help me. (j/k)

Oh well. Time to play the 10pm $6,000 Guarantee or the 10:30pm Borgata sat for Saturday.

-Big Syd

PayPal to be accepted for purchase of pieces...

2005-08-25T19:01:00.000-04:00

I am working out the details to accept PayPal payments for share purchases. I should have this option available in the next 24-48 hours. This is a convenient and secure method for payment using a major credit card or your checking account. Many investors were satisfied with this payment option the last time I sold pieces of me in an event. So, do look for it to return shortly.

-Big Syd

Piece of Big Syd - Borgata Poker Open

2005-08-25T18:46:00.000-04:00

Ladies and Gentleman, once again, I will be playing in some major poker events starting in September. The first few events I plan to play will be part of The Borgata Poker Open which is held at The Borgata Hotel, Casino, and Spa in Atlantic City New Jersey.

Some of you may remember when I played the New England Poker Classic at Foxwoods, I sold off pieces of my play in 2 of the tournaments. Well, I have decided to do the same thing for The Borgata Poker Open. This gives you a chance to get in on the action as I play for the money.

I have made plans to play the first 3 events of The Borgata Poker Open and I will be selling pieces of me for these events. They are as follows:

$500+$60 Buy-In NLHE Event – September 11, 2005
$750+$60 Buy-In NLHE Event – September 12, 2005
$1000+$80 Buy-In NLHE Event – September 13, 2005

Note: Each of these events are 2 day events. They are played down to Level 12 and then play continues the following day at 2pm. This means that If I make it to Level 12 in one event, I may not be able to play an event scheduled to begin on the next day. It is possible to play 2 events at the same time. I will use the best judgement considering all circumstances when making a decision oin whether or not to play based on the situation.

Initially, I am selling up to 30% (30 shares) of my play for all 3 events. This will be done through the sale of shares. For each share purchased, you will be entitled to 1% of any winnings received from my play in the 3 tournaments listed above. Each share will sell for $40/each(gives you a 1% investment Piece of Big Syd in 3 tournaments).

If you would like purchase shares, please email me at [bigsyd] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com]. All share transactions must be completed by September 9, 2005.

To help simplify things for those that would like to purchase a share via PayPal, I am adding a form for your purchase. PayPal is very secure and allows you to use your credit card or bank account to complete your purcahse.

Click Here to Make a Purchase via PayPal

Note: Share purchase limited to 1 share per person unless other arrangements have been made prior to purchase.

Do not miss out on this great opportunity get in on the action and prosper. This action that I’m offering gives you better odds than anybody’s lottery or lotto. Remember, ya gotta play to win. No Reward unless the risk is taken! I’m foucssed and I’m prepping hard for these tourneys. Nobody wants to win these events more than I do.

-Big Syd

After last night, I feel good about my game...

2005-08-23T16:10:00.000-04:00

Last night, I finally made it home in time for Full Tilt Poker's $6,000 Guaranteed Tournament which started at 8pm. I played some very good poker. We started with 343 Players and I finished in 42nd Place. Unfortunately, only the top 36 got paid. But that doesnt bother me much. I was really playing to make the final table and not just make the money. As you can see in the article posted just before this one, it was that cursed AQ that sent me to the rail. After last night, I will fold that hand whenever I get it.

Also, I returned to the RGP Challenge for Season 2. I actually made the money in this one by finishing in 4th Place. I almost had forgotten how fun the RGP events are. I will definitely be back for more games this season.

Thats about it for now. Tonight is my big weekely Tuesday night game. Wish me Luck.

-Big Syd

Still Don't believe me when I say AQ is cursed?

2005-08-23T08:54:00.000-04:00

I keep telling yall, Whenever I play AQ...it is cursed. The proof is in the pudding. Here is the hand that I busted out of the Full Tilt Poker $6000 Guarantee Tournament last night:

FullTiltPoker Game #193487596: $6,000 Guarantee (1168928), Table 37 - 250/500 Ante 50 - No Limit Hold'em - 22:22:15 ET - 2005/08/22
Seat 1: Poker Chaos (2,525)
Seat 3: PhatPhish (19,144)
Seat 4: EricaK (5,160)
Seat 5: Mr Ed - get it (15,225)
Seat 6: zarfran (17,680)
Seat 7: burnout9 (17,643)
Seat 8: chilidogs (5,341)
Seat 9: KappaMan (2,195)
Poker Chaos antes 50
PhatPhish antes 50
EricaK antes 50
Mr Ed - get it antes 50
zarfran antes 50
burnout9 antes 50
chilidogs antes 50
KappaMan antes 50
EricaK posts the small blind of 250
Mr Ed - get it posts the big blind of 500
The button is in seat #3
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to KappaMan [Qc Ad]
zarfran folds
burnout9 raises to 1,500
chilidogs folds
KappaMan raises to 2,145, and is all in
Poker Chaos folds
PhatPhish folds
EricaK folds
Mr Ed - get it folds
burnout9 calls 645
KappaMan shows [Qc Ad]
burnout9 shows [Kd Ks]
*** FLOP *** [Kc 4c Tc]
*** TURN *** [Kc 4c Tc] [9h]
*** RIVER *** [Kc 4c Tc 9h] [5s]
KappaMan shows Ace King high
burnout9 shows three of a kind, Kings
burnout9 wins the pot (5,440) with three of a kind, Kings
amazing gary (Observer): Hey Tim.. Robin.. you two have to hold him down
KappaMan stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 5,440 | Rake 0
Board: [Kc 4c Tc 9h 5s]
Seat 1: Poker Chaos folded before the Flop
Seat 3: PhatPhish (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: EricaK (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 5: Mr Ed - get it (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 6: zarfran folded before the Flop
Seat 7: burnout9 showed [Kd Ks] and won (5,440) with three of a kind, Kings
Seat 8: chilidogs folded before the Flop
Seat 9: KappaMan showed [Qc Ad] and lost with Ace King high

AQ does it again!

2005-08-17T13:40:00.000-04:00

Last night, we had the weekly Big Syd Poker Night Tournament and Ring Game. We had a very nice turnout. The tournament started with 28 players with 5 places paid. Thanks to Scott for hosting.

I must admit, I didn't play my best game.We started with T3000 in chips and blinds at 25-50. I lost about 700 playing with AK losing to A8. I entered pots with 44 and 77. These are hands I never play early in a tournament unless I can see a cheap flop with position.

The biggest hit came when I called an all-in with AQ. If you've followed my blog, you know that this hand is a curse to me. Well, it got me last night as my hand did not improve and I was then severely short stacked. Wasn't much longer before I was sent to the rail.

I didn't hang around long after that. Instead, I headed for home to play online on FullTiltPoker. I won a heads-up and a 2nd place finish n a sit-n-go.

That's about it for now.

-Big Syd

It's time to get busy!

2005-08-17T08:04:00.000-04:00

Well its been a good while since I've been here to give an update on my poker playing. Yes, I've just been lazy. To tell the truth nothing much has changed or major happened. Actually, I take that back. I did finally win my Tuesday night game one week (tied with Pdoggie for 1st place) and I placed a few weeks in my game and Chip's game on Thursdays.

However, I have decided to rededicate myself to the game and start focussing on finishing the year with some strong finishes.

Ive decided to play Some of the events here on the East Coast. Starting with The Borgata Poker Open in Atlantic City and followed by the U.S. Poker Championship at The Taj.

Future tournaments will include The WSOP Circuit events at Resorts as well as the big one at Foxwoods.

As I did for the NEPC, I will be selling pieces of my play in some of the events. More details on that will be available shortly.

I also plan to return to keeping this blog updated more frequently. That's the plan, anyway. lol We shall see how that goes. One thing that will help me keep it updated is my Dell Axim X50v Pocketpc. I can now post from just about anywhere.

Well, thats about it for now. I hope you enjoy reading my blog. Thank you for visiting.

-Big Syd

Play Online Poker

I have got to do better with this Blog...

2005-06-28T10:37:00.000-04:00

I have really been slipping on the up-keep of my Blog. I know. I'm justbeing lazy when it comes to it. You would think I would have reported something in the last week. Well, I've been slipping. So, let me bring you up to speed.

Last week, I finished in 4th Place at my Tuesday night game. Its been a long time, it seems, since I've cashed on a Tuesday. That felt good and restored my confidence a bit.

Also, this past weekend, I went to A.C. for the Mayweather-Gatti fight and the Maxim Magazine All-Access Weekend at The Borgata. I played in their Invitational Poker Tournament on Saturday and didnt do much of anything. It was a pretty much a speed tournament with blinds going up every 12 minutes. $200 Buy-In for 100 players and it only payed the top 3 ($7500, $5000, $2500). I played just for the novelty of it all. Took a crippling blow when I called a guys' all-in with AK suited versus his AJ which his catches a straight. That was pretty much the beginning of the end. It was fun though. Got to play with Erin from Maxim and also Turtle from the HBO series Enterauge as well as the lead actor from the same show. It was pretty cool. There were a few other celebrities in the tournament. However, I'm not good with names.

So, here we are. A new week. It's Tuesday and that means its time for Big Syd's Poker Night. I'll report back later tonight with the results. I will make it to the money this week.

-Big Syd

I think I give up on the WSOP this year...

2005-06-19T14:19:00.000-04:00

Many of you know I planned to make an attempt to play The Main Event at The WSOP. The plan was to win a seat via Full Tilt Poker's 30 Seat Guarantee Tournament today at 3:30.

Actually, the plan was to satellite into today's tournament on Friday night but I thought the satellite started at 11:30 but it started at 10:30.

Next plan was to play the satellite on SAturday night at 10:30. However, I had too many margaritas and pig sammiches at a Jimmy Buffett/Pig Roast Party and got in too late.

So, the last plan is to get up on Sunday morning and play some single table satellites and win my way in. That didnt work either. My Internet kept going down (as it has done for a few weeks now and they hadn't found the problem) in the middle of my play and I busted out of 2 games as a result.

Well, Comcast finally discovers the problem but cant get anybody out to me til Tuesday. On top of that, FTP has stopped the satellites today since its close to starting time.

So, I think I'm going to just chuck the idea of playing the main event this year and wait for the Eastr Coast swing of poker tournaments to hit starting in September. This will include The Borgata Poker Open, The U.S. Poker Championship at The The Taj and then the big one at Foxwoods.

Anyway, here are 3 hands I am studying from my play today in the last single table satellite. The first is a hand where I started to chase a straight draw but fell back and waited. The second is a hand that was crucial to my stack and sent me from sitting pretty to dig-in short-stack mode. The last hand was my all-in to either get back in or bow out gracefully.

I dont usually show my hand histories for fear of someone getting reads on me and using it against me in future play. But I'll tease ya with these:

Dealer: Hand #135876158
Dealer: Lakini posts the small blind of 25
Dealer: KappaMan posts the big blind of 50
Dealer: You have been dealt [Qs Kh]
Dealer: LordFarquad raises to 100
Dealer: Mad Crab folds
Dealer: jpotts folds
Dealer: cjpilam folds
Dealer: carpediem251 folds
Dealer: hugo13 folds
Dealer: CSHPLYZ calls 100
Dealer: Lakini folds
Dealer: KappaMan calls 50
Dealer: The flop is [Js Tc 3h]
Dealer: KappaMan checks
Dealer: LordFarquad bets 280
Dealer: CSHPLYZ raises to 800
Dealer: KappaMan has 15 seconds left to act
Dealer: KappaMan folds
Dealer: LordFarquad has 15 seconds left to act
Dealer: LordFarquad folds
Dealer: Uncalled bet of 520 returned to CSHPLYZ
Dealer: CSHPLYZ mucks
Dealer: CSHPLYZ wins the pot (885)

Dealer: Hand #135880737
Dealer: CSHPLYZ posts the small blind of 30
Dealer: Lakini posts the big blind of 60
Dealer: You have been dealt [Ac Kh]
Dealer: KappaMan raises to 240
Dealer: Mad Crab folds
Dealer: jpotts folds
Dealer: cjpilam folds
Dealer: carpediem251 folds
Dealer: hugo13 folds
Dealer: CSHPLYZ folds
Dealer: Lakini calls 180
Dealer: The flop is [Ad 3c Jc]
Dealer: Lakini checks
Dealer: KappaMan bets 510
Dealer: Lakini raises to 840, and is all in
Dealer: KappaMan calls 330
Dealer: Lakini shows [As Js]
Dealer: KappaMan shows [Ac Kh]
Dealer: The turn is [8s]
Dealer: The river is [Ah]
Dealer: Lakini shows a full house, Aces full of Jacks
Dealer: KappaMan shows three of a kind, Aces
Dealer: Lakini wins the pot (2,190) with a full house, Aces full of Jacks

Dealer: Hand #135886902
Dealer: Lakini posts the small blind of 50
Dealer: KappaMan posts the big blind of 100
Dealer: You have been dealt [Qh Kd]
Dealer: jpotts raises to 350
Dealer: cjpilam folds
Dealer: carpediem251 calls 350
Dealer: hugo13 folds
Dealer: CSHPLYZ folds
Dealer: Lakini folds
Dealer: KappaMan raises to 550, and is all in
Dealer: jpotts calls 200
Dealer: carpediem251 calls 200
Dealer: The flop is [8d 5s 2h]
Dealer: jpotts checks
Dealer: carpediem251 bets 905
Dealer: jpotts folds
Dealer: carpediem251 shows [7h 7d]
Dealer: KappaMan shows [Qh Kd]
Dealer: Uncalled bet of 905 returned to carpediem251
Dealer: The turn is [Jd]
Dealer: The river is [Ac]
Dealer: carpediem251 shows a pair of Sevens
Dealer: KappaMan shows Ace King high
Dealer: carpediem251 wins the pot (1,700) with a pair of
Sevens
Dealer: KappaMan stands up

Good Luck to all of you at The WOrld Series of Poker. Lord willing and the creek dont rise, I'll be there next year.

I'm leaving a nightmare and can't get away from AQ...

2005-06-17T18:14:00.000-04:00

Tuesday night at my weekly game, I get to the final table and look down at AK. Blinds are 200-400 and I'm in late position. I raise to make it 2000 to go. Big blind reraises me all-in. You know what he has and if you've been reading my blog you know the outcome.

I go All-In. AK vs AQ. Q on the flop. GAME OVER

AQ has not been good to me…

2005-06-09T11:29:00.000-04:00

Another week means more games of poker. I haven’t played online much this week. However, every Tuesday night is Big Syd’s Poker Night.

This week’s game was held in Greenbelt at Scotty’s Place. The game was capped at 20 players due to an A/C problem at his place. We wanted to try and maintain a “cool” number. Lol

Although I played some decent poker (not good poker), decent just didn’t cut it on this night. Critical hand of the night for me is the one that sent me to the rail. Blinds are 150-300 I believe and I’m UTG with A3. I decide to make a move and go all-in. It folds all the way around to my good friend Alex who ponders for a minute and then calls with AQ. I know its over now. Flop comes down and helps neither of us. But wait. The turn brings me a 3. Don’t go nowhere folk! We see the river. A Q. Yep, A Queen! To the rail I go. Womp-Womp! Didn’t even make the final table.

Well, I’m not one to fall and not get back on the horse. So, Wednesday, I find out Brian of MD-Poker.com is having a tournament at his place. I don’t usually play live on Wednesdays. However, I’m itching for a game. So, I shoot out to Laurel for this game and arrive to the smell of hamburgers cooking on the grill. I’m digging this! lol So, I grabbed one of those big ole Texas burgers that Brian cooked on the grill and prepared myself for a good night of poker.

We started with 18 players. No, make that 19 players. SuperDave showed up just in time to be put to the test on whether or not he should call my ALL-IN that I made pre-flop with…..Hold on…..Should I say what I had just in case he is reading this….Hmmmm…..OK……I think it was either JJ or QQ. I really cant remember this long after the game. Well, he said he had 1010 and if that was the case, I had him beat pre-flop. Good fold SuperDave.

Well, Fast Forward to the ending. I make it to the final table. I’m sitting healthy with a nice stack. I play some good final table poker and make it down to 5 (Tourney is paying the top 4 finishers). Can anyone tell where I’m about to go with this? Lol Anyway. I get the hand of AQo and I’m about to send the price of poker up a bit when Scotty decided he wants to take the lead and raised to about 3200 from early position (blinds are 500-1000 at this point. Now, I have been playing with Scotty for a while I’m thinking he has some paing but not as good as my paint. And I didn’t even want to put him on a middle pair. So, I ponder and decide its time to make a stand and go for the gusto. 4th Place only payed double the buy-in and I really wanted the 1st Place prize. So, I gamble with my AQ and went over the top of him for all my chips. About another 4600 on top of the 3200. He Calls and shows KJ. I knew it. Just as I thought. A little paint. Of course, I feel the suckout coming. I mean, I actually felt it in my bones. Flop comes down K-x-x. Yep, I’m doomed unless an A falls. The turn is a K. Cancel Christmas because it really sucks to be me. River, of course, is no help and home I go. Good Hand, Scotty!!!! Just be glad I didn’t know what you were driving last night or you might have been changing a flat. Oh well. That’s poker. AQ is a monster in so many ways. And I’m scared of that Beeyah-Beeyah!!!

-Big Syg

Why Does Big Syd have a Poker Blog?

2005-06-02T18:24:00.000-04:00

After reading one of the comments left on my blog, I started thinking, “Maybe it would be a good idea to make a post on why I maintain a blog”. That way folk will know and understand where I am coming from when it comes to poker.

First, let me say that I am not a Professional Poker Player nor do I think I am one. Yes, enjoy reading the Journals and blogs of those that are pros. However, I do not think I am in their ranks just yet when it comes to poker.

Please don’t get me wrong. I don’t claim to be a great poker player. However, I do know that I am not bad. I feel like I can hang right in there with the best of them. Just so you know, I have only been playing poker for a little over a year now. I think I made my first deposit to Party Poker around February, 2004 and I ordered my first poker books (Poker for Dummies and Winning Low-Limit Hold’em) from Amazon about the same time. I started out playing low limit No Limit Hold’em and then found Sit-n-Gos and then Tournaments and that’s where I am today.

I have yet to play in a $10,000 Buy-In Event but I do believe my time is just about near. I have played in plenty of events and made a nice piece of change to add to my bank account from poker.

I say all of this just to say that my reason for this blog is to chart my progress. Keep track of my progression from amateur poker player to perhaps one day being a professional poker player. I know there are many that have the dream of doing the same and I know its not easy. However, with some practice and consistent playing time, I believe one day I wll get there. To be honest, the only reason I started my Tuesday Night game back around September 2004, was so I would have a place to play on a regular basis when not able to get to Atlantic City or Las Vegas.

Anyway, this is where I am. Now you know why I maintain this Blog. I hope one day I will give you the pleasure of saying, “I remember way back when he use to keep a poker blog and was an amateur”. We shall see.

-Big Syd

Just not my night...

2005-06-02T12:21:00.000-04:00

Played a little online poker on Full Tilt last night.

First tourney, was a $20 + $2 NL Holdem Tourney. I busted kinda early. I'm dealt KK and I'm forced to go all-in (well, not forced) for all of my checks. There is only one hand I'm scared of at this point. I'll let you guess what he had.

Second game was the $14 + $1 Qualifier/Satellite for the Pieces of The Pros on this coming Saturday. Once again, I'm dealt JJ. I make a 5x BB raise. Other guy raises to put me all-in. Its late, I'm tired, I call. He shows AK. Flop comes A-K-junk. Womp-Womp! To bed I go.

Gonna try it again. Not sure if I'm gonna play live or online. We shall see.

-Big Syd

Big Syd's Poker Night (5/31)

2005-06-01T00:38:00.000-04:00

As usual, Tuesday is Poker Night. Game was held at Scott's place. I finished in 6th Place when I called a bet made by Scotty A.(go2goal) that put me all-in with A10 versus his KK. I got no help on the flop. Paired my Ace on the Turn but he caught the flush King high flush on the River. Oh well. I still felt good. I win that hand and I'm sitting pretty.

Congrats to this week's winners. We had a below average turnout of about 13-14 players. So, we onlpy payed 3 places this week. Congrats to Scotty for finishing in 3rd Place. Congrats to JoeMoney and Adam who ended up splitting 1st Place.

See yall next week at Scotty's Place.

Big Ups to Scott for grilling before the game started. Nothing like some cookout food and poker.

I think I got my legs back.

2005-05-30T17:10:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I decided to play a $10+$1 tourney to get a feel again gor the game. I really felt like I had lost my game since I had not played in about a week or two online.

Well, I finished in 70th Place or so out of 200 something players. Not good since the top 27 got paid. I followed that up by playing a $14 + $1 satellite to the Piece of the Pros tourney this coming Saturday. I made the final table in this one but busted out in 9th Place. THe top 5 got seats and 6th got money.

I'm dealt AJs and I like my hand. there is a raise in front of me by the chip leader for about $800. I raise to $2000. He calls. We see a flop. no help for me. He bets out to put me all-in. I'm pot committed and call. He shows QQ. Turn and River are no help and to the rail I go.

I still felt good about my play. At one point, I was down to about $390 and made a massive comeback to build my stack to almost $5000. So, I have my legs back I believe.

-Big Syd

Memorial Day: "I'm back"

2005-05-30T12:47:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day to everyone. I know its been a good minute since I last posted. Seem like about 2 weeks perhaps. Maybe a little more. Nothing much has happened since my last post. Well, I take that back. A little something something maybe.

Since my last post, I did take a trip to Atlantic City to get some tournament poker play in. Went up to Harrahs early on a SUnday morning to play their $250+$30 SUnday NL Tourney. Not a bad torunament. Had about 111 players and I finished in 30th place. They started us with T$5000 in chips and blind levels were 45 minutes each. I like that. I played some good poker. I think there were 2 hands I may have misplayed which had I played correctly, I think I'm at the final table. I can't remember the details. I think it was a hand I folded where I had pocket 10's and I folded to a guy who claims to me later that he had two face cards. I didnt gamble when he came over the top of me and I should have.

Anyway, I left there feeling a bit bitter and decided to catch the Sunday evening tourney over at The Taj ($120 Buy-In if I recall correctly). Now, after the loss at Harrahs, I decided to dig in and play some very strong poker. Strong it was. I dug in and grinded out a 6th Place finish out of about 1 something players. Talk about rebuilding my confidence. It really was a boost.

I stayed the night in A.C. at Harrahs and got some rest for the trip back on Monday. I decided to play the Borgata Monday daily and didnt do as well in that tourney. I think I should have left while I was ahead. Anyway. I played some good poker and feel good about game still.

Nothing much has happened since then. I finished in 5th Place at my Tuesday night game and picked up a little cash fomr that. I also hosted the game this past Tuesday at my place.

Other than these games, I havent done much when it comes to poker. I think the warm weather has taken me away from the felt some. However, starting today, I'm back at it. I mean, I haven't been on RecPoker, I havent been on MD-poker, I havent been on pocketfives.com and I have'nt played any online poker in over a week. Today, I change all of that.

I just entered a $10+$1 tourney on FTP just to get my feel back. We will how that goes. It started at 1pm. So, I better go focus on that. Until I post again, may your cards be live and your pots be monsters.

-Big Syd

Its out of my system.....I think! lol

2005-05-04T18:04:00.000-04:00

Well, after coming so close to winning some decent money at The Borgata, I kinda took a break from my usual poker routine. Yes, I played my regular live Tuesday night game (12th place) and I did win a seat into the BoDog $100,000 Guarantee. But thats about it. I have to admit, it has been hard for me to swallow that loss last Friday. But I must move on. I'm sure worst has happened to Pros and my loss is just pennies in comparison.

All that being said, I think I'm going to get back to the Online games tonight. Probably play a bit on BoDog. Also, Wednesday night is Poker Night on The Travel Channel. The World Poker Tour comes on tonight. I'll probably watch that.

Thats about it for now. The fellas and I have already begun talks to hit A.C. in a week or so for the big tourney at Harrahs. I think its a $250 Buy-in on May 15th. That reminds me. Call The Borgata and book a room now.

Until next post...May your cards be live and your pots be monsters!

-Big Syd

Bust-out on The Bubble at The Borgata (Sucks to be me)

2005-04-30T09:21:00.000-04:00

I drove up to Atlantic City to play The Borgata's last Satellite for the WPT Mirage Poker Showdown next month. They have run these for the past 2 Fridays and this is the last one. $500 + $50 Satellite awarded $10,000 Buy-in + $1000 (for expenses) Packages. With 103 players entered, 1st-4th place got packages and 5th Place got about $7000.

After playing some of the best poke that I have ever played in my life, I busted on the bubble in 6th Place!!!! Tallking bout a body blow to the gut. Man it hurts. To be so close yet so far away. Heads up with the other short stack...AK versus A7 and a 7 comes on the flop. Womp-Womp! To the rail I go.

Oh well. I just felt like venting publicly. Makes you want to just take some time off from playing poker yet you feel like you're in a zone and need to get right back in the saddle. Maybe I'll jump in the FTP Piece of The Pros Tourney today or something. But then again, I play so much better live versus online. So, that wont prove much to me I guess.

Oh well. Thanks for reading.

Today's Results...

2005-04-24T20:45:00.000-04:00

1.) $100,000 Guarantee ($100+$9 Buy-in) on BoDog.com - Finished 257th/559

2.) $10,000 Guarnatee ($25+$2 Buy-In) on BoDog.com - Finished 35th/264
It went a little something like this:

I finished in 35th place.

I'm in Big Blind with QJ suited. Fold around to SB who raises to put me all-in. He shows 56o. Flop is Q-8-7. Turn is a 2. River is a 4.

WOMP-WOMP!!!

If I win that hand, I double-up and make it to the money with 27 places paid.

The guy tells APsmalley at end of the hand he bet for me to fold and I was crazy for making the call. What a frikkking asshole. I have about 1500 I think and the blinds are 800/400 and we are 8 away from the money. after the blinds, I'm left with 200 at most. How do I not call. Its frikkin crazy out there.

Back to the grind at 10:30 for the last $10,000 guarantee of the day. Cant beat a Late night special of $8 Buy-in. lol I must be a sucker for punishment.

Time to play Ketchup/Catsup/Catch Up!

2005-04-24T09:48:00.000-04:00

LOL!!!

Well, I think I'm behind again. I believe Wednesday was the last time I posted with an update. Nothing too major happened since then. Or did it? Let me think.

Wednesday evening, I think I took the night off from playing poker and decided to watch poker. The WPT on The Travel Channel. Pretty good episode from last year at The Bellagio. I know they dont show all of the hands but I am beginning to see some real good play from these players. Speaking of The Bellagio, Phil Ivey is at the final TV table for the WPT Championship taking place this week. Go Phil!

Thursday night, I played a WSOP Qualifier on BoDog for $5+.50 just for shits and giggles. DIdnt feel like playing anything heavy since I was sleepy from playing and staying up late the past two nites. Well, I won at seat into the bigger Satellite. Tourney paid a $33 Tournament credit. I later found out that I could use that credit in other tournament qualifiers. So, that gave a mini boost to my BoDog Bankroll. lol

Friday, I didnt play much. Sometimes, I feel like I need a break from poker and will try to do other things. To be honest with you, my brand new pda (Dell Axim X50v, 624Mhz, with Wi-Fi and BlueTooth) came in that day and I played with it all night. lol I figured it was time to start keeping track of my poker expenses and what have you just a little bit better. I've already entered into my calendar, all of the major online tourneys. Pretty good stuff.

Saturday, not much poker at all. At least, not until Saturday night. Went to a $150 + $15 home game which took place in Bowie, Maryland. I was doing real well until I hit a hand where I flopped 2 pair. However, I did not play it right at all and I let my opponent see the river for cheap and suckout on me with at straight. That sucked pretty bad.

So, I decided to leave and head home to get some online play in. Made it home just in time to catch the BoDog $10,000 Guarantee at 10:30pm. I know its not a major even but I like it for some reason. I think its because every sinle night it always has an overlay (they dont get enough players to sign up and cover the guarantee. So, they have to kick in the money out of their pockets).

Well, I'm happy to report I finished in 7th place out of 276 players. $25 + $2 Buy-In and I was payed $359. What a confidence boost. I love making final tables. I guess I wouldn't have made the TV table though (The WPT only shows the final 6 players of a WPT event)if it were a WPT event. lol

So, that brings me up to now. Sunday. The Day of the $100,000 Guarantee on BoDog. Starts at 2pm. I have a lot of time to burn until then. I think I'll do a bit of reading. This week I started reading James McManus' Positively Fifth Street. Its actually a pretty good read. I havent gotten deep into it but it actual starts off with some heart pumping action. Literally.

Well, thats it for now. Oh, and if anyone can tell me where the month of April went, I really am looking for her. Its like she just dissapeared. I guess its almost summertime. Bring on Memorial Day Weekend!

-Big Syd

Another exciting Tuesday Night of Poker...

2005-04-20T18:03:00.000-04:00

Last night's Big Syd Poker Night was a pretty excting one. We decided to switch it up this week and have a re-buy tournament instead of the usual freezeout. What a success. I'll post the particulars once I get a copy from MixedBruh. I do know we had 17 players and a prize pool of about $2,360. It was a $40 + $10 Buy-In tournament with $40 Rebuys, available during the first threee blind levels as long as you were under the starting amoung of chips ($T1000), and $40 Add-Ons (T$2000) at the end of the Rebuy prerid.

Congratulations to all the winners. Once again, I busted out on the bubble in 5th Place. However, I did get paid $100 due to a deal we struck once we were down to 5 Players. The deal was that the final 4 would each pitch in $25 to pay the 5th Place finisher $100. Kinda sad that I was the 5th Place finisher considering I was about 2nd in chips when we got to 5 and made the deal. Well, Thats Poker.

The number of rebuys and add-ons was crazy. One person rebought about 7 or 8 times. Funny thing is, he won! LOL!.

I'll post the number of rebuys and add-ons later this evening when I get the report.

Thanks to all that came out last night and look forward to seeing the announcement for next week's game.

Oh, and how can I forget a special thanks to MixedBruh (Scott) for hosting and also cooking out on the grill for our dinner. We served hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages which everyone in attendance enjoyed. Thanks again.

-Big Syd