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Poker Blog established in 2003 as the first stop for poker news, poker stories, and bad poker advice.

August 29, 2004

The Monty Memorial (Luckbox's Report)

by Luckbox

Well, I did just about as poorly as I thought I would. I won one showdown. You can read that again. I finished 37th out of 77. Here's the raw report:

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Tournament Action

QLHTing with BadBlood

by Otis

There were only two ways you would know I was sitting in a mexican eatery. First, there was a basket of corn chips and salsa sitting next to my monster beer. Second, two Hispanic guys sat behind the bar intently watching Univision on the big screen TV. With those two exceptions, the basement restaurant looked almost exactly like it did when it was an Italian spot a few years ago.

Olympic Boxing had been on TV when I came in. I found myself thinking that any sport broadcast in Spanish sounds like soccer if you're not watching the screen.

G-Rob was there waiting when I walked in. He'd already downed half his beer before I walked in six minutes late. We figured a big beer from The Cactus would do us well before we venutred across the street to what I'd started thinking of as The Quilt (QLHT--Questionably Legal Hotel Tourney) hosted by fellow poker blogger, BadBlood.

I'd been out of live poker commission for the two weeks since my kid had been born. I'd missed out on four games at The Mark (formerly known as The State Park game), a Greenwood tourney, and a trip to Tunica. I was stoked, rowdy, and a little nervous.

And I had to pee.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Tournament Action

August 26, 2004

Lessons in Life

by Luckbox

For some people, poker is a way of life. It's all they do, it's all they think about.

For the rest of us, poker is just a diversion. It takes us away from the "real" world, if only for a time.

For all poker players, lessons learned at the table (or virtual table) can be applied to everything we do. Here's just a few:

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Poker Theory

August 22, 2004

Monty Update

by Otis

A running commentary on the sad state of affairs at Pacific Poker (to be read from end to beginnning if you care about chronology:

Iggy has heard back from Pacific. It appears there is a make-good in the works.

[SEE UPDATES BELOW! They are in reverse order with the most recent at the top.]

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Tournament Action

Otis' Pre-Monty preps

by Otis

1) Hat of good fortune firmly planted on the noggin. Make note to not call it "lucky hat" as that always results in bad luck and pisses off the hat's fortunate ways.
2) Bottle of Guinness from the same sixpack as a bottle I drank during my WPBT III win. I drink it as an homage to blogfather, Iggy, as well as a nod to the cosmic implications of actually finding a hidden bottle of Guinness in my fridge.
3) Open web browser to take notes on the tourney and provide an Instant Tourney Report (unless I bust out in the first 15 minutes, at which point I'll just whine at some point in the future).
4) Mental note to make every effort to bust out The Fat Guy (I really want that Gourds disc).
5) In an effort to channel Pauly (who, I agree, has a good chance of bieng the mystery blogger), the three-disc live Phish show from Charlotte July 2003.
6) And a picture from my college years to prove that if I'm fortunate enough to bust Al Can't Hang, I'll be able to hold my own.

Circa 1993, Laws Hall, University of Missouri

Tell me I'm not ready.

Permalink | Tournament Action

August 20, 2004

Beating Otis

by Otis

When I do it, it's called masturbation. When you do it, it's called poker supremecy. Hardly fair, I think.

If it weren't for online poker, I may become a Luddite again. Technology has turned us into a nation of nancy boys, school children, and nuns. I know this because the only glowing TV monitor in my bedroom is the video feed from my kid's nursery. I know this because I haven't worked in seven days, TV sucks, and I don't know what to do with myself. I haven't had a beer. I've barely seen the sun.

I'm not sure exactly why I blame technology, but it seems like things that plug in are mostly to blame.

That and my lack of poker skills.

See, I've been running as bad as George Thoroughgood after an evening of nightputting with Satan himself.

And for those of you who don't have a stream of conciousness to English dictionary, allow me to translate:

Otis is ripe for the picking in the upcoming Monty Memorial Poker Blogger/Reader Tournament.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Tournament Action

August 17, 2004

2004 WSOP Episodes #13 & #14

by Luckbox

Well, as you guys may have, or will, notice, I did not live blog the first two episodes of the Main Event. I was occupied at the time (while watching, thankfully) and could not do the blog thing at the same time.

In the end, I'm glad I didn't try to because these episodes did not have the same kind of storyline the previous final tables have. It's difficult, however, because ESPN was attempting to put an entire day's worth of play into one hour. That's not an easy thing to do.

So, here are some thoughts from Day's 1 and 2...

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Poker on TV

August 15, 2004

Otis' Biggest Jackpot

by Luckbox

It started at about 3:50 pm on Friday the 13th. I'm not sure if that's an omen or not.

It was a marathon session, lasting about 15 hours. I'm guessing that's longer than any tournament Otis has ever played in.

But there's no question this was Otis' best session ever. This was Otis' biggest jackpot. This was Otis' WSOP bracelet.

At 5am on August 14th, 7 lb. 11 oz. Dylan Price was born. If that's not a poker name, I don't know what is! Mommy and baby are doing just fine.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Otis!!!!!!

(To here it from Otis' own mouth, just go here.)

Permalink | Luckbox's Thoughts

August 14, 2004

A Hole in My Game

by Luckbox

Despite the fact that the WPBT's next tourney is a little more than a week away, I am about to tell all of you about a pretty big hole in my game. It's up to you to decide whether I'm only doing this to set you up or not.

I think I play pretty solid poker. I generally make money when I play, and that's a good thing. If I lost as often as I played, I'd be broke right now. That would make me a compulsive gambler, and I'm hoping to avoid that label for as long as possible.

But I digress...

I have a problem. I could make more money if I figured out a way to eliminate a huge hole in which my money manages to disappear.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Poker Theory

August 12, 2004

Daddy Otis or three-time champion?

by Otis

The time is upon us, Up For Poker readers. The next stop on the World Poker Blogger Tour will be the Monty Memorial Poker Blogger Tournament hosted by the blogfather, Iggy (August 22nd at 9pm ET).

As two-time champion in the WPBT, I'd be remiss if I didn't encourage all readers of Up For Poker to head to Iggy's site and sign up through his link. The tournaments are a blast and the competition is fantastic. I've found that some of the best poker players are poker writers. Last tournament, Iggy invited both bloggers and readers and it made the tournament even better.

Here's the thing: Baby Otis is due to arrive any day now. As it is my first kid, I have no idea what that will mean for my poker playing in the near future.

Still, I just don't see how I can NOT defend my titles.

So, here's my plan:

1) I'm buying in.
2) Um...I don't have a #2 yet.

How's that for a plan?

Permalink | Tournament Action

August 10, 2004

2004 WSOP Episodes #11 & #12

by Luckbox

Welcome back. Tonight I'm live-blogging from my couch with my laptop computer and wireless internet. It's much more comfortable than my office!

And tonight, ESPN features the $5000 Limit Hold 'Em Championship and the $5000 Pot Limit Omaha Championship. I'm looking forward to both because I enjoy playing both. I just wish I could play as well as them...

So without further ado, here's this week's WSOP.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Poker on TV

Gambling on Terrorism

by Otis

Dateline: Las Vegas, NV, September 2003

As the beer took hold, wrapping its maternal hug around the main-line adrenaline of a winning 13-hour session, I stood up. I racked my chips, nodding good wishes at the 1am drunks who were just sitting down. I hated to leave them, but I had friends waiting on me. And I'd been sitting for so long that variance was bound to come in for the graveyard shift.

Joey Two-Hands was with me and had been working up a good bender for the better part of our sit. Seven hours ago he'd flopped two monsters and raked two pots full of confidence. Since then, he'd bled away his wins, rebought a couple of times, and drank the Luxor bar dry of Jack and Coke.

I cashed out and led Joey out of the Luxor and onto the motorized walkway that led into the Excalibur. We laughed our way through the maze designed to keep us in the building, not looking anywhere but forward, anywhere but toward a Pai Gow table full of similarly drunk college buddies.

We escaped the Excalibur and didn't look around. We focused on the steps that would lead us to the walkway to New York, New York. We hit the conditioned air again, sat down, and drank with our buddies for four hours. When Joey decided to bet a miniature breath mint for the dealer, we decided it was time to head back to the rooms.

I was in little condition to be the designated walker, but somebody had to. Somebody had to lead Joey out of peril and into a room at the MGM. We crossed the catwalk over Las Vegas Boulevard, never looking anywhere but forward, embracing the freedom of tunnel vision that only Las Vegas and New Orleans can provide.

When we reached the MGM, Joey looked at me and said, "I want to hit you. Can I hit you?"

Declining the offer, I led him to the elevator to one of the towers, never looking back over my shoulder, never once looking for anything suspicious.

We'd do it all again the next day, not realizing or caring that two video tapes with footage of both the Excalibur and MGM were sitting in a prosecutor's lock box thousands of miles away.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Las Vegas

August 9, 2004

Never Tilt at the Craps Table

by Luckbox

I learned a valuable lesson at the Paragon Casino this weekend. Actually, it'd be more appropriate to call it an expensive lesson. Either way, it's one I'll never forget.

It started well enough, when I checked into an outstanding room. My contact at the casino sure does know how to make someone feel comfortable. I didn't think it'd matter much because I didn't plan on spending much time there.

I wish I had spent more time there...

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Playing For Money

August 6, 2004

Back to the Paragon

by Luckbox

Some personal annoucements...

First, I'm heading back to the Paragon Casino and Resort this weekend. In fact, through some personal contacts, I'll be staying at the casino for free tomorrow night. That means more time at the poker table (and craps table, I can't help myself). You can expect a report by Monday at the latest.

And speaking of Monday, I'll finally be online at home again. I bought myself a new laptop computer and I'll be on Cox High Speed Internet. That means a return to the virtual poker tables.

Enjoy your weekends, I'll definitely enjoy mine!

Permalink | Playing For Money

August 5, 2004

Paging Lex Luthor

by Otis

For a long time, I called myself a traditionalist. In one extreme period, I referred to myself as a Luddite. Eventually, I coined then settled on the best description of my philosophy on sport, gaming, and life in general:

I'm a neo-purist.

That means I don't like artificial turf. That means I think the addition of the three-point line, while deviating from tradition, added an element to the game that now is indispensible.

That means I think we should dance with who brought us. If for some reason said dancing partner wants to learn a new dance step, then so be it, but it better be a good dance move and not some silly cabbage patch dance.

That is a long way of saying the following:

Manufacturing poker villain personalities for the sake of better TV is a road that will do nothing but eventually make the game as enjoyable to watch as most of the reality shows on TV now.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Poker on TV

August 3, 2004

2004 WSOP Episodes #9 & #10

by Luckbox

Tonight on ESPN's coverage of the 2004 World Series of Poker, we get the $3000 Pot Limit Texas Hold 'Em championship and the $1500 Razz championship.

Coverage of the PLHE final table likely won't be able to convey to the viewers the slight difference this game has from NL. That's because the final table coverage often shows nothing more than a series of all-in bets. I hope we get to see more than that!

Razz, on the other hand, should be very interesting. It's a version of 7-Card Stud where the low hand wins. Anyone who's played it knows it's a fascinating game. It's also very difficult to play well, in my opinion. Unfortunately, I know too little about Razz to truly live-blog it, so you'll have to settle for just PLHE.

Enjoy...

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Poker on TV

August 1, 2004

Freerolling at The Mark

by Otis

"Sir, you should know, the heads have to be cleaned every six months."

Who is this guy?

That's what I was thinking. Who is this 22 year-old guy trying to sell me an extended warranty on a video camera? I didn't buy an extended warranty on my car.

Who is this guy?

"You'll be replacing this battery every year, and the warranty covers battery replacement." The sales pitch was sad in its relentlessness.

"You can stop," I said. "Just give me what I want."

The Best Buy kid walked away, dejected, collecting the firewire, digital video camera, and tapes. I felt the slightest taste of victory in watching him work.

And then it hit me like a drunk's suckerpunch.

Just look at yourself, Otis. Look what you've become.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Tournament Action