MTT Final Table - Daily Double

I’ve been taking it easy on trying to get in more volume whether it be MTTs, SNGs, or 6max. I’ve found that trying to work through the variance, as I mentioned in my last post, by volume just doesn’t work for me or my non-existent bankroll. So, I’ve just been playing when I feel like it, what ever I feel like. Things are just really starting to click for me poker wise. I would like to think this is a result of being focused on fixing my leaks but maybe it’s something else, who knows. Two very big leaks that have prevented me from becoming a winning player: #1 discipline and #2 bankroll management. The two go hand in hand for me and I’m sure most every poker player.

Last week I played the 10K on PokerStars finishing in 58th. In that post, I discussed the mistake that prevented me from making the final table and using it as motivation to do better. I played the Early Doubles on Full Tilt Poker this past weekend with mediocre results. I felt I was playing well and had my money in good AIPF only to lose to some sick beats. Very frustrated, I quit and decided to take a break until I felt like playing. I also decided to take a month off from live play to put together a bankroll of at least $1K for the hill and to save money for the WSOP. My friend makes it tough to resist the call of The Hill sometimes though.

Monday night as I was leaving work he had almost convinced me to break down and go. Not that it takes that much to make that happen . I felt like I was rushing to get out the door and then I started thinking about getting home at 3am. I decided against it. I’m glad I did because I ran deep in the Daily Doubles. I missed double cashing finishing in 418 place in the A. I managed to final table the B though finishing 9th. Here’s the part where I normally post hand histories, point out my good plays (cha right), and my unbelievable lucky plays. It’s late and I’m just not up for that tonight. I’m thankful that I’m seeing things clearer and this single, small win has put me back into the positive both monetarily and mentally.

As I sit here running out of steam, I’m starting to wonder where I was going with this post. I guess it was just to have something to reflect on later. A reminder to stay focused, don’t take shit to seriously, and to brag obviously Just Kidding, I have a lot too work on if I want to be successful. But really, I feel great in that I’ve been honest with myself when it comes to what’s preventing me from being a winning poker player. Putting my 2009 goals on paper has helped, but most importantly it’s about commitment. I’ve made a commitment to do whatever it takes to be a winner. It all starts with being honest to myself.

If you made it this far you’re a Champ…. thanks for reading.

Brief recap of the tournament:
First a little background before I post the hand that crippled me. This hand had just happened prior and is the 5th hand dealt at the final table.

Full Tilt Poker Daily Double - B No Limit Hold’em Tournament - t5000/t10000 Blinds + t1000 - 9 players

The Official DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

UTG+1: t138220 M = 5.76

UTG+2: t449113 M = 18.71

MP1: t400737 M = 16.70

MP2: t82977 M = 3.46

CO: t378130 M = 15.76

BTN: t182451 M = 7.60

Hero (SB): t270598 M = 11.27

BB: t488832 M = 20.37

UTG: t150942 M = 6.29

Pre Flop: (t24000) Hero is SB with K Q

5 folds, CO raises to t40000, BTN requests TIME, BTN raises to t181451 all in, 2 folds, CO calls t141451

Flop: (t386902) 7 3 4

Turn: (t386902) J

River: (t386902) 9

Final Pot: t386902

CO shows A T (Ace Jack high)

BTN shows A K (Ace King high)

BTN wins t386902

Here’s the hand that crippled me at the final table. I admit I was fatigued and losing focus. This was the very next hand. I couldn’t get my chips in fast enough thinking he was on tilt. I didn’t stop to think about what the original raiser had or any other dynamics that had gotten me this far. The OR had later told me that he had folded AQo. Reflecting back I think I can fold here. Maybe it’s just hind sight now, but I’d love to hear your opinions.

Full Tilt Poker Daily Double - B No Limit Hold’em Tournament - t5000/t10000 Blinds + t1000 - 9 players

The Official DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

UTG: t137220 M = 5.72

UTG+1: t448113 M = 18.67

UTG+2: t399737 M = 16.66

MP1: t81977 M = 3.42

MP2: t195679 M = 8.15

CO: t386902 M = 16.12

Hero (BTN): t264598 M = 11.02

SB: t477832 M = 19.91

BB: t149942 M = 6.25

Pre Flop: (t24000) Hero is BTN with A Q

2 folds, UTG+2 raises to t26000, 1 fold, MP2 raises to t194679 all in, 1 fold, Hero raises to t263598 all in, 3 folds

Flop: (t439358) 9 2 7

Turn: (t439358) 5

River: (t439358) 3

Final Pot: t439358

MP2 shows K K (a pair of Kings)

Hero shows A Q (Ace Queen high)

MP2 wins t439358

The very next hand I get 10-10 and run into JJ and AcQc. Oh well, expect good things for 2009…….

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