WBCOOP 8 Game Mix Recap

While this is not the defining moment of my poker career – by any stretch – I am quite proud of my accomplishment here. The short of it is that I took 9th place in an 8 Game Mix at the WBCOOP series. I usually don’t write tournament recaps; in my experience in reading other blogs, I’ve found them boring and of a more luckbox nature than actual skill / thought. However, I always have an MS Word document opened for taking screenshots and notes in the event that I do take down a nice tournament and want to publish it. For what it’s worth, given time and forethought, I probably would have published the Full Tilt TOC final table / 5th place finish last year, but due to the circumstances (finishing it out in a taxi cab on my way to catch a flight from Ankara, Turkey), I failed to reconstruct a recap. Besides that, I was not overly proud of the way I finished; quite a few suckouts particularly while I was deep stacked.


Enough of the diatribe… I have “final tabled” (this was a 6max event and I made the top 9) in a tournament where I have never played half of the events on the schedule. I was able to use my poker skills that I developed through No Limit Hold’em, as well as a bit of probability to try my best to determine the best play. I will not claim that I have played well; I’m sure there are numerous mistakes even in the hand histories that I have captured below. However, I will say that I did my best to understand the action, and use fundamental to capitalize on other player’s inability to adjust to what I’m sure was a similar situation for them (i.e. they’ve never played most of the games).


First, I want to write a quick brief on the meaning of “8 Game Mix” for those who are not aware. There are 8 games played at what I think are 15 minute intervals: Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball, Limit Hold’em, Limit Omaha Eight or Better (Hi / Lo), Razz, Limit Seven Card Stud, Limit Stud Eight or Better (Hi / Lo), No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha. I posted a link to the rules of all the games in a prior post; refer back if you need a refresher. If you’re interested, I have definitely never even heard of 2-7 Triple Draw, never played Razz, probably played about 15 hands of Omaha (Pot Limit, Hi), and Seven Card Stud. Therefore, the hands below are being played from a person who read the rules 2 hours earlier in the day, and needed to keep checking back to ensure that Razz is good for a A-5 wheel while 2-7 is good for a 2 3 4 5 7 and disallows for straights and flushes.


NOTE: All hands have been blocked of identifying information to protect both my opponents and my screen names. I have long felt that exposing screen names gives readers of this blog a tremendous unfair advantage when / if they ever see me a the tables (particularly cash tables; any blogger that has played me in the Mookie knows that I'm a tourney fish). Therefore, I have tried my best to extend the same courtesies to my opponents.


This is my first time playing Pot Limit Omaha. I rock a ¾ pot!

Poker Stars Freeroll Pot Limit Omaha Hi Tournament - t15/t30 Blinds - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

CO: t2897 96.57 BBs
BTN: t892 29.73 BBs
Hero (SB): t1814 60.47 BBs
BB: t1272 42.40 BBs
UTG: t4593 153.10 BBs
MP: t4356 145.20 BBs

Pre Flop: (t45) Hero is SB with Jc 7h 9c 6c
UTG calls t30, MP calls t30, CO calls t30, BTN calls t30, Hero calls t15, BB checks

Flop: (t180) 9d 8s 5c (6 players)
Hero checks, BB checks, UTG bets t90, MP raises to t450, CO folds, BTN raises to t862 all in, Hero raises to t1784 all in, BB folds, UTG folds, MP calls t1334

Turn: (t4700) Th (3 players - 2 are all in)

River: (t4700) 2c (3 players - 2 are all in)

Final Pot: t4700
BTN shows 9s 7s Jh Tc (a straight, Seven to Jack)
Hero shows Jc 7h 9c 6c (a straight, Seven to Jack)
MP shows 8h 7d 8d 4s (three of a kind, Eights)
Hero wins t1844
Hero wins t1428
BTN wins t1428

Trying to understand 2-7 Triple Draw, where I’m fairly certain 1 off a 7 hand is a good hand to bet bet bet with:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t60/t120 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

UTG: t2867 47.78 BBs
MP: t1728 28.80 BBs
Hero (CO): t3152 52.53 BBs
BTN: t1122 18.70 BBs
SB: t4413 73.55 BBs
BB: t2542 42.37 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is CO with Qc 7s 5h 3d 2c
UTG folds, MP folds, Hero raises, BTN calls, SB folds, BB calls

First Draw: (6.5 SB) (3 players)
BB draws 1, Hero draws 1, BTN draws 1
Hand: 8s 7s 5h 3d 2c
BB bets, Hero raises, BTN calls, BB calls

Second Draw: (6.25 BB) (3 players)
BB stands pat, Hero stands pat, BTN stands pat
Hand: 8s 7s 5h 3d 2c
BB checks, Hero bets, BTN calls, BB calls

Third Draw: (9.25 BB) (3 players)
BB draws 1, Hero stands pat, BTN stands pat
Hand: 8s 7s 5h 3d 2c
BB checks, Hero bets, BTN calls, BB calls

Final Pot: 12.25 BB
Hero shows 8s 7s 5h 3d 2c (Lo: 8,7,5,3,2)
BTN mucks Ac 8d 5d 4s 2s
BB mucks Ad 7c 6s 4d 3h
Hero wins 12.25 BB

Still getting the hand of Triple Draw, though I’m somewhat enjoying this. I think I’m holding a huge advantage from the sheer fact that I have thought about this game as it’s played out. There are two immediate thoughts that have come to my mind: Good starting hands contain 3 cards of 8 or lower, and I can bluff with a “Stand Pat” on a drawing round. Once my opponents start to catch onto the Stand Pat thing, I can start using that to my advantage.

Poker Stars Freeroll Pot Limit Omaha Hi Tournament - t15/t30 Blinds - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

MP: t3017 100.57 BBs
CO: t1087 36.23 BBs
Hero (BTN): t1634 54.47 BBs
SB: t1377 45.90 BBs
BB: t4638 154.60 BBs
UTG: t4071 135.70 BBs

Pre Flop: (t45) Hero is BTN with 9h 5d 4s 6c
UTG raises to t105, 1 fold, CO calls t105, 1 fold, SB calls t90, 1 fold

Flop: (t345) 8h Qd 5s (3 players)
SB checks, UTG bets t345, CO folds, SB folds

Final Pot: t345
UTG wins t345

A perfect and I get paid:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t60/t120 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

BTN: t2447 40.78 BBs
SB: t1608 26.80 BBs
Hero (BB): t4742 79.03 BBs
UTG: t732 12.20 BBs
MP: t4263 71.05 BBs
CO: t2032 33.87 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is BB with Td 7d 5s 4h 2d
UTG folds, MP calls, CO folds, BTN folds, SB folds, Hero raises, MP calls

First Draw: (4.5 SB) (2 players)
Hero draws 1, MP draws 1
Hand: 9s 7d 5s 4h 2d
Hero bets, MP raises, Hero calls

Second Draw: (4.25 BB) (2 players)
Hero draws 1, MP stands pat
Hand: Ks 7d 5s 4h 2d
Hero checks, MP bets, Hero calls

Third Draw: (6.25 BB) (2 players)
Hero draws 1, MP stands pat
Hand: 7d 5s 4h 3c 2d
Hero bets, MP calls

Final Pot: 8.25 BB
Hero shows 7d 5s 4h 3c 2d (Lo: 7,5,4,3,2)
MP shows 8c 7s 5d 3d 2s (Lo: 8,7,5,3,2)
Hero wins 8.25 BB

Continuing to understand the basics of 2-7 TD… EDIT: In retrospect, this is a fairly risky play to bet on the end. A 9 high is more of a bluff catcher than anything else… However, my opponent clearly does not understand that a straight does not make for a good low hand:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t60/t120 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

SB: t2387 39.78 BBs
BB: t1788 29.80 BBs
Hero (UTG): t5222 87.03 BBs
MP: t462 7.70 BBs
CO: t3783 63.05 BBs
BTN: t2182 36.37 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is UTG with As Kd 7d 3s 2h
Hero raises, MP folds, CO folds, BTN folds, SB folds, BB calls

First Draw: (4.5 SB) (2 players)
BB draws 3, Hero draws 2
Hand: 9d 7d 6d 3s 2h
BB checks, Hero bets, BB calls

Second Draw: (3.25 BB) (2 players)
BB draws 2, Hero stands pat
Hand: 9d 7d 6d 3s 2h
BB bets, Hero calls

Third Draw: (5.25 BB) (2 players)
BB draws 1, Hero stands pat
Hand: 9d 7d 6d 3s 2h
BB checks, Hero bets, BB calls

Final Pot: 7.25 BB
BB mucks 6s 5d 4c 3d 2c
Hero shows 9d 7d 6d 3s 2h (Lo: 9,7,6,3,2)
Hero wins 7.25 BB

I’m just starting to get my feet under me for understanding how to play Razz I have the second or third nut hand. I’m supposed to bet the hell out of it, I think.

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Razz Tournament - t80/t160 Limit + t16 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t9560 M = 44.26
Seat 2: t6260 M = 28.98
Seat 3: t6425 M = 29.75
Hero (): t2548 M = 11.80
Seat 5: t1275 M = 5.90
Seat 6: t3828 M = 17.72

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx Qh____Seat 1 folds
Seat 2: xx xx 8h____Seat 2 folds
Seat 3: xx xx 2s____Seat 3 completes____Seat 3 calls
Hero: 7s 4d 3c___Hero raises
Seat 5: xx xx 2h____Seat 5 folds
Seat 6: xx xx Ks____Seat 6 brings in for $24____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (5.5 SB) (2 players)
Seat 3: xx xx 2s 4h____Seat 3 checks____Seat 3 calls
Hero: 7s 4d 3c 5c___Hero bets

5th Street: (3.75 BB) (2 players)
Seat 3: xx xx 2s 4h 3h____Seat 3 bets
Hero: 7s 4d 3c 5c Td___Hero calls

6th Street: (5.75 BB) (2 players)
Seat 3: xx xx 2s 4h 3h Jh____Seat 3 calls
Hero: 7s 4d 3c 5c Td 6s___Hero bets

7th Street: (7.75 BB) (2 players)
Seat 3: xx xx 2s 4h 3h Jh xx____Seat 3 calls
Hero: 7s 4d 3c 5c Td 6s Ts___Hero bets

Final Pot: 9.75 BB
Seat 3 mucks 8c Ah 2s 4h 3h Jh 9c
Hero shows 7s 4d 3c 5c Td 6s Ts (Lo: 7,6,5,4,3)
Hero wins 9.75 BB

Perhaps I played this wrong? I’m drawing to a 4 5’s and 8 clubs on 7th street facing an unpaired opponent. Should I be folding on 4th street? I felt that the 8h gives me more drawing options to a running straight...

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Tournament - t100/t200 Limit + t20 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t9454 M = 35.01
Seat 2: t6184 M = 22.90
Seat 3: t6089 M = 22.55
Hero (): t3152 M = 11.67
Seat 5: t1419 M = 5.26
Seat 6: t3598 M = 13.33

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx 8s____Seat 1 folds
Seat 2: xx xx 7d____Seat 2 completes
Seat 3: xx xx 6s____Seat 3 brings in for $30____Seat 3 folds
Hero: 6c Kc 7c___Hero calls___Hero calls
Seat 5: xx xx 8d____Seat 5 folds
Seat 6: xx xx Kd____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (3.5 SB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 7d 2h____Seat 2 bets
Hero: 6c Kc 7c 8h___Hero checks___Hero calls

5th Street: (2.75 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 7d 2h Ad____Seat 2 bets
Hero: 6c Kc 7c 8h 4d___Hero calls

6th Street: (4.75 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 7d 2h Ad 3c____Seat 2 bets
Hero: 6c Kc 7c 8h 4d Qc___Hero calls

7th Street: (6.75 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 7d 2h Ad 3c xx____Seat 2 bets
Hero: 6c Kc 7c 8h 4d Qc 3h___Hero folds

Final Pot: 6.75 BB
Seat 2 mucks 7d 2h Ad 3c
Seat 2 wins 6.75 BB

Wheel is no good:
I figured I had 2 spades; the likelihood of him showing up with the flush is not huge. Guess I was wrong!

(Sorry I don't have a hand history on this hand, but it was a fairly decent sized pot.)


Edgie joins the table & I took for a ride in NLHE in a game that should be my strength:

Poker Stars Freeroll No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t30/t60 Blinds + t10 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

BB: t7974 M = 53.16
UTG: t5844 M = 38.96
MP: t7009 M = 46.73
Hero (CO): t4442 M = 29.61
BTN: t4616 M = 30.77
SB: t4807 M = 32.05

Pre Flop: (t150) Hero is CO with Th Js
2 folds, Hero raises to t150, BTN calls t150, 2 folds

Flop: (t450) Ad 5s 5d (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets t300, Hero raises to t825, BTN folds

Final Pot: t1050
Hero mucks Th Js
Hero wins t1050

Again, I *ROCK* at 2-7 Limit Triple Draw Lowball!!!! EDIT: I make a questionable bet on the river with a 9 high, again.

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t160/t320 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

UTG: t6939 43.37 BBs
MP: t7674 47.96 BBs
CO: t5749 35.93 BBs
Hero (BTN): t6542 40.89 BBs
SB: t4766 29.79 BBs
BB: t1277 7.98 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is BTN with Kc Tc 9d 8h 7d
UTG folds, MP folds, CO calls, Hero calls, SB calls, BB checks

First Draw: (4 SB) (4 players)
SB draws 2, BB draws 1, CO draws 2, Hero draws 2
Hand: Ac 9d 8h 7d 2s
SB checks, BB checks, CO checks, Hero bets, SB folds, BB calls, CO calls

Second Draw: (3.5 BB) (3 players)
BB draws 1, CO draws 1, Hero draws 1
Hand: 9d 8h 7d 4s 2s
BB checks, CO checks, Hero bets, BB calls, CO calls

Third Draw: (6.5 BB) (3 players)
BB draws 1, CO draws 1, Hero stands pat
Hand: 9d 8h 7d 4s 2s
BB checks, CO checks, Hero bets, BB calls, CO folds

Final Pot: 8.5 BB
Hero shows 9d 8h 7d 4s 2s (Lo: 9,8,7,4,2)
BB mucks Qd 7s 5c 4d 2c
Hero wins 8.5 BB

But couldn’t hit here. EDIT: This is a pre-draw raising hand. 3 4 5 x x should be an insta-raise. I’m just learning the game at this point, though:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t160/t320 Limit - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

CO: t6779 42.37 BBs
BTN: t7594 47.46 BBs
SB: t5189 32.43 BBs
Hero (BB): t8302 51.89 BBs
UTG: t5083 31.77 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is BB with Qc Tc 5d 4h 3d
UTG calls, CO calls, BTN folds, SB folds, Hero checks

First Draw: (3.5 SB) (3 players)
Hero draws 2, UTG draws 2, CO draws 2
Hand: 6d 5d 4h 3d 3c
Hero bets, UTG calls, CO calls

Second Draw: (3.25 BB) (3 players)
Hero draws 1, UTG draws 1, CO draws 1
Hand: Jd 6d 5d 4h 3d
Hero checks, UTG checks, CO bets, Hero calls, UTG calls

Third Draw: (6.25 BB) (3 players)
Hero draws 1, UTG draws 1, CO stands pat
Hand: 6d 5d 4h 3d 3s
Hero checks, UTG checks, CO bets, Hero folds, UTG folds

Final Pot: 6.25 BB
CO wins 6.25 BB

Kinda liking Razz as well; I river the effective nut hand:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Razz Tournament - t200/t400 Limit + t40 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t5059 M = 9.37
Seat 2: t8194 M = 15.17
Seat 3: t4289 M = 7.94
Hero (): t7792 M = 14.43
Seat 5: t5803 M = 10.75
Seat 6: t15092 M = 27.95

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx Ah____Seat 1 completes
Seat 2: xx xx 5d____Seat 2 folds
Seat 3: xx xx 2d____Seat 3 folds
Hero: Ad 2c Ks___Hero brings in for $60___Hero calls
Seat 5: xx xx Js____Seat 5 folds
Seat 6: xx xx 9h____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (3.2 SB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx Ah 5c____Seat 1 bets
Hero: Ad 2c Ks 6d___Hero calls

5th Street: (2.6 BB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx Ah 5c 7s____Seat 1 checks____Seat 1 calls
Hero: Ad 2c Ks 6d 4d___Hero bets

6th Street: (4.6 BB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx Ah 5c 7s Kh____Seat 1 checks
Hero: Ad 2c Ks 6d 4d 6h___Hero checks

7th Street: (4.6 BB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx Ah 5c 7s Kh xx____Seat 1 bets____Seat 1 calls
Hero: Ad 2c Ks 6d 4d 6h 5s___Hero raises

Final Pot: 8.6 BB
Seat 1 mucks Qc 7h Ah 5c 7s Kh 3s
Hero shows Ad 2c Ks 6d 4d 6h 5s (Lo: 6,5,4,2,A)
Hero wins 8.6 BB

Then I “edge” Edgie out of the pot with my Q high hand, where I’m not certain that I’m ahead… My thought was that he has at best 3 T Q while he knows that I have 6 T Q. If I’m betting into him, I *KNOW* Edgie is smart enough to understand what it means that I believe I have a stronger hand than he has. If he calls here, though, I check the 7th street and fold to a bet:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Razz Tournament - t200/t400 Limit + t40 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t3879 M = 7.18
Seat 2: t8114 M = 15.03
Seat 3: t4149 M = 7.68
Hero (): t9352 M = 17.32
Seat 5: t5723 M = 10.60
Seat 6: t15012 M = 27.80

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx Jh____Seat 1 folds
Seat 2: xx xx 5h____Seat 2 folds
Seat 3: xx xx 6h____Seat 3 folds
Hero: Qc Ac 6d___Hero completes
Seat 5: xx xx 3s____Seat 5 calls
Seat 6: xx xx Kh____Seat 6 brings in for $60____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (3.5 SB) (2 players)
Hero: Qc Ac 6d Qd___Hero checks
Seat 5: xx xx 3s Th____Seat 5 checks

5th Street: (1.75 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Qc Ac 6d Qd Tc___Hero bets
Seat 5: xx xx 3s Th 3d____Seat 5 calls

6th Street: (3.75 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Qc Ac 6d Qd Tc 5s___Hero bets
Seat 5: xx xx 3s Th 3d Qs____Seat 5 folds

Final Pot: 3.75 BB
Hero mucks Qc Ac 6d Qd Tc 5s
Hero wins 3.75 BB

I take down a decent pot to propel me to 29th place. I’m not quite sure what Edgie nor the other guy are drawing to, but I’m repping strength:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Tournament - t250/t500 Limit + t50 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t3484 M = 5.16
Seat 2: t7669 M = 11.36
Seat 3: t4804 M = 7.12
Hero (): t10632 M = 15.75
Seat 5: t4828 M = 7.15
Seat 6: t14812 M = 21.94

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx Tc____Seat 1 folds
Seat 2: xx xx 5s____Seat 2 folds
Seat 3: xx xx 3c____Seat 3 brings in for $75____Seat 3 folds
Hero: 2d 9d Kd___Hero completes
Seat 5: xx xx 4c____Seat 5 calls
Seat 6: xx xx 7d____Seat 6 calls

4th Street: (4.5 SB) (3 players)
Hero: 2d 9d Kd 3s___Hero checks
Seat 5: xx xx 4c Kh____Seat 5 checks
Seat 6: xx xx 7d 3h____Seat 6 checks

5th Street: (2.25 BB) (3 players)
Hero: 2d 9d Kd 3s 9c___Hero bets
Seat 5: xx xx 4c Kh 5d____Seat 5 folds
Seat 6: xx xx 7d 3h 8s____Seat 6 folds

Final Pot: 2.25 BB
Hero mucks 2d 9d Kd 3s 9c
Hero wins 2.25 BB

For all the picking on Edgie that I’ve been doing, he makes a VERY GOOD call here with the straight. I was *SURE* his opponent would show up with the Ace high straight:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Tournament - t250/t500 Limit + t50 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t3334 M = 4.94
Seat 2: t10819 M = 16.03
Seat 3: t4579 M = 6.78
Hero (): t11357 M = 16.83
Seat 5: t3428 M = 5.08
Seat 6: t12712 M = 18.83

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx Ac____Seat 1 folds
Seat 2: xx xx 9h____Seat 2 calls
Seat 3: xx xx 8d____Seat 3 folds
Hero: Qh Ts 8c___Hero brings in for $75
Seat 5: xx xx Ad____Seat 5 calls
Seat 6: xx xx Jc____Seat 6 calls

4th Street: (2.4 SB) (4 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 9h 7s____Seat 2 checks
Hero: Qh Ts 8c 3c___Hero checks
Seat 5: xx xx Ad 9c____Seat 5 checks
Seat 6: xx xx Jc Kc____Seat 6 checks

5th Street: (1.2 BB) (4 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 9h 7s Td____Seat 2 checks
Hero: Qh Ts 8c 3c 6c___Hero checks
Seat 5: xx xx Ad 9c Tc____Seat 5 checks
Seat 6: xx xx Jc Kc Ah____Seat 6 checks

6th Street: (1.2 BB) (4 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 9h 7s Td Qs____Seat 2 checks
Hero: Qh Ts 8c 3c 6c As___Hero checks
Seat 5: xx xx Ad 9c Tc 7c____Seat 5 checks
Seat 6: xx xx Jc Kc Ah Qd____Seat 6 checks

7th Street: (1.2 BB) (4 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 9h 7s Td Qs xx____Seat 2 folds
Hero: Qh Ts 8c 3c 6c As 6s___Hero folds
Seat 5: xx xx Ad 9c Tc 7c xx____Seat 5 calls
Seat 6: xx xx Jc Kc Ah Qd xx____Seat 6 bets

Final Pot: 3.2 BB
Seat 5 shows 6d 9s Ad 9c Tc 7c 8h (a straight, Six to Ten)
Seat 6 shows 5c 5d Jc Kc Ah Qd Jh (two pair, Jacks and Fives)
Seat 5 wins 3.2 BB

Then I get sucked out on with this hand, which was a terrible call in retrospect, but what an idiot to knowingly draw to 2 outs. He’s only raising with better hands on the river which beat my trip Queens up...:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Hi/Lo Tournament - t250/t500 Limit + t50 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t3284 M = 4.87
Seat 2: t10694 M = 15.84
Seat 3: t4529 M = 6.71
Hero (): t11232 M = 16.64
Seat 5: t4403 M = 6.52
Seat 6: t12087 M = 17.91

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx 8c____Seat 1 calls____Seat 1 calls
Seat 2: xx xx Ah____Seat 2 completes
Seat 3: xx xx 9h____Seat 3 folds
Hero: Ac Jd Qc___Hero calls
Seat 5: xx xx 4c____Seat 5 brings in for $75____Seat 5 calls
Seat 6: xx xx 5s____Seat 6 calls____Seat 6 calls

4th Street: (6.2 SB) (5 players)
Seat 1: xx xx 8c Kd____Seat 1 checks
Seat 2: xx xx Ah 5c____Seat 2 checks
Hero: Ac Jd Qc 2s___Hero checks
Seat 5: xx xx 4c 6s____Seat 5 checks
Seat 6: xx xx 5s 9d____Seat 6 checks

5th Street: (3.1 BB) (5 players)
Seat 1: xx xx 8c Kd 8s____Seat 1 checks
Seat 2: xx xx Ah 5c Jc____Seat 2 checks
Hero: Ac Jd Qc 2s Qs___Hero checks
Seat 5: xx xx 4c 6s 2c____Seat 5 checks
Seat 6: xx xx 5s 9d Kc____Seat 6 checks

6th Street: (3.1 BB) (5 players)
Seat 1: xx xx 8c Kd 8s 2h____Seat 1 folds
Seat 2: xx xx Ah 5c Jc 4d____Seat 2 folds
Hero: Ac Jd Qc 2s Qs Qh___Hero bets
Seat 5: xx xx 4c 6s 2c Tc____Seat 5 folds
Seat 6: xx xx 5s 9d Kc Kh____Seat 6 calls

7th Street: (5.1 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Ac Jd Qc 2s Qs Qh Td___Hero bets___Hero calls
Seat 6: xx xx 5s 9d Kc Kh xx____Seat 6 raises

Final Pot: 9.1 BB
Hero mucks Ac Jd Qc 2s Qs Qh Td
Seat 6 shows 2d 5h 5s 9d Kc Kh Ks (HI: a full house, Kings full of Fives)
Seat 6 wins 9.1 BB

Then I get a *HUGE* shot in the arm with a much needed double up. I really don’t know what this guy was thinking, totally SNAP calling my shove, but NH, sir! Really? You think I’m shoving less than A9o? For 30BBs? And you haven’t seen me shove ever? Regardless, I expected a fold but get lucky that my hand holds:

Poker Stars Freeroll No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t75/t150 Blinds + t20 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

MP: t12328 M = 35.73
CO: t12054 M = 34.94
BTN: t16227 M = 47.03
Hero (SB): t4402 M = 12.76
BB: t8443 M = 24.47
UTG: t9327 M = 27.03

Pre Flop: (t345) Hero is SB with 8h 8d
2 folds, CO raises to t450, 1 fold, Hero raises to t4382 all in, 1 fold, CO calls t3932

Flop: (t9034) 3s 6s 5h (2 players - 1 is all in)

Turn: (t9034) 8c (2 players - 1 is all in)

River: (t9034) 3d (2 players - 1 is all in)

Final Pot: t9034
CO shows 9c As (a pair of Threes)
Hero shows 8h 8d (a full house, Eights full of Threes)
Hero wins t9034

I don’t know whether this is too tight, but I was worried about a perfect low from his stand pat on the last draw. Should I ever be checking through with the 8 high?

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t400/t800 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

SB: t14363 35.91 BBs
BB: t14307 35.77 BBs
UTG: t15312 38.28 BBs
Hero (MP): t9114 22.79 BBs
CO: t1628 4.07 BBs
BTN: t8057 20.14 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is MP with 8h 7h 5s 3h 3s
UTG folds, Hero raises, CO folds, BTN folds, SB calls, BB folds

First Draw: (5 SB) (2 players)
SB draws 1, Hero draws 1
Hand: 8h 7h 5s 4d 3s
SB checks, Hero bets, SB calls

Second Draw: (3.5 BB) (2 players)
SB draws 1, Hero stands pat
Hand: 8h 7h 5s 4d 3s
SB checks, Hero bets, SB calls

Third Draw: (5.5 BB) (2 players)
SB stands pat, Hero stands pat
Hand: 8h 7h 5s 4d 3s
SB checks, Hero checks

Final Pot: 5.5 BB
SB shows 9c 8s 7s 5h 4h (Lo: 9,8,7,5,4)
Hero shows 8h 7h 5s 4d 3s (Lo: 8,7,5,4,3)
Hero wins 5.5 BB

Regardless, Triple Draw 2-7 continues to provide a TON of chips for me. I obviously start to realize the value hands and the bluff catcher hands. I get value the whole way here:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t400/t800 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

CO: t12363 30.91 BBs
BTN: t13707 34.27 BBs
SB: t14912 37.28 BBs
Hero (BB): t12114 30.29 BBs
UTG: t1628 4.07 BBs
MP: t8057 20.14 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is BB with Kc Ts 6d 5s 3c
UTG folds, MP calls, CO folds, BTN folds, SB calls, Hero checks

First Draw: (3 SB) (3 players)
SB draws 2, Hero draws 2, MP draws 2
Hand: 8s 6d 6s 5s 3c
SB bets, Hero calls, MP calls

Second Draw: (3 BB) (3 players)
SB stands pat, Hero draws 1, MP draws 1
Hand: 8s 6d 5s 4h 3c
SB bets, Hero calls, MP calls

Third Draw: (6 BB) (3 players)
SB stands pat, Hero stands pat, MP draws 1
Hand: 8s 6d 5s 4h 3c
SB checks, Hero bets, MP folds, SB calls

Final Pot: 8 BB
SB mucks 9s 7c 6h 3d 2c
Hero shows 8s 6d 5s 4h 3c (Lo: 8,6,5,4,3)
Hero wins 8 BB

And then I hit a nice little pot in LHE. I’m happy to bust that idiot; he was the dude who sucked out on me with his 4 outter with a rivered King in Stud, an hour or so ago. What an idiotic way to play this hand; he wants to get it all in on the flop with a draw and an over. I’m not quite sure that this is the correct way for LHE, but still… I hold with J9o (J9o works just as well sometimes as J9s. The win puts me back in the hunt in 44th place:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Hold'em Tournament - t400/t800 Limit - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

UTG: t24563 61.41 BBs
CO: t11907 29.77 BBs
BTN: t13740 34.35 BBs
Hero (SB): t9514 23.79 BBs
BB: t3057 7.64 BBs

Pre Flop: (1.5 SB) Hero is SB with Jc 9d
3 folds, Hero raises, BB calls

Flop: (4 SB) 9c 8s 2c (2 players)
Hero bets, BB raises, Hero 3-bets, BB caps!, Hero calls

Turn: (6 BB) 5d (2 players)
Hero bets, BB calls all in

River: (7.643 BB) Qh (2 players - 1 is all in)

Final Pot: 7.643 BB
Hero shows Jc 9d (a pair of Nines)
BB shows Td 7d (high card Queen)
Hero wins 7.643 BB

Then, I ran into a poo-flinger, who sticks around with a pair of Kings and hits his 5 outs on the river. No flush draw, no deuce, no straight draw. Just a 3 Tens and 2 Kings. This hand stung a bit; I should have folded the river raise… I’ll tell you, I get the fact that I’ve never played this game, nor have my opponents (likely), but this is simple math. There are so many possibilities for me to show up with an A 2 combo in Omaha Hi / Lo. Moreover, is a top pair / overpair hands a strong holding in Omaha? I love / hate morons:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Omaha Hi/Lo Tournament - t500/t1000 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

BB: t7554 15.11 BBs
UTG: t33203 66.41 BBs
MP: t4520 9.04 BBs
CO: t5068 10.14 BBs
Hero (BTN): t13421 26.84 BBs
SB: t35219 70.44 BBs

Pre Flop: (1.5 SB) Hero is BTN with 5h 2c Ac 6s
3 folds, Hero raises, 1 fold, BB calls

Flop: (4.5 SB) Ts 2s 2d (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets, BB calls

Turn: (3.25 BB) 4d (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets, BB calls

River: (5.25 BB) Kc (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets, BB raises, Hero calls

Final Pot: 9.25 BB
BB shows Kd Th Kh 8h (HI: a full house, Kings full of Deuces)
Hero mucks 5h 2c Ac 6s
BB wins 9.25 BB

I shouldn’t be checking through the river here. I felt very stupid checking the 1 off the nuts, but given the way he played this hand, I was a bit uncomfortable (I bet into him for all streets, but then he bets into me on 7th street. If I had thought about it, he’s showing a 3 and 4 (and 6), so at best, for him to beat me, he needs precisely A 2 5 in his pocket. Since I have an A and a 5, there’s only 6 ways he can beat me. Regardless, I just continue to dominate the Razz / 2-7 triple draw events though...:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Razz Tournament - t500/t1000 Limit + t100 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t7879 M = 6.30
Seat 2: t34623 M = 27.70
Seat 4: t4418 M = 3.53
Hero (): t12221 M = 9.78
Seat 6: t39844 M = 31.88

3rd Street: (1 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx 8s____Seat 1 folds
Seat 2: xx xx 4c____Seat 2 calls
Seat 4: xx xx Ts____Seat 4 brings in for $150
Hero: Ac 6d 8h___Hero calls
Seat 6: xx xx 2c____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (1.9 SB) (3 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 4c 6c____Seat 2 bets____Seat 2 calls
Seat 4: xx xx Ts Ad____Seat 4 folds
Hero: Ac 6d 8h 4s___Hero raises

5th Street: (2.95 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 4c 6c 7c____Seat 2 checks____Seat 2 calls
Hero: Ac 6d 8h 4s 2h___Hero bets

6th Street: (4.95 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 4c 6c 7c 3c____Seat 2 bets
Hero: Ac 6d 8h 4s 2h 4h___Hero calls

7th Street: (6.95 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 4c 6c 7c 3c xx____Seat 2 bets
Hero: Ac 6d 8h 4s 2h 4h 5d___Hero calls

Final Pot: 8.95 BB
Seat 2 shows Kh Tc 4c 6c 7c 3c 3d (Lo: T,7,6,4,3)
Hero shows Ac 6d 8h 4s 2h 4h 5d (Lo: 6,5,4,2,A)
Hero wins 8.95 BB

And this doozey really puts me over the 20K mark for the first time!!! (Note: I’m pretty sure, in retrospect, I didn’t realize that the game had changed from Razz to Limit Stud. This hand turned out to be an excellent bluff; it was certainly not a bet for value... I totally luckboxed this fold):

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Tournament - t600/t1200 Limit + t120 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t5999 M = 4.00
Seat 2: t31943 M = 21.30
Seat 4: t2058 M = 1.37
Hero (): t16861 M = 11.24
Seat 6: t42124 M = 28.08

3rd Street: (1 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx As____Seat 1 completes
Seat 2: xx xx 2s____Seat 2 brings in for $180____Seat 2 folds
Seat 4: xx xx Qd____Seat 4 folds
Hero: 6h 3h 7s___Hero calls___Hero calls
Seat 6: xx xx Kc____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (3.3 SB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx As Jd____Seat 1 bets
Hero: 6h 3h 7s Qc___Hero calls

5th Street: (2.65 BB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx As Jd 5d____Seat 1 bets
Hero: 6h 3h 7s Qc 5s___Hero calls

6th Street: (4.65 BB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx As Jd 5d Js____Seat 1 bets____Seat 1 folds
Hero: 6h 3h 7s Qc 5s 8d___Hero raises

Final Pot: 6.65 BB
Hero mucks 6h 3h 7s Qc 5s 8d
Hero wins 6.65 BB

Immediately following, the hand that puts me into 13th place:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Tournament - t600/t1200 Limit + t120 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t2159 M = 1.33
Seat 2: t29705 M = 18.34
Seat 3: t15342 M = 9.47
Seat 4: t4356 M = 2.69
Hero (): t21001 M = 12.96
Seat 6: t41884 M = 25.85

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx 7d____Seat 1 folds
Seat 2: xx xx Tc____Seat 2 folds
Seat 3: xx xx Qc____Seat 3 completes
Seat 4: xx xx Qs____Seat 4 folds
Hero: 4s Kh 6d___Hero brings in for $180___Hero calls
Seat 6: xx xx 7h____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (3.2 SB) (2 players)
Seat 3: xx xx Qc 5h____Seat 3 bets
Hero: 4s Kh 6d 7s___Hero calls

5th Street: (2.6 BB) (2 players)
Seat 3: xx xx Qc 5h 5c____Seat 3 bets
Hero: 4s Kh 6d 7s Ks___Hero calls

6th Street: (4.6 BB) (2 players)
Seat 3: xx xx Qc 5h 5c 6s____Seat 3 bets
Hero: 4s Kh 6d 7s Ks 2s___Hero calls

7th Street: (6.6 BB) (2 players)
Seat 3: xx xx Qc 5h 5c 6s xx____Seat 3 bets____Seat 3 folds
Hero: 4s Kh 6d 7s Ks 2s 5s___Hero raises

Final Pot: 8.6 BB
Hero mucks 4s Kh 6d 7s Ks 2s 5s
Hero wins 8.6 BB

A helluva call and a read by me!!!

Poker Stars Freeroll No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t200/t400 Blinds + t50 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (BB): t16673 M = 18.53
UTG: t36752 M = 40.84
MP: t24241 M = 26.93
CO: t73260 M = 81.40
BTN: t38302 M = 42.56
SB: t16395 M = 18.22

Pre Flop: (t900) Hero is BB with 9s Td
2 folds, CO raises to t899, BTN calls t899, SB calls t699, Hero calls t499

Flop: (t3896) Qc Th 2h (4 players)
SB checks, Hero checks, CO bets t1699, BTN folds, SB folds, Hero calls t1699

Turn: (t7294) 5c (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets t4350, Hero calls t4350

River: (t15994) 2d (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets t9600, Hero raises to t9675 all in, CO calls t75

Final Pot: t35344
Hero shows 9s Td (two pair, Tens and Deuces)
CO shows Jd Ks (a pair of Deuces)
Hero wins t35344

I love this NLHE hand. I lead the flop and get a call which tells me SB has a weak Ace or is drawing to a club. I have to believe that an Ace is raising here, but I'm not going to pot commit myself with a turn bet if I get the opportunity to check through. However, I river the trips; my bet will either fold out the club draw or get a call from an Ace. Given the way he's played this hand, I put him on one of the two hands and win another monster pot:

Poker Stars Freeroll No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t200/t400 Blinds + t50 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (CO): t35044 M = 41.23
BTN: t34202 M = 40.24
SB: t27591 M = 32.46
BB: t56487 M = 66.46
UTG: t28203 M = 33.18

Pre Flop: (t850) Hero is CO with 8d 7d
UTG raises to t800, Hero calls t800, 1 fold, SB calls t600, 1 fold

Flop: (t3050) Ac 8c 2c (3 players)
SB checks, UTG checks, Hero bets t2000, SB calls t2000, UTG folds

Turn: (t7050) 9h (2 players)
SB checks, Hero checks

River: (t7050) 8h (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets t4400, SB calls t4400

Final Pot: t15850
Hero shows 8d 7d (three of a kind, Eights)
SB mucks 4s Ad
Hero wins t15850

And then another knockout. I love the snap shove when he’s so deep here… I still wonder what people are thinking… EDIT: Referring back to the A9s vs. 88 hand above, though – I’m going to head off any comments right here…
So how is this guy’s shove different from my shove & how can I criticize him for doing what looks like the same thing I did in the prior hand?


I want to point out that my 88 shove is not optimal in the prior hand. I’m 30BB deep and can easily call and fold to a cbet. I can also float. There’s no need to risk my tourney life on a pair of 8’s. However, a big stack can be raising a lot larger range than 99+ A9+, etc. My 3bet shove should generate a lot of fold equity vs. his raise from a lot of his range. Again, 88 has equity against a lot of his raising hands, and will coin flip a lot more. In this situation, 22 is a guaranteed coin flip against any of my range, should I choose to call. Additionally, we’re getting late in the tourney and I’m sitting on a larger chip stack. A call of his shove will not kill my tourney. The point, though, is that he can call 22 and take a flop which he’s guaranteed not to like unless it holds a 2. In my opinion, this is a folding hand or calling -> folding hand.


As far as my call of a 30BB shove, I think this is a no-brainer, far different from if I had A9s. I think calling off a 30BB shove with A9s is incorrect, while there are 3 hands that dominate me + 4 hands that are flipping. The call is well worth the opportunity to knock out a player and chip up.

Poker Stars Freeroll No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t200/t400 Blinds + t50 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (BTN): t46144 M = 54.29
SB: t31652 M = 37.24
BB: t15611 M = 18.37
UTG: t88120 M = 103.67
CO: t33820 M = 39.79

Pre Flop: (t850) Hero is BTN with Jd Js
2 folds, Hero raises to t1000, 1 fold, BB raises to t15561 all in, Hero calls t14561

Flop: (t31572) 8h 3d 9s (2 players - 1 is all in)

Turn: (t31572) 7d (2 players - 1 is all in)

River: (t31572) 4h (2 players - 1 is all in)

Final Pot: t31572
Hero shows Jd Js (a pair of Jacks)
BB shows 2s 2h (a pair of Deuces)
Hero wins t31572

I love this bluff raise on the turn; he doesn’t bet the flop and he leads the turn which smacks of air / bluff. Is he ever not betting the flush draw / protecting flopped sets? Therefore, I feel raising here will force a TON of his range to fold. Either way, I *HATE* PLO:

Poker Stars Freeroll Pot Limit Omaha Hi Tournament - t200/t400 Blinds - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (BB): t62105 155.26 BBs
UTG: t33802 84.50 BBs
CO: t9697 24.24 BBs
BTN: t86870 217.18 BBs
SB: t32570 81.42 BBs

Pre Flop: (t600) Hero is BB with Qd Kc Td Ah
UTG raises to t800, 1 fold, BTN raises to t2400, 1 fold, Hero calls t2000, 1 fold

Flop: (t5800) 2s 9c Qc (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN checks

Turn: (t5800) 2c (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets t4000, Hero raises to t10800, BTN folds

Final Pot: t13800
Hero mucks Qd Kc Td Ah
Hero wins t13800

I hate Omaha. Have I mentioned that? This puts me into solid footing for 2nd place. I have *NO* idea what constitutes a strong hand, though I do know that PF, I hold a very strong hand (I think it’s called a “wrap” hand):

Poker Stars Freeroll Pot Limit Omaha Hi Tournament - t200/t400 Blinds - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (MP): t67705 169.26 BBs
CO: t33402 83.50 BBs
BTN: t6697 16.74 BBs
SB: t82470 206.18 BBs
BB: t22418 56.05 BBs
UTG: t34770 86.92 BBs

Pre Flop: (t600) Hero is MP with Td Qh Jc Th
1 fold, Hero calls t400, CO calls t400, 1 fold, SB calls t200, BB checks

Flop: (t1600) 8c 3s Jh (4 players)
SB checks, BB bets t800, Hero calls t800, CO calls t800, SB calls t800

Turn: (t4800) 5h (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, Hero bets t2000, CO calls t2000, SB calls t2000, BB calls t2000

River: (t12800) 5s (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, Hero checks, CO checks

Final Pot: t12800
Hero shows Td Qh Jc Th (two pair, Jacks and Fives)
CO mucks 9s 6c 7s 7h
SB shows Kd 3c 9c Tc (two pair, Fives and Threes)
BB mucks 2d 7d 9h Ts
Hero wins t12800

And back to my [new] favorite game finally:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t1000/t2000 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (UTG): t72505 72.50 BBs
MP: t14402 14.40 BBs
CO: t9097 9.10 BBs
BTN: t83852 83.85 BBs
SB: t36036 36.04 BBs
BB: t31570 31.57 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is UTG with Kc 9c 8c 6d 5d
Hero raises, MP calls, CO folds, BTN calls, SB folds, BB folds

First Draw: (7.5 SB) (3 players)
Hero draws 1, MP draws 2, BTN draws 1
Hand: 9c 8c 6d 6c 5d
Hero bets, MP calls, BTN calls

Second Draw: (5.25 BB) (3 players)
Hero draws 1, MP draws 2, BTN draws 1
Hand: Qd 9c 8c 6d 5d
Hero checks, MP checks, BTN bets, Hero calls, MP folds

Third Draw: (7.25 BB) (2 players)
Hero draws 1, BTN draws 1
Hand: Tc 9c 8c 6d 5d
Hero checks, BTN checks

Final Pot: 7.25 BB
Hero shows Tc 9c 8c 6d 5d (Lo: T,9,8,6,5)
BTN mucks Qs 9d 8s 7c 4s
Hero wins 7.25 BB

I don’t think I can lose this game!! 2-7 TD ROCKS!!! Oh yeah, this hand puts me into 1st place for the first time, and we’re pretty deep into the tournament!!!:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t1000/t2000 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (SB): t79005 79.00 BBs
BB: t11402 11.40 BBs
UTG: t9097 9.10 BBs
MP: t82352 82.35 BBs
CO: t35536 35.54 BBs
BTN: t30070 30.07 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is SB with Kc 6s 6d 4h 3s
UTG folds, MP raises, CO folds, BTN folds, Hero calls, BB calls

First Draw: (6 SB) (3 players)
Hero draws 2, BB draws 3, MP stands pat
Hand: 8h 6d 4h 3s 2h
Hero checks, BB checks, MP bets, Hero raises, BB folds, MP calls

Second Draw: (5 BB) (2 players)
Hero stands pat, MP stands pat
Hand: 8h 6d 4h 3s 2h
Hero bets, MP calls

Third Draw: (7 BB) (2 players)
Hero stands pat, MP stands pat
Hand: 8h 6d 4h 3s 2h
Hero bets, MP calls

Final Pot: 9 BB
Hero shows 8h 6d 4h 3s 2h (Lo: 8,6,4,3,2)
Hero wins 9 BB

However, this is the one threat on the leader board, PokerWorks, who I don’t want to chip up. I can’t get there on her, though, but I’m still left in 1st place. SIDE BAR: She & I got to talking in the chat box and exchanged blog addresses. PokerWorks happens to be a very nice blogger who, despite wanting to knocker her out personally, I wish her the best of luck in future tournaments and games:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t1000/t2000 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (MP): t89005 89.00 BBs
CO: t8902 8.90 BBs
BTN: t7597 7.60 BBs
SB: t81352 81.35 BBs
BB: t30536 30.54 BBs
UTG: t30070 30.07 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is MP with Kh Ks 8h 7s 5s
UTG folds, Hero raises, CO 3-bets, BTN folds, SB folds, BB folds, Hero caps!, CO calls

First Draw: (9.5 SB) (2 players)
Hero draws 2, CO draws 2
Hand: 8h 7s 6s 5s 5c
Hero bets, CO raises, Hero 3-bets, CO caps!, Hero calls

Second Draw: (8.75 BB) (2 players)
Hero draws 1, CO stands pat
Hand: Ah 8h 7s 6s 5s
Hero bets, CO calls all in

Third Draw: (9.652 BB) (2 players - 1 is all in)
Hero draws 1, CO stands pat
Hand: 9c 8h 7s 6s 5s

Final Pot: 9.652 BB
Hero shows 9c 8h 7s 6s 5s (Lo: a straight, Five to Nine)
CO shows Jh Td 8s 6d 2c (Lo: J,T,8,6,2)
CO wins 9.652 BB

Then 2 Black Aces takes a nice piece out of me; I double him up on his 2nd nut perfect:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball Tournament - t1000/t2000 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (UTG): t74603 74.60 BBs
MP: t15304 15.30 BBs
CO: t6097 6.10 BBs
BTN: t86852 86.85 BBs
SB: t41036 41.04 BBs
BB: t23570 23.57 BBs

Pre Draw: (1.5 SB) Hero is UTG with 9s 8s 7c 5h 4c
Hero raises, MP folds, CO calls, BTN folds, SB folds, BB folds

First Draw: (5.5 SB) (2 players)
Hero stands pat, CO draws 1
Hand: 9s 8s 7c 5h 4c
Hero bets, CO calls

Second Draw: (3.75 BB) (2 players)
Hero stands pat, CO draws 1
Hand: 9s 8s 7c 5h 4c
Hero bets, CO raises all in, Hero calls

Third Draw: (6.847 BB) (2 players - 1 is all in)
Hero stands pat, CO stands pat
Hand: 9s 8s 7c 5h 4c

Final Pot: 6.847 BB
Hero shows 9s 8s 7c 5h 4c (Lo: 9,8,7,5,4)
CO shows 7h 6s 5s 3c 2h (Lo: 7,6,5,3,2)
CO wins 6.847 BB

And a poor play on the river by me / crappy suckout by 2 Black Aces (I think I should be check / calling or check / folding, but not leading the river):

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Hold'em Tournament - t1000/t2000 Limit - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (SB): t78506 78.51 BBs
BB: t18998 19.00 BBs
UTG: t83852 83.85 BBs
CO: t36536 36.54 BBs
BTN: t29570 29.57 BBs

Pre Flop: (1.5 SB) Hero is SB with Qs 2s
3 folds, Hero raises, BB calls

Flop: (4 SB) Th Qc 2c (2 players)
Hero bets, BB calls

Turn: (3 BB) 8d (2 players)
Hero bets, BB calls

River: (5 BB) Tc (2 players)
Hero bets, BB raises, Hero calls

Final Pot: 9 BB
Hero mucks Qs 2s
BB shows Td 5d (three of a kind, Tens)
BB wins 9 BB

Back to the Razz (game of choice):

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Razz Tournament - t1200/t2400 Limit + t240 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Hero (): t88326 M = 29.44
Seat 3: t30448 M = 10.15
Seat 4: t98832 M = 32.94
Seat 5: t12866 M = 4.29
Seat 6: t16990 M = 5.66

3rd Street: (1 SB)
Hero: 2h 3c Ts___Hero calls
Seat 3: xx xx 6d____Seat 3 folds
Seat 4: xx xx Kd____Seat 4 brings in for $360
Seat 5: xx xx 3d____Seat 5 calls
Seat 6: xx xx 9s____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (1.9 SB) (3 players)
Hero: 2h 3c Ts 9h___Hero bets___Hero calls
Seat 4: xx xx Kd 3s____Seat 4 calls____Seat 4 calls
Seat 5: xx xx 3d Js____Seat 5 raises

5th Street: (3.95 BB) (3 players)
Hero: 2h 3c Ts 9h Ad___Hero bets___Hero 3-bets___Hero calls
Seat 4: xx xx Kd 3s Jd____Seat 4 folds
Seat 5: xx xx 3d Js Tc____Seat 5 raises____Seat 5 caps!

6th Street: (11.95 BB) (2 players)
Hero: 2h 3c Ts 9h Ad 3h___Hero bets
Seat 5: xx xx 3d Js Tc 6s____Seat 5 calls all in

7th Street: (12.172 BB) (2 players - 1 is all in)
Hero: 2h 3c Ts 9h Ad 3h 5h
Seat 5: xx xx 3d Js Tc 6s xx

Final Pot: 12.172 BB
Hero shows 2h 3c Ts 9h Ad 3h 5h (Lo: 9,5,3,2,A)
Seat 5 shows 5s 2c 3d Js Tc 6s 2s (Lo: T,6,5,3,2)
Hero wins 12.172 BB

And then hosed on 7th street by my drawing opponent:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Razz Tournament - t1200/t2400 Limit + t240 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t45530 M = 14.05
Seat 2: t15771 M = 4.87
Hero (): t104672 M = 32.31
Seat 4: t33208 M = 10.25
Seat 5: t11229 M = 3.47
Seat 6: t60644 M = 18.72

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx 8s____Seat 1 completes____Seat 1 calls
Seat 2: xx xx 3d____Seat 2 folds
Hero: 4s 7h 6c___Hero raises
Seat 4: xx xx 2h____Seat 4 folds
Seat 5: xx xx Ts____Seat 5 folds
Seat 6: xx xx Qs____Seat 6 brings in for $360____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (5.5 SB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx 8s 5d____Seat 1 bets____Seat 1 calls
Hero: 4s 7h 6c 8d___Hero raises

5th Street: (4.75 BB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx 8s 5d Kd____Seat 1 calls
Hero: 4s 7h 6c 8d Js___Hero bets

6th Street: (6.75 BB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx 8s 5d Kd Kh____Seat 1 calls
Hero: 4s 7h 6c 8d Js 5c___Hero bets

7th Street: (8.75 BB) (2 players)
Seat 1: xx xx 8s 5d Kd Kh xx____Seat 1 calls
Hero: 4s 7h 6c 8d Js 5c 6s___Hero bets

Final Pot: 10.75 BB
Seat 1 shows 7d 4h 8s 5d Kd Kh Ah (Lo: 8,7,5,4,A)
Hero shows 4s 7h 6c 8d Js 5c 6s (Lo: 8,7,6,5,4)
Seat 1 wins 10.75 BB

Here’s me *CLEARLY* once again not picking up on the fact that we changed from Razz to Limit Stud:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Tournament - t1600/t3200 Limit + t320 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t52730 M = 12.21
Seat 2: t10371 M = 2.40
Hero (): t101672 M = 23.54
Seat 4: t29848 M = 6.91
Seat 5: t12429 M = 2.88
Seat 6: t64004 M = 14.82

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx 9d____Seat 1 folds
Seat 2: xx xx 3d____Seat 2 calls
Hero: 4d Ac 2h___Hero completes
Seat 4: xx xx 5h____Seat 4 folds
Seat 5: xx xx 9s____Seat 5 folds
Seat 6: xx xx Qs____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (3.2 SB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 3d 7s____Seat 2 checks
Hero: 4d Ac 2h 8c___Hero checks

5th Street: (1.6 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 3d 7s 5c____Seat 2 raises
Hero: 4d Ac 2h 8c Tc___Hero bets___Hero calls

6th Street: (5.6 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 3d 7s 5c Th____Seat 2 bets all in
Hero: 4d Ac 2h 8c Tc 9h___Hero checks___Hero calls

7th Street: (6.882 BB) (2 players - 1 is all in)
Seat 2: xx xx 3d 7s 5c Th xx
Hero: 4d Ac 2h 8c Tc 9h Kd

Final Pot: 6.882 BB
Seat 2 shows 6h 4h 3d 7s 5c Th As (a straight, Three to Seven)
Hero shows 4d Ac 2h 8c Tc 9h Kd (high card Ace)
Seat 2 wins 6.882 BB

Then I get vicious on the 7th street suckout to knockout a player:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Hi/Lo Tournament - t1600/t3200 Limit + t320 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t65934 M = 15.26
Hero (): t98290 M = 22.75
Seat 3: t58535 M = 13.55
Seat 4: t15280 M = 3.54
Seat 5: t18977 M = 4.39
Seat 6: t11136 M = 2.58

3rd Street: (1.2 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx 9h____Seat 1 folds
Hero: Th As 5c___Hero raises
Seat 3: xx xx 2d____Seat 3 brings in for $480____Seat 3 folds
Seat 4: xx xx 5s____Seat 4 folds
Seat 5: xx xx 2s____Seat 5 folds
Seat 6: xx xx Ad____Seat 6 completes____Seat 6 calls

4th Street: (5.5 SB) (2 players)
Hero: Th As 5c 9s___Hero bets
Seat 6: xx xx Ad Td____Seat 6 checks____Seat 6 calls

5th Street: (3.75 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Th As 5c 9s Qh___Hero bets
Seat 6: xx xx Ad Td 5d____Seat 6 checks____Seat 6 calls

6th Street: (5.75 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Th As 5c 9s Qh Jd___Hero bets
Seat 6: xx xx Ad Td 5d Jc____Seat 6 checks____Seat 6 calls all in

7th Street: (7.51 BB) (2 players - 1 is all in)
Hero: Th As 5c 9s Qh Jd Ks
Seat 6: xx xx Ad Td 5d Jc xx

Final Pot: 7.51 BB
Hero shows Th As 5c 9s Qh Jd Ks (HI: a straight, Ten to Ace)
Seat 6 shows 4h 4s Ad Td 5d Jc 6d (HI: a pair of Fours)
Hero wins 7.51 BB

I’m hoping for the repeat, but it’s a split. I’m certain I’m at worst a chop here, but hoping for a suckout for the hi and low (I believe it’s called a scoop)...:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Hi/Lo Tournament - t1600/t3200 Limit + t320 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t73134 M = 18.28
Hero (): t101586 M = 25.40
Seat 3: t60935 M = 15.23
Seat 4: t15440 M = 3.86
Seat 5: t17057 M = 4.26

3rd Street: (1 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx 2d____Seat 1 brings in for $480____Seat 1 folds
Hero: 3c 2h 6s___Hero completes___Hero calls
Seat 3: xx xx 3s____Seat 3 folds
Seat 4: xx xx 7c____Seat 4 folds
Seat 5: xx xx Ad____Seat 5 raises

4th Street: (5.3 SB) (2 players)
Hero: 3c 2h 6s 8h___Hero calls
Seat 5: xx xx Ad 9s____Seat 5 bets

5th Street: (3.65 BB) (2 players)
Hero: 3c 2h 6s 8h 4h___Hero raises___Hero caps!
Seat 5: xx xx Ad 9s 3h____Seat 5 bets____Seat 5 3-bets____Seat 5 calls all in

6th Street: (11.111 BB) (2 players - 1 is all in)
Hero: 3c 2h 6s 8h 4h Kd
Seat 5: xx xx Ad 9s 3h 5c

7th Street: (11.111 BB) (2 players - 1 is all in)
Hero: 3c 2h 6s 8h 4h Kd Kh
Seat 5: xx xx Ad 9s 3h 5c xx

Final Pot: 11.111 BB
Hero shows 3c 2h 6s 8h 4h Kd Kh (HI: a pair of Kings; LO: 8,6,4,3,2)
Seat 5 shows Ah Ts Ad 9s 3h 5c 9h (HI: two pair, Aces and Nines)
Seat 5 wins 5.555 BB
Hero wins 5.555 BB

I [finally] knock out Fred AKA Two Black Aces:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Hi/Lo Tournament - t1600/t3200 Limit + t320 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 1: t83214 M = 20.80
Hero (): t98306 M = 24.58
Seat 3: t44758 M = 11.19
Seat 4: t16080 M = 4.02
Seat 5: t25794 M = 6.45

3rd Street: (1 SB)
Seat 1: xx xx 9c____Seat 1 folds
Hero: 5s 3c Kc___Hero calls
Seat 3: xx xx 6c____Seat 3 brings in for $480
Seat 4: xx xx 8h____Seat 4 calls
Seat 5: xx xx 7s____Seat 5 folds

4th Street: (1.9 SB) (3 players)
Hero: 5s 3c Kc 6d___Hero bets
Seat 3: xx xx 6c 8c____Seat 3 folds
Seat 4: xx xx 8h 2h____Seat 4 calls

5th Street: (1.95 BB) (2 players)
Hero: 5s 3c Kc 6d Ad___Hero bets___Hero calls
Seat 4: xx xx 8h 2h 5c____Seat 4 raises

6th Street: (5.95 BB) (2 players)
Hero: 5s 3c Kc 6d Ad Tc___Hero checks___Hero calls
Seat 4: xx xx 8h 2h 5c Th____Seat 4 bets

7th Street: (7.95 BB) (2 players)
Hero: 5s 3c Kc 6d Ad Tc 4s___Hero bets___Hero calls
Seat 4: xx xx 8h 2h 5c Th xx____Seat 4 raises all in

Final Pot: 10.5 BB
Hero shows 5s 3c Kc 6d Ad Tc 4s (HI: high card Ace; LO: 6,5,4,3,A)
Seat 4 shows 7d 4d 8h 2h 5c Th Kh (HI: high card King; LO: 8,7,5,4,2)
Hero wins 5.25 BB
Hero wins 5.25 BB

Why don’t I run like this when it’s for real money?:

Poker Stars Freeroll No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t500/t1000 Blinds + t125 - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

CO: t83709 M = 37.20
Hero (BTN): t108196 M = 48.09
SB: t53258 M = 23.67
BB: t86307 M = 38.36
UTG: t18894 M = 8.40
MP: t56166 M = 24.96

Pre Flop: (t2250) Hero is BTN with Qd Th
UTG raises to t3000, 2 folds, Hero calls t3000, 2 folds

Flop: (t8250) Jh 9h Td (2 players)
UTG bets t3000, Hero raises to t16000, UTG calls t12769 all in

Turn: (t39788) 7c (2 players - 1 is all in)

River: (t39788) 3c (2 players - 1 is all in)

Final Pot: t39788
Hero shows Qd Th (a pair of Tens)
UTG shows Kh Ad (high card Ace)
Hero wins t39788

I continue to card rack Triple Draw… There’s a funny comment in the chat box and when I ask him about what he means, he thinks that I play 2-7 TD “weird,” which I probably do, since this is my first time *EVER* playing it!:

Well played, sir! This was an excellent play where my opponent got maximum value out of me. He checks the flop in order to get 3 big bets out of me on the turn check / raise stab and the river call. I can’t see him showing up with trip Aces – was positive he wouldn’t play the hand that way, but he had a lot more than trips...:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Hold'em Tournament - t2500/t5000 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

BTN: t32807 13.12 BBs
SB: t27058 10.82 BBs
Hero (BB): t214598 85.84 BBs
UTG: t120330 48.13 BBs
MP: t82152 32.86 BBs
CO: t95798 38.32 BBs

Pre Flop: (1.5 SB) Hero is BB with Js 9c
2 folds, CO calls, 2 folds, Hero checks

Flop: (2.5 SB) 9s 4c Ad (2 players)
Hero checks, CO checks

Turn: (1.25 BB) Ah (2 players)
Hero bets, CO raises, Hero calls

River: (5.25 BB) Kd (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets, Hero calls

Final Pot: 7.25 BB
Hero mucks Js 9c
CO shows 4s 4d (a full house, Fours full of Aces)
CO wins 7.25 BB


I get decent value from my random hand / steal (except I should have bet the turn as well). I actually was fearful of an overpair / 9’s. It works out, though:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Hold'em Tournament - t2500/t5000 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

CO: t32807 13.12 BBs
BTN: t25808 10.32 BBs
Hero (SB): t197098 78.84 BBs
BB: t120330 48.13 BBs
UTG: t82152 32.86 BBs
MP: t114548 45.82 BBs

Pre Flop: (1.5 SB) Hero is SB with 8s 3s
4 folds, Hero raises, BB calls

Flop: (4 SB) 8c 9h 2h (2 players)
Hero bets, BB calls

Turn: (3 BB) 2c (2 players)
Hero checks, BB checks

River: (3 BB) 5d (2 players)
Hero bets, BB folds

Final Pot: 3 BB
Hero mucks 8s 3s
Hero wins 3 BB

And I get a hand at Limit Omaha HL:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Omaha Hi/Lo Tournament - t3000/t6000 Limit - 6 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

UTG: t21557 7.19 BBs
MP: t59616 19.87 BBs
Hero (CO): t189790 63.26 BBs
BTN: t127830 42.61 BBs
SB: t65152 21.72 BBs
BB: t108798 36.27 BBs

Pre Flop: (1.5 SB) Hero is CO with Jd 9s Ac Qc
2 folds, Hero raises, 1 fold, SB 3-bets, 1 fold, Hero calls

Flop: (7 SB) 9c As 7s (2 players)
SB bets, Hero raises, SB 3-bets, Hero calls

Turn: (6.5 BB) Ts (2 players)
SB bets, Hero calls >>> Again, not being totally aware of relative strengths of hands, I’m assuming my opponent has a set based on his 3bet flop. Therefore, I check through the turn for fear of check / raises.
River: (8.5 BB) Ah (2 players) SB bets, Hero raises, SB calls >>> Now I’m 98% certain I have the nuts when I river Aces full.
Final Pot: 12.5 BB Hero shows Jd 9s Ac Qc (HI: a full house, Aces full of Nines) SB mucks Jc Jh Ad Kd Hero wins 12.5 BB

And Razzing it up a bit:

And I love this guy (the eventual winner of this tournament). Either he has NO IDEA how to play this game, or he’s tired just like me. I’m dead to a running two pair with a hand he should have folded pre flop or whatever the pre- 4th street is called...:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Tournament - t4000/t8000 Limit + t800 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 2: t22516 M = 2.25
Hero (): t269947 M = 26.99
Seat 4: t127930 M = 12.79
Seat 5: t74652 M = 7.47
Seat 6: t77698 M = 7.77

3rd Street: (1 SB)
Seat 2: xx xx Jd____Seat 2 folds
Hero: Ah 2c Td___Hero completes
Seat 4: xx xx 9h____Seat 4 folds
Seat 5: xx xx 2h____Seat 5 brings in for $1200____Seat 5 calls
Seat 6: xx xx Kh____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (3 SB) (2 players)
Hero: Ah 2c Td Ts___Hero bets
Seat 5: xx xx 2h 5s____Seat 5 calls

5th Street: (3.5 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Ah 2c Td Ts 3c___Hero checks
Seat 5: xx xx 2h 5s 6h____Seat 5 checks

6th Street: (3.5 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Ah 2c Td Ts 3c 2s___Hero bets
Seat 5: xx xx 2h 5s 6h Qd____Seat 5 calls

7th Street: (5.5 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Ah 2c Td Ts 3c 2s Kd___Hero bets
Seat 5: xx xx 2h 5s 6h Qd xx____Seat 5 calls

Final Pot: 7.5 BB
Hero shows Ah 2c Td Ts 3c 2s Kd (two pair, Tens and Deuces)
Seat 5 shows Js Qs 2h 5s 6h Qd Jh (two pair, Queens and Jacks)
Seat 5 wins 7.5 BB

10 hours in and I’m in a solid 1st place. It’s 3am and I’m exhausted. I know that my children are going to be unrelenting in the morning; my wife is away for the weekend and I have the kids to myself until Sunday night. Well, here’s the screenshot of me in 1st place. I should enjoy it; this was the best I would do:

Then, it happened again. This time, though, instead of misreading the game, I misread my hand. I thought I had a flush – regardless of the fact that it wasn’t the winner (and this was a HUGE pot) which totally put me on tilt. It’s 3:10AM and I’m exhausted. This was the start of my downfall… My thought in building such a big pot was that I would potentially qualify for the lo, and draw to the flush on the hi. Regardless, had that all in river been an 8 or lower, I would have been chopping... CRAP!:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Hi/Lo Tournament - t4000/t8000 Limit + t800 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 2: t63264 M = 6.33
Hero (): t206347 M = 20.63
Seat 4: t54214 M = 5.42
Seat 5: t164420 M = 16.44
Seat 6: t84498 M = 8.45

3rd Street: (1 SB)
Seat 2: xx xx 6c____Seat 2 calls
Hero: 6s 2s 5d___Hero brings in for $1200
Seat 4: xx xx Tc____Seat 4 folds
Seat 5: xx xx 9h____Seat 5 folds
Seat 6: xx xx Th____Seat 6 calls

4th Street: (1.9 SB) (3 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 6c 5c____Seat 2 bets
Hero: 6s 2s 5d Kd___Hero checks___Hero calls
Seat 6: xx xx Th 9d____Seat 6 checks____Seat 6 folds

5th Street: (1.95 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 6c 5c 5s____Seat 2 bets____Seat 2 calls
Hero: 6s 2s 5d Kd Ad___Hero raises

6th Street: (5.95 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 6c 5c 5s 3c____Seat 2 bets____Seat 2 3-bets____Seat 2 calls
Hero: 6s 2s 5d Kd Ad Qc___Hero raises___Hero caps!

7th Street: (13.95 BB) (2 players)
Seat 2: xx xx 6c 5c 5s 3c xx____Seat 2 bets____Seat 2 calls all in
Hero: 6s 2s 5d Kd Ad Qc Td___Hero raises

Final Pot: 16.266 BB
Seat 2 shows 2d 3d 6c 5c 5s 3c 5h (HI: a full house, Fives full of Threes)
Hero shows 6s 2s 5d Kd Ad Qc Td (HI: high card Ace)
Seat 2 wins 16.266 BB

But I get a nice suckout for a nice pot to chip back up to 2nd place. This is the final hand before we get into the NLHE round :-), which should be my strong suit:

Poker Stars Freeroll Limit Stud Hi/Lo Tournament - t4000/t8000 Limit + t800 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

Seat 2: t111328 M = 11.13
Hero (): t121083 M = 12.11
Seat 4: t77014 M = 7.70
Seat 5: t173620 M = 17.36
Seat 6: t89698 M = 8.97

3rd Street: (1 SB)
Seat 2: xx xx 6c____Seat 2 folds
Hero: Ah Qh 3c___Hero completes
Seat 4: xx xx 6d____Seat 4 folds
Seat 5: xx xx 2d____Seat 5 brings in for $1200____Seat 5 calls
Seat 6: xx xx 2s____Seat 6 folds

4th Street: (3 SB) (2 players)
Hero: Ah Qh 3c Tc___Hero checks___Hero calls
Seat 5: xx xx 2d 7d____Seat 5 bets

5th Street: (2.5 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Ah Qh 3c Tc Qc___Hero raises
Seat 5: xx xx 2d 7d 2h____Seat 5 bets____Seat 5 calls

6th Street: (6.5 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Ah Qh 3c Tc Qc Kc___Hero checks
Seat 5: xx xx 2d 7d 2h 7s____Seat 5 checks

7th Street: (6.5 BB) (2 players)
Hero: Ah Qh 3c Tc Qc Kc Jc___Hero raises
Seat 5: xx xx 2d 7d 2h 7s xx____Seat 5 bets____Seat 5 calls

Final Pot: 10.5 BB
Hero shows Ah Qh 3c Tc Qc Kc Jc (HI: a flush, King high)
Seat 5 mucks 6h 9h 2d 7d 2h 7s 9s
Hero wins 10.5 BB

And then the wheels completely fell off in these back to back hands, which I’m frankly embarrassed to post. But, because this is my blog, and I need to be true to myself, I will post the disgrace that is my tournament demise. I’m not even going to try to dissect the situations on either of these – I’m still so frustrated by my tournament end. Choke. I was so pissed that in writing this recap, I had to go into the raw hand histories to go & retrieve these hands because I didn’t even want to have them in my log. I definitely don’t have the deflating screenshots to couple with the hand histories:

Poker Stars Freeroll No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t1250/t2500 Blinds + t325 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

UTG: t90391 M = 16.82
Hero (CO): t153433 M = 28.55
BTN: t118689 M = 22.08
SB: t133432 M = 24.82
BB: t76798 M = 14.29

Pre Flop: (t5375) Hero is CO with 6c 6h
1 fold, Hero raises to t6500, 2 folds, BB raises to t22500, Hero calls t16000

Flop: (t47875) 8s 4d 7c (2 players)
BB bets t30000, Hero raises to t130608 all in, BB calls t23973 all in

Turn: (t155821) Js (2 players - 2 are all in)

River: (t155821) Th (2 players - 2 are all in)

Final Pot: t155821
Hero shows 6c 6h (a pair of Sixes)
BB shows 9c 9d (a straight, Seven to Jack)
BB wins t155821

[FACEPALM!!!!]

Poker Stars Freeroll No Limit Hold'em Tournament - t1250/t2500 Blinds + t325 - 5 players
The DeucesCracked.com Hand History Converter

BB: t90066 M = 16.76
Hero (UTG): t76635 M = 14.26
CO: t118364 M = 22.02
BTN: t131857 M = 24.53
SB: t155821 M = 28.99

Pre Flop: (t5375) Hero is UTG with As 6h
Hero raises to t6500, 1 fold, BTN calls t6500, 2 folds

Flop: (t18375) Jh 4d Ah (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets t13781, Hero raises to t69810 all in, BTN calls t56029

Turn: (t157995) 4h (2 players - 1 is all in)

River: (t157995) Jc (2 players - 1 is all in)

Final Pot: t157995
Hero shows As 6h (two pair, Aces and Jacks)
BTN shows Td Ac (two pair, Aces and Jacks - Ten kicker)
BTN wins t157995


My one excuse is that it was 3:30AM and I was *EXHAUSTED*. I’ve had the kids all weekend (wife was out of town for the weekend). This tournament started at 5:00PM, while the kids where running around and going crazy.  I had to get them dinner (delivery, of course) while continuing to play.  I had to get them to bed while still running.  I had to deal with glasses of water, crying that one or the other or the other can't fall asleep.  Whatever; everyone has their issues - I'm making excuses to myself.  Pity is still no consolation, though; the reality is that my 9th place finish in the 8 game mix cost me a $5K travel package and another $860 in tournament tickets. The eventual winner of this tournament started the day with 35 points on the leader board and finished the night with 135.  I didn't mention it on the blog, but I had won the Thursday WBCOOP NLHE event, giving me 100 points to start the day. We would go into Saturday’s event with me trailing the leader on the leader board by 10 points. Overall, I got a late start to playing these events; times did not work for my schedule for the most part.  I feel like had I time to play in the other events, I could have taken the leader board outright.  Such is life :-).


However, I would have a final shot at taking the leader board in the WBCOOP Main Event. However, I was unfortunately unable to catch him, with my 48th place finish to his 16th. I took notes and I played SOLID NLHE poker. Regardless, I could not get hands, and though I sat at 10BB or less for the last 2 hours of the tournament, I would exit the tournament shoving my 7BB stack holding 7 7 into T T.


Congrats to Dramaturg, the man from a town with some really weird / bad letters with backwards R’s and O’s with lines through it… somewhere in Russia. Drama, you were a worthy opponent. Even though your play, at times, was questionable during the 8 game mix (as I’m sure most of our discomfort with the games was apparent), you seem to be a quite sturdy player. It appeared as though you played very solid NLHE poker in the Main Event as well. Enjoy the $5K package.


In retrospect, looking back on this tournament, I have found a new AWESOME game, which I think I can master – 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball. I have since played a few hundred hands at cash games with success. I’d imagine that the skill level at the upper stakes takes a HUGE curve, but in the lower stakes .25/.50 or .50/$1, there are a TON of mistakes and ample opportunity to exploit my opponents. It’s truly a fun little game.

One final comment:  Thank you, PokerStars (free links :-) ), for contributing over $55K of tournament entries!  I look forward to the SCOOP events - the final tally for my take during the WBCOOP events is 3x $215 SCOOP tickets + 1x $55 SCOOP ticket + 2x $215 Sunday Millions tickets.  This was a tremendous opportunity which would not have been possible without PokerStar's support to the blogger community!