$15,400 in 2009

The fable of the fruit picker

2009-06-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

I am going to steal a bit of advice from one of my favorite bloggers...The Poker Grump.

The grump will list a quote from someone's book, magazine article, etc. A few days ago, he quoted this...

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Poker gems, #272

Tommy Angelo, in Elements of Poker, p. 81.

Poker is a fruit tree. Money is the fruit. There are two ways to get the fruit. One way is to climb a tree, get all scraped up, risk falling out, pick some fruit, and climb down. Another way is to stand on the ground and pick the low-hanging fruit. The Professional knows how to climb a tree. But he rarely has to.

Well, as an update, I am now taking this advice to heart. I am playing $5 tables, and cleaning up...small time. Varience finally caught up to me at the $20 tables, and I am at the $5 where the fruit is easier to pick

Multi table play...how I lay out my tables and why

2009-04-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

I tried to find some advice on multi tabling, and was not really able to find much. 2plus2 has a few forums on the subject, but as usual with that nonsense, the discussions deteriorate pretty fast. But don't get me started on 2 plus2...

OK, most importantly, be sure that your options is set for "pop-up table whenever user action required". This is vital. It makes sure that you do not accidentally miss a table, have you timed out and you spend the rest of the game sitting out. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MULTI TABLE WITHOUT THIS FUNCTION BEING TURNED ON.

Next, there are two trains of thought behind playing many tables at once. Either as sets, or continuous. Remember, I play exclusively DoN Sitand Goes. A Set of games, means... Sign up for as many games as you want to play all at once. In the past, I have played as many as 16-20 games at once. The advantage is that at one point within 1.5 and 2 hours, you are finished, and you get a chance for a break

Late stage...stop and go or all in

2009-04-01T05:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun little trick to add to your arsenal.

The Stop and Go...The Stop and Go is best used during the later stages of a tournament. When hands like AK or medium pocket pairs can not be folded preflop, yet the blind structure almost makes you pot committed...ALMOST.

Let me illustrate. You are out of position (so you will be first to act after the flop). You are dealt 77. You put in a 3X raise (the 3X represents no more than 1/3 of your stack), you are called by one player (this maneuver does not work with more than 2 players). The flop comes JQ3. You did not hit, but the math of poker says that the villain probably did not hit also (you only pair up 1/3 of the time if the hand goes to the river, and you only pair up on the flop roughly 1/5 of the time). It's time to take a shot...

The Stop and Go play is to All in before the villain can act. He now has to make the decision. Doyle says that the key to winning NLHE is to be the guy that puts the other guy to a decision for all his chips. If you wait for KK or AA, in the long run you will lose.

Here is what can happen...

Bad news...The guy hit, or has a higher PP, and you lose. Hey, that's poker and you took a shot and tomorrow is another day. But, you gave yourself a better chance to win than if you All In'ed preflop and left the decision to the god of poker.

Good news...1/5 of the time, your opponent does not hit his hand, and he either has to call with a worse hand, or he must fold. Either of these is what we want to happen. Think about what your options are when the player in front of you raised preflop and followed with an all in on the flop. You know in your heart that you will fold 88 in this situation, as well as will probably fold AK, and possibly fold second pair. This manuever gives you the best chance to win with a mediocre hand.

When to not pull the trigger...

If an ace hits on the flop. More often than not (math is our friend, betting/calling patterns are our friend), a caller will hold an ace preflop. If an ace hits, check it down, give it up and live to fight another day.

A Stop and Go is a great play that will win you chips at a stage when you need to win chips (the later rounds). It is an alternative to the all in shove that many players make at this stage. Doesn't work everytime, but will increase your odds of taking a hand down over the all in preflop shove.

Bubble play for a DoN is not the same as Bubble Play in a "regular" SnG

2009-03-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

OK, Double or Nothing tournaments will leave 6 people playing bubble play, vrs a "regular" Sit and Go tournament, which leaves 4 people.

Basic math, basic bubble play strategy tells us that the further from the Big Blind you are, the more likely you are to be called. Conversely, the closer you are to the BB, the less likely you are to be called. In simple terms, an Ace deuce is probably not worth playing if you are first to act, with 4 more people to play. But, if you are the small blind, with no one entering the pot before you, ANY ace is worth playing, and actually, worth shoving.

By the time you reach bubble play, the blinds are probably very high. They are worth winning. Winning a set of blinds guarantees you a chance to see 5 more hands before you have to play again. 5 more hands that your opponents can make a mistake and knock themselves out, or 5 more hands for you to get a premium hand. Well timed and well placed aggression can keep you alive, waiting for one of those two good things to happen.

Of course, chip stack size will have a lot to do with how you play. If you are severly short stacked (less than half of the next lowest player), you have to play aggressively (all in is your only option), and your range of hands is much larger. You have to get lucky. If you are the big stack, you can afford to sit back and wait for the smaller stacks to be in a position of having to play. The tricky position is in the middle. You always want at least one person to have a smaller stack than you. be aggresive and have well timed agression in order to achieve and maintain that advantage.

Short version of this post...DoN SnG's will have 2 extra players. Be VERY careful playing out of position, be VERY aggressive when playing in position.

2 trains of thought on playing weak hands...

2009-03-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

This tip is for play during the first 3 rounds of play during a Double or Nothing single table sit and go...

The key to winning at the DoN's is to be tight as possible during the early rounds. Sit back and watch the hands that people play and lose big with during the early rounds are shocking. I generally do not play anything but the top 10 hands before the blinds hit 50/100. On occasion, I will play drawing hands or "position hands", but ONLY when I am in position, and a reraise following my limp/call is unlikely.

There are a few hands that will pay off big if the right flop comes. They are also easy to get away from if the flop does not hit. I will occasionally play these ONLY on the button or one off the button. If the flop does not hit these hard, be smart, and check/fold only.

An ace rag suited is good for a nut flush ONLY. If a second ace hits, you are still playing top pair weak kicker. If it is checked to you (remember, betting the button or on off usually gets you position), take a stab at the pot with a pot sized bet. But if it ius reraised, know that you are beat and toss the hand.

KQs, KJs, JTs, T9s and 98s are good for flush, straight and straight flush draws only. Again, should you be lucky enough to hit top pair, take a stab at the pot with the pot size bet. BUT, any resistance, and be ready to toss.

Position play in the early rounds is key. DON't be that guy...That guy that plays ace 9 like it is ace king. These hands are fine to see a flop with, but they will bleed your stack dry if they are played aggressively.

There is another train of thought during the early rounds to just sit back and watch the "players" play. Usually during the first three rounds, a couple of players play themselves into a made hand and are gone. Best to stick to playing AA, KK, QQ, AKs aggressively and fold everything else.

So remember, position play weaker hands only. Be ready to fold and save your chips for the later rounds.

A Bright New Day

2009-03-30T06:36:00.001-07:00

- BRIGHT NEW DAY Lyrics

MRS JOHNSTONE
OH, BRIGHT NEW DAY,
WE'RE MOVIN' AWAY

MICKEY
WHY MAM?

MRS JOHNSTONE
WE'RE STARTIN' ALL OVER AGAIN

MICKEY
LINDA.. LINDA

MRS JOHNSTONE
OH. BRIGHT NEW DAY
WE'RE GOING AWAY

SAMMY
WHERE?

MRS JOHNSTONE
WHERE NOBODY'S HEARD OF OUR NAME

SAMMY
MOVING AWAY - FROM HERE?

MRS JOHNSTONE
WHERE WE CAN BEGIN AGAIN,
FEEL WE CAN WIN AND THEN
LIVE JUST LIKE LIVIN' SHOULD BE.
GOT A NEW SITUATION,
A NEW DESTINATION
AND NO REPUTATION FOLLOWING ME

OK..Interesting results...Well, not interesting, more like sad. In the last 6 weeks since I posted, I have had a roller coaster of results. At first, I stopped posting because I was on an outrageous upswing. I had added cushions of $1,000 plus three weeks in a row, and was actually at the top of the leaderboards for my category. THEN DISASTER HIT.

March is going to be a losing month (small profit, but more than a thousand dollars short of my goal). So, it is time to look over my play. What am I doing different in March from the first six weeks of the year.

First, I stopped blogging. So, time to start blogging again. Blogs (my blog at least) serves two main purposes. It is a place to record the events of my life. But also it is a way to focus. Small steps lead to the finished goal. By focusing on the small steps, I am able to put blinders around that huge step. So, daily postings will start again. Focus, have small goals and stop looking at the big picture so much.

Next, I stopped dieting. I dropped 10 pounds in a little over a month, and gradually stopped making my weight a priority. So, starting April 1, I am back on the diet. Take care of yourself and you feel better about yourself. That positive feeling does translate into a positive attitude. That attitude does translate into a positive ability at the tables.

Finally, I stopped ongoing education. I played poker a LOT. I never touched a book, barely listened to podcasts or watched poker on TV. My game deteriorated the more I exclusively played. So, I am back to reading and listening and watching.

OK...let's put a little perspective on my position. Sure, March was not a success, BUT...here is where I stand versus where I was January first.

In the first three months, I have made $6,269.00 profit...more than $1,900 ABOVE where I needed to be to reach my goal. I am in GREAT shape to reach my goal, and the loss in March can be attributed to variance. Focus and do not be discouraged, I am on track to reach my goals.

When I determined how much I wanted to win in 2009, I wanted to buy a new computer (I DID). I also wanted to contribute $1,000 to the house in some manor...I DID. There was a terrific pre-season sale recently, and I bought 4 beautiful outdoor swivel rocker chairs, as well as new propane Fie Pit. These combined with a new stone patio extension will make a great addition to our life. Both the Fire pit and the new computer were paid for with the cushion I had built up. I am a winning player, and I have the new toys to prove it. I also wanted to consitently pay Mrs. Aces88ss her $200 a week, and I have not missed a week of that goal.

My bankroll is at $1,000
My player points are over 45,000. At 50,000, I can cash them in for $650. This will make April easier to achieve.

OK...let's start all over again

WHERE WE CAN BEGIN AGAIN,
FEEL WE CAN WIN AND THEN
LIVE JUST LIKE LIVIN' SHOULD BE.

Results week 5

2009-02-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

This will be a pleasure to write...

EVERYTHING CLICKED this week. I finally beat the 10% ROI monkey that has been on my back. I had three great days in a row at the end, and posted a 12.5% ROI!

I posted a whopping $966 profit, adding over $650 to my cushion.

My point total far exceeded my goal, and I am now well on my way to SuperNova status. I should make that level by July, August at the latest. I plan to save my points til I can earn the $4,000 bonus.

And finally, dropped another pound. I am at 218, posting a loss of 6 pounds for the month. My health is infinitely better at the end of the month than at the beginning.

It is all coming together, and I am very optimistic. In the back of my head, I am reevaluating my goals. There is another debt that I would like to pay Mrs. Aces88ss back that I will be adding (if I can repeat my month). I AM going to start exercising TODAY! And, since my cushion for the month exceeded $1,000, this week, I am going to buy my new laptop.

It was a great week.

Another milepost passed

2009-01-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

On the list of totally meaningless big numbers...Yesterday I passed the $2,000 mark on my journey. Miles ahead of schedule, and miles yet to go.

Meaningless, but I still feel good about it.

Results week 4

2009-01-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

OK, a small failure. I am not able to sustain an ROI of 10%. For the week, I was at only 6.8%, dropping my monthly ROI to 8.7%. It is going to be VERY difficult/impossible to get that number higher...because...

I am now one of those guys. One of those multi-tablers that plays for money and not for fun. I never really understood those guys before, but grinding out two tables at a time was making money, but by increasing my tables played at one time from 2 to 4 or 6 has helped me set a record for the week. I doubled my nut, earning kust shy of $600 and bringing my monthly total to $1,999. Over $700 cushion.

My point total has far exceeded my initial goal. Again, because I am multi-tabling, I have decided to increase my goal to 10,000 points a month, earning Platinumstar level, and ultimatly SuperNova level. The cash bonus levels available at the SN level will cover my monthly nut, making my goals more realizeable.

And finally, my weight went down again. I am on track to achieve that goal also. All in all, a glorious week.

BTW, it was a little warmer this week, and I made a Beer Butt Turkey on the grill. Best!

Results week 3

2009-01-19T04:10:00.001-08:00

Big goals are achieved by baby stepping through a series of achievable, measurable little goals. This week, LOTS of my little goals were met on my way to the $15,400 I plan on making this year.

First, I crossed the meaningless raw number of my first $1,000. Just a round number, but it is pretty cool.

I had one setback. After an incredible first week of 24% ROI, I am now settling in at 7% for the last two weeks. Certainly profitable, but below my goal of 10%. For the month, I am averaging 10.01%, where I want to be, but the trend is not looking good. Week 4 is going to be crucial for that measurement.

BUT, on to good stuff. I am sitting at $1,403 profit for the month (over $500 this week). Well ahead of my weekly and monthly goals for January. Pretty good feeling that I could sit out for the next 11 days, and still make my goal... Or, I can really build up a nice cushion for the remainder of the year...Or, I can ruin a good thing and play too bold. Maybe I should review the basics of what got me here.

My point goal was surpassed easily. Also already achieved for the month. I am now pondering the possibilities of going for the Super-Nova rating. LOTS of financial advantages, but the hours will be taxing. Will see how the rest of the month gos.

My weight dropped 2 pounds, again, I am where I need to be for the month, but this will be the hardest part of my yearly goal, and I know that. So, it is important that I stay focused on what it will take to get to 190

NEXT WEEK...I could be at 10% for all my goals for the year...Whoo Whoo!

DoN 101

2009-01-14T09:35:00.001-08:00

I THINK I FOUND MY LEAK!

Actually, this is more of a multi table tip than a specific DoN tip, but I suddenly found a much more profitable way to play 4 games at once.

OK, start at the beginning. For several years, I have been reading and hearing about internet regulars playing HUGE numbers of tables at once. 12, 20 even as many as 40 at a time. I have no desire to play that many at once, but I do want to increase my number of tables played while at the same time keep a respectable (10%) ROI. I have done well at 2 games at once, but felt uncomfortable whenever I tried to play more. The begining of the month, I started reading the 2 plus 2 DoN thread, and picked up a couple tips (mostly...TIGHT, Tight, tight). But also listened to the tips on playing huge numbers of tables at once. They all asked if you were playing sets or continuous, and if you tiled or used pop ups.

WELL...play sets, all 4 starting close to the same time (that way, the strategy you use for middle levels will apply to all 4 tables), and tile. So far, it is working MUCH better for me, and I am getting good volume, and positive results. STill a small (only 100 games) sample, but it is making sense.

BTW...baby steps, I have cleared $1,000 profit, and am WAY ahead on my goals!

Results week 2

2009-01-12T07:52:00.001-08:00

A great week...A great two weeks, but it ended making me feel like I was kissing my sister...

As promised, I do not want to dwell on results in my daily postings, instead, I will spend Monday go over the totals to date. Bottom line, things went great, profits with cushions each day...but I needed it for the last.

Here's the good news...I ended the week up $335, building on my cushion from last week to $169. So, in the all important category of reaching my goal, I am there with a 50% cushion towards next week. I certainly played enough games for the week to reach my point goal for the week. Weight wise, I did very well for the week. I lost 2 pounds, and it would have been more if I had not ate at an all you can eat place (and i did) on Saturday during date night. At one time during the week, I was down 5 pounds. I am on my way. Health wise also went better this week. We will see where we end up, but that is going well.

Sadly, my ROI for the week did not reach 10%. I had a week of 7.7%, but thanks to my cushion from last week, I am still running 13.6% for the month/year to date. This drop happened exclusively during my Sunday session. I played a record 55 games. I ended up 1 game over 50%. Once I paid the rake, I dropped my weekly ROI by 7% and lost (for the first time this year) over $50. Since on paper, Sunday's are the tourist day, the day the weakest players play, It was VERY disappointing. Especially, the three games that I should have won, but played SO badly I gave the W away. AAARRRGGGGHHHHH!

So, a good week, and I need to focus on what was best about the week, and not dwell on the mistakes. A new week, I am good enough, smart enough and I can beat this game!

No more Gorn

2009-01-11T14:14:00.001-08:00

Any Star Trek fans? Remember the Gorn episode? Well, for a couple of posts, I have been hinting about health issues. Bottom line, asthma...BAD. I sounded like the Gorn anytime I exerted myself (luckily, poker is not the sport some say it is). For whatever reason, I think the worst is over (for now). I had a cold about a month ago. It just stayed and lingered in my chest for weeks. Last night during date night, I suddenly had no breathing issues. It just cleared up. Today, a little rasp, but nothing like it was.

Well, tomorrow is my results day. I am in the middle of my Sunday, and I amhaving a TERRIBLE DAY...But, the last three are all my fault. Time to remember what got me here.

OK, back to the game

Saturday's are Bret Maverick days

2009-01-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

Today is a big personal day for me... Of course, best of all, Bret Maverick is being rerun on the Encore Western channel. Not any poker today, a little shell game switch was the only Maverick touch, but as always, great fun to watch.

Tonight is date night. Mrs. Aces88ss and I are heading to dinner theatre. Going to see "Boing Boing", featuring the actress that played the maid on the Jeffersons TV series. Now THAT sounds like entertainment. But after grinding hours of DoN's this last week, it will be nice to step back for a few hours.

Continuing on my winning ways, 9 for 9 and ahead in all catagories. All in all, a very good day is planned

2009-01-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

Add this to the list of things that have NO MEANING whatsoever...

On this date, at this hour, I am #17 on the Sharkscope leaderboard for the $20 10 handed NLHE money earners for 2009. If you look me up on Sharkscope.com, there is a pretty spinning star by my name!

The death of Christmas

2009-01-09T05:08:00.001-08:00

I LOVE THIS PHOTO!

Just an excuse to use this photo in my blog, but yesterday was the official end of the holiday season around the Aces88ss house. With big band jazz (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy) on the CD player, all the Christmas decorations came down. Boxes were packed and stored for another 10 months. Our house is beautiful during the season of the baby Jesus's birth, and I enjoy the rituals of the season, but when it ends, I can't help but think that this is an incredible amount of work and expense for such a short season. But, when all is said and done, all worth it if I can use this photo.

Still running well on the goal. 8 for 8 on meeting goals. My unsustainable ROI proved to be unsustainable, but I am still above 10% (which is my sustainable reasonable goal). More details on Monday (results posting day).

DoN 101

2009-01-07T06:09:00.001-08:00

Tip #2...It takes a better hand to call with than it does to bet with.

This really is poker 101, a very basic concept that surprisingly few players follow. Basically, if there is an all in ahead of you, an AQ, AJ or smallish pair dries up. Of course, it is dependent on stack size and position (an all in from the button or small blind could be a steal attempt, and then depending on your stack size and the strength of your hand, it could be worth a call. BUT... very important... If the raise comes from early position, best to respect it and live to fight another day.

BTW, if anyone is keeping track...I am 6 for 6 in meeting (actually, each day I have exceeded) my goals. But no details til next Monday. I do have a beautiful spreadsheet!

DoN 101

2009-01-06T06:44:00.001-08:00

Tip #1...The game does not start till the ante's kick in. Don't take a risk when there isn't much to win. You can not win the game during the first rounds, you can only lose it.

I gleened this tip from reading the Stuey Unger book, "ONE OF A KIND". It is a cautionary tale (I am trying to think of a non-fiction poker book that is not a cautionary tale...Can't come up with one), with a very tragic ending. BUT, inbetween the chronicalled downfall of the best player of his time, this little tidbit stuck in my head. Stuey would almost never put money in the pot during the early rounds of a tournament. Sure, he would play his AA, KK, maybe AK in position; but for the most part, STuey just sttod back and watched. He gathered information, who was the rock, who was the risk taker and who didn't know what they were doing....and who did.

Poker is a game of risk taking. You certainly want to take a risk when the odds are in your favor, but in the early rounds, there is simply not enough money in the pot to justify taking the risk. Get a read on the table, study the moves of the guy directly to your left and right (they have more effect on your game than the others at the table), but for the most part, barring a top 5 hand, best to just sit back and wait.

Especially in a DoN, you will see at least one person get knocked out before the ante's kick in. Don't be that guy.

Results week 1

2009-01-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

As promised, I am going to spend my Monday posts discussing my results. Week one, a short (only 4 days) week, but certainly lots to be happy about.

For example, bottom line, my goal is to make money, not to feel good about myself. I MADE MONEY. I need $296 a week to make my nut for the year. I made $523, for a cushion of $127. I like being a gold star player, and need 4,000 points a month for that to happen, or about 135 points a day. I made 736 points for the 4 days, giving me a cushion of nearly 200 points. My ROI was a whopping 24%, and well above my goal of 10%. I cashed out $600, I cashed out 5,000 points and earned a $50.00 bonus. In all ways that I am measuring, it was a great week of poker.

As to weight...Well, I think I misspoke when I started my weight at 223, every time I weighed in, I was at 225. I ended the week (thanks largely to the steak on Saturday night), I ended at 224. So, technically I did not lose any weight from my starting point of 223, but I was lower than my high for the week. Technically, I did not achieve an advancement towards my goal, but weight is very tough to measure in only 4 days. I was able to get moving a bit and we have lots to build on.

OK...there is my bench mark, and my first week is in...one down, fifty-one to go

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

2009-01-05T05:42:00.000-08:00

A win is a win is a win (and feel free to quote me, as long as you credit the blog).

As I wrote yesterday, I always have great hopes for Sunday poker. Lots of weekend players that I should have an advantage over. Lots of tables without the regulars, again that I should have an advantage over. Maybe I was loosening up and playing down to their level, or maybe after a week of way above average play, the inevitable god of variance caught up with me. But, I spent the entire day trying to catch up to just a profitable day; let alone the killing I was expecting. It was never a terrible day, most (least) I was down was 4 BI's (Buy ins), but I could only inch my way up. However, last two hours, I won 6 of 7 games, and was able to post a winning day. Made my daily average goal, played enough to get a full day's cushion worth of points. Only bad part of the day was a drop in my ROI. It was positive for the day, and for the first 4 days of my goal, I am still winning 2 of every 3 games I enter (which is unsustainable, but VERY good).

So, oddly disappointing, but my goals were met, I made my all important daily profit goal, I added a point cushion, and a win is a win is a win! Now, where's my chicken dinner?

Speaking of Chicken...here's the easiest BEST chicken you will ever taste...

BEER BUTT CHICKEN...

This will make the cheapest whole chickens the most tender, juicy and flavorful entree in your arsenal of entertainment quality cooking. I like to make at least two at a time, so that I have one for presentation while the other is deboned for easy serving.

It is easiest if you have those little wire frames that hold the beer can up right, but you can just use a LOT of tin foil to make the base and a spot to balence the feet on (see photo above.).

Take a can of beer and pour a third of it down the drain (or wherever you want to pour it). Put a tablespoon of rub in the can (it will fizz, so do this over the sink to ease clean up (Mrs. Aces88ss loves me)). Put the can in the holder (or form a base around the can). I have wire frames that I have to put a layer of foil over the bottom so that the bottoms of the legs and the dark meat around the butt and thighs of the chicken do not burn over the direct heat.

OK, here's the part that will make your BBC (Beer Butt Chicken) stand out above everyone else's. Shove the chicken down over the the can about half way down the can. This leaves a gap in the cavity of the chicken that the steam from the beer can collect. Steaming from the inside out. Take a hand full of vegetable oil (olive oil is fine) and start rubbing down the bird. The oil will make the outside of the bird crisp up and get that pretty color (again, see photo above). Even if you intend to remove the skin for healthy eating, it is important to leave the skin on the bird while it cooks as it helps to keep the steam locked in while it cooks. While massaging the oil in (and use a generous amount), loosen the skin around the breasts, back and as much of the legs as you can. Continue to massage the oil in between the loosened skin and the meat of the bird. Now, rub a couple table spoons of rub on the bird, inside the pockets formed by the loosened skin. Not too much rub, you are not trying to form a bark like when you cook ribs or brisquit, but enough to look ...sprinkled liberally.

OK, we are ready to cook. Indirect grilling is best (although it is possible to cook this in an oven). Try not to put the bird directly over the heat, but let the heat flow over like a convection oven. If you are using briquetts, form the outside ring and put the chicken in the center. If using a gas grill, turn just one side on and arrange the chicken(s) as far away from the on burners. The lowest temperature is best. Bird needs to cook for about an hour fifteen minutes. You can tell by the crispy skin when it is done. An internal temperature of 160 degrees is needed to insure the bird is done.

The meat should be literally falling off the bone. it will be almost impossible to serve this in pieces like the colonel does, but a steaming pile of meat on a plate will work great to pass, or for the buffet.

Trust me...easiest and best chicken you will ever have!

a SIZZLING day!!!

2009-01-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

Monday is still going to be my results post. Not going to get bogged down in daily numbers, but again, I am playing above my head. I have an unsustainable ROI. I am averaging 3 times my daily nut. Let's see what happens today, but OMG...so far.

Socially, it was a great day. Our friends Shawn and Priscilla came over and we grilled steaks. Shawn showed me a simple technique that I intend to steal and call my own. My grill happens to work great for this...

Sear each side for @90 seconds over direct flame. Then slow cook with the side burners on and the center burners off for about 10-15 minutes (flipping once). They came out PERFECT! Shawn brought makings for Zombies, and I was happy to not drive. I love entertaining...I love cooking man food. CAN NOT WAIT FOR A SMOKING OPPORTUNITY.

As an aside, cosmic karma maybe. This Christmas, Shawn was being hit by the economic downturn. Potentially losing his job (didn't, but still not safe). Mrs. Acess88ss and I did a "pay it forward" thing and sent them a package of OMAHA STEAKS. Again, without going into personal details that I don't want to remember, There was a point in the past where we were broke. Barely able to meet our basic bills, a good friend sent us the same package. Believe me, we would have never had meat during that bad time without that gift. Beats heck out of a fruitcake.

OK. Today is Sunday. Historically, THE day for weekend players. Big hopes, but a day to remember the basics of DoN's

It takes a better hand to call with than to bet with
The game does not start til the antes kick in
Patience will reward
Let someone else knock out players. Without quality, trying to get lucky will hurt
tight...rock tight
Play position
Steal when it is worth stealing

A colorful day

2009-01-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

I am going to spend my Monday posts reviewing my pace towards my goal. But at the risk of inviting the bad luck gods, 2 down, 363 more to go. On my spread sheet where I record my daily win/loss ratio, I was able to mark a daily high in money won (over $200), and a daily bankroll high and finally, a cashout of $200. All of these I mark with colored fonts or backgrounds in the cell. So, of the 4 items I record in a day, 3 were colorful! More of that on Monday.

As a small poker aside, today, the Encore Western channel has started rerunning BRET MAVERICK (the 1981 remake series). One of my favorites of all time. As a time waster, the series does offer a lot of soundbite wisdom. For example, here's the theme song...

Words & Music by
Ed Bruce, Glenn Ray & Patsy Bruce

Too many dusty trailtowns, too few and far between
Tired saloons with sawdust-covered floors
Too many one more showdowns and aces over queens
Winning's just a way of keeping score

- Chorus -
My ole pappy always told me your fate is in your hand
Stand pat or draw, it's yours to choose
Luck don't have a thing to do with how you play the game
Maverick didn't come here to lose
Maverick didn't come here to lose

No one recalls the first hand, they all know who won the last
And every man must find his place in time
If all a man can count on is one day pushing up the grass
When I do I lay you odds that grass is mine

(Repeat Chorus)

I 'm tired of leaving nothing, No one ever knows you're gone
Someone's always there to take your seat
I wonder how it feels to hear someone say "glad your home"
Or greet the same ole friends on familiar street

(Repeat Chorus)

"Luck Don't Have a Thing to do With How you Play The Game"
Poker, and more specifically these DoN's that I am playing this year are VERY MUCH situational. Stealing blinds, aggressive well timed all ins, folding consistently and most importantly position play will win far more games than luck.

"No one Recalls the First Hand, They all Know who Won the Last"
Aggression early on is worthless. I am always amazed the number of people who bust out in the first few rounds. AK is called by 44, and the field gets reduced. Playing an AK...or a 44 is dangerous till the field thins out.

Looking forward to Saturday mornings now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bret_Maverick

A great start

2009-01-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

1 down, 364 to go. All daily goals were achieved, and I have enough positive cash to survive a bad day. I know from playing the last 2 plus months that I am not as good as this first day, but it is nice to get a win under the belt before inevitable reality sets in.

Today, I certainly plan/hope to continue my winning ways. In addition, I want to finish a book that Mrs. Ace88ss bought me for Xmas (and how cool is that that my lovely bride buys me poker strategy books).

"Earn $30,000 per month playing online poker" by Ryan Wiseman

The book specializes in Single Table Tournaments (STT) or as I call them, Sit and Gos (SnG's). I am about half way through, and I have picked up a couple of tips. So far, I highly recommend this book. Talks a lot about steps, and earning your way to the next level. The DoN's offer me a lower variance, so I am comfortable at 10 BI (buy ins). With a low of $320, I have 10 BI at the $20 level, if need be, and I drop to $108, I have 10 BI at that level and if I have a disasterous run, I can drop to $5 level at $50. In 2008, I played over 2,000 DoN's. I only needed to drop to the $10 level once (for only 2 games). S**t happens, and anything that is possible will happen in poker, but statistically, I am comfortable at this bankroll. If anyone is reading this that hopes to follow my formula, I highly recommend you get a couple thousand games under your belt before you play at this level with only 10 BI. Kind of a do as I say, don't do as I do thing.

Back to the book, there is a great chapter on bubble play. When to fold fold a strong hand, the power of fold equity, etc. So far, these few pages have paid for the book. Be willing to shove with fold equity (they are just as afraid of bubbling as you are, so use position agrresion). But, when someone is all in, and someone else has already called (depending on the size of your stack, there is a LOT to be said for folding that AQ and watching the fun. SUre, occasionally you would have scooped the pot and put out two players, but more often, you are up against a PP (coin flip), or a high PP or AK (and you are behind). If two people are all in, stay back.

OK, like I said, only half way through. The book is short, only 100 pages (120 if you count the worthless gallery), so I will finish today and drop a note when I finish, but bottom line so far...worth the money if you apply just the bubble strategy to your game.

Starting numbers

2009-01-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

OK, The place to start is to list my reference points.

Starting in the AM on January first, I had a starting ROI 8%...More accurately, I will be keeping track of my $20 sit and go level of my ROI, which is at 5%. My goal for the year is to maintain a 10% ROI. See below for a definition of ROI.

Starting in the AM on January first, I had a starting bankroll of $436. I have already stated my money goals ($40 a day, $300 a week, etc.), and need to concentrate and improve my game to reach this figure. But, I can do this.

Starting in the AM on January first, I had a starting weight of 223. Interestingly enough, I was 225 just a couple days ago. I started dropping some of my food intake, added a smoothy for lunch and it seems to be working. So, starting today, I will add a workout and actively cut my intake. I had a bad night last night (breathing), and this is very much at the top of my list of things to do for the year.

Alright, yesterday I listed my goals. Today I listed my starting stacks. There are measurable results...so, let's party like it's 1999!

Here is the definition of ROI from Sharkscope...Average ROI is the average Return On Investment. It is calculated as the average of each ((payout-(stake+rake))*100)/(stake+rake). So it will be -100% for a player that loses every game, and about 309% for a player that wins every 9 handed game. It could of course be a lot higher if, for example the player won every 180 player game they played in. It is a measure of ability independent of stake.

New Year's Resolutions

2008-12-31T13:44:00.000-08:00

OK...greetings and happy holidays. Today is New Year's Eve, and I have poker resolutions (my grinding profession), I have economic resolutions, I have social resolutions, I have home resolutions and I have fun resolutions. I also have health resolutions. I am creating this blog to focus myself. I have been playing poker for years, and I have been a profitable player (with swings). This is the year to have everything gel.

A few months ago, I discovered DOUBLE or NOTHING Sit and Gos (DoN) on PokerStars. These have become the single most consistent, profitable poker game I have ever found. No sense in trying to reinvent the wheel, I am committing myself to play these for the year. Time to specialize, and what better place to specialize than the place I am already making money.

So, here's my goals...resolutions for 2009... First, and almost everything to follow will happen if I achieve this...Increase my ROI. I will blog tomorrow morning what my starting ROI is, but it is an accurate measurement of improoving my poker skills (or at the least, improoving my DoN skills). I am proffitable now, with a higher ROI, I will be a very proffitable player.

My economic goal for the year is a profit of $200 a week that I can deliver to the hands of Mrs. Aces88ss. Depending on how personal I want to make this blog, I may someday go into details, but bottom line, I have promised her $200 a week. In the past, I have met this number with a few different income sources. This year, I want 100% of it to come from poker.

To facilitate my poker goal, I need a new laptop. Lots of pretty ones, around $1,000 or less.

My social goal for 2009 is to buy a new smoker. We have a wonderful deck and patio, and we want to become a hub for the friends, family and Mrs. Aces88ss's co-workers. Smoking last year was terrific, and this year I will get better...I can taste the ribs now! A new smoker will run around $1,000.

I have a Home goal as well. I live in a neighborhood with mostly 3 car garages. I live in one of the few 2 car garage houses. So, I need to increase storage space in the garage. I already have 3 of those crank down platforms, and want to install 3 more. In addition, build a permanent platform above where the garage door opens. This will all run @$1,000.

And finally, I have a "fun" goal. I want a vacation, New Orleans, New York, Williamsburg...Somewhere fun. I will budget $2,000 towards this goal.

Add it all up, and I need $15,400 to achieve my goals for 2009. So, I will be blogging updates, I will offer tips I think I know, I will brag about my accomplishments, and bemoan my failures. Oh yeah, I have one more very special goal. I MUST lose some weight. I have health issues, and sitting around on my ass all day playing on line poker is making it worse. I plan to drop 35 pounds this year...a meer 3 pounds a month. This will prove to be the hardest of these goals.

So, sleeping in tomorrow, but the good fight starts tomorrow