We managed to get in an SFPT tournament last weekend, which shouldn't be too much of a surprise - the fact that we haven't had one in 18 months is a function of desire and nothing more. In fact, Saturday's get-together came together pretty quickly, leaving only a couple of weeks between my most recent play and this tournament.
We got set up during the day, and after the table top was on, Jules wanted to play some. I played with her, teaching her hand strength, and had to laugh as twice I caught three-outers to "beat" her. She took it well, but I didn't - every bit of luck I used up in that setting was a bit I didn't have for the real game. Or at least, that's what the superstitious part of me believed.
To say my performance in the seven-player tournament wasn't good would be accurate, but also a bit misleading. It is accurate in that I finished last, and results matter, so therefore by definition it was not a good performance. However, it's not like I pissed away my chips on a stupid chase, got bluffed, or got blinded out. Rather I simply got beat, and in a way that was eerily reminiscent of the last time I'd played.
I was sitting in average position when I was dealt A/K clubs, and raised pre-flop. Matt and CJ called, and when the flop gave me kings, I c-bet. Matt folded after a short tank, and CJ called. The turn was an ace to give me two pair with no flush draw on the board. Again I bet, higher this time, and after mulling it over CJ again called. The river didn't improve my hand, but did put a straight possibility on the board. Either he had it or he didn't, and I decided to shove, as any large bet would have left me crippled. My hope was that the shove, and the words "all in", would project confidence to the youngster, and force a fold. It didn't, he showed his rivered straight, and a count proved he had me covered.
What could I have done differently? Bet higher after the turn, and not give him a chance to get that straight. Twice now I have been in that situation, and I have a feeling the lesson is going to stick this time.
That being said, I know it wasn't a HORRIBLE play, and my calmness after seeing CJ's cards proved that point. After a short bathroom break I took over as dealer and kept the tournament moving, which I think helped in getting us complete at a decent hour.
As the tournament progressed, talk inevitability turned to del Lago, and the poker room. Matt was the one who brought it up for the umpteenth time, saying part of him wants to but every time he goes out there, "I'm just not feeling it". I can relate, but I also know I want to dip my toe in that pool at some point.
Tournament time: 1 hour
Total Home Game hours: 160.75
Total hours: 276.5
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