I wish I got more of these in my inbox (twss).
I know NPP’s are pretty savvy players. But it still is a benefit to put the ego away for five minutes, and send Faldo a hand that you think – maybe – you didn’t play correctly.
I won’t divulge the player either. If the player wants to identify themselves in the comment section, that is up to them. But reviewing hands played and discussing strategy really does make EVERYONE better.
Chess players – those trying to improve anyway – do this religiously. Every time I lost to a higher rated player, I always asked if they would like to go over the game. Victors rarely refused to “re-live” their triumph (feeding their ego for my benefit). They would point out where I let the game go from being “even to “advantage” – better player”.
I learned a hole in my opening, or a lack of purpose in the middle game or a position blunder in the endgame. Now change the chess wording to poker wording (pre-flop, flop, and turn-river, and you have the same chance to analyze. You should be approaching poker this same way.
Ok, enough lecturing. On to the hand:
Our NPP Star wrote: “My trip 5s lost to trip Jacks here. Didn’t see it coming (twss). Did I screw up?”
120/240 Ante 25 – MTT No Limit Hold'em – 6 player per table tournament.
Seat 1: Dye (13,150), is sitting out
Seat 2: Dirt (7,630)
Seat 3: NPP Star (7,710)
Seat 4: phil (6,120)
Seat 5: wrig1 (18,175)
Seat 6: Villian (18,920)
Dye posts the small blind of 120
Dirtposts the big blind of 240
The button is in seat #6
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to NPP Star [5s 5d]
NPP raises to 720
phil folds
wrig1 folds
Villian calls 720
Dye folds
Dirt folds
*** FLOP *** [5h Jd 9h]
NPP bets 1,950
Villian has 15 seconds left to act, then raises to 8,000.
NPP calls 5,015, and is all in
Villain shows [Jh Jc]
NPP shows [5s 5d]
*** TURN *** [5h Jd 9h] [4d]
*** RIVER *** [5h Jd 9h 4d] [Ah]
Villain shows three of a kind, Jacks
NPP shows three of a kind, Fives – and is eliminated.
Faldo’s analysis:
A review shows that NPP is sitting ‘OK’ in chips. I know looking at the other stacks, that it appears you are way behind, but you are not. They just got early ‘nub’. You still have over 30 big blinds, so there is no need to get overly aggressive out of position.
Small pocket pairs are either a gift or a curse, but Faldo finds them to be a curse most of the time – out of position. Ok, I said it twice. You ARE out of position.
I may have raised – as NPP did, or called or min-raised or once in a while, moved all-in. I am not being coy here, but table dynamics, such as how I view the other players – AND most important – how they view me as a player, plays a role in my decision here.
All things being neutral, I probably min-raise or call here. The Villain probably juices it and I can safely fold without further damage to my stack. But my standard re-raise gave the Villain a chance to be coy and ram it on the flop as long as a lone [A], [K] or [Q] doesn’t hit the board.
As it played out, the delay by the Villain might have been a ‘tell’ - or maybe not. But after flopping trips, our NPP hero is committed to see the hand thru. The Villain might be pushing the straight or flush draw with over-cards, two pair or trip 4’s.
He had the trip Jacks, so all the nub went to the Villain on that hand.
The only error I see is that our NPP’er did not give enough consideration (respect) to the big stacks at the table. It is important to know that in that chip situation, when you decide to “dance”, it will probably be for your entire stack. Is pocket 5's worth it when still ok in chips?
I probably would have called or min-raised and would have folded to added pressure. If the Villain slow-plays and hits set over set – then I am out too.
Note that his slow play backfires if he is holding (QQ) instead of (JJ). He moves in and our NPP’er is a big favorite to double up!
PS: Derf-63 vs Suetman1 Heads Up Final is on Sunday at 7pm!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Friday, January 08, 2010
Derf-63 vs Suetman1 in the NPP Heads Up Championship
Sixteen of NPP's finest started and there are only two left.
Derf-63 won the winner's bracket and Suetman1 survived the loser's bracket. Now they square off in the finals.
Suetman1 has to win back to back matches to claim the title. Derf only needs one win in two chances.
Derf and Suetman1 - feel free to use this article to decide your time and date for your match.
I hope we get some railbirds to harrass.....I mean cheer the finalists on.
Derf-63 won the winner's bracket and Suetman1 survived the loser's bracket. Now they square off in the finals.
Suetman1 has to win back to back matches to claim the title. Derf only needs one win in two chances.
Derf and Suetman1 - feel free to use this article to decide your time and date for your match.
I hope we get some railbirds to harrass.....I mean cheer the finalists on.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Douge2’s Humor Corner – XXVII
Cocktail Conversation
A woman arrived at a party and while scanning the guests, spotted an attractive man standing alone.
She approached him, smiled and said, "Hello. My name is Carmen."
"That's a beautiful name," he replied. "Is it a family name?"
"No," she replied. As a matter of fact I gave it to myself. It represents the 2 things that I enjoy the most - cars and men.
Therefore, I chose "Carmen. What's your name?"
He answered "B.J. Titsengolf."
Common Sense Douge2
Two poker players, Faldo and Doug, are sitting at their favorite bar,
drinking beer.
Doug turns to Nik and says, “You know, I'm tired of going through life without an education. Tomorrow I think I'll go to the Community College and sign up for some classes.”
Doug thinks it's a good idea and the two leave.
The next day, Doug goes down to the college and meets Dean of Admissions, who signs him up for the four basic classes: Math, English, history, and Logic.
“Logic?” Doug says. “What's that?”
The dean says, “I'll give you an example. Do you own a weed eater?”
“Yeah.”
“Then logically speaking, because you own a weed eater, I think that you
would have a yard.”
“That's true, I do have a yard.”
“I'm not done,” the dean says. “Because you have a yard, I think logically that you would have a house.”
“Yes, I do have a house.”
“And because you have a house, I think that you might logically have a family.”
“Yes, I have a family.”
“I'm not done yet. Because you have a family, then logically you must have a wife. And because you have a wife, then logic tells me you must be a heterosexual.”
“I am a heterosexual. That's amazing! You were able to find out all of that because I have a weed eater.”
Excited to take the class now, Doug shakes the Dean's hand and leaves to go meet Faldo at the bar. He tells Faldo about his classes, how he is signed up for Math, English, History, and Logic.
“Logic?” Nik says, “What's that?”
Doug says, “I'll give you an example. Do you have a weed eater?”
“No.”
“Then you're gay.”
A woman arrived at a party and while scanning the guests, spotted an attractive man standing alone.
She approached him, smiled and said, "Hello. My name is Carmen."
"That's a beautiful name," he replied. "Is it a family name?"
"No," she replied. As a matter of fact I gave it to myself. It represents the 2 things that I enjoy the most - cars and men.
Therefore, I chose "Carmen. What's your name?"
He answered "B.J. Titsengolf."
Common Sense Douge2
Two poker players, Faldo and Doug, are sitting at their favorite bar,
drinking beer.
Doug turns to Nik and says, “You know, I'm tired of going through life without an education. Tomorrow I think I'll go to the Community College and sign up for some classes.”
Doug thinks it's a good idea and the two leave.
The next day, Doug goes down to the college and meets Dean of Admissions, who signs him up for the four basic classes: Math, English, history, and Logic.
“Logic?” Doug says. “What's that?”
The dean says, “I'll give you an example. Do you own a weed eater?”
“Yeah.”
“Then logically speaking, because you own a weed eater, I think that you
would have a yard.”
“That's true, I do have a yard.”
“I'm not done,” the dean says. “Because you have a yard, I think logically that you would have a house.”
“Yes, I do have a house.”
“And because you have a house, I think that you might logically have a family.”
“Yes, I have a family.”
“I'm not done yet. Because you have a family, then logically you must have a wife. And because you have a wife, then logic tells me you must be a heterosexual.”
“I am a heterosexual. That's amazing! You were able to find out all of that because I have a weed eater.”
Excited to take the class now, Doug shakes the Dean's hand and leaves to go meet Faldo at the bar. He tells Faldo about his classes, how he is signed up for Math, English, History, and Logic.
“Logic?” Nik says, “What's that?”
Doug says, “I'll give you an example. Do you have a weed eater?”
“No.”
“Then you're gay.”
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Fourbetbluff and K9isadog Chop the 1st NPP Tourney of the Year!
A record setting night in so many ways. Largest field in NPP history as thirty-six players made it to the NPP felt.
We had a record number of new players also join us; Odds2win777, Pingsticks, Tigerbig, Drowninagain, Nicklittle, Burgessk89 and Deadriver6. Welcome one and all!
We had a record number of alumni return also; Suetman1, Sirgash, Fourbetbluff, Vanettij, and Douche_Splat. Glad to have you all back at the tables.
And we had our first ever chop in NPP history!
The NPP Rules Committee met in an emergency session. They bravely worked overtime on this and concerned themselves – not at all – about the lack of sleep or inconvenience to them on this cold night. They went right to work.
Well, after the topless bars closed – they went right to work.
The final three money cashing players can discuss money deals on any tournament. NPP point deals can be made – except the last three tournaments of any quarter – and of course not in the NPP Championships.
It was a different route, but Fourbetbluff is credited with his first ever NPP tournament victory.
Ok, now on to the action:
5 min: Suetman1 (36th) is out first. Didn’t see it with five tables going.
11 min: T3chlady (35th) is next out. Didn’t see that either. Playing too, you know.
14 min: Rennzzo (34th) sees his (JJ) lose to Fourbetbluff’s (Ah Kh) to a [K] on the river.
18 min: Derf-63 (33rd) sees his (88) run into Drowninagain’s (JJ).
26 min: TresStooges (32nd) sees his (JJ) run into Burgessk89’s (QQ).
28 min: Owetheshark (31st) loses his (77) coin flip to Fourbetbluff’s (AK) with an [A] on the river.
29 min: Vanettij (30th) takes one in the chops. His (A7) flops two pair (70%), but Deadriver6 turns a flush with his (Qd 8d) (30%). Ouch!
30 min: Kensik (29th) goes out next and I missed it.
31 min: Because (28th) Douche-Splat (28th) was all-in with (33) and ran into Fourbetbluff’s (KK).
32 min: That hand also caused me to miss Biglou93’s (27th) exit.
38 min: Theedouble*d (26th) looks good as his (TT) (57%) is up against Drowninagain’s (JT) (41%), but Drown hits a straight on the river.
40 min: A short-stacked (SS) Douge2 (25th) tries with (KJ) but ThePunk75’s (66) holds on.
44 min: I missed Pingstick’s (24th) exit because I was playing my hand.
45 min: Mikeniks-Faldo (23rd) had a rough end to his tournament. I make a lame call against a SS K9isadog and now am a fairly short stack myself.
Then I get double-teamed by Meatsword and Jenski6, and my (AK) gets run down. Finally, my SS (Ac 5c) loses to Meatsword’s straight.
Not only did I play poorly, but my luck was bad too. Note to self: Uh…it is much harder to win with that combination, so stop the first part at least.
55 min: A SS Absea98 (22nd) sees his (Ad 6d) not catch up to Nicklittle’s (AK).
1st break:
Deadriver6 5185
K9isadog 4678
Fourbetbluff 4665
Drowninagain 3895
Sirgash 3390
Birdy333 3298
ThePunk75 3025
BigDaddyTman 2990
Burgessk89 2908
Meatsword 2519
Jenski6 2242
Mistermusic5 2207
LittleRedElf 2055
Funtoon 1996
Akensi 1680
Nicklittle 1535
Budda627 1360
Odds2win777 1360
Tomservo2 1130
Tigerbig 885
Tigercub8189 725
72 min: Twelve minutes later, a SS Mistermusic5 (21st) has to go with (KQ) (59%) and is looked up by Meatsword with (8d 6d) (40%) and Meat hits his flush on the flop! Ouch!
78 min: I missed the demise of Tigerbig (20th).
79 min: I also missed the exit of ThePunk75 (19th).
85 min: A SS LittleRedElf (18th) goes with (AQ) but Fourbetbluff’s (55) hang on.
86 min: A SS Funtoon’s (17th) (AK) (60%) is run down by Jenski6’s (9s 6s) (40%), who flushes the Toon away. You may notice that some of these suited hands are not that big a dog against a pair of higher, but unsuited and unpaired cards pre-flop.
87 min: Jenski6, with (AA), kills both Odds2win777 (16th) (Ac 3c) and Birdy333 (15th) with (KK)!
88 min: A SS Tigercub8189 (14th) is out next and I missed it.
98 min: Nicklittle (13th) was out next and I missed that too.
103 min: A SS Deadriver6 (12th) makes a move with (6h 4h) (46%), but BigDaddyTman’s (J3) (53%) pairs with an [J] on the flop.
104 min: Burgessk89 (11th) is attacked in a three-way (twss) and is eliminated.
109 min: Akensi is out (10th), and I missed it.
I know I missed more hands than usual. But I am still not up to par yet, tired from the return to gainful employment, and actually out of practice with trying to play AND watch all the action. Put all this with the biggest tourney we ever had, and Faldo had some screw ups. Don’t worry – I will get better!
I mean better at recording the action – not actually playing poker. Let’s not expect miracles.
112 min: Tomservo2 (9th) loses with (55) to Fourbetbluff’s (A9), with an [A] on the river.
2nd Break:
Drowninagain 13422
Fourbetbluff 11800
Sirgash 6270
BigDaddyTman 5485
Meatsword 5227
K9isadog 4585
Jenski6 3771
Budda627 3440
122 min: Jenski6 (8th) goes with (77), but Drowninagain is holding (TT).
127 min: Budda627 (7th) has to go with (AQ), and runs into Fourbetbluff with (AA)!
133 min: Meatsword (6th) goes with (A3) (52%). The big stack, Fourbetbluff looks him up with (Jd 9d) (47%) and 4bet pairs his [J] on the turn.
138 min: A SS Sirgash (5th) makes a move with (Q4) but cannot overtake Drowninagain’s (88).
140 min: Drowninagain (4th) took a hit from two players in two minutes and now has to go with (44). BigDaddyTman calls with (AQ), and hits a [Q] on the flop.
158 min: BigDaddyTman (3rd) loses with (KJ) to Fourbetbluff’s (JT), with a [J] on the river. A lot of that sort of stuff – happened tonight. And it got worse!
Heads up: Fourbetbluff 38455 - 15545 K9isadog
What happens for the next 25 minutes is an up and down roller-coaster where the best hand never held up! As railbird Theedouble*d said so eloquently, “This type of shit makes me want to quit the game.” But in actuality – it is precisely this shit that keeps the tables full. But it is still ugly to watch.
160 min: Fourbetbluff 18000 - 36000 K9isadog
165 min: Fourbetbluff 30000 - 24000 K9isadog
166 min: Fourbetbluff 4500 (A9 lost to) - 49500 K9isadog (A4)
170 min: Fourbetbluff 18000 (miracle cards) - 36000 K9isadog
175 min: Fourbetbluff 13800 - 40200 K9isadog (miracle hit)
180 min: Fourbetbluff 27000 - 27000 K9isadog
They decide to split the money and the points. Fourbetbluff gets the extra point as he won the meaningless suicide all-in race. Congratulations to Fourbetbluff and K9isadog. First co-winners and first point splitters in NPP history.
1st – Fourbetbluff – 22 points
2nd – K9isadog – 21 points
3rd – BigDaddyTman – 15 pts
4th – Drowninagain – 12 pts
5th – Sirgash – 9 pts
6th – Meatsword – 7 pts
7th – Budda627 – 5 pts
8th – Jenski6 – 4 pts
9th – Tomservo2 – 3 pts
Every one else earned one (1) point! Standings on the right side of the blog!
We had a record number of new players also join us; Odds2win777, Pingsticks, Tigerbig, Drowninagain, Nicklittle, Burgessk89 and Deadriver6. Welcome one and all!
We had a record number of alumni return also; Suetman1, Sirgash, Fourbetbluff, Vanettij, and Douche_Splat. Glad to have you all back at the tables.
And we had our first ever chop in NPP history!
The NPP Rules Committee met in an emergency session. They bravely worked overtime on this and concerned themselves – not at all – about the lack of sleep or inconvenience to them on this cold night. They went right to work.
Well, after the topless bars closed – they went right to work.
The final three money cashing players can discuss money deals on any tournament. NPP point deals can be made – except the last three tournaments of any quarter – and of course not in the NPP Championships.
It was a different route, but Fourbetbluff is credited with his first ever NPP tournament victory.
Ok, now on to the action:
5 min: Suetman1 (36th) is out first. Didn’t see it with five tables going.
11 min: T3chlady (35th) is next out. Didn’t see that either. Playing too, you know.
14 min: Rennzzo (34th) sees his (JJ) lose to Fourbetbluff’s (Ah Kh) to a [K] on the river.
18 min: Derf-63 (33rd) sees his (88) run into Drowninagain’s (JJ).
26 min: TresStooges (32nd) sees his (JJ) run into Burgessk89’s (QQ).
28 min: Owetheshark (31st) loses his (77) coin flip to Fourbetbluff’s (AK) with an [A] on the river.
29 min: Vanettij (30th) takes one in the chops. His (A7) flops two pair (70%), but Deadriver6 turns a flush with his (Qd 8d) (30%). Ouch!
30 min: Kensik (29th) goes out next and I missed it.
31 min: Because (28th) Douche-Splat (28th) was all-in with (33) and ran into Fourbetbluff’s (KK).
32 min: That hand also caused me to miss Biglou93’s (27th) exit.
38 min: Theedouble*d (26th) looks good as his (TT) (57%) is up against Drowninagain’s (JT) (41%), but Drown hits a straight on the river.
40 min: A short-stacked (SS) Douge2 (25th) tries with (KJ) but ThePunk75’s (66) holds on.
44 min: I missed Pingstick’s (24th) exit because I was playing my hand.
45 min: Mikeniks-Faldo (23rd) had a rough end to his tournament. I make a lame call against a SS K9isadog and now am a fairly short stack myself.
Then I get double-teamed by Meatsword and Jenski6, and my (AK) gets run down. Finally, my SS (Ac 5c) loses to Meatsword’s straight.
Not only did I play poorly, but my luck was bad too. Note to self: Uh…it is much harder to win with that combination, so stop the first part at least.
55 min: A SS Absea98 (22nd) sees his (Ad 6d) not catch up to Nicklittle’s (AK).
1st break:
Deadriver6 5185
K9isadog 4678
Fourbetbluff 4665
Drowninagain 3895
Sirgash 3390
Birdy333 3298
ThePunk75 3025
BigDaddyTman 2990
Burgessk89 2908
Meatsword 2519
Jenski6 2242
Mistermusic5 2207
LittleRedElf 2055
Funtoon 1996
Akensi 1680
Nicklittle 1535
Budda627 1360
Odds2win777 1360
Tomservo2 1130
Tigerbig 885
Tigercub8189 725
72 min: Twelve minutes later, a SS Mistermusic5 (21st) has to go with (KQ) (59%) and is looked up by Meatsword with (8d 6d) (40%) and Meat hits his flush on the flop! Ouch!
78 min: I missed the demise of Tigerbig (20th).
79 min: I also missed the exit of ThePunk75 (19th).
85 min: A SS LittleRedElf (18th) goes with (AQ) but Fourbetbluff’s (55) hang on.
86 min: A SS Funtoon’s (17th) (AK) (60%) is run down by Jenski6’s (9s 6s) (40%), who flushes the Toon away. You may notice that some of these suited hands are not that big a dog against a pair of higher, but unsuited and unpaired cards pre-flop.
87 min: Jenski6, with (AA), kills both Odds2win777 (16th) (Ac 3c) and Birdy333 (15th) with (KK)!
88 min: A SS Tigercub8189 (14th) is out next and I missed it.
98 min: Nicklittle (13th) was out next and I missed that too.
103 min: A SS Deadriver6 (12th) makes a move with (6h 4h) (46%), but BigDaddyTman’s (J3) (53%) pairs with an [J] on the flop.
104 min: Burgessk89 (11th) is attacked in a three-way (twss) and is eliminated.
109 min: Akensi is out (10th), and I missed it.
I know I missed more hands than usual. But I am still not up to par yet, tired from the return to gainful employment, and actually out of practice with trying to play AND watch all the action. Put all this with the biggest tourney we ever had, and Faldo had some screw ups. Don’t worry – I will get better!
I mean better at recording the action – not actually playing poker. Let’s not expect miracles.
112 min: Tomservo2 (9th) loses with (55) to Fourbetbluff’s (A9), with an [A] on the river.
2nd Break:
Drowninagain 13422
Fourbetbluff 11800
Sirgash 6270
BigDaddyTman 5485
Meatsword 5227
K9isadog 4585
Jenski6 3771
Budda627 3440
122 min: Jenski6 (8th) goes with (77), but Drowninagain is holding (TT).
127 min: Budda627 (7th) has to go with (AQ), and runs into Fourbetbluff with (AA)!
133 min: Meatsword (6th) goes with (A3) (52%). The big stack, Fourbetbluff looks him up with (Jd 9d) (47%) and 4bet pairs his [J] on the turn.
138 min: A SS Sirgash (5th) makes a move with (Q4) but cannot overtake Drowninagain’s (88).
140 min: Drowninagain (4th) took a hit from two players in two minutes and now has to go with (44). BigDaddyTman calls with (AQ), and hits a [Q] on the flop.
158 min: BigDaddyTman (3rd) loses with (KJ) to Fourbetbluff’s (JT), with a [J] on the river. A lot of that sort of stuff – happened tonight. And it got worse!
Heads up: Fourbetbluff 38455 - 15545 K9isadog
What happens for the next 25 minutes is an up and down roller-coaster where the best hand never held up! As railbird Theedouble*d said so eloquently, “This type of shit makes me want to quit the game.” But in actuality – it is precisely this shit that keeps the tables full. But it is still ugly to watch.
160 min: Fourbetbluff 18000 - 36000 K9isadog
165 min: Fourbetbluff 30000 - 24000 K9isadog
166 min: Fourbetbluff 4500 (A9 lost to) - 49500 K9isadog (A4)
170 min: Fourbetbluff 18000 (miracle cards) - 36000 K9isadog
175 min: Fourbetbluff 13800 - 40200 K9isadog (miracle hit)
180 min: Fourbetbluff 27000 - 27000 K9isadog
They decide to split the money and the points. Fourbetbluff gets the extra point as he won the meaningless suicide all-in race. Congratulations to Fourbetbluff and K9isadog. First co-winners and first point splitters in NPP history.
1st – Fourbetbluff – 22 points
2nd – K9isadog – 21 points
3rd – BigDaddyTman – 15 pts
4th – Drowninagain – 12 pts
5th – Sirgash – 9 pts
6th – Meatsword – 7 pts
7th – Budda627 – 5 pts
8th – Jenski6 – 4 pts
9th – Tomservo2 – 3 pts
Every one else earned one (1) point! Standings on the right side of the blog!
Monday, January 04, 2010
T3chlady Makes Final Table in a Full Tilt Tourney
T3chlady decided to put the practice she received at NPP to good use, and finished 5th out of 710 players in a tournament on Full Tilt Poker.
When you play at NPP, you become a force elsewhere. That is just the way it is.
Congratulations T3. You make all NPP'ers proud.
When you play at NPP, you become a force elsewhere. That is just the way it is.
Congratulations T3. You make all NPP'ers proud.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Niks Poker Palace and Faldo Update
Just a heads up to everyone on a few issues:
• Faldo’s health is improving. Thank you for all the kind words, thoughts and prayers.
I am getting back into my normal groove and will even return to the live felt wars soon.
And I forgive Beerhog for stealing my Labatts Blue, Davethedog for stealing my cigars and Bigbrimar for hitting on the wife - while I was in my sick bed.
After all, I’d have done the same for them if the situation was reversed. Except I would have went after all three things – at the same time! What do you expect from rookies? They are not Faldo.
• It appears Faldo will be heading back to the 9 to 5 work – job grind on January 4th. While this is great news for the tax collectors, it will put a bit of a cramp on the usual lightening response time that was coming from NPP Central headquarters.
An exhausted and overworked Faldo will answer the NPP business in the evenings, once I am released from the salt mines and no longer under the whip of the taskmasters.
Not a bad attitude for the first day on the job, eh?
• Remember the new NPP 2010 season opens this Tuesday. Recruit and talk up the league and the blog!
Yes, lie if you have to. Tell them Faldo is a great writer and LittleRedElf is a mope ribbon clerk fish donkey. Whatever it takes!
And the NPP Tournament Committee took some player's suggestion at heart and adjusted the scoring guidelines for a 5th place finish - from 10 pts to 9 pts.
So when you finish 5th and get one less point than you would have received under the old system, be sure to thank those players for speaking out. Now, NPP policy forbids the disclosure of these private and confidential correspondence between players and the NPP Tournament committee. Security is of the utmost importance!
We won't even disclose that their initials are LRE and Ab98. Our lips are sealed.
• We should start looking at dates for the next NPP at PPL evening. January 15 or 16 or 22 or 23 or 29 or 30?
Start reviewing your calendar and pick some dates. It was a great evening last time!
• The heads up tourney is moving along. Down to the final six. Very exciting stuff!
Catch some of the action if you can. I will post the date and times of the matches on the bracket.
Happy New Year everyone! – Faldo
• Faldo’s health is improving. Thank you for all the kind words, thoughts and prayers.
I am getting back into my normal groove and will even return to the live felt wars soon.
And I forgive Beerhog for stealing my Labatts Blue, Davethedog for stealing my cigars and Bigbrimar for hitting on the wife - while I was in my sick bed.
After all, I’d have done the same for them if the situation was reversed. Except I would have went after all three things – at the same time! What do you expect from rookies? They are not Faldo.
• It appears Faldo will be heading back to the 9 to 5 work – job grind on January 4th. While this is great news for the tax collectors, it will put a bit of a cramp on the usual lightening response time that was coming from NPP Central headquarters.
An exhausted and overworked Faldo will answer the NPP business in the evenings, once I am released from the salt mines and no longer under the whip of the taskmasters.
Not a bad attitude for the first day on the job, eh?
• Remember the new NPP 2010 season opens this Tuesday. Recruit and talk up the league and the blog!
Yes, lie if you have to. Tell them Faldo is a great writer and LittleRedElf is a mope ribbon clerk fish donkey. Whatever it takes!
And the NPP Tournament Committee took some player's suggestion at heart and adjusted the scoring guidelines for a 5th place finish - from 10 pts to 9 pts.
So when you finish 5th and get one less point than you would have received under the old system, be sure to thank those players for speaking out. Now, NPP policy forbids the disclosure of these private and confidential correspondence between players and the NPP Tournament committee. Security is of the utmost importance!
We won't even disclose that their initials are LRE and Ab98. Our lips are sealed.
• We should start looking at dates for the next NPP at PPL evening. January 15 or 16 or 22 or 23 or 29 or 30?
Start reviewing your calendar and pick some dates. It was a great evening last time!
• The heads up tourney is moving along. Down to the final six. Very exciting stuff!
Catch some of the action if you can. I will post the date and times of the matches on the bracket.
Happy New Year everyone! – Faldo
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Douge2’s Humor Corner – XXVI
Safety First!
Davethedog had a flat tire on the interstate, so he eased the car over to the shoulder of the road, carefully got out of the car and opened the trunk.
Dave took out two cardboard men, unfolded them and stood them at the rear of his car facing on-coming traffic.
They look so life-like you wouldn't believe it! They are in trench coats exposing their nude bodies to the approaching drivers.
To Dave’s surprise, cars start slowing down looking at Dave’s men, which made it safer for The Dog to work at the side of the road.
And of course, traffic starts backing up. Everybody is tooting their horns and waving like crazy. It wasn't long before a state trooper pulls up behind Dave’s car.
He gets out of his car and starts walking towards Dave, and Dave could tell he was not a happy camper!
The cop says, “What's going on here?”
“My car has a flat tire”, Dave said calmly.
“Well, what are those obscene cardboard men doing here by the road?”
Dave couldn't believe that the officer didn't know.
“Helloooooo! Emergency Flashers?”
No Good Gift Giving to the Wife Goes Unpunished
A husband walks into Victoria's Secret to purchase a sheer negligee for his wife. He is shown several possibilities that range from $250 to $500 -- the sheerer, the higher the price.
Naturally, he opts for the sheerest item, pays the $500, and takes it home. He presents it to his wife and asks her to go upstairs, put it on, and model it for him.
Upstairs the wife thinks (she's no dummy), “I have an idea. It's so sheer that it might as well be nothing. I won't put it on, but I'll do the modeling naked, return it tomorrow, and keep the $500 refund for myself.”
She appears naked on the balcony and strikes a pose.
The husband says, 'Good Grief! You'd think for $500, they'd at least iron it!'
He never saw or heard the shot....
Davethedog had a flat tire on the interstate, so he eased the car over to the shoulder of the road, carefully got out of the car and opened the trunk.
Dave took out two cardboard men, unfolded them and stood them at the rear of his car facing on-coming traffic.
They look so life-like you wouldn't believe it! They are in trench coats exposing their nude bodies to the approaching drivers.
To Dave’s surprise, cars start slowing down looking at Dave’s men, which made it safer for The Dog to work at the side of the road.
And of course, traffic starts backing up. Everybody is tooting their horns and waving like crazy. It wasn't long before a state trooper pulls up behind Dave’s car.
He gets out of his car and starts walking towards Dave, and Dave could tell he was not a happy camper!
The cop says, “What's going on here?”
“My car has a flat tire”, Dave said calmly.
“Well, what are those obscene cardboard men doing here by the road?”
Dave couldn't believe that the officer didn't know.
“Helloooooo! Emergency Flashers?”
No Good Gift Giving to the Wife Goes Unpunished
A husband walks into Victoria's Secret to purchase a sheer negligee for his wife. He is shown several possibilities that range from $250 to $500 -- the sheerer, the higher the price.
Naturally, he opts for the sheerest item, pays the $500, and takes it home. He presents it to his wife and asks her to go upstairs, put it on, and model it for him.
Upstairs the wife thinks (she's no dummy), “I have an idea. It's so sheer that it might as well be nothing. I won't put it on, but I'll do the modeling naked, return it tomorrow, and keep the $500 refund for myself.”
She appears naked on the balcony and strikes a pose.
The husband says, 'Good Grief! You'd think for $500, they'd at least iron it!'
He never saw or heard the shot....
Friday, January 01, 2010
Happy New Year! - and Faldo's Year in Review
2009 needed to end. Not a great year for our country - or Faldo overall.
Democrats finally closed the lid on the once great automobile industry that employed me and millions of others. Regulations, taxes and unions finally killed the golden goose dead.
My country - once the beacon of freedom in the world - is now a socialist Euro - parlament monarchy.
And I had health issues to close it out. Lucky it happened now, and not after everything medical is socialized. At least some people in other contries could come here for treatment in time to save their lives. Now there will be no where to go.
But that is the plan they have to fix social security. No seniors, no worries.
But, 2010 is here and with it brings a new start. Here's hoping a light goes on with my fellow serfs and they realize what they did to themselves.
Poker was the tale of weirdness.
Tournament success early - and a drought late - brought a negative result overall.
Sit and go tournaments were profitable enough almost pay for the MTT tournament losses.
Ring play on-line was a disaster. Although I did not log enough hours (too many tourneys and SNG's) to call it an accurate reading of my play, I never could figure out why I could never get rolling. Could be just a bad run. Could be I am doing something wrong on line. Don't know.
Ring play at the casinos/charities was profitable enough to cover the on-line losses and then some. So what is the deal with on-line?
The records show it was a slightly profitable 2009 for Faldo poker-wise. I'll take that as a sign I need to keep working at it. I did not notice Phil Ivey shaking with fear at the mention of Faldo's name yet. Got to fix that.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Democrats finally closed the lid on the once great automobile industry that employed me and millions of others. Regulations, taxes and unions finally killed the golden goose dead.
My country - once the beacon of freedom in the world - is now a socialist Euro - parlament monarchy.
And I had health issues to close it out. Lucky it happened now, and not after everything medical is socialized. At least some people in other contries could come here for treatment in time to save their lives. Now there will be no where to go.
But that is the plan they have to fix social security. No seniors, no worries.
But, 2010 is here and with it brings a new start. Here's hoping a light goes on with my fellow serfs and they realize what they did to themselves.
Poker was the tale of weirdness.
Tournament success early - and a drought late - brought a negative result overall.
Sit and go tournaments were profitable enough almost pay for the MTT tournament losses.
Ring play on-line was a disaster. Although I did not log enough hours (too many tourneys and SNG's) to call it an accurate reading of my play, I never could figure out why I could never get rolling. Could be just a bad run. Could be I am doing something wrong on line. Don't know.
Ring play at the casinos/charities was profitable enough to cover the on-line losses and then some. So what is the deal with on-line?
The records show it was a slightly profitable 2009 for Faldo poker-wise. I'll take that as a sign I need to keep working at it. I did not notice Phil Ivey shaking with fear at the mention of Faldo's name yet. Got to fix that.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
NPP Heads Up Tourney – Update!
The bracket is at the right side of the blog and is now small enough to tell all.
The winner of the winner’s bracket is Derf-63. Congratulations Derf. Last year, you would already have the title. This year the NPP Tournament Committee decided it would be great to have a double elimination tournament.
Good thinking by them. Push the year end tourney into February and kill Faldo in the process. I think the latter was the real plan. But I digress.
In the loser’s bracket, TresStooges and LittleRedElf battle Friday (#226740396) at 7pm for the right to play Mistermusic5.
ThePunk75 has had to wait – first for Faldo to get back from ‘vacation,’ and second for Smookie to respond. Smookie is a firefighter in Germany. He either left for a long holiday or is working double shifts because others are on holiday. Either way, ThePunk moved on due to forfeit – and that is what the delay was on that side of the bracket.
ThePunk75 gets Absea98 for his trouble, and K9isadog waits for that winner.
Sitting in the Semi-Finals easy chair is Suetman. She is waiting patiently for the men to stop fooling around and take beating she will dish out to the survivor. To pass the time, rumor has it she also is preparing a large mason jar of Whoop-ass for Derf-63 for the finals.
Ah, peace and good tidings continue to reign here at NPP.
The password for the 2010 season will be winging your way here shortly. Do you think 15 characters and 3 font changes is excessive? Naw………how could it be?
The winner of the winner’s bracket is Derf-63. Congratulations Derf. Last year, you would already have the title. This year the NPP Tournament Committee decided it would be great to have a double elimination tournament.
Good thinking by them. Push the year end tourney into February and kill Faldo in the process. I think the latter was the real plan. But I digress.
In the loser’s bracket, TresStooges and LittleRedElf battle Friday (#226740396) at 7pm for the right to play Mistermusic5.
ThePunk75 has had to wait – first for Faldo to get back from ‘vacation,’ and second for Smookie to respond. Smookie is a firefighter in Germany. He either left for a long holiday or is working double shifts because others are on holiday. Either way, ThePunk moved on due to forfeit – and that is what the delay was on that side of the bracket.
ThePunk75 gets Absea98 for his trouble, and K9isadog waits for that winner.
Sitting in the Semi-Finals easy chair is Suetman. She is waiting patiently for the men to stop fooling around and take beating she will dish out to the survivor. To pass the time, rumor has it she also is preparing a large mason jar of Whoop-ass for Derf-63 for the finals.
Ah, peace and good tidings continue to reign here at NPP.
The password for the 2010 season will be winging your way here shortly. Do you think 15 characters and 3 font changes is excessive? Naw………how could it be?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Random Questions Answered by Faldo – Part IV
Every question answered has been asked of a poker pro or been sent in to Faldo. Feel free to email me questions to add to the list, or leave them in a comment. And feel free also to answer them yourself in the comment section. It is your blog too!
If you can be any fictional character, who would it be?
Superman. Hello? X-ray vision? I’d never leave a shopping mall.
Ok, seriously, it would be a super genius. I mean Einstein – Ben Franklin – Warren Buffett - Bobby Fischer – Stu Ungar combined smart - then ‘cube’ that - smart. But it would have to be in addition to my current common sense smarts, and not a trade. I want to be able to stop my brain from working long enough to tie my own shoes and enjoy an occasional “Married With Children” episode.
Have you ever played poker in Las Vegas?
Many times. My list of Vegas poker rooms I have sat down at is listed on the right side of the blog, near the bottom. My results have been very good in the limit action. I have never had a losing trip to Las Vegas in that regard. I make sure to average at least 4 hours of play per day - every visit! After all, I’m in Vegas baby!
But I have to confess, the restaurants and the sports books – oh, and the wife if it is not a guy trip – pull me away from the poker rooms. But, I make sure to get my 4 hours a day average in -at least.
I must ALSO confess that my last trip however, I only played in tournaments and had a losing result for the trip - that was posted here. Next time, I will play limit in order to win my tourney entries.
How is playing poker in Las Vegas?
Until the Raymer win (not Moneymaker), the low level limit games in Las Vegas were a sweet seat. They were much softer than the games at the Soaring Eagle in Mt. Pleasant or the charity casinos in Windsor, where I used to play regularly.
I could see why the retired card sharks from the rest of the country flocked to Vegas. They could subsidize their retirement quite nicely- and easily. Even after Moneymaker, there were more tables, more bodies, but less true ‘players’.
Now the alleged “fish nets” are filled with - what once was called a - decent low limit rock or attack players.
Now add to the mix the fact that “no limit” has taken over. I love NL for tournaments, but I feel this type of game will cause the poker pendulum to swing WAY back the other way soon. Players cannot go broke at this increased rate and swings in bankroll - and keep the games full.
There was a reason “limit” was the game played in casinos. I might have to write an article on this very subject.
If you can be any fictional character, who would it be?
Superman. Hello? X-ray vision? I’d never leave a shopping mall.
Ok, seriously, it would be a super genius. I mean Einstein – Ben Franklin – Warren Buffett - Bobby Fischer – Stu Ungar combined smart - then ‘cube’ that - smart. But it would have to be in addition to my current common sense smarts, and not a trade. I want to be able to stop my brain from working long enough to tie my own shoes and enjoy an occasional “Married With Children” episode.
Have you ever played poker in Las Vegas?
Many times. My list of Vegas poker rooms I have sat down at is listed on the right side of the blog, near the bottom. My results have been very good in the limit action. I have never had a losing trip to Las Vegas in that regard. I make sure to average at least 4 hours of play per day - every visit! After all, I’m in Vegas baby!
But I have to confess, the restaurants and the sports books – oh, and the wife if it is not a guy trip – pull me away from the poker rooms. But, I make sure to get my 4 hours a day average in -at least.
I must ALSO confess that my last trip however, I only played in tournaments and had a losing result for the trip - that was posted here. Next time, I will play limit in order to win my tourney entries.
How is playing poker in Las Vegas?
Until the Raymer win (not Moneymaker), the low level limit games in Las Vegas were a sweet seat. They were much softer than the games at the Soaring Eagle in Mt. Pleasant or the charity casinos in Windsor, where I used to play regularly.
I could see why the retired card sharks from the rest of the country flocked to Vegas. They could subsidize their retirement quite nicely- and easily. Even after Moneymaker, there were more tables, more bodies, but less true ‘players’.
Now the alleged “fish nets” are filled with - what once was called a - decent low limit rock or attack players.
Now add to the mix the fact that “no limit” has taken over. I love NL for tournaments, but I feel this type of game will cause the poker pendulum to swing WAY back the other way soon. Players cannot go broke at this increased rate and swings in bankroll - and keep the games full.
There was a reason “limit” was the game played in casinos. I might have to write an article on this very subject.
Monday, December 28, 2009
NPP by the Numbers
Well, I could round out the statistical year by saying simply – “LittleRedElf killed us all!” But that would not be much of an article. LRE dominated the field.
But this is where the value of playing at NPP is at. Where else can you get practice playing good players for very little money, and have a good time doing it?
Before giving you the data, I will tell you the criteria. In order to be statistically considered, you had to have played around half the tourneys (24) or the last 15 or so near the end of the year. Fifteen is kind of a statistical barrier I won’t break. So if your own personal data shows you beat some of these numbers, this is why you may not appear. Anyway, here it is:
Ironman – Most Rounds Played
LittleRedElf and ThePunk75 – 45
Tigercub8189 – 44
Akensi and Douge2 – 43
Kensik – 42
Absea98 – 38
First Place Finishes
LittleRedElf – 7
Theedouble*d – 4
ThePunk75 – 3
A bunch with two wins in 2009
Second Place Finishes
Absea98 – 5
LittleRedElf – 4
ThePunk75 – 4
Mikeniks-Faldo - 4
Third Place Finishes
Theedouble*d - 4
Funtoon – 3
Rennzzo – 3
Akensi – 3
Tigercub8189 – 3
LittleRedElf – 3
Average Points per Start
LittleRedElf – 6.7
Budda627 – 5.1
Mikeniks-Faldo – 4.9
TresStooges – 4.8
Tomservo2 – 4.5
Theedouble*d – 4.4
ThePunk75 – 4.1
In the Money
LittleRedElf – 31%
Theedouble*d – 25%
Mikeniks-Faldo – 22%
TresStooges – 22%
Budda627 – 18%
There you have it. If you want some personal data, just write me and I will tell you what I have.
But this is where the value of playing at NPP is at. Where else can you get practice playing good players for very little money, and have a good time doing it?
Before giving you the data, I will tell you the criteria. In order to be statistically considered, you had to have played around half the tourneys (24) or the last 15 or so near the end of the year. Fifteen is kind of a statistical barrier I won’t break. So if your own personal data shows you beat some of these numbers, this is why you may not appear. Anyway, here it is:
Ironman – Most Rounds Played
LittleRedElf and ThePunk75 – 45
Tigercub8189 – 44
Akensi and Douge2 – 43
Kensik – 42
Absea98 – 38
First Place Finishes
LittleRedElf – 7
Theedouble*d – 4
ThePunk75 – 3
A bunch with two wins in 2009
Second Place Finishes
Absea98 – 5
LittleRedElf – 4
ThePunk75 – 4
Mikeniks-Faldo - 4
Third Place Finishes
Theedouble*d - 4
Funtoon – 3
Rennzzo – 3
Akensi – 3
Tigercub8189 – 3
LittleRedElf – 3
Average Points per Start
LittleRedElf – 6.7
Budda627 – 5.1
Mikeniks-Faldo – 4.9
TresStooges – 4.8
Tomservo2 – 4.5
Theedouble*d – 4.4
ThePunk75 – 4.1
In the Money
LittleRedElf – 31%
Theedouble*d – 25%
Mikeniks-Faldo – 22%
TresStooges – 22%
Budda627 – 18%
There you have it. If you want some personal data, just write me and I will tell you what I have.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Douge2’s Humor Corner – XXV
Love for Sale
A small zoo in Kentucky obtained a very rare species of gorilla.
Within a few weeks the gorilla, a female, became very difficult to handle. Upon examination, the veterinarian determined the problem. The gorilla was in heat. To make matters worse, there was no male gorilla available.
Thinking about their problem, the Zoo Keeper thought of a redneck part-time worker responsible for cleaning the animal cages. Bobby Lee, like most rednecks, had little sense but possessed ample ability to satisfy a female of any species.
The Zoo Keeper thought they might have a solution. The redneck was approached with a proposition. Would he be willing to mate with the gorilla for $500.00?
The redneck showed some interest, but said he would have to think the matter over carefully. The following day, he announced that he would accept their offer, but only under five conditions:
“First”, the redneck said, "I ain't gonna kiss her on the lips." The Keeper quickly agreed to this condition.
"Second", he said, "She must wear a 'Dale Earnhardt Forever' T-Shirt." The keeper again readily agreed to this condition.
"Third", he said, “You can't never tell no one about this.” The keeper again readily agreed to this condition.
“Fourth", The redneck said, "I want all the other workers away from her pen. No witnesses." Once again it was agreed.
“And last," Bigbrimar said, "I'll need another week to come up with the $500.”
Faldo’s Confession as a Teen
“Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl.”
The priest asks, “And who was the girl you were with?”
“I can't tell you, Father. I don't want to ruin her reputation.”
"Well, Joey, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later because our church is small. So you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina?”
“I cannot say.”
“Was it Teresa?”
“I'll never tell.”
“Was it Marie?”
“I'm sorry, but I cannot name her.”
“Was it Cathy?”
“My lips are sealed.”
“Was it Rita, then?”
“Please, Father, I cannot tell you.”
The priest sighs in frustration.
“You're very tight lipped, and I admire that you are being a gentleman. But you've sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now for 4 months. Now you go and behave yourself.”
Joey walks back to his pew, and his friend Wingsfancurt slides over and whispers, “What'd you get?”
Faldo says, “Four months vacation and five good leads.”
A small zoo in Kentucky obtained a very rare species of gorilla.
Within a few weeks the gorilla, a female, became very difficult to handle. Upon examination, the veterinarian determined the problem. The gorilla was in heat. To make matters worse, there was no male gorilla available.
Thinking about their problem, the Zoo Keeper thought of a redneck part-time worker responsible for cleaning the animal cages. Bobby Lee, like most rednecks, had little sense but possessed ample ability to satisfy a female of any species.
The Zoo Keeper thought they might have a solution. The redneck was approached with a proposition. Would he be willing to mate with the gorilla for $500.00?
The redneck showed some interest, but said he would have to think the matter over carefully. The following day, he announced that he would accept their offer, but only under five conditions:
“First”, the redneck said, "I ain't gonna kiss her on the lips." The Keeper quickly agreed to this condition.
"Second", he said, "She must wear a 'Dale Earnhardt Forever' T-Shirt." The keeper again readily agreed to this condition.
"Third", he said, “You can't never tell no one about this.” The keeper again readily agreed to this condition.
“Fourth", The redneck said, "I want all the other workers away from her pen. No witnesses." Once again it was agreed.
“And last," Bigbrimar said, "I'll need another week to come up with the $500.”
Faldo’s Confession as a Teen
“Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl.”
The priest asks, “And who was the girl you were with?”
“I can't tell you, Father. I don't want to ruin her reputation.”
"Well, Joey, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later because our church is small. So you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina?”
“I cannot say.”
“Was it Teresa?”
“I'll never tell.”
“Was it Marie?”
“I'm sorry, but I cannot name her.”
“Was it Cathy?”
“My lips are sealed.”
“Was it Rita, then?”
“Please, Father, I cannot tell you.”
The priest sighs in frustration.
“You're very tight lipped, and I admire that you are being a gentleman. But you've sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now for 4 months. Now you go and behave yourself.”
Joey walks back to his pew, and his friend Wingsfancurt slides over and whispers, “What'd you get?”
Faldo says, “Four months vacation and five good leads.”
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Change of League Scoring Rules at NPP
Our scoring guidelines last year was (1st thru 9th):
20-14-10-7-5-4-3-2-1
In 2010, the NPP Tournament Committee wants to reward players that play! So NPP will award a point to all who enter a tournament. This means a loyal player can pick up 48 points by simply showing up! So the scoring table had to be changed.
The Michigan Poker Forum tournament on Wednesday had what I thought was an improvement over NPP’s scoring system. Remember, our league is based off of the TV show, Poker Superstars – and that scoring was 6-5-4-3-2-1, for six-handed play. But that scoring system seemed like a winner to me. But, that is the lazy way out, and the NPP Tournament Committee wanted the absolute BEST scoring system available.
So the tournament committee has been tweaking the possibilities between the four criteria: Adding a point to all who play, our old scoring system, the Superstars scoring system and the Forum scoring system.
We then researched the top poker leagues from around the country and asked for their point structure. Some had a complicated formula that factored the number of entries into how many points you could earn for your placement. I used our league average of around 20 players a night to take their numbers as it would apply to NPP.
And then we had to multiply all that by the X-factor – how often Davethedog would play at NPP this year, divided by the number of golf rounds he would play next year also. You think this is easy? You try to get your calculator to divide or divide by ZERO!
Anyway, after hacking into NASA’s super-computers, and using Faldo’s brain (which is more powerful than that piece of junk NASA has), the NPP Tournament Committee grinded out the calculations – and came up with the WINNER!
1st – 24 points
2nd – 19
3rd – 15
4th – 12
5th – 10
6th – 7
7th – 5
8th – 4
9th – 3
Played – 1
You will notice that it is a little top heavy, but NPP rounded down! Most structures researched really reward the winner or the top three spots.
Faldo, because of his Heads Up record wanted the point structure to pay 2nd place 500 points, but that request was turned down by the committee.
A pox upon them. What are your thoughts on this new structure?
20-14-10-7-5-4-3-2-1
In 2010, the NPP Tournament Committee wants to reward players that play! So NPP will award a point to all who enter a tournament. This means a loyal player can pick up 48 points by simply showing up! So the scoring table had to be changed.
The Michigan Poker Forum tournament on Wednesday had what I thought was an improvement over NPP’s scoring system. Remember, our league is based off of the TV show, Poker Superstars – and that scoring was 6-5-4-3-2-1, for six-handed play. But that scoring system seemed like a winner to me. But, that is the lazy way out, and the NPP Tournament Committee wanted the absolute BEST scoring system available.
So the tournament committee has been tweaking the possibilities between the four criteria: Adding a point to all who play, our old scoring system, the Superstars scoring system and the Forum scoring system.
We then researched the top poker leagues from around the country and asked for their point structure. Some had a complicated formula that factored the number of entries into how many points you could earn for your placement. I used our league average of around 20 players a night to take their numbers as it would apply to NPP.
And then we had to multiply all that by the X-factor – how often Davethedog would play at NPP this year, divided by the number of golf rounds he would play next year also. You think this is easy? You try to get your calculator to divide or divide by ZERO!
Anyway, after hacking into NASA’s super-computers, and using Faldo’s brain (which is more powerful than that piece of junk NASA has), the NPP Tournament Committee grinded out the calculations – and came up with the WINNER!
1st – 24 points
2nd – 19
3rd – 15
4th – 12
5th – 10
6th – 7
7th – 5
8th – 4
9th – 3
Played – 1
You will notice that it is a little top heavy, but NPP rounded down! Most structures researched really reward the winner or the top three spots.
Faldo, because of his Heads Up record wanted the point structure to pay 2nd place 500 points, but that request was turned down by the committee.
A pox upon them. What are your thoughts on this new structure?
Friday, December 25, 2009
An NPP Xmas Ballad
This is a man's world!
This is a man's world.
But it would be nothing.
Nothing without a woman or a girl.
You see, man made the cars to take us over the road.
Man made the trains to carry heavy loads.
Man made electric light to take us out of the dark.
Man made the boat for the water, like Noah made the ark.
This is a man's, a man's, a man's world!
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.
Man thinks about little baby girls and baby boys.
Man makes then happy 'cause man makes them toys
And after man has made everything, everything he can,
You know that man makes money to buy from other man.
This is a man's world.
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.
Without them, he's lost in the wilderness.
He's lost in bitterness.
- James Brown
This is a man's world.
But it would be nothing.
Nothing without a woman or a girl.
You see, man made the cars to take us over the road.
Man made the trains to carry heavy loads.
Man made electric light to take us out of the dark.
Man made the boat for the water, like Noah made the ark.
This is a man's, a man's, a man's world!
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.
Man thinks about little baby girls and baby boys.
Man makes then happy 'cause man makes them toys
And after man has made everything, everything he can,
You know that man makes money to buy from other man.
This is a man's world.
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.
Without them, he's lost in the wilderness.
He's lost in bitterness.
- James Brown
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Premier Poker Lounge Holiday Schedule
Holiday Tournaments
Sat. Dec. 26th 3 pm $30.00 w/7 K
7 pm $40.00 w/10 K
Sun. Dec 27th 5 pm $25.00 w/ 7 K
Mon. Dec 28th 7 pm $30.00 w/ 7 K
Tue. Dec 29th 7 pm $30.00 w/ 7 K
Wed. Dec 30th 7pm $30.00 w/ 7 K
Thur. Dec 31st CLOSED NEW YEARS EVE
Fri. Jan 1st 3 pm $30.00 w 7 K
Sat. Jan 2nd 7pm $40.00 w/ 10K
CASH GAMES NIGHTLY @ 6 PM
Sat. Dec. 26th 3 pm $30.00 w/7 K
7 pm $40.00 w/10 K
Sun. Dec 27th 5 pm $25.00 w/ 7 K
Mon. Dec 28th 7 pm $30.00 w/ 7 K
Tue. Dec 29th 7 pm $30.00 w/ 7 K
Wed. Dec 30th 7pm $30.00 w/ 7 K
Thur. Dec 31st CLOSED NEW YEARS EVE
Fri. Jan 1st 3 pm $30.00 w 7 K
Sat. Jan 2nd 7pm $40.00 w/ 10K
CASH GAMES NIGHTLY @ 6 PM
NPP Change of Entry Fee – Yes or No?
PokerStars has opened the options for the entry fees for private tournaments. When we started, $5.50 was the lowest stake possible.
So I thought I would leave it up to the players as to what the entry fee should be.
Here are the options:
$1.10
$3.30
$5.50 (current amount)
There are pros and cons for going to $11 also, but I am trying to keep it a fun tourney and $11 is a lot for an on-line social tourney, in my never humble opinion.
So, vote in the comment section or send me an email. Merry Christmas! – Faldo
In tourney action last night, Derf-63 moved on to meet Suetman in the Semi-Finals!
Meanwhile Absea98 stays alive to meet the winner of the Smookie27 vs ThePunk75 match.
We are also waiting on the Boother36 v TresStooges to get scheduled. Remember, the deadline is Dec. 29 (pushed out [twss] because of Faldo’s delay).
So I thought I would leave it up to the players as to what the entry fee should be.
Here are the options:
$1.10
$3.30
$5.50 (current amount)
There are pros and cons for going to $11 also, but I am trying to keep it a fun tourney and $11 is a lot for an on-line social tourney, in my never humble opinion.
So, vote in the comment section or send me an email. Merry Christmas! – Faldo
In tourney action last night, Derf-63 moved on to meet Suetman in the Semi-Finals!
Meanwhile Absea98 stays alive to meet the winner of the Smookie27 vs ThePunk75 match.
We are also waiting on the Boother36 v TresStooges to get scheduled. Remember, the deadline is Dec. 29 (pushed out [twss] because of Faldo’s delay).
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
NPP Heads-Up Tourney Moving Along
Again, I apologize for delaying the festivities. But, I am back at the secret underground fortification that is Niks Poker Palace.
Be sure to read the blog everyday. The Tournament Committee will be coming out with issues we want NPP members to vote on. You will be able to vote in the comment section of the blog or secretly to the Committee by email. Your voices will be heard!
Then, like our Congress and White House, we will ignore you completely, and do whatever we want. But, I digress.
Left in the Winners Bracket is Derf-63 playing K9isadog, with Suetman already in the semi-finals.
In the consolation bracket, LittleRedElf waits on the winner of Boother36 vs TresStooges – with Mistermusic5 waiting on the winner of the LRE vs ??? match.
In the other half of the consolation bracket, Smookie27 will face ThePunk75, and
TONIGHT – Absea98 takes on BigDaddyTman.
December 29th is the deadline for:
Derf/K9
Boother/Tres
Smookie/Punk
Absea/BigD (scheduled)
Be sure to copy Faldo when trying to schedule your tourney.
Be sure to read the blog everyday. The Tournament Committee will be coming out with issues we want NPP members to vote on. You will be able to vote in the comment section of the blog or secretly to the Committee by email. Your voices will be heard!
Then, like our Congress and White House, we will ignore you completely, and do whatever we want. But, I digress.
Left in the Winners Bracket is Derf-63 playing K9isadog, with Suetman already in the semi-finals.
In the consolation bracket, LittleRedElf waits on the winner of Boother36 vs TresStooges – with Mistermusic5 waiting on the winner of the LRE vs ??? match.
In the other half of the consolation bracket, Smookie27 will face ThePunk75, and
TONIGHT – Absea98 takes on BigDaddyTman.
December 29th is the deadline for:
Derf/K9
Boother/Tres
Smookie/Punk
Absea/BigD (scheduled)
Be sure to copy Faldo when trying to schedule your tourney.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
No Good Christmas Deed Goes Unpunished
Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: November 2, 2009
RE: Gala Christmas Party
I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks!
We'll have a small band playing traditional carols... feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 PM.
Exchanges of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees!
Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!
Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Patty
Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: November 3, 2009
RE: Gala Holiday Party
In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Hanukkah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year.
However, from now on, we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians and to those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree and no Christmas carols will be sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.
Happy now?
Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Patty
Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: November 9, 2009
RE: Holiday Party
Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?
Somebody?
And sorry, but forget about the gift exchange, no gifts are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and the executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.
REMEMBER: NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.
Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
To: All Employees
DATE: November 12, 2009
RE: Generic Holiday Party
What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs.
Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work?
Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet, and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.
Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each group will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangement for the Gay men's table.
To the person asking permission to cross dress, the Grill House asks that no cross-dressing be allowed, apparently because of concerns about confusion in the restrooms. Sorry.
We will have booster seats for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet.
I am sorry to report that we cannot control the amount of salt used in the food. The Grill House suggests that people with high blood pressure taste a bite first.
There will be fresh "low sugar" fruits as dessert for diabetics, but the restaurant cannot supply "no sugar" desserts. Sorry!
Did I miss anything?!?!?
Patty
Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All #*%^ing Employees
DATE: November 23, 2009
RE: The #*%^ing Holiday Party
I've had it with you vegetarian #@$%*&!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your #*%^ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!
The rest of you #*%^ing weirdoes can kiss my *ss. I hope you all have a rotten holiday!
Drive drunk and die,
The B*tch from H*ll!!!
Company Memo
FROM: Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
DATE: November 24, 2009
RE: Patty Lewis and Holiday Party
I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her.
In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.
Happy Holidays!
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: November 2, 2009
RE: Gala Christmas Party
I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks!
We'll have a small band playing traditional carols... feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 PM.
Exchanges of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees!
Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!
Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Patty
Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: November 3, 2009
RE: Gala Holiday Party
In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Hanukkah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year.
However, from now on, we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians and to those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree and no Christmas carols will be sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.
Happy now?
Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Patty
Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All Employees
DATE: November 9, 2009
RE: Holiday Party
Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?
Somebody?
And sorry, but forget about the gift exchange, no gifts are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and the executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.
REMEMBER: NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.
Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
To: All Employees
DATE: November 12, 2009
RE: Generic Holiday Party
What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs.
Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work?
Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet, and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.
Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each group will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangement for the Gay men's table.
To the person asking permission to cross dress, the Grill House asks that no cross-dressing be allowed, apparently because of concerns about confusion in the restrooms. Sorry.
We will have booster seats for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet.
I am sorry to report that we cannot control the amount of salt used in the food. The Grill House suggests that people with high blood pressure taste a bite first.
There will be fresh "low sugar" fruits as dessert for diabetics, but the restaurant cannot supply "no sugar" desserts. Sorry!
Did I miss anything?!?!?
Patty
Company Memo
FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director
TO: All #*%^ing Employees
DATE: November 23, 2009
RE: The #*%^ing Holiday Party
I've had it with you vegetarian #@$%*&!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your #*%^ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!
The rest of you #*%^ing weirdoes can kiss my *ss. I hope you all have a rotten holiday!
Drive drunk and die,
The B*tch from H*ll!!!
Company Memo
FROM: Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director
DATE: November 24, 2009
RE: Patty Lewis and Holiday Party
I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her.
In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.
Happy Holidays!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Faldo Returns Tuesday!
The plan - God willing and the river doesn't hit a one outer - is for Faldo to be back on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009.
Thanks for all the kind thoughts and prayers.
Faldo
Thanks for all the kind thoughts and prayers.
Faldo
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Absea98 Win the NPP Championship for 2009!
Slow, steady, persistent and improving all year, Absea98 chooses the last night of the year to win his first NPP tournament! And it just happened to be the Finals is all!
This is what I have said the entire time. Persistency pays off. Chugging thru the season, picking up points when he could, Absea made it to the finals with a Total Points seat, and not by winning any quarter. Or winning a tourney in any quarter! Its called ‘grinding’ in the truest sense.
Let’s see how it happened:
<1 min: ThePunk75 moves all-in first hand. Twss
21 min: Blinds 15 – 30: Theedouble*d (6th) (830 chips) is the only one who calls Absea98’s raise to 120. The flop is [5s Ah 6d] and they get them all in. DD with (Ac Jc) and Absea with (55), and DD doesn’t catch up.
40 min: Blinds 25 – 50: A battle of the blinds as Absea98 calls Tomservo2’s (5th) BB. The flop is [2c 5s Th]. Absea bets a blind and is called. The turn [4h]. Absea bets two blinds and is called. The river is a [7c]. Absea (A3) bets enough with his straight to put Tom all-in, and Tom calls with his two pair. Ouch!
44 min: Blinds 25 – 50: ThePunk75 (4th) goes with (Ac Qh), but Absea98 is holding (Ad Ks). Normally, the suits would not matter in a hand like this as a [Q] falls on the flop. But so do two spades – and runner runner spades ships it to Absea. One of those painful behind – ahead – lost hands.
Break:
Absea98 5315
LittleRedElf 2440
Douge2 1245
66 min: Blinds 75-150: The two short-stacks (SS) have to collide. And Douge2 (1020 chips) (A9) moves in and LittleRedElf (1765) (KQ) calls. Our run away season point leader is in trouble.
68 min: Blinds 75-150: LRE gets even with Doug chip-wise as his (A8) hits an [A] to defeat Doug’s (99).
71 min: Blinds 75-150: At it again! This time Douge gets crippled as his (33) gets over-paired again by LRE’s (AJ) on the flop. Doug is down to less than two big blinds!
74 min: Blinds 100 – 200: Absea98 calls Douge2’s (3rd) blind. The flop is [6d 3s 5s] – a floater’s paradise. Absea bets a blind and Doug calls. The river is an [As]. Doug moves in with (Th 4c) – bluffing the flush or {A} - with an inside straight draw, but Absea is not going anywhere with (A2). A blank falls on the river.
Heads up: Absea98 6600 - 2400 LittleRedElf
86 min: Blinds 100 – 200: Absea 5720 (8d 8c) - 3280 LRE (Ah 5d)
Absea raises to 800 and gets called. Flop [Ad 9d 4h] and it is checked.
Turn [Td] and the Elf moves in and is called. Elf takes the lead!
86 min: Blinds 100 – 200: Absea 2440 (As Ks) - 6560 LRE (Kd Js)
LRE raises to 600 and Absea correctly moves all-in. LRE calls, and we are all even!
90 min: Blinds 100 – 200: Absea 4480 (Kh Js) - 4520 LRE (Ad Ac)
LRE raises to 600 and Absea calls. The flop looks like death for Absea [Jd 2s 3c] (18%) as all his money gets in and LRE (82%) of course calls. But a [K] hits the turn and it is all but over.
91 min: 100 – 200: Absea 8960 (5d 3d) - 40 LRE (Ah 8s)
LRE (2nd) has to go with (Ah 8s), and Absea has to call with anything (5d 3d). The flop had a 3 and the turn was a 3, and Absea is NPP’s 2009 Champion!
Congratulations to Absea98 first win at NPP (49th player), and it came at the best possible moment.
And congratulations to all the Finalists, and to LittleRedElf on his dominating league total win.
1st – Absea98
2nd – LittleRedElf
3rd – Douge2
4th – ThePunk75
5th – Tomservo2
6th – Theedouble*d
Watch the blog for statistics and voting preferences for next year! - Faldo
This is what I have said the entire time. Persistency pays off. Chugging thru the season, picking up points when he could, Absea made it to the finals with a Total Points seat, and not by winning any quarter. Or winning a tourney in any quarter! Its called ‘grinding’ in the truest sense.
Let’s see how it happened:
<1 min: ThePunk75 moves all-in first hand. Twss
21 min: Blinds 15 – 30: Theedouble*d (6th) (830 chips) is the only one who calls Absea98’s raise to 120. The flop is [5s Ah 6d] and they get them all in. DD with (Ac Jc) and Absea with (55), and DD doesn’t catch up.
40 min: Blinds 25 – 50: A battle of the blinds as Absea98 calls Tomservo2’s (5th) BB. The flop is [2c 5s Th]. Absea bets a blind and is called. The turn [4h]. Absea bets two blinds and is called. The river is a [7c]. Absea (A3) bets enough with his straight to put Tom all-in, and Tom calls with his two pair. Ouch!
44 min: Blinds 25 – 50: ThePunk75 (4th) goes with (Ac Qh), but Absea98 is holding (Ad Ks). Normally, the suits would not matter in a hand like this as a [Q] falls on the flop. But so do two spades – and runner runner spades ships it to Absea. One of those painful behind – ahead – lost hands.
Break:
Absea98 5315
LittleRedElf 2440
Douge2 1245
66 min: Blinds 75-150: The two short-stacks (SS) have to collide. And Douge2 (1020 chips) (A9) moves in and LittleRedElf (1765) (KQ) calls. Our run away season point leader is in trouble.
68 min: Blinds 75-150: LRE gets even with Doug chip-wise as his (A8) hits an [A] to defeat Doug’s (99).
71 min: Blinds 75-150: At it again! This time Douge gets crippled as his (33) gets over-paired again by LRE’s (AJ) on the flop. Doug is down to less than two big blinds!
74 min: Blinds 100 – 200: Absea98 calls Douge2’s (3rd) blind. The flop is [6d 3s 5s] – a floater’s paradise. Absea bets a blind and Doug calls. The river is an [As]. Doug moves in with (Th 4c) – bluffing the flush or {A} - with an inside straight draw, but Absea is not going anywhere with (A2). A blank falls on the river.
Heads up: Absea98 6600 - 2400 LittleRedElf
86 min: Blinds 100 – 200: Absea 5720 (8d 8c) - 3280 LRE (Ah 5d)
Absea raises to 800 and gets called. Flop [Ad 9d 4h] and it is checked.
Turn [Td] and the Elf moves in and is called. Elf takes the lead!
86 min: Blinds 100 – 200: Absea 2440 (As Ks) - 6560 LRE (Kd Js)
LRE raises to 600 and Absea correctly moves all-in. LRE calls, and we are all even!
90 min: Blinds 100 – 200: Absea 4480 (Kh Js) - 4520 LRE (Ad Ac)
LRE raises to 600 and Absea calls. The flop looks like death for Absea [Jd 2s 3c] (18%) as all his money gets in and LRE (82%) of course calls. But a [K] hits the turn and it is all but over.
91 min: 100 – 200: Absea 8960 (5d 3d) - 40 LRE (Ah 8s)
LRE (2nd) has to go with (Ah 8s), and Absea has to call with anything (5d 3d). The flop had a 3 and the turn was a 3, and Absea is NPP’s 2009 Champion!
Congratulations to Absea98 first win at NPP (49th player), and it came at the best possible moment.
And congratulations to all the Finalists, and to LittleRedElf on his dominating league total win.
1st – Absea98
2nd – LittleRedElf
3rd – Douge2
4th – ThePunk75
5th – Tomservo2
6th – Theedouble*d
Watch the blog for statistics and voting preferences for next year! - Faldo
ThePunk75 and T3chlady Make NPP Proud!
Lady’s first:
T3chlady first finishes 8th in a 180 person tourney on PokerStars.
Then, she follows that up with winning a seat to the Mini FTOPS event #10 on Full Tilt Poker in an 80 player SNG. Nice. I will let her tell the tale of the FTOPS:
“I made a move with 12000 in chips when the blinds were 500/1000. They go up pretty fast. Anyway I was eliminated at about 6000 out of 18000 when my 99 lost against KK.
I was playing well and they paid from position 2100 up. I could have sat back, I suppose, but I would have been seriously short stacked unless I started getting some premium hands (and it wasn’t a premium hand kind of afternoon).
I’m disappointed but I will go for it again soon.” - Jean
Now, from the Punk and his finish in the PokerStars ‘Outlast the Pro’s Tourney’
“Daniel Negreanu, Elky, Chris Moneymaker, and Dennis Phillips got nothing on me last night. Well mainly because I wasn’t at their tables. I played in the Outlast the Pro's tournament last night and finished 13th. I could smell the final table but the usual PokerStars shenanigans eventually caught up to me. Some highlights.
Early on played sparingly, picking my spots to chip up, and gradually building my stack. Got my chips in with the best hand, seems like I had AK vs AJ all night. My first major chip up was a mistake by a chip leader he mis-clicked and raised nearly my whole stack, I was in BB with AK, I re-raised all in, and he had to call. He had A2. That got me deep into the leaderboard.
My KK vs AK got me into the top ten. When we got to about 25 players left I had a mega triple up MY AA vs QQ vs AQ. That got me into the top 3 and a commanding chip stack to make it to the FT. But, of course PS had other plans for me.
Down to two tables, I ran into the fish that refused to fold to my re-raises on flop and turn eventually getting all his chips in on the turn with his flush draw to my top pair. The flush hit on river and I lost half my stack. That put me on monkey tilt and I raised UTG with KJ and the BB re-raised all in with AK, I had him covered, but another chunk was lost. I had gone from top 3 in chips to one of the short stacks.
Luckily I still had enough that my AIPF had some weight to them and I could steal the blinds and chip back up into decent shape. I got a double up my A9 vs QQ. I made a straight on the turn. Soon after that I raised all in pre-flop with AK but of course I ran into AA, and it was over on the flop as QQQ hit.
Ended up in 13th place, a 15x my buy-in cash, plus the bonus paid by PS for outlasting all of their pros.” - Punk
Very nice job to both of you! And thanks for the news.
T3chlady first finishes 8th in a 180 person tourney on PokerStars.
Then, she follows that up with winning a seat to the Mini FTOPS event #10 on Full Tilt Poker in an 80 player SNG. Nice. I will let her tell the tale of the FTOPS:
“I made a move with 12000 in chips when the blinds were 500/1000. They go up pretty fast. Anyway I was eliminated at about 6000 out of 18000 when my 99 lost against KK.
I was playing well and they paid from position 2100 up. I could have sat back, I suppose, but I would have been seriously short stacked unless I started getting some premium hands (and it wasn’t a premium hand kind of afternoon).
I’m disappointed but I will go for it again soon.” - Jean
Now, from the Punk and his finish in the PokerStars ‘Outlast the Pro’s Tourney’
“Daniel Negreanu, Elky, Chris Moneymaker, and Dennis Phillips got nothing on me last night. Well mainly because I wasn’t at their tables. I played in the Outlast the Pro's tournament last night and finished 13th. I could smell the final table but the usual PokerStars shenanigans eventually caught up to me. Some highlights.
Early on played sparingly, picking my spots to chip up, and gradually building my stack. Got my chips in with the best hand, seems like I had AK vs AJ all night. My first major chip up was a mistake by a chip leader he mis-clicked and raised nearly my whole stack, I was in BB with AK, I re-raised all in, and he had to call. He had A2. That got me deep into the leaderboard.
My KK vs AK got me into the top ten. When we got to about 25 players left I had a mega triple up MY AA vs QQ vs AQ. That got me into the top 3 and a commanding chip stack to make it to the FT. But, of course PS had other plans for me.
Down to two tables, I ran into the fish that refused to fold to my re-raises on flop and turn eventually getting all his chips in on the turn with his flush draw to my top pair. The flush hit on river and I lost half my stack. That put me on monkey tilt and I raised UTG with KJ and the BB re-raised all in with AK, I had him covered, but another chunk was lost. I had gone from top 3 in chips to one of the short stacks.
Luckily I still had enough that my AIPF had some weight to them and I could steal the blinds and chip back up into decent shape. I got a double up my A9 vs QQ. I made a straight on the turn. Soon after that I raised all in pre-flop with AK but of course I ran into AA, and it was over on the flop as QQQ hit.
Ended up in 13th place, a 15x my buy-in cash, plus the bonus paid by PS for outlasting all of their pros.” - Punk
Very nice job to both of you! And thanks for the news.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Captain Joe’s Grill and Chill – A Winner
At the Whitmore Lake exit off of US-23, I think I found a man’s steakhouse!
Stopped in for a Sunday steak dinner, and found a winner. The atmosphere is sparse and ‘no frills’, so women may not like it. But I liked the airy – almost cafeteria style seating. There are cozy booths along the walls, however.
I headed to the bar where I tried Michigan’s own Founder’s Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale on draught. It was a slightly lighter than Guinness beer, but with 8.5% alcohol. It was a perfect beer to accompany my oven-baked French onion soup, garlic mashed potatoes and filet mignon.
Captain Joe’s specials include 50-cent wings and $2 domestic pints WHENEVER UofM, MSU, Pistons, Red Wings, or Lions are on TV. They have quite a few big screen TV’s around to watch the action.
There is a downside. After a steak dinner, there is nothing like a cigar and one more brew-ski for dessert. But this is a smoke-free restaurant.
To accommodate, the same owners own CJ Sports Bar – which is attached to Captain Joe’s on the north side. CJ’s allows smoking, and is even contemplating adding a humidor to the bar.
Guys - if you are looking for a no-frills man’s steak dinner - you should give this place a try.
Stopped in for a Sunday steak dinner, and found a winner. The atmosphere is sparse and ‘no frills’, so women may not like it. But I liked the airy – almost cafeteria style seating. There are cozy booths along the walls, however.
I headed to the bar where I tried Michigan’s own Founder’s Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale on draught. It was a slightly lighter than Guinness beer, but with 8.5% alcohol. It was a perfect beer to accompany my oven-baked French onion soup, garlic mashed potatoes and filet mignon.
Captain Joe’s specials include 50-cent wings and $2 domestic pints WHENEVER UofM, MSU, Pistons, Red Wings, or Lions are on TV. They have quite a few big screen TV’s around to watch the action.
There is a downside. After a steak dinner, there is nothing like a cigar and one more brew-ski for dessert. But this is a smoke-free restaurant.
To accommodate, the same owners own CJ Sports Bar – which is attached to Captain Joe’s on the north side. CJ’s allows smoking, and is even contemplating adding a humidor to the bar.
Guys - if you are looking for a no-frills man’s steak dinner - you should give this place a try.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Priceless Moments in History
Sending them all your money when you could very easily keep it all - and the jobs here. Stupid.
Letting them get off scot-free when 17 of 19 of their citizens did 9/11. Criminal.
Bowing before them as President of the United States? Priceless.
There is some insanity that can't be explained. For the rest of the insanity - there's Democrats.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Increase Your Stack by 2100%, in Four Hands!!!
twss - Whitmore Lake – November 29, 2009 – as told by Ryan “Pingsticks” W.
“I’m going to tell this story from my perspective, having already been knocked out of this tournament midway and having to sweat my ride home for the remainder of the game.
A little insight into what happened leading up to quite possibly the most sick and unlikely run I’ve ever seen during end-game tournament poker: 56 players bought in for $20 and received 8,000 in chips – pretty standard freeze-out tournament. Top five would get paid ($350; $220; $150; $100; $75).
Just before the first break, Brian “Allinduces” H. (Premier Poker Lounge Manager) chipped all the way up to 50k in chips, when the chip average was about 15k. It would be safe to say he was chip-leader at this point. Play resumes, and before you know it, Brian loses a few good-sized pots seeing his stack dwindle down to around 20k. No big deal, right? That’s poker.
Fast-forward: 9 players made the final table with a chip average of about 50k. Having hung around long enough to make it, Brian drew seat 3 (BB) with 14k in chips. Blinds are 3,000/6,000 at this point, and everyone is essentially in push-mode. Given how volatile this game can be, and how demanding this structure is at the end, sometimes you can just fold your way into the money.
It would be correct to say that Brian was going against his belief in the “M” strategy (which I also highly believe in), but I’m not writing this to spite his going against this strategy, or to say that he is a luck-box (Brian is an exceptional player with a knowledgeable outlook on the game). What you are about to read is one of the most unlikely sequences I have ever witnessed.
*First hand in the BB: 3s4s
- A raise, a call, a re-raise, and Brian reluctantly folds.
- One player is knocked out.
- Board wouldn’t have helped, down to 8k in chips. Still in.
*Second hand in the SB: 6-2off
- More raising, calling, pushing, and Brian folds again.
- Another player is knocked out.
- Board once again wouldn’t have helped, down to 5k in chips. Still in.
*Brian folds around until his next BB
- Another player is knocked out during this orbit.
- Down to 6 players – money bubble.
- KEY POINT: Brian asks for a “pay the bubble” and is denied.
(Insane sequence of four hands – chip average is 75k)
*Brian holds Kd7d, and is all-in with 5k in the BB (which is actually 6k)
- UTG raises with Qd5d (not sure why) to isolate. Folds around.
- Brian’s hand holds up, and he now has 13k in chips.
- OK. I’ve seen this before. Then this happens…
*Brian holds AsAc in the SB (3k)
- EP limps, folds around and Brian goes all-in for 13k total.
- BB (who just doubled him up) calls with K-8off. EP folds.
- Brian flips his aces over, and the BB moans “seriously?”
- Aces hold, and Brian now has 32k in chips. Good timing, right?
*Brian holds Q-Q on the button
- EP limps, Hi-Jack raises it up to 20k with 10-10.
- Brian goes all-in for 32k total, folds around to Hi-Jack.
- He calls. Brian flips over his queens.
- We now have a crowd of about 20 people watching.
- Everyone is in shock, the queens hold, and Brian now has over 70k! Wow!
*Brian holds K-K in the cutoff
- MP limps, Hi-Jack raises it up to 20k.
- Brian pauses, then goes all-in for 70k+. Folds around to original raiser.
- Raiser says, “Man, you really have a monster again?”
- He eventually folds, saying he had J-J. Everyone is waiting…
- Brian flips over his kings, and everyone lets out a sigh of “WTF?”
- Brian now has 105k in chips, and is by-far the chip leader.
- KEY POINT #2: All players now agree to pay the bubble!
*The next hand, Brian holds 10-7off
- Folds around to him, and he folds, much to the chagrin of the crowd.
- In the four consecutive hands before this one, Brian has increased his stack from 5,000 in chips to 105,000 in chips – a whopping 2100%! Remarkable.
Talk about the old saying “a chip and a chair” actually coming true.
Brian rallied all the way to the end, knocking out players and facing a tough opponent heads-up, eventually settling for second place. When considering the dramatic turn of events that occurred, second place is not too shabby at all. Way to go, Brian!”
“I’m going to tell this story from my perspective, having already been knocked out of this tournament midway and having to sweat my ride home for the remainder of the game.
A little insight into what happened leading up to quite possibly the most sick and unlikely run I’ve ever seen during end-game tournament poker: 56 players bought in for $20 and received 8,000 in chips – pretty standard freeze-out tournament. Top five would get paid ($350; $220; $150; $100; $75).
Just before the first break, Brian “Allinduces” H. (Premier Poker Lounge Manager) chipped all the way up to 50k in chips, when the chip average was about 15k. It would be safe to say he was chip-leader at this point. Play resumes, and before you know it, Brian loses a few good-sized pots seeing his stack dwindle down to around 20k. No big deal, right? That’s poker.
Fast-forward: 9 players made the final table with a chip average of about 50k. Having hung around long enough to make it, Brian drew seat 3 (BB) with 14k in chips. Blinds are 3,000/6,000 at this point, and everyone is essentially in push-mode. Given how volatile this game can be, and how demanding this structure is at the end, sometimes you can just fold your way into the money.
It would be correct to say that Brian was going against his belief in the “M” strategy (which I also highly believe in), but I’m not writing this to spite his going against this strategy, or to say that he is a luck-box (Brian is an exceptional player with a knowledgeable outlook on the game). What you are about to read is one of the most unlikely sequences I have ever witnessed.
*First hand in the BB: 3s4s
- A raise, a call, a re-raise, and Brian reluctantly folds.
- One player is knocked out.
- Board wouldn’t have helped, down to 8k in chips. Still in.
*Second hand in the SB: 6-2off
- More raising, calling, pushing, and Brian folds again.
- Another player is knocked out.
- Board once again wouldn’t have helped, down to 5k in chips. Still in.
*Brian folds around until his next BB
- Another player is knocked out during this orbit.
- Down to 6 players – money bubble.
- KEY POINT: Brian asks for a “pay the bubble” and is denied.
(Insane sequence of four hands – chip average is 75k)
*Brian holds Kd7d, and is all-in with 5k in the BB (which is actually 6k)
- UTG raises with Qd5d (not sure why) to isolate. Folds around.
- Brian’s hand holds up, and he now has 13k in chips.
- OK. I’ve seen this before. Then this happens…
*Brian holds AsAc in the SB (3k)
- EP limps, folds around and Brian goes all-in for 13k total.
- BB (who just doubled him up) calls with K-8off. EP folds.
- Brian flips his aces over, and the BB moans “seriously?”
- Aces hold, and Brian now has 32k in chips. Good timing, right?
*Brian holds Q-Q on the button
- EP limps, Hi-Jack raises it up to 20k with 10-10.
- Brian goes all-in for 32k total, folds around to Hi-Jack.
- He calls. Brian flips over his queens.
- We now have a crowd of about 20 people watching.
- Everyone is in shock, the queens hold, and Brian now has over 70k! Wow!
*Brian holds K-K in the cutoff
- MP limps, Hi-Jack raises it up to 20k.
- Brian pauses, then goes all-in for 70k+. Folds around to original raiser.
- Raiser says, “Man, you really have a monster again?”
- He eventually folds, saying he had J-J. Everyone is waiting…
- Brian flips over his kings, and everyone lets out a sigh of “WTF?”
- Brian now has 105k in chips, and is by-far the chip leader.
- KEY POINT #2: All players now agree to pay the bubble!
*The next hand, Brian holds 10-7off
- Folds around to him, and he folds, much to the chagrin of the crowd.
- In the four consecutive hands before this one, Brian has increased his stack from 5,000 in chips to 105,000 in chips – a whopping 2100%! Remarkable.
Talk about the old saying “a chip and a chair” actually coming true.
Brian rallied all the way to the end, knocking out players and facing a tough opponent heads-up, eventually settling for second place. When considering the dramatic turn of events that occurred, second place is not too shabby at all. Way to go, Brian!”
Friday, December 11, 2009
Douge2’s Humor Corner – XXIV
Pennies to Heaven
One Sunday, in counting the money in the weekly offering, the pastor of a church found a pink envelope containing $1,000.
It happened again the next week.
The following Sunday, he watched as the offering was collected and saw a little old lady put the distinctive pink envelope in the plate.
This went on for weeks until the pastor, overcome by curiosity, approached her.
"Ma'am, I couldn't help but notice that you put $1,000 a week in the collection plate," he stated.
"Why yes," she replied, "every week my son sends me money, and I tithe to God."
The pastor replied, "That's wonderful, how much does your son send you?"
The old lady said, "$10,000 a week."
The pastor was amazed. "Your son is very successful; What does he do for a living?"
"He is a veterinarian," she answered.
"That is an honorable profession," the pastor said. "Where does he practice?"
The old lady said proudly, "In Nevada. He has two cat houses, one in Las Vegas and one in Reno.”
That’s Bull!
An ATF officer stops at a ranch up in Oklahoma and talks with the owner, an old farmer. He tells the farmer, “I need to inspect your property for illegally grown drugs.”
The old farmer says, “Okay, but make sure you don't go in that field over there.”
The officer verbally explodes saying, “Mister, I have the authority of the Government with me.” Reaching into his rear pant pocket and removing his Police badge, the officer proudly displays it to the farmer.
“See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish, on any land. There is nothing to stop me - this badge gives me the right. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?”
The farmer nods politely and goes about his chores.
Within minutes, the farmer hears loud screams and sees the officer running for his life. Close behind is the farmer's bull. With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer. The officer is clearly terrified.
The old farmer immediately throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs...“Your badge! Show him your badge!!!”
One Sunday, in counting the money in the weekly offering, the pastor of a church found a pink envelope containing $1,000.
It happened again the next week.
The following Sunday, he watched as the offering was collected and saw a little old lady put the distinctive pink envelope in the plate.
This went on for weeks until the pastor, overcome by curiosity, approached her.
"Ma'am, I couldn't help but notice that you put $1,000 a week in the collection plate," he stated.
"Why yes," she replied, "every week my son sends me money, and I tithe to God."
The pastor replied, "That's wonderful, how much does your son send you?"
The old lady said, "$10,000 a week."
The pastor was amazed. "Your son is very successful; What does he do for a living?"
"He is a veterinarian," she answered.
"That is an honorable profession," the pastor said. "Where does he practice?"
The old lady said proudly, "In Nevada. He has two cat houses, one in Las Vegas and one in Reno.”
That’s Bull!
An ATF officer stops at a ranch up in Oklahoma and talks with the owner, an old farmer. He tells the farmer, “I need to inspect your property for illegally grown drugs.”
The old farmer says, “Okay, but make sure you don't go in that field over there.”
The officer verbally explodes saying, “Mister, I have the authority of the Government with me.” Reaching into his rear pant pocket and removing his Police badge, the officer proudly displays it to the farmer.
“See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish, on any land. There is nothing to stop me - this badge gives me the right. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?”
The farmer nods politely and goes about his chores.
Within minutes, the farmer hears loud screams and sees the officer running for his life. Close behind is the farmer's bull. With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer. The officer is clearly terrified.
The old farmer immediately throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs...“Your badge! Show him your badge!!!”
Thursday, December 10, 2009
NPP Heads-Up Tournament Bracket!
Remember, it is a double knockout tourney! So you have to lose twice to be knocked out.
The rules are simple. Contact your opponent, Faldo and the blog often – and trash talk always!
Round 1 Winners Bracket
Derf-63 vs
BigDaddyTman
Bigbrimar vs
Boother36
T3chlady vs
K9isadog
ThePunk75 vs
Wingsfancurt
LittleRedElf vs
Mistermusic5
Funtoon vs
Smookie27
Absea98 vs
TresStooges
Suetman vs
Faldo
Contact your opponent and let me know your game day and time – then I will schedule it!
Get’er done!
The rules are simple. Contact your opponent, Faldo and the blog often – and trash talk always!
Round 1 Winners Bracket
Derf-63 vs
BigDaddyTman
Bigbrimar vs
Boother36
T3chlady vs
K9isadog
ThePunk75 vs
Wingsfancurt
LittleRedElf vs
Mistermusic5
Funtoon vs
Smookie27
Absea98 vs
TresStooges
Suetman vs
Faldo
Contact your opponent and let me know your game day and time – then I will schedule it!
Get’er done!
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Smookie27 Wins His 1st NPP Tourney!
It was a classic – and at the same time – typical night of poker at NPP. First a dogfight was to ensue for the last two seats for the NPP Finals next week. But in a surprise, Kensik – on of the players still in the running – was a no show. Hope everything is cool. It’s a shocker because Kensik made a great run to get into that position.
But we also had a new player join us as Owetheshark came aboard. Welcome Mark. And in a surprise, a player from the past returned – Smookie27 – and he came back with a vengeance, wiping out 19 players.
I guess being a new father gave him the motivation to take money out of Faldo’s pockets.
Now, on to the action:
2 min: Faldo played tonight so I did not see how Jenski6 (20th) played her top pair, running into LittleRedElf’s flush.
27 min: Again, Faldo is busy losing chips on his table and doesn’t see a short-stacked (SS) Funtoon (19th) go out.
30 min: A (SS) Owetheshark (18th) gets the typical new player greeting at NPP and goes out against Douge2’s flush.
39 min: Midway2933 (17th) tries with (QJ), but Mikeniks-Faldo has (KK).
43 min: Tomservo2’s (16th) (JJ) loses when he gets all in on a flop of [AA4], but BigLou93 is holding (A5).
45 min: BigDaddyTman (15th) sees his (KK) get run over by BigLou93, holding (77), as a middle straight gets there. Trust me - Lou has been on the other side of a ton of those this season.
50 min: A SS Rennzzo (14th) gets all-in with (A8) but T3chlady holds (KK). A great season, but Rennzzo comes up short of a Finals seat. Only one left who can still jump over and in – Tigercub8189.
Look at this! The big guns of NPP were blazing on the last night of the league!
1st Break:
Absea98 4445 (in the driver’s seat for a seat!)
LittleRedElf 4065 (has his seat)
Theedouble*d 3895 (has his seat)
Mikeniks-Faldo 2895 (has his seat)
ThePunk75 2845 (has his seat)
Douge2 2560 (in good shape for a seat)
T3chlady 1960
Budda627 1720
Birdy333 1490
Biglou93 1360
Tigercub8189 1125 (has to finish at least 2nd. Better get on it. twhs)
Smookie27 1055
Derf-63 585
61 min: A SS Derf-63 (13th) has to go with (A8) (63%) but Birdy333 has (75) (37%) and hits a [7] on the river.
63 min: Tigercub8189 (12th) does all he can do as he sees his (Ah Kh) (73%) get run down by LittleRedElf’s (A8) (23%), with an [8] on the flop.
A great season for Tiger, but no seat for him. Congratulations to Absea98 and Douge2!
75 min: Budda627 (11th) is executed, but Faldo doesn’t see it –watching the next hand.
76 min: Biglou93’s (10th) (TT) loses to Smookie27’s (AK), with an [A] on the flop.
80 min: ThePunk75 (9th) loses with (AK) to Absea98’s (JJ).
85 min: A SS Douge2 (8th) goes with (77), as does a not as bad SS LittleRedElf with (55), as does another SS Mikeniks-Faldo with (Ad Jd). A [J] on the flop carries Faldo!
102 min: A semi SS Birdy333 (7th) has to go with (22), when the board grants her a poisoned full house as Mikeniks-Faldo holds the bigger property. twss
109 min: Absea98 (6th) goes with (55) but Smookie27 is holding (KK).
111 min: A SS T3chlady (5th) has to try with (A8) but cannot overtake Theedouble*d’s (44).
115 min: A SS LittleRedElf (4th) has to go with (88), but Mikeniks-Faldo is holding (JJ).
117 min: Theedouble*s (3rd) loses with (KK) to Mikeniks-Faldo’s (A9) as the flop is [A9Q]. A short-stacked DD pushed and could not catch up.
Heads up: Mikeniks-Faldo 20400 - 9600 Smookie27
Smookie may not realize it, but he has Faldo right where he wants him. Heads up – as Faldo’s heads up record looks like the Trammell Tigers, Harkness Wings and the Lions – all rolled into one record.
2nd Break: Mikeniks-Faldo 20400 - Smookie27 9600
122 min: Smookie27 calls with (AQ), but Faldo has (AK). A [Q] on the flop and the river puts the smash on Faldo.
Mikeniks-Faldo 7000 - Smookie27 23000
125 min: Heads up: Mikeniks-Faldo 15000 - Smookie27 15,000
130 min: Heads up: Mikeniks-Faldo 14500 - Smookie27 15,500
134 min: A worn down Mikeniks-Faldo (2nd) goes with (54), but Smookie27 holds (AQ) and it holds up.
Congratulations to Smookie27 on his first win at NPP. And congratulations to the Finalists, who are posted on the right side of the blog!!!
1st – Smookie27
2nd – Mikeniks-Faldo
3rd – Theedouble*d
4th – LittleRedElf
5th – T3chlady
6th – Absea98
7th – Birdy333
8th – Douge2
9th – ThePunk75
And a public service announcement. Please support Douge2 in this effort if you can.
From Douge2:
“This is my Sportsman's Club's 1st attempt at a fundraiser.
Texas Holdem Poker Tournament.
Licensee: Tri-County Sportsmen’s League
License Number: M53508
Net Proceeds Go to Tri-County Sportsmen’s League’s General Funds
Date: Saturday, 12/12/09
Time: Registration Starts at 5pm Tournament Play Starts at 6pm
(Play will end by 2am—you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here!)
Place: Tri-County Sportsmen’s League (Lower Level)
8640 Moon Road
Saline, Michigan 429-9561
No Rebuys
Blinds Double Every 20 Minutes”
Contact Dave Hemovich for more information
734-429-1809 or dthemo@comcast.net
But we also had a new player join us as Owetheshark came aboard. Welcome Mark. And in a surprise, a player from the past returned – Smookie27 – and he came back with a vengeance, wiping out 19 players.
I guess being a new father gave him the motivation to take money out of Faldo’s pockets.
Now, on to the action:
2 min: Faldo played tonight so I did not see how Jenski6 (20th) played her top pair, running into LittleRedElf’s flush.
27 min: Again, Faldo is busy losing chips on his table and doesn’t see a short-stacked (SS) Funtoon (19th) go out.
30 min: A (SS) Owetheshark (18th) gets the typical new player greeting at NPP and goes out against Douge2’s flush.
39 min: Midway2933 (17th) tries with (QJ), but Mikeniks-Faldo has (KK).
43 min: Tomservo2’s (16th) (JJ) loses when he gets all in on a flop of [AA4], but BigLou93 is holding (A5).
45 min: BigDaddyTman (15th) sees his (KK) get run over by BigLou93, holding (77), as a middle straight gets there. Trust me - Lou has been on the other side of a ton of those this season.
50 min: A SS Rennzzo (14th) gets all-in with (A8) but T3chlady holds (KK). A great season, but Rennzzo comes up short of a Finals seat. Only one left who can still jump over and in – Tigercub8189.
Look at this! The big guns of NPP were blazing on the last night of the league!
1st Break:
Absea98 4445 (in the driver’s seat for a seat!)
LittleRedElf 4065 (has his seat)
Theedouble*d 3895 (has his seat)
Mikeniks-Faldo 2895 (has his seat)
ThePunk75 2845 (has his seat)
Douge2 2560 (in good shape for a seat)
T3chlady 1960
Budda627 1720
Birdy333 1490
Biglou93 1360
Tigercub8189 1125 (has to finish at least 2nd. Better get on it. twhs)
Smookie27 1055
Derf-63 585
61 min: A SS Derf-63 (13th) has to go with (A8) (63%) but Birdy333 has (75) (37%) and hits a [7] on the river.
63 min: Tigercub8189 (12th) does all he can do as he sees his (Ah Kh) (73%) get run down by LittleRedElf’s (A8) (23%), with an [8] on the flop.
A great season for Tiger, but no seat for him. Congratulations to Absea98 and Douge2!
75 min: Budda627 (11th) is executed, but Faldo doesn’t see it –watching the next hand.
76 min: Biglou93’s (10th) (TT) loses to Smookie27’s (AK), with an [A] on the flop.
80 min: ThePunk75 (9th) loses with (AK) to Absea98’s (JJ).
85 min: A SS Douge2 (8th) goes with (77), as does a not as bad SS LittleRedElf with (55), as does another SS Mikeniks-Faldo with (Ad Jd). A [J] on the flop carries Faldo!
102 min: A semi SS Birdy333 (7th) has to go with (22), when the board grants her a poisoned full house as Mikeniks-Faldo holds the bigger property. twss
109 min: Absea98 (6th) goes with (55) but Smookie27 is holding (KK).
111 min: A SS T3chlady (5th) has to try with (A8) but cannot overtake Theedouble*d’s (44).
115 min: A SS LittleRedElf (4th) has to go with (88), but Mikeniks-Faldo is holding (JJ).
117 min: Theedouble*s (3rd) loses with (KK) to Mikeniks-Faldo’s (A9) as the flop is [A9Q]. A short-stacked DD pushed and could not catch up.
Heads up: Mikeniks-Faldo 20400 - 9600 Smookie27
Smookie may not realize it, but he has Faldo right where he wants him. Heads up – as Faldo’s heads up record looks like the Trammell Tigers, Harkness Wings and the Lions – all rolled into one record.
2nd Break: Mikeniks-Faldo 20400 - Smookie27 9600
122 min: Smookie27 calls with (AQ), but Faldo has (AK). A [Q] on the flop and the river puts the smash on Faldo.
Mikeniks-Faldo 7000 - Smookie27 23000
125 min: Heads up: Mikeniks-Faldo 15000 - Smookie27 15,000
130 min: Heads up: Mikeniks-Faldo 14500 - Smookie27 15,500
134 min: A worn down Mikeniks-Faldo (2nd) goes with (54), but Smookie27 holds (AQ) and it holds up.
Congratulations to Smookie27 on his first win at NPP. And congratulations to the Finalists, who are posted on the right side of the blog!!!
1st – Smookie27
2nd – Mikeniks-Faldo
3rd – Theedouble*d
4th – LittleRedElf
5th – T3chlady
6th – Absea98
7th – Birdy333
8th – Douge2
9th – ThePunk75
And a public service announcement. Please support Douge2 in this effort if you can.
From Douge2:
“This is my Sportsman's Club's 1st attempt at a fundraiser.
Texas Holdem Poker Tournament.
Licensee: Tri-County Sportsmen’s League
License Number: M53508
Net Proceeds Go to Tri-County Sportsmen’s League’s General Funds
Date: Saturday, 12/12/09
Time: Registration Starts at 5pm Tournament Play Starts at 6pm
(Play will end by 2am—you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here!)
Place: Tri-County Sportsmen’s League (Lower Level)
8640 Moon Road
Saline, Michigan 429-9561
No Rebuys
Blinds Double Every 20 Minutes”
Contact Dave Hemovich for more information
734-429-1809 or dthemo@comcast.net
Monday, December 07, 2009
Sign up for the NPP Heads-Up Tournament on PokerStars
This was the invention of Nahanni74. She has not played at NPP in a while, and I don’t know why. The league is not as talented without her. Anyway, this was the original (and still valid) set up:
“Can we do a heads-up bracket tournament for the first 16 RSVP’s between Dec. 9 and the start of the new league? Like the heads up NBC Championship? Here is what I am thinking…
[Ed. Note: Not responsible for the content of women thinking or the damage wrought by same]
[New Ed. Note: This is actually turned out to be a great idea, and a good tourney set up! I guess I should retract the sarcastic, rude and chauvinistic comment I made last year.]
[New New Ed. Note: Or Not!]
Send in email to npokerp at yahoo dot com to get in. Or they can enter by commenting on the blog posting.
The NPP Committee draws the bracket. It is done in a super secret location, where full concentration can be given to the fairness and accuracy of said draw – in between lap dances.
People comment on the site or thru email to schedule their match. Faldo makes tourney on PS and emails the passwords to the players for the match.
Players can set their own price for the match, but the NPP standard for the first 4 rounds will be $1.20. Emails ONLY confirming a different entry fee must be received from each player - by Faldo - before Faldo will make it something different.
As the matches get completed, Faldo updates with a new post. Players are responsible for reading the site, finding their next opponent, getting contact information from Faldo, and making sure the correct results are posted.
Faldo has forfeit power for lack of response or delay of play – even if he is in tourney. [Ed. Note: heh-heh-heh!]
Eligible players is anyone who played at least one round at NPP during the season.
[Ed. Note: Yeah, ok. But ‘seniority’ might be a consideration taken in order to make the bracket manageable. Doubt it, but possible.]
The tournament should try to be completed before new league season begins.” - Nahanni74
Faldo’s secretary did a fine job of drafting the tourney rules. Get your entry in by commenting here – or better still – writing Faldo at npokerp at yahoo dot com.
Number of entries allowed and the cut off point for entries is solely in the discretion of the NPP Tournament Committee….or “Tiffany” - if she is working the night of the draw.
“Can we do a heads-up bracket tournament for the first 16 RSVP’s between Dec. 9 and the start of the new league? Like the heads up NBC Championship? Here is what I am thinking…
[Ed. Note: Not responsible for the content of women thinking or the damage wrought by same]
[New Ed. Note: This is actually turned out to be a great idea, and a good tourney set up! I guess I should retract the sarcastic, rude and chauvinistic comment I made last year.]
[New New Ed. Note: Or Not!]
Send in email to npokerp at yahoo dot com to get in. Or they can enter by commenting on the blog posting.
The NPP Committee draws the bracket. It is done in a super secret location, where full concentration can be given to the fairness and accuracy of said draw – in between lap dances.
People comment on the site or thru email to schedule their match. Faldo makes tourney on PS and emails the passwords to the players for the match.
Players can set their own price for the match, but the NPP standard for the first 4 rounds will be $1.20. Emails ONLY confirming a different entry fee must be received from each player - by Faldo - before Faldo will make it something different.
As the matches get completed, Faldo updates with a new post. Players are responsible for reading the site, finding their next opponent, getting contact information from Faldo, and making sure the correct results are posted.
Faldo has forfeit power for lack of response or delay of play – even if he is in tourney. [Ed. Note: heh-heh-heh!]
Eligible players is anyone who played at least one round at NPP during the season.
[Ed. Note: Yeah, ok. But ‘seniority’ might be a consideration taken in order to make the bracket manageable. Doubt it, but possible.]
The tournament should try to be completed before new league season begins.” - Nahanni74
Faldo’s secretary did a fine job of drafting the tourney rules. Get your entry in by commenting here – or better still – writing Faldo at npokerp at yahoo dot com.
Number of entries allowed and the cut off point for entries is solely in the discretion of the NPP Tournament Committee….or “Tiffany” - if she is working the night of the draw.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
T3chlady and LittleRedElf Reach a Final Table
Notes are from T3chlady. No input from LRE. LRE must be doing a Bryson.
“Went to the American Legion Tournament in Dexter on Saturday and was surprised to see LRE! We ended up at the final table (a 16 person tournament).
I lost one major hand with 44 on the board and a 4 in hand. My opponent also had a 4, better kicker.
Later I had KK against AJ. Ace on the river. I was still in the game but was seriously short stacked at that point.
Ended up 4th - on the bubble. LRE probably won. He was chip leader at that point.”
Thanks T3chlady. LittleRedElf, where is the …rest of the story?
Nice job by both of you in any case.
“Went to the American Legion Tournament in Dexter on Saturday and was surprised to see LRE! We ended up at the final table (a 16 person tournament).
I lost one major hand with 44 on the board and a 4 in hand. My opponent also had a 4, better kicker.
Later I had KK against AJ. Ace on the river. I was still in the game but was seriously short stacked at that point.
Ended up 4th - on the bubble. LRE probably won. He was chip leader at that point.”
Thanks T3chlady. LittleRedElf, where is the …rest of the story?
Nice job by both of you in any case.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
If You Are Not Playing at NPP on Tuesdays, You Just Might Be….
A little take-off of on the – “you just might be a redneck” - tagline of Jeff Foxworthy.
If you are not playing on Tuesdays at NPP, you just might be…
Hen-pecked
– definition from the Urban Dictionary - When a male complies with every single demand of his girlfriend or wife, and the female is in complete control of her man.
A hen-pecked male will easily bow to his woman and blow off his friends.
Also see Pussy-whipped.
Context:
Bigbrimar: “Damn. 4Putt blew us off again for golf and poker to go get bossed around. He's so hen-pecked.”
Faldo: (Makes whipping sound) “Yeah, he's whipped.”
If you are not playing on Tuesdays at NPP, you just might be….
Pussy-whipped
- definition from common sense – When a male will do anything in order to possibly get lucky that evening….or in the case of a married guy, that week or month.
Context:
LittleRedElf: “Cigar4john can’t play poker tonight. He is going to his sister-in-laws baby shower after party, and watching the kids to save a few hours of baby-sitter hours.”
ThePunk75: “Is he whipped or what?”
If you are not playing on Tuesdays at NPP, you just might be a....
Sitzpinkler
- directly translated from German as - "a man who urinates whilst sitting down"; refers to a man who is hen-pecked or under the thumb of his wife/girlfriend, or is otherwise weak or effeminate.
Context:
Absea98: “Is Whilden coming down to the poker room later?”
Kensik: “What, are you kidding? You know he's a total sitzpinkler these days.”
If you are not playing on Tuesdays at NPP, you just might be a ….
Bryson
- definition from Great Britain - A hen-pecked, lightweight person. One who cannot handle their drinks and falls asleep easily.
Context:
Roll-call: 7Jokers, Beerhog, Boother36, Hlam14, and Greggst49 are not playing at NPP tonight – they are staying in with the wives and doing a Bryson.
Editor’s note: All names used in the ‘context’ descriptions were pulled - at random - from the thousands of male names used on the planet Earth and therefore are not to be taken literally if you know anyone who goes by these names. - Thank you
If you are not playing on Tuesdays at NPP, you just might be…
Hen-pecked
– definition from the Urban Dictionary - When a male complies with every single demand of his girlfriend or wife, and the female is in complete control of her man.
A hen-pecked male will easily bow to his woman and blow off his friends.
Also see Pussy-whipped.
Context:
Bigbrimar: “Damn. 4Putt blew us off again for golf and poker to go get bossed around. He's so hen-pecked.”
Faldo: (Makes whipping sound) “Yeah, he's whipped.”
If you are not playing on Tuesdays at NPP, you just might be….
Pussy-whipped
- definition from common sense – When a male will do anything in order to possibly get lucky that evening….or in the case of a married guy, that week or month.
Context:
LittleRedElf: “Cigar4john can’t play poker tonight. He is going to his sister-in-laws baby shower after party, and watching the kids to save a few hours of baby-sitter hours.”
ThePunk75: “Is he whipped or what?”
If you are not playing on Tuesdays at NPP, you just might be a....
Sitzpinkler
- directly translated from German as - "a man who urinates whilst sitting down"; refers to a man who is hen-pecked or under the thumb of his wife/girlfriend, or is otherwise weak or effeminate.
Context:
Absea98: “Is Whilden coming down to the poker room later?”
Kensik: “What, are you kidding? You know he's a total sitzpinkler these days.”
If you are not playing on Tuesdays at NPP, you just might be a ….
Bryson
- definition from Great Britain - A hen-pecked, lightweight person. One who cannot handle their drinks and falls asleep easily.
Context:
Roll-call: 7Jokers, Beerhog, Boother36, Hlam14, and Greggst49 are not playing at NPP tonight – they are staying in with the wives and doing a Bryson.
Editor’s note: All names used in the ‘context’ descriptions were pulled - at random - from the thousands of male names used on the planet Earth and therefore are not to be taken literally if you know anyone who goes by these names. - Thank you
Friday, December 04, 2009
Douge2’s Humor Corner – XXVIII
Golfers are Compassionate
A husband and wife are on the 9th green, when suddenly she collapses from a heart attack! "Help me dear," she groans to her husband.
The husband calls 911 on his cell phone, talks for a few minutes picks up his putter and lines up his putt. His wife raises her head off the green and stares at him. "I'm dying here and you're putting?"
"Don't worry dear," says the husband calmly, "They found a doctor on the second hole and he's coming to help you."
"Well, how long will it take for him to get here," she asks feebly?
"No time at all," says her husband. "Everybody's already agreed to let him play through."
Lesson Learned
A young man and a priest are playing together. At a short par 3 the priest asks, "What are you going to use on this hole my son?”
The young man says, "An 8-iron, father. How about you?"
The priest says, "I'm going to hit a soft seven and pray.”
The young man hits his 8-iron and puts the ball on the green. The priest tops his 7-iron and dribbles the ball out a few yards.
The young man says, "I don't know about you father, but in my church, when we pray, we keep our head down
Take a Mulligan or Two
Police are called to an apartment and find Erin Woods holding a bloody 5-iron standing over an unconscious Tiger. The detective asks, "Ma'am, is that your husband?"
"Yes" says the woman.
"Did you hit him with that golf club?"
"Yes, yes, I did." The woman begins to sob, drops the club, and puts her, hands on her face.
"How many times did you hit him?"
"I don't know, five, six, maybe seven times.....just put me down for a five."
What is Par for this Hole?
A golfer teed up his ball on the first tee, took a mighty swing and hit his ball into a clump of trees. He found his ball and saw an opening between two trees he thought he could hit through. Taking out his 3-wood, he took a mighty swing. The ball hit a tree, bounced back, hit him in the forehead and killed him.
As he approached the gates of Heaven, St. Peter asked, "Are you a good golfer?"
The man replied: "Got here in two, didn't I?"
Time Management at its Finest
The bride was escorted down the aisle and when she reached the altar, the groom was standing there with his golf bag and clubs at his side.
She said: "What are your golf clubs doing here?”
He looked her right in the eye and said, "This isn't going to take all day, is it?"
A husband and wife are on the 9th green, when suddenly she collapses from a heart attack! "Help me dear," she groans to her husband.
The husband calls 911 on his cell phone, talks for a few minutes picks up his putter and lines up his putt. His wife raises her head off the green and stares at him. "I'm dying here and you're putting?"
"Don't worry dear," says the husband calmly, "They found a doctor on the second hole and he's coming to help you."
"Well, how long will it take for him to get here," she asks feebly?
"No time at all," says her husband. "Everybody's already agreed to let him play through."
Lesson Learned
A young man and a priest are playing together. At a short par 3 the priest asks, "What are you going to use on this hole my son?”
The young man says, "An 8-iron, father. How about you?"
The priest says, "I'm going to hit a soft seven and pray.”
The young man hits his 8-iron and puts the ball on the green. The priest tops his 7-iron and dribbles the ball out a few yards.
The young man says, "I don't know about you father, but in my church, when we pray, we keep our head down
Take a Mulligan or Two
Police are called to an apartment and find Erin Woods holding a bloody 5-iron standing over an unconscious Tiger. The detective asks, "Ma'am, is that your husband?"
"Yes" says the woman.
"Did you hit him with that golf club?"
"Yes, yes, I did." The woman begins to sob, drops the club, and puts her, hands on her face.
"How many times did you hit him?"
"I don't know, five, six, maybe seven times.....just put me down for a five."
What is Par for this Hole?
A golfer teed up his ball on the first tee, took a mighty swing and hit his ball into a clump of trees. He found his ball and saw an opening between two trees he thought he could hit through. Taking out his 3-wood, he took a mighty swing. The ball hit a tree, bounced back, hit him in the forehead and killed him.
As he approached the gates of Heaven, St. Peter asked, "Are you a good golfer?"
The man replied: "Got here in two, didn't I?"
Time Management at its Finest
The bride was escorted down the aisle and when she reached the altar, the groom was standing there with his golf bag and clubs at his side.
She said: "What are your golf clubs doing here?”
He looked her right in the eye and said, "This isn't going to take all day, is it?"
Thursday, December 03, 2009
You Can’t Be Nice All the Time in Poker
{Re-write by Faldo - Story is now correct. It was an obvious collusion situation, and not a collusion and dealer error situation that I originally wrote. The Premier Poker Lounge dealer was innocent. Faldo's error on that.}
Yes, take bad beats gracefully. The money will return with interest eventually.
NEVER berate a bad play by a player that costs you a pot. You want to chase Faldo away and have Boother36 or LittleRedElf fill the seat? Yeah – real smart.
The dealer screws up the deal and starts over ….and you had AA. Shut up and throw them in without any whining. No need to embarrass the dealer. It happens.
However, there are times when you have to stand firm and stick up for yourself and what is right. Here is a debacle at Premier Poker Lounge that needs to be reviewed. I will let Boother36 tell it.
“This is a situation that happened to me on Saturday night – the big Saturday weekend at PPL - that I wanted to share with the NPP crew so it doesn’t happen to you!!
Here are the facts; a $110 buy-in tourney, 28 players to start, we are down to the bubble with 4, they pay thru 3rd ($1250, $775, $520), antes/blinds = $400/$2K/$4K, average chip stack is $87,500, all 4 players are between $60K and $95K in chips.
The 2 big stacks clash on a hand and leave the loser with only $1K. I am sitting good with around $75K, so it appears that I am a lock to cash.
The next hand, the short stack who I will call Yappy (he is a dealer in another local charity card room, a twenty-something self proclaimed poker expert-just ask him, and he NEVER shut his trap once during the entire tourney!!) is UTG and calls for his remaining chip.
The button folds. The SB (who happens to be Yappy’s buddy!!) [Ed. Note: Red Flag!] goes all in for around $60K. I’m in the BB and can’t believe this move. I would have expected him to simply flat call so we could check-it down and have 2 shots at taking out bubble-boy. I fold in disgust, to see the SB w/ As7s and Yappy with 85 off suit. [Ed. Note: Ok, not smart, but not the worst play I have seen in this situation.]
Now for the nutty part. The flop comes 8-5-3. Yappy's buddy picks up his cards (As 7s), turns them over, says “I fold” and throws them into the muck. No one at the table, including the dealer, can believe this move. Then the dealer deals the turn (A) and the river (A) and shoves the pot to Yappy, as he has to.
Everyone, except for Yappy and his buddy, can’t believe what happened. [Ed. Note: I would like a little more info on who "Everyone" was. How many people saw this - and why didn't they call the Floor Supervisor? This is obvious collusion between Yappy and YB.]
The Floor Supervisor is no where to be seen (which is odd for the PPL). And after some small talk along the lines of WTF….play continues.
Here is where I made my mistake. I decide to let it go. I don’t want to delay the game, make waves or be a “bad guy” to wreck my karma. I decide since Yappy only has a few thousand in chips, he will be out in the next hand and all will be back to normal.
Wrong!! He proceeds to double up and take down the next few pots. Soon we find ourselves at break and Yappy has around $30K!! (Never doubt the old saying “a chip and a chair”!!)
When break is over, the table starts chatting about chopping ($1K cash for the chip leader and $500 of the other 3 of us). I say “I’m not comfortable with Yappy getting any cash, since he should be gone”, so we don’t chop and play continues.
The first hand after break, I have A9 and move all in. Yappy calls with A7 and the others fold. Now I am feeling comfortable that all is well in the world – I will bust Yappy and things will be back to normal. Well, as you guessed it, a 7 comes on the river and now Yappy has more chips than I do!! Talk about WTF!!!
I decide to suck up my pride and agree to chop. I walk out the door with $500, basically 3rd place money.
After spending time lying awake in bed early on Sunday morning thinking about what went wrong….next time, I will ask to stop play when the “collusion” situation happened, regardless of who it pissed off or how much time it would have taken to get things straightened out.
But I guess I’m too much of a nice guy to do that. So the moral of the story is don’t be a nice guy and let something that is not right, slide by…it could come back to hurt you!!!”
Boother, glad you are a nice guy. You are too big (size and heart) to be otherwise!
What is wrong with the guy on the Button? I would have reported the collusion to the Floor Supervisor myself! The missing Floor Supervisor is another concern. That just should not happen. It's the final table and pay time!
I like everyone at PPL, and it is still my local poker room of choice, but I hope we can get the House and the Dealer side of this collusion story. I will ask.
Yes, take bad beats gracefully. The money will return with interest eventually.
NEVER berate a bad play by a player that costs you a pot. You want to chase Faldo away and have Boother36 or LittleRedElf fill the seat? Yeah – real smart.
The dealer screws up the deal and starts over ….and you had AA. Shut up and throw them in without any whining. No need to embarrass the dealer. It happens.
However, there are times when you have to stand firm and stick up for yourself and what is right. Here is a debacle at Premier Poker Lounge that needs to be reviewed. I will let Boother36 tell it.
“This is a situation that happened to me on Saturday night – the big Saturday weekend at PPL - that I wanted to share with the NPP crew so it doesn’t happen to you!!
Here are the facts; a $110 buy-in tourney, 28 players to start, we are down to the bubble with 4, they pay thru 3rd ($1250, $775, $520), antes/blinds = $400/$2K/$4K, average chip stack is $87,500, all 4 players are between $60K and $95K in chips.
The 2 big stacks clash on a hand and leave the loser with only $1K. I am sitting good with around $75K, so it appears that I am a lock to cash.
The next hand, the short stack who I will call Yappy (he is a dealer in another local charity card room, a twenty-something self proclaimed poker expert-just ask him, and he NEVER shut his trap once during the entire tourney!!) is UTG and calls for his remaining chip.
The button folds. The SB (who happens to be Yappy’s buddy!!) [Ed. Note: Red Flag!] goes all in for around $60K. I’m in the BB and can’t believe this move. I would have expected him to simply flat call so we could check-it down and have 2 shots at taking out bubble-boy. I fold in disgust, to see the SB w/ As7s and Yappy with 85 off suit. [Ed. Note: Ok, not smart, but not the worst play I have seen in this situation.]
Now for the nutty part. The flop comes 8-5-3. Yappy's buddy picks up his cards (As 7s), turns them over, says “I fold” and throws them into the muck. No one at the table, including the dealer, can believe this move. Then the dealer deals the turn (A) and the river (A) and shoves the pot to Yappy, as he has to.
Everyone, except for Yappy and his buddy, can’t believe what happened. [Ed. Note: I would like a little more info on who "Everyone" was. How many people saw this - and why didn't they call the Floor Supervisor? This is obvious collusion between Yappy and YB.]
The Floor Supervisor is no where to be seen (which is odd for the PPL). And after some small talk along the lines of WTF….play continues.
Here is where I made my mistake. I decide to let it go. I don’t want to delay the game, make waves or be a “bad guy” to wreck my karma. I decide since Yappy only has a few thousand in chips, he will be out in the next hand and all will be back to normal.
Wrong!! He proceeds to double up and take down the next few pots. Soon we find ourselves at break and Yappy has around $30K!! (Never doubt the old saying “a chip and a chair”!!)
When break is over, the table starts chatting about chopping ($1K cash for the chip leader and $500 of the other 3 of us). I say “I’m not comfortable with Yappy getting any cash, since he should be gone”, so we don’t chop and play continues.
The first hand after break, I have A9 and move all in. Yappy calls with A7 and the others fold. Now I am feeling comfortable that all is well in the world – I will bust Yappy and things will be back to normal. Well, as you guessed it, a 7 comes on the river and now Yappy has more chips than I do!! Talk about WTF!!!
I decide to suck up my pride and agree to chop. I walk out the door with $500, basically 3rd place money.
After spending time lying awake in bed early on Sunday morning thinking about what went wrong….next time, I will ask to stop play when the “collusion” situation happened, regardless of who it pissed off or how much time it would have taken to get things straightened out.
But I guess I’m too much of a nice guy to do that. So the moral of the story is don’t be a nice guy and let something that is not right, slide by…it could come back to hurt you!!!”
Boother, glad you are a nice guy. You are too big (size and heart) to be otherwise!
What is wrong with the guy on the Button? I would have reported the collusion to the Floor Supervisor myself! The missing Floor Supervisor is another concern. That just should not happen. It's the final table and pay time!
I like everyone at PPL, and it is still my local poker room of choice, but I hope we can get the House and the Dealer side of this collusion story. I will ask.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Theedouble*d Wins His 4th NPP Tourney!
It was a crazy night of poker as the battle for the final seats really set the tone. Even though we only had 18 starters, we almost set a record for the longest tourney. That is a testament to the quality of players in this league and the importance they place on doing well in it.
I am a proud commissioner I must say. Double-D fought his way past all the people trying to reach where he is – an NPP 2009 Finalist.
ThePunk75 locked down his seat tonight, clinching the 4th quarter seat. Only the two Total Point at-Large seats remain to be claimed – and that is going down to the wire!
Next week is the last week of the regular season. What a league!
On to the action:
30 min: A short-stacked (SS) Birdy333 (18th) goes with (QT) but can’t catch Derf-63’s (AQ).
41 min: A SS K9isadog (17th) tries with the same hand (QT), but Akensi has (88).
Look at the time! Forty minutes and only two players are out. But there are plenty of short-stacks ‘hannnngggging around’. It goes wild until break time now.
48 min: Absea98’s (77) takes out a short-stacked (SS) Tomservo2 (16th).
49 min: Last week’s winner Jenski6 (15th) goes with (KJ) but LittleRedElf is holding (99).
50 min: A SS T3chlady (14th) gets all-in with (As 5s) but Akensi holds (AJ).
52 min: A SS Funtoon (13th) has to go with (9c 5c) but Bigbrimar has (TT).
53 min: BigDaddyTman (12th) sees his (77) run into Absea98’s (JJ).
Finally, a little calm for the scribe!
1st Break:
Bigbrimar 5650
Absea98 4395
Derf-63 3455
Douge2 3405
Theedouble*d 2510
Kensik 1740
Akensi 1625
ThePunk75 1465
LittleRedElf 1315
Rennzzo 1080
Tigercub8189 360
63 min: A SS Tigercub8189 (11th) is executed by Kensik’s two pair.
66 min: A SS Rennzzo’s (10th) (AK) runs into ThePunk75’s (77).
70 min: A SS Akensi (9th) loses to Theedouble*d’s (88).
85 min: A SS LittleRedElf (8th) with (A9) runs into Bigbrimar’s (QQ).
89 min: A SS Derf-63 (7th) has to go with (22), but Kensik pairs holding (AJ).
115 min: A now SS Bigbrimar (6th) bluffs at a rag flop with (A6) but Theedouble*d’ paired his 8’s.
116 min: A SS Kensik (5th) has to try with (Q2) and runs into Absea98’s (A2).
If you have not noticed, everyone is going out short-stacked. No one wants to go out when the final precious points are available for the At-Large seats in the NPP Finals. It’s point or wait until next year – and everyone was holding on as long as possible.
All but two players exited short-stacked! WHAT??? No one read Allinduce's article I posted on here a couple days ago?
As Sparky Anderson said when his rookie pinch-runner didn't steal second when they were conceding the base - "If they don't want to go, nobody's going to stop them."
2nd break (120 min):
Absea98 11745
Theedouble*d 7600
ThePunk75 4890
Douge2 2765
137 min: (Seventeen minutes later!) ThePunk75 loses with (As7s) to Douge2’s (AK) to get crippled.
140 min: ThePunk75 (4th) goes out after a battle, finally losing when his (KJ) gets run down by Theedouble*d’s (KT) with a [T] on the turn.
147 min: Absea98 (3rd) goes with (Kh Th), but Douge2 has (JJ).
Heads up: Douge2 15,300 - Theedouble*d 11,700
148 min: Heads up: Douge2 10,000 - Theedouble*d 17,000
150 min: Heads up: Douge2 18,600 - Theedouble*d 8,400
155 min: Heads up: Douge2 5,300 - Theedouble*d 21,700
What is going on here?????
160 min: Heads up: Douge2 20,200 - Theedouble*d 6,800
165 min: Heads up: Douge2 15,800 - Theedouble*d 11,200
After reading this – I expect everyone to enter the NPP Heads up Tourney! Talk about excitement!
You have to play in at least ONE NPP league tourney to be eligible. Word up to all who have the password but have not thrown down yet. Next week is it!
166 min: Douge2 (2nd) goes with (KJ), but Theedouble*d’s (A9) hold up. Then Doug’s (J9) loses to DD’s (A4). A great heads up match!
Congratulations to Theedouble*d on his 4th win and ThePunk75 for clinching the 4th quarter seat! Theedouble*d also moves even with ThePunk on the Walk of Fame!
1st – Theedouble*d
2nd – Douge2
3rd – Absea98
4th – ThePunk75
5th – Kensik
6th – Bigbrimar
7th – Derf-63
8th – LittleRedElf
9th – Akensi
Standings are on the right side of the blog.
Four players are still in the running for the last two seats.
Absea98 - 132 points
Douge2 – 123 points
Kensik - 117 points
Rennzzo – 113 points
Tigercub8189 - 111 pts
Tension in the Big House!
I am a proud commissioner I must say. Double-D fought his way past all the people trying to reach where he is – an NPP 2009 Finalist.
ThePunk75 locked down his seat tonight, clinching the 4th quarter seat. Only the two Total Point at-Large seats remain to be claimed – and that is going down to the wire!
Next week is the last week of the regular season. What a league!
On to the action:
30 min: A short-stacked (SS) Birdy333 (18th) goes with (QT) but can’t catch Derf-63’s (AQ).
41 min: A SS K9isadog (17th) tries with the same hand (QT), but Akensi has (88).
Look at the time! Forty minutes and only two players are out. But there are plenty of short-stacks ‘hannnngggging around’. It goes wild until break time now.
48 min: Absea98’s (77) takes out a short-stacked (SS) Tomservo2 (16th).
49 min: Last week’s winner Jenski6 (15th) goes with (KJ) but LittleRedElf is holding (99).
50 min: A SS T3chlady (14th) gets all-in with (As 5s) but Akensi holds (AJ).
52 min: A SS Funtoon (13th) has to go with (9c 5c) but Bigbrimar has (TT).
53 min: BigDaddyTman (12th) sees his (77) run into Absea98’s (JJ).
Finally, a little calm for the scribe!
1st Break:
Bigbrimar 5650
Absea98 4395
Derf-63 3455
Douge2 3405
Theedouble*d 2510
Kensik 1740
Akensi 1625
ThePunk75 1465
LittleRedElf 1315
Rennzzo 1080
Tigercub8189 360
63 min: A SS Tigercub8189 (11th) is executed by Kensik’s two pair.
66 min: A SS Rennzzo’s (10th) (AK) runs into ThePunk75’s (77).
70 min: A SS Akensi (9th) loses to Theedouble*d’s (88).
85 min: A SS LittleRedElf (8th) with (A9) runs into Bigbrimar’s (QQ).
89 min: A SS Derf-63 (7th) has to go with (22), but Kensik pairs holding (AJ).
115 min: A now SS Bigbrimar (6th) bluffs at a rag flop with (A6) but Theedouble*d’ paired his 8’s.
116 min: A SS Kensik (5th) has to try with (Q2) and runs into Absea98’s (A2).
If you have not noticed, everyone is going out short-stacked. No one wants to go out when the final precious points are available for the At-Large seats in the NPP Finals. It’s point or wait until next year – and everyone was holding on as long as possible.
All but two players exited short-stacked! WHAT??? No one read Allinduce's article I posted on here a couple days ago?
As Sparky Anderson said when his rookie pinch-runner didn't steal second when they were conceding the base - "If they don't want to go, nobody's going to stop them."
2nd break (120 min):
Absea98 11745
Theedouble*d 7600
ThePunk75 4890
Douge2 2765
137 min: (Seventeen minutes later!) ThePunk75 loses with (As7s) to Douge2’s (AK) to get crippled.
140 min: ThePunk75 (4th) goes out after a battle, finally losing when his (KJ) gets run down by Theedouble*d’s (KT) with a [T] on the turn.
147 min: Absea98 (3rd) goes with (Kh Th), but Douge2 has (JJ).
Heads up: Douge2 15,300 - Theedouble*d 11,700
148 min: Heads up: Douge2 10,000 - Theedouble*d 17,000
150 min: Heads up: Douge2 18,600 - Theedouble*d 8,400
155 min: Heads up: Douge2 5,300 - Theedouble*d 21,700
What is going on here?????
160 min: Heads up: Douge2 20,200 - Theedouble*d 6,800
165 min: Heads up: Douge2 15,800 - Theedouble*d 11,200
After reading this – I expect everyone to enter the NPP Heads up Tourney! Talk about excitement!
You have to play in at least ONE NPP league tourney to be eligible. Word up to all who have the password but have not thrown down yet. Next week is it!
166 min: Douge2 (2nd) goes with (KJ), but Theedouble*d’s (A9) hold up. Then Doug’s (J9) loses to DD’s (A4). A great heads up match!
Congratulations to Theedouble*d on his 4th win and ThePunk75 for clinching the 4th quarter seat! Theedouble*d also moves even with ThePunk on the Walk of Fame!
1st – Theedouble*d
2nd – Douge2
3rd – Absea98
4th – ThePunk75
5th – Kensik
6th – Bigbrimar
7th – Derf-63
8th – LittleRedElf
9th – Akensi
Standings are on the right side of the blog.
Four players are still in the running for the last two seats.
Absea98 - 132 points
Douge2 – 123 points
Kensik - 117 points
Rennzzo – 113 points
Tigercub8189 - 111 pts
Tension in the Big House!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Government Delays Compliance Date for Implementation of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
The Federal Reserve and U.S. American Treasury announced on Friday that implementation of the UIGEA has been postponed from December 1, 2009 until June 1, 2010.
From a statement:
"Agencies Extend Compliance Date for Final Rule to Implement Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
The Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board on Friday announced the release of a joint final rule to extend the compliance date for their joint regulation implementing certain provisions of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act by six months to June 1, 2010."
Well, you can keep those bank accounts open another six months. Some of our freedoms got a ‘pardon’ from the communists running our nation.
Don’t worry however. The plan to destroy the rest of our freedoms goes on around the clock in Washington, your state capital, your media outlets and the schools.
Just work, have a beer and fund your poker accounts. It will all be over soon.
From a statement:
"Agencies Extend Compliance Date for Final Rule to Implement Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
The Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board on Friday announced the release of a joint final rule to extend the compliance date for their joint regulation implementing certain provisions of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act by six months to June 1, 2010."
Well, you can keep those bank accounts open another six months. Some of our freedoms got a ‘pardon’ from the communists running our nation.
Don’t worry however. The plan to destroy the rest of our freedoms goes on around the clock in Washington, your state capital, your media outlets and the schools.
Just work, have a beer and fund your poker accounts. It will all be over soon.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Theedouble*d Scores a Tourney Win at Northville Downs!
I will let him tell the story, since he did so entertainingly:
“First I played Thursday night in a $35 dollar qualifier for a Sunday Deep Stack tournament seat. They gave out six $200 seats and 7th place got $101. I managed to dodge the bubble and got the $101. I paid the $99 and bought the seat for Sunday. (- $134)
I then entered the Friday afternoon qualifier for $35. (- $169...This isn't sounding so good. I could of nearly just bought into this thing.) This was a much smaller tourney than the night one and they only gave out 1 $225 seat for Sunday and 2nd place got $196.
Again I ducked the bubble and scored the $196. What the heck...I already bought my seat right? (+$27 That's more like it...Now I have my seat for free and have some pocket change. At least I am back in the black.)
Sunday at 2:00pm came and I began to see cards for the real tourney. Wow! Were they bad! Not playing was just the best I could do. First break came and found me sitting a little below my initial 10K in chips.
I looked for my friend who is a much better player than I am, and he was gone. I had just looked over at him 5 minutes before break. Now his seat had no chips in front of it. Bummer. How can I hope to last if I can't get a card and even he can't get by the break monster? {Ed. Note: Only on-line has a break monster]
Cards flew again and they were just as bad. The new dealer was no help at all. I was able to knock a few small ones off and 2nd break found me around 11K and very frustrated. "Patience", I said. But I really just wanted to kill something. It was a very good thing this tourney had a high patience factor in the structure or I'd of been dead meat.
I thought for sure that another new dealer and this long into the game, I must surely catch some cards. I was wrong. Ten minutes from 3rd break and I had about 8K. Then came the magic. They replaced my dealer to give him a break early. My frustration had been mounting as the new guy sat down.
The first cards he dealt me were 22 and I was on the button. Now I had seen plenty of 2's but never together in the same hand. I had a guy in middle position throw a healthy raise out and I lost it. I AM NOT LAYING DOWN ANOTHER HAND!, I thought to myself. I justified my silliness by thinking, if he is on a steal and I raise he will let me have it. So I re-raised him. He was ticked. He went all in.
Did I mention that I was not gonna lay down another hand? I called. He had AJ of hearts. I thought I might lay that down if someone reraised me. Guess he was frustrated too. He had about $800 more chips than me and if he hit I was going home. Flop came Kh 9H 5c. GREAT! Now he had the flush draw to go with it. Turn and river hit air. My 22 held! I had chips! [Ed. Note: The essence of tourney poker – you have to win these coin flips!]
Next hand I catch As3s. Did I mention I have chips. I limp and the small blind bumps it up. Duh. I call. Flop comes A 3 J rainbow. Small blind with bigger stack than me goes all in. I announce that I have to call as I shove all my chips in again. His A Q can't catch up and I double again. Third break came and I was a force.
For the rest of the night I got nothing but love. Pocket pairs galore and strong aces. The last 3 dealers I had loved me as much as the first 3 had despised me. I hit nearly every time I went to flop. When I missed - I just laid down. No bluffing needed.
1st place promised $4,029. I was eyeing the prize. I went to final table as chip leader. 2 guys went out and then we were 8, We all pitched in $42 bucks for the guy going out on the bubble, ( -$15 I am back in the red again...LOL) so he could have his buy in back and then we were 7. 2 more guys went down and with 5 guys left some one suggested a chip count chop. I was holding 35% of the chips and was dominant leader. I said "How much will that give me?" When they said $3621, I said, "DO IT!" [twss]
We all know how precarious a position chip leader is at a final table. If I said no, I would of played for about $400 more dollars and stood to get $2500 for second. Can you say, "No brainer"?
Some tips for my 3 favorite dealers and I am out the door in the black with $3,546. Want to know what the first 3 dealers got? LOL”
Theedouble*d
Congratulations to the DD! Another NPP playyaaa! Twss.
“First I played Thursday night in a $35 dollar qualifier for a Sunday Deep Stack tournament seat. They gave out six $200 seats and 7th place got $101. I managed to dodge the bubble and got the $101. I paid the $99 and bought the seat for Sunday. (- $134)
I then entered the Friday afternoon qualifier for $35. (- $169...This isn't sounding so good. I could of nearly just bought into this thing.) This was a much smaller tourney than the night one and they only gave out 1 $225 seat for Sunday and 2nd place got $196.
Again I ducked the bubble and scored the $196. What the heck...I already bought my seat right? (+$27 That's more like it...Now I have my seat for free and have some pocket change. At least I am back in the black.)
Sunday at 2:00pm came and I began to see cards for the real tourney. Wow! Were they bad! Not playing was just the best I could do. First break came and found me sitting a little below my initial 10K in chips.
I looked for my friend who is a much better player than I am, and he was gone. I had just looked over at him 5 minutes before break. Now his seat had no chips in front of it. Bummer. How can I hope to last if I can't get a card and even he can't get by the break monster? {Ed. Note: Only on-line has a break monster]
Cards flew again and they were just as bad. The new dealer was no help at all. I was able to knock a few small ones off and 2nd break found me around 11K and very frustrated. "Patience", I said. But I really just wanted to kill something. It was a very good thing this tourney had a high patience factor in the structure or I'd of been dead meat.
I thought for sure that another new dealer and this long into the game, I must surely catch some cards. I was wrong. Ten minutes from 3rd break and I had about 8K. Then came the magic. They replaced my dealer to give him a break early. My frustration had been mounting as the new guy sat down.
The first cards he dealt me were 22 and I was on the button. Now I had seen plenty of 2's but never together in the same hand. I had a guy in middle position throw a healthy raise out and I lost it. I AM NOT LAYING DOWN ANOTHER HAND!, I thought to myself. I justified my silliness by thinking, if he is on a steal and I raise he will let me have it. So I re-raised him. He was ticked. He went all in.
Did I mention that I was not gonna lay down another hand? I called. He had AJ of hearts. I thought I might lay that down if someone reraised me. Guess he was frustrated too. He had about $800 more chips than me and if he hit I was going home. Flop came Kh 9H 5c. GREAT! Now he had the flush draw to go with it. Turn and river hit air. My 22 held! I had chips! [Ed. Note: The essence of tourney poker – you have to win these coin flips!]
Next hand I catch As3s. Did I mention I have chips. I limp and the small blind bumps it up. Duh. I call. Flop comes A 3 J rainbow. Small blind with bigger stack than me goes all in. I announce that I have to call as I shove all my chips in again. His A Q can't catch up and I double again. Third break came and I was a force.
For the rest of the night I got nothing but love. Pocket pairs galore and strong aces. The last 3 dealers I had loved me as much as the first 3 had despised me. I hit nearly every time I went to flop. When I missed - I just laid down. No bluffing needed.
1st place promised $4,029. I was eyeing the prize. I went to final table as chip leader. 2 guys went out and then we were 8, We all pitched in $42 bucks for the guy going out on the bubble, ( -$15 I am back in the red again...LOL) so he could have his buy in back and then we were 7. 2 more guys went down and with 5 guys left some one suggested a chip count chop. I was holding 35% of the chips and was dominant leader. I said "How much will that give me?" When they said $3621, I said, "DO IT!" [twss]
We all know how precarious a position chip leader is at a final table. If I said no, I would of played for about $400 more dollars and stood to get $2500 for second. Can you say, "No brainer"?
Some tips for my 3 favorite dealers and I am out the door in the black with $3,546. Want to know what the first 3 dealers got? LOL”
Theedouble*d
Congratulations to the DD! Another NPP playyaaa! Twss.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Brian “Allinduces” of Premier Poker, With Great Tourney Advice
“Dear Faldo,
I'm just adding a little tid-bit to your blind structure post. Maybe some of you already know this, and maybe some of you don't. I guess I'm just going to let you into my world of poker.
First thing’s first. It is nearly impossible to win a tournament with a bad blind structure without "lady luck" on your side. Now let's flip the script and talk about a good blind structure.
Just a little disagreement comes to mind on the "PF" (Patient Factor). Yes, as we all know patience is our friend, and every winning poker player needs it in their game.
However there comes a time in a tournament that if you are getting close to "blinding out", I'm sorry to inform, you are playing tournament poker all wrong.
Yes we all have heard the age old saying "but I'm card dead"....Yes, that can happen...cards go cold, we feel like all we are doing is blinding/ante to death!
We as poker players we sit down at a table to create an image, a somewhat of a persona that we build on, and work with. START USING IT PLAYERS!
Here is another factor. It's called the "M" factor and every tournament player should be using it. You know the age old "10x BB start pushing" Well folks, it's long before 10x.
Let's take for example: 9 handed table blinds are 200/400 50 ante. (I forgot to mention the M factor is used in tourneys with antes) you have a stack size of 10,000.
Yes to most it might seem like a lot..but let me tell you it's not. Here is the breakdown.
9 players x 50 (ante) = 450----(dead money) in the center
SB= 200
BB= 400
Now. add it all up you get....1050. Divide your stack size by 1050. So our 10,000 stack has an "M" of 9.5. Anytime you have an "M" of under 10 you are in somewhat of a shove mode.
It's about your opponents opening range of hands vs his stack size and yours compared to how well your hand holds up vs that range.
At these stages of a tournament cards are thrown out the window, and it all comes down to pure math, stack sizes, and M. Wait...let me re phrase that. In LATE stages of a tournament cards are thrown out the window...with that stack size of 10,000 at a 200/400 level your probably thinking well that's 25 BBs.
Well, throw the ante into effect and now it's a whole new ballgame...if your a true player in these situations squeeze plays, etc. Work wonders! You can't win a tournament without winning a race. Also you can't win a tournament without coming from behind either...take all this into consideration next time your playing a tournament and your about to blind off. Don't be afraid to stick in that stack. Even in a good structure you can't wait for premium hands all the time..
Next thing I like...the Gus Hansen theory on Ante to Small Blind Ratio.”
Thanks Brian for a great article.
I'm just adding a little tid-bit to your blind structure post. Maybe some of you already know this, and maybe some of you don't. I guess I'm just going to let you into my world of poker.
First thing’s first. It is nearly impossible to win a tournament with a bad blind structure without "lady luck" on your side. Now let's flip the script and talk about a good blind structure.
Just a little disagreement comes to mind on the "PF" (Patient Factor). Yes, as we all know patience is our friend, and every winning poker player needs it in their game.
However there comes a time in a tournament that if you are getting close to "blinding out", I'm sorry to inform, you are playing tournament poker all wrong.
Yes we all have heard the age old saying "but I'm card dead"....Yes, that can happen...cards go cold, we feel like all we are doing is blinding/ante to death!
We as poker players we sit down at a table to create an image, a somewhat of a persona that we build on, and work with. START USING IT PLAYERS!
Here is another factor. It's called the "M" factor and every tournament player should be using it. You know the age old "10x BB start pushing" Well folks, it's long before 10x.
Let's take for example: 9 handed table blinds are 200/400 50 ante. (I forgot to mention the M factor is used in tourneys with antes) you have a stack size of 10,000.
Yes to most it might seem like a lot..but let me tell you it's not. Here is the breakdown.
9 players x 50 (ante) = 450----(dead money) in the center
SB= 200
BB= 400
Now. add it all up you get....1050. Divide your stack size by 1050. So our 10,000 stack has an "M" of 9.5. Anytime you have an "M" of under 10 you are in somewhat of a shove mode.
It's about your opponents opening range of hands vs his stack size and yours compared to how well your hand holds up vs that range.
At these stages of a tournament cards are thrown out the window, and it all comes down to pure math, stack sizes, and M. Wait...let me re phrase that. In LATE stages of a tournament cards are thrown out the window...with that stack size of 10,000 at a 200/400 level your probably thinking well that's 25 BBs.
Well, throw the ante into effect and now it's a whole new ballgame...if your a true player in these situations squeeze plays, etc. Work wonders! You can't win a tournament without winning a race. Also you can't win a tournament without coming from behind either...take all this into consideration next time your playing a tournament and your about to blind off. Don't be afraid to stick in that stack. Even in a good structure you can't wait for premium hands all the time..
Next thing I like...the Gus Hansen theory on Ante to Small Blind Ratio.”
Thanks Brian for a great article.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Matchy’s Home Game Shows the NPP Spirit
Here is the write up for Matchy’s game last Saturday, compliments of JimF of Schwin Poker:
“Four of us showed up to play so Mrs. Matchy was recruited to play. The games were mixed, Omaha, Hold 'em and 7-Stud.
The players: Matchy, The Lovely and Talented Matchy, JimF, Arctic1Blast, and Tim(not 7Jokers-747).
The outcome: The Matchy’s clean up, Tim doesn't have a fold button, Greg, well, he's Greg, - and Farrell gets screwed by a bunch of fish! (not you Faldo, only cause you were not there!)”
Wish I was, now that I know even fish like me can take Jim's money!
“Four of us showed up to play so Mrs. Matchy was recruited to play. The games were mixed, Omaha, Hold 'em and 7-Stud.
The players: Matchy, The Lovely and Talented Matchy, JimF, Arctic1Blast, and Tim(not 7Jokers-747).
The outcome: The Matchy’s clean up, Tim doesn't have a fold button, Greg, well, he's Greg, - and Farrell gets screwed by a bunch of fish! (not you Faldo, only cause you were not there!)”
Wish I was, now that I know even fish like me can take Jim's money!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Faldo's Gift to His Readers on Thanksgiving!
The true story of Thanksgiving!
History revisionism is not something that’s been going on since outcome based education. It’s been going on for quite a while.
The false story of Thanksgiving can be summed up very quickly. The Pilgrims came from England to escape oppression. They arrived in a new land and were immediately overwhelmed with their own incompetence as human beings. They couldn’t grow food. They couldn’t feed themselves. They couldn’t protect themselves. They had no clue what to do.
Our schools and the media have obliterated the contributions of America’s earliest permanent settlers, the Pilgrims. Why? Because they were people inspired by profound religious beliefs and overcame incredible odds.
Today, public schools are simply not teaching how important the religious dimension was in shaping our history and our nation’s character. Whether teachers are just uncomfortable with this material or whether there’s been a concerted effort to cover up the truth, the results are the same. Kids are no longer learning enough to understand and appreciate how and why America was created.
The story of the Pilgrims begins in the early part of the seventeenth century. The Church of England under King James I was persecuting anyone and everyone who did not recognize its absolute civil and spiritual authority. Those who challenged ecclesiastical authority and those who believed strongly in freedom of worship were hunted down, imprisoned, and sometimes executed for their beliefs. A group of separatists first fled to Holland and established a community.
After eleven years, about forty of them agreed to make a perilous journey to the New World, where they would certainly face hardships, but could live and worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences. On August 1, 1620, the Mayflower set sail.
It carried a total of 102 passengers, including forty Pilgrims led by William Bradford. On the journey, Bradford set up an agreement, a contract that established just and equal laws for all members of the new community, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Where did the revolutionary ideas expressed in the Mayflower Compact come from? From the Bible.
The Pilgrims were a people completely steeped in the lessons of the Old and New Testaments. They looked to the ancient Israelites for their example. And, because of the biblical precedents set forth in Scripture, they never doubted that their experiment would work. But this was no pleasure cruise, friends.
The journey to the New World was a long and arduous one. And when the Pilgrims landed in New England in November, they found, according to Bradford’s detailed journal, a cold, barren, desolate wilderness. There were no friends to greet them, he wrote. There were no houses to shelter them. There were no inns where they could refresh themselves. And the sacrifice they had made for freedom was just beginning.
During the first winter, half the Pilgrims – including Bradford’s own wife – died of starvation, sickness or exposure. When spring finally came, Indians taught the settlers how to plant corn, fish for cod and skin beavers for coats. Life improved for the Pilgrims, but they did not yet prosper!
This is important to understand because this is where modern American history lessons often end. Thanksgiving is actually explained in some textbooks as a holiday for which the Pilgrims gave thanks to the Indians for saving their lives, rather than as a devout expression of gratitude grounded in the tradition of both the Old and New Testaments.
Here is the part that has been omitted: The original contract the Pilgrims had entered into with their merchant-sponsors in London called for everything they produced to go into a common store, and each member of the community was entitled to one common share. All of the land they cleared and the houses they built belong to the community as well.
Bradford, who had become the new governor of the colony, recognized that this form of collectivism was as costly and destructive to the Pilgrims as that first harsh winter, which had taken so many lives.
He decided to take bold action. Bradford assigned a plot of land to each family to work and manage, thus turning loose the power of the marketplace. That’s right. Long before Karl Marx was even born, the Pilgrims had discovered and experimented with what could only be described as socialism. And what happened?
It didn’t work! Surprise, surprise, huh? What Bradford and his community found was that the most creative and industrious people had no incentive to work any harder than anyone else, unless they could utilize the power of personal motivation!
But while most of the rest of the world has been experimenting with socialism for well over a hundred years – trying to refine it, perfect it, and re-invent it – the Pilgrims decided early on to scrap it permanently. What Bradford wrote about this social experiment should be in every schoolchild’s history lesson.
If it were, we might prevent much needless suffering in the future.
Here now, in its entirety, the William Bradford journal, what he wrote about the social experiment after abandoning what essentially was socialism shortly after the Pilgrims had arrived in the United States or in the new world:
“The experience that we had in this common course and condition, tried sundry years…that by taking away property, and bringing community into a common wealth, would make them happy and flourishing – as if they were wiser than God," Bradford wrote.
"For this community [so far as it was] was found to breed much confusion and discontent, and retard much employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort. For young men that were most able and fit for labor and service did repine that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men’s wives and children without any recompense…that was thought injustice."
Do you hear what he was saying, ladies and gentlemen? The Pilgrims found that people could not be expected to do their best work without incentive.
So what did Bradford’s community try next? They harnessed the power of good old free enterprise by invoking the under girding capitalistic principle of private property. "Every family was assigned its own plot of land to work and permitted to market its own crops and products."
Not just use themselves and not just send to a common store but they could market. They could grow as much, they could sell it for what they could get for it, and the incentive was clear to do as much as possible on both sides.
And what was the result? "This had very good success," wrote Bradford, "For it made all hands industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been."
Bradford doesn’t sound like much of a Obama-maniac, does he? Is it possible that supply-side economics could have existed before the 1980s? Yes.
Read the story of Joseph and Pharaoh in Genesis 41. Following Joseph’s suggestion (Gen 41:34), Pharaoh reduced the tax on Egyptians to 20% during the ’seven years of plenty’ and the ‘Earth brought forth in heaps.’ (Gen. 41:47)
In no time, the Pilgrims found they had more food than they could eat themselves. So they set up trading posts and exchanged goods with the Indians. The profits allowed them to pay off their debts to the merchants in London.
And the success and prosperity of the Plymouth settlement attracted more Europeans and began what came to be known as the ‘Great Puritan Migration.’ Now, let me ask you: Have you read this history before? Is this lesson being taught to your children today? If not, why not?
Nevertheless, the Pilgrims and the Puritans of early New England are often vilified today as witch burners and portrayed as simpletons. But to the contrary, it was their commitment to pluralism and free worship that led to these ideals being incorporated into American history, and our history books purposely conceal the fact that these notions were developed by communities of devout Christians who studied the Bible and found that it prescribes limited representative government and free enterprise as the best political and economic systems. Now, there’s only one word for this, folks. It’s censorship.
That’s what’s being taught today. What is not being taught today is the devotion to God that these people had, but the failure of a socialist compact to adequately provide for the residents of the first colony and how William Bradford himself saw it was failing almost from the outset and devised a new compact which was basically capitalism and unfettered competition, and incentive, and then it was Katie bar the door.
All of these things are part of the original Thanksgiving, and even when I go back and remember my days in school, I was not taught this. I was not taught the involvement and the references to God.
I was not taught that the Pilgrims had all this bounty after awhile and shared it with the Indians. It was quite the opposite. The purpose of teaching Thanksgiving when I was a kid was to tell all of us just how wonderful the Indians were and how well they treated us when we arrived because we were basically inept and incompetent.
I enjoy passing this story along every Thanksgiving, and it always reaches new people. Every year I do it, people who have never heard it before are amazed. Now, if I was able to find it and get the true story, it’s out there, but it’s not in conventional history textbooks that you’ll find in many of the public schools.
Hat tip to Rush Limbaugh.
History revisionism is not something that’s been going on since outcome based education. It’s been going on for quite a while.
The false story of Thanksgiving can be summed up very quickly. The Pilgrims came from England to escape oppression. They arrived in a new land and were immediately overwhelmed with their own incompetence as human beings. They couldn’t grow food. They couldn’t feed themselves. They couldn’t protect themselves. They had no clue what to do.
Our schools and the media have obliterated the contributions of America’s earliest permanent settlers, the Pilgrims. Why? Because they were people inspired by profound religious beliefs and overcame incredible odds.
Today, public schools are simply not teaching how important the religious dimension was in shaping our history and our nation’s character. Whether teachers are just uncomfortable with this material or whether there’s been a concerted effort to cover up the truth, the results are the same. Kids are no longer learning enough to understand and appreciate how and why America was created.
The story of the Pilgrims begins in the early part of the seventeenth century. The Church of England under King James I was persecuting anyone and everyone who did not recognize its absolute civil and spiritual authority. Those who challenged ecclesiastical authority and those who believed strongly in freedom of worship were hunted down, imprisoned, and sometimes executed for their beliefs. A group of separatists first fled to Holland and established a community.
After eleven years, about forty of them agreed to make a perilous journey to the New World, where they would certainly face hardships, but could live and worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences. On August 1, 1620, the Mayflower set sail.
It carried a total of 102 passengers, including forty Pilgrims led by William Bradford. On the journey, Bradford set up an agreement, a contract that established just and equal laws for all members of the new community, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Where did the revolutionary ideas expressed in the Mayflower Compact come from? From the Bible.
The Pilgrims were a people completely steeped in the lessons of the Old and New Testaments. They looked to the ancient Israelites for their example. And, because of the biblical precedents set forth in Scripture, they never doubted that their experiment would work. But this was no pleasure cruise, friends.
The journey to the New World was a long and arduous one. And when the Pilgrims landed in New England in November, they found, according to Bradford’s detailed journal, a cold, barren, desolate wilderness. There were no friends to greet them, he wrote. There were no houses to shelter them. There were no inns where they could refresh themselves. And the sacrifice they had made for freedom was just beginning.
During the first winter, half the Pilgrims – including Bradford’s own wife – died of starvation, sickness or exposure. When spring finally came, Indians taught the settlers how to plant corn, fish for cod and skin beavers for coats. Life improved for the Pilgrims, but they did not yet prosper!
This is important to understand because this is where modern American history lessons often end. Thanksgiving is actually explained in some textbooks as a holiday for which the Pilgrims gave thanks to the Indians for saving their lives, rather than as a devout expression of gratitude grounded in the tradition of both the Old and New Testaments.
Here is the part that has been omitted: The original contract the Pilgrims had entered into with their merchant-sponsors in London called for everything they produced to go into a common store, and each member of the community was entitled to one common share. All of the land they cleared and the houses they built belong to the community as well.
Bradford, who had become the new governor of the colony, recognized that this form of collectivism was as costly and destructive to the Pilgrims as that first harsh winter, which had taken so many lives.
He decided to take bold action. Bradford assigned a plot of land to each family to work and manage, thus turning loose the power of the marketplace. That’s right. Long before Karl Marx was even born, the Pilgrims had discovered and experimented with what could only be described as socialism. And what happened?
It didn’t work! Surprise, surprise, huh? What Bradford and his community found was that the most creative and industrious people had no incentive to work any harder than anyone else, unless they could utilize the power of personal motivation!
But while most of the rest of the world has been experimenting with socialism for well over a hundred years – trying to refine it, perfect it, and re-invent it – the Pilgrims decided early on to scrap it permanently. What Bradford wrote about this social experiment should be in every schoolchild’s history lesson.
If it were, we might prevent much needless suffering in the future.
Here now, in its entirety, the William Bradford journal, what he wrote about the social experiment after abandoning what essentially was socialism shortly after the Pilgrims had arrived in the United States or in the new world:
“The experience that we had in this common course and condition, tried sundry years…that by taking away property, and bringing community into a common wealth, would make them happy and flourishing – as if they were wiser than God," Bradford wrote.
"For this community [so far as it was] was found to breed much confusion and discontent, and retard much employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort. For young men that were most able and fit for labor and service did repine that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men’s wives and children without any recompense…that was thought injustice."
Do you hear what he was saying, ladies and gentlemen? The Pilgrims found that people could not be expected to do their best work without incentive.
So what did Bradford’s community try next? They harnessed the power of good old free enterprise by invoking the under girding capitalistic principle of private property. "Every family was assigned its own plot of land to work and permitted to market its own crops and products."
Not just use themselves and not just send to a common store but they could market. They could grow as much, they could sell it for what they could get for it, and the incentive was clear to do as much as possible on both sides.
And what was the result? "This had very good success," wrote Bradford, "For it made all hands industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been."
Bradford doesn’t sound like much of a Obama-maniac, does he? Is it possible that supply-side economics could have existed before the 1980s? Yes.
Read the story of Joseph and Pharaoh in Genesis 41. Following Joseph’s suggestion (Gen 41:34), Pharaoh reduced the tax on Egyptians to 20% during the ’seven years of plenty’ and the ‘Earth brought forth in heaps.’ (Gen. 41:47)
In no time, the Pilgrims found they had more food than they could eat themselves. So they set up trading posts and exchanged goods with the Indians. The profits allowed them to pay off their debts to the merchants in London.
And the success and prosperity of the Plymouth settlement attracted more Europeans and began what came to be known as the ‘Great Puritan Migration.’ Now, let me ask you: Have you read this history before? Is this lesson being taught to your children today? If not, why not?
Nevertheless, the Pilgrims and the Puritans of early New England are often vilified today as witch burners and portrayed as simpletons. But to the contrary, it was their commitment to pluralism and free worship that led to these ideals being incorporated into American history, and our history books purposely conceal the fact that these notions were developed by communities of devout Christians who studied the Bible and found that it prescribes limited representative government and free enterprise as the best political and economic systems. Now, there’s only one word for this, folks. It’s censorship.
That’s what’s being taught today. What is not being taught today is the devotion to God that these people had, but the failure of a socialist compact to adequately provide for the residents of the first colony and how William Bradford himself saw it was failing almost from the outset and devised a new compact which was basically capitalism and unfettered competition, and incentive, and then it was Katie bar the door.
All of these things are part of the original Thanksgiving, and even when I go back and remember my days in school, I was not taught this. I was not taught the involvement and the references to God.
I was not taught that the Pilgrims had all this bounty after awhile and shared it with the Indians. It was quite the opposite. The purpose of teaching Thanksgiving when I was a kid was to tell all of us just how wonderful the Indians were and how well they treated us when we arrived because we were basically inept and incompetent.
I enjoy passing this story along every Thanksgiving, and it always reaches new people. Every year I do it, people who have never heard it before are amazed. Now, if I was able to find it and get the true story, it’s out there, but it’s not in conventional history textbooks that you’ll find in many of the public schools.
Hat tip to Rush Limbaugh.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Jenski6 Wins Her 1st NPP Tourney!
She becomes the 47th tournament winner on NPP, and the 4th lady to do so. She now joins Nahanni74, Nixi44 and UMichpoker as the girls that “beat the boys’ at their own game.
Jen did not do it easily as she had to take out runaway point leader LittleRedElf – heads up - to win it all over fourteen other players.
We had one new player join us tonight - Ksloflyer – and Davethedog returned to the NPP felt for his annual donation …er, visit. A possible new player – Owetheshark – stopped by to watch the action. And old-timer Cigar4john also sweatered the Dog. Nice to see you all.
On to the action:
16 min: T3chlady (15th) continues to be cold-decked in our league for some reason. She has to go with (As Js) with a flop of [5AA], but she finds Funtoon holding (55). Ouch!
21 min: Derf-63 (14th) gets all-in with (A3) and a board of [JQA]. BigDaddyTman had the (KT).
28 min: Ksloflyer (13th) sees his trip queens lose to Funtoon’s full house. This is a typical NPP welcome to new players.
34 min: Tomservo2 (12th) sees his (K4) and a flop with a [K] in it, run into Rennzzo’s (KJ).
54 min: Davethedog (11th) got no nub in his return as his (QQ) (69%) first lose to LittleRedElf’s (AQ) (30%) and then Dave’s (QJ) loses to LRE’s (K9) to close him out.
1st Break:
Funtoon 5885
ThePunk75 4910
LittleRedElf 3230
BigDaddyTman 1805
Jenski6 1720
Birdy333 1195
Absea98 1070
Rennzzo 995
Budda627 935
Tigercub8189 755
62 min: A short-stacked (SS) Birdy333 (10th) goes with (KJ) and loses the coin flip to Tigercub8189’s (TT).
66 min: Rennzzo (9th) moves in with (KK), but LittleRedElf holds (AA). Ouch!
69 min: Absea98 (8th) loses his coin flip with (55) to ThePunk75’s (Kh Th).
71 min: BigDaddyTman (7th) has to go with (84) and a board of [4JJ4], but Jenski6 is holding (J2). A true double blind hand special!
76 min: A SS Tigercub8189 (6th) goes with (77) and loses his coin flip to ThePunk75’s (AK), with a [K] on the flop.
80 min: After first getting carved up by Funtoon, ThePunk75 (5th) has to try with (Ad 8d) and runs into Jenski6’s (AK).
81 min: Budda627 (4th) goes with (A8) (56%), but LittleRedElf’s (QJ) (43%) nails a flop of [QQ7]!
97 min: Funtoon (3rd) goes with (55) after a non-scary flop of [96T], but Jenski6 has (T6).
100 min: Heads up: Jenski6 16,500 - LittleRedElf 6,000
105 min: LittleRedElf (2nd) has to try with (A5) (30%), but Jenski6’s (TT) (70%) hold up!
Congratulations to Jenski6 on a special achievement!
1st – Jenski6
2nd – LittleRedElf
3rd – Funtoon
4th – Budda627
5th – ThePunk75
6th – Tigercub8189
7th – BigDaddyTman
8th – Absea98
9th – Rennzzo
Standings are on the right side of the blog. Three players are still in the running for the 4th quarter seat - and 10 remain in contention for the two Total Points Seats for the NPP Finals. Good luck to all!
Jen did not do it easily as she had to take out runaway point leader LittleRedElf – heads up - to win it all over fourteen other players.
We had one new player join us tonight - Ksloflyer – and Davethedog returned to the NPP felt for his annual donation …er, visit. A possible new player – Owetheshark – stopped by to watch the action. And old-timer Cigar4john also sweatered the Dog. Nice to see you all.
On to the action:
16 min: T3chlady (15th) continues to be cold-decked in our league for some reason. She has to go with (As Js) with a flop of [5AA], but she finds Funtoon holding (55). Ouch!
21 min: Derf-63 (14th) gets all-in with (A3) and a board of [JQA]. BigDaddyTman had the (KT).
28 min: Ksloflyer (13th) sees his trip queens lose to Funtoon’s full house. This is a typical NPP welcome to new players.
34 min: Tomservo2 (12th) sees his (K4) and a flop with a [K] in it, run into Rennzzo’s (KJ).
54 min: Davethedog (11th) got no nub in his return as his (QQ) (69%) first lose to LittleRedElf’s (AQ) (30%) and then Dave’s (QJ) loses to LRE’s (K9) to close him out.
1st Break:
Funtoon 5885
ThePunk75 4910
LittleRedElf 3230
BigDaddyTman 1805
Jenski6 1720
Birdy333 1195
Absea98 1070
Rennzzo 995
Budda627 935
Tigercub8189 755
62 min: A short-stacked (SS) Birdy333 (10th) goes with (KJ) and loses the coin flip to Tigercub8189’s (TT).
66 min: Rennzzo (9th) moves in with (KK), but LittleRedElf holds (AA). Ouch!
69 min: Absea98 (8th) loses his coin flip with (55) to ThePunk75’s (Kh Th).
71 min: BigDaddyTman (7th) has to go with (84) and a board of [4JJ4], but Jenski6 is holding (J2). A true double blind hand special!
76 min: A SS Tigercub8189 (6th) goes with (77) and loses his coin flip to ThePunk75’s (AK), with a [K] on the flop.
80 min: After first getting carved up by Funtoon, ThePunk75 (5th) has to try with (Ad 8d) and runs into Jenski6’s (AK).
81 min: Budda627 (4th) goes with (A8) (56%), but LittleRedElf’s (QJ) (43%) nails a flop of [QQ7]!
97 min: Funtoon (3rd) goes with (55) after a non-scary flop of [96T], but Jenski6 has (T6).
100 min: Heads up: Jenski6 16,500 - LittleRedElf 6,000
105 min: LittleRedElf (2nd) has to try with (A5) (30%), but Jenski6’s (TT) (70%) hold up!
Congratulations to Jenski6 on a special achievement!
1st – Jenski6
2nd – LittleRedElf
3rd – Funtoon
4th – Budda627
5th – ThePunk75
6th – Tigercub8189
7th – BigDaddyTman
8th – Absea98
9th – Rennzzo
Standings are on the right side of the blog. Three players are still in the running for the 4th quarter seat - and 10 remain in contention for the two Total Points Seats for the NPP Finals. Good luck to all!
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