Saturday, March 29, 2008

What a CRAZY Night

I went to play some cards last night. It was a damn long drive from my house, but all my friends told me it was worth the trip. The night started out with a big tournament and ended with some cash games. There were 64 people in the tournament and the payout for first place was over $1000. I was looking forward to the challenge. Things started well for me in the first round, as I more than doubled my chips. I hit three ace high flushes in the first hour. Then, we switched tables and things went south. My cards got cold and I started playing sloppy. I think I was getting cocky. Anyway, out of 64 people, I came in 13th. I didn't win any money, but I still did pretty well in my book.

There were a few things I didn't like about this game. First, you changed tables after every round. This is usually not done. Usually, when a table loses people, that table is mixed up within the other existing tables. You get to stay where you are (unless you are at the table that needs to move). It threw off my game a little. I got a feel for the table I was playing at and then we had to move. Second, there were no side pots. If one person had five chips and went all in, the maximum anyone else could bet was the five chips. If not for this rule, there were a few hands that I could have bet more to get weak hands out, giving me a better chance of winning the pot. Oh well. I won't complain much. I just probably won't play there again.

The cash games were poker, only in the loosest terms. Anyone in the hand would basically throw their money into the pot and then hope their cards hit. For example, I had pocket queens to start. I bet big and several people called me. The flop came up COMPLETE garbage, something like 9-4-6, all different suits. I bet big again, got another call. The turn was another 4, I bet, get called. The river card doesn't matter because the person calling me played with a 7-4. He called a five dollar bet with a 7-4. I guess it worked because he won the hand, but I was just amazed. Whatever. I probably won't play there again.

3 comments:

Eric Rhodes said...

I just watched Rounders. It is a poker movie with Matt Damon. I have posted about it before, but DAMN, this movie always gets me in the mood to play more cards. I have another big game Thursday. If I win, it will put $700 in my pocket. That is exactly what I need before my casino trip.

Woody! said...

Being a total novice, it sounds weird when you (and other players) say they get a "feel for a table." I guess I'd have to experience it to understand.

I am considering getting a poker game for the 360. Any suggestions? I've heard some games have way too long pauses between players betting, even when they're computer-controlled.

Eric Rhodes said...

I have the Worls Series of Poker (WSOP) 2008: Battle for the Bracelets. It plays pretty well. You can adjust the speed settings when playing the AI so that it is faster. Also, when you set up an online game, you can adjust the decision time (time people can think) when you set up the game. If you are not the host, you are subject to whatever time limits the game host sets up. Usually, people playing online do not stall much. The only problem with the career mode is that you play all poker games (Texas Hold'em, Omaha, RAZZ, HORSE, High low, and seven card stud). It is mostly hold'em though. If you get the game, it does have some tutorials that are helpful to beginners. I can always lend a hand too. It you ever get a head set, that is.