Practice Makes Perfect
I really hope my poker playing ability isn't peaking at the wrong time...
Back in 2003, when poker was first becoming mainstream (I’m talking about the WPT on the Travel Channel, about six months before Chris Moneymaker made his run to the WSOP Main Event title) I set a goal for myself. I decided that before the age of 25, I wanted to play in a WSOP Main Event.
This past Monday, I earned that goal. Now I have set a new goal:
Before 2009 (my 10-year High School reunion), I will win at least one WSOP bracelet. Period. I don’t think it’s out of the question that I could win it this year – I’m on an unbelievable roll of great play and great luck (more on that later), and as I’ve told many people in the past – no one wins a tournament without getting lucky at least once. In fact, playing flawless poker will only win for so long – eventually you’re going to have to outdraw someone.
Beginning last Friday, I started on a week-long (to-date) roll that has seen me put just over $400 into various games, and leave with over $14,000 cash & prizes. I’ve won a trip to Vegas to play in the biggest poker tournament ever set for this coming July – 6600 players are expected to descend on the Rio hotel/casino in Las Vegas for the WSOP Main Event.
On the way, I played some of the smartest (and luckiest) poker I’ve ever played. I steamrolled two different people in a cash game last Friday with ridiculously good hands and even better plays. I would have won another $400 in the tournament that night if not for getting outdrawn. Last Sunday I won my weekly home game with a lucky hand that ended the night. Then on Monday I played perfect poker for six hours and won my seat into the WSOP.
Last night, I played online some more (I left my original $50 deposit from Monday online to keep playing with). I won two 1-table, 10-person tournaments with the help of some luck, but more with some good plays. Then I got bored and played a high stakes heads up match ($200 – winner take all) and won that strictly on good plays and no outdraws.
I’ll be returning to Boston to try and bust up the home game that I played last week. More important than winning though, I’m trying to figure out the holes in my game so that I can patch them up before July. Minimal leaks = minimal losses.
So that’s that. I’m in full practice mode to take home my first world title. And if I do, then just think – the last three World Series winners will be from New England! Greg Raymer, Boston Red Sox, Big D – it has a nice ring to it, no?
Before I leave, I have two quotes this week. One from Monday’s World Series celebration in Fenway, and then the return of “Mom’s quote of the week”.
From Monday:
“It’s pretty big, and shiny. I think that would brighten up just about anyone’s day.”
-- Dave Roberts, on his shiny new ring
And From Mom:
“I just don’t like him. He just seems way too damned cocky, and he’s not even that good. What has he ever won?”
-- Mom on Alex Rodriguez. More accurate words were never spoken.
posted by Big D @ 9:00 AM
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