ThePokerResource.net: A Rounder’s blog

In the 1500 limit event on Thurs., I wasn’t able to pick up too many hands (no group ones). I was able to raise in late position several times and either steal the blinds or take it on the flop. For the first three levels, I fluctuated between 1200 and 1600 in chips. It was frustrating not being able to pick up hands for several reasons. First, obviously premium hands are important for limit hold�em success. But secondly, the players at my table were making numerous fundamental mistakes. Calling three bets cold with Q10 off-suit, and similar plays that in the long run would mean they would lose every time. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have the long run in tourneys. Adding to my frustration was that I wasn’t able to capitalize on my hand reading ability. In numerous spots, I knew from the betting pattern pretty much what people held. I saw missed spots for value bets, obvious bluffs, and so on. But unfortunately for me, I just didn’t have the hands to be involved.

My edge is pretty big in limit if I’m in the hand because I am pretty good at deducing whether my hand is good. Unfortunately, I was on the sideline for most of the hands in the first three levels. If I can ever acquire a decent to large stack in a limit event, I’d feel very comfortable continuing. In any case, when the fourth level started, blinds were at 75/150 and we were playing 150/300 hold�em. My stack was at just over 1000 so obviously whatever hand I played, it was imperative I won. I started my last hand with 800. After three folds, I looked at two fives. Usually, I fold in this spot but I just didn’t think I could fade the blinds one more time and then play a hand to completion. I raised and I almost got my wish and had everyone fold. Unfortunately, the big blind called. The flipper rolled off 10 6 4 with two clubs. Not a bad flop. BB check-called which made me feel good about my hand. I put him on a decent ace, maybe AJ or AQ. The turn was a 7 of clubs, which actually improved my hand, giving me an open-ender and a small club draw. BB checked, I bet 300 and he raised me my last 100. Pretty sure I was beat but I was hoping I had outs. He turned over 89 with the 8 of clubs. Once again, I was all-in drawing absolutely dead. The river was a queen of club so I left the table muttering to myself�why couldn’t he have flopped a set? Lol.

-PR