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A great night of bar poker
So, I had a spare Friday night, and got to hit the bar poker tournament at the Sports Rock Lounge in Pembroke Pines (1828 North University Dr Pembroke Pines 954-704-0290) and left with some valuable multi-table experience.
There were about 100 players -- Friday is the weekly winners' tournament night in the circuit of tournaments operated by Bar Poker Pros. (www. barpokerpros.com). They have about six to eight tournaments a night, mostly across Broward, and
(I'm trying to hit all the bar poker groups I can and at least get them up there, and eventually want to do a list of them on this blog, so, folks, email me links, please.)
Well-organized tournament (Steve, the organizer has casino management experience and his dealers also work all over the place), nice folks at the table, and pretty good play. Not too much limping going on, but certainly not overwrought with all-in bluster, either. Mainly, seemed like the players knew the luck factor cards play: sometimes you outplay people and win, other times, they outplay you, only for you to come through on a suck-out. I sat next to an older lady named Mame, who I liked even though she was originally from New York.
We started with about 4,000 units and I hung in there for about 90 minutes, until the blinds got to 500-1000 and I looked down and still had my 4,000. Gotta learn to try to built it up, not be so passive. So, two hands before the blinds were coming to me and on a hand the chip bully folded on, I went all in with K-9 and lost.
Which brings the question: Anyone have a formula on how to build up chips? Double every hour?
One other quick comment: Bar Poker Pros is trying a rare weekday afternoon outing. It's at 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at Hurricane Grill & Wings, 1905 N. Pine Island Road (Jacaranda Square) in Plantation. Call 954-475-8815.
NICK SORTAL began playing 3-card "gut" and "Indian poker" on high school band trips, early training for his...
Comments
Nick-
I am writing this entry from Las Vegas as I get ready to play my favorite low entry tourney at the Sahara. I also play locally at Dania and Gulfstream as well as SOME bar poker.
Many pros argue about how to built stacks in a tournament. Many advise playing very tight until the blinds get high. Some say, "Nonsense! There are many donks in the early stages that are DYING to give away their chips. SOMEONE needs to take them!"
My personal opinion is that you need chips to win and you should try for them WHENEVER YOU CAN! Early in a tourney, I'll get my money in only if I think I am getting 4-1 pot odds or so. (Overpair to underpair, for example). I am NOT looking for a race at that point (two high cards vs. an underpair). As the blinds approach 10% of my stack, I'll get MUCH more aggressive and will welcome a race (even if I am taking the worst of it).
Also, let me suggest that you (and EVERYONE interested in poker tournaments)read "Harrington on Hold 'em." All three volumes are essential, but Volume II is ALL ABOUT how to vary your play as the blinds go up. IMHO these 3 volumes are REQUIRED READING for serious tournament players. (In fact, I posted a comment on "2+2" stating that anyone who hasn't read (an understood) Volume II should not bother playing No Limit Tournaments! Many agreed.)
I do not claim to be an expert poker player, but I am a SERIOUS player and I hope my comments are helpful.
Ray
Posted by: Ray Cafolla | March 7, 2008 11:29 AM