Nice post Mark. I think you ought to introduce yourself properly in Spain by buying us drinks all night
FYP
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on December 23, 2010, 19:53:50 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: SirPercival on December 23, 2010, 20:10:39 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Chipaccrual on December 23, 2010, 20:21:10 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mal666 on December 23, 2010, 20:31:49 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on December 23, 2010, 20:39:16 PM
Yea it was Achim, that hand was pretty sick. Kings weren"t much good on our table.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on December 23, 2010, 21:25:34 PM
Welcome to APAT Mark, Don"t recall you from that table but i moved there from table 16, if I recall just before dinner break. Despite playing my first APATs in 2008 I"ve also just started my first blog, http://www.apat.com/forum/index.php?topic=7664.msg126480#msg126480 so will keep track of yours and hopefully we can help each other along the way.
Cheers Grant
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on December 23, 2010, 22:44:55 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on December 23, 2010, 22:49:54 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Fatcatstu on December 23, 2010, 22:52:54 PM
Welcome to APAT mate.
Get to know people here, its a fantastic place and full of great folk :)
As mentioned.
Come to spain.
Buy me beer.
Stu x
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on December 24, 2010, 00:08:24 AM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Foggy on December 24, 2010, 09:00:08 AM
I think there must be something wrong with this blog
As one of the tightest players in APAT, I would never push with 10-7
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on December 24, 2010, 09:11:16 AM
Did I mention they were suited???
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: duke3016 on December 24, 2010, 09:13:58 AM
I think there must be something wrong with this blog
As one of the tightest players in APAT, I would never push with 10-7
That foggy, such a fish ;D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on December 24, 2010, 10:50:43 AM
Hi Mark, you"ve inspired me to post on my blog about that 3/4 hand in my BB and a few other similar situations i had in Coventry. I"d be very glad of any observations, comments, advice from anyone once it"s up on my blog. Cheers
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Newportlad on December 24, 2010, 13:14:50 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: technolog on December 24, 2010, 15:19:17 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 02, 2011, 14:38:46 PM
Happy New Year to all!
Its time for some poker related New Years Resolutions.....
1) Play to my bankroll - this is especially related to cash games, I am trying to make sure I always have 20 buy-ins for any cash game to get around variance issues - This also means, for now, AVOID playing cash games live. 2) Grow my bankroll from a current $180 to $500 as quickly as possible by playing low stakes cash games and MTT"s at $5 max (exceptions made for any online APAT events). 3) Play live as much as possible but be selective about games - get involved with as many UK based APAT events as possible. 4) Continue to track results and update blog regularly - use the forum to continue learning about my game.
Good luck on the felt to all this year.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 06, 2011, 17:46:25 PM
Been enjoying playing some low stakes cash on Betfair in the last week, a few profitable sessions but slightyly down for the year so far. Feel like im learning a lot with every session though. Ordered Harrington on cash games, would like to feel like I have a proper strategy when playing cash... to me it seems so much more complicated, any flaws in my game seem to be really exposed.
Am considering a weekend away with some fellow poker loving mates to DTD this month. Perhaps to play the £100 freezeout later this month. I remember following the updates for the APAT worlds last year and looks like a great place to play poker. Also may head to The Fox Poker Club in London for one of their £50 tourneys, heard good things and only 40mins on the train for me.
Away from poker I have just received a nice new I pad (brag post but it was a work gift). Not sure what I am really going to do with it but it looks pretty cool, would be amazing if you could get online poker but, as far as I know, this is not yet possible...
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on January 06, 2011, 18:17:17 PM
Nice result with the I-Pad Mark and i wish you every success with your targets. With regards to target 2 and your bankroll, be patient coz I"ve played down at the lower levels at 3 different spells since joining Betfair and every time without fail building that bankroll takes a fair amount of time. I"m sure you"ll achieve it, the real difference will be found once you get there and can go up a level.
Don"t put too much pressure on yourself to get there quickly, and you will get there 8)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: MintTrav on January 07, 2011, 01:01:58 AM
Good luck with this Mark.
Don"t forget to include helping the Solent team to win the online league in your targets for the year.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 10, 2011, 13:11:14 PM
Spent a great weekend watching Saints beat Blackpool and then seeing the draw give us United for the 2nd time in 3 years. I have been a season ticket holder now for the last 3 years and its been great this season. I was at the last ManU game when we had Matt Paterson sent off in the first 10 minutes which ruined the game, I hope this time we can give it a good go and maybe cause another upset.
Poker wise, I was a bit gutted to miss the final league game, only been able to play a few this season but really like the idea behind it. Solent team have been great all season and John has done really well pulling the whole team together. Looking forward to next season. Boring Friday night/Saturday morning in led me to playing some micro stakes cash on Betfair. Was great fun, playing 4 tables and made 4 buyins in the session. Loads of people who have clearly had a bit to much to drink p**sing their money up the wall. Now just need to transfer this up the stakes a bit. Break even for the month and $140 up online since started recording results in November.
Currently reading Gus Hansens "Every Hand Revealed" on my lunch break - well reccomended for advice and just a generally great read.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Chipaccrual on January 23, 2011, 23:41:38 PM
BINKETY BINK BINK
Mark Porter and myself are off to Betfair London Live!, courtesy of the Betfair Poker Forum, and what an nice bunch of people they are too.
Really enjoyed that. ;D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 24, 2011, 18:11:38 PM
Well Well Well......
So, I sat down to play the Betfair forum Live tourney thing last night without a great deal of confidence. Mainly because I just don"t understand how to play 6 handed tables very well. I just can"t seem to adjust my aggression appropriately which is obviously a really key part of short handed play. I find the hardest part is putting players on hands, I think that I have a fairly good idea when playing 9/10 handed what people have, my reading skills are definitely getting better (one step up from non existent!). 6 handed is usually a nightmare for me though.
Not much changed last night, I didnt play too badly but still found it tough. Had one nice hand when I called a raise with 6, 9 off suit and flopped a straight. All the money went in on the Queen turn and the guys Ace Queen was well beat. It was pretty quickly down hill from there and ended up shoving 12xbb"s with AJ to run into AQ. This was just after I had joined Leigh's table where he had already amassed a pretty tasty chip stack.
So from then on I had Leigh's table open and went from casually looking every couple of minutes to avidly watching and shouting at the screen. Without wanting to sound like a kiss arse, hats off to Leigh for clearly playing so well. He ran over both tables I watched him on and had the chip lead for 90% of the tournament. The relentless 3 and 4 betting was just scary to watch - high level poker from where I was sitting.
Final table was pretty nerve racking, especially when only 3 left. The highlights being the Royal Flush and getting it in with AQ dominated by AK only for the board to pair twice. When the final hand was won, I did let out a cheer, it was so well deserved on Leigh's part and I am really grateful.
From a selfish point of view this is an amazing opportunity for me to play a tournament that I would realistically never have the bankroll to buy in directly to. I can"t wait to go, and hopefully meet a few fellow APATers. I think the drinks may be on me!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: duke3016 on January 24, 2011, 18:49:12 PM
hats off to Leigh for clearly playing so well. He ran over both tables I watched him on and had the chip lead for 90% of the tournament. The relentless 3 and 4 betting was just scary to watch - high level poker from where I was sitting.
seriously well done - now the two of ye had better bink the main event
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: ian.ski309 on January 24, 2011, 19:25:04 PM
VWP to the both of you and the very best of luck in the tournament guys !
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 03, 2011, 22:56:00 PM
So its been 3 months since I started playing poker online and live fairly regularly and have some decent enough results.
Online - Profit $286.37
This is actually a bit misleading as I am counting $150 expenses that I received when Leigh binked the seat for him and myself to the London Live. (Can this be counted as winnings and my second biggest online cash???!) Am quite pleased with my cash game now. I am probably down a couple of buy-ins overall but in the last month have been getting a lot of practise in playing 2 hour sessions of two tables at the micro stakes. I enjoy it and think I can make small profits. Tournament poker, again my winnings are swayed by my one largest cash of $175. Am not playing many tournaments at the moment but will try and pick up my volume this month.
Live - Loss £106 -meh
Am getting pretty buzzed about London Live next weekend. Got some live poker practice in last weekend that didnt go great. Overplayed and overthought a couple of hands, didn"t play my natural game and ended up busting shoving my 15bigs into aces. It annoys me that when I play online i have a concrete strategy that i can implement yet when I sit on the live felt it all goes a bit Pete Tong. Still am hoping that I can get something going in London. Have decided not to book a hotel and just wing it on the day... doesnt say a lot about my confidence on making day 2 but don"t wanna waste money. I think I might play the 4 $20 events in the GSOP on betfair that are just straight hold em. Good structures so will prob give them a shot.
Looking forward to Season 5 announcements.... my target is to make a final table this season. Bring it on.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 15, 2011, 18:05:16 PM
Betfair London Live.... what a great event.
The main mistake I made at the weekend was trying to do too much. I combined poker with meeting up with my uncle who works in the city and provided a nice alternative to a night in a hotel. A few pints later on the Friday night and all seemed great; Saturday morning was not exactly the same. I arrived at the Fox bleary eyed, I must have looked about 15 years old and everything seemed to ache. Still I was impressed by the club, everything looked great and there was a real buzz before it all kicked off. Unfortunately I didn't meet too many APATers. I think I spotted a few but was not entirely sure who was who. Next time I will be more forward and go and introduce myself to random people wearing APAT tops.
On the poker front, I think I am now getting used to tournament poker; this was definitely the most at home I have ever felt at the table. My first table couldn't have gone much better. I was up to 15K 10 minutes in after a big pot where I made a full house. From then on I thought I played OK, opening up my range and trying to take advantage of a really tight table with lots of post flop play. The table dynamics were really fun as well; I had my Ipad at the table playing the Geoff Stelling role of updating the table on the latest goals and scorers.
After about 3 or 4 hours I was up to 36K. The most satisfying thing is that this came from lots of small pots and good aggressive play. I can't lie; I did run really great as well. I had Aces against Queens in the blinds and made flushes and straights a couple of times. I felt stronger as the afternoon went on and thought I had a good chance with my stack to go deep. When our table broke after several breaks and we moved into the evening, it wasn't quite such a smooth ride. I went card dead and moved to a table where there were a lot of 3 and 4 betting and very few flops. I then was moved tables another couple of times before realising it was 10pm and I was into the last 50, still with a healthy stack of 35K. In the end I went out in 38th spot. I picked up AQ suited in early position with about 20 big blinds and decided to ship it in. Unfortunately the guy who eventually finished 3rd found KK and that was that. I was completely gutted actually walking back to the tube. I thought I could have easily just played absolute premiums till the money but I genuinely felt I could have gone really deep so to leave with nothing was pretty crushing.
I guess it doesn't matter how good you run early on, you need that bit of luck where it counts. Should I be shoving AQ with 20 big blinds...? I don't think I should be raise folding that hand with that stack really? Still a great weekend and some top quality poker all thanks to Leigh's freeroll success. I can't complain really.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: pables on February 15, 2011, 22:18:15 PM
Mark,
It"s a shame because we were all asking round if anyone knew Mark Porter, it would have been nice to rail you
Ian
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Quasar on February 15, 2011, 22:22:07 PM
I can"t believe you sat next to me and didn"t say hello :(
As Ian says we were all asking and thought you hadn"t turned up. I know how scarey it is when you first go to these events. Please come and find someone next time. ;D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 16, 2011, 23:13:31 PM
See, I thought it might have been you especially when you insta called an all in bet and showed aces!!
Will definitely catch up with more people next time :-) congrats on the cash.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 24, 2011, 16:05:19 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Marty719 on February 24, 2011, 16:26:26 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Swinebag on February 24, 2011, 17:31:09 PM
3) Develop An Annoying Affectation. A great example of this is trying to store up all the 25 chips on the table. For example when the ante is 25, put in 100 and take the 3 x 25 chips as change. A guy was doing this at the Betfair Live event and it wound me up so much that I had to go out for some fresh air.
I"m sort of guilty of this but not as bad as the guy described above. If the blinds are say 600/1200/100 then I will try and hoover up the 25s and make myself a nice chip house. It does slow the game down when players start putting in 25 chips when they are not needed.
good post btw
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Quasar on February 24, 2011, 18:05:01 PM
haha this really made me ;D, even though if I was sitting next to you it might make me :(
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 24, 2011, 18:12:32 PM
Thanks,This post was the result of a long afternoon at work!
I was sitting to the right of the guy hoovering up the 25 chips. It got to a point where he had somehow got to about 90% of the 25"s on the table and had created a huge tower. He was really annoyed when he couldn"t get the change and had to put in one of his precious 25"s. I dont know why but it got on my nerves so much!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: jbworldwide on February 24, 2011, 19:04:10 PM
3) Develop An Annoying Affectation. A great example of this is trying to store up all the 25 chips on the table. For example when the ante is 25, put in 100 and take the 3 x 25 chips as change. A guy was doing this at the Betfair Live event and it wound me up so much that I had to go out for some fresh air.
I"m sort of guilty of this but not as bad as the guy described above. If the blinds are say 600/1200/100 then I will try and hoover up the 25s and make myself a nice chip house. It does slow the game down when players start putting in 25 chips when they are not needed.
good post btw
If that was the one in London, then I know exactly who you are talking about. He says he likes to collect the lowest chips in play for "good luck". Shame he got taken to town by someone and lost them all :)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 25, 2011, 16:10:39 PM
Although the previous post was a bit of a joke, I do have 3 things that I do want to change in my live game:-
1) If you are sat in the big blind, don't look at your hand until there is action behind you. If there is no action and you get a walk, just muck your cards, NO LOOKING! There is no point tilting yourself by looking down at 2 aces. If you feel you cannot help but look, NEVER show a big hand in this situation. Your already annoyed you didn't get any action, why give the other players at the table ammunition.
2) You are sat in the small blind, the action is passed round to you and you look down at junk. Just fold. As discussed in another thread, I think that a lot of players have small blind leaks. I don't personally think that 4 betting with any two is going to be profitable in this spot especially in live tournaments where play is generally recognised as being tighter. The WORST thing you can do is fold face up with a glum face, this is just weak.
3) Only show your cards when forced at showdown or after a huge bluff. I have seen so many players raising from late position and flashing an Ace it is unreal. Or making a big re-raise and showing their pocket kings after everyone folds. The better tournament players will not be getting plastered at the tables, they will be figuring out a profile in their head of each player at the table. Never give away any free information.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Marty719 on February 25, 2011, 16:24:40 PM
Although the previous post was a bit of a joke, I do have 3 things that I do want to change in my live game:-
1) If you are sat in the big blind, don't look at your hand until there is action behind you. If there is no action and you get a walk, just muck your cards, NO LOOKING! There is no point tilting yourself by looking down at 2 aces. If you feel you cannot help but look, NEVER show a big hand in this situation. Your already annoyed you didn't get any action, why give the other players at the table ammunition.
2) You are sat in the small blind, the action is passed round to you and you look down at junk. Just fold. As discussed in another thread, I think that a lot of players have small blind leaks. I don't personally think that 4 betting with any two is going to be profitable in this spot especially in live tournaments where play is generally recognised as being tighter. The WORST thing you can do is fold face up with a glum face, this is just weak.
3) Only show your cards when forced at showdown or after a huge bluff.The better tournament players will not be getting plastered at the tab I have seen so many players raising from late position and flashing an Ace it is unreal. Or making a big re-raise and showing their pocket kings after everyone folds. les, they will be figuring out a profile in their head of each player at the table. Never give away any free information.
Few disagreements: 1 - Fair enough. Pretty dependant on levels of tilt control. I like excuses to complain, so I always hope to peak at aces...
2 - Confused by the 4 betting comment if action is passed to us. Also u state that folding is better and then mention that live poker is recognised as being tighter. If there is a nit in the bb we can open almost 100% of the time in the sb. We can open small and fold to a 3b comfortably against many and still make a smooth profit. I know a lot of people who min every sb and half pot c/bet every flop and swear by it. Once spr becomes lower, picking up the blinds and antes is really important. I think better advice is to pay attention to player types around the table and figure out ways to exploit each of the player types.
3 - "Only show your cards when forced at showdown or after a huge bluff." Its probably better to just never show ur cards. We dnt want to give people any information, and showing bluffs just makes it harder for us to get the next one thru. This is just as much giving away free info as, " I have seen so many players raising from late position and flashing an Ace it is unreal. Or making a big re-raise and showing their pocket kings after everyone folds."
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 28, 2011, 13:07:20 PM
On Saturday I managed to improve my best ever cash by a massive $1. Finished 2nd in a $2 MTT on Betfair for a $176.24 payday which felt nice. Still bit gutted I didn"t take it down, yet to win a MTT.
Played the GSOP Mini last night, was hoping to play most of the mini"s but the structures don"t really suit going to work the next day. I got knocked out after 4 hours in about 700th place. Will probably give most of these a miss now and step up my cash games.
Need to book some time off work.... awaiting a certain schedule..... :-)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Chipaccrual on February 28, 2011, 13:19:23 PM
Nice cash Mark.
Agree on the GSOP structure. Makes it difficult to run deep with work the next day, and when you know that, I think your mindset is slightly different when playing the tourney.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: pokerpops on February 28, 2011, 16:03:29 PM
3) Only show your cards when forced at showdown or after a huge bluff. I have seen so many players raising from late position and flashing an Ace it is unreal. Or making a big re-raise and showing their pocket kings after everyone folds. The better tournament players will not be getting plastered at the tables, they will be figuring out a profile in their head of each player at the table. Never give away any free information.
Someone far better than I at poker said "never show bluffs, if you aren"t being forced to by being caught occasionally then you aren"t bluffing often enough"
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 15, 2011, 12:42:01 PM
Been grinding the cash tables and low stakes MTT's over the last couple of weeks. This, combined with long work days, mean that I seem to have been running on auto pilot at the tables.
Had a great night last night, played both the satellites, got through both. Really pleased as gives my bankroll a nice boost. I played my normal game but felt the benefit of getting good cards and flipping well. The standout hand was probably with 10 left in the Coventry sat. I picked up AA, all the chips went in against someone with KK. 5 handed its pretty sick, but made me massive chip leader and from there on just folded my way in.
First impressions of 888 are good. Was a bit unsure at first as a lot of the smaller tournaments do not include antes. I have spent some time playing 6 tables of $6NL and it seems pretty soft. Lots of players dumping their money in the middle with squat. Also had a go on the six max web cam tables, bizarre but quite fun for an hour. Seeing someone's face when you suck out on them on the river is priceless.
Really looking forward to the online event on Saturday and will give the Omaha a bash too. Aim is to play every APAT event possible online including the league events for Solent. Going to try and amass the ranking points this season. Coventry next weekend will be a good one, am still contemplating whether to get a hotel or not. As its only an 90min drive, I may not bother. Not decided whether to play the side event on the Sunday, need to start to learn Omaha in my lunch hours..
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: samuel_9 on March 15, 2011, 14:03:44 PM
book hotel. A 90 minute isent very long. BUT if your playing cards from 2oclk in the afternoon till 3 in the morning.fatigue sets in.falling asleep be hind the wheel? mabe .you just dont no. be on the safe side BOOK HOTEL
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Mikeyboy9361 on March 15, 2011, 14:36:07 PM
book hotel. A 90 minute isent very long. BUT if your playing cards from 2oclk in the afternoon till 3 in the morning.fatigue sets in.falling asleep be hind the wheel? mabe .you just dont no. be on the safe side BOOK HOTEL
Nothing wrong with sleeping in the car in the Casino car park! ;)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: PantsMan on March 15, 2011, 14:36:26 PM
Seconded. Made the mistake last year when playing the Worlds of thinking "it"s only an hour and a half away". Subsequently made it to Day Two leaving DTD at 3 am to drive home having been totally zoned in to the table and drinking Red Bull to stay awake and focused. The drive home was absolutely hideous. People underestimate firstly, how much concentration poker takes and secondly how much concentration motorway driving takes.
My advice - unless it"s a short journey home don"t bother. Besides, if you get knocked out you can always join the other APATers for a few "quiet" drinks at the bar. ;)
Booked hotels for most of the season already. Only one i"m not is Coventry but that"s 40 minutes away from me. Well, an hour according to Google Maps but not the way i drive at 3 in the morning!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on March 15, 2011, 14:57:29 PM
Hope your run continues Mark, nice results from the sats and good blogging 8)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: samuel_9 on March 15, 2011, 15:23:07 PM
book hotel. A 90 minute isent very long. BUT if your playing cards from 2oclk in the afternoon till 3 in the morning.fatigue sets in.falling asleep be hind the wheel? mabe .you just dont no. be on the safe side BOOK HOTEL
Nothing wrong with sleeping in the car in the Casino car park! ;)
been there ...........blooming freezing
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Quasar on March 15, 2011, 15:50:03 PM
book hotel. A 90 minute isent very long. BUT if your playing cards from 2oclk in the afternoon till 3 in the morning.fatigue sets in.falling asleep be hind the wheel? mabe .you just dont no. be on the safe side BOOK HOTEL
Nothing wrong with sleeping in the car in the Casino car park! ;)
Nice and cheap isn"t it Mike - very money saving ;D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on March 15, 2011, 15:52:28 PM
book hotel. A 90 minute isent very long. BUT if your playing cards from 2oclk in the afternoon till 3 in the morning.fatigue sets in.falling asleep be hind the wheel? mabe .you just dont no. be on the safe side BOOK HOTEL
Nothing wrong with sleeping in the car in the Casino car park! ;)
been there ...........blooming freezing
Sleeping Bag always works a treat 8)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: PantsMan on March 15, 2011, 15:59:56 PM
book hotel. A 90 minute isent very long. BUT if your playing cards from 2oclk in the afternoon till 3 in the morning.fatigue sets in.falling asleep be hind the wheel? mabe .you just dont no. be on the safe side BOOK HOTEL
Nothing wrong with sleeping in the car in the Casino car park! ;)
been there ...........blooming freezing
Sleeping Bag always works a treat 8)
Getting knocked out early and drinking 12 pints of lager works just as well. :)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Mikeyboy9361 on March 15, 2011, 16:07:11 PM
book hotel. A 90 minute isent very long. BUT if your playing cards from 2oclk in the afternoon till 3 in the morning.fatigue sets in.falling asleep be hind the wheel? mabe .you just dont no. be on the safe side BOOK HOTEL
Nothing wrong with sleeping in the car in the Casino car park! ;)
Nice and cheap isn"t it Mike - very money saving ;D
Yes! :) But I was a boy scout, and always come prepared with sleeping bag and pillow!!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Quasar on March 15, 2011, 16:18:07 PM
book hotel. A 90 minute isent very long. BUT if your playing cards from 2oclk in the afternoon till 3 in the morning.fatigue sets in.falling asleep be hind the wheel? mabe .you just dont no. be on the safe side BOOK HOTEL
Nothing wrong with sleeping in the car in the Casino car park! ;)
Nice and cheap isn"t it Mike - very money saving ;D
Yes! :) But I was a boy scout, and always come prepared with sleeping bag and pillow!!
yes but no shower or hairwash in the morning. i couldn"t do it. I was a Brownie by the way ;D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: ian.ski309 on March 15, 2011, 18:51:49 PM
Yes! :) But I was a boy scout, and always come prepared with silk pyjamas and fluffy slippers !!
FYP ;D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 15, 2011, 19:12:39 PM
Lol, I think you have done enough to convince me on the hotel! I was knocked out at about 1am last season at Coventry and the drive back was pretty gruelling... plus this way I get to visit the bar..... :D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on March 15, 2011, 19:16:44 PM
Lol, I think you have done enough to convince me on the hotel! I was knocked out at about 1am last season at Coventry and the drive back was pretty gruelling... plus this way I get to visit the bar..... :D
Oh dear, memories of The Vic in 2008 :o
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 17, 2011, 22:11:17 PM
back to back double ups and up to 25K in the bronze freeroll.
20/99
Good fun, on the same table as Grant for a bit. Not sure this is really worth 4/5 hours but $125 up top plus tournament ticket.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on March 17, 2011, 22:22:07 PM
I"m now up to 17k mate, glgl. Lets get those tickets :)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on March 17, 2011, 22:37:23 PM
Change that order I"m out in 76th lol, gl mate I"ll be railing
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 17, 2011, 22:40:49 PM
UL mate barely played a hand since I was last on your table... time to get busy.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 17, 2011, 23:08:46 PM
41K chips 18/51
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on March 17, 2011, 23:33:17 PM
Yeah I"m still watching you, the KK v AK hand was good timing :)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 17, 2011, 23:35:42 PM
Great structure, gonna be annoyed to play this long if I dont at least make the top 20 for the ticket. 20/32
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on March 17, 2011, 23:47:35 PM
Great structure, gonna be annoyed to play this long if I dont at least make the top 20 for the ticket. 20/32
4 hours mate 18/29 and I reckon ticket"s in the bag if you just log off lol :D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 17, 2011, 23:52:49 PM
will be moving into shove mode after the break, around the 20bigs mark, could do with a hand.
Doh, got work in the morning...
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 18, 2011, 00:22:56 AM
19/22 10 bb"s zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: PantsMan on March 18, 2011, 00:34:48 AM
Ok, i"m confused (and drunk so please forgive me!) but what game are we talking about here????
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on March 18, 2011, 00:35:44 AM
The Betfair freeroll for sat tickets to Betfair Live, well done Mark just got your ticket 8)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 18, 2011, 00:39:38 AM
that was painful!! out in 18th, all that for less than $4 and a $24 tourney ticket.... night!!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 24, 2011, 14:31:33 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Quasar on March 24, 2011, 14:36:04 PM
Make sure you actually say hello this time Mark. ;D
Still can"t believe you sat next to me and didn"t give me a nudge!
On the "estate agent" comment, I work for a lettings agent, dealing with rental properties only. We don"t charge anything to our tenants for renewal. You"re obviously going to the wrong ones ;)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: PantsMan on March 24, 2011, 14:54:39 PM
I will definitely say hello this time! There"s not much I can do with those estate agents charges, they dictate and I just have to pay it... oh well.
What a great song, to be fair you can"t afford to look scruffy when there is an opportunity of an exit interview on camera with Maylis!
Even better if it"s a winners interview ;) Aim high Mark
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on March 27, 2011, 07:48:59 AM
Great to see you"re through to the Sunday Mark, very well played so far...........now for that winner"s interview ;)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 28, 2011, 16:02:37 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 28, 2011, 16:42:10 PM
Day 2
To be honest I don't really want to write too much about my main event experience on Day 2 as I can sum it up in a few sentences. I lost a couple of races and went out in 14th place for a min cash. I was pleased enough as I didn't make any silly errors and that was my first ever live cash. One of my aims of this APAT season can be chalked off nice and early.
I had the honour of being involved in one of Tightys now infamous Sit N Go's about 45 mins before Day 2 kicked off. It was pretty epic, and needs to be incorporated into Season 6 in some form. I saw an unbelievable read from Des when he folded flopped quad fours. I am not sure what the rules were, there were cards stuck on foreheads, forfeits for gloating and various penalties. An experience that I hope to relive at future events.
The main epiphany for me on Day 2 was discovering that I might actually enjoy commentating on poker more than I do playing! I am not sure how it came about; I did my exit interview with the aim of promoting the blog and then just hung around for a bit.
I have never done anything like that before, I am a shy person so would always steer well clear of things like that. The thing is I love poker and don't need to be given many chances to discuss hands and analyse plays. So what began as an impromptu chat turned into the best part of a 7 hour final table alongside the brilliant Maylis and the APAT team.
Maylis is so much fun and so good at what she does. I felt chuffed to be allowed to commentate alongside her. I think it works nicely when you have two people as you can bounce off each other. I can remember watching the live feed for the 20K sponsorship last year and really enjoyed the commentary with her and Ben Young.
Leigh is great fun to talk to as well and obviously has a pretty vast knowledge of everything poker related. It was great to get his insight into hands. I did remind him that I am still waiting for my 50% of the London Live event, there is no I in team.
I could probably write a book with my thoughts on the final table and a sequel about the heads up. It was fascinating to watch and it's amazing how much you can take in when you take a step back from the action. Everyone played really well, a special shout out to Mike who finished in 4th, a good result for us young'uns. I thought that the heads up was EPIC. Both guys played it great with really contrasting styles and either one would have been a deserving winner.
I can't wait for my next APAT event which will be Cardiff. I won't be able to make Newcastle, bit of a trek to get to over the Easter weekend. I will definitely be following the live feed so look forward to that. Also on the rare occasion that I don't make a final table assault, if Maylis and the team ever need some more support on the mic then I will be at the front of the queue.
:)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Swinebag on March 28, 2011, 22:48:05 PM
nice write up and really enjoyed the commentary. You brought a lot to the Party
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: duke3016 on March 28, 2011, 22:49:25 PM
nice write up and really enjoyed the commentary. You brought a lot to the Party
+ a lot - very entertaining
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: AVFC.WILSON on March 29, 2011, 02:01:59 AM
Great Blog mate! Just Been reading it. After a night out of playing variations of poker games inspired by Tightys epic sit & go"s. One game was backwards poker where the flop is just the one card. And the river is three so nearly everyone gets sucked out on the river. But yeah these games should defiantely be incorporated in season 6.
Cheers for the "special shout out" There should be someting in the 888 APAT lobby. Like a one-off APAT Under 25"s tourney.
What do you reckon?
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on March 29, 2011, 02:55:22 AM
nice write up and really enjoyed the commentary. You brought a lot to the Party
+ a lot - very entertaining
+ loads more, thoroughly enjoyed the commentary and didn"t realise it was you for first half hour.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 29, 2011, 12:40:59 PM
If we tried to sort out an APAT under 25"s game, we may just be able to fill one table... I am trying to recruit some more fresh faced poker players! Time to give these "experienced" players a run for their money I think.
Thanks for all the nice comments from friends and APAT"ers re my inane ramblings during the final table. :-)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: cincicrappykid on March 29, 2011, 12:43:48 PM
Great Blog mate! Just Been reading it. After a night out of playing variations of poker games inspired by Tightys epic sit & go"s. One game was backwards poker where the flop is just the one card. And the river is three so nearly everyone gets sucked out on the river. But yeah these games should defiantely be incorporated in season 6.
Cheers for the "special shout out" There should be someting in the 888 APAT lobby. Like a one-off APAT Under 25"s tourney.
What do you reckon?
Are u allowed to be agest :(
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mfcrocker on March 29, 2011, 12:52:05 PM
I"ve had this argument about other "under x" groups and it"s not ageism - it"s an additional group to encourage the next generation of people to get involved as opposed to an attempt to segregate the young"uns away from the old"uns.
That said, there was plenty of youth at APAT Coventry and it"d be pointless :D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: scjn01 on March 29, 2011, 13:20:55 PM
Nice write up Mark. Another challenge to beat 14th position next time!! (A bit harder than 44th!!) Wasn"t able to hear your commentary as I was busy in the Omaha, but hearing excellent reviews.
Alan
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 29, 2011, 19:19:59 PM
Thanks Alan. Also its nice to see a player behave so graciously after the bad beat that I gave you! Top bloke.
Look forward to being on your table again in the future.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: suzanne on March 29, 2011, 21:01:23 PM
I thought your commentary was excellent Mark, very professional and I am quite surprised you are as inexperienced as you say. A job very well done.
Ohhh and nice of you to call me a lady ;D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: sharky_uk on March 29, 2011, 21:59:51 PM
I could probably write a book with my thoughts on the final table and a sequel about the heads up. It was fascinating to watch and it's amazing how much you can take in when you take a step back from the action. Everyone played really well, a special shout out to Mike who finished in 4th, a good result for us young'uns. I thought that the heads up was EPIC. Both guys played it great with really contrasting styles and either one would have been a deserving winner.
If you decide to write the book I would buy it! Seriously though I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the final table and especially the heads-up play.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on April 07, 2011, 13:16:17 PM
I decided when I started playing poker regularly six months ago that I would keep a spreadsheet detailing all my tournament results and cash game returns. First of all I would recommend this to everybody, its been massively useful for me as a tool to review my spend and general analysis of where I am making and losing money. It has now become even more useful with money on a number of different sites.
I realised last week that in the 6 months I had been playing, I had only won 1 tournament. That was a $2 buy in 22 runner Furness game back in October. To make some excuses, I don't have massive tournament volume and I have made a few final tables with 2 decent second place scores but it was clear that there was a definite lack of wins. Thankfully, like buses, two have come along at once this week. I won the Furness game on Monday (only 14 runners but still a win) and the PLO bunch of fives last night. My bottom line for 2011 is looking very respectable now. I have recorded 3 back to back profitable months and a first live cash which is more than I could have hoped for. I should be able to follow that up with a profitable April after this weeks results. Most importantly I have had 3 months of profitable cash game play. I still believe it is almost free money at the micro stakes if you grind. Usually play 3-4 90minute sessions a week and keeps me ticking along.
I love Pot Limit Omaha. It was only my second PLO tournament last night but already feeling fairly comfortable playing now. In truth there seem to be a lot of comparisons between PLO and Texas holdem with the core skills of hand/boarding reading, understanding position and ranges and bet sizing being all important. It is just seems to be a little more taxing on the brain! PLO is a nice change from the norm though and will try and play as much as possible. Nothing planned on the live scene for a while so will just keep pushing online with the bunch of fives, online league, online championships etc. Been some great banter at the tables recently so look forward to more of that.
Off to the greyhound racing tonight with work, ***must not blow bankroll***.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on April 07, 2011, 13:37:45 PM
Nice run at the moment Mark, long may it continue mate. Impressive win in the PLO considering your lack of experience 8)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on April 08, 2011, 12:31:36 PM
My run good continues, managed to make a profit of £76.50 at the dogs yesterday. Did £5 stake for each race. 12 races and managed to find 6 winners including a 4/1 and a 5/1. Didnt think I would enjoy it that much but the gambling bug did take hold, I expect I could get excited for a snail race if there was money on it.
Final week one bunch of fives tonight. 5000 chips, twenty minute blinds, could be a long one.
The sun is out, all is rosy.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: ian.ski309 on April 09, 2011, 10:55:11 AM
Final week one bunch of fives tonight. 5000 chips, twenty minute blinds, could be a long one.
This post was obviously a jinx ;)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on April 12, 2011, 12:47:06 PM
Variance is such an odd thing.. got knocked out of the bunch of fives in 12th after playing pretty decent. Similar story in the online sat when I lost a big flip. Then managed to win the Furness game for the second week running. Less glory this week though, sucked out when three handed with AJ when I rivered a straight against AK. The cards were with me in the relatively short heads up battle. Still a good win and will be going for three in a row next week. Worth pointing out for people that haven"t played it... last 2 weeks there have been 13 & 14 runners with $25 added and cracking banter. Plus it seems at least half of the people playing are called Ian so lots of VALUE. 8)
Going to try and put a calendar of poker events together for the next 6 months. Dying to play as much live as possible but need to hunt out the value. Still haven"t been to DTD yet, may have a shot at the 1600 runner event, pretty sure a few APAT"ers will be giving that one a whirl.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: ian.ski309 on April 12, 2011, 15:34:25 PM
Still a good win and will be going for three in a row next week. Worth pointing out for people that haven"t played it... last 2 weeks there have been 13 & 14 runners with $25 added and cracking banter. Plus it seems at least half of the people playing are called Ian so lots of VALUE. 8)
I hope that Mr Selkirk and Mr Matthews also read this ;)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on April 15, 2011, 16:15:10 PM
The Bunch of Fives promotion seems to have gone down really nicely. The structures of all the events are really good with sensible finishing times for those with work with the next morning. The banter and table chatter has been top notch and I like it that you can rail and chat after your knocked out, I hope these continue in the future. I know I will certainly be playing them. Saying that, the short handed tourney last night went terribly, I played like a total donk. I always tend to over think when playing specific short handed tournaments more than I would do if I got to that stage in a generic MTT. I always 3 and 4 bet too light and generally try and push people around and act like a maniac. I was out in 15 minutes. I feel more confident 6 handed but I like playing these tournaments as its where I probably have the most to learn.
I have been running really good this month in general and hope I can carry this through to the online championship tourneys tomorrow. Doing well in $2 - $5 MTT's is only ever going to get you so far. Still trying to plan poker weekends and struggling. I may try and target some satellites into £100-£500 events. There seems to be a wealth of these sort of tourneys over the next 6 months, just don't have the bankroll to buy directly in though. Booked off work ready for Cardiff, planning on staying the Friday and Sat night and going back Sunday evening no matter how I run in the Main event and 6 max. It just seems so far away! I have a week off from work over Easter as well so can put in some table time playing cash which I have neglected in the past couple of weeks.
I spent 3 years at uni being a complete bum with no commitments and endless time on my hand. I graduate, get a demanding job and discover poker! Epic Fail.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on April 15, 2011, 21:16:07 PM
I spent 3 years at uni being a complete bum with no commitments and endless time on my hand. I graduate, get a demanding job and discover poker! Epic Fail.
:D Love It
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on April 25, 2011, 11:38:13 AM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: VBlue on April 29, 2011, 15:55:05 PM
When I play live tourneys locally, or not, I look at in two ways. One, if I want a good structure, and am playing to win money, then I get involved with the running/set my own up, or ensure I know the craic with the game on offer. Two, if I am just out for a few beers and a social, then it"s not really poker bankroll.
I always like to spend time thinking about my goals (to win money), how am I going to do so (seek out profitable games and play them a lot, work on my game every week) and keep refining and defining, always thinking what can I do next to get better and make more money.
GL and keep focused on your goals.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 03, 2011, 13:13:58 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mfcrocker on May 03, 2011, 14:37:13 PM
Is the $11 Stars deepstack daily now? I thought it was Sat/Sun only.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 03, 2011, 15:16:14 PM
I thought it said in the info, "daily deepstack" but I may be wrong.
Have you played it? Interested to know how it plays.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Foggy on May 03, 2011, 16:55:59 PM
I thought it said in the info, "daily deepstack" but I may be wrong.
Have you played it? Interested to know how it plays.
Yeah, seems they made it daily.
I have played it and it"s one for the coffee beans. Usually 14-15 hours long, cashing takes forever. It"s one to play only if you REALLY like deepstack poker (I do, but even this is towards the extreme end)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 04, 2011, 12:13:02 PM
I saw that there was a 6 max version, 5000 chips and 30min blinds running last night, fairly late start.
I am guessing that a lot of people dont have the patience and give their chips away so can understand the value. May have a go at some point in the future, would be a pretty painful bubble I imagine.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: VBlue on May 04, 2011, 12:43:49 PM
Mark, I have now caught up on your blog after spending a couple of hours reading from the start.
I have to say that I didn"t dip in immediately because the title didn"t grab a hold of me. I"m now glad that I did. It has been a very entertaining, humourous, and well-written journey through your poker ventures since last year.
I would say if you like writing and commentating then look for any opportunity to do more.
GL. I look forward to future installments.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: fandango on May 04, 2011, 16:26:53 PM
Mark, I have now caught up on your blog after spending a couple of hours reading from the start.
I have to say that I didn"t dip in immediately because the title didn"t grab a hold of me. I"m now glad that I did. It has been a very entertaining, humourous, and well-written journey through your poker ventures since last year.
I would say if you like writing and commentating then look for any opportunity to do more.
GL. I look forward to future installments.
+1. Enjoyed the read aswell top stuff
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 04, 2011, 18:11:40 PM
Thanks for nice comments. ;D
A real abundance of good blogs on here, can"t speak for all but I enjoy reading them all as well as writing my own.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 11, 2011, 22:24:42 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 16, 2011, 16:26:45 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Fatcatstu on May 16, 2011, 17:55:01 PM
Is the $11 Stars deepstack daily now? I thought it was Sat/Sun only.
Unless you fancy playing for 7-12 hours to cash $10-$20 I would leave these tourneys well alone
i played this with 5k runners.
Binked 2nd for $5k :)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 16, 2011, 18:56:19 PM
V nice score, how long did it last?
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Erimus on May 17, 2011, 16:42:32 PM
Hi, regarding the deepstack on Stars I assume you are talking about the game which starts at 23 30 5k chips 30 min blinds. I have been playing this for a while (not a good sleeper), it currently gets about 100 to 120 runners more when the Americans were playing. The bubble usually around 4am and yes can be a bit of a mare if short stacked, have final tabled it a few times finishing 2cd 3rd still playing at 9 am so it is a long haul, but there is loads of play at the end 3, 4, 5 betting and still being able to fold with 40 bigs. There are easy chips available at the start as people still play it like a turbo for some reason, tis one for the insomniacs though first prize usually between 600 700. If you were at work the following day I wouldn"t recommend it though.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 20, 2011, 13:48:27 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: suzanne on May 21, 2011, 02:31:04 AM
Good luck with this Mark. I shall be following your progress with interest.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 27, 2011, 13:50:47 PM
Off up to Cardiff today at about 4pm after work. Freshen up at the hotel then straight to the casino for an evening of poker. I expect I will write something later tonight, hopefully after taking down the local tournament. Really looking forward to the whole weekend, Coventry seems so long ago. Hopefully can go deep again in the main event.
I haven't played a massive amount online this week, taking a break before smashing the cash in June so feeling nice and fresh for the weekend. Looking forward to seeing lots of friendly faces. See you all there!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 28, 2011, 12:51:43 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: ian.ski309 on May 28, 2011, 15:10:55 PM
GL Mark.
Just seen your table draw... ouch, tough table you"ve got there !
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 31, 2011, 13:16:34 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 08, 2011, 20:40:23 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 13, 2011, 16:58:30 PM
An awful weekend online and managed to lose 5 buyins at the cash tables wiping out all my good work. I ran bad and played bad - simple as that so back to the drawing board.
On the plus side, still not halfway through the month so it is recoverable. Losing money at this level is not an option so fully focussed to put a good week in as playing catch up now.
Had a wonder through Oxford at the weekend, seemed nearly as bad as London for busyness/touristy but the feel of the city is good and architecture is stunning. I have only been living just outside the city for 9months before venturing in! Also purchased some Stephen Merchant tickets for my bro"s birthday so look forward to that.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 23, 2011, 22:37:18 PM
Sigh, online poker is so rigged
Hands played this month: 14,878
Profit: -$43.17
Hours: 40.17
Lots of hours for no reward is the story of the above. Played crap and ran worse.
For the last 2.6K hands, have switched to 4tables of 6max. I now have "come to own" 20GB of Deuces Cracked videos and started off with a series called "Baby Steps". Its a really good videos for beginners and takes you through how to beat the 6max micro stakes so decided to move from full ring to six max for the time being. I am enjoying it a lot more and feel like it is much more beatable than full ring as the fish are that much more exploitable.
The biggest thing I have taken out of the last few weeks is having a good HUD set up is so crucial. I couldn"t imagine playing online cash (especially multi tabling) without my HUD setup. I know I can beat these stakes but I need to be patient. Expecting instant results would be stupid and I believe that I can become a good profitable micro stakes cash player.
At the moment I do feel a little disillusioned with online poker, been playing so much this month... not sure how to go forward with it. I will definitely finish off my challenge and get to the 20K hands without two many issues. Hopefully can claw some $ back but look destined to finish down for the month (not including the sign up bonus"s). Irritatingly it doesnt look like I will make Silverstar, number of hands required was a bit out. Going forwards, may set a new goal for next month but will have a think about that a bit more this week.
Thoughts are already turning to APAT worlds although its still a couple of months away. Hotel booked for the full Friday-Monday so gonna make the most of it but unsure what I am playing. Would like to play the main and 3 sides but finances mean that looks unlikely with buyins going to be needed soon. Looking forward to being around the tournament buzz anyway, whatever I play.
I have been on a presentation course this week, good to get out of the office. Gave a stonking presentation on the mentality of poker and one on the APAT tour. Easy to talk passionately about poker...less so when talking about boring work related stuff. Still good confidence builder.
Title: !
Post by: mporter123 on June 29, 2011, 22:42:34 PM
Got there with a day to spend! Some analysis type stuff to follow....
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 29, 2011, 23:10:52 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on July 23, 2011, 21:11:11 PM
5 weeks and counting till WCOAP...
I am currently registered for the Heads up and the 6 max. I expect I may reg as an alternate in the PLO as well depending on how funds are looking nearer the time but won't be playing the main event. Not rolled for it and will be a real minefield to get through with loads of runners. Will be there the whole weekend, hopefully make a deep run somewhere (the bar perhaps). The side events look great, particularly the heads up, I have never played this live so good experience if anything. The amount of work I have put into my 6max game, I hope to go well in that one as well. Not played live since Cardiff, hoping to start seeing the progress I feel I am making online to the live felt.
Recently it feels like I have been working nonstop. Working within a company that supplies to schools means that now is manic. I am enjoying it but feeling the pressure a bit so a weekend to relax will be great. I may book off the whole week before as well, especially if I make the England team! The week after, I am heading to Cornwall for two weeks to do some work in a school helping them with some new IT kit. I have never been to Cornwall before so will be good.
Recently started to think about mortgages and my future.... ahh for the simpler times where all that mattered was my 2 hours of lectures a week. Just started the Online National PLO and feeling in the mood to crush. (Will post exit hand shortly)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on July 23, 2011, 23:08:11 PM
Heater turned into a damp squib and out. I didnt think it was possible to be card dead when you get dealt 4 cards.
Watching the DTD live stream of the Monte Carlo event, how awesome would it be to have an APAT final table with hole cards?!!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on August 06, 2011, 02:58:25 AM
just made the final table of an omaha hi lo $1 game on Stars.
currently 5th/9, out of 675... $9.88 in the bank
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on August 06, 2011, 03:19:03 AM
running hotter than the sun
3/5
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on August 06, 2011, 03:31:44 AM
SIGH... busto in 4th for $50
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on August 06, 2011, 15:07:36 PM
Nice performance Mark, shame you didn"t get a bigger cash but still a healthy profit 8)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on August 09, 2011, 13:14:19 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on August 18, 2011, 12:37:44 PM
I decided to book a few days off work last week and am currently relaxing in a haven of roast dinners, hot baths and 60"s swing music - otherwise known as my parents house. I always find it strange but beautiful to return home... I feel like I could easily be 15 again (not that it was that long ago). Arguing with my brother, sitting around a dinner table every night, being brought a hot mug of tea in bed. It always makes me feel nostalgic for a childhood that has not long passed but seems a lifetime ago. I feel lucky to have such a caring family, it just sucks that I have moved away and don"t get to see them as much as I should.
A personal and albeit grandiose thought of mine recently is that I want to start treating those close to me better - my parents, my brother and my girlfriend. It is so easy to get consumed in work, poker and general day to day stuff while ignoring the things that matter the most. It"s not like I need a big overhaul, just a revaluation. I moved out nearly a year ago and haven"t really established a great lifestyle balance.. yet.
On a less profound note - I decided to go for a swim the other day. I have basically done zero excerise in the last 4 years and its another part of my life that I want to get right. I am still skinny as anything and seem to have such a quick metabolism but sure that won"t last for ever. So, not to do things lightly, I decided to swim a mile (roughly 64 lengths). I did 65 in lengths in roughly an hour, will time myself properly next time. I found it pretty tough, particularly after about 40 lengths but got through OK. It is something I am going to try and do regularly when I get back up to my place. I have never enjoyed the gym and, like many people, have wasted money when a new year comes around on memberships I am never going to use. I found my first swim really relaxing so going to give it a shot - at the moment will stick to 65 lengths and try and improve my times - next swim will be this afternoon.
Poker front, I haven"t been putting in tonnes of volume but still doing the online grind. In contrast to my opening paragraphs I may go for a big cash month of another 20K hands in November and try and get my bankroll continuing in the right direction. Not long till WCOAP and can add the 2 £15 DTD tourneys to my schedule to give me a 4 day schedule of potentially 6 tournaments.
Friday - Heads up Friday - DTD £15 Saturday - Main Event Sunday - 6 Max Sunday - DTD £15 Monday - Omaha
Lots of potential in there and like every player - will be dreaming of that one time...
Currently all over this:-
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: pables on August 18, 2011, 17:38:34 PM
Nice post :)
See you there and best of luck with poker and more importantly life!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on August 18, 2011, 19:11:12 PM
See you there and best of luck with poker and more importantly life!
+1 see you at DTD Mark 8)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on August 24, 2011, 20:23:12 PM
One more day at work and then ready to rock! A long weekend of wall to wall poker, not sure it gets any better. Looking forward as usual to seeing everyone and putting more names to faces. Discovered APAT almost exactly 12 months ago and watched a lot of last years WCOAP on the live feed. Hope to show how far my game has come in a year. As the hotel seems walking distance ish, I may have to indulge at the bar with some of the regs (no names) I need an overdue induction to the coveted APAT drinking club! :)
Next update will be a coming of age victory story like no other... or just a tale of bad beats. Either way its gonna be EPIC.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on August 29, 2011, 12:03:47 PM
Sigh..... back for day two with barely a bowl.... cruising on 70k with a couple of hours left on day 1 and then a bad couple of levels and lost a crucial hand with jacks that knocked all the wind out of my sails.
Couple of quick double ups today would be nice...
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on September 15, 2011, 13:53:03 PM
Blogging from lovely Cornwall, have been near enough "off the grid" for the last few weeks since the WCOAP. I had written a massively long post after DTD but ended up scrapping it and going for the much shorter trip report of:- played the best poker I have ever played live but didn't make any cashes although made my second APAT day 2 (albeit three hands of day 2). Feeling so much more confident playing live now but still making errors that I spot afterwards... need to cut these out to go really deep in one of these.
I have spent the last two weeks down here in Cornwall doing some work for a local school helping them implement new I.T kit at the start of the new school year. Very hectic but really enjoying it and a nice break from the monotony of sitting behind a desk every day. Done the sightseeing thing with the girlfriend as well which was cool - Eden project, Lands End, St. Ives.
Heading back to reality this weekend. Going to plan some more live poker before the end of the year and get an online grind going again. Need to set myself a challenge... will have a think.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on September 19, 2011, 23:04:25 PM
Did my first 12 hour online Sunday grind yesterday - 9am until 9pm playing micro MTT"s on stars [ ] Went well
Finished and wondered where the day had gone... must do that again.
I have twitter - @mporter123. Will do chip updates and stuff mostly I expect.. gotta keep up with the trends. Oh and will be avaliable for the Team Championships should anyone need a player..
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on September 20, 2011, 22:12:32 PM
Sat with numerous cups of tea over the last 2 and a half hours reading the blatch grimming thread on Blonde after hearing cliffs at APAT Cardiff earlier this year..
:o
Just wow.
Was wondering the other day why APAT didn"t have staking threads, now wondering why any forum would have them!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 02, 2011, 20:36:01 PM
Grass roots Sunday grind at its best.....
$1 tourney - started at 4pm
16/129 - out of 5939
$924 up top and guaranteed $4.75... time to do a win
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 02, 2011, 20:58:34 PM
Nearly broke the clutch, I went through the gears so fast that level
At Break 5:-
6/95
267K v 125K average at 2K/4K
$5.93 banked
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on October 02, 2011, 21:22:50 PM
Good luck Mark, FT where"s the money"s at so get it sorted mate. Nice preformance so far 8)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 02, 2011, 21:58:34 PM
17/42
229K v 282K Ave @ 4K/8K
Strangled by aggro monsters on my right, and getting no action with AA, 1010 and JJ.
Need some good spots now, make or break next level
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on October 02, 2011, 22:41:56 PM
Strangled by aggro monsters on my right, and getting no action with AA, 1010 and JJ.
Need some good spots now, make or break next level
Still fine mate, almost 30BBs so no carnage needed just yet. Just keep doing what you"re doing and absolutely pick the right spots against the aggro monsters. I got action twice yesterday with JJ and take my word for it you don"t necessarily want that :D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 02, 2011, 22:58:01 PM
17/24
334K vs 494K ave
Interesting level, doubled with AA>AK
Fairly quiet apart from that. Going into 10K/20K, all about getting the shoves right now.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 02, 2011, 23:08:26 PM
AQ 10bigs left
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 02, 2011, 23:33:25 PM
14/15, still 10 bigs.. need a rush
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 02, 2011, 23:40:33 PM
and busto in 13th for $25.53..
Shoved Q9 with 7 bigs and knocked out by AJ.
Gutted to go that close to a final table where the proper money was.... sigh....bed
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on October 03, 2011, 01:00:46 AM
Nice play Mark, 13th in that field is an achievement. Never mind the reward, look at it as 25 x your buy in and that"s nice profit in anyone"s book. Well done mate 8)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 10, 2011, 16:19:12 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 19, 2011, 22:17:46 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 21, 2011, 19:56:33 PM
V excited for Luton tomorrow, dont immediately recognise anyone at my table... hope its nice and soft.
Will be playing the PLO on Sunday as well...fancy going deep.
Safe travel to all, see you tomorrow!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 24, 2011, 16:20:17 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: AceOnTheRiver on October 24, 2011, 16:53:51 PM
The only highlight was 4betting all in with AK to get snapped off by JP's aces. Obviously binked a straight on the turn.. It felt a bit gross actually; I'm too nice to revel in administering bad beats.
FYP
Never feel gross when you"ve done nothing wrong Mark. The chips were always going in pre with your stack at the time.
Look forward to playing with you again
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on October 25, 2011, 16:23:39 PM
Was great sharing a table with you again Mark, unfortunately for too short a spell this time but hope to catch up again soon.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 27, 2011, 00:21:44 AM
Good to share a table with you too Grant and JP. I had so many hero tables, was pretty cool, a real APAT who's who.
Running terrible this week, bricked nearly 30 tournaments in a row. Pretty much the worst downswing I have had but not worried as still playing fine in the most part. My annoyance at turbo"s is growing.... I play a fair few turbo's and there is an abundance of them on Stars at the micro level. I have been tempted to just stop playing them as I know my ROI in them has been crap. The philosophy that playing turbo"s takes away your edge on the field is valid but playing this level is all about volume and can't afford to take them out of the schedule. I still need to do some work on my push fold ranges as doubting myself again.
I went to see Paranormal Activity 3 with the girlfriend today... love a good scary film although I am a total sissy and watched most of it through my hands. I actually came away thinking that the film wasn't that good which was disappointing as I had read a few good reviews. The concept of the home videos is still scary as hell but it feels like this whole franchise is heading down the "Saw" route with a never ending and more and more complicated story.
Plan is to have a quick swim tomorrow morning and put a proper long session in the afternoon/evening... #winning
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 27, 2011, 20:30:25 PM
Brief downswing over and a much better session so far today culminating in 5/671 for $35. So frustrating not converting one of these final tables but I know its coming.
A quick look at my appraisal and send that off to the boss and then back onto the pokers for an evening session. 8)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: VBlue on October 31, 2011, 14:19:37 PM
Just been catching up on the last two pages and still enjoying your blog.
Do you think you might loosen up your bankroll to allow you to play some slightly bigger buy-ins now and try and capitalise a little more on these good runs you are having? At least consider using a few buy-ins to take a few shots.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 31, 2011, 22:14:59 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on November 15, 2011, 22:04:15 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on November 15, 2011, 23:27:27 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on November 16, 2011, 22:14:16 PM
Grant, unfortunately I will never be as bigger luckbox as you! The closest I am to a holiday is going back to Bognor to see my parents.
Nothing regular and reputable near me. I used to play down in Basingstoke at Duffs but that all went up in the air. I dont feel that comfortable playing in one of these clubs that seem to spring up then disappear. Usually just involve lots of hidden rake and people with money to burn.
I would like to find a good local cash/mtt home game, I am sure there are plenty of poker players in Oxford. Once I get past Christmas, I am going to try and start putting money away every week towards a "Vegas fund".
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on November 30, 2011, 23:09:37 PM
November has been an OK month poker wise. Played half as many games compared to October and showed a small loss. Frustratingly, I could only manage 1 final table and finished 9th. Also an 11th for $22 when there was $450 up top. I may start to sound like a broken record but I know a result to get me boosted to the next level is just around the corner.
I have some juice to come back from the UKIPT league on Stars plus binked a December Sunday storm seat for 50cents in the freeroll tonight. I will defo be playing 120+ MTT"s again in December, going to aim for 150. Not a huge amount but fitting in around all the other daily blurb is not easy. Also expect Christmas will get in the way! Bankroll is still stubbornly refusing to move north of $200 so fluctuating between including and removing the $2"s from my filter.
It looks like I will have this weekend to myself so planning on playing 9am till 9pm on Stars this Sunday so will document how that goes to keep my motivation. Saying that, I dont struggle to get motivated at all really compared to when I was multi tabling cash. Really enjoying the online stuff at the moment.
Booked the Thursday, Friday and the Monday off from work either side of the Brighton weekend. Looking forward to staying with my brother and playing everything that is going on the poker tables...
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on December 02, 2011, 17:32:26 PM
Settled in for the evening - Becks and a meatfeast, Euro 2012 draw, boxing and registered for:-
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on December 03, 2011, 02:57:46 AM
Bleurgh.. long session that one.. ended in a few min cashes, I think I could have finalled the 1000 cap but didnt play that great towards the end. Time to sleep then do it all again on Sunday.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on December 19, 2011, 13:49:36 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: TheSnapper on December 19, 2011, 15:06:49 PM
Nice post Mark and good luck with it.
as far as the bankroll building, some pitfalls from my experience at a similar venture that may or may not be pertinent.
Try to avoid the ever-present temptation to dip into your bankroll.
It"s important when playing, probably more so at micro levels, to have an understanding of what profits are achievable at the level you are playing. It will be a big help to keep you motivated and help recognise how well you are actually doing. For example, a winning six max cash player will range from...
+1 bb / 100 hands (Decent)
to
+15 bb"s / 100 hands ( top notch ) Beyond 50 nl this ceiling will drop as it"s much tougher to crush at midstakes +
So after a 2 hour session 4 tabling at 20 nl you will have played ~600 hands may have won $1.20- $3.00 the problem is that this doesn"t seem like much of a success. The point being, you need to clearly define and understand what good looks like for the level you are playing.
Mttr"s and Sttr"s will measure by Return on investment (ROI) anything positive is good with top players returning 130+%.
Hope that"s not too long-winded, tbh it was a struggle to get it from head to page :)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on December 19, 2011, 15:48:17 PM
Really good post - it is such a struggle to know what profit levels are achievable and to recognise how well you are playing.
I have got better at it - I use tracking software for cash and can see my MTT results online.
6% MTT ROI in 2012. Boom!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 03, 2012, 13:08:15 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Paulie_D on January 03, 2012, 14:31:42 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 03, 2012, 15:28:18 PM
Hmmm, as the holiday will be me and the girlfriend then I have to think "couple friendly"... does Vegas do couple friendly??!
I probably prefer planning around November time, even without a big APAT prescence, as it gives me a year to bink some spending money. Also it seems a lot cheaper to go off peak as you would expect. As my birthday is the 10th November I may schedule sometime around there and catch the WSOP final table at the same time.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Paulie_D on January 03, 2012, 15:56:16 PM
Hmmm, as the holiday will be me and the girlfriend then I have to think "couple friendly"... does Vegas do couple friendly??!
Of course it does...as long as you recognise that "couple friendly" means "doing what the significant other wants".
Shows, spas, restaurants..all couple friendly.
I guess it all depends on how "poker friendly" the S.O. is.....is she happy with being on her own for several hours a day while you grind several hours at a poker table if you can "make it up to her" by giving up the most profitable hours of your day taking her out?
OK...that came off a little but over the top...but I think you take my point....it"s about compromise and balance...the secret of a good relationship...I guess. ???
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Des on January 03, 2012, 15:59:15 PM
Hmmm, as the holiday will be me and the girlfriend then I have to think "couple friendly"... does Vegas do couple friendly??!
Of course it does...as long as you recognise that "couple friendly" means "doing what the significant other wants".
Shows, spas, restaurants..all couple friendly.
I guess it all depends on how "poker friendly" the S.O. is.....is she happy with being on her own for several hours a day while you grind several hours at a poker table if you can "make it up to her" by giving up the most profitable hours of your day taking her out?
OK...that came off a little but over the top...but I think you take my point....it"s about compromise and balance...the secret of a good relationship...I guess. ???
Vegas can be very couple friendly, I can vouch for that. When there last August, despite our both intending to play poker at some point during our trip, neither Sian or I managed to find time to have a game.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Swinebag on January 03, 2012, 16:07:56 PM
Hmmm, as the holiday will be me and the girlfriend then I have to think "couple friendly"... does Vegas do couple friendly??!
Of course it does...as long as you recognise that "couple friendly" means "doing what the significant other wants".
Shows, spas, restaurants..all couple friendly.
I guess it all depends on how "poker friendly" the S.O. is.....is she happy with being on her own for several hours a day while you grind several hours at a poker table if you can "make it up to her" by giving up the most profitable hours of your day taking her out?
OK...that came off a little but over the top...but I think you take my point....it"s about compromise and balance...the secret of a good relationship...I guess. ???
Vegas can be very couple friendly, I can vouch for that. When there last August, despite our both intending to play poker at some point during our trip, neither Sian or I managed to find time to have a game.
too much information Des :D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Paulie_D on January 03, 2012, 16:23:31 PM
Vegas can be very couple friendly, I can vouch for that. When there last August, despite our both intending to play poker at some point during our trip, neither Sian or I managed to find time to have a game.
I"m actually feeling a little ill after reading that...but then again..."Des & Poker"...not much of a match up there.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Des on January 03, 2012, 17:01:11 PM
Hmmm, as the holiday will be me and the girlfriend then I have to think "couple friendly"... does Vegas do couple friendly??!
Of course it does...as long as you recognise that "couple friendly" means "doing what the significant other wants".
Shows, spas, restaurants..all couple friendly.
I guess it all depends on how "poker friendly" the S.O. is.....is she happy with being on her own for several hours a day while you grind several hours at a poker table if you can "make it up to her" by giving up the most profitable hours of your day taking her out?
OK...that came off a little but over the top...but I think you take my point....it"s about compromise and balance...the secret of a good relationship...I guess. ???
Vegas can be very couple friendly, I can vouch for that. When there last August, despite our both intending to play poker at some point during our trip, neither Sian or I managed to find time to have a game.
too much information Des :D
lol!
We had a great time! We saw a show on Tuesday night and had a little lie in to 9am on the Wednesday morning; the day before we were scheduled to leave. We were really looking forward to the Wednesday and had a lot planned including tickets to see Carrot Top. But somehow Sian twigged at 9am Weds that it was in fact 9am Thurs and we were due at the airport in two hours. Cue a manic exit from the hotel, followed by manic return for passports in hotel safe, and we"re still none the wiser as to how we lost one whole day out of seven during our trip. Was good though. :)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: duke3016 on January 03, 2012, 17:42:30 PM
I lost a week in Botswana once - not difficult really ;D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Des on January 03, 2012, 17:45:00 PM
I lost a week in Botswana once - not difficult really ;D
Sure that wasn"t the Botswana Bar Ger? ;)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 04, 2012, 12:42:06 PM
Loving the relationship advice - can we have a Paulie D + Des "How to Maintain a Happy and Healthy Relationship" thread/podcast/book deal for season 6 please.
To be fair, she is very understanding and I am sure wouldn"t begrudge me a little bit of poker. I have never lost a whole day though - never had the stamina for that. ::)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Paulie_D on January 04, 2012, 12:54:20 PM
Loving the relationship advice - can we have a Paulie D* "How to Maintain a Happy and Healthy Relationship" thread/podcast/book deal for season 6 please.
Sounds good..."Those who Can"t Do...Teach!" ;D
* Excluded Des for obvious reasons.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 06, 2012, 13:12:49 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Foggy on January 06, 2012, 14:53:48 PM
I will probably go to see the new film, but the original dubbed films were fantacstic, so much so I did the whole trilogy in one evening.
Obviously on your recommendation I will see the new one, on your money back enjoyment guarantee, plus popcorn
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: SirPercival on January 06, 2012, 15:19:21 PM
I maintained a happy and healthy relationship with my missus for years by going to Vegas without out her several times!
Now she"s been twice with me and loves it, particularly the shopping!
We now have a healthy, happy and skint relationship.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Paulie_D on January 06, 2012, 15:23:16 PM
2012 has a bunch of movies I"m itching to see...and these are just the SF/Fantasy ones
Information ripped from io9.com (http://io9.com/5872776/70%252B-science-fictionfantasy-movies-to-watch-out-for-in-2012)
The Raven
John Cusack stars as fantasy/horror writer Edgar Allen Poe, as he investigates a series of crimes based on his stories.
The Hunger Games (based on the books)
It"s a post-apocalyptic future, and the United States has become the dystopian Panem, where children battle to the death in a huge arena.
The Avengers
The culmination of all those Marvel superhero films, this one sees a crew of movie stars facing off against Loki, and his friends.
Battleship
The board game you haven"t played in years becomes a Transformers-esque action movie about aliens who come down and trap naval vessels in a magic ocean bubble, where they have to fight monsters.
Men in Black III
The sequel nobody asked for. Agent J (Will Smith) has to travel back to the 1960s and meet a young Agent K.
Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter
One of America"s greatest presidents is revealed as a slayer of our greatest monsters, in this adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith"s book.
G.I. Joe: Retaliation
This time, Bruce Willis plays the eponymous Joe. And the master of disguise, Zartan, is trying to take over the world"s leaders. Also with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
The Dark Knight Rises
The conclusion of Chris Nolan"s epic Batman trilogy. Bane demolishes football fields, Catwoman spouts Occupy Wall Street rhetoric, and Bruce Wayne gets pretty messed up.
Total Recall
Underworld"s Len Wiseman directs a remake of the Paul Verhoeven film, in which we never go to Mars. Instead, the nations of Euromerica and New Shanghai battle, and Colin Farrell is caught in the middle.
Dredd
Mega City One"s greatest lawman finally gets a serious film, with Karl Urban as a Dredd who never takes his helmet off. Sarah Connor and Cersei Lannister, aka Lena Headey, is the villain.
Looper
This time-travel movie, directed by Brick"s Rian Johnson, features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a hitman who has to deal with his own future self (Bruce Willis).
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Peter Jackson returns to Middle Earth, in the first half of an adaptation of Tolkien"s classic quest novel. Outlook: The first trailer was the stuff of dreams. And Martin Freeman looks perfect as Bilbo Baggins.
World War Z
Brad Pitt stars in an adaptation of Max Brooks" novel, playing a United Nations employee who races around the world trying to stop a zombie pandemic.
Iron Sky
The thrilling "Nazis on the Moon" film that we"ve been drooling over. Coming out April 4 in Finland, and hopefully sometime later in the U.S. and god knows when in the UK.
That"ll hold you....and yes, I know they"re mostly popcorn movies
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Des on January 06, 2012, 16:47:06 PM
2012 has a bunch of movies I"m itching to see...and these are just the SF/Fantasy ones
The Hunger Games (based on the books)
It"s a post-apocalyptic future, and the United States has become the dystopian Panem, where children battle to the death in a huge arena.
Dredd
Mega City One"s greatest lawman finally gets a serious film, with Karl Urban as a Dredd who never takes his helmet off. Sarah Connor and Cersei Lannister, aka Lena Headey, is the villain.
Huge potential in your complete list Paulie, but I would like to mention 2.
I"ve seen the trailers and discussed The Hunger Games with my daughter and we"re both very much looking forward to this movie. Feels a lot like the short story "The Long Walk" from the infamous Bachmann books. That was a superb read and I"d highly recommend to anyone who likes suspense.
On Dredd, I was a huge fan of 2000AD when the mag first came out. I had the first 114 odd issues until a fire burned our house down. I was 9 I think and still gutted to lose all of those issues and our home :). Whenever I see a comic collector store I"ll always spend 10 mins in there just trying to take a quick leaf through some of those early issues. My favourite characters were Bill Savage and Judge Dredd. The Stallone movie was such a huge let down that I await this new movie with some excitement. Dredd as a character in those comics was immense.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Paulie_D on January 06, 2012, 17:30:02 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Des on January 06, 2012, 17:34:21 PM
The Hunger Games Trailer.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Chipaccrual on January 06, 2012, 17:39:44 PM
a cover of Led Zeppelin's immigrant song with female vocals.
Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Atticus Ross (N.I.N. Producer) and Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs).........it"s a stunning cover version of an already classic song 8) Trent and Atticus won the Oscar for The Social Network soundtrack.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 09, 2012, 12:59:13 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Des on January 09, 2012, 13:10:15 PM
Congrats Mark, great result.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 18, 2012, 17:37:31 PM
Frustration at limited forum perusing this week... must have clicked my APAT favourite tab at least 200 times only to watch the loading bar creep along and grind to a halt.. sounds like back to normal now though **BOK**
Bucket and spade is packed and am off work for the next 2 days and Monday! A perfect long APAT weekend. Looking forward to spending some time with my brother and he is going to come along to the casino and rail me! Will be playing the £40"er on Friday night and the main on Saturday. I expect I will be an interested spectator of the cash tourney on the Sunday. Everybody say hello!
#nolimitsoldierforlife
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 24, 2012, 17:50:09 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Santino67 on January 24, 2012, 19:25:24 PM
Quite similar timing and situation (early on day 2 with around 60k) to hand Alex Thomson busted out Manchester with Mark. My point to him was that against 2 opponents in that spot you will often be up against any other ace and any other PP, making you approx 32% to win. Not a great spot for your tournament TBH but fine if you believe villain has fold equity. Don"t beat yourself up mate, live and learn.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: TheSnapper on January 25, 2012, 01:03:19 AM
Tough spot Mark. Mp min raise to 15k from his 45k stack is super strong and I suspect rules out most of the hands that you have decent equity against.
I just think most players ship or flat in this spot with AJ+, JJ or worse, also his raise pot commits him, he is getting ~ 4:1 on a call.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on January 27, 2012, 13:05:37 PM
I am pretty disappointed with how I played in Brighton. I seemed to swing between overanalysing, and missing clear betting spots, or just not thinking enough. Looking back, the AK hand is obviously more marginal than I gave it credit for at the time. I just didn't think it through properly. I hate making mistakes in tournaments, it shouldn't happen given the fact that I am playing a fairly ABC type strategy.
I also think that I don't make the same mistakes online - I am far more in the zone online than I am at a live table. The only resolution that I can see to this is to get more live experience. I am definitely hoping to play the next DTD Grand Prix and will be depositing on their to hopefully win a golden chip. Looking forward to the new APAT season details as really going to push to play everything possible.
I haven't played online poker for nearly two weeks - probably the longest break I have had for the last 6 months. I am super eager to get playing again and as my girlfriend is working all of Saturday and Sunday I will be playing all weekend. Planning to do two 10 hour sessions of 4 tabling MTT"s kicking off on Saturday morning. Been a long week back at work so need the relaxation time...
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 02, 2012, 13:34:02 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 11, 2012, 17:34:34 PM
2nd in a $3 - 401 runner Omaha Hi/Lo for $175.
Very pleased with the result, have been grinding since 8am this morning. Wanted that win badly though.
Bankroll is up to $600 almost to the penny so can add more games into the schedule again. Really pleased with how the last 6 weeks have gone online.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: AVFC.WILSON on February 11, 2012, 17:48:54 PM
Very pleased with the result, have been grinding since 8am this morning. Wanted that win badly though.
Bankroll is up to $600 almost to the penny so can add more games into the schedule again. Really pleased with how the last 6 weeks have gone online.
Keep up the good work mate! Hope the good run continues for season 6! Unless your on my table that is.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 13, 2012, 18:44:14 PM
Thanks Mike, good to see you back!
Read Leigh's interesting blog post - I have never compared my stats in any great detail but it has made me think.
Early 5% EM 5% Mid. 42% ML 28% Late 20%
ITM 137/572 - 24%
Perhaps I am not playing aggresively enough as I rarely bust early.
Alternatively I guess it has a lot to do with my teeny average stake so would expect standard to be soft.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Chipaccrual on February 13, 2012, 18:53:24 PM
I think your stats show that you are well on course to continue moving up the poker ladder.
Stick to the bankroll management that you have set yourself, I don"t think you can read too much into a lack of aggression early on in a tournament.
I think that the art here is to be able to play through the gears, so nothing crazy early on, and increase the aggression as you go, with the ability to change your play when the situation requires it. I make it sound so simple. ;D
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Foggy on February 18, 2012, 11:01:16 AM
Obviously gained through your many success"s over the years.......lol( tongue in cheek obviously)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on February 20, 2012, 13:33:19 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 09, 2012, 13:24:19 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Paulie_D on March 09, 2012, 15:10:05 PM
Nice one Mark, I won a GPS in a freeroll worth £440, It tastes better when It?s free
Blatant bragging post
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 14, 2012, 12:56:33 PM
It does taste better when it"s free - it will taste really good if I can cash.
I am now officially playing the GUKPT in Coventry at the back end of August. The GUKPT people were very quick to oblige and move my seat so that was good. I have also booked two weeks off work from the 10th September until the 24th. One of those weeks will definitely be spent in Vegas, I expect it will be the Wednesday to the following Wednesday- will keep an eye on prices and work out the best time to book..
Any sort of cash in the GUKPT would feel good two weeks before Vegas. If I get anywhere near the bubble it could get interesting...
I will sell percentages at 1:1 if anyone fancies a punt. Will probably stick something on Facebook, am not looking to/ expecting to sell a lot.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 30, 2012, 13:57:05 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on March 30, 2012, 18:59:07 PM
Just won a smidge under 5 buyins in a 90 min zoom session. A large chunk when my AA met AQ on an AQQ board... stilll so many people going berserk, makes you remember why people play cash..
It does taste better when it"s free - it will taste really good if I can cash.
I am now officially playing the GUKPT in Coventry at the back end of August. The GUKPT people were very quick to oblige and move my seat so that was good. I have also booked two weeks off work from the 10th September until the 24th. One of those weeks will definitely be spent in Vegas, I expect it will be the Wednesday to the following Wednesday- will keep an eye on prices and work out the best time to book..
Any sort of cash in the GUKPT would feel good two weeks before Vegas. If I get anywhere near the bubble it could get interesting...
What is a min cash in one of these things, around £2K? I am pretty sure there would be no shame in locking up and ensuring you make it, within reason of course but turning down a race to ensure you make the money even when the odds (and ICM) say you should go for it would be fine for example.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: pokerpops on May 07, 2012, 23:33:12 PM
It does taste better when it"s free - it will taste really good if I can cash.
I am now officially playing the GUKPT in Coventry at the back end of August. The GUKPT people were very quick to oblige and move my seat so that was good. I have also booked two weeks off work from the 10th September until the 24th. One of those weeks will definitely be spent in Vegas, I expect it will be the Wednesday to the following Wednesday- will keep an eye on prices and work out the best time to book..
Any sort of cash in the GUKPT would feel good two weeks before Vegas. If I get anywhere near the bubble it could get interesting...
What is a min cash in one of these things, around £2K? I am pretty sure there would be no shame in locking up and ensuring you make it, within reason of course but turning down a race to ensure you make the money even when the odds (and ICM) say you should go for it would be fine for example.
I don"t think that can be right...
Sacrificing/reducing the chance to win a seriously significant prize for the sake of a min-cash seems very -EV
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 08, 2012, 09:49:37 AM
Last year this got 145 runners - a min cash was £2,180 paying 15 places. I can see no reason why the field size would be much different this year.
A min cash would be a signifcant prize for me - it would pay for Vegas and a bit more besides. Saying that - I won"t even start thinking about it unless I get to the top 20 ish. I will be playing for the win as I do in all tournaments but will be sensible around the bubble as £2K would really help!
Managed a 2nd in another Omaha Hi/Lo tourney for the sum of $58. Pissed off that I can"t seem to close wins out - 30 minute heads up and lost. Roll is $530.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on May 16, 2012, 16:44:01 PM
Epic post by Phil Galfond this week - http://www.philgalfond.com/my-poker-other-story/
I love the fact that he writes so openly. You really do get the feeling he writes very naturally and spills out a whole string of consciousness that is fascinating to read.
My poker story would go something like - I deposited $50 and 2 years later I was playing $5 MTT"s off of a $500 roll. Not very exciting. Maybe I should just take some big shots... not in my nature though.
Still no internet and no sign of it arriving, I miss online poker :-(
Cardiff soon though so something to look forward to. Followed by a drought of live poker for June-Aug then GUKPT/ECOAP. Plan on heading straight to DTD when I bust the GUKPT and play everything going at ECOAP. Then Vegas two weeks after that... should be booking it around end of June.
At the moment a week in the Mirage is around £960 with direct flights... EXCITED.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 06, 2012, 13:31:34 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 09, 2012, 22:16:48 PM
Ups and downs - now winning to the tune of $2.48. Joy.
VPIP PFR 3Bet 19.3 16.9 5.4
About 1500 hands a day (1.5 hours) for the rest of June to get to 40K.
Bet...fold...Bet...Fold...Bet...Raise...Its all quite therapeutic actually but couldn"t do it every month. Maybe higher stakes make it more interesting.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: AAroddersAA on June 10, 2012, 15:23:47 PM
40K hands in a month is a sick target, even for Zoom. Personally I found that giving volume targets just encouraged me to try and play when I should not have been playing. As long as you can aviod that though and do take breaks when you know you need them I reckon you will do well.
Good luck with it.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 11, 2012, 12:56:03 PM
Its about 40 hours worth as can get through 1K hands per hour 3tabling 6 max zoom.
I have taken to playing 1K hand sessions with a 5 min break after 500 hands. Its been fairly easy so far but expect I may struggle this week as lots of other stuff going on. I am sure I will get to the target though - might even take me to Silverstar.
I like volume targets although agree that it can lead to playing when we shouldn"t be. I usually play fairly long tourney sessions anyway though so this seems much easier. I always need the motivation though.
If anyone has a spare 5 minutes today read Olivier Busquet"s latest blog entry - http://olivierbusquet.com/Blog/
So many talented writers and great blogs in the poker industry.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 14, 2012, 17:05:00 PM
I hate cash, why would anyone want to play cash? What seemed therapeutic last Saturday has quickly becoming mind numbingly boring. Yes we are losing.
Challenge cancelled as got a couple of busy weekends coming up and would rather play tourneys. Got through 10K hands, not that volume was really the issue.
Also my girlfriend is unwell and has been signed off from work so I am going to be the caring boyfriend. My poor parents house below...
I wish I lived closer to my home as my parents are both really distraught. The bottom floor of the house needs to be completely gutted as was under 1ft of water. All that water in the back garden got their through the lounge! It seems they will not be able to move back in for potentially 18 months. :(
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Chipaccrual on June 14, 2012, 18:33:49 PM
Wow, that"s awful Mark. Where abouts do they live ?
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Des on June 14, 2012, 19:17:41 PM
Shocking, really feel for anyone caught out in those circumstances.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 15, 2012, 09:23:28 AM
They live down in Bognor Regis. It was a strange one really, lots of rain and the street just started to fill up. Our house is at the lowest point of the street so took the full brunt of it.
Every time a car came down the street it just sent waves through the lounge! In the middle of the street it was waist deep, humorous scenes of my dad with the dog on his shoulders trying to take him out for a "walk".
It is awful luck as we were the only house in the street that actually got swamped. It was made worse as the police refused to close the road until cars started getting stuck and needing to be towed out (sending more waves into our house). Also the clever decision was made to open a man hole cover initially to try and drain some water away. That unleashed a whole heap of poo pain that led the health authorities to getting my parents to move out.
Frustrating as its going to be stressful time for my parents for the next x number of months. Insurance will pay at least.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 22, 2012, 12:00:20 PM
Finally managed to find a NL Holdem result last night.
Finished 4th out of 1437 runners in a $3 6 max for $280. My biggest online cash and kicks the bankroll up above $750 ish.
Very pleased with the result - love playing six max. Just frustrating not to close as was $730 up top..
I may put 50% ish up of a Sunday schedule this weekend. Can somebody ship me $0.01 cent on stars and I will send back when I get in tonight? I want to check that I can receive transfers ok. Send to Mark_Port157. Taaa
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: ian.ski309 on June 22, 2012, 14:32:51 PM
I may put 50% ish up of a Sunday schedule this weekend. Can somebody ship me $0.01 cent on stars and I will send back when I get in tonight? I want to check that I can receive transfers ok. Send to Mark_Port157. Taaa
Sent you a silver dollar Mark ;)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on June 22, 2012, 14:46:49 PM
Thanks, got an email confirming and I have received.
Bankroll is now $751....
Will send back when I get in Ian :)
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on July 17, 2012, 11:11:13 AM
Finally booked my Vegas trip! 8 nights in The Mirage from the 11th September to the 19th. Less than two months to go and its going to come round fast. So so excited!
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on August 08, 2012, 09:18:50 AM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: dwh103 on August 08, 2012, 21:13:58 PM
Travel Money - A mix of cash and card (depends how much poker you want to play, the more you want to play, the more cash I"d recommend). Avoid debit cards unless there"s an emergency. I"d recommend a Travelex cash passport (or similar currency card). No charges for ATM withdrawals, can reload online and not linked to your bank account. Credit card would be good if you can find one that doesn"t charge for FX, but it"s far more hassle than a currency card. You"ll probably need one to check in though.
GC/HD - Worth it, even if just to say "been there". Am told best way to see it is via helicopter. Myself and family did an excursion, minibus from the Strip, via Hoover dam to a ranch, bit of horse riding, then a helicopter flight from there. There are loads of trips available on the Strip, not sure which is best or whether it"s best to book prior - but don"t pay more than £200 (my excursion was most of the day and was around $200-250 I think a couple of years back. Hazy memory).
Car Hire - Don"t bother imo, there"s nowhere to go anyway. You"ll pay a surcharge if you"re under 25 I expect, but car hire out there is pretty reasonable if you do decide to take the plunge. Buses are frequent and easy to use, $7 per 24 hours. Only worth hiring a car for a day if you want to drive to a Wal-Mart to shop and save money on eating out, or to drive to the Hoover Dam/GC yourself.
Shows - There are discount ticket sellers on the Strip (Tix 4 Tonight). Get your tickets either the day before or on the day and you"ll have up to 50% off. Definitely don"t go via a box office. You can also get discounted buffet and restaurant vouchers. I"d recommend the Rio buffet, and Hugo"s Cellar downtown at 4 Queens ($3 will get you 25% off the total bill, and it"s incredible food + romantic old school atmosphere for your missus. They"ll give her a rose on entry so that"ll keep her happy I"m sure ;) )
Downtown - Definitely worth going. It"s cheaper, dirtier and more genuine than the Strip. Freemont Experience (LED light show) every hour and free music on the stage there (not all year though). Get there via bus.
Attractions - Don"t do the CSI Experience, or the Treasure Island buffet. Woeful. Depends on your tastes, but you won"t struggle to find stuff to do, free or otherwise.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Paulie_D on August 08, 2012, 21:46:15 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on August 29, 2012, 13:55:37 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: dwh103 on August 29, 2012, 14:40:32 PM
Ah, that"s so harsh bud! Nothing quite like taking a shot (I know you freerolled your way there, but still) to ensure you run like dog**** when it matters.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: Swinebag on August 29, 2012, 22:10:23 PM
Awesome write up and vul.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: pables on August 29, 2012, 22:18:58 PM
Brilliant write up Mark and as Rob said very very unlucky :(
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on August 30, 2012, 13:53:33 PM
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: VBlue on September 05, 2012, 16:19:31 PM
Hi Mark.
I have just found myself calling back in on the world of APAT. Your blog was pretty much my first stop. Always a good read.
Great link to the blog on the previous page.
Have a great time in Vegas - an experience like no other.
Hope the online tournament grind continues to go on the up too.
I"ve just found myself with regular time to play online again. Getting back into studying some DV videos by daaaaaang16 and playing a weekly league game and a few low-stakes MTTs $5 under in the main.
I also branched out into live play at the local casino a couple of months ago. I managed 8/132 on the weekend of the Sky Poker Tour"s stop in Blackpool to take home £200 for a £50bi. 4 hours grinding a 10-20bb stack. Finally chipped up at FT. Lost calling A-high against a raggy shove. Picked up Aces next hand and quadrupled back up to about 10bbs!
The 50p/£1 cash tables are very lucrative playing TAG.
I"m aslo starting up a pub game in my home town again this weekend (20-30 runners @ £10 with a headhunter and some sort of jackpot maybe). Looking forward to this one more as the social aspect is much more fun than the casino.
I"ll look back in again after Vegas for reports on shenanigins.
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: AceOnTheRiver on October 15, 2012, 21:49:38 PM
Branching out Mark?
http://www.mrporter.com/
Thought the blog had gone quiet?
Title: Re: Poker by Numbers
Post by: mporter123 on October 16, 2012, 17:09:52 PM