Crash and Burn

I imploded at the final table of the Mookie tonight as the big chipleader, going out in sixth. It was beyond disappointing. I had 100K in chips and the second place player had just over 50K when play began with 9 players remaining. Somehow, I didn't close the deal.

[Edited]

The only screenshots I took are sad ones, because #1 somehow led to #2:




Here are most of the relevant HHs from the tournament presented with minimal comments. In retrospect I would play several hands differently postflop -- I missed some value bets, and spewed in some smaller pots here and there -- but overall I was obviously sitting pretty until the final table began, where I made my two significant preflop mistakes which cost me nearly 50% of my stack and really caused my ultimate demise.

------------------
HAND #2
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 15/30 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 2,985
Hero (SB): 3,015
BB: 3,000
UTG: 3,000
UTG+1: 3,000
MP1: 3,000
MP2: 3,000
CO: 3,000

Pre-Flop: (45) J A dealt to Hero (SB)
3 folds, MP2 raises to 105, Hero calls 90

Flop: (240) 5 2 7 (2 Players)
Hero checks, MP2 bets 240, Hero calls 240

Turn: (720) 8 (2 Players)
Hero bets 300, MP2 folds

Results: 720 Pot
Hero mucked J A and WON 720 (+375 NET)

An easy semi-bluff with two overcards and the nut flush draw.

------------------
HAND #10
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 15/30 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 2,940
Hero (SB): 3,205
BB: 3,030
UTG: 3,420
UTG+1: 2,695
MP1: 2,750
MP2: 2,610
CO: 3,350

Pre-Flop: (45) K K dealt to Hero (SB)
2 folds, MP1 calls 30, 3 folds, Hero raises to 99, BB folds, MP1 calls 69

Flop: (228) 2 4 6 (2 Players)
Hero bets 333, MP1 folds

Results: 228 Pot (228 Rake)
Hero showed K K (a pair of Kings) and WON

Minimal profit on a monster hand, but I'll take it early on.

------------------
HAND #12
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 15/30 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP2: 2,985
Hero (CO): 3,334
BTN: 2,985
SB: 3,390
BB: 2,695
UTG: 2,651
UTG+1: 2,610
MP1: 3,350

Pre-Flop: (45) 5 4 dealt to Hero (CO)
3 folds, MP2 raises to 90, Hero calls 90, BTN calls 90, 2 folds

Flop: (315) 6 6 Q (3 Players)
MP2 bets 210, Hero raises to 555, 2 folds

Results: 735 Pot
Hero mucked 5 4 and WON 735 (+435 NET)

Semi-bluffing early on is very profitable when the table seems to be weak-tight.

------------------
HAND #19
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 20/40 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

CO: 2,685
Hero (BTN): 3,709
SB: 3,195
BB: 3,155
UTG: 2,490
UTG+1: 2,806
MP1: 2,670
MP2: 3,290

Pre-Flop: (60) 5 5 dealt to Hero (BTN)
2 folds, MP1 raises to 140, 2 folds, Hero calls 140

Flop: (340) 2 4 A (2 Players)
MP1 bets 340, Hero folds

Results: 340 Pot
MP1 mucked and WON 340 (+200 NET)

Presto is not gold here when I don't have the implied odds to chase a gutterball.

------------------
HAND #20
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 20/40 Blinds, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP2: 2,685
Hero (CO): 3,569
BTN: 3,175
SB: 3,115
BB: 2,490
UTG: 2,806
UTG+1: 2,870
UTG+2: 3,290
MP1: 2,850

Pre-Flop: (60) 3 3 dealt to Hero (CO)
4 folds, MP2 raises to 120, Hero raises to 300, 4 folds

Results: 300 Pot
Hero mucked 3 3 and WON 300 (+180 NET)

This opponet has shown a vulnerability to pressure so I put in a light 3-bet with position and take it down.

------------------
HAND #57
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 30/60 Blinds, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG+1: 2,530
Hero (UTG+2): 3,139
MP1: 3,980
MP2: 2,670
CO: 2,290
BTN: 3,141
SB: 3,590
BB: 3,765
UTG: 2,490

Pre-Flop: (90) A K dealt to Hero (UTG+2)
2 folds, Hero raises to 175, MP1 calls 175, 5 folds

Flop: (440) 7 8 Q (2 Players)
Hero bets 300, MP1 folds

Results: 440 Pot
Hero mucked A K and WON 440 (+265 NET)

I was pleased to take down this pot with a c-bet.

------------------
HAND #69
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 40/80 Blinds, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

SB: 2,330
Hero (BB): 3,204
UTG: 1,135
UTG+1: 5,580
UTG+2: 2,730
MP1: 2,921
MP2: 3,780
CO: 3,545
BTN: 2,370

Pre-Flop: (120) 2 K dealt to Hero (BB)
2 folds, MP1 calls 80, 2 folds, CO calls 80, BTN calls 80, SB folds, Hero checks

Flop: (360) 5 7 2 (4 Players)
Hero bets 150, MP1 folds, CO raises to 300, BTN folds, Hero calls 150

Turn: (960) J (2 Players)
Hero checks, CO checks

River: (960) 9 (2 Players)
Hero bets 130, CO raises to 560, Hero folds

Results: 1,220 Pot
CO mucked and WON 1,220 (+710 NET)

My blocking bet on the river got snapped off.

------------------
HAND #70
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 40/80 Blinds, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 2,290
Hero (SB): 2,694
BB: 1,135
UTG: 5,580
UTG+1: 2,730
UTG+2: 2,841
MP1: 3,780
MP2: 4,255
CO: 2,290

Pre-Flop: (120) Q A dealt to Hero (SB)
2 folds, CO raises to 240, 4 folds, Hero raises to 700, 2 folds

Results: 560 Pot
Hero mucked Q A and WON 560 (+320 NET)

I don't favour slowplaying AQs when out of position in the blinds.

------------------
HAND #78
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 50/100 Blinds, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

SB: 2,415
Hero (BB): 3,164
UTG: 1,155
UTG+1: 5,580
UTG+2: 2,580
MP1: 2,441
MP2: 3,630
CO: 4,730
BTN: 1,900

Pre-Flop: (150) 8 9 dealt to Hero (BB)
5 folds, CO raises to 350, 2 folds, Hero calls 250

Flop: (750) 6 9 3 (2 Players)
Hero checks, CO checks

Turn: (750) 5 (2 Players)
Hero checks, CO bets 500, Hero raises to 1,400, CO folds

Results: 1,750 Pot
Hero mucked 8 9 and WON 1,750 (+900 NET)

Very good situation to check-raise the turn with top pair and a gutterball.

------------------
HAND #82
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 50/100 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP1: 2,365
Hero (MP2): 4,014
CO: 755
BTN: 5,430
SB: 2,480
BB: 2,441
UTG: 3,630
UTG+1: 6,480

Pre-Flop: (150) A A dealt to Hero (MP2)
UTG folds, 2 folds, Hero raises to 400, CO folds, 2 folds

Results: 250 Pot
Hero mucked A A and WON 250 (+150 NET)

Second premium hand of the night with no action.

------------------
HAND #83
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 50/100 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG+1: 2,365
Hero (MP1): 4,164
MP2: 755
CO: 5,430
BTN: 2,430
SB: 2,341
BB: 3,630
UTG: 6,480

Pre-Flop: (150) 8 9 dealt to Hero (MP1)
3 folds, MP2 raises to 755 and is All-In, 3 folds, BB calls 655

Flop: (1,560) 7 T 6 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Turn: (1,560) 2 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (1,560) 3 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 1,560 Pot
MP2 showed A K (Ace King high) and LOST (-755 NET)
BB showed Q Q (a pair of Queens) and WON 1,560 (+805 NET)


I missed a beautiful flopped straight here!

------------------
HAND #90
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 60/120 Blinds, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP1: 2,935
Hero (MP2): 4,164
CO: 2,010
BTN: 5,430
SB: 2,010
BB: 2,441
UTG: 4,385
UTG+1: 2,515
UTG+2: 7,810

Pre-Flop: (180) Q A dealt to Hero (MP2)
4 folds, Hero raises to 240, CO folds, BTN calls 240, SB folds

Flop: (660) 3 4 K (2 Players)
Hero checks, BTN bets 480, Hero raises to 1,250, BTN folds

Results: 1,620 Pot
Hero mucked Q A and WON 1,620 (+900 NET)

I didn't think a c-bet would work but opted for a riskier c/r on the flop when I figured the button was trying to buy the pot. He insta-folded (probably with a worse ace), so my read proved correct.

------------------
HAND #99
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 80/160 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP2: 2,935
Hero (CO): 5,244
BTN: 4,510
SB: 1,690
BB: 3,641
UTG: 4,205
UTG+1: 1,895
MP1: 9,580

Pre-Flop: (240) J T dealt to Hero (CO)
2 folds, MP1 calls 160, MP2 folds, Hero raises to 390, SB raises to 1,690 and is All-In

Results: 1,100 Pot
SB mucked and WON 1,100 (+710 NET)

I reluctantly fold to the RR despite holding one of my favourite hands.

------------------
HAND #105
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 80/160 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 3,095
Hero (SB): 4,694
BB: 4,510
UTG: 2,640
UTG+1: 3,001
MP1: 3,965
MP2: 2,615
CO: 9,180

Pre-Flop: (240) K A dealt to Hero (SB)
MP2 calls 160, 4 folds, Hero raises to 520, 2 folds, MP2 folds

Results: 480 Pot
Hero mucked K A and WON 480 (+320 NET)

------------------
HAND #106
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 80/160 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

CO: 3,095
Hero (BTN): 5,014
SB: 4,350
BB: 2,640
UTG: 3,001
UTG+1: 3,965
MP1: 2,455
MP2: 9,180

Pre-Flop: (240) 9 9 dealt to Hero (BTN)
5 folds, Hero raises to 440, SB folds

Results: 400 Pot
Hero mucked 9 9 and WON 400 (+240 NET)

------------------
HAND #109
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 80/160 Blinds, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG+1: 3,095
Hero (UTG+2): 5,254
MP1: 2,285
MP2: 4,270
CO: 3,280
BTN: 4,201
SB: 3,805
BB: 2,455
UTG: 7,340

Pre-Flop: (240) K 7 dealt to Hero (UTG+2)
2 folds, Hero raises to 375, BB calls 215

Flop: (830) 7 8 5 (2 Players)
BB checks, Hero checks

Turn: (830) 6 (2 Players)
BB checks, Hero bets 360, BB calls 360

River: (1,550) T (2 Players)
BB checks, Hero checks

Results: 1,550 Pot
Hero showed K 7 (a pair of Sevens) and LOST (-735 NET)
BB showed 2 4 (a straight, Eight high) and WON 1,550 (+815 NET)

One of the worst preflop calls to defend one's blind that you will ever see. Despite this, I lost the minimum.

------------------
HAND #115
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 100/200 Blinds, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP2: 2,835
Hero (CO): 4,359
BTN: 1,985
SB: 4,070
BB: 3,520
UTG: 4,201
UTG+1: 4,025
UTG+2: 3,490
MP1: 7,500

Pre-Flop: (300) T T dealt to Hero (CO)
5 folds, Hero raises to 550, 3 folds

Results: 500 Pot
Hero mucked T T and WON 500 (+300 NET)

------------------
HAND #118
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 100/200 Blinds, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG+1: 2,835
Hero (UTG+2): 4,659
MP1: 2,585
MP2: 3,970
CO: 3,220
BTN: 3,901
SB: 3,825
BB: 3,490
UTG: 7,500

Pre-Flop: (300) T T dealt to Hero (UTG+2)
UTG folds, UTG+1 folds, Hero raises to 600, MP1 folds, SB calls 500, 4 folds

Flop: (1,400) 3 8 2 (2 Players)
SB checks, Hero checks

Turn: (1,400) 4 (2 Players)
SB checks, Hero bets 600, SB folds

Results: 1,400 Pot
Hero mucked T T and WON 1,400 (+800 NET)


------------------
HAND #119
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 100/200 Blinds, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG: 2,835
Hero (UTG+1): 5,459
UTG+2: 2,585
MP1: 3,970
MP2: 3,220
CO: 3,901
BTN: 3,225
SB: 3,290
BB: 7,500

Pre-Flop: (300) 5 5 dealt to Hero (UTG+1)
UTG folds, Hero raises to 500, 6 folds, BB calls 300

Flop: (1,100) T 3 K (2 Players)
BB checks, Hero bets 550, BB calls 550

Turn: (2,200) T (2 Players)
BB checks, Hero checks

River: (2,200) 2 (2 Players)
BB checks, Hero checks

Results: 2,200 Pot
Hero showed 5 5 (two pair, Tens and Fives) and WON 2,200 (+1,150 NET)
BB mucked 9 J (a pair of Tens) and LOST (-1,050 NET)

------------------
HAND #122
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 100/200 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 3,535
Hero (SB): 6,409
BB: 2,585
UTG: 3,970
UTG+1: 3,220
MP1: 7,391
MP2: 2,525
CO: 6,350

Pre-Flop: (300) A K dealt to Hero (SB)
UTG folds, BTN raises to 600, Hero raises to 1,200, BTN raises to 3,535 and is All-In, Hero calls 2,335

Flop: (7,270) 8 8 K (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Turn: (7,270) Q (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (7,270) A (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 7,270 Pot
BTN showed Q A (two pair, Aces and Queens) and LOST (-3,535 NET)
Hero showed A K (two pair, Aces and Kings) and WON 7,270 (+3,735 NET)

I take advantage of a horrible play by the button and my hand holds up.

------------------
HAND #123
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 100/200 Blinds, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

Hero (BTN): 10,144
SB: 2,385
BB: 3,970
UTG: 3,220
UTG+1: 7,391
MP1: 2,525
MP2: 5,768
CO: 6,350

Pre-Flop: (300) Q Q dealt to Hero (BTN)
UTG folds, 3 folds, CO raises to 600, Hero raises to 1,000, SB folds, BB folds, CO raises to 6,350 and is All-In, Hero calls 5,350

Flop: (13,000) 9 9 7 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Turn: (13,000) T (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (13,000) 2 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 13,000 Pot
Hero showed Q Q (two pair, Queens and Nines) and WON 13,000 (+6,650 NET)
CO showed K A (a pair of Nines) and LOST (-6,350 NET)

Again my minimal preflop re-raise gets shoved on and I win a key race to chip up nicely.

------------------
HAND #127
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 120/240 Blinds, 25 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

Hero (UTG+1): 16,769
MP1: 2,610
MP2: 3,645
CO: 3,455
BTN: 7,296
SB: 2,260
BB: 5,743
UTG: 3,575

Pre-Flop: (560) 9 9 dealt to Hero (UTG+1)
UTG folds, Hero calls 240, MP1 calls 240, 4 folds, BB checks

Flop: (1,040) J K 7 (3 Players)
BB checks, Hero bets 340, MP1 calls 340, BB folds

Turn: (1,720) T (2 Players)
Hero bets 240, MP1 calls 240

River: (2,200) 5 (2 Players)
Hero bets 240, MP1 calls 240

Results: 2,680 Pot
Hero showed 9 9 (a pair of Nines) and LOST (-1,085 NET)
MP1 showed J A (a pair of Jacks) and WON 2,680 (+1,595 NET)


------------------
HAND #133
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 120/240 Blinds, 25 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

Hero (MP2): 15,199
CO: 3,720
BTN: 3,695
SB: 3,625
BB: 7,146
UTG: 2,550
UTG+1: 5,233
MP1: 4,185

Pre-Flop: (560) J A dealt to Hero (MP2)
UTG folds, UTG+1 folds, Hero raises to 680, 2 folds, 2 folds

Results: 800 Pot
Hero mucked J A and WON 800 (+535 NET)

------------------
HAND #134
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 120/240 Blinds, 25 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

Hero (MP1): 15,734
MP2: 3,695
CO: 3,670
BTN: 3,480
SB: 6,881
BB: 2,525
UTG: 5,208
UTG+1: 4,160

Pre-Flop: (560) 9 A dealt to Hero (MP1)
2 folds, Hero calls 240, MP2 folds, CO raises to 850, BTN folds, SB folds, Hero calls 610

Flop: (2,260) Q 2 9 (2 Players)
Hero checks, CO checks

Turn: (2,260) T (2 Players)
Hero checks, CO bets 1,200, Hero raises to 3,000, CO calls 1,595 and is All-In

River: (7,850) 5 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 7,850 Pot
Hero showed 9 A (a pair of Nines) and LOST (-3,670 NET)
CO showed Q A (a pair of Queens) and WON 7,850 (+4,180 NET)

Villain here made a nice check on the flop to get paid off. I really should have dumped this hand preflop and saved some chips.

------------------
HAND #143
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 150/300 Blinds, 25 Ante, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG+2: 14,695
Hero (MP1): 11,179
MP2: 4,740
CO: 7,875
BTN: 3,950
SB: 6,236
BB: 5,215
UTG: 4,623
UTG+1: 4,160

Pre-Flop: (675) 3 3 dealt to Hero (MP1)
3 folds, Hero raises to 900, 5 folds

Results: 975 Pot
Hero mucked 3 3 and WON 975 (+650 NET)

------------------
HAND #146
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 150/300 Blinds, 25 Ante, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BB: 14,620
Hero (UTG): 11,779
UTG+1: 5,340
UTG+2: 7,800
MP1: 3,875
MP2: 5,711
CO: 4,690
BTN: 5,073
SB: 3,785

Pre-Flop: (675) 9 9 dealt to Hero (UTG)
Hero raises to 900, 2 folds, MP1 folds, 4 folds, BB calls 600

Flop: (2,175) T 5 2 (2 Players)
BB checks, Hero bets 1,100, BB calls 1,100

Turn: (4,375) 4 (2 Players)
BB checks, Hero checks

River: (4,375) Q (2 Players)
BB checks, Hero checks

Results: 4,375 Pot
BB showed J T (a pair of Tens) and WON 4,375 (+2,350 NET)
Hero showed 9 9 (a pair of Nines) and LOST (-2,025 NET)

The BB here showed no respect for my UTG range but given our deep stacks sized I suppose a preflop call is justifiable. I again manage to lose the minimum.

------------------
HAND #151
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 150/300 Blinds, 25 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP1: 18,295
Hero (MP2): 9,854
CO: 7,875
BTN: 3,300
SB: 5,286
BB: 5,215
UTG: 4,048
UTG+1: 3,510

Pre-Flop: (650) 2 2 dealt to Hero (MP2)
3 folds, Hero raises to 800, 4 folds

Results: 950 Pot
Hero mucked 2 2 and WON 950 (+625 NET)

The trend of my PF raises taking down the blinds continues. I'm not going to stop raising my small pairs unless someone stands up to me.

------------------
HAND #157
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 200/400 Blinds, 50 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

CO: 17,670
Hero (BTN): 9,829
SB: 8,300
BB: 2,125
UTG: 5,136
UTG+1: 6,240
MP1: 4,723
MP2: 3,360

Pre-Flop: (1,000) K 2 dealt to Hero (BTN)
5 folds, Hero raises to 800, SB calls 600, BB folds

Flop: (2,400) T K 4 (2 Players)
SB checks, Hero checks

Turn: (2,400) Q (2 Players)
SB checks, Hero checks

River: (2,400) 4 (2 Players)
SB checks, Hero bets 400, SB calls 400

Results: 3,200 Pot
Hero showed K 2 (two pair, Kings and Fours) and WON 3,200 (+1,950 NET)
SB mucked 6 6 (two pair, Sixes and Fours) and LOST (-1,250 NET)

I keep the pot small and get paid off with kings up.

------------------
HAND #164
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 200/400 Blinds, 50 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 20,780
Hero (SB): 11,079
BB: 4,405
UTG: 6,750
UTG+1: 3,400
MP1: 5,290
MP2: 9,884
CO: 2,410

Pre-Flop: (1,000) Q A dealt to Hero (SB)
5 folds, BTN raises to 1,000, Hero raises to 3,800, 2 folds

Results: 2,800 Pot
Hero mucked Q A and WON 2,800 (+1,750 NET)

Another example of not messing around with AQ.

------------------
HAND #172
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 250/500 Blinds, 50 Ante, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

SB: 24,785
Hero (BB): 12,479
UTG: 6,537
UTG+1: 6,750
UTG+2: 2,400
MP1: 18,650
MP2: 4,290
CO: 10,834
BTN: 14,842

Pre-Flop: (1,200) 2 A dealt to Hero (BB)
6 folds, BTN raises to 1,500, SB folds, Hero calls 1,000

Flop: (3,700) 7 K 7 (2 Players)
Hero bets 1,500, BTN folds

Results: 3,700 Pot
Hero mucked 2 A and WON 3,700 (+2,150 NET)

Betting with a big draw and getting away with it. The odds are high that the button doesn't have a pair so it's imperative that I lead out here to preserve maximum fold equity.

------------------
HAND #185
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 250/500 Blinds, 50 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG+1: 25,435
Hero (MP1): 14,179
MP2: 10,187
CO: 4,250
BTN: 18,800
SB: 7,340
BB: 9,434
UTG: 11,942

Pre-Flop: (1,150) 4 4 dealt to Hero (MP1)
Hero raises to 1,200, 3 folds

Results: 1,650 Pot
Hero mucked 4 4 and WON 1,650 (+1,100 NET)

------------------
HAND #186
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 250/500 Blinds, 50 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG: 25,385
Hero (UTG+1): 15,279
MP1: 10,137
MP2: 4,200
CO: 18,750
BTN: 7,040
SB: 8,884
BB: 11,892

Pre-Flop: (1,150) K J dealt to Hero (UTG+1)
UTG folds, Hero raises to 1,600, 6 folds

Results: 1,650 Pot
Hero mucked K J and WON 1,650 (+1,100 NET)

I continue to attack the blinds with good hands in good situations.

------------------
HAND #189
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 300/600 Blinds, 75 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 27,060
Hero (SB): 15,654
BB: 9,962
UTG: 4,025
UTG+1: 18,575
MP1: 6,865
MP2: 8,459
CO: 10,967

Pre-Flop: (1,500) 7 T dealt to Hero (SB)
6 folds, Hero calls 300, BB checks

Flop: (1,800) 9 K 6 (2 Players)
Hero bets 900, BB calls 900

Turn: (3,600) J (2 Players)
Hero bets 800, BB calls 800

River: (5,200) A (2 Players)
Hero bets 2,050, BB folds

Results: 5,200 Pot
Hero mucked 7 T and WON 5,200 (+2,825 NET)

I take a fishy line to bluff RecessRampage with a missed draw. Representing the ace was fairly easy.

------------------
HAND #191
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 300/600 Blinds, 75 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP2: 26,910
Hero (CO): 18,404
BTN: 7,212
SB: 4,775
BB: 18,425
UTG: 6,715
UTG+1: 8,309
MP1: 10,817

Pre-Flop: (1,500) A T dealt to Hero (CO)
3 folds, MP2 raises to 1,500, Hero raises to 3,300, 2 folds, BB calls 2,700, MP2 calls 1,800

Flop: (10,800) A 8 2 (3 Players)
BB checks, MP2 checks, Hero checks

Turn: (10,800) 2 (3 Players)
BB checks, MP2 bets 6,700, Hero raises to 15,029 and is All-In, 2 folds

Results: 24,200 Pot
Hero mucked A T and WON 24,200 (+14,125 NET)

I was very pleased to take down this large pot with position and a good top pair hand. Both victims claimed to have good PPs cracked here.

------------------
HAND #197
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 300/600 Blinds, 75 Ante, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

CO: 17,060
Hero (BTN): 31,254
SB: 6,162
BB: 5,450
UTG: 24,180
UTG+1: 15,950
UTG+2: 5,365
MP1: 3,043
MP2: 11,042

Pre-Flop: (1,575) 8 J dealt to Hero (BTN)
6 folds, Hero raises to 1,900, SB folds

Results: 2,175 Pot
Hero mucked 8 J and WON 2,175 (+1,500 NET)

With the chip lead and a large stack I continue to play the bully.

------------------
HAND #199
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 300/600 Blinds, 75 Ante, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP1: 12,210
Hero (MP2): 32,679
CO: 5,712
BTN: 10,675
SB: 23,430
BB: 15,800
UTG: 5,215
UTG+1: 2,893
UTG+2: 10,892

Pre-Flop: (1,575) 6 A dealt to Hero (MP2)
UTG folds, Hero raises to 1,900, 4 folds

Results: 2,175 Pot
Hero mucked 6 A and WON 2,175 (+1,500 NET)

------------------
HAND #201
------------------

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 300/600 Blinds, 75 Ante, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG+1: 13,635
Hero (UTG+2): 34,104
MP1: 5,562
MP2: 10,525
CO: 22,980
BTN: 14,750
SB: 4,465
BB: 2,743
UTG: 10,742

Pre-Flop: (1,575) 7 8 dealt to Hero (UTG+2)
2 folds, Hero raises to 1,900, 3 folds, BTN calls 1,900, SB raises to 4,390 and is All-In, BB calls 2,068 and is All-In, Hero calls 2,490, BTN calls 2,490

Flop: (16,513) 2 Q 3 (4 Players - 1 is All-In)
Hero checks, BTN checks

Turn: (16,513) 3 (4 Players - 1 is All-In)
Hero checks, BTN checks

River: (16,513) 9 (4 Players - 1 is All-In)
Hero checks, BTN checks

Results: 16,513 Pot
Hero mucked 7 8 (a pair of Threes) and LOST (-4,465 NET)
BTN mucked K J (a pair of Threes) and LOST (-4,465 NET)
SB showed 7 7 (two pair, Sevens and Threes) and WON 5,166 (+701 NET)
BB showed A Q (two pair, Queens and Threes) and WON 11,347 (+8,604 NET)

I don't manage to outdraw the field but with my stack size and these pot odds there was no way I could fold preflop. It turned out that I was drawing very thin.

I tread water for a while and then bust someone with improved presto:

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 500/1,000 Blinds, 125 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 15,221
SB: 14,633
BB: 11,103
UTG: 14,630
UTG+1: 15,450
MP1: 9,005
MP2: 8,016
Hero (CO): 25,639

Pre-Flop: (2,500) 5 5 dealt to Hero (CO)
MP1 raises to 2,000, Hero calls 2,000, BB calls 1,000

Flop: (7,500) 6 8 T (3 Players)
BB checks, MP1 checks, Hero checks

Turn: (7,500) 5 (3 Players)
BB checks, MP1 checks, Hero checks

River: (7,500) Q (3 Players)
BB checks, MP1 bets 2,200, Hero raises to 6,600, BB folds, MP1 raises to 6,880 and is All-In, Hero calls 280

Results: 21,260 Pot
MP1 showed Q J (a pair of Queens) and LOST (-9,005 NET)
Hero showed 5 5 (three of a kind, Fives) and WON 21,260 (+12,255 NET)

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 500/1,000 Blinds, 125 Ante, 7 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

SB: 13,471
BB: 15,758
UTG: 7,853
UTG+1: 12,380
MP: 14,075
CO: 11,016
Hero (BTN): 39,144

Pre-Flop: (2,375) K 8 dealt to Hero (BTN)
4 folds, Hero calls 1,000, SB calls 500, BB checks

Flop: (3,875) 4 5 8 (3 Players)
SB bets 3,000, BB folds, Hero calls 3,000

Turn: (9,875) 6 (2 Players)
SB checks, Hero bets 1,000, SB calls 1,000

River: (11,875) 2 (2 Players)
SB checks, Hero checks

Results: 11,875 Pot
SB mucked K J (King Jack high) and LOST (-5,125 NET)
Hero showed K 8 (a pair of Eights) and WON 11,875 (+6,750 NET)

I flop top pair and exercise some pot control to win a decent pot with little risk.

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 500/1,000 Blinds, 125 Ante, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

SB: 7,228
BB: 24,046
UTG: 15,497
UTG+1: 11,800
UTG+2: 8,564
MP1: 21,173
Hero (MP2): 48,144
CO: 15,091
BTN: 16,692

Pre-Flop: (2,625) A Q dealt to Hero (MP2)
4 folds, Hero raises to 3,000, 2 folds, SB raises to 7,103 and is All-In, BB folds, Hero calls 4,103

Flop: (16,331) 9 5 8 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Turn: (16,331) 5 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (16,331) 4 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 16,331 Pot
SB showed K A (a pair of Fives) and WON 16,331 (+9,103 NET)
Hero showed A Q (a pair of Fives) and LOST (-7,228 NET)

Not much I can really do here, I just ran into Big Slick at the wrong time, so I double up a shorty.

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 600/1,200 Blinds, 150 Ante, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG+1: 15,681
UTG+2: 21,771
MP1: 15,847
MP2: 2,343
CO: 6,289
BTN: 16,914
Hero (SB): 41,691
BB: 31,782
UTG: 15,917

Pre-Flop: (3,150) 2 Q dealt to Hero (SB)
MP2 raises to 2,193 and is All-In, Hero calls 1,593, BB calls 993

Flop: (7,929) 3 7 2 (3 Players - 1 is All-In)
Hero checks, BB checks

Turn: (7,929) Q (3 Players - 1 is All-In)
Hero checks, BB checks

River: (7,929) A (3 Players - 1 is All-In)
Hero bets 1,200, BB calls 1,200

Results: 10,329 Pot
MP2 mucked 7 K (a pair of Sevens) and LOST (-2,343 NET)
Hero showed 2 Q (two pair, Queens and Twos) and WON 5,165 (+1,622 NET)
BB showed Q 2 (two pair, Queens and Twos) and WON 5,164 (+1,621 NET)

Rather amusing split pot where a shorty busts out.

I continue to steal the blinds a fair share of the time, both with real hands and some marginal ones but get no action with AK (twice in three hands, even).

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 600/1,200 Blinds, 150 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP1: 18,231
MP2: 18,321
CO: 16,597
BTN: 6,439
SB: 14,664
Hero (BB): 51,413
UTG: 31,903
UTG+1: 10,667

Pre-Flop: (3,000) Q 7 dealt to Hero (BB)
5 folds, BTN raises to 6,289 and is All-In, SB folds, Hero calls 5,089

Flop: (14,378) K 2 8 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Turn: (14,378) J (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (14,378) Q (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 14,378 Pot
BTN showed 3 A (Ace King high) and LOST (-6,439 NET)
Hero showed Q 7 (a pair of Queens) and WON 14,378 (+7,939 NET)

I take a pure gamble against a short stack, playing my own big stack, and actually get there.

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 600/1,200 Blinds, 150 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG+1: 18,081
MP1: 18,171
MP2: 16,447
CO: 47,646
BTN: 13,914
Hero (SB): 59,352
BB: 31,753
UTG: 10,517

Pre-Flop: (3,000) A K dealt to Hero (SB)
2 folds, MP1 raises to 3,600, 3 folds, Hero raises to 10,000, 2 folds

Results: 9,600 Pot
Hero mucked A K and WON 9,600 (+5,850 NET)

I am finally able to win more than the blinds with AK.

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 800/1,600 Blinds, 200 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

CO: 27,331
BTN: 11,321
SB: 13,997
BB: 50,796
UTG: 13,064
Hero (UTG+1): 64,502
MP1: 26,403
MP2: 8,467

Pre-Flop: (4,000) K Q dealt to Hero (UTG+1)
UTG folds, Hero raises to 5,400, MP1 calls 5,400, 5 folds

Flop: (14,800) 2 K 8 (2 Players)
Hero checks, MP1 bets 20,803 and is All-In, Hero calls 20,803

Turn: (56,406) Q (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (56,406) Q (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 56,406 Pot
Hero showed K Q (a full house, Queens full of Kings) and WON 56,406 (+30,003 NET)
MP1 showed J J (two pair, Queens and Jacks) and LOST (-26,403 NET)

I outflop a good PP in a race situation and my flop check induces a shove. I instacall and make an unnecessary full house to chip up nicely to nearly 100K, placing me as the runaway chip leader with twice the 2nd place chipstack.

With ten players left we are playing five-handed until the final table bubble burst. I take advantage by stealing more than my fair share of blinds.

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 1,000/2,000 Blinds, 250 Ante, 5 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

CO: 25,145
BTN: 13,245
SB: 23,084
Hero (BB): 104,455
UTG: 25,751

Pre-Flop: (4,250) 9 8 dealt to Hero (BB)
UTG folds, CO raises to 7,000, 2 folds, Hero calls 5,000

Flop: (16,250) 5 T 8 (2 Players)
Hero checks, CO checks

Turn: (16,250) 7 (2 Players)
Hero bets 9,250, CO folds

Results: 16,250 Pot
Hero mucked 9 8 and WON 16,250 (+9,000 NET)

I make the rare flat call because my hand plays so well postflop. I figure to have the best hand on the flop 90% of the time so I try a value bet on the turn to no avail. I'm up to a highwater mark of 111K as the final table begins.

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 1,000/2,000 Blinds, 250 Ante, 9 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 18,395
SB: 14,495
BB: 25,334
UTG: 51,346
UTG+1: 38,100
UTG+2: 26,962
Hero (MP1): 111,705
MP2: 39,912
CO: 21,751

Pre-Flop: (5,250) 6 A dealt to Hero (MP1)
UTG folds, Hero raises to 7,000, 3 folds, CO folds, BTN folds, BB raises to 25,084 and is All-In, Hero calls 18,084

Flop: (53,418) 8 3 8 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Turn: (53,418) 9 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (53,418) J (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 53,418 Pot
BB showed K A (a pair of Eights) and WON 53,418 (+28,084 NET)
Hero showed 6 A (a pair of Eights) and LOST (-25,334 NET)


Sadly, I blunder immediately by doubling up a tough player in RecessRampage when I make a horrible preflop call of his 3-bet given that his range absolutely crushes my hand. My first big mistake of the tourney. I give myself a verbal kick in the teeth and try to refocus, and I make the strategic decision to tighten up my play for a while and try to let some of the smaller stacks do battle with each other.

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 1,200/2,400 Blinds, 300 Ante, 8 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP1: 17,645
MP2: 29,740
CO: 46,668
BTN: 35,851
SB: 30,100
Hero (BB): 91,121
UTG: 57,374
UTG+1: 39,501

Pre-Flop: (6,000) 8 8 dealt to Hero (BB)
UTG folds, MP2 raises to 10,800, 4 folds, SB folds, Hero raises to 36,000, MP2 calls 18,640 and is All-In

Flop: (62,480) K K A (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Turn: (62,480) 6 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (62,480) 2 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 62,480 Pot
MP2 showed Q Q (two pair, Kings and Queens) and WON 62,480 (+32,740 NET)
Hero showed 8 8 (two pair, Kings and Eights) and LOST (-29,740 NET)

Of course, I decide to defend my blind and run into a monster, doubling up riggstad. My chiplead is now a memory. This was mistake #2, because I was either dominated or racing here. I really wish in retrospect that I had found a fold in those two spots, preserving a lot of chips.

I try a hammer raise but am forced to fold to a limp re-raise.

I get a couple of big aces and take down the blinds. I've still got a big stack and am a strong 3rd just behind the two leaders. Sadly, I'm now completely card dead at this point and with all the shoving going on I can't find a good spot to re-steal, much less steal.

I start stealing with good king-high hands.

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 1,500/3,000 Blinds, 400 Ante, 7 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

MP: 76,825
CO: 46,568
BTN: 16,177
SB: 25,300
Hero (BB): 69,081
UTG: 73,548
UTG+1: 40,501

Pre-Flop: (7,300) 5 A dealt to Hero (BB)
4 folds, BTN raises to 15,777 and is All-In, Hero calls 12,777

Flop: (35,854) 8 A T (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Turn: (35,854) 8 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (35,854) 2 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 35,854 Pot
BTN showed 8 9 (three of a kind, Eights) and WON 35,854 (+19,677 NET)
Hero showed 5 A (two pair, Aces and Eights) and LOST (-16,177 NET)

This signalled a destructive trend that presaged my early exit. I got the money in good and my opponent hit a miracle 5-outer on the turn to double through me.

I recover by stealing some blinds with rag aces and a suited connector, trying to take advantage of my "angry" image. I claw back to a 3-way tie for first as no-one picks up a hand to go to war with me.

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 1,500/3,000 Blinds, 400 Ante, 7 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

UTG: 76,025
UTG+1: 38,468
MP: 35,454
CO: 21,500
Hero (BTN): 62,604
SB: 81,548
BB: 32,401

Pre-Flop: (7,300) A 9 dealt to Hero (BTN)
4 folds, Hero raises to 13,300, SB folds, BB raises to 32,001 and is All-In, Hero calls 18,701

Flop: (68,302) J 4 7 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Turn: (68,302) T (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (68,302) 5 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 68,302 Pot
Hero showed A 9 (Ace Jack high) and LOST (-32,401 NET)
BB showed 7 A (a pair of Sevens) and WON 68,302 (+35,901 NET)

This was the real killer. Brilliant shove over the top with a terrible hand after I've opened. I never call with worse and Joanne gets her miracle 3-outer on the flop. I had seven outs heading to the river but fail to re-suck. This shove over the top was beyond horrible as I am getting 2:1 to call and can almost never have a worse hand than A7, but I get unlucky and am lose half my stack.

Full Tilt Poker, NL Hold'em Tournament, 1,500/3,000 Blinds, 400 Ante, 6 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

BTN: 77,225
SB: 34,268
BB: 34,254
Hero (UTG): 29,403
MP: 106,848
CO: 66,002

Pre-Flop: (6,900) K J dealt to Hero (UTG)
Hero raises to 29,003 and is All-In, 4 folds, BB calls 26,003

Flop: (61,906) 5 7 2 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Turn: (61,906) 9 (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


River: (61,906) A (2 Players - 1 is All-In)


Results: 61,906 Pot
BB showed 6 A (a pair of Aces) and WON 61,906 (+32,503 NET)
Hero showed K J (Ace King high) and LOST (-29,403 NET)

You have to love my bustout hand. Villain called off nearly all of his stack to my shove with A6s with only 10% invested from the BB; of couse I can't win a 60/40 in a key spot to save my life. Of course this donkey somehow went on to win the tournament. This was the same player who shoved with 89o (I don't mind this play, as he was very short-stacked so it's justifiable to shove with any two cards there) and spiked an eight on the turn to outdraw my A5 earlier, so at least he's consistent in his idiocy. This is a ridiculous spot to defend as my UTG range crushes A6s, but of course most bloggers -- this one especially -- seem to have no conception of hand ranges. Just amazing as we are nearing Hour 4 of a winner-take-all tournament and are 7-handed at the final table.

Overall this was a very disappointing tournament and a golden opportunity lost for me to win a ToC seat. I really wish I hadn't made those two costly mistakes to spew away my chiplead but overall I was quite happy with my play and the situations I put myself in. If I had only run better late, or not been quite so card dead at the final table, I think I really could have survived those mistakes to triumph. I certainly had the chips; I just needed to exhibit a bit more patience and discipline.

By the end of the tourney my showdown percentage was an unhealthy 39%, but I am quite proud of the fact that I only had to go to showdown to win 9 of the 61 hands that I won. Losing 14 hands at showdown, many of them late, was really unlucky considering I only got my money in bad a couple of times.