$1 MTT Strategy Part 4

We've entered the final table. Now just 9 players are left all contesting the first place money. Here's a breakdown of the structure.

1st place wins $95
2nd place $60
3rd place $45
9th place $8

Huge difference between finishing 9th and 1st. Really the big dollars interest me the most. I don't want to finish in 6th-9th. 5th is at least $25. Therefore I'm not going to open my aggression again until we get short-handed. Here I've played with every player on previous tables with the exception of Donovon whom I've never played with yet. I don't know how he plays. Here's how the table lineup looks.

Seat 1: dollarmtn (46,759)
Seat 2: ytownst (31,514)
Seat 3: Donovon1677 (37,428)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (20,084)
Seat 5: tardawduke (129,895)
Seat 6: CottonPatch (62,795)
Seat 7: gitana333 (26,034)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (142,029)
Seat 9: toollman (71,962)

I'm going to copy Rule of Quarters Razz here. Remember how I spoke of gambling with Skins and Spider. How I didn't want to rumble with Katokat and Bruinwoud without hands. Same applies here and multiplied. That was limit and I didn't want to go hard. This is No Limit and suppose I get involved in the first deal with Tard and double him up. I go all the way from a very comfortable 142,000 all the way down to 12,000. I'm almost sure I go broke in 9th place unless I either pick up a rush or just fold every single hand. I want this victory, so I'm going to play for first place, but not be stupid.

Prime example the first deal.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609511392: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1200/2400 Ante 300 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:29:12 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (46,759)
Seat 2: ytownst (31,514)
Seat 3: Donovon1677 (37,428)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (20,084)
Seat 5: tardawduke (129,895)
Seat 6: CottonPatch (62,795)
Seat 7: gitana333 (26,034)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (142,029)
Seat 9: toollman (71,962)
dollarmtn antes 300
ytownst antes 300
Donovon1677 antes 300
Jayel316 antes 300
tardawduke antes 300
CottonPatch antes 300
gitana333 antes 300
Bender2006 antes 300
toollman antes 300
ytownst posts the small blind of 1,200
Donovon1677 posts the big blind of 2,400
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Kc Ac]
Jayel316 folds
tardawduke calls 2,400
Bender2006: congrats everyone and best of luck
CottonPatch folds
CottonPatch is feeling happy
neb44 (Observer): Ya made it Jay!
gitana333 folds
Bender2006 raises to 10,000(Ace King suited is an extremely strong hand. I make a raise. Anyone but tard goes in over the top I call instantly. Tard comes in and I think hard about it. Even toollman I'd give some action too.
toollman folds
gitana333: ty
dollarmtn folds
gitana333: u2
ytownst folds
ytownst: hey bender u dog
Bender2006: sup
ytownst: wtg
dollarmtn: GL all
Donovon1677 has 15 seconds left to act
Donovon1677 calls 7,600
tardawduke calls 7,600(Two callers, not exactly what I want to see)
hotrodlincoln (Observer): way to go pop
*** FLOP *** [Qc 5c 7h]
Jayel316: gl
dollarmtn: wish me luck neb
Donovon1677 checks
CottonPatch: ty
tardawduke: ty
ytownst is feeling normal
hotrodlincoln (Observer): gl
tardawduke checks
Bender2006 checks(I elect to check here. I could lead out, but it opens the possibility of a check-raise. I want to just take off a freecard. I want to hit a club, maybe an ace or a king. I would feel much more comfortable since I make the absolute nuts.)
*** TURN *** [Qc 5c 7h] [7d]
neb44 (Observer): GO$$$$......
gitana333: tard is still being a nuisance i see lol
Donovon1677 checks
clasielady (Observer): hang in there babe
dollarmtn: :)
neb44 (Observer): remember if you sit they will come
tardawduke bets 33,900
Bender2006 folds(I really can't call here. If the board didn't pair, and I felt that any club, ace, or king would result in a win for me it would still be a close call. Since I could already be drawing dead and It's a large bet I fold)
neb44 (Observer): Im the bald guy right in back of your
Donovon1677 folds
Uncalled bet of 33,900 returned to tardawduke
tardawduke mucks
tardawduke wins the pot (33,900)
Bender2006: AKs
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 33,900 | Rake 0
Board: [Qc 5c 7h 7d]
Seat 1: dollarmtn (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 3: Donovon1677 (big blind) folded on the Turn
Seat 4: Jayel316 folded before the Flop
Seat 5: tardawduke collected (33,900), mucked
Seat 6: CottonPatch folded before the Flop
Seat 7: gitana333 folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 folded on the Turn
Seat 9: toollman folded before the Flop

Here I decide not to get involved. Even though I could potentially break tard on this hand, I can't get involved. I don't know where I stand here. I won't play a huge pot against Tard without a giant hand. I may have the best hand, but Tard could have a 7. Suppose that a club flush would guarntee me the pot, I'm not getting enough odds to call it. Gotta lay it down and wait for a better spot. Tard becomes the new chip leader.

2 hands later.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609517454: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1200/2400 Ante 300 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:31:40 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (46,159)
Seat 2: ytownst (29,714)
Seat 3: Donovon1677 (25,628)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (17,084)
Seat 5: tardawduke (159,495)
Seat 6: CottonPatch (62,195)
Seat 7: gitana333 (25,434)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (131,429)
Seat 9: toollman (71,362)
dollarmtn antes 300
ytownst antes 300
Donovon1677 antes 300
Jayel316 antes 300
tardawduke antes 300
CottonPatch antes 300
gitana333 antes 300
Bender2006 antes 300
toollman antes 300
Jayel316 posts the small blind of 1,200
tardawduke posts the big blind of 2,400
The button is in seat #3
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Ad Td]
ytownst: cost u still around
gitana333: great in between two dogs things are looking sideways
gitana333: lol
CottonPatch calls 2,400
gitana333 folds
Bender2006 calls 2,400 (I elect to just limp and see a flop, ATs is a good hand, but I don't want to get overly involved. I want to see a flop, hopefully make a nice hand, and take down a decent pot)
toollman folds
dollarmtn folds
ytownst folds
Donovon1677 folds
Jayel316 calls 1,200
tardawduke checks
neb44 (Observer): lol
*** FLOP *** [Ac 3s Qc]
Jayel316 checks
tardawduke checks
neb44 (Observer): dogs rule on this table
CottonPatch bets 12,300(I think cotton is making a play on this pot. I make him for Ace Small)
Bender2006 raises to 128,729, and is all in(I elect to put in a very big raise. I don't think Jayel or tard has a hand that's really going to contest an all in. Remember how I said that you shouldn't play big pots without big hands, the reverse happens too. If you become the aggressor, they won't play at you without big hands. tard limped in, so I doubt he had AT beat from the get go.)
Jayel316 folds
tardawduke folds
ytownst: get in the water lol
gitana333: acction
gitana333: lol
ytownst is feeling happy
CottonPatch has 15 seconds left to act(I think I've got the best hand. If he had a set or AQ, he would be in the pot right now, He either has a flush draw or a small ace)
CottonPatch calls 47,195, and is all in
Bender2006 shows [Ad Td]
CottonPatch shows [Ks Kc](Yes!!! He's drawing to 2 outs and I'm a 90% favorite)
Uncalled bet of 69,234 returned to Bender2006
*** TURN *** [Ac 3s Qc] [6c]
gitana333: oh no
*** RIVER *** [Ac 3s Qc 6c] [Js]
Bender2006 shows a pair of Aces
CottonPatch shows a pair of Kings
Bender2006 wins the pot (131,290) with a pair of Aces
CottonPatch stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 131,290 | Rake 0
Board: [Ac 3s Qc 6c Js]
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst folded before the Flop
Seat 3: Donovon1677 (button) folded before the Flop

Here I elect to move in as I highly felt ATs was the best hand. In my mind I think that cotton raises with AJ, AQ, or AK. Certainly AA. In this case he had KK and limped. Depending on the amount of the raise, I may have dropped ATs. I misread Cotton's hand, but by applying maximum pressure he had a very difficult call. It almost looks like a bluff at the pot. Cotton knows I play aggressive. If he calls and he's right he's a big favorite. I take a huge pot and it's 8 players left. CottonPatch becomes the 11th knockout of the tournament. Very good player, just ran unlucky at the worst time. His only mistake is allowing 3 other players into the pot when he had KK. Like I said if he bets it big, he takes a reasonable profit and more importantly stays alive. He is a very good player though and I was lucky to win. I'm now at about 200,000 which is slightly more than a third of all money in play.

The next action hand.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609522039: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1200/2400 Ante 300 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:33:30 ET - 2006/05/02
CottonPatch (Observer): good luck all. ty
Seat 1: dollarmtn (45,259)
Seat 2: ytownst (28,814)
Seat 3: Donovon1677 (24,728)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (13,784)
Seat 5: tardawduke (154,995)
Seat 7: gitana333 (26,934)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (203,524)
Seat 9: toollman (70,462)
dollarmtn antes 300
ytownst antes 300
Donovon1677 antes 300
Jayel316 antes 300
tardawduke antes 300
gitana333 antes 300
Bender2006 antes 300
toollman antes 300
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 1,200
toollman posts the big blind of 2,400
Bender2006: and I had the best of it
The button is in seat #7
gitana333: yep
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [9s Ac]
dollarmtn folds
Bender2006: gg cotton
Bender2006: played great
ytownst: i gave bender his first double up !!!!!!! :)
gitana333: hard to fold KK there
ytownst raises to 10,800
gitana333: then you have to go
Donovon1677 folds
Jayel316 folds
tardawduke folds
gitana333 folds
Bender2006 raises to 19,200(I try to push ytownst. I pretty much commit him to the pot without risking all my money should toollman wake up with a hand. It's just enough to make ytownst pot committed without risking dumping 70k to toollman.
gitana333: look at what you started
toollman folds
gitana333: :)
ytownst calls 8,400(He just calls, but likely will go all in on the flop)
*** FLOP *** [Ts As Kd]
Bender2006 bets 184,024, and is all in(I've spiked an ace and decide to just go in with it. It's only a meager 9,000 more and ytownst is probably going to go all in anyway)
ytownst calls 9,314, and is all in
Bender2006 shows [9s Ac]
ytownst shows [Ks 5s](Got em)
gitana333: ouch
Uncalled bet of 174,710 returned to Bender2006
*** TURN *** [Ts As Kd] [5d](Ouch)
*** RIVER *** [Ts As Kd 5d] [6d]
Bender2006 shows a pair of Aces
ytownst shows two pair, Kings and Fives
ytownst wins the pot (61,828) with two pair, Kings and Fives
neb44 (Observer): wow
Bender2006: there ya go
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 61,828 | Rake 0
Board: [Ts As Kd 5d 6d]
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst showed [Ks 5s] and won (61,828) with two pair, Kings and Fives
Seat 3: Donovon1677 folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 folded before the Flop
Seat 5: tardawduke folded before the Flop
Seat 7: gitana333 (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) showed [9s Ac] and lost with a pair of Aces
Seat 9: toollman (big blind) folded before the Flop


This is the first real bad beat I take. I got in ahead with a pair of aces and in order to lose I had to avoid just 5 outs. It's not damaging to my total stack, but it is a setback. ytownst probably should have just raised all his chips and hoped for the best in case a king doesn't come off. You don't want to fold and leave yourself with just 9,000 there. He made a play, I picked up an above average hand and contested but didn't hold.

A couple hands later

Full Tilt Poker Game #609525200: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1200/2400 Ante 300 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:34:46 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (42,259)
Seat 2: ytownst (61,528)
Seat 3: Donovon1677 (24,128)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (13,184)
Seat 5: tardawduke (154,395)
Seat 7: gitana333 (26,334)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (172,010)
Seat 9: toollman (74,662)
dollarmtn antes 300
ytownst antes 300
Donovon1677 antes 300
Jayel316 antes 300
tardawduke antes 300
gitana333 antes 300
Bender2006 antes 300
toollman antes 300
gitana333: lmao
dollarmtn posts the small blind of 1,200
ytownst posts the big blind of 2,400
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [As 4h]
Donovon1677 calls 2,400
Jayel316 folds
ytownst: ok i owe u a little .... he he
tardawduke folds
gitana333 folds
Bender2006 calls 2,400(I like limping with ace small. I don't want to go overboard with this hand but certainly fine to try and take a cheap flop)
toollman folds
dollarmtn calls 1,200
gitana333: you can give it to me i'm good for it
Bender2006: lol
ytownst checks
*** FLOP *** [Td 4d Ah](Gin)
gitana333: slam
gitana333: good lop
dollarmtn checks
gitana333: flop
ytownst checks
gitana333: who's got it
gitana333: whos' got 44
Donovon1677 bets 7,200
Bender2006 raises to 30,000(I put in enough to put donovan to the test. I think he's got an ace an will go all the way. I have aces up which is ahead but vulnarable.)
dollarmtn folds
ytownst folds
gitana333: the aggression is just coming out now eh
Donovon1677 has 15 seconds left to act(He has a hard call)
Bender2006: u fold and I will show(I do what I can to entice a call. Since he hasn't called by now I'm sure I'm out in front)
neb44 (Observer): grrrrrrrrrr
gitana333: you don't have nothin
Donovon1677 calls 14,228, and is all in(He calls...reluctantly)
Bender2006 shows [As 4h]
Donovon1677 shows [Ac 8s](This time my read was right)
gitana333: lol
Uncalled bet of 8,572 returned to Bender2006
*** TURN *** [Td 4d Ah] [Qd]
*** RIVER *** [Td 4d Ah Qd] [2d]
Bender2006 shows two pair, Aces and Fours(My hand holds and I get one step closer to winning)
Donovon1677 shows a pair of Aces
Bender2006 wins the pot (54,856) with two pair, Aces and Fours
gitana333: nh
Donovon1677 stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 54,856 | Rake 0
Board: [Td 4d Ah Qd 2d]
Seat 1: dollarmtn (small blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst (big blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 3: Donovon1677 showed [Ac 8s] and lost with a pair of Aces
Seat 4: Jayel316 folded before the Flop
Seat 5: tardawduke folded before the Flop
Seat 7: gitana333 folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 showed [As 4h] and won (54,856) with two pair, Aces and Fours
Seat 9: toollman (button) folded before the Flop

Here my read was right on Donovan having an ace and going against aces up. Here I caught a very good flop and won for the second time coming from behind. Donovon has no reason to believe his hand isn't any good. I'm playing bully here, and right now I'm the most aggressive player at the table. In most spots with what I would play, his A-8 would be best. He just ran into the wrong cards at the wrong time. I take back what I lost and Donovon leaves in 8th place and is my 12th knockout.

Another nice pot for me.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609532147: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1200/2400 Ante 300 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:37:32 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (38,659)
Seat 2: ytownst (56,728)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (8,384)
Seat 5: tardawduke (155,295)
Seat 7: gitana333 (28,434)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (199,438)
Seat 9: toollman (81,562)
dollarmtn antes 300
ytownst antes 300
Jayel316 antes 300
tardawduke antes 300
gitana333 antes 300
Bender2006 antes 300
toollman antes 300
gitana333: are you kidding me
gitana333 posts the small blind of 1,200
Bender2006 posts the big blind of 2,400
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Js 9d]
toollman folds
dollarmtn folds
gitana333: that's just wrong
ytownst raises to 4,800
Bender2006: know too well about that
neb44 (Observer): the smelt it...lol
Jayel316 folds
tardawduke folds
gitana333 folds
Bender2006 calls 2,400(It's a smallish raise and I'm getting enough odds to play)
*** FLOP *** [9c 4d Jh]
Bender2006 checks
ytownst bets 7,200
Bender2006 calls 7,200(I smooth call. Top Two is probably the best hand and I want him to bluff off his money to me if he has a single large pocket pair or just jacks.)
*** TURN *** [9c 4d Jh] [Th]
Bender2006 checks
gitana333: you guys do it to me as well when i have AA in the bb
ytownst checks(He doesn't oblige me)
*** RIVER *** [9c 4d Jh Th] [As]
Bender2006 checks
gitana333: it's all wrong
ytownst bets 27,300(He makes a strong play at this pot, he could have aces up here, maybe a straight or set)
Bender2006 calls 27,300(This is a questionable call, but I decide to make it. Even if all I could beat is a bluff, bluff is possible here)
*** SHOW DOWN ***
ytownst shows [5s Ac] (a pair of Aces)
gitana333: watch out
Bender2006 shows [Js 9d] (two pair, Jacks and Nines)(Phew)
Bender2006 wins the pot (81,900) with two pair, Jacks and Nines
ytownst: nh
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 81,900 | Rake 0
Board: [9c 4d Jh Th As]
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst showed [5s Ac] and lost with a pair of Aces
Seat 4: Jayel316 folded before the Flop
Seat 5: tardawduke (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 7: gitana333 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (big blind) showed [Js 9d] and won (81,900) with two pair, Jacks and Nines
Seat 9: toollman folded before the Flop

Here ytownst read me for probably just a pair of jacks or nines, but not 2 pair. He hitting an ace worsened the situation. I played the hand slow the whole way through. I did leave myself vulnerable to aces up or a straight. ytownst played the hand better than I did, even though I had the stronger cards. It was hard enough to call that bet with two pair and if he was bluffing me, he could have gotten me off one pair for sure. Thankfully I had a strong enough hand and take a very nice pot.

Here I dump it all right back

Full Tilt Poker Game #609533809: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1200/2400 Ante 300 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:38:12 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (38,359)
Seat 2: ytownst (17,128)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (8,084)
Seat 5: tardawduke (154,995)
Seat 7: gitana333 (26,934)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (241,738)
Seat 9: toollman (81,262)
dollarmtn antes 300
ytownst antes 300
Jayel316 antes 300
tardawduke antes 300
gitana333 antes 300
Bender2006 antes 300
toollman antes 300
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 1,200
toollman posts the big blind of 2,400
The button is in seat #7
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Js Kd]
gitana333: nh
dollarmtn calls 2,400
Bender2006: ty
ytownst folds
Jayel316 folds
tardawduke folds
gitana333 folds
Bender2006 raises to 10,000(I play my very aggressive style. This time I've made 10k my open.)
toollman folds
gitana333: what did you do to the dealer bender
dollarmtn calls 7,600
*** FLOP *** [Qh Kc As]
Bender2006 bets 24,500(Again I put the pressure on, this time with just a gutshot and middle pair)
gitana333: haha
gitana333: not this time
Bender2006: gave him $2
dollarmtn has 15 seconds left to act
dollarmtn: gg all
gitana333: 2 was all it took
dollarmtn raises to 28,059, and is all in(He thinks hard as I've shown big strength thus far in these spots)
Bender2006 calls 3,559
dollarmtn shows [Ah Jc](He had a big enough ace and I'm drawing very thin. 2 kings to win, 4 tens to chop it)
Bender2006 shows [Js Kd]
*** TURN *** [Qh Kc As] [4c]
*** RIVER *** [Qh Kc As 4c] [8s]
ytownst: prob humped his leg
dollarmtn shows a pair of Aces
Bender2006 shows a pair of Kings
dollarmtn wins the pot (80,618) with a pair of Aces
Bender2006: nh
The blinds are now 1,500/3,000 with an ante of 400
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 80,618 | Rake 0
Board: [Qh Kc As 4c 8s]
Seat 1: dollarmtn showed [Ah Jc] and won (80,618) with a pair of Aces
Seat 2: ytownst folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 folded before the Flop
Seat 5: tardawduke folded before the Flop
Seat 7: gitana333 (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) showed [Js Kd] and lost with a pair of Kings
Seat 9: toollman (big blind) folded before the Flop

I throw a lot of chips to dollarmtn. I played the hand overagressive which may or may not be a bad thing. I don't think many people are going to try and bluff me since I'm going to give them action. However it was a reckless play. This time dollarmtn made a tough call and was right. He may have had just 9-9 so I don't think it was a complete maniac play, but a little on the reckless side.

Here is a desperation play.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609539118: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1500/3000 Ante 400 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:40:17 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (73,818)
Seat 2: ytownst (37,856)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (6,984)
Seat 5: tardawduke (137,867)
Seat 7: gitana333 (25,834)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (202,579)
Seat 9: toollman (83,562)
dollarmtn antes 400
ytownst antes 400
Jayel316 antes 400
tardawduke antes 400
gitana333 antes 400
Bender2006 antes 400
toollman antes 400
ytownst posts the small blind of 1,500
Jayel316 posts the big blind of 3,000
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Ts 2d]
ytownst: another ....whew
tardawduke folds
neb44 (Observer): lol
gitana333 calls 3,000
Bender2006 folds
toollman folds
dollarmtn folds
ytownst is feeling confused
neb44 (Observer): livin on the edge
ytownst folds
Jayel316 raises to 6,584, and is all in(Here Jayel has to pick up a reasonable hand and hope for the best. The BB is on him and he has almost no choice but to move in here. Half his money is already there)
gitana333 calls 3,584(Gitana calls a very slight raise gleefully with a pocket pair)
Jayel316 shows [9d Th]
gitana333 shows [2h 2s]
*** FLOP *** [8s Qh Qc]
*** TURN *** [8s Qh Qc] [Ad]
*** RIVER *** [8s Qh Qc Ad] [9c]
Jayel316 shows two pair, Queens and Nines
gitana333 shows two pair, Queens and Twos
Jayel316 wins the pot (17,468) with two pair, Queens and Nines
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 17,468 | Rake 0
Board: [8s Qh Qc Ad 9c]
Seat 1: dollarmtn (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 (big blind) showed [9d Th] and won (17,468) with two pair, Queens and Nines
Seat 5: tardawduke folded before the Flop
Seat 7: gitana333 showed [2h 2s] and lost with two pair, Queens and Twos
Seat 8: Bender2006 folded before the Flop
Seat 9: toollman folded before the Flop

This goes to show how much each pot is really worth with increased blinds and antes. Jayel started with just about 7,000 which puts him with an M of just under 1. He gets in and his cards hold and now he has more than doubled, nearly tripled up. His M is now 2.5. Still very low and desprate but not in critical care.

Here is a clash between both aggressive players. A ton of action here.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609544532: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1500/3000 Ante 400 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:42:26 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (84,418)
Seat 2: ytownst (35,156)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (15,168)
Seat 5: tardawduke (127,667)
Seat 7: gitana333 (15,050)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (201,379)
Seat 9: toollman (89,662)
dollarmtn antes 400
ytownst antes 400
Jayel316 antes 400
tardawduke antes 400
gitana333 antes 400
Bender2006 antes 400
toollman antes 400
gitana333 posts the small blind of 1,500
Bender2006 posts the big blind of 3,000
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Kc As]
neb44 (Observer): $$$$$$
toollman raises to 21,000(Toollman has been more aggressive than I have. I'm out of position on him. He's been making a lot of plays on me)
dollarmtn folds
ytownst folds
Jayel316 folds
tardawduke folds
gitana333 folds
Bender2006 raises to 200,979, and is all in(I elect to play back at him. He doesn't necessarily have to have an amazing hand and I feel my AK is probably best here)
toollman calls 68,262, and is all in(Here we go!!)
Bender2006 shows [Kc As]
toollman shows [Kh Ac](And it's the same bloody hand)
dollarmtn: I have me mojo here neb
gitana333: damn
Uncalled bet of 111,717 returned to Bender2006
*** FLOP *** [4s Kd 8h]
gitana333: oh sure
gitana333: flush
*** TURN *** [4s Kd 8h] [9d]
toollman: figures
gitana333: nope
*** RIVER *** [4s Kd 8h 9d] [5d]
Bender2006 shows a pair of Kings
toollman shows a pair of Kings
Bender2006 ties for the pot (91,412) with a pair of Kings
toollman ties for the pot (91,412) with a pair of Kings
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 182,824 | Rake 0
Board: [4s Kd 8h 9d 5d]
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 folded before the Flop
Seat 5: tardawduke (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 7: gitana333 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (big blind) showed [Kc As] and won (91,412) with a pair of Kings
Seat 9: toollman showed [Kh Ac] and won (91,412) with a pair of Kings

Here I show toollman that I'm going to come back over the top and I don't want him screwing around with me. AK I believed was the best hand and most times it is. Chopping yielded the slightest of profits. However I showed toollman the message that I am capable of coming back over the top of him. Big drama before the flop, but unless a freaky 4 card flush came almost an afterthought.


Jayel Doubles again.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609551700: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1500/3000 Ante 400 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:45:19 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (77,518)
Seat 2: ytownst (42,856)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (8,268)
Seat 5: tardawduke (122,267)
Seat 7: gitana333 (11,150)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (215,729)
Seat 9: toollman (90,712)
dollarmtn antes 400
ytownst antes 400
Jayel316 antes 400
tardawduke antes 400
gitana333 antes 400
Bender2006 antes 400
toollman antes 400
tardawduke posts the small blind of 1,500
gitana333 posts the big blind of 3,000
The button is in seat #4
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [5s Td]
tardawduke: 23
Bender2006 folds
gitana333: cry me a river with your stack
ytownst: bought time
toollman raises to 21,000
dollarmtn folds
ytownst folds
Jayel316 calls 7,868, and is all in(Jayel knows how aggressive Toollman has been. He moves in on pocket Jacks)
tardawduke: i eartned it
gitana333: calllllll
tardawduke: earnd
tardawduke has 15 seconds left to act
tardawduke folds
gitana333 folds
toollman shows [Kc Tc]
Jayel316 shows [Js Jd]
Uncalled bet of 13,132 returned to toollman
*** FLOP *** [As Ad 9h]
*** TURN *** [As Ad 9h] [3h]
*** RIVER *** [As Ad 9h 3h] [6c]
gitana333: nh
toollman shows a pair of Aces
Jayel316 shows two pair, Aces and Jacks
Jayel316 wins the pot (23,036) with two pair, Aces and Jacks
ytownst: nh
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 23,036 | Rake 0
Board: [As Ad 9h 3h 6c]
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 (button) showed [Js Jd] and won (23,036) with two pair, Aces and Jacks
Seat 5: tardawduke (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 7: gitana333 (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 folded before the Flop
Seat 9: toollman showed [Kc Tc] and lost with a pair of Aces

Jayel doesn't screw around. He knows that his Jacks are likely out in front plus almost has no choice but to play this pot. Everyone is noticing how aggressive toollman has been playing and now that the table has seen that he doesn't always have tier one hands. Here I'm waiting for a big hand and hopefully trap toollman for all his chips. You like to trap the aggressors, not check call, or bluff them.


Here starts the downfall of Tard and the rise of ytownst.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609554624: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1500/3000 Ante 400 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:46:31 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (76,718)
Seat 2: ytownst (42,056)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (22,636)
Seat 5: tardawduke (119,967)
Seat 7: gitana333 (5,850)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (219,229)
Seat 9: toollman (82,044)
dollarmtn antes 400
ytownst antes 400
Jayel316 antes 400
tardawduke antes 400
gitana333 antes 400
Bender2006 antes 400
toollman antes 400
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 1,500
toollman posts the big blind of 3,000
The button is in seat #7
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [9h 4h](junk)
Bender2006: i was gonna call an all in
Bender2006: or put u in
dollarmtn calls 3,000
gitana333: welli had 2 4 off lol
ytownst calls 3,000
Jayel316 folds
tardawduke calls 3,000
gitana333 folds
Bender2006 folds
toollman checks
*** FLOP *** [Jd Ah Qc]
toollman checks
dollarmtn checks
ytownst bets 16,300(He is likely representing an ace here. He's put a lot of money into this pot)
tardawduke calls 16,300(calls, this could get interesting)
toollman folds
gitana333: uh oh
dollarmtn folds
*** TURN *** [Jd Ah Qc] [Jh]
gitana333: fireworks
ytownst bets 22,356, and is all in(For sure has an ace, possibly a jack, but most likely an ace)
tardawduke calls 22,356
ytownst shows [As Ts]
tardawduke shows [Kc Qd](This is just too loose a call)
*** RIVER *** [Jd Ah Qc Jh] [Js]
ytownst shows a full house, Jacks full of Aces
tardawduke shows a full house, Jacks full of Queens
ytownst wins the pot (93,612) with a full house, Jacks full of Aces
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 93,612 | Rake 0
Board: [Jd Ah Qc Jh Js]
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded on the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst showed [As Ts] and won (93,612) with a full house, Jacks full of Aces
Seat 4: Jayel316 folded before the Flop
Seat 5: tardawduke showed [Kc Qd] and lost with a full house, Jacks full of Queens
Seat 7: gitana333 (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 9: toollman (big blind) folded on the Flop

The call on KQ here is just too loose. KQ doesn't beat much and ytownst hasn't really played that bad. The only time he shown a hand behind so far is where he had K-5 against my A-9 but committed himself to the pot before the flop. He made a play, I caught it but he made the winner anyway. Tard gets too reckless here and thus starts a bad downward spiral. View the very next hand.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609556849: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 1500/3000 Ante 400 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:47:25 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (73,318)
Seat 2: ytownst (93,612)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (22,236)
Seat 5: tardawduke (77,911)
Seat 7: gitana333 (5,450)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (217,329)
Seat 9: toollman (78,644)
dollarmtn antes 400
ytownst antes 400
Jayel316 antes 400
tardawduke antes 400
gitana333 antes 400
Bender2006 antes 400
toollman antes 400
toollman posts the small blind of 1,500
dollarmtn posts the big blind of 3,000
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Kd 7h]
ytownst raises to 13,300(ytownst pops in a reasonable open. The limits have just been raised)
Jayel316 folds
tardawduke raises to 77,511, and is all in(Pops in a very large and risky all in)
gitana333 folds
Bender2006 folds
toollman folds
Bender2006: wow
gitana333: i swear this seat sucks
dollarmtn folds
ytownst calls 64,211(must have a big hand)
tardawduke shows [4h 4d]
ytownst shows [Kc As](race)
*** FLOP *** [2d 9h 8h]
gitana333: i dont' know how i made it this far the way this tourney went
*** TURN *** [2d 9h 8h] [Ks]
*** RIVER *** [2d 9h 8h Ks] [2h]
tardawduke shows two pair, Fours and Twos
ytownst shows two pair, Kings and Twos
ytownst wins the pot (162,322) with two pair, Kings and Twos
neb44 (Observer): wow
tardawduke stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 162,322 | Rake 0
Board: [2d 9h 8h Ks 2h]
Seat 1: dollarmtn (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst showed [Kc As] and won (162,322) with two pair, Kings and Twos
Seat 4: Jayel316 folded before the Flop
Seat 5: tardawduke showed [4h 4d] and lost with two pair, Fours and Twos
Seat 7: gitana333 folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 9: toollman (small blind) folded before the Flop

This goes to show how no lead is ever ever ever safe, and how you're never out of it. Look at it this way. Jayel is at 22,000 from a meager 7000 and is on the rise. 2 hands ago tard was comfortably in second place. He had over 110k in chips and would be close to a lock for the top 3 spots. 2 hands and 2 extremely risky plays later tard is now eliminated in 7th place. You must have aggression but not suicidal aggression. 6 handed.


Jayel finds another hand and moves in again. He's by far the tightest player at this table.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609560912: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 2000/4000 Ante 500 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:49:06 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (68,018)
Seat 2: ytownst (194,523)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (21,436)
Seat 7: gitana333 (4,650)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (203,529)
Seat 9: toollman (76,344)
dollarmtn antes 500
ytownst antes 500
Jayel316 antes 500
gitana333 antes 500
Bender2006 antes 500
toollman antes 500
ytownst posts the small blind of 2,000
Jayel316 posts the big blind of 4,000
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [8h 2c]
gitana333: that would have been bad
ytownst: gc
Bender2006: A-T
gitana333 folds
Bender2006 folds
toollman folds
dollarmtn folds
ytownst calls 2,000
gitana333: ok dealer i need a bb special next
Jayel316 checks(Elects to just see a flop)
*** FLOP *** [5h Ts 9s]
ytownst bets 11,000
dollarmtn: gl gitana
Jayel316 raises to 16,936, and is all in
gitana333: give me 23 and flop me quads
ytownst calls 5,936
Jayel316 shows [Qc Td](Moved in on top pair here)
ytownst shows [2h Js]
gitana333: ty
gitana333: i'll need it
*** TURN *** [5h Ts 9s] [5d]
*** RIVER *** [5h Ts 9s 5d] [Kd]
Jayel316 shows two pair, Tens and Fives
ytownst shows a pair of Fives
Jayel316 wins the pot (44,872) with two pair, Tens and Fives
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 44,872 | Rake 0
Board: [5h Ts 9s 5d Kd]
Seat 1: dollarmtn (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst (small blind) showed [2h Js] and lost with a pair of Fives
Seat 4: Jayel316 (big blind) showed [Qc Td] and won (44,872) with two pair, Tens and Fives
Seat 7: gitana333 folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 folded before the Flop
Seat 9: toollman folded before the Flop

Here Jayel catches ytownst bluffing and doubles again. Pretty much the other 5 of us are looking to crush each other. Jayel has been picking his spots carefully and been the benefactor of an action table. He has come pretty much from the dead and will become a threat if he can get to 100k in chips.

At this point here is the listing of the 6 players left from tightest to most aggressive.

Jayel is the tightest, then Gitana, then dollarmtn, then ytownst, than me, and toollman is the most aggressive.

Jayel collects another pot and is catching his rush.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609562588: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 2000/4000 Ante 500 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:49:48 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (67,518)
Seat 2: ytownst (173,087)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (44,872)
Seat 7: gitana333 (4,150)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (203,029)
Seat 9: toollman (75,844)
dollarmtn antes 500
ytownst antes 500
Jayel316 antes 500
gitana333 antes 500
Bender2006 antes 500
toollman antes 500
Jayel316 posts the small blind of 2,000
gitana333 posts the big blind of 3,650, and is all in
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Ah 5h]
neb44 (Observer): GO JAY
Bender2006 calls 4,000(here I elect to limp with Ace-x suited. I'm looking to catch a big flop and trap a play for all their money)
toollman folds
gitana333: guess what i have
dollarmtn folds
ytownst folds
Jayel316: go me
neb44 (Observer): 23
Jayel316 calls 2,000
dmbfan41cn (Observer): JJ
*** FLOP *** [4h 2s Th](This is a good flop for me. I've picked up the nut flush draw and a wheel draw)
gitana333: lol
Jayel316 checks
Bender2006 checks(I elect to just check it and see if I make either draw)
*** TURN *** [4h 2s Th] [9c]
dollarmtn: AA
gitana333: nope
Jayel316 checks
Bender2006 checks(I missed, and I want another free card. I also don't want to take Jayel out of the pot if I can't beat gitana, but Jayel could)
*** RIVER *** [4h 2s Th 9c] [Ts]
gitana333: close
Jayel316 checks
Bender2006 checks(My hand is no good)
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Jayel316 shows [9h Ad] (two pair, Tens and Nines)
Bender2006 mucks
Jayel316 wins the side pot (700) with two pair, Tens and Nines
gitana333 shows [As Ks] (a pair of Tens)
Jayel316 wins the main pot (13,950) with two pair, Tens and Nines
gitana333 stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 14,650 Main pot 13,950. Side pot 700. | Rake 0
Board: [4h 2s Th 9c Ts]
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 (small blind) showed [9h Ad] and won (14,650) with two pair, Tens and Nines
Seat 7: gitana333 (big blind) showed [As Ks] and lost with a pair of Tens
Seat 8: Bender2006 mucked [Ah 5h] - a pair of Tens
Seat 9: toollman folded before the Flop


Here Jayel caught a 9 but didn't bet into me. We both kind of aggreed not to take on each other and rather get to 5 handed. Jayel wins again, continues his rush and is now up to 55,000. He is still the lowest stack of the 5 left, but is moving in the right direction.

Nearly entering the 4th hour of play I get more information on toollman.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609572663: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 2000/4000 Ante 500 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:53:50 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (45,518)
Seat 2: ytownst (200,087)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (42,022)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (204,029)
Seat 9: toollman (76,844)
dollarmtn antes 500
ytownst antes 500
Jayel316 antes 500
Bender2006 antes 500
toollman antes 500
toollman posts the small blind of 2,000
dollarmtn posts the big blind of 4,000
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Jh 7s]
ytownst folds
Jayel316 folds
Bender2006 calls 4,000
toollman raises to 24,000(He has been opening a lot of pots especially when I limp.)
dollarmtn has 15 seconds left to act
dollarmtn raises to 45,018, and is all in(Dollarmtn is probably sick of it and takes him on)
Bender2006 folds
toollman calls 21,018
dollarmtn shows [9s 9d]
toollman shows [Ah 7d]
*** FLOP *** [Qc 7c Td]
*** TURN *** [Qc 7c Td] [Qh]
*** RIVER *** [Qc 7c Td Qh] [3c]
dollarmtn shows two pair, Queens and Nines
toollman shows two pair, Queens and Sevens
dollarmtn wins the pot (96,536) with two pair, Queens and Nines
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 96,536 | Rake 0
Board: [Qc 7c Td Qh 3c]
Seat 1: dollarmtn (big blind) showed [9s 9d] and won (96,536) with two pair, Queens and Nines
Seat 2: ytownst folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 9: toollman (small blind) showed [Ah 7d] and lost with two pair, Queens and Sevens

This reinforces that toollman is the most aggressive by far, but can run up against a brick wall. He does not always carry pocket aces. The rest of this table has noticed it. A-7 is nice to open with and likely he was correct to call there to dollar's all in. However we've all picked up that he doesn't necessairly have the goods every hand.

Because of this This hand came up

Full Tilt Poker Game #609576759: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 2000/4000 Ante 500 - No Limit Hold'em - 20:55:27 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (93,536)
Seat 2: ytownst (201,087)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (36,522)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (207,029)
Seat 9: toollman (30,326)
dollarmtn antes 500
ytownst antes 500
Jayel316 antes 500
Bender2006 antes 500
toollman antes 500
Jayel316 posts the small blind of 2,000
Bender2006 posts the big blind of 4,000
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Qd Ts]
toollman raises to 29,826, and is all in
dollarmtn folds
ytownst folds
Jayel316 folds
Bender2006 calls 25,826(I call here for 2 reasons, I don't think I'm very very far behind, and I still have a lot of chips if I don't win. It's my chance to knock him out before he becomes a big threat again)
toollman shows [7h As]
Bender2006 shows [Qd Ts](It turns out I have two live cards and I'm not that far behind in the hand)
*** FLOP *** [Ad Ah 9c]
*** TURN *** [Ad Ah 9c] [8c]
Bender2006: lol
*** RIVER *** [Ad Ah 9c 8c] [Ac]
toollman shows four of a kind, Aces
Bender2006 shows three of a kind, Aces
toollman wins the pot (64,152) with four of a kind, Aces
Bender2006: jesus
ytownst: vnh
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 64,152 | Rake 0
Board: [Ad Ah 9c 8c Ac]
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (big blind) showed [Qd Ts] and lost with three of a kind, Aces
Seat 9: toollman showed [7h As] and won (64,152) with four of a kind, Aces

Toollman made quads. Nothing I could do here, this is just mercy of the deck. I can play looser vs. toollman. I don't know Id call say Jayel in the same spot with those cards. I didn't get in bad, but quad aces sting a little.
He also moved all in the next 3 hands. I had 3 junk hands so I couldn't contest.

Jayel Doubles up yet again.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609594212: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 2500/5000 Ante 600 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:02:26 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (85,836)
Seat 2: ytownst (180,887)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (31,822)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (154,003)
Seat 9: toollman (115,952)
dollarmtn antes 600
ytownst antes 600
Jayel316 antes 600
Bender2006 antes 600
toollman antes 600
Bender2006: nh
Jayel316 posts the small blind of 2,500
Bender2006 posts the big blind of 5,000
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [9s Tc]
toollman raises to 25,000
dollarmtn folds
ytownst: l
ytownst raises to 45,000
Jayel316 calls 28,722, and is all in
Bender2006 folds
toollman calls 20,000
*** FLOP *** [2s Ts 6c]
toollman checks
Bender2006: holy crap
ytownst bets 135,287, and is all in
toollman folds
ytownst shows [As Qd]
neb44 (Observer): lol
Jayel316 shows [Th Td]
Uncalled bet of 135,287 returned to ytownst
*** TURN *** [2s Ts 6c] [8s]
*** RIVER *** [2s Ts 6c 8s] [Jc]
ytownst wins the side pot (27,556)
ytownst shows Ace Queen high
Jayel316 shows three of a kind, Tens
Jayel316 wins the main pot (101,666) with three of a kind, Tens
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 129,222 Main pot 101,666. Side pot 27,556. | Rake 0
Board: [2s Ts 6c 8s Jc]
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst (button) showed [As Qd] and won (27,556) with Ace Queen high
Seat 4: Jayel316 (small blind) showed [Th Td] and won (101,666) with three of a kind, Tens
Seat 8: Bender2006 (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 9: toollman folded on the Flop

Here Jayel Scoops a huge pot. He has been picking his spots and moving his money all in generally with good hands. Here it's a race situation. Toollman sweetens the pot. Jayel spikes trip tens and now has over 100k in chips. He's a serious threat now.

Lets do a chip count

Full Tilt Poker Game #609595958: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 2500/5000 Ante 600 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:03:09 ET - 2006/05/02

Seat 1: dollarmtn (85,236)
Seat 2: ytownst (162,843)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (101,666)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (148,403)
Seat 9: toollman (70,352)

It's still anyone's game. ytownst is still the chip leader, I'm not far back, and Jayel is now a serious contender. His next double gives him the lead.

A few hands later I make my first real huge move on a pot in a while. I've kind of hung back. It's still an action table.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609606652: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 2500/5000 Ante 600 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:07:20 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (64,836)
Seat 2: ytownst (194,443)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (94,266)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (123,503)
Seat 9: toollman (91,452)
dollarmtn antes 600
ytownst antes 600
Jayel316 antes 600
Bender2006 antes 600
toollman antes 600
Jayel316 posts the small blind of 2,500
Bender2006 posts the big blind of 5,000
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Qs Kc]
toollman folds
dollarmtn folds
ytownst: u need a mini r
ytownst folds
Jayel316 calls 2,500
ytownst is feeling happy
Bender2006 raises to 25,000(I make an unusually large raise here)
Jayel316 calls 20,000
*** FLOP *** [Jd Qc 7h]
ytownst: gimme
Jayel316 checks
Bender2006 bets 97,903, and is all in(I likely have the best hand, but don't want Jayel hitting a draw. I apply maximum pressure. I really play to end the hand right here.)
ytownst: he he
Jayel316 folds
Uncalled bet of 97,903 returned to Bender2006
Bender2006 shows [Qs Kc] (a pair of Queens)(I show I bring the goods when I play. I don't want everyone contesting me in pots. This gets me back in the right direction.)
Bender2006 wins the pot (53,000)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 53,000 | Rake 0
Board: [Jd Qc 7h]
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 (small blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (big blind) collected (53,000)
Seat 9: toollman folded before the Flop



Playing a bigger limit now.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609615207: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 3000/6000 Ante 750 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:10:43 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (40,936)
Seat 2: ytownst (221,293)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (74,366)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (139,103)
Seat 9: toollman (92,802)
dollarmtn antes 750
ytownst antes 750
Jayel316 antes 750
Bender2006 antes 750
toollman antes 750
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 3,000
toollman posts the big blind of 6,000
The button is in seat #4
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [8h Ah]
dollarmtn folds
ytownst folds
Jayel316 folds
dollarmtn is feeling angry
Bender2006 calls 3,000(I limp hoping toollman comes at me. I believe A8s to be the best hand here)
toollman raises to 30,000
Bender2006 raises to 138,353, and is all in(I take my stand and make a huge play back at him)
toollman folds(He folded nearly instantly)
Uncalled bet of 108,353 returned to Bender2006
Bender2006 mucks
Bender2006 wins the pot (63,750)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 63,750 | Rake 0
Seat 1: dollarmtn folded before the Flop
Seat 2: ytownst folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) collected (63,750), mucked
Seat 9: toollman (big blind) folded before the Flop

Here I had planned once I saw A8s that no matter what I would limp and if toollman made his standard raise I would come back over the top of him for all his chips. A8s vs this player and only this player is likely ahead. I believe he's trying to bully and I show him he better not. I've switched gears and reflected tight play. This time I take a nice pot and show toollman that I'm not to be played with.

Dollarmtn eliminated in 5th

Full Tilt Poker Game #609616663: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 3000/6000 Ante 750 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:11:18 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 1: dollarmtn (46,186)
Seat 2: ytownst (219,793)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (72,866)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (171,353)
Seat 9: toollman (58,302)
dollarmtn antes 750
ytownst antes 750
Jayel316 antes 750
Bender2006 antes 750
toollman antes 750
dollarmtn posts the small blind of 3,000
ytownst posts the big blind of 6,000
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Td 5s]
Jayel316 folds
Bender2006 folds
toollman folds
dollarmtn calls 3,000
ytownst raises to 12,000(Here ytownst makes a play on a pot. He hasn't splashed too much and likely has at least some hand)
dollarmtn calls 6,000
*** FLOP *** [Ah 8s Kc]
dollarmtn checks
ytownst checks(this flop may have hit both or missed both. it is unclear)
*** TURN *** [Ah 8s Kc] [Jh]
dollarmtn bets 33,436, and is all in(He doesn't have many chips left and elects to bet it all)
ytownst calls 33,436
dollarmtn shows [8c 7c]
ytownst shows [Kh Jd]
dollarmtn: gg
*** RIVER *** [Ah 8s Kc Jh] [5c]
dollarmtn shows a pair of Eights
ytownst shows two pair, Kings and Jacks
ytownst wins the pot (94,622) with two pair, Kings and Jacks
neb44 (Observer): gg amn
dollarmtn stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 94,622 | Rake 0
Board: [Ah 8s Kc Jh 5c]
Seat 1: dollarmtn (small blind) showed [8c 7c] and lost with a pair of Eights
Seat 2: ytownst (big blind) showed [Kh Jd] and won (94,622) with two pair, Kings and Jacks
Seat 4: Jayel316 folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 folded before the Flop
Seat 9: toollman (button) folded before the Flop

Here dollarmtn thought ytownst was weak and decided to play for all his chips. I don't think this is a bad play. It's possible that this board didn't hit ytownst that strong especially with his check on the flop. As it turned out ytownst may have legitamatly been afraid of that ace, but after making kings up will gleefully call. This is the first knockout in a while. We are 4 handed and starting to see the significant payouts. Not a bad showing for dollarmtn, just happened to run into too strong a hand and mistimed it.

The next hand

Full Tilt Poker Game #609619247: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 3000/6000 Ante 750 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:12:19 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 2: ytownst (268,229)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (72,116)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (170,603)
Seat 9: toollman (57,552)
ytownst antes 750
Jayel316 antes 750
Bender2006 antes 750
toollman antes 750
ytownst posts the small blind of 3,000
Jayel316 posts the big blind of 6,000
Bender2006: gg dollar
The button is in seat #1
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Ts 8s]
Bender2006 calls 6,000(Here I limp in with suited one gapper I want to take a flop and see where I go with it)
Jayel316: gg
ytownst: vgg
toollman raises to 56,802, and is all in(Here we go again)
ytownst folds
Jayel316 folds
Bender2006 calls 50,802(This time I call him. I'll explain in detail later)
toollman shows [8d Ah]
Bender2006 shows [Ts 8s]
*** FLOP *** [Tc 3d Qs](Wow very lucky flop)
*** TURN *** [Tc 3d Qs] [6c]
*** RIVER *** [Tc 3d Qs 6c] [2c]
toollman shows Ace Queen high
Bender2006 shows a pair of Tens
Bender2006 wins the pot (125,604) with a pair of Tens
Bender2006: wow
toollman stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 125,604 | Rake 0
Board: [Tc 3d Qs 6c 2c]
Seat 2: ytownst (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 4: Jayel316 (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 showed [Ts 8s] and won (125,604) with a pair of Tens
Seat 9: toollman showed [8d Ah] and lost with Ace Queen high

Okay you're probably thinking I made a stupid play. Why do you think I've been talking so much the last few hands about toollman and made him my prime focus. I'll break this down in big detail. First off toollman has been by far the biggest raiser at the table. However the hands he has shown down have not all been great. Most of them have been middle aces such as this one. In this spot it looks like I made an idiodic call. I am dominated 3:1 and it's the first time I've put my money in significantly as a big dog. However I believed both of my cards to be live. I believed he was running a play and I wanted to take a shot at him. I still have over 100k in chips if I don't win the pot. I get tired of his aggressive play and can play looser against him than any other player. If Jayel or ytownst had made the same amount of raise I quickly fold it. But because I'm dealing with an ultra aggressive player I decide to call it. It's loose but you can open up more against these type of players because a fair portion of the time my T8s isn't dominated heavily. This time it was, but I got away with one. Toollman becomes the 13th player I knockout. I go up to 238k and can start contesting with ytownst.

A couple hands later I hit my rush.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609620969: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 3000/6000 Ante 750 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:12:58 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 2: ytownst (263,729)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (61,616)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (243,155)
ytownst antes 750
Jayel316 antes 750
Bender2006 antes 750
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 3,000
ytownst posts the big blind of 6,000
The button is in seat #4
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Jh Jd]
Jayel316 folds
Bender2006: also i got tired of the aggression
Bender2006 raises to 20,000( I make a nice open with J-J)
ytownst calls 14,000
*** FLOP *** [Qh 5c 6s]
Bender2006 checks(I probably should probe bet here, but I just check. I believe my jacks are probably good)
ytownst bets 42,250
Bender2006 calls 42,250(Unless he has a queen here I'm ahead. ytownst is capable of making a play. I just call here thinking I'm good)
*** TURN *** [Qh 5c 6s] [Js](Very lucky break)
Bender2006 checks(I want to portray a draw here)
ytownst checks
*** RIVER *** [Qh 5c 6s Js] [3d]
Bender2006 bets 60,000(I make a sneaky fishy looking bet. I know I'm good here.)
ytownst folds
Uncalled bet of 60,000 returned to Bender2006
Bender2006 shows [Jh Jd] (three of a kind, Jacks)
Bender2006 wins the pot (126,750)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 126,750 | Rake 0
Board: [Qh 5c 6s Js 3d]
Seat 2: ytownst (big blind) folded on the River
Seat 4: Jayel316 (button) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) collected (126,750)

I made a couple small errors here. I probably should get some knowledge on the flop. I catch a great break on the turn and the other mistake is betting a little too large. Still I made a couple errors, but wind up winning a big pot. I still believe just a pair of Jacks here were good. If ytownst did have a big queen, he probably would pay me off. Small errors, but this takes me to 300k. I've regained the chip lead.

The largest pot of the tournament coming up.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609623500: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 3000/6000 Ante 750 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:13:58 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 2: ytownst (208,229)
Seat 4: Jayel316 (54,116)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (306,155)
ytownst antes 750
Jayel316 antes 750
Bender2006 antes 750
Jayel316 posts the small blind of 3,000
Bender2006 posts the big blind of 6,000
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Ah Jh]
ytownst raises to 23,250
Jayel316 folds
Bender2006 calls 17,250(Ace Jack suited in a 3 handed game is a big hand. I elect to call and take a flop)
*** FLOP *** [Qh Kh 4h](I hit an amazing flop. I make the stone cold nuts)
Bender2006 checks(I've made the nuts but want my opponent to catch up a little)
ytownst bets 184,229, and is all in(Never mind, he wants to get it on and so I'll oblige)
Bender2006 calls 184,229(On my way to a huge pot)
ytownst shows [Js Jd]
Bender2006 shows [Ah Jh]
*** TURN *** [Qh Kh 4h] [6h]
*** RIVER *** [Qh Kh 4h 6h] [8s]
ytownst shows a pair of Jacks
Bender2006 shows a flush, Ace high
Bender2006 wins the pot (420,208) with a flush, Ace high
ytownst: vnh
Bender2006: gg
neb44 (Observer): wow
ytownst stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 420,208 | Rake 0
Board: [Qh Kh 4h 6h 8s]
Seat 2: ytownst (button) showed [Js Jd] and lost with a pair of Jacks
Seat 4: Jayel316 (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (big blind) showed [Ah Jh] and won (420,208) with a flush, Ace high

I'm a little suprised ytownst would move in for all his money on this flop with Jayel sitting on just 50k. Odds were that play would slow down until we knock out Jayel in 3rd and then ytownst and I would play heads up for the title with about even stacks. It reminds me of a hand that occured at the 1993 WSOP. This is the only hand in this little guide that did not take place in this tournament. I saw this on ESPN Classic so that's how I can recall it.

Jim Bechtel: Appx 1.1 Million (6-6)
Glen Cozen: Appx 120,000 (5-5)
John Bonetti Appz 1 Million. (A-K)

The suits are irrelevant.

I'm not sure what limits these guys were playing but Bonetti opened the button for around 45,000. Bechtel Called and Cozen checked. The board came out K-6-x. Bechtel checked his set of sixes, Cozen checked and Bonetti bet around 70,000. Bechtel called and Cozen after some thought folded. The turn came the Jack of Clubs and Bonetti moved all in. Bechtel called, flipped up a set and Bonetti was drawing dead. Bonetti very easily could have waited for Cozen to get knocked out and play Bechtel for a shot at the title.

Here I think ytownst is playing for 1st, not to get into a heads up duel, at least not with some ammo. Here he makes a very daring raise, but can't always give credit for me flopping the nut flush. I would fold pretty much everything except the flush, a set, and A-K containing the Ace of Hearts. He just had bad timing for making this play. ytownst played an amazing game and all credit to his skill. He is the 14th player I knock out and now we're going to heads up. The chip count.



Full Tilt Poker Game #609624633: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 3000/6000 Ante 750 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:14:25 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 4: Jayel316 (50,366)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (518,134)
Jayel316 antes 750
Bender2006 antes 750
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 3,000
Jayel316 posts the big blind of 6,000
Jayel316: gg
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Qc As]
ytownst (Observer): gla
Bender2006 raises to 19,500
crunchh (Observer): wow
Jayel316 folds
Uncalled bet of 13,500 returned to Bender2006
Bender2006 mucks
Bender2006 wins the pot (13,500)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 13,500 | Rake 0
Seat 4: Jayel316 (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) collected (13,500), mucked

Basically I'm going to try and Tap Jayel. Unless my hand completely sucks I'm going to force him to play for all of it. I have over a 9:1 chip lead. If he moves in, I'm probably going to call with almost any holding.


Here I've played highly aggressive and whittled Jayel down to just 30,000 left.

Full Tilt Poker Game #609627324: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 3000/6000 Ante 750 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:15:27 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 4: Jayel316 (33,866)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (534,634)
Jayel316 antes 750
Bender2006 antes 750
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 3,000
Jayel316 posts the big blind of 6,000
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [9s 7s]
Bender2006 calls 3,000
Jayel316 raises to 33,116, and is all in
Bender2006 calls 27,116(I elect to call here. First off I'm getting reasonable pot odds. 1.8:1. More importantly though I have over 15 times Jayel's stack. Unless my hand is absolutly worthless I'm going to call with just about any holding.)
Jayel316 shows [Qd Ad]
Bender2006 shows [9s 7s](This is what I wanted to see, anything other than a pocket 7's or better, I can end the tournament here if I win this hand)
*** FLOP *** [9c 4s 2c](Great flop, now I'm 75% to win the tournament right now)
*** TURN *** [9c 4s 2c] [6s](Extremely great turn card. I kill two of his outs. I'm now 90% to win this tournament. Jayel has only 4 card remaining to stay alive)
*** RIVER *** [9c 4s 2c 6s] [Qc](Ouch, Jayel stays alive and the tournament continues.)
Jayel316 shows a pair of Queens
Bender2006 shows a pair of Nines
Jayel316 wins the pot (67,732) with a pair of Queens
Bender2006: nh
neb44 (Observer): whew
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 67,732 | Rake 0
Board: [9c 4s 2c 6s Qc]
Seat 4: Jayel316 (big blind) showed [Qd Ad] and won (67,732) with a pair of Queens
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) showed [9s 7s] and lost with a pair of Nines


Here it looks like a loose call, but I refer back to Harrington's Rule of Ten. Where If a call costs you less than 10% of your total stack, and you have better than an absolutly hopeless hand, make the call, and get it on. Here I was about a 2:1 dog, but came within 1 card of winning it right here. I'm here to play aggressive and force Jayel to decisions for all his money. I'm still gonna come at him. This double up doesn't hurt me very much as I still have over half a million in chips.

I whittle him down again and Jayel makes another move

Full Tilt Poker Game #609631790: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 3000/6000 Ante 750 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:17:11 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 4: Jayel316 (41,482)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (527,018)
Jayel316 antes 750
Bender2006 antes 750
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 3,000
Jayel316 posts the big blind of 6,000
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [9c Jh]
Bender2006 calls 3,000
Jayel316 raises to 40,732, and is all in
Bender2006 calls 34,732(Again basing my call on Harrington's Rule of Ten)
Jayel316 shows [6h 6d]
Bender2006 shows [9c Jh](In this spot it's a race. If I lose it doesn't damage me, If I win I'm the champion)
*** FLOP *** [9h 6c Qs](Done before it starts)
*** TURN *** [9h 6c Qs] [Jd](4 outs to the championship)
*** RIVER *** [9h 6c Qs Jd] [Ad]
Jayel316 shows three of a kind, Sixes
Bender2006 shows two pair, Jacks and Nines
Jayel316 wins the pot (82,964) with three of a kind, Sixes
neb44 (Observer): gh
Bender2006: gh
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 82,964 | Rake 0
Board: [9h 6c Qs Jd Ad]
Seat 4: Jayel316 (big blind) showed [6h 6d] and won (82,964) with three of a kind, Sixes
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) showed [9c Jh] and lost with two pair, Jacks and Nines

Here Jayel is correct to put all his money in the middle with 6-6. He knows he has to take a stand against me and a pocket pair in heads up especially against an aggressive player is probably good. Here I have 2 larger unpaired cards, make another loose call trying to win it all. You can't be afraid of either spot. Either taking a stand all in on a hand like 6-6 against a big stack, or risking 40,000 here to end the tournament if you catch well. We both played the hand correctly, Jayel hit a set, and continues on with 80,000 to work with. I can't continue making these extremely loose calls. Maybe one more if conditions are favorable, but he's gaining ground.

2 hands later

Full Tilt Poker Game #609634110: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 3000/6000 Ante 750 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:18:04 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 4: Jayel316 (95,714)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (472,786)
Jayel316 antes 750
Bender2006 antes 750
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 3,000
Jayel316 posts the big blind of 6,000
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Qs Ts]
Bender2006 raises to 19,500(Here I raise a suited one gapper. Heads up this hand's not too bad and I gleefully stick in a raise.
Jayel316 calls 13,500
*** FLOP *** [8s Ks Jc]
Jayel316 bets 15,000(Here he bets but doesn't go all in. The previous 2 times he put all his money in response to a raise. I really don't think he's got an overly huge hand. He probably doesn't have AK, or any king for that matter because his money would already be in the center. I say Jacks or 8's)
Bender2006 raises to 452,536, and is all in(Now looking at my hand, I don't have anything yet, but I have a very large draw. I have an open ended straight draw, flush draw, and I believe a Queen will also win me the pot. I elect to put Jayel to a decision for all his money)
Jayel316 calls 60,464, and is all in
Bender2006 shows [Qs Ts]
Jayel316 shows [8c 9s](He had 8's. I have a massive draw and although Jayel has a better hand than me at this point, I'm the favorite. I can win on 3 T's, 3 Q's, 3 A's, 2 9's and 8 remaining spades. Be sure not to count As twice. I have 19 outs twice.)
Uncalled bet of 377,072 returned to Bender2006
*** TURN *** [8s Ks Jc] [Jh](Here I pick up 3 more outs but lose the Js as an out. Another King would give us the same two pair but I would have a bigger kicker. It's about even at this point.)
*** RIVER *** [8s Ks Jc Jh] [Js](Cruelty)
Bender2006 shows a flush, King high
Jayel316 shows a full house, Jacks full of Eights
Jayel316 wins the pot (191,428) with a full house, Jacks full of Eights
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 191,428 | Rake 0
Board: [8s Ks Jc Jh Js]
Seat 4: Jayel316 (big blind) showed [8c 9s] and won (191,428) with a full house, Jacks full of Eights
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) showed [Qs Ts] and lost with a flush, King high


Here Jayel is playing me as he played toollman, less credit for a hand. Here I make a move with a huge draw. These kind of hands where you have multiple draws are favorites. Even if he flopped a set of Kings here, I wouldn't be that huge of an underdog. Here I did end up making a flush, but it was the one spade card that would not win me the pot as it filled up Jayel. Now I have to play a little closer to the vest. Jayel Doubles a third time and now has 190k against my 377k.

A couple hands later I get some of that money back

Full Tilt Poker Game #609636702: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 4000/8000 Ante 1000 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:19:04 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 4: Jayel316 (198,178)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (370,322)
Jayel316 antes 1,000
Bender2006 antes 1,000
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 4,000
Jayel316 posts the big blind of 8,000
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Ts 8s]
Bender2006: either way, this has been a hell of a game
Bender2006 calls 4,000
Jayel316 checks
*** FLOP *** [Qh Jh 6s]
Jayel316 bets 8,000
Bender2006 calls 8,000(Here he bets only the minimum. He either has an extremely strong hand or is hesitant to bet say 6's. I call here with the intent on taking the pot later or if I hit a 9 I'm in great shape. Also look at the pot odds. Better than 3:1 if he does have the 6)
*** TURN *** [Qh Jh 6s] [9s](Jackpot and double jackpot. I now have a straight along with a flush draw. I'm positive I have the best hand)
Jayel316 bets 8,000
Bender2006 raises to 35,000(I likely would have bet this amount whether I hit or not, but with the straight I want to see if Jayel will come back over the top if he had AQ or AJ or so.
Jayel316 calls 27,000
*** RIVER *** [Qh Jh 6s 9s] [5c](Blank on the river. I'm sure that I've got this won. If he had K-T the only hand that beats me he would have come over the top of the 35,000 for all his chips.
Jayel316 bets 20,000(Looks like a steal to try and take this pot down)
Bender2006 raises to 318,322, and is all in(I elect to force Jayel All in. If he does have a good hand he may pay me off here. I've played aggressive and he might just pay me off giving me the tournament.)
Jayel316 folds
Uncalled bet of 298,322 returned to Bender2006
Bender2006 shows [Ts 8s] (a straight, Queen high)
Bender2006 wins the pot (144,000)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 144,000 | Rake 0
Board: [Qh Jh 6s 9s 5c]
Seat 4: Jayel316 (big blind) folded on the River
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) collected (144,000)

Jayel said he had 5-5 here. Pocket 5's do fit in with the betting. He was hesitant to bet, probing for information. He then bet the turn probing again then didn't go overboard. Here he hits a set and makes a larger bet after I've already fired 35k in the pot. I move in over the top of him. If he did have 5-5 I'm suprised he didn't call and he made an amazing laydown. I'm not sure what kind of hand he had, but I'm thinking more along the lines of A-6 or A-J. Here I gain back a lot of chips. and want to go back to whittling him down again.

Here comes the final hand of the tournament

Full Tilt Poker Game #609643688: $1 Tournament (3888267), Table 22 - 4000/8000 Ante 1000 - No Limit Hold'em - 21:21:43 ET - 2006/05/02
Seat 4: Jayel316 (127,178)
Seat 8: Bender2006 (441,322)
Jayel316 antes 1,000
Bender2006 antes 1,000
Bender2006 posts the small blind of 4,000
Jayel316 posts the big blind of 8,000
The button is in seat #8
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Bender2006 [Jc As]
Bender2006 raises to 26,000(Ace-Jack heads up is a good hand. I elect to come in for about 3x BB)
Jayel316 calls 18,000(He's got some chips so he plays)
*** FLOP *** [Js 5d 3s]
Jayel316 bets 8,000
Bender2006 raises to 78,000(I'm sure I have the best hand here. I have to protect the hand from draws so I raise pot. I can't let him draw at spades. A straight I'm not that worried about since he would have to have 4-2 or 6-4.)
Jayel316 calls 70,000
*** TURN *** [Js 5d 3s] [Ac]
Jayel316 bets 22,178, and is all in(He makes a bet here. I think he's got some kind of ace. I have Aces and Jacks and believe my hand is best. This is my chance to end the tournament. I cannot fold)
Bender2006 calls 22,178
Jayel316 shows [Kh 3d](He was making a play with bottom pair, The ace kills 3 outs. Jayel is down to 5%. As long as any card other than a 3 comes up I've won the tournament)
Bender2006 shows [Jc As]
*** RIVER *** [Js 5d 3s Ac] [7d](YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Take the whole tournament!!!!!!!!)
Jayel316 shows a pair of Threes
Bender2006 shows two pair, Aces and Jacks
neb44 (Observer): gg
Bender2006 wins the pot (254,356) with two pair, Aces and Jacks
Jayel316 stands up
Bender2006 stands up
crunchh (Observer): gg
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 254,356 | Rake 0
Board: [Js 5d 3s Ac 7d]
Seat 4: Jayel316 (big blind) showed [Kh 3d] and lost with a pair of Threes
Seat 8: Bender2006 (small blind) showed [Jc As] and won (254,356) with two pair, Aces and Jacks

Here this is a pair vs pair on the flop. I can't flat call the 8,000 with a hand as strong as A-J. Pairs are good in heads up and it was a borderline decision for Jayel to call 70,000 more on 3's. Yes I've been more aggressive, but I can pick up hands too. I haven't gotten in on Jayel yet drawing extremely thin. When he moves all in his hope is that he can represent an ace, I was bluffing or holding some kind of drawing hand, and I'd fold. He knows if he gets called he's beat. My hand was just too strong along with the chance of winning before he builds momentum. If I lose I still have the chip lead but barely. But I make top 2 pair and the river wasn't a 3 so Jayel316 is the 15th and final player I knockout. I survive 378 other players to win the $95. Jayel316 is a hell of a player and made a hell of a comeback. It looked like he was dead in the water with 7,000 left at one point at the final table, but played well, picked good spots and became a very serious contender and well deserving of 2nd place.

Final Notes:

So that's it. I've presented a very wide array of hands, not just my own, but from other players. I doubled early, lost a fair portion, played all in or fold, won some big pots picking good spots, then became table bully, sat back in the finals, caught my rush, and won the tournament. I think there is a lot of great strategy here. This was a tricky final table. You could put say 1,000 play money players in a tournament, by the time you reach the final table, you're sure to see some very good players. Just because the stakes aren't large doesn't mean the competiton isn't. Very much it took skill. Here are some technical notes I saw.

1. I did not for the 4 hour 20 minute duration of the tournament see Pocket Aces once. I only saw Kings twice and Queens once.

2. Until the final table I really didn't take or give any significant bad beats. The only big bad beat I gave was T8 v. A8 with Toollman. The only big bad beat I took was when ytownst made Kings up to beat my aces. My money usually went in good.

3. After winning the pot with interrante with about 50 players left, I never was in a hand where everything I had was in the center. I never had to win a pot to remain alive in the tournament.

4. I won a significant portion of races.

5. At the final table my chipstack never went under 100,000.

I hope that this strategy has helped you as it has helped me. I like reviewing hand histories to get a feel for what I'm doing and how my opponents are succeeding and/or failing. It was a great victory for me. If you still aren't convinced, try a dollar game for yourself. It took about 15 tries before I won it. I had previously made 2 other final tables finishing 5th and 8th. If you're a better player than me, you should easily win and take down a very nice investment. Good luck and see ya at the tables.