Poker Update

It's been a few days since I detailed my poker action, so it's time to catch up.

On Monday, the 21st, I had my most profitable day of the winter at Bally's. I got there about 10 a.m. and in three hours built a huge pile of chips. I got off to a great start, getting up over $150 early with some nice hands. The biggest pot I won - about $450, came when I looked down and found a measly pair of threes. Five of us put in $2 each to see the flop, which was A-4-3, all different suits, but giving me three of a kind.

I bet $15 and two guys folded, but one of the others raised it to $40 and the other guy called. I also called. The turn card was a King. I checked (thinking that when if either of the others raised, I would go All In with my $200 or so) and the original raiser went all in for $120. The other guy went all in for his last $112. I felt pretty confident that my three 3s were good. I put the original raiser on A-K and the other on Ace-something.

The other guys showed their cards and, as I expected, the original raiser had A-K for two pair. The other guy A-J and my threes took down the pile of chips. I didn't want to give this back, so I played very tight after that, but still took down a couple of pots. I eventually walked with a profit of $840 - my best day of the winter.

On Tuesday and Wednesday I played at Red Rock, trying to log enough hours to qualify for a big tourney set for April 16 and 17. Top prize is $40,000 and they pay the top 200 finishers $200 each. Heck, everyone who qualifies by playing 30 hours by the end of March will receive $75.
So I've been playing there when I can and have about 15 hours so far.

Tuesday was a very pleasant day and in about two hours, I won $70 with no big hands or big pots. Just a steady day against good solid players. Scott and Lisa and the kids arrived Tuesday
afternoon and we met up with them for dinner at the Planet Hollywood buffet. It was great to see them and they'll be here for a week.

Helen spent the night with Scott's family at the Marriott hotel, so I was up early Wednesday morning and over at the Red Rock. The poker didn't go so well, I got down early and rallied back to post a loss of only $23. But one of the highlights came in the casino's daily tournament. Former Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser (and his wife) played in the tourney. Apparently he lives nearby and is a common sight at the Red Rock poker room. Anyway, he finished second at the table right next to mine. Another guy who deals at Ballys was also in the tourney and he finished fifth. Too bad they only paid the top four places! So, Jason played for four hours and just missed cashing, aaaaargh.

While I was playing on Wednesday, Helen spent the day shopping and sightseeing with Scott and his family. They had a great time, enjoying lunch at Planet Hollywood at Caesar's Palace, seeing the Bellagio fountains, the Mirage volcano and much more. Glad they were able to soak up some of Vegas' iconic sights.

And today our adventure continues...