When The Big Ones Get Away From You...

I've committed most of this month to playing PLO8. I'm grinding away, trying to take advantage of the rakeback. Except for one huge loser, results have been good.

What I'm struggling to deal with is the aftermath of losing large pots. This usually involves 2-4 players going all-in preflop. Some people are action junkies, and will throw in with almost anything. I'll almost never push (or call) unless I have a monster. I still get rakeback on the hand regardless of my involvement. Lately I've been losing these more than I'm winning them.

I understand the variance issue, and losing the big pot doesn't throw me. Most times I usually rebuy and carry on. I think it's +EV, as my opponents expect some crazy monkey tilt.

In reality, my goal is to keep the big winner at the table. I want them to think I'm the biggest fish around. I feel that the longer the game goes on, the more likely I'll be a winner for the session.

The question is whether or not to engage some conversation at the table. Often, I don't have to start the conversation. "Thanks for the donation" is really popular (or "ty" for short). I prefer not to chat during games, but I need some "Allow me to retort" type of material. Any suggestions? Waffles? Anyone?

I've also had issues with cashing out via ePassporte. (My bank doesn't play ball with them.) I'm looking into a Canadian ATM card option right now - if it works I'll finally have a method the gambling police can't block.

Back In The Game

I found my way back onto these internet tubes. I was able to procure a rather nice HP desktop with a Gateway HD monitor. Very sweet but not very portable.

I've been having some moderate back pain since a recent garage sale, where I moved a lot of heavy stuff. I'm doing lots of stretches, but I'm limiting my hours on the PC due to the discomfort.

After all of the stuff I've read about the WSOP this year, I'm happy NOT to be there. If I want to sweat some folks I can always pop over to Turning Stone. I would like to hit the USPC this year, if I can scrape together the cash for an event or two.

Online play has been great lately. I'm playing O8 almost exclusively - PLO8 cash games and NLO8 multi-SNG's. Man are those things fishy - action junkies abound. They're +EV just based on the fact players go all-in on the first hand OFTEN.

Cash games are more of a grind, of course, and have also paid off. I seem to keep losing the huge pots, but win enough otherwise to maintain a profit. I'm much better at dealing with swings than I was a few years back.

Maybe it's the shooting pains in my back keeping me preoccupied. :0

Technical Difficulties

My trusty laptop died yesterday, after 5 years of (mostly) faithful service. I'm scouring the internet tubes for a deal on a new machine.

I'm very frustrated with the blue screen of death, because I've been on a quality heater, posting 10 winning sessions (out of 12) in PLO8 cash games.

It seems like traffic is down online, but I think the WSOP has something to do with that. Lots of folks are complaining about cashouts at bodog and UB, so I'd stay away from those sites. Strictly Stars for me right now.

NVG on the 2+2 forum has been unreal juicy. After a slow spring.... wow. Brandi & David, busto Danny, PG getting bad press, unnamed busto = Arieh? - the hits just keep on coming.

The legislation forum is hot too. Big hearing this Friday in regards to the UIGEA regs. It'll be webcast if you want to check it out.

Until I can geek again, take it light.