Ronders Poker Tour - March Edition

I participated in the Rounders Poker Tour again yesterday afternoon. In February's tournament, I was the seventh person out. A dismal showing considering just how highly I think of my poker skills, 'natch.

This month was a different story. The guys organizing it had a better grasp of the software they license to run the tourney and had figured out table positions and when to shuffle tables based on the software's recommendations. I'd had a lacklustre run against a few seasoned players and wasn't thinking much of my chances. However, I was moved to another table and things started to change. I got several great hands and pushed all-in about five times, most of those were non-calls by the others at the table, but I did manage to double up from the higher stacks hoping to clear me off the board. Which, of course, I was absolutely hoping for. I rarely managed "the nuts" (a completely unbeatable hand), but didn't ever get beaten out. So that was refreshing. The guys that crippled me last month were pushed out early-ish. So that added to my confidence. I was up against all new players (to me, that is, not the game).

I also drank. Which I didn't do last month thinking it would hamper my judgement. But I am capable of drinking a lot of beer which anyone who's sat at a bar with me knows full well. So i could have six beers with very little effect on my playing but making me extremely loose, jovial and talkative. Maybe not an endearing quality for people who are trying to "read" me, but working to my advantage. (I kept referring to each beer as a different tactic. My "folding" beer, my "calling" beer, my "playing erratically" beer, etc.) When I actually played, I was very quiet and closed (the ol' dead eyes, i like to call them) but the minute the hand was over, I was happy and chatty. Keeping players guessing.

I digress. One minute I'm at the second table doing fine and someone (Jim, I believe) calls for a break and another shuffle of the tables. I was happy where I was until someone pointed out we were down to the eight finalists. Including me! Hooah!

Unfortunately, that's as far as I went, but making the final table this month was definitely a better showing for this boy from Shawville.

After I was knocked out, I went on to play two side games. The only hand of note out of these was the first ever Royal Flush I've ever made. It was amazing. All I could muster after the other guy bet was, "Uhhh...ya...I'm all in, I guess." To which he called immediately. When I flipped the king and queen of diamonds and said "Royal Flush" The entire table stood up. The electricity was amazing. I couldn't stand I could barely breathe. Very, very cool moment. Ian (another organizer) got a couple of pictures which I hope to get ahold of.