The Severed Cortex

Harrah's in Maryland Heights has Poker Tournaments all the time, but on Monday night they have a $30 buy in, 100 seat no-limit tournament. A couple of weeks ago, my buddy Joe LeGrand talked me into playing in this since he plays it about every two months. Normally I'm a limit poker kind of guy, but losing $30 bucks for a couple of hours of poker, combined with the learning experience, seemed totally worth it to me even though I haven't played in a couple of months.

It showed too. I wasn't the first one out, but I was damn close. I drew pocket nines on the first deal (I get that a lot for some reason), and the flop came 7-8-9 of three different flavors. I was in late position and most everyone had folded save for a couple of limpers. I pushed the pot up pretty big to push them out (it worked), but the guy on my left calls me. The turn comes up a Q of Hearts. I bet moderately big and he calls me again. So, now I'm thinking he's just on a draw because if he had 10-J he would have tried to raise me at that point and drag the pot. The river comes up a 2 of spades and I bet big again. He calls me and flips over a freakin' 6-10 off suit. Slow played me and I had no idea that he flopped the straight. From that point on I had to pick my spots. I won a couple hands to build up, but eventually the blinds started taking their toll on me. I went all in with a K-Q suited and the same guy called me. This time he flipped pocket 10's and I was less worried. Certainly two over cards would be enough for me, but I was wrong. The flop came 8-8-8 ... full house ... and I couldn't draw a K or a Q on the turn or river. Goodbye Drew, you can take the early bus home.

Nightly win/loss: -30
Yearly win/loss total: -58