davega

My View of CMU

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:46:18 GMT

Since ChipMeUp.com was brought into the PokerNews family, I’ve been slowly learning the site and the best way to determine who I wanted to invest my money in by buying shares. This is a great site and a good way not only to make money investing in other players, but also a good way to reduce your variance and get staked into tournies at or slightly above your current level.

What do I look for in a horse?

The first thing that I do is pull up the event. How is the event listed? What is the value of each share? I personally don’t like to buy 1% of a player, regardless of the level. I don’t see a way for 1% to realize much of a return so I’ll buy multiple shares if necessary. I personally like to buy 10% or more of the players that I buy stakes in.

Second, I pull up source information from either sharkscope or officialpokerrankings.com. I need to know what type of player this is. I look at their history to see what levels they’ve played, what level they’ve had success at, what is their ROI, and if they are running hot or cold (120 day history). It’s simple to only look at their ROI and make a judgment but I like to look at recent results. If I were to stick simply with the pros that list on CMU, I may miss out on a great value from an unknown player that’s playing well.

Third, I look at their history on CMU. How long have they been around? What’s their ROI on CMU listed events? Are they known on CMU? I simply don’t want to transfer money and lose out when the player disappears. I’ve noticed a few players that could talk the talk but then disappeared with either events unplayed or winnings unpaid. I also don’t tend to back beggars. If they’re pinging the shoutbox repeatedly about their events, they will have to look for someone else to back them.

Then I look at how many events are currently listed to play at the same time. I personally don’t want a horse that’s running 8 events at the same time. If they have an earlier big event and are going deep in it, which tournament is going to get most of their thoughts and attention? Personally, if running deep, I think that postponing other events would be a good idea.

What should a player that is looking to be staked do?

First, read the FAQ section of the CMU forum. It is very informative and may help you in selling stakes.

If you are unproven, look to sell shares in tournaments that you will play whether anybody buys a share or not. Any unsold share is just additional profit for you when you take it deep. Play at levels where you have a history of success. It’s amazing how many micro-stakes players try to sell shares in big events and wonder why they can’t sell shares. If you’ve never played anything larger than a $26 buy-in tournament, start with that size of event or lower. Remember, you are asking for people to invest in you. As investors, people want to feel like there’s a good chance of a good return. This is not charity. Start small, prove your abilities, and work your way up. If you make me or other investors money, we’re going to continue to stake you.

Lastly (and this has nothing to do with anything above), if you don’t have money on CMU so you can list an event, DO NOT PM or ping the shout-box begging for off-site staking. CMU is a business. The fees that they charge are very nominal but CMU needs and deserves to make these fees. Save the begging for another forum or site that isn’t in this type of business.

To me, these are common sense guidelines to follow but by following them, it will also increase your chances of selling shares. Good luck at the tables and let’s all make some money.

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Express? I Think Not

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:48:44 GMT

On a recent trip, my Change Oil light came on. I was in my daughter’s car so it didn’t surprise me to see that it was 5000 miles past due an oil change. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in my home town where I could take it to my usual mechanic so I had to ask the front desk of the hotel where I could get an oil change. Now, while these people were polite and courteous, what they weren’t is knowledgeable. I really think that a resort hotel should be able to provide their customers with basic automobile service information. Didn’t they drive to work? Where do they get their car serviced? Seems like basic handy information to me. So finally, I get sent to the “Express Lube and Service” of the local Walmart.

I get to the Walmart and I’m 4th in line. A very courteous fellow checks my car in and tells me it will be 45 minutes. Now for my wife, 45 minutes in Walmart is a drop in her shopping time but I’d personally rather be beaten repeatedly about the head than spend 45 minutes meandering the aisles wishing they sold rifles so I could put some of the people I see out of their misery. After about 40 minutes of torture, I go back to the service area hoping to see that they were ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, my car isn’t done but it is next in line. I watch and when they complete the current customer’s car, instead of pulling my car to the service area, they drive it through and put it back to the rear of the line. What the hell is this? I go find what I think may be a manger and ask him what’s going on. He checks on his computer and let’s me know that apparently I’ve stepped into a time warp because those customer’s were here before me. Hmmmmm, so why was my car in front of theirs? I never did get an answer to that.

So while they are servicing the 2nd of the 3 cars that were behind me but somehow got here before me, I catch the attention of the guy that checked me in and ask him what’s going on. He goes to check and at least looks very animated about my situation with his coworkers. It doesn’t save me any time but does make me feel a little better. Finally, I see them pull my car up and complete the service.

So here’s my quesion, what should have taken less than 30 minutes, was promised as 45 minutes, but actually took 95 minutes. How can they call it “Express” Lube and keep a straight face?

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The Value of Micro-ing

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:18:03 GMT

What in the world can a serious poker player gain from working his bankroll up from the micro-limits? If he has the expendable income, why not start at a higher limit where there’s more money to be made? Anybody can beat the micro-limits, so why should he bother playing them at all? Actually, there are many advantages of starting at the micro-limits and working your way up to higher stakes.

Every book, article, forum post, etc. that I’ve ever read has always said that to win at the micro-limits, a player should play ABC poker. You should play very straight-forward by only playing good starting hands, playing them aggressively, and rarely bluff. Bluffs are simply not effective at the micro-limit level. You will be called. Don’t get fancy because the players at this level don’t think to that level so fancy plays aren’t necessary and don’t work. So what can be gained by playing the micro-limits?

In one word, the answer is patience. Since the micro-limits are all about playing ABC poker, the player has to wait until the cards actually come before he can play a hand. The player also has to wait until the stars align before there will be another player also with a hand to play against them. How aggravating is it to get pocket aces, put in a standard raise, and everybody fold? This is a case of the stars NOT being in alignment. This is the “luck” side of poker. To be a winning player at the micro-limits, you have to have the patience to wait on a big hand. This is what makes playing at these limits so tough. It may take hours of grinding it out before you are dealt a big hand. During this time, there’s not a lot of money being made. This is a tough time to sit through if you’re not used to playing at these limits.

This is the time that builds a foundation of patience in the player. This foundation will be used throughout the player’s assent to higher stakes or tournaments. There will be times during each cash game session or each tournament that a player plays where the cards don’t come or when they do, the stars aren’t aligned so they are of little value (blinds). This experience of grinding it out at the micro-limits can help the player be patient through these times and realize that these things happen. Be patient. Eventually, the cards will come, the stars will be in alignment, and they will get value out of their big hands. Without this patience, mediocre hands start to look like premium holdings and POOF, the tournament is over or the bankroll takes a big hit. This can lead to that evil stack and bankroll eater, tilt. But that’s another post.

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Random Thoughts

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 04:28:34 GMT

I decided that there's enough random things on my mind that I'd jot them all down in one post. It's not like this is all that I've thought about, but it's what comes to mind after a day of playing online.

Changing Online Sites-- I recently changed from playing almost exclusively at Stars to playing on FullTilt and Cake. I started playing on FullTilt again because I've been railing a friend playing the FTOPS Events. He's played well but just hasn't been able to put it all together. I started playing on Cake again because I signed up for Cake through PokerNews and also get rakeback. As much as I play, I think I should take advantage of this. I've been playing much better since the move. Along with playing better comes more enjoyment from playing. It may just be a psychological thing, but I'm glad to give Stars a rest for awhile. I'm sure I'll be back, but I needed a break from the KITNs.

Wife's Account-- I finally set up an account on Stars for my wife. We've "shared" my account for years. Looking at my stats, it's hard to know how I actually play with the blending of our play. I'm thinking about giving Stars a 120 day break to clear her stats from mine. At least she'll be able to rate her play by her own stats. So far, she's up over $20 from a $50 deposit. Gogogo.

ChipMeUp.com-- Since PokerNews acquired the site, I've been monitoring a few players over there. It's a really good opportunity for players to get staked into higher buy in tournies than their bankroll might allow or to decrease the effect of a loss on their bankroll. It also opens doors to some live events for some players. Tony G staked one (that I know of) to play in LA. Great opportunity for him. I may have to list some live events for myself.

Ryan Nelson-- Reading his blog post from the other day, it will be interesting what PokerNews looks like in a couple of months. Change can be good as long as people are ready for it. Hopefully, PokerNews is.

Daytona 500-- What a rip. Junior wrecks Brian Vickers and gets no penalty. Matt Kenseth leads one lap and gets the caution. Then the race is called for rain. Kenseth wins. It was good to see some of Richard Petty Racing's cars in the top 10. Maybe they can turn things around and be competitive again. Sorry Kyle, the King is better without you.

Well, that's enough for tonight. I'll post again when my brain fills up and needs to relieve pressure.

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No-River-Poker

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:12:16 GMT

Tired of getting all of your chips in with the best hand only to be beaten on the river? Tired of having visions of making the final table and then having your dreams shattered by that final card? If it weren’t for that darn river card, you’d be a winning player. If there was just a site where you didn’t have to play that river card, you’re winnings would double or triple.
Finally there is a site for you………NoRiverPoker. Never again will you scream, “RIVER SUCKING BA$#%!%!!!” at your computer monitor. Why? Because at NoRiverPoker, they mean just that. There’s no river card dealt, ever.
NoRiverPoker was developed by a handful of players that felt just like you. They played all of the other sites and continuously suffered those bad beats on the river that really take the “fun” out of poker. Then finally, they came up with the solution……NoRiverPoker. Think of it. No more river suck-outs. Surely your winnings will soar. So try NoRiverPoker today. You'll be glad you did.

(Parody--there is no such site. I just needed to vent after suffering another KITN)

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WSOP Circuit Event Tunica Schedule

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:37:53 GMT

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 to Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Harrah's Tunica
13615 Old Highway 61 N
Tunica Resorts, MS US

2008/2009 WSOP Circuit Event - Harrah's Tunica

Tue, Jan 20th
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #1 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $340

Tue, Jan 20th
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Wed, Jan 21st
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #2 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $340

Wed, Jan 21st
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
Omaha HI/Lo split Pot Limit
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Thu, Jan 22nd
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #3 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $340

Thu, Jan 22nd
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
7-stud Hi Lo Split
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Fri, Jan 23rd
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #4 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $550

Fri, Jan 23rd
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
6-Hand No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Sat, Jan 24th
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #5 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $340

Sat, Jan 24th
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
Seniors No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Sun, Jan 25th
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #6 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $440

Sun, Jan 25th
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
Ladies No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Mon, Jan 26th
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #7 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Mon, Jan 26th
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
Seven Card Stud
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Tue, Jan 27th
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #8 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Tue, Jan 27th
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
Pot Limit Omaha
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Wed, Jan 28th
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #9 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $340

Wed, Jan 28th
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
H.O.R.S.E
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230
Thu, Jan 29th
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #10 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $440

Thu, Jan 29th
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Fri, Jan 30th
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #11 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $550

Fri, Jan 30th
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Sat, Jan 31st
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #12 - No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $1,080

Sat, Jan 31st
4:00 PM
1-Day Event
No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

Sun, Feb 1st
12:00 PM
1-Day Event
Mega Satellite
No Rebuy/Add-ons $550

Sun, Feb 1st
3:00 PM
1-Day Event
Mega Satellite
No Rebuy/Add-ons $550

Sun, Feb 1st
7:00 PM
1-Day Event
Mega Satellite
No Rebuy/Add-ons $550

Sun, Feb 1st
9:00 PM
1-Day Event
Mega Satellite
No Rebuy/Add-ons $550

Mon, Feb 2nd
12:00 PM
3-Day Event
Event #13- Circuit Championship Event
No Rebuy/Add-ons $5,150

Tue, Feb 3rd
12:00 PM
2-Day Event
Event #14- No Limit Hold'em
No Rebuy/Add-ons $230

That’s the schedule for the WSOP Circuit Event in Tunica that starts next week. I can’t make it next week but the 27th is looking pretty prime. PLO tourney at 4pm then a HORSE tourney the next day. The only problem is that I’d want to play in the noon tourney sometime during this trip. Decisions, decisions, decisions. I’ve still got time to make up my mind. There may be a coin-flip in my future.

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The Year That Wasn't

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:11:20 GMT

With 2008 drawing to a close, it’s time for me to take a look back at my performance and goals for 2008. Looking back, 2008 can be remembered as the Year That Wasn’t.

2008 wasn’t the year that I had a break-through performance at the WSOP Circuit event or WPT event in Tunica in January. I played OK but bubbled in Event 1 of the WSOP circuit event. I cashed in Event 1 of the WPT event but did not reach the final table. I played in Event 3 of the WSOP event but failed to even make it to the bubble. I played more aggressively than the previous 2 tournaments and risked my stack on a draw which failed to hit. So while this trip wasn’t a total failure, it also wasn’t a success. It just wasn’t.

2008 wasn’t the year that I made it back to the WSOP Main Event. I played in too many qualifiers to mention but just couldn’t get my game together enough to win a seat. After playing the Main Event in 2006, this is a perennial goal of mine. There is nothing like playing in the Main Event but 2008 wasn’t my year to play it.

2008 wasn’t the year that I took bankroll management serious enough to build a respectable bankroll. I have all of the tools. I know what it takes. I just couldn’t commit myself to grinding my way up the ladder. Now with the Double or Nothing Sit and Go’s on PokerStars, I have an easy way to build the bankroll. I just have to commit to playing just these and stick with it instead of playing them to support loses playing MTT’s. But 2008 wasn’t the year of that commitment.

2008 wasn’t the year that the PokerNews forum grew exponentially. I’ve been a moderator here for over 1 year. We’ve got a good core group of members. I just want to see it grow. We started the PokerNews For Fun Tournaments each week and they’ve had some success. I would have liked to see them grow larger than they have. But, 2008 wasn’t the year for that growth.

So closing 2008 as the year that wasn’t, I can only look forward to 2009. Hopefully, 2009 will be the year that all of these goals and more are reached. Time will tell.

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PokerStars Blogger Championship

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:42:49 GMT

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Don't believe what Rhino posted. I'll be taking this down.

I have also registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker!

This PokerStars tournament is a No Limit Texas Hold’em event exclusive to Bloggers.

Registration code: (waiting for code)

Really guys, this should be fun for all of the bloggers here on PokerNews. Hope one of us can take this down.

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Bubble or Bust--Day 3

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:11:08 GMT

$22.8K. Not much of a chip stack when the average is over $85K. But I can’t look at it that way. I have to stay positive. I have to look at it as I’m 2 double-ups from average. Today is the day where I must double up early or I’ll be blinded out. I’m going to have to be aggressive. Hopefully my table will all be wanted to just cash and I can steal some blinds. I’m up early (for Vegas). I could barely get to sleep last night. This was worse than Day 1. At least then I knew that I had some play in my stack. It’s pretty much shove or fold. I may try some stop and go’s. I’ll just have to adjust to my table, taking what I can get.

Since I moved to the Gold Coast yesterday, all my wife and I have to do is walk across the street to the Rio. There aren’t as many people in the casino as there have been on previous days. I guess some of the folks that have already busted out must have gone home or still be crashed in their rooms. OK by me. I’ve got internal pressure enough. We make our way back to the Amazon Room. I still have a few minutes before they’ll allow us to go to our tables. Finally, we’re allowed in. This is it. Time to make some money or bust trying.

Of course, I’m the short stack and I start off in the BB. Does the guy that runs this work for PokerStars?? Rags. Rags. Rags. This could be a short day. , yes. This is what I’m talking about. Fold, fold, fold. C’mon, I need a raiser. Fold, fold, fold. OK, how about a caller? Hmmm, how should I play this? Should I limp and risk a bad flop? Should I shove and hope somebody thinks I’m just stealing? Maybe I’ll just raise 3xBB. That should weed out the rags but allow anybody with decent cards to call. Then I’ll shove on the flop. “Raise”. Fold, fold, fold. Crap. No action, but at least I’m alive for another round. I figure I have to win a hand per round while hoping for a double-up.

There’s my wife standing at the rail. My table is 1 row in so she’s not right behind me but it’s nice having her here. Maybe the cards will continue to come and I can do her proud. Fold. Fold. Pocket 7’s-shove and steal the blinds. OK, that’s 2 hands this round. Fold. Fold. We’re about 200 from the money. At this point, that’d be a major accomplishment. Fold. Fold. OK, they just announced that all of the spectators needed to clear the room. 15 minutes until the 1st break of the day. Fold. Hmmm, in the SB. Any ace is better than the average starting hand so I’ll continue with my standard 3xBB raise. BB calls. C’mon, dealer. . Holy crap, this is it. How to play it? How to play it? Settle down. Settle down. Breathe. Look a bit disgusted but don’t over do it. Pat the table for a check. What?? He bet?? “All-in!!” And call. . OK, buddy. I can’t blame you for the call but this one’s got to be mine. “Nothing stupid, dealer.” ?!? You’ve got to be f%@!# kidding me. No f#$#@ way. “Nice hand. Good game and good luck everyone.” Sure, I’ll shake your hand. I want to knock you in the head but I’ll shake your hand instead.

The walk of shame is the worst feeling in the world. That last hand took my emotions from the highest to the lowest with one turn of a card. Now I have to walk out of here knowing I’m beaten. Here’s my wife. “No honey, I’m not going on break early. Well, I guess I am. But mine’s a long break. Like for the rest of the tournament. What happened? I lost. You don’t bust out of a tourney by winning a hand. Look, just give me a minute, OK? Let’s get out of here and I’ll tell you what happened in a minute.”

I found out later that the hand got a write up on CardPlayer.com who was covering the WSOP that year. Doesn’t take away the sting. Looking back there are several hands I would have played differently. Not this last one. But I would have never been blinded down so low on Day 2. Just having some chips could have changed the whole game.

This has been 2 years ago now. Amazing how many things have changed in that short time. The UIGEA was passed and most of the online sites that I liked no longer allow US players. I haven’t really even come close to winning a WSOP seat since then. I’ve tried though. Man I’ve tried. It’s like a drug. Once you play, you know why this is the tourney that everyone wants to win. I can’t get it out of my system. I’ve played some WSOP circuit events with limited success. One year, I’ll make it back. Maybe next year will be the year.

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PokerNews $1,000 Added Xmas Tourney on CarbonPoker

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:14:00 GMT

PokerNews $1,000 Added Xmas Tourney on CarbonPoker

Tournament Description: This is a private tournament for PokerNews players. $1,000 will be added to the prizepool and paid out as per Carbon’s standard payout structure.

Player Registration Start Date/Time (EST.): Wednesday December 10 @ 00:00 EST

Tournament Start Date/Time (EST.): Saturday December 20 @ 13:30 EST

Tournament Registration Options (Freeroll tournament / Buyin+fee): $2+0.20

Tournament Minimum Prize Pool: $1,000

Password: PNXMAS

Levels/Blinds (Default is 10 mins, starting at 5/10): 15 mins/ 5/10

Starting Chips Per Player (Default is 1000): 3000

Here's a great money added tournament with extra starting chips and extra long levels. Come enjoy a great PokerNews tournament and win some XMAS cash.

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