Sorry for the late update, but at the end of February I played in the LAPC $10k main event as a result of my Ad Tech poker tourney win. While fun was had I once again did not get past the first day. Even though it was my 3rd such major tournament I think I played a bit too tentative early and got in a big pot early where the other guy got lucky and I couldn’t get away from my King high straight on the river (He has broadway). I started to play better on the short stack and lasted late into the evening but I did not get the cards when I needed them to get through the day. I went out after spiking an Ace on the turn with A-8 with an opened straight draw and going all in thinking my Ace was good (I only had about 7k in chips left after starting with 20k so I had to make a move). Turns out the player to my right had Aces Up and I did not hit my straight on the river. Oh well, I hope to be back at a major again soon because I think I have the potential to do well and I do love the structures and the challenge.
One positive of the trip was I got to visit and play at the Commerce Casino in LA. If there is a finer venue for poker, I have not seen one. They had more poker tables and games going on then anywhere I have ever seen, including any Vegas casino. All levels, stakes and mix of games. The also seemed to run the floor very well and had food service, massage therapists, and cocktail waitresses running around to serve you. When I am back in LA I will be certain to visit there again.

While in Las Vegas this week for the Affiliate Summit I had some time to play in the daily $500 + $40 buy in. The tournament started with 52 players and I chopped the remaining prize pool with the last 2 players for $5700. I was tempted to play for the win, but I was facing a chip leader with double the chips and I didn’t want to be the dick that wouldn’t deal and have them gunning to knock me out 3rd for only $3700. I liked this tournament since it has a good structure for a small buy in starting with 3,000 chips and 40 min rounds. I have played a few others below or close to that buy in and you usually start with 1,500 chips and 25-50 blinds. Which makes for lots of quick action and less skill involved. Anyway it was a good warm up for the L.A. Poker classic 10k buy in I will be entering in next month. I won that entry at Ad Tech as I bogged about before. Doing well in this tournament gives me some needed confidence going into the big buy in as I beat out some good players at the Bellagio and not just some drunk internet marketers. I also feel my game has evolved since my first major tournament at the Bellegio in 2005. The play was real tight as most players folded to my raises and I was only all-in once early when I was short stacked. It was a coin flip and I won it of course. I had one piece of luck when I committed about 1/3 my chips at the final table to suck out with KQ vs QQ. Otherwise it seems, I never committed more then 2-3 Big Blinds to a pot before folding. When I pushed more out people folded. On the negative side I felt I didn’t always get good value from my trips or Aces, but I won with all of them and took decent small to medium sized pots. I also made 2-3 gutzy calls with when I had ridiculous draws (13+ outs on the flop) and hit them. Like I had a big call on a 9sTsAx board holding KsQs. A J hit the turn. I took down the pot on the turn wishing I value bet a little more to get a call on the straight, but I got a decent pot out of it.

I know my prediction was off. Troy Smith was awesome, but Michigan hung close. If not for a marginal personal foul on 3rd and long Michigan might have been going for the win with their late TD.

However, there seems to be momentum for a rematch based on how both teams played the game. its hard to think anyone else could go into Columbus and play OSU that way. However, I think USC can spoil that if that win out. Its hard to argue they dont deserve the BCS if they beat Cal, ND, and UCLA.

Theories?

Michigan 24 Ohio State 10. An inspired Michigan team rolls over the Buckeyes lead by a crushing defense and adequate offense with a solid running game. A tribute to a great coach and a true Michigan Man.