=== BQ’s Poker Goal #1 – Turn $40 into $200 ==

I have been playing poker for about two years. I play microlimit poker online about 5 times a week and live games about 3 times a month. I have played both cash games and tournaments but have decided to turn my focus to tournaments for the time being (mostly because that’s the most popular type of live games in my area).

I don’t have much money ($40) so I will have to start at the very lowest of limits. I have two goals:

(1) To become a better tournament players
(2) To turn my $40 into $200

I will be playing on Pokerstars (single table SnG’s) and have set the following guidelines as to the buy-ins:

< $20 = $1.20
$30 - $100 = $5
$100 - $199 = $10
$200 = GOAL MET!! TIME TO SET A NEW GOAL!!

I will be using Poker Office to keep track of my stats. (database was cleared to track ONLY this journal)

============================

Date: 8/29
Previous Balance: $44

Buy In: $3 (+.40)
Placed: 1st
Money won/lost: + $11.60

New Balance: $56


Comments:

OK, first let me say I will not be playing turbos anymore for there is more luck involved then I thought there would be. One of the reasons I decided to do this project was to test my skill and to see if I can build a bankroll based on that skill. I think the longer blind structures are better suited for this. Therefore, I have edited my original post to show my new buy-in guidelines.

For those new to this post the originals read:

< $20 = $1.20
$21 - $50 = 3.40 (turbo)
$50 - $100 = $6.50 turbo
$101 - $130 = $10
$131 – $160 - $13 turbo
$161 - $200 = $16 turbo
$200 = MY GOAL!!! – Time To Set No Goals!!!

With that being said, I did win my first tournament. Here are some key hands:

Early in the tournament a guy in early position went all in w/ KQo and I just happened to be holding AA. I stacked em and double up quickly.

100/200 blinds – I was awarded the right odds to call k2s and caught the flush. I then stacked another players which gave me about 3 xs the chips as anyone else.

300/600 blinds – small blind and I get the right odds to call w/ 67o; I catch trip 7’s and stacked another. I now have about 2 xs the chips as anyone else.

Blinds still 300/600 - Called in all in bet from a player in the ‘red zone” (Herrington) w/ Q9o – he had JJ and caught me sleeping – a loose call on my part.

Blinds still 300/600 with 5 players left on the button I go all in w/ A3o and was called by the BB who had K2o – Iam now 2nd in chips

Played some poker and built my chips up to become the leader once again.

With blinds at 400/800 with 5 players left I got A9o and then A8o and knocked two players out in two hands. I now have 2xs the chips as the other players in the money.

Went all in with KTo to a player in the red zone and stacked em – he had 79o.

I went head to head with like a 11x chip lead – final hand I won with was QTo

I stacked 7/9 players!!

Key stats: (career stats)

Won hand % = 27.38%
Saw Flop % = 52%
Preflop Raise % = 15.48%
Showdown % = 17.86%
Showdown won % = 73.33

====================

============================

Date: 8/29
Previous Balance: $56

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 2nd
Money won/lost: + $8

New Balance: $64

===========================


Comments:

This was a fun game for me. I felt I really played well short stacked. There were many critical hands that are explained below; I really had to play some poke this time around. I could of won it if it wasn’t for the last hand. I went heads up against a guy who had me 2-1 in chips. I battled w/ him for a while and we exchanged the chip lead a few times. I check with 7h4d. flop comes 3 diamonds. I check, the villain bets the pot. I, thinking he doesn’t have anything (which is correct) or he has no diamonds so I reraise; he calls. Turn comes the Jc. This time I bet the pot and he calls; I figured I was in trouble at that time. On the river comes the 4th D – he goes all in. Now, normally this would be an easy fold but he makes a comment, “call and its over.” I read this as weakness and I think he is weak – I thought he didn’t have any diamonds. I call and he has the Jd.

Here are some other interesting hands:

Blinds at 25/50, Iam UG w/ 1195 in chips. I get AJo, villain, who is deep into the redzone goes all in for 310. Its an easy call for me. Villains 88 hold up. Iam now deep into the red zone.

Blinds at 50/100, I have 735 chips and am sitting UG. I get dealt AQo and I raise. Villain. Who is the short stack, calls. Flop comes Q68 giving me top pair. I go all in and get called by villain and I stack him as an A came on the river to give me top 2 pair.

Blinds still at 50/100. I now have 1,920 chips and am sitting on the SB. U get dealt TT. Few limpers to me and I raise to 500. Villain goes all in for another 400+ chips and I call. Villain holds KTo and catches a K to put me in trouble yet once again.

Blinds now at 75/150. I have 885 in chips. Iam in MP. I get dealt A5o and push it all in. I get one caller who shows Q8o. My hand holds up and I double up.

With 1920 in chips and still at 75/150 blinds I get dealt AQo UG. I raise to 500. I get one caller. Flop comes K23 w/ 2 diamonds. Villain checks and I go all in; villain folds.

Blinds still 75/150. I have 2645 in chips. I battled my way out of the red zone. Iam in LP. I get dealt AQo again. Folded around to me and I raise to 500. I get one caller. The same caller as the last time I won the hand. Flop comes K8A. Again the villain checks but this time I put him on something. I knew if I went all in again he would probably think Iam bluffing so I do and he calls. He shows AK and takes the pot. I had more chips then him but he cripples me.

Limits now 100/200. I have 885 in chips and am sitting UG. I get dealt KT suited (clubs). Folded around to me and I push it all in. No callers.

There are now 4 players left. Its bubble time. There is one player w/ less chips then me so I decide to play defense and see what he does. Iam not gonna go all in unless Iam have a monster. Well, he doubles up which changes my strategy.

I then get A8o two hands in a row; I push it all in both times and get no callers each hand.

Blinds still 100/200. I now have 1385 in chips (deep red zone). Iam in the SB. I get dealt K7s (hearts). Folded to me. The BB has just as much chips as me so I decide to put in the minimum raise to see if he has a hand. He calls. Flop comes 238 w/ 2 clubs. He goes all in and I fold. Not sure if I played this hand right. Should I of raised all in or folded the SB? I don’t just calling here or is that a good play?

Blinds still 100/200. Sitting on the button I get A5o. Folded to me raise it. BB reraises. Iam pot committed so I reraise all in he of course calls. He shows K7 and my hand holds up.

We are still 4 deep and I somehow battle my way to 2nd in chips through different moves.

Still 100/200 blinds. Iam on the button w/ 2370 in chips. I get dealt 22 and raise to 600. BB, who is also the chip leader, calls. Flop comes 6AK. We both check ( very dangerous board for me). Turn comes 9d. He goes all in and Iam forced to fold.

Still 100/200 blinds – a very active level for me for sure. I have 1770 in chips (back in red zone). Iam sitting UG and get dealt AJo. I raise and get one caller. Slop comes 946 w/ two spades. He checks and I go all in; he calls which puts him all in. Villain shows A7o. I survive and am “in the money.”

Still 100/200 blinds. I now have 3555 in chips. I get dealt 88 in the BB. I go all in and get called. Villain shows 77 and my pair hold up to get me head to head.

The last hand was already explained in the first part of this comments.

====================

Key stats: (stats since I started this blog)

Won hand % = 26% (26.63%)
Saw Flop % = 26% (27.72%)
Preflop Raise % = 15.48% (26%)
Showdown % = 10% (10%)
Showdown won % = 60% (73.33%)

====================

============================

Date: 9/1
Previous Balance: $64

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed:
Money won/lost: + $8

New Balance: $72

===========================

Comments:

Well, three tournaments thus far and three cashes – a good start if I do say so myself. In this game I didn’t get many good hands so I had to be patient; which, wasn’t easy for it was a tight table. I came in second but that I couldn’t of done anything different IMO. As you will see, if you read the hands below, I completely outplayed my opponent heads up but the “Poker Gods” were on his side this time.

Here are some critical hands that were played:

Blinds: 25/50; 1540 in chips; pos is UG. I was dealt AQo. One limper to me and I raised it to 150. The limper decided to push all in to 805 in chips. This is a guy who has been pushing many medium hands throughout the day. Before this hand I told myself if he pushes to me Iam gonna make a stand. That + the fact he originally limped in told me he had a marginal hand. I called. He turned over AJo; I stack him.

Blinds 50/100; 2865 in chips; pos is SB. I get dealt J7s (hearts). Everyone folds tome and I make a minimal raise that puts the BB all in. The villain turns over 75o and I stack em.

Then my cars run dry but I don’t let that stop me. I take advantage of the tight table and build my chips to 2nd place.

Players start to knock each other out and we reach the bubble w/ everyone pretty even in chips.

Blinds 75/150; 3705 in chips; Iam in EP. I get dealt my favorite hand TJs (spades). I limp in and the BB limps in as well. Flop comes 9K4 with 2 spades. I move all in and the villain folds.

I played more poker which got me the chip lead.

Blinds: 75/150; 4530 in chips; Iam on the button. I get dealt ATo. I raise to 500 and villain reraises all in an additional 600 chips all in; I call. Villain had AJs (hearts). I luckily hit my T and take the pot, stacking the villain. Im now in the money!

Blinds: 75/150; 6005 in chips. I get dealt KQs (clubs). Villain raises to 300. I reraise and additional 800 to put the raiser all in; he calls. Villain shows KTo; my hand holds up and I stack em. We are now heads up.

We start heads up even in chips. I completely outplay him but he just seemed to catch all the breaks.

Blinds: 75/150; Chips: 8030. I get dealt 88. Villain raises to 600 and I reraise him all in and the Villain calls. He turns over KQo. He hits his Q on the turn. He now has five times as many chips as I.

Blinds: 100/22; Chips: 3360. I get dealt A6o. I raise all in and he calls. He turns over KJo; my hand holds up.

I made a few more moves to take the chip lead again.

Blinds: 100/200; Chips: 7920. I get dealt Q5o. I call the BB. Flop comes 7A6. We both check. Turn comes a Q – there are now two clubs on the board. I bet 400 and he then reraises me to 1000; I with second pair. River comes 3. Villain goes all in. I had no choice but to put him on A’s so I fold.

We then swapped the lead several times as we battled for the next 15 minutes or so.

Blinds: 100/200; Chips: 8245. I get dealt A6s (clubs). I call the BB. The flop comes 523 with two spades. Villain bets 800 and I call with my gutshot straight draw. River comes a 4 and I hit the straight. Villain checks and based on him betting the last round, I put him on a flush draw so I didn’t want to give him the right odds to chase. I bet 1000 and he folds.

Blinds: 100/200; Chips: 9195. I have about a 2-1 chip lead and I get the feeling that he’s about ready to push the action for I have been getting the best of him and he knows it. I get dealt A9o. I call the BB and there he goes – he puts me all in. I call and he shows TJs. So, I think I got em. But, he hits his T on the flop.

Blinds: 100/200. Chips: 5115. I get dealt AJo. I call the BB and he checks. Flop comes 88A. I check trying to trap and he checks behind me. Turn comes a K. There are now two spades on the board. He checks and I value bet 200; he calls. River comes Qs. There are now three spades on the board. Villain goes all in. I was a little worried he was on a flush draw for he didn’t come alive until the second board spade arrived. He then went all in when the last spade hit. But, I was pot committed so I called. He showed A4o and because of the KQ of the turn river we split; I had em again.

Due to a bad run of cards and me trying to make some minor moves he ended up getting a 3-1 chip lead on me.

The final hand came with the blinds being 200/400. I had A8o. he calls and I go all in; he calls. He turns over A2s (diamonds). He hits his flush and wins the game.

=================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 42.34% (33.33%)
Saw Flop % = 35.77% (31.15)
Preflop Raise % = (19.71%)
Showdown % = 12.41% (13.08%)
Showdown won % = 61.22% (52%)

====================

============================

Date: 9/1
Previous Balance: $72

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 5th
Money won/lost: - $5.50

New Balance: $66.50

===========================

Comments:

Well, I did something I wasn’t going to do when I started this and that’s to play the game un-invested. I found myself IMing and surfing the web. It’s no wonder I came in 5th place.

Below are some critical hands:

Blinds 10/20; Chips: 1470; Pos: UG. I get dealt K9h. I was able to limp in. Four to the flop. Flop comes 7d, 2s, 9d. Checked around to me and I bet the pot an attempt to take it down with top pair. Villain #1 reraises and Villain #2 reraises all in; Iam forced to lay it down. The crazy thing is that the one guy who reraised me had nothing and the guy who went all in was on a gutshot straight draw. Villain #1, who had nothing, called and Villain #2 got his straight. I knew I was in for a crazy game lol

Blinds: 25/50; Chips: 785; MP. I get dealt AKo. I raise to 150. SB calls. Flop comes Ac, 9d, 6d. Villain raises 100 and I push all in. Villain shows A6s. My hand holds up.

Blinds: 50/100; Chips: 1570. Iam in LP. I get dealt KK. One limper ahead of me and I raise to 300. Limper calls. Flop comes 7s, Jd, 3c. I bet 300. Limper reraises me for all my chips. Easy call for me. Limper turns over A7 showing a pair of 7’s. My K’s hold up.

Blinds: 75/150; Chips: 3090. Iam in the SB. Iam dealt A9o. One caller ahead of me so I raise to 500. Villain calls. Flop comes As, 3h, 3s. I have top pair. I go all in to protect my hand from the flush draw and Iam called. Villain shows AJ and his hand holds up. Now looking back I realize this was a mistake. However, in my defense, this was the loosest guy at the table by far. I still shouldn’t of risked my chips w/ top pair.

=================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 12.77% (30.71%)
Saw Flop % = 27.66% (30.71)
Preflop Raise % = 17.02% (15.48%)
Showdown % = 6.38% (17.86%)
Showdown won % = 66.67% (73.33%)

====================

ANY advice or comments on my play is welcomed and appreciated.

============================

Date: 9/2
Previous Balance: $66.50

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 9th
Money won/lost: - $5.50

New Balance: $61.00

===========================

Comments:

Went out in 9th place. Made a stupid raise when I SHOULD of known I was drawing dead.

Ending Hand:

Blinds: 10/20; Chips 1430. In MP. I get dealt AKo. I raise to 60 and get two caller. Flop comes Qh, Qs, Kh. This gives me top two pair. Villain 1 bets and then I reraise. Person sandwiched between callas and then original better folds. 8c on turn. I bet 400 and quickly get called. I don’t know why but I wasn’t putting em on a Q which he obviously has. 6d on the river and I, like a donkey, go all in. He quickly calls and Iam done.

=================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 7.14% (27.38%)
Saw Flop % = 28.57% (29.79%)
Preflop Raise % = 7.14% (15.48%)
Showdown % = 14.29% (17.86%)
Showdown won % = 0% (73.33%)

ITM% for this journal = 50%

====================

============================

Date: 9/2
Previous Balance: $61.00

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 8th
Money won/lost: - $5.50

New Balance: $55.50

===========================

Comments:

I played terrible – Iam too pissed even to post any hands.

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 7.14% (27.38%)
Saw Flop % = 28.57% (29.79%)
Preflop Raise % = 7.14% (15.48%)
Showdown % = 14.29% (17.86%)
Showdown won % = 0% (73.33%)

ITM% for this journal = 50%

====================

============================

Date: 9/2
Previous Balance: $55.50

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed:
Money won/lost: - $5.50

New Balance: $50.00

===========================

Comments:


Very loose game. It seemed like we were playing limit poker for several players kept making the minimal bet/raises. I had to be patient. I felt as if I was the best player at the table. I was knocked out in 5th place as a guy grew out on me. I was ahead when the money went into the middle. Oh well, that’s poker.

Critical Hands:

PokerStars Game #11841799996: Tournament #60093494, $5.00+$0.50 Hold'em No Limit - Level IV (50/100) - 2007/09/03 - 01:33:36 (ET)
Table '60093494 1' 9-max Seat #2 is the button
Seat 2: evillive13 (4260 in chips)
Seat 4: BQfromNY (1395 in chips)
Seat 5: cooler71 (2180 in chips)
Seat 7: hgagne22 (2620 in chips)
Seat 8: nalconian (1600 in chips)
Seat 9: hell on fire (1445 in chips)
BQfromNY: posts small blind 50
cooler71: posts big blind 100
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to BQfromNY [Js Jd]
hgagne22: raises 100 to 200
nalconian: folds
hell on fire: folds
evillive13: folds
BQfromNY: calls 150
cooler71: raises 100 to 300
hgagne22: calls 100
BQfromNY: calls 100
*** FLOP *** [Ts Tc 4s]
BQfromNY: bets 1095 and is all-in
cooler71: folds
hgagne22: calls 1095
*** TURN *** [Ts Tc 4s] [Kh]
*** RIVER *** [Ts Tc 4s Kh] [5c]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
BQfromNY: shows [Js Jd] (two pair, Jacks and Tens)
hgagne22: shows [6s As] (a pair of Tens)
BQfromNY collected 3090 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 3090 | Rake 0
Board [Ts Tc 4s Kh 5c]
Seat 2: evillive13 (button) folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: BQfromNY (small blind) showed [Js Jd] and won (3090) with two pair, Jacks and Tens
Seat 5: cooler71 (big blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 7: hgagne22 showed [6s As] and lost with a pair of Tens
Seat 8: nalconian folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 9: hell on fire folded before Flop (didn't bet)

++++++++

PokerStars Game #11842009477: Tournament #60093494, $5.00+$0.50 Hold'em No Limit - Level V (75/150) - 2007/09/03 - 01:51:55 (ET)
Table '60093494 1' 9-max Seat #4 is the button
Seat 2: evillive13 (3410 in chips)
Seat 4: BQfromNY (2590 in chips)
Seat 5: cooler71 (3655 in chips)
Seat 8: nalconian (1600 in chips)
Seat 9: hell on fire (2245 in chips)
cooler71: posts small blind 75
nalconian: posts big blind 150
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to BQfromNY [Kc Jd]
hell on fire: calls 150
evillive13: folds
BQfromNY: raises 350 to 500
cooler71: calls 425
nalconian: folds
hell on fire: calls 350
*** FLOP *** [3d Kh 9c]
cooler71: bets 450
hell on fire: folds
BQfromNY: raises 1640 to 2090 and is all-in
cooler71: calls 1640
*** TURN *** [3d Kh 9c] [4c]
*** RIVER *** [3d Kh 9c 4c] [Td]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
cooler71: shows [4s Ks] (two pair, Kings and Fours)
BQfromNY: shows [Kc Jd] (a pair of Kings)
BQfromNY said, "gg"
cooler71 collected 5830 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 5830 | Rake 0
Board [3d Kh 9c 4c Td]
Seat 2: evillive13 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
Seat 4: BQfromNY (button) showed [Kc Jd] and lost with a pair of Kings
Seat 5: cooler71 (small blind) showed [4s Ks] and won (5830) with two pair, Kings and Fours
Seat 8: nalconian (big blind) folded before Flop
Seat 9: hell on fire folded on the Flop

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 15.63% (27.38%)
Saw Flop % = 21.88% (29.76%)
Preflop Raise % = 12.5% (15.48%)
Showdown % = 7.81% (17.86%)
Showdown won % = 35.71% (73.33%)

ITM% for this journal = 42.85%

====================

============================
Date: 9/3
Previous Balance: $50.00

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 4th
Money won/lost: - $5.50

New Balance: $ 44.50
===========================

Comments:

I played some good poker here but ran into a female who was making all the wrong moves but was catching her draws. I was the bubble boy.

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 20.78% (27.38%)
Saw Flop % = 33.77% (29.79%)
Preflop Raise % = 14.29% (15.48%)
Showdown % = 16.88% (17.86%)
Showdown won % = 53.85% (73.33%)

ITM% for this journal = 37.5%

====================

============================
Date: 9/3
Previous Balance: $50.00

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 3rd
Money won/lost: $3.50

New Balance: $48
===========================

Comments:

This was the craziest game I think I have ever played. I think I saw like 8 bad beats where the eventual winners were more then 7-1 dogs when the money was pushed in. I think I saw one critical hand where the best hand won. Here is a break down by critical hands:



PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t20 (9 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Hero (t1500)
MP3 (t2380)
CO (t1200)
Button (t560)
SB (t1480)
BB (t1600)
UTG (t1500)
UTG+1 (t1500)
MP1 (t1780)

Preflop: Hero is MP2 with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qd.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qh.gif.
1 fold, UTG+1 calls t20, MP1 calls t20, Hero raises to t100, 5 folds, UTG+1 calls t80, MP1 calls t80.

Flop: (t330) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5c.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5d.gif (3 players)
UTG+1 checks, MP1 checks, Hero bets t300, UTG+1 folds, MP1 raises to t600, Hero raises to t1400, MP1 calls t800.

Turn: (t3130) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/js.gif (2 players)

River: (t3130) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qc.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t3130

Results in red below:
MP1 has 8c 8h (two pair, eights and fives).
Hero has Qd Qh (full house, queens full of fives).
Outcome: Hero wins t3130.

-----

This is where I felt the table become VERY aggressive. Based on the chatting I think I was playing mostly with teenagers/young men. So, I have a big lead, I will play VERY tight and let the donks knock each other out. Well, after about 10 hands I came to the below decision:

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t30 (8 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Hero (t3285)
SB (t1900)
BB (t1780)
UTG (t2070)
UTG+1 (t1620)
MP1 (t1700)
MP2 (t700)
CO (t445)

Preflop: Hero is Button with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5d.gif.
1 fold, UTG+1 calls t30, 3 folds, Hero calls t30, SB completes, BB checks.

Flop: (t120) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5h.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4s.gif (4 players)
SB checks, BB bets t120, UTG+1 calls t120, Hero raises to t400, SB folds, BB raises to t1750, UTG+1 folds, Hero calls t1350.

Turn: (t3740) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7h.gif (2 players)

River: (t3740) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/jd.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t3740

Results in red below:
BB has 7c 7d (three of a kind, sevens).
Hero has 5s 5d (three of a kind, fives).
Outcome: BB wins t3740.

I should of listened to myself. I think I made the right call here and I had the best of em with the money in the pot, however, should I have risked that many chips? The table continued its aggressiveness and at about this time I was realizing how unique this table was (my craziest game ever).

We got down to 5 players and I was in the red zone or deep orange zone during this period. I had bad position vs a real maniac. Everytime I would raise his BB he would push all in so I couldn’t build my chips stack. This guy loved to bluff and his main bluff was all in; he had a huge chip lead at this point.

We then got down to the bubble. Now this maniac is on the button when Iam the BB. I knew I was in trouble! I wasn’t catching any cards to make a stand. Then, finally the maniac called an all in from another player in which the maniac was the dog and, well, you guessed it, he out drew on em which put me in the money.

With just 5xs the BB I went all in on the next hand and was knocked out. I finished in 3rd place. Here is the final hand.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t150 (3 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Hero (t655)
Button (t9470)
SB (t3375)

Preflop: Hero is BB with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9h.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3c.gif.
Button raises to t750, 1 fold, Hero calls t505 (All-In).

Flop: (t1480) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/jc.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ah.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4c.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: (t1480) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kd.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t1480) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4s.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

Final Pot: t1385

Results in red below:
Hero has 9h 3c (one pair, fours).
Button has Jh Td (two pair, jacks and fours).
Outcome: Button wins t1480.

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 9.43% (27.38%)
Saw Flop % = 24.53% (29.76%)
Preflop Raise % = 9.43% (15.48%)
Showdown % = 9.43% (17.86%)
Showdown won % = 40% (73.33%)

ITM% for this journal = 44.44%

====================

============================
Date: 9/5
Previous Balance: $48

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 2nd
Money won/lost: + $8

New Balance: $56
===========================

Comments:

I didn’t get any decent hands this game. I didn’t voluntary put any money into the pot until midway through the 3rd level. Up til that point I think the best hand I got was KT. Therefore, I expected I have developed a very tight imgae that I was hoping to exploit later in the tourney.

In my first real hand, I chased a flush and straight draw but I had the right odds to chase.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t50 (7 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

CO (t2800)
Button (t1055)
Hero (t1270)
BB (t1390)
UTG (t1770)
MP1 (t1390)
MP2 (t3825)

Preflop: Hero is SB with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ac.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/2c.gif.
5 folds, Hero completes, BB checks.

Flop: (t100) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qc.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/jd.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kc.gif (2 players)
Hero bets t100, BB raises to t300, Hero calls t200.

Turn: (t700) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3s.gif (2 players)
Hero checks, BB bets t300, Hero calls t300.

River: (t1300) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7s.gif (2 players)
Hero checks, BB checks.

Final Pot: t1300

Results in red below:
BB has Jc Ks (two pair, kings and jacks).
Hero has Ac 2c (high card, ace).
Outcome: BB wins t1300.

-----

On this hand, I pushed all in w/ top pair to protect my hand from a flush draw (3 on the flop). I was called and another club hit but the villain showed down a pair of 3’s lol.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t50 (7 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

MP1 (t2800)
MP2 (t1055)
Hero (t620)
Button (t2090)
SB (t1720)
BB (t1390)
UTG (t3825)

Preflop: Hero is CO with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/as.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9h.gif.
UTG calls t50, 2 folds, Hero raises to t200, 3 folds, UTG calls t150.

Flop: (t475) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4c.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9c.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/8c.gif (2 players)
UTG bets t50, Hero raises to t420, UTG calls t370.

Turn: (t1315) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kc.gif (2 players)

River: (t1315) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4d.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t1315

Results in red below:
UTG has 3s 3h (two pair, fours and threes).
Hero has As 9h (two pair, nines and fours).
Outcome: Hero wins t1315.

-----

So, at this point, I have played two hands through 4 lvls. Iam in the “deep orange” zone.
I push the action with the best hand only to get called on and counterfitted.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t100 (7 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

UTG (t2875)
MP1 (t805)
Hero (t1240)
CO (t2365)
Button (t1470)
SB (t815)
BB (t3930)

Preflop: Hero is MP2 with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/as.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/th.gif.
2 folds, Hero raises to t300, 3 folds, BB calls t200.

Flop: (t650) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qh.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ac.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qs.gif (2 players)
BB bets t400, Hero raises to t940, BB calls t540.

Turn: (t2530) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ks.gif (2 players)

River: (t2530) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5d.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t2530

Results in red below:
Hero has As Th (two pair, aces and queens).
BB has 4h Ad (two pair, aces and queens).
Outcome: Hero wins t1265. BB wins t1265.

-----

There are now 6 players and Iam in the red zone. I pull a nice move here using the old “limp and shove” with pocket AA to double up.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t100 (6 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

BB (t2725)
UTG (t1570)
Hero (t1115)
CO (t2565)
Button (t1820)
SB (t3705)

Preflop: Hero is MP with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ac.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/as.gif.
1 fold, Hero calls t100, CO raises to t400, 3 folds, Hero raises to t800, CO raises to t2565, Hero calls t315 (All-In).

Flop: (t3830) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/2d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/jd.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kc.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: (t3830) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/2c.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t3830) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9s.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

Final Pot: t2380

Results in red below:
Hero has Ac As (two pair, aces and twos).
CO has Ts Th (two pair, tens and twos).
Outcome: Hero wins t2380. CO wins t1450.

-----

With 5 players left:

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t150 (5 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Button (t1975)
Hero (t2805)
BB (t4025)
UTG (t3040)
MP (t1655)

Preflop: Hero is SB with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ts.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/th.gif.
2 folds, Button raises to t300, Hero raises to t1000, 1 fold, Button calls t700.

Flop: (t2150) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/jd.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9s.gif (2 players)
Hero bets t1805 (All-In), Button folds.

Final Pot: t345

Results in red below:
No showdown. Hero wins t3955.

-----

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t200 (5 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Button (t750)
Hero (t4105)
BB (t4025)
UTG (t3190)
MP (t1430)

Preflop: Hero is SB with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/td.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kh.gif.
2 folds, Button raises to t400, Hero raises to t800, 1 fold, Button calls t350 (All-In).

Flop: (t1750) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ad.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ks.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ts.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: (t1750) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/th.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t1750) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4h.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

Final Pot: t1700

Results in red below:
Hero has Td Kh (full house, tens full of kings).
Button has Jc Qd (straight, ace high).
Outcome: Hero wins t1750.

---

I reach the bubble with the chip lead and eventually go heads up as a 2-1 underdog. I make some moves and get close to the same chips as my opponent only to have him hit a 1 outter to beat me.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t200 (2 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Hero (t4655)
BB (t8845)

Preflop: Hero is Button with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ks.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9h.gif.
Hero raises to t600, BB calls t400.

Flop: (t1200) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7c.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9c.gif (2 players)
BB bets t400, Hero raises to t1500, BB calls t1100.

Turn: (t4200) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ac.gif (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets t2555 (All-In), BB folds.

Final Pot: t1645

Results in red below:
No showdown. Hero wins t6755.

-----

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t200 (2 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Hero (t6355)
BB (t7145)

Preflop: Hero is Button with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4d.gif.
Hero calls t100, BB raises to t600, Hero calls t400.

Flop: (t1200) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3c.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/2d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5s.gif (2 players)
BB bets t1000, Hero raises to t3000, BB calls t2000.

Turn: (t7200) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9d.gif (2 players)
BB bets t1000, Hero raises to t2755, BB calls t1755.

River: (t12710) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4c.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t12710

Results in white below:
Hero has 5d 4d (two pair, fives and fours).
BB has 8d As (straight, five high).
Outcome: BB wins t12710.

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 18.42% (27.38%)
Saw Flop % = 27.63% (29.76%)
Preflop Raise % = 17.11% (15.48%)
Showdown % = 7.89% (17.86%)
Showdown won % = 66.67% (73.33%)

ITM% for this journal = 50%
# of tournaments thus far = 10
(for this journal)

====================

============================
Date: 9/5
Previous Balance: $64

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 2nd
Money won/lost: + $8

New Balance: $56
===========================

I played a decent game.

Not sure if I played this hand too timid; I layed down top pair but Iam pretty sure I was up against a straight.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t30 (9 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver)

MP3 (t1195)
CO (t1575)
Button (t1655)
Hero (t1340)
BB (t1530)
UTG (t1340)
UTG+1 (t1725)
MP1 (t1495)
MP2 (t1645)

Preflop: Hero is SB with Thttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/spade.gif, Khttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...miles/club.gif.
UTG calls t30, 1 fold, MP1 calls t30, 2 folds, CO calls t30, 1 fold, Hero completes, BB checks.

Flop: (t150) 2http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif, Thttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...es/diamond.gif, 9http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...miles/club.gif (5 players)
Hero bets t150, BB folds, UTG calls t150, MP1 calls t150, CO folds.

Turn: (t600) 8http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/spade.gif (3 players)
Hero checks, UTG bets t150, MP1 calls t150, Hero folds.

River: (t900) Khttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...es/diamond.gif (2 players)
UTG bets t1010 (All-In), MP1 folds.

Final Pot: t-110

Results in red below:
UTG doesn't show.
Outcome: UTG wins t1910.
-----

Had a cold run of card which put me deep into the orange zone.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t100 (8 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Button (t1770)
SB (t880)
BB (t2000)
Hero (t1115)
UTG+1 (t1380)
MP1 (t1380)
MP2 (t1410)
CO (t3565)

Preflop: Hero is UTG with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ac.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kc.gif.
Hero raises to t300, 5 folds, SB raises to t880, 1 fold, Hero calls t580.

Flop: (t1860) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/8h.gif (2 players)

Turn: (t1860) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/js.gif (2 players)

River: (t1860) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kd.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t1860

Results in red below:
SB has 6d 6c (one pair, sixes).
Hero has Ac Kc (one pair, kings).
Outcome: Hero wins t1860.

-----

Wow – I got away w/ one here – wreckless bet by me but an even more wreckless call in my opinion. What happened is that I was in the small blind. I didn’t recognize anyone else in so I raised what I thought was the BB only. Well, a third person called. Then, based on my preflop raise, I attempted to represent strength.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t100 (6 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Button (t3450)
SB (t1800)
Hero (t2245)
UTG (t980)
MP (t1310)
CO (t3715)

Preflop: Hero is BB with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6c.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7s.gif.
UTG calls t100, 3 folds, SB completes, Hero raises to t300, UTG calls t200, SB calls t200.

Flop: (t900) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/8d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kd.gif (3 players)
SB checks, Hero bets t700, UTG folds, SB calls t700.

Turn: (t2300) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3c.gif (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets t1245 (All-In), SB calls t800 (All-In).

River: (t4345) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7h.gif (2 players, 2 all-in)

Final Pot: t3900

Results in red below:
SB has Td Ad (high card, ace).
Hero has 6c 7s (two pair, sevens and sixes).
Outcome: Hero wins t4345.

-----

Got down to 5 people left and I was the chip leader. When it reaches the buble I was still ahead in chips.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t200 (4 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Button (t1638)
Hero (t5220)
BB (t3047)
UTG (t3595)

Preflop: Hero is SB with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/js.gif.
2 folds, Hero raises to t600, BB calls t400.

Flop: (t1200) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ts.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3h.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4s.gif (2 players)
Hero bets t600, BB raises to t1200, Hero calls t600.

Turn: (t3600) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9c.gif (2 players)
Hero bets t3420 (All-In), BB calls t1247 (All-In).

River: (t8267) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4d.gif (2 players, 2 all-in)

Final Pot: t6094

Results in red below:
Hero has 9s Js (two pair, nines and fours).
BB has 7d 7s (two pair, sevens and fours).
Outcome: Hero wins t8267.

-----

In the money, with three left, I have built my chip lead to 3-1.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t200 (3 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

BB (t1513)
Hero (t6842)
SB (t5145)

Preflop: Hero is Button with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3c.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/as.gif.
Hero raises to t500, SB calls t400, 1 fold.

Flop: (t950) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/2h.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ts.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6s.gif (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets t700, SB calls t700.

Turn: (t2350) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4s.gif (2 players)
SB checks, Hero checks.

River: (t2350) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3h.gif (2 players)
SB checks, Hero checks.

Final Pot: t2350

Results in red below:
Hero has 3c As (one pair, threes).
SB has 6h Ah (one pair, sixes).
Outcome: SB wins t2350.

-----

WE battled three way for a while and we were all pretty even in chips. But, by the time we reached heads up I was a 2-1 dog. Because of a lack of cards and some untimely moves, I was forced to go all in or nothing.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t400 (2 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Button (t11371)
Hero (t2129)

Preflop: Hero is BB with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/8d.gif.
Button calls t200, Hero checks.

Flop: (t625) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qd.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/8s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4h.gif (2 players)
Hero bets t1704 (All-In), Button calls t1704.

Turn: (t4033) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5c.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t4033) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/4s.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

Final Pot: t4033

Results in red below:
Hero has 5s 8d (two pair, eights and fives).
Button has Ad 5d (two pair, fives and fours).
Outcome: Hero wins t4033.

-----

Again I was down 2-1 and pushed in post flop w/ an open ended straight draw. I was up against top pair.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t400 (2 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

BB (t9242)
Hero (t4258)

Preflop: Hero is Button with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9h.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/8h.gif.
Hero raises to t1000, BB calls t600.

Flop: (t1625) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/jc.gif (2 players)
BB bets t400, Hero raises to t3233, BB calls t2833.

Turn: (t8091) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3s.gif (2 players)

River: (t8091) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qc.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t8091

Results in red below:
BB has Jh Qs (two pair, queens and jacks).
Hero has 9h 8h (high card, queen).
Outcome: BB wins t8091.

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 26.19% (27.38%)
Saw Flop % = 36.9% (29.76%)
Preflop Raise % = 123.81% (15.48%)
Showdown % = 10.71% (17.86%)
Showdown won % = 44.44% (73.33%)

ITM% for this journal = 54.55%
1st place = 1 times
2nd place = 4 times
3rd place = 1times

# of tournaments thus far = 11
(for this journal)

====================

============================
Date: 9/6
Previous Balance: $64

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 8th
Money won/lost: - $5.50

New Balance: $58.50
===========================

Never got off the ground in this game. I had an absolute maniac to my left who was raising 4/10 7-10xs the BB and everytime he was in the hand he would reraise (including a few all in moves). I was hoping to catch em but never got the cards. Because I never got the cards I played a more timid then I usually do. The maniac single handedly knocked me out.

Below is the hand that put me on my heals. There were 3 limpers to me w/ JJ so I raised trying to get them out. I raised and all three limpers called. A king came on the flop I made a continuation bet and was called by a player who represented a loose passive type. Garbage came on the turn and I checked for two reasons (1) I feared he had the K and (2) if I bet and was called I would have to risk all my chips due to being pot committed. I was hoping he would check behind me but he didn’t. He bet and I had to fold. Did I play this correctly?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t50 (8 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

CO (t2890)
Button (t750)
Hero (t1240)
BB (t2345)
UTG (t1420)
UTG+1 (t1840)
MP1 (t1660)
MP2 (t1355)

Preflop: Hero is SB with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/jd.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/js.gif.
1 fold, UTG+1 calls t50, MP1 calls t50, 1 fold, CO calls t50, 1 fold, Hero raises to t200, 1 fold, UTG+1 calls t150, MP1 calls t150, CO calls t150.

Flop: (t850) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/2c.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kh.gif (4 players)
Hero bets t300, UTG+1 folds, MP1 folds, CO calls t300.

Turn: (t1450) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5s.gif (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets t740, Hero folds.

Final Pot: t1450

Results in red below:
No showdown. CO wins t1450.

-----

This put me in the red zone where the maniac knocked me out by sucking out on me.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t100 (8 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Button (t3890)
SB (t650)
Hero (t690)
UTG (t2245)
UTG+1 (t2095)
MP1 (t1865)
MP2 (t660)
CO (t1405)

Preflop: Hero is BB with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ad.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9d.gif.
UTG raises to t400, 6 folds, Hero raises to t690, UTG calls t290.

Flop: (t1430) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/8s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kh.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5d.gif (2 players)

Turn: (t1430) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3d.gif (2 players)

River: (t1430) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6s.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t1430

Results in red below:
Hero has Ad 9d (high card, ace).
UTG has Ks Qc (one pair, kings).
Outcome: UTG wins t1430.

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 8.82%
Saw Flop % = 23.53%
Preflop Raise % = 11.76%
Showdown % = 5,88%
Showdown won % = 50%

ITM% for this journal = 50%
1st place = 1 times
2nd place = 4 times
3rd place = 1times

# of tournaments thus far = 12
(for this journal)

====================

============================
Date: 9/6
Previous Balance: $58.50

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 5th
Money won/lost: - $5.50

New Balance: $53
===========================

In the beginning of the tourney there was a big fish. I finaly cought a hand that I could ring em in with:

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t20 (9 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver)

SB (t1690)
BB (t1060)
UTG (t2270)
UTG+1 (t1470)
MP1 (t1380)
Hero (t1320)
MP3 (t670)
CO (t1920)
Button (t1720)

Preflop: Hero is MP2 with Ahttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif, Khttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/spade.gif.
UTG calls t20, 1 fold, MP1 calls t20, Hero raises to t100, 5 folds, UTG raises to t300, MP1 folds, Hero calls t200.

Flop: (t650) Khttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif, 8http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/spade.gif, 5http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...es/diamond.gif (2 players)
UTG checks, Hero bets t400, UTG raises to t800, Hero raises to t1020, UTG calls t220.

Turn: (t2690) 3http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif (2 players)

River: (t2690) 3http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...miles/club.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t2690

Results in red below:
UTG has Ad Jh (one pair, threes).
Hero has Ah Ks (two pair, kings and threes).
Outcome: Hero wins t2690.

-----

It was a crazy table thus far so I thought Id sit back and play tight and focus my attention on the fish. However, someone else hooked em and he was gone. We got down to five players and I was somewhere in the middle of chips.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t50 (5 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

BB (t3315)
UTG (t4095)
Hero (t3030)
Button (t1560)
SB (t1500)

Preflop: Hero is MP with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ts.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/td.gif.
UTG calls t50, Hero raises to t200, Button raises to t1560, 2 folds, UTG folds, Hero calls t1360.

Flop: (t3245) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kh.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qc.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3d.gif (2 players)

Turn: (t3245) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6c.gif (2 players)

River: (t3245) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3s.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t3245

Results in red below:
Hero has Ts Td (two pair, tens and threes).
Button has Ad Qs (two pair, queens and threes).
Outcome: Button wins t3245.

-----

So now Iam short stacked. I made a move or two to give me a LITTLE breathing room. Then I come to this hand which Iam not sure if I played right. The villain is a tight passive player who likes to make continuation bets.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t100 (5 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

SB (t3180)
BB (t3980)
Hero (t1620)
MP (t3345)
Button (t1375)

Preflop: Hero is UTG with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qd.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/as.gif.
Hero raises to t300, MP raises to t700, 3 folds, Hero calls t400.

Flop: (t1550) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/8d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/5c.gif (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets t920, Hero folds.

Final Pot: t1550

Results in red below:
No showdown. MP wins t1550.

-----

So, now Iam in the red zone.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t100 (5 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

BB (t3610)
UTG (t3830)
Hero (t720)
Button (t4295)
SB (t1045)

Preflop: Hero is MP with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/9d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/8d.gif.
1 fold, Hero raises to t720, Button calls t720, SB calls t670, 1 fold.

Flop: (t2260) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/th.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kc.gif (3 players)
SB checks, Button checks.

Turn: (t2260) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3h.gif (3 players)
SB checks, Button checks.

River: (t2260) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ks.gif (3 players)
SB checks, Button checks.

Final Pot: t2260

Results in red below:
Hero has 9d 8d (two pair, kings and threes).
Button has Jh Ac (two pair, kings and threes).
SB has 4h As (two pair, kings and threes).
Outcome: Button wins t1130. SB wins t1130.

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 13.21% (27.38)
Saw Flop % = 26.42% (29.76)
Preflop Raise % = 16.98% (15.48)
Showdown % = 15.09% (17.86 )
Showdown won % = 37.5% (73.33)

ITM% for this journal = 46.15%
1st place = 1 times
2nd place = 4 times
3rd place = 1 times

# of tournaments thus far = 13
(for this journal)

====================

============================
Date: 9/6
Previous Balance: $58.50

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 2nd
Money won/lost: + $8

New Balance: $61
===========================

Ok, thus far Im over 50% ITM. However, I have only won one tourney thus far. Most of the time I push all my chips in heads up with the best hand but I keep getting drawn out on. That’s what happened this time as well, I trapped w/ trip 6’s to get the guy to go all in w/ a pair of Qs on the turn only for him to catch a Q on the river for a better full house. All in all I like my play thus far.

Through not getting many cards and playing tight I pretty much folded my way to the buble. However, I was short stacked.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t150 (4 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver)

SB (t5435)
Hero (t1045)
UTG (t3975)
Button (t3045)

Preflop: Hero is BB with 4http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...es/diamond.gif, Ahttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...es/diamond.gif.
UTG calls t150, Button calls t150, 1 fold, Hero checks.

Flop: (t525) 8http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif, 4http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/spade.gif, 7http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif (3 players)
Hero bets t895 (All-In), UTG folds, Button folds.

Final Pot: t-370

Results in red below:
No showdown. Hero wins t1420.

-----

Tripled up here:

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t150 (4 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

SB (t4460)
Hero (t1120)
UTG (t5475)
Button (t2445)

Preflop: Hero is BB with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/2h.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6d.gif.
UTG calls t150, 1 fold, SB completes, Hero checks.

Flop: (t450) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/2d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ts.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6h.gif (3 players)
SB checks, Hero checks, UTG bets t150, SB calls t150, Hero raises to t970, UTG calls t820, SB raises to t4310, UTG folds.

Turn: (t6700) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7s.gif (2 players)

River: (t6700) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ks.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t3360

Results in red below:
SB has Ac Ah (one pair, aces).
Hero has 2h 6d (two pair, sixes and twos).
Outcome: Hero wins t3360.

-----

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t200 (4 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

UTG (t3415)
Hero (t2310)
SB (t5555)
BB (t2220)

Preflop: Hero is Button with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/as.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kd.gif.
1 fold, Hero raises to t600, 1 fold, BB calls t400.

Flop: (t1300) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ah.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3c.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kh.gif (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets t1000, BB raises to t1620, Hero calls t620.

Turn: (t4540) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/jd.gif (2 players)

River: (t4540) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/2s.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t4540

Results in red below:
Hero has As Kd (two pair, aces and kings).
BB has Ac Tc (one pair, aces).
Outcome: Hero wins t4540.

-----

Reach the money and we are all even in chips.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t200 (3 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

BB (t3015)
Hero (t4830)
SB (t5655)

Preflop: Hero is Button with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ac.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qs.gif.
Hero raises to t600, 1 fold, BB raises to t1400, Hero raises to t4830, BB calls t1615 (All-In).

Flop: (t7945) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qc.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6s.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: (t7945) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/tc.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t7945) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/js.gif (2 players, 1 all-in)

Final Pot: t6130

Results in red below:
BB has 4c 4d (one pair, fours).
Hero has Ac Qs (one pair, queens).
Outcome: Hero wins t7945.

-----

As we got heads up we were even in chips. Iset a nice trap (as mentioned earlier) only to have him suck out on me and steal another 1st place finish.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t200 (2 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Hero (t6845)
BB (t6655)

Preflop: Hero is Button with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/td.gif.
Hero calls t100, BB raises to t400, Hero calls t200.

Flop: (t800) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6s.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6h.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/3c.gif (2 players)
BB checks, Hero checks.

Turn: (t800) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qd.gif (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets t200, BB calls t200.

River: (t1200) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qs.gif (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets t600, BB raises to t1400, Hero raises to t2500, BB raises to t3600, Hero raises to t8145, BB calls t2455 (All-In).

Final Pot: t13310

Results in red below:
Hero has 6d Td (full house, sixes full of queens).
BB has Qh Ah (full house, queens full of sixes).
Outcome: BB wins t13310. Hero wins t2090.

Took 2nd place

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 19.75% (27.38)
Saw Flop % = 29.63% (29.76)
Preflop Raise % = 19.75% (15.48)
Showdown % = 11.11% (17.86)
Showdown won % = 55.56% (73.33)

ITM% for this journal = 50%
1st place = 1 times
2nd place = 5 times
3rd place = 1 times

# of tournaments thus far = 14
(for this journal)

====================

============================
Date: 9/6
Previous Balance: $61

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 9th
Money won/lost: - $5.50

New Balance: $55.50
===========================

Wasn’t catching any hands so prior to the below hand. I got fooled! Guy with KK limps in (along with others). I push all in with my 99 to get called.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t50 (9 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver)

SB (t695)
BB (t1560)
UTG (t1795)
UTG+1 (t1210)
MP1 (t1985)
MP2 (t825)
MP3 (t2210)
CO (t2250)
Hero (t970)

Preflop: Hero is Button with 9http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...es/diamond.gif, 9http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/spade.gif.
2 folds, MP1 calls t50, MP2 calls t50, MP3 raises to t150, 1 fold, Hero raises to t970, 2 folds, MP1 calls t920, MP2 folds, MP3 folds.

Flop: (t2215) Qhttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif, 6http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif, 3http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif (2 players)

Turn: (t2215) Jhttp://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...iles/heart.gif (2 players)

River: (t2215) 3http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...miles/club.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t2215

Results in red below:
MP1 has Ks Kd (two pair, kings and threes).
Hero has 9d 9s (two pair, nines and threes).
Outcome: MP1 wins t2215.

Came in last

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 0% (27.38)
Saw Flop % = 22.22% (29.76)
Preflop Raise % = 7.4`% (15.48)
Showdown % = 3.7% (17.86)
Showdown won % = 0% (73.33)

ITM% for this journal = 46.67%
1st place = 1 times
2nd place = 5 times
3rd place = 1 times

# of tournaments thus far = 15
(for this journal)

====================

============================
Date: 9/6
Previous Balance: $55.50

Buy In: $5 (+.50)
Placed: 6th
Money won/lost: - $5.50

New Balance: $50.50
===========================

I simpy could not get any hands this game. I waited and waited and waited. I attempted to push w/ marginal hand later in the game in position only to get reraised. The below hand was my last. The lvl was just about to change to put me 10xs the BB. So I raised with QTh. It was a mistake and Iam on the rail.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t50 (6 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

SB (t1425)
BB (t2335)
UTG (t3555)
MP (t2115)
Hero (t855)
Button (t3215)

Preflop: Hero is CO with http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/qh.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ts.gif.
1 fold, MP calls t50, Hero raises to t200, 3 folds, MP calls t150.

Flop: (t475) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/6d.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/7c.gif, http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/ac.gif (2 players)
MP bets t50, Hero raises to t655, MP calls t605.

Turn: (t1785) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/2h.gif (2 players)

River: (t1785) http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/.../smiles/kd.gif (2 players)

Final Pot: t1785

Results in red below:
MP has Ad 3d (one pair, aces).
Hero has Qh Ts (high card, ace).
Outcome: MP wins t1785.

6th place

================

Key stats:
Tournament stats (career stats)

Won hand % = 4.08% (27.38)
Saw Flop % = 18.37% (29.76)
Preflop Raise % = 8.16% (15.48)
Showdown % = 10.2% (17.86)
Showdown won % = 0% (73.33)

ITM% for this journal = 43.75%
1st place = 1 times
2nd place = 5 times
3rd place = 1 times

# of tournaments thus far = 16
(for this journal)

====================