Grinding: A positive week!

With the intention of improving, and sharpening my focus during sessions I decided to cut my playing hours this week. I scheduled myself to play a total of 25 hours (online and live collectively -see previous post for actual schedule).

With a couple of hours overtime I ended the week with 27 hours of playing time.

Total earning of $793.11 ($29.20 per hour).

Not a bad return, considering I ran horribly online! Sick!

With over 9 hours of play online I made a loss of $125. I am convinced this was an unlikely occurrence, and will record a positive return in the forthcoming week.

I made $918 at the casino in just over 18 hours of play. Around $5o per hour. I am satisfied with that consistent result. However I am confident an expectancy of $1500 is reasonable.

Last night's session at The Vic was another confidence builder for me. Although I was card dead for most of the night. I was able to pick off key pots through just pure aggression and bluffing.

One particular hand, I raised on the button with Q6 off. I made it up to £13. My usual raise is £8. A £10+ raise usually indicates a high pair, or gives them a trail of thought anyway.

Several limpers folded. I had one caller to the flop. I believe this guy is American or Canadian, not sure. I have played with this dude previously, and know him to be no donk. He is a player with ability, with a tendency be creative, a fellow baller I think!

Anyway flop comes down low rags, with two hearts. He checks. I lead out with a strong / pot sized bet of around £27.

After some thought he check raises me to £54. Weeeeee! Check raise!

Now this dude clearly has my queen high beat, that's not in doubt. However, I need to figure out whether he has a strong hand, because if he has only got a pair (top pair or up to jacks), I have done nothing to say I have not got Q Q or better with my actions so far.

The minimum double bet is weak. Very weak. With a flush draw out there, a player of his experience would be looking to price me out if he had a hand which he felt was strong. He is basically saying to me: "I have a small pair, I hope you have AK, you should fold!" -in his head obviously!

So I put him on a small pair. That is my gut feeling. Now this is where skill and heart join forces. It is very easy to put someone on a hand (well it is for a BALLA!), but to act on your read takes heart, and something I have been reluctant to do in the past.

I could just fold here, I would lose around £35, no problem. But if I were to make a move, I would be risking my whole stack.

Soooooo......I announce re raise. I make it a total of £93 to see the next card. At this point there is around £200 in the pot (without his call). I have around £100 behind, basically I am committed to the pot.

He folds. I show my queen high. Sick! Trust me I am getting sicker by the day!

Anyway, enough for one day!

However as promised here are some holiday photos: (amazing time out there by the way!)