I just got back recently from a week of playing non stop in Vegas.  I have been playing a little cash, but mostly tourneys at Caesar’s capped off by a big one at The Venetian.

Caesar’s turned into a mad house of people from the Rio loving the chip stacks and buy-ins vs. WSOP.  Caesar’s was the best buy in town.  So much so, that for the first time The Venetian changed their chip count…Yeah!!!

I played what seemed non-stop for almost a week.  I did take Sunday off to visit my grandparents who live in Henderson.  I was playing the nooners and a few 7 pm tourneys when I busted out at Caesar’s.  As the week progressed the more and more people showed up.  For example the first $225 buy-in had a little over 500 people.  The second $225 buy-in had over 800 people.  I chose not to play in that one and just played a little cash.  I had a couple of great showings, but none in the money.

I decided to finish up the week with a $550 nooner at The Venetian.  I was planning only starting with $10,000 in chips, but oh to my surprise they changed it up and I started with $15,000.  I was ready to eat my table up.  I started off alright.  Got down to about $6,000.  Some guy bluffed a lot of money off me earlier, but what cha gonna do.  Well, the same guy called my all in…I had Q 9 of clubs…2 clubs with a king came off on the flop…I went all in…he called with K J.  I think his jack was a club.  Anyways, I hit the turn for my flush.  Double up!!  The same guy busted out about 20 minutes later.  I explained the the guy to my right..thank goodness he doubled me up before he busted out!!

The last hand is the one that makes you say…Well, that’s poker folks!!  I was in the small blind with 300, 600 blinds and $50 ante.  One person limps, I call, and BB checks.  I have 3 5 off.  Now comes 2 9 6 rainbow.  The limper bets $1200.  I call and so does the BB.   4 comes on the turn giving me the nut straight.  I bet $6000, approximately what was in the pot.  BB calls and the limper folds.  Now I have BB on a set or two pair.  A harmless 8 comes off, but now you have 3 hearts on the board.  I moved all in and BB calls with A 9 of hearts.  The old man was on a flush draw.  The 6, 4, and the 8 were hearts.  I couldn’t believe it because this guy never really played a hand.  He was a shover pre flop or on the flop.  Now I felt I shoved with a huge $6000 bet, but obviously that was not enough for him.  I could only guess he thought his 9 was good….lol!!!

After I busted out, I went home and packed and surprised my kids and hubby by coming home early.  I drove from Vegas to Orange County in less than 4 hours and I stopped for gas and drive-thru in Baker.  I never called them saying I was on the way.  I rang the bell because I didn’t have the garage door opener.  All my kids were up and in the foyer hugging and kissing me.  Let me tell you folks that makes poker worth playing.  I miss my family terribly when I am away, but when I am at the poker table I put it out of my mind and play my A game.  So, I feel truly blessed and loved when I come home, even if I didn’t win a tourney.  My hubby and 3 boys are the best. 

Last week of school and we are all off to Vegas with babysitter in tow.  I look forward to playing more at The Venetian now they have changed the chip stack.  I am still trying to freeroll my way in through Poker Stars into the main event at Rio.  Summer of Poker tourneys and Horse Auctions!!!  Yeah!!!

Until then….go all in when you got the nuts and maybe those crazy flush chasers will fold!!

Melissa

PS…Just a quick shout out to my friend Leah…Thanks for the Burger Bar…and I know I still owe you Starbucks!!  LOL!!!