ROLLER COASTER

Following "The Dark Ages" during APPT Manila Championship, I decided to do some online training just to see if we can make ITM, find a bright spot in the recent darkness of my poker life. I jumped in on GG Poker and played the Mini Forty Stack for $4.40. I used one bullet, knocked out 17 players and bagged first place, banking $810.70 after a three-way ICM. I was the chip leader then and walked out with the biggest haul. We then played for the title, which eventually fell to my lap. A series of monster cards to KO the remaining two.

My last card was Pocket Aces and all I had to do was call, but I had to set up my phone video and I apologize to my opponent if he thought I was slow-rolling. Not at all. I just had to press record.

Following that win, I felt confident to join the Soul Poker Club PHP 1 Million Guaranteed. There were five starting flights and I decided to take my chance on the final day. I played well and amassed a stack of 106,400 when the average was still at 42,000. I went up to over 110,000 at one point until the bad beats came.

First, my kings were cracked by pocket sixes. Blinds were at 1,000 and I opened for 2,500. I had a caller on the small blind and the big blind. Flop came Jh 2c 4c. The small blind led out for 5,000. The big blind called and I raised it to 25,000 (the starting stack) and the small blind jammed for 32,000 leaving me with just 7,000 to call. Of course, I did. He showed sixes and I was ahead with Kings. Then the turn came a six and that was just fucked. My stack went down to 66,000. 

Next, there was an open to 2,000, a three-bet by Grandpa to 7,000 and then me on the button with a four-bet to 24,000, holding pocket jacks. Grandpa just called. The flop landed 6d 3s Jc. Grandpa shoved all-in for his last 20,000 and I called with trips. Grandpa showed Ts 9s. Harmless enough until the turn showed an 8s and the river gave a Qh for Grandpa to make a runner-runner straight. My stack went down to 28,000 - nearly the starting stack.

A few hands later I had Ac Kc on the button and shoved all-in. The big blind called with As 8s. The flop gave me the nut-flush with 8c 4c 6c. But then, a 8h on the turn and a 6h on the river gave the fucker a runner-runner full house and I was out of the tournament. Late reg ended and I couldn't fire another bullet.

I think this was karma for the lucky beats I equally gave when I won online. Poker just balances is out. Oh well, on to the next.