Poker News

Peter Costa

I have many fond memories of playing poker at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. Apart from tournaments, it has proven to become my favorite place for the side action. Though the NL Holdem has provided me with much article material in the past - I just happened to recall a session of Stud that took place back in January 2004.

Playing 200-400 limits - I had been having a very good time during my month-long stay. Having a good insight into my opponents was no doubt helping in putting together a string of winning sessions. Then one day, a stranger came to town…

He looked more of a businessman than a poker player. However, that didn’t stop him from beating me in every hand that we played against each other. The problem was, I started with very strong hands while he seemed determined to call every bet and raise on what mostly turned out to be poor draws. What made it worse, was my determination to make it as expensive as possible. But undeterred, he called each bet and then either bet or raised on the river. I was wasting my time that day. If it wasn’t for the fact that I virtually won every pot when he was not in the hand - it would have been a very expensive session. And anyway, I was also being stubborn that day - I wanted to catch him at least one time. OK…perhaps two or three.

Anyhow, it was late into the session and nothing much had changed. He is still turning over a straight or a flush on the river. Why can’t I fill up just once? I try to strike up some sort of conversation with him - but nothing. Not one word from the guy. Not giving him any grief here - just trying to be friendly etc. Suddenly…..I have a chance to catch him at last.

The hand was four-way action as we get dealt the fourth street. Starting with 4-4-4 - a suited 5 now makes me look as having a draw. I therefore just call the raise from my nemesis who started the hand with open Ten’s. At this stage, I obviously have to worry about him having another Ten in the hole. My worries disappeared as I made quads four’s on fifth street. Finally, I have him. We went to war before sixth street - I have him beat. After the river, the war continued. But something happened on the way to just playing the hand as I should have - I simply forgot that I could lose it!

By my fifth raise, we had attracted a small gathering. I obviously should have known that I was beat when he re-raised again. I suppose that I allowed my image of him to get in the way. However loose he was playing in calling a lot of bets on a draw - it did not justify my fourth raise - never mind the two that followed. I must have lost about 40 big bets during the six hands that he beat me in (probably 40% in that one hand alone) - but serves me right for making him a target. Now I don’t suggest that one should not have certain targets during a game, however, it does not change what should be plainly obvious! And anyhow, if you cant beat the target once during a session - its time for a different target! The Bellagio Five Diamonds is now under way for what should be a great three weeks of poker-let’s see what stories we come up with! . Until next time - play well, get lucky and know when your beat!

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