**** TJ's 2026 WSOP Trip! ...And Continued Sundry Poker Adventures ****

Hello again, friends! I’ll start this thread by channeling my inner karaoke DJ, and invoking the timeless lyrics from the late, the great, Christopher Wallace… better known as: the Notorious B.I.G. “I been in this game for YEARS, it made me a animal. It’s rules to this ****, I wrote me a manual…” I’ve been doing trip reports around these parts for a while now. For an idea of what to expect from this installment, check out some of my past work.

• 2023 WSOP trip (https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/108/las-vegas-lifestyle/tj-plays-ton-poker-vegas-wsop-occasionally-eats-1822785/?highlight=tj), with Harrah’s Cherokee WSOP Circuit mini-TR’s added in
• 2024 WSOP trip (https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/108/las-vegas-lifestyle/tjs-2024-wsop-trip-might-turn-into-move-1838147/?highlight=tj), when I explored, but ultimately decided against, moving to Las Vegas. Includes more Cherokee shenanigans, the highlight being my Final Table run in the Mini-Main for $52k!
• 2025 WSOP trip… (https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/108/las-vegas-lifestyle/tjs-summer-2025-quest-poker-glory-1848500/?highlight=tj) where my threads subtly begin to morph into my running poker blog. Max pain on this trip… but I did eat some great food.
• Here’s my first ever (2025) WSOP Main Event liveblog (https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/108/las-vegas-lifestyle/culmination-lifelong-dream-tjs-first-main-event-1849262/?highlight=main+event)! Made Day 3, had an unforgettable time.
• And of course, the most recent thread (2025-26) (https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/108/las-vegas-lifestyle/tjs-sundry-poker-adventures-2025-26-a-1850087/?highlight=sundry). It includes a rundown of the private cash venues I play in here locally, my accountability goals for 2026, and, of course, more Cherokee mini-trip reports, with varying degrees of success. Comin’ real, it’s The Next Episode.

Spoiler Show

Hold up.

Spoiler Show

Heyyyyyyyyyyy…

I’ll be in Las Vegas for 19 days for this trip again, June 4 - 23. Lots of LVL regs will be in town around the same time, so I’m always down to grab a meal or a drink together! If we’re near the same place at the same time, post here or send me a pm. I can play in great private cash games back home any time. I can play in good tournaments 4 times a year, when the WSOP Circuit comes to Cherokee (and coming soon, Danville this Fall!) But what I can ONLY get in Las Vegas, during the Series, is truly great, HUGE field tournaments, every single day. That’s where I’m going to focus my time. I know there’s donks and land mines to dodge at every stage of these massive field lotteries. But that’s where I’ve had the biggest success, and that’s where I feel my edge is. And, obviously, that’s where the life-changing upside exists. This is my tentative schedule. It will necessarily be very fluid, hopefully for multi-day runs, or multi-flight events. Disclaimer, this schedule is assuming I wake up every day with vigor and courage, and want to play poker that day. In my mind, I’m building in for mental health and laundry days, as necessary. I remember feeling like I was pressing towards the end of my 19 days in Vegas last year. 6/4 Arrive, cash games at Venetian, check in 6/5 WSOP $1500 Monster Stack Day 1C 6/6 WSOP $1500 Monster Stack Day 2C, or 1D 6/7 WSOP $500 NLH Freezeout 6/8 WSOP $600 NLH/PLO mixed event 6/9 Orleans $300 Monster Stack 6/10 WSOP $500 Colossus 6/11 WSOP $500 Colossus 6/12 WSOP $500 Colossus 6/13 WSOP $500 Colossus 6/14 WSOP $800 Deepstack NLH 6/15 South Point $300 NLH 6/16 Aria $800 HORSE 6/17 South Point $300 NLH 6/18 Orleans $300 Monster Stack 6/19 Orleans $300 Monster Stack 6/20 Aria $800 NLH 6/21 WSOP $500 Salute to Warriors 6/22 Salute Day 2, or cash 6/23 Day 3, or cash, then depart The most useful tool every year for planning your Las Vegas summer tournament schedule is this link here. Filter-able by date, game type, buy in, AND it’s mobile-friendly. I’ve dedicated a tab to it in my Safari since it launched… and I’ll be referring to it heavily, as the situation evolves. When I was first making my schedule, and deciding which dates I wanted to ask for at work, I started with the WSOP Monster Stack, and the Colossus… and built out from there. The WSOP Monster Stack is the best prep for the Main Event, at 15% of the price. There’s 4 Day 1 flights, and now the Day 2’s stay with the same player pool, then merge all flights into Day 3. I’m budgeting up to two $1500 bullets for this one. Last year, this event went over 9900 entries, with $1.2M for the winner. This year could be even bigger, with the changes to the multi-flight structure. With the opportunity provided by multiple re-entries and starting flights, Day 3+ is certain to be LOADED with killers. Then, there’s the Colossus. To me, this is what the WSOP is all about. It should comfortably clear 20k entries, maybe 25k+. I’m dedicating that entire weekend to firing as many bullets as it takes, to set me up for as deep a run as I can make. Hopefully I can bag early, then take time off to reset, and do laundry. After I got my work schedule approved, I realized I couldn’t play the $1500 Millionaire Maker. The final days of that event conflict with my travel schedule, so I’m sad I’ll have to sit that one out. So it goes. The great thing about the WSOP in Las Vegas is there’s always other options. Closing on a personal note, as my writing and story-telling has evolved, I find writing about my poker adventures to be very rewarding. From the incredibly supportive community here, to the people in my life I’ve sent these threads, to this being the most expedient way to update my mom with how it’s been going. To everyone who reads this: you ALL motivate me. The accountability in these threads gives me the drive and momentum to go out there, play my best, and give it everything I’ve got. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. Positively cannot WAIT to see how the next chapter unfolds.

() Let’s gooooooooo!

Nice setup! Schedule looks great! Hyped for you to have a big summer!

Snap sub'd for a TJ TR. LFG!

Wish I could say I will for sure be in LV this June, but things are still fluid with my work schedule. Would love to meet up with you and other 2+2ers someday.

Always in for a TJ (and Moby) TR! I kinda hope you have to miss some of those tournaments (cuz you've run super-deep in a multi-day earlier). Safe travels, best of luck!

Good luck. See you out here.

I'm along for the ride as always. I'm likely to be in a couple of those events too. See you at the final table.

Good luck! Hopefully we can cross paths this year (will definitely fire a bullet or two at Colossus). I need to pay more attention to DMs. It's TRIP REPORT season and it will be fun to follow them all as well as doing my own. For me its all part of the fun.

GL TJ! Subscribed for epic bread.

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59313225#post59313225)

I can play in great private cash games back home any time. I can play in good tournaments 4 times a year, when the WSOP Circuit comes to Cherokee (and coming soon, Danville this Fall!) But what I can ONLY get in Las Vegas, during the Series, is truly great, HUGE field tournaments, every single day.

I had a very similar thought process when I was trying to narrow down the schedule. I can play good NLHE tournaments throughout the year. That isn't unique in and of itself. What makes the WSOP season unique is the crazy field sizes in NLHE/PLO (and the ability to play more obscure games in the $1.5k-10k price range for a bracelet). It makes sense to prioritize those opportunities.

damn - I hadn't realised the Colossus was when I was out there - might have to fire a bullet or two all the best for a fun trip

in! good luck my friend

I'm in [emoji846][emoji846][emoji846][emoji846][emoji857][emoji857][emoji857][emoji857]

Good luck. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looking forward to meeting next week.

Ill be in town for four nights beginning Thursday 6/4 so may see yall as well. Aria Seniors 800 on Thursday is stop one.

GO TJ! I look forward to seeing you out there. I arrive 6/2.

Good luck TJ, looking forward to seeing you with a bracelet.

Thanks everybody! Just three more shifts at work, which I’m sure will ZOOM right by. Then we’re wheels up Thursday morning!

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59313225#post59313225)

Let’s gooooooooo!... See full post

missing a certain purple friend

by REDeYeS00 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59315359#post59315359)

missing a certain purple friend

TSA loves seeing those!

wish more voting modern plushy topical focus groups would statistically return toward a mean where the hell is my favorite purple Moby emoji placed on the side board mantle amongst your shoe porn, rubber band lettuce wrap, and uber tip

a) Do they make bracelets small enough for Moby? b) Does he get four, since the pattern is one for every two arms? No idea how to do it, but it would be pretty funny to mock up a bracelet for him and bring it to the table.

by golddog m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59315430#post59315430)

a) Do they make bracelets small enough for Moby? b) Does he get four, since the pattern is one for every two arms? No idea how to do it, but it would be pretty funny to mock up a bracelet for him and bring it to the table.

()

by REDeYeS00 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59315359#post59315359)

missing a certain purple friend

Yeah I just forgot to add him in the picture. He’s definitely coming along, and will appear later! Rppoker, you are truly an artist and a visionary with AI art to add color to any story!

words of free wisdom worth only cost of their ante do not let rppokers ai art limit your bracelet aspirations we all know and have witnessed you display skills above and beyond achieving only two while also recognizing your patience to allow it all to fall into your lap dance

saw a sign yesterday on the drive home interpret as you wish

()

() I know the other famous Moby!

In for this 100%. See you next week.

Good luck bro I'm excited!

Good morning, it’s getaway day! It starts with breakfast. I have an early flight, so I wanted to start the day, and the thread, off right.

() I’m now up to a pretty high dose of my tirzepatide, and it definitely affects how much I eat. Passed on the hashbrowns this trip.

() …Still couldn’t finish everything. It was $21. Once again, all restaurant prices are listed before tip (I’m a much better than average tipper). On my way to the airport now!

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59318483#post59318483)

On my way to the airport now!

Good luck!

Great looking breakfast. Good luck! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Waiting at the gate. First big gamble of the trip: I only have a 58 minute layover in Houston, connecting to Las Vegas. Hope I can land, deplane, and make it to the gate in time to make my connection. So far my flight says it’s on time, fingers crossed it stays on time.

I would assume, if majority are connecting at Houston, there is a good chance the other flight would wait for some time. I am pretty sure you will arrive in time, just in case it is a few minutes late, you should still be able to make it for the next one! In most cases the flights make up time enroute.

Smart and considerate to forego the chili if you're hopping on a plane! Go get 'em!

safe travels!

by Tom Ames m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59318585#post59318585)

Smart and considerate to forego the chili if you're hopping on a plane! Go get 'em!

Hahaha very considerate, right?

Safe travels and good luck making that connection!

It’s raining in Houston. Had a whole row to myself on the first leg of the flight, so that was… less uncomfortable than it could have been. Houston seems nice from the air. Lots of athletic fields, golf courses, and big houses with pools that I could see. My departing gate was right next to my outgoing gate, so I didn’t have to scramble through an unfamiliar airport trying to find where I needed to be. Next stop: Las Vegas!

It isn't, but my experience is limited. The worst of urban sprawl, combined with high heat and humidity, plus the occasional flooding rain from tropical storms.

Good luck and run good Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

theres a reason air conditioning was invented in houston. top notch food scene, though...especially asian food

Landed safely in Las Vegas! …It’s hot. But not unexpected. Got a great picture of the Grand Canyon on the way here:

() Next stop: Venetian!

Go go go!!!!!!!!!!

It’s tradition, I always start my Vegas trips at Venetian. Reread either of the last two WSOP threads for the story behind why. Got immediate seating at 1/2 PLO. I might play higher later in this trip, but I have another time honored rule: on any casino trip, but ESPECIALLY a long trip… enjoy yourself, sure. But whatever you do, don’t get buried on the first day. As the old saying goes, the only way to really learn a bankroll management lesson is: the hard way. So we’re keeping it easy, stress free, playing my best game, for lower stakes than I play back home. Already down one strawberry Julius and one greyhound, surely the rungood is imminent.

gogogogogo

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59318999#post59318999)

It’s tradition, I always start my Vegas trips at Venetian. Reread either of the last two WSOP threads for the story behind why.Got immediate seating at 1/2 PLO. I might play higher later in this trip, but I have another time honored rule: on any casino trip, but ESPECIALLY a long trip… enjoy yourself, sure. But whatever you do, don’t get buried on the first day.As the old sa... See full post

Pacing isn't everything. It's the ONLY THING. Now go stack some fish.

by prairiebreeze m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319003#post59319003)

Pacing isn't everything. It's the ONLY THING. Now go stack some fish.

10-4! In for 1k, out with:

() +1030, but more importantly, I’m pleased with how I played. Steadily accumulated, then took a rough beat to get back to about even. AAKT double suited loses to KK63, all in preflop, for about a 1.3k pot. He made a straight around his stupid 6-3. But I stayed calm, and patient, and ran much better when I got top set in against what I assume must have been a big draw, on Q-J-5 two hearts. That was the big hand of the session for me. Each of my last two Vegas trips, I started out in the hole from the first day. Now, I’m almost free rolling my first Monster Stack bullet tomorrow!

[emoji846][emoji846][emoji857][emoji857]

I like it, easing into Vegas. GL and have fun!

GL. Just went back and read my TRs from 2018 and 2023 and you were one of the first to interact. I appreciate what you do for this forum and community. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by OKC_grinder m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319234#post59319234)

GL. Just went back and read my TRs from 2018 and 2023 and you were one of the first to interact. I appreciate what you do for this forum and community. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I love trip reports. I love writing them. And when I’m home at work, between Vegas trips, I love reading them, and supporting them.

I just had dinner with rppoker at Carversteak in Resorts World! We have lots in common, from poker (obviously), college football, and real estate. Our conversation was wide-spanning, and the food was INCREDIBLE. We started with splitting a Caesar salad, and I think this was the first time I had a real Caesar with real anchovies. That was a bit of a surprise, but tasty. I went with the 14 oz ribeye filet, medium rare.

() It was cooked perfect, and came out great. Rppoker had the Lobster En Croute, which I’m glad he got, because I’d NEVER have been adventurous enough to try it if I were on my own. It’s a 2 lb Maine lobster in a puff pastry, like beef Wellington, with a tasty cognac cream sauce.

() It was DECADENT. The ribeye filet, a glass of cab, and half a Caesar was about $120. The service was exceptional, as well. Rppoker and I have had long running threads in this forum, so it was nice to finally meet him. I think my favorite thing about his thread is this: he was already a masterful storyteller, and an excellent writer, from his past career as a sports journalist. But what is striking about the way he writes about poker is a joy and love for the game that shines through. It’s something that’s sorely lacking from the current poker media landscape, and content creators out there. It was cool to be able to tell him that.

Fantastic photo of the Grand Canyon! GO GO GADGET!!!

Next, I made a quick pit stop at Walgreens to stock up, picked up my bags from Venetian, and I checked into my Airbnb. It’s a little 1 bedroom studio condo in the Arts District. Same complex I stayed in last year, different unit.

() Very loud decor, but the room itself is perfectly suited to my needs.

() There’s several walkable restaurants nearby, AND laundry available. Not bad, for a little over $100 a night, AND no resort fee. I’m settled in, so now it’s time for bed, after a long travel day AND workmanlike poker day. The Monster Stack starts tomorrow at 10. I’d like to be there for the start, but we’ll see how the morning and breakfast goes.

I hope the mural above the bed does not give you nightmares.

GLGLGL

by rppoker m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319273#post59319273)

I hope the mural above the bed does not give you nightmares.

LOL! My first thought when I saw it was that it would do that to me.

by rppoker m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319273#post59319273)

I hope the mural above the bed does not give you nightmares.

Sleep with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight.

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319265#post59319265)

Rppoker and I have had long running threads in this forum, so it was nice to finally meet him. I think my favorite thing about his thread is this: he was already a masterful storyteller, and an excellent writer, from his past career as a sports journalist. But what is striking about the way he writes about poker is a joy and love for the game that shines through. It’s ... See full post

So true - having skill in storytelling will obviously help. Key to many of these TRs is the passion behind them. Vloggers (which I watch and enjoy) play poker and vlog as a job, and that can show thru. We can all relate to other TRs that poker can be a fun pursuit/hobby….we can get to be kids in a way. We’re fortunate that we have careers and lives that allow us to chase this hobby. While our results may not approach many vlogger levels I feel we are pretty lucky to not have the pressure to win at poker or create content to pay bills.

Slept pretty good, being watched over by the surreal descent into madness that is whatever it is that’s going on in the mural behind me. Walked the six or seven blocks to Denny’s for breakfast.

() It was $31. Then made my way over to the WSOP, and registered for the Monster Stack. This could get pretty big, so let’s make it a long day today!

Time for the Monster Stack!

() Despite the amazing structure, I managed to bust this event on Day 1 each of the last two years. I feel like my game is in a better place now, so hopefully this year will be different. 50k starting stack, 1-hour levels, let’s gooooo!

Good luck TJ! Go get em and don't worry about putting in HH as they will distract you - just wait until breaks and dinners to update us - the virtual rail will always be here!!!

It's cool that you met up with rppoker for what looks like a great meal. I think the room looks pretty cool. GL!

Following along, but don't worry about updating. Worry about winning!

What AzOther1 wrote. Go TJ and Moby!

First break, on 38k. It’s a pretty tough table to start, no obviously easy spots. The guy on my left has owned me a couple times. We have some action players late reg’ing, but they’ve gotten the best of me so far. Couple situations came up where I wish I had better reads. I 3bet AA in position, then get 4bet to 8500. I considered flatting the 4bet, and shoving over any flop, since I had position. But I elected to 5bet to 22k, knowing that no matter what, it couldn’t be a mistake. He folded to the 5bet. Then later, there’s a raise from the hijack, I call from button with K8s, two others come along and we see a flop of K-K-6 two hearts. The PFR continues, I raise from the button… then the BB cold flats both, and the PFR shoves. It sucks, but I think he’s telling me I’m beat, so I folded. I also made two river calls that should have been folds, when I was still feeling this table out. Gonna apply what I’ve learned, and keep battling.

Second break, on 80k. It’s been a grind, I’ve been playing tight. Until the last hand of the level. A new late reg opens to 1k from UTG, I call from +1 with A4s. Folds to SB, who is a bad, tilting player, and he shoves for almost 22k. UTG folds. I think he’s doing this with rags, so I call, and I was right… as he had J6s. I was ready to dropkick puppies when he flops top two, but I backdoored the spades to win. Good process, good result. I’ll take it. Only two players have busted in the first four levels, but people are late reg’ing like crazy. I think I have a better feel for my opponents, now that I’ve observed them for a while.

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319701#post59319701)

I was ready to dropkick puppies when he flops top two

I laughed out loud. Very loudly.

Go get 'em! That event sounds awesome and I should have scheduled to try and get it in. Maybe next year. Win this thing and the pressure is off the rest of the trip 😀

I was ready to dropkick puppies when he flops top two

NOT THE PUPPIESSSSSSSSSSSSS

Bust. I had a huge decision to make, trusted my instincts, and apparently made the wrong choice. I open JhTh to 2k from MP1, two calls behind me. It comes Td-7h-2h. First to act with top pair and a flush draw, I continue for 3700. One opponent calls. Turn picks me up a gutshot, the 9d. I’ve got to have a ton of equity against anything, and I have the initiative. I go to 6k, he calls again. River is the 8h, making my J-high flush, and just missing the straight flush. The sizing was awkward, as I have 43k back. I decide on 23k. He thinks a bit, sighs, and moves all in. I’m haaaaating life. Plus the sigh shove. I tank almost two full minutes, fold, and show. He doesn’t show, and doesn’t say if it was right. I made a read, thought I was right. I guess I’m at peace with my decision. I get knocked out an orbit later. Got it all in and ahead pre, but it was your standard garden variety tournament knockout story, AQo < KJs. As I was leaving, the other guy told me the jack high flush was good. I guess I play too much PLO, and was seeing monsters under the bed. Still, it’s just bad process to bet 23k on the river, and fold to the shove for 20k more. So it goes. I’m gonna play more cash PLO tonight as long as I feel good, then fire flight D tomorrow.

I get it. Sigh-shove with no fold equity on the river very much looks like a bigger flush. The "awww shucks, I guess I go all-in" is very nutted in my experience, particularly from a certain type of middle aged nit. Beware the "woe is me" speech and posturing followed by a jam. In general I think your radar was right in that respect. I made a hero fold on the local circuit last year with 7d6d on something like 8646 after raising two limps, c-betting flop, and c-betting turn. Limper jammed for not much more. I felt he was repping A6 or a boat by jamming that turn when I'd shown massive strength by betting on every possible street. I made what I thought was a heroic laydown. He showed me TT and told me he thought I had AK. Yikes. In hindsight, I still like the fold 200BB deep or in level one of the WSOP Main. However, he didn't have very many chips behind. It's a spot where I just needed to pay off. If he had A6 or a boat, oh well. It's a cooler. Maybe your spot was an obligate payoff with just ~20k behind, but I also understand thinking you can't possibly be good there. I would guess he had some type of spewy, trappy overpair like QQ or maybe a crazy bluff with some type of blocker like the Ah. Either way, it is not a spot I would be eager to encounter. He really didn't have enough chips to run that bluff, and he bluffed anyway.

tough spot tj curious in the moment if your equity equation to call or fold included the viability of your short stack after folding

I would think he had it and is being a dick to you. Move on Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am reluctant to offer analysis to a much better player than I am, but doesn't villain only have to be bluffing/losing to you a pretty small percentage of the time for your smallish remaining chips to make a +EV call?

I would think he had it and is being a dick to you. Move on

This is entirely possible, he seemed dickish. tough spot tj curious in the moment if your equity equation to call or fold included the viability of your short stack after folding

That did play a role. I still had almost 25 bb after folding, which isn’t great, but I’m not scared to play at that depth. It really is a fantastic structure, you can come back from a lot. Late reg is open until the first level of Day 2. And I did find the right spot to get it in… just couldn’t win the 60/40. These things happen. but doesn't villain only have to be bluffing/losing to you a pretty small percentage of the time for your smallish remaining chips to make a +EV call?

Yes, you’re absolutely right about that. It was bad process due to awkward sizing. I bet the 23k on the river, to get value from straights, or whatever. But when he shoved, that’s when I made the read that I was beat. Whether that was right or wrong, ah well who knows. I’m proud I’m a player that’s capable of making and acting on a read like that. Tomorrow’s a new day, and I can start completely fresh.

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319936#post59319936)

This is entirely possible, he seemed dickish.

A Vegas poker player seeming dickish? In my experience they are all the salt of the earth! Erring on the side of caution with a still playable stack is never wrong in my book.

by feel wrath m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319821#post59319821)

I would think he had it and is being a dick to you. Move on Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1,000% this. I don't believe anyone when they talk about their holdings. Cards speak, People lie.

The PLO session was annoying, -1k. I bought in for the 1k cap, and got a full double on the second hand. It was a great, splashy game. Then a little later, I got involved in a 4way preflop all in with AKJT and one suit. Nobody had AAxx, so I guess I had enough equity there to make it okay, but I didn’t win. About a 2k pot. Played a while longer, then I think I steadily lost focus. I make a set of 6’s in position on a two heart board in a raised pot, and go bombs away on the flop over the cbet. The turn is the K of hearts, and he checked. I checked back, and then the river is the 4th heart, an ace… and he open ripped. I remember thinking at the time that since the K and the A of flushes came on the turn and river, that should discount the possibility of a flush draw. Plus, I checked back the turn on the very loud flush card that came. I must have looked scared of it. I talked myself into a call, but it really should have been a fold. He did have the massive 9-high flush, and I guess he checked the turn to me because he made it, but it wasn’t the nuts. Bad payoff by me. So I didn’t go deeper, despite it being a pretty good game. I was done with poker for the day. I’m watching the rest of this basketball game now, then I’ll get to bed at a reasonable hour to fire Flight D tomorrow.

Slept great, walked to IHOP for breakfast. Got the breakfast sampler, with New York Cheesecake pancakes, a vanilla iced coffee, and orange juice.

() It was $35, filled me up right. Next stop, Horseshoe!

Ready to fire Flight D.

() My table is right under the air conditioning vent, and it’s already pretty cold in here. Hopefully that won’t make me too uncomfortable, because I’m ready to settle in for a long day. Let’s get it!

Wow. Just like that, I’m busted, in the second orbit of the first level. I had AA, my opponent had JJ, jack high flop. He checkraised the turn, and my Baluga Theorem warning lights were going off… but I continued anyway. The river paired the bottom card of the board, so I called the shove, thinking I’m beating all the two pair combos. Erg…. 10 million in the prize pool… Ok fk it I’m firing one more bullet.

this is going to be the special bullet

First break, this third bullet hasn’t fared much better, as I’m already in pushbotting territory, with 17k. The big hand was missing an 18 out combo draw in a 3bet pot. I had A5s, and bricked the draw against TT on 8s-6-4s-3. I guess I was fortunate not to go broke there. This is even a much better table. I have position on two players that are loose, passive, and bad. Not giving up and punting, though. I’m gonna find the right spot to get it in, and give it my best to spin it up.

Well, I found the right spot. I limp/jammed from UTG with just AA. Up against A4s, so it’s really hard to be a much bigger mathematical favorite in any preflop all in situation in hold’em. But he backdoored the flush. When you bust twice with aces, it’s just not your day. I’m not really tilted by that. I found the right spot, the results were always out of my control. Now, PLO.

Passed by Chris Moneymaker in the halls of Paris on the way to the cash room. Gave him a fist bump, told him I appreciate everything he’s done for poker. That was pretty cool.

That was nice of you to recognize Moneymaker. Too bad to hear about the last bust. Can't get it in a whole lot better.

PLO will be better. Much better.

rough duo of deuling paired aces robusto stories resist the urge

by prairiebreeze m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59320519#post59320519)

PLO will be better. Much better.

It started out bad, but thankfully turned back around, eventually. Bought in for 1k, and steadily lost some more. AND managed to lose with AAxx. I’d pot it preflop, the flop would come raggedy queen high, I’d continue, and get check/shoved on by a set of queens. That happened twice, the recipient was the same guy. Fortunately I didn’t stack off with either of them. In for 2k from topping up, which was my stop loss. Then, sure enough, I pick up AA94 with no suits, which, to be clear, is not an exceptionally great hand. But due to my relative position, I could limp/reraise a committing amount preflop. Got it in three ways, and it FINALLY held up. Back to about even. That big pot loosened the table up. I potted after several limpers with AKJT and one suit… which apparently jiggled the r*tard switch of one guy, who gets almost 1k in preflop vs me with rags, and I won. Made for a moderately impressive chip castle, even though most of this was mine already:

() +875 on the session, which felt good to be back from the brink. Gonna grab a bite, then reevaluate for a nightcap session.

“Jiggled the r*tard switch” is damn gold. Adding that to my vernacular stat.

It’s a great expression, though somewhat problematic, because some find that term very offensive. But it’s so perfectly descriptive of when that happens at a poker table.

I went to Guy Fieri’s Flavortown to grab a bite. I forget who it was, but somebody’s trip report once featured a scathing review of the service they received here. I haven’t yet had an AWFUL experience… I just really like their brisket mac n cheese.

() Definitely pricier than it should be, though, like most of Las Vegas these days. Plus two ($18) Guinness tall boys, it came to $70. I feel full, refreshed, and refocused. Back for more PLO.

The nightcap went well, +1k. The game broke, though, on account of a run of three absolute butchers of a dealer on three consecutive downs. I mean, I get it. The sheer size and scope of the WSOP means there will always be inexperienced dealers. But even given that, some dealers simply aren’t ready to control a game when they’re dealing cash PLO. So it pains me a little bit to get back to my Airbnb at sunset, on a Saturday night in Las Vegas. But I want to be fresh for the start of the tournament tomorrow, the $500 Freezeout. So that’s what I did.

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59320585#post59320585)

I went to Guy Fieri’s Flavortown to grab a bite. I forget who it was, but somebody’s trip report once featured a scathing review of the service they received here.I haven’t yet had an AWFUL experience… I just really like their brisket mac n cheese. Definitely pricier than it should be, though, like most of Las Vegas these days. Plus two ($18) Guinness tall boys, it came to $... See full post

Looks delish and that is a delicious and filling combo alongside the Guinness. Not sure I would be refreshed nor focused after that tho [emoji1787] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319270#post59319270)

Next, I made a quick pit stop at Walgreens to stock up, picked up my bags from Venetian, and I checked into my Airbnb.It’s a little 1 bedroom studio condo in the Arts District. Same complex I stayed in last year, different unit. Very loud decor, but the room itself is perfectly suited to my needs. There’s several walkable restaurants nearby, AND laundry available. Not bad, ... See full post

Sick mural. It perfectly encapsulates the chaos and strangeness that Vegas (and especially the WSOP) are. Great call staying in the arts district. Great local food options. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319781#post59319781)

Bust.I had a huge decision to make, trusted my instincts, and apparently made the wrong choice.I open JhTh to 2k from MP1, two calls behind me. It comes Td-7h-2h. First to act with top pair and a flush draw, I continue for 3700. One opponent calls.Turn picks me up a gutshot, the 9d. I’ve got to have a ton of equity against anything, and I have the initiative. I go to 6k, h... See full post

There are probably others more fundamentally sound than me who may disagree, but IMO, I would have gone bigger on the turn with 12K (2/3 to 3/4 Pot) with intention to call off a jam on the turn, and if not, to set us up to jam the river ourselves for like 36K into what would then be a pot of I believe about 40K (like you leave yourself almost a pot size bet). IMO, this is better for many reasons including polarizing our range a bit more on the river and of course it protects us from exactly what happens here, where we get shoved on in a spot where it appears we can almost never be good, and where we are left with some fold equity - maybe in the end if we play it this way sure he calls and shows us the bad news, but he also could "sigh call" with something like QJ. KQdd AQx etc.

Seems as if it just takes a little while for Moby to get his arms around others' chips. Now it's going!

by PardoG m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59320788#post59320788)

There are probably others more fundamentally sound than me who may disagree, but IMO, I would have gone bigger on the turn with 12K (2/3 to 3/4 Pot) with intention to call off a jam on the turn, and if not, to set us up to jam the river ourselves for like 36K into what would then be a pot of I believe about 40K (like you leave yourself almost a pot size bet). IMO, this is bette... See full post

Yeah. In retrospect I really wish I had sized up on the turn, then shoved river. If I was beat, I could have lived with that.

Seated for the $500 Freezeout! Only one bullet for this one (obviously).

() Different red chips for this event. Hope they run better! 25k starting stack, let’s goooooooo!

I’m on my way over to late reg right after the first break - save some chips for me - hoping for a long day ahead of us!

First break, on 13.8k from the 25k starting stack. That actually represents an improvement from how low it got. Two interesting hands I wanna write up. At 100/100, fresh off the start, everyone’s completely unknown and all at a starting stack. Folds to me in the button with AKo, I raise to 400, bb calls. It comes A-6-2 with two diamonds, I have none. He checks, I go 700, he raises to 2600. Hmmmm. I guess I call. Turn is an offsuit jack, and he checks again. I think I’m generally ahead, but I don’t wanna fall for the dreaded double checkraise, so I check back. River is an offsuit 7, now he leads for a meager 700. Now I think he’s just clicking buttons, so I raise to 4700. He calls fairly quickly, with A6s, for a flopped two pair. I guess that river is a flat, but I’m a big believer in going for thin value at all times. The next hand of consequence, there’s an EP open for 700, two calls, and I have Kh9h in the CO. Considered squeezing, and in retrospect I kinda wish I did, but I call, and 5 of us see a K-Q-4 two spade flop. The PFR checks, the hijack leads out 1200. I have position, and I want to thin the field, so I go to 3800. Everyone else folds, he calls. The turn is another K, and he checks. I had planned to check back most turns, and play for showdown, but on THAT turn, and with so many draws, I think I need to charge. I go 6100, he calls. River is the third spade 3, and he snap ships into me. Hate hate hate that… but a pretty straightforward read for me, and I fold. He said later he had it, so good decision to barrel the turn, and good lay down by me. I was pretty card dead the next two levels, but I got a key double to get off life support by winning my first flip, 88 > AKo. Now I’m only another double away from a starting stack, so I’m gonna keep picking my spots.

Second break, it was a good 4 levels for me, and I’m sitting on about 55k now. I picked off a bluff in a multiway spot, with very wide ranges. I rivered the 2nd pair, probably wouldn’t have called if I just had the one pair. Then an unknown player limps, I isolate to 2.2k with 8d7d, SB and limper call. We see an above average flop of 8-8-5 rainbow, and I downbet to 2k. They both call. Turn is an ace, that puts two spades out. I shove when checked to, SB calls with AQo, and I fade the river 2-outer. I’ve been playing really tight, while captaining a short stack, but feeling really engaged, and observing the table. I have a better idea of who has wide ranges, and who’s playing snug. And I got to say hi to Daniel Negreanu, so that was cool. Feeling good, ready to get back at it!

DNegs still slumming it up in the 500? The 10K DC looks like all killers.

by prairiebreeze m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59321266#post59321266)

DNegs still slumming it up in the 500? The 10K DC looks like all killers.

I guess he just does it for love of the game!

Third break, went in the wrong direction at 29k. A shortstack shoves less than 5 bb, and I have A6o in the big blind. I call, he has AKo, and I don’t improve. Still seems like a straightforward call. Other than that, a few of my opens have been 3bet, and I’ve had to fold. Don’t think I showed anything down in the last two levels. Closing registration after this break. Interested to see what the prize pool gets up to. 4 more levels, then dinner.

remind me the last time you paused to catch a couple of purposeful deep breaths? there are ways you can adjust speed on the tournament conveyor belt

Busto, about 25 minutes before dinner break. I won another flip, with 44 against AQo from the CO, vs a hijack open, that got me into a workable stack range. Then an orbit later, EP opens to 6k, folds to the SB who 3bets to 22k, and I have AKo. I get about 75k in, SB calls with QQ, and I lose that flip. Win one flip, lose one flip vs the same guy. I guess that’s how flips work. Thought I played well today. Don’t regret any of my decisions. It could have all been over from my first flip for my tournament life way back in level 3. Grabbing a bite in the food court with rppoker now.

GG TJ! Good start, more big things coming!

Had dinner with rppoker in the Horseshoe food court. I didn’t eat breakfast today before playing, so I was pretty hungry. I had a chili cheese dog, AND a cheesesteak, and fries.

() Plus a starry, it was $46. I felt funny and slowed my pace towards the end, but I DID finish it all. Guess I was hungrier than I thought.

After that, I headed back to the Paris cash room to play more PLO. Unfortunately, I didn’t play very well, nor run well. I got a guy’s stack in on the turn with him drawing to just four outs, but he spiked it on me. Went through a pretty cold stretch of unplayable hands after that, or, missing when I DID play. I wasn’t focused, and checking up with browsing on my phone, while the table was mostly silent, and not very interactive. Then I got my stack in bad, in a spot that was not fundamentally sound. I flopped trips, but was already drawing dead when he check/raised me on the flip. I paid off on the turn when I improved to a 2nd place full house, and got the rest of it in drawing completely dead. That’s not where you want to be. After that, I said out loud that I’m playing bad, so I picked up the rest of it, instead of busting it, and called it a night, -940. There’s a $600 NLH/PLO event tomorrow I’m gonna try. Seems like an intriguing format, so we’ll see!

Slept pretty good, woke up, had my caffeine. Didn’t feel like walking to sit down for breakfast, but I didn’t want to skip breakfast entirely like I did yesterday. I just grabbed a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant from the little cafe Nosh outside the Normandy ballroom.

() Definitely better than a drive through breakfast sandwich. Plus a large coffee, it was $29. Now I’m seated for the $600 NLH/PLO event!

() 30k starting chips. Omaha is a format that lends itself towards big, sometimes multiway, stack confrontations. If it’s the right format, I could easily dust off a huge stack if I don’t run well in the right spot. So I could play fine, well even, and still have a very early day. Up to two re-entries for this event. But for a Monday, I don’t know how big the prize pool will get for this event. We’ll see how it goes, and evaluate. But first, let’s give this first bullet our best shot!

Good luck!

Run well!

First break, on 41k. I was playing looser than usual early, and establishing a LAGgy image, winning several small pots early. The exception was one guy who’d swoop in and take a red chip from me, in the hold’em rounds. I made a bad river payoff in NLH that I shouldn’t have. I hate it when I make river calls for fat value. I’m not tilted by it, but it makes me feel like my reads and my instincts aren’t keenly sharp. Then I open AKo to 1k in 200/300, and a recreational player makes a very unbalanced 3bet, to 6k. I call, and make the plan to stack off if I hit an ace or a king, but it comes J-5-3, and I fold to his open shove. Two red chips down. Tightened up, then in level 4 I made my score. I check/shoved middle set in a multiway PLO spot, and got it in three ways vs AAxx and a wrap, and filled up on the river. Right back in this thing, feeling good! This is definitely a fun tournament format, suited to my strengths. We lost two players in the first 4 levels. I think the pace of knockouts will be faster than a usual, more tight/passive hold’em only format. Hope I can continue to run well in the big ones!

Spin it!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

GL today!

spin it!!

Moby wants Mo' Chips and Mo' Money! Play well and earn the respect of Moby!

Busted in level 8. In hold’em I defended a 3bet in position and flopped a K-high flush draw with two overcards. I elected to play it passively, call/call/folding when it missed. Pretty sure I would have gotten it all if it had hit. I took my stand in PLO, somehow managing to miss 17 outs twice in a 3way all in. I had JJTx with spades on a K-9-7 two spade flop. I was up against just Kx, and just AAxx, but the aces backdoored a flush. Ah well. It was a fun tournament, I’d definitely play another one with this format. Not gonna fire another bullet, though. It’s already at 500/1k, and another bullet for just 30 bigs doesn’t seem like a good value proposition, for a Monday prize pool that would be nice, but won’t get massive. Still feeling good, let’s try some cash games now.

Definitely better than a drive through breakfast sandwich.

Plus a large coffee, it was $29.

This made my brain hurt. You are gonna have to cash something soon if you want to continue eating. 🙂

First cash PLO session of the day is a modest winner, +690. Got very unlucky in a bomb pot that could have been huge. I had KQJ9, the top was J-9-2, the bottom was K-T-4, and I’m facing a lot lead and a call once it gets to me. I have EVERYTHING working, so I pot to commit stacks. A shortstack calls all in for less, and a guy the covers me calls. Catch nut/nut on the turns, J-9-2-T, and K-T-4-A, and I’m dreaming of Vegas and the ****in Mirage as I shove the rest, and get called. That frown turns back upside down on the rivers, J-9-2-T-J, and K-T-4-A-Q. Still, 2nd nut boat up top, and the broadway 1-liner on the bottom. My opponent rolls over just KJTx… for the NUT boat on top, same straight on bottom. So I go from nut/nut to getting quartered for my stack. About a 3k pot. Bomb pots, man. Stayed disciplined, topped off, and made a score check/shoving AKJ4 and a nut spade draw on A-K-Q two spades. My opponent had AQ and worse spades, and I held. I’m developing into a nice routine here in Vegas. Play the tournament, play some cash games, keep it under 4 hours, get something to eat, play more cash games, then get to bed at a reasonable hour for tomorrow. Decidedly NOT nice that I keep busting tournaments early. But it is nice that I’m doing a much better job pacing myself, and staying fresh, than I have on past Vegas trips.

by CowboyCold m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59322027#post59322027)

This made my brain hurt. You are gonna have to cash something soon if you want to continue eating. 🙂

Yeah, it is what it is, in this town. If I were really motivated, I could work harder to get my food spend down. I could pack sandwiches, or try to eat off strip more. It’s definitely not like I’m independently wealthy. But I treat this like vacation, and the expenses all go in concert with the poker expenses. This town definitely gives you a sense like money isn’t real. I dutifully list these positively usurious prices, to help other readers that are between Vegas trips make their plans.

I wanted to watch some of the basketball game, so I went back to Guy Fieri’s Flavortown. It’s like a lot of good sports taverns, except everything costs 50-60%+ what you’d expect for sports bar food. Started with the flautas:

() The avocado cream sauce was tastier than the chipotle ranch. Then I had the chicken sandwich, which had bacon, and mac n cheese.

() It was $51, which I was able to cover $37 of with my comp balance. Ready for round 2!

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59322041#post59322041)

Yeah, it is what it is, in this town.If I were really motivated, I could work harder to get my food spend down. I could pack sandwiches, or try to eat off strip more. It’s definitely not like I’m independently wealthy.But I treat this like vacation, and the expenses all go in concert with the poker expenses.This town definitely gives you a sense like money isn’t real.I dutifu... See full post

I’m different to lost in that I made a move to eat a lot less per day in my normal line, so perhaps it’s easier for me but my approach is to have one indulgent meal per day in Vegas and then make do with the rest…typically I buy a salad and then some deli meat and nuts from Wahlgreens for a meal while I’m playing and then something like an apple and a protein bar and nuts for snacking Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59322078#post59322078)

I wanted to watch some of the basketball game, so I went back to Guy Fieri’s Flavortown. It’s like a lot of good sports taverns, except everything costs 50-60%+ what you’d expect for sports bar food.Started with the flautas: The avocado cream sauce was tastier than the chipotle ranch.Then I had the chicken sandwich, which had bacon, and mac n cheese. It was $51, which I was ... See full post

How the heck did I just miss you? I’m sitting in flavortown right now.

by prairiebreeze m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59322150#post59322150)

How the heck did I just miss you? I’m sitting in flavortown right now.

Must have just missed you! I headed back to the cash room at halftime of the basketball game. Text me next time! I’m developing into a nice routine here in Vegas. Play the tournament, play some cash games, keep it under 4 hours, get something to eat, play more cash games, then get to bed at a reasonable hour for tomorrow. Decidedly NOT nice that I keep busting tournaments early. But it is nice that I’m doing a much better job pacing myself, and staying fresh, than I have on past Vegas trips.

Naturally, after that inspiring missive about how I’m finding much better balance in Las Vegas, I played too long and lost in the nightcap, -1110. Didn’t play terribly, but didn’t run great. Played two all in pots as a slight but real favorite, lost both. Seemed like everyone at the table would win the big ones but me. I’d double up the action players, then watch helplessly as they blasted off to everybody else. I’ve been playing poker so long, I don’t really get “hot” tilt… seeing red with the enraged loss of emotional control from a big suck out. But I’m decinitely susceptible to “cold” tilt, where my focus wanes after long hours, I get impatient, and don’t play my best. Thankfully, I was able to recognize the signs, and picked up before I impatiently got the rest in way too light, chasing even. That’s a win, not busting it when I feel like I’m not on my A+ game. Next on the schedule is a $300 multiflight NLH event at South Point tomorrow morning. It’ll be good to get back into that price point. I think my edge as a tourney player is biggest in those massive field, low buyin player pools. Plus, I’ve never been to South Point. It’ll be good to mix up venues, and add a new chip to the collection.

Slept later than I meant to, so we’re calling an audible for the day. I looked on the schedule, and saw there’s an $800 NLH event at Aria. Make my way over there, and find out I looked at the schedule wrong. The NLH event is tomorrow. Today is an $1100 PLO event. Well, I came over here to play cash PLO if the tourney was a bust, anyway. That’s a bigger buyin than I wanted to play today, but as Worm once said, “Well. We’re HERE.”

() 30k starting stack, let’s goooooo!!

Good luck!

Bust in level 4. It actually started pretty good. I open 9876 with one suit, and defend vs a SB 3bet. It comes T-8-5 rainbow, and he pots again to be committed. I go with it, he has AAKK and no suits, and I catch a 4 on the turn to have him drawing dead. Over double a starting stack. Unfortunately I ran into a nasty cooler about an hour later. Flopped top boat loses to flopped quads, just about the toughest beat there is in this game. Can’t do much about that. I get a quick double the next hand, flopping another boat, to get off life support, and back to about half a starting stack. But then I got my stack in pretty bad, with top two and a gutshot nearly dead against top set. On the list for cash PLO, but first I went upstairs to grab a bite.

My favorite meal in the Aria food hall is the chicken parm sandwich from Parm.

() Plus mozzarella sticks and a strawberry cream soda, it was $41. I feel better after eating. Ready to shake off the runbad, and play a focused, and fully engaged cash session.

That food looks amazing

() Moby’s ready to grab some chips!

Better day at the cash tables. Turned that^^ into this:

() +1710, and feeling much better about my day today. And I got to say hi to BigWhale! Watching the hockey game at the Moneyline sports bar. Played almost 6 hours, so not feeling a nightcap poker session tonight. Gonna get to bed early, and get my mind right for the Colossus tomorrow.

👍

Nice cash score. I'll look for you tomorrow at the Colossus

Nice work! GL tomorrow!

Does anyone ever ask you about Moby? I would make up a sick origin story for him. i.e., How you were stranded out at sea; he came along and saved your life. His only request then was to accompany you on your poker travels. I've had non-poker players suggest I take a chess piece and put it on top of my chips. I tell them that I'd rather not let the entire table know that "I think before I act". 10+ years ago I did see someone with a chess knight on top of their chips at a 1/2 NL Table when I walked through the Borgata poker room.

Did I dream something about a new species of tiny blue octopus discovered? Maybe around Galapagos? Seriously, maybe? I usually just skim headlines, so it feels very vague...

Nice session, and good luck in the Colossus!

by All-inMcLovin m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59322939#post59322939)

Does anyone ever ask you about Moby? I would make up a sick origin story for him. i.e., How you were stranded out at sea; he came along and saved your life. His only request then was to accompany you on your poker travels. I've had non-poker players suggest I take a chess piece and put it on top of my chips. I tell them that I'd rather not let the entire table know that "I thi... See full post

My favourite card protector story was shared in my TR a couple years ago. Imagine this, it’s 4 am. Everyone is either tired or getting a bit sober at the Bellagio. This guy sits down. Doesn’t say a word. Then few minutes later he goes: do you guys mind if I whip my cock out? Everyone goes even more silent until:

( obv started laughing like crazy

My buddy got 14th in that PLO event yesterday.

by TJ Eckleburg12 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59319589#post59319589)

First break, on 38k. It’s a pretty tough table to start, no obviously easy spots. The guy on my left has owned me a couple times. We have some action players late reg’ing, but they’ve gotten the best of me so far.Couple situations came up where I wish I had better reads. I 3bet AA in position, then get 4bet to 8500. I considered flatting the 4bet, and sho... See full post

Yeah I feel like 5 betting always tells your opponent that you have AA. Is it more risky to call? Yes. But I think long term way more chips gained

Got a shave and a good breakfast, and made my way to the Horseshoe. Already busted my first bullet in the colossus, AK < AA on K-4-2.

() Bullet number 2 on a fresh new table, let’s go!

First break, right on schedule, with 84k from the 50k starting stack. The big hand was opening QTs from the button, and getting called by a sticky, positionally unaware player in the big blind. I flopped a flush draw and two overcards, then he donks out 1k. I raise to 4k, he calls. Turn is an offsuit undercard, and he leads another 5k. I just call this time, and catch the deuce of flush on the river. He goes 5k, I raise to 25k, and he pays off. Got a dream table to start. I’d classify everyone I’ve seen as a losing 1/3 player. Now I just need to wait patiently to make some hands.

Hope you're at a nine-handed table, so each of Moby's arms can be put to use gathering in opponents' chips.

Good start gogogogo