A Lesson Learned

A funny thing just happened in Camp Hold'em today. After reviewing Brunson's Super System's last night, I decided to take some of his words to an extreme. You see, for a few rounds now, I've been playing really solid poker - landing top 2 or 3 almost every single game. Although most of the games had noobs, I felt proud of the way I've been playing. I was patient, I did not call without an out, I played aggressive when I had the nuts. So when I read the Bible again, I realized I've been losing a lot of aggressiveness. I thought of the way I played the last few rounds, and it dawned on me I was making a lot of weak bets or even check-raising. As we all know, check-raising is a very weak move in poker. The Fisherman even commented on how tight I was playing - and I did not want to be known as a tight player. If Gus Hansen and Doyle Brunson were my idols, then how the hell can I be playing tight?! Something had to change.

So the opportunity arose when our friend Edu invited yours truly, Fisherman and No. 1 Rounder to his house for a few rounds of Hold'em. As soon as the first hand was dealt, my mindset was just to play uber aggressive. So I bet even when I just had the smallest possible out - third button, possible set, or drawing a straight or a flush. The first few rounds, I was stealing pots left and right - just the way Doyle would have done. I was an early chip leader. Then, in a twisted turn of events, I was involved in a hand against our friend Gatz, a new player. I had Ad-5h, and the flop came out 3d-9h-4h. Gatz checked, and I raised the pot. He called and 4th Street came out 2h. I had the straight, but I was surprised when Gatz raised the pot. I knew he was either drawing for the flush, or already had it. It was a tough decision for me, knowing if I gave in, he could do the same thing to me again later. I had to protect my new game. I called. The River came out 3h. I had the flush, but I knew Gatz had it too. I knew I was beat. He went All In. My stack was depleted, so I said what the hell. Protect the reputation at all costs. I called. He had Kh-Qh. Good game?

So here I am, thinking of what had just happened. My aggressive play was there, but I was reckless. I think I'm on my way to winning the next few games if I played with not only the same aggressiveness, but also the same solidness I've shown the past few games. I'll update you in a bit. Rounder is going Heads-Up with Gatz. Let's see if Rounder can represent the Camp and take Gatz out.