Event #1 - Day 2 and Beyond

So I started a little bit below average on day 2 of Event #1 here at the Aussie Millions in Melbourne, Australia.  The 1k NL Hold-em event had been whittled down from the 956 starters to 132.  81 players got paid, which is always the first order of business. 

I played very steady in the first 3 hours, not exposing myself without a hand, until the money bubble finally broke and we were down to 81.  Actually just slightly improving my position, chip wise, to sitting on just over 100k.  I was determined to stick to my patient course of action, hoping I would catch a good run of cards and flops, that would propel me into a good position on the final table.  The hands were very few and far between, however, and with the blinds at 5k-10k, my 100k stack was amongst the lowest of the 32 players remaining.  I was dealt AK and raised to 40k.  A player with about 500k in chips made it 100k to go and I decided to take a stand with only 6 big blinds left obviously.  I was up against JJ's, didn't improve my hand and calmly made my way to the payout and collect 5k for my two day effort.  It was a nice start to this major event, one of my favorites in the world.

I entered the following day in Event #2, which was a 1k Shoot-Out Event, where only 1 player from each table moves on.  You must win your table.  I ended up splitting a crucial pot where I had QQ's and was up against Ace-Duece - all-in Pre, and the board ran out 5 to a flush.  I followed that up by losing another all-in battle that went like this.  A "young gun," with an 80% VIP from back position, raised to 650.  I re-raised to 1750 with 3k behind.  He shoved, I called based again on hand frequency and player type.  He had KQ and I had A9.  Again, off to the races with me holding a 60-40% advantage.  My opponent made a pair of Kings and I made squat and was quickly out of Event #2.

In last nights 1k Super Satellite for a 10k seat into the main event, there were 125 runners, so they were paying 12 spots.  This time I got it in with AQ of clubs vs. A8, for in essence the seat.  My opponent made a pair of 8's and I was out in 14th place, 2 before the money.  This is not an easy business and I was obviously angry and disappointed in this result, having been so close.  I think of the comment from the movie Rounders - "Does he look like a man beaten by Jacks!"  Here I am, allowing myself to be beat by 88's.  Disgusting.  I can't allow myself to be defeated by someone making a pair, no matter how big of a favorite I am pre-flop.  Otherwise, I might as well play the lottery.

I'll take today off, take in some of the tennis at the Australian Open (one of the perks of being here) rest up and prepare myself to compete in the 1k 6 handed event tomorrow.  Stay tuned for updates here and on www.pokernews.com for all the poker news happening "down under."  You can also catch my radio show, "The Kenna James Hour," each Monday (7-8 pm Est.) on www.ontiltradio.com to hear me recap the action live.  Till then, play your cards right and I'll see you in the winners circle.

Enjoy the Journey,

Kenna