Hi all -

I played yesterday in the $300 multi-rebuy tournament at the Bike (Legends). I got pretty deep and thought I played well until the very end, where I think I made a series of mistakes that cost me a much higher placement. First place in this event was about $110k; I finished 11th for about $3700.

Disclaimer: While I work for PokerStars (as some of you know), this post has nothing to do with the company.

I discussed these situations with Greg Raymer, who gave me some opinions; he suggested that I post this here for more input. Here are the situations - fire at will.

Situation 1: 13 players left, 7 at my table. Blinds are 800-1600 with 300
ante. I have 21k before the hand starts. I raise to 6k with A8s. Guy I
haven't played with much, but gives me the impression of being a tight
conservative player, thinks for a long time and moves in (has me
covered). Do I call? Should I have moved in rather than raising? [I
folded, and we didn't see the hand.)

Situation 2: 11 players left, 6 at my table. I am UTG with 8.5k; blinds
are 1k-2k with 500 ante, but there is only about 2:00 on the clock, so I
will probably have to take a 2k big AND a 2k small plus antes. Do I move
in with anything here? My thinking is that I still have enough chips to
make someone think twice about calling, and otherwise I have to go with 1-
2 random hands in the blinds. (I have J6o and fold.)

Situation 3: next hand. I take 2k BB, leaving me with 6k after ante. UTG
pretty solid player raises, everyone folds. I have 63o and am struggling
to figure out if I am compelled to call; next hand HAS to be better than
this one, but chances are good that my two cards are live. (I fold.)

The last one isn't a decision; just thought I would add how it
turned out. I now have 3.5k left after posting SB (blinds have gone up)
and ante, so am compelled to call any raise. Cutoff raises, and I call
blind. I am delighted to see him turn over 67s (and what was he thinking
in this spot, KNOWING that I have to call - good player who apparently had
a mental lapse). Unfortunately, I turn over my hand, and have 64o [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
Flop holds some hope - Q57, making me open-ended - but 2 comes on turn,
and then disgusting 6 on river - we both pair, but his 7 plays.

Looking forward to hearing all comments, good, bad or otherwise.

...dan