[Danny H.]

Well first I’d say you got the wrong idea in the tournament by playing conservative in the first few levels. Usually I see a lot of flops early b/c like you said, why risk chips to steal pots. So, most people won’t try to steal pots and you can see cheap flops with suited low cards or stuff like 7 5. If you hit, you could take a lot of chips away from people but if you don’t then you don’t lose much. That’s my strategy and helps my table image as a loose player so later on when the blinds do go up, I usually get action and win back whatever I lost if anything.

Hand 1: if you’re playing against loose players, I usually play tight and take free cards. I do this because I naturally assume they are better loose players than I am, if I play a tight person I play looser because again they are better loose players. I’d take a free card and let them dig their own graves on the turn and river with their betting because you know they are itching to bluff at the pot. Although I don’t think you were wrong here in trying to steal the pot…just I wouldn’t. After you had no chance to fold because you had to assume that he was ahead because chances are he has your 10 high beat (even though he didn’t)

Hand 2: Nice hand…played well.

Hand 3: I would’ve bet on the turn. If he calls me there he might have a flush draw and he probably would raise if already had the str8 because he is so loose right? On the river it’s a big bet for him…nearly half his stack, if he calls you or raises he probably has you beat. I would’ve bet a little smaller and tried to get more money and have it serve as a feeler bet to see if you are ahead.

Hand 4: Difficult play but still I’d suggest letting them catch up to you. If you check and then call, people will probably think may be 10 3 or may be a smaller pocket pair. Raising it that much probably cost you some chips but then again better to win a small pot that lose a big one. I’d say you did alright in this hand.

Hand 5: Difficult decision here, this is where I say I would’ve called but if I was there I would’ve folded. The reason why I would say call but actually fold is because he is loose he could be bluffing. Also he could have a queen and put you on a king, but when the 2nd king fell on the river he could think you don’t have a king and were bluffing w/ ace jack suited or some pocket pair around 8s. Oh well, you were ahead in chips over most people so I can’t fault your play. You don’t need to risk those chips and risk ruining all your work with a marginal hand. I see both sides here and its one of those gut feeling things and where you just say good luck. That’s why the winners of poker get paid money…its not easy.

Hand 6: You did what you were supposed to do, put all your money in there with the best hand. Got outdrawn, bad break man…sorry, grab a beer and relax for a few and then get back on that horse. This is one of those hands that is the reason why you always see a percentage next to a guys name and not a check mark when he has aces. Sorry bad beat. Nothing you could do.

Hand 7: They say heads up an average hand is queen 7, obviously 9 4 isn’t the best and to make a move and I think you could’ve waited for an ace or king but hey you lucked out so I think that was a bad play that worked out.

Hand 8: Here I say it’s a really play and I can’t see how someone didn’t call you, I mean it’s obvious you are on tilt but hey its working so again nice job. Remember they say all-in works every time…every time but once.

Hand 9: With BB sneaking up on you and having an ace I thought you had to make that move. Good job and now you don’t have to push all-in with every hand…you can play poker.

Hand 10: I think you made the right move here…he knew he would have to bet to win the pot and good job with winning the pot. If he had a 10 or a 5 he would’ve bet on the flop trying to get some money from the short stack. After you already have a quarter of your chips in the pot. A few value bets here would make you pot committed, him not better and having more chips makes this a hard but correct move. Good job.

Hand 11: Lost a lot of chips for really no reason. Pocket 4s is nice hand but you’re probably not going to force the short stack out w/ a quarter of his chips in there. Probably too bold of a move for a small pair and a table you have no read on. Next time wait until you get a read on the table for bit. You are playing poker not cards, you’re playing people as well. It didn’t work out but you have chips at least to still play with.

Hand 12: Wow!! Tough break, I can’t believe he called a re-raise with just an open ended straight draw. Bad break but when he called on the flop, I’d wait to hit the hand before betting again. I could only call if I had trips or two pair or the nut flush. I’d say this was a mistake but you made a move and you’ll have to live with it. Not a bad move but I’d say hold back a bit. Hope these help. Good luck.