My Degree Experience

alster10 · May 06,2006, 12:04 AM

I made the trek to Fallsview and found the Avalon ballroom. I was impressed with their organization of the event and how quickly I was able to get registered. Once the tournament started, I was surprised by the commentary of the roaming announcer. Apparently Table 19 is a table that doesn't break only new players come to this table, you never leave. I like this comment the floor announcer gave about our table..."the next table you sit at will be with food in front of you"

I won't give hand by hand highlights and I am sure you know the blinds move up fast so you need to move fast and put your money in when you chips are running low. So here are the highlights:

1. I got AA the 5th hand with blinds 25-50, raised to 200, got a caller who was loose, flop came J66..I bet out and was first to act, he folded...not much but I'll take it, hoping had a hand like QJ or KJ and would call...guess not.

2. Pick up JJ...same thing like the AA hand...raised to 300 with blinds 50-100...bet the flop which was mostly junk but had a Q, buddy folded, took another pot

3. The deck turned completely cold until the break...I had no chance to steal or an even marginal hand to move all in..I had about 1300 before the break.

4. First hand after the break with blinds 400-800, I was in the small blind, 1 spot after under the gun calls, all fold to me, I move in without looking. BB folds..nice, just me and the early limper, he calls with KJ, I flip up 45 off...I river a wheel, but was ahead on the turn when I hit a 5. He questioned me why I move in with that hand...I said I have to, didn't really appreciate my justification or didn't understand...then tells me to keep chip denominations together when I am trying to count my chips...got on my nerves just a bit.

5. Blinds move to 500-1000, I get K9 under the gun and move all in with 3500 get another all in for the same amount as me - A10off and another dude on the button who is a chip leader - pocket 7s. 7s hold up and send me to the gift bag area.

I really don't regret any plays I made but it would be nice with more chips and slower blind levels but can't complain only cost me some gas money and a day off work, but even if I did make it to round 2 I would have to endure the same tournament structure again and that would be tough. If I make again for 2007, I would definitely go. Good luck to all other forum members too.

meltedmark · May 06,2006, 07:23 AM

I agree with your statement, I would do it again in 2007. Why not? Just the experience itself was worth it.
Funny that you ran in to question guy at your table, and I'm sure now you could have come up with some kind of comeback to him.
The Fallsview is a pretty nice place eh..
What did you think of the people around you? All walks of life I thought to myself personally.
well best to yous

alster10 · May 06,2006, 10:31 AM

Most of them were better than I expected...I found a lot of string bets from people...besides that guy who was questioning my play, most people were courteous. I just wish I could make it to the playoff round. That tournament structure is alot better.

C'est la vie!