June 13th @ Las Vegas

Out of discretion, we don’t usually publish what we win in cash games in poker, but today is really special, so for those who live Vegas style through Columbo’s adventures, I will make an exception to the rule...

I had promised myself 24h rest without playing, but resisting the temptation to play was very hard, I could almost qualify it as “bearly tolerable”. So I started off by simply going to see Gus Hansen play, through the windows in the Bellagio’s “High Stakes” hall, of course prohibiting myself from entering. But resisiting any longer the urge to touch my first cards in Vegas was no longer possible, so I went on to ask a seat at the medium/low table, somewhat playing it safe.

I felt young, taking in the intense pleasure of “my first”, and not just any maiden experience: my first poker in Vegas! I played with extreme caution and did so wisely, as my game was not riding high. That said, I would rather much see the perfect hands on my side at the actual world championship!

June 14th update

After a full hour without a good hand, I get a Pocket Queens (QQ) versus an “American Airliner” (AA). Luckily for me, my opponent tried to pull such a big trick on me that I lost close to nothing, forseeing his play by far. Experience is far from just a mere concept. If this had happened a year ago, it would have certainly cost me my stack.

In any case, the most important thing is that I had two hours of good fun, a good bluff, two pairs and that was more then enough. I went on to win my first game in Vegas, though not enough to pay for the travel expenses (as that is already taken care of), but the $750 are much appreciated.

It is now 2 in the morning, I’m going to get 8 hours sleep to recover from the jet lag, and tomorrow starts my WSOP at noon at the RIO, another first experience. I will of course keep you all informed of my progress.