11th out of 135– a chance to play a WPT

ThePokerCamp · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2004, 12:19 PM

I played in a satellite at Bay 101 for a chance to play in the WPT that was part of the shooting stars tournament earlier this year. 1st and 2nd were paid $5,500 including a seat in the WPT that was taped the next day.

Here's my question:
I played a bit conservative untill we got down to two tables. At this point I started pushing pots, stealing blinds but by the time we were down to 15 players I was short chip on the table. A friend and dealer at the casino told me later I should have taken more chances when we were down to 30-20 players. He indicated that I needed more chips by the time we were down to 2 tables and that was my mistake. Now, I trust his opinion because I've seen him get to the final table a few times. I think I did pretty good getting 11th out of 135 players. Although I can't but wonder what would have happened if I had a bigger chip lead when we were down to two tables.

Opinions appreciated.

Irexes · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2004, 01:54 PM

I suggest attending some form of seminar or camp about poker.

bonchkid · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2004, 02:19 PM

I don't know if that was a joke, or a cheap chacne at adversting but it made me laugh

Shade · #4 (**permalink**) 12-12-2004, 02:19 PM

To give the immortal answer...it depends.

Were the top 2 places ALL that were paid or was there more payout than just the top two spots. If it was just the top two, then, yes, you're justified in taking more risks to try and get to the top 2. If the payout's bigger, then you need to ask yourself what's more important, obtaining some sort of profit or playing for one of the top 2 seats.

I still wouldn't get too radical and wild in the latter case until the pay line had been reached unless circumstances warranted otherwise, but you'd generally be willing to entertain more risk if the reward was sufficient if you HAD to reach the top two before receiving anything than if the payout was expanded.

There really isn't a line in the sand though where, once across, you HAVE to take more chances and push things. If you feel comfortable playing in a short stack situation (some people do, some hate it like the plague) then don't panic...just realize one bad break of the cards or one misread and you're probably headed for the parking lot.

the alex · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2004, 09:55 AM

I agree with Shade. You do have to isolate situations to be conservative and situations to be aggressive. Step 1 is finding those spots. Step 2 is, of course, executing those moves. They are the difference between not cashing, but sticking around and cashing. With the right tables and situations and execution cashing for a lot.

I also agree with Bonch that this was a cheap advertising ploy.

ThePokerCamp · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2004, 11:22 PM

Well... it is a true story and I do welcome opinions. I've been playing for 18 years and I'm always willing to learn from experience, people and maybe something at the poker camp. Although it appears to be a cheap way to advertise, I'm not promoting a gaming site just supporting the sport of tournament poker.

So, "Irexes" I will attend the camp and hopefully I'll come away from it with some added knowledge and a fun weekend.

I hope all players young and old try a tournament sometime in the life-long career of poker playing.

Glad there's someone that got a chuckle out of it. And, again it's a true story concerning the Bay 101 situation, I would love to finish in the top 10 in a major tournament one of these days. Maybe at the WPT at Bay 101 in March.

fold 'em when you know your dead!

Irexes · #7 (**permalink**) 12-14-2004, 10:52 AM

No hard feelings "ThePokerCamp".