Regional final review

As you may have seen in my previous entry, I went to the Gala Casino on Saturday for the East Midlands regional final of the Poker Down The Pub league.

To cut a long story short, I didn't win the tournament. In fact, for the 6th consecutive time, I never really came close. Out of the 108 runners, I was eliminated in 53rd position when my all-in raise with pocket eights was insta-called by pocket Aces. So I am already a long way behind, and when the other two Aces appeared on the flop, it wrapped up what had been a frustrating couple of hours of play for me.

It was all the more frustrating because I thought I had played well and made some good moves, only to see pots go the other way after bad river cards. I was one of the more experienced players on my table, and in all honesty, one of the better players, so to see my good play not rewarded when my opponents hit draws is tough to take. Until my elimination, which to be fair I could do nothing about, I used my table image to my advantage, shoving all-in over the top no fewer than seven times uncontested before the fateful pocket eights.

My early exit means I will not be playing in the national final at Dusk Till Dawn, worth £10,000. I am really disappointed about that, but nonetheless I will be there to play some cash games on the side and offer my support to Rob and Alex, who have qualified from our pub league. I am looking forward to the big day in April where I'm sure there will be a great atmosphere.

I will take the time to thank Scott and Jeff of Poker Down The Pub, and the staff of the Gala Casino for once again putting on a great day, with good poker and a great free lunch during the break!

So the PDTP adventure is over, and thoughts now turn to Redtooth, whose league is now in full swing at the PDTP pubs. Only five players from our pub qualify instead of the ten we have been accustomed to, so it will be tough. That said, I have made a solid start, winning the most recent game this past Monday and finishing in 2nd the week before. As the defending Friar Tuck league champion, I will not give that title up without a fight!