A Delightful Toblerone “Thank You” to Your Blockbuster Friend

 

 

There are days in a year that were specially made to thank fathers, mothers, and even teachers.  But we shouldn’t stop to thank them only during those specific days.  On the same breath, when was the last time you showed sweetness towards your friend who have pulled through for you through thick and thin?  If you haven’t, maybe it’s about time that you did.

 

Show how thankful you are to your blockbuster friend for being there for you, every step of the way. 

 

Our friends turn our tears into laughter, they tell us the truth even if it hurts and we know that they’d take a leave from work just to help us through tough times or go with us through life’s many adventures. They are bonded to us, not by blood or by virtue of work, but by common interests, goals, passions and simply by unconditional love. We all know that special friends like these come rarely in a lifetime, and while our best friends ask for nothing in return for everything they’ve done for us, we know that we need to let them know how much we appreciate their sacrifices, their care and their love. We know that they are there for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week—so it makes perfect sense that we also thank them for their friendship every single day.

 

 

Toblerone, the legendary triangular Swiss chocolate, urges you to say “thank you” to your very best friend everyday through simple things that show your appreciation.  You can start showing how grateful you are by telling the world about the wonderful story of your friendship.  Talk about how you met your epic friend, the adventures you’ve gone through together and especially why you are thankful for your relationship with him or her. All you have to do is to “Like” the Toblerone Fan Page on Facebook, upload a photo of you and your epic friend, tag yourselves and TobleronePilipinas and then post your answers in the Comments section of your photo. Make sure that you get your epic friend to “Like” the post as well!

 

Ten winners will be chosen based on the number of people who “Liked” your post as well as the feedback from the Toblerone team and a special panel of judges. Winners will be treated to Toblerone gift packs and a full day of fun and exciting bonding activities, featuring body care treatments at The Spa, with their epic friends. It’s a great and unique way to start saying “thank you” to your best friend! The contest will run from July 5, 2010 to August 11, 2010—so hurry and tell the world how grateful you are for your epic friend.

 

Gratitude, like friendship, shouldn’t just be a one-day deal.  Let this opportunity from Toblerone inspire you to think of many different ways to show your friend how much you appreciate all she or he has done for you. After all, each day is always a good day to say “thank you.”

 

For more information, please log on to www.toblerone.ph.

 

Spread the Sweetness this Mother’s Day with Toblerone

 

 

It’s that time of the year again where we celebrate the second Sunday of May to pay tribute to moms.  It’s not only a day of moms but it’s also a day for those we consider our second mothers.  We got a handful of those in our life –women who have shown support and quiet strength all those years we were growing up?

 

Over the years, we have encountered women whom we’ve come to regard as our second moms.  And in its drive to celebrate the art of saying thank you –especially to the unsung everyday Filipino hero – Toblerone, the well-loved triangular Swiss chocolate, believes that Mother’s Day is the perfect time to give them something one-of-a-kind.

 

 

Here’s a list of some of the “other mothers” to whom we should all extend the sweetness of gratitude to:

 

The Lola

Your grandmother is the mom who always saw you as a child and never stopped giving you advice. She may still be sporting the same old flower-patterned dress and terry-cloth slippers, but your “Lola” never fails to amaze you with her wisdom and care. Put a smile on her face and show her how much you appreciate all her efforts throughout the years

 

The Tita

Those times you came home late, she would usually stop your mom from continuously scolding you and would then calmly talk to you about your mom just being concerned about your safety. Your tita always has been the mediator, always able to see both sides of the story and make a compromise out of any situation. And this Mothers’ Day may just be the ideal time to give something back.

 

The Motherly Mentor at Work

She may constantly put pressure on you and push you to be at your best all the time. But you know it’s for your own professional and personal growth. Those deadlines she set are for you to learn more about the value of time. Those bonuses you get are for you to realize that your efforts at work are highly appreciated. This Mothers’ Day, let her be the one to feel that all the hard work she has invested on you are worth it–-thank her for the relentless guidance she has given you be it inside or outside the office.

 

 

The Kindergarten Teacher

What about your teacher? Despite those times she gave you the hardest exam, it eventually paid off. You even swore you saw her eyes watering a bit during your graduation. She’s given you tough love and recognizing it is more than enough for her.

 

The Yaya

Remember how you used to run and look for her whenever you got scolded–wrapping your tiny arms around her waist and wetting her dress with your tears. Now that you’re all grown up and you still see her washing your clothes and preparing your meals, you know she deserves something special.

 

Though overlooked with their efforts mostly going unnoticed, anyone you’ve come to consider as a second mother has undoubtedly made an impact.  Extend your sweetest Thank You’s to them – the same way that Toblerone will be honoring the unsung heroes of our everyday lives in a big celebration on October 20.  And yes, your yaya, teacher and lola and all the other women whom you’ve regarded as your second moms —are invited to this event. 

 

In the meantime, make Mothers’ Day extra special for them by thanking them with Triangles. Thank them with Toblerone.

 

 

MOMS MOMS Moms, I love love LOVE YOU. 

(And I know you won’t be able to see this unless shobe shows you or I show you..

since you don’t even know where the Power button is.  Haha. 🙂 )

 

Almost Alike, Never the Same

Moms Elaine and Daughter Jane aka Achi

May 2, 2005

Shen Zhen Airport, China

 

 —

Ladies Night at Metro Card Club: Last Lady Sitting

 

“Oh, it’s Ladies Night and I’m feeling right.  It’s Ladies Night and what a night! (ooh, what a night)”

 

Yes folks.  It was “Ladies Night” but this all-girls fun didn’t involve drinks or a bar.  Metro Card Club staged an all-female poker tournament for three Thursdays.  I was only able to join last Thursday and I learned same night that it was its last run. 

 

It was difficult to make creative plays early on because:

 

  1. Good or mediocre hands were hard to come by (esp. on a later position).
  2. The more seasoned players were just grinding it.
  3. First-timers were calling any bet on the flop even if they only hit bottom pair.

 

I reached the final table as the second chip lead.  Chip lead was Ms. Tournament-Virgin who eventually lost her stack to Jen.  Jen became the chip lead.  I capitalized on heads-up plays against the short stacks.

 

Image Source: Metro Card Club website

Image Source: Metro Card Club website

 

Four players left.  A good poker friend Trish, Jen and one other.  Two players folded and it’s down to the battle of the blinds between my small blind and Trish’.  I had to raise with my Jack-8 because either it’s a mediocre or good hand that she can push all-in too (which is good for her) or throw her hand away.  I didn’t want to do it against her but I also needed a heads up play and gain some chips because the other two have built their stack.

 

Trish: J? 9c

Jane: Jh 8s

 

She was even ahead pre-flop.

 

Flop: 10s 6d 7c

She was ahead on the flop.

 

Turn: 9?

It was a lucky turn as I hit my straight.  The River didn’t make any difference.

It was down to three players and I changed gears.  Aggressive play all throughout.

When somebody raises all-in on my big blind or small blind, I let go of my blind and fold my trash hands.

On the button, I had Q-10 suited and raised all-in.  Small blind called immediately.  Big blind Jen folded.

I showed my hand.  She slammed her Pocket Jacks on the table with another J –joy.

Flop: Qc 6d 9d

I flopped my queen.  Turn and River didn’t help.  It was down to two players.

First hand I had Jacks and went all-in.  After a long night, Jen called with a shrug.

Image Source: Metro Card Club website

Image Source: Metro Card Club website

Well, the cards fell my way.  A stroke of good luck.

I was really ecstatic about winning a tournament.  The last time I won a tournament was back in 2005?  It was more of the game than the cash prize really, but the additional ka-ching doesn’t hurt.  And yes, I secured myself a seat for the 3-Million Poker Tournament this month.  YEA BABY!  \m/

Say Your Sweet Gesture With…

 

I’m not a big fan of flowers (maybe once in 2 years –and it has to be my favorite ones).  Flowers wither and die, like seeing money shrivel.  Yesterday after lunch though, somebody delivered “flowers in a pot” in the office.  I love dark chocolate and if it grows in pots looking like flowers, I’ll put on the gloves and become a farmer.

 

 

I know what chocolates I’d be snacking on in the weeks to come 😉 

 

 

HUGE.

 

*Thanks GM and Toblerone!

 

Poker Tales: A Diamond Cuts Like A Knife

 

Cash Game: 25/50 blinds

Minimum buy-in: 2K 

 

Got my stack to 3,300 after not getting a bad beat with my rockets during a heads up game.  It’s not hard to win with a pocket of aces pre-flop but it does not mean it’s unbeatable –depending on how you play it, it’s easy to get your aces beat too.  So make sure that the bullets hit their target.

 

I was sitting on the big blind position when 6 players call the 50 blind.  In my hands are 8 and 10 suited diamonds.  I was tempted to raise the bet because I love an 8 and 10 on my hand but I decided to play conservatively and just checked.

 

Flop: 8s 9d Qd

 

I hit a favorite number of mine and gave me bottom pair. 

 

 

First to act, I bet 100 to test the mettle of the table and have a feel of what the other players have.  The one under the gun folded.  Gary re-raises to 400.  Joy in middle position calls.  Right beside Joy, Gervais unfalteringly pushes two stacks of 100 on the betting arena and raises to 2K. 

 

My move. 

 

2K, that’s committing more than half of my stack and his hand might already be made.  I requested for time and calculated the situation.  I was also flush draw and gut shot straight draw –which means 13 outs, plus I might hit my trips with my bottom pair.  Looking at Gervais and that betting move –it was either he was 2 pairs (Q 9 or Q 8 or 8 9 or more dangerously, he might be straight, meaning he must have J 10.  If he had 2 pairs, I can kill that with trips if an 8 lands on the board.  However, if his 2 pair included a number that gives me trips then that makes him full house.  Abandon ship on the trips.  I have to have a winnable 5-card hand.  I’m more inclined to believe he has a straight.

 

That move showed he was scared of the flush draw.  He couldn’t have flush draw with his hand because I had the 10d.  He feels his hand was strong enough to duel with at least one other player.

 

Now, what about Gary –he was the initial re-raiser, it means he’s also confident with his hand.  I look at Gary.  I put him on Ace high flush draw.  If he’s flush draw then we both have lesser outs –plus I was only 10 high flush draw.  Any Jd, Kd, and Ad mixed with any #d can flush me out.  Another diamond might prove to be more damaging.

 

 

But Gary was playing tight earlier.  He couldn’t be re-raising my bet to triple with just a flush draw.  He could be top pair or also two pair.  More than anything else, I was straight flush draw –second in line next to the unbeatable royal flush.  But that gives me only ONE out.  One card that can spark this coal mine.

 

 

I’ve only invested 150 in the pot to risk 2K of my stack, while I’m bottom pair with 13 outs that may never come or with 6 outs that can give my opponent a higher flush.  There’s only one card that can buy me out of this jam.  JACK diamonds.  Betting 2K means I’m only risking 700 of my money because 1,300 were won anyway.  It is after all for a huge sizable pot. 

 

Gervais called time.  I had to clear with the dealer if that means 1-minute.  It does.  30 seconds into my time, I pushed the 2K inside.

 

Certain: 13 Outs

Uncertain: What they have on their hand.

 

I like the fact of 13 outs better than my assessment of their hands.

 

Gary calls also.  I don’t remember if Joy called or folded, I was eager to see the turn.

 

Turn: Jd

I pushed all in quickly with my 1.3K.  It’s now up to them to decide whether or not I’m only “representing” the flush without the hand or I really hit it.

 

 

I have the nuts but I shouldn’t slow play it and give them a free river card if they don’t bet. 

 

Gary thinks about it considerably.  Gervais called time again.  Finally, Gary calls reluctantly.  Gervais went all in, which means Gary has to add some 1K more.

 

Flop 4s

 

Show time for side pot:

Gary’s Hand: 10s Jc

Gervais’ Hand: Qs 8c

Gary wins their side pot.

 

Show time for main pot:

I show two sterling diamonds of 8 and 10.  Straight flush.

 

It was my best cash game to date.

 

 

Diamonds are truly a girl’s best friend.  🙂

 

“Diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure.” ~Henry Kissinger

 

 

Reminiscent: My First Ever Poker Tournament

 

Flipping through my old emails, I found an email from my good friend Paolo, who forwarded an online news bit he found about the JW Poker Bar Tour that happened sometime March 2006.

 

 

I was playing free Texas Hold ‘Em online games around Q4 of 2005.  Celebrity Poker and David Foley’s smart funny hosting got me interested in the card game. In the real world, Paolo from time to time tagged me along to our former professor’s condo unit to play house poker with other college friends.  I’ve played more or less 10 games with them in total.  That’s why I was hesitant to join when Paolo mentioned about the Johnny Walker Poker bar tour.  But poker wasn’t that big yet in Manila at that time.  I shrugged and said what the heckle jeckle.

 

Image Source: Bing Fabricante

Image Source: Bing Fabricante

 

I think there were 2 or 3 tables that night, with two other girls in the tournament.  I was amazed that I made it to the final table… and even more surprised to win that leg.  I never played again after that tournament.

 

My poker days were only revived after this event.

 

 

The past two months have been nothing but a poker slump.  Instead of playing more, I’ve played less.  In June, I only played twice I think.  In July, I played in the FPT and got busted out with my big slick suited.  The poker morale is really down.  With work schedule and events, there’s not much time to practice lately.  I was invited to another group’s house poker this week.  I hope I play well.  Like I said, I take bad beats over bad decisions any time.  But here’s crossing my fingers (bad beats hurt too). 

 

Well, I need some poker cheering up so I’m posting this.

 

 

Jane Chua’s aggressiveness all throughout the night paid off as she became the bar leg winner of the Johnnie Walker Poker Bar Tour leg at Ice Vodka Bar Tuesday Night night. Chua had to play Marco “Cardinal” Aventajado during the heads-up portion of the tournament. Chua applied pressure on Aventajado who didn’t seem to catch any cards, parlaying her 2-1 chip disadvantage to a 4-1 advantage. Aventajado tried to double up with King-ten unsuited but Chua quickly called with Nine-eight unsuited. It seem to be a misstep on the part of Chua, being behind pre-flop 2-1. But with the flop coming two-two-eight, Chua suddenly jumped to become a 4-1 favorite to win the hand. The five of clubs gave Aventajado some hope reigning in Chua back to 2-1 favorite with because of his flush draw. But it was Chua’s night as the seven of hearts came in the river and Chua became the leg winner, besting 9 other players in leg of the Poker Bar Tour at Quisine.

 

Poker Bar Tour is produced by Pit Boss Events and Cardinal Entertainment. Stay tuned  tomorrow for highlights of the Johnnie Walker Bar tour leg at Bagaberde Pasig. The Johnnie Walker Poker Bar Tour begins registration is at 8pm and the tournament begins promptly at 9pm.

 

I am quite happy to share that during last Sunday’s Metro tournament at 300 buy-in, I was able to again reach the final table.  7 tables and it was trimmed down to 1.  It’s a bit of a morale booster too. 

 

How are your cards dealt lately?

 

 

Johnny Walker Poker Bar Tour Album

 

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FPT’s The Metro Hi-5 Million Countdown Begins

 

The FPT is drawing near.

 

The countdown begins…

 

3 days to go for Day 1 A (Friday)

4 days to go for Day 2 B (Saturday)

 

July 31 – August 3, hear the chips make noise on the table.

 

Image Source: Metro Card Club website

 

Have you signed up yet?  I’m sure you have!  Burning the midnight oil at PokerStars.com for the free seat?

 

See you at the table!  Good luck and good pot!

 

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Watch the Filipino Poker Tour on Maxxx

 

Filipino Poker Tour is just around the bend.  Yesterday the free roll at Pokerstars.com reached 1,000+.  This must be due to the on air presence of their plugs during the Filipino Poker Tour show.

 

If you’re on SKY Cable, you can also catch their replays on Maxxx channel, one of my favorite channels this year.  The channel has augmented their program line-up and there are now a lot of not to miss shows plus reruns of old favorites.

 

I caught the FPT show last Tuesday night and yesterday afternoon.  I like the format of the show and I simple love the plugs of Pokerstars.com particularly those of Daniel Negreanu. 

 

 

 

It’s the final table of last year’s FPT next Tues 7PM on Maxxx.  Don’t miss it!

 

Image Source: Dakilang Bum Rebyu Site

Image Source: Dakilang Bum Rebyu Site

 

While waiting ‘til next Tuesday, you might want to catch some table action of your own.  Play poker!  See ya at the tables!

 

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Filipino Poker Tour on The Tube

 

Studio 23 will be airing the FILIPINO POKER TOUR (FPT) on the following dates and time:
Saturday airing:                July 11, 11:00 PM-12:00 MN (preempting UFC Unleashed)

July 18, 11:00 PM -12:00 MN (preempting UFC Unleashed)

 

Monday airing:                July 20, 11:00 PM – 12:00 MN (preempting The Late Show with David Letterman)

July 27, 11:00 PM – 12:00 MN (preempting The Late Show with David Letterman)

Wednesday airing:     July 22, 11:00 PM – 12:00 MN (preempting The Late Show with David Letterman)

 

Friday airing:                July 24, 11:00 PM – 12:00 MN (preempting The Late Show with David Letterman)

The FPT will be airing every Sunday, from 10:30 PM – 11:30 PM beginning July 26 (preempting The Ultimate Fighter)

Red in the Face (or somewhere else)

 

I just had the most embarrassing moment of my adult life.  I wish I can crawl under a rock and live there. 

 

Spent 3 hours at this poker club playing the card sport I like.

 

I had AdKd on the button and raised it to 120.  The small blind who has been as steady as a rock called and the big blind as well.

 

Flop: 5s 7d 10h

Small blind is first to act and he went all in with 250

Big blind calls.

I debated against it but I had over cards and redraw of flush so I called.  I thought both of them were all in.

 

Turn: 8d

BB bets 200.

I folded.

 

River: 9h

SB shows pocket of 6.

BB shows 10d and 6c.

 

Both of them hit the straight and split the pot.

 

I have another story of how my pocket of Aces got cracked too but I’m only prolonging my agony.  I had a bad night at poker.  I wish I can say period at this point.  I wish it ended there.

 

Bubba rang and it was my queue to go.  I played until the dealer button.  I had my chips changed at the counter.  The lady cashier says bye to me as well as the chip changer.  I bid them farewell with a smile, which they returned in kind.  Their constant congeniality makes me forget for a second my bad nights on the table. 

 

On the way out, I say bye to a poker buddy.  He looks back and says bye too and I exited.

 

As I was coming down the stairs, I felt my back was wet.  My suspicion emerges.  In the car, my phone beeps and I dread what my gut tells me…

 

My poker buddy sent an SMS: “It’s the time of the month huh?  Ingat pauwi.” 

 

The car was moving but I immediately got up the seat and asked Bubba to check.  Even before he opened his mouth, his eyes that’s usually chinito became otherwise, which told me everything.  I have to see for myself so I turn my head and see the red mark on my pants.

 

The red mark is as big as my hand!!!  How subtle.

 

It looked like China’s flag was on my butt!!!

 

 

I smacked myself on the head.  I cringe.  Cringe.  CRINGE.  CRINGE.  I kept cursing.  And I don’t normally curse.  Not even when a person gets me so angry.  I cursed my recklessness.  I smacked myself on the head again.  “Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabe!!!,” I wailed.  He had a stern look on his face.  Oh no, I’m gonna hear a mouthful of why I didn’t do this or didn’t do that.  He let on a mini tirade.  He was mad because he felt bad for me.  Perhaps, he only doesn’t want people to make fun of me.

 

 

 

 

I paused and felt like a smile was creeping around my lips.  Why the hell was I about to smile, I thought to myself.  I wailed again.  Bubba, “you probably stained the chair.”  I wailed again like a wolf howling in the cold lonely night.   With my hands on my face, I kept shaking my head.  I cannot believe this has happened to me.  I am still shaking my head as I type this.  I wish now more than ever that I were born a guy!

 

 

The place was packed to the roof because there was an ongoing tournament as well.  The lady cashier, chip changer and at least 15 other people must have seen the red flag.  It was as loud as an ambulance on a mission.  I initially told myself that I wouldn’t care.  I do not know those people anyway and they are not important to me.  I am not important to them either.

 

 

Bubba told me that this is probably a sign that I should stay away from that place.  It’s so much easier to convince myself to never again show my face there.

 

 

Back in the car, I stared in space for a bit then cringed again.  Can one get tired of cringing?  I suddenly laughed to Bubba’s bewilderment.  I said I feel really embarrassed and angry… and SILLY!  I am now going to be remembered for the China flag on my butt.  I am now going to be the “BUTT” of the joke.  Every pun intended.  Such a nightmare but it was also an amusing circumstance.  It just so happens that I’m the miserable victim… which probably makes it funnier.

 

by the way, this is not MY b*tt

 

Misery loves company and my thoughts were initially filled by images of Edison Chen and HK.  Commercial break: I received confirmation today that bigger news are about to break loose.  The news reached me last week but I was a non-believer.  Somebody confirmed today that it’s true though.  HK and another K involved in a sandal.  Yes, a sandal video.  I’m not going to put a C there even if you paid me a million dollars.  You heard me right, sandal. 

 

SIGH.  There are worse scenarios than mine.  And definitely, there are far more important issues than sandals.  Is the administration manipulating us under our noses?  Charter change is one serious topic that gets my blood boiling.  But not this.  I cannot be angry over this night.  I find it quite funny on the contrary.  I’m sure the people at the Metro Card Club did too.

 

 

At least, I gave them a good laugh.  I was sick to my stomach but heck, I gave MYSELF a good laugh.  That counts for something.

 

I really don’t know what to make of it.  Saying that I do not care what those people think sounds defensive.  And there’s no reason for me to be defensive.  None has been offensive so far.  Earnestly, a huge part of me feels embarrassed.  My heart throbs at the image of them looking at my bloodied butt (and smiling secretly or laughing openly).  At the other end of the spectrum however, I am tickled by what a riot the whole scenario was.  It’s really interestingly hilarious to me! 

 

There are two different feelings.  Which do I pick?  Of course, the one that’s easier to carry every day.

 

In reality, I know that I will still continue to go to work tomorrow, eat three meals a day, love the people around me, and if I want to, play poker at the same place.  It doesn’t change who I am.  In my book, it just adds to another interesting (or icky) story to tell.  It became the catalyst that triggered this entry after all.

 

Image Source: Blood Stained Words

Image Source: Blood Stained Words

 

I feel so much better writing about it.  Writing is always such a release. 

Now, that’s about the end of it.  PERIOD.

 

 

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Poker Tales: The Axe Murder

 

Pocket 7s.  I sit motionless with two axes because I was “under the gun”.  I limp in, hoping that somebody bets a medium raise.

 

Striped Lady raises 40.  2 people call.  I call.

 

Flop: 7c 9h As

First to act, I bet 80.  SL raises to 160. 2 people fold.

 

I mull over it.  I’m sure she has the Ace.  Does she have two pair?  She couldn’t have pocket 9s because being in the later position, she would have raised it higher than 40 pre-flop.  She raised her pocket 8s an hour earlier with 120.  I’m still ahead.  I put her two pair.  I felt that the Ace is going to come up on the turn.  I want her to buy the next Ace if she does have two pair.  If she buys it, then she deserves it.

 

I went all-in with 600.  Her stack at 1,200, she calls.

 

Turn: Ac

I cringe at the sight of that peak.  She got her full house?  Is this another case of full house over full house?  Nothing I can do anyway at this point since there is no more betting round.  I slouch like a lumberjack on a break with his axes close to his chest.

SL seems happy at the sight of the A.

 

River: 4s

I look at her before looking at the river and realize she might just have A with 10.  Her face although confident doesn’t look like she banked that full house.  The Show Guy beside me said, “you’re ahead.”  He shakes his head and says, “She doesn’t have a full house.  She only has trips.  You’re full house.”

 

Show time revealed that she had Ace 8.  I released the axes on the table.  My full house was better than her trips.

 

777 A-xed the AAA.

 

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Poker Night at Metro Club

Poker Tales: Launching Rockets

 

Middle position.  Striped Lady is first to act and raises to 40.  While Nameless Boy calls, I peek at my cards and catch a glimpse of the cones.  I raise to 150.  Sloppy Guy calls.  Striped Lady, sitting next to Sloppy Guy, looks at her cards and calls.  Nameless Boy, sitting next to Striped Lady, shrugs and goes all-in with 240. 

 

I was sitting on the other end, lonely.  I look across the table at the three foes, weathering briefly if the other two will call if I push.  I knew what to do.  Without batting an eyelash, I go all-in with 400.  Sloppy Guy, with about 1,200 stack calls.  Striped Lady calls.

With 4 people calling, YES I was a bit worried.  I’ve seen this before.  But not so troubled since I was short stack anyway.  Besides I staked my entire load when I had the upper hand and during PRE-FLOP, while it was still a fair game for everyone.  I was once told to take bad beats any day than bad decisions.  I cannot question my choice.

 

Image Source: PokerDIY.com

Image Source: PokerDIY.com

 

Flop: 9h 9d 10s 

Ding Ding!  I didn’t like the flop at all.  Sloppy Guy would have joined with A9 or K9.  I put Striped Lady at mid-pockets or face cards (KJ or AK).  I wasn’t worried about Nameless Boy. 

 

Striped Lady checks.  Sloppy Guy checks back.  Nameless Boy looks at Striped Lady and inspects if she hit anything.  Striped Lady shakes her head and mumbles to Nameless Boy that she has an open-ended straight. 

 

Open-ended?  I breathe softly.  Keep it low, keep it low. 

 

Turn: Ks

 

The 4th street was the point I lost 90% of hope.  I’m sure the lady has hit her straight.  The board was quite incredible. 

 

Striped Lady checks.  Sloppy Guy gives a statement.  “I have to protect my cards.”  SG bets 400.  SL calls immediately.

 

I was ready to take a white hanky and wave surrender.

 

River: Ah

I didn’t realize what the cat dragged in.  The girl beside me and her boyf look at me enthusiastically with bewildered eyes.

 

I stifled a laugh because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.  2 outs and one came out like a hero at the last second.

 

Side pot showtime reveals that SG and SL had the same hand of JQ, which gives them both a straight.

 

Revealing my hand, the Korean Dad on my right shakes his head in incredulity and exclaims something loudly in Korean.  Also in disbelief, I want to do the same thing, but I can’t speak Korean.

 

Rockets were launched.  Blast-off!

 

Image Source Uah.edu

Image Source Uah.edu

 

 

 

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