Boom to Doom

Playing the HORSE last night, I obviously knew it was just a matter of time before I would be hitting the cash games. It happened a bit earlier than I had wanted - my initial "Boom" in knocking out a player on hand 1 was extinguished in little more than an hour.

All I needed though was to drop a couple of bombs at the PLO and all would be well.

Alas, it was the very opposite. All told before I had to retire hurt, I think I might have won 5 pots. It was a one-way trip to the bottom.

Early doors, I've lost chips with a straight on a board that flushes then pairs and I am beaten by Jazz's set which fills up on the river.

I soon get my chips in with a small set on a 9-5-2 flop; I have bet the flop last to act, getting 2 calls before a short-stack c/r all in. I move in over the top and get 2 callers there as well ! I suspect I was losing the main pot, but it would have been nice to hold up in the large side pot. Instead, H-train catches a running straight to scoop.

My next buy in is gone in a flash and then on my 3rd attempt, I have AAKT on the straddle. I raise and get 5 callers. The flop comes AT9r. I check raise all in with 2 callers. I am up against a set of 9s (Dan) and JAzzs J8 oesd. Instant service with the Queen on 4th street.

Go again ... T986dd. There's about £50 in pre-flop. the QJ9dd flop is checked around. When Barry bets £50 on the blank 5c turn, Mike Tse calls and I jam it. Barry lets top2pr with diamonds go ! Mike continues with Q5 and diamonds. How many diamonds are left !! Not many, but enough for Mike to catch one straight away. Aaargghh.

I get it all in again with QQT8cc and make the nut flush - losing to Aces full.

I simply cannot win a pot from in front or behind. Next time I get Aces in the straddle I am able to make it £68 pre flop with Mike Tse and Karl M calling. KJ4 flop gives me a backdoor NFD and the gutshot. I push, Karl calls with his K943 rainbow. He fills up on the turn.

I do finally win a pot with Aces -- I have limped for £2 and no one raises ! I check the Ace high flop hoping SOMEONE can bet the flop which also has flush and straight draw. Nope. No one bets the 3rd diamond on the turn either ( I have the Ace). The river gives me Quads and I pick up a £10 stab from Karl.

I'm not sure I even remember where the rest of my chips went - I do know that in my final hand I flop 2pair and a gutshot. The turn brings my nut straight but a flush as well. I'm stubborn by this point and pay off Mike Khan who does, of course, have a medium flush.

It was easily my worst cash session of the year and not a great way to begin the festival week. Apart from the bankroll hit, my biggest concern is the dent to my confidence. It is a certain fact that one cannot win without a positive attitude. That's not sufficient, to be sure, but it is a necessary starting point.

Here's hoping to have better news to report next time.