Chip 'n' a chair

Never truer, especially when you're running super hot.

In the $340 Nightly at The Rio, I had a very volatile stack in early running before going through a card drought as we approached the money bubble. I was unable to make any moves (no cards, no situations) with 2 large stacks behind me.

It came to the point where I determined my only viable strategy was literally to fold to the money (sound familiar) and then it came to the absolute bubble (19 left, 18 pay). I am in the big blind with 2k of my 8k in the blind (1k/2k/300 ante).

One of the big stacks raised to 6k from UTG and I look down at AK. Well, I have to go for it, and more than treble up that hand vs AT. Meanwhile a player busts at the other table so we are all in the money.

I have 50% of average chips with that bit of good timing and double up with QQ>AK. Up to average.

A combination of good cards, holding when ahead, winning races and picking up a LOT of blinds and antes eventually led to me winning the thing for $10k (no chop).

My biggest concern now is I am using up my run-good allowance for years to come and especially for the Main Event.

This year I have entered 4 MTTs and cashed in 3 (including a 3rd and a 1st). In a previous 5 trips to Vegas I did not cash once, even for minimum cash.

Meanwhile, much better players here (Ed, Andy) are getting the other end of variance. Go figure.

I shall enjoy it whilst it lasts. And hopefully things will turn around for Ed and Andy and they will get the last laugh on the poker Gods in the big one.