Finally Updated My Blog!

Hey guys, finally put together a design of my own!

check it out @ http://www.maxv2poker.com

7/20/11

So the action seems to be outrageously slow before 6pm nowadays. Thinking until US signups start up again, only winning players will continue on the site. Clearly outside of the US pokerstars has a stronghold on the market, so it doesn't seem like there's any new population joining the merge network at the moment. Also, my recent vacation to Maine has disrupted my month. Even though I'm winning I've sort of been put off by my recent downswing in 6-handed double ups. Making it a lot more difficult to get in volume. While I'm clearly a winning player in them. I'm just not really interested in playing them long term as I greatly prefer HU. I am however planning on heading down to the Hard Rock tonight to play the daily $75 tournament for fun. Just want to see what it's like and get a feel for the card room.

JET

I declare that hero calls must now be referred to as Jason Terry Irrational Confidence calls. Mandatory.

Looking good!

So, I've been moving around stakes on merge. Was 6-tabling low stakes 6-max double ups for a while to develop my game a bit. Feeling pretty comfortable and have a pretty solid sample size to show I'm a winner so I've been playing more 50-118's. Also been mixing in 50-100 HU's and running great all of a sudden. Not sure if it's due to an increase in the player pool and getting softer games (definitely) or that I'm playing really well (maybe true....we'll say it's both). Anyways, I'm pretty happy and will start putting in more serious volume now that I've been able to run my initial deposit up over 5500ish. Jealous of Beeschnuts though who's run his up to 13k+. Damn you!

Relaxation

Been moving at a pretty slow pace poker wise, mostly focusing on moving in a couple of weeks. I'll post some pictures of my new place once we get moved in, should be around May 25-June 1st when we're finally set up. Pretty excited, moving into downtown Delray Beach. As of right now I have about 2500 on Merge, hopefully we can get into a comfort zone soon.

Back to reality

And here I thought that I would be able to pump out $450+ days every day at $50's on merge...think again! Went 25-22 today for $0 (+40 rake back). Joking aside, I know the realities so this wasn't anything new. Nice to grind from down a couple hundred and get back to even, I missed the feeling of accomplishment when doing so. As you can see, I was running way above EV (and still am running a decent amount above). So we'll see if we can get some more profitable days going over the next week. GL everyone.




Bankroll: $1840
May total: +685
(pre-rakeback and bonuses)







Side note: Dirk Nowitzki is playing exponentially better then any body in the NBA right now...this guy is putting on a show.

Pokerstars New Lobby Structure

My initial response is that I obviously like the lower rake, and greatly dislike the addition of multiple lobbies. I feel like multiple lobbies are a main contributor to what's killing Heads Up Cash tables. Retract my statement about there being less action, looks like it's picked up greatly. Maybe I'm wrong? Would rather be wrong in this situation of course.

We're back

So, I've started playing on the Merge network. Deposited 1k through Western Union, and we're off! with a tiny bankroll. Yesterday I took a hit playing $50's of about -280 I was +80 trying out the software before that. So today I started -200ish, I played quite a few regs but was able to string together a nice run at the end of the session to end up +460 for today. So that puts me at a bankroll of $1300 after rakeback. Let's see if we can make this happen! GL to everyone else

Got my money!

As I personally suspected Pokerstars came through again. Getting my money (and I assume everyone elses) money back in an extremely timely fashion. Speaking with Rypac, he believes that the massive amount of public outcry urging legislators and senators to make this happen had a lot to do with how fast our money has gotten to us. So I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who took the time via twitter or petition make their voice heard. Gl everyone!

Respect for Kobe

I hate Kobe, but have to give respect where respect is due. To refuse an MRI and tell his training staff that he's playing is pretty hardcore. Again...I hate you, but I appreciate what you bring to the game.

Relaxing

So during this forced vacation, I've been just hanging out making sports bets and finishing up my last college course. Kind of glad I ended up with some time away from cards, because I probably wouldn't have finished this final paper otherwise. I've been making a ton of sports bets, I would've posted my picks but was severely afraid of a jinx. I made a promise to myself that instead of playing E-Roulette which I could find myself addicted too even though it's not nearly as fun as actual casino roulette, I'd bet everything in my bodog account at all times on various playoff basketball and baseball games. Well, it worked out! I was able to turn $120 into $955 over the last couple days. I've never been successful at gambling outside of playing cards, so this is pretty miraculous to me. I'm going to cash this out and consider this a "paid" vacation haha. Anyways, hope everyone else is doing well. I've signed up for lock poker under the name maxv22 and have a deposit pending at the moment. So hopefully I'll see everyone back at the tables!

What are your plans? Poll

Interested to see what everyone is planning to do. If you have any ideas that you think I should add to the polling list, please comment. Hope everyone is doing well. GL

Coaching

So since I am now unable to play. I was curious as to whether or not anyone would still be interested in my services as a HU SNG coach. I'm willing to cut my rate down to 80/hr in hopes of generating more interest until online poker is officially back running in the United State. My AIM is: allorlebanon and my email is maxlud23@gmail.com and my Skype is maxv20 if interested. Thanks.

Wow

So we've definitely been dealt some interesting news lately as most of you know. This has put a lot of us in a very strange place. Personally I have to rethink whether or not I want to continue my life as a professional poker player now that it's become a much more difficult endeavor. Luckily I've finished up school with my Bachelors and paid off all debts through poker earnings and have a decent amount of money saved up to live off of for a while. From what I can gather we're in for an extended hiatus from online poker. I'm interested to hear peoples thoughts on smaller poker sites succeeding (bodog, lock poker, etc) Not sure where they stand in this process. The optimist in me says "it should only be like 3 months, just wait it out" while the pessimist in me thinks this process could take 1-3 years. I'm rooting for the former....good luck to everyone and their own personal situations relating to all of this. Hope everyone gets their money safely. GL

Nice day

Haven't had a notable day in a while, but I just got down with a 28 game session going 17-8 with 3 chops for +850. Most of it (about 700) was off the same guy. I ran pretty well in general, played what I thought was pretty solid poker as well. Not many hands I feel I misplayed today, so that's always a good thing. Gl everyone!

livb112/Adonis112

So I'll begin my top 10+ list break down at the top. I really enjoy his trash talk, probably the guy I would take in just about any reg war...ever. I mean the guy has made his career on beating anyone/everyone at 5k's, I'm guessing for the most part he wouldn't back down from anyone. Yeah he probably follows the same reg avoidance tactics as everyone else, and there's probably players who have given him problems over time, however you can't argue with his ridiculous results. Does anyone even come close? I'm guessing that most, if not all, Heads up Sit N Go regs would agree with me on this one.

Variance always wins!

Talk about knowing what's coming. I was lazy the last couple days with poker because I've been apartment shopping. Results were great $700 one day going 10-3 $500 another going 8-3...I knew it was too good to be true. I told myself I needed to catchup games/wise or else variance would own me...well it did the very next day lol. I was never down more then 900 yesterday, but it took me 122 games to break even...122!! It was crazy, but I'm glad I did it. I'm back over pace now and looking for some more of those...easier sessions...hopefully! Also I'll start breaking down each individual player on my top 10+ list, think it'll be interesting.

Top 10 People I enjoy watching play

You could call it a top HU SNG Pokerstars list if you want, but I couldn't resist after seeing HUsng.com make one of these.

1. Adonis112
2. treezer
3. Iftarii
4. whaassuuppp
4. iCeVeNoM
5. la_gachette
6. BCM11
7. trader0811
8. Hokiegreg HU
9. PlauZee
10. ricestud / fishenzon / JMProdigy / pistons87 / primordialAA

Maybe if I find some time tomorrow I'll edit this and write in why exactly each of these individuals is on my list. My reasoning behind the list is based on both observations and results, as well as entertainment value in some cases. As you can see I couldn't make up my mind on 10th so I just listed the five I feel deserve to be on the list...it's a tie! Anyways, good luck everyone.

Star with a hole in it next to my name!

And it's blue! Anyways, kinda nice to be first in something. Even if it's just conquering lower stakes. Hopefully I can maintain this throughout the year. Obviously tough to break 10k every month at these stakes and I wasn't able to achieve it before FPP's in March, but it seems like I'll be able to do it more often then not...Hopefully...GL Everyone, see you around

Ah, I day off

After last nights pretty mediocre session, both in how well I played and results (broke even), I decided to take the day off to relax. I put in plenty of volume fighting back to even, so it was sort of deserved. Went and saw "Red Riding Hood", dear god was it hideous. I'm guessing they filmed it in about 2 weeks, I wonder what the editors were thinking when they cut the actual film. Probably something like "nothing can save this, so why even try". No big deal, was good to get out of the house and hang out with my girlfriend Danni. Definitely need to start going to the gym again though. My whole "I was an athlete for 5 years I deserve a break" excuse has definitely run out. So it's time. Anyways back to work tomorrow, GL everyone.

Mission Complete

Finished off the last of my downswing today! Pretty psyched, got a tiny bit greedy playing some really bad players and lost 2 buyins at the end JJ < KJ obv. Still in an awesome mood regardless. Excited to watch the Celtics game tonight, even if its just Charlotte. So close to getting Shaq/JO back, hopefully all of this anticipation isn't spoiled by them sucking when they actually do get back. Good luck everyone!

Recovering Nicely

Pretty psyched about this recovery. Had an extremely tough day today, played a ton which is awesome. Ended up playing 74 games for +545, yesterday I made 920 off of 36 games. Overall I'm back ahead of 30 games a day pace (300,000vpps for the year). After some money made for coaching and the last 2 days, I'm only down about 1k of the 3k downswing I endured with out counting the fpp's I've garnered through out this endeavor. Pretty happy with how I'm playing, hopefully I can take care of the rest over the next day or two. Good luck everyone!

Birthday Downswing!

Sighhhhh! On a little 2300ish downswing from my birthday...LAME. First one of the year though, so I really can't complain...maybe about the timing lol. Anyways, working on recovering it now. Depending on whether or not it goes well, I might cash my fpp's for $1500 to ease the pain. It's not that I need the money, but it helps me mentally when I erase debts. Anyways, gl everyone!

Happy Saint Patricks Day!

Had a hard time getting out of bed this morning (afternoon) for some reason. Was able to eventually crawl out and get in a quick session before I meet my girlfriend for a celebratory drink. Went 7-2 for +505, no one that I played seemed drunk though, except maybe the one 230 I played. Was hoping for easier games :). Still, was able to play well unlike the beginning of yesterday where I quickly dropped 1k. Luckily I focused myself and looked at it as a challenge rather then an annoyance. Cut it to 500 then took a break to eat, came back and finished it off. Then on top of that, played a night session and went 5-1 for a +440 profit for the night overall. Enjoying the fact that I haven't had to deal with any significant downswings yet this year, but I'm always prepared. It's pretty impossible to avoid throughout an entire year. Anyways, have fun tonight everyone and be safe.

Grindddd

Turned out to be a great day, definitely took some work though. Ended tonight going 24-16 with 2 chops (split) for a profit of +785. Pretty psyched about how consistent things have been. While I'm always tempted to play higher, I have some small goals I'd like to reach before I do anything out of the ordinary. Good luck to everyone. -maxv2

Visitors and some fun events

So my girlfriend had a couple friends up from home the last couple days, and I had a friend up from UMaine. Was a really fun time overall, I was even able to squeeze in a decent amount of poker as everyone was pretty respectful of my job. We showed them around the area (mostly Delray because the actual surround area of our neighborhood is boring). We also went canoeing at this place in the everglades and hung out with some Alligators. Here's some photos.

Wake up and start fresh

Last night I just got destroyed. Not terribly as far as $$$ goes, but definitely took a soul beating. I played 78 games going 38-40 for -610, everytime I got anything going I'd lose a succession of coin flips and be right back in the hole. Eventually I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and decided I'd try and make back my losses in an early session and play another one later in the day to try and make a profit. Pretty hilarious that last night that -610 meant so much to and in literally 40 minutes I woke up and went 6-0 to cover the losses completely. Just goes to show, sometimes you just need to get some rest and go at it again the next day. Going to take a break for quite a bit and get myself ready for a session later tonight. Good luck everyone.

Great day

Ended up going 21-10 for +1055. Glad I got in 30 games...and of course happy with the result. Still have a lot of catching up to do this month however, haven't put in nearly enough volume. Hopefully everyone else is running well too, gl all.

King of fish!

Love starting off a session playing mostly regulars...losing to all of them like a retard...then going 8-0 against straight fish to get back over even. Definitely feel like I need to work on my play against regs, today was badddd. Anyways, final stats 13-11 (3 chops for -110 on sharkscope) for a total of +85. Nice!

Interesting day

So I started today all jacked up to play a long session. Probably 50-70 games. Then...I won 6 straight (and a 33 messing around) for +650 and well...decided to quit lol. It put me into another good spot to cash out (I cash out when my bankroll reaches a certain point) and puts me in a great spot financially. What an odd month, played about 65-70 games less then I wanted, but made a lot more money then expected. Pretty happy overall. Good end to February, hope everyone else is doing well.

Goodbye Kendrick Perkins :(

Hate this trade, but I'm guessing Danny tried to make a play at keeping the team competitive after the big 3 era ends. We'll still have Rondo + Green and three 1st rounders in 2011-2012 to build something.

Another 1k Day

Went 15-5 today for +1k even. Pretty psyched considering I took 2 of the last 4 days off...but was able to make 1k each of the days I played lol. Just gonna relax the rest of the night and watch the new look Knicks. By the way, Nets nailed it, Deron > Carmelo IMO. Brook Lopez + Deron Williams still isn't enough obviously, but at least people won't be as opposed to being traded/signed to New Jersey next year and in 2012 (Dwight Howard's year).

Big day (for me)

Ended up going 17-6 today with 4 chops for +1050. Haven't had that many 1k+ days lately so it's nice to get one, especially after a disappointing end to FTOPs #42 where I got knocked out immediately after making the money. Pretty sad though that Ray Allen didn't win the 3 point shoot out. James Jones was my sleeper pick, I mean it's his job to sit in the corner and knock down open 3's. Ray generally has a higher level of difficulty with his attempts. Regardless, was pretty impressive the rhythm Jones got into. Was fun to watch and definitely got my mind off that FTOPs let down.

GL everyone

Just wanted to say GL to everyone playing FTOPS #42.

Prettty good

Had a good day yesterday, played a ton of games and ended up +805. I know to most of you high rollers that's not anything special, but hey I'm always happy to make 500+. Ended up something like 26-17 with 9 chops. So far so good for February +5430 already.

New Goal

My new life goal is to buy a house and have a half court indoor basketball court installed. That is all. Good luck today

Happy Valentines Day

Took this beat early

Seat 1: jovi35 (1300 in chips)
Seat 2: maxv2 (1700 in chips)
jovi35: posts small blind 25
maxv2: posts big blind 50
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to maxv2 [Js Jc]
jovi35: calls 25
maxv2: raises 100 to 150
jovi35: calls 100
*** FLOP *** [6d 7h Tc]
maxv2: bets 200
jovi35: calls 200
*** TURN *** [6d 7h Tc] [2s]
maxv2: bets 1350 and is all-in
jovi35: calls 950 and is all-in
Uncalled bet (400) returned to maxv2
*** RIVER *** [6d 7h Tc 2s] [6h]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
maxv2: shows [Js Jc] (two pair, Jacks and Sixes)
jovi35: shows [6c 5c] (three of a kind, Sixes)

which ended up being a blessing, because I sat some 230's and got some huge fish. Ended up turning a -155 day into a +455 day 5 games later going 4-1. Pretty happy with that outcome, especially since I need some sleep before Valentines Day events with my girlfriend tomorrow. Oh I broke 400k total on shark scope tonight, kind of cool.

Not bad

Pretty lazy day, 27 games for a record of 16-11 +425 profit. Took a couple of toughish beats, but nothing crazy. Can never complain about 400+ profit at this level. Looking through the higher stakes HU sng's...not much going on. Seems like there hasn't been any bigger fish around for people. Maybe it's just too late at night though.

MUST SLEEEEP!

Definitely played some drunk people tonight, didn't fare well until the end when this hand came up. Definitely could make arguments for/against my play, but here it is.

Dealt to maxv2 [8c 2c]
maxv2: raises 30 to 60
OkelaPoka: calls 30
*** FLOP *** [5h 3c 4c]
OkelaPoka: checks
maxv2: bets 65
OkelaPoka: raises 115 to 180
maxv2: raises 375 to 555
OkelaPoka: raises 645 to 1200 and is all-in
maxv2: calls 645
*** TURN *** [5h 3c 4c] [6c]
*** RIVER *** [5h 3c 4c 6c] [2h]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
OkelaPoka: shows [2d Ac] (a straight, Deuce to Six)
maxv2: shows [8c 2c] (a flush, Eight high)
maxv2 said, "gg"
maxv2 collected 2520 from pot

Thank you poker gods, I appreciate it. Ended the night at +980 after losing about 410 last night. Pretty good recovery, especially considering I won my first 4 straight to ease my mind of the previous nights struggles. Sometimes you just need to get some sleep and start over the next day. Advice I wish I followed more often.

Big night tonight

Pretty excited to see Ray Allen potentially break the 3-point record tonight with Reggie Miller announcing. Anyone notice he didn't take many attempts behind the arc in the 2nd half of the Charlotte game?...hmmm wonder why. Anyways went for +405 last night, still running pretty solidly for the year. Finally debt free (car paid for, all school loans paid off) so soon I'll be able to fatten my bankroll and maybe take some shots with profit. Money's been a little too valuable to try anything crazy until now. I'm also a big pansy....so we'll see what happens. Props to Hokiegreg HU and some other regs for finding the balls to play Isildur1 in 5k's. It's all been pretty entertaining to watch. Anyways, gl everyone.

Thank you jesus

I can't believe Jim Buss rejected a Bynum for Carmelo deal. Would've instantly made the Lakers outrageous favorites. I would take Bryant/Melo/Gasol over Wade/Lebron/Bosh. Mix in the fact that they still have Odom some decent veterans (fisher, blake) and some spark with Shannon Brown...all of which Miami doesn't have. As a Celtics fan this would've been devastating. Thank you for management egos and the inability to admit that Bynum is not the future of the franchise. THANK YOU

Worst Fantasy Basketball loss ever!

How does this happen, serious. .5 points with over 1600 points?!!. Anyways, took another day off for the superbowl. Will be getting back at it today, highly motivated by Kurt23x shipping 15k last night in a 109 turbo.

Back after a short break

Took a couple days off to deal with some personal stuff, but got back at it today. Was able to put together a descent session of +475 after going 21-15 with 1 chop. Not bad at all. Did take one notable bad beat of AA vs AQ all-in pre for a KJ10 flop. Meh I got it back getting lucky all-in with 10's vs A's later :)

Headache

Today was a massive headache. Luckily the hard work paid off a little in the end 59 games total for 30-24 (5 chops) +460.

Good Start to February

So after my vicious come back yesterday, I decided to try and fit in a session tonight. Was exhausted all day so I didn't get started until around midnight. I decided that if I was able to make a couple hundred I would quit early (being so late), but if not try and fit in 30 games regardless of results. Lucky for me I caught a break early in the form of a coin flip, AJ vs 8's of pruddishot. Flop AJxxx (x's being non 8's or straight cards). Then got 4 straight games against pretty big fish. So 5-1 for me for +495 and I'm done. Also, my official result for January was +12,645 not counting FPP's. Probably another 1500-2000 in fpp's, so overall one of my top 5 best months ever. Now that I have taxes taken care of for 2010 and all my school debts paid off and my car paid for...I can finally start building a bigger bankroll and saving some money.
January Graph:

Recovery day

So today started off pretty normal, was up about +165 through 10-15 games. Then I woke up from a nap and started another session...which didn't go so hot. Mix of playing bad and a couple of bad beats and I found myself down 2k. Not so fun. I'm highly motivated by losing (I know worst thing for a poker player). However at this point in my career I know that if I stay focused and grind my stakes (key not to move up) I'll make it all back in due time. Fortunately I made it all back this same night...actually ended up +155 and all the fpps I made. So in the end I'm really happy with how the day turned out.

Whewwww

Definitely could have been a bad day...probably should have been. Started off 1-5 with 6 chops (lots of regs out today) for -500, but was able to rally in a couple of games. Most notably a $210 reg speed vs glazednuts. Pretty good player, had me down around 800 most of the game. Was able to fight back and win 77 against K5 to close it out. Also won A10s vs K's allin pre for a big boost. Finished up on a nice run to go 15-9 with 6 chops for +490.

Run goood

Another shorter session with the month winding down and being about 30-40 games above pace. 11-4 for +695. Feeling pretty good, up 11,325 for the month so far...not counting about 1500+ in FPP's. Pretty nice start to the year.

Pretty relaxed day

went 13-7 with 4 chops for +540 for the day. Puts me up to +10630 for the month, which is pretty awesome. Nothing else exciting really. I'll try and be more interesting tomorrow lol.

+10k for the month!

Hopefully I'm able to continue running pretty well. +890 today, played a shorter session (23 games) went 15-6 with 2 chops. Kind of blew a game which would've put me up over 1k, but can't dwell on those types of things.

Ice Skating in Florida

Obviously not cut out for ice skating, I could barely stand up long enough to take a picture...pretty fun day though. Went out with most of Danni's co-workers. Pretty good group of people. Plus being on skates made me feel like I was 6-4, which would be awesome...I could probably dunk at that height. Oh and it's awesome seeing Kendrick Perkins back playing for the Celtics. Looks like he's been putting in an outrageous amount of hard work. Love Perk and how serious he takes his job as an athlete. Inspires me to work harder as a poker player.

Started off the session today getting slammed with bad beats. This was the very first hand I played of the day:
Seat 1: maxv2 (1500 in chips)

Seat 1: maxv2 (1500 in chips)
Seat 2: FerriTheNuts (1500 in chips)
maxv2: posts small blind 10
FerriTheNuts: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to maxv2 [Qh Kh]
maxv2: raises 40 to 60
FerriTheNuts: raises 140 to 200
maxv2: calls 140
*** FLOP *** [Qd 5s 3h]
FerriTheNuts: bets 220
maxv2: calls 220
*** TURN *** [Qd 5s 3h] [9d]
FerriTheNuts: bets 400
maxv2: raises 680 to 1080 and is all-in
FerriTheNuts: calls 680 and is all-in
*** RIVER *** [Qd 5s 3h 9d] [Ac]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
FerriTheNuts: shows [As Ks] (a pair of Aces)
maxv2: shows [Qh Kh] (a pair of Queens)
FerriTheNuts collected 3000 from pot
maxv2 finished the tournament in 2nd place
FerriTheNuts wins the tournament and receives $220.00 - congratulations!
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 3000 | Rake 0
Board [Qd 5s 3h 9d Ac]
Seat 1: maxv2 (button) (small blind) showed [Qh Kh] and lost with a pair of Queens
Seat 2: FerriTheNuts (big blind) showed [As Ks] and won (3000) with a pair of Aces


But then somebody switched on a run good switch and I won about 2-3 all-ins for all the chips overpairs against 1 over + Flush draw. Ended the day 14-9 with 2 chops for 25 games total and a +425 profit. I'll take it.

Yo! I think I'll begin updating this again. At least on a twitter type level (short posts). It's really not that hard, and something I should be doing. Played an astounding number of games today....at least for me lol. Played 65 total (2 were chops) and ended the day at 34-29 for a +350 profit. Made some mistakes throughout, but it's tough to play that much without doing so. So I'm pretty happy about it. I've made about $8700ish thus far this month with only one notable $1500 downswing. I was lucky enough to follow that up with a recovery day were I erased the debt completely which was nice. Hopefully I won't get made fun of for this, but my goal is simply to play 30 games a day. I know it's not much, but my average has been around 20-25 my entire career so there's room for improvement as far as volume goes. I'm jealous of the higher stakes grinders, sadly I don't quite have the balls to do what they do. I bow to you guys, fishenzon/treezer/plauzee/whaassuuppp/Siervos(nice take down at PCA)/BCM11/JMProdigy/IceVenom/HokieGreg HU. If I missed anyone I apologize. GL to you guys this year. I'll be down below in my little comfort zone grinding 115's and sweating 230's.