If you are sitting at home reading this article, chances are you’re just like me – you can’t get enough of online poker. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the game or you’re trying to make a living, playing online offers several distinct advantages over the “live” game. The online game is a faster game, which essentially means more and potentially larger pots and more risks per hour than a standard B&M (brick and mortar) game. When you see a larger volume of hands, chances are that during each session you play, you are bound to see something that leaves you speechless, shaking your head, mystified, or (shudder at the thought) having to re-buy. In this column, each week we will take a look at a different hand that fits the previously mentioned criteria. My involvement in the hand notwithstanding, I will try to remain as impartial as possible, and for the hands that I didn’t win, I will keep my bitterness to a minimum. (At least, this is my intent)

Playing no limit Texas Hold em can be quite a ride. Often times, within one hand, it can take you on a roller coaster of emotions. You can go from way ahead to way behind back to way ahead all with the turns of some cards. While it may be unsettling for some, you need to expect these types of emotions to happen. Otherwise, you have no business playing the game. It’s not for the weak of heart by any means. Be prepared for anything and everything and you might be able to play this game and have some success.

On that note, here comes this week’s hand of the week.

I was playing at my local $1-$2 no limit game at my local card room. There were players of varying skill levels and tendencies there. There were semi professional players, recreational player, law students and some businessmen. Generally speaking, I tend to pick my opponents whom I’d like to go after because this is where the money is made. It’s a mild form of Darwin’s Survival of the Fittest. After about 30 minutes, I zeroed in on my prey for this session. This businessman, let’s call him Jeff was clearly overmatched at this game. He would openly talk about his hands, basically giving away information. I was able to safely predict exactly what cards he was holding most of the time.

I was in the Big Blind holding the As-Js. Jeff made a raise to $10 from middle position and I was 100% sure he had an ace in his hand. I was the only caller. The flop came and it was the Ah-Kd-4c. I had no doubt in my mind whatsoever that I was ahead. I checked, and Jeff bet out $50. Very odd sized bet. I didn’t think he was bluffing but I knew he hit th ace. I decided to smooth call.

The Turn card was the 10c. Not exactly the card I wanted because if he was holding Ace – Ten, a good possibility. This would give him Aces up but at the same time, it also opens up more outs. I would still be able to win if a King, Queen or Jack hit on the River. He ets out $100 and I called pretty quickly without any hesitation.

The River came and what a River it was. It was the Qc. I immediately went all in for my remaining $150. Jeff got up, mumbled something and made a horrendous “I hope he’s not bluffing me” call. I raked the huge pot and Jeff had to rebuy. I tried to wait him out some more but I didn’t face off against him again. I went from way ahead, to way behind to being vindicated. It’s all in a day’s work…

Until next time, may the chips fall your way.

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