Poker FreeA weekend without poker ? Nearly possible, but not quite. I had one game I had to play, and then there was the small matter of the APAT UK Online Championship. But apart from these, I had no poker plans, and to be honest, was quite glad about that.
It has been a hectic week on APAT, which all kicked off last Sunday with the "collusion" discussions regarding the Online National League. 5 days later, and that discussion was still going on. So much for trying to nip it in the bud. FAIL.
It does get you down at times, but it"s easy to forget that in the main, poker players are quite a selfish bunch. It often comes down to what"s in it for them. This can also make them quite two faced, although in this world of public poker forums, it"s amazing how easy this is to come across. Yes, I do read other threads on other forums.
It"s a difficult one from an APAT point of view, as the bar has been set quite high. Actually, after last season, the truth is that the expectation bar has been set too high for some. And with the market now saturated with other copycat poker tours of ranging buyins, it"s no wonder that players are giving a lot more consideration as to where and how they will spend their hard earned bankroll.
I"m forever listening to everyones feedback in the forum about what APAT should or shouldn"t do. I think if everything was implemented, we"d end up going round and round in circles every season.
But anyway, back to Saturday nights poker. First, the playing bit. I really wasn"t in the mood to play, but I am supporting Blondes latest league on Sky, and am actually doing okay in it, so really needed to play Saturday nights deepstack not just for the support, but to gain some more points. Turned up 30 minutes late, doubled my stack pretty sharpish, then doubled up two players and was out pretty sharpish. Both 5 handed, first was AK on the big bllind against the pocket aces of the button (Of course I though tit was a simple steal move). The second one was against Steve Roderick who had limped into a 5 way pot on the small blind. It checked all the way down until the third spade hit on the river. My king ten of spades was looking good, however Stev had ace five of spades. Double coolered in my opinion, but I"m sure if I put them up on the strategy board, I"ll find I played them both totally wrong.
So, onto railing the APAT game, with very little motivation.
What a great set of final tables. Andrew Tracey won the PLO, with a final table that included Stuart Olover, Gerald Stanley, John Murray and Colin O"Prey.
The main event final table had to be reinforced due to all the medals and trophies on display. APAT Champions Jason Jones, John Murray, Darren Shallis, Tod Wood, were joined by muti medalling Jack Prime and Steve Harrison, along with Irish team player Brian Frew, one of the Bailie Clain, Matt Bailie, and , oh yeah, Jo Sharp.
It was really enjoyable to rail. Loads of great banter, and excellent poker played, which resulted in Jo Sharp of Luton Poker Club fame, taking down the title. I"m not sure who was more excited, Jo or Mary, who had railed her throughout.
It may have been quarter to three on a Sunday morning, but it was worth staying up for.
The next week will definitely not be poker free, although I don"t think I"ll get much chance to play myself. APAT hits Newcastle on Thursday for what will be a sell out four days, don"t believe the doubters. I"m on the train at 7am on Thursday, meeting up with James Barber in London, before catching the second leg of the journey upto Newcastle.
I"ve a feeling it is going to be epic.
