Austin WPBT Invitational Dos

Rather than partake in the SXSW 2006 Saturday events, I played the Austin WPBT Invitational Dos. I wasn't really feeling poker all week, but I had already decided that I was going to the tournament, so there was no turning back now. On the way, I was somewhat thankful though because the weather was shitty and I was glad I wasn't wandering around trying to find an indoor venue for SXSW day shows.

April had asked me to pick up Ryan for the tourney. I made all the shuttle arrangements with Ryan and would have been there on time, if it hadn't been for Back to the Future being on as I was about to leave. I can't leave the house before Marty gets the Delorean up to 88 miles per hour and gets away from the Libyans. This is (somewhat) important later.

After arriving late, we finally got everything underway. I have to say, Adam not only puts on a great live tourney, he also makes some damn good salsa and I'm not just saying that because I had been on a four day diet of beer, rum, pizza, and bratwursts. When I finally paid, I realized that my seat draw sucked: Heather was immediately to my left, April next to her and Eva directly across from me.

Luckily I didn't have to worry about it for too long because I lucked out and went set over set to bust Heather a few hands in. Another round later, I hit quads. Things were looking on the up-and-up. After the break, tables were condensed and I found myself sandwiched between Ryan and Scott. That's when the magic happened.

From UTG, I made a 3xBB bet. It folds all the way around to Scott, who pushes all-in. He was somewhat short-stacked, so I thought he had high cards and was making a move on me. I looked down at my cards one more time, 8-8. No one calls Marty McFly a chicken. I informed Scott that I was only calling this hand because Back to the Future was on earlier and flipped up my 8s. Scott showed 4-4 and the 8 on the flop sealed the deal for me. Scott had a bounty of two ACL tickets so it looks like I'm going to ACL this year.

Shortly after that, this picture was taken by Scott:

(that's me celebrating my short stint as chipleader)

A few minutes later, everything turns to shit. In early position, I call with 8-7c. Ryan calls, player across from me doubles the bet, everyone folds, Ryan and I call. Flop comes A-7-6 with two diamonds. Everyone checks. Turn off-suit 5, giving me second pair with the straight draw and I bet 2/3 the pot. Ryan smooth calls and the original raiser folds. River (4) completes my straight and misses the diamond flush draw. I lead in with 1k, Ryan pushes all-in for another 3.5k (I think). Reading this now, I know that I should have folded. I call immediately (because I'm an idiot) and Ryan shows 8-9 for the nuts.

A few hands later I bust out to John (Slayre) when my pocket 2s don't hold up. Such is life.

And thus continues my terrible streak of WPBT finishes. I need to start practicing for Vegas. This time, I'm staying away from the craps tables. Well, at least for a few hours.