DUBLIN BELLYBUSTERS

I played well last night. After a great conversation with Nick 'Rounder63' Carrillo, during which we discussed downswings, psychology, game selection and strategy, I hit the tables rejuvenated, sharp and optimistic. "Play the $69 45mans again", he said, "They have softened back up" and while it is a little early to confirm whether that is true, the 'old LAPPIN/Rounder63 goldmine' (Nick's words) was kind to me over a small sample as I took 2 3rds, 2 2nds and a 1st during an eleven game set. I was tighter in the early stages, I picked my spots well with a short stack, I made some good disciplined folds and late on, I ramped up the aggression with some high-wire 3-bets and squeeze-plays.

I also brewed in some MTTs, finishing 27th out of 2300 in the $15K Rush Super Turbo (my 5th top 2% of the field finish in that tourney this past fortnight) and 8th in the $28K Guarantee. In the latter, I was incredibly unlucky late on, when, at the final table, I had the following pair of hands conspire against me in quick succession.

Both were all-in pre-flop and both would have put me top three in chips and given me a great at 11K for 1st place. $800 seemed like a kick in the ass having grinded and grafted my way through a 2200 player field but all in all, $2800 for the night is a significant step in the right direction.