Broken Tables & Shattered Dreams

(Written in the early hours of Monday 18th Septmeber)

Poker Player magazine had a freeroll last night giving away the prize of a place in the Irish Open 2007.

As you are probably aware; the Irish Open is one of the goals I set out to accomplish over the last two years. I came close in 2005 and this year so when the opportunity to qualify for next year's event came my way I wasn't going to let go of the chance.

There were 159 people entered for this tournament and I was playing a loose game near the start as my table had a few dosconnected players so I took the opportunity to steal their blinds away by making hefty raises.

Within no time I had made it to the top part of the tournament listing. My form continued well into the first break and by the ninety minute mark I had made it to the final table.

And as I made it to the final table my computer desk decided to give out on me. I was forced to play the remainder of the game with my keyboard beside me and my mouse resting on the wooden panel which was being held up by my leg.

The situation reminded me of the Mexican commentators in the WWE who - during almost every pay per view event -end up having to finish the show with their table broken in front of them after one wrestler is thrown through it.

I was in familiar company at the table as there were a few members of the sports betting forum I am a member of. One person in particular was the guy who won the World Strip Poker Championship in London a few weeks ago. He won £10,000 and a place in the Guiness Book of Records for his achievement.

I managed to outlast Swampster and a few others but was unable to win the place in Dublin. I crashed out just before the second hour and finished in third place.

Once again I felt dejected after the loss. I have played so well in the last few days. I have made the final table in most of the recent games I played in so this is a clear indication that I am improving.

Tonight is the final Poker Player Grand Prix freeroll. I don't think I have earned enough points to make it into their final leaderboard so my only hope of qualifying for their London event is to gain immediate entry by winning the tourney.

I am going to stike hot sooner rather than later. Maybe it will be tonight.

I wouldn't bet on it, though.