Learn Texas Holdem

Last summer, I had increased my online bankroll from $20 to over $1100 playing $20 sit-n-go tournaments over a few weeks time. I couldn't loose.

I felt very confident so I entered a larger $100 tournament. I played for about an hour and was playing a tight conservative game increasing my stack from 1,500 to about 60,000 when I caught a pair of queens.

I raised the standard amount 3-4 times the big blind. There were a few callers and the flop came out 10 X X. I made a pot-sized bet and one of the callers went all in. Lucky for me, at that point anyhow (I was ahead 85% to 15%), the all-in bettor had top pair/poor kicker. I called the all in bet.

The turn was nothing and of course the river paired his off suited 7 to win with two pair. That left me with 1500 in chips. Again I buckled down and played a good game and again increased my chip stack when I caught a pair of kings. As before, I raised the standard amount and the same player went all-in. I had to call and this time he had me covered.

He showed AK off suite pre-flop against my pair of kings. I was ahead by about 70% to 30%. Of course I didn't win the hand or I wouldn't be writing this bad beat letter. After this hand I was so furious that I don't even remember what cards came out. All I know is that the chips did not slide my way.

Just remember, bad beats happen. Take care and good luck, or better yet play well.

Mike