Irish Open Super Satellite

Arjonius · Irish Open Super Satellite

Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to win the chance to play first major live tournament, the $4.5 million main event in the Irish Open that concluded this Monday. I'd like to say I cashed, but in fact, I got knocked out 10 minutes from the end of day 1.

However, I'm pleased to report I had a great time - not just playing the tournament, but also because Titan treated me and its other 17 qualifiers great, plus the chance to see what it was like, meet other players, etc.

Miklosik

Woohoo!!! Congrats are in order here. First cocktail is on me

muratore

that must have been quite an experience there!

Know-nuffin

Yaaaaaaaaaaay

Big congrats Arjonius.

Next week, when you are qualifying for another major,

keep us posted so we can all join your cheering section.

PoolDemon

congrats, how did you feel you played @ the event, were you relaxed enough to play your game, or a bit nervous, were you gettign bad cards @ the end, or run into more experianced players that played well against you ?

Arjonius

I asked to play on day 1b so I'd have day 1a to watch and get at least a bit used to the atmosphere, the pace of play, etc. While watching, part of me did wish I were playing, but overall, I think this was a good decision since when I did sit down, I was only minimally nervous.

There was one very accomplished player at my table the entire day (I was at a low numbered table, so it didn't break) - Christer Johansson (1st WPT Paris 2003, 2nd EPT Barcelona 2005, 3rd WPT Barcelona 2007). Luckily, he was two to my left, so I got to act after him. The guy in between had finished 9th in this event two years ago, and seemed like a good player too until he busted out in the middle of the day when he made a play at the wrong time. And later on, a guy joined the table who had a short stack so it was hard to get any real indication of his ability level, but when we spoke for a while the next day, he said he's sponsored by JohnnyBax and Sheets.

I think played fairly well considering the way the day went, but never really got the chance to play the way I hoped, which was to get at least a little above average so that I could try playing some small pots in position. I did get above average once - to about 13k when avg was 11 (we started w 10), but the first hand I played after that, I raised to 600 (3x) in LP with AK, the BB pushed for 3k with 98 suited and won by making a pair.

After that, I was card dead for two hours, so despite a few blind steals and one hand I won with a continuation bet, I was below average the entire rest of the day. During the last two hours, I managed a re-steal by pushing with a small pair after Johansson opened (he had a big stack by then and was opening a lot of hands), and took another pot by pushing after the other big stack at the table opened (he was also opening a lot of hands). That time, I wanted him to play since I had KK, but after thinking for a while, he folded 99 face up.

My last hand, I pushed again against the second guy. He thought for a couple of minutes again, said he thought he was behind but would gamble, and called with A5. With that hand, I definitely wanted a call since I had AQ, but a 5 came on the flop and I was out. Still, I'd rather have been in that position - a 3:1 favorite t go to day 2 with a bit under 20k (avg was 24+) than to get there with 9k, which is what would have happened if I'd folded four or five more hands.

I think my table draw / position helped, but day 1 wasn't as tough as I'd anticipated. The play definitely got tougher on day 2 though; that was easy to see even from the rail.

Arjonius

Adding a little postscript to my Irish Open experience, my thanks to muratore who was kind enough to point out that there are some videos from the tournament on Pokertube. Lo and behold, I'm in this one
http://pokertube.com/ShowMovie.as...%20open%202008&OrderBy=Latest

I'm about 1:10 in - the white-haired oriental guy with glasses.

muratore

yay..

glad you found yourself in a clip there! just too bad they didnt have one with you playing a hand

anyway.. now you are somewhat of a celebrity

Brian Wills

I guess this is you then Arjonius

Sounds like you had a blast.... Fantastic job & a great thread

& Shall I make this your avatar?

Arjonius

I think this was taped during the first hour, during which I was completely card dead. Not 100% sure, but I believe I only played two hands, one from the big blind when it was limped to me, and once when I limped into a multi-way pot with a small pair. So no surprise they didn't catch me in action.

And yes, it was a fabulous experience. I hope everyone gets the chance to play a major live tournament at some time in your poker lives, especially if you get the great treatment that Titan provided.