Pokerstars PCA Final Table

I just happened to catch the Pokerstars PCA on ESPN2 earlier. I must first give some major props to ESPN for the excellent coverage of the event. Pokerstars.net puts on this massive poker festival in The Bahamas every year and it was one hell of a start to 2011. If this is any indication as to how this year will be in the Poker World, then I am excited to see what goes down this year. The Final Table saw some very tough play but when it reached the heads up stage between Hall and Oliver is when I got excited. It has been a long time since I've witnessed such a well-played match. Oliver had Hall just about finished off but just couldn't close the deal. As you all know since most poker fans were watching, Hall made one of the most amazing laydowns in poker history. That great play will earn him lots of praise and he deserves all of it. Hall slowly but eventually grinded his way to winning the 2011 PCA main event. The ironic thing is that Hall was the short stack going into heads up while Oliver had around 35,000,000 in chips. Win or lose, both of these gentlemen played one of the best games of poker that I've ever been lucky enough to watch. It was a perfect combination of skill and luck that won't soon be forgotten. I'm glad to see good play get rewarded instead of donks getting paid off for being idiots. As a famous dolly of a poker player once said, "Don't Be Afraid To Go Out On A Limb, Because That's Where The Fruit Is." These two players did exactly that and they were rewarded handsomly for their efforts.

H-Bomb Is Back

I haven't posted anything here since October. I've had numerous projects going that have taken me away from my blogging, however I'm back now. I have recently been inspired by poker pros Scotty Nguyen (@TheScottyNguyen) and Chris Ferguson. As many of you know, Chris has completed a 0 to ten thousand challenge online at FullTilt Poker so I thought that I might attempt this feat as well. I started grinding freerolls and actually hit in a few. Using the bankroll management tips from Chris, I hit the penny tables. My bankroll has gone up & down but so far I am still holding at 22.50. I know its not much but it is a start and considering I started with nothing, I can't complain. I was also deeply inspired by Scotty Nguyen on a philosophical & emotional level. His beliefs that poker should be fun and his never give up attitude are crucial for me to successfully complete my quest. When Chris accomplished his goal, he donated his winnings to a worthy charity. I also believe in being charitable but since I'm not a professional, when my goal is reached I'm going to use those funds to play the WSOP Main Event and hopefully do very well in it. I know this will take time, dedication, determination and hard work but I will not stop. I even thought about trying to use Twitter and tweeting my way into the WSOP but people would probably call me a beggar or a bumb. I work for everything that I get and if given just 1 opportunity, I know that I can prove myself in the Poker World. I will try to update my blog on a regular basis and you can also hit me up on Twitter @HBombPoker. The Poker World is booming with new players and I will be one of them. I would like to say a couple things to Scotty on a bit of a personal note. I want to thank you so much for several reasons. If it weren't for you I wouldve quit playing poker a long time ago. I'm still playing because you urged me not to quit on something that I love. My dream is to meet you in person and perhaps play some cards but more importantly, I want to get to know the Real Scotty away from the Poker Table. I watch Scotty and many other pros play on television and I study them intently. I try to emulate their games as well as mixing my own style & strategy in. A bit of luck also helps. I carry this chip with me that has Scotty's face on the front of it. When I'm put in a tight spot on the table, I look at the chip & imagine myself hearing Scotty say "Don't Fuck Up Baby!". Scotty actually maiiled me that very chip, which is why I carry it with me to every poker game I play in. When I eventually hit Las Vegas, the H-Bomb is gonna blow up bigger than shit and I promise things will get interesting. "Boom Baby!"