Trip Report (Low Content)

tyler9768 · #1 10-07-2007, 09:36 PM

Long time reader, first time trip reporter. Cliff notes at the bottom. I went down to AC on Friday and played cash poker for the first time. I've played in the Taj midnight tourney once and one of the Showboat satellites sit and go's last month. I planned on playing the showboat $100 tournament and bought into a cash game for $100 bucks to kill time and try it out before hand.

I'm a naturally nervous person, and it definetly came out in the game. I played a few hand where I folded on the flop, but there were really three hands I was really in and I got all in for all of them.

The first one I had QQ, I believe he raised I reraised and he went all in. I had him covered, but this being my first major pot I for some reason thought I had to count out my call. My hands were shaking, which I knew, but in case I didn't I heard someone on the opposite side of the table remark on it. I finally just said I call. He showed down some suited barely connectors below my queens and ended catching a one card straight to beat me.

Next one I called with 99, and picked up a set on the flop. I went all in and got called by a flush draw. He caught on the turn, but I filled up on the river and was back to about 80.

Last hand I had Aces in the big blind. I raised to 10, which probaly wasn't enough since there had been callers. A couple of callers. Flop comes T9x with 2 of a suit I don't have. I go all in for my last 50 or so at that point. I get one caller with 78s, and he catches on the river and I'm done.

The tournament I was happier with my play, though I definetly made mistakes and waited to push when my M did get low. I busted 16th out of 60, so I go to play plenty. The thing is, in the tourney I was natural and calm as could be. No shaking or anything. I don't know if it's just because I was more nervous in the cash since it was my first time, or if it's a deeper problem with the chips relating directly to cash.

I know this is way too long, but my initial thought in posting had been to ask about this one guy who played in the cash game with me. He sat two seats over from me, with an absent player between us. He was really nice. He could probably tell it was my first time and he was helping me out in a very non condescending way. I don't know if he's a regular or not. He was kinda hippy looking, and layed back, with a bushy beard. He reminded me of that comedian who plays the piano, Zach Galighihfsionjho@hj or something.

CLIFF NOTES: Played cash for the first time and shook like a leaf, luckily a nice hippy stranger helped me out. Played a tourney did not shake, still kinda sucked.

Mr. AtlanticCity · #2 10-07-2007, 10:20 PM

In my experience, tournaments are less intimidating then cash games. Your less likely to have someone chew you out in a tournament then a cash game.

I played some at the Borgata last Thursday night. Played in the 11:30PM tournament and then some 1/2NL. The tournament was cool, everyone just having a good time. But you could hear behind us on the cash games "WTF did you call me with that BS for". Same talk later when I was in the cash game. I swear there was almost a brawl between a TAG and a LAG. TAG was getting pissed off LAG was raising almost every pot 5-8x BB, everyone would fold to him, and would show hands like 8/4 os. I relocated. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Not saying there are not any rude people in tournaments, just less likely. I don't know what it is.

Javanewt · #3 10-08-2007, 12:20 PM

Being nervous in cash games when you first start is normal. I'm still nervous in the beginning. Sounds as if you played your hands well and were just a little unlucky. Well done.

Tournament chips do seem different from cash chips, too [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

hamsamich · #4 10-08-2007, 01:03 PM

Tyler,

Nice report. If you plan on playing live more I wouldn't worry too much about the hand shaking. It WILL get better and you will calm down. I think most people have to overcome this problem when they start out playing live.

If you do stick with it and move up I think you will find the higher the stakes the less people complain and are rude. Many live players joke all the time about how there is so much more yelling and floor calling on a 1/2 table than in the 5/10 & up.

SellingtheDrama · #5 10-08-2007, 01:07 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Tyler,

Nice report. If you plan on playing live more I wouldn't worry too much about the hand shaking. It WILL get better and you will calm down. I think most people have to overcome this problem when they start out playing live.

If you do stick with it and move up I think you will find the higher the stakes the less people complain and are rude. Many live players joke all the time about how there is so much more yelling and floor calling on a 1/2 table than in the 5/10 & up.

[/ QUOTE ]

Strongly agree on both counts. IMO people are happiest at middle stakes....at the bigger games you have a bunch of grouchy regulars.

And yeah, nerves will go away with experience. Also don't play on a sugar/caffeine rush at least until you get some experience. That will only make the shaking worse.

Boise123 · #6 10-08-2007, 02:16 PM

This sounds like my first few times 30 years ago.

kak1154 · #7 10-08-2007, 06:11 PM

FWIW, after a year of going pretty regularly, I still shake when I first get to the casino every time. It starts as soon as I walk in the doors. I think the duration is getting shorter each time I go, but I'm still shaky for the first 15-30 minutes. Just the adrenaline, I guess.

tyler9768 · #8 10-08-2007, 10:15 PM

Thanks, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one to experience this. I'm going to be a lot less nervous next time, so hopefully that'll help. Atleast I do it consistently so I'm not worried about it giving away anything.

Javanewt · #9 10-09-2007, 09:24 AM

Consistency helps. I'm usually freezing in our casino, so people don't know if I'm shaking from the cold or nerves [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

I also take beta blockers (what public speaker and actors take) to calm my heart beat, because it about jumps out of my chest/jugular when I have a big hand. Can't wear turtle necks year round!

mxp2004 · #10 10-09-2007, 03:41 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I also take beta blockers (what public speaker and actors take) to calm my heart beat, because it about jumps out of my chest/jugular when I have a big hand. Can't wear turtle necks year round!

[/ QUOTE ]

What are these? Is it over-the-counter type stuff, and is there anything that someone should know about them before taking?

This problem re-surfaces for me from time to time. When I notice it happening, I'll drink a beer (I normally don't drink when I play in a casino to keep my head clear). Sometimes that helps slow down my adrenaline; sometimes it doesn't.