[pritz]

Last night was a rare occasion. I had the opps to make quite a few really tough calls that worked out in my favor.

AKd in EP, raise and get 4 callers. Flop is Ks3h4s I bet get 2 callers. Turn is Qh, I bet get 1 caller. River is 7s I bet and get reraised all-in which was a pot size call. I wasn't the least bit happy here, but immediately recalled some logic I believe was from Doyle Brunson. He says something along the lines of calling in these types situations even if you may believe you are beat. Continues to say that in many cases what you believe to be the truth may in fact be a lie, or something like that, and you may just find yourself winning more pots.

Anyway, it was a very tough call. There was a straight or a flush possible. I finally decided that if he had either one he would have wanted a call instead of forcing me out knowing that I probably only paired the K's or possibly trips. I decided to call at the last second and sure enough the guy only paired the Q. I was in shock and took down a nice pot.

Another hand I had 97o on the BB and got a free flop of 9s3d7h. I bet and get 2 callers. Turn is Qd I bet get 2 callers. River is 8d I bet and get reraised all-in (3/4 pot this time) by 1 caller. Again I am thinking BS! It just didn't add up why anyone would stick around calling bets looking for runner runner diamonds or the gutshot 8. Another situation where a straight or flush are both possible though. Again it was a tough call, but I remember good ol Doyle and said let's rock. Sure enough, like the other time this guy only paired his Q and I take down another healthy pot.

Another hand I had A9s in EP. I limp with 3 others. Flop is 5sKh9d. I got a small piece, but not what I was looking for so I check and so does everyone else. Now I'm thinking my 9 is probably good here. Turn is Ks and I check, one checks the last to act goes all in for 6x the pot. Now I'm thinking BS! again, what could he have here. Maybe I was trapped, but I can't see someone checking the K on a rainbow flop. I put him on making a positional play or he had the 9 of which I clearly have the kicker KK99A or he had the flush draw, but again I clearly have the advantage. I decide to call, low and behold a Ts shows up and gives me the nut flush. Took down another decent pot. He mucked so I don't know what he had.. bummer, would like to know.

This was a rather interesting night for me because I feel as though I overcame some of my fears these people can put in to you. Usually I am too timid and tend to let these types of situations get to me, but I swore to myself to get over it and make the right decisions even if they are very difficult.

So to anyone else in a similiar situation of being to timid, take the time to analyze things and work through your fears. It may just pay off as it did for me.

[lork]

sound like these players are pretty bad. but if you say you are usually very timid, i think you trapped them with your fearless play. this shows the value of deception. u should carry on mixing up your play depending on your mood

[ballen]

You were at a table with some crafty move-makers, or they had some Kamakazie pilot genes in their makeup....lol.

I want to first congratulate you, then pass on another "Texas Dolly" quote......"If you can't fold the best hand, you aren't a poker player."

[razor]

Pritz,
Those were some tough calls man...You were playing against some pro's who got the wrong read on you or some fish who thought they were pros. Anyway man all I have to say is you made some great calls.

[pritz]

Thanks for everybody for the wonderful advice you have given me.I like what you have said razor.It's really a tough call.That's why I have to post it here to see what others see on my play.

[ThomasR]

You had a good night, and gut instinct kicked in a bit. That's what being a REALLY good player is all about. Anybody can be good at poker, no exceptions, but the professionals and mature players alike have gut feelings about hands which can save them a lot of chips as well as make them.

Well played, good night, now just don't go getting ahead of yourself and giving your winnings straight back!