Taking it to the Knight.

I received an interesting text this week inviting me to a poker tournament just outside Newcastle. The seat was worth $200 but I had won it in a tournament late last year. it was in the back of my mind, bit was never issued a paper ticket and had forgotten it was coming. Fortunately, I had not made other plans and did the trek to Newcastle. I have passed by Newcastle in road trips before but had never stopped there.

The tournament was held in Mayfield Diggers Club. As I was travelling alone, I decided to train it in. This probably wasn't the best decision as I needed to leave home at around 7am it took three and a half hours train time to get there and alot of time sitting down. I was at the club by 11:30 am and squeezed in an early lunch at the club bistro- Grilled Barramundi, chips and salad.

The tournament started on time and was a good structure. There was a 20K start stack with 25 minute blind levels. The blinds and antes did go up quickly, but this is normal for a club game. Antes were introduced after the second break (which is uncommon). There were no rebuys or add-on's. Most people there seemed local and not many had made the trek up from Sydney. There was a bit over 220 runners, so quite a large field. Top 18 get paid.

I took my seat and list a couple of thousand in the first hand when my two pair lucked out to a flush. I recovered back to a starting stack by the first break. I felt myself playing relatively well today. I took chances but wasn't reckless. I had doubled my break bu the second break and was over 70K bu the third break. I was eliminated just before the fourth break, coming off a bad hand, I pushed with 10-J and was called by 88. My hand did not improve and my opponent turned an 8 to seal my fate.

In the end I had a good run today. There were 60 or so runners left when I was eliminated and I lasted about 7 hours. I was fortunate enough to be offered a lift back to Sydney, which I took. While I was waiting for my lift, I watched cricket and played Keno. I know that I won at least $80 on the ticket but my lift was leaving half way through my ticket and will have to wait until tomorrow to check it. Wish me luck!