Bad beat story 925

You might not believe this story, but I assure you it's true. Though it wasn't Dylan, once you hear the play, you'll understand why I think that he might have been taught by Dylan.

It's the early rounds of a deepstack tourney. We're paying ten handed, and the average stack is over 120 big bets. The play has been very tight. The standard raise of 3 BBs is enough to take down more than half the pots before the flop, and no one has 3 bet.

In early position I pick up aces and raise to 3 BBs. It folds around to my opponent. He min raises, so I 3 bet 30 BBs. He snap calls. The flop comes Q, 9, 3, rainbow. I bet about half the pot. He calls instantly, again. The turn is a king of clubs, putting two clubs on board--my aces are both red. I go all in, with just slightly more chips than me, and after going into the tank for about 10 minutes. Eventually he exclaims, "I can't imagine laying this one down." and calls. You'll never guess what he flips up? Two fours. I was literally stunned. I was half expecting the flush draw, but even if he had given me 10 guesses I couldn't have put him on fours. Well, this is a bad beat story, so you know what's coming next... Of course, the river was a four, crushing my hopes of winning the tournament.

Bad beat story 825

If you have a minute, I'll tell you about a severe bad beat I experienced recently. Even though it wasn't Dylan, I'd swear this guy went to Dylan's poker school (i.e. Donkey U).

It is the early rounds of a deepstack holdem tourney. We're paying nine handed, and everybody is sitting at approximately 120 big bets. The play has been extremely tight. A raise of 3 BBs is enough to take down more than half the pots before the flop, and nobody is 3 betting..

Under the gun I pick up aces and raise to 3 BBs. It folds around to king donkey. He min raises, so I 3 bet 30 BBs. He calls instantly. The flop comes Q, 9, 3, rainbow. I lead out with a half pot size bet. He calls instantly, again. The turn is a king of clubs, putting two clubs on board--my aces are red. I go all in, with just slightly more chips than me, and after going into the tank for what seemed to be an eternity. Eventually he exclaims, "I can't imagine laying this one down." and calls. Can you guess what he flips up? Two fours. I was literally stunned. I was half expecting the flush draw, but even if he had given me 10 guesses I would have never put him on fours. Well, this is a bad beat story, so you probably already guessed how it ends... Of course, the river was a four, sending me to the rail.

Dylan the Donkey, On a Serious Note

Being a donkey is a hard choice, and I have to commend Dylan on stepping up to the challenge. I can imagine he wakes up at night in cold sweats with the words, "Dylan you donkey..." ringing in his ears. I know that won't stop you, and that's one of the things I really love about you.

The Other Draws

As a Donkophile you need recognize some extra draws. For example, if you have the ace of spades (and a diamond), and 2 spades come up, you are just two cards away from a not flush. Think of how surprised your opponents will be when you turn that over.

Runner runner draws don't come through as often, but when they do the element of surprise makes it so you get more chips.

Quality Plays by Fellow Donkophiles

Donkophile Quality - Let Others Bet for You

You should always let other control the action. Just passively call with all draws and when you think you have the best hand. This will help you conceal your hand. They can't figure out what you have because you call with almost anything. It's a clever if not unique strategy.

Donkophile Quality - Slow Play Every Time

Every time you think you have the best hand you should slow play it. Let the other person control the action. Call the bets as they come through. This is especially a good idea pre-flop if you have K's or Q's. Just limp in and see a flop. If an ace hits, you're probably still safe, but you should start betting heavy now. If people are calling you, they're probably on a draw or second pair, just keep betting.

Donkophile Quality - When in Doubt Tilt

If you don't gamble big when you're losing, you can't cover your losses. That's just simple logic. If you take a bad beat you should immediately get back on that horse and try and make a big bluff.

Donkophile Quality - One Hand at a Time

You should always judge your success based on how well you did in the latest hand or maybe the latest session. Sure some books will say it's about the long haul, but as a donkophile looking at long term results will only depress you. If you go all in and the other player folds, that's a victory, feel good!

Donkophile Quality - Lack of Discipline

As a donkophile you don't need to wait for hands. When you start to lose focus just try calling everything for a while, or maybe bluffing when you know the other person can't possibly fold. Focusing all of your attention will take you away from your goals.

Donkophile Quality - Poor Math

In order to be a true donkophile you must have extremely poor math skills. How are you going to draw at an inside straight draw, or figure you "have to call" with your 9 high flush draw? Ultimately, understanding math especially as it relates to your odds of winning a given hand, will interfere with you becoming a full fledged donkophile.