Before returning to the USA, I decided on a trip to the Merion Club in Dublin. However, although this featured a European Poker Tour (EPT) event, the main aim of the trip was for the PLO cash games. So why go all the way to Dublin? Simple! The Irish! I have only been to Dublin a handful of times during my poker career. And each time, it never ceases to amaze me at how much fun can be had with these adorable and friendly people. Okay, I guess that having a profitable trip each time may have been the cause for such affection in the past - but on this trip, something happened which made me realize that profit sometimes takes second place to enjoying poker...
The scene: PLO Omaha with 5-10 blinds and a live straddle of 20 (Euros). Having had a great first day - I was able to loosen up and have some fun over the next couple of days and try to mix it up as much as possible. Apart from using unusual betting methods to confuse the players - I was able to set up some bluffs. I didn't initially show any of these as the game was getting bigger and bigger as the night wore on. But as the game began to tighten up a bit - I decided it was time to show a bluff or two...
Dennis is one of those types that simply loves poker and more to the point - bluffs that work. He seemed to enjoy them even more when HE was the one being bluffed. So having shown him three in quick succession - and being given a handshake each time - Dennis was the target. But not for another bluff. The next time I was going to be involved with him - I needed the nuts. He would be calling no matter what!
So how sweet it was when Dennis bet a flop of A-A-Q - and I was holding A-K-Q-2. Having set up previous bluffs by raising his bets on the flop and following through with full pot bets after the turn and river - this was ideal to make sure that Dennis matched every Euro from my 8K stack. Sure enough, he calls my full raise on the flop with a smile that said "bluff me now if you dare". How I hoped he filled up with the 4 that hit the turn. He did! His check-call and smile assured me that he would call my all-in bet on the river. But there was one slight problem on the way to a perfect set-up - Dennis also held a K to go with his A-4-7. Sure enough, the K came on the river for a split pot.
Having worked on Dennis most of the night - this was a great chance to make all the past bluffs pay the bonus. But my disappointment when that K hit the river - was not financial. Although 8K was not to be sniffed at - I felt cheated at what would have followed. Dennis would have smiled, shaken my hand and laughed at the whole situation. In fact, every player at the table would have reacted in the same manner. It says a lot for the Irish, when a player can feel cheated at missing out on the potential banter and fun - rather than the 8K! Damn these Irish, don't they know that poker is a serious business and NOT supposed to be fun!
Anyhow, I am now back in the USA after what seemed like a very long three months in the UK. And as the cold weather began to close in around Europe - I heard the call of the Bellagio growing louder and louder. It's so good to be home! Until next time - play well, get lucky and go Dublin when you can!
