Bankroll Experiment Update

Been a swinging month with roll dropping as low as $1900 and peaking at $2600. This was to be expected as I decided not to change my strategy and play more MTT's now than sit and goes, as I think my roll can take the higher variance now. Although still choosing my games carefully to maximise edge. Didn't play much cash this month, so might head back there and try my luck. We'll see.

Buyins $21909.89
Total Profit $2338.24
Games 1875 (includes cash sessions)
ITM 578
ROI 11%

Bankroll Experiment Update

Well this has been fun if nothing else. Had my roll up to $2800 at one point then went on an horrendous bad run. Had to drop down levels etc and bottomed out at around the $700 mark. I put this down to playing more MTT's, where the variance is that much higher. So am now only playing 90 player max SNG's and PLO Cash. Doing this I have managed to claw my way back up and now sitting in situation shown below.

Buyins $19293.17
Total Profit $2109.96
Games 1725 (includes cash sessions)
ITM 536
ROI 11%


Onwards and upwards!!!

Live Poker Sunday

Went up to Newcastle to play in a Team Poker Event for The Radgies.

Another very well ran event by Circus Casino, Newcastle, well done guys!!!

Atmosphere was great as was the spirit in how the game was played. So congrats to all that played too.

As for myself had a great day, but unfortunately managed to get myself knocked out early on, no bad beats, just cr@p play by me.

But fate works in mysterious ways, ran over to Aspers for the $75 game and ended up chopping it 3 ways with Hammed and Lynn (Beaumont).

Returned to Circus for aftermath, and found out Stevie's Team had won the event with Imi finishing 2nd, well done guys!!!

Sat at cash table with $45, 1st hand pick up 10 10 and limp mid pos, drunk guy on button raises, drunk woman in BB calls, I push, BB calls with 89 and hits 2pr. She has about $500 in front of her and has obviously been hitting everything. I ask dealer what max sit down is he says no max, so I pull up $500. Russ "The Suit" sitting with about $30 leaves 2 hands later, cos he can see there is gonna be carnage. Needless to say 2 hours later most of both the drunks money is in front of me and I head over to the G where I take a tidy $200 profit from the cash table there too.

$1000+ profit on day and some great fun too, as we say in Scotland, ye canny beat it!!!! :-)

PokerSpace

A quick shout out to everyone to let them be aware of a really cool poker site.

If you are looking for a site which has a community feel, freerolls, good rakeback deals, a great site reward scheme, team and individual leagues, as well as a cool forum, then check out this link http://www.pokerspace.com/?u=GiMac

Don't accept poor customer service!!!

This just goes to show that you should never accept the bland excuses given by customer services. fight for wht you think is right and you shall receive!!!

General Info
Chat start time Jun 12, 2009 12:34:56 PM EST
Chat end time Jun 12, 2009 1:47:59 PM EST
Duration (actual chatting time) 01:13:03
Operator Benjamin Boyd



Chat Transcript
info: Please wait for a site operator to respond. You are currently customer 1 in queue. Thank you for your patience.
info: Hello, my name is Jennifer Doyle. How may I help you today?
You: Hi Jennifer
Jennifer Doyle: Hello Gordon.
Jennifer Doyle: Please bear with me for a moment while I look into this...
You: i requested a withdrawal from my account a coupe of days ago. I have just got a message fro yourselves saying that the verification process for withdrawing has been complete and it has been passed for processing. However, it then goes on to say that it will take 2-3 weeks to process check/gift card withdrawals, but I requested to withdraw to moneybookers. Can you please confirm how the funds will be sent?
Jennifer Doyle: The withdrawal was requested by MoneyBookers.
You: yes
Jennifer Doyle: The processingtime frame is taking 1-2 business weeks.
You: well thats not what it said when i req2uested the withdrawal?
You: it said up to 5 working days
You: I'm fairly new to your site
You: and most other sites only take up to 2-3 days max to withdraw to an e-wallet. 1-2 business weeks tbh is a bit of a joke.
Jennifer Doyle: After the process takes 24 hours for you receive the money into your MoneyBookers account.
You: i play some sites where its done within 2-3 hours!!!
You: why is it taking 1-2 weeks to process a withdrawal?
You: that quite frankly is ridiculous
Jennifer Doyle: I completely understand but that is our processing time frame that we have at the moment.
You: well that is not what was agreed
You: it said up to 5 working days
You: or would you prefer that I withdraw ALL my funds and go play elsewhere?
Jennifer Doyle: That is the time frame but normally this takes less of that time.
You: ok i dont think you understand what i am saying
You: no matter how many times you say " that is the timeframe"
You: it will not be acceptable
You: 1-2 weeks is ridiculous
You: and IS NOT what your SLA is to your players
You: i originally made the request over 5 days ago and already lost several days because your company asked for ID requirements which I submitted when depositing
You: so to then lose another 1-2 weeks is crazy
You: If the funds are not in my moneybookers account within the 5 business days that was the time indicated as the maximum to process this payment I will have no alternative other than to withdraw the rest of my funds and go elsewhere
You: p..s If you say that "this is the time frame", I'll leave on prinicple
Jennifer Doyle: I completely understand your frustration Gordon but that is the time frame that we offer at the moment and as I mentioned this can take less of that time.
You: right i warned you
You: you just lost a client#
You: ]not only that
You: but i am a respected poker journalist
You: and will make sure that EVRYONE that I know gets to know about your sites poor payout service
You: i am a repsected member of several poker forums and indeed run one myself
You: not only that but I right for plenty of poker magazines
You: if your site thinks that up to 3 weeks to process a withdrawal is acceptable you are dreaming
Jennifer Doyle: Please keep in mind that we depend on third party companies to process your withdrawal.
You: like every other poker site
You: i suggest that you ind a third party that can do the job
You: otherwise you will soon be out of one
You: i mean 3 weeks???
You: do you honestly think that is acceptable?
You: ??
Jennifer Doyle: As I mentioned, I completely understand but that is out of my hands because that is the time frame that we have.
You: what a joke
You: customer service?
You: yeah right
You: if your site does not have ALL my funds in moneybookers within the next 5 business days i'll have to place a sequestration order on your company
You: then we'll see how much you can help
You: that is MY timeframe
Jennifer Doyle: Actually this is one of our fasted methods that we offered; the check option takes 2-3 weeks.
You: lmao
Jennifer Doyle: Also if you want we can offer you the bank wire method.
You: probably takes 13 days
You: lol
Jennifer Doyle: This method takes 5-7 business days processing time instead of the 2-3 week timeframe that is currently being quoted on the site.
You: LMAO
You: you are joking
You: you must be
You: I know its friday but come on
Jennifer Doyle: No Gordon.
You: lol
Jennifer Doyle: If you wish to avail of this method, you need to provide at your earliest convenience with the full details as requested below.
Jennifer Doyle: - Bank name
Jennifer Doyle: - Bank's full address
Jennifer Doyle: - Swift Code/BIC- Your bank account number
Jennifer Doyle: - Type of bank account (Personal Checking, Personal Saving, and Business Checking)
Jennifer Doyle: - IBAN (European Banks) or any special instructions
Jennifer Doyle: - Copy of a voided check
You: i have told you what is required
You: you have 5 days to get ALL my funds in my moneybookers account
You: if the funds have not been received I suggest you start to look for a new job, because your company will not be able to access ANY funds to pay anyone, even your wages
You: because I will have them all froxen
You: *frozen
You: simple
Jennifer Doyle: I tried to give you another option but in this case you need to wait 1-2 weeks.
Jennifer Doyle: Please rest assured that you will be emailed with an update as soon as we are able to send your withdrawal.
You: you obviosuly are just ignoring what i have said
You: so this conversation is a waste of time
You: you have 5 days
You: tick tock
Jennifer Doyle: The processing time frame fro MoneyBookers is 1-2 weeks we try to process this before but I cannot guarantee anything Gordon.
You: you have 4 days 23 hours and 53 mins
You: tick tock
Jennifer Doyle: Is there anything else I can assist you with?
You: anything else?
You: you havent helped me at all lol
You: you have 4 days 23 hours and 50 minutes
You: tick tock#
Jennifer Doyle: Let me transfer you to my supervisor.
You: not if they are just going to say the same as you
info: Please wait while I transfer the chat to 'Benjamin Boyd'.
info: Hello, my name is Benjamin Boyd. How may I help you today?
You: Hi Benjamin
Benjamin Boyd: This is the supervisor on duty Gordon. I am aware of the conversation you just had with Jennifer. How can I help you today?
Benjamin Boyd: Gordon?
You: transfer me my money please
Benjamin Boyd: Your withdrawal is currently processing and will be send as soon as possible.
Benjamin Boyd: Is there any other question or doubt you may have Gordon?
You: which is how long?
Benjamin Boyd: As I mentioned is currently processing, your withdrawal will be sent as soon as possible.
Benjamin Boyd: Our currently processing time frame for Moneybookers (your selected method) takes 1-2 weeks and delivery to post of 24 hours.
You: well that is not what was agreed when i requested ny withdrawal
Benjamin Boyd: What do you mean with that?
You: your site stated UP TO 5 working days
You: for this method of withdrawal
You: which tbh is longer than any other site i play on
You: but I was willing to wiat the 5 days
You: but I am not willing to wait for up to 2 weeks
You: especially when I made the intial request 2 days ago and your company requested ID documentation, which I had already submitted when depositing.
You: so i have already compromied to 7 working days
You: *compromised
You: but i refuse to compromise further
Benjamin Boyd: Can you provide me with the link in which our site states a 5 days processing time frame Gordon?
You: it said it when i was withdrawing
You: i appreicate that you may not have the necessary authority to speed your obviously poor processes up
You: but I would appreciate it if you could pass my comments onto to your management
Benjamin Boyd: Please click here to check on our website information please.
You: and let them know that if ALL my funds are not in my moneybookers account in the time frame indicated that I will be placing a sequestration order on your company
Benjamin Boyd: I am truly sorry Gordon but the time frame is 1-2 weeks for Moneybookers. Rest assured that we will send your request as priority and that it will be send as soon as possible.
You: I'm not really interested
You: you have 4 dyas 23 hours and 37 minutes
You: then I instruct my legal team to sequest
Benjamin Boyd: I am truly sorry Gordon it seems that you don't understand our withdrawals time frame policies.
Benjamin Boyd: Rest assured it will be send as soon as possible as I have previously mentioned.
Benjamin Boyd: Is there anything else I can assist you with?
You: i understand that your service is very poor and as a poker journalist I will make it my new mission to send that message out
You: thanks for your non-assitance with this matter
Benjamin Boyd: Again truly sorry you feel that way. Remember that when you signed up you agreed to our terms of service Gordon.
You: do you still want that link you asked for?
Benjamin Boyd: Yes please.
You: because i have foudn EXACTLY where it says 5-7 days to process e-wallet withdrawals
You: https://teller.gamingsystem.net/cashier/cashout.do
Benjamin Boyd: Please provide me with that link Gordon ...
Benjamin Boyd: Please bear with me for a moment while I look into this...
Benjamin Boyd: I'll be right back with you Gordon ...
Benjamin Boyd: Gordon are you there?
You: yes
Benjamin Boyd: Gordon please accept my most sincere apologies as I have just confirmed with the relevant department that a new time frame for MB has been recently updated in our site. Also I can confirm that your withdrawal will be process and sent tomorrow. You can feel free to check your account in the afternoon.
Benjamin Boyd: Again please accept my most sincere apologies and rest assured that I will inform all of our CS agents to be aware of this new change.
You: many thanks
Benjamin Boyd: Right back at you!
info: Your chat transcript will be sent to gordon.mcarthur@tesco.net at the end of your chat.
You: Thanks for your help Ben and have a great weekend
Benjamin Boyd: It was my pleasure and once again please accept my most sincere apologies. You have a great day too Gordon.
Benjamin Boyd: Thanks for chatting. If you are fully satisfied with the outcome of this chat then I am going to close the connection shortly. Please contact us again if you have any questions.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!

Shhhhiiiipppp!!!!!

Just took down the $3k gtd NLH Bounty ($11 buy in) on PlayersOnly for $600.56, including 10 bounties for $30.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bankroll Builder Update

Currently $50 now up to $1848.85
Buyins $6563.59
Total Profit $1798.85
Games 1100 (includes cash sessions)
ROI 27%

The $10 level has turned out to be the easiest of the lot and now gone into $10 rebuy level, with 25c/50c and 50c/1 omaha cash games.

Onwards and upwards!!!

Shhhhiiiipppp!!!!!

Just took down the $3k gtd Omaha hi/lo on PlayersOnly for $780.00, not bad as only had a top up so cost me $31.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!

GUKPT Newcastle

Well having decided to give the main event of this a miss, I decided to play the £200 NLH and the £250 PLO side events. Here's how it went.

As far as the Hold Em event went. I get sat immediately next to a local that I know really well. Unfortunately every time I put in a raise, he reraises me massive each time showing a better hand to me when i folded, AQ-QQ, KQ-AK, AK-AA, JJ-QQ just 4 examples, sigh. Then I turn 2 pair only to run into a flopped set by Paul Wilson. I manage to limp through a couple of more levels, but never really recover.

The 2nd bite of the cherry, the omaha, was last night. With 7k starting chips and 30 minute levels, it was clear chips would be required early on. Got sat on same table as Steve Jelinek, Andrew Feldman, Jeff Kimber, Paul Wilson and a couple of locals, including Dr Zaffa. Looks like an action table.

Anyway, good read me, not much action first 2 levels, lol, apart from a hand where on a KQ9 rainbow board Paul Wilson manages to get a fish to get all his chips in on the flop vs his TJA8 with the bare K9 2 pair. Unfortunately the fish turns K to hit his house and Paul hits the rail, but you could see everyone at the table making a mental note that this guy was the one who could double us all up. This was to turn out crucial in the hand which turned out to be my last. The table fish limps in, so I raise from cutoff with Ad9d22, fish is the only caller. Flop Q 8 2 rainbow, now I am not a great lover of bottom set in omaha, but I know this guy is raising preflop with any big pair after seeing a lot of his hands at showdown, so immediately discount trip Q's, and whilst he might have a set of 8's, I was convinced he had top 2pr Q 8 again. Seeing how he couldnt put them down on the flop against Paul earlier, I decide to take the pot on the turn if a non scary card comes. Turn is 4, that aint scaring me for sure. He bets again I push and he calls with, yep you guessed it Q 8 2pr, no redraws, only for the river to come a cruel 8.

Aaaagggghhhh, I hate hold em players when they play omaha, not. :-)

Interesting Cash Hand Live in Newcastle

Had interesting cash hand after the 1st event of the GUKPT in Newcastle on Monday. Here are the details.

Playing 1-1 NLH, one guy is acting a real asshole on the table and has made himself the table target, I honestly dont think this was a tactic I think he really was an asshole. Anyway I limp early with KJ, someone calls, asshole then raises on button to £5, SB calls, BB calls, I call and cutoff calls. Flop comes a very sweet J J J. check check check, cutoff bets £10, call call call, I call. Turn K, check check check, cutoff bets £20, asshole calls, fold fold, I call. I am trying to decide whether to value bet or shove the river, when the dealer turns the river card to show another K!!!! At the sight of this card the asshole shouts out, "Ha, ha, ha, I can't be beat.", which quickly makes my mind up that a shove was in order. I push all in, cutoff folds and asshole says "Well I cant be beat I call!!!". I keep my cards face down and say to him, "Which card would you like to see the one where you split the pot, or the one that beats you?". At this point his chin fell on the table and as the rest of the table burst into laughter, I honestly thought he was going to cry and, for a fraction of a second I nearly felt sorry for him, but as I raked in the pot this sentiment soon passed, lol.

Moneybookers

I have found recently that a good way to move funds around, between poker sites is to use moneybookers.com

Once you have deposited on moneybookers, it is free to deposit and withdraw to your moneybookers account from most poker sites, it is also much quicker than using debit or credit cards.

Click on the link below to see what its all about.




https://www.moneybookers.com/app/?rid=8856954

Bankroll Builder Experiment Update

Currently $50 now up to $493.73:

Buyins $2554.17
Total Profit $443.73
Games 758 (includes cash sessions)
ITM 259
ROI 17%

Got my roll up to $575 then went on a really sick bad run and dropped to nearly $400, but on way back up. I dont think moving to $10 level at $715 is the way to go, so adding an extra level into mine of $7 sit and goes at $715 and not moving to $10 til hit $1k (This might change but after a $175 swing at this level, which has fecked my ROI, I think it is prudent).

Bankroll Builder Experiment

Ok I have been running this for 6 weeks now.

Rather than start at zero I decided to start with $50.

I have the following rules, which I have stolen bits from Mr Ferguson and others.

To start with only allowed to play freerolls or $1+10c sit and goes, try to play on site with rakeback deal, and account for rakeback as additional income added to bankroll.

Not allowed to move up levels until next level threshold broken and not allowed to fall below 50% between levels. i.e. to move to $2.25 level, must have at least $157.50, and once moved up level bankroll cannot fall below $103.75, if it does move back down level.

Set levels as follows:

Level Bankroll

$1+10c------------ $50+

$2+25c ------------ $157.50

$5+50 ------------ $357.50

$10+$1 ----------- $715.00

Also if playing cash games, not allowed to buy in for more than 5% of bankroll and must leave table if the amount at table is between 10-15% of bankroll i.e. once you have double up, leave table and rebuy back in elsewhere at 5% or less of bankroll.

I started off very well and my ROI was through the roof, but it has settled down to a bit of a grind and my original $50 now stands at the following after 6 weeks.

Bankroll $425.53

Profit $375.53

Games/Sessions played: 583

ROI: 24%

To give you an example of how important the rakeback was to this exercise, at the end of 4 weeks my bankroll stood at $187 and I was paid $29 in rakback from that months play, increasing my bankroll by a further 15%. Obviously as I move up levels the rakeback should increase exponentially.

I wonder if I can do a "Ferguson" and get it up to $10,000? Only time will tell. I'll keep you updated.

GUKPT Manchester Main Event report

Ok the big day had arrived, and I made my way to Manchester for the GUKPT Leg 4 Main Event. It promised to be a reasonable pot and with 123 runners on day 1a, which historically has less runners than Day 1b, the prize pool was already sitting in excess of $350k, and was expected to approach $500k, with many registrations still to be taken for Day 1b.

I sat at my table and surveyed the scene. Seat 1 Unknown, Seat 2 Tony Caygill, a player from up my way, solid enough player, Seat 3 Caroline Cove, a lovely girl but she can talk for England, note to self to use i-pod should the talking get too much, Seat 4 Jeff Kimber, winner of World Heads up champs in 2007 and Tournament earnings in excess of $1m, beware, Seat 5 Simon Wolf Unknown, Seat 6 Chris Brammer Unkown, Seat 7 George McDonald fellow Scot and solid player, Seat 8 Maurice McCarthy Unkown, Seat 9 Me. Not too bad a table and fairly happy with it. Early on Brammer and McDonald emerge as the table aggressors and I am just looking to catch them with a big hand. I get a few small pairs but each time flop comes AKQ so have to let them go. Wolf knocks out McCarthy early on after seeing a 7 4 2 flop Wolf with 777 and McCarthy with underset 222, sicko.

Still early I get AQ in early pos and decide to limp in, folds to Jeff Kimber in BB who raises up to 150 (Blinds 25/50) both Wolf and Brammer call, so i decide to see a flop. The flop comes 2sQh4s, wolf checks, brammer raises to 300, this could be the hand i was looking for to get some chips, but with such a draw dangerous board i decide to see a turn card and call, Kimber calls, I know i am ahead of them both, then Wolf bangs in a reraise to 1400. Now I dont have a clue where I am and decide to let it go. Next level I get 10 10 and put in a raise Caroline calls from button. Flop comes an uninviting 2JQ, i bet she flats, I have her on J, Turn A. I decide she doesnt like this and look to check raise, but she checks behind, river is J. I put out a stopper bet which she quickly reraises, confirming my J theory, I let it go.

Table gets split and i get moved briefly onto another table, only hand of note, guy raises, I get JJ on button and reraise, he reluctantly folds showing AQ.

This table gets split and i get moved again. New table players of note Seat 3 James browning, many cashes and Poker broadcasting groundbreaker having hosted PNL in UK, Seat 5 Me, Seat 6 Andreas Hoivold, Former EPT winner and $1.5m+ in tournament winnings, Seat 8 Tim Flanders, $300k+ tournament winnings, Seat 9 Lynne Beaumont, one of leading UK Women players with $100k+ winnings. This table has a much better feel to it, and there are some big pots being played out. Hoivold knocks out an opponent after getting it in preflop with AK vs KK, Andreas hits A on river to knock out opponent, maybe thats how you win EPT titles?! No major hands of note until nearly end of level 3, when I get KK, I put in a raise to 525 and get 2 callers, Tim Flanders on button and the BB. First card out is Ac, and having put Tim on an A decide i am finished with hand, except the next 2 cards are 9c 5c and I have Kc. Anyway I check, Tim bets i call, we both check blank on turn, and river comes another A, maybe I was wrong and he didnt have A after all, so I bet and he flat calls with AK. 3 cards in deck and he hits 2 of them, sigh. This leaves me pretty short and I limp my way to the dinner break with only 1875 in chips. With blinds 150/300, I know i need to pick up a hand pretty quick after the break. I let one set of blinds pass me and next round it folds to me in SB, I look at first card which is an A and push, Hoivold in BB, says I dont need to look and calls. I tell him i only saw A so he turns over his first card to show Ad and 2nd card 9d, jeez i think, but my 2nd card is K!!! To the flop which comes a very scary 10d8s7d, but the turn and river are blank and i double up. I steal a couple of blinds and manage to get a push through with 77 and get my stack back up to above 4k. I know one double up and I am back in the race. Unfortunately it was not to be, as I find JJ in the cutoff, I put in a big raise only for the BB to wake up with KK, and with no help from the board I hit the rail.

So many thanks to my backers, I know i didnt manage a return on this occasion, but with a bit better luck, i.e. KK holding against AK, things could have been so so different, but then thats poker.

Shares Selling Fast

24 shares left, so get your skates on if you want a piece of the action.

Own a Share of GiMac in the GUKPT

Hi all

Ok it's here, a chance to own a share of me in the UK's leading poker tour the GUKPT (www.grosvenorukpokertour.com)

The Event: GUKPT Main Event
Date: 23-26th April 2009
Venue: Grosvenor Casino Manchester, UK
Prize Fund: $500k Estimated
1st Prize: $175,000 Estimated

Shares available: 72 x $25 shares
Profit Distribution: 50% to Shareholders (Example: If I win outright and get estimated $175k, each $25 share would be paid approx $1215)

Please note that any profit distribution will take into account any final table deals.

How to buy: Go to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58351905825# join the group and post how many shares you would like. Payment details will be posted once sold out, but will be via Poker Stars, Full Tilt or moneybookers.com

Any questions please feel free to ask.

Ezekiel 25:17 (Abridged version).

Ezekiel 25:17 (Abridged version).

"The path of the righteous poker player is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil donkeys. Blessed is he who, in the name of made hands and continuation bets, bets out at the weak through the turn and the river, for he is truly Sklansky's keeper and the finder of bust flush draws. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to cheat and outdraw my brothers. And you will know my name is GiMac when I lay the stone cold nuts upon you."

Amen.