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I finally got back from Iraq last month and was home just long enough to wash clothes, pack and head out on the Card Player Cruise. The cruise was a complete blast. The Guru and I had some pretty good moments I think. I probably could have played a little more cash poker and spent less time drinking in the casino but hey, that's my MO.

As far as the poker goes, I played all four tournaments, There were three no limit tourneys and an Omaha 8 high low. I don't think I ever got any ground in the first two NL events. I remember one hand in the 2nd that cost me more than 1/2 my stack with some pre flop raising and re-reaising going on. I eventually folded KK to a J high board when my opp re-raised my c bet by moving all in. I saw her later that evening in the casino and she said she had Aces. Who knows?

The Omaha event was fun but certainly not my area of expertise. With that being said and considering the company I was in, I felt pretty good about my play. I think I busted in 22nd or something out of a field of 80+.

The final and largest event was a $230 NL event with 119 players if memory serves me correctly. I felt relaxed and focused in that event and I think I made some great moves in that game. I did my job with the stealing in LP, made some key lay downs, three bet bluffed on occasion which resulted in the opponents folding. I know the poker gods showed me some love in one hand when I called an all in with 77 and the guy flipped over 10 10. A third 7 in the door for a double up put me in position to make a run at the final table. I eventually got into the money (paying 13 spots) and shoved with what else? 77 again. A very good European kid himmed and hawed for about 20 or 30 seconds and called with either KJ off or KQ off not sure which. A painted card came that hit him and I was out in 11th with $360 for my effort.

As far as cash games I played 2-4 limit (waiting for another table to open) lol. 4-8 limit and 1-3 NL at different times throughout the cruise. While most of these sessions (5 in total I think) were short in duration, I came out ahead in every one so no complaints from me.

All in all, I had a blast and I'm strongly considering another Card Player Cruise out of Galveston in April.

Hope you all had a great holiday and hope to see you soon.

Calico

P.S. I took 1st in a 45 man SnG last night for $171 skins ;)