Party SnG, middle of tourney. I have been card dead since the start and need to pick up a hand. I’m the short stack and have played two hands the whole tourney. I’m dealt a small pocket pair in middle position and raise it up. It is folded to the small blind, who thinks for a full minute. While he’s thinking, the big blind goes, “Damn, I’ll respect that raise.”

Well shit, now the small blind knows that he doesn’t have to worry about action from the big blind. So of course he calls, shows JJ and busts me.

So what do we think? The big blind spoke out of turn and let the small blind know what he intended to do. Thoughts?

I think the 3/6 ring games on Party are harder than the 5/10 games. I don’t know why, but for some reason when I have tried to move from 2/4 to 3/6, my bank roll has always taken a big hit and I’ve had to move back down. Because of recent tourney winnings, my bankroll has swelled, and I’ve been dabbling at the 5/10 tables. I find them to be softer and more easily beaten than the 3/6 games. Anyone else noticed this? Or am I crazy?

In any case, I have delayed any move up in level because 3/6 seemed too tough and 5/10 is still too expensive for a lowly boarding school teacher (until I make a big score in the Stars 11R that is!). I’m consistently beating the 2/4 game, but the rake is so high that I’m never going to be a big winner at this level and I really want to move up. Frustrating!

Today I played two sessions of 3/6 on Party and booked two big winning sessions. This is good for my bankroll, but also good for my mind. 3/6 can be beat! Maybe I can finally make that move.

1. Was utterly card dead for the rest of the Stars 11R. Made my move with A8 and got called by KJ, he flops two pair. Who’s better than that guy?

2. Chris and three others chopped in the L.A. Poker Classic $1000 NLHE event. Yahooooo! Congratulations baby! You earned it.

Good night.