2 + 3 =5 > 1 + 1 = 2

OK I will explain in a moment, but for now let me set a quick scene. Tues I made it to the Aladdin to join Mike for a fun filled night of No Limit Texas Hold 'Em. When I arrived to the room I was seated in the only 1 -2 No limit game going, is was comprised of basically 7 regulars, and only one real bad player at the table. After playing about a half hour, Mike, myself and Todd*, left the Aladdin and walked over to Ballys.

Once at Ballys I was placed in one game, Mike and Todd in another. I sat down and bought in for the max of $300. My game seemed decent, as after 5 hands there were two players that were playing every pot to showdown. In the 6th hand, one of these players raised to $12, I was in the small blind with the 2s 3s and called as did two other players. The flop of 10d 4c 2h came down, I checked as did the other players, and the original raised bet $15. I thought for a moment with bottom pair and called. I figured I may get my stack payed off with trips or two pair so it was worth the implied odds. The two other players folded.

We were heads up, perfect place for me to be with this player. The turn came down and 'Boom' there it was the 3d, I thought for a min or so, till the other player said, "did he check?" I then bet $100, he instantly went all in for $180, and I called. He had AA, my two pair held up and I was shipped the pot. He was furious, this hand was referenced at least 3 other times in the session by him, finally the last time, I pulled off my glasses leaned over and said, "But it was suited," then put my glasses back on. A couple of chuckles came from the players next to me and that was the last I heard.

See if this player knew simple math, then he would know that his AA which is 1 + 1 only equals 2, but 2 + 3 equals 5. If he just knew that his EV was minus 3 (-3EV) then he may have been able to avoid this situation. To demonstrate this your self click here: http://www.calculator.org/jcalc98.html

The session went on for around 5 hours, I cashed out with Mike and Todd, and we walked back to our cars, I was up a totals of $440 for the day. And yes finally a nice win without going broke three times. Well I will be playing again today, wish me luck.




* Todd is a player I recently met through Mike, mike knew him from the time period I took off from playing over the summer. Todd is in town visiting for about a month.