Posted by Junelli 8:58 AM
Yes, I am still taking a break from poker.

Last weekend was an exception, because it was a Vegas trip that had been planned for months. Also, my "break" means the regular Houston games I would normally play in. I'll still play in the occasional home game, and of course, I'll still play whenever I go to Vegas. I might even play in a Houston card room. Just not very often, and not for as much money.

Yes, I played $10-$20 NL at the Bellagio.

Yes, I played with Phil "The Unibomber" Laak.

I had the pleasure of sitting right next to him for over 3 hours and watching him play. Unfortunately for me, he was directly on my left, which meant I was severely limited in what I could do. Memo to self: when you play with one of the top professional players on the planet, try to sit on his left (not the other way around). Oh well.

I'm happy to report that Laak didn't take 1 cent from me. The only real tough hand I was involved in with him, also involved a local pro on the other end of the table.

The local pro raised to $100 preflop (standard raise nearly ever hand). I called in late position with AJs. Unibomber called, and we saw a pot 3 handed.

The flop was AT5 rainbow, and the local pro led out for $200. I thought about calling, but this was a tough spot for me to be in. I had no idea what Laak planned to do, and I also had little idea where my AJ stood against the bettor. This hand could get expensive for me, so I decide to fold.

Smart move. Laak raises to $600. The bettor re-raised all-in for $2,800 more. Laak called reluctantly.

Laak had A5 for 2 pair.
Bettor had TT for middle set.

Middle set held up to win a huge pot. I'm glad I stayed out of that one.

Anyway, Laak was very cool, and was constantly pestered by fans coming up to shake his hand. He handled it all very well, and didn't show the slightest sign of arrogance. I really liked him.

When I got home I did a little research into his bio and found these nuggets on his resume:

Hosts E! Hollywood Hold Em on TV
6th place WPT Bicycle 2003
12th place WPT Bellagio 2003
2nd place WSOP PL Hold Em
5th place 2005 Five Diamond World Poker Classic

Pretty impressive for a former repo man from Dublin.

3 Comment(s):

Posted by  Anonymous, at 4:59 PM, March 28, 2007  

what about the photo from Hef's party?

-fro

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Posted by  Padilla, at 11:44 PM, March 28, 2007  

Good for you. No way I fold there, but I do raise for information. Once Laak re-raises with a vulnerable 2 pair, or just calls, the other guy is probably going to re-re-raise, forcing me off my hand with action behind me. Losing is just part of the game sometimes.

Glad it worked out, and it sounds like you started having a bit of fun again.

-- Padilla

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Posted by  Anonymous, at 11:16 PM, March 31, 2007  

Pretty sure Laak won a WPT event. Didnt he have a suckout against Humberto Brenes to take down a title?

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