Beach or Poker?

. We'd decided to make up a picnic and head down to the beach with some friends. As it was a bit hot we retired to the Aircon and I unsurprisingly sparked up a game of poker. Having been battered by B2B I opted for the gentler climes of Party Poker and a $6SnG. When I crashed out in 6th I was just about at rock bottom in poker confidence. On a whim I entered a $1 tournament which was just starting. I triple up with AK when the King hits and manage to stay ahead. With 100 people remaining it seems like it is time to head to the beach.

So here was my dilemma. Its just a $1 and I have a day out planned - can I just walk away. No of course not. I go all in with A7 from UTG having not played a hand for a long time. I get called by the big blind with AJ (a bad call) but I hit not just one seven but two. I then advise the moll that I'll follow on as soon as I can. She isn't happy but agrees.

We're down to 50 and approaching the first bubble and the phone rings. I am now officially in the bad books. After a while of playing tight I go all-in twice with 108s, 78s and don't get called. Next hand KK and of course I go all in. This time I get not just one caller but 2 and it holds up against junk! I'm now in the top ten of stacks and approaching the bubble. and I can'r bring myself to poker suicide!

I tighten up and the next phone call comes as we approach another bubble. I make a few fearless raises against people that I don't think want to endanger their tournament life and don't get called. Before I know it I'm on the final table but the small stack. Another phone call and this time I realise I am in big trouble. I play aggressively and am not getting called. When I do I'm a big favourite and double up. When I double up a second time I'm third biggest stack. The others fall away and it comes down to three handed.

The blinds are big and the chip leader goes for an allin on the first hand. Uncalled. Second hand he is again allin. Uncalled. When he does on the third hand the other guy calls and loses in race and I'm in second. Next hand he is all-in again. I call with A6s and he turns over pocket 2's. Despite an A hitting its accompanied by a 2 and I pick up $48.

I half run and half walk to the beach and face the music. In the bad books indeed and probably banned from poker for the week but my best tourney result so far. Just wish I could have taken that first slot.

So my mission is to try and squeeze in enough time to finish Bamba poker whilst maintaining a level of domestic bliss. Poker Lite this week.