this was my 3rd cash in a row. three in a row is definitely not shitty. it’s also the 2nd tournament that i wasnt planning on playing. i was actually planning on playing aria as a warm up for the wynn classic but since the venetian was right next door we decided to walk over and jump in the 7pm tournament. turns out, this was a smart change of plan – sometimes it’s the unexpected stuff that works out best.

adding goodness on top of this already good story was the fact that courtenay also my the final table with me! this was the first time we both made a final table together. pretty awesome – he finished 6th and i finished 8th. the same angle-shooter douche bag from san antonio busted us both out. it’s amazing how some people fail upwards. i’ve seen it my entire life in the music business (specifically talking about a&r people and executives here). seriously bummed i didnt place higher and in retrospect i think that guy’s call of my all in pre with 4′s was kinda risky. i had A5 hearts and honestly didnt think he would call for his tournament life without something super solid as i mistakenly thought he was super tight. oh well – i knew that if i did get looked up i had 2 overs, flush possibilities and straight possibilities. alas, nothing came in and i was bounced pretty unceremoniously. it’s easy to say i should’ve waited but i just had to get by 2 players to win the blinds and antes. hmmm… the same guy busted courtenay out with a gross runner runner flush to his trip tens. it’s not all skill folks.

anyway, this was a great start to a trip. we cruised out to vegas in a few hours – checked into encore and even had time for a quick drink in the sun by the pool. i need to right my own yelp review for encore…i love that place. ended up finally going to bed at 5am. not ideal when u have a big tournament the next day but always a good problem when u’ve made a final table. video sums it up…i was pretty tired when i made it.