OK so it turns out that to play poker well you kinda gotta focus on the game. That means if you gotta pee, pee. If you are hungry go get something to eat. If you have other needs that are unfulfilled take care of them somehow.

Do you have kids that are asking for you're attention? Don't be a dink go play with them. Does your spouse want to talk? It would probably be a good idea to talk or whatever.

In the long run if you are not focused on the game you are not winning. For me anyway focus takes concentration and concentration take some semblance of quiet.

Poker is a willing mistress she will wait for you to be ready.

stuff I'm learning:

stuff I'm learning:

At a tight table you can push pretty hard but if people start to push back even a little back off quick and reevaluate.

At a loose table play really tight betting occasionally to see if anybody has noticed. If they have then loosen up a bit, so that they might fold to some bluffs. If they haven't then tighten up cause somebody'll call anything.

I played a table today when it seemed everybody was going all in on every hand. Play chips will do that to some people. I just waited til I got something playable and when it hit on the flop nobody noticed that I had gone all in too. Until I had most of their chips.

Turns out I won my way to the next level, that very night. I picked up a lovely set of shipyard branded poker chips on the way. I did not win the next level. I lost when I bet heavily on a pair of jacks on the flop and the guy with pocket kings just kept calling me. Doh!!!

Turns out top pair ain't always so.

I also behaved very badly. I have excuses for that but the end result is I behaved badly. It was nice of shipyard to do this and while it could have been a bit better organized, I think that everyone had a good time.