Just Desserts - Boylepoker Blog

Our online qualifier Tim Cullinane's brave run at this year's WSOP main event and the 9 million dollar first prize is over in a blaze of glory and disappointment. Before day 1 Tim had not slept a wink but still managed to run his 20k starting stack up to 76k before close of play. There followed a rest day which Tim spent shopping and playing poker before meeting up with a few of the chaps for a couple of beers and a bit of advice.

Julian Gardiner, Tristan McDonald, Tom Hanlon, Keith Hawkins, Neil Channing, Dave Callaghan and even one Roland De Wolfe were on hand to assist young Tim. Sadly Marty Smyth was also on hand to offer advice as his run at another bracelet had come to an end after a day of dead cards and hateful flops.

As we were all getting stuck into our 7th or 8th white Russian I realised that although Tim was getting great advice, none of it was poker related! A quick straw poll and everyone was of the opinion that an early night was his best option. Being a smart man he took the advice and went to bed around 4am (an early night by Vegas standards) and was ready and refreshed to play.

Without many cards he ran his 76 thousand all the way up over the 100k mark and beyond playing strong reraising poker. He was flying but one of the perils aggressive players face is that they will never be believed when holding a strong hand. A raising war broke out and eventually all Tim's chips went into the middle to total a pot over 250k. Tim held Kings his opponent held 7-2. Obviously he didn't hold 7-2 but he might as well have because he was miles behind with his ace king. The fatal card came and Tim went.

Having played extremely well and conducted himself in an exemplary manner Tim deserved better but that's poker: one rarely gets what they deserve.

Saying that, I got what I deserved yesterday in an Omaha cash game. If you are enjoying this blog please can you wire me money ASAP!