When in Doubt, Play Your Ass Off

Ironically enough, I've probably played more poker in the last week than in the last couple of months combined. A lot of it is simple distraction, coupled with being off work most of the week, but I'd be lying if I said uncertainty isn't playing a part, too, as far as not exactly knowing what tomorrow might bring, as far as my poker options.

I've been playing at Poker.com and Full Tilt, largely because of the public stances they've taken in regards to recent goings-on, and I figure my rake might as well go to reward that. I think we should all keep in mind that their ultimate decision is fueled by what they feel will make them the most money (and not their love of each and every one of us and our personal freedoms), but hey, at least someone is willing to stick their necks out, even if its the shiny American dollars that are the real motivation. Full Tilt also just rolled out a 50% up to $500 reload bonus (only available if your bonus account is currently at $0), so that doesn't hurt, either, as far as a motivation to get some hands in.

It's interesting to see blog posts talking about the effects of playing in a more aggressive, what-the-hell style, as far as folks playing on sites where they had a few bucks that they planned to be forced to cash out of soon anyway. Definitely a double-edged sword, but it does point out some of the benefits of playing with complete and utter disregard for the money you're wagering. That's especially been true for me at Poker.com, as I've been on a nice run at the shorthanded 15/30 and 10/20 tables, often playing heads-up due to general lack of traffic. Feels kind of maniacal to put in eight raises on the river with just top pair against a silly, overaggrssive lemur, but when he's proven to be willing to put in seven raises himself with just third pair, well, it's suddenly not that maniacal.

Fairly glad to see the end of this week and to send it packing. On the bright side, ScurvyWife and ScurvyRat are healthy and back to normal, the world didn't explode when anti-gambling laws were passed, and I'm about to go eat a ton of brisket, drink some beer, and watch some baseball. Things could be much, much worse.