LAPC Re-Buy and David The Dragon

The LAPC re-buy event was interesting last night. There was a massive field of over 700 and the number of re-buys and add-ons was huge. I myself accounted for 5 re-buys and a double add-on. The first 3 levels (40 minutes per level) you could do a double re-buy each time you busted, $600 for 2k in chips. The play was fast and furious during these levels. Players not accustomed to it are shocked by the aggressiveness. Then the game transitions to a little more of the standard play.

The first hand after the re-buy period ended, I picked up AA and was able to almost double up through someone who put me much weaker and called my post flop all in with 2^nd pair. What made yesterday fun was David the Dragon joined the table at the end of the re-buy period, and was the chip leader with 22k. He sat immediately to my right, which is where I wanted him. He and I have played together before and give each other a fair amount of respect.

I had gone card dead and not played a hand in 30 minutes, it was David's BB and I limped under the gun with J 9. There were two other limpers and David took a moment and raised 6 BB. I thought him weak and since I limped UTG I decided to re-raise about a full pot back at him. He called, which I expected. The flop came 2 6 J. David moved all in and I called. He tabled 3 4. Other than runner, runner, or a gutter ball for a straight flush, I felt pretty good. The turn gave both of us the flush and the river was kind and no straight flush coming. I now had 22k in chips and David was down to 11k. A couple of hands later we went at it again. I picked up 5 5 again UTG. I raised this time and it was folded around to the button who called and David called from the BB. The flop was 2 8 8, and David checked. I felt like I had the best hand and bet about 75% of the pot. The button mucked, and David moved all in. I put him on two overs and maybe a flush draw, or even just an open shove. I went with my read and called. He showed 7 10. The turn and river bricked out and I chipped up. David came over to me and in the true style of a gentleman, complimented me on my play, shook my hand, and we talked for a few moments. I have the utmost respect for him and his game, and know it's just a matter of time until he sends me to the rail.

Unfortunately, I was unable to capitalize with all those chips. I lost about 1/3 of my chips in a hand when I slow played top pair and let someone catch up, then lost A K 3 times, once to K K, and then to A Q and K 10. The good news is I wound up in a cash game that went well. Today is a 2.5k event and I'm looking for my first final table of the LAPC.

The Oracle