Have You Missed Me Yet...?

Thanks for all the e-mails, phone calls and text messages inquiring about my health!  I'm sorry for the disappearing act, but a combination of events lead me to take a break. I've been rather busy both at work and at home, but have a new kitchen at our summer place to show for it. I've had long term house guests that tend to tilt my play. I actually was sick with one heck of a cold. And, the huge rake and buyin changes at Pokerstars really bummed me out. However, after talking to MrSmith yesterday, I felt the urge to play and write again. In other words - I'm back. Back to blogging and back to poker. I even played a profitable set on Pokerstars last night (six $7 Fifty50s).

There was one interesting hand. Midgame, two limpers already in the pot. I hadn't played a single hand yet. I had 55 and decided to complete from the small blind. The flop was 55K - Presto! Now, how do I get the most out of this situation? I checked the flop and the first limper (tighter than most players) made a 50% pot raise. The second limper folded. I didn't want to scare him away with a reraise. So, I flat called. The turn was a blank and I checked again. The villian made a 30% pot raise this time. Both of us were short enough that the next raise would have to be an all in raise. Should I reraise now or wait for the river. I flat called. The river was another blank, no straight or flush possibilites. He seemed like he was  milking a big hand. So, I checked again hoping he would move all in with top pair or something. He didn't. He simply checked down the hand. I won a nice pot, but could I have won more chips by playing it differently?

Also, I need to schedule a home game on Pokerstars. Does this coming Sunday, June 19th work for everyone? Rescheduled for the 26th!

Roland GTX