SSPC 2005 Spring Season First Event

Yesterday I played in the first event of the SSPC 2005 Spring Season. There were about 50 players and I was really impressed with the set up. The blind structure was comfortable, the whole event was monitored on a laptop (time remaining in each level, blinds, pay outs, etc) and the organizers did a great job of running things smoothly. This was only my third tournament, but so far the best in terms of structure and organization.

A quick overview of the set up:
$30 buy in for $1000 chips, 1 re-buy allowed before the end of the 4th level, add-ons allowed twice at the end of the 3rd and 4th levels if your chips drop below 400. The rebuy and add-on money is added to the prize pool (unlike a lot of these 'charity events'). The blinds start at 5/10 for 15 minutes, 10/20 for 15 minutes, then moved up accordingly for 30 minute levels. Payout for 8 places.

My goal for the day was to not have to take the re-buy, but nearing the end of the 4th level I was severely short stacked and it looked like I was going to have to take it. Up until this point I wasn't catching many hands, I was staying afloat until I lost a good amount of chips on a poorly played belly buster, and with 4 minutes left before the re-buy option was closed I pushed in with 8,5o (I was waiting for a decent hand to do this with but it just wasn't coming, I would have settled for a weak Q or K). I was beat by pocket Qs and grabbed my re-buy. Immediately I pick up KK and things start picking up for me a bit. I played tight all day, mostly waiting for hands and good opportunities, and studying the other players at my table while I was out of a hand. I had only played at the SSPC once before, and that was a cash game. The one guy I was worried about from my previous visit was knocked out early in the tournament, and I caught a tell on him before he left the game. Playing this tournament allowed me to get more comfortable with (and less intimidated by) the players (who all seemed to know each other).

I don't know what it was, maybe nervousness, but I made a few mistakes over the course of the day that I normally would not have made (thankfully nothing that cost me). At one point I was in the BB and was flopped an opend-ended straight draw. I bet the flop and turn but for some reason I thought I missed the draw and checked the river, luckily my opponent also checked and I told him I missed my draw, when actually I had not. WHAT? I surprised myself, and looked like a fool. I took the pot down, shrugged it off, and moved on. I bet out of turn once, waaaaaaaaaay out of turn, I made a couple of small mistakes like that. I wasn't too worried about it though, and maybe next time when I'm less nervous I'll be remembered as that kid who kinda didn't know what was going on, and can use that to my advantage.

About 4.5 hours into the tournament I was knocked out in 14th place. I was in the BB for 300 with Ks,Qh and the guy to my left made it 900 to go. It was folded to me and I decided to call the extra 600. The flop came 10, J, K with two hearts giving me top pair, open ended straight draw, and Q high runner-runner flush draw. I sensed the guy was a little nervous about my pre-flop call so I thought he might have a medium pocket pair, maybe 9s, and I pushed all-in. He thought for a second and called, showing trip Js. Ouch. The turn brought a heart but the river was dead and I was knocked out.

Overall I felt good about my play and finishing place. I made it to one of the last two final tables, outlasted some of the stronger players, and managed to hold back from making some desperate moves I would have made a couple of months ago. The SSPC runs tournaments every Saturday so I'll definitely go back, my goal is to make it to the final table this season.

*P.S.
Jimmy played the tournament as well. He was knocked out earlier than me and played a cash game. He did really well, buying in for $40 and walking away with $150. Not bad!