December Senior Championship: Care Package

We have two opportunities this week to win monthly championships at National League of Poker. The first came tonight, with the Senior Title and $100 at stake....

:02 IN: We have 10-A, and double the bet in a tournament where big early betting doesn't happen much. But our cards don't pair, and a 6 on the turn gives someone else a pair and the pot.

:06 IN: We have J-10 in the Big Blind, and double the bet again. The flop is 5-9-10, but then the betting climbs until someone goes all-in. We smell trouble despite top pair and fold. We never see what the pusher had.

:18 IN: We're back in the Big Blind with K-A, and try yet another double. The flop is Q-7-6, and a continuation bet of 60 on our part chases no one. Then come 5-9, and someone has an 8 to make a straight.

:19 IN: Holding J-Q of diamonds in the small blind, we simply call. (This leaves our chip stack at 220.) The flop is K-J-4 with the 4 a diamond. An opponent bets 120 -- and without top pair, we fold. Good thing; 7-9 follow giving a player with 10-8 an oddball straight.

:28 IN: We have 10-10 and little choice -- going all-in with our 220, with two players calling. The flop is J-9-5. The turn is a 3. The river is a 6. But thankfully, no one has anything better than a 9! We rebuild to 930.

:34 IN: We have Q-7 in the Big Blind. The flop is 9-Q-A. We check, as does the table. The turn is a 6, so we bet 250 -- and the table folds. We're up to 1130.

:38 IN: We have A-6. The flop is 3-J-6, giving us middle pair. An opponent bets 150 (the minimum), and we call. The turn is another 6, and the opponent offers 150 again. We raise to 500 -- but he calls with another player, anyway. The river is an 8. All parties check -- and we're stunned to see that bettor with 3-3. His full house hurts. Hard.

:45 IN: With A-Q under the gun, it's time to push again -- all-in with 280 left. The flop is J-6-10. The turn is an 8. The river is a 10. But another player has a Jack, and his two pair send us packing. Final score: 304 out of 894.

MINISTRY MOMENT: After that all-in bet with 10-10, this chat happened....

Dealer: flopblogger wins Main Pot ($930) with One pair, tens
Me: (whew) PTL
StevoinHTown: The Lord dont care bout Texas Holdem
Me: but He cares about me. And I dare say- about you.

We personally hope God does care -- because we're in a financial pinch right now and need every dollar we can win. As for the bigger picture, the Bible advises this....

Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. -- I Peter 5:7, KJV

The "he" obviously refers to God. But Peter adds more to the guidance of receiving God's care:

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.... -- I Peter 5:6

The money didn't come for us on this night -- but we think God is far more willing to bless a humble person than an arrogant, pride-filled one. What do you think?