31 days, 100% Win Rate, October Report

In July, August and September I played a combined 91 sessions of live cash games. In October, I had a 100% winning rate because I played only ONE session haha. This has been my laziest month so far but I had good reason.

My ONE and ONLY winning session

If you read one of my recent posts, first week of October I was playing a tournament and ran good to finish 4th. I hit my monthly income target with that score so I decided to stay on to play a few more tournaments. The next Main Event I made day 3 but fell 5 spots short of the money. Pretty disappointed but not as disappointed as stone bubbling the High Roller event. But still I had a good trip with a decent profit.

During this time I joined Neverlose as their agent and naturally started playing on it. At the end I pulled out a modest profit from it. I probably logged about 40+ sessions and it has improved my OFC game as well. Unfortunately in the last week we had a downswing of 2200 points combined. After that experience I am having mixed feelings about the site. PS: Did you know CST stands for China Standard Time? I guess Google doesn't know everything.

Go BIG or go home. Opps, I am already AT home

This month I met up with the fundraisers for the Cambodian teacher suffering from cancer. Bless them as they volunteered themselves to take up this task for zero personal gain. Since then they have inspired many to participate but also given the teacher hope. They would tell me when they first visited her, she barely had any energy to do anything. I guess $20,000 felt like a death sentence to her. Since the fund raising started, she would start to eat, sit up and even speak during their visits. Mind you her cancer is in her throat so speaking I assume would be a big challenge, and possibly painful.

This month was also the 2nd Happy River charity tournament at HKPPA. Again great organization by the association and great support by the members. I am very amazed by the closeness of the HKPPA members and their show of support of everything HKPPA. At the end we generated a total of USD 3500 for charity. The Children of Cambodia thanks all that was involved.

Charity event turn out

Because I was at the tournaments, I missed about 6 sessions of my bi-weekly football. I did get in some biking and hiking, but it does not compare to the huffing and puffing chasing the ball. I played a couple of games since I got back and in my second game I was so tired I almost blacked out. I hope I can rebuild my stamina and continue to lose weight. I think I did not lose any weight this month because I ate a lot in Taiwan.

Don't forget to join me online on Neverlosepoker and Natural8 using the code POKER168 to sign up and play!

Pay it forward

When I first started playing poker full time, one of the key principles I had was to give 10% to charities and helping people. Last year I gave to charities, to churches, and organized a charity tournament with the Hong Kong Poker Players' Association (HKPPA) and generated additional donation money for those in need. However I did that in a losing year. To be honest, the drive to give was a selfish one. I believe if I give, I will be blessed and earn more. I didn't. Not until after I fixed some things.

This year I had started to do well, especially when I switched my focus to cash games. I have been giving to orphanages, charities, and also a special case I came across - a Cambodian teacher suffering from cancer. I mentioned this in one of my earlier posts where I won a decent amount the night before, and the next day I saw this story on Facebook and contacted the person in charge. I did not want to be scammed again but felt the story was legit. Immediately donated money on the same day. She has gone through the CT scans and thankfully the cancer has not spread to other parts of her body. She is preparing to travel to Bangkok for the surgery soon. Today I met with the fundraisers and contacted the teacher for the first time. It was humbling and yet gratifying to hear that my contribution has made a difference. I also received warm messages not only from the teacher in need, but also a touched fund raiser that was inspired by my actions.

Post from the fundraiser

Personal message from the sick teacher

I want to stress that sharing all this is not to boast and I have kept my donations anonymous. The main reason is to inspire you to do the same. Sometimes we are too focused on our own needs, we don't realize how much more some people around us need that money. For you it might be to save up to buy a car, a house, a nice watch, for them it might be to save their lives. A few months back a friend on Facebook was inspired by me and decided to make a donation to a Vietnamese orphanage. He goes on to share that his experience of seeing the joy he brought to the kids and the volunteers moved him to pledged more donations in the future. The feeling you get seeing how much it means to them, and how much impact you made really doesn't compare with anything in this world.

Matt paying it forward

Last December I wrote a post "Am I too nice" and at the end I said that I hope I will be rewarded for my actions. I believe I have been rewarded and it is only getting started. I will continue to keep doing the right thing, be more selfless and help others whenever I can.

Charity event Sunday 27th October

This year HKPPA and I are doing another charity event this time for the upcoming WPT Cambodia. Proceeds of the charity event will go towards the Cambodia Children's Fund (CCF). If you can make it, I hope you will join. If you're just reading this post, I hope it will influence you to pay it forward. The problem with our world today is everyone just cares about themselves. Giving money away seems like such a -EV and dumb thing to do. But believe me, it is more +EV than you can ever imagine.

You can also help by signing up to Neverlosepoker or Natural8 using the code POKER168 and generate charity money by playing!

Guide to Asian Poker Destinations - TAIPEI

Taipei has burst into the poker scene as one of the main stops on almost all Asian poker series. In 2019 alone I have traveled to Taiwan at least 5 times with another visit scheduled for December. Poker is definitely booming here and with Macau seemingly severing all ties with Poker, Taiwan is fast becoming a poker hot spot.

One of the most recognizable buildings in the world

However this guide is not about the poker here, it's more about the destination. Taipei is a beautiful city with a well-balanced culture and lifestyle. Despite being a highly populated city, it does not have a lot of dense accommodation. There are parks every other block, and strong emphasis on recycling and cleanliness, it is a very green city. After a long day of poker, or like me, stone bubbling the High Rollers, I love to rent a city bike and ride around in the cool night breeze. It costs less than USD 1 to rent it, and you can park it at any bike stop and not worry about anyone stealing it. I rode it a lot from the poker room back to my hotel and if you ride for less than 5 minutes it's free. There are bike kiosks everywhere so you can drop it off at your destination.

Ride the negativity away

I'm an outdoorsy person, however most poker destinations are usually big congested cities far away from nature. I just visited a random community park in Taipei and I saw 6 or 7 squirrels running around on the trees. Taipei zoo is also amazing. Only USD 2 for a world class zoo, it is amazing value and one of the best zoos I have been to regardless of price. Jiufen and Shifen are just an hour away and Beitou hot springs too. The hike up Elephant Mountain is also not to be missed. Super nice views of Taipei 101 and the city.

Public park squirrel

Don't get me started on Taiwanese food. Although to be honest, after 5 visits in a year, each time staying minimum a week, I am losing interest in eating the same things over and over again. However for someone visiting Taiwan for the first time, you will love it. Notable recommendations are Jinfeng Braised Pork rice (must try the duck eggs), Ay-Chung Flour Rice noodles (that's how they spell their own name), Yamatoya Ramen (in case you crave Japanese food) and Sushi Express (for super great value only USD 1 per plate).

Lastly I am quite impressed with the Taiwanese culture. Probably second in the world to Japan but a more laid back version. Generally the culture is friendly, polite and well-mannered. Children are brought up properly, respecting of elders, no cutting of queues, or speaking loudly in public spaces, etc.

Overall Taipei is a great place to come for poker tournaments. Only complaint for me is no legal cash games and the players are too fishy! (just kidding)

Don't forget to join me online on Neverlosepoker or Natural8 using the code POKER168 to sign up and play!

NeverLosePoker - REVIEW

Disclaimer: I am an official exclusive agent for NeverLosePoker in Malaysia and Hong Kong. However in all my poker room reviews (online or live) I am always honest and tell you exactly how I feel. Different people will have different experiences and I am only sharing mine.

NeverLose PC lobby

NeverLose is a skin of the J88 platform. I did play on J88's site a few months ago and now things are surprisingly much better. There are usually about 20-30 active tables especially at night. The app is smooth and easy to use, but I most prefer their PC version. It reminds me of the good old PokerStars days. You can easily tile or cascade your tables to multi-table like the good times. Bring out the Nanonoko in you.

Mobile version

The game has their own Game Points (GP) or Crystals, and the currency is USD 1 = 100 Crystals. Maybe that's why it does feel more like a game rather than a Poker site, but the advantage of that is you will have players that will play it like a game. You can buy and cash out your Crystals via your trusted agent. (like me) The platform was first introduced in Korea and have since spread to major markets like Taiwan, China, and Southeast Asia. I haven't played much of Holdem or Omaha on the site, but I love the OFC games there. I think there's a bunch of players that are hooked on the game playing $5, $10 even $20 a point. Let's just say my skill and experience has paid off well so far.

They also have MTTs and SNGs around the clock. It's a great place to hone your tournament skills and even make some money. There are some guaranteed events really worth your while. The next one is going to be on October 27th only USD 88 to join with a USD 30k guarantee.

Overall I like what they are trying to do. The marketing team is pushing hard to get the action going and they have attracted a whole bunch of recreational players on the system. The app has improved in leaps and bounds in just the last few months alone, and they will be introducing more games and MTT guarantees in the future.

For a limited time, I am offering new players a 25% CRYSTAL PURCHASE BONUS (T&C applies).

1. Go to neverlosepoker.com
2. Download your preferred platform
3. Create an account using the code POKER168
4. Contact me to make your Crystal purchase
5. Start playing!

My first tournament in 5 months

Tournament poker is frustrating, especially you're playing it for a living. That's why I quit and switched to playing cash. But I needed a break, wanted a holiday, and missed some friends on the circuit so packed my bags and joined the HKPPA series in Taipei.

Taipei is a really nice city

Before I got there my plan was only to play two events. The Main Event, and if I bust, then play the Central Cup. Of course the ideal situation is I would go deep in the main causing me to be unable to play the Central Cup.

I had a pretty smooth day 1. Picked up small to medium pots along the way only losing one decent sized pot, then had someone jam 5b jam 96o when I 4b with KQs. Thankfully I committed myself with my 4b and built my stack from there. Made a big bluff when OMC preflop 3bets, lead river for 3600 into pot of 22000 with only 5000 behind. I put him all in basically 5000 to call for 30k pot and he folded. Last key hand of day 1 was when I had 44 on a Q84ccc flop, I check raised turn and got jammed into by QK no club. Ended the day with a top 10 stack heading into day 2.

Day 2 started off pretty well, had AK twice and got jammed into by AT and AQ and held both times. But I lost a big pot when my bluff back fired. I moved to a new table and aggressive uncle with big stack opened on button. I defended my big blind with 24o. I know I probably shouldn't but a friend told me a day before how loose and crazy this uncle plays. I thought I would have great value if I hit a hand he wouldn't expect me to have.

Flop comes 964. He cbets small I call. Turn is a 5. I check he bets almost the pot this time, 40k. I had 116k left and I check raise all in and he snap calls. Instantly I yelled out GG. Everyone laughed but to my surprise I was ahead! He had A7 for the open ended straight draw. River bricked out and I had a big stack. I later won another all in pre pot vs a Hong Kong pro when my AK hit a runner runner flush vs his AJ top pair. I was the chip leader at that point with 20+ players.

Chip leader with 20 player left

After a failed hero call, a bluff went bad, I was down to 25bbs+ with 10 players left. I pick up 77 vs AK jam with 10bbs. Did not hold and I am suddenly the smallest stack. Late position and super tight BB, I decided to jam my final chips in with Q9 only to be called off by AQ. I yelled GG again but thankfully I spiked the 9 on the flop. Final hand of the night I opened mp with 99, button strongest player on the final 10 3-bets 80% of this stack, sb chip leader decides to go all in. I decided not to gamble vs chip leader. Button had AT and chip leader had 66. Sixes held, and my nines would have scooped the pot making me the chip leader but I made the FT 6th in chips instead.

3rd hand of the FT I am on UTG with AJdd, sb had KQss. Flop came KQ6ddd. I doubled up. Came another key hand where I was the shortest with 6 players left, decided to jam with J9o and got called by TT. Again GG! But lucky me flop was A99. The live stream went on to show I floated a Q62scc flop with 93dd, lead turn when 2c hits, and bet big on river 6s. I wish I was that high level a player to pull that stunt, but it was an RFID error. I had a full house. I built my stack to overtake the chip leader and when we were 4-way, we decided to chop the money. I ended up getting almost 2nd place money even though I finished 4th.

Immediately spent about 1/4 of the prize money, still left with a decent chunk

It was a great result and I miss being on the tournament circuit. I feel really at home on the tournament floor. Many people know me well and it has a homey feeling. I decided to extend my stay for another week to play the next series. As I am writing this, I made day 2 of the following Main Event as day 1A chip leader so maybe I might play on a bit more when I am running good! Hopefully I will have great news to share in a few days too!