Poker Dream Genting Malaysia Report

I was not planning on going to this event as I just returned from a two-week trip to Hanoi. But after meeting up with a couple of poker players Thursday evening, I had the spur of the moment idea to attend for the weekend. Got back home at about 1am, booked my flight and hotel and was off to the airport a few hours later.

Because I booked everything pretty late, and I took the luxury route of getting a private car to and from the airport, each ride taking almost 2 hours, I had to pay a premium for this trip. Not long after I arrived, with the help of a friend, I got a membership card, paid for the main event buy in, and off I go!

Historic photo

The turnout was amazing, although I had to contend with a tough table. On my table were a few recognizable Malaysian top players like Kar Hou, Peter Sim, Neil Lawrence, Eric Leong, Isaac Iz and a Triton dude. I was doing okay until the last few levels of the day. Calling a 16bb jam by Kar Hou from the sb with A5 on the bb. He had T9 but he couldn't hold. Jammed the rest with J7 into A7. 

However on the bright side it was great to see so many old faces, some of which I have known since 2014/2015, some even before when we used to play 1/1 some 20+ years ago. The poker community somehow feels like an extended family. We see each other during our trips, even when we lose, we like to see our friends win. For me it was a nice "reunion" of sorts. But now I am in a hole for the trip. So off to the cash game tables we go.

Got bored waiting for a session to start

The main game there was 10/20 with a 10 ante, but I briefly played 50/100 as well. Overall I found the field to be soft, many newbies literally playing the game for the first time. I had a lot of fun picking them off, but I also got bitten a few times when they couldn't fold to an overpot bet with just a draw etc. I had a couple of sessions I had to actually grind it out for a win. But to have a thriving poker industry, you need new players, and you need to let them win once in a while for them to stay interested in the game. So I don't mind the bad beats if it means sacrificing for the "greater good". There was an uncle, literally playing for the first time, sat down with about $1000, doubled up by yours truly on his first hand, later going on to get full doubles twice to run it up to $12000, only to donk half of it away later, and I got back more than what I lost in the double I gave him. 

I am not going to review the poker room, but maybe I will write a separate piece for those wanting more information about it. But I must say there were a lot of positives along with negatives as well. However do not be quick to point blame because there are a lot of people involved in the room and it's management. Some I must say have done really well, some are just their usually stingy self. 

Flights          - 556
Hotel            - 460
Expenses      - 226
Transport      - 291
Tournament  - 3000
Cash game    + 9425
Overall         + 4892
Experiencing Malaysia's first legitimate international tournament and cash game - PRICELESS

The trip was super tiring, and I probably ate something bad as I was suffering on the ride back to the airport. But to pick up a +4892 profit (approx $1100) for a couple days of play isn't too shabby. I will probably return to play more cash games there when my schedule allows. Until the next time, see you guys.