31 Days, 39 Sessions - July Report

July was a crazy month with lots of firsts. I played 39 sessions in 31 days, only taking one day off completely without poker. I played in the highest stake of my life. Won the biggest session of my career. Saw the biggest cash game pot ever with my own eyes.

I am pretty proud of myself to have the stamina and passion to play so many sessions in this period. I am also very happy I can now comfortably move up stakes and make more money doing the same amount of work. However I am also very aware that I am not playing my best game in the higher stakes but I hope to grind it out and continually adjust. Eventually if I can run my bankroll up I will be more comfortable and be able to pick the right spots.

Let it grow, let it grow, can't hold it back anymore...

Surprisingly though my win-rate was not as high as I thought. I won 20 sessions and lost 19 sessions. Unlike previous months I had a much higher win/loss ratio but one thing I improved on was keeping losing session amounts low and winning session amounts high. A lot of it also had to do with great timing (by chance) and also running good at key games. Twice I had quads this month and I got paid big both times.

Enough about poker. Keeping to my word, I eventually found a good charity that I can get on board with. Cambodia Children's Fund is a well respected, transparent NGO that has done great things to help the needy. They provide housing, health care, child care, education, food and security for hundreds of kids at a time. They celebrated their 15th anniversary this year with their first cohort graduating from University after they were rescued from the dump sites of Phnom Penh while they were little kids.

The kids were laughing and having a great time going to school

I had the opportunity to visit a few of their facilities and I am amazed how far they have come. Kids not only have a safe environment to study and play, but they also have access to opportunities they would never have dreamed of. A few of them received scholarships to study overseas, participate in international events, learn skills that can set them up for life. Some facilities are better than the public schools in the region. The kids were really friendly and cute. I didn't want to take their photos because I wasn't sure of the culture here. But they would come up and say hi, wave or smile. Without NGOs like CCF, they would have been vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse, left alone uneducated, having to work to support the family, some kidnapped or sold off by human traffickers, some will starve or die from sickness.

Scott Neeson the founder was a Hollywood marketing executive but when he came to Cambodia he was moved by what he saw and founded CCF to make a difference. He was travelling between Hollywood and Cambodia at the time trying to make both work. One time he arrived in Phnom Penh and was brought to see three kids suffering from typhoid. He did what he could but they did not make it. Almost at the same time, he got a call from an unnamed Hollywood actor complaining about how he's suffering because the Xbox on the private jet was not the correct version and he couldn't play his games. Scott then quit his job and focused on CCF full time. That story almost brought me to tears.

Clinic, maternal care, nursery, dental care, food canteen, school, housing, you name it.

Anyway, my donation is a small amount compared to the support they get from all over the world, but I am proud to have contributed to this meaningful organization and cause. Hopefully in the coming months I will continue to do well and be able to support CCF even more.

Poker in Phnom Penh - All You Need To Know

WPT just announced the WPT Cambodia (Nov 16-25) and recently the poker crowd has grown significantly here in Phnom Penh I thought I would write a "all you need to know / don't get scammed" post for those of you considering coming here.

First of all Cambodia is really a beautiful country. The people are surprisingly different from their Vietnamese neighbors. If you have the time, plan a 2-3 day trip to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat and the other temples/palaces. But avoid Sihanoukville like the plague.

Beautiful night view of Phnom Penh

The currency is the Cambodian Riel (4000 Riel to 1 USD) but USD is accepted and preferred everywhere so bring dollars and also prepare small change. All cash games and tournament buy ins will be in US dollars and you can really live without any local currency here. However they do not use coins, so whenever they make change that's less than a dollar it will be in Riel. I usually keep them for tips or for the tuk-tuk drivers.

Nagaworld is the only casino here in Phnom Penh and has a decent poker room. Right now it is usually 6 tables and runs USD 1/3 up to sometimes 10/20 games. But I would suspect come WPT time they will have many more tables and plenty of action. It's a great place as it's in the casino and occasionally you get the curious cat that wants to try poker for the first time. Most drinks are free including beer and orange juice.

There are a few private poker clubs in town that are worth checking out. But some of them are by invitation only. So if you are interested in joining those, you can send me an email at happyriverpoker@gmail.com (if you're travelling in a group and would like my services as a guide, we might be able to arrange something.)

One of the private games

When you first reach the airport, you will need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk to town. At all times it is wisest to use a booking app like Grab, or PassApp to get the cheapest, safest and most direct routes to your intended destination. However when you first arrive, the airport layout is new to you, you might not set the correct pick up spot, you might not have a SIM Card yet, blah blah. It might just be easier to take the airport taxi/tuk-tuk at a higher price to save you the hassle. But when you're in town, be sure to use the apps because tuk-tuk drivers will charge you way more if you haggle. Don't forget, the average salary is about USD 150 per month, so 1 or 2 dollars more means a lot to them, even if it is small change to you. Don't mess up the market for the rest of us.

There are a few SIM card vendors at the airport. Usually around USD 5 for 5 days or something like that. If you can wait a while, you can get USD 8 for 1 month in town. That being said, you need to find a way to get to the mall without mobile data and you need to bring your passport to get that SIM. So if you don't mind it, the airport SIM card is not the worst.

Be careful when and where you are using your phone. There has been stories of people snatching your phone while you are on a tuk-tuk. These motorbike drive-bys will snatch them in mid traffic and you have no way of chasing them down in your small tuk-tuk. So keep your valuables safe even in the comfort of your tuk-tuk. Don't flash around your new Huawei or iPhone by the street and never flash your money in or when leaving the casino. You're just asking for trouble. Imagine if they are making $150 a month, how much would $2000 mean to them. I always carry some small change in my pocket for tuk-tuks or buying stuff. My big notes are kept safely elsewhere.

Like my post about scams in Vietnam (https://happyriverpoker.blogspot.com/2019/04/dont-get-scammed-in-vietnam.html) same thing applies when it comes to getting massages. Don't be the dumb tourist that got the world's most expensive massage.

Food is pretty good in Phnom Penh, but it's not local food. You can get almost any international cuisine here except their own. My favourite restaurants here are so far are Mexican and French. Typically Khmer food is quite similar to Thai and not very unique. Overall food will cost you about USD 5-10 per meal.

Overall I think it is one of the cities you definitely should check out. It's not as scary or archaic as you think. It has grown and changed a lot in the last few years. It has a sad history that is good to understand about and acknowledge as many are still affected by it. The people are generally friendly and nice and deserving of our help if we can afford it.

Happiest losing hand I ever had

Have you ever felt happy losing a hand? I was so happy how this hand went down. I was playing 5/10 and preflop I had AK utg. I opened to 30, big boss called, fish called on the button, blinds folded.

Flop was Qd Jd 5c. I had the Kd but I knew these two were sticky so I just checked. Boss checks, fish bets 75. I called boss called. Turn was the T! Jackpot! For deception I checked, turn should not be a scare card so I assumed the fish would bet. But to my surprise and dismay both checked. River came another 5 but no flush. I thought I would check as the boss always stabs at a checked pot. Indeed he did, he bet 50. But here's the kicker of the story. Fish puts out a 500 chip but didn't say raise. Dealer ruled it as a call. In my mind I was like, darn it. Make it a raise man! But when dealer said it's just a call fish agreed and thought the action was over and flips over T5o for a full house! Had he bet on turn, he would have called my check raise for sure. Or if I led turn or led river, or if he didn't flip it over and I raised behind..... I only lost 105 on this pot where I could have lost my entire stack. Maybe this is some good karma rubbing off.

Nice sunrise seen from inside the poker room

Anyway these last few days has been really interesting. Was up 1500 on 5/10 but saw my entire stack disappear when I jammed J5 on an A55 flop against 53 and how did I know boss limped AA on the sb in a 6-way pot. Haha got trapped good that hand.

Played the highest stakes I have ever played so far, 10/20, another 6-way limped pot. Flop Q92hh sb leads I raise with Q9 and he jams 2k on me. Of course I call and he shows QQ. Another sb limp multiway by a different person! It was a very interesting 10/20 game. On one stretch there was a guy who would open 500 every hand and get 2 callers. I didn't win but it was fun to watch.

10/20 game

For those who are following, I did not spend my entire donation budget on the last orphanage. I still have quite a bit to give. I would consider giving it to an internationally backed orphanage or random strangers in need. On my way to the casino everyday I would walk by this old lady who sleeps on the sidewalk. I don't want to directly give her money but last night I took a couple bottles of water from the casino and dropped it next to her while she slept. Next time I'll bring her some food. Doing charity does not always mean giving money. Sometimes it just takes effort to care, to extend a helping hand, to be friendly and kind, to smile, make someone's day. I believe good things happen to good people. But even if they don't, it makes you feel good inside.

Phnom Penh Orphanage

As part of my pledge for June's profits (even though I think I am still having a negative year), I wanted to do something for the locals here. I found an orphanage that houses 30 kids and I thought it would be nice to show up bringing them some food and snacks. 

Oh yes you saw right, I bought 32 toothbrushes

Off to the supermarket and bought fruit, biscuits, chocolates and cookies for the kids to snack on, hand wash, 32x toothbrushes with toothpaste, vitamin C, malt drinks, 60 eggs...... I was pretty excited to go there. I even thought that I could play with the kids, maybe even teach them Chinese or English, or a song. It was pouring hard and it was wet in the little tuk tuk but braving the elements, we headed to the orphanage. It was about 25 minutes away in the rain-caused traffic.

Longest receipt of my life

On the website it says we could play with the kids, they love the company. I was imagining seeing kids run around and jump for joy when they saw the goodies we brought. I would assume they don't get snacks and chocolate that often. Was contemplating buying instant noodles for them but I thought better not spoil them.

NACOPCA official website

When we got there it was raining cats and dogs, and the place was pretty secluded in a small alley. There was a banner overhead with their name and logo but the place looked so dodgy. No kids, only a few barking dogs and an old man in a sarong. I didn't feel good about it. I just dropped the stuff and left. I should have taken a photo but it was raining so heavily I didn't want to get my phone wet.

Go Tuk Tuk

I've read somewhere not to donate to any orphanage. Now I guess I know what that means. There was another one run by a UK based charity. I think that one would have been more legit. Problem was it was 20km away and I thought a local orphanage with no international funding would be more needy. Anyway, I hope the stuff got put to good use anyway. If they were a scam, good luck using 32 toothbrushes with toothpaste. 

What Happened in June

I played 24 sessions of live cash games in June. Overall I did okay. Close to the end of the month I was doing well. Then came this two fateful sessions where I dropped close to 50% of my June profits. It hurt more by the way I lost and who I lost it to. The player was obviously a fish but he was just feeling lucky, calling down every single pot he was in.

As much as I hate 99, it's not going to lose this time, right?

Yes I was 95% favourite on the flop. It came Qd, Jd for the turn and river. Oh by the way, remember how I hate 99? A few days before this I had 99 on a J669T board where villain had JJ. The next day I had this hand below. River 5.

Not 95% favourite but 84% is still pretty darn high

Taking bad beats is part of life. But to have 2 days in a row running like this was so devastating. I guess at least it wasn't on the bubble of a big tournament. Just a bit of spoiler for July, I had a monster session and won it back. This time my sets and two pairs held and I was playing a higher stake. Thank God redemption tasted sweet and reassuring.

Starting to get into the rhythm of this city, had some time to go out and explore. Nothing much really but the food scene is decent. Found this gem of a burger place in town. Food is one of the comforts that makes me happy.

Self taken photo. Not bad right?

I started grinding cash games full time end of May so after about 1.5 months I can see it being something long term. I have tweaked my game a bit in this 6 weeks, set myself some rules to help me control my bankroll better. Overall I had a profiting month in June so as pledged I am giving 10% to charity. I wanted to donate a bunch of stuff to a local orphanage but the supermarket person did not cooperate with the delivery instructions. I will update you guys later with another post. Because I believe it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Left stack - bankroll, right stack - donation money for June

18-Hour Grind

Recently I have been playing poker every day. The games are usually not that great. Sometimes if I am lucky I can book a big win in a short time then I can "take the day off" but recently I have not been running well. A Chinese pro gave me some suggestions and they seem to be working but still need some run good from time to time.

Those who know me will know that I am no spring chicken. It has been a long time since I played such a marathon session. I went to the casino at about 7pm, and left at around noon the next day. So what happened?

Trying to build this roll up

My first buy ins were gone is a really short time. First QQ vs AA, then I have the dreaded 99 vs JJ on a J669T board. By then I was stuck $1800 but the night was still young and I wanted to grind it back. So I stuck at it.

By about 4am a few new players joined our table. One was obviously a newbie where he called an all in on a T95 flop with 77 and spiked the 7 on the river to scoop a big pot. Another was drunk and kept on ordering wine. The drunk guy was actually a really good player. However I think he over bluffs so I would trap him with good hands, and value bet him to the max when I know he has something. He kept bad beating the rest of the table, or made crazy bluffs that worked. However against me he kept losing.

Sometimes I go back to my room to this view. This is the sunrise scene at about 5am in the morning

Later we were joined by a Dutch guy who was obvious drunk or high. He jammed all in on a 4-card straight board with bottom pair not as a bluff but as a value bet. He was called off by two other guys. When they flipped over their straights he insisted he had a straight. Even checked his hand a few times. Then his second buy in he 3 bet jammed on the river with bottom two pairs only to be snapped off by the nuts.

There was a lot of drama on the table but all I can say is, I couldn't leave. The game was good and I had a chance to win my money back. There was a super tight Japanese guy on the table that was obviously tilted by being bluffed by the drunk guy. He took it out against me, bluffing me a couple of times but luckily the second time I had a monster and took some chips from him.

After all the dust had settled, I came out losing $300 instead of $1800 after 18 hours of play. Still not nice not to win, but I am happy with the comeback. After that session I took the next day off to recuperate before I hit the tables again.

Nostalgia

Was home for a week and met up with my old poker buddies. It was nice to catch up. Within the group I am the only one that went pro. I think many envy my life but no one understands the grind I have to go through. But yet I do appreciate the lifestyle I have. But it is not as glamorous as you would think.

Reminiscing the good old times, and I am touched so many showed up to coffee at the drop of my name. So it is only natural for me to ask for a game. We played 3 sessions of OFC, 1 session of Holdem and my virgin live shortdeck cash game. There's a video circulating amongst my friends of an OFC session with me, Aaron and KM. Aaron and I were singing and dancing when both of us got fantasyland against KM. It was nice to play OFC again with Aaron.

My friend Jason hosted the game at his apartment. Big poker table in dining room, table full of local food and snacks, fridge with local soft drinks and even soup in the pot. Brings back so many memories of our old games. There was a tub of peanut cookies, a typical Chinese New Year snack that I haven't had in years. Was so content snacking on it as we played. We ordered Roti Canai and McDonald's for supper. It was a nice break from the daily stresses of life.

No where else in the world where you can play poker with 100 Plus and peanut cookies

During the holdem session there was a Holdem cash game virgin too. I made the mistake of trying to bluff a fish. She called my 75% pot size bet on river with J9ss on a QJXXX with 4 clubs on board. We all had a big laugh about it. I did well on my first ever shortdeck cash game too, winning 640 antes. Could have been more if not of a bluff by one of my closest poker buddies. The Shortdeck session we played in a dark environment with the music turn up high. One of the guys wanted to replicate the famous KTV games we have here.

Replicating KTV session by turning down the lights

It was nice to catch up and play against my old friends. Some I have known for 20+ years. Now back to the grind with friends that I have known days or weeks at most. But poker camaraderie is the same everywhere. It is easy to quickly make friends if you are friendly enough.