Appin Poker Club

Hero to Zero

2010-04-29T11:58:00.001+01:00

This weeks action....

Writing a blog 2 weeks late after winning, then spooning the next week, is like finding your team 3 goals up at home in a European quarter final and getting pumped out in dramatic fashion or shagging an amazing Brazilian model only to find out she’s undergone surgery and her real name is Frank.

5 heads graced the felt, Raff, Colin, Framer, Pete and myself. Early exchanges left the Farmer short stacked going all in with Q,10 getting a call from me with A,Q. No 10 on the board meant an exit for the laddie who has to bring the pizzas and definitely not getting a sook from his misses. Not sure who left next, think it was Pete. I caught Raff on the river with top pair on the board, nut flush draw and an open ended straight against his two pair. The German went “YES” when a black 3 dropped. He didn’t appreciate that a straight beats two pair and with a couple of chips left went crashing out in the next few hands.
Colin and I did battle for the honours. It was an unbelievable partisan crowd backing the furry fella from Ice Age. Many hands and big cheers from the crowd, especially when I had the nut flush and Colin rivered the full house. Swung back and forward until I hit two pair on the flop and Colin hit top pair, both all in, one winner. Vulture soared momentarily until last weeks fiasco, not managing to win a solitary hand.

Till Next week.....

I’m going to Asda, pizza anyone?

Rapheal "no Blog" Adolf strikes again

2010-04-22T17:44:00.002+01:00

The last 3 weeks action....

German Nr1, too busy to write a blog for his last 2 weeks gets smitted by teh poker gods for his lack of effort.

gods knows what happended at the felt, but it mostly invloved lauging at Man U exiting the champions league at the hand of the old enemy.

25/3/10 Colin Bubbled

8/4/10 Jason Bubbled

Not sure what happended last week either but Dougie spooned and the Gull got a much needed victory.

Til next week....

Where's you blog Dougie?

The Bubble League so far

2010-03-26T13:35:00.001Z

Dougie 2
Dennis 2
Colin 2
Raff 1
Jason 1
Pete 1
Scott 1

Poker Gods help me this week!!!

2010-03-26T13:31:00.001Z

Good work Colin…on the delivery off….

This weeks action…..

The nights events commenced with Colin, being his ever generous self and offering up a substantial quantity, which definitely done the damage……. I think?? Did you drive home Pete??

Seven heads; Denis, Raf, Pete, Dougie, Colin, Scott and mesel of course. Continuing the trend of recent weeks we started hard and despite trying not too shine too hard, I took an early, but substantial chip lead.

Then it was the Denman who felt the splinters from his virgin spoon of the season! How’d it feel big yen? A wee bit hazy…. but think the next to fall was Colin…two good lads to be knocked out, as they have a tendency to keep things rolling till the wee hours.

The next two to fallers, were the Vulture and the Gull, both knocked out in spectacular feathery fashion, leaving a three-way between Scott (BTW have you got your application papers in the post yet?) as well as me and Raff. Scott held hard, but had to admit defeat after a valiant battle, leaving German No.1 and mesel to tousle for the glory (points & money).

Heads up wey Raff was short lived, there were a few all in’s called, however the big fella called with an Ace in the pocket and one on the board. Unfortunately I had a heart in the pocket after the flop, two more hearts were smiling at me on the felt after the flop…..the turn uncovers another heart…both of us were dying to see the river??? Out it comes (another fecking heart) and makes me a flush of hearts. Happy days as I needed the loot for the A to Z of poker skills I have ordered…boys keep your eyes down as I’m looking to scoop the loot this week as well.

Catch ya later …over and oot…..Jzz

We're off to Double Spoon!!

2010-03-25T16:17:00.004Z

This weeks action......

Gull wins , Jason came second, dennis took the bubble in horendous fashion and Raff went.....

Off too Double Spoon!!!!

Till next week.......

German+TV+ PC+Hookie Telewest box = No Football highlights

2010-03-11T09:16:00.002Z

This week's action....

Seven heads gather for the March buy-in with those present consisting of Roundhead, Denman, Ze German, Nic Nac, The Vulture, Scott (awaiting registration documents) and Sid (ground sloth character from Ice Age - amazing!)

With the New Year resolution ground rules being truly thwarted on a number of levels the action eventually started at 9 ish. This was only after the vulture had made an unexpected late appearance. With a two pronged attack coming from the enemies at home he had made a desperate escape to join in on this weeks events. Vultures as a species would eat their young should they be ill, so leaving them to go and play poker is almost admirable.

The usual vegetarian options were available on this weeks menu so details, as always when posted so late in the week, are very hazy. No apologies required or offered.

Action started early on, which has been a trait of the group in recent weeks, with some calls of 8 and raises to 18 not to be outdone and matched round the table.

Early buy-ins went to Nic Nac, Scott and the Denman with the German following suit.

To everyone's delight Germany's answer to a shit Murray Walker hit this weeks splinter cell on the nose and in a blaze of glory resigned himself to a point less on the table of dreams. The cards on which he departed are at this stage a mystery but anyone wishing details can contact him anytime between 12 noon and 1 pm Monday through Friday at AVbyZEgerman@tryswitchingitoffandon.com Available for major all sporting and concert events.

Next to bite the dust was Scott, who with an immaculate showing the previous week of action all areas and that old poker favourite of being dipped in excrement, proved he can execute poker on all levels by taking an early bath. A truly welcome addition to the fold. Visas and work permit will be closely followed with the highs and lows, a nickname, an embarrassing photo or lookalike and the juggling of work/social life to exclude all Thursdays.

Next to go was the Peter Rounhead Gull Really! Is it me? who's details are still fresh in his mind and that of any of the collection that has spoken to him in recent days.
The beauty of his exit was not just that it's always nice to see the reigning champ suffer but that his manner of exit will run shivers through the spines of poker players everywhere.

Two hands in which he had the choice of make or break. He opted for the latter after a good 5 or 10 minutes of "call, fold, call, fold, call...." Against his old winged adversary as well. So the fact he was on an open ended flush draw which, you guessed it - he hit in the end, he folded only to be knocked clean off his feet in the very next hand was a very large pill to swallow. Even for that enormous head. Gull went all in with tens only to be called by the smuggest bird in town who hit his bullet. Very quick, very painful, very nice.

That left four and what would become a grind to the end which was littered with moments of action. The chips certainly did the rounds with Denman and Nic Nac holding on and Dougie and Colin holding the majority of the chips.

Dougeeeeeeeeerachaaaa had decided he had seen enough at this stage and with the league big guns out of his way saw an easy run in with chips and hard dollars available. All he had to do was complete the transaction.

He began the takedown with a swift dispatch of Pete and after a hard fight, Denman's chip stack couldn't stand up to the blinds, and he too was relegated or promoted to rolling duty.

Battle of the bubble was a drawn out affair which saw the vulture being pushed to the end. The end of his tether. Eventually the all in calls began and at this stage no call still meant 90 chips exchanging hands. Right up till Sid thought - F*?@ it - and called the Vulture who turned up a healthy, with no flop yet, pair of 4's only to see Sid flip a pair of 6's. Nothing in flop, turn or river could save him. He saw a monster stack move across the table along with his chances of victory and the blood drained away from his face like a one of his Sahara Dessert victims. He was left with a few chips that were handed over in almost apologetic fashion.

Sid and Nic Nac went heads up, or head to neck, and with both being close to unconsciousness and Raph about to call time on the Rossie Terrace Concentration Camp there was no time wasted.

A couple of all in's later and with Sid moving his entire stack to the right the evening came to a close. Nic Nac took the spoils and some very much required points to raise him up to the very strategic position on NIL, ZERO, NOTHING, NADA.

Till next week poker stars!

This weeks blog was brought to you from an island which does not appear on any known map which conceals a high spec arrangement of flashing lights and dials where a two foot baddie squeals his way around. Nothing like me!

Extra security will be drafted in this week as high end poker tournaments around Europe are being targeted by thieves. Dennis didn't you call in sick Monday????

Happy Birthday Pete, here is your spoon!

2010-02-26T09:53:00.002Z

This week's action......

Today’s action happened to be on a Wednesday. The change was due to limited numbers for the best day of the week, but as it turned out only four showed up anyway because the Menace was out to fight the forces of the resistance which he promised to do so ages ago.

But anticipation was big: Champions League and poker at the same night WOOHOO. But then disaster struck and the dodgy box of unlimited channels decided to go to the graveyard of my gadgets and joined the plasma of doom, the deep fried laptop and the pc of old ages.

Some celebrations on the felt anyway: Pete went over to the dark side of the twenties and joined the club of early pensioners.

Jason, Colin, Roundhead and I started a tight battle. Pete and me soon on a low stack, where as J and Colin scooped in pot after pot. After a while though it seemed to turn and I clawed back some minor pots to help me survive just that little bit longer. Same with Pete, who put in a lot of effort and managed to gather a reasonable amount of chips. Convinced he will hit everything though he called my all in. It was his straight draw against my royal flush draw after the flop and the flush on the river left Pete banging his head on the table trying to shape his roundhead to a square. Not many chips left he went all in again and Col finished him of

A cry of joy reached us from the other part of the city as The Vulture heard of Pete’s fate!
Battle for the bubble was a tight one. Noone wanted to give in and it started to be a big grinder. Too much for Pete and his white gloves - he put the cheese board of celebrations on the table and a bounty on my head.

Enticed by the price of a cheese wedge J and ‘ze german number 1, Ja’ went in a biggie against each other. Q66 on the flop, 6 the turn followed by a Bullet. Jason confident that his house was big enough to beat me started scooping up the chips until he eventually realized that I had the poker of the devil! Soap for Jason.

Heads up and I was on the chip lead for a change. Great, considering the difference between my stack and Colin’s.

Letting the blinds do the work it soon was all over and second spot for Colin and a HATRICK for me!!!

Till next week....

This blog was brought to you by the letter R

The Bubble League so far

2010-02-13T08:48:00.001Z

Colin 2
Raff 1
Dennis 1
Dougie 1
Pete 1

Go and pass me that tray over

2010-02-13T08:36:00.003Z

This week's action.....

What a game!!!!

Really awesome hands played last night!Almost everyone was chip lead at one point in the game, rivers and rivers and rivers and rivers. Straights, flushes, full houses and straight flushes – everything there. Position changes in the league, tight start, and not much between each player.

Luck changed countless of times, well, saying that it has to be pointed out that Greg obviously was excluded from that and got the spoon – again. He's collecting more spoons than you would need to feed an Indian family their Sunday's curry.

A big cheers to that from Jason who obviously reached chapter two in the guide on how to play poker. A sensible fold kept him in the game. Away from rock bottom for J!

Then there was Dougie hitting a massive straight flush. Didn't get many chips for it though.Dennis felt the need to point out that Thursday nights are getting absolutely ridiculous in terms of using mind enhancing clouds of smoke. Consequences were, that from that point on always two people had to skin up -

AT THE SAME TIME!!!

CONSTANTLY!!!

That left the evening in a bit of blur and Pete's mind temporarily left the room and had a wee wander around unknown spheres. His mouth unfortunately didn't realize that and random words and sentences came out with hardly any connection to reality. I mean, even worse than usual.

Five ways took a while, but no boredoms with plenty all ins, houses on the river and straights on runner runner.

The unimaginable happened!!! I dropped half of one of the above mentioned smoking sticks of happiness out the window. I was facing a tough decision here, the way I saw it, I only had 2 choices:

1.Absolutely, totally and completely humiliate myself, jump out the window and try to rescue the most glorious of blacks and keep on smoking and be happy –
OR
2.Pretend that nothing happened, the bus ticket was near, I finished it and no one would say a thing, meanwhile being sad of missing out on inhaling the friend of giggles and munchies.
Needless to say I was hanging half out that god dam window with both legs in the air doing acrobatics worth an Iron Cross and rescued that poor bastard.

NEVER LEAVE A MAN BEHIND!!!

Despite earlier boosts in chips, Denman soon had the curse of the river on him and was next out. Followed by Colin by the same fate, runner runner this time, after a brave battle.
Battle for the bubble!Again I was facing those 2 birds.Pete's mind found it's way back again and his play... well, he played, which is more than before.

He must have been cursing though, cause my logic said good bye and I confidently called Pete's All In with a straight that wasn't there and consisted of four not connected cards. The river brings out a flush, for me. which I haven't even seen or considered being in the possibility of hands I can achieve. WOOOHOOO.

What ever happened from now on, important is that the Gull fell of the top spot.As it turned out he got his feathers plucked by two players, Dougie and me, with joint first.The last hand played was KJ against K8, King hit, but Dougies 8 didn't and that was that.

Good luck everybody in the Euro million and see you on Wednesday for Pete's Birthday game.

Till next week.......

5s and 9s are growing apart, 25 – 24 equals 6.

This blog was brough to you by Heir Ralpheal

Bullets for Budgies

2010-02-12T07:38:00.001Z

This week's action.....

Here we go again, second biggie of the year and already 2 cancellations: Denis prefers dinner with mummy, whilst Jason is still reading books about how to play poker.

Five ways with all the regulars that come every now and then.
No laptop either so back to the old school button and card drawing for position.

Roundhead eager to get back to the top starts the bullying early and accumulates a decent pile of clay. Mainly taken from gregorious, who seems to be out of luck these days.
Pete gets a fellow big stack holder, me, by collecting chips from Collin.

After a reasonable time and some tasty potato pancakes later the first all in is between Greg and Pete. Greg’s AJ suited doesn’t hit and he soon forks out another tenner for the 2nd hundred. Next one to follow is Collin… don’t know what happened there, but I’m sure he was behind all the way.

Top ups for the rest of us and it is before the blinds go up to 7/15, right? Need to get that one in my head.

Greg adds another splinter to his collection and secretly curses Gordo for not taken the spoon for everyone else.
Collin didn’t want another bubble and decided to go out on 4th spot. That gave him lots of time to dig in some ice cream filled pastry and his mind went completely blank when the best of premier league 2003/04 started.

Three ways! Me against two birds and on the lowest stack, too.
Cards are in my favour though and I get what is needed to shoot those budgies – Bullets.
After a few All Ins without any callers it’s Dougie first who thinks his cards are good enough to call. Nothing wrong with his KJ apart from me sitting on AJ – first blow leaves my Nemesis crippled. And on comes the Rocky theme tune; coincidence? I don’t think so!!!
Only two hands later it’s time to go heads up again: Dougster with the suited dogs and I had a rag Ace.
Flop brings a King and the Vulture’s hopes are as high as himself - only to be crushed by an Ace on the turn.
The only thing the Scavenger is picking up today is some of Fairy’s finest.

Heads up takes a wee while with small amounts of chips moving towards the Roundhead.
Eventually Pete is in the chip lead and plans to make a big move. I call his pre flop raise and out comes the flop 7AA. The Gull’s All In with a pair of ducks (any more birds around?) is happily greeted by my trip Aces.
44 is the number of chips left and Pete is all in blind.
Immediately call, blind, and a turn of my cards reveals pocket binaries! But Pete’s eyes brighten up when his cards turn out to be 2 Kings.
But that was it for Pete, next hand another All In and Pete’s out.
40 quid for Pete to replace his ‘as good as money’ scraps of paper and more importantly: Top Spot for the gull!!!

This blog was brought to you by the letter R

4 Chinamen and a Bazooka!

2010-02-03T10:48:00.002Z

This weeks action.......

6 heads grace the felt. Nick-Nack AWOL again, having to work. Correct me if i'm wrong but if you're the manager then surely you call the shots, why have a dug and bark yersel - rumours are he's back next week! (mind your spoony munchies from 2 weeks ago). Denis, Raph (correct spellings), Pete, Colin, Jason and myself get down to action.

Not a lot to talk about early doors, Pete (PuffBaddie) bossing the table a bit with Raph joining him and getting early chip leads. I take a hand off Raph hitting an A on the river to make a house beating the Germans house (more like a bungalow with no cellar).

The talk then turns to munchies supplied by the landlord. A packet of wine gums, Nobbys Nuts, and some Oreos. Are they a rich mans Bourbon or a black mans Custard Cream? Jason has been dwindling all night and gets picked off by Colin, who is also on the dwindle. More -ve equatiy for the man from Corstorphine who declares he's not showing up for a while until he gets poker lessons, sit down with a good book on yer log fella.

Next to depart was Colin, picked off by me with pocket 7's against A rag. Next to leave is German no.1 with what and against who i have no idea! 3 way with Denis, Pete and myself. Denis tries psychological warfare claiming he's bound for the bubble. When pointed out that he only needs to double up he says "na man, i'll take hands off both o ye". He doesn't and it's a soapy tit-wank for the Ayrshire menace.

Battle for air supremacy takes no time at all. Pete raises my blind which I call. Flop comes 6, K, 8. I raise, Pete goes over the top, I push all in and get a caller. I'm sitting with 2 pair K's and 6's, Pete has top pair with J kicker. No hook arrives and with most of his chips gone, thats all she wrote.

First blood to the vulture, the top predator of the air clipping the "budgie". Lucky flop but played like a dream.

Until next weeks blog........

I'm away to wank over Robbie Keane!

(This blog was brough to you by the letter V)

New sheriff in town!

2010-01-25T12:47:00.003Z

This weeks action......
After a year at the top, and in that time a lot has happened. The Appin poker club venue has relocated, Gordo is pimping it in a sleazy Bangkok bar, America has a black president and Togo have a vacancy for a bus driver (amongst other events). The reign is officially over.

Billy big stack from Bangor, the son of Cromwell, Fergies love child, the mighty Gull has been shot from his perch and is no longer leading the table. (it’s only temporary, on loan, he squawked).

5 heads graced the felt. Nick-Nack goes MIA after last weeks spoon to attend a leaving-do, Jason has to do the in-laws thing which leaves Colin, Dennis, Raff, Pete and myself to do battle.

Early doors is low key with chips moving around the table. Colin takes a wedge out of Petes stack with trip 8’s leaving Pete on the low-tide. Raff decides to play every hand he has with an A, and comes up short, leaking all over the shop like a burst Johnny (or his toilet). Eventually getting put out of his misery by Colin who has pocket Q’s, going from hero to zero with a large chunk of timber to keep him company and the prospect of providing munchies next week.
Pete is next out, losing to his nemesis “the vulture” with what hand I have no idea. Raff then takes Pete downstairs to the Reichstag bunker for an hour to show him his “computer”. After that Raff returns to find his khazi blocked and reluctant to wade in man made star bars stops anyone taking a piss.

Battle for the bubble can mean only one thing. Colin, who, to be fair, was short stacked does what he does best. Picks up the Fairy detergent, dons the marigolds, sings West Ham songs and lathers himself into yet another frenzy of bubble-doom. Heads-up. Dennis and Dougie trade punches for over an hour until eventually I go all-in with A,7 getting a call with Q,8. Ace holds up. First points of the season but more importantly Den moves to top of the table.

The end of an era (thank-fuck), will anyone achieve what Pete did. Highly unlikely, well done to the fella for doing what he did, but its only downhill from now on mate.
Till next week......

Does anyone have a computer ball?

(This blog was brought to you by the Vulture)

What good are intentions for the new year if you don't start breaking them straight away?

2010-01-19T08:32:00.002Z

This weeks Action.....

So here we are, 2nd match of the season and already everyone is late. Greg and Colin were left standing in the cold cause I was dragged out by the missus to do a “little bit “ of shopping. Three shops and over an hour later I arrived 7 minutes late at the flat, to see the two frantically pressing the buzzer and swearing at the laziness of the cat who just couldn't be bothered to get off the sofa and open the door.
Another 15minutes later the rest of the players finally arrive.
7 heads, tenner in, double munchies on stand buy - good to go. Tenner!!!
Jason forgot the chips – again.
Backup chips, cards and button are out and we are finally getting a game on the way.

Some big hands early on without any hits cost me about half my stack of chips. Same fate for Notorious who also gave his chips happily to everyone who wanted some.
The charitable spirit was abused by Colin, and he gained a big early chip lead continuing where he stopped last week.
The first all in was consequently B. I. G. v. Colin. And no prisoners taken Greg's A was beaten By Colin's A. Not really sure why, but rumours involve a Q and a 10. Did anyone hit? Couldn't tell you, but result is: Greg got his first splinter of the year and is responsible for next weeks munchies.

Frustration called for this weeks one and they involved a 16 pack of mini rolls, aka Jodie's chocolate sex toy... the whole pack that is.

No stopping the Colin who was up to a flying start and took on his next victim – Jason! The played hands are again covered by a mist of smoke.

A massive hand being played between Denis, Colin and Pete. Pre flop raise, both call. Flop comes big with A, Q, 10. A raise from Colin sees Pete out of the game but Den stays in and sees Col right to the end. Denis shows top pair but Colin hit a big full house – his pocket queens were full of tens. Denis crippled and just hangs on.

Colin's stack as high as himself which might be why he felt a bit light headed and announced merrily to Pete 'if you don't get any points today I'm going top of the league'.
After that curse is out it all went down hill from there.

I commited almost half my chips pre flop and got Colin as a caller – unfortunately. First to act, all or nothing and it's me all in. Only slight hesitation and Colin calls with top pair. The turn gave him trips and the river sealed it all when the my straight came together.
The game got a bit more tense now with Den playing very conservatively with his small amount he had left.

Dougie and Pete happily avoided each other and were just hoping for a mistake than can be exploited.

The tight game suited Denis, blinds already in the higher levels and him getting some big hands his stack grew to a more healthy size.

His first all in against Dougster and Colin tripled him up and Dougie took the side pot. Apparently there was another one against Pete but the recollection is dimmed by a cocktail of black, green and dust, the latter sponsored by Pete who likes to share it, even with his wife.

The third all in against me, pocket 6s against pocket Js but the very first card to come was a very decisive 6 and no rescue in sight for me.

Pete and Dougie still without confrontation and a tense moment followed when Dougie went all in with Dead man's hand against my KJ. An eight on the flop and Dougie doubled his stack.
This must have shaken roundhead's concentration and he called my re raise that put him all in. Both sitting on top pair but Pete's mere 9 got him into kicker trouble and subsequently out of the game.

Four ways = tight play? Not so on the green felt.
Dougie and Colin not shy to call the pre flop raises, but the poker gods left them stranded when the turn didn't show the expected card.

Dougie's try in changing gears saw him all in, again sitting on KJ a little toil but eventually a call. Dougie was sitting on rag K and didn't hit. 2nd bird shot down by the hunter.
Fight for the bubble started but didn't last very long.

In honour of the beach ball Colin took it down and gave his chips to the Denman. Not exactly sure what happened, was all very hazy at that point.

Ergo no exciting heads up neither Den nor me knew really what was going on any more. After three hands we both thought our hands are good enough and there was the all in. Den's 9 10 suited against my A 10, neither of us did hit and that was the end of it.

Joint first with Roundhead – best start ever to a season for me. Pete still first after 49 weeks in a row. Pretty sure it was a good game and very exciting, it all just seems to be covered by a cloud of smoke!

Till next week....

(Today's Blog was brought to you by German Nr1)

"Big Freeze Threatens Grand Opening of local Poker League"

2010-01-09T08:24:00.003Z

This weeks action.....

With Scotland facing record breaking temperatures of -22.30C concerns are raised over the Grand opening of the 2010 Appin Poker Club. The Felt is certainly playable, but how the players get to the table is the problem local authorities face. News comes in from Gorgie where "Auld Wiffies" have taken to pouring boiling water on the path in a bid to combat the invading snow only to be foiled when the pesky water turned against them in the big Freeze.

The Gregorious B.I.G. sends up a flare after all his excrement, of which there is much, decided not to head down the drains as its too cold and instead invades his shower and bath only to be joined by his neighbours jobbies for a party at his.

Dougie Gets the call from work, and spend the evening wrapping veterans in pish stained blankets and hot water bottles.

5 heads brave the conditions, Myself and Hanna with 2 newly acquired sledges in the boot as back up in case the engine oil freezes. Dennis, Rafferty and Colin all join hands and remember the fallen.

Introduction of the aforementioned Green Chip causes confusion on 2 fronts and after a lethal cocktail of bifters the monster munch are opened early.

Colin is the first to buy in, but the rest of the crew hang on till the top-up. Dennis feels the cold snap coming through to window and injecting a frost into his cards as the first Dwindle sets hold, with buses cancels to the village there can be only one outcome.

Jason takes the first Timber of 2010 after getting off to a good start, best used for firewood in these conditions.

The game stops for no man, and there is certainly no food allowed on the table. Until a call from kitchen of "is anyone hungry" is meat with the ravenous applause of a pack of hungry seals. Raffs misses decides to eat or chuck all of her Christmas finery's. And after truffle and champagne pate, the finest cheese board forged by man, 4 servings of apple Strudel, 4Creamebrulees, a crusty loaf, some oatcakes, crisp and dips the game resumes amids the crumbs and carnage.

Dennis is next to feel the pinch and after a couple of successful all ins, finally falls though the canal.

Raffertoid collects the first Bubble of the year which, as was decided on the poker night out are to be recorded in 2010. Other precedent's are that the winner writes the blog, and the game kicks of at 20:30 sharp.

Heads up me Vs Colin, one hand top pair Vs AK after the flop and the 10 stands good. 3 points to the Gull and 2 for Colin who manages to aquire as many points in one game as it took till September last season.

Till Next Week.......

"Keeping our sidewalks free of ice and snow is the neighbourly thing to do, and it's the law... "

2009 Awards

2009-12-29T14:37:00.004Z

This Years "Blouse" goes to Dougie for putting up a fight but for not having the minerals to finish the job. The Pigs ear has to go to Nik-Nak for teh second year running, just for being a complete tragedy from start to finish.

Colin gets the Beach Ball Award for bubbles received, sorry mate couldn't find any Liverpool ones!!

Bubbles also to Dennis

This years spoon head to Gordo, who amassed an impressive double figure spoon count, leaving 3/4 way through the season. Colin gets the award in his honour.

Without Doubt this years "fanny baws" award heads to Niddry Mains for Gregor, simply for leaving mid drink on the poker night out without any excuses. (by the way he was off work for a week and his misses was in London) poor show!

Brandy and Cheese anyone?

2009....The year of the Gull

2009-12-29T14:05:00.003Z

The Grande Finale......

As we roll into the last game of 2009, Dougie the Vulture needs a win or (if The Gull Munsoned) second seat would do.

All the regulars make the finale held at the Corstorphine Card Club for the second week in succession, a splendid venue surely to come as a regular fixture on the 2010 Calender.

Nerves are Jangling but not for Nik Nak who had been on the sauce since lunch time, and it showed as Raff calls a flush draw/gut shot straight draw for all his chips in the first hand and hits, the second stalk gets pumped into the middle on the third hand. The double N heads into the hand in top spot buts gets sucked out on the River and its a taxi to Niddry Mains for one.

Dougie soon spunks the first stalk and calls for a buy in as the sweat gets wiped of his rims. 2 hours of play and no-one else has bought in, everyone tops up (especially on the newly introduced green chips) which causes much of the usual confusion.

Dougie relinquishes the last of the stalk and surrenders the Trophy to the Gull, Another tight finish to the league brought down to the wire after 47 games of poker!

Colin and Dennis real the might of Jason, who's performances have improved on the home turf to leave us heads up.

The poker was too Good to remember but its game set and match for the Smoke Dog 2009.

Till next Year.......

Go Hard or Go Home!!!!

This one's going to the wire.....

2009-12-09T13:27:00.002Z

This weeks action......

The penultimate game of the season draws a worthless crowd of 4. excuses from Odd Job, who's sister's in town and Dennis who spent the night in the hospital due to a family case of suspected Swine Flu. Gordo still busy spending his ill-gotten gains in the Thai version of the real life grange hill (Mai-TAi) style. Jason busy getting the tree up.

Colin, Raff, Dougie and myself hold the fort.

After a charity chip giving ceremony from The Gull and several missed buses to dwindleville Station. Colin finally takes the spoon, uch to teh relief of our feathered friend.

Dougie the V self confesses early doors not to chase the flushes but Chases 2 and hits two against his old nemesis as the Vulture dines on Seagull for the night.

Heads up sees Raff trying to bluff the original Bluffer, who promptly calls with top pair and takes the 3 points.

The Grand finally of the 2009 Appin poker Club goes down the last game for the 3rd year in a row. Will The Gull's bottle crash like last year or will the Evil one retain the title?

Till next week.....

I'm aff to clean me trunks!

Grand Opening of Rossi PLace Poker Club

2009-12-03T22:09:00.002Z

The last 8 Month's Action........

With Senior Wallace back in Norn Iron turning PCs off and on again, a minor technical hitch in the home PC turned the hoose into a t'internet free zone. Rossi finally gets the old boy working again.

Highlights from the last few months include Gordo selling Raff a worthless 60" Plasma telly before heading south for winter. Raff falling off his Moped and breaking his arm, Raff moving house and getting three parking tickets in one sitting, Raff moving house and dropping a wardrobe through said TV. Raff getting caught on the Illegal Download and getting fined £700 notes. Raff (now a fugitive at large) has settled into new premises in the greater Leith area where Smoking out the window breeds a new kind of fear.

Highlights from the felt have been too numerous to mention....."Marge I haven't learnt a thing" but involves a familiar end of season battle between Dougie The Vulture and the Irish SeaGull.

Only 5 heads brave the extra few miles to the new venue, Nik-Nak now in new premises himself is busy trying to sort a "threes-up" in Edinburgh's Winter Wonderland as Jodie invites a friend to stay for a few days. Dennis is busy courting and gives a nights gambling the swerve. Currie still jet lagged from Dubai dodges another Thursday night phone call, making DEC 07 his last appearance despite constant harassment from yours truly.

A nervy start to night as only 2 points separate the top 2 spots with three games to play. Colin gets the early bus home and takes the spoon with him. After a tight run for the Spoon Trophy, Gordo Takes the Prize and gets Raff a partial refund on the hooky Telly as their £50 bet comes good for the Germanoid.

A four way battle a with Dougie starting to dwindle and a decent sized pot, the Vulture makes a move but gets called by the Gull with mid pair and its good night Irene. Jason, after at least 6 successful all in attempts cant hit the final card and takes the Micheal Bubble box set home.

Heads up, me and Raff, unfortunately the recollection of this stage of the evening is poor. With Colin Collecting a bag of Goodness and plenty of beer in stock. But I'm sure it was fascinating. Raff takes second spot confirming overall Third for the season and The Gull take 3 much needed points.

With the engraver on stand by and the trophy sitting in the back of the helicpter on the Calder Road, it's all still to play for with 2 games left and only 5 points between myself and the evil one.

Till next week.....

Dougie, tell the wife...... plently of Mr Sheen.... just in case likes!!

Grand Opening of Rossi Place Poker Club

2009-12-02T09:04:00.002Z

The last 8 Month's Action........

With Senior Wallace back in Norn Iron turning PCs off and on again, a minor technical hitch in the home PC turned the hoose into a t'internet free zone. Rossi finally gets the old boy working again.

Highlights from the last few months include Gordo selling Raff a worthless 60" Plasma telly before heading south for winter. Raff falling off his Moped and breaking his arm, Raff moving house and getting three parking tickets in one sitting, Raff moving house and dropping a wardrobe through said TV. Raff getting caught on the Illegal Download and getting fined £700 notes. Raff (now a fugitive at large) has settled into new premises in the greater Leith area where Smoking out the window breeds a new kind of fear.

Highlights from the felt have been too numerous to mention....."Marge I haven't learnt a thing" but involves a familiar end of season battle between Dougie The Vulture and the Irish SeaGull.

Only 5 heads brave the extra few miles to the new venue, Nik-Nak now in new premises himself is busy trying to sort a "threes-up" in Edinburgh's Winter Wonderland as Jodie invites a friend to stay for a few days. Dennis is busy courting and gives a nights gambling the swerve. Currie still jet lagged from Dubai dodges another Thursday night phone call, making DEC 07 his last appearance despite constant harassment from yours truly.

A nervy start to night as only 2 points separate the top 2 spots with three games to play. Colin gets the early bus home and takes the spoon with him. After a tight run for the Spoon Trophy, Gordo Takes the Prize and gets Raff a partial refund on the hooky Telly as their £50 bet comes good for the Germanoid.

A four way battle a with Dougie starting to dwindle and a decent sized pot, the Vulture makes a move but gets called by the Gull with mid pair and its good night Irene.

Jason, after at least 6 successful all in attempts cant hit the final card and takes the Micheal Bubble box set home.

Heads up, me and Raff, unfortunately the recollection of this stage of the evening is poor. With Colin Collecting a bag of Goodness and plenty of beer in stock. But I'm sure it was fascinating.
Raff takes second spot confirming overall Third for the season and The Gull take 3 much needed points.

With the engraver on stand by and the trophy sitting in the back of the helicpter on the Calder Road, it's all still to play for with 2 games left and only 5 points between myself and the evil one.

Till next week.....

Dougie, tell the wife...... plently of Mr Sheen.... just in case likes!!

Better late than Never...

2009-11-28T08:21:00.003Z

The last 8 Month's Action........

With Senior Wallace back in Norn Iron turning PCs off and on again, a minor technical hitch in the home PC turned the hoose into a t'internet free zone. Rossi finally gets teh old boy working again.

Highlights from the last few months include Gordo selling Raff a worthless 60" Plasma telly before heading south for winter. Raff falling off his Moped and breaking his arm, Raff moving house and getting three parking tickets in one sitting, Raff moving house and dropping a wardrobe through said TV. Raff getting caught on the Illegal Download and getting fined £700 notes.

Raff (now a fugitive at large) has settled into new premises in the greater Leith area where Smoking out the window breeds a new kind of fear.

Highlights from the felt have been too numerous to mention....."Marge I haven't learnt a thing" but involves a familiar end of season battle between Dougie The Vulture and the Irish SeaGull.

Only 5 heads brave the extra few miles to the new venue, Nik-Nak now in new premises himself is busy trying to sort a "threes-up" in Edinburgh's Winter Wonderland as Jodie invites a friend to stay for a few days.

Dennis is busy courting and gives a nights gambling the swerve. Currie still jet lagged from Dubai dodges another Thursday night phone call, making DEC 07 his last appearance despite constant harassment from yours truly.

A nervy start to night as only 2 points separate the top 2 spots with three games to play. Colin gets the early bus home and takes the spoon with him.

After a tight run for the Spoon Trophy, Gordo Takes the Prize and gets Raff a partial refund on the hooky Telly as their £50 bet comes good for the Germanoid.

A four way battle a with Dougie starting to dwindle and a decent sized pot, the Vulture makes a move but gets called by the Gull with mid pair and its good night Irene.

Jason, after at least 6 successful all in attempts cant hit the final card and takes the Micheal Bubble box set home.

Heads up, me and Raff, unfortunately the recollection of this stage of the evening is poor. With Colin Collecting a bag of Goodness and plenty of beer in stock. But I'm sure it was fascinating. Raff takes second spot confirming overall Third for the season and The Gull take 3 much needed points.

With the engraver on stand by and the trophy sitting in the back of the helicpter on the Calder Road, it's all still to play for with 2 games left and only 5 points between myself and the evil one.

Till next week.....

Dougie, tell the wife...... plently of Mr Sheen!!

Return of the Nedi.....

2009-04-11T08:30:00.004+01:00

This Month's Action.....

More technical difficulties and serious dose of writers block is the reason for the lack of updates. Highlights from previous weeks include Gordo getting a run of spoons and some dirty-bad rivers, resulting in the a dose of the yips.

A few weeks "me" time is prescribed for the fella as he hangs up the visor, lights a few scented candles and calls on his old friend "George the sock" for a couple of team talks.

Other than that Raff finds his killer streak that made the Germans so famous and takes two scalps off of Dougie the self confessesed "second spot assassin".

This weeks action......

After a hard weekend with the Irwin Brothers in Blackpool, and a heavy mid-week fitba schedule, Gregor takes a week of the game to recover.

Seven heads don the spring/summer '09 collection and head for the smell of money. Doug, Raff, Jason, Gordo, Myself, Colin and a fresh Satellite form the line up and after a brief presentation of a "Tesco's Finest Cheese Platter" to commemorate the birthing of Gordo the game gets underway.

I run into a few hands V the satellite with kicker problems who takes the spoon in the end with two pair V my straight. Right moves at the wrong time for the fella. Rafferty tries to recover a few chips lost in earlier battles and pushes all in with a flush draw, I call with top pair, hitting trips to send the big man off to light the candle of Gordo's birthday cake.

The birthday boy gets lucky as Colin pushes all in with AQ, Gordo calls with A4 hitting the four. Dougie is next to feel the Birthday backlash with and pure binary flop Doug pushes all in, running into G's poker.

Three way, Myself Jason and Gordo, all three passing the chips about all night but go into the affair with me slight lead on Gordo and Jason on the short stack. The battle for the bubble goes on for 2 rounds of blinds now 15-30, taking its toll on my ever dwindling stack and getting re-raised at every turn a final push is made with K4 off and 100 chips. Jason calls with the J's and its another bubble for my ever increasing collection.

Heads up in an epic battle, Jason searching for the first victory of the season and Gordo trying to lay to rest the demons of previous weeks. Jason takes a monster before a push all in with A10 V Gordo's QJ. The flop shines A 10 and Jason takes it down! removing himself from negative equity in the process.

Till next week.....

I'm forever blowing bubbles.......

2 Down, 3 to go!!

2009-03-03T22:13:00.003Z

This weeks action......

7 heads grace the felt in the form off Jason, Raff, Dennis, Colin, Doug, Gregor and myself. Unusual apologies from Gordo, who cant make the game as he was too busy in the house flogging his dead horse.

A fiery start to the game brings a few raises and with an action flop Dougster makes an early move all- in but runs into my set of 4's and gets an early unfamiliar early bath collecting some negative equity on the way. Next hand as Gregor makes a daring move with 2 ladies on the board, with middle pair and gets a quick call by Rafferty who shine the sisters thrice.

Another monster with a flop of A93 and a re-re raise from Colin, Jason moves all in for a steal, but brings me and Colin along for the ride, I shine A9 but to no avail as Colin shows a 6 card straight. Leaving Jason to command the x-wing up Corstorphine way via a local confectioners. After some passing chips Colin makes a move short stacked but his hooks are dead and Den takes it down with AJ.

Rafftery pushes with A 10 and gets a call from me with pocket 10's which hold up, Rafferty steadily improving with his highest and soapiest finish of the season.

Heads up, me and Dennis on the short stack, 5 hands deep, Den makes a steal at a pot and runs into a flush.

Till next week.......

I cant be arsed an more!

Somebody call a Doctor......

2009-02-23T16:13:00.002Z

This weeks action......

With the return of the one and only Doctor Robotnic, 8 heads conform early but several retract due to finances. A Big game for the returning hero sparks the usual controversy from Gordo, who barters for a buy-in as opposed to the £20 freeze-out. The decision rests with the Doc who calls for a buy-in.

Six players include The Doc, Raff, Gordo, Dougie, Gregor and myself. True to form Doc gets involved early doors and the first stack takes a few dents before heading all in V Gordo, Doc takes it down with a better K and revives the stack.

The Doc kindly deals me pocket Aces which are slow played, with a flop of A Q 8 Gordo shoots off a 20 raise, Raff calls as well as me, another Q on the turn and Raff pushes all in, I push all in as well and G-man calls. A car crash of epic proportions as Raff shows pocket 8's. Gordo has 2 pair, Full house A's full of Q's takes it down, as Gordo and Raff get the spare stack out the box.

Gordo gets busy with the new chips, with QJ on the flop, pushes all in with AJ, Dougie calls with QJ leaving the Grape Commander short stacked.

Gordo gets the hand he has been waiting for and pushes with AK but 2 callers in the form of Doc and Gregor check it down to the wire, Gregor takes it down with a pair of 10's. Spoonage for the G-man for the second week running, hopefully next weeks forfeit will be better than this week's which included a packet of cardboard and dip selection and a pack of 20 lemon sponge cakes. The kind a Junkie buys his mother to celebrate his release from prison(remember quality not quantity Gordo)

With a flop of 359, I move all with top pair ace kicker, Gregor falls in love with the paint and calls with AK. No king to the rescue as the silver box is opened and another 10 spot deposited into the tin.

Greg gets busy with the new chips and a raise of 30 is called by me and the Doc, a low flop sparks a move from the Doc who pushes all in , Gregor calls with more paint and no hand as I fold, Doc takes it down with a mighty pair of 3's.

Rafferty moves all in with AK and gets a call from me with QK suited, a glimmer of hope comes as a 10 J comes on the flop, but the host breathes a sigh of relief as the A holds up.

Myself and Dr Dougie Howser buy in at the limit, as the full quota of buy-ins is reached. Raff makes a move short stacked with A6 suited and gets a call from Dr Doug with QJ, the resident doctor hits the flop as Rafferty dons the white gloves for the evening.

3 way turns into an epic battle myself sandwiched between 2 Doctors. With the chip count spread even a battle of mind games starts as some big bluffs get put down and of course duly shown to the folder.

After 40 mins of solid play from the trio I move with pocket 4's Dougie calls with A6 hitting the Ace, leaving me short stacked. I claw a few blinds back and get the stack back to 200 with 1200 in play. Doc raises 90 and gets a call by the Doug, I push all in with 89 suited for a potential cra crash, Doc toils for a moment then calls, Doug folds and sits back to watch safely behind his wall o chips. I get a bit of luck and hit a 9 leaving the original Dr short stacked.

Doc gets doubled up by me before pushing all in with 7's I call with A3 and hit and Ace, leaving the Doc with the soapy bubble on his return. His second bout of bad news for the week as it turns out Dominos have stopped wis favourite Meteor pizza (sales dropped a record 78% on his departure).

Heads up me V Dougie and with no raise pre flop A65 on the board, Doug hits low pair and goes for a bluff, I call with the ace leaving Doug on the super short stack.Doug makes a final move a and gets a call from me with any old muck which holds up.

Till next week.....

£128,000 I'll even leave the sofa!!!

Never trust a homeless man with a dog!!

2009-02-15T11:12:00.002Z

This weeks action......

News spreads of Compo's £70 haul from the last few weeks, as 8 heads gather for a throw o' the dice. Rumours of a £20 150 chip freeze-out send shock waves across the capital, as we finally decide on settling the dispute democratically, sparking numerous phone calls from the Grape HQ "can i count on your vote" is the cry from Gordo. Who, had he been employed by John McCain and put to work with such vigor, may have thwarted senator Obama in last years elections.

Players this week include Colin, Gordo, Raff, Jason, Dennis, Old Nik, Comps, and the "not so" Smokey- Pete, as I strap a box of nicotine replacement patches to the coupon in an attempt to give up the evil weed.

First hand and no family affair as Raff and Dennis get involved, an Ace one the board calms things down as a Duo of Pocket K's are shown. All Gordo's earlier efforts in keeping the game to a tenner prove fruitful as he flops top 2-pair and pushes the stack, but the wellies are off for an early bath in Nora Batties as Dougie flops the nut straight.

Jason is next to feel the wrath of the Dougster, obviously fit after last weeks rest. The Duo move with top pair K's, but Dougs Ace kicker beats J's J.

Another trip to Splitsville Tennessee for Raff, this time V Dougie as they both move with AJ. Raff is suited but too no avail.

A Raise of 17 from Raff is called by Old Nik with a flop of 10 J junk, as a K falls on the river and Rafferty pushes the Stack. After much deliberation Smalls makes a call with the J in his hand. Raff turns 10 Q and looks to have been caught on the bluff, but later reveals he though he had K10 in his paw!!

Colin, who after last weeks spoon produces a bag of savoury dip, kettle chips and chocolate cake. much to the delight of the inmates, soon requiring a hoover for the felt. But the game continues regardless. The bringer of food makes a move short stacked with QJ off and gets called by me with QK suited., the K holds firm in the end.

I push all in after a pre-flop raise from Biggy. Who toils for a moment before calling with AK off. Pocket Kongers for myself and a nervy flop is dealt trying to avoid the Ace which unfortunately for Biggy doesn't come.

Three way myself, Dougie and Dennis on the short stack, who pushes all in and gets a call from me with A4, the four holds as the D-man gets a taste of the soap.

Heads up and a few hands are dealt before a flop of 532, all diamonds, is dealt. I push all in with pocket 6's one diamond. Dougie calls immediately announcing flush with a J7 of diamonds in his tail... or so he thought but it turns out the Jack is in fact more heart shaped than it is pointy! The head falls, but only for a second as another diamond comes on the river. Doug's flush to the 7 is higher than mine to the 6. Dougster apologises then promptly retracts, as he gets the needle out and pockets the loot, but more importantly the points.

NEWSFLASH

Cyberdyne Systems Model 101 returns from the fatherland for next weeks game, which will be a £20 150 chip freeze-out in honour of our returning hero, who will of course have a bounty on his shiny metal head.

Till next week....

Get saving fools!!

Never trust a homless man with a dog!!

2009-02-14T11:45:00.002Z

This weeks action......

News spreads of Compo's £70 haul from the last few weeks, as 8 heads gather for a throw o' the dice. Rumours of a £20 150 chip freeze-out send shock waves across the capital, as we decide on settling the dispute democratically. Sparking numerous phone calls from the Grape HQ "can i count on your vote" is the cry from Gordo, who, he had been employed by John McCain and put to work with such vigor, may have thwarted senator Obama in last years elections.

Players this week include Colin, Gordo, Raff, Jason, Dennis, Old Nik, Comps, and the "not so" Smoke- Pete, as I strap a box of nicotine replacement patches to the coupon in an attempt to give up the evil weed.

First hand and no family affair as Raff and Dennis get involved, an Ace one the board calms things down as a Duo of Pocket K's are shown. All Gordo's earlier efforts in keeping the game to a tenner prove fruitful as he flops top 2-pair and pushes the stack, but the wellies are off for an early bath in Nora Batties as Dougie flops the nut straight.

Jason is next to fell the wrath of the Dougster, obviously fit after last weeks rest. The Duo move with top pair K's, but Dougs Ace kicker beats J's J.

Another trip to Splitsville Tennessee for Raff V Dougie this time as they both move with AJ. Raff is suited but too no avail.

A Raise of 17 from Raff is called by Old Nik with a flop of 10 J junk, as a K falls on the river Rafferty pushes the Stack. After much deliberation Smalls makes a call with the J in his hand. Raff turns 10 Q and looks to have been caught on the bluff, but later reveals he though he had K10 in his paw!!

Colin, who after last weeks spoon produces a bag of Savoury dip, kettle chips and chocolate cake. much to the delight of the inmates, requiring a hoover for the felt. But the game continues regardless. The bringer of food makes a move short stacked with QJ off and gets called by me with QK suited., the K holds firm in the end.

I push all in after a pre-flop raise from Biggy. Who toils fro a moment before calling with AK off. Pocket Kongers for myself and a nervy flop is dealt trying to avoid the Ace which unfortunately for Biggy doesn't come.

Three way myself, Dougie and Dennis on the short stack, who pushes all in and gets a call from me with A4, the four holds as the D-man gets a taste of the soap.

Heads up and a few hands are dealt before a flop of 532, all diamonds, is dealt. I push all in with pocket 6's one diamond. Dougie calls immediately announcing flush with a J7 of diamonds in his tail... or so he thought but it turns out the Jack is in fact more heart shaped than it is pointy! The head falls, but only for a second as another diamond comes on the river. Dougs flush to the 7 is higher than mine to the 6. Dougster apologises then promptly retracts, as he gets the needle out and pockets the loot, but more importantly the points.

Cyberdyne Systems Model 101 returns from the fatherland for next weeks game, which will be a £20 150 chip freeze-out in honour of ourreturning hero, who will of course have a bounty on his shiny metal head.

Till next week....

Get saving fools!!