Tonight I played at the Planet Hollywood Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard. The $1-$2 no-limit table I chose was moderately loose and changed its character several times over the course of the night, ranging from 1-3 strong players probably pros, with the rest being tourists.

I made the bulk of my profits from 2 hands. I played from the big blind (unraised) with the small blinf and 2 limpers in for the flop. The flop came giving me an outside straight draw and a backdoor flush draw. I led out $6 as a blocking bet for the Ace/s I assumed were to my left. Both limpers called this with no raise. The small blind folded. The turn was my straight card - the , giving me the unbeatable nuts. I checked. First limper bet $25. 2nd limper folded. I flat called. The River came . I bet $50 and the limper called showing . I took down the $170 pot and he said rudely "Why is this guy in there with - obviously oblivious to the fact that I was in the BB. Nice.

The second hand was my favourite . Unfortunately for my opponent with the iPod on - he had . All folded round to me. I noticed this iPod fella was excited and loading chips so I limped. 2 more limped between us. His turn to act came and he made it $15 to go. I raise to $30. The 2 limpers and the blinds folded. iPod went all in for about $110. I called. I forget the board but it contained no Queens. Easy breezy ! Any fool can win with pocket rockets but I was proud of the way I played mostly for having the patience to wait for my strong hands and for the slow play when I noticed him pre-loading his bet and for noticing the tell; he leaned forward, raised his eyebrows and seemed more interested in the action all of a sudden.