a little better

Two second place finishes tonight. I got some cards and they held up. My crap luck prompted me to temporarily move down in buyin, so I'm not winning any money, but the little victories are much needed. I still managed to lose a dollar on my total play for the day, so my ROI for the month continues to be around -40.

Despite the second place finishes, the poker gods still had their last digs on the night...

Full Tilt Poker, $10 + $1 NL Hold'em Sit n' Go, 60/120 Blinds, 2 Players
LeggoPoker.com - Hand History Converter

Hero (BB): 5,795
SB: 7,705

Pre-Flop: (180) A 4 dealt to Hero (BB)
SB calls 60, Hero raises to 240, SB calls 120
Villain is passive. His call of my raise tells me he has something he likes.

Flop: (480) Q 4 A (2 Players)
Hero checks, SB bets 240, Hero raises to 960, SB calls 720
He calls my large checkraise. I put him on something like A6-A9, and I've got him down to 3 outs with my 2 pair.

Turn: (2,400) 2 (2 Players)
Hero bets 1,680, SB calls 1,680
Deuce didn't help - this large bet should tell him I'm playing for stacks, but he calls anyway.


River: (5,760) 5 (2 Players)
Well, backdoor flush got there. Does he have A9 of clubs or something? That would suck. Well, I'm calling if he shoves - have to shove myself. Many, many worse hands will call.

Hero bets 2,915 and is All-In, SB calls 2,915

Results: 11,590 Pot

Hero showed A 4 (two pair, Aces and Fours) and LOST (-5,795 NET)
SB showed 3 A (a straight, Five high) and WON 11,590 (+5,795 NET)
Or, alternately, player was crushed the entire hand, and got runner-runner straight to take me out. Goody.