This

One of my readers asked me a long time ago what I find to be the most frustrating experience at the poker tables. I think the following HH perfectly illustrates my reply....

$2/4 NLHE, 5 players
Hero is at seat 2 with $522.40.
Villain is at seat 4 with $1509.20.
The button is at seat 2.
LessonsRExtra posts the small blind of $2.
Villain posts the big blind of $4.
Hero: Ac Kh
pokusKAdabra: -- --
Pre-flop:
Patishh folds. rcsox1 folds. Hero raises to
$14. LessonsRExtra folds. Villain re-raises to
$44. Hero calls.
Flop (board: 8s Ks 5s):
Villain bets $65. Hero raises to $150.
Villain re-raises to $540. Hero goes
all-in for $478.40. Villain is returned $61.60
(uncalled).
Turn (board: 8s Ks 5s 3d):
(no action in this round)
River (board: 8s Ks 5s 3d Js):
(no action in this round)
Showdown:
Villain shows 8h Ts.
Villain has Ts 8s Ks 5s Js: flush, king high.
Hero shows Ac Kh.
Hero has Ac Kh 8s Ks Js: a pair of kings.
Hand #53361920-5299 Summary:
Villain wins $1044.30 with flush, king high.

I really believe there is nothing more vexing than making a great read, following it through and then being punished for it. But, this is the life I have chosen.... so I just roll with the punches.