Played an interesting but very frustrating day 1. There was one hand that really stood out, and a combination of 3 other hands that were frustrating:

I started with 15k in chips, blinds 25/50. The table was very strong for a live tournament, and probably for tournaments in general. I guess that's a result of pretty much everyone playing either being an online qualifier or someone who bought the seat online. Nevertheless I was pretty sure I had an edge on everybody at the table, especially because I had direct position on the best 2 players of the table.

So I started out calling quite a bit in position, players behind me were probably playing a bit too tight. 3bet where I felt good about it and everything seemed to be working out. Cbets worked well and I just c/f where I knew I'd either have to fire 3 or do nothing. Grinded it up to 26k. Then CO vs BTN (me) I get it in with AKs vs 77 for 20k pot. I lose.

Back to 16k and grind it up again again to 26k. Bvb, same guy, he limpcalls SB on 100/200 where i make it 800 (K9o) with 12k eff. Flop 9d4c7c. I bet 1125, he c/r to 3k, I jam cause he never limpcalls a set pre. He has Tc9c and wins the flip once more.

Then I have like 14k and the toughest hand comes along:
100/200 level, Mid (tightish) opens to 500, I flat KQo on BTN. SB (tightish and weaker) overcalls. Flop AhTs8s gets checked through, did not feel like stabbing there. I hit the Jh. SB leads 825, I make it 3425, he SNAPcalls. I knew I was aggro and he was annoyed. River the Js, worst card in the deck. He donkbets 6k and I tank for like 5 minutes and decide to call. Reasons for calling or obvious (shoves set on turn, donkbetting is just bad there) but really really tough decision nonetheless. He shows random AQo.

Back to 26k or so again on 150/300/25. Again, vs the same guy as the 2 flips before, I get in AKo vs 77 for 34k and lose the flip again :S

That was the hand right before the last break and I had to ninja style it up for the last two levels... I have 8k on 400/800 going into day 2. So frustrating I didn't win 1 flip. This is the best tournament I played in terms of plays though, so hopefully good things will start to happen on Day 2.

-Denny