Monster Stack Mayhem: In, Out, Rebuy, Repeat
Hey everyone, I’m back on the grind at Thunder Valley Casino for another WSOP Circuit event. This time, it’s the $400 Monster Stack—30-minute levels and 40,000 starting chips. Way more playability than most smaller buy-ins, which means more room for actual poker instead of just shoving and praying. I was a couple hours late (classic), but I grabbed a smoothie, delivered Bobby some lunch, and hopped in.
The action didn’t waste any time. I doubled with Kings, then ran Kings into a backdoor flush. Same hand, back-to-back, opposite results. That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the day. I had a big decision facing a river donk-lead, thought about folding, didn’t, and paid off what looked like a backdoor flush. Classic spot where you just want the hand to be over. Add a Royal Flush at the table—not mine, unfortunately—and it was a wild early level.
Eventually, I busted. Felt like setup after setup. The only clean win I had was Kings all-in preflop. But when you’re not feeling it, you probably shouldn’t fire again. So instead of hopping into the next Monster Stack flight, I took a breath, reset, and got ready for my favorite: Six-Max.
Six-Handed Poker: My Style of Game
Next day, I jumped into the $600 Six-Max event. Short-handed poker is my jam. It’s aggressive, it’s dynamic, and you get to play more hands. Starting stack was 25K with 30-minute levels, and from the first hand I was in flow. I got into a great spot with Q♣10♣ on a 9♣7♣5♥ board. Two overs and a flush draw? Yes please. I bet, got check-raised, and decided to shove. No showdown, he folded, and I took down a solid pot.
Later, I built my stack to 50K. Got into a flip with A♠Q♠ vs. a button open and lost, but stayed in the game with a healthy stack. The vibe at six-max is so much more fun imo, and the extra space at the table definitely helps keep your energy focused.
If you want to learn more about six-max strategies and how to expand your opening ranges in short-handed play, I break it all down in The Poker Accelerator. It’s great for players still developing solid range construction and preflop decision-making. Click here for a FREE preview.
Break Time Banter and Superstitions
Bobby and I snuck away for a little matcha-and-coffee break. We talked strategy, energy, and of course… superstitions. My big one? If I’m running well, I have to use the same bathroom stall. Bobby’s? He picks up every penny he sees to avoid upsetting the “money gods.” Poker quirks are real.
At that point, I had about 100K chips and we were closing in on the bubble. Play slowed, hands got tougher, and every decision mattered more. We lost a few spots back-to-back and got back to short stack territory right as Bobby got moved next to me. Nothing like battling it out with your husband at the same table with 15 players to the money.
Deep in the Six-Max: Final Table Sweat
Bobby ended up going the distance and made the final table. I busted a few spots before the cash, but that didn’t mean I was done. I became full-time railbird, cheering Bobby through the last stretch. It was a super tough field, and he held his own all the way to 3rd place. $7,500 cash, another final table added to his already crazy week. Couldn’t be prouder.
Also, shoutout to the player at our table who took down the WPT Championship for $2.5 million and said his first splurge will be… a Jurassic Park-themed golf cart. Respect.
Final Thoughts
From Monster Stack swings to a deep six-max run and Bobby’s podium finish, this trip to Thunder Valley has been one for the books. I love the structure here, the fields are juicy, and the energy is always positive—even when the cards aren’t falling your way.
Watch the full vlog here and don’t forget to subscribe if you want more hand breakdowns, tournament recaps, and behind-the-scenes footage from life as a full-time poker pro.
Thanks for reading. See you in the next one.
