Thread by @JenShahade

Headed to Monte Carlo for the European Poker Tour. First overseas poker trip since I was preggo With Fabian in EPT Barcelona.

Espresso martini before the flight, let this be the first of many good decisions. ✈️

It’s been a hell of a few years for me (some good—but so much bad). I see chess and poker now as a hunt for happiness as well as sweet victory. And right now, I feel like I’m on my way again. 🥂

I’ve in Monaco! And it’s gorgeous here! I start playing tomorrow. 🤗@PokerStarsLIVE

First event! French Poker Series Main 🥰 @joinpokerpower @PokerStarsLIVE

Poker is so different now. I used to have candy and a shot on the break: now I bike myself a green smoothie. #EPTMonteCarlo

I have to say it could use a little more resistance. Maybe a whole Apple. 🍎

Cashed my first event of #eptmontecarlo with 73o>72o.

FINAL TABLE!

7th but got a few fun ICM spots to study! 🤗

Wandered around Monaco and ended up in France: sat down at the first cafe I found and got this 😱 not your standard coffeeshop fare In Philly. 😋

Speaking of Philly, I’m not getting any Sixers updates because of geolocation. How was the game last night? @xxl23

Should I keep my #EPTMonteCarlo updates on this thread or is it getting unwieldy and confusing?

Huge shout out to the dealers at #EPTMonteCarlo. Every single one I’ve had so far has been fantastic, they make my favorite poker format, the turbo, viable as a LIVE game.

Why do I love turbos so much?

Because I ❤️ time. (To write, eat healthy, workout, call my fam, sleep)

Why not just late reg? some have asked

Totally different. In a well run turbo, you get to experience all stages of MTT, 100 bb to ICM bubble play. Late reg may be profitable but it’s not as rich/fun: you often just get stuck on one level with less bb than everyone.

This debate over structures comes up a lot in chess: some people prefer 8-10 hours of chess a day if they’re taking vacation to play, other prefer ~6 max to sleep/eat/study/drink. I’ve *always* been in the second camp. Options for both types of player ideal: more accessible!

Another key thing about dealers being so consistently good in turbos: really helps with game integrity during the bubble by equalizing the average time spent per hand. (Though obv it doesn’t solve it entirely.)

Put me on Ace-king ✅
Had Ace-king ✅

fr.pokernews.com/tours/ept/2022…

10 PM KO turbo, to the tune of pounding music from the nightclub next door. Let’s do this! 🥊 #EPTMonteCarlo

Busted the hyper turbo super KO, such a hilarious combo of counting accurately---and gambling with garbage. Sorry 98o and 76o, but trash didn't turn to treasure this time.

Won a pot vs a guy wearing a “Savage Pussy” hat. If I bust him, do i win the hat? #savage #pussyriot

Bagged 15 bbs at the end of the night in the French Poker Series High Roller! 132 left/127 cash.

And the #EPTMonteCarlo main starts tomorrow.

Bust or boom-it’s gonna be a fun day. 🤞🏻

In the money of the FPS High Roller. 🥰 #EPTMonteCarlo

Busted the French Poker Series high roller.

So tired I saw myself in a mirror and said hello.

For someone who is so self-critical, it was a glorious split second of thinking “I really want to talk to that person.” I won’t forget that moment. ❤️❤️❤️

Revised plan for the day: Wine by the sea, nap, stars party, turbo KO.

#eptmontecarlo main tomorrow

Straight flush.

@PokerStars party!! #EPTMonteCarlo

The sun is setting at the Stars party. Must be time to play poker again. 🧛‍♀️

#eptmontecarlo main today. 🔥🔥🔥@joinpokerpower @PokerStars

Sadly I am out of #eptmontecarlo main. LOVED this event and can’t wait to play again.

Going to rest and write tonight. Playing my first ever Mystery Bounty tourney tomorrow! 🔥🔥🔥

#eptmontecarlo What’s your fave mystery bounty tip? @PokerStars @joinpokerpower

Got it in early vs aces with J9 ♦️ ♦️ on Q♦️T♦️4x, and being Monaco I thought, 53% of the time, I’d find a 💎 or a king.

But I wouldn’t dare to tell a bad beat when I walk out to this view. 👀

The bounties (1/3 buyin) don’t go into play until day two, so I think it’s best to play mostly normal while being aware of some ICM that works in the opposite way as usual. So was even happier with the spot. ☀️