I'll let LA answer but think of how you determine that you're ahead in terms of skill. You see someone else do something stupid and say "wow he's not very good". Then you do the same thing and say "well looking back I know it was dumb". Much like the people who talk about how much better they are but then they tilt and spew off their chips, I'd suggest you aren't that much better than the opposition if you make dumb plays like that. Anyway, LA can answer the actual question if he wants.

I think you were right when you said we'd better let LA answer.

just read all of this. one of the best wells ever i think and definitely a worthy thread to make my first post in. i have learned a lot from this. i also think LA comes across as having a genuine love of the game and wanting to master it which is why grinding so many hands comes easier to him. He actually looks forward to playing. this is a huge factor in being successful these days. i think just reading this well has rekindled an excitement about grinding again for me so for that i thank you LA.

hi dusty
I have been breaking even for quite a while recently and need to make some changes and am hoping you can advise me a some.

looking at my holdem manager over 80K hands, i've noticed my opening range for mp, co and the button are roughly the same : 20%.

and my winrate on the button is 6x that of the CO,
while i am losing marginally from MP

from EP , i am playing 10% and winning marginally

from the BB i am losing 42 bigblinds/100 hands
and from the SB am losing 23 bigblinds /100 hands

How do your opening ranges compare from each position and how much do you lose from the blinds?

I am thinking of trying to play 35% from the button
15% from CO
9% from MP
and 6% from EP
and see how that affects things

Hey Dusty,

Was that you playing 200nl hu today or someone on your account?
Anyway it was good to play against you and if you need run good coaching im available lol

What's the lowest stakes u play if the games aren't very good at the higher stakes?
Worst downswing bb wise? Do you do something different on downswings like drop down for confidence? or take some days off?
Can you talk about the state of the game, How many more years u think u Can make 500k+ a year

Hi leatherass ure one of the best coaches imo.

Im currently on a 20buyin downswing and believe that at least 75% of this is down to variance. Is this possible or am i just not as good as i thought - have u ever experienced similar?????

Amazing thread. Definitely learned a few things from it.

Hopefully you are still up for answering some more questions.

Last week I obtained a copy of 'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill. You mentioned in this topic that you are working on the mental side of your game. I think the book has some interesting ideas regarding what people are capable of mentally.

My questions follow.

1. - Do you write down your goals?

2. - If so, can you attempt to quantify how much this has helped you in achieving these goals? If not, do you think writing down your goals would help you?

3. - Have you read 'Think and Grow Rich'?

4. - If so, do you think any of it is applicable to poker?

If you have not read the book, I would recommend it. You appear to be someone who is applying at least some of the concepts discussed in the book.

Thank you for your time.

Hey LA

Has LW ever contemplated playing poker? You could make 2 Meeelion in the same time as 1!

To this point, what level of thinking is really necessary to be a consistent winning player? And yes, I could have been more specific, but I left it general to allow more depth in your answer.

I haven't retired from the thread yet..lol. I'll get to everyone's questions soon. I have been on vacation and just generally very busy lately. I will get to every question next chance I get.

200-400NL
Folds around to aggressive pretty good player and doesn't overplay or spew much. His PF range from the CO is fairly large and has an appropriately high ATS%. He does have the ability to bluff the river.

He opens up 4X.

Folds to you in the blinds with QQ. Actions, thoughts?

Flop gives you an overpair on a two-toned board. Actions, thoughts?

Play it through the river where the FD came home or a one-card str8 is a possibility.

I haven't figured out what to do with an OOP overpair.

QQ is the nuts, if you are confused then just make a standard play, 3 bet pre and then bet flop big and then shove turn which should be about pot for 100bb stacks. Not that I'm LA but that's such a vague question anyway, maybe you could post a hand. If you get called to the river by a backdoor straight or something then he gets your stack, and thats that.

This thread has been moved to my new golf website in the poker forum section. If you have any questions to ask, I am happy to answer them here:
http://www.10thgreen.com/viewtopic.php?t=453

Take care guys,

Dusty