Long time lurker stepping out of the shadows. I've been playing poker for years, both online and live. I've never kept track of my results in any consistent way, but I suspect I'm a slight winner or break-even at the stakes I've played. In 2017, I'm looking to take this hobby seriously, log all of my results, and build a bankroll.

I've always been a pretty serious action junkie, and that's the primary thing I'm looking to keep in check this year. Staying away from the blackjack tables, not moving up when I'm stuck, not chasing losses, etc. My day job is going well, and I don't need to earn any money from poker. I'd like to get to the point where I can supplement my income by playing, but I need to develop some discipline before I even consider depending on poker in any way. With that said, I'm willing to be aggressive on the bankroll front if I'm playing well and running well.

I'm starting with $5,000 as my bankroll. My goal is for that to turn into $25,000 by the end of the year. I'll be playing primarily live cash, with some live MTTs and perhaps some online MTTs mixed in, although I don't like sitting on the computer for a long time when I'm at home with my family.

Starting at $1/2 and $1/3 NLHE, and planning to focus on maintaining a 15+ buy-in bankroll, but I'm going to give myself the leeway to parlay wins up one level. For example, if I'm playing $1/2 and find myself up $750, I'll allow myself to take a $2/5 shot with winnings from that session. I'm willing to replenish my bankroll, but I'll be operating on a 4 buy-in stop loss when I'm playing my "main game," which should hopefully keep me from needing to. This is all assuming I am, in fact, a winner.

$5,000 Starting Bankroll
$1/2 and $1/3 as Main Game Until Bankroll is $7,500
$2/5 as Main Game Until Bankroll is $15,000
$5/10 as Main Game Until ???
Move Down if Bankroll Falls Below 10 Buy-Ins for Current Main Game

Goals for Remainder of January

[ ] Play 30 Hours of Live Poker
[ ] Don't Exceed Stop Loss
[ ] Don't Play Blackjack

Do it up! Looks like you have solid guidelines and would assume anyone here can beat 1/2 or 1/3. Believe in it! at least you seem to have a cushion of a decent day job. This will also help you play when games on average are better (weekends and nights).

Thanks, man. First session will be Sunday. Looking forward to getting started.

Following your journey!

The journey begins tomorrow! Traveling for work, and I'll be within range of a poker room. Bankroll is split between a savings account (separate from life roll) and some cash and chips. Can't wait to hit the felt.

Subbed gl