I'd suggest reading The Game just for entertainment value. I thought the storytelling was awesome and they had some crazy travels. Some of them are a little creepy but I thought Strauss portrayed it all well.

Looking forward to hearing about the travels. When you get to Philly/AC/MDL we'll have to meet up. If you haven't been to Philly it's worth a couple days for the history and food. DC is worth a couple days as well. If you've never been to NYC you could spend a month there and only scratch the surface in my opinion.

Ya save Detroit, leave all the super passive fish to me (gold mine here)

"It's never a waste of time or money to invest in yourself, no matter the source. True wealth begins inwards and emits its light outward into everything else, including the people you surround yourself with." - William Merrick

Downtown Sactown



Carquinez Bridge



San Rafael Bridge



Coyote Hills



SF Bay



I have been pretty happy with my play lately, my decision making process is more well defined than ever before. My confidence is pretty high, I am running into very few situations where I am truly stumped as to what is the correct action. I still make occasional mistakes but I can usually identify what I did wrong immediately. That is one of the reasons I haven't felt compelled to post hhs recently.

I am pretty content in life at the moment. Everything is going pretty smoothly and I am making gradual progress on all my goals. I having been sticking to my workout routine, eating more fruits and veges. I've been creating new art and working on a couple websites to sell my paintings. I've been shredding my guitar almost daily. I've been dating a nice girl from Henderson who is super fun to hang out with. I'm stoked to continue my journey wherever it may take me. I feel I still have a lot of untapped potential.

I am open to suggestions if anyone has a topic they would like to hear me vlog about. Fire away!

I didn't quite meet my volume target for the last mini challenge but it was an improvement and I am getting back it the groove of things. I will be shooting for 75 hrs once again for this mini challenge.

If you want to read some hilarious stories reminiscent of the way lotgrinder writes check out warmdeck's thread- http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/54...ively-1447213/

This year I've played roughly 20% 1/2, 60% 1/3, and 20% 2/5. I have done well at 1/2 and 1/3. I haven't gotten much traction at 2/5 though. I'll probably keep mixing 500 max 1/3 and 2/5 until I save up a bit more then play predominately 2/5.

As I mentioned in one of my vlogs, it is not the right question to be asking "Is the action good in a certain city or certain casino?" Every table is a unique cast of characters and you have to decide for yourself if you can make money at it. Obviously there is an abundance of games to try here 24/7/365.

Hit me up when you move out if you want to meet up.

Thanks, should be a blast to explore the country and work on my poker chip collection.

I had a little 1.7k downswing in July which is fortunately the biggest downswing I've had in the last year. So I have mostly just been padding my roll at 1/3 the last couple of months.

I think I could've played better when I've sat 2/5 this year. I need the bring my A game, table select hard.

I would eventually like to make it out to Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.

One thing I've discovered is Canadians are not only the nicest people in the world but they also love Vegas.

It was a killer show. I've been a big Bad Religion and Offspring fan since high school. I got to sing along with my favorite tunes and got in the pit for a bit.

I've driven from the east coast to the west coast twice in my life, this will be the first time I've gone west to east. I definitely want to check out Parx, Foxwoods, and MD Live! I might try and find some home games in NYC and Boston or just do some non-poker activities. It will be awesome no doubt.

How long did the drive take you?

Strauss comes off as kind of a douche in the vids I've seen him in but I understand The Game is a landmark text in the community. I'll have to add it to my book list. Maybe I'll dress up as Mystery for Halloween haha.

I'll definitely hit you up when I'm in the area. I've only driven through Philly so I will have to check out the town for a day and eat a cheesesteak. I've never been to NYC before and really looking forward to that, killer music scene there too.

Nom Nom

Mini Challenge

Hrs 45/75

September 2014

Total hours played- 38.5

2014 YTD

Total hours played- 1121.5

Just chiming in for support...

I appreciate the time you put in here, your work ethic and your outlook on life. I have a feeling you will continue to succeed at whatever path you take.

Cheers

I've driven cross country four or five times, plus maybe 10 times from Chicago to Seattle and back. I doubt you'll make the same mistake I often did, which is...don't hesitate to veer off the freeway and check stuff out.

One of my more fun trips followed Rt. 50 its entire length, from Sacramento back to Ocean City, MD. Took about a week or so.

The northen route (through MN, ID, etc) is sort of fun if you want to see the Spam Museum, Wall Drug, Corn Palace, etc.

There's a really good southern-route TR in oot I think, well worth checking out. Something like "help me choose a vehicle..."

Looks like a fun road trip. When you get to Pennsylvania, you have to stop in Pittsburgh. It's a great city, lots of history, a casino next to Heinz Field (home of the Steelers) and PNC Park (home of the Pirates). I saw your CA bridge pictures. Pittsburgh has the most bridges of any city in the US, second only to Venice in the world. Also don't fail to stop in Gettysburg. Take a leisurely trip and don't be afraid to stop when you want.

That's awesome to hear man! Glad so many things are falling in line for you...

Yeah I agree about his videos, I've seen some of them. I never got that vibe in the book, but it has been a long time since I read it. That'd be a great halloween costume, but only like 1% of people would get it haha.

Yeah make sure you see some of the historical areas in Philly and grab a cheesesteak - Pats, Genos or Jims are the big three. Tony Luke's is popular too.

There's so much in NYC it's hard to make a short list of recommendations... I'd suggest devoting at least a little time outside of Manhattan, though... There are lots of cool spots in Brooklyn and Queens. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is pretty cool on a nice day. The food scene in NYC is fantastic... Aside from the "normal" spots like italian, steakhouses, etc, there are neighborhoods where you can get the closest thing to authentic cuisines outside of that country - Greek, Chinese, Egyptian, you name it.

"Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough." - Og Mandino

Lake Mead



Sun setting behind the mountain



Near Mt Charleston



This week I struggled to even play full days and barely covered half of my target volume and I feel a little pathetic. It's been fun sweating my buddy Duke as he logged an incredible amount of hrs and put me to shame. I feel like I got to know him pretty well chilling in Vegas and taking expeditions to San Diego and Phoenix. I see a lot of my myself in him and it takes me back to my first year of playing full time. He still has that burning passion and thirst for improvement. I know for sure if he can hold onto this attitude and work ethic he will surpass almost everyone, sky is the limit. If you haven't read his PG&C it is a great read and is very inspiring.

I totally jinxed myself mentioning last post that my biggest downswing this year being only 1.7k, I topped that no sweat. I dusted off 2.2k at 2/5 the last few days. I have about 5 more BI I can fire before I will have to move back down to rebuild.

One of my current roommates is moving to Hawaii for a job opportunity. She was a really friendly roomy and I'll miss her.

My old roommate from earlier in the year has been in town this week. He likes poker a lot but I kind of cringe watching him play because he makes a lot of critical and fundamental mistakes. It would take a lot of work to turn him into a winning player. He came to town with 20k and has been playing mostly 5/10, I don't really feel it is my place to tell him that he doesn't stand much of a chance of being a favorite in these games. It is an odd feeling because most of my close poker buddies I have associated with are consistently winning players.

As far as travel plans I think I might scale back my next trip a little bit. If I went all the way to Boston and hit all the places I wanted to hit in between I could be on the road for more than a month. I think I'll probably aim for a trip that would take me maybe 2 weeks, perhaps to Chicago and back.

In order to hit my volume goals I need more self discipline and execution. I should be knocking out 8 hr days no problem, no excuses. The target for my next mini challenge will be 75 hrs again. I will be pushing myself extra hard to get it done.

TY sir. I'm glad people gain value from this thread, I have put a lot of time and energy into this blog over the last few years.

The first time I didn't make any stops. I drove from Ft Bragg, NC to the Bay in 2.5 days. If I was awake I was driving, going through my whole CD collection watching the gas tank gauge go from F to E. I was pretty fed up with the Army BS and was eager to see friends and family but I did have times when I thought I should have explored a little along the way.

I got to do it again with dhcg86 when we left Borgata to go back west. Miami and New Orleans were cool, we also met up with 3 of his Army buddies scattered throughout the south. This was a super fun adventure.

Thanks for all those suggestions, the whole length of 50, must have been awesome.

I was is Pittsburgh for a week a yr and a half ago. I wrote about it in here starting at post #1257.

cliffs- Only room I've ever been banned from so I won't be going back haha.

But yeah I did admire all the bridges and the distinctive architecture.

I decided to camp out at the Barnes and Noble in Vegas for a couple hrs here and there. I started reading The Game, Strauss is actually a very talented writer from what I've read so far. I like psychology, self improvement, philosophy, history and art books. It reminds me of the times I used to go to the Barnes and Noble down the street from Oaks in Emeryville. I would sit there and read every single poker related book they had.

Also, I retrieved all the 40 or so 2+2 books I won from the chip stacking contest a couple years ago that were sitting at my parents house. If anyone is in Vegas and wants to borrow one hit me up.

Thanks for all the recommendations, sounds legit.

Mini Challenge

Hrs 35.5/75

September 2014

Total hours played- 78.5

2014 YTD

Total hours played- 1161.5

Thx for the kind words

Confirmed telling friends they are not good at poker is awkward

Is this based upon your experience letting cuse know he sucks?

other way around

"A man without aim is like a clock without hands, as useless if it turns as if it stands" - fortune cookie

View from Top of Strat



Red Rock



Hawk



I made some improvement in my volume and put in some full days. Still a little short of my target but I am happy I made progress.

I went up to the top of the stratosphere with a girl for the first time. It's a cool vantage point of the city.

I met IbelieveInChipKelly, super nice guy as expected.

I hiked turtlehead peak at Red Rock with ECGrinder. It's a really cool 5 mi hike, awesome work out and sick view of the valley.

I'm going to shoot for 75 hrs again this mini challenge. Let's go!

YW, well deserved.

Mini Challenge

Hrs 63/75

September 2014

Total hours played- 140.5

2014 YTD

Total hours played- 1223.5

Run good! Hope the mini-challenge is going well.

when crossing Iowa, take the scenic route up to Dubuque (Mystique casino),
then to Madison (Hochunk, electronic tables, and a great small city) and Milwaukee (Potawatomi).

much more scenic than bland ass Illinois, and then you're only 75 miles from Chicago when you leave Milwaukee.

"Success is more a function of consistent common sense than it is of genius." - An Wang

The City



Harmon Being Meticulously Dismantled



Sahara Reopened as SLS



The Strip from Voodoo



I logged 90% of my target volume which is another improvement over last mini challenge. I knocked out 8 8 hr days, I start feeling fatigue after about 6 hrs, the last couple of hrs I have to force myself to keep playing. I want to play 8 hr sessions consistently.

I'm back in the green for 2/5 this year after a few 600bb downswings.

I think I'll be doing the roadtrip next month. For the remainder of October I'll just be in the groove putting in as much quality volume as possible.

I think I might venture back into LLSNL on post / comment on some hhs.

I'm shooting for 75 hrs this mini challenge.

Thanks for the good vibes my friend!

Looks like a good route, thanks!

Mini Challenge

Hrs 68/75

October 2014

Total hours played- 75.5

2014 YTD

Total hours played- 1303

My first time posting on here. Thought I would give some off the table bankroll management advice as that's rarely discussed on 2 + 2. I recently read a different blog where Limon touches upon the advice I'm going to give.

First off, really great post and nice to see your progression as a player. I actually played with you one time at MGM last spring where you bet folded a QJx rainbow board. I raised with QJ in position (you said you had AQ). I watched one of your videos and was like "hey, that guy bet folded against me." I'm sure you knew I was a huge nit after a few hours of play and that's why you folded.

Anyways, a must read book for you as well as any one else who is trying to play for a living is "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kioysaki. It's about financial literacy and goes into detail about having your own money work for you (Limon said to take a portion of your bankroll and invest it rather than focus on beating higher limits...but he wasn't specific about rental properties).

My advice is to learn how the real estate rental market works. I am a real estate agent in Boston and also a small landlord. I moved to Vegas for six months to play full time and recently moved back to split my time doing real estate and playing cash at Foxwoods.

It's very easy to get into the landlord industry. My friend and I took out a large mortgage on a two family house and my hourly rate (super +EV) from that investment is roughly $50 per hour (4 hours per week = $10K annually). Because you're in control of your own time as a poker player you can coordinate the work around each other. Since poker rooms have internet connections, you can sit at the table and do real estate related work.

If you get into this market, you have a second source of income (whether as an agent, a landlord, or both) while you play and your future expected value is through the roof because with more experience you'll make more money. Becoming a winning poker player teaches you a lot about business decisions and it's quite simple for a competent player to make the transition well.

Instead of trying to move up and beat $5-10, log serious hours at $2-5 (which is a great hourly relative to any regular job) and devote the rest of your time to learning a different business such as real estate. After 15 + years your EV as a landlord will eventually be greater than your cash game EV.

GL.

Steve

Great pics per usual.

SLS is garbage imo, unfortunately.

Great volume. keep up the graveyard grind!

600BB downswings at 2/5 are literally nothing, don't worry about that whatsoever. I've had 1200BB

also sick hawk pic!

"Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself." - Theodore Hunger

Downtown



Shiney Popeye



Harvey's



Oldtown Sac



I logged 44/75 hrs of my last mini challenge. I guess social life got in the way of volume a little bit.

I think I could still log 200 hrs this month and I would feel good about that. Same target for this mini challenge 75 hrs.

I am going to post a hand in LLSNL right after posting this. I have to get back in the habit it's been a little while since I posted a hh.

The girl I've been seeing is moving to AZ in a couple days for college. She was a super cool chick we had some fun times together. I think it's about time for a road trip to explore places I've never been.

Hey Steve, (backpack Steve is that you?)

Haha funny that you recognized me and remembered that hand. I have people come up to me occasionally and ask if I am pure_aggresion and they've read the thread.

I totally agree with your advice of finding a side hustle and other things we can do for income besides grinding it out at the tables. I don't think I have enough capital to invest in RE at the moment but I am following tmckendry's foray into it and maybe something I could get into down the line. I do have a few ventures I am working on right now and making gradual progress.

I can still work budgeting my money better and saving/investing more. I've never been very fiscally responsible, been broke a few times but I'm am doing fine now.

I'll check out that book next time I go to Barnes and noble.

You are right that playing higher than 2/5 is not a necessity to make decent money. I would like to have enough bankroll to shot take 5/10 if a good line up materializes but I am content to play the majority of my volume for now at 2/5.


Hey thanks ECG. SLS is still a half century old building they just remodeled and repainted it, no poker though. I think it is a good sign economically that we have places reopening and some construction projects restarted.

Yeah I know 6 BI is nothing worth bitching about, completely standard. I need to play my A game more often too.

Mini Challenge

Hrs 44/75

October 2014

Total hours played- 118.5

2014 YTD

Total hours played- 1346.5

Are you buying in for 500 or 1k at 2/5?

500 at Bellagio and usually 1k everywhere else.

Like 3k in a 1k game isn't really a big swing although I'm used to straddles but in a 100xbb game it's pretty decent

2/5 YTD, looks kinda like the lockness monster. I want to do one of those nickachu style mspaints but too lazy.

Nice heater but you can always play now 100xbb until you are more comfy with bigger swings.

would it be in poor taste to say send the chick my way?

How does that conversation go? "Oh by the way some guy on 2+2 already claimed you. Here is his number."