I fly into LA tomorrow night. The goal is to get bags unpacked and then off to The Bike and Commerce. LA for a few days and then off to Manila. The poker break was great, ready to get back to the grind.

I'm having fun in Cali, I'm playing the NL 5/5 and 5/10. I'm up about $500. Bluffed AA when the third diamond came and bluffed garbage with a reraise on KK2. Reads have been good, my main focus is hand reading and getting comfortable in bigger games.

The 5-1500 PLO at commerce offers a great time

Absolutely right! I played that one for a few hours and then went to The Bike to play the uncapped buy-in for $3500. There was a really fun player so I took a shot (personal money, not bankroll). I was down $2400 ish at one point and finally grinded back a profit of $548. I'm not adding it to the bankroll, will use it for extra spending money in Asia.

The Bike 5/10 was ultra aggressive isolating the fun player. I realize that is still way above my skillset playing it deep. I was really comfortable at the Commerce 5/10 $1500 and the 5/5 games at The Bike.

Things I'm proud of:

1. Despite 3 sets getting cracked (wow), I brushed it off. The only one that kinda stung was a 3.5k pot. I won a 1.9k pot on the 4th set. Quite a bit in 14 hrs.

2. Hand reading was strong first 8 hours

3. Kept smiling beat after beat

2. Hand reading was

Current Bankroll: $10,787(+$779)
Money Earned Since Nov 1: $17,008

Games/Location: Cali Casinos 2/3, 5/5 and 5/10
Hours Played This Session: 19 (2 days)
Total Hours Since Nov 1: 488

Financial Goal: Challenge 3 - $10k Bankroll Achieved
Mini Challenge: May Expenses Achieved
Financial Goal: Challenge 4 - $10,787 out of $12,000
Extra Asia Spending Cash: $548

///

I'm having a great time at the casinos. It's been a real eye opener applying what I learned over the last few weeks. I still have a lot of tweaks to make but verify happy with the progress.

It's my first time focusing on Cali Mexican Food, it's incredible. I will play at the Commerce and Bike today and tomorrow and then off to Asia.

Current Bankroll: $11,802(+$1,015)
Money Earned Since Nov 1: $18,023

Games/Location: Cali Casinos 5/5
Hours Played This Session: 3
Total Hours Since Nov 1: 491

Financial Goal: Challenge 3 - $10k Bankroll Achieved
Mini Challenge: May Expenses Achieved
Financial Goal: Challenge 4 - $11,802 out of $12,000
Extra Asia Spending Cash: $548

///

Short session today, I'm thinking about relaxing and then maybe so another short session. I won a 2.2k pot when my top pair/nutfd beat bottom 2 pair.

2 hour mini session, up $221. I wanted to cashout since I hit my bankroll challenge. Started off dusting off $200.00 AK vs KQ JT3 T4. Again, I'm very happy with my play lately and confident in my ability to do well up to 5/5.

Financial Goal: Challenge 4 - $12,023 out of $12,000 Completed
Financial Goal: Challenge 5 - $12,023 out of $15,000

So here's what I'm thinking:

- Do I start incorporating more PLO into the mix?
- When I play 2/5 or 5/5, do I buy in for $1k?
- Do I set a limit to $9k? If my bankroll falls below that point, I grind back up at 1/3?

I'm trying to think through my next steps.

Took a shot at a ridiculously loose 20/40.

-$700

I played in a 2/2 game here in the Philippines for 2 hours. I lost like $75 of random vacation money. I thought I would play more poker but there is so much to do here, that's just not going to happen.

I'm just extremely bored at these limits after playing 5/5 and 5/10 in Vegas. When I get back to the US, 2/5 NL and 1/2/5 plo will be my new base limits.

Current Bankroll: $9,500

I took about $1800.00 out of the bankroll to splurge in Asia. It was incredible, met so many new friends it was hard coming back. Will probably spend the next few weeks catching up at work, playing a little poker and then hardcore grind.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Fresh start:

Starting Bankroll: $17,000 (cashed out some Bitcoin)
Stakes: 2/5 NL, 1/2/5 PLO, Homegames deep
Drop Stakes: If a great 1/3 500 buy-in or $14,000 BR

Chapter 1 Highlights

- I went from not wanting to buy-in for more than a $100 at a time to occassionally playing 5/10 max buy-in

- Tilt control has come a long way

- Traveled the east coast and met some really cool people

- I've dedicated more time studying and applying poker since January than the last 5 years combined

- Being about to finance a big vacation in Asia along with bills while building a bankroll was incredible

- Finding the sweet spot for the nunber of hours per day/week. I'm ok if I only play 25 hours a week on top of my full time jobs

What resources do you use for travel (resources for cost efficiency)

Ive never even been outside of the us...wouldnt know where to start. However I really want to start traveling alot over these next few years.

Good to hear from you. This topic could easily become a novel. so let me hit you with a few ideas and let me know where you would like me to expand.

1) Decide on your hub country

Decide on the first country you want to be 'home base'. For many westerners, Thailand is usually the first choice. Although it can be a bit of a culture shock, it has a number of advantages:

a. Solid transportation (compared to neighbors)
b. Amazing food
c. Decent English (if you stay out of provence)
d. Inexpensive housing
e. Population use to foreigners
f. Safety (debatable, but I still rather be in most places in Thailand than Chicago at night)

2) Decide what you are looking for

- Are you looking for amazing cuisine?
- Are you into GoGos (think US strip clubs if US strip clubs were actually fun)
- Are you looking for a laid back location or more of a party scene
- Looking for an more authentic experience or more catered to foreigners?
etc..

Those questions will really help you to determine which locations you want to start. When first visiting a country, I try to stay in one location and branch out from there. On my 2nd trip, I do a lot more travel within that country.

3) Area to stay

Now you know what type of experience you want, it's time to find out the right location. This one is critical. For example, if you are in the the Philippines, Manila is a logistics nightmare. If you are in Cebu, you probably want to stay around Ayala for the first time. It gives you access to many different type of attractions in a small radius. If I'm in Bangkok, Soi 4 Sukhumvit is very different experience than staying closer to the 50s. If I'm in Pataya, Soi 6 would be the party.

When I first started travel, I looked for any forum that dealt with Expats. No offense here, but they can often seem a bit whiny on the forums (especially the new ones that haven't adjusted from their old standard of living) however, the information is great. These guys live the life and are almost willing to to give advice. As I'm doing right now, it's fun to pass on what you've learned from your travels. It's a way to pay back from the people that helped you.


Google - thai expats forum (example)


4) Finding cheap housing

When I first started traveling, I relied on sites like Agodo to find a nice cheap place with solid reviews. As I become more familiar with the country, you start making friends and get pointed to better quality locations that the foreigners don't really know much about. But I highly recommend starting off with a western room mindset and scale down as you become more comfortable.


5) Spend some time learning the language - A little

The ability to speak a little of the language often goes a long way in any country I've visited in either S.E Asia or South America. People appreciate the effort, even if you completely butcher the language. When I'm in the Philippines for example, I make it a point to always speak a few words of Tagalog or Bisaya. It's not my first time here, don't try to pull the $30 for 3km down the road from the airport in manila nonsense.


6) This Forum

You have guys grinding away in some of the countries you might want to visit. They all remember what it was like when they first started traveling, reach out, you'll learn more in a few beers in person than any travel document could ever tell you.


7) Recommendations

I love countries like Cambodia (don't do stupid sh*t and nobody bothers you laws) and Vietnam, however, I don't think I'd start there first. Thailand and Philippines is a much easier transition in my opinion.


Once you have those items down, the rest is simple. You'll meet people as you travel that will help you find all the best discounts. If you are westerner, you will be blown away about how many people that will invite you into their homes and willing to share information about the areas. You will start making friends that you randomly see in different countries.


Let me know what specifics you'd like me to cover.


Random Thought

I wish I start traveling even earlier in life. If I had to do it all over again, I would have lived the most minimalist lifestyle for a chance to go to S.E Asia or South America. Since my first trip, I've never been the same. I've been back in the US for a few days and all I can think about is my next trip back. I already miss my friends, miss the crazy experiences and the new friends I made on the trip. I ate some of the most amazing food, talked with some of the most interesting people, drank with the coolest women and seen locations that I would have never imagined back home. I'm in my mid 40s, I'm happier now than even college days. My girl in the US ENCOURAGES me to go, even though she knows the kind of craziness (especially women) in SE Asia..she tells me when I get back from a trip, I'm addicting to be around. Whatever the f that means.

Go!

I forgot to mention this, over the last 28 days I've been really conscious about my eating and exercising. I've lost about 15 pounds, cut out almost all soda from my daily eating and feel amazing. I went from experiencing some health issues before my trip to feeling 5 years younger. All the delicious food I love in Asia is pretty healthy. I walked quite a bit as part of my daily adventure routine. The trick is to keep it up now that I'm back home and spoiled.

Chapter 2

Previous Bankroll: $17,000
Current Bankroll: $17.145 (+$145)
Hours Played: 3
Total Hours Played: 3
Game: HO 1/2
Location: Home-game 1

\\\

Since it was half PLO, I couldn't resist. No real interesting hands to report. If that game played 24/7, I would glue my eyes open. I'm often amazed at the major mistakes during the PLO rotation from even players that typically exclusively the game. I have a LONG way to go before I'm even competent, however, playing solid start hands with an understanding of the math goes a long way. Kept the table light and was glad to hangout with the crew.

The biggest challenge was trying to stay engaged during the NL rotations.

I wish I could get my 1/2 home game to play half PLO, but the old guys are super resistant. I'm supremely jealous.

Thanks for the tips.

Happy to help.

Chapter 2

Previous Bankroll: $17,000
Current Bankroll: $17.402 (+$257)
Hours Played: 2
Total Hours Played: 5
Session: 2
Game: 1
Location: Home-game 1

\\\

Had one of the biggest days in my 'career' today in PLO. I will update that information on the next post. No really interesting hands, however, I was 3 betting and isolating fit or fold players all night. ~$110 of it was from a set vs oesd and the rest was stealing small pots. I played about 40 percent of hands. I've been working on getting much more aggressive lately. I wanted to do some experimentation to see what it would take to get the table to play back at me. 1 3 bet and 0 4 bets.

Chapter 2

Previous Bankroll: $17,000
Current Bankroll: $21,174 (+$3772)
Hours Played: 6
Total Hours Played: 11
Session: 3
Game: PLO 5/5 and NL 5/10
Location: Home-game 4 and Casino

\\\

One of my biggest sessions of my poker career. I played a mix of casino and home-game today. It was simply taking a shot at 5/5 PLO and 5/10 NL. I'm trying to be more aggressive with bankroll when the games look great. On the NL side, I got my stack in bottom set vs top 2. On the PLO side, I hit a few monster wraps that got paid. I was very fortunate, it could have easily went the other directions at these stakes.

I think I'll hang around the house this weekend and drinks some beers at my home-games. I'm back on the road starting Wednesday for a few weeks playing casinos heading toward the west coast.

Below is what my notes section looked like after 5 min, I spent hours today organizing everything for quick recall. Most are from Crush Poker Live podcasts, videos, top section and my own thoughts. Before today, I had everything in different files without topics.

Despite being tired, I'm heading to a 1/2 to support a friend's game. F it, I'm going 3bet happy again. Back on the road Wed for a few weeks.

Replace 'Draw' with 'Very Dry'.

Chapter 2

Ch2 Starting Bankroll: $17,000
Current Bankroll: $21,442 (+$268)
Hours Played: 2.5
Total Hours Played: 13.5
Session: 3
Game: NL 1/2 5 rock
Location: Home-game 5

\\\

As I mentioned, went for a few hours to support a friend's game. Played about 1/2 the hands, gave a ton of action. Not much to report, I got 3 bet once and he showed Kings. I 3 bet every chance I had against a few fit or fold players. Lots of chit chat at the table, I wish more of my games were like that. People were trying to get me to stay longer because all of the action.

Chapter 2 Thoughts:

I've been thinking a lot about my next steps in poker. Originally I wanted to be a 5/10+ regular, however, I rather be a strong 2/5 1000 max player and make a more aggressive shift to 5/5 PLO. I don't mind playing bigger games when they are good, however, as a recreational player, I'm perfectly happy at those mid limits.

Once I reach $25k, I plan on putting away money for the next vacation.

Chapter 2

Ch2 Starting Bankroll: $17,000
Current Bankroll: $20,000
Spending Roll: $1,767 (+$325)
Hours Played: 6
Total Hours Played: 19.5
Session: 4
Game: NL 1/3
Location: Maryland Casino

\\\

I was in the area visiting a friend, decided to play a little 1/3 to relax. Won a few small pots, nothing major to report. I decided to start moving money after $20k (instead of 25k). With a full time job, I decided to be lesa of a bankroll nit.

Back on the road this week. I've been on a massive heater lately, trying to avoid the live boomswitch.

Chapter 2

Ch2 Starting Bankroll: $17,000
Current Bankroll: $19,600 (-$400)
Spending Roll: $1,767
Hours Played: 1.5
Total Hours Played: 21
Session: 5
Game: NL 1/3 + 6 rock
Location: Homegame 1

\\\

I'm back on the road later today and wanted to check-in with a few friends at the homegame. 1.5 hours of big hands, lost them all.

(me) vs (OP)

QQ vs AQ
Nutflush draw and pair vs top pair flop
88 vs KK (OP was 10 bb)
A9s vs KJo (~14 bb)


Won a lot of small pots iso/3bet and gave it all back on the 4 big hands above. I've been real happy with my play lately, everything is right on track.