Been here before, tried a PG&C thread before.

Haven't played much lately but have followed Flixxx (XFLIXX) Grinding it Up series for over a year and really want to try my luck again. Have really enjoyed his videos and blogs and hope to be able to emulate his Grind (albeit much more slowly as he is clearly much better than I am ).

History/Info:-


I'm a working and family man who plays evenings and weekends and used to get in about 20-25 hours a week or about 15,000-20,000 hands per month usually 2-3 tabling.

I really want to get rolled to consistently play at 50NL and perhaps higher. Used to be there a quite a few years back but cash outs and poor decisions inevitably held me back and the past few years have seen too many $100-$200 deposits that see me grind well for a time before blowing it all in one or 2 sessions of poor BRM or monkey tilt.

Patience has been problem #1 (get sick of grinding 5NL, 10NL etc to rebuild where I used to be). A month’s grinding often gets wasted when I get bored/inpatient and try my hand at a higher level I’m not rolled for. Hey, I THINK I can play there but that’s what BRM is all about. Doesn’t matter if it’s a bad beat…..you lose a stack it cripples you. Problem # 2 is a severe case of tilt. All kinds of tilt – the angry bad beat version, the “I’m getting no hands version” etc etc…. I do believe I have got much better at tilt control when I've played in recent months but it is always there and with a PG&C thread, hopefully the desire to post good results doesn't see it creep back in.

My Game of Choice

Pokerstars - 6max Zoom

Long Term Goals

• Progress from 10NL to 50NL (Starting with $100) by end of 2015 with a BR healthy enough to look at moving further.
• Control tilt and accept variance. Adopt a “**** happens” mindset, rather than a victim mindset. I realise I will still get angry/frustrated….the goal is to be able to maintain control and stop playing immediately if I feel that’s not possible.
• Progress through the levels passing through each level maintaining disciplined BRM. Move up when rolled and move down when required.

January 2015 Goals

• Start at 10NL Zoom on Pokerstars. 2 Table for entire month. Concentrate on playing this stake only and making good decisions.
• Post hands for review, both in this thread and the Micro forum.

Do's and Don'ts

• Don’t become consumed by the game. If I don’t feel like playing I won’t. Better results come from playing when in the mood rather than trying too hard to force matters.
• Don’t let the game affect my real life moods. Family is more important than poker. This isn’t my job. It’s fun. When it stops being fun, stop.
• Employ Bank Roll Management. haven't determined a strict policy yet but I MUST beat a limit well before moving up and must also move down if required. No loss chasing.
• Don’t vent in the chat box.
• Do try to adhere to the aggression and initiative mantra. Not over the top. I’m a nit. Always been a nit. I think this is half the reason I tilt so hard when I finally get a hand that then gets cracked. But I need to improve. 15/11 type number at 6 max (where I will start) need to improve to a degree. Looking to get the VPIP at least into the 16-20 range with the PFR not too far way.
• Do not think aggression and initiative means you have a right to therefore waste your money blindly. Adjust to your opponents. Fold when it’s right to fold. No FU shoves or FU calls when you know absolutely that it is 100% the wrong thing to do to the point of being terrible.
• Don’t post bad beats. If I can’t win it’s because I’m not good enough.
• Do post hands that trouble me. Use the thread to improve. Ask for advice.

Bankroll Management

Yet to be determined. I do like the "Stairways to Highstakes" system but it does seem overly cautious and I'm not sure I have the patience for it. I'd like to be a little aggressive with shots but always need to maintain a reasonable BR for the stake I'm at. I'm starting with only 10 BI at 10NL and will see how I go. I may need to move back to 5NL if I start poorly but hope to be able to put in a solid first month at 10NL and hopefully build well enough to be able to re-assess at the end of January.

My Playing Mantra

• Abuse the Button.
• Bet for value. (Don't miss those opportunities for that extra bet by playing scared).
• Fold with discipline. (Don't make the frustrated call....The I have to see if he has it call when I know they've outdrawn me).

For those that thought this was tl;dr I apologise for boring you but for those that managed to make it right through I hope you enjoy following my progress and can contribute to the thread in helping me progress. I'd love any advice on game play, tilt control, bankroll management or any other area you feel you can help and if you're embarking on a similar journey in 2015 I'd love to hear about it and perhaps we can share experiences to help each other improve together.

Thanks, and here we go.

I know it's not 2015 yet but my impatience means I had to get started straight away (and here in Australia it's probably closer to 2015 than most other places anyway ).

Just completed a session of close to 600 hands and thought I'd post up the hands that I tagged for review.

Hand 1 - Trying to abuse the button a little more. This time 3b the CO open. Much looser than my standard line which is an auto fold. Flop TP, bet and called. Is the K and auto double barrell on the turn?

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): $18.92
SB: $19.01 (VPIP: 26.32, PFR: 26.32, 3Bet Preflop: 25.00, Hands: 20)
BB: $10.00 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
UTG: $8.26
MP: $10.72 (VPIP: 16.67, PFR: 16.67, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 13)
CO: $10.91 (VPIP: 18.52, PFR: 14.81, 3Bet Preflop: 8.33, Hands: 27)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has J 9

fold, fold, CO raises to $0.25, Hero raises to $0.90, fold, fold, CO calls $0.65

Flop: ($1.95, 2 players) 6 9 3
CO checks, Hero bets $1.10, CO calls $1.10

Turn: ($4.15, 2 players) K

Hand 2 - AK should have 3b pre IMO. It's a hand that I usually do but sometimes just like to take a flop and evaluate. As played, would you donk the flop? Call the river?

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $29.61 (VPIP: 23.53, PFR: 17.65, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 17)
SB: $10.36 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 6)
Hero (BB): $11.07
UTG: $10.48 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
MP: $9.23 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 1)
CO: $5.26 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 2)

SB posts SB $0.05, Hero posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has K A

fold, MP calls $0.10, fold, BTN raises to $0.50, fold, Hero calls $0.40, MP calls $0.40

Flop: ($1.55, 3 players) 9 J K
Hero checks, MP checks, BTN checks

Turn: ($1.55, 3 players) 8
Hero bets $1.00, MP calls $1.00, BTN calls $1.00

River: ($4.55, 3 players) 5
Hero checks, MP checks, BTN bets $2.60

Hand 3 - AQ flop TPTK. Bet/called flop. Donked into on turn??

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $11.47 (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)
SB: $10.35 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
BB: $16.56 (VPIP: 16.44, PFR: 13.70, 3Bet Preflop: 3.57, Hands: 74)
Hero (UTG): $22.83
MP: $10.38 (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 5)
CO: $10.27 (VPIP: 15.38, PFR: 10.26, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 41)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has A Q

Hero raises to $0.30, fold, CO calls $0.30, fold, SB calls $0.25, fold

Flop: ($1.00, 3 players) Q 2 J
SB checks, Hero bets $0.70, fold, SB calls $0.70

Turn: ($2.40, 2 players) 9
SB bets $1.10

Hand 4 - JJ flop 5TT. Cbet raised?

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $10.39 (VPIP: 14.29, PFR: 9.52, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 21)
SB: $15.56 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
BB: $11.55 (VPIP: 15.27, PFR: 12.17, 3Bet Preflop: 3.77, Hands: 433)
UTG: $5.98 (VPIP: 15.38, PFR: 15.38, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 13)
Hero (MP): $10.77
CO: $12.77

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has J J

fold, Hero raises to $0.30, fold, BTN calls $0.30, fold, fold

Flop: ($0.75, 2 players) 5 T T
Hero bets $0.40, BTN raises to $1.20

The big winning pots

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $14.59 (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 10.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 20)
SB: $9.61 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
BB: $5.00 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 9)
UTG: $14.85 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)
Hero (MP): $20.82
CO: $22.01 (VPIP: 14.68, PFR: 12.96, 3Bet Preflop: 8.33, Hands: 111)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has A A

fold, Hero raises to $0.35, fold, fold, SB calls $0.30, fold

Flop: ($0.80, 2 players) 5 8 J
SB checks, Hero bets $0.57, SB calls $0.57

Turn: ($1.94, 2 players) A
SB checks, Hero bets $1.40, SB raises to $3.20, Hero raises to $19.90 and is all-in, SB calls $5.49 and is all-in

River: ($19.32, 2 players) 2

SB shows 8 8 (Three of a Kind, Eights)
(Pre 20%, Flop 87%, Turn 2%)
Hero shows A A (Three of a Kind, Aces)
(Pre 80%, Flop 13%, Turn 98%)
Hero wins $18.45



PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $11.41 (VPIP: 13.67, PFR: 12.23, 3Bet Preflop: 3.92, Hands: 143)
SB: $10.27 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 4)
BB: $10.00 (VPIP: 17.39, PFR: 13.04, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 23)
UTG: $10.00 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 2)
MP: $8.15
Hero (CO): $11.36

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has T T

fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, BTN raises to $1.00, fold, fold, Hero calls $0.70

Flop: ($2.15, 2 players) T Q 8
Hero checks, BTN bets $1.50, Hero raises to $3.90, BTN raises to $10.41 and is all-in, Hero calls $6.46 and is all-in

Turn: ($22.87, 2 players) J

River: ($22.87, 2 players) 7

Hero shows T T (Three of a Kind, Tens)
(Pre 57%, Flop 92%, Turn 69%)
BTN shows Q A (One Pair, Queens)
(Pre 43%, Flop 8%, Turn 31%)
Hero wins $21.84



PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $10.00 (VPIP: 5.71, PFR: 5.71, 3Bet Preflop: 9.09, Hands: 36)
SB: $17.14 (VPIP: 24.69, PFR: 20.59, 3Bet Preflop: 9.62, Hands: 246)
BB: $9.50 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)
UTG: $11.26 (VPIP: 29.79, PFR: 12.77, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 47)
Hero (MP): $11.67
CO: $8.26 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has Q Q

fold, Hero raises to $0.30, fold, fold, SB raises to $1.02, fold, Hero calls $0.72

Flop: ($2.14, 2 players) 6 T T
SB bets $1.06, Hero calls $1.06

Turn: ($4.26, 2 players) J
SB bets $2.60, Hero calls $2.60

River: ($9.46, 2 players) T
SB bets $12.46 and is all-in, Hero calls $6.99 and is all-in

SB shows A 5 (Three of a Kind, Tens)
(Pre 33%, Flop 16%, Turn 25%)
Hero shows Q Q (Full House, Tens full of Queens)
(Pre 67%, Flop 84%, Turn 75%)
Hero wins $22.39

http://www.transformmypoker.com/tcc-...5be9f5f4c5e92d

Really relate to this vid and just linking it here in my thread so I can refer back to it in future if required.

I don't plan on graphs on a daily basis but just to get the thread up and running I will post day 1 which thankfully started in positive fashion.

Only a few hands for review today. Played about 1,000 hands so far today and up about 1 buy in overall. Haven't played particularly well today. Too passive mostly where I've ended up costing myself the pot or some value.


Hand 1 - I'm not a big fan of 4betting with QQ but over the small sample I had on villain he seemed reasonably aggressive and capable of squeezing. Not really sure what's the best line considering I do have position on him.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $21.08 (VPIP: 66.67, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
SB: $15.21 (VPIP: 27.27, PFR: 27.27, 3Bet Preflop: 16.67, Hands: 22)
BB: $10.00
UTG: $9.88 (VPIP: 26.49, PFR: 15.89, 3Bet Preflop: 5.36, Hands: 152)
MP: $16.35 (VPIP: 27.27, PFR: 23.81, 3Bet Preflop: 12.50, Hands: 23)
Hero (CO): $12.62

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has Q Q

fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, BTN calls $0.30, SB raises to $1.35, fold, Hero raises to $3.10


Hand 2 - Once again I'm 3bet after opening with a biggish pair. Another spot where I'm not sure whether 3betting or flatting is better. I'm out of position here and I have him marked as having 3bet earlier with J9s.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $15.50 (VPIP: 20.31, PFR: 11.72, 3Bet Preflop: 5.26, Hands: 132)
SB: $19.40 (VPIP: 18.75, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 16)
BB: $13.43 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 6)
UTG: $21.32 (VPIP: 18.52, PFR: 12.35, 3Bet Preflop: 2.94, Hands: 82)
MP: $10.67 (VPIP: 21.98, PFR: 18.89, 3Bet Preflop: 11.76, Hands: 94)
Hero (CO): $10.00

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has J J

fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, BTN raises to $1.05





Hand 3 - Open with QQ UTG and get called from 2 players behind. Perfect flop for the cbet against one opponent. Do you still fire against 2 opponents or check and evaluate?

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $10.15 (VPIP: 18.03, PFR: 18.03, 3Bet Preflop: 15.00, Hands: 61)
SB: $6.62 (VPIP: 35.71, PFR: 28.57, 3Bet Preflop: 18.18, Hands: 28)
BB: $14.98 (VPIP: 16.36, PFR: 10.91, 3Bet Preflop: 4.76, Hands: 57)
Hero (UTG): $10.10
MP: $41.07 (VPIP: 36.36, PFR: 18.18, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 12)
CO: $7.74 (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 50.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 2)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has Q Q

Hero raises to $0.30, MP calls $0.30, CO calls $0.30, fold, fold, fold

Flop: ($1.05, 3 players) 6 2 K




Biggest Pot Won

(1) Nice to receive a donation. Crushed the flop and hoped the weak bets might induce a spaz. Turned out he was willing to call all the way.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): $10.00
SB: $24.09 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
BB: $29.97 (VPIP: 11.11, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 11.76, Hands: 75)
UTG: $20.39 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 1)
MP: $10.00 (VPIP: 9.09, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
CO: $22.37 (VPIP: 26.32, PFR: 24.56, 3Bet Preflop: 8.70, Hands: 58)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has A A

fold, fold, CO raises to $0.25, Hero raises to $0.90, fold, fold, CO raises to $1.90, Hero raises to $3.20, CO calls $1.30

Flop: ($6.55, 2 players) Q Q A
CO checks, Hero bets $1.20, CO calls $1.20

Turn: ($8.95, 2 players) 2
CO checks, Hero bets $1.20, CO calls $1.20

River: ($11.35, 2 players) 4
CO checks, Hero bets $4.40 and is all-in, CO calls $4.40

Hero shows A A (Full House, Aces full of Queens)
(Pre 87%, Flop 100.0%, Turn 100%)
CO shows A 5 (Two Pair, Aces and Queens)
(Pre 13%, Flop 0.1%, Turn 0%)
Hero wins $19.24


(2) Nice turn.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $14.95
SB: $10.99 (VPIP: 31.82, PFR: 27.27, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 24)
BB: $19.39 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 14)
UTG: $24.76 (VPIP: 9.09, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
MP: $17.81 (VPIP: 21.43, PFR: 10.71, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 29)
Hero (CO): $10.27

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has Q Q

fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, fold, SB calls $0.25, BB calls $0.20

Flop: ($0.90, 3 players) 5 A 2
SB checks, BB checks, Hero checks

Turn: ($0.90, 3 players) Q
SB bets $0.80, BB raises to $2.00, Hero raises to $5.00, SB calls $4.20, fold

River: ($12.90, 2 players) K
SB bets $5.69 and is all-in, Hero calls $4.97 and is all-in

SB shows 2 2 (Three of a Kind, Twos)
(Pre 19%, Flop 90%, Turn 2%)
Hero shows Q Q (Three of a Kind, Queens)
(Pre 81%, Flop 10%, Turn 98%)
Hero wins $21.81



Biggest Pot Lost

No really big pots. Didn't play well overall but never stacked off. This standard hand v short stack was the biggest loss.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $10.94 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 1)
SB: $3.92 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 3)
BB: $10.15 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)
Hero (UTG): $10.00
MP: $18.46 (VPIP: 28.57, PFR: 28.57, 3Bet Preflop: 50.00, Hands: 8)
CO: $22.39

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has A K

Hero raises to $0.30, fold, fold, fold, SB raises to $1.00, fold, Hero raises to $10.00 and is all-in, SB calls $2.92 and is all-in

Flop: ($7.94, 2 players) 5 7 9

Turn: ($7.94, 2 players) 7

River: ($7.94, 2 players) 5

SB shows 9 9 (Full House, Nines full of Sevens)
(Pre 55%, Flop 99%, Turn 100%)
Hero shows A K (Two Pair, Sevens and Fives)
(Pre 45%, Flop 1%, Turn 0%)
SB wins $7.58

Reminder to self. Bet for value.

Doh!



PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): $10.18
SB: $9.96 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
BB: $20.50 (VPIP: 37.50, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)
UTG: $10.80 (VPIP: 28.57, PFR: 14.29, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 7)
MP: $10.75 (VPIP: 20.59, PFR: 17.65, 3Bet Preflop: 8.33, Hands: 71)
CO: $1.78 (VPIP: 18.18, PFR: 9.09, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has 7 7

fold, fold, CO calls $0.10, Hero calls $0.10, SB calls $0.05, BB raises to $0.50, fold, Hero calls $0.40, fold

Flop: ($1.20, 2 players) 6 5 4
BB checks, Hero bets $0.60, BB calls $0.60

Turn: ($2.40, 2 players) 3
BB checks, Hero bets $1.70, BB calls $1.70

River: ($5.80, 2 players) 8
BB checks, Hero checks

Well the second day saw me finish down for the day by about 1.5 BIs. Posted earlier that I wasn't playing well and that trend continued to the point I was donating chips and had to log off. Unfortunately it has continued with a poor start to the new day. Not exactly sure what I'm doing wrong but the mindset is a little defeatist which certainly isn't helping.

Need to focus on staying positive and just making good decisions.

Have made the switch to reg tables for the immediate session just to slow things down a bit and put a bit more time into focussing on the player. At no stage will I change stakes other than if I need to move down (but will not make the frustrated move up). So will continue with 10NL 6max and interchange between Zoom mostly and reg tables occassionally for the entire month of January depending on my mindset.

If need be and I continue to play poorly I'll just log off for a day or two and get stuck back in to the book I'm currently enjoying.

Gardens of the Moon (Book 1 of Malazans Book of the Fallen). About 2/3 of the way through and it was a slog for a bit but is now starting to grab me. Looks to be an epic. Let me know if you've read the series and your thoughts. No spoilers though.

Bit of a meh day yesterday. Need to make sure I'm not auto piloting. Must focus on good decisions and following my mantra of controlled aggression and initiative.

* Abuse button.
* Bet for value.
* Fold with discipline.

Getting carried along a bit with 'safe play' and also making some poor decisions with medium PPs and AK in BvB or Btn v Blind battles where I'm 4bet shoving over what my stats are telling me are aggressive 3 bettors.......... they pretty much always have had AA though.



KT was yesterday's hand of the day it seems.



PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $10.10 (VPIP: 30.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 10)
Hero (SB): $10.00
BB: $20.50 (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 50.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 2)
UTG: $18.57 (VPIP: 21.67, PFR: 16.67, 3Bet Preflop: 7.69, Hands: 64)
MP: $10.00 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
CO: $5.39 (VPIP: 15.83, PFR: 6.98, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 266)

Hero posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has T K

fold, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, BB raises to $0.50, Hero calls $0.20

Flop: ($1.00, 2 players) Q K J
Hero checks, BB bets $0.96, Hero raises to $2.80, BB calls $1.84

Turn: ($6.60, 2 players) 4
Hero bets $6.70 and is all-in, BB calls $6.70

River: ($20.00, 2 players) 3

Hero shows T K (Flush, King High)
(Pre 29%, Flop 53%, Turn 32%)
BB shows A K (One Pair, Kings)
(Pre 71%, Flop 47%, Turn 68%)
Hero wins $19.10




PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $35.98 (VPIP: 18.75, PFR: 18.75, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 17)
SB: $10.47 (VPIP: 31.43, PFR: 28.57, 3Bet Preflop: 13.33, Hands: 35)
Hero (BB): $10.00
UTG: $10.28 (VPIP: 12.12, PFR: 9.09, 3Bet Preflop: 7.69, Hands: 34)
MP: $10.77 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
CO: $10.00 (VPIP: 37.93, PFR: 31.03, 3Bet Preflop: 27.27, Hands: 29)

SB posts SB $0.05, Hero posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has T K

fold, fold, fold, BTN raises to $0.25, fold, Hero calls $0.15

Flop: ($0.55, 2 players) K 3 J
Hero checks, BTN bets $0.38, Hero calls $0.38

Turn: ($1.31, 2 players) 3
Hero checks, BTN bets $0.90, Hero calls $0.90

River: ($3.11, 2 players) T
Hero checks, BTN bets $2.73, Hero calls $2.73

BTN shows 8 K (Flush, King High)
(Pre 31%, Flop 25%, Turn 58%)
Hero mucks T K (Two Pair, Kings and Tens)
(Pre 69%, Flop 75%, Turn 42%)
BTN wins $8.18



I can't dodge bullets baby (TT hand was just awful)



PokerStars - $0.10 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

UTG: $12.65 (VPIP: 48.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 8.33, Hands: 26)
MP: $10.47 (VPIP: 19.23, PFR: 11.54, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 26)
CO: $17.95 (VPIP: 44.00, PFR: 4.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 26)
BTN: $10.91 (VPIP: 19.23, PFR: 11.54, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 26)
SB: $10.00 (VPIP: 23.08, PFR: 15.38, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 13)
Hero (BB): $11.01

SB posts SB $0.05, Hero posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has T T

fold, fold, fold, BTN raises to $0.30, fold, Hero raises to $0.95, BTN raises to $2.20, Hero raises to $11.01 and is all-in, BTN calls $8.71 and is all-in

Flop: ($21.87, 2 players) Q 8 3

Turn: ($21.87, 2 players) 4

River: ($21.87, 2 players) 8

Hero shows T T (Two Pair, Tens and Eights)
(Pre 20%, Flop 10%, Turn 5%)
BTN shows A A (Two Pair, Aces and Eights)
(Pre 80%, Flop 90%, Turn 95%)
BTN wins $20.89




PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $9.12 (VPIP: 15.63, PFR: 7.06, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 263)
SB: $5.86 (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 18.75, 3Bet Preflop: 12.50, Hands: 18)
Hero (BB): $13.39
UTG: $10.12 (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 6)
MP: $33.51 (VPIP: 19.57, PFR: 10.87, 3Bet Preflop: 5.26, Hands: 47)
CO: $10.56 (VPIP: 26.52, PFR: 14.70, 3Bet Preflop: 7.20, Hands: 322)

SB posts SB $0.05, Hero posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has A K

fold, fold, CO raises to $0.26, BTN calls $0.26, SB calls $0.21, Hero raises to $1.50, CO raises to $10.56 and is all-in, fold, fold, Hero calls $9.06

Flop: ($21.64, 2 players) J 8 K

Turn: ($21.64, 2 players) Q

River: ($21.64, 2 players) 7
Players agreed to run it twice.

Flop #2: ($21.64, 2 players) 8 8 8

Turn #2: ($21.64, 2 players) T

River #2: ($21.64, 2 players) 5

Hero shows A K (One Pair, Kings)
Board #1 (Pre 7%, Flop 9%, Turn 9%)
(Three of a Kind, Eights)
Board #2 (Pre 7%, Flop 3%, Turn 1%)

CO shows A A (One Pair, Aces)
Board #1 (Pre 93%, Flop 91%, Turn 91%)
(Full House, Eights full of Aces)
Board #2 (Pre 93%, Flop 97%, Turn 99%)

CO wins $10.34
CO wins $10.33



It's nice when they give you chips though



PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $9.77 (VPIP: 7.14, PFR: 7.14, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 44)
Hero (SB): $12.28
BB: $16.64 (VPIP: 22.04, PFR: 18.28, 3Bet Preflop: 5.26, Hands: 191)
UTG: $13.25 (VPIP: 35.48, PFR: 22.58, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 31)
MP: $17.98 (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 18)
CO: $20.90 (VPIP: 38.10, PFR: 28.57, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 21)

Hero posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has A K

fold, fold, CO raises to $0.25, fold, Hero raises to $0.90, fold, CO calls $0.65

Flop: ($1.90, 2 players) 5 3 8
Hero bets $1.20, CO calls $1.20

Turn: ($4.30, 2 players) 4
Hero bets $2.10, CO calls $2.10

River: ($8.50, 2 players) 9
Hero checks, CO bets $8.12, Hero calls $8.08 and is all-in

CO shows 6 A (High Card, Ace)
(Pre 29%, Flop 21%, Turn 18%)
Hero shows A K (Flush, Ace High)
(Pre 71%, Flop 79%, Turn 82%)
Hero wins $23.55






Anyway, not getting too much feedback yet. Would love to get some contributions from guys on similar challenges or who have successfully completed similar challenges.

I won't go the thread saver route yet.

Better day today. Played approx 2,000 hands and finished up around 3 Buy ins.

Still giving away too many chips playing too passively in spots and getting those pre flop numbers up is a work in progress still. A goal of the challenge was to de-nit a little and get involved in a few more hands. Trying to improve the typical 15/11 numbers but probably only going at about 16/13 at the moment. Stealing from the button at about 30-35% which I'd like to try and get up a little too.

* Abuse the button.
* Bet for value.
* Fold with discipline.



Some hands:-



Hated folding here but thought it was probably correct in the end. No real history but the player seemed fairly honest and straight forward. Doubt a set jams, I split with a Q and lose to KQ and more obviously the flush.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $9.49
SB: $10.72 (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 2)
BB: $7.44 (VPIP: 15.79, PFR: 15.79, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 19)
UTG: $11.06 (VPIP: 28.57, PFR: 28.57, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 15)
MP: $20.16 (VPIP: 18.18, PFR: 18.18, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
Hero (CO): $10.94

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has Q Q

fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, fold, fold, BB calls $0.20

Flop: ($0.65, 2 players) 8 T 9
BB checks, Hero bets $0.50, BB calls $0.50

Turn: ($1.65, 2 players) J
BB checks, Hero bets $1.20, BB raises to $6.64 and is all-in, fold

BB wins $3.87





Meh, what can you do. He obviously knew the 6 was coming

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $7.12
SB: $11.47 (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)
BB: $10.70 (VPIP: 17.28, PFR: 13.58, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 86)
UTG: $15.75 (VPIP: 18.75, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 16)
MP: $10.55 (VPIP: 35.71, PFR: 21.43, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 14)
Hero (CO): $10.00

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has K A

fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, BTN calls $0.30, fold, fold

Flop: ($0.75, 2 players) T A 5
Hero bets $0.47, BTN calls $0.47

Turn: ($1.69, 2 players) 5
Hero bets $1.20, BTN raises to $6.35 and is all-in, Hero calls $5.15

River: ($14.39, 2 players) 6

Hero shows K A (Two Pair, Aces and Fives)
(Pre 75%, Flop 88%, Turn 90%)
BTN shows A 6 (Two Pair, Aces and Sixes)
(Pre 25%, Flop 12%, Turn 10%)
BTN wins $13.74




Happy with this hand. Fairly aggressive player who I expected to just keep firing. Against most players was an insta fold every street.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): $10.00
SB: $10.36 (VPIP: 26.32, PFR: 26.32, 3Bet Preflop: 33.33, Hands: 20)
BB: $13.59 (VPIP: 22.22, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 10)
UTG: $9.55 (VPIP: 7.14, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 14)
MP: $10.00 (VPIP: 18.37, PFR: 9.69, 3Bet Preflop: 5.81, Hands: 202)
CO: $10.00 (VPIP: 28.57, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 12.50, Hands: 31)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has 5 A

fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, SB raises to $1.00, fold, Hero calls $0.70

Flop: ($2.10, 2 players) 2 3 A
SB bets $1.10, Hero calls $1.10

Turn: ($4.30, 2 players) Q
SB bets $2.05, Hero calls $2.05

River: ($8.40, 2 players) 2
SB bets $6.21 and is all-in, Hero calls $5.85 and is all-in

SB shows K 9 (One Pair, Twos)
(Pre 38%, Flop 7%, Turn 0%)
Hero shows 5 A (Two Pair, Aces and Twos)
(Pre 62%, Flop 93%, Turn 100%)
Hero wins $19.20




Nice turn. **** river.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $13.34 (VPIP: 27.98, PFR: 20.99, 3Bet Preflop: 5.94, Hands: 255)
SB: $15.93 (VPIP: 28.57, PFR: 19.05, 3Bet Preflop: 14.29, Hands: 22)
BB: $12.85 (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)
UTG: $11.77 (VPIP: 26.67, PFR: 26.67, 3Bet Preflop: 25.00, Hands: 16)
MP: $8.96 (VPIP: 27.27, PFR: 18.18, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 12)
Hero (CO): $10.00

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has 5 5

fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, fold, fold, BB calls $0.20

Flop: ($0.65, 2 players) 6 A 8
BB checks, Hero bets $0.41, BB calls $0.41

Turn: ($1.47, 2 players) 5
BB checks, Hero bets $1.10, BB calls $1.10

River: ($3.67, 2 players) 9
BB checks, Hero checks

BB shows 7 7 (Straight, Nine High)
(Pre 81%, Flop 59%, Turn 16%)
Hero mucks 5 5 (Three of a Kind, Fives)
(Pre 19%, Flop 41%, Turn 84%)
BB wins $3.50





I'm an idiot. BET.FOR.VALUE.... Blah... Once he min-popped it on the flop I thought I'd let him take the lead and pick him off but should definitely have bet the river once he checked behind the turn.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $22.94 (VPIP: 14.63, PFR: 12.20, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 43)
SB: $14.02 (VPIP: 21.67, PFR: 17.24, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 209)
BB: $10.47 (VPIP: 18.39, PFR: 14.11, 3Bet Preflop: 2.16, Hands: 416)
Hero (UTG): $11.32
MP: $30.75 (VPIP: 21.71, PFR: 19.43, 3Bet Preflop: 4.62, Hands: 179)
CO: $13.87

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has A K

Hero raises to $0.30, fold, CO calls $0.30, fold, fold, fold

Flop: ($0.75, 2 players) 7 A 7
Hero bets $0.50, CO raises to $1.00, Hero calls $0.50

Turn: ($2.75, 2 players) K
Hero checks, CO checks

River: ($2.75, 2 players) 9
Hero checks, CO checks

Hero shows A K (Two Pair, Aces and Kings)
(Pre 73%, Flop 89%, Turn 98%)
CO mucks A 3 (Two Pair, Aces and Sevens)
(Pre 27%, Flop 11%, Turn 2%)
Hero wins $2.63




Another call I'm really happy with. Wasn't delighted making it but felt he was just trying to bully his way to the pot.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $10.00 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)
SB: $12.85 (VPIP: 100.00, PFR: 50.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 2)
BB: $8.03 (VPIP: 16.07, PFR: 13.69, 3Bet Preflop: 4.92, Hands: 174)
Hero (UTG): $12.27
MP: $13.24 (VPIP: 17.86, PFR: 14.29, 3Bet Preflop: 8.33, Hands: 29)
CO: $9.99 (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has J J

Hero raises to $0.30, fold, fold, fold, SB calls $0.25, BB raises to $1.20, Hero calls $0.90, fold

Flop: ($2.70, 2 players) Q 2 4
BB bets $6.83 and is all-in, Hero calls $6.83

Turn: ($16.36, 2 players) Q

River: ($16.36, 2 players) T

BB shows A K (One Pair, Queens)
(Pre 46%, Flop 53%, Turn 30%)
Hero shows J J (Two Pair, Queens and Jacks)
(Pre 54%, Flop 47%, Turn 70%)
Hero wins $15.62




Nice

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): $10.00
SB: $10.43 (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 100.00, Hands: 9)
BB: $13.69 (VPIP: 17.65, PFR: 17.65, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 53)
UTG: $10.95 (VPIP: 23.56, PFR: 19.63, 3Bet Preflop: 11.80, Hands: 396)
MP: $55.10 (VPIP: 14.67, PFR: 13.51, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 77)
CO: $9.80 (VPIP: 29.37, PFR: 25.40, 3Bet Preflop: 17.95, Hands: 127)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has 3 A

fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.25, fold, BB raises to $0.80, Hero calls $0.55

Flop: ($1.65, 2 players) 5 4 6
BB checks, Hero checks

Turn: ($1.65, 2 players) 6
BB checks, Hero bets $1.10, BB calls $1.10

River: ($3.85, 2 players) 7
BB checks, Hero bets $2.76, BB raises to $11.79 and is all-in, Hero calls $5.34 and is all-in

BB shows A Q (One Pair, Sixes)
(Pre 70%, Flop 55%, Turn 53%)
Hero shows 3 A (Flush, Ace High)
(Pre 30%, Flop 45%, Turn 47%)
Hero wins $19.15




Another stack.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $12.18 (VPIP: 30.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 33.33, Hands: 11)
SB: $9.90 (VPIP: 12.50, PFR: 8.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 24)
Hero (BB): $10.25
UTG: $11.69 (VPIP: 13.92, PFR: 12.82, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 82)
MP: $16.08 (VPIP: 14.77, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 2.70, Hands: 94)
CO: $9.72 (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)

SB posts SB $0.05, Hero posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has 6 6

UTG raises to $0.30, fold, fold, BTN calls $0.30, fold, Hero calls $0.20

Flop: ($0.95, 3 players) 6 T 9
Hero checks, UTG bets $0.70, BTN calls $0.70, Hero raises to $3.00, fold, BTN calls $2.30

Turn: ($7.65, 2 players) K
Hero bets $6.95 and is all-in, BTN calls $6.95

River: ($21.55, 2 players) K

Hero shows 6 6 (Full House, Sixes full of Kings)
(Pre 48%, Flop 67%, Turn 75%)
BTN shows T J (Two Pair, Kings and Tens)
(Pre 52%, Flop 33%, Turn 25%)
Hero wins $20.58

Looks like the long term goal about bankroll management is a must.
Playing 10NL with 10buy ins isn't that healthy for your br but if you can beat it, then so it be.

Hi wuRRRR, thanks for posting.

Absolutely a must. Agree 10 BIs isn't enough but I've played a stack of 5NL through to 25NL over the years with a fair bit of 50NL too and had a fair bit of success at different times. Cash outs and loss chasing (moving up too early) have been the biggest set backs in building a sizable BR. I'm confident I'm good enough to beat 10NL so feel like I can be a little aggressive early on with BRM just to get things rolling but will certainly play with greater reserves as I move on to 25NL and hopefully beyond. If 10NL doesn't start well I'm prepared to drop back to 5NL if the BR drops to $80 or below.

After 4 days the BR has moved from $100 -> $175

GG, you're almost there.Be careful when taking shots.
I need to ask a question:
How can you play 10NL again when you used to play higher(50NL) ?
I used to take shots every time and it became like a routine.I'm depositing 1-200$, coming with a new plan every time that I will play within bankroll management but then I go crazy and start taking 1 buy in shot at 1-200NL.I ran pretty well in short term then I tried to play higher and higher busting the roll.That happened like 30times.
I can't "reset" my mindset so I can do my grinding.
You seem like you do something similar but more conservative.( you think you have an edge over 10NL players but don't have the br but still play, that's ok with 10buy ins.But what advice can you give me when it comes to shot taking with whole br?How do I reset my mindset and start grinding again with properly bankroll management?

will follow this thread, 10buyins is not a lot ...i'm starting with 50 too see how the swings will go at the very bottom stakes, but if you wanna move up fast its okay I guess hopefully you dont have a lot of bad beats because you can have a downswing of -10 buyins I think when you do nothing wrong and still lose...

Thanks mate. To be honest my history is fairly similar. Will grind a bit of 10NL, get bored and move up and do well for a bit but being under rolled inevitably lose the lot playing about my BR.

The difference this time? I'm staying at 10NL until I am well rolled to move up. It's all talk at this stage but I'm determined to make it happen. I WILL NOT play anything other than 10NL for all of January and will assess where I am at then.

Cheers mate and hopefully your grind continues to go well. As I said above, 10 buy ins clearly isn't enough but at 10NL I'm prepared to take a shot. I plan on staying here for a while even if I am winning well. I won't touch 25NL until properly rolled for it and WILL move down to 5NL if I drop to $80 or below.

And your point is well made. Here is today's graph to date. Played poorly in a lot of spots and have given up too many medium pots that I probably played too far.

[IMG][/IMG]


Of course, hands like this last one don't help. What are they thinking?

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $9.90
SB: $5.95 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 2)
BB: $10.80 (VPIP: 21.05, PFR: 15.79, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 20)
Hero (UTG): $10.66
MP: $10.53 (VPIP: 24.90, PFR: 13.67, 3Bet Preflop: 8.89, Hands: 262)
CO: $10.79 (VPIP: 44.44, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 33.33, Hands: 10)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has K T

Hero raises to $0.30, fold, fold, BTN calls $0.30, fold, fold

Flop: ($0.75, 2 players) 3 T 9
Hero bets $0.54, BTN raises to $2.20, Hero raises to $10.36 and is all-in, BTN calls $7.40 and is all-in

Turn: ($19.95, 2 players) T

River: ($19.95, 2 players) J

Hero shows K T (Three of a Kind, Tens)
(Pre 30%, Flop 72%, Turn 91%)
BTN shows K Q (Straight, King High)
(Pre 70%, Flop 28%, Turn 9%)
BTN wins $19.05

Subbed, gl with moving up.

Seeing your graph, did you ragequit after that last hand?

Welcome and thanks.

Yeah I did, lol. Wasn't really a great play on my part anyway. Was born of part frustration and part "I just don't believe you". As it turned out I was right..........and still got stiffed

Cooled off and came back later and picked up a few buy ins but ended back at around the same point anyway when KK < AA all in preflop and JJ < AA all in on JAx flop.

Wasn't a good day. Unfortunately my recent grinds have taken similar paths. I start well (see Day 1 graph) but then seem to lose my way a little and end up going up and down on the spot....

....graphs tend to look like this.



Still, it is only early on and by the time this year is done that graph will look like a nice upwards curve

No panic. Grind out the month at 10NL and then take stock.

Well it's almost 5NL time which is bitterly disappointing. Started well and had almost doubled my starting $100 in just a few days and then it's gone pear shaped since.

I certainly haven't got a hold on this tilt yet. No chat box rage. I think I'm past that but by god the reaction to a continued run of being outdrawn/always called and raised on flop/always running into the top of their range.........aaaggghhhh. Just start getting it in a lot more often and always find I'm on the wrong end..........and when I'm in front, I'm still losing.

If I have AA I'm getting no action. If I have KK I get outdrawn by the most ridiculous **** and if I have JJ/QQ I called called by Ax and can guaranteed to see an ace flop and my cbet get raised or called all the way. If I have AK/AQ I run into the top of their range pretty much everytime.

If I have an open ended straight flush draw I can't get there but if they call with a gutshot they'll bust my set every single friggin time.



Open ended straight flush. Any good? Nope........and gets called all in with just overs.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $10.38 (VPIP: 12.50, PFR: 10.23, 3Bet Preflop: 7.50, Hands: 88)
Hero (SB): $12.59
BB: $12.07 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 24)
UTG: $15.33 (VPIP: 18.67, PFR: 14.67, 3Bet Preflop: 8.00, Hands: 76)
MP: $23.07 (VPIP: 16.28, PFR: 16.28, 3Bet Preflop: 6.25, Hands: 44)
CO: $10.06 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 28.57, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 22)

Hero posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has Q K

fold, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, BB raises to $1.00, Hero calls $0.70

Flop: ($2.00, 2 players) 9 T T
Hero checks, BB bets $1.20, Hero raises to $11.59 and is all-in, BB calls $9.87 and is all-in

Turn: ($24.14, 2 players) 2

River: ($24.14, 2 players) 6

Hero shows Q K (One Pair, Tens)
(Pre 29%, Flop 55%, Turn 34%)
BB shows K A (One Pair, Tens)
(Pre 71%, Flop 45%, Turn 66%)
BB wins $23.05



The most recent loss and me at breaking point.... **** it I'll jam here, they can't have it again. Oh, AA. Sure they can.


PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $17.74 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 25.93, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 30)
SB: $11.68 (VPIP: 26.15, PFR: 21.54, 3Bet Preflop: 3.70, Hands: 67)
Hero (BB): $10.80
UTG: $13.88 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
MP: $16.81 (VPIP: 19.23, PFR: 11.54, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 27)
CO: $10.00 (VPIP: 23.68, PFR: 23.68, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 39)

SB posts SB $0.05, Hero posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has A K

UTG raises to $0.30, fold, fold, BTN calls $0.30, fold, Hero raises to $10.80 and is all-in, UTG calls $10.50, fold

Flop: ($21.95, 2 players) 4 Q 3

Turn: ($21.95, 2 players) Q

River: ($21.95, 2 players) 8

Hero shows A K (One Pair, Queens)
(Pre 7%, Flop 3%, Turn 0%)
UTG shows A A (Two Pair, Aces and Queens)
(Pre 93%, Flop 97%, Turn 100%)
UTG wins $20.96



Hopefully has AdQ on the turn. Time to get this fish all in. Oh, you called pre with 46 and a large flop bet with a gutter ball. Well played.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $10.00 (VPIP: 20.36, PFR: 13.77, 3Bet Preflop: 3.61, Hands: 523)
Hero (SB): $11.13
BB: $10.00 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 23.81, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 21)
UTG: $11.05 (VPIP: 17.24, PFR: 10.34, 3Bet Preflop: 7.14, Hands: 29)
MP: $10.63 (VPIP: 100.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
CO: $26.78 (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 50.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 4)

Hero posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has K K

fold, MP raises to $0.35, fold, fold, Hero raises to $1.15, fold, MP calls $0.80

Flop: ($2.40, 2 players) 5 Q 8
Hero bets $1.60, MP calls $1.60

Turn: ($5.60, 2 players) 7
Hero bets $8.38 and is all-in, MP calls $7.88 and is all-in

River: ($21.36, 2 players) 9

Hero shows K K (One Pair, Kings)
(Pre 79%, Flop 80%, Turn 0%)
MP shows 4 6 (Straight, Nine High)
(Pre 21%, Flop 20%, Turn 100%)
MP wins $20.40




Watched nananoko play a hand basically identically to this today. I'm jamming this turn too. Oh, you have AA instead of KK. Seems obvious now - everyone else has too.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $14.39 (VPIP: 18.50, PFR: 13.88, 3Bet Preflop: 3.05, Hands: 473)
SB: $22.51
BB: $10.91 (VPIP: 21.43, PFR: 12.86, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 75)
UTG: $14.82 (VPIP: 20.88, PFR: 13.19, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 95)
Hero (MP): $10.00
CO: $10.98 (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 12.00, 3Bet Preflop: 9.09, Hands: 25)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has Q A

fold, Hero raises to $0.30, fold, BTN raises to $0.90, fold, fold, Hero calls $0.60

Flop: ($1.95, 2 players) Q 3 7
Hero checks, BTN bets $1.00, Hero calls $1.00

Turn: ($3.95, 2 players) 9
Hero checks, BTN bets $2.95, Hero raises to $8.10 and is all-in, BTN calls $5.15

River: ($20.15, 2 players) J

Hero shows Q A (One Pair, Queens)
(Pre 13%, Flop 13%, Turn 5%)
BTN shows A A (One Pair, Aces)
(Pre 87%, Flop 87%, Turn 95%)
BTN wins $19.24



KK has to win occassionally right? Right?

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): $10.00
SB: $9.75 (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 50.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)
BB: $20.73 (VPIP: 19.05, PFR: 19.51, 3Bet Preflop: 7.14, Hands: 43)
UTG: $10.00 (VPIP: 17.56, PFR: 13.74, 3Bet Preflop: 1.92, Hands: 135)
MP: $23.04 (VPIP: 25.32, PFR: 23.40, 3Bet Preflop: 10.09, Hands: 328)
CO: $28.47 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has K K

fold, MP raises to $0.30, fold, Hero raises to $0.90, SB calls $0.85, fold, MP calls $0.60

Flop: ($2.80, 3 players) T J 9
SB checks, MP bets $1.50, Hero raises to $9.10 and is all-in, SB calls $8.85 and is all-in, MP calls $7.60

Turn: ($29.85, 3 players) 3

River: ($29.85, 3 players) 7

MP shows J T (Two Pair, Jacks and Tens)

Main Pot [$29.35]: (Pre 16%, Flop 54%, Turn 67%)
Side Pot#1 [$0.50]: (Pre 20%, Flop 61%, Turn 73%)

Hero shows K K (One Pair, Kings)

Main Pot [$29.35]: (Pre 66%, Flop 23%, Turn 19%)
Side Pot#1 [$0.50]: (Pre 80%, Flop 39%, Turn 27%)

SB shows Q Q (One Pair, Queens)

Main Pot [$29.35]: (Pre 17%, Flop 23%, Turn 14%)

MP wins $28.51



Thank god. Finally AA gets some action.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): $13.41
SB: $18.38 (VPIP: 22.22, PFR: 16.67, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 129)
BB: $10.00 (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 3)
UTG: $12.03 (VPIP: 20.27, PFR: 17.81, 3Bet Preflop: 6.67, Hands: 81)
MP: $8.04 (VPIP: 27.27, PFR: 18.18, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
CO: $10.57 (VPIP: 31.25, PFR: 31.25, 3Bet Preflop: 33.33, Hands: 16)

SB posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has A A

fold, MP raises to $0.35, fold, Hero raises to $1.20, fold, fold, MP calls $0.85

Flop: ($2.55, 2 players) 4 K T
MP checks, Hero bets $2.10, MP calls $2.10

Turn: ($6.75, 2 players) K
MP checks, Hero checks

River: ($6.75, 2 players) 9
MP bets $4.74 and is all-in, Hero calls $4.74

MP shows 9 K (Full House, Kings full of Nines)
(Pre 13%, Flop 18%, Turn 95%)
Hero shows A A (Two Pair, Aces and Kings)
(Pre 87%, Flop 82%, Turn 5%)
MP wins $15.50



Lol - Dropped about 10 buy ins. Hey, who said you can lose 10 buy ins just like that????

By the way, I realise a lot of these have been played absolutely awfully, and I mean by me too, not the villain who sucks out. This is what I have to get on top of. When I'm calm and thinking positively I get good results but my ability to crash quickly when I run into some poor luck is holding me back. Honestly felt like I was keeping it together for quite a bit of that run....."keep calm, they played bad and got lucky" etc etc..."you're just running in to the top of their range" etc etc...

Deep breaths. I'm going for a jog and will read my book for the rest of tonight. Will then take a look at the BR and see if there's any 10NL shots left or whether I'm straight back to 5NL already.



Edit: I'm hoping this is my last tilt rant. Probably won't be but if I can get to the end of January without another then i reckon that's a win.

IT seems that tilt has an effect on your game in hands where you just jamm everything pots being not so big

Yeah for sure.......... it's at that point when I'm just looking for a stack after getting pushed out of/stolen/out played all those medium pots that stack up. Feel like nothing's going right.

I know the problem exists which I guess is a start. Just have to keep calm when it feels like things aren't working for me. Easier said than done but that's why I've created this thread - as a challenge to play good poker and overcome frustration tilt.

Study a little bit about position cause that's the main reason you get outdrawn by 46s.
You'll lose most of the hands from the blinds.
You don't have position in most of the hands.

That's not an open ended straight flush.
Open ended straight flush. Any good? Nope........and gets called all in with just overs.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: $10.38 (VPIP: 12.50, PFR: 10.23, 3Bet Preflop: 7.50, Hands: 88)
Hero (SB): $12.59
BB: $12.07 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 24)
UTG: $15.33 (VPIP: 18.67, PFR: 14.67, 3Bet Preflop: 8.00, Hands: 76)
MP: $23.07 (VPIP: 16.28, PFR: 16.28, 3Bet Preflop: 6.25, Hands: 44)
CO: $10.06 (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 28.57, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 22)

Hero posts SB $0.05, BB posts BB $0.10

Pre Flop: (pot: $0.15) Hero has Q K

fold, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to $0.30, BBraises to $1.00, Hero calls $0.70

Flop: ($2.00, 2 players) 9 T T
Hero checks, BB bets $1.20, Hero raises to $11.59 and is all-in, BB calls $9.87 and is all-in

Turn: ($24.14, 2 players) 2

River: ($24.14, 2 players) 6

Hero shows Q K (One Pair, Tens)
(Pre 29%, Flop 55%, Turn 34%)
BB shows K A (One Pair, Tens)
(Pre 71%, Flop 45%, Turn 66%)
BB wins $23.05

Just a typo rushing the post in anger. Was a straight flush draw which I was favourite to win so not unhappy about getting it in there. Absolutely staggered he calls with only 2 overs (albeit AK) after I call the PF 3bet and then x/r all in on flop.

I have heaps of books and I mean heaps (maybe 20 or so and quite a few PDF downloads from various online gurus too). Have read them all and watched a lot of videos and understand position. They have all been strong hands played poorly, borne out of frustration. Bad play is costing me in a lot of them more than positional awareness.

Disagree about the 46 hand. That was awful play on his part IMO. That was one of the few hands I have no issue with my play.

You know better sir.GL GL

Not about knowing better??? No need to be like that.

I appreciate your comments and have openly admitted much bad play on my part. I didn't necessarily agree with your entire post though or think one particular hand was anything other than bad play gotten lucky on villains part.

This thread is for discussion. It doesn't mean I'm either right or wrong when I disagree on a particular point. It just means I disagree.

Please feel free to keep posting.

I will keep posting, I'm interested about your progress.
Did you ever considered playing reg tables FR/6max? With a good table selection you could grow your bankroll faster if you find some fish(and you will ).I don't say there's no fish at the ZOOM tables but I'm interested in your opinion.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

I don't disagree with that and am looking to incorporate some reg tables but I find I really like the 6 max game more than the full ring. More a personal choice in regards to enjoyment than anything else.