So here it goes:

I am going to attempt to climb the Merge NLHE latter beginning tomorrow. Without being too long winded about the whole, "I love poker this much" story, the heart of the matter is, I love it too much to not play. I admittedly am a losing player because for the past X amount of years as I played recreationally, I have had ZERO bankroll management. This all changed today as I stumbled upon a thread by Dirty Fuzz. I guess I am completely plagiarizing his climbing attempt but I realized that the most enjoyment I get from this game is actually playing/learning this game. (this is probably what all losing players say, LOL) Sure, I want to make money, but it wasn't until today that I had that internal light bulb turn on and the voice said to me, "that's why they call it a grind." (that voice was actually external, and it was my cousin telling me that so I would stop punting every deposit I make away.)

I have a full time job, (Im a golf professional who teaches the golf swing 43 hours a week an hour away from where I live.) There is a beautiful family that includes 2 wonderful small children that await me when I get home from work, (if they aren't already in bed.) I am going to begin at 4NL with the 100 dollar roll I have (left) and I will not move up until I have 30BI for 10NL. I hope to play at least 2 hours a night and I will 3-4 table to start. To all the haters out there, I realize how long this is going to take, (refer to earlier internal that was really an external voice..) Although I have been on TPT since '09 I haven't been to participatory; this is about to change. I will attempt to post HH as soon as I figure out how and try to let you all know how its going.

Not too sure why I decided to post that I was doing this other than it makes it a little bit more real and Im hoping it will help me adhere to the BRM rules I have set for myself. So, on that note:

Here goes nothin'

Good luck. I, too, struggled with bankroll management, but mainly because I found the stakes boring/trivial at the lower levels. It's hard to make it seem like losing a $4 buyin really means anything.

That's exactly how I feel. Next thing I know, I have lost 10 bucks fifteen times and all of a sudden it's deposit time again. No more I tell ya!! That was the old me, and today brings a new day!

Good luck mate. Hope it goes well.

Well, my first session was today and it started off within the first 30 min I was up 3 BI at 4nl. It was down hill from there. I did however manage to glimb back from being a bit over 3.5BI in the red to being down a shade less than 2 over about 640 hands.....so I got that goin' for me....which is nice. Its really interesting the range of emotions one goes through during a session of poker. I mean, this game makes EVERYONE who plays it completely manic depressive or bipolar; but this all ends the second you are done. So strange. Anyway, I suppose the actual session could have gone way worse and I am rather proud that I didn't pull my usual, "I'm down 3 BI at 4nl so logically I should go play some 50nl" stunt. I stuck to my guns and played the 2 hours I had and then reviewed a couple hands. As soon as I get the hang of getting some hands converted for y'all I will...there were a couple of CRAZY ones today. Well, have a goodnight and I will continue this poker diary of sorts soon. I have to head back to MA tomorrow for a few days so I may not be able to record to many hours playing...but, where there's a will there's a way.

By the way, BR= $169

Im having issues. After I convert the hands on TPT, I go to copy and paste here and instead of the icons for clubs, spades, diamonds and hearts I am just getting them written out in words? Any help would be much appreciated.

Sooooo, this was sweet

This is the hand that really bummed me out. The good news is I got over it quickly because it happened early in my session. I have built a 20 BI roll for 10nl and I am taking a shot at it. I am about 1 BI down so not too disappointed.

Not quite sure if you have any HUD stats on these guys but anyway:

Hand No. 1:
Donk betting into the preflop 3better might not be the best idea, but flat calling pre to induce MP to come along(since you guys are effectively 165 BB) seems ok. Donk betting into two people on that flop, even with top two pair, seems off. As well as you hit the flop it is still pretty scary.

Hand No. 2:
cbetting that flop seems safe enough but once that 8 comes I think you can just ck/call or ck/fold with your Q high flush draw, I mean, how many hands are you ahead of here with that scary turn? Also, if you are gonna bet the turn either make it about the same as the flop or just jam the rest as the BTN only had another 2.47 behind.


Anyway, good luck, and try to set the stage on these hand histories with a little more info: i.e. overall reads on villains, what you assume their ranges to be, etc.

gl

Solee, thanks for the feedback!! Great points and I will take these points and attempt to apply them to my session tonight!!

try actually being bi polar and playing the game.... fun times ... therapy.. medz. breathing exercises..... life goals.... support system... and i manage well enough all though i'm 13 bi's under ev at 20k hands i still haven't drowned any kittens

All great advise. Tonight is my Friday so I'm going to attempt a thousand hand night, (I only play 3 tables.) I hope to learn a bunch and make a little

This is exactly the right attitude! Looking forward to seeing some hands.

One piece of advice that I should have taken heed myself pre-BF is taking your time when making tough decisions, and with only 3-4 tables this is possible. Don't forget to use your time bank and brain bank.