I set out to write a post about how I got into poker, but the truth is, I can’t even remember the moment it started. What I do remember, though, are the early days—back when online poker was thriving and dreams of winning big felt just one hand away. I’d log in, deposit, and imagine being one of those players who turned a modest sum into thousands. But my story went a little differently. For every deposit, there was another deposit; for every loan, another loan looming.

Fast forward to today, and I’m still at it. Sure, I’m no pro—in fact, I’m still pretty bad at the game. But the need to chase losses is gone, replaced by a steady love for the game. So why share this journey? Because poker, for me, has become about more than just winning or losing. It’s about the love for every hand dealt. I’m much more mature now, and I won’t be repeating the mistakes of my younger self. No loans, no debt—just one deposit.

Right now, I’ve got $60 to play with and a short-term goal to reach $150 to move up to 5nl. And as for the long term? I’m aiming to make it to 50nl, where the stakes are higher, and the rewards even sweeter. It won’t be easy, but with each hand, each lesson learned, and every little victory, I’m getting closer to that goal.

I believe the best approach for playing 2NL is to ensure I have solid ranges. I reviewed the GTOwizard ranges, which should provide a good foundation to build on and adjust based on table dynamics. I also took notes on various flop board textures from some free articles from upswing. Focusing on these areas seems like a solid start to improve my game.

Gl mate

GL Man

Best of luck

Glgl

Thanks

First lesson. Don't play while tired. Thought I had the straight somehow.

PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $0.01/$0.02 - 5 players
Hand delivered by CardsChat

UTG: $2.00 (100 bb)
BU: $2.71 (136 bb)
SB: $1.93 (97 bb)
BB (Hero): $3.31 (166 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($0.03) Hero is BB with 8♦ 4♣
2 players fold, SB calls $0.01, Hero checks

Flop: ($0.04) 5♣ 9♦ 2♠ (3 players)
SB checks, Hero checks

Turn: ($0.04) A♦ (3 players)
SB checks, Hero checks

River: ($0.04) 5♥ (3 players)
SB bets $0.30, Hero raises to $1.03, SB raises to $1.91 (all-in), Hero calls $0.88

Total pot: $3.86 (Rake: $0.19)

Showdown:
SB shows 5♦ 6♣ (three of a kind, Fives)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 45%, Flop: 85%, Turn: 84%, River: 100%)

BB (Hero) shows 8♦ 4♣ (a pair of Fives)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 55%, Flop: 15%, Turn: 16%, River: 0%)

Hero mucks
SB wins $3.67


Biggest pot so far. Seen villain call half pot bets with overcards and middle pair before so I doubt they are folding an ace here. Overbet makes the most sense.

PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $0.01/$0.02 - 6 players
Hand delivered by CardsChat

UTG: $0.78 (39 bb)
MP: $5.64 (282 bb)
CO (Hero): $3.54 (177 bb)
BU: $1.35 (68 bb)
SB: $1.86 (93 bb)
BB: $5.81 (291 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($0.03) Hero is CO with 9♠ 9♦
1 fold, MP raises to $0.04, Hero 3-bets to $0.15, 3 players fold, MP calls $0.11

Flop: ($0.33) 9♥ A♥ Q♣ (2 players)
MP checks, Hero bets $0.19, MP calls $0.19

Turn: ($0.71) 6♠ (2 players)
MP checks, Hero bets $0.89, MP raises to $1.78, Hero raises to $3.20 (all-in), MP calls $1.42

River: ($7.11) K♦ (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: $7.11 (Rake: $0.36)

Showdown:
CO (Hero) shows 9♠ 9♦ (three of a kind, Nines)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 55%, Flop: 83%, Turn: 91%, River: 100%)

MP shows Q♠ A♣ (two pair, Aces and Queens)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 45%, Flop: 17%, Turn: 9%, River: 0%)

CO (Hero) wins $6.75

My start didn’t go as planned as I ended up unwell. I took some time to rest and recover.

I’ve now reset my starting balance to $60 and switched over to a new site. My plan is to focus on regular tables and aim for $90+ over the course of a month. Once I hit that milestone, I’ll move up to playing at 5NL stakes.

As a secondary strategy, I’ll take advantage of any free spins, bonuses, or promotions available on the various sites where I’m registered. Just today, I hit a small win—$20—from some free spins. I immediately withdrew that amount to avoid the temptation of playing it back.