My hand is a pretty good bluffcatcher but made my decision mostly due to size and timing tells. Given his sizing On turn then river thought he was polarized to pretty much 7x or air. Also given he’s a ref I just assume a larger % of random bluffs, and given what he had, looks like call is winning a bunch there def wasn’t a fist pump decision though

Week 45-Week 49: 11/4-12/8

Hours Meditated= 0

Hours Yoga= 0

Hours dedicated to Poker= 57.92 Yearly Goal: 1347.28/2200


After Surgery

After 5 days in ICU, Victoria got the go ahead to check out and sent back home, as we left, she got complimented from the staff for having such a loyal family, since I don't think she had one minute alone without visitors. (Not sure that's such a good thing though!)

Anyway, even though we're home, Victoria really can't do much, she's completely dependent, she can't get up, she's in pain constantly, she needs someone to shower her, wipe her etc.. As a result, my mother in law offers to stay over to help out, to help me work and also just help out.

So that's been my situation for the 3-4 weeks. I'm eternally grateful that my mother in law has helped out and loves her daughter as much as I do, but also it's driving me a little ****ing crazy.

I know it's a selfish thought, but it's definitely been tough to kind of getting any alone time with the wife (not like that, just meaningful time spent together); and also I suppose I just miss my isolation time that poker brings. But yeah people have been in and out of the house all the time so I really haven't been able to work too much.

The past 2 or so weeks, I've usually played at night after Victoria goes to bed. It's going ok but don't think I've played up to my usual standard.

On the brightside, Victoria is progressing well, she can walk under her own power now (stairs too), and recently has been able to sleep in her own bed and is off painkillers. The recovery has been an absolute grind but she's kicked a lot of ass, so I need to keep that in mind when coexisting with my in law (who is a lovely person FWIW).

Wedding

Hard to believe it's only 40 days away. And with everything going on, we've fallen a bit behind and it's definitely contributed to anxiety. I've also gotten RSVP's from a few people with no name or return address (100% one of my friends)

Poker

So yeah, not playing as well as I would hope. Perhaps its a combination of rust, anxiety and lack of studying last month or so, but in general I feel very grateful after the surgery so tilt hasn't been too much of an issue.

I also didn't make too much money, or play, much this last quarter; but I accomplished pretty much all the big goals at the beginning of the year that I'm pleased pretty much no matter what.

There's 3 weeks left in the decade so I'm hoping to finish strong


Hands of the Month


1.) Sigh call vs nitty weak reg

partypoker - $2 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 4 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BB): $205.00
CO: $276.52 (VPIP: 26.32, PFR: 18.42, 3Bet Preflop: 10.34, Hands: 234)
BTN: $204.01 (VPIP: 27.70, PFR: 21.03, 3Bet Preflop: 8.22, Hands: 30,405)
SB: $216.71 (VPIP: 26.80, PFR: 19.19, 3Bet Preflop: 4.80, Hands: 611)

SB posts SB $1.00, Hero posts BB $2.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has 8 4

fold, fold, SB calls $1.00, Hero raises to $7.00, SB calls $5.00

Flop: ($14.00, 2 players) 2 7 8
SB checks, Hero bets $9.92, SB raises to $34.72, Hero calls $24.80

Turn: ($83.44, 2 players) K
SB bets $53.08, Hero calls $53.08

River: ($189.60, 2 players) 2
SB bets $121.91 and is all-in, Hero calls $110.20 and is all-in

SB shows 3 A (One Pair, Twos)
(Pre 62%, Flop 46%, Turn 27%)
Hero shows 8 4 (Two Pair, Eights and Twos)
(Pre 38%, Flop 54%, Turn 73%)
SB wins $11.71
Hero wins $408.00


2.) vs big rec

PokerStars - $2 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

UTG: $282.50 (VPIP: 24.95, PFR: 19.90, 3Bet Preflop: 8.69, Hands: 69,047)
MP: $133.35 (VPIP: 45.60, PFR: 11.54, 3Bet Preflop: 5.81, Hands: 187)
CO: $224.58 (VPIP: 31.18, PFR: 6.45, 3Bet Preflop: 2.13, Hands: 95)
Hero (BTN): $241.85
SB: $119.05 (VPIP: 19.09, PFR: 4.56, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 244)
BB: $385.00 (VPIP: 25.85, PFR: 18.91, 3Bet Preflop: 6.74, Hands: 13,327)

SB posts SB $1.00, BB posts BB $2.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has A 5

fold, fold, CO calls $2.00, Hero raises to $8.00, fold, fold, CO calls $6.00

Flop: ($19.00, 2 players) 3 3 2
CO checks, Hero bets $5.96, CO raises to $11.92, Hero calls $5.96

Turn: ($42.84, 2 players) K
CO bets $40.00, Hero calls $40.00

River: ($122.84, 2 players) 9
CO bets $92.00, Hero calls $92.00

CO shows J T (One Pair, Threes)
(Pre 43%, Flop 24%, Turn 14%)
Hero shows A 5 (One Pair, Threes)
(Pre 57%, Flop 76%, Turn 86%)
Hero wins $303.84



3.) Put to the test

partypoker - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

SB: $591.13 (VPIP: 31.40, PFR: 23.75, 3Bet Preflop: 10.71, Hands: 28,181)
BB: $525.83 (VPIP: 24.79, PFR: 19.87, 3Bet Preflop: 8.70, Hands: 73,998)
UTG: $500.00 (VPIP: 27.90, PFR: 19.89, 3Bet Preflop: 8.64, Hands: 56,884)
MP: $563.03 (VPIP: 28.21, PFR: 7.69, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 39)
CO: $566.40 (VPIP: 32.35, PFR: 24.49, 3Bet Preflop: 10.91, Hands: 43,399)
Hero (BTN): $794.47

SB posts SB $2.50, BB posts BB $5.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has A Q

fold, MP calls $5.00, fold, Hero raises to $21.00, SB raises to $75.00, fold, fold, Hero calls $54.00

Flop: ($160.00, 2 players) 3 4 3
SB bets $68.00, Hero calls $68.00

Turn: ($296.00, 2 players) 6
SB bets $170.00, Hero calls $170.00

River: ($636.00, 2 players) 7
SB bets $278.13 and is all-in, Hero calls $278.13

SB shows A 2 (One Pair, Threes)
(Pre 30%, Flop 37%, Turn 23%)
Hero shows A Q (One Pair, Threes)
(Pre 70%, Flop 63%, Turn 77%)
Hero wins $1,189.26

4.) Bluffcatch PTII

partypoker - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 4 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BB): $536.34
CO: $500.00 (VPIP: 36.69, PFR: 25.65, 3Bet Preflop: 12.40, Hands: 319)
BTN: $523.08 (VPIP: 24.81, PFR: 19.87, 3Bet Preflop: 8.70, Hands: 73,028)
SB: $300.00 (VPIP: 25.90, PFR: 16.55, 3Bet Preflop: 8.00, Hands: 145)

SB posts SB $2.50, Hero posts BB $5.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has 9 7

fold, BTN raises to $10.00, fold, Hero raises to $50.00, BTN calls $40.00

Flop: ($102.50, 2 players) T 9 6
Hero checks, BTN bets $25.12, Hero calls $25.12

Turn: ($152.74, 2 players) T
Hero checks, BTN bets $120.59, Hero calls $120.59

River: ($393.92, 2 players) 6
Hero checks, BTN bets $327.37 and is all-in, Hero calls $327.37

Hero shows 9 7 (Two Pair, Tens and Nines)
(Pre 39%, Flop 64%, Turn 77%)
BTN mucks 8 J (Two Pair, Tens and Sixes)
(Pre 61%, Flop 36%, Turn 23%)
Hero wins $1,046.66


5.) Whoops

partypoker - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 5 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

UTG: $1,216.17 (VPIP: 43.14, PFR: 25.67, 3Bet Preflop: 5.58, Hands: 580)
CO: $650.40 (VPIP: 26.40, PFR: 20.37, 3Bet Preflop: 8.89, Hands: 75,367)
BTN: $603.64 (VPIP: 29.39, PFR: 19.52, 3Bet Preflop: 7.90, Hands: 29,775)
Hero (SB): $500.00
BB: $516.68 (VPIP: 26.88, PFR: 19.49, 3Bet Preflop: 7.80, Hands: 91,763)

Hero posts SB $2.50, BB posts BB $5.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has J T

fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to $15.00, BB calls $10.00

Flop: ($30.00, 2 players) 3 8 Q
Hero bets $9.35, BB calls $9.35

Turn: ($48.70, 2 players) 5
Hero bets $57.50, BB calls $57.50

River: ($163.70, 2 players) A
Hero bets $241.00, BB raises to $434.83 and is all-in, fold

BB wins $836.53

Maybe it's not so selfish; perhaps she feels the same? Do you think it'd be wise to ask her to see if she wants to spend a couple days with just you around, and nobody else? Or would that have some chance of backfire?

Just my 2c... could very well be totally wrong!

And of course, congrats on her recovery thus far!!

Hope the recovery keeps going well and gl at the tables. Nice hands!

I think this is good advice. I actually talked to her mother about possibly being overbearing, and she's definitely tried. Asking if we want alone time etc.

My wife was so miserable with the beginnings of recovery, it felt too selfish to ask for her mom to leave. Vic is very blunt so I think she would just say something to her mom or me if anything bothered me .

On the bright side, recovery is really picking up. Went yday to check in w her surgeon and he says she's flying a long which is a great relief.

TY, recovery run good did initiate

As the year is rounding down, I think in general there are a few topics that I want to talk about before I wrap up 2019 (my most successful year by a mile). I made big strides this year and I intend to blow the door off the hinges for 2020, by making some (hopefully) smart changes for 2020.


Transitioning from Cash to Tournaments

Wait, really? I suppose that's a bit of a misleading title.





Transitioning to Cash AND Tournaments

Yes, this is something I have thought about for quite awhile before deciding to follow through in about December.

In the end, I think this decision will be a benefit in multiple ways.

1.) Will increase Cash Volume

One of my biggest leaks in poker has been volume, with the addition of tournaments (which often take 5-8 hours) should as a result lead me to playing longer hours on the cash front on my tournament scheduled days

2.) With the addition of intra-state poker, prizepools have gotten big enough that binks can really add up.

3.) I enjoy learning about-- and improving-- in the game. Mixing it up with some tournaments I think will keep the grind fresh.


Schedule and Expectations

Given the wedding, I am probably not going to implement this til after January 19th. I also am planning on playing only two days a week. Cash will always remain my constant and still should take up about 75-80% of my play+ study.

At the moment, I plan on playing on Sundays and Tuesdays. I will only be playing MTT's $200 and over starting out. My hourly in cash is at a high enough number that $100 don't make financial sense and there's a good chance the $200's don't either (although I will possibly wait a bit before trying to make a conclusion)

Expectations

I made a decent chunk over about 150 games this year (lol sample size). I don't expect to set the world on fire starting out. I'm going to be average to deficient at anything 40bb and below, I believe most solid regs will have an advantage over me.

This is where my 90% of studying/work will come to. I think a lot of it will be tedious, but studying has never really been my issue with poker.

And while I won't be great at sub 40bb, I expect to be the best player in the pool at 100bb+. I believe even the strong tournament grinders are giving up a significant edge to me at any deep stack depth.

In summation, I expect to have a solid ROI starting out and it to increase as I improve and if I stick with it, by years end I should be near the top of the totem pole.


What if it goes to ****?

This is a significant change, so I have to be patient with the process especially firing some MTT's with high price points, it's certainly conceivable to drop 20-30k in a blink. This is why I will guarantee at least a 3 month 'evaluation' phaseper se.

There's also a chance I really don't enjoy the tourney grind over a consistent basis.

And of course, there's a chance I overrate my own edge and the benefits of tournaments are not worth it.

That being said, I thought it through quite a bit and decided to go for it. Additionally, I really won't mind sharing MTT results where I'm a lot more conservative with cash


One Last Chance for Glory

I will be going to Vegas this year. I will be going there to play tournaments.

To be brief, the HS cash games have been absolutely brutal. I remember the past 2 years, there's been 0 recs. Or I would sit and have Bit 2 Easy, Tuff Shark, MMA, Moglimiranda at my table with one (not that bad) rec. Usually you don't want that lineup when you're playing (shotting) 5k.

Obviously, the rec factor is much bigger in tournaments as well that the hourly diff shouldn't be that drastic.

The thrill of big score of course is always enticing even when looking through the scope of Massive variance.

Finally, I'm getting ready for a kid. I actually can't wait to be a dad and there's a chance this could be my last summer without any offspring, so I think trying it out one summer will be worth t he experience. Even if I do end up losing a **** ton of money.

Sounds like a good plan as long as you don't mind being chained to your computer. 2 days a week def seems sustainable though to give up some flexibility. Def would try and work on the sub 40bb stuff asap though. Having an edge deeper is nice but stacks are shorter at the time you are fighting for all the money obv. Gl Gl

Definitely agreed with all points. I probably won’t be able to put too much studying in with the wedding coming up. But it’s the first priority for me. Also helps that a bunch of the $500 tournies are 6 max.

Very frustrating night, have been dealing with back spasms due to my anklosing spondylitis, and after a nice long remission I’ve had a flare up with the Crohns. Was feeling very uncomfortable but still in the mood to play... 5 mins into my session and my mouse mysteriously breaks... and like a true fish I didn’t have a back up.

Wife is going to grandfathers tomorrow so I’m gonna be looking to
Grind hard through the night

if you know how to play against 33% regardless the board and how many players are in the pot and you can play on the turn and river you will be fine

That's awesome, I love that .

glad to hear the wife is doing well.

Re tournies, it's something I've thought a lot about this year.

1stly, I strongly believe it's higher EV than cash if you put the work in, would swap myself if I thought I could deal with the variance.

On the flipside, I've coached a lot for postflop spots to bitB this year, and also been able to see the insane quality of content in general there. I cannot overstate how little an effect being able to play well at 100bb has on ROI. I'm pretty sure there isn't even a correlation between bb/100 and ROI in tournies even.

When ever I rail a big tourney with the bitB guys, I am shocked how far off I am in the spots that really matter. Recently had a % of a guy at the 10k million final table and it is no exxageration to say I'd have punted 100k+ in ICM spots.

Basically super important to recognise that 100bb is the lowstakes part of the tourney, postflop is also really not supremely important at any stack depth looking at the guys who are crushing these things, and there are so many dynamic things worth so much that I would just have always missed without seeing how Pads Tom Sam, Jans etc think about them - I am definitely completely out of the mindset now that cash regs> tourney grinders.

+1

Re the last point, if you put the top mid stakes cash players into a tourny they'll get crushed by the top mid stakes tourny regs, and the same would happen in reverse if you put the tourny guys into a cash game no doubt. I also agree that it's pretty unfair to say that cash players are somehow better than mtt players simply because they probably play better post flop when the same cash player will make crazy big icm punts and mistakes <40bb deep.

If anything the top tier mtt players are probably way better overall players because they're pretty solid post flop/could likely hold their own vs very strong pure cash players AND they have an entire additional set of tourny specific skills that the pure cash guys don't have.

What if they throw the 25% curveball at me though?

It's only awesome til she gets mad at me

Thanks for the well wishes.

1.) Good point regarding variance, I'm sure it'll be more swingier than cash HOWEVER, I am playing in a much smaller pool than ROW so my average field will be much smaller.

2.) Completely agree, that 40bb is more important than 100bb by a significant margin, but I have to count my edges somewhere haha.

I also don't want my post to come off that cash players> MTT players; they each bring different skills to the mix and can even point to when I first read Pads blogs years ago, being amazed at his thought process.

However, I do believe it's a bit easier to transition from cash to tournaments than vice versa. (we'll see how this ages)

Also, played with Sam in a tournament at Venetian past summer, guy is a beast.

3.) I think a tricky thing I'm still figuring out is what to work on first.

When I work on cash, I usually want to focus on a topic that's going to increase my W/R the most and then work my way down. However, I'm not as familiar with tournaments.

I think a lot of my beginning work is going to focus on that 40-25bb stack depth.

I agree with most of this, however I believe at 100bb still think an elite cash reg will have Significant edge over an elite MTT reg.

ICM will also be important to me, I've definitely MTT punted before when it comes to this.

Week 50: 12/9-12/15

Yoga: 0

Meditation:0

Hours dedicated to Poker: 20.79 Yearly Goal: 1368.07/2200


Very happy to have put in about 21 hours with poker considering everything going on with the holidays. Wedding has taken up a bunch of my time, between reaching out to all the people who didn't send RSVP's to getting my tux's ready to getting a gift for groomsman and parents; it's been a lot.

I actually spent an hour today with my mother looking for mother-son dance and we've had no luck; if anyone has any good suggestions that are not ridiculously overdone and not too slow, please leave suggestions


Poker

I sucked so hard this week. Still made some scraps though and it was nice to add a bit more grinding to the table. Madeeee way too many blocker calls against unbalanced sizings and just pressed a bit too much


Last wave of expenses

Between final payments with the wedding and of course Christmas gifts, I'm finally ready to get through this mountain of expenses I took on this whole year.

My monthly nut was about 16k this year factoring in everything I spent; which is pretty insane compared to my past years. Given those constraints, it's difficult to grow the roll too much, so I'm ready for that breakout, breakout year in 2020.


A few hands, not sure I wanna ask for any advice after reading Bena's thread but in all seriousness, always welcome.


1.) vs reg

partypoker - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

MP: $610.58 (VPIP: 33.19, PFR: 23.75, 3Bet Preflop: 8.32, Hands: 2,253)
CO: $570.10 (VPIP: 18.45, PFR: 13.57, 3Bet Preflop: 5.14, Hands: 140,491)
BTN: $651.51 (VPIP: 32.37, PFR: 24.49, 3Bet Preflop: 10.89, Hands: 44,125)
SB: $1,222.39 (VPIP: 52.58, PFR: 30.73, 3Bet Preflop: 21.22, Hands: 779)
Hero (BB): $564.56
UTG: $558.00 (VPIP: 23.51, PFR: 16.37, 3Bet Preflop: 6.40, Hands: 34,570)

SB posts SB $2.50, Hero posts BB $5.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has 9 T

fold, MP raises to $12.00, fold, fold, fold, Hero calls $7.00

Flop: ($26.50, 2 players) A T 9
Hero checks, MP bets $7.50, Hero calls $7.50

Turn: ($41.50, 2 players) 7
Hero checks, MP checks

River: ($41.50, 2 players) 9
Hero checks, MP bets $29.40, Hero raises to $137.50, MP calls $108.10

Hero shows 9 T (Full House, Nines full of Tens)
(Pre 40%, Flop 71%, Turn 82%)
MP mucks Q A (Two Pair, Aces and Nines)
(Pre 60%, Flop 29%, Turn 18%)
Hero wins $313.50


2.) Got it through vs rec

PokerStars - $10 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 4 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BB: $725.90 (VPIP: 51.10, PFR: 5.13, 3Bet Preflop: 1.41, Hands: 418)
CO: $1,000.00 (VPIP: 37.08, PFR: 26.05, 3Bet Preflop: 10.53, Hands: 28,404)
Hero (BTN): $1,052.10
SB: $1,045.50 (VPIP: 25.47, PFR: 17.21, 3Bet Preflop: 9.01, Hands: 34,226)

SB posts SB $5.00, BB posts BB $10.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $15.00) Hero has A 2

fold, Hero raises to $25.00, fold, BB calls $15.00

Flop: ($55.00, 2 players) 5 8 Q
BB checks, Hero bets $26.50, BB calls $26.50

Turn: ($108.00, 2 players) 6
BB checks, Hero bets $80.00, BB calls $80.00

River: ($268.00, 2 players) K
BB checks, Hero bets $171.00, fold

Hero wins $266.00


3.) T high

partypoker - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 3 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (SB): $535.37
BB: $500.00 (VPIP: 22.85, PFR: 15.40, 3Bet Preflop: 6.46, Hands: 65,843)
BTN: $502.50 (VPIP: 32.36, PFR: 24.49, 3Bet Preflop: 10.89, Hands: 43,764)

Hero posts SB $2.50, BB posts BB $5.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has 9 T

BTN raises to $15.00, Hero raises to $52.00, BB raises to $112.50, fold, Hero calls $60.50

Flop: ($240.00, 2 players) J 7 2
Hero checks, BB bets $65.00, Hero raises to $422.87 and is all-in, fold

Hero wins $725.87


4.) Rec in bb, reg sqz BU

PokerStars - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

UTG: $944.07 (VPIP: 29.28, PFR: 23.49, 3Bet Preflop: 11.28, Hands: 55,113)
MP: $706.68 (VPIP: 26.71, PFR: 19.32, 3Bet Preflop: 8.01, Hands: 8,678)
Hero (CO): $500.00
BTN: $512.50 (VPIP: 26.52, PFR: 18.81, 3Bet Preflop: 10.68, Hands: 2,589)
SB: $529.30 (VPIP: 27.92, PFR: 18.56, 3Bet Preflop: 6.70, Hands: 3,563)
BB: $1,010.25 (VPIP: 65.17, PFR: 47.76, 3Bet Preflop: 35.44, Hands: 208)

SB posts SB $2.50, BB posts BB $5.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has J A

fold, MP raises to $12.00, Hero calls $12.00, BTN raises to $50.00, fold, fold, fold, Hero calls $38.00

Flop: ($119.50, 2 players) 7 2 K
Hero checks, BTN bets $40.00, Hero calls $40.00

Turn: ($199.50, 2 players) T
Hero checks, BTN bets $110.00, Hero raises to $410.00 and is all-in, fold

Hero wins $416.50


5.) Caught

PokerStars - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 2 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BB: $654.46 (VPIP: 27.93, PFR: 19.92, 3Bet Preflop: 8.63, Hands: 57,167)
Hero (SB): $591.88

Hero posts SB $2.50, BB posts BB $5.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has 4 9

Hero raises to $12.50, BB calls $7.50

Flop: ($25.00, 2 players) 5 T 3
BB checks, Hero bets $7.92, BB calls $7.92

Turn: ($40.84, 2 players) A
BB checks, Hero bets $60.00, BB calls $60.00

River: ($160.84, 2 players) J
BB checks, Hero bets $361.00, BB calls $361.00

Hero shows 4 9 (High Card, Ace)
(Pre 48%, Flop 7%, Turn 23%)
BB shows 3 3 (Three of a Kind, Threes)
(Pre 52%, Flop 93%, Turn 77%)
BB wins $881.84

16k/mo on avg for the year??? Yes that's quite insane if not a typo lol

nh's

16k a month waow

Don’t forget his penis surgery and wife’s procedure were probably a nice chunk of that. (Hope she’s doing better!)

No typo, a big portion of it has to do w down payment of house, wedding also a chunk, although we get gifts so looks like getting rb

Thx m8

Hopefully it’s a one off deal. Thinking 4-5k is more in line going forward

Thanks.

Will gladly pay 16k a month for the rest of my life not to get dick surgery again

You seem great, in so many ways. Best of luck to you and Victoria!

Be honest the majority of the 16k ea month was for the payment plan on the flowers

Thank you! That’s quite the compliment, I like to think I’m easy going but I have my issues of course too!

Oh man don’t even get me started haha...

Week 51: 12/16-12/22

0 Meditation

0 Yoga

16.82 hours dedicated to Poker Yearly Goal: 1384:89


No Poker Time

As holidays come, a lot of real life stuff shoots up that I really have had no time to play which is a total bummer since I've been itching to play a lot more lately. Had a bunch of family stuff, doctor stuff, and clearing up the house.

Vic is getting better each day and even had the MIL out a few days for some much needed bonding time. Will just be us in a few days.

Not much to talk about otherwise, will update accordingly next week with a whole bunch of stuff.


Hands:

1.) Not too much of a fan of this, unblocking all his barrels are cool but just a spot I don't really need to worry as much about denying EQ imo. Don't think it's horrible but think call better in hindsight ofc

PokerStars - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

SB: $783.83 (VPIP: 59.92, PFR: 11.16, 3Bet Preflop: 7.81, Hands: 248)
BB: $580.39 (VPIP: 24.66, PFR: 19.80, 3Bet Preflop: 8.71, Hands: 77,860)
UTG: $1,230.68 (VPIP: 34.15, PFR: 25.94, 3Bet Preflop: 9.50, Hands: 44,092)
MP: $500.00 (VPIP: 21.91, PFR: 17.22, 3Bet Preflop: 7.05, Hands: 204,263)
CO: $1,343.31 (VPIP: 18.44, PFR: 13.56, 3Bet Preflop: 5.13, Hands: 141,477)
Hero (BTN): $500.00

SB posts SB $2.50, BB posts BB $5.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has Q A

UTG raises to $15.00, fold, fold, Hero calls $15.00, SB calls $12.50, BB raises to $75.00, fold, Hero calls $60.00, fold

Flop: ($180.00, 2 players) A 2 Q
BB bets $44.25, Hero calls $44.25

Turn: ($268.50, 2 players) 7
BB bets $130.00, Hero raises to $380.75 and is all-in, fold

Hero wins $525.50


2.) Rec who actually isn't half bad, punts a bit

PokerStars - $10 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): $1,027.69
SB: $2,311.92 (VPIP: 24.47, PFR: 19.96, 3Bet Preflop: 7.38, Hands: 2,665)
BB: $5,876.66 (VPIP: 34.41, PFR: 20.59, 3Bet Preflop: 9.97, Hands: 1,812)
UTG: $1,310.27 (VPIP: 24.66, PFR: 19.80, 3Bet Preflop: 8.71, Hands: 77,971)
MP: $2,590.31 (VPIP: 26.69, PFR: 20.48, 3Bet Preflop: 8.61, Hands: 139,507)
CO: $2,445.87 (VPIP: 28.03, PFR: 19.89, 3Bet Preflop: 11.15, Hands: 4,212)

SB posts SB $5.00, BB posts BB $10.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $15.00) Hero has 9 8

fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to $25.00, fold, BB calls $15.00

Flop: ($55.00, 2 players) 8 7 2
BB checks, Hero checks

Turn: ($55.00, 2 players) Q
BB checks, Hero bets $26.13, BB raises to $80.00, Hero calls $53.87

River: ($215.00, 2 players) A
BB bets $130.00, Hero calls $130.00

BB shows 5 2 (One Pair, Twos)
(Pre 32%, Flop 20%, Turn 11%)
Hero shows 9 8 (One Pair, Eights)
(Pre 68%, Flop 80%, Turn 89%)
Hero wins $472.00


3.) What runouts (dreams) are made of

partypoker - $2 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 5 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): $215.66
SB: $384.87 (VPIP: 24.67, PFR: 19.80, 3Bet Preflop: 8.69, Hands: 77,746)
BB: $342.51 (VPIP: 32.34, PFR: 24.47, 3Bet Preflop: 10.87, Hands: 44,730)
UTG: $213.39 (VPIP: 21.91, PFR: 17.22, 3Bet Preflop: 7.05, Hands: 204,175)
CO: $165.03 (VPIP: 26.52, PFR: 15.74, 3Bet Preflop: 3.63, Hands: 1,620)

SB posts SB $1.00, BB posts BB $2.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has J T

fold, fold, Hero raises to $5.00, SB raises to $24.00, fold, Hero calls $19.00

Flop: ($50.00, 2 players) 7 Q 7
SB bets $11.80, Hero calls $11.80

Turn: ($73.60, 2 players) 9
SB bets $38.00, Hero calls $38.00

River: ($149.60, 2 players) 2
SB bets $311.07 and is all-in, Hero calls $141.86 and is all-in

SB shows 7 A (Three of a Kind, Sevens)
(Pre 54%, Flop 93%, Turn 70%)
Hero shows J T (Flush, Jack High)
(Pre 46%, Flop 7%, Turn 30%)
SB wins $169.21
Hero wins $430.32


4.) Poor river decision by me, and yes pre is just very rare flat

partypoker - $2 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

UTG: $200.00 (VPIP: 22.81, PFR: 15.38, 3Bet Preflop: 6.46, Hands: 66,254)
MP: $370.99 (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 16.67, 3Bet Preflop: 9.09, Hands: 24)
CO: $105.35 (VPIP: 34.64, PFR: 13.81, 3Bet Preflop: 7.88, Hands: 503)
Hero (BTN): $249.00
SB: $296.32 (VPIP: 32.34, PFR: 24.47, 3Bet Preflop: 10.88, Hands: 44,554)
BB: $200.00 (VPIP: 33.51, PFR: 22.16, 3Bet Preflop: 4.84, Hands: 188)

SB posts SB $1.00, BB posts BB $2.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has K K

fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to $5.00, SB raises to $20.00, fold, Hero calls $15.00

Flop: ($42.00, 2 players) 7 T T
SB bets $11.90, Hero raises to $37.00, SB calls $25.10

Turn: ($116.00, 2 players) 9
SB checks, Hero checks

River: ($116.00, 2 players) 5
SB bets $37.29, Hero calls $37.29

SB shows J J (Two Pair, Jacks and Tens)
(Pre 18%, Flop 10%, Turn 14%)
Hero shows K K (Two Pair, Kings and Tens)
(Pre 82%, Flop 90%, Turn 86%)
Hero wins $187.58


5.) Failed bluff

PokerStars - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 2 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BB): $1,084.58
SB: $450.92 (VPIP: 54.29, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 11.39, Hands: 232)

SB posts SB $2.50, Hero posts BB $5.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has 8 T

SB raises to $15.00, Hero raises to $55.00, SB calls $40.00

Flop: ($110.00, 2 players) 9 K K
Hero bets $35.97, SB calls $35.97

Turn: ($181.94, 2 players) Q
Hero bets $115.00, SB calls $115.00

River: ($411.94, 2 players) 8
Hero bets $616.41, SB calls $244.95 and is all-in

Hero shows 8 T (Two Pair, Kings and Eights)
(Pre 41%, Flop 8%, Turn 9%)
SB shows 5 K (Three of a Kind, Kings)
(Pre 59%, Flop 92%, Turn 91%)
SB wins $900.84


6.)Bluff #2

partypoker - $2 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

CO: $200.00 (VPIP: 22.81, PFR: 15.38, 3Bet Preflop: 6.46, Hands: 66,246)
BTN: $318.87 (VPIP: 11.76, PFR: 5.88, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 17)
SB: $107.18 (VPIP: 34.59, PFR: 13.84, 3Bet Preflop: 8.04, Hands: 495)
Hero (BB): $203.00
UTG: $301.32 (VPIP: 32.35, PFR: 24.48, 3Bet Preflop: 10.88, Hands: 44,546)
MP: $216.91 (VPIP: 33.15, PFR: 21.35, 3Bet Preflop: 4.84, Hands: 180)

SB posts SB $1.00, Hero posts BB $2.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has 4 A

fold, fold, CO raises to $6.00, fold, fold, Hero calls $4.00

Flop: ($13.00, 2 players) 9 9 2
Hero checks, CO bets $4.00, Hero raises to $15.00, CO calls $11.00

Turn: ($43.00, 2 players) 3
Hero bets $31.00, CO calls $31.00

River: ($105.00, 2 players) 7
Hero bets $76.50, fold

Hero wins $178.50

Week 52: 12/23- 12/31

1.) 0 hours of Meditation. Yearly Total: 15.12 GOAL:60

2.) 0 hours of Yoga (!!!) Yearly Total: 5.74 GOAL: 60

3.) 14.5 hours of Poker Yearly Total: 1399.39 GOAL: 2200

I barely played this week as I had holidays and then caught pharyngitis which I'm on the back end now, but still feeling fairly crappy. I turned 27 this past week, which was nice and flew down to Nashville the same night to attend my cousins wedding.

I most likely played my last session of 2019 as I'm going to enjoy New year's eve with the wife, especially since we finally have the house back to just us two.

2019 was a hell of a year, there were some amazing highs and some low lows but overall it was a success. There are somethings I accomplished that I am extremely proud of myself for... there are also some things I did not accomplish that is on me.

Will do a complete wrap up and overview tomorrow.


Just one hand from tonight.

1.) Bzt

PokerStars - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 2 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

SB: $1,386.59 (VPIP: 28.08, PFR: 20.05, 3Bet Preflop: 8.67, Hands: 58,208)
Hero (BB): $500.00

SB posts SB $2.50, Hero posts BB $5.00

Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has 4 3

SB raises to $11.50, Hero raises to $48.00, SB calls $36.50

Flop: ($96.00, 2 players) 2 6 T
Hero bets $31.35, SB calls $31.35

Turn: ($158.70, 2 players) J
Hero bets $118.28, SB calls $118.28

River: ($395.26, 2 players) 4
Hero checks, SB bets $1,188.96 and is all-in, Hero calls $302.37 and is all-in

SB shows 7 8 (High Card, Jack)
(Pre 63%, Flop 71%, Turn 77%)
Hero shows 4 3 (One Pair, Fours)
(Pre 37%, Flop 29%, Turn 23%)
Hero wins $999.00

Hey man, I just stumbled upon this thread. I read the last page here and the last page of the other one. Congrats on your progress! I remember how much improvement you experienced back when I was playing more NLH. You really got to be quite formidable (I know I am not a great authority, but perhaps you don't mind hearing it anyway). I think it's admirable to be so open about your story here. I applaud you. Looking forward to reading more of the thread. Good luck and best wishes.

Thanks man appreciate the kind words, always impressed with you being able to play both NLH and PLO at a high level.

It's been awhile since we played so hope everythings been well with you

---------------------------------------------

2019 Wrap up post is coming, I had/have a lot to talk about so it's taking me a bit to write and I didn't want to rush it, I will be getting around to it