Yeah, did a few with a mutual friend and I was on the right side of it...and yes it's very fun, don't mind gambling it up every now and then.

Very rare for me to go below C game. If I'm tilting and it effects my play it may be opening/3-4bing slightly wider/ calling down more but I've never had destructive habits where I tilted off a ton of money.

Gave some HW to my last group coaching session on 'improving poker thought processes' after I go through that looking to start a profitable Saturday.

^^ I was referring to your flips as your f game, ha

Glad to see you doing well

Haha ok I wasn't completely sure Same to you, been enjoying your blog

What are your thoughts on berkey? Seems like he does some weird stuff in the little I've seen of him/his thought processes.

As a streamer, he's entertaining and he seems like an intelligent guy overall.

As a player, to be blunt, I don't think he's very good. Don't want to go into a full breakdown of his game but he does do some things that are pretty horrific

sounds like a fair assessment

Hadn't checked the thread in a minute so just spent a few hrs catching up... I think I can honestly say that in twelve years on this forum this is the most enjoyable post I've read LOL. It's just too pure. Anyway, big congrats on the wedding and the house. Keep doing your thing.

I would say self awareness is one of the key components of intelligence and blinding yourself to your completely horrific strategy with complicated word vomit displays a lack of it.

Are you getting to play this guy online atm? Hope month is going well

Appreciate it bro, and yeah she's not one to mince words.

I think that's a fair correlation in general, although I think we all know someone who is quite intelligent yet painfully has lack of self awareness whether it be by ego or having to be right every time etc.

Yes, I do get to play him every now and then as we share one site. He plays more tournaments, but does mix in 2-3 tables of 5/10-10/20 every now and then. He usually streams this on youtube if anyone wanted to check out his game and form their own opinions.

Yes, am currently doing quite well, been a pretty bad winner as I've taken last 3 days off of playing (although I have studied about an hour a day). Hopefully, can grind hard this upcoming weekend to make up for it. (will update my spreadsheet next monday)

Did go on a beautiful hike with wife and mutual friend today at a nearby reservoir, which was really nice getting out of the house and lifting my spirits.

Small bonus hands:

1.) Strong River

PartyGaming - $20 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 3 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BB): 143.72 BB
BTN: 237.2 BB
SB: 100 BB

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 9 J

BTN raises to 2.62 BB, fold, Hero calls 1.62 BB

Flop: (5.74 BB, 2 players) K T 3
Hero checks, BTN bets 3.48 BB, Hero calls 3.48 BB

Turn: (12.7 BB, 2 players) 8
Hero checks, BTN checks

River: (12.7 BB, 2 players) 7
Hero bets 18.9 BB, BTN calls 18.9 BB

Hero shows 9 J (Straight, Jack High)
(Pre 36%, Flop 16%, Turn 18%)
BTN mucks T A (One Pair, Tens)
(Pre 64%, Flop 84%, Turn 82%)
Hero wins 50.41 BB


2.) Playing the nut low like Aces (considered turn OB, still have to check this one)

PokerStars - $20 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 4 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 160.58 BB
SB: 100.5 BB
Hero (BB): 104.11 BB
CO: 127.62 BB

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 5 3

fold, BTN raises to 2.3 BB, fold, Hero raises to 10.75 BB, BTN calls 8.45 BB

Flop: (22 BB, 2 players) 2 8 4
Hero bets 10.94 BB, BTN calls 10.94 BB

Turn: (43.88 BB, 2 players) 9
Hero bets 25 BB, BTN calls 25 BB

River: (93.88 BB, 2 players) 4
Hero bets 57.42 BB and is all-in, fold

Hero shows 5 3 (One Pair, Fours)

Hero wins 93.75 BB

'I think that's a fair correlation in general, although I think we all know someone who is quite intelligent yet painfully has lack of self awareness whether it be by ego or having to be right every time etc.'

Yeah it's a very fair point. I guess my POV was that being intelligent = managing to overcome the mistakes we are hardwired to make as humans, which is generally extremely difficult for me and would say is a mark of self awareness.

But reflecting on it you are right, lots of people I'd consider v clever that fail at this, so maybe I need to redefine my opinion.

Glad to hear things going well, 53 turn is a weird spot, I always play your sizing though, equity too low when we get it in and don't think we can x/c = funnel into the custom none obet sizing with some AA KK 9x flush draw combos I guess which also don't wanna obet rip

who has to be right everytime, is it ishter?

oh i think you meant in general, nevermind

Was a bad 6bet joke lol. He played a hand very similarly except it was J53 and he had 76s. Although it was even worse because it wasn't blind vs blind

Your mums jokes. She’s probably got a good point too haha.

Yeah, I think it's difficult to funnel intelligence into one aspect. I usually find people who are self aware have stronger emotional control/intelligence than pure IQ. Have no idea if that's scientifically true, just my experience with people.

Good looks on the hand as well.

Oh yeah I read that hand, def a guilty pleasure thread read.

That mom post was too good. Been enjoying your thread.

Appreciate it, and same to you, reminds me of my early days of my career.

So been awhile, right? I usually pride myself on making these weekly updates consistently and I slacked pretty hard on that. I was going to make my usual post on Monday night but got my ass kicked so just said I'd do it Tuesday. Got my ass kicked Tuesday and said I'd do it Wednesday and well you get the idea!

Rough week overall, but still a fantastic month overall results wise. The first 24 days of the month I was in pristine run good in pretty much every situation. The only negative is I definitely didn't push myself this month as far as volume. I shot for a lofty goal of 110k (an in reality would of been pretty pleased with 85-90k) but I'll most likely end at 60k...complacency is a *****.

Week 20-21: May 11th-24th


Poker: 52.31 hours Yearly Goal: 661.71/1800

Mental Health: 1 hour Yearly Goal: 11.11/75

Fitness: 3.5 hours Yearly Goal: 53.38/200


Not much to say here. As far as poker I was fairly lazy. So despite the great results Im a bit down about that. I especially don't push it really too much when I'm winning. I will probably regret not pushing it these past 2 months with what's going on with COVID.

I suppose its feeling financial stabile and also being fairly balanced in other facets of life, but I do think I need to start dedicating more time to playing (not even really an off the table issue thing)

The one bright side is one of you guys is going to win the freeroll

Coaching

Will most likely have an update/announcement on this either next update (Monday) or the following week. *Cliffhanger

What else has been going on?

As far as life, things are good. Me and Victoria finished a 5 week fitness challenge for her online HIIT class that's geared more towards woman. Instead of the usual chest,back, bi's tris....my hips, glutes, quads, calfs, hammy's, and abs have gotten a lot of work. It was pretty damn tough... and there are 2 days a week where it's a dance class; not a pretty site.

Victoria got honored by the Marfan Organization and made a pre-recorded speech during their Gala and silent auction which was pretty cool. I also bid too much money(and won...bink) on a John Starks signed photo of the 'dunk'. My Knicks fandom really does cost me.

Spending that money

8k to a roofer. Had to get the heat fixed for $500. Pool and Gardening equipment $500. And now I'm trying to get an awning for our deck outside but the cheapest estimate we got was $4500. Home owning can be expensive.

Surrogacy

Down to #18 on the waiting list.


Hands of the week(s)

1.) Hmmm, tight reg getting a bit OOL.

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

BB: 118.96 BB
CO: 344.78 BB
BTN: 224.93 BB
Hero (SB): 177.31 BB

Hero posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 7 7

fold, BTN raises to 2.6 BB, Hero raises to 10 BB, fold, BTN calls 7.4 BB

Flop: (21 BB, 2 players) 4 5 T
Hero bets 12 BB, BTN calls 12 BB

Turn: (45 BB, 2 players) K
Hero bets 14.72 BB, BTN calls 14.72 BB

River: (74.44 BB, 2 players) 6
Hero checks, BTN checks

Hero shows 7 7 (One Pair, Sevens)
(Pre 67%, Flop 81%, Turn 75%)
BTN mucks 6 9 (One Pair, Sixes)
(Pre 33%, Flop 19%, Turn 25%)
Hero wins 74.04 BB



2.) I probably had the best hand anyway

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

Hero (CO): 109 BB
BTN: 100 BB
SB: 229.49 BB
BB: 163.28 BB
UTG: 229.93 BB
MP: 114.95 BB

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 8 8

fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.5 BB, BTN raises to 8 BB, fold, fold, Hero calls 5.5 BB

Flop: (17.5 BB, 2 players) J 9 6
Hero checks, BTN bets 5.63 BB, Hero calls 5.63 BB

Turn: (28.77 BB, 2 players) 5
Hero checks, BTN checks

River: (28.77 BB, 2 players) 6
Hero checks, BTN bets 21.13 BB, Hero raises to 95.37 BB and is all-in, fold

Hero wins 70.42 BB


3.) Gin river

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

BTN: 104.15 BB
SB: 124.68 BB
Hero (BB): 103.7 BB
UTG: 103.62 BB
MP: 105.11 BB
CO: 98.29 BB

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 7 5

fold, fold, fold, BTN raises to 2.3 BB, fold, Hero calls 1.3 BB

Flop: (5.1 BB, 2 players) 6 Q 4
Hero checks, BTN checks

Turn: (5.1 BB, 2 players) 6
Hero bets 7 BB, BTN calls 7 BB

River: (19.1 BB, 2 players) 3
Hero bets 28.2 BB, BTN calls 28.2 BB

Hero shows 7 5 (Straight, Seven High)
(Pre 40%, Flop 42%, Turn 30%)
BTN mucks 6 9 (Three of a Kind, Sixes)
(Pre 60%, Flop 58%, Turn 70%)
Hero wins 75.2 BB


4.) Didn't expect to lose this one!

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

Hero (SB): 100.5 BB
BB: 107.4 BB
UTG: 101.8 BB
CO: 204.19 BB
BTN: 100 BB

Hero posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has K 8

fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 3 BB, BB raises to 9 BB, Hero calls 6 BB

Flop: (18 BB, 2 players) 9 A 4
Hero checks, BB bets 5.5 BB, Hero calls 5.5 BB

Turn: (29 BB, 2 players) 6
Hero checks, BB checks

River: (29 BB, 2 players) J
Hero checks, BB bets 19 BB, Hero raises to 86 BB and is all-in, BB calls 67 BB

Hero shows K 8 (Flush, King High)
(Pre 34%, Flop 2%, Turn 0%)
BB shows J A (Flush, Ace High)
(Pre 66%, Flop 98%, Turn 100%)
BB wins 200.4 BB


5.) The runout is pure

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

UTG: 110.39 BB
CO: 437.43 BB
Hero (BTN): 123.22 BB
SB: 57.44 BB
BB: 209.07 BB

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has J K

fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.5 BB, fold, BB calls 1.5 BB

Flop: (5.5 BB, 2 players) 4 2 T
BB checks, Hero bets 1.72 BB, BB raises to 7 BB, Hero calls 5.28 BB

Turn: (19.5 BB, 2 players) Q
BB bets 24.38 BB, Hero calls 24.38 BB

River: (68.26 BB, 2 players) 3
BB bets 168 BB, Hero calls 89.34 BB and is all-in

BB shows 6 5 (Straight, Six High)
(Pre 35%, Flop 38%, Turn 16%)
Hero shows J K (Flush, King High)
(Pre 65%, Flop 62%, Turn 84%)
Hero wins 246.34 BB


6.) Bluffing into the nizzles

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

BB: 83.87 BB
UTG: 100 BB
MP: 149.45 BB
CO: 100 BB
BTN: 97.73 BB
Hero (SB): 129.85 BB

Hero posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 9 9

fold, fold, fold, BTN raises to 2.4 BB, Hero raises to 10 BB, fold, BTN raises to 26 BB, Hero calls 16 BB

Flop: (53 BB, 2 players) J 6 8
Hero checks, BTN checks

Turn: (53 BB, 2 players) K
Hero checks, BTN bets 20 BB, Hero calls 20 BB

River: (93 BB, 2 players) Q
Hero bets 83.85 BB and is all-in, BTN calls 51.73 BB and is all-in

Hero shows 9 9 (One Pair, Nines)
(Pre 56%, Flop 75%, Turn 77%)
BTN shows A T (Straight, Ace High)
(Pre 44%, Flop 25%, Turn 23%)
BTN wins 195.85 BB

KJcc turn shove?

In for freeroll if not too late!

I'm very happy just calling IP with this hand

My Cousin Jazz

Growing up, I was apart of of a big extended family on my mother's Irish side. She was one of eight siblings (!!) and they had a closeness that is still seen today. Unsurprisingly, when the siblings had their kids, we all became close too and had a close knit relationship throughout our lives.

One of my older cousins, by about 4 years, was Jazz. I've always looked up to her, even though I imagine I was incredibly annoying being the little cousin growing up (although she totally beat the crap out of me growing up in that older sibling kind of way)

As we got older, we got closer as well; playing tennis and keeping in touch fairly often even though our lives had been busy, mostly her having 2 young kids and teaching full time. For reference, the flower girl for my wedding was actually Jazz's daughter.

One of the last times we saw Jazz was last years 4th of July at my uncle's house. I usually miss this because of the Main Event, but since I busted Day 1 (I finally found a silver lining for that!) I was able to make the family event.

It was there where we told my extended family our issues with pregnancy and our looking into surrogacy. We got our fair share of support and positive outlooks from anyone, including Jazz. But besides that the day moved on and nothing really stuck with me.

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

5/31/2020

I was out in the lawn today, playing with Coby, when my cousin texted me and asked if we could facetime tonight as it had been a bit since we spoke.

I of course said yes, not thinking much of it as she's always been sociable and probably wanted to catchup. I was already in a really good mood as it was. I had agreed to a new contract/position with BTS and had just locked up the best month of my career. We agreed to talk at 8.

We called at 8. My cousin looked excited (as always tbh, but perhaps a bit nervous excited?) and we began to catch up. She brought her husband Joel (great guy) into view and said they wanted to talk about something serious.

We felt weirdly perplexed and a bit scared but told her to go on.

Jazz took a deep breath and then began to recount her story. She told us of that day, almost a year ago on July 4th. About how crushed she was for us when she found out Vic couldn't carry and how it stuck with her hard that day. She started researching surrogacy and what carriers have to go through.

My cousin is very systematic, incredibly caring but also calculating. So they spent a lot of time thinking about it, not daring to mention anything to us to plant any seeds of hope.

The more and more she put thought into it the more it became more appealing of an option to her.... and then Victoria had her heart surgery and the possibility of children again, so the thought of surrogacy was put to the side in hope we could have our own children.

As we know that couldn't happen and when she found out, she knew she could make that commitment for us. So she told us, "I'll be your surrogate i you need me"

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

I think there are a few moments in everyone's lives where you go in complete and utter shock and this is one of them. As she recounted her story, I knew she was leading to this point but to hear it was mind bending.

And then I cried. I cried a lot. I guess we both did, alternating cries like we were some bad EDM track. The tears were relief, the tears were shock, but I think in all honesty it came from the fact someone could do something so selfless for me and Vic.

Having kids is something both me and Vic want more than anything in the world. If you asked me would I rather win 3 WSOP ME's or have the opportunity to have children, I would say children every single time. Becoming a father is something I've always wanted but even more so in the past few years.

Unfortunately, the process and road we've had to take has left a bit of a cloud over us, with surrogacy a unique experience that has us match with an unknown somewhere across the nation and an expense of 100-150k per child leaving a bit of a financial (subconscious) strain on my mentals.

Having someone both me and Vic are close to and trust in this process have taken a big weight off both of our shoulders. It's the greatest gift I've ever been given and we of course we said yes.

Of course there's a lot of logistics to work out with my cousin and the agency we hired but that is something that can wait for now. I've kept everyone upto date on this process through my poker journey and have gotten nothing but kindness and support from a lot of the readers, so I couldn't help but not share this

*I do have big news regarding BTS/Coaching, but I want to keep this a standalone post for now, i'll share that information later today.

Your cousin and her husband sound like great/caring people. Life is so much better when you have great family and friends supporting each other.

This

A+++++ attitude from your cousin you are lucky to have people willing to make such a big sacrifice like that for you.

Week 22: May 25th-May 31st

1.) 34.25 hours of Poker Yearly Goal: 695.96/1800

2.) 0 hours of Mental Health

3.) 0 hours of Fitness

Screwed the pooch on this the last 2. Making that an emphasis this week. I did finish with 60k hands for the month, which means I did not hit my ambitous goal of 110k and that I lost my freeroll...will announce the winner at bottom of the post.

Coaching Change

As most of the readers know, I've been a coach with BTS over the past 2 years. I owe them a lot and really working/coaching with them has been the best poker decision of my career so far.

Additionally, I have gotten quite a bit of interest from others as far as coaching on an individual basis, so in the past few weeks I had some interesting things to consider, I really wasn't sure what was going to follow as far as my coaching.

In the end, I made the best decision for myself and accepted a new position with BTS!

What's Changing

As a CFP, BTS is one of the biggest as we have over 100 students from all different stakes and sites. The community is amazing but with the increase in size there was a need for some organizational change in structure that will now have students in 5 classes.

-Micros
-Low 1
-Low 2
-Mid
-High

Out of the roster of coaches, there is a head coach for each group and I'm excited to say I will be the Mid Headcoach for the next year. Hopefully getting everyone out of the group to High to work with MMA (who is the High HC/shocker)

In the end, I think this setting will allow me to work with a small group of great guys and work with them throughout the year. And of course as a CFP, I'm betting on myself as the better they do, the better I do.

As a result, I'll be a bit more active in coachings/ overall but I think it's going to be a great help for not only the student's games but mine as well.

Additionally, the BTS Lab just dropped and I will have some of my own content there in the future as well as being involved with that.

Poker

Best month ever as far as running copious amounts over EV (most untracked). Unsurprisingly, had a new best month.


Freeroll

60k hands isn't horrible, but of course not what I was looking for. As a result, 28 of you posted on here this month and qualified yourselves for the freeroll.

I numbered you in the order you posted from #1-#28 and then using an RNG, I picked #6.

So congrats to BenaBadBeat, I'll pm you and you get either $250 to a charity/cause of your choice or a coaching (not that you need it )


MEGA FREEROLL

I liked the concept of last freeroll but in the end I don't think $250 is going to push me. I thought of a number that wouldn't affect me financially in the end but would sting if I lost.

So, I only have one goal, play more volume, I have other leaks but this one is costing me the most.

I have to play 75k hands for the month of June. If I don't I'm giving away $4,000. 2k to charity of your choice/ 2k for you to pocket. Same rules as last time, post and you will be entered.

Hands:

1.) Standard but satisfying

PokerStars - $20 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 5 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BB): 101.5 BB
UTG: 142.8 BB
CO: 106.55 BB
BTN: 123.49 BB
SB: 164.29 BB

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 9 T

fold, CO raises to 2.2 BB, fold, fold, Hero calls 1.2 BB

Flop: (4.9 BB, 2 players) 7 8 A
Hero checks, CO bets 1.42 BB, Hero raises to 6 BB, CO calls 4.58 BB

Turn: (16.9 BB, 2 players) 6
Hero bets 5.52 BB, CO calls 5.52 BB

River: (27.94 BB, 2 players) J
Hero bets 20.82 BB, CO calls 20.82 BB

Hero shows 9 T (Straight, Jack High)
(Pre 44%, Flop 30%, Turn 91%)
CO mucks A 8 (Two Pair, Aces and Eights)
(Pre 56%, Flop 70%, Turn 9%)
Hero wins 69.41 BB



2.) Vs a reg w not great etiquette...hence the show

PokerStars - $10 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 5 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

CO: 105.3 BB
BTN: 147.8 BB
Hero (SB): 100 BB
BB: 100 BB
UTG: 100.1 BB

Hero posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has A A

UTG raises to 3 BB, CO raises to 8 BB, fold, Hero raises to 20 BB, fold, fold, CO calls 12 BB

Flop: (44 BB, 2 players) 6 Q T
Hero bets 14.42 BB, CO calls 14.42 BB

Turn: (72.84 BB, 2 players) J
Hero checks, CO bets 18.14 BB, Hero calls 18.14 BB

River: (109.11 BB, 2 players) 9
Hero bets 47.44 BB and is all-in, fold

Hero shows A A (One Pair, Aces)

Hero wins 108.81 BB


3.) Shouldve bombed river, oh well.

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

MP: 195.39 BB
CO: 101 BB
BTN: 131.14 BB
SB: 211.42 BB
Hero (BB): 100 BB
UTG: 199.9 BB

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has Q K

fold, fold, fold, fold, SB raises to 2.5 BB, Hero calls 1.5 BB

Flop: (5 BB, 2 players) 7 T 3
SB bets 2.36 BB, Hero calls 2.36 BB

Turn: (9.72 BB, 2 players) K
SB bets 6.12 BB, Hero calls 6.12 BB

River: (21.97 BB, 2 players) T
SB checks, Hero bets 17 BB, SB calls 17 BB

Hero shows Q K (Two Pair, Kings and Tens)
(Pre 69%, Flop 52%, Turn 73%)
SB mucks K 4 (Two Pair, Kings and Tens)
(Pre 31%, Flop 48%, Turn 27%)
Hero wins 55.37 BB

Yeah, not even saying that as family, great person and really couldn't ask for a better match outside of that. In great shape and in general a health nut.
Truer words couldn't be said, thanks Rapi!

In