Learning to learn and work hard, my road to becoming best player I can be
Background
Iīm in my 30ies and Iīve been playing poker for almost 10 years as my main income, so I think that qualifies me as professional. Most things Iīve done regarding my poker career canīt be even remotely called professional. It has been interesting journey and past year or so Iīve started discovering my love for working hard and learning.I have so much to learn on those things and Iīm very excited about it.
I stumbled on poker in my uni years when I was really disinterested on my studies or in regular work life. Having developed taste for drinking, smoking weed, gambling, travelling and being lazy, poker was perfect fit for me. I realized I could make good money in few months and then enjoy my freedom. Iīd get itch to get back to grind later and recognize that I have to put lot of work to earn my edge back, I repeated this cycle for years. Couple years ago I started feeling emptiness of drinking and being generally lazy and drifting around, alcohol brought lots of negative thought(as it probably has since I started drinking) and it was kind of wake up call that something has to change.
Current situation
Iīm most happiest and fit Iīve probably ever been in my life. Iīve developed good habits of exercise, meditation and eating healthy and most importantly gotten rid of binge drinking. My financial situation is pretty secure, got my own house and decent savings for my age. I think there is still good money to be made in poker and I really want to give myself opportunity to be the best poker player I can be.
That graph describes lot about my game, I run good and play good then get complacent. After losing my edge and confidence I work hard to get my edge, start winning and then repeat again. So my most important goal will be to develop solid study structure which puts me to the best position to improve constantly and stay ahead of the curve.
Since I started working harder, Iīve had couple small burnouts where I had to take month or two to recover. Trying to put max volume and feeling brain dead rest of the day six days of week isnīt definitely for me. Sometimes less is more and I try to work 5 and 4 days on alternating weeks putting in quality hours.
Other
With meditation iīve been able to get rid of my addictions and improve my life quality so much and Iīm very grateful that I found it. Iīd like to improve my practice as itīs not constant enough at the moment.
Golf is big passion in my life and itīs one of my favourite ways to spend my time off. I try to fit training in my schedule so I can improve in golf as well. I like bodyweight training and yoga. Goal is to stay fit, strong and mobile by doing some kind of exercise almost every day.
Goals
Next 6 months I have lots of other things to do so volume and results goals canīt be that precise, but I want have some goals to work towards.
Poker
[1] Play 300,000 hands .
[2] Set up solid study schedule to improve constantly, keep track and study 4 hours a week.
[3] Follow and improve daily schedule.
[4] Keep track of my mental game and improve biggest weaknesses.
[5] Update weekly to accountability
Life
[1] Meditate daily, optimal twice a day.
[2] Stay fit and mobile.
[3] Limit and track alcohol consumption.
[4] Play golf at least once a week, enjoy the game and improve.
Letīs work hard and enjoy the journey.
Iīm in my 30ies and Iīve been playing poker for almost 10 years as my main income, so I think that qualifies me as professional. Most things Iīve done regarding my poker career canīt be even remotely called professional. It has been interesting journey and past year or so Iīve started discovering my love for working hard and learning.I have so much to learn on those things and Iīm very excited about it.
I stumbled on poker in my uni years when I was really disinterested on my studies or in regular work life. Having developed taste for drinking, smoking weed, gambling, travelling and being lazy, poker was perfect fit for me. I realized I could make good money in few months and then enjoy my freedom. Iīd get itch to get back to grind later and recognize that I have to put lot of work to earn my edge back, I repeated this cycle for years. Couple years ago I started feeling emptiness of drinking and being generally lazy and drifting around, alcohol brought lots of negative thought(as it probably has since I started drinking) and it was kind of wake up call that something has to change.
Current situation
Iīm most happiest and fit Iīve probably ever been in my life. Iīve developed good habits of exercise, meditation and eating healthy and most importantly gotten rid of binge drinking. My financial situation is pretty secure, got my own house and decent savings for my age. I think there is still good money to be made in poker and I really want to give myself opportunity to be the best poker player I can be.
That graph describes lot about my game, I run good and play good then get complacent. After losing my edge and confidence I work hard to get my edge, start winning and then repeat again. So my most important goal will be to develop solid study structure which puts me to the best position to improve constantly and stay ahead of the curve.
Since I started working harder, Iīve had couple small burnouts where I had to take month or two to recover. Trying to put max volume and feeling brain dead rest of the day six days of week isnīt definitely for me. Sometimes less is more and I try to work 5 and 4 days on alternating weeks putting in quality hours.
Other
With meditation iīve been able to get rid of my addictions and improve my life quality so much and Iīm very grateful that I found it. Iīd like to improve my practice as itīs not constant enough at the moment.
Golf is big passion in my life and itīs one of my favourite ways to spend my time off. I try to fit training in my schedule so I can improve in golf as well. I like bodyweight training and yoga. Goal is to stay fit, strong and mobile by doing some kind of exercise almost every day.
Goals
Next 6 months I have lots of other things to do so volume and results goals canīt be that precise, but I want have some goals to work towards.
Poker
[1] Play 300,000 hands .
[2] Set up solid study schedule to improve constantly, keep track and study 4 hours a week.
[3] Follow and improve daily schedule.
[4] Keep track of my mental game and improve biggest weaknesses.
[5] Update weekly to accountability
Life
[1] Meditate daily, optimal twice a day.
[2] Stay fit and mobile.
[3] Limit and track alcohol consumption.
[4] Play golf at least once a week, enjoy the game and improve.
Letīs work hard and enjoy the journey.
After opening thread got sick, so spent couple days in the bed. Got in only couple days of work and wasnīt feeling very sharp, at least got good overview of my emotions related to B andC-game. Played like 5k hands and broke even.
Hands
1
Two mistakes in this hand that add up in the long run. Preflop should be call against this opponent, had weak read that calls too much post flop and his RFI was tightish. So I should be pushing equity of my stronger hands preflop rather than being balanced.
River exposed mental game flaw where I get too invested in the pot and canīt give up my worst bluffs. I just followed first thought I planted in my head that he might be folding too much of his range because I have such huge range advantage. I should just be thinking what to valuebet then if I want deviate from balanced bluffing range, then choose bluffs according to that. Having read that he might be calling too much I should be thinking decreasing bluffing%. 76 is worst bluff to have here. I think it was the 2009 me clicking buttons. We make mistakes so we can learn and get better.
Next week
Normally Iīd tried to catch up missed volume, but getting sick is part of being professional, you can put yourself to the best position by healthy habits. I had 3 days off planned for this week so going enjoy my time off and play couple rounds of golf and spent some time with SO. Better luck next week and hope to get to the proper work mode.
Hands
1
Poker Stars, $0.50/$1 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $438.98 (439 bb)
Hero (BB): $100 (100 bb)
UTG: $145.51 (145.5 bb)
MP: $173.89 (173.9 bb)
CO: $101.50 (101.5 bb)
BTN: $338.88 (338.9 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 6 7
UTG folds, MP raises to $2.52, 3 folds, Hero raises to $10.56, MP calls $8.04
Flop: ($21.62) 5 4 5 (2 players)
Hero bets $6.37, MP calls $6.37
Turn: ($34.36) 3 (2 players)
Hero bets $21.87, MP calls $21.87
River: ($78.10) 5 (2 players)
Hero bets $61.20 and is all-in, MP calls $61.20
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $438.98 (439 bb)
Hero (BB): $100 (100 bb)
UTG: $145.51 (145.5 bb)
MP: $173.89 (173.9 bb)
CO: $101.50 (101.5 bb)
BTN: $338.88 (338.9 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 6 7
UTG folds, MP raises to $2.52, 3 folds, Hero raises to $10.56, MP calls $8.04
Flop: ($21.62) 5 4 5 (2 players)
Hero bets $6.37, MP calls $6.37
Turn: ($34.36) 3 (2 players)
Hero bets $21.87, MP calls $21.87
River: ($78.10) 5 (2 players)
Hero bets $61.20 and is all-in, MP calls $61.20
Spoiler:
Results: $200.50 pot ($2.50 rake)
Final Board: 5 4 5 3 5
Hero showed 6 7 and lost (-$100 net)
MP showed 7 5 and won $198 ($98 net)
Final Board: 5 4 5 3 5
Hero showed 6 7 and lost (-$100 net)
MP showed 7 5 and won $198 ($98 net)
Two mistakes in this hand that add up in the long run. Preflop should be call against this opponent, had weak read that calls too much post flop and his RFI was tightish. So I should be pushing equity of my stronger hands preflop rather than being balanced.
River exposed mental game flaw where I get too invested in the pot and canīt give up my worst bluffs. I just followed first thought I planted in my head that he might be folding too much of his range because I have such huge range advantage. I should just be thinking what to valuebet then if I want deviate from balanced bluffing range, then choose bluffs according to that. Having read that he might be calling too much I should be thinking decreasing bluffing%. 76 is worst bluff to have here. I think it was the 2009 me clicking buttons. We make mistakes so we can learn and get better.
Next week
Normally Iīd tried to catch up missed volume, but getting sick is part of being professional, you can put yourself to the best position by healthy habits. I had 3 days off planned for this week so going enjoy my time off and play couple rounds of golf and spent some time with SO. Better luck next week and hope to get to the proper work mode.
I try to come up with some structured format for weekly updates next week
Weekly Recap
Worked for 4 days and played about 10 k hands. Forgot to track my study hours, but studied 8 hours I think. Very happy with my meditation practice, did couple of sessions daily varying from 20-40 minutes I started to see benefits in my general mood and in quality of work in past couple days.
I have so many things to work on my game at the moment.Iīm getting pulled different directions all the time and find it hard to be really focused and productive in my study. I have to recognize technical biggest technical and mental game mistakes and focus on those first.
Iīm currently in 130k hand breakeven stretch, and my confidence has dropped low. Too often my mind goes blank in relatively simple situations and I canīt find correct data points and end up running some random things in my head. Biggest issue at the moment is wanting to have certainty in spots where is impossible to have one.
1
Villain executes the russian float to perfection. One of the best hands to bluff with QJ/QT hh/cc in this spot.
2
Super grose spot, in theory I have to find the call here about 20%. This is the spot where villain can end up overbluffing a lot or never bluffing. I think we just have to GTO it, I ended up spinning the RNG and found the call button. I think Iīm yet to find a bluff in 200z or 100z against this betsizing. Not sure Ac is good or bad here. PIOd this hand and looked like we wanted to unblock the Ks which make sense if villain checks back some Ac which might have some sd-value.
3
Villains russian float gone bad. Not sure about my turn ship, but tought villain is trying to get to sd or something and scared to see river jam. I think villains valueraise OTT is too thin.
Goals for next 7 days
[ ]5 days of work
[ ]Study 6 hours and track study time
[ ]Make a mental hand history for wanting to have certainty
[ ]Meditate daily
Weekly Recap
Worked for 4 days and played about 10 k hands. Forgot to track my study hours, but studied 8 hours I think. Very happy with my meditation practice, did couple of sessions daily varying from 20-40 minutes I started to see benefits in my general mood and in quality of work in past couple days.
I have so many things to work on my game at the moment.Iīm getting pulled different directions all the time and find it hard to be really focused and productive in my study. I have to recognize technical biggest technical and mental game mistakes and focus on those first.
Iīm currently in 130k hand breakeven stretch, and my confidence has dropped low. Too often my mind goes blank in relatively simple situations and I canīt find correct data points and end up running some random things in my head. Biggest issue at the moment is wanting to have certainty in spots where is impossible to have one.
1
Poker Stars, $0.50/$1 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $354.30 (354.3 bb)
Hero (BB): $112.16 (112.2 bb)
UTG: $421.36 (421.4 bb)
MP: $102.50 (102.5 bb)
CO: $100 (100 bb)
BTN: $107.70 (107.7 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with T J
3 folds, BTN raises to $2.50, SB folds, Hero raises to $10.50, BTN calls $8
Flop: ($21.50) 9 A 3 (2 players)
Hero bets $6.33, BTN calls $6.33
Turn: ($34.16) 8 (2 players)
Hero bets $22.24, BTN calls $22.24
River: ($78.64) 4 (2 players)
Hero bets $73.09 and is all-in, BTN calls $68.63
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $354.30 (354.3 bb)
Hero (BB): $112.16 (112.2 bb)
UTG: $421.36 (421.4 bb)
MP: $102.50 (102.5 bb)
CO: $100 (100 bb)
BTN: $107.70 (107.7 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with T J
3 folds, BTN raises to $2.50, SB folds, Hero raises to $10.50, BTN calls $8
Flop: ($21.50) 9 A 3 (2 players)
Hero bets $6.33, BTN calls $6.33
Turn: ($34.16) 8 (2 players)
Hero bets $22.24, BTN calls $22.24
River: ($78.64) 4 (2 players)
Hero bets $73.09 and is all-in, BTN calls $68.63
Spoiler:
Results: $215.90 pot ($2.50 rake)
Final Board: 9 A 3 8 4
Hero showed T J and lost (-$107.70 net)
BTN showed 8 T and won $213.40 ($105.70 net)
Final Board: 9 A 3 8 4
Hero showed T J and lost (-$107.70 net)
BTN showed 8 T and won $213.40 ($105.70 net)
Villain executes the russian float to perfection. One of the best hands to bluff with QJ/QT hh/cc in this spot.
2
Poker Stars, $0.50/$1 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
Hero (SB): $100 (100 bb)
BB: $136.74 (136.7 bb)
UTG: $128.59 (128.6 bb)
MP: $187.62 (187.6 bb)
CO: $182.56 (182.6 bb)
BTN: $128.32 (128.3 bb)
Preflop: Hero is SB with A Q
4 folds, Hero raises to $2.67, BB calls $1.67
Flop: ($5.34) Q J T (2 players)
Hero bets $1.57, BB calls $1.57
Turn: ($8.48) T (2 players)
Hero checks, BB bets $6.29, Hero calls $6.29
River: ($21.06) T (2 players)
Hero checks, BB bets $126.21 and is all-in, Hero calls $89.47 and is all-in
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
Hero (SB): $100 (100 bb)
BB: $136.74 (136.7 bb)
UTG: $128.59 (128.6 bb)
MP: $187.62 (187.6 bb)
CO: $182.56 (182.6 bb)
BTN: $128.32 (128.3 bb)
Preflop: Hero is SB with A Q
4 folds, Hero raises to $2.67, BB calls $1.67
Flop: ($5.34) Q J T (2 players)
Hero bets $1.57, BB calls $1.57
Turn: ($8.48) T (2 players)
Hero checks, BB bets $6.29, Hero calls $6.29
River: ($21.06) T (2 players)
Hero checks, BB bets $126.21 and is all-in, Hero calls $89.47 and is all-in
Spoiler:
Results: $200 pot ($2.50 rake)
Final Board: Q J T T T
Hero showed A Q and lost (-$100 net)
BB showed T 9 and won $197.50 ($97.50 net)
Final Board: Q J T T T
Hero showed A Q and lost (-$100 net)
BB showed T 9 and won $197.50 ($97.50 net)
Super grose spot, in theory I have to find the call here about 20%. This is the spot where villain can end up overbluffing a lot or never bluffing. I think we just have to GTO it, I ended up spinning the RNG and found the call button. I think Iīm yet to find a bluff in 200z or 100z against this betsizing. Not sure Ac is good or bad here. PIOd this hand and looked like we wanted to unblock the Ks which make sense if villain checks back some Ac which might have some sd-value.
3
Poker Stars, $0.50/$1 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $201.59 (201.6 bb)
Hero (BB): $112.91 (112.9 bb)
UTG: $100 (100 bb)
MP: $114 (114 bb)
CO: $101.50 (101.5 bb)
BTN: $112.92 (112.9 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 6 6
3 folds, BTN raises to $2, SB folds, Hero calls $1
Flop: ($4.50) 2 5 6 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $1, Hero raises to $4.27, BTN calls $3.27
Turn: ($13.04) J (2 players)
Hero bets $16.48, BTN raises to $32.96, Hero raises to $106.64 and is all-in, BTN calls $73.68
River: ($226.32) A (2 players, 1 is all-in)
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $201.59 (201.6 bb)
Hero (BB): $112.91 (112.9 bb)
UTG: $100 (100 bb)
MP: $114 (114 bb)
CO: $101.50 (101.5 bb)
BTN: $112.92 (112.9 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 6 6
3 folds, BTN raises to $2, SB folds, Hero calls $1
Flop: ($4.50) 2 5 6 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $1, Hero raises to $4.27, BTN calls $3.27
Turn: ($13.04) J (2 players)
Hero bets $16.48, BTN raises to $32.96, Hero raises to $106.64 and is all-in, BTN calls $73.68
River: ($226.32) A (2 players, 1 is all-in)
Spoiler:
Results: $226.32 pot ($2.50 rake)
Final Board: 2 5 6 J A
Hero showed 6 6 and won $223.82 ($110.91 net)
BTN showed K T and lost (-$112.91 net)
Final Board: 2 5 6 J A
Hero showed 6 6 and won $223.82 ($110.91 net)
BTN showed K T and lost (-$112.91 net)
Villains russian float gone bad. Not sure about my turn ship, but tought villain is trying to get to sd or something and scared to see river jam. I think villains valueraise OTT is too thin.
Goals for next 7 days
[ ]5 days of work
[ ]Study 6 hours and track study time
[ ]Make a mental hand history for wanting to have certainty
[ ]Meditate daily
March recap
Didnīt update the thread as much as I wouldīve wanted. Worked a lot and golfed a lot and writing was first thing I dropped when felt that I dont have enough time. I want to make this priority as venting things out in public forum is really helpful and allows me to get better overview what Iīm doing.
Started month with quite low confidence on my game. Discovered massive leaks in my game quite shortly after starting this thread. The feeling you get when you realize how much you suck can be awesome, that means you can get much better. I used to have fixed mindset, I believed that you have innate ability to do something and it canīt be improved. That meant dealing with variance and falling behind curve was hard, lots of negative thoughts about myself and my abilities as now I can use it as fuel to work harder to get better.
I studied that spot using PiO to explore best strategies. When I gained better understanding strategies I should use, I started using CREV to build my strategy and later check how that corresponds strategies used by PiO. I find that having to construct my own ranges with CREV I learn much faster and retain knowledge much better. Studying with PiO can be overwhelming, because how much information you can get out and sometimes that information is very difficult to interpret.
Caught massive heat after meh start.
Lost the rest of my update when trying to post...
April goals
[ ]Update thread twice
[ ]Low target 45k hands, high 60k. Some variables I canīt control this month.
[ ]Improve my biggest weakness and track improvement
[ ]Study 20 hours and track study time
[ ]Meditate daily
Didnīt update the thread as much as I wouldīve wanted. Worked a lot and golfed a lot and writing was first thing I dropped when felt that I dont have enough time. I want to make this priority as venting things out in public forum is really helpful and allows me to get better overview what Iīm doing.
Started month with quite low confidence on my game. Discovered massive leaks in my game quite shortly after starting this thread. The feeling you get when you realize how much you suck can be awesome, that means you can get much better. I used to have fixed mindset, I believed that you have innate ability to do something and it canīt be improved. That meant dealing with variance and falling behind curve was hard, lots of negative thoughts about myself and my abilities as now I can use it as fuel to work harder to get better.
I studied that spot using PiO to explore best strategies. When I gained better understanding strategies I should use, I started using CREV to build my strategy and later check how that corresponds strategies used by PiO. I find that having to construct my own ranges with CREV I learn much faster and retain knowledge much better. Studying with PiO can be overwhelming, because how much information you can get out and sometimes that information is very difficult to interpret.
Caught massive heat after meh start.
Lost the rest of my update when trying to post...
April goals
[ ]Update thread twice
[ ]Low target 45k hands, high 60k. Some variables I canīt control this month.
[ ]Improve my biggest weakness and track improvement
[ ]Study 20 hours and track study time
[ ]Meditate daily
in, GL to you sir!
Thanks.
Made mistake setting up unachievable goals this month. I knew I had lot of other things to do, got the feeling I have to squeeze as much as poker in I possibly can. That caused me playing when I was little bit tired and not mentally prepared, combined with slight negative variance frustration started to build up. So I ended up playing less and poorly. I feel there is couple underlying mental flaws I have to look at. Feeling that poker is going to die about tomorrow and I have to try to win all the money now. In fact the games have been really good like past three years, at least in small/mid-stakes. The other is expecting to win by just showing up, I need to define better what winning is. For me Itīs byproduct of doing good things in and out of table.
On the positive side I feel my studying has been really productive. I understand better strategies I should use and I feel I can spot more mistakes on my opponents plays.
Iīll check some mistakes I made, I feel there were plenty.
[1]
Idea was right. Villain is too wide preflop, probes a lot and fights back so I want to be checking a lot here and having wide XR for value and ofc some bluffs as well. Donīt know if 77 here is too wide, might do some PiO and see what PiO does vs some nodelocking. Issue for me here when Iīm little frustrated, I start to force action and thus I direct myself in the parts of gametree which Iīm not very familiar and when Iīm not thinking best Iīll make bigger mistakes later. This is like reverse what I saw sauce doing in some video while ago where his idea was to guide the play to the gametree which is less explored by regs.
[2]
Another hand where Iīm frustrated and can only think how I have change to win this hand. Thought process was something like Iīll bet small let him keep his range wide and call down no matter what. Villain is rec and really wide so this might not be that bad of mistake, but what went through my head was inadequate.
Try to steady the ship in the end of month. Get my daily routine right, exercise, meditation and enough rest.
Outside poker things are going good. Did trip to my inlaws, which actually pushed me of my daily routine, few beers etc. Then had to take care some things regarding to my other business. After that rushed back to grind. Playing golf and enjoying it, improving steadily and been shooting low 80s steadily. Witnessed Tiger winning one more major, truly one of the greatest comebacks in sport. Had BBQ and way too many beers during the final round, but good time with friends. Hangovers donīt come easy anymore and it takes like 3 days to recover totally. Back to grind and looking to put myself good spot to finish month on positive note.
Made mistake setting up unachievable goals this month. I knew I had lot of other things to do, got the feeling I have to squeeze as much as poker in I possibly can. That caused me playing when I was little bit tired and not mentally prepared, combined with slight negative variance frustration started to build up. So I ended up playing less and poorly. I feel there is couple underlying mental flaws I have to look at. Feeling that poker is going to die about tomorrow and I have to try to win all the money now. In fact the games have been really good like past three years, at least in small/mid-stakes. The other is expecting to win by just showing up, I need to define better what winning is. For me Itīs byproduct of doing good things in and out of table.
On the positive side I feel my studying has been really productive. I understand better strategies I should use and I feel I can spot more mistakes on my opponents plays.
Iīll check some mistakes I made, I feel there were plenty.
[1]
Idea was right. Villain is too wide preflop, probes a lot and fights back so I want to be checking a lot here and having wide XR for value and ofc some bluffs as well. Donīt know if 77 here is too wide, might do some PiO and see what PiO does vs some nodelocking. Issue for me here when Iīm little frustrated, I start to force action and thus I direct myself in the parts of gametree which Iīm not very familiar and when Iīm not thinking best Iīll make bigger mistakes later. This is like reverse what I saw sauce doing in some video while ago where his idea was to guide the play to the gametree which is less explored by regs.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $396.16 (198.1 bb)
BB: $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $213.53 (106.8 bb)
MP: $200.60 (100.3 bb)
Hero (CO): $200 (100 bb)
BTN: $200.90 (100.5 bb)
Preflop: Hero is CO with 7 7
2 folds, Hero raises to $4.16, BTN calls $4.16, 2 folds
Flop: ($11.32) 2 4 2 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $6, Hero raises to $18.83, BTN calls $12.83
Turn: ($48.98) 9 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $18, Hero calls $18
River: ($84.98) 6 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $76, Hero calls $76
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $396.16 (198.1 bb)
BB: $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $213.53 (106.8 bb)
MP: $200.60 (100.3 bb)
Hero (CO): $200 (100 bb)
BTN: $200.90 (100.5 bb)
Preflop: Hero is CO with 7 7
2 folds, Hero raises to $4.16, BTN calls $4.16, 2 folds
Flop: ($11.32) 2 4 2 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $6, Hero raises to $18.83, BTN calls $12.83
Turn: ($48.98) 9 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $18, Hero calls $18
River: ($84.98) 6 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $76, Hero calls $76
Spoiler:
Results: $236.98 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 2 4 2 9 6
Hero mucked 7 7 and lost (-$116.99 net)
BTN showed 6 6 and won $234.23 ($117.24 net)
Final Board: 2 4 2 9 6
Hero mucked 7 7 and lost (-$116.99 net)
BTN showed 6 6 and won $234.23 ($117.24 net)
[2]
Another hand where Iīm frustrated and can only think how I have change to win this hand. Thought process was something like Iīll bet small let him keep his range wide and call down no matter what. Villain is rec and really wide so this might not be that bad of mistake, but what went through my head was inadequate.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
Hero (SB): $200 (100 bb)
BB: $204.49 (102.2 bb)
UTG: $209 (104.5 bb)
MP: $153.60 (76.8 bb)
CO: $248.50 (124.3 bb)
BTN: $131.13 (65.6 bb)
Preflop: Hero is SB with J J
2 folds, CO raises to $6, BTN folds, Hero raises to $23, BB folds, CO calls $17
Flop: ($48) Q 8 Q (2 players)
Hero bets $14.14, CO calls $14.14
Turn: ($76.28) 6 (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets $12, Hero calls $12
River: ($100.28) 3 (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets $98, Hero calls $98
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
Hero (SB): $200 (100 bb)
BB: $204.49 (102.2 bb)
UTG: $209 (104.5 bb)
MP: $153.60 (76.8 bb)
CO: $248.50 (124.3 bb)
BTN: $131.13 (65.6 bb)
Preflop: Hero is SB with J J
2 folds, CO raises to $6, BTN folds, Hero raises to $23, BB folds, CO calls $17
Flop: ($48) Q 8 Q (2 players)
Hero bets $14.14, CO calls $14.14
Turn: ($76.28) 6 (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets $12, Hero calls $12
River: ($100.28) 3 (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets $98, Hero calls $98
Spoiler:
Results: $296.28 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: Q 8 Q 6 3
Hero mucked J J and lost (-$147.14 net)
CO showed 9 K and won $293.53 ($146.39 net)
Final Board: Q 8 Q 6 3
Hero mucked J J and lost (-$147.14 net)
CO showed 9 K and won $293.53 ($146.39 net)
Try to steady the ship in the end of month. Get my daily routine right, exercise, meditation and enough rest.
Outside poker things are going good. Did trip to my inlaws, which actually pushed me of my daily routine, few beers etc. Then had to take care some things regarding to my other business. After that rushed back to grind. Playing golf and enjoying it, improving steadily and been shooting low 80s steadily. Witnessed Tiger winning one more major, truly one of the greatest comebacks in sport. Had BBQ and way too many beers during the final round, but good time with friends. Hangovers donīt come easy anymore and it takes like 3 days to recover totally. Back to grind and looking to put myself good spot to finish month on positive note.
April Recap
[X]Update thread twice Easily achievable goal
[ ]Low target 45k hands, high 60k. Some variables I canīt control this month. Mistakes were made, when I failed some goals, it was easy to give up on others
[X]Improve my biggest weakness and track improvement Was able to gain better fundamental understanding how to play these spots
[ ]Study 20 hours and track study time Studied 15 hours, which was success considering how many days of work I missed
[ ]Meditate daily Mistake in setting the goal, kickstarted the practice second half and have meditated 12 consecutive days
Lost another update while trying to preview post... write it shorter way again and try to learn how to use this forum.
As said mistakes in setting the goals lead collapse in self discipline and work ethic. Revisited Mental Game of Pokers Self-Discipline chapter and that gave me lot of good ideas why Iīm constantly failing to achieve my goals. Realized that I have to start doing couple things outside the table to put myself in position to be winning player in stakes which I choose to play. My technical side of game has so many leaks that small mental game mistakes will decrease the quality of performance drastically.
I need to have good stable meditation practice and I need to control my alcohol consumption. I set some rules which I need to follow and wrote down benefits for following the rules and costs of breaking them.
Benefits of meditation
Costs of not meditating
Benefits of moderating drinking
Costs of excessive drinking
Was able to follow my rules last third of the month, keep reading and updating them to make them stronger and hopefully eventually strong habits.
April Results
When facing negative variance started overplay lots of situation and trying to force things because I was so far off my mental A-game. Towards end of the months, started playing and running better. Still finding lots of mistakes in my game which I know I can improve with steady work.
Some hands, made some very big mistakes
1
Villain was way too aggro but had some understanding what he was doing. I had decided I will win this pot and all the money was going no matter what. After that I will do whatever I have to do to fit the narrative to give myself chance to win the hand. In poker is so easy to find ways to be delusional.
2
Same theme, Iīm not winning any pots. Villain might be too loose, no definite proof, but I will get him. So I decide to disrespect his skill level by 3betting 54o. Flop was fine . River I have to try to win the pot, so I will make up a story which I can follow and try to win it. Iīm actually very happy I get punished here, really good place to improve one big weakness.
May Goals
[ ]Meditate when at home, come up plan what to do when travelling or visiting family or friends
[ ]Follow alcohol consumption rules. One stag party coming which might get out of control.
[ ]16 working days, stuff to do and short holiday coming
[ ]Study 16 hours, create solid theory understanding on one common spot which I find difficult to play.
[X]Update thread twice Easily achievable goal
[ ]Low target 45k hands, high 60k. Some variables I canīt control this month. Mistakes were made, when I failed some goals, it was easy to give up on others
[X]Improve my biggest weakness and track improvement Was able to gain better fundamental understanding how to play these spots
[ ]Study 20 hours and track study time Studied 15 hours, which was success considering how many days of work I missed
[ ]Meditate daily Mistake in setting the goal, kickstarted the practice second half and have meditated 12 consecutive days
Lost another update while trying to preview post... write it shorter way again and try to learn how to use this forum.
As said mistakes in setting the goals lead collapse in self discipline and work ethic. Revisited Mental Game of Pokers Self-Discipline chapter and that gave me lot of good ideas why Iīm constantly failing to achieve my goals. Realized that I have to start doing couple things outside the table to put myself in position to be winning player in stakes which I choose to play. My technical side of game has so many leaks that small mental game mistakes will decrease the quality of performance drastically.
I need to have good stable meditation practice and I need to control my alcohol consumption. I set some rules which I need to follow and wrote down benefits for following the rules and costs of breaking them.
Benefits of meditation
- Iīm more happier whatever Iīm doing
- More stable focus, increased quality in tasks Iīm executing
- Improved sleep
Costs of not meditating
- Negative thoughts causes more stronger emotional response
- Annoyed by small things easier, in poker there is lots of potential irritating things
- Scattered focus, making more mistakes whatever Iīm doing
- Decreased quality of sleep
Benefits of moderating drinking
- Higher energy levels
- Better Focus
Costs of excessive drinking
- Decreased energy levels
- More negative thoughts and emotions
- Unable to do my meditation practice due to lack of focus
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Problems of sleeping
Was able to follow my rules last third of the month, keep reading and updating them to make them stronger and hopefully eventually strong habits.
April Results
When facing negative variance started overplay lots of situation and trying to force things because I was so far off my mental A-game. Towards end of the months, started playing and running better. Still finding lots of mistakes in my game which I know I can improve with steady work.
Some hands, made some very big mistakes
1
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
Hero (SB): $203 (101.5 bb)
BB: $238.24 (119.1 bb)
UTG: $200 (100 bb)
MP: $459.33 (229.7 bb)
CO: $345.20 (172.6 bb)
BTN: $200 (100 bb)
Preflop: Hero is SB with T T
2 folds, CO raises to $7, BTN folds, Hero raises to $26, BB folds, CO calls $19
Flop: ($54) J J J (2 players)
Hero bets $16.90, CO calls $16.90
Turn: ($87.80) 3 (2 players)
Hero bets $48.23, CO calls $48.23
River: ($184.26) A (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets $254.07 and is all-in, Hero calls $111.87 and is all-in
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
Hero (SB): $203 (101.5 bb)
BB: $238.24 (119.1 bb)
UTG: $200 (100 bb)
MP: $459.33 (229.7 bb)
CO: $345.20 (172.6 bb)
BTN: $200 (100 bb)
Preflop: Hero is SB with T T
2 folds, CO raises to $7, BTN folds, Hero raises to $26, BB folds, CO calls $19
Flop: ($54) J J J (2 players)
Hero bets $16.90, CO calls $16.90
Turn: ($87.80) 3 (2 players)
Hero bets $48.23, CO calls $48.23
River: ($184.26) A (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets $254.07 and is all-in, Hero calls $111.87 and is all-in
Spoiler:
Results: $408.00 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: J J J 3 A
Hero showed T T and lost (-$203 net)
CO showed J K and won $405.25 ($202.25 net)
Final Board: J J J 3 A
Hero showed T T and lost (-$203 net)
CO showed J K and won $405.25 ($202.25 net)
Villain was way too aggro but had some understanding what he was doing. I had decided I will win this pot and all the money was going no matter what. After that I will do whatever I have to do to fit the narrative to give myself chance to win the hand. In poker is so easy to find ways to be delusional.
2
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $263.86 (131.9 bb)
Hero (BB): $237.73 (118.9 bb)
UTG: $221.62 (110.8 bb)
MP: $498.12 (249.1 bb)
CO: $186.55 (93.3 bb)
BTN: $250.71 (125.4 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 5 4
3 folds, BTN raises to $4.64, SB folds, Hero raises to $19.92, BTN calls $15.28
Flop: ($40.84) 2 7 4 (2 players)
Hero bets $20.18, BTN calls $20.18
Turn: ($81.20) A (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN checks
River: ($81.20) 8 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $54.13, Hero raises to $197.63 and is all-in, BTN calls $143.50
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $263.86 (131.9 bb)
Hero (BB): $237.73 (118.9 bb)
UTG: $221.62 (110.8 bb)
MP: $498.12 (249.1 bb)
CO: $186.55 (93.3 bb)
BTN: $250.71 (125.4 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 5 4
3 folds, BTN raises to $4.64, SB folds, Hero raises to $19.92, BTN calls $15.28
Flop: ($40.84) 2 7 4 (2 players)
Hero bets $20.18, BTN calls $20.18
Turn: ($81.20) A (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN checks
River: ($81.20) 8 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $54.13, Hero raises to $197.63 and is all-in, BTN calls $143.50
Spoiler:
Results: $476.46 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 2 7 4 A 8
Hero showed 5 4 and lost (-$237.73 net)
BTN showed J A and won $473.71 ($235.98 net)
Final Board: 2 7 4 A 8
Hero showed 5 4 and lost (-$237.73 net)
BTN showed J A and won $473.71 ($235.98 net)
Same theme, Iīm not winning any pots. Villain might be too loose, no definite proof, but I will get him. So I decide to disrespect his skill level by 3betting 54o. Flop was fine . River I have to try to win the pot, so I will make up a story which I can follow and try to win it. Iīm actually very happy I get punished here, really good place to improve one big weakness.
May Goals
[ ]Meditate when at home, come up plan what to do when travelling or visiting family or friends
[ ]Follow alcohol consumption rules. One stag party coming which might get out of control.
[ ]16 working days, stuff to do and short holiday coming
[ ]Study 16 hours, create solid theory understanding on one common spot which I find difficult to play.
Nice read. Keep it up!
Thanks
May Recap
May Goals
[X]Meditate when at home, come up plan what to do when travelling or visiting family or friends Happy with my commitment to practice
[ ]Follow alcohol consumption rules. One stag party coming which might get out of control. Drank little bit too much, need to visit rules more often
[X ]16 working days, stuff to do and short holiday coming Worked 18 days, few of them were only like half a day. Still pretty happy with volume
[X]Study 16 hours, create solid theory understanding on one common spot
Studied 16,5 hours. Not happy about the quality of study
Overall very happy the way I played but had a really spewy session at the end. I feel like I ran really well especially towards end of the month. Had overall pretty good habits outside table which helped to maintain good energy levels and mindset through the month. Also when youīre winning it helps.
May results
Iīm in the situation where I usually would get complacent. Iīve studied and improved my biggest weaknesses little bit and started winning more again(might be due to good variance). I would look my winrates and start thinking how much Iīll print money in the future.
I feel like I have so many things I can improve and I really want to develop strong routines which allow me to learn constantly. This month I already noticed that some of my study was just like pretending to study. Iīd ran some PiO sims, browse through the results, clock my study time in and forget pretty quickly what Iīve tried to study. That made me realize that Iīm pretty awful at studying. I never learned how to study effectively. When I was in school I had fixed mindset so I just did the things I was good at already, but never put the effort to learn something that was difficult to me. In Uni i took pride with how little effort I could get through some courses. Anyway I bought book called Make It Stick and have read halfway through it by now and it seems pretty good. Iīll start to implement ideas from the book to my study routine next month and hopefully be more effective in my study. My rough idea is to have quick study session before I play and another one when I finish. Iīve been trying to study after I finish playing and when I donīt have a plan what to do, itīs easy to do random things or skip the study altogether.
Some hands
1
Interesting line from reg, he shouldnīt be c-betting that much here.
2
Another gift from reg, this is like hands from 2010. I think heīs not going to continue with his bluffs if I just flat the 3bet so just thinking he will call anything if I just CiB because it doesnīt make sense for me to have 4b-range, that played out to perfection.
3
Being a nit.
June Goals
[ ]Meditate daily when capable
[ ]Moderate alcohol consumption. Visit rules regularly.
[ ]16 working days.
[ ]Develop better study routine and experiment what works. Study 10 out of 16 days.
[ ]Do a proper blog post at the end of the month.
GL in June.
May Recap
May Goals
[X]Meditate when at home, come up plan what to do when travelling or visiting family or friends Happy with my commitment to practice
[ ]Follow alcohol consumption rules. One stag party coming which might get out of control. Drank little bit too much, need to visit rules more often
[X ]16 working days, stuff to do and short holiday coming Worked 18 days, few of them were only like half a day. Still pretty happy with volume
[X]Study 16 hours, create solid theory understanding on one common spot
Studied 16,5 hours. Not happy about the quality of study
Overall very happy the way I played but had a really spewy session at the end. I feel like I ran really well especially towards end of the month. Had overall pretty good habits outside table which helped to maintain good energy levels and mindset through the month. Also when youīre winning it helps.
May results
Iīm in the situation where I usually would get complacent. Iīve studied and improved my biggest weaknesses little bit and started winning more again(might be due to good variance). I would look my winrates and start thinking how much Iīll print money in the future.
I feel like I have so many things I can improve and I really want to develop strong routines which allow me to learn constantly. This month I already noticed that some of my study was just like pretending to study. Iīd ran some PiO sims, browse through the results, clock my study time in and forget pretty quickly what Iīve tried to study. That made me realize that Iīm pretty awful at studying. I never learned how to study effectively. When I was in school I had fixed mindset so I just did the things I was good at already, but never put the effort to learn something that was difficult to me. In Uni i took pride with how little effort I could get through some courses. Anyway I bought book called Make It Stick and have read halfway through it by now and it seems pretty good. Iīll start to implement ideas from the book to my study routine next month and hopefully be more effective in my study. My rough idea is to have quick study session before I play and another one when I finish. Iīve been trying to study after I finish playing and when I donīt have a plan what to do, itīs easy to do random things or skip the study altogether.
Some hands
1
Interesting line from reg, he shouldnīt be c-betting that much here.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $203 (101.5 bb)
Hero (BB): $245.19 (122.6 bb)
UTG: $382.14 (191.1 bb)
MP: $213.44 (106.7 bb)
CO: $252.66 (126.3 bb)
BTN: $340.30 (170.2 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with A 5
4 folds, SB raises to $6, Hero calls $4
Flop: ($12) 3 5 5 (2 players)
SB bets $4, Hero raises to $14.09, SB calls $10.09
Turn: ($40.18) 8 (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $44.95, SB raises to $182.91 and is all-in, Hero calls $137.96
River: ($406) 7 (2 players, 1 is all-in)
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $203 (101.5 bb)
Hero (BB): $245.19 (122.6 bb)
UTG: $382.14 (191.1 bb)
MP: $213.44 (106.7 bb)
CO: $252.66 (126.3 bb)
BTN: $340.30 (170.2 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with A 5
4 folds, SB raises to $6, Hero calls $4
Flop: ($12) 3 5 5 (2 players)
SB bets $4, Hero raises to $14.09, SB calls $10.09
Turn: ($40.18) 8 (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $44.95, SB raises to $182.91 and is all-in, Hero calls $137.96
River: ($406) 7 (2 players, 1 is all-in)
Spoiler:
Results: $406 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 3 5 5 8 7
SB showed A 7 and lost (-$203 net)
Hero showed A 5 and won $403.25 ($200.25 net)
Final Board: 3 5 5 8 7
SB showed A 7 and lost (-$203 net)
Hero showed A 5 and won $403.25 ($200.25 net)
2
Another gift from reg, this is like hands from 2010. I think heīs not going to continue with his bluffs if I just flat the 3bet so just thinking he will call anything if I just CiB because it doesnīt make sense for me to have 4b-range, that played out to perfection.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $311.03 (155.5 bb)
Hero (BB): $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $266.94 (133.5 bb)
MP: $326.29 (163.1 bb)
CO: $205 (102.5 bb)
BTN: $230.50 (115.3 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with Q 7
UTG folds, MP raises to $4.50, 3 folds, Hero calls $2.50
Flop: ($10) 7 7 4 (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $4.56, Hero raises to $14.24, MP raises to $38.17, Hero raises to $62.10, MP calls $23.93
Turn: ($134.20) K (2 players)
Hero checks, MP checks
River: ($134.20) 2 (2 players)
Hero bets $133.40 and is all-in, MP calls $133.40
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $311.03 (155.5 bb)
Hero (BB): $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $266.94 (133.5 bb)
MP: $326.29 (163.1 bb)
CO: $205 (102.5 bb)
BTN: $230.50 (115.3 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with Q 7
UTG folds, MP raises to $4.50, 3 folds, Hero calls $2.50
Flop: ($10) 7 7 4 (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $4.56, Hero raises to $14.24, MP raises to $38.17, Hero raises to $62.10, MP calls $23.93
Turn: ($134.20) K (2 players)
Hero checks, MP checks
River: ($134.20) 2 (2 players)
Hero bets $133.40 and is all-in, MP calls $133.40
Spoiler:
Results: $401 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 7 7 4 K 2
Hero showed Q 7 and won $398.25 ($198.25 net)
MP showed K Q and lost (-$200 net)
Final Board: 7 7 4 K 2
Hero showed Q 7 and won $398.25 ($198.25 net)
MP showed K Q and lost (-$200 net)
3
Being a nit.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $200 (100 bb)
BB: $207.20 (103.6 bb)
UTG: $200 (100 bb)
MP: $418.28 (209.1 bb)
CO: $440.84 (220.4 bb)
Hero (BTN): $234.75 (117.4 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BTN with J K
UTG raises to $4.10, 2 folds, Hero calls $4.10, SB calls $3.10, BB calls $2.10
Flop: ($16.40) 9 K Q (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, UTG checks, Hero checks
Turn: ($16.40) Q (4 players)
SB bets $6.50, 2 folds, Hero calls $6.50
River: ($29.40) K (2 players)
SB bets $10.20, Hero calls $10.20
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $200 (100 bb)
BB: $207.20 (103.6 bb)
UTG: $200 (100 bb)
MP: $418.28 (209.1 bb)
CO: $440.84 (220.4 bb)
Hero (BTN): $234.75 (117.4 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BTN with J K
UTG raises to $4.10, 2 folds, Hero calls $4.10, SB calls $3.10, BB calls $2.10
Flop: ($16.40) 9 K Q (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, UTG checks, Hero checks
Turn: ($16.40) Q (4 players)
SB bets $6.50, 2 folds, Hero calls $6.50
River: ($29.40) K (2 players)
SB bets $10.20, Hero calls $10.20
Spoiler:
Results: $49.80 pot ($2.49 rake)
Final Board: 9 K Q Q K
SB showed T J and won $47.31 ($26.51 net)
Hero mucked J K and lost (-$20.80 net)
Final Board: 9 K Q Q K
SB showed T J and won $47.31 ($26.51 net)
Hero mucked J K and lost (-$20.80 net)
June Goals
[ ]Meditate daily when capable
[ ]Moderate alcohol consumption. Visit rules regularly.
[ ]16 working days.
[ ]Develop better study routine and experiment what works. Study 10 out of 16 days.
[ ]Do a proper blog post at the end of the month.
GL in June.
Nice read, good luck with this bro.
June recap
June Goals
[X]Meditate daily when capable 24/30 Skipped only day due to low motivation
[ ]Moderate alcohol consumption. Visit rules regularly. Not getting drunk, but had some beers to wind down which Iīd like to avoid
[X]16 working days. 15, Iīll give this a pass, something came up
[X]Develop better study routine and experiment what works. Study 10 out of 16 days. 10 days of studying, spent some time thinking the ways I should study and I think I have found good foundation
[X]Do a proper blog post at the end of the month.
Struggling with energy levels and putting in the hours, things outside of poker has kept me quite busy past 7 months and havenīt been able to take proper holiday. I think itīs important to go away from familiar surroundings so you get good quality rest. Took a 5 day break to spend time with my SO and golf but that gave just a minor boost. I also think Iīve been trying to play super focused lately which is really consuming. I noticed that Iīm thinking ahead in game tree and speculating too many outcomes which wonīt often happen. Took some things from meditation where you sit back little bit and gaze things that are happening instead of intensely focusing on one target. That helped me to allow the game flow and decisions come and you just take them as they are instead of overthinking every possible outcome.
Had a few spewy sessions, I felt like my awareness has increased due to good meditation practice and was able to remain in control and return to playing better quite effortlessly. Having a big upswing is a massive factor also and I will be tested harder when I hit some more difficult variance. Listened one Sam Harris podcast about decision making and biases, there was interesting analogy how we like convince ourselves that out point of view is correct, so we become like lawyers who argue a case but are not interested about truth. That applies perfectly to my decision making when falling from A-game. In poker making credible statements for incorrect decisions is very easy.
Overall feel like the study Iīm doing has been quite effective. Iīve been also quite lucky to run good with my strategy experiments. People making mistakes that happen to benefit my strategy choice in that given hand. Make it Stick book by Peter C. Brown gave my good ideas how to structure my study and feeling really motivated to study and get better.
Results
Hands
1 These things still happen in 2019
2 I kind a like this, villain was wayy too wide preflop and autocbetting flop so we should be able to put villains range to test.
3
I canīt remember when I won after this kind of call. 3 recs behind so ranges are different from your normal reg vs reg spot. Wanted to fold but made a convincing argument that villain can have either 98 or will bluff something.
4
Tight player out of his comfort zone, lucky runout.
July goals
Should be last busy month, hoping to go for holiday at end of July or in August.
[ ]Meditate daily when capable
[ ]15 working days
[ ]11 days of studying
GL in July
June Goals
[X]Meditate daily when capable 24/30 Skipped only day due to low motivation
[ ]Moderate alcohol consumption. Visit rules regularly. Not getting drunk, but had some beers to wind down which Iīd like to avoid
[X]16 working days. 15, Iīll give this a pass, something came up
[X]Develop better study routine and experiment what works. Study 10 out of 16 days. 10 days of studying, spent some time thinking the ways I should study and I think I have found good foundation
[X]Do a proper blog post at the end of the month.
Struggling with energy levels and putting in the hours, things outside of poker has kept me quite busy past 7 months and havenīt been able to take proper holiday. I think itīs important to go away from familiar surroundings so you get good quality rest. Took a 5 day break to spend time with my SO and golf but that gave just a minor boost. I also think Iīve been trying to play super focused lately which is really consuming. I noticed that Iīm thinking ahead in game tree and speculating too many outcomes which wonīt often happen. Took some things from meditation where you sit back little bit and gaze things that are happening instead of intensely focusing on one target. That helped me to allow the game flow and decisions come and you just take them as they are instead of overthinking every possible outcome.
Had a few spewy sessions, I felt like my awareness has increased due to good meditation practice and was able to remain in control and return to playing better quite effortlessly. Having a big upswing is a massive factor also and I will be tested harder when I hit some more difficult variance. Listened one Sam Harris podcast about decision making and biases, there was interesting analogy how we like convince ourselves that out point of view is correct, so we become like lawyers who argue a case but are not interested about truth. That applies perfectly to my decision making when falling from A-game. In poker making credible statements for incorrect decisions is very easy.
Overall feel like the study Iīm doing has been quite effective. Iīve been also quite lucky to run good with my strategy experiments. People making mistakes that happen to benefit my strategy choice in that given hand. Make it Stick book by Peter C. Brown gave my good ideas how to structure my study and feeling really motivated to study and get better.
Results
Hands
1 These things still happen in 2019
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $200 (100 bb)
BB: $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $203 (101.5 bb)
Hero (MP): $243.22 (121.6 bb)
CO: $214.70 (107.4 bb)
BTN: $317.75 (158.9 bb)
Preflop: Hero is MP with K A
UTG folds, Hero raises to $4.22, 2 folds, SB raises to $44, BB folds, Hero raises to $243.22 and is all-in, SB calls $156 and is all-in
Flop: ($402) T 4 9 (2 players, 2 are all-in)
Turn: ($402) 7 (2 players, 2 are all-in)
River: ($402) 7 (2 players, 2 are all-in)
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $200 (100 bb)
BB: $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $203 (101.5 bb)
Hero (MP): $243.22 (121.6 bb)
CO: $214.70 (107.4 bb)
BTN: $317.75 (158.9 bb)
Preflop: Hero is MP with K A
UTG folds, Hero raises to $4.22, 2 folds, SB raises to $44, BB folds, Hero raises to $243.22 and is all-in, SB calls $156 and is all-in
Flop: ($402) T 4 9 (2 players, 2 are all-in)
Turn: ($402) 7 (2 players, 2 are all-in)
River: ($402) 7 (2 players, 2 are all-in)
Spoiler:
Results: $402 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: T 4 9 7 7
SB showed 3 4 and won $399.25 ($199.25 net)
Hero showed K A and lost (-$200 net)
Final Board: T 4 9 7 7
SB showed 3 4 and won $399.25 ($199.25 net)
Hero showed K A and lost (-$200 net)
2 I kind a like this, villain was wayy too wide preflop and autocbetting flop so we should be able to put villains range to test.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $200 (100 bb)
BB: $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $200 (100 bb)
MP: $310.20 (155.1 bb)
CO: $115.12 (57.6 bb)
Hero (BTN): $226.68 (113.3 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BTN with 5 5
3 folds, Hero raises to $4.90, SB raises to $19, BB folds, Hero calls $14.10
Flop: ($40) 8 8 4 (2 players)
SB bets $9.50, Hero raises to $27.75, SB raises to $56, Hero calls $28.25
Turn: ($152) 7 (2 players)
SB bets $37.31, Hero raises to $151.68 and is all-in, SB calls $87.69 and is all-in
River: ($402) A (2 players, 2 are all-in)
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $200 (100 bb)
BB: $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $200 (100 bb)
MP: $310.20 (155.1 bb)
CO: $115.12 (57.6 bb)
Hero (BTN): $226.68 (113.3 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BTN with 5 5
3 folds, Hero raises to $4.90, SB raises to $19, BB folds, Hero calls $14.10
Flop: ($40) 8 8 4 (2 players)
SB bets $9.50, Hero raises to $27.75, SB raises to $56, Hero calls $28.25
Turn: ($152) 7 (2 players)
SB bets $37.31, Hero raises to $151.68 and is all-in, SB calls $87.69 and is all-in
River: ($402) A (2 players, 2 are all-in)
Spoiler:
Results: $402 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 8 8 4 7 A
SB showed 8 A and won $399.25 ($199.25 net)
Hero showed 5 5 and lost (-$200 net)
Final Board: 8 8 4 7 A
SB showed 8 A and won $399.25 ($199.25 net)
Hero showed 5 5 and lost (-$200 net)
3
I canīt remember when I won after this kind of call. 3 recs behind so ranges are different from your normal reg vs reg spot. Wanted to fold but made a convincing argument that villain can have either 98 or will bluff something.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $221.67 (110.8 bb)
BB: $666.72 (333.4 bb)
UTG: $614 (307 bb)
MP: $200 (100 bb)
Hero (CO): $200 (100 bb)
BTN: $191.60 (95.8 bb)
Preflop: Hero is CO with 9 A
UTG folds, MP raises to $4, Hero calls $4, 3 folds
Flop: ($11) 3 9 4 (2 players)
MP checks, Hero bets $3.24, MP calls $3.24
Turn: ($17.48) 9 (2 players)
MP checks, Hero bets $12.13, MP calls $12.13
River: ($41.74) 6 (2 players)
MP checks, Hero bets $59.77, MP raises to $180.63 and is all-in, Hero calls $120.86 and is all-in
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $221.67 (110.8 bb)
BB: $666.72 (333.4 bb)
UTG: $614 (307 bb)
MP: $200 (100 bb)
Hero (CO): $200 (100 bb)
BTN: $191.60 (95.8 bb)
Preflop: Hero is CO with 9 A
UTG folds, MP raises to $4, Hero calls $4, 3 folds
Flop: ($11) 3 9 4 (2 players)
MP checks, Hero bets $3.24, MP calls $3.24
Turn: ($17.48) 9 (2 players)
MP checks, Hero bets $12.13, MP calls $12.13
River: ($41.74) 6 (2 players)
MP checks, Hero bets $59.77, MP raises to $180.63 and is all-in, Hero calls $120.86 and is all-in
Spoiler:
Results: $403 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 3 9 4 9 6
MP showed 6 6 and won $400.25 ($200.25 net)
Hero showed 9 A and lost (-$200 net)
Final Board: 3 9 4 9 6
MP showed 6 6 and won $400.25 ($200.25 net)
Hero showed 9 A and lost (-$200 net)
4
Tight player out of his comfort zone, lucky runout.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $421.71 (210.9 bb)
Hero (BB): $209.55 (104.8 bb)
UTG: $966.42 (483.2 bb)
MP: $328.63 (164.3 bb)
CO: $303.32 (151.7 bb)
BTN: $215.60 (107.8 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 5 2
4 folds, SB raises to $6, Hero calls $4
Flop: ($12) 2 4 2 (2 players)
SB bets $6.27, Hero raises to $18.72, SB raises to $48, Hero calls $29.28
Turn: ($108) T (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $35.10, SB calls $35.10
River: ($178.20) 2 (2 players)
SB bets $332.61, Hero calls $120.45 and is all-in
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $421.71 (210.9 bb)
Hero (BB): $209.55 (104.8 bb)
UTG: $966.42 (483.2 bb)
MP: $328.63 (164.3 bb)
CO: $303.32 (151.7 bb)
BTN: $215.60 (107.8 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 5 2
4 folds, SB raises to $6, Hero calls $4
Flop: ($12) 2 4 2 (2 players)
SB bets $6.27, Hero raises to $18.72, SB raises to $48, Hero calls $29.28
Turn: ($108) T (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $35.10, SB calls $35.10
River: ($178.20) 2 (2 players)
SB bets $332.61, Hero calls $120.45 and is all-in
Spoiler:
Results: $419.10 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 2 4 2 T 2
SB showed 6 T and lost (-$209.55 net)
Hero showed 5 2 and won $416.35 ($206.80 net)
Final Board: 2 4 2 T 2
SB showed 6 T and lost (-$209.55 net)
Hero showed 5 2 and won $416.35 ($206.80 net)
July goals
Should be last busy month, hoping to go for holiday at end of July or in August.
[ ]Meditate daily when capable
[ ]15 working days
[ ]11 days of studying
GL in July
July review
[X]Meditate daily when capable Having a quite restless mind at the moment. The moments of calmness are more stronger. Having difficulties sustain my attention for long periods at the moment. Struggles are part of this practice as well and have to keep practicing diligently.
[X]15 working days. Was able to increase my volume during grind days a bit.
[ ]11 days of studying Big fail. I was too happy with the progress Iīve made and kept patting my back for getting better and skipping the study almost altogether. My habits around studying arenīt strong enough so it easy to skip the study and just play. Next month Iīll make setting up better study routine and sticking into it as priority. Also need to write down why studying is so important and what are the costs of skipping it.
Results
Difficult start, made good recovery and tough finish. Mindset was really good during the tougher periods, but itīs easy when youīre in 100 buy in upswing. Allowing myself to feel frustrated has been mentally big for me. I used to berate myself for not being able to handle the variance better because how long Iīve played poker and I should know better. Feeling really strong about my game. Study I put in has helped me to understand about better strategies and I am able to spot more mistakes from my opponents games.
Hands
1
I think this is pretty good bluff.Turn is really good card for me and at the river thought I canīt have too many bluffs. Obv easy call for opp.
2
Turn is pretty good for opponents range
3
Meh spot, should sim this. Turn is weird spot, feeling that this get checked through too often and villain will realize too much equity esp when Iīll give my stack anyways on flush rivers might want to force him to put more money OTT with my strong hands.
Off to one week holiday now. When coming back will be focusing on work for the next three months. Will make another post about goals when back at the grind.
[X]Meditate daily when capable Having a quite restless mind at the moment. The moments of calmness are more stronger. Having difficulties sustain my attention for long periods at the moment. Struggles are part of this practice as well and have to keep practicing diligently.
[X]15 working days. Was able to increase my volume during grind days a bit.
[ ]11 days of studying Big fail. I was too happy with the progress Iīve made and kept patting my back for getting better and skipping the study almost altogether. My habits around studying arenīt strong enough so it easy to skip the study and just play. Next month Iīll make setting up better study routine and sticking into it as priority. Also need to write down why studying is so important and what are the costs of skipping it.
Results
Difficult start, made good recovery and tough finish. Mindset was really good during the tougher periods, but itīs easy when youīre in 100 buy in upswing. Allowing myself to feel frustrated has been mentally big for me. I used to berate myself for not being able to handle the variance better because how long Iīve played poker and I should know better. Feeling really strong about my game. Study I put in has helped me to understand about better strategies and I am able to spot more mistakes from my opponents games.
Hands
1
I think this is pretty good bluff.Turn is really good card for me and at the river thought I canīt have too many bluffs. Obv easy call for opp.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $113.97 (57 bb)
BB: $930.09 (465 bb)
UTG: $505.61 (252.8 bb)
MP: $267.41 (133.7 bb)
Hero (CO): $207 (103.5 bb)
BTN: $311.52 (155.8 bb)
Preflop: Hero is CO with 8 A
2 folds, Hero raises to $4.22, BTN raises to $16, 2 folds, Hero calls $11.78
Flop: ($35) 7 9 J (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $9.98, Hero raises to $32.26, BTN calls $22.28
Turn: ($99.52) Q (2 players)
Hero bets $54.32, BTN calls $54.32
River: ($208.16) 4 (2 players)
Hero bets $104.42 and is all-in, BTN calls $104.42
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $113.97 (57 bb)
BB: $930.09 (465 bb)
UTG: $505.61 (252.8 bb)
MP: $267.41 (133.7 bb)
Hero (CO): $207 (103.5 bb)
BTN: $311.52 (155.8 bb)
Preflop: Hero is CO with 8 A
2 folds, Hero raises to $4.22, BTN raises to $16, 2 folds, Hero calls $11.78
Flop: ($35) 7 9 J (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $9.98, Hero raises to $32.26, BTN calls $22.28
Turn: ($99.52) Q (2 players)
Hero bets $54.32, BTN calls $54.32
River: ($208.16) 4 (2 players)
Hero bets $104.42 and is all-in, BTN calls $104.42
Spoiler:
Results: $417 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 7 9 J Q 4
Hero showed 8 A and lost (-$207 net)
BTN showed Q Q and won $414.25 ($207.25 net)
Final Board: 7 9 J Q 4
Hero showed 8 A and lost (-$207 net)
BTN showed Q Q and won $414.25 ($207.25 net)
2
Turn is pretty good for opponents range
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $216.27 (108.1 bb)
Hero (BB): $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $256.42 (128.2 bb)
MP: $2,321.19 (1,160.6 bb)
CO: $239.43 (119.7 bb)
BTN: $275.60 (137.8 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 8 8
4 folds, SB raises to $5, Hero raises to $16, SB calls $11
Flop: ($32) 9 6 5 (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $12.16, SB calls $12.16
Turn: ($56.32) 7 (2 players)
SB bets $39.11, Hero calls $39.11
River: ($134.54) K (2 players)
SB bets $86, Hero raises to $132.73 and is all-in, SB calls $46.73
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $216.27 (108.1 bb)
Hero (BB): $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $256.42 (128.2 bb)
MP: $2,321.19 (1,160.6 bb)
CO: $239.43 (119.7 bb)
BTN: $275.60 (137.8 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 8 8
4 folds, SB raises to $5, Hero raises to $16, SB calls $11
Flop: ($32) 9 6 5 (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $12.16, SB calls $12.16
Turn: ($56.32) 7 (2 players)
SB bets $39.11, Hero calls $39.11
River: ($134.54) K (2 players)
SB bets $86, Hero raises to $132.73 and is all-in, SB calls $46.73
Spoiler:
Results: $400 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 9 6 5 7 K
SB showed A T and lost (-$200.00 net)
Hero showed 8 8 and won $397.25 ($197.25 net)
Final Board: 9 6 5 7 K
SB showed A T and lost (-$200.00 net)
Hero showed 8 8 and won $397.25 ($197.25 net)
3
Meh spot, should sim this. Turn is weird spot, feeling that this get checked through too often and villain will realize too much equity esp when Iīll give my stack anyways on flush rivers might want to force him to put more money OTT with my strong hands.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $201 (100.5 bb)
Hero (BB): $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $153.61 (76.8 bb)
MP: $232.19 (116.1 bb)
CO: $203 (101.5 bb)
BTN: $294.42 (147.2 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with A A
3 folds, BTN raises to $5, SB folds, Hero raises to $21, BTN calls $16
Flop: ($43) 2 T A (2 players)
Hero bets $13.07, BTN calls $13.07
Turn: ($69.14) 8 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN checks
River: ($69.14) 5 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $260.35 and is all-in, Hero calls $165.93 and is all-in
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $201 (100.5 bb)
Hero (BB): $200 (100 bb)
UTG: $153.61 (76.8 bb)
MP: $232.19 (116.1 bb)
CO: $203 (101.5 bb)
BTN: $294.42 (147.2 bb)
Preflop: Hero is BB with A A
3 folds, BTN raises to $5, SB folds, Hero raises to $21, BTN calls $16
Flop: ($43) 2 T A (2 players)
Hero bets $13.07, BTN calls $13.07
Turn: ($69.14) 8 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN checks
River: ($69.14) 5 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $260.35 and is all-in, Hero calls $165.93 and is all-in
Spoiler:
Results: $401 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 2 T A 8 5
Hero showed A A and lost (-$200 net)
BTN showed K J and won $398.25 ($198.25 net)
Final Board: 2 T A 8 5
Hero showed A A and lost (-$200 net)
BTN showed K J and won $398.25 ($198.25 net)
Off to one week holiday now. When coming back will be focusing on work for the next three months. Will make another post about goals when back at the grind.
August goals
Schedule is easing off and feeling well rested after holiday. Focusing most of my energy towards work now.
[ ]Meditate daily, no excuses. Journal about meditation and reflect on practice at the end of month.
[ ]16 working days which 9 includes studying
[ ]Test new study routine. Know always what you are working on and track progress.
During holiday I noticed I missed my routines. Waking up, doing bit exercise, meditating and getting in the right place mentally and physically at the start of the day. I realized I want to set up routines on many other things as well. I love exercising and staying fit, same time I also want to improve on golf. Now I just do some random exercises when I have time, will be setting up training schedule which to follow and see how it goes. Playing zoom is great for time management, I usually play for 90 mins and take 10-15 mins breaks which are great times to fit some exercises in.
Some of my favorite channels about fitness
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPx...4p6IkQsMW9O0xQ
https://www.youtube.com/user/redefin...gthOC/featured
Feeling that I try to fit in lot of my schedule now. So have to same time remember to rest enough so I wonīt hit the wall again. Golf is weird beast, I have remind myself often that itīs time when I let go off everything and enjoy my free time. Same time my competitive nature rises and I want to get better and score better, that often leads me not enjoying the game and playing worst
Anyway GL in August.
Schedule is easing off and feeling well rested after holiday. Focusing most of my energy towards work now.
[ ]Meditate daily, no excuses. Journal about meditation and reflect on practice at the end of month.
[ ]16 working days which 9 includes studying
[ ]Test new study routine. Know always what you are working on and track progress.
During holiday I noticed I missed my routines. Waking up, doing bit exercise, meditating and getting in the right place mentally and physically at the start of the day. I realized I want to set up routines on many other things as well. I love exercising and staying fit, same time I also want to improve on golf. Now I just do some random exercises when I have time, will be setting up training schedule which to follow and see how it goes. Playing zoom is great for time management, I usually play for 90 mins and take 10-15 mins breaks which are great times to fit some exercises in.
Some of my favorite channels about fitness
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPx...4p6IkQsMW9O0xQ
https://www.youtube.com/user/redefin...gthOC/featured
Feeling that I try to fit in lot of my schedule now. So have to same time remember to rest enough so I wonīt hit the wall again. Golf is weird beast, I have remind myself often that itīs time when I let go off everything and enjoy my free time. Same time my competitive nature rises and I want to get better and score better, that often leads me not enjoying the game and playing worst
Anyway GL in August.
August Recap
Meditation
Meditate daily, no excuses. Journal about meditation and reflect on practice at the end of month.
Big success, practiced every day. Most days I did two sessions and spent all together 15+ hours meditating. Started getting more stable attention during the practice and everyday actions. Discovered some patterns in my mental processes. I have big aversion of feeling uncomfortable, which leads to dissatisfaction and impatience. I think this might also explain few big leaks I have in my poker game. Motivated to continue practicing diligently in the future and achieving more calm and stable mind.
Playing
Worked 15 days and that was absolute maximum I could accomplish this month. Iīve been studying a lot lately and because that Iīve been thinking too much while playing, that makes playing more consuming. Next month Iīll be focusing more on performance while playing and improving my game outside of the table. Playing is also same time the test of our strategy, so trying to focus noticing when I encounter spots which Iīve studied and make good plays. Creating positive feedback which should improve motivation and learning. Marking also hands in which strategy needs improvement, but trying to not get caught overthinking strategies while playing.
Results
Results were good. I had lot of difficult sessions, where I dropped few buy ins in the beginning. Kept my head cool and played well, those were really rewarding sessions.
Studying
Studied on 10 days and 15 hours. Discovered some really big leaks in my game, just started working on them past few days. Being aware my thoughts and emotions and being honest about them helped a lot. I had developed faulty heuristic in one very common spot which protected from me feeling uncomfortable and doing though decisions. Studied that spot more from db and discovered some more fundamental misunderstandings in my game. Will be working on those next month and hopeful that this might increase my winrate in long run by ~1.5bb/100.
Hands
1
okay
2
3
ofc
September Goals
[ ]Meditate daily(might have to skip one day due to hangover). Keep working stabilizing attention and try to overcome impatience by focusing on positive things.
[ ]20 working days and 68k hands. My volume has been weak lately due to busy schedule. Time to put some volume in.
[ ]Study on 12 days.
Gl in September.
Meditation
Meditate daily, no excuses. Journal about meditation and reflect on practice at the end of month.
Big success, practiced every day. Most days I did two sessions and spent all together 15+ hours meditating. Started getting more stable attention during the practice and everyday actions. Discovered some patterns in my mental processes. I have big aversion of feeling uncomfortable, which leads to dissatisfaction and impatience. I think this might also explain few big leaks I have in my poker game. Motivated to continue practicing diligently in the future and achieving more calm and stable mind.
Playing
Worked 15 days and that was absolute maximum I could accomplish this month. Iīve been studying a lot lately and because that Iīve been thinking too much while playing, that makes playing more consuming. Next month Iīll be focusing more on performance while playing and improving my game outside of the table. Playing is also same time the test of our strategy, so trying to focus noticing when I encounter spots which Iīve studied and make good plays. Creating positive feedback which should improve motivation and learning. Marking also hands in which strategy needs improvement, but trying to not get caught overthinking strategies while playing.
Results
Results were good. I had lot of difficult sessions, where I dropped few buy ins in the beginning. Kept my head cool and played well, those were really rewarding sessions.
Studying
Studied on 10 days and 15 hours. Discovered some really big leaks in my game, just started working on them past few days. Being aware my thoughts and emotions and being honest about them helped a lot. I had developed faulty heuristic in one very common spot which protected from me feeling uncomfortable and doing though decisions. Studied that spot more from db and discovered some more fundamental misunderstandings in my game. Will be working on those next month and hopeful that this might increase my winrate in long run by ~1.5bb/100.
Hands
1
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
Hero (SB): $238.37 (119.2 bb)
BB: $185.67 (92.8 bb)
UTG: $256.29 (128.1 bb)
MP: $657.76 (328.9 bb)
CO: $274.51 (137.3 bb)
BTN: $240.27 (120.1 bb)
Preflop: Hero is SB with J J
4 folds, Hero raises to $6.00, BB raises to $18.06, Hero raises to $51.18, BB calls $33.12
Flop: ($102.36) 9 4 8 (2 players)
Hero bets $134.52, BB calls $134.49
Turn: ($371.34) A (2 players)
River: ($371.34) 4 (2 players)
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
Hero (SB): $238.37 (119.2 bb)
BB: $185.67 (92.8 bb)
UTG: $256.29 (128.1 bb)
MP: $657.76 (328.9 bb)
CO: $274.51 (137.3 bb)
BTN: $240.27 (120.1 bb)
Preflop: Hero is SB with J J
4 folds, Hero raises to $6.00, BB raises to $18.06, Hero raises to $51.18, BB calls $33.12
Flop: ($102.36) 9 4 8 (2 players)
Hero bets $134.52, BB calls $134.49
Turn: ($371.34) A (2 players)
River: ($371.34) 4 (2 players)
Spoiler:
Results: $371.34 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 9 4 8 A 4
Hero showed J J and lost (-$185.67 net)
BB showed 6 A and won $368.59 ($182.92 net)
Final Board: 9 4 8 A 4
Hero showed J J and lost (-$185.67 net)
BB showed 6 A and won $368.59 ($182.92 net)
okay
2
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $216.10 (108.1 bb)
BB: $207.44 (103.7 bb)
Hero (UTG): $228.32 (114.2 bb)
MP: $510.93 (255.5 bb)
CO: $220.64 (110.3 bb)
BTN: $68.07 (34 bb)
Preflop: Hero is UTG with A A
Hero raises to $4.20, MP folds, CO raises to $14, 2 folds, BB calls $12, Hero raises to $48, CO calls $34, BB raises to $207.44 and is all-in, Hero raises to $228.32 and is all-in, CO calls $172.64 and is all-in
Flop: ($649.72) 7 T K (3 players, 3 are all-in)
Turn: ($649.72) A (3 players, 3 are all-in)
River: ($649.72) 2 (3 players, 3 are all-in)
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $216.10 (108.1 bb)
BB: $207.44 (103.7 bb)
Hero (UTG): $228.32 (114.2 bb)
MP: $510.93 (255.5 bb)
CO: $220.64 (110.3 bb)
BTN: $68.07 (34 bb)
Preflop: Hero is UTG with A A
Hero raises to $4.20, MP folds, CO raises to $14, 2 folds, BB calls $12, Hero raises to $48, CO calls $34, BB raises to $207.44 and is all-in, Hero raises to $228.32 and is all-in, CO calls $172.64 and is all-in
Flop: ($649.72) 7 T K (3 players, 3 are all-in)
Turn: ($649.72) A (3 players, 3 are all-in)
River: ($649.72) 2 (3 players, 3 are all-in)
Spoiler:
Results: $649.72 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 7 T K A 2
BB showed J J and lost (-$207.44 net)
Hero showed A A and won $646.97 ($426.33 net)
CO showed 4 5 and lost (-$220.64 net)
Final Board: 7 T K A 2
BB showed J J and lost (-$207.44 net)
Hero showed A A and won $646.97 ($426.33 net)
CO showed 4 5 and lost (-$220.64 net)
3
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
Hero (SB): $222.15 (111.1 bb)
BB: $496.05 (248 bb)
UTG: $232.80 (116.4 bb)
MP: $200 (100 bb)
CO: $234.83 (117.4 bb)
BTN: $385.76 (192.9 bb)
Preflop: Hero is SB with K A
4 folds, Hero raises to $6.00, BB calls $4.00
Flop: ($12.00) 5 8 8 (2 players)
Hero checks, BB checks
Turn: ($12.00) K (2 players)
Hero bets $8.66, BB raises to $23.04, Hero calls $14.38
River: ($58.12) K (2 players)
Hero bets $55.30, BB raises to $466.99 and is all-in, Hero calls $137.79
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
Hero (SB): $222.15 (111.1 bb)
BB: $496.05 (248 bb)
UTG: $232.80 (116.4 bb)
MP: $200 (100 bb)
CO: $234.83 (117.4 bb)
BTN: $385.76 (192.9 bb)
Preflop: Hero is SB with K A
4 folds, Hero raises to $6.00, BB calls $4.00
Flop: ($12.00) 5 8 8 (2 players)
Hero checks, BB checks
Turn: ($12.00) K (2 players)
Hero bets $8.66, BB raises to $23.04, Hero calls $14.38
River: ($58.12) K (2 players)
Hero bets $55.30, BB raises to $466.99 and is all-in, Hero calls $137.79
Spoiler:
Results: $444.30 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 5 8 8 K K
Hero showed K A and lost (-$222.15 net)
BB showed 8 8 and won $441.55 ($219.40 net)
Final Board: 5 8 8 K K
Hero showed K A and lost (-$222.15 net)
BB showed 8 8 and won $441.55 ($219.40 net)
ofc
September Goals
[ ]Meditate daily(might have to skip one day due to hangover). Keep working stabilizing attention and try to overcome impatience by focusing on positive things.
[ ]20 working days and 68k hands. My volume has been weak lately due to busy schedule. Time to put some volume in.
[ ]Study on 12 days.
Gl in September.
September Review
Meditation
Meditate daily(might have to skip one day due to hangover). Keep working stabilizing attention and try to overcome impatience by focusing on positive things.
This was big fail. Caught little cold in the beginning of the month then went out drinking couple of times and skipped my practice for 8 days. Didnīt get back to my good practice routine at all. Ran well in poker so underlying frustration and inability to stay present stayed hidden for long periods of time. Towards the end of the month started seeing negative signs of not meditating properly and itīs strong signal to get back to it. On positive note my quality of focus and ability to stay present was much stronger and I noticed the slide much faster than before.
Volume
20 working days and 68k hands. My volume has been weak lately due to busy schedule. Time to put some volume in.
What a stupid goal, trying to force volume when my strength is not putting mass volume in. Changing the thread name from work hard to work smart. Wanting to work hard I put pressure to work more when I read some people putting over 100k hands per month.
Anyway was little sick and went out more than expected so had to skip few days. Have to adjust volume in the future.
Study
Study on 12 days.
Only goal I reached. Really motivated to study. It is amazing feeling when you studied something and can apply the concepts during gameplay. Discovering more weaknesses in my game, not too worried about them because working patiently with good plan I will make the smaller and finally master them. Same time noticing lot of mistakes in my opponents play as well.
Results
Happy with the results. Probably ran pretty well got little complacent and was struggling with some frustration and impatience towards the end of the month. Punted away quite a few stacks in which with better mental clarity I can make better plays.
Some hands
1
Need to win, I will make my thought process such that I can put more money in and chance to win because if you fold you canīt win. Better to be lucky than good!
2
Creative float on the flop.
3
Other people have urge to win pots as well.
Apparentely didnīt mark too many hands.
October Goals
GL in October
Meditation
Meditate daily(might have to skip one day due to hangover). Keep working stabilizing attention and try to overcome impatience by focusing on positive things.
This was big fail. Caught little cold in the beginning of the month then went out drinking couple of times and skipped my practice for 8 days. Didnīt get back to my good practice routine at all. Ran well in poker so underlying frustration and inability to stay present stayed hidden for long periods of time. Towards the end of the month started seeing negative signs of not meditating properly and itīs strong signal to get back to it. On positive note my quality of focus and ability to stay present was much stronger and I noticed the slide much faster than before.
Volume
20 working days and 68k hands. My volume has been weak lately due to busy schedule. Time to put some volume in.
What a stupid goal, trying to force volume when my strength is not putting mass volume in. Changing the thread name from work hard to work smart. Wanting to work hard I put pressure to work more when I read some people putting over 100k hands per month.
Anyway was little sick and went out more than expected so had to skip few days. Have to adjust volume in the future.
Study
Study on 12 days.
Only goal I reached. Really motivated to study. It is amazing feeling when you studied something and can apply the concepts during gameplay. Discovering more weaknesses in my game, not too worried about them because working patiently with good plan I will make the smaller and finally master them. Same time noticing lot of mistakes in my opponents play as well.
Results
Happy with the results. Probably ran pretty well got little complacent and was struggling with some frustration and impatience towards the end of the month. Punted away quite a few stacks in which with better mental clarity I can make better plays.
Some hands
1
Need to win, I will make my thought process such that I can put more money in and chance to win because if you fold you canīt win. Better to be lucky than good!
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $192.24 (96.1 bb)
BB: $322.88 (161.4 bb)
UTG: $1,082.03 (541 bb)
Hero (MP): $243.25 (121.6 bb)
CO: $200 (100 bb)
BTN: $219.88 (109.9 bb)
Preflop: Hero is MP with K A
UTG folds, Hero raises to $4.20, CO raises to $16, 2 folds, BB calls $14, Hero raises to $54, CO calls $38, BB calls $38
Flop: ($163) T Q 8 (3 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $189.25 and is all-in, CO calls $146 and is all-in, BB calls $189.25
Turn: ($687.50) 7 (3 players, 2 are all-in)
River: ($687.50) J (3 players, 2 are all-in)
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $192.24 (96.1 bb)
BB: $322.88 (161.4 bb)
UTG: $1,082.03 (541 bb)
Hero (MP): $243.25 (121.6 bb)
CO: $200 (100 bb)
BTN: $219.88 (109.9 bb)
Preflop: Hero is MP with K A
UTG folds, Hero raises to $4.20, CO raises to $16, 2 folds, BB calls $14, Hero raises to $54, CO calls $38, BB calls $38
Flop: ($163) T Q 8 (3 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $189.25 and is all-in, CO calls $146 and is all-in, BB calls $189.25
Turn: ($687.50) 7 (3 players, 2 are all-in)
River: ($687.50) J (3 players, 2 are all-in)
Spoiler:
Results: $687.50 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: T Q 8 7 J
BB showed 8 8 and lost (-$243.25 net)
Hero showed K A and won $684.75 ($441.50 net)
CO showed K J and lost (-$200 net)
Final Board: T Q 8 7 J
BB showed 8 8 and lost (-$243.25 net)
Hero showed K A and won $684.75 ($441.50 net)
CO showed K J and lost (-$200 net)
2
Creative float on the flop.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $1,173.38 (586.7 bb)
BB: $539.89 (269.9 bb)
Hero (UTG): $200 (100 bb)
MP: $283.69 (141.8 bb)
CO: $588.57 (294.3 bb)
BTN: $206.65 (103.3 bb)
Preflop: Hero is UTG with K A
Hero raises to $4.20, MP raises to $16, 4 folds, Hero calls $11.80
Flop: ($35) A 7 A (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $9, Hero raises to $27.96, MP calls $18.96
Turn: ($90.92) Q (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $30.86, Hero calls $30.86
River: ($152.64) 2 (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $149.89, Hero calls $125.18 and is all-in
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $1,173.38 (586.7 bb)
BB: $539.89 (269.9 bb)
Hero (UTG): $200 (100 bb)
MP: $283.69 (141.8 bb)
CO: $588.57 (294.3 bb)
BTN: $206.65 (103.3 bb)
Preflop: Hero is UTG with K A
Hero raises to $4.20, MP raises to $16, 4 folds, Hero calls $11.80
Flop: ($35) A 7 A (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $9, Hero raises to $27.96, MP calls $18.96
Turn: ($90.92) Q (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $30.86, Hero calls $30.86
River: ($152.64) 2 (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $149.89, Hero calls $125.18 and is all-in
Spoiler:
Results: $403 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: A 7 A Q 2
Hero showed K A and won $400.25 ($200.25 net)
MP showed T J and won $0.00 (-$200.00 net)
Final Board: A 7 A Q 2
Hero showed K A and won $400.25 ($200.25 net)
MP showed T J and won $0.00 (-$200.00 net)
3
Other people have urge to win pots as well.
Poker Stars, $1/$2 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $200 (100 bb)
BB: $317.99 (159 bb)
UTG: $394.47 (197.2 bb)
Hero (MP): $205 (102.5 bb)
CO: $200 (100 bb)
BTN: $289.99 (145 bb)
Preflop: Hero is MP with A K
UTG folds, Hero raises to $4.16, 3 folds, BB raises to $18, Hero calls $13.84
Flop: ($37) A K T (2 players)
BB bets $8.44, Hero calls $8.44
Turn: ($53.88) 6 (2 players)
BB bets $35.32, Hero calls $35.32
River: ($124.52) 4 (2 players)
BB bets $256.23 and is all-in, Hero calls $143.24 and is all-in
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $200 (100 bb)
BB: $317.99 (159 bb)
UTG: $394.47 (197.2 bb)
Hero (MP): $205 (102.5 bb)
CO: $200 (100 bb)
BTN: $289.99 (145 bb)
Preflop: Hero is MP with A K
UTG folds, Hero raises to $4.16, 3 folds, BB raises to $18, Hero calls $13.84
Flop: ($37) A K T (2 players)
BB bets $8.44, Hero calls $8.44
Turn: ($53.88) 6 (2 players)
BB bets $35.32, Hero calls $35.32
River: ($124.52) 4 (2 players)
BB bets $256.23 and is all-in, Hero calls $143.24 and is all-in
Spoiler:
Results: $411 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: A K T 6 4
BB showed 2 4 and lost (-$205 net)
Hero showed A K and won $408.25 ($203.25 net)
Final Board: A K T 6 4
BB showed 2 4 and lost (-$205 net)
Hero showed A K and won $408.25 ($203.25 net)
Apparentely didnīt mark too many hands.
October Goals
- Meditate daily
- 20 days of work, volume goal 58k hands
- Study 12 days
GL in October
nice thread! GL for the upcoming month!
October - December recap
Failed to do my monthly reflection and updates. Did actually one for October but didnīt post it for some reason.
In October I caught a flu in the beginning of the month and it lasted a couple of weeks where my energy levels just werenīt enough to work full days. Managed to put ok volume considering my well being. Focused more studying as that you can do much more effectively with lower focus. After recovered from flu caught food poisoning which took me to bed for a couple day and decidided to call it a month.
In November had a three week holiday so not much to reflect but that was needed and came back well rested.
In December I was supposed to put good volume during holidays but family, friends and beers took precedence.
Digital services
Iīve been thinking about my energy levels and finding reason why I feel tired faster than I probably should. Of course Iīm getting older, but Iīm in really good shape and eating pretty good diet, still I feel more tired after relatively simple day at the office. I also noticed that I regressed in my meditation practice a bit, Iīve been more consistent with my practice and yet my mind is growing more restless(good thing is that Iīve learned to accept the mental state as it is). I īve noticed how compulsive my digital behaviour had become. I suspected that my brain is just not getting enough down time. So in meditation practices Iīm trying to cultivate being present and calmness of mind and most of my other actions Iīm priming my mind to look distractions.
After some research I found a book by Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism. In his book he describes social media services quite well as attention economy(it wasnīt probably his idea) but basically social media companies products are users which they are selling to marketers. Because of that they want you to think that their services offer some great value and try to make them addictive to use so that you will spend more time with them. He writes that these services arenīt inherently bad but we need to be careful how we use and introduce them to our lives. Book itself wasnīt that great, but description of attention economy was quite eye opening for myself, if somebody is interested, you can probably find some summary from Youtube.
Book suggest that you take 30 days off from services and apps which are optional for you. Then consider which provide real value to your life . I didnīt do any break yet, but might do some period of time later if needed. Just going through some services Iīve been using and thinking the value their offer. For example browsing reddit from my phone, checking memes or current topics and taking part of usually very shallow conversation can be addictive and time consuming and in reality offer no real value to my life. My youtube subscription list is ever growing and with quite brief overview I realized that I can do with few selected channels, watch their new content once a week or so. There is just so many books, blogs, music and podcasts you can consume. Then you add some fantasy sports which are great way engage more deeply into the sports you like. I realized I just filled all my free time with some kind of activity where I take in some kind of external information. I think I need few tweaks how I structure my daily activities. Having more high quality breaks while working, no phone or web. More solitude, when doing exercise or going for walks, leave the phone home, no podcasts. I tried some nature walks without any music or podcasts and Iīve forgotten how relaxing it is. Reserve some time for mindless entertainment, but restrict time because itīs se easy to get caught on it. With these few changes I noticed already major changes in the calmness of my mind how useless and disruptive some of the services Iīve been using are. Looking forward planning more carefully how I structure my digital life and becoming more focused, happier and productive.
Studying and decision making
Another contributing factor that playing has been more consuming lately must be my decision making process. Iīve been studying quite a lot lately and Iīve increased my technical knowledge of the game. Same time I havenīt improved my decision making. During hands I have to work hard to find the right factors to consider in decision. That is very consuming and leads very weird kind of mistakes where I forget one key element from the decision and all the rest of the thought process is kind of wasted. When I started to pay attention to my decision making, I also noticed that Iīve started to play hands in my head advance so I try to figure out how to play in the point of the game tree where the hand doesnīt often end up. Itīs obviously wasted energy.
I read interesting book https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/...list-manifesto about decision making and I think this could be very helpful for poker players to find more efficient way to make decisions.
Year recap
Started this thread in the beginning of March. I got things back on track pretty quickly and I feel like I have improved a lot, especially mentally. My mindset is good, I embrace mistakes and see the as opportunity to learn and grow. I improved my technical abilities, that has increased complexity in my game and ability to make the best decision is something I will work in coming year. Iīm somewhat disappointed to my volume, but I had lot of things going on outside poker which affected probably more that I think theys should.
Graph
Stakes
Now some new year celebrations and excited to tackle the challenges which 2020 will offer!
Failed to do my monthly reflection and updates. Did actually one for October but didnīt post it for some reason.
In October I caught a flu in the beginning of the month and it lasted a couple of weeks where my energy levels just werenīt enough to work full days. Managed to put ok volume considering my well being. Focused more studying as that you can do much more effectively with lower focus. After recovered from flu caught food poisoning which took me to bed for a couple day and decidided to call it a month.
In November had a three week holiday so not much to reflect but that was needed and came back well rested.
In December I was supposed to put good volume during holidays but family, friends and beers took precedence.
Digital services
Iīve been thinking about my energy levels and finding reason why I feel tired faster than I probably should. Of course Iīm getting older, but Iīm in really good shape and eating pretty good diet, still I feel more tired after relatively simple day at the office. I also noticed that I regressed in my meditation practice a bit, Iīve been more consistent with my practice and yet my mind is growing more restless(good thing is that Iīve learned to accept the mental state as it is). I īve noticed how compulsive my digital behaviour had become. I suspected that my brain is just not getting enough down time. So in meditation practices Iīm trying to cultivate being present and calmness of mind and most of my other actions Iīm priming my mind to look distractions.
After some research I found a book by Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism. In his book he describes social media services quite well as attention economy(it wasnīt probably his idea) but basically social media companies products are users which they are selling to marketers. Because of that they want you to think that their services offer some great value and try to make them addictive to use so that you will spend more time with them. He writes that these services arenīt inherently bad but we need to be careful how we use and introduce them to our lives. Book itself wasnīt that great, but description of attention economy was quite eye opening for myself, if somebody is interested, you can probably find some summary from Youtube.
Book suggest that you take 30 days off from services and apps which are optional for you. Then consider which provide real value to your life . I didnīt do any break yet, but might do some period of time later if needed. Just going through some services Iīve been using and thinking the value their offer. For example browsing reddit from my phone, checking memes or current topics and taking part of usually very shallow conversation can be addictive and time consuming and in reality offer no real value to my life. My youtube subscription list is ever growing and with quite brief overview I realized that I can do with few selected channels, watch their new content once a week or so. There is just so many books, blogs, music and podcasts you can consume. Then you add some fantasy sports which are great way engage more deeply into the sports you like. I realized I just filled all my free time with some kind of activity where I take in some kind of external information. I think I need few tweaks how I structure my daily activities. Having more high quality breaks while working, no phone or web. More solitude, when doing exercise or going for walks, leave the phone home, no podcasts. I tried some nature walks without any music or podcasts and Iīve forgotten how relaxing it is. Reserve some time for mindless entertainment, but restrict time because itīs se easy to get caught on it. With these few changes I noticed already major changes in the calmness of my mind how useless and disruptive some of the services Iīve been using are. Looking forward planning more carefully how I structure my digital life and becoming more focused, happier and productive.
Studying and decision making
Another contributing factor that playing has been more consuming lately must be my decision making process. Iīve been studying quite a lot lately and Iīve increased my technical knowledge of the game. Same time I havenīt improved my decision making. During hands I have to work hard to find the right factors to consider in decision. That is very consuming and leads very weird kind of mistakes where I forget one key element from the decision and all the rest of the thought process is kind of wasted. When I started to pay attention to my decision making, I also noticed that Iīve started to play hands in my head advance so I try to figure out how to play in the point of the game tree where the hand doesnīt often end up. Itīs obviously wasted energy.
I read interesting book https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/...list-manifesto about decision making and I think this could be very helpful for poker players to find more efficient way to make decisions.
Year recap
Started this thread in the beginning of March. I got things back on track pretty quickly and I feel like I have improved a lot, especially mentally. My mindset is good, I embrace mistakes and see the as opportunity to learn and grow. I improved my technical abilities, that has increased complexity in my game and ability to make the best decision is something I will work in coming year. Iīm somewhat disappointed to my volume, but I had lot of things going on outside poker which affected probably more that I think theys should.
Graph
Stakes
Now some new year celebrations and excited to tackle the challenges which 2020 will offer!
Back at the grind, older I get the longer I need to recover from my boozing expeditions. Going to be lots of uncontrollable things this year so I wonīt set any yearly goals. I feel like I laid solid foundation towards end of the last year. I have developed better more flexible routines which allow me to play poker fairly effectively. I improved lots of my studying. When I gained some knowledge I felt like it exposed much more weaknesses in my game. That is a good thing, I can improve those leaks with patient deliberate practice.
January goals
[ ]No alcohol. Biggest hindrance in my development as a player.
[ ]Meditate daily when capable.
[ ]18 working days, 54k hands
[ ]Set a goal to play in the zone and improve my performance routine.
[ ]Improve one technical leak. Understand good thought process and strategic choices.
January goals
[ ]No alcohol. Biggest hindrance in my development as a player.
[ ]Meditate daily when capable.
[ ]18 working days, 54k hands
[ ]Set a goal to play in the zone and improve my performance routine.
[ ]Improve one technical leak. Understand good thought process and strategic choices.
January recap
[X]No alcohol. Biggest hindrance in my development as a player.
What an amazing feeling when didnīt have any drinks. High energy levels, body feels much more stronger and able to do more exercise. Biggest change was in mental state. Small things doesnnīt annoy that much, increased focus and mental clarity. Sometimes is hard to remember why I started drinking in first place and what good alcohol does for me? I guess I should watch some commercials while sports are on TV.
[X]Meditate daily when capable.
Combined with sober month it felt like I was playing life on cheat mode. Felt happy and at ease more often. Didnīt progress that much in my practice just did my established routine and it felt good.
[X]18 working days, 54k hands
Managed 18 working days, fell short of 54k hands. Beginning of the month were still recovering from bad habits and it was struggle to put volume in
[X]Set a goal to play in the zone and improve my performance routine.
Played more A and B game than ever. Last month consisted mostly of C-game and was able to cut C-game session to about 30%. Wrote down lot of notes about performance and have to go through them.
[ ]Improve one technical leak. Understand good thought process and strategic choices
Pretended to do some study on that topic. Improved little bit, but way too often I just skipped really good learning opportunities. Need to strengthen to reasons why constant improvement and studying is essential for my success at poker
January results
Felt like really swingy month. Felt bit unlucky with set ups vs regs, but that is probably because of negativity bias. There is so much variance which goes unnoticed so was probably quite lucky in some other spots.
1
Reg goes for unconventional bluff
PokerStars - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
SB: $204.12 (40.8 bb)
Hero (BB): $565.48 (113.1 bb)
UTG: $786.16 (157.2 bb)
MP: $252.86 (50.6 bb)
CO: $513.62 (102.7 bb)
BTN: $500.00 (100 bb)
SB posts $2.50, Hero posts BB $5.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has 2 2
3 folds, BTN raises to $10.00, SB calls $7.50, Hero calls $5.00
Flop: ($30.00, 3 players) 4 2 A
SB checks, Hero checks, BTN checks
Turn: ($30.00, 3 players) 2
SB checks, Hero checks, BTN bets $9.69, fold, Hero raises to $105.45, BTN raises to $210.79, Hero calls $105.34
River: ($451.58, 2 players) 8
Hero checks, BTN bets $279.21 and is all-in, Hero calls $279.21
Results: $1,010.00 pot ($3.00 rake)
Final Board: 4 2 A 2 8
BTN shows T 9: (One Pair, Twos)
(Pre 51%, Flop 4%, Turn 0%)
Hero shows 2 2: (Four of a Kind, Twos)
(Pre 49%, Flop 96%, Turn 100%)
Hero wins $1,007.00
2
meh
not too many marked hands...
February goals
[ ]No alcohol.
[ ]Meditate daily when capable.
[ ]20 working days, 54k hands
[ ]Set a goal to play in the zone in every session. Track progress.
[ ]Study same spot as last month.
GL
[X]No alcohol. Biggest hindrance in my development as a player.
What an amazing feeling when didnīt have any drinks. High energy levels, body feels much more stronger and able to do more exercise. Biggest change was in mental state. Small things doesnnīt annoy that much, increased focus and mental clarity. Sometimes is hard to remember why I started drinking in first place and what good alcohol does for me? I guess I should watch some commercials while sports are on TV.
[X]Meditate daily when capable.
Combined with sober month it felt like I was playing life on cheat mode. Felt happy and at ease more often. Didnīt progress that much in my practice just did my established routine and it felt good.
[X]18 working days, 54k hands
Managed 18 working days, fell short of 54k hands. Beginning of the month were still recovering from bad habits and it was struggle to put volume in
[X]Set a goal to play in the zone and improve my performance routine.
Played more A and B game than ever. Last month consisted mostly of C-game and was able to cut C-game session to about 30%. Wrote down lot of notes about performance and have to go through them.
[ ]Improve one technical leak. Understand good thought process and strategic choices
Pretended to do some study on that topic. Improved little bit, but way too often I just skipped really good learning opportunities. Need to strengthen to reasons why constant improvement and studying is essential for my success at poker
January results
Felt like really swingy month. Felt bit unlucky with set ups vs regs, but that is probably because of negativity bias. There is so much variance which goes unnoticed so was probably quite lucky in some other spots.
1
Reg goes for unconventional bluff
PokerStars - $5 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
SB: $204.12 (40.8 bb)
Hero (BB): $565.48 (113.1 bb)
UTG: $786.16 (157.2 bb)
MP: $252.86 (50.6 bb)
CO: $513.62 (102.7 bb)
BTN: $500.00 (100 bb)
SB posts $2.50, Hero posts BB $5.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has 2 2
3 folds, BTN raises to $10.00, SB calls $7.50, Hero calls $5.00
Flop: ($30.00, 3 players) 4 2 A
SB checks, Hero checks, BTN checks
Turn: ($30.00, 3 players) 2
SB checks, Hero checks, BTN bets $9.69, fold, Hero raises to $105.45, BTN raises to $210.79, Hero calls $105.34
River: ($451.58, 2 players) 8
Hero checks, BTN bets $279.21 and is all-in, Hero calls $279.21
Results: $1,010.00 pot ($3.00 rake)
Final Board: 4 2 A 2 8
BTN shows T 9: (One Pair, Twos)
(Pre 51%, Flop 4%, Turn 0%)
Hero shows 2 2: (Four of a Kind, Twos)
(Pre 49%, Flop 96%, Turn 100%)
Hero wins $1,007.00
2
meh
PokerStars - $2 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $582.47 (291.2 bb)
SB: $337.04 (168.5 bb)
BB: $200.00 (100 bb)
UTG: $663.64 (331.8 bb)
MP: $1,001.21 (500.6 bb)
Hero (CO): $246.85 (123.4 bb)
SB posts $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has A A
fold, MP raises to $5.00, Hero raises to $17.00, fold, SB calls $16.00, 2 folds
Flop: ($41.00, 2 players) A T J
SB checks, Hero bets $15.58, SB calls $15.58
Turn: ($72.16, 2 players) 3
SB checks, Hero bets $52.06, SB raises to $138.83, Hero raises to $214.27 and is all-in, SB calls $75.44
River: ($500.70, 2 players) 9
Results: $500.70 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: A T J 3 9
SB shows K Q: (Straight, Ace High)
(Pre 18%, Flop 65%, Turn 77%)
Hero shows A A: (Three of a Kind, Aces)
(Pre 82%, Flop 35%, Turn 23%)
SB wins $497.95
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $582.47 (291.2 bb)
SB: $337.04 (168.5 bb)
BB: $200.00 (100 bb)
UTG: $663.64 (331.8 bb)
MP: $1,001.21 (500.6 bb)
Hero (CO): $246.85 (123.4 bb)
SB posts $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has A A
fold, MP raises to $5.00, Hero raises to $17.00, fold, SB calls $16.00, 2 folds
Flop: ($41.00, 2 players) A T J
SB checks, Hero bets $15.58, SB calls $15.58
Turn: ($72.16, 2 players) 3
SB checks, Hero bets $52.06, SB raises to $138.83, Hero raises to $214.27 and is all-in, SB calls $75.44
River: ($500.70, 2 players) 9
Results: $500.70 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: A T J 3 9
SB shows K Q: (Straight, Ace High)
(Pre 18%, Flop 65%, Turn 77%)
Hero shows A A: (Three of a Kind, Aces)
(Pre 82%, Flop 35%, Turn 23%)
SB wins $497.95
not too many marked hands...
February goals
[ ]No alcohol.
[ ]Meditate daily when capable.
[ ]20 working days, 54k hands
[ ]Set a goal to play in the zone in every session. Track progress.
[ ]Study same spot as last month.
GL
do you drink because you don't think you have enough resources/money?
February
Didnīt mange to do the update. Here are the results.
Finished with the biggest upswing ever, my wife gave birth to a healthy son. So going forward learning to be a father and working at the same time.
March
Back to grind and trying to find routine that works with the newborn. Started with massive heater and playing poorly. Realized that I need to structure my life carefully to be able to work efficiently.
My study has been really effective and have been able to increase my winrate at the spots I studied . Finding many spots where I can improve my strategy and get better quite easily, this gives me lot of confidence going forward as my winrate is already decent.
April Goals
[ ]Find schedule that allows me to do my meditation and exercises
[ ]Find ways to get energy from work, because of negativity bias itīs easy to make poker consuming. Enforce positive thoughts when seeing improvement in mental or technical game.
[ ]Explore biggest weakness, make study plan and study at least 15 minutes a day.
[ ]Reserve time for writing, these posts has been really poor lately.
200 grind has been going well and tried some 500 grindz earlier this year and didnt feel that much outclassed there. Plan was to stick at 200 after baby was born to reduce variance and stress for a while. This still might be the highest EV route to take but tempted to play higher as the games seems to be really good.
GL and stay safe.
April Review
[x]Find schedule that allows me to do my meditation and exercises
Developed really good routines in new situation, keep on improving them
[X]Find ways to get energy from work, because of negativity bias itīs easy to make poker consuming. Enforce positive thoughts when seeing improvement in mental or technical game.
Though month, but I take lot of encouragement the way I handled negative variance.
[X]Explore biggest weakness, make study plan and study at least 15 minutes a day.
This was tough one, discovered many layers in the leak and slowly improving them now. I feel like Iīm gaining so much better understanding of the game and discovering new ways to improve my game all the time.
[ ]Reserve time for writing, these posts has been really poor lately.
Results
Biggest downswing since starting the thread, hopefully started to dig myself out. Unfortunately my 500z shot didnīt go too well either. Booked 8 buy-in losses from there, managed to win one full stack while losing 11, not a recipe for winning shot. Kind of unfortunate since the games are so good at the moment. Decided to drop back to 200z just to reduce the stress with the infant in the house as well.
I noticed huge improvement how I handle downswings, in the past Iīve been like case study to almost all chapters in Mental Game of Poker book. Now I see this as big opportunity to find new weaknesses in my game and evolve as player. Big credits to discovering book about growth mindset by Carol Dweck, highly recommended reading. There was also extra added pressure in this downswing since I lost my side income from sports betting and having to practice quite strict social distancing with the baby. One thing I find helpful is having bigger life goals, if all your goals are based on poker I think downswings are going to hurt you more as well. My life goals are about general well being, happiness and being good family member and friend and of course becoming the best poker player I can be. Having those goals helps me see that having some downswing arenīt as big thing as they seem to be.
Hands
1
Literally first hand when I sat at 500z. That was the first mistake, I wasnīt feeling really sharp, baby kept me awake bit at night. I looked at the pool and it looked amazing so I thought why not. I think I played preflop well, but postflop probably couldīve clicked different buttons on many occasions. Next time Iīll take a shot, Iīll have some kind of action plan. Play fewer tables and get feel for the games and which kinds of challenging spots weīll face.
2
My C-game mistake is overaggression, trying to force action and play big pots.
In this hand I could hide behind the fact that villain hit the 2 outer on the river and cry how unlucky I am. My line is really bad. Opponent is good regular who probably has a really solid calling strat on the button. When I start piling money in with big bets his range get narrower and narrower and we just face strong hands too often OTR.
3
C-game mistake #2 spite calls, these are special situations where Iīm just unable to follow my intuition and logic. I think underlying problem is that my thought process isnīt strong enough for bluffcatching situations and I have fear of getting bluffed/not knowing. Rec chooses the ultimate I have trips-line. Initial thought was to bet until get raised. Then I started arguing he might bluff something.
4
Just example in which kind of games I was able to book my first losing month in a year. This line requires creativity.
May goals
Few days rest and then back to the grind.
[ ]Follow good routine in life to put myself best possible situation to play good poker.
[ ]Set a goal to play A or good B-game more. Review the details of my game before session.
[ ]Improve biggest technical weakness, study 20 min every day.
Gl in May.
[x]Find schedule that allows me to do my meditation and exercises
Developed really good routines in new situation, keep on improving them
[X]Find ways to get energy from work, because of negativity bias itīs easy to make poker consuming. Enforce positive thoughts when seeing improvement in mental or technical game.
Though month, but I take lot of encouragement the way I handled negative variance.
[X]Explore biggest weakness, make study plan and study at least 15 minutes a day.
This was tough one, discovered many layers in the leak and slowly improving them now. I feel like Iīm gaining so much better understanding of the game and discovering new ways to improve my game all the time.
[ ]Reserve time for writing, these posts has been really poor lately.
Results
Biggest downswing since starting the thread, hopefully started to dig myself out. Unfortunately my 500z shot didnīt go too well either. Booked 8 buy-in losses from there, managed to win one full stack while losing 11, not a recipe for winning shot. Kind of unfortunate since the games are so good at the moment. Decided to drop back to 200z just to reduce the stress with the infant in the house as well.
I noticed huge improvement how I handle downswings, in the past Iīve been like case study to almost all chapters in Mental Game of Poker book. Now I see this as big opportunity to find new weaknesses in my game and evolve as player. Big credits to discovering book about growth mindset by Carol Dweck, highly recommended reading. There was also extra added pressure in this downswing since I lost my side income from sports betting and having to practice quite strict social distancing with the baby. One thing I find helpful is having bigger life goals, if all your goals are based on poker I think downswings are going to hurt you more as well. My life goals are about general well being, happiness and being good family member and friend and of course becoming the best poker player I can be. Having those goals helps me see that having some downswing arenīt as big thing as they seem to be.
Hands
1
Literally first hand when I sat at 500z. That was the first mistake, I wasnīt feeling really sharp, baby kept me awake bit at night. I looked at the pool and it looked amazing so I thought why not. I think I played preflop well, but postflop probably couldīve clicked different buttons on many occasions. Next time Iīll take a shot, Iīll have some kind of action plan. Play fewer tables and get feel for the games and which kinds of challenging spots weīll face.
PokerStars - $5 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $1,006.28 (201.3 bb)
SB: $212.14 (42.4 bb)
Hero (BB): $500.00 (100 bb)
UTG: $394.90 (79 bb)
MP: $566.00 (113.2 bb)
CO: $1,735.20 (347 bb)
SB posts $2.50, Hero posts BB $5.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has K K
fold, MP raises to $10.95, CO raises to $38.09, 2 folds, Hero raises to $112.72, fold, CO calls $74.63
Flop: ($238.89, 2 players) K 2 T
Hero bets $77.84, CO calls $77.84
Turn: ($394.57, 2 players) 7
Hero checks, CO checks
River: ($394.57, 2 players) 4
Hero bets $309.44 and is all-in, CO calls $309.44
Results: $1,013.45 pot ($3.00 rake)
Final Board: K 2 T 7 4
Hero shows K K: (Three of a Kind, Kings)
(Pre 68%, Flop 84%, Turn 77%)
CO shows Q A: (Flush, Ace High)
(Pre 32%, Flop 16%, Turn 23%)
CO wins $1,010.45
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $1,006.28 (201.3 bb)
SB: $212.14 (42.4 bb)
Hero (BB): $500.00 (100 bb)
UTG: $394.90 (79 bb)
MP: $566.00 (113.2 bb)
CO: $1,735.20 (347 bb)
SB posts $2.50, Hero posts BB $5.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $7.50) Hero has K K
fold, MP raises to $10.95, CO raises to $38.09, 2 folds, Hero raises to $112.72, fold, CO calls $74.63
Flop: ($238.89, 2 players) K 2 T
Hero bets $77.84, CO calls $77.84
Turn: ($394.57, 2 players) 7
Hero checks, CO checks
River: ($394.57, 2 players) 4
Hero bets $309.44 and is all-in, CO calls $309.44
Results: $1,013.45 pot ($3.00 rake)
Final Board: K 2 T 7 4
Hero shows K K: (Three of a Kind, Kings)
(Pre 68%, Flop 84%, Turn 77%)
CO shows Q A: (Flush, Ace High)
(Pre 32%, Flop 16%, Turn 23%)
CO wins $1,010.45
2
My C-game mistake is overaggression, trying to force action and play big pots.
PokerStars - $2 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $248.38 (124.2 bb)
SB: $236.25 (118.1 bb)
BB: $130.39 (65.2 bb)
UTG: $84.59 (42.3 bb)
Hero (MP): $241.68 (120.8 bb)
CO: $198.75 (99.4 bb)
SB posts $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has A A
fold, Hero raises to $4.60, fold, BTN calls $4.60, 2 folds
Flop: ($12.20, 2 players) 4 6 4
Hero checks, BTN bets $5.80, Hero raises to $22.19, BTN calls $16.39
Turn: ($56.58, 2 players) 9
Hero bets $53.83, BTN calls $53.83
River: ($164.24, 2 players) 7
Hero bets $161.06 and is all-in, BTN calls $161.06
Results: $486.36 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 4 6 4 9 7
Hero shows A A: (Two Pair, Aces and Fours)
(Pre 80%, Flop 88%, Turn 95%)
BTN shows 7 7: (Full House, Sevens full of Fours)
(Pre 20%, Flop 12%, Turn 5%)
BTN wins $483.61
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $248.38 (124.2 bb)
SB: $236.25 (118.1 bb)
BB: $130.39 (65.2 bb)
UTG: $84.59 (42.3 bb)
Hero (MP): $241.68 (120.8 bb)
CO: $198.75 (99.4 bb)
SB posts $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has A A
fold, Hero raises to $4.60, fold, BTN calls $4.60, 2 folds
Flop: ($12.20, 2 players) 4 6 4
Hero checks, BTN bets $5.80, Hero raises to $22.19, BTN calls $16.39
Turn: ($56.58, 2 players) 9
Hero bets $53.83, BTN calls $53.83
River: ($164.24, 2 players) 7
Hero bets $161.06 and is all-in, BTN calls $161.06
Results: $486.36 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 4 6 4 9 7
Hero shows A A: (Two Pair, Aces and Fours)
(Pre 80%, Flop 88%, Turn 95%)
BTN shows 7 7: (Full House, Sevens full of Fours)
(Pre 20%, Flop 12%, Turn 5%)
BTN wins $483.61
In this hand I could hide behind the fact that villain hit the 2 outer on the river and cry how unlucky I am. My line is really bad. Opponent is good regular who probably has a really solid calling strat on the button. When I start piling money in with big bets his range get narrower and narrower and we just face strong hands too often OTR.
3
C-game mistake #2 spite calls, these are special situations where Iīm just unable to follow my intuition and logic. I think underlying problem is that my thought process isnīt strong enough for bluffcatching situations and I have fear of getting bluffed/not knowing. Rec chooses the ultimate I have trips-line. Initial thought was to bet until get raised. Then I started arguing he might bluff something.
PokerStars - $2 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $356.69 (178.3 bb)
SB: $148.61 (74.3 bb)
BB: $724.37 (362.2 bb)
Hero (UTG): $231.62 (115.8 bb)
MP: $458.10 (229.1 bb)
CO: $200.00 (100 bb)
SB posts $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has J A
Hero raises to $4.60, 3 folds, SB calls $3.60, fold
Flop: ($11.20, 2 players) 6 J 9
SB checks, Hero bets $6.98, SB calls $6.98
Turn: ($25.16, 2 players) 9
SB checks, Hero bets $16.01, SB raises to $32.02, Hero calls $16.01
River: ($89.20, 2 players) 2
SB bets $86.45, Hero calls $86.45
Results: $262.10 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 6 J 9 9 2
SB shows 9 T: (Three of a Kind, Nines)
(Pre 38%, Flop 23%, Turn 95%)
Hero mucks J A: (Two Pair, Jacks and Nines)
(Pre 62%, Flop 77%, Turn 5%)
SB wins $259.35
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $356.69 (178.3 bb)
SB: $148.61 (74.3 bb)
BB: $724.37 (362.2 bb)
Hero (UTG): $231.62 (115.8 bb)
MP: $458.10 (229.1 bb)
CO: $200.00 (100 bb)
SB posts $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has J A
Hero raises to $4.60, 3 folds, SB calls $3.60, fold
Flop: ($11.20, 2 players) 6 J 9
SB checks, Hero bets $6.98, SB calls $6.98
Turn: ($25.16, 2 players) 9
SB checks, Hero bets $16.01, SB raises to $32.02, Hero calls $16.01
River: ($89.20, 2 players) 2
SB bets $86.45, Hero calls $86.45
Results: $262.10 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 6 J 9 9 2
SB shows 9 T: (Three of a Kind, Nines)
(Pre 38%, Flop 23%, Turn 95%)
Hero mucks J A: (Two Pair, Jacks and Nines)
(Pre 62%, Flop 77%, Turn 5%)
SB wins $259.35
4
Just example in which kind of games I was able to book my first losing month in a year. This line requires creativity.
PokerStars - $2 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $220.22 (110.1 bb)
Hero (SB): $228.56 (114.3 bb)
BB: $318.67 (159.3 bb)
UTG: $129.50 (64.8 bb)
MP: $406.16 (203.1 bb)
CO: $596.75 (298.4 bb)
Hero posts SB $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has J K
2 folds, CO calls $2.00, fold, Hero raises to $8.40, fold, CO calls $6.40
Flop: ($18.80, 2 players) Q 8 7
Hero bets $6.89, CO calls $6.89
Turn: ($32.58, 2 players) K
Hero bets $10.21, CO raises to $36.00, Hero calls $25.79
River: ($104.58, 2 players) J
Hero checks, CO bets $102.00, Hero calls $102.00
Results: $308.58 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: Q 8 7 K J
CO shows 3 2: (High Card, King)
(Pre 33%, Flop 22%, Turn 0%)
Hero shows J K: (Two Pair, Kings and Jacks)
(Pre 67%, Flop 78%, Turn 100%)
Hero wins $305.83
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $220.22 (110.1 bb)
Hero (SB): $228.56 (114.3 bb)
BB: $318.67 (159.3 bb)
UTG: $129.50 (64.8 bb)
MP: $406.16 (203.1 bb)
CO: $596.75 (298.4 bb)
Hero posts SB $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has J K
2 folds, CO calls $2.00, fold, Hero raises to $8.40, fold, CO calls $6.40
Flop: ($18.80, 2 players) Q 8 7
Hero bets $6.89, CO calls $6.89
Turn: ($32.58, 2 players) K
Hero bets $10.21, CO raises to $36.00, Hero calls $25.79
River: ($104.58, 2 players) J
Hero checks, CO bets $102.00, Hero calls $102.00
Results: $308.58 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: Q 8 7 K J
CO shows 3 2: (High Card, King)
(Pre 33%, Flop 22%, Turn 0%)
Hero shows J K: (Two Pair, Kings and Jacks)
(Pre 67%, Flop 78%, Turn 100%)
Hero wins $305.83
May goals
Few days rest and then back to the grind.
[ ]Follow good routine in life to put myself best possible situation to play good poker.
[ ]Set a goal to play A or good B-game more. Review the details of my game before session.
[ ]Improve biggest technical weakness, study 20 min every day.
Gl in May.
just discovered your thread. Nice read. All the best to your little family!
How do you study Poker?
How do you study Poker?
May review
[X]Follow good routine in life to put myself best possible situation to play good poker.
Routine was really good and was able to improve it. Added better cooldown to my routine, brief journaling, relaxing mobility exercise and short meditation to transition into free time and be able to relax and enjoy my time better.
[X]Set a goal to play A or good B-game more. Review the details of my game before session.
A-game isnīt available often enough. Negative variance and difficult situations affect too much how I play. Was able to recognize situations faster and easier, but something I have to work on.
[X]Improve biggest technical weakness, study 20 min every day.
Studied almost every day, maybe even too much, made some decision making mistakes which could have been caused by overthinking and not being able to consider correct factors on correct weight. Didn't see any improvement on winrate yet but sample size is small.
May results
Somehow it was a difficult month. Happy with the win after a losing month. Downswing was affecting how I perceive things, I became really good seeing bad luck and unfairness everywhere instead of objectively taking situations as they come. This caused me to miss some common lower +EV spots which in the end is a big part of the edge. Good lesson for facing next downswing better and to improve my decision making process.
Some random hands
1
Tough hand vs a good reg. Turn is quite a bad card for my range, I think AK is still a good bet. Disaster river, bet, XC and XF all feel equally bad. Felt like I faced lots of tough hands where I caught a really tough runout and wasn't able to think correctly. Some underlying mental issues or lack of technical knowledge which I need to address.
PokerStars - $2 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $207.35 (103.7 bb)
Hero (SB): $214.40 (107.2 bb)
BB: $209.90 (105 bb)
UTG: $200.00 (100 bb)
MP: $100.00 (50 bb)
CO: $444.40 (222.2 bb)
Hero posts SB $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has K A
3 folds, BTN raises to $5.00, Hero raises to $22.00, fold, BTN calls $17.00
Flop: ($46.00, 2 players) 4 5 4
Hero bets $24.47, BTN calls $24.47
Turn: ($94.94, 2 players) A
Hero bets $51.63, BTN calls $51.63
River: ($198.20, 2 players) 2
Hero bets $116.30 and is all-in, BTN calls $109.25 and is all-in
Results: $416.70 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 4 5 4 A 2
Hero shows K A: (Two Pair, Aces and Fours)
(Pre 71%, Flop 83%, Turn 80%)
BTN shows K J: (Flush, Ace High)
(Pre 29%, Flop 17%, Turn 20%)
BTN wins $413.95
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $207.35 (103.7 bb)
Hero (SB): $214.40 (107.2 bb)
BB: $209.90 (105 bb)
UTG: $200.00 (100 bb)
MP: $100.00 (50 bb)
CO: $444.40 (222.2 bb)
Hero posts SB $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has K A
3 folds, BTN raises to $5.00, Hero raises to $22.00, fold, BTN calls $17.00
Flop: ($46.00, 2 players) 4 5 4
Hero bets $24.47, BTN calls $24.47
Turn: ($94.94, 2 players) A
Hero bets $51.63, BTN calls $51.63
River: ($198.20, 2 players) 2
Hero bets $116.30 and is all-in, BTN calls $109.25 and is all-in
Results: $416.70 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 4 5 4 A 2
Hero shows K A: (Two Pair, Aces and Fours)
(Pre 71%, Flop 83%, Turn 80%)
BTN shows K J: (Flush, Ace High)
(Pre 29%, Flop 17%, Turn 20%)
BTN wins $413.95
2
Punt or spew? I like my line a lot.
PokerStars - $2 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $272.90 (136.5 bb)
SB: $201.00 (100.5 bb)
BB: $276.03 (138 bb)
UTG: $239.00 (119.5 bb)
MP: $204.00 (102 bb)
Hero (CO): $200.00 (100 bb)
SB posts $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has K Q
UTG raises to $5.00, fold, Hero raises to $17.00, 3 folds, UTG calls $12.00
Flop: ($37.00, 2 players) 4 A 9
UTG checks, Hero checks
Turn: ($37.00, 2 players) Q
UTG bets $21.09, Hero calls $21.09
River: ($79.18, 2 players) 5
UTG bets $45.86, Hero raises to $161.91 and is all-in, UTG calls $116.05
Results: $403.00 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 4 A 9 Q 5
Hero shows K Q: (One Pair, Queens)
(Pre 42%, Flop 3%, Turn 11%)
UTG shows J A: (One Pair, Aces)
(Pre 58%, Flop 97%, Turn 89%)
UTG wins $400.25
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $272.90 (136.5 bb)
SB: $201.00 (100.5 bb)
BB: $276.03 (138 bb)
UTG: $239.00 (119.5 bb)
MP: $204.00 (102 bb)
Hero (CO): $200.00 (100 bb)
SB posts $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has K Q
UTG raises to $5.00, fold, Hero raises to $17.00, 3 folds, UTG calls $12.00
Flop: ($37.00, 2 players) 4 A 9
UTG checks, Hero checks
Turn: ($37.00, 2 players) Q
UTG bets $21.09, Hero calls $21.09
River: ($79.18, 2 players) 5
UTG bets $45.86, Hero raises to $161.91 and is all-in, UTG calls $116.05
Results: $403.00 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 4 A 9 Q 5
Hero shows K Q: (One Pair, Queens)
(Pre 42%, Flop 3%, Turn 11%)
UTG shows J A: (One Pair, Aces)
(Pre 58%, Flop 97%, Turn 89%)
UTG wins $400.25
3
Another tough hand where I think I played really well but feel like I never find the bluffs.
PokerStars - $2 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $202.00 (101 bb)
Hero (SB): $200.00 (100 bb)
BB: $634.66 (317.3 bb)
UTG: $235.48 (117.7 bb)
MP: $200.00 (100 bb)
CO: $83.56 (41.8 bb)
Hero posts SB $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has A Q
fold, MP raises to $5.00, 2 folds, Hero raises to $22.00, fold, MP calls $17.00
Flop: ($46.00, 2 players) 7 A 6
Hero checks, MP checks
Turn: ($46.00, 2 players) 8
Hero checks, MP bets $28.84, Hero calls $28.84
River: ($103.68, 2 players) 2
Hero checks, MP bets $149.16 and is all-in, Hero calls $149.16 and is all-in
Results: $402.00 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 7 A 6 8 2
MP shows 8 8: (Three of a Kind, Eights)
(Pre 56%, Flop 18%, Turn 100%)
Hero shows A Q: (One Pair, Aces)
(Pre 44%, Flop 82%, Turn 0%)
MP wins $399.25
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $202.00 (101 bb)
Hero (SB): $200.00 (100 bb)
BB: $634.66 (317.3 bb)
UTG: $235.48 (117.7 bb)
MP: $200.00 (100 bb)
CO: $83.56 (41.8 bb)
Hero posts SB $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has A Q
fold, MP raises to $5.00, 2 folds, Hero raises to $22.00, fold, MP calls $17.00
Flop: ($46.00, 2 players) 7 A 6
Hero checks, MP checks
Turn: ($46.00, 2 players) 8
Hero checks, MP bets $28.84, Hero calls $28.84
River: ($103.68, 2 players) 2
Hero checks, MP bets $149.16 and is all-in, Hero calls $149.16 and is all-in
Results: $402.00 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: 7 A 6 8 2
MP shows 8 8: (Three of a Kind, Eights)
(Pre 56%, Flop 18%, Turn 100%)
Hero shows A Q: (One Pair, Aces)
(Pre 44%, Flop 82%, Turn 0%)
MP wins $399.25
4
Same theme
PokerStars - $2 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $205.00 (102.5 bb)
Hero (SB): $256.78 (128.4 bb)
BB: $283.94 (142 bb)
UTG: $528.37 (264.2 bb)
MP: $628.63 (314.3 bb)
CO: $270.36 (135.2 bb)
Hero posts SB $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has T A
fold, MP raises to $4.40, 2 folds, Hero raises to $20.48, fold, MP calls $16.08
Flop: ($42.96, 2 players) K 2 K
Hero bets $13.47, MP calls $13.47
Turn: ($69.90, 2 players) 7
Hero checks, MP bets $22.16, Hero calls $22.16
River: ($114.22, 2 players) 9
Hero checks, MP bets $572.52 and is all-in, Hero calls $200.67 and is all-in
Results: $515.56 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: K 2 K 7 9
MP shows 9 9: (Full House, Nines full of Kings)
(Pre 53%, Flop 50%, Turn 9%)
Hero shows T A: (Flush, Ace High)
(Pre 47%, Flop 50%, Turn 91%)
MP wins $512.81
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $205.00 (102.5 bb)
Hero (SB): $256.78 (128.4 bb)
BB: $283.94 (142 bb)
UTG: $528.37 (264.2 bb)
MP: $628.63 (314.3 bb)
CO: $270.36 (135.2 bb)
Hero posts SB $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has T A
fold, MP raises to $4.40, 2 folds, Hero raises to $20.48, fold, MP calls $16.08
Flop: ($42.96, 2 players) K 2 K
Hero bets $13.47, MP calls $13.47
Turn: ($69.90, 2 players) 7
Hero checks, MP bets $22.16, Hero calls $22.16
River: ($114.22, 2 players) 9
Hero checks, MP bets $572.52 and is all-in, Hero calls $200.67 and is all-in
Results: $515.56 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: K 2 K 7 9
MP shows 9 9: (Full House, Nines full of Kings)
(Pre 53%, Flop 50%, Turn 9%)
Hero shows T A: (Flush, Ace High)
(Pre 47%, Flop 50%, Turn 91%)
MP wins $512.81
5
Some rungood, dream turn vs good aggro reg who usually plays higher, I think he will easily overbluff this spot. Exploit by how?
PokerStars - $2 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $229.10 (114.6 bb)
SB: $475.63 (237.8 bb)
BB: $233.46 (116.7 bb)
UTG: $190.40 (95.2 bb)
Hero (MP): $204.00 (102 bb)
CO: $294.63 (147.3 bb)
SB posts $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has T T
fold, Hero raises to $4.10, 3 folds, BB calls $2.10
Flop: ($9.20, 2 players) K 7 T
BB checks, Hero bets $2.88, BB calls $2.88
Turn: ($14.96, 2 players) T
BB checks, Hero bets $9.95, BB raises to $52.59, Hero calls $42.64
River: ($120.14, 2 players) 4
BB bets $173.89 and is all-in, Hero calls $144.43 and is all-in
Results: $409.00 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: K 7 T T 4
BB shows 9 J: (One Pair, Tens)
(Pre 33%, Flop 28%, Turn 0%)
Hero shows T T: (Four of a Kind, Tens)
(Pre 67%, Flop 72%, Turn 100%)
Hero wins $406.25
Hand converted by Holdem Manager 3
BTN: $229.10 (114.6 bb)
SB: $475.63 (237.8 bb)
BB: $233.46 (116.7 bb)
UTG: $190.40 (95.2 bb)
Hero (MP): $204.00 (102 bb)
CO: $294.63 (147.3 bb)
SB posts $1.00, BB posts $2.00
Pre Flop: (pot: $3.00) Hero has T T
fold, Hero raises to $4.10, 3 folds, BB calls $2.10
Flop: ($9.20, 2 players) K 7 T
BB checks, Hero bets $2.88, BB calls $2.88
Turn: ($14.96, 2 players) T
BB checks, Hero bets $9.95, BB raises to $52.59, Hero calls $42.64
River: ($120.14, 2 players) 4
BB bets $173.89 and is all-in, Hero calls $144.43 and is all-in
Results: $409.00 pot ($2.75 rake)
Final Board: K 7 T T 4
BB shows 9 J: (One Pair, Tens)
(Pre 33%, Flop 28%, Turn 0%)
Hero shows T T: (Four of a Kind, Tens)
(Pre 67%, Flop 72%, Turn 100%)
Hero wins $406.25
Off to a couple weeks holiday. Spend some time with family, read books, do some garden work at the house and play golf with friends. Wadda middle age life.
Life settles little bit more into routines and itīs possible so start planning little bit further ahead. Iīm scheduling two work blocks for the rest of the year. This way you have time off coming every 10-11 weeks so the workload doesnīt feel overwhelming. I used to just work and when I was in need of holiday, I took time off. I felt like recovery wasnīt optimal and itīs better to schedule your time off and do your work around those.
Goals for this block
[ ] Play 150,000 hands
Process goals
[ ] End of the block play A-game, eliminate B- and C-game
This is very ambitious goal. I just read my past writings and I have started accept playing B-game as good enough. I need to play best way I can possible play, then I have to explore ways to play even better. When you settled for mediocrity thatīs what you get. If I donīt play my A-game often then benefits from my technical work arenīt so effective because those are things I can only apply when Iīm playing A-game. So this is issue I must solve firts.
Process goals
Started playing little bit in June already. Won just few buy ins so nothing much to report there. Paying attention to A-game revealed that there is lots of work to do, but there was also lots of good signs.
July goals
[ ]21 working days
[ ]Set intention to play A-game, remind why this is most important thing at the moment.
[ ]Write mental hand history for each known mental error
[ ]Recognize more harmful emotions and thought patterns.
GL in July!
Goals for this block
[ ] Play 150,000 hands
Process goals
- Schedule time effectively
- Follow good daily routine
[ ] End of the block play A-game, eliminate B- and C-game
This is very ambitious goal. I just read my past writings and I have started accept playing B-game as good enough. I need to play best way I can possible play, then I have to explore ways to play even better. When you settled for mediocrity thatīs what you get. If I donīt play my A-game often then benefits from my technical work arenīt so effective because those are things I can only apply when Iīm playing A-game. So this is issue I must solve firts.
Process goals
- Set a goal to play A-game every session, review A-, B- and C-game every day.
- Recognize all the B-game signs. Resolve them using Mental Hand History from Mental Game of Poker.
Started playing little bit in June already. Won just few buy ins so nothing much to report there. Paying attention to A-game revealed that there is lots of work to do, but there was also lots of good signs.
July goals
[ ]21 working days
[ ]Set intention to play A-game, remind why this is most important thing at the moment.
[ ]Write mental hand history for each known mental error
[ ]Recognize more harmful emotions and thought patterns.
GL in July!
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