Decided to actually join and post here as a way to hold myself somewhat accountable for my success(or lack therof)as I grind from $1/2 NLH all the way up to ????

Age:35
Still working F/T
No family to support

Bankroll as of 8/29/15:$5500

My 10 Poker Commandments(Goals)

Goal 1: Do not go broke.
This is my 1(only?Final?)chance to make something of myself and achieve a longtime goal.


Goal 2: Minimum, bare minimum, $400/Month Profit.
This is low,I know. But I am only able to play 3/4x a week so 14 sessions/month= only a $28.57 per session profit. Good to start off small,right?


Goal 3: Keep "ego" in check
Mostly means, stop trying to bluff 1/2 players off TP w/a low kicker when I know they usually won't fold no matter how strong or what kind of fancy "move" you try to put on them. Seems I do this 1x a session, and most often doesn't work,regardless if my read is correct or not.

Goal 4: Find ways to stay off tilt.
Easier said then done

Goal 5: Log at least 5hrs/Session regardless of profit(excused if I'm down more then 2 B/I's or if real job interferes)
I've learned buying in more then 2x usually is just a mistake. There is no reason to get stuck $600+ at a 1/2 game. I've also gotten too used to getting content w/a small profit($100-$200) and leaving. Instead of putting the time in to see more hands.

Goal 6: Work on improving my starting range/loosen up somewhat when situation calls for it.
I play a tight game(unless tilted)This doesn't seem optimal for long term success.
A side note to this: also start trying to post a cpl hands from a session here.

Goal 7: Improve my diet/exercising
This will reduce cost of food while playing which increases profit

Goal 8: Stay Focused at table
Don't let pretty waitresses, table conversation, "friends" in the room be a distraction

Goal 9: When I feel "off",regardless,don't play
I've noticed I've had days,even before I stepped into the poker room, where I just felt off,out of it,like it wasn't my day. And w/out fail those are losing days. I know that it isn't normal thinking logic,but it seems even sub-consciously thinking I'm gonna lose $$ leads to losses

Goal 10:Get BR to $15k/20K in 3 years and GTFOH
Moving out of MD and to Vegas(Or Canada) is my big long-term goal by the time I turn 40. Yes I know I'm giving myself an extra 1-2 "buffer"years

I hope to post updates frequently since I'm sure you fellow posters can't wait to see another wannabe go broke

Good luck! Sub'd.

1st Update:
3 Sessions all $1/$2 NLH

Sunday 8/30 7:08pm-9:47pm +$235
Left early due to being tired from working prior to playing. A few hands I noted I'm going to post later when I have time in the LLSNL thread

Monday 8/31 7:45pm-5:15am +$315
Long day. Couldn't get anything really going early. was between +$40/-$40 most of the evening. Scooped some nice pots later in evening,nothing too huge or earth shattering

Tuesday 9/1 7:25pm-5:30am -$300
Complete failure on my part.Folded KQs preflop early in Session to a $35 3bet. Would have turned nut flush in a $700+pot.So that got my day off great.
Was up $180 around midnight,mostly from successfully bluffing at a couple nice pots as I couldn't make a hand all night. Got a frustrating cpl text messages at this time, then tried to bluff an older very loose asian man who just sat down. Could not get him to lay down 10 6 off on a 10 high board. That tilted me more,wound up bluffing off most of the $380 I had then. Added $100, and went card dead for rest of night/morning with some cooler hands to end the night that are too pointless to post.

Took a day off to recover from that blow up Tuesday and now am having to work the rest of week. Hoping to squeeze a session in Saturday,if not Sunday

Week so far: +250