Heyo. On the poker aspect, I think I need to adjust my buy-ins for these games. So far I've had three winning sessions for a couple hundred dollars which is amazing, but I'm still in a position where if I lose a few buy-ins I don't like my spot and I definitely wouldn't have the job to grind up a roll with. I might end up buying in around the $150 range versus the $250 I have been and continuing to play my solid game. This definitely gives me more wiggle room and I will still have the skill level and ability to run it up in a session. I don't want to be in a spot where I am down to my last couple of dollars and need to have a huge session to be okay bankroll-wise again. I think I will still have a ton of maneuverability with my stack and the games so far haven't been too OOL so a $150 stack is more than playable. I can grind that buy-in until I'm comfortable buying in for more. I'd love to just drop $300-$400 like I was in Vancouver, but the roll doesn't really dictate that I can. At least, it is much more risky than I'm comfortable with.

Side note. Not sure what everyone does for food at the casino, but I've taken to making something at home and then crushing it during a break outside the poker room. I feel like a scrub for being too much of a nit food-wise, but the more money I can save, the better. I think my goal financially is to be comfortable life-wise with the money I have in the bank whilst also being able to eat anything I want to. Since I've gotten into cooking the idea of making food is a lot more appealing than it used to be, but I want eating out or having the occasional pricey item not be a huge hit. I'll get there, just gotta give it time. Good luck all, I've got my movie in a few hours so good luck to me too

So the Tinder date did not go well. It definitely, definitely could have been worse. The girl wasn’t rude or anything, but she did not/could not talk. If I’m the one trying to carry the conversation, we have a serious problem haha. I was nice, tossed out some quips, made her laugh a bit. On an attraction level I was definitely not into her at all. We are just on different wavelengths and physically there was nothing going on haha. I don’t know if it was good we saw a movie or not. On the one side, we just ended up sitting next to each other for two hours and said nothing. On the other side, I didn’t have to try talking for more than twenty minutes which was definitely a blessing. We saw The Meg, definitely a dumb popcorn movie but not bad. I just turned on my screenwriter brain while I was watching and almost forgot about her lol

I think she felt similarly, texted me after to say she’s not good at meeting new people. Totally cool, but this is the end of our story. And I guess that’s what the dating world is like, hey? Tons of awkwardness and missteps trying to find someone you actually connect with. Definitely won’t go as hard to get a Tinder date, might wait until I feel some legit chemistry over texts before doing something like that again

Or I could just meet a girl at the poker tables/on the mail route. Cuz that’s where all the catches are, right?

In for $150, out for $908. Another winning session to get this new chapter started on the right foot. Tonight was very much an unforeseen success. I got up $200 relatively quick, spent a few hours going back to even, and then just went on a sick heater where I ended up being table captain for a bit. Once again, I have definitely run good thus far. I’ve avoided tough spots for the most part and am getting it in good often. I’ve added on money before but I’ve never actually busted a stack which I’m happy about. Padding the BR which is awesome. Tomorrow is the gym and coach’s project, then back to the live grind on Friday. Was wondering if anyone has thoughts on me grinding Sunday MTTs online as opposed to playing live? I guess there’s the opportunity to score big, but in the short run probably just better to go to the casino and grind it out. Hopefully the run good continues

Just some observations. First thing I noticed playing live again is how I almost forgot I was playing against real people online. Online you’re a screen name, an avatar, and a stack size. I love that I get to see who I am playing against, be part of the atmosphere. In a way, winning big against certain people does feel bad. I know they aren’t good and I know that I’m crushing them and just taking away their hard-earned money, money some of them might need but hopefully don’t, is kind of douchey. But they sat down at the table and they’re there to play, so it’s all fair game.

I also give way more credit to other people when I sit across from them and play long sessions together. Online, chances are I labelled half my table pink for fish because I saw them play one hand that might have been fishy and just immediately dismissed them as bad. Now, I know that I am a solid player but it’s easy to recognize the other good players and the not-so-good. Starting to match faces with playing styles in a way I couldn’t when playing against hundreds of faceless people in tournaments every day. Really nice to begin getting that familiarity. So far I am 4/4 on winning sessions. I’m sure some of the regs have started taking note of the quiet guy at the end of the table always showing down a good hand.

Finally, I absolutely love that I get to play real poker. Tournaments and cash are obviously different worlds, but there is so much emphasis on short stack play in MTTs that lots of spots are just shove or fold. I like that I get to play speculative hands, and that there’s five of us going to every flop, and that the skill is rewarded much more often than in tournaments, where you’re tournament life often comes down to the flip of a coin. Cash game poker is real poker and I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity to play it

Good that you are doing well

I think you will realize pretty fast that factoring in the stakes you are playing live vs online, that the former will be more profitable ; this said, ever thought about switching your online play to cash games? If you were to study cash fundamentals (AKA 100bbs+ play), you would crush in no time the 2-5 games as well... Just food for thought. And cool that you are enjoying the live grind, but it will appear predominantly negative and soul-draining after a while/a few years...

Haven’t looked into online cash yet. Reason for that is because of all the negative stuff I’ve heard about it, concerns about bots, toughest poker field out there, that kind of stuff. I think online cash is definitely something I could look into in the future though. Appreciate the vote of confidence and I do still have my cash game course to do. I think online cash will be something I test out in the future. Need to educate myself more on poker sites and rakeback and all that stuff first

In for $260, out for $22. The winning ways end! I was up about $400 at one point but then lost basically my entire stack in the last hour and a half. I wasn’t playing horrible horrible. I ran KK<AA, my A-high flush draw bricked, and I lost several smaller pots. That being said, I know I wasn’t playing my best.

I wasn’t getting the right odds for my flush draw but still went for it. Board was something like Q63 all hearts and a guy jammed his whole stack ($200) multiway after I had open raised the hand and cbetted with AhJ. I’m always behind and there’s a very good chance he has a flush, so some of my outs are probably gone as well. I guess I just felt like gambling and the board bricked out and his 9-high flush stood up. Pretty stupid on my part.

The Kings v Aces was a cooler but I still could have folded. The guy UTG played very few hands. We got our hands when dealer realized he misdealed. UTG complained about getting his first good hand in an hour and being unable to play it. The hand got redealt, UTG opened to $10, and I three-bet to $27. Folded around to UTG who then 4–bet to $110. Situation where it looks like aces and feels like aces and is probably aces. I laughed but called the 4-bet. Flop is J64r and UTG instant jams $200 behind. I only took a few seconds to call because I still have Kings but I knew I was probably beat. Even with the comment before the hand, super unlikely he’s bluffing and I’m only beating Queens. I said, “Aces are good,” when I called and he asked “Really?” in disbelief. Very relieved when it bricked out. No hard feelings from me. I think if I took more time I maybe could have found a fold there, but I’m okay being a calling station on that flop with KK.

I could’ve added on but just decided to peace it for the night. From the drunken Vancouver days I only ever left the table when I busted or got to the point I was falling asleep at the table. I can tell I’m a different player now because I’m deciding to leave because I’m not at my best. Also I laughed off the bad beat because I still had a good time. Would’ve been nice not to lose my entire stack, but I’m still playing cards for money (and doing okay). Life isn’t too bad. I’ll get ‘em tomorrow

Almost forgot! Had my interview yesterday and I got the job! So I'll be working part-time Monday-Friday, usually 3-6 hours. I'm going to be a mail walker, so I'm going to be on my feet a bit and getting some exercise. I was asking some questions about the job and even though it was advertised as being an early morning position (~9am), it sounds like I can be expecting to start closer to noon. This isn't horrible news, I will still have most of my evening to play poker and if I can get a study routine going in the morning I'll be crushing it. Kind of disappointing though. We'll see how the job is. I'm also applying for some government jobs in Montreal/Toronto/Calgary as well because if I land one of those there isn't really anything to hold me back from leaving for them. I think I would take the full-time, decent pay job to take some of the pressure to perform off and replenish the bank account a bit. Regina has definitely been good so far but I am still very much on my own. Even though the fam is two hours away, I won't be seeing them or going back home for at least another month (they're travelling mostly). So Regina's been good, but I feel as though a job in one of these other cities wouldn't be horrible for me, plus have more poker/other opportunities. We'll see what happens! These government jobs have long application processes so no rush. Good luck everyone!

Amazing news friend So you have a part-time job that starts at noon - AKA good poker hours/schedule -, you get to exercise at work and grind in the evening! Everything seems to be falling into place And this job pays higher then minimum wage, is that correct?

If you get a chance to make it to Montreal/get a job there, it is a GOAT city.

Yes! Slightly above minimum-wage, hopefully enough to pay the bills plus a little extra on top. It’s looking like things are getting back on track here. At this point I feel like I’m going to live in every major Canadian city at some point haha. Montreal is definitely something I need to try out. Also on the weight loss thing, I weighed myself at the gym today and I was 238lbs. I’m not sure when the ideal time to weigh oneself is, but I am finally down a few pounds from last time. I’m eating smaller portions and healthier in every way. The willpower is doing good too so I think I’ve got a good routine going. I’ve only done cardio so far but the job/weights will help out strength as well and burn everything that much faster. I think 220lbs by 2019 is a good goal for me to have. Still a lot of weight, but I know I’ve done it before.

Finally, Saturday I was in for $160 and out for $215. I got to the poker room early thinking Saturday would be bumping, but we only had two tables running for the four hours I was there. I guess everyone stays home to watch the Rider games

It probably picked up later but I left early after losing a ~$700 pot with KQs UTG in a 4-way 3bet pot. Board was something like Q8358 with a missed flush draw. Checked thru flop, I led out turn with TP on a dry board. Got one caller, I checked the 8 and he bombed the river for $210. This is a guy I’ve picked off a few times. He was big action today (called off 43o preflop for $200 earlier) and I knew he was capable of bluffing missed straight/flush draws. I felt I had the best queen but also that he could have a full house or, more likely, a random 8. I called and he rolled over 86s (no flush draw lol)

I was pretty tired at that point and just decided to book the win after losing most of my stack again. Two days in a row now I had a nice stack only to lose it in a few big pots. I feel as though I am missing weak points in my cash game play, weak points I’m probably not even aware of. I want to study but need to finish my project for coach first, so I’m going to be prioritizing that for now. Would be awesome to finish that by at least end of October.

Also, I definitely felt better after those winning sessions where I felt unstoppable. I feel human again and even though I’m doing okay it sucks knowing that I only have one friend in the city. I’ve tried meeting up with another friend several times the last couple of weeks but no dice, beginning to think they weren’t as good a friend as I thought they were. I think I would feel similarly lonely here or in Swift, and I know Regina is still the right place for me at the moment. At least I get to be around other people at the poker table now, a welcome change for sure

Had my first shift on the job today and it went pretty good! It's pretty simple, out on the road. I'm not anticipating it being challenging, but I think it will serve my purposes well. I'll be starting around lunch and working for 3-5 hours a day, leaving nights completely open and mornings too (if I really need to sleep in). Gonna be getting that cheddar on a regular basis which is definitely a good thing. Poker will be the gravy on top (hopefully).

The lady training me chatted a lot with me. She couldn't quite understand how poker actually works, asking if there was a big jackpot for it (she plays slots). Had a good time though. I felt like I talked about a lot of lofty, ambitious things that people working a mail route don't typically have. Just because I'm not there yet doesn't mean I won't get there though.

Went to a strength gym class yesterday and could barely move my arms all day. They were aching insanely when I woke up, I'm glad I was able to pick up packages haha. Not sure I'll get ripped delivering mail door-to-door, so I'll have to keep on it at the gym. I worked at a park four years ago and was out of shape so after the first day I decided to lift some weights in my basement and run on the treadmill. I was sore the next day, the whole first week, but eventually I became strong and I lost 25-30 lbs. I'm not gonna kill my body, just take it one step at a time

Hey, it worked for Bukowski.

A year ago today, I finally put into action something that had been on my mind for a long time. The poker journey didn't truly begin until I started my work with BPC, but this is my one year anniversary of the decision to pursue poker. There's been a lot of ups and plenty of downs. I'm glad I had the right mindset from the very start. This was no get rich quick scheme, no half-baked idea. I knew the possible consequences, I knew the possible rewards, and I knew why I was doing it all in the first place. The poker journey gave my life purpose, something I had been missing for years before. So proud of how much I've accomplished even if I'm not a world conqueror yet. Money was always secondary to my happiness, but hopefully that money is coming just around the corner

Haven't been to the casino since last Saturday. I've been more focused on the new job and coach's project (slow progress). I knew today was the anniversary so I celebrated with a little cheat snack (pop chips), a Pepsi Max, and First Man. Damien Chazelle is amazing, but this one's nowhere close to his last two movies. Solid 7/10 though.

Last year has been a real whirlwind but I'm thankful it's happened and thankful for the support I've gotten along the way. Good luck at the tables everyone

Hey man, just came across this thread. Frequent PGC lurker but never opened this one up for some reason

Finding myself weirded out by how similar we are. Same age, Canadian, and very similar path with poker, mental health, social life

Always open to talk man. Talk poker, talk life, whatever. Feel free to DM me

Thanks man, appreciate it! I love cats too haha

Made a sentimental Insta post yesterday commemorating my one year poker anniversary which is definitely out of character for me on social media. Usually I’m not too serious, like to keep the people I somewhat know guessing as to what I’m up to. Most people probably have no idea still considering I just kinda bolted from Swift within the space of like two weeks. It’s cool though

I’m beginning to realize that I really need to see some results poker-wise here for me to keep on pursuing this. I’m not sure exactly what that means, but $20k in the bank a year from now would be nice. Maybe if I get a more stable job I can take a longer approach, but I’ve done plenty of catching up and it’s time for me to capitalize now. If poker isn’t viable living for me a year from now, then it’s probably just not meant to be. I’ve come a very long way in the last year, but it has been so hard. It honestly feels like I can’t fall backwards and I can’t even stay still. I need to keep moving forward or things are gonna fall apart for me. I’m okay with grinding life-wise right now, but I don’t want this feeling to be forever. I want a little security, something I can fall back on, positive people around me. Don’t want life to keep being a financial burden

Probs won’t go to the casino this weekend. Need to work on the project and actually make a dent. I’ve been chipping away at it but I need to sit down and just power through it. Tourney series is a week and a half from now so I’m hoping to play every night then. Maybe two weeks from now I’ll be singing a different tune

Have you been studying poker? that's essential if you wanna move forward in the game. Also I wouldn't set a monetary goal, as you know, poker can be a bi*ch sometimes. Study and volume goals are the way to go, as advised by almost every mental game coach out there.

Glgl

Any hourly in mind as far as you aiming for over this next year friend? I think anything in between 20-30$/h would be solid, me thinks, and a good incentive to move up to 2-5

As a side-note : the learning curve to crush da pokerz nowadays is unfortunately very long, so I would advise to not be too haste on expecting solid meaningful results... Making 100k/year is extremely tough nowadays and I would not expect prior to 3-5 years as a pro/semi-pro...

If you have question about live hands, I am more than happy to discuss them. GL

Appreciate the feedback guys. I don’t have an established hourly rate yet as I have probably only 50ish hours live at the moment. Started good but last three trips haven’t been as good. I lied and went last night, in for $260 and out for $147. Once again, I started strong to get up several hundred dollars until the cards dried up. I lost a tough hand where I flopped nut straight and villain flopped the second nut straight only to backdoor flush me. That was the start of the trickle down. Overall I think my play was still decent considering I didn’t lose all of my money, only a bit. I think there were several spots I only lost the minimum. The table was kind of ****ty but I feel like my game in straddled pots needs work. I think I was probably playing too loose in the blinds and also putting myself in bad spots OOP

Sadly I haven’t been studying recently. I want to finish this project for coach first so then I can move on with my life. Of course I am procrastinating, only have myself to blame. Today I wanted to work on the project but instead I watched Scream, the first half of Call Me By Your Name, The Big Short (10/10 amazing movie), and an HBO documentary on drinking. Red Dead Redemption 2 just came out and I’ve also really wanted to play Kingdom Come: Deliverance since it came out but I know that both would be a waste of hundreds of hours. After the documentary tonight I unplugged the TV and XBOX and put them both in the corner of my room instead of next to my bed. It’s an easy thing to hook up again, but I really do need to focus and the TV is not helping. I keep wanting to move forward on this project but I keep finding ways to waste time. It’s a load of bull**** on my part, but hopefully I can turn it around here

I also had a huge bag of chips and a litre of Diet Pepsi tonight. Definitely not the most disciplined. At least on the physical health front I’ve been crushing it lately so I don’t feel so bad about that. Moderation never killed anyone. I think

So yeah. Coach’s project needs to be my priority. Like I said, I was chipping away at it but I just need to sit my ass down and commit to working through it all. Once I’m done that, the plan is to study and play. I know I’m a profitable player at $1/$2, but there’s still much room for improvement. Time to stop wasting my time and just do the work.

Funnily enough, I’ve also been wasting time by reading a book on how not to waste time called The War of Art. It’s meant for the writer that doesn’t write, but can really apply to any creative or ambitious endeavour you just neglect undergoing. Which has been my motif for much of the past years. I don’t want to be that person and I think I’m getting better about it. I finally got started on physical fitness which took forever for me to do, but now I’m finally doing it. Yesterday I walked 15km according to my phone, mostly on the mail grind. Sweat like crazy. A lot of this stuff is still overwhelming, but I think the 220 by 2019 is well within reach. If I had to pick one life goal to accomplish, including poker, writing, or social related things, I think the weight loss is the most important one for me right now. Happy grinding everyone, hope to start doing the work tomorrow

My former head coach Julian Thomas is playing the WSOPE 100k Super High Roller FT. Was too busy to answer skype messages cuz he was always playing. I’ll still toss him a gl, at least he got my poker game to a competent level lol

Not gonna lie, watching the High Roller stream is making me miss MTTs. Pretty sure it's Monster Series on Party for the next 8 days. I think I might play next Sunday, for fun and to hopefully win a tourney. I'm working on the project right now which is great. Also, I don't have a big enough BR to play MTTs full-time or even realistically part-time. Cash is definitely the way to go for building a BR, I really wanna get on that study grind. MTTs are insane, but watching Peters just chip up with his big stack using ICM pressure makes me remember how fun that is to make everyone else at an FT your *****. Hopefully in the future I can get on that MTT grind again lol

I just saw that they have a few low buy-ins during the week (70$ and 120$) and an upcoming tournament series at Casino Regina, as indicated in poker atlas

https://www.pokeratlas.com/poker-roo...na/tournaments

any interest in playing those? I could see you easily crushing live MTTs, barring run bad, of course... Sorry, I don't mean to rub it in but

^ those tournys were earlier in the month you silly goose

great thread op, you're doing good in life, keep it up

If you mean the smaller ones (70$ and 120$), apparently, but I figured this was an ongoing thing... but maybe not. If you mean the bigger ones (225$-1000$), that is listed as November 6-10.

Thanks man, appreciate it!

And the $70-$120 are just ****ty weekday tournaments but this tournament series Nov 6-10 is the one I have been talking about the last few weeks. I think I would probably have a massive edge on the field and would love to play them, but they are a little above my bankroll’s limitations. Also with the job and early start times during the week, I would only be available to play the $1k on Saturday. Which I would LOVE to play, if anyone wanted to stake me hit me up. Sadly I won’t be able to do the rest, will just focus on the surrounding cash games instead.

I did just get emailed back about a government job though, so hopefully I might be switching jobs soon. Still need to do a test and possible interviews, but I might end up available for more tourneys next week if things go well. Cross our fingers, if I get the job it would be a massive pay raise and a term-employment. Do my time, save up some money, and a few months from now I could leave Regina and have some more flexibility. We’ll see what happens, but the mail calls first

Went over my head earlier but good luck Dub! Looking forward to when I can grind these big live tourneys too