Hello everyone

As the title says, I'm a rec player and my goal is to become a profitable poker player.

I've been playing for around 6 years on and off, mostly off, but have never really settled on a format. I used to mainly play husng and worked my way up to the $15's a couple of years ago, hit a horrible downswing and didn't move down when I should. After that didn't play seriously for a couple of years.

Spent the next year sports betting and did ok but didn't really enjoy it, so this year I am back!

I'm 32 years old and live in the UK. I have a full time job and 2 kids so volume will be limited. I'm aiming for around 25k hands a month. Main reason for the thread is to keep me on track, I've never really given myself the chance to improve, so this year I'll be playing 6 max zoom and sticking to this.

I'm starting at 2nl and my aim is to get to 25nl. I've not worked out how realistic this is in a year, I don't want to set too firm goals as I know from previous experience that I can end up playing fearful and it hurts my game. So my focus really is on volume and I end up where I end up. My number one aim is to be a profitable player over significant volume and if I can do that then moving up the stakes will come naturally.

In terms of study I have access to Pokersnowie and will be analysing my session with that. Although the advice might not be too applicable at the micros I have found it a useful tool to analyse my games. I may also include my Snowie analysis of each session in my updates, not sure yet.

Here is my graph for March, all at 2nl zoom, the first month I've played seriously. Running very hot really. I'm a bit concerned at my all in ev bb being a bit low, but at least it's positive. I have the roll to play 5nl now and am debating whether to move up at the start of April.



If you've got this far thanks for reading! I'll be posting plenty of hands also as we go so any feedback is welcome!

Well a tough end to the month



March graph:



Disappointed in my all in ev but I guess at least it was above 0, so I am still on track to be profitable in 2018 - just!

My game feels a bit more solid than it once did but I'm still not sure what to do in a lot of places.


I think this is a fold on the river:


PokerStars - $0.02 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 121 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
SB: 63.5 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
BB: 361.5 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 5.56, Hands: 44)
Hero (UTG): 149 BB
MP: 91 BB
CO: 254 BB (VPIP: 37.50, PFR: 37.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

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

Hero raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, SB calls 2.5 BB, fold

Flop: (7 BB, 2 players) 2 A K
SB checks, Hero bets 3.5 BB, SB calls 3.5 BB

Turn: (14 BB, 2 players) 3
SB checks, Hero bets 11 BB, SB calls 11 BB

River: (36 BB, 2 players) 4
SB bets 46 BB and is all-in, Hero calls 46 BB

SB shows Q T (Flush, King High)
(Pre 19%, Flop 33%, Turn 23%)
Hero shows K K (Three of a Kind, Kings)
(Pre 81%, Flop 67%, Turn 77%)
SB wins 123.5 BB



Think this one is standard but not 100% sure


PokerStars - $0.02 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 78 BB (VPIP: 60.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 5)
SB: 149.5 BB
Hero (BB): 103 BB
UTG: 136 BB (VPIP: 23.81, PFR: 19.05, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 22)
MP: 284 BB (VPIP: 27.27, PFR: 18.18, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
CO: 144.5 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 12)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

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

fold, MP raises to 2 BB, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 6.5 BB, MP calls 4.5 BB

Flop: (13.5 BB, 2 players) 9 6 A
Hero bets 6.5 BB, MP calls 6.5 BB

Turn: (26.5 BB, 2 players) J
Hero bets 13 BB, MP calls 13 BB

River: (52.5 BB, 2 players) 3
Hero bets 25.5 BB, MP calls 25.5 BB

Hero shows K A (One Pair, Aces)
(Pre 74%, Flop 87%, Turn 7%)
MP shows J A (Two Pair, Aces and Jacks)
(Pre 26%, Flop 13%, Turn 93%)
MP wins 100 BB


Not sure if bet-fold turn is better here:


PokerStars - $0.02 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 127 BB (VPIP: 26.61, PFR: 22.94, 3Bet Preflop: 5.56, Hands: 113)
SB: 274.5 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)
BB: 55.5 BB (VPIP: 15.15, PFR: 12.12, 3Bet Preflop: 13.33, Hands: 34)
UTG: 288 BB (VPIP: 42.11, PFR: 31.58, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 20)
Hero (MP): 100 BB
CO: 279 BB (VPIP: 29.41, PFR: 5.88, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 19)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

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

UTG raises to 3 BB, Hero calls 3 BB, CO raises to 12 BB, fold, fold, fold, fold, Hero calls 9 BB

Flop: (28.5 BB, 2 players) 8 J 2
Hero checks, CO checks

Turn: (28.5 BB, 2 players) 3
Hero checks, CO bets 18 BB, Hero calls 18 BB

River: (64.5 BB, 2 players) 9
Hero checks, CO bets 40.5 BB, fold

CO wins 62 BB

Gl, think check calling river is better on hand 2.

Thanks Fishtick!

Well, a tough first week of the month. Continuing how I ended the last month. Standard moving up runbad I would say (or hope!), obviously making mistakes but I think I've played relatively solid. I know it's still micros but I would say there is a definite difference between 2nl and 5nl. More 3 betting for a start and more 4 betting as well. Although it feels like there is less defending from the blinds though overall. Not got a big sample size to compare so these are just some thoughts.

On track to hit my 25k hands a month though so that is a good thing and my main focus at the moment.



I have been working through The Grinders Manual which has been really good for my game. Just purchased '100 hands' as well so looking forward to working through that.

Continue to use Snowie to review my sessions which I find really useful. I have a 13.37 error rating for the month so far, playing at Advanced Level. It's a good tool although some recommendations obviously will not apply at micro stakes. For instance quite a lot of my errors are folding to turn or river bets where I think this is right at the stakes I play. Still, I use it as a good starting point to review my hands.

A couple of hands from the week:

I think this is a fold on the river, Snowie says to call here. Preflop I could have 3bet but think a call is fine looking to bring one of the players in the blinds along.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 100 BB
SB: 108.6 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)
BB: 106.4 BB (VPIP: 22.86, PFR: 17.14, 3Bet Preflop: 7.69, Hands: 35)
UTG: 479 BB (VPIP: 60.00, PFR: 60.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)
MP: 101 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)
CO: 529 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has J J

fold, fold, CO raises to 3.4 BB, Hero calls 3.4 BB, fold, BB raises to 15 BB, fold, Hero calls 11.6 BB

Flop: (33.8 BB, 2 players) 2 3 7
BB bets 12.2 BB, Hero calls 12.2 BB

Turn: (58.2 BB, 2 players) 3
BB bets 21.2 BB, Hero calls 21.2 BB

River: (100.6 BB, 2 players) 9
BB bets 58 BB and is all-in, fold

BB wins 96.4 BB


Great flop and biggest hand of the week:

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 76.2 BB
Hero (SB): 238 BB
BB: 100 BB (VPIP: 13.04, PFR: 11.59, 3Bet Preflop: 3.23, Hands: 69)
UTG: 122.4 BB (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 40.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 10)
MP: 160.4 BB (VPIP: 9.20, PFR: 5.75, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 88)
CO: 108.2 BB (VPIP: 27.03, PFR: 18.92, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 40)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A K

UTG raises to 2 BB, MP calls 2 BB, fold, fold, Hero raises to 9 BB, fold, UTG calls 7 BB, MP calls 7 BB

Flop: (28 BB, 3 players) J Q T
Hero checks, UTG bets 26.8 BB, fold, Hero raises to 229 BB and is all-in, UTG calls 86.6 BB and is all-in

Turn: (254.8 BB, 2 players) 9

River: (254.8 BB, 2 players) 4

Hero shows A K (Straight, Ace High)
(Pre 66%, Flop 82%, Turn 91%)
UTG shows T Q (Two Pair, Queens and Tens)
(Pre 34%, Flop 18%, Turn 9%)
Hero wins 244.2 BB

Just thinking about it now I also want to make some goals for the coming week. Volume goals for poker but also health related goals.

So here we go:

[ ] 7k hands
[ ] Gym 3 mornings (Mon, Wed, Fri)
[ ] Meditate 5 mins a day
[ ] Study - work through 5 hands thoroughly from 100 hands book
[ ] Review every session on Snowie, including analysis of top 3 winning and losing hands

Good luck! The hands you posted all look reasonable to me

Thanks!

Starting to come out of my dip which is nice. One thing about playing not a lot of hands in a month is a few losing sessions in a row start to feel like ages, when really in hands it might not have been all that long.



I haven't played much the last couple of days but I'm on track to hit 25-30k hands in the month. One thing I have noticed which is definitely a leak is I can play scared a bit when I find myself ahead. Only recently have I noticed and I think it has to do with the losing sessions. I find myself wanting to book a win and start sweating over my stack, which I wouldn't normally do. I seem to play far more hands when my session is in the red!

Today is a good example, I was up and so quit after 500 hands. Part of that is tiredness, was at the gym yesterday morning for first time in three months (back again tomorrow), and I am really sore and knackered today! But there is definitely a big part playing scared about losing after getting ahead. Something that I'll keep an eye on and just concentrate on what I can control which is getting the volume in and keep studying.

Run good everyone!

Overall the week has been quite good. Hit my poker goals which is good. Missed out on the 3 gym sessions, managed 2 but did play tennis once. Will hit 3 days this week. Was my first time in the gym for 3 months and I was really sore after the first day!

Here is the week in poker:



Happy with the volume and nicely on track for 25-30k hands.

A few hands from the week:

Hand 1: Really wasn't confident while playing this hand. I think I should have 3bet pre which would have made life a lot easier. On the flop I think this is another error and betting would be best and make the hand easier to play.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 294 BB (VPIP: 31.48, PFR: 29.63, 3Bet Preflop: 33.33, Hands: 55)
Hero (SB): 206.2 BB
BB: 100 BB (VPIP: 35.29, PFR: 35.29, 3Bet Preflop: 25.00, Hands: 17)
UTG: 85 BB (VPIP: 47.06, PFR: 29.41, 3Bet Preflop: 12.50, Hands: 17)
MP: 100 BB (VPIP: 28.21, PFR: 20.51, 3Bet Preflop: 12.50, Hands: 40)
CO: 83.4 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 10.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 20)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has J J

fold, fold, CO raises to 3 BB, fold, Hero calls 2.6 BB, fold

Flop: (7 BB, 2 players) 7 T 4
Hero checks, CO bets 4 BB, Hero raises to 10 BB, CO raises to 24 BB, Hero calls 14 BB

Turn: (55 BB, 2 players) 4
Hero checks, CO bets 24 BB, Hero calls 24 BB

River: (103 BB, 2 players) 2
Hero checks, CO bets 32.4 BB and is all-in, Hero calls 32.4 BB
CO shows 7 7 (Full House, Sevens full of Fours)
(Pre 19%, Flop 86%, Turn 95%)
Hero shows J J (Two Pair, Jacks and Fours)
(Pre 81%, Flop 14%, Turn 5%)
CO wins 160.8 BB


Hand 2: I think this is ok but not 100% sure.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 237.8 BB
SB: 100 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 10.42, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 50)
BB: 106 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)
UTG: 107.2 BB (VPIP: 25.58, PFR: 25.58, 3Bet Preflop: 7.14, Hands: 46)
MP: 100 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 25.00, Hands: 15)
CO: 112.2 BB (VPIP: 17.07, PFR: 13.01, 3Bet Preflop: 12.77, Hands: 128)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 8 K

fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, fold, BB calls 1.4 BB

Flop: (5.2 BB, 2 players) 6 5 8
BB bets 5 BB, Hero raises to 11 BB, BB raises to 18 BB, Hero calls 7 BB

Turn: (41.2 BB, 2 players) T
BB bets 19.8 BB, fold

BB wins 39.4 BB


Hand 3: Got very lucky here!

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 95.4 BB (VPIP: 29.27, PFR: 9.76, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 42)
Hero (SB): 132.6 BB
BB: 100 BB (VPIP: 75.00, PFR: 75.00, 3Bet Preflop: 50.00, Hands: 8)
UTG: 116.4 BB (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 10)
MP: 103.8 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 33.33, Hands: 10)
CO: 108 BB (VPIP: 11.11, PFR: 3.70, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 27)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 9 9

UTG raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, Hero calls 2.6 BB, fold

Flop: (7 BB, 2 players) 7 J 4
Hero checks, UTG bets 3 BB, Hero calls 3 BB

Turn: (13 BB, 2 players) 9
Hero checks, UTG bets 6 BB, Hero raises to 18.2 BB, UTG raises to 43 BB, Hero raises to 126.6 BB and is all-in, UTG calls 67.4 BB and is all-in

River: (233.8 BB, 2 players) 7

Hero shows 9 9 (Full House, Nines full of Sevens)
(Pre 67%, Flop 76%, Turn 23%)
UTG shows 8 T (Straight, Jack High)
(Pre 33%, Flop 24%, Turn 77%)
Hero wins 224 BB


Hand 4: biggest losing pot of the week.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 49.6 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
Hero (SB): 121.8 BB
BB: 240.2 BB (VPIP: 22.22, PFR: 22.22, 3Bet Preflop: 40.00, Hands: 10)
UTG: 130.4 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 25.00, Hands: 12)
MP: 156.8 BB (VPIP: 22.73, PFR: 22.73, 3Bet Preflop: 28.57, Hands: 22)
CO: 127.2 BB (VPIP: 13.04, PFR: 8.70, 3Bet Preflop: 7.69, Hands: 24)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has Q Q

fold, MP raises to 3 BB, CO calls 3 BB, fold, Hero raises to 13 BB, fold, fold, CO calls 10 BB

Flop: (30 BB, 2 players) 7 5 2
Hero bets 14.4 BB, CO calls 14.4 BB

Turn: (58.8 BB, 2 players) 6
Hero bets 28.2 BB, CO calls 28.2 BB

River: (115.2 BB, 2 players) 3
Hero bets 66.2 BB and is all-in, CO calls 66.2 BB

Hero shows Q Q (One Pair, Queens)
(Pre 81%, Flop 87%, Turn 77%)
CO shows 4 4 (Straight, Seven High)
(Pre 19%, Flop 13%, Turn 23%)
CO wins 237.4 BB



Goals for this week are the same as last.

Run good everyone!

Quick midweek update.

Not managed to play much so far this week, but have some time for the next few nights so should have no problem hitting my target hands for the week. Feel like I'm playing better and have a better idea of what I'm doing.



Managed to finally get above zero for the month to date! Although not going to focus too much on that as I can't predict what's going to happen for the rest of the month apart from hitting my monthly hands.




PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 112.4 BB
SB: 35.6 BB (VPIP: 75.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)
BB: 92.6 BB (VPIP: 38.10, PFR: 14.29, 3Bet Preflop: 10.00, Hands: 22)
UTG: 114.2 BB (VPIP: 66.67, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
MP: 101 BB (VPIP: 12.42, PFR: 10.25, 3Bet Preflop: 8.20, Hands: 334)
CO: 326.4 BB (VPIP: 31.25, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 16.67, Hands: 16)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A K

fold, MP raises to 3 BB, fold, Hero raises to 10.4 BB, fold, fold, MP calls 7.4 BB

Flop: (22.2 BB, 2 players) T 2 A
MP checks, Hero bets 10.6 BB, MP calls 10.6 BB

Turn: (43.4 BB, 2 players) 4
MP checks, Hero bets 20.8 BB, MP calls 20.8 BB

River: (85 BB, 2 players) K
MP bets 59.2 BB and is all-in, Hero calls 59.2 BB

MP shows Q Q (One Pair, Queens)
(Pre 56%, Flop 9%, Turn 5%)
Hero shows A K (Two Pair, Aces and Kings)
(Pre 44%, Flop 91%, Turn 95%)
Hero wins 195 BB


Really not sure that I played this one right:

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 161.2 BB
Hero (SB): 138 BB
BB: 119.8 BB (VPIP: 18.18, PFR: 11.36, 3Bet Preflop: 11.11, Hands: 45)
UTG: 104 BB (VPIP: 31.25, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 16)
MP: 184.6 BB (VPIP: 23.08, PFR: 20.51, 3Bet Preflop: 14.29, Hands: 41)
CO: 149.2 BB (VPIP: 18.97, PFR: 12.07, 3Bet Preflop: 4.00, Hands: 61)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has K T

fold, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, BB raises to 6 BB, Hero calls 3.6 BB

Flop: (12 BB, 2 players) 4 8 9
Hero checks, BB checks

Turn: (12 BB, 2 players) 9
Hero bets 5.8 BB, BB calls 5.8 BB

River: (23.6 BB, 2 players) Q
Hero bets 9 BB, fold

Hero wins 22.6 BB


Good luck at the tables!

I'd normally post the weeks update tomorrow (Sunday), but I may take the day off from poker, feeling a bit tired and don't want to play when drained. My weekly target is around 7k hands which I have hit, and I should be well on track to hit my 25-30k hands a month. It's not a lot of hands but these last few weeks have been the most sustained poker I've ever played!

I am definitely playing a lot better than when I started. The last couple of days I've been working on my CO and BU play, I can see the benefit of this already and feel far more confident in my ranges. The next one to work on is the BB, I have started to open up my flatting range but I need to look at it in more depth to get a stronger feel for my range in various situations.

This week:



And April so far:



A few random hands:

H1: nice when the board runs out like this!

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 247.6 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
SB: 134 BB (VPIP: 62.50, PFR: 56.25, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 16)
BB: 364 BB (VPIP: 22.86, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 35)
UTG: 40 BB (VPIP: 16.67, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 6)
MP: 43 BB (VPIP: 12.12, PFR: 7.69, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 67)
Hero (CO): 104.6 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 9 A

fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, fold, SB raises to 6.6 BB, fold, Hero calls 4.2 BB

Flop: (14.2 BB, 2 players) 7 3 Q
SB bets 6 BB, Hero calls 6 BB

Turn: (26.2 BB, 2 players) 8
SB checks, Hero bets 18 BB, SB calls 18 BB

River: (62.2 BB, 2 players) 4
SB checks, Hero bets 74 BB and is all-in, SB calls 74 BB

Hero shows 9 A (Flush, Ace High)
(Pre 61%, Flop 45%, Turn 100%)
SB shows Q K (One Pair, Queens)
(Pre 39%, Flop 55%, Turn 0%)
Hero wins 201.4 BB

H2
PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 95.8 BB
Hero (SB): 120.2 BB
BB: 86.4 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 1)
UTG: 112 BB (VPIP: 16.97, PFR: 14.68, 3Bet Preflop: 8.33, Hands: 224)
MP: 100 BB (VPIP: 22.94, PFR: 17.06, 3Bet Preflop: 5.63, Hands: 180)
CO: 55.6 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 16.67, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 12)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has T 9

fold, fold, fold, BTN calls 1 BB, Hero raises to 4 BB, BB calls 3 BB, BTN calls 3 BB

Flop: (12 BB, 3 players) 5 7 8
Hero checks, BB checks, BTN bets 2 BB, Hero raises to 8.2 BB, fold, BTN calls 6.2 BB

Turn: (28.4 BB, 2 players) A
Hero bets 10.8 BB, BTN calls 10.8 BB

River: (50 BB, 2 players) 2
Hero bets 24 BB, fold

Hero wins 48 BB

H3
I don't like the turn bet here. I think this is probably a check-fold.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 100 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 2)
SB: 100 BB (VPIP: 19.23, PFR: 13.46, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 54)
Hero (BB): 172 BB
UTG: 193.4 BB (VPIP: 21.74, PFR: 15.22, 3Bet Preflop: 2.63, Hands: 92)
MP: 216.4 BB (VPIP: 21.17, PFR: 16.06, 3Bet Preflop: 6.93, Hands: 281)
CO: 273.2 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 26.67, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 15)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 7 T

fold, fold, fold, BTN raises to 2.4 BB, fold, Hero calls 1.4 BB

Flop: (5.2 BB, 2 players) 8 Q 4
Hero checks, BTN bets 3.6 BB, Hero calls 3.6 BB

Turn: (12.4 BB, 2 players) 2
Hero bets 6 BB, BTN calls 6 BB

River: (24.4 BB, 2 players) 5
Hero bets 9.4 BB, BTN calls 9.4 BB

Hero shows 7 T (High Card, Queen)
(Pre 41%, Flop 42%, Turn 25%)
BTN shows A 8 (One Pair, Eights)
(Pre 59%, Flop 58%, Turn 75%)
BTN wins 41.4 BB

H4
I think the river fold is right, but I was very close to calling!

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 116.2 BB (VPIP: 11.76, PFR: 2.94, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 34)
SB: 100 BB (VPIP: 29.03, PFR: 25.81, 3Bet Preflop: 18.18, Hands: 32)
BB: 122 BB (VPIP: 17.81, PFR: 16.44, 3Bet Preflop: 8.70, Hands: 74)
Hero (UTG): 102.8 BB
MP: 103 BB (VPIP: 29.69, PFR: 21.88, 3Bet Preflop: 3.57, Hands: 66)
CO: 119.2 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has T T

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

Flop: (19 BB, 2 players) 9 4 5
SB bets 10 BB, Hero calls 10 BB

Turn: (39 BB, 2 players) 5
SB checks, Hero checks

River: (39 BB, 2 players) Q
SB bets 18.8 BB, fold

SB wins 37.4 BB

H5

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 87.4 BB (VPIP: 16.67, PFR: 16.67, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 6)
SB: 86.4 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)
BB: 98.6 BB (VPIP: 75.00, PFR: 50.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)
Hero (UTG): 130.2 BB
MP: 199.8 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
CO: 71.6 BB (VPIP: 34.62, PFR: 15.38, 3Bet Preflop: 10.00, Hands: 27)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A Q

Hero raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, BTN calls 3 BB, fold, fold

Flop: (7.4 BB, 2 players) J 4 5
Hero bets 3.6 BB, BTN calls 3.6 BB

Turn: (14.6 BB, 2 players) Q
Hero bets 7 BB, BTN raises to 14 BB, Hero calls 7 BB

River: (42.6 BB, 2 players) 3
Hero checks, BTN bets 20.4 BB, Hero calls 20.4 BB

BTN shows J Q (Two Pair, Queens and Jacks)
(Pre 30%, Flop 80%, Turn 93%)
Hero mucks A Q (One Pair, Queens)
(Pre 70%, Flop 20%, Turn 7%)
BTN wins 80 BB

A decent day today. Nice to string together a few days of good results in a row. Not getting carried away though as I don't want to end up becoming overly results focussed. The main thing is hitting my weekly and monthly hands.

Today:



The month is now looking a lot more healthy than it once did. With a bit of luck we could get to another month in the positive which is good.




Some of the turnaround is obviously variance, but my game has definitely changed in that time. I played far too passive at the start of the month, part of that was where my game was at the time, and also having moved up to 5nl I played too cautiously. My game is a lot more aggressive than it was and that helps me pick up a lot more pots that I was missing out on before.

I think I'll play another month at 5nl after this one but I'll review when I get nearer the time. My bankroll is now up to $293 and I'll probably play 10nl when I get to about $350. But a lot of this depends on how I'm playing and how confident I'm feeling in my game.

Anyway, good luck at the tables everyone!

Good luck. Be aggressive in moving up stakes through the micros.

Thanks. Yes I agree, I don't want to waste too much time playing micro stakes, but I'm still in a place that I'm not yet confident that I am a winning player where I am right now. That's why I'm thinking another month at 5nl should give me a better picture. But I'll see how I go the next few days.

Today wasn't the best of days - that's what I get for going on about how much better I'm playing! I think I played ok, just been reviewing my hands, just felt that I ran into the top of people's ranges a lot. I have a couple of hands below where I had to fold in the end but I'm not sure if I played these right or whether I should be a bit more passive in these spots. Any feedback appreciated!

Here is today. The total opposite of yesterday!!



Hand 1:

Not sure if preflop is a fold. I 3 bet as I think the population does not defend enough to 3bets so I think it is +ev and I don't like calling too much oop. Playing from the blinds is the next thing on my list to study in more depth.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 165.8 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 22.62, 3Bet Preflop: 11.11, Hands: 87)
Hero (SB): 108.6 BB
BB: 124.4 BB (VPIP: 21.21, PFR: 19.70, 3Bet Preflop: 12.12, Hands: 67)
UTG: 50 BB (VPIP: 100.00, PFR: 100.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
MP: 109.8 BB (VPIP: 40.00, PFR: 10.00, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 10)
CO: 95 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 9 J

fold, fold, fold, BTN raises to 3 BB, Hero raises to 10 BB, fold, BTN calls 7 BB

Flop: (21 BB, 2 players) 6 6 J
Hero bets 10.2 BB, BTN calls 10.2 BB

Turn: (41.4 BB, 2 players) 9
Hero bets 19.8 BB, BTN calls 19.8 BB

River: (81 BB, 2 players) 7
Hero bets 38.8 BB, BTN raises to 125.8 BB and is all-in, fold

BTN wins 152 BB



Hand 2:

The 3bet here might be a bit light, I would fold AJo. Once the flop bet is called I think I should be checking back the turn.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 77.2 BB (VPIP: 8.33, PFR: 8.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 14)
Hero (SB): 100.2 BB
BB: 160 BB (VPIP: 40.00, PFR: 30.00, 3Bet Preflop: 33.33, Hands: 11)
UTG: 104.8 BB (VPIP: 14.13, PFR: 9.24, 3Bet Preflop: 4.41, Hands: 187)
MP: 285.6 BB (VPIP: 56.25, PFR: 6.67, 3Bet Preflop: 12.50, Hands: 18)
CO: 113.8 BB (VPIP: 24.14, PFR: 13.79, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 30)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has J A

fold, MP calls 1 BB, CO raises to 4 BB, fold, Hero raises to 14 BB, fold, fold, CO calls 10 BB

Flop: (30 BB, 2 players) K T 3
Hero bets 14.4 BB, CO calls 14.4 BB

Turn: (58.8 BB, 2 players) J
Hero bets 22.6 BB, CO calls 22.6 BB

River: (104 BB, 2 players) 2
Hero checks, CO bets 50 BB, fold

CO wins 99.6 BB


Hand 3:

I think this is ok but not 100% on the turn jam.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 101 BB
SB: 101.2 BB (VPIP: 21.65, PFR: 16.49, 3Bet Preflop: 4.55, Hands: 99)
BB: 77 BB (VPIP: 10.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 10)
UTG: 100.4 BB (VPIP: 19.90, PFR: 15.05, 3Bet Preflop: 8.42, Hands: 210)
MP: 107.6 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 14.29, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 38)
CO: 126.6 BB (VPIP: 10.13, PFR: 10.13, 3Bet Preflop: 9.68, Hands: 80)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has K 8

fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, fold, BB calls 1.4 BB

Flop: (5.2 BB, 2 players) 4 Q K
BB checks, Hero bets 2.6 BB, BB raises to 9 BB, Hero calls 6.4 BB

Turn: (23.2 BB, 2 players) 8
BB bets 20 BB, Hero raises to 89.6 BB and is all-in, BB calls 45.6 BB and is all-in

River: (154.4 BB, 2 players) A

BB shows 4 4 (Three of a Kind, Fours)
(Pre 51%, Flop 70%, Turn 70%)
Hero shows K 8 (Two Pair, Kings and Eights)
(Pre 49%, Flop 30%, Turn 30%)
BB wins 148 BB

Hand 4:

Similar to the earlier hand, I think I should be checking back the turn.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 151 BB (VPIP: 35.71, PFR: 35.71, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 14)
Hero (SB): 101.4 BB
BB: 133 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 10)
UTG: 104.4 BB (VPIP: 30.00, PFR: 10.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 10)
MP: 90.8 BB (VPIP: 14.29, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 7)
CO: 46.8 BB (VPIP: 100.00, PFR: 100.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A 3

fold, fold, fold, BTN raises to 3 BB, Hero raises to 10 BB, fold, BTN calls 7 BB

Flop: (21 BB, 2 players) 4 K Q
Hero bets 10.2 BB, BTN calls 10.2 BB

Turn: (41.4 BB, 2 players) A
Hero bets 15.8 BB, BTN calls 15.8 BB

River: (73 BB, 2 players) 8
Hero checks, BTN bets 115 BB and is all-in, fold

BTN wins 70 BB


Hand 5:

Preflop might be a bit light to call especially when villain 3bets an UTG raise. I would fold QJo, so I think QJs is just about ok.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 29.4 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 1)
SB: 100.4 BB
BB: 101.4 BB (VPIP: 18.79, PFR: 13.51, 3Bet Preflop: 7.81, Hands: 152)
Hero (UTG): 101 BB
MP: 103 BB (VPIP: 17.88, PFR: 15.42, 3Bet Preflop: 4.79, Hands: 498)
CO: 41.6 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has J Q

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

Flop: (19.4 BB, 2 players) 4 K 5
Hero checks, MP bets 11.2 BB, Hero calls 11.2 BB

Turn: (41.8 BB, 2 players) 6
Hero checks, MP checks

River: (41.8 BB, 2 players) T
Hero bets 20 BB, fold

Hero wins 40 BB

A decent couple of days:



And week to date:



3k hands to to hit my 7k target for the week. Just short of 26k hands for the month and my target is 25-30k so I am pleased with that.

Was not expecting to see this hand!

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 100 BB (VPIP: 24.21, PFR: 16.84, 3Bet Preflop: 3.13, Hands: 97)
SB: 109.6 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 16.67, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 12)
BB: 119.4 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 20.83, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 51)
Hero (UTG): 104.6 BB
MP: 104.4 BB (VPIP: 30.43, PFR: 28.26, 3Bet Preflop: 23.53, Hands: 46)
CO: 100 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 2)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A A

Hero raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, fold, BB raises to 9.4 BB, Hero raises to 28.6 BB, BB calls 19.2 BB

Flop: (57.6 BB, 2 players) 8 7 Q
BB bets 90.8 BB and is all-in, Hero calls 76 BB and is all-in

Turn: (209.6 BB, 2 players) 3

River: (209.6 BB, 2 players) J

Wrapping up now for the week and month. Didn't quite hit my weekly hands target but hit my monthly goal which is the main thing.

Week:



And April's graph:



Good to end up in the positive, especially after the rocky start to the month, all in adj bb/100 only 1.53 which I would like to be higher. My br is at $300 now, so I could play 10nl, but with my low winrate I'm not feeling so confident. I think I will spend another month at 5nl and see how things end up. I guess my winrate is quite variable at the moment, this is the first time I've really played 6max, and probably the most sustained effort I've made at poker before, and so I am learning more all the time and playing better and more solid as time goes on. My game now is probably a fair bit different even than at the start of the month.

A few hands:

H1

I think I have to fold this on the river:
PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 100 BB (VPIP: 19.48, PFR: 18.18, 3Bet Preflop: 10.00, Hands: 81)
SB: 101.6 BB (VPIP: 10.87, PFR: 4.35, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 51)
Hero (BB): 199.2 BB
UTG: 257.6 BB (VPIP: 11.11, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 18)
MP: 106.6 BB (VPIP: 26.32, PFR: 26.32, 3Bet Preflop: 14.29, Hands: 19)
CO: 100.4 BB (VPIP: 15.56, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 5.26, Hands: 46)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has Q Q

fold, MP raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 9.4 BB, MP calls 6.4 BB

Flop: (19.2 BB, 2 players) 5 8 8
Hero bets 9.2 BB, MP calls 9.2 BB

Turn: (37.6 BB, 2 players) K
Hero checks, MP bets 18 BB, Hero calls 18 BB

River: (73.6 BB, 2 players) K
Hero checks, MP bets 70 BB and is all-in, fold

MP wins 70.6 BB

H2

With the bet sizing I think calling down is ok:

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 98.2 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
SB: 109.8 BB (VPIP: 21.37, PFR: 16.24, 3Bet Preflop: 4.08, Hands: 123)
BB: 35.6 BB (VPIP: 45.45, PFR: 18.18, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
UTG: 13.2 BB
MP: 217 BB (VPIP: 21.28, PFR: 10.64, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 49)
Hero (CO): 167.2 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A Q

fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, fold, fold, BB calls 1.4 BB

Flop: (5.2 BB, 2 players) Q K K
BB bets 3 BB, Hero calls 3 BB

Turn: (11.2 BB, 2 players) 3
BB bets 5 BB, Hero calls 5 BB

River: (21.2 BB, 2 players) T
BB bets 10 BB, Hero calls 10 BB



H3

A nice run out:

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 230.8 BB (VPIP: 25.53, PFR: 17.02, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 48)
SB: 497.4 BB (VPIP: 71.43, PFR: 28.57, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 7)
BB: 27.6 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
UTG: 32 BB (VPIP: 12.50, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)
MP: 98.4 BB (VPIP: 21.31, PFR: 15.57, 3Bet Preflop: 3.70, Hands: 128)
Hero (CO): 193.2 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has Q T

fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, fold, SB calls 2 BB, BB calls 1.4 BB

Flop: (7.2 BB, 3 players) 9 4 6
SB checks, BB checks, Hero checks

Turn: (7.2 BB, 3 players) J
SB checks, BB bets 3.6 BB, Hero calls 3.6 BB, fold

River: (14.4 BB, 2 players) 8
BB bets 8 BB, Hero raises to 31.8 BB, BB calls 13.6 BB and is all-in



H4

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 105.6 BB (VPIP: 16.92, PFR: 16.92, 3Bet Preflop: 8.70, Hands: 67)
Hero (SB): 101.4 BB
BB: 79.6 BB (VPIP: 22.81, PFR: 14.04, 3Bet Preflop: 4.17, Hands: 59)
UTG: 203 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 10)
MP: 100 BB (VPIP: 12.12, PFR: 9.09, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 33)
CO: 100 BB (VPIP: 22.73, PFR: 22.73, 3Bet Preflop: 11.11, Hands: 46)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A Q

UTG raises to 2 BB, MP calls 2 BB, fold, fold, Hero raises to 9 BB, fold, fold, MP calls 7 BB

Flop: (21 BB, 2 players) 4 5 T
Hero bets 10.2 BB, MP calls 10.2 BB

Turn: (41.4 BB, 2 players) Q
Hero bets 19.8 BB, MP calls 19.8 BB

River: (81 BB, 2 players) 4
Hero bets 38.8 BB, MP calls 38.8 BB



H5

Biggest winning hand of the month:

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 130 BB (VPIP: 26.79, PFR: 23.21, 3Bet Preflop: 7.69, Hands: 56)
SB: 84.2 BB (VPIP: 11.76, PFR: 11.76, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 34)
BB: 100 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
UTG: 133.4 BB (VPIP: 37.14, PFR: 31.43, 3Bet Preflop: 8.33, Hands: 35)
MP: 89.4 BB (VPIP: 15.19, PFR: 3.80, 3Bet Preflop: 5.88, Hands: 79)
Hero (CO): 130.6 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A A

UTG raises to 3 BB, fold, Hero raises to 10.4 BB, BTN calls 10.4 BB, fold, fold, UTG calls 7.4 BB

Flop: (32.6 BB, 3 players) 9 2 3
UTG bets 14 BB, Hero raises to 37.6 BB, BTN calls 37.6 BB, fold

Turn: (121.8 BB, 2 players) A
Hero checks, BTN checks

River: (121.8 BB, 2 players) 3
Hero bets 82.6 BB and is all-in, BTN calls 82 BB and is all-in




H6

Biggest losing hand of the month:

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 49.6 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
Hero (SB): 121.8 BB
BB: 240.2 BB (VPIP: 22.22, PFR: 22.22, 3Bet Preflop: 40.00, Hands: 10)
UTG: 130.4 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 25.00, Hands: 12)
MP: 156.8 BB (VPIP: 22.73, PFR: 22.73, 3Bet Preflop: 28.57, Hands: 22)
CO: 127.2 BB (VPIP: 13.04, PFR: 8.70, 3Bet Preflop: 7.69, Hands: 24)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has Q Q

fold, MP raises to 3 BB, CO calls 3 BB, fold, Hero raises to 13 BB, fold, fold, CO calls 10 BB

Flop: (30 BB, 2 players) 7 5 2
Hero bets 14.4 BB, CO calls 14.4 BB

Turn: (58.8 BB, 2 players) 6
Hero bets 28.2 BB, CO calls 28.2 BB

River: (115.2 BB, 2 players) 3
Hero bets 66.2 BB and is all-in, CO calls 66.2 BB




I have quite a bit on at work next week so will revise my volume goal. My aim for May will be 20-25k hands. Going to work on playing out of the blinds a bit more, I think I need to open up my play a bit, I'm pretty much 3bet or folding at the moment and so I want to get a bit more comfortable calling. I don't think I'm playing enough hands, my stats for April are 19.88/16.83, with a 3b of 5.26, a big part of this will be folding too much out of the blinds so I am going to work on this in May. If I stick at 5nl while I work through this I should be in a good place to move up to 10nl in June.

Good luck at the tables everyone!

20/17/5 will definitely be profitable at 5nlz

Quit this volume based nonsense, and quit it now. I'm a UK based rec with a family, I've been down this road, and you will one day regret all this lost time with your family.

Online poker is dead as a career choice unless you are willing to immerse yourself in hours and hours of study (most of which will be solver based) and then pump out volume at a time when you should be enjoying life with your family.

Put the drive, determination and intelligence into a career that will provide a future for you and your family

Keep your poker for your "me time"...an enjoyable hobby, nothing more, nothing less. You can still get good and you can still win, just see it for what it is...a little bit of fun.

You'll probably ignore my advice, but if you do, be aware, one day you'll look back and think, "**** me, that guy was right".

Hi, I appreciate your thoughts on this. My perspective is slightly different, and my situation is more like your second to last paragraph. I'm not out to make poker a career, nor to win a ton of money. I have a good job which I enjoy and makes me a good living. Poker is very much a hobby for me, similar to how golf would be. I used to play golf (until the kids came along!), and I would play once a week and then spend time working on my game at the range, reading books, watching videos etc. I had no intention of earning a living out of golf, I just enjoyed the challenge of improving.

For the volume I'm aiming for it's about 7-9 hours of play a week, which is time I would usually spend watching TV or flicking through my phone. I have a 9-5 job and my other half works evenings and weekends, so when the kids are in bed I play some poker. I like the mental challenge and also the discipline of trying to maintain your game when things are going against you, I enjoy the long term view and riding the waves of variance. I think it's a challenge, I also like the feeling of improving, being more sure of what you're doing, being able to analyse your game objectively etc. And if I can win some money while I'm at it then that is a great return on any hobby!!

I do know where you are coming from though. And tbh my volume goals also work the other way in that it keeps things manageable and clear headed, it keeps me from playing all day because I want to get back in the green, or opening up some tables because I just feel like playing. I get the hands in and then I'm done. No chance of getting sucked in or overly obsessed or invested! Eg next month I know I have a lot on at work, and that my Mrs doesn't have as much overtime as usual, so I scale back my volume goals accordingly.

Thanks for the input.

Cheers mate. It does tend to keep me out of too much trouble I guess!

First day of the month and managed to get a few hands in. Moved up to 10nl, session went well, play didn't really feel any different and I felt pretty comfortable.



Marked more hands than usual today which I will review tomorrow. Starting to look at what I think are my standard plays and see if there is a better way to play them.

Tough day today:



One of those days were nothing seemed to go for me. I think a lot of it was just coolers. I'll post a few hands below, would like to check if I could have got away from these and whether some of them are spew or just poker.

Ran my session through snowie and it thinks I made 19 blunders, with an error rate of 9.15 expert level. I know playing 10nl this is not overly relevant but it tells me I'm not playing really awfully and making too many terrible mistakes. One thing I realise is I'm not varying my play enough depending on my opponent. I'm basically playing a standard game. So today I paid a lot more attention to who I was playing against, and used this to raise or call pre flop based on if I thought I could play against a fish. I think I did ok at this and it did lead to some good situations. This should help me winrate when I get better at this.

Here is May so far:



Onto some hands...

Hand 1:

Not sure I could do much else here.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 102.9 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
SB: 366.6 BB (VPIP: 26.15, PFR: 23.08, 3Bet Preflop: 10.34, Hands: 66)
BB: 101.5 BB (VPIP: 25.84, PFR: 22.47, 3Bet Preflop: 9.76, Hands: 90)
Hero (UTG): 164.2 BB
MP: 111.7 BB (VPIP: 20.51, PFR: 17.95, 3Bet Preflop: 5.26, Hands: 40)
CO: 119.1 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 2)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

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

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

Flop: (19.5 BB, 2 players) T 7 4
Hero checks, MP bets 10.2 BB, Hero calls 10.2 BB

Turn: (39.9 BB, 2 players) 8
Hero checks, MP bets 29.5 BB, Hero calls 29.5 BB

River: (98.9 BB, 2 players) 4
Hero checks, MP bets 63 BB and is all-in, Hero calls 63 BB



Hand 2

Snowie says to fold the river.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 100 BB (VPIP: 16.67, PFR: 8.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 12)
SB: 102.1 BB
BB: 100.4 BB (VPIP: 17.02, PFR: 15.60, 3Bet Preflop: 6.90, Hands: 146)
UTG: 114.3 BB (VPIP: 13.64, PFR: 6.82, 3Bet Preflop: 4.17, Hands: 45)
MP: 92.8 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 13.33, 3Bet Preflop: 14.29, Hands: 15)
Hero (CO): 100 BB

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

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

fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.5 BB, fold, SB raises to 6 BB, fold, Hero calls 3.5 BB

Flop: (13 BB, 2 players) 8 6 2
SB bets 10.9 BB, Hero calls 10.9 BB

Turn: (34.8 BB, 2 players) J
SB bets 29.2 BB, Hero calls 29.2 BB

River: (93.2 BB, 2 players) 3
SB bets 56 BB and is all-in, Hero calls 53.9 BB and is all-in



Hand 3

Cooler?

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 118.1 BB
SB: 65.7 BB (VPIP: 10.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
BB: 108 BB (VPIP: 11.11, PFR: 6.67, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 45)
UTG: 36.1 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 2)
MP: 168.3 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)
CO: 100 BB (VPIP: 21.05, PFR: 10.53, 3Bet Preflop: 7.14, Hands: 39)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

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

UTG calls 1 BB, fold, CO raises to 2.5 BB, Hero raises to 10 BB, fold, fold, fold, CO calls 7.5 BB

Flop: (22.5 BB, 2 players) 9 8 K
CO checks, Hero bets 10.8 BB, CO calls 10.8 BB

Turn: (44.1 BB, 2 players) K
CO bets 79.2 BB and is all-in, Hero calls 79.2 BB

River: (202.5 BB, 2 players) J



Hand 4

Is this played ok?

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 100 BB (VPIP: 7.14, PFR: 7.14, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 16)
Hero (SB): 100 BB
BB: 118.9 BB (VPIP: 22.22, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 9)
UTG: 143.5 BB (VPIP: 10.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
MP: 94.5 BB (VPIP: 17.39, PFR: 13.04, 3Bet Preflop: 9.09, Hands: 25)
CO: 85.7 BB (VPIP: 16.67, PFR: 10.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 31)

Hero posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

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

UTG raises to 3 BB, fold, CO calls 3 BB, fold, Hero calls 2.5 BB, BB calls 2 BB

Flop: (12 BB, 4 players) J 7 5
Hero checks, BB checks, UTG bets 5.8 BB, fold, Hero calls 5.8 BB, BB raises to 26.6 BB, UTG calls 20.8 BB, Hero raises to 97 BB and is all-in, BB calls 70.4 BB, UTG calls 70.4 BB

Turn: (303 BB, 3 players) 9
BB bets 18.9 BB and is all-in, UTG calls 18.9 BB

River: (340.8 BB, 3 players) 8



Hand 5

Another cooler?

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 130.6 BB (VPIP: 22.50, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 41)
SB: 86.3 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
BB: 54.3 BB
UTG: 60.3 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 2)
Hero (MP): 212.6 BB
CO: 122.1 BB (VPIP: 11.63, PFR: 6.98, 3Bet Preflop: 5.00, Hands: 43)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

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

UTG raises to 2 BB, Hero raises to 7.5 BB, fold, fold, fold, fold, UTG calls 5.5 BB

Flop: (16.5 BB, 2 players) 6 7 Q
UTG checks, Hero bets 7.9 BB, UTG raises to 52.8 BB and is all-in, Hero calls 44.9 BB

Turn: (122.1 BB, 2 players) 9

River: (122.1 BB, 2 players) T



Hand 6

Let's finish on a winning hand! There weren't a lot of them today!!

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 51.7 BB
SB: 70.9 BB (VPIP: 40.63, PFR: 21.88, 3Bet Preflop: 14.29, Hands: 32)
BB: 114.2 BB (VPIP: 10.91, PFR: 10.91, 3Bet Preflop: 5.00, Hands: 59)
UTG: 100 BB (VPIP: 34.21, PFR: 28.95, 3Bet Preflop: 9.09, Hands: 38)
MP: 38.7 BB (VPIP: 100.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 1)
Hero (CO): 100.7 BB

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

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

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

Flop: (5.5 BB, 2 players) 4 J 2
BB checks, Hero bets 2.7 BB, BB raises to 9.4 BB, Hero calls 6.7 BB

Turn: (24.3 BB, 2 players) A
BB bets 19.3 BB, Hero calls 19.3 BB

River: (62.9 BB, 2 players) K
BB bets 37.9 BB, Hero raises to 69.5 BB and is all-in, BB calls 31.6 BB



On another note was good to get back into poker after a bit of a quiet poker week last week due to work and other stuff. Would have like a better day but what can you do! I'm also marking a lot more hands and enjoying reviewing them after the session. Goals this week are to play more exploitably, paying more attention to villains stats.

Good luck at the tables!

Carried on where I left off yesterday!



Cards not quite going my way at the moment. No action with any of my good hands, and too much action with my middling hands! 9 blunders according to Snowie today, with an error rate of 10.38 expert.

A couple of hands:

Hand 1

Not sure what to do on the river. Don't think I can do much else but give up here.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 98.5 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)
SB: 100 BB (VPIP: 18.44, PFR: 12.77, 3Bet Preflop: 3.64, Hands: 143)
Hero (BB): 127.9 BB
UTG: 137.6 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 7)
MP: 60.9 BB (VPIP: 40.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)
CO: 126.7 BB (VPIP: 16.67, PFR: 16.67, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 6)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 7 6

fold, MP raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, Hero calls 2 BB

Flop: (6.5 BB, 2 players) 4 5 Q
Hero checks, MP bets 3 BB, Hero raises to 7.9 BB, MP calls 4.9 BB

Turn: (22.3 BB, 2 players) T
Hero bets 10.7 BB, MP calls 10.7 BB

River: (43.7 BB, 2 players) T
Hero checks, MP checks



Hand 2

Felt like I was beat here but I think I have to call turn and river.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 135.6 BB (VPIP: 12.50, PFR: 8.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 24)
SB: 233.1 BB (VPIP: 28.79, PFR: 21.21, 3Bet Preflop: 7.69, Hands: 70)
BB: 109.3 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 2)
UTG: 117.8 BB (VPIP: 17.88, PFR: 12.58, 3Bet Preflop: 3.39, Hands: 153)
MP: 156 BB (VPIP: 20.41, PFR: 17.35, 3Bet Preflop: 17.50, Hands: 100)
Hero (CO): 123.9 BB

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

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

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

Flop: (5.5 BB, 2 players) 9 6 3
BB checks, Hero bets 2.7 BB, BB calls 2.7 BB

Turn: (10.9 BB, 2 players) 4
BB checks, Hero bets 5.2 BB, BB raises to 15.6 BB, Hero calls 10.4 BB

River: (42.1 BB, 2 players) 7
BB bets 26.8 BB, Hero calls 26.8 BB



Hand 3

A winning hand! This is not normally an open from me but I had 3 of the 4 players in front of me tagged as weaker players. I have been trying to play more exploitatively as I mentioned in my last post, so I think the open is ok

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 230.2 BB (VPIP: 30.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 20)
SB: 100 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 15)
BB: 82 BB (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 50.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 2)
UTG: 214.9 BB (VPIP: 15.56, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 4.76, Hands: 45)
Hero (MP): 137.4 BB
CO: 86.6 BB (VPIP: 12.77, PFR: 12.77, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 49)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

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

fold, Hero raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, BB calls 2 BB

Flop: (6.5 BB, 2 players) Q 3 9
BB checks, Hero bets 3.1 BB, BB calls 3.1 BB

Turn: (12.7 BB, 2 players) 8
BB checks, Hero bets 9.7 BB, BB calls 9.7 BB

River: (32.1 BB, 2 players) 5
BB checks, Hero bets 121.6 BB and is all-in, BB calls 66.2 BB and is all-in


.

Not a huge fan of the 76 flop raise, esp with no club on the board so less opportunity to pick up equity. Somewhat often your outs will be dirty and V raised from mp which gives him a big range advantage. I'd c/c flop and c/f that turn. The flop raise is also too small and the turn bet looks weak, if you did have a set in that spot would you use the same sizings? Flop raise should be 10bbs at least, likely more, same with turn bet. V is also short and he can jam over your T bet even with your small sizings forcing you to fold so realizing your equity will be difficult

33 hand is UL, i like the flop bet, the turn i'd size bigger since the board is super wet and V can have all sorts of 2 pairs and other junk in the BB

I'm in . Nice thread. You sound like your in a similar situation to me and have same reasons for playing poker etc.

I also bought grinders manual and have been reading through it and find it very impressive, by far the most upto date and useful book I have read on poker.

GL