WARNING!!! Turning pro is HARD ****ING WORK!! And you will see this ITT...
07-16-2017
, 05:33 AM
I smashed the like button. Was a pretty good vlog. Respect for putting all that work in even when you're looking after your kids, keeping fit, have a wife, have a job, and are sick...
07-18-2017
, 08:23 AM
I did not set any targets for volume of play and study etc yesterday. As I was back at work I wanted to see what was "fairly" do-able and then set the targets for the rest of the week from that.
I did 180 minutes study, 30 minutes play, 15 minutes meditation/visualisation and no mental game work.
I tended towards study yesterday as I realised that I needed to make really good notes from Friday's coaching session as some of the concepts were still very hazy to me.
The 30 minutes play was at the end of the day and was a kind of "reward" for finishing off the study I was doing!
Oh, and I only played 1 table of Zoom to focus hard on certain spots too!!!
---
Plan for this week looks like...
---
My notes from coaching are really good. I learned so much from re-watching the 90 minute session slowly and from taking my time to understand the concepts.
---
In game I am focusing on the flop when facing c-bet.
I need to be aware of what the positions are, what the board texture means for our ranges and where that puts me in my range.
Once I become the world expert in this I will be ready to move up 2 or 3 stakes!!!
---
I have been looking at PIO and GTORB. I will probably get a sub to GTORB as having it in the web browser appeals to me a lot. PIO maybe when I get a bit higher...
Fortunately I have got a lot of screen shots for PIO flop solutions now and they are helping me tremendously.
---
Mental Game Of Poker (Study)
Resolution
This means I have solved a mental game problem. It means I have "trained the corrections to the flaws causing your mental game problems to the level of Unconscious Competence".
It means I have trained my mental game so well that nothing affects it (like losing big pots or moving up).
Not only does this mean I can play better and win more it also means I increase focus in game as I have more mental space and energy.
Also, as per inchworm, my best will become better.
JT makes a cool analogy to show how achieving resolution helps. He compares it to having a fall out with a friend and how if you let it simmer in the background it always has a slight affect on things. But if you bring it out in the open it usually clears it up and things improve.
"Resolution is not a quick fix for most problems. It takes experience, repetition and focus to replace an old habit and have the new one happen automatically."
In other words Chris, don't be fooled! Remember that if something goes wrong it is an OPPORTUNITY to see where I am at and to improve something.
Mental Hand History
Many methods we might hear to help solve mental game problems are just quick fixes.
Without actually understanding why the mental game problem happens it is hard to find resolution.
I need to go deeper and understand the logic of the mental issue and then find out why that logic is flawed.
There is a 5-step protocol to use that JT calls the "mental hand history"
---
That's 20 ,minutes! - Up to pdf page page 43 "Correcting flaws in poker"
---
Have a great day amigos! Keep working and keep enjoying!
--
Hey man, thanks for the advice.
I really have a fantastic life so I am not sure anything would add to my life EV.
I am enjoying this ride so really don't fret about me amigo.
And holy hell... I have learned more life skills on this journey than any school can teach me!
Nice post thanks. You make a good point "it's about more than just the money" - it is almost zero about the money now! It is almost purely a self improvement journey now.
Hey, thanks for the really kind comments there Sir. And thanks for the like too! You are all alone it seems so I really appreciate it! 
I did 180 minutes study, 30 minutes play, 15 minutes meditation/visualisation and no mental game work.
I tended towards study yesterday as I realised that I needed to make really good notes from Friday's coaching session as some of the concepts were still very hazy to me.
The 30 minutes play was at the end of the day and was a kind of "reward" for finishing off the study I was doing!
Oh, and I only played 1 table of Zoom to focus hard on certain spots too!!!
---
Plan for this week looks like...
---
My notes from coaching are really good. I learned so much from re-watching the 90 minute session slowly and from taking my time to understand the concepts.
---
In game I am focusing on the flop when facing c-bet.
I need to be aware of what the positions are, what the board texture means for our ranges and where that puts me in my range.
Once I become the world expert in this I will be ready to move up 2 or 3 stakes!!!
---
I have been looking at PIO and GTORB. I will probably get a sub to GTORB as having it in the web browser appeals to me a lot. PIO maybe when I get a bit higher...
Fortunately I have got a lot of screen shots for PIO flop solutions now and they are helping me tremendously.
---
Mental Game Of Poker (Study)
Resolution
This means I have solved a mental game problem. It means I have "trained the corrections to the flaws causing your mental game problems to the level of Unconscious Competence".
It means I have trained my mental game so well that nothing affects it (like losing big pots or moving up).
Not only does this mean I can play better and win more it also means I increase focus in game as I have more mental space and energy.
Also, as per inchworm, my best will become better.
JT makes a cool analogy to show how achieving resolution helps. He compares it to having a fall out with a friend and how if you let it simmer in the background it always has a slight affect on things. But if you bring it out in the open it usually clears it up and things improve.
"Resolution is not a quick fix for most problems. It takes experience, repetition and focus to replace an old habit and have the new one happen automatically."
In other words Chris, don't be fooled! Remember that if something goes wrong it is an OPPORTUNITY to see where I am at and to improve something.
Mental Hand History
Many methods we might hear to help solve mental game problems are just quick fixes.
Without actually understanding why the mental game problem happens it is hard to find resolution.
I need to go deeper and understand the logic of the mental issue and then find out why that logic is flawed.
There is a 5-step protocol to use that JT calls the "mental hand history"
---
That's 20 ,minutes! - Up to pdf page page 43 "Correcting flaws in poker"
---
Have a great day amigos! Keep working and keep enjoying!
--
Quote:
Have you ever wonder how much money/skill you would gain in life, if you were to put so much time into different hobby, as much as you do in poker?
I really think poker got into you, I mean, it's like reading 100 pages of delusion and you still aren't getting anywhere. You make all these pages long updates how much you learn and still fail on every corner.
Don't mean to **** on you, but holy ****, you are a family man not 18 year old.
All the luck in future, you still have a lot of energy for an old man, but transform it into something else than poker and I believe it will be a lot more EV+ for you.
I really think poker got into you, I mean, it's like reading 100 pages of delusion and you still aren't getting anywhere. You make all these pages long updates how much you learn and still fail on every corner.
Don't mean to **** on you, but holy ****, you are a family man not 18 year old.
All the luck in future, you still have a lot of energy for an old man, but transform it into something else than poker and I believe it will be a lot more EV+ for you.
I really have a fantastic life so I am not sure anything would add to my life EV.
I am enjoying this ride so really don't fret about me amigo.
And holy hell... I have learned more life skills on this journey than any school can teach me!
Quote:
I really dislike these statements. I don't feel like we choose which hobbies we get to this level of interest, perseverance and dedication. It's about more than just the money at this point, and time is not what we are concerned with.
KP clearly still loves the game and gets fired up when he learns new things, however slowly that may be. It's a complex game and he mentioned about trying a lot of different things within the game. It takes a long time to trial and test lots of different strategies and ideas by yourself, especially if you are only playing 1-2 hours per night.
My only concern is the concept of '10,000 hours of disciplined practice to master your craft' (or whatever the quote/theory is - I'm sure you've heard of it before). I'm on mobile and can't check when KP started the thread but if he has been going 3 years at 1-2 hours per day, we are only at 1k-2k hours... This lack of practice is the real reason it feels like such slow progress/thread.
Massive respect for knowing what you want from your life, working hard and persevering to get it. Keep at it and you'll get there eventually. Haven't read the whole thread (as it's longgggg) but just the first few and last few pages. Will follow on from here. Glgl.
KP clearly still loves the game and gets fired up when he learns new things, however slowly that may be. It's a complex game and he mentioned about trying a lot of different things within the game. It takes a long time to trial and test lots of different strategies and ideas by yourself, especially if you are only playing 1-2 hours per night.
My only concern is the concept of '10,000 hours of disciplined practice to master your craft' (or whatever the quote/theory is - I'm sure you've heard of it before). I'm on mobile and can't check when KP started the thread but if he has been going 3 years at 1-2 hours per day, we are only at 1k-2k hours... This lack of practice is the real reason it feels like such slow progress/thread.
Massive respect for knowing what you want from your life, working hard and persevering to get it. Keep at it and you'll get there eventually. Haven't read the whole thread (as it's longgggg) but just the first few and last few pages. Will follow on from here. Glgl.
Spoiler:
07-19-2017
, 07:35 AM
Another good poker day in the bag!
Yesterday's targets were all hit (with the 60 minutes play right at the death again!) and I have set the same targets for today.
---
I watched 1 hour 10 minutes of videos that my coach produced and made extensive notes (and a lot of screen shots!).
I spent some time looking at different flop textures and how they hit or miss my preflop (calling) range.
This is really helping me a lot. It is a bit late coming this sort of work imo.
If anyone ever tries to teach me a "standard line" again I will shoot them!
---
Tonight I am going to study a couple of flops from my last session. I will define my XF, XC and XR ranges.
I have got a lot of screenshots from Piosolver to compare too! It won't be long until I have most boards covered! (Only versus one cbet size though!)
I just want to keep drilling how my continuing range changes depending on the flop texture until I get super awesome at it!
---
Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)
5-step Protocol (Mental Hand History)
1. Describe The Problem - in simple terms like "I tilt when a fish sucks out on me in a big pot" or "I play too loose when I am winning big".
2. Why does it make logical sense that you would react, think, or feel that way? - Even though it is incorrect to, for example, play looser when winning, there will be a logical reason behind why I would do that. For example confidence is high and it feels like nothing can go wrong.
So it is kind of logical to think like that but it is incorrect and needs to be removed.
3. Why is that logic flawed? - Accuracy is critical here. Use MGOP to find answers. There is often more than one reason.
IMPORTANT: NEGATIVE EMOTION HAPPENS FOR PREDICTABLE REASONS AND IS NEVER THE FLAW.
JT goes back to the example of reacting badly when losing a big pot to a fish... When I do this an obvious flaw is that I am ignoring the stark reality of what poker is - the fish have to win sometimes!
On a deeper level I believe that I have more control over the outcome than I actually do! (This works for playing looser when winning too.) This is an ILLUSION OF CONTROL (there is going to be a section on this later) and is a flaw that is less obvious. "Fail to correct it and resolution won't happen."
4. What is the correct way to handle the situation? - This step defines the straightforward correction to the underlying flaw. We are defining the correct solution rather than saying things like "Bad beats happen, just don't let them bother you" (this is what you get if you skip steps 2 and 3).
So I should add a sentence/statement that addresses the Illusion Of Control like "I cannot control the cards, I can only control how well I play and how well I react".
5. Why is that correction correct? - This step only confirms why what I said in step 4 is correct. It might be a bit redundant but repetition helps.
To summarise... Achieving resolution will mean I have learned the correct logic in steps 4 and 5 to the level of Unconscious Competence.
Use the process model, injecting logic and use strategies that are to follow to get to that level.
Put steps 3, 4 or 5 into a mental game goal to use before I play (so into my Pregame document).
---
That's over 20 minutes! Up to pdf page 44, "Additional Strategies"
---
Have a great day amigos! Keep improving!
Yesterday's targets were all hit (with the 60 minutes play right at the death again!) and I have set the same targets for today.
---
I watched 1 hour 10 minutes of videos that my coach produced and made extensive notes (and a lot of screen shots!).
I spent some time looking at different flop textures and how they hit or miss my preflop (calling) range.
This is really helping me a lot. It is a bit late coming this sort of work imo.
If anyone ever tries to teach me a "standard line" again I will shoot them!
---
Tonight I am going to study a couple of flops from my last session. I will define my XF, XC and XR ranges.
I have got a lot of screenshots from Piosolver to compare too! It won't be long until I have most boards covered! (Only versus one cbet size though!)
I just want to keep drilling how my continuing range changes depending on the flop texture until I get super awesome at it!
---
Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)
5-step Protocol (Mental Hand History)
1. Describe The Problem - in simple terms like "I tilt when a fish sucks out on me in a big pot" or "I play too loose when I am winning big".
2. Why does it make logical sense that you would react, think, or feel that way? - Even though it is incorrect to, for example, play looser when winning, there will be a logical reason behind why I would do that. For example confidence is high and it feels like nothing can go wrong.
So it is kind of logical to think like that but it is incorrect and needs to be removed.
3. Why is that logic flawed? - Accuracy is critical here. Use MGOP to find answers. There is often more than one reason.
IMPORTANT: NEGATIVE EMOTION HAPPENS FOR PREDICTABLE REASONS AND IS NEVER THE FLAW.
JT goes back to the example of reacting badly when losing a big pot to a fish... When I do this an obvious flaw is that I am ignoring the stark reality of what poker is - the fish have to win sometimes!
On a deeper level I believe that I have more control over the outcome than I actually do! (This works for playing looser when winning too.) This is an ILLUSION OF CONTROL (there is going to be a section on this later) and is a flaw that is less obvious. "Fail to correct it and resolution won't happen."
4. What is the correct way to handle the situation? - This step defines the straightforward correction to the underlying flaw. We are defining the correct solution rather than saying things like "Bad beats happen, just don't let them bother you" (this is what you get if you skip steps 2 and 3).
So I should add a sentence/statement that addresses the Illusion Of Control like "I cannot control the cards, I can only control how well I play and how well I react".
5. Why is that correction correct? - This step only confirms why what I said in step 4 is correct. It might be a bit redundant but repetition helps.
To summarise... Achieving resolution will mean I have learned the correct logic in steps 4 and 5 to the level of Unconscious Competence.
Use the process model, injecting logic and use strategies that are to follow to get to that level.
Put steps 3, 4 or 5 into a mental game goal to use before I play (so into my Pregame document).
---
That's over 20 minutes! Up to pdf page 44, "Additional Strategies"
---
Have a great day amigos! Keep improving!
07-19-2017
, 07:47 AM
07-19-2017
, 01:43 PM
07-20-2017
, 01:39 PM
Boom!
Another great poker day banked!
I hit all my targets and again I left playing until the end as a little "reward".
Actually I am getting so motivated to get good these days it isn't hard to push myself to do the study at all. It is just hard to fit it all into the day!
I know my poker knowledge is pretty atrocious but Victor has given me some great stuff to work on and I am enjoying the challenge.
Studying is way higher EV for me now than playing. Still gotta play a little though!
---
Yesterday I did 130 minutes of study.
I reviewed the flop hands from previous day (small sample). I analysed two flops I had played BB v BU in detail (J76tt and 972r) and analysed one flop BB v BU (K62tt) in detail that I had a Piosolver screenshot of to see how I am comparing.
I also spent 15 minutes reviewing my coaching session notes after I realised I had some confusion still going on!
---
I played for 60 minutes.
Tilt control was really good. Everything just felt so much better. Zero flop mistakes blind v blind as caller.
---
Mental game work was good and I meditated and visualised. I saw a new meditation from Mark Devine somewhere so I gave that a try and really liked it. Will do it again and let you know!
---
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study notes)
---
That was a lot over my 20 minutes today but it was too good to stop! Up to pdf page 48 "Tilt = Anger + Bad play"
---
Have a great day amigos! Crush life!
---
You have blown every standard line I have ever been given out of the water but yes I agree that some can be good.
It does help if the coach explains why they are good and under what circumstances they might not be good first though.
Another great poker day banked!
I hit all my targets and again I left playing until the end as a little "reward".
Actually I am getting so motivated to get good these days it isn't hard to push myself to do the study at all. It is just hard to fit it all into the day!
I know my poker knowledge is pretty atrocious but Victor has given me some great stuff to work on and I am enjoying the challenge.
Studying is way higher EV for me now than playing. Still gotta play a little though!
---
Yesterday I did 130 minutes of study.
I reviewed the flop hands from previous day (small sample). I analysed two flops I had played BB v BU in detail (J76tt and 972r) and analysed one flop BB v BU (K62tt) in detail that I had a Piosolver screenshot of to see how I am comparing.
I also spent 15 minutes reviewing my coaching session notes after I realised I had some confusion still going on!
---
I played for 60 minutes.
Tilt control was really good. Everything just felt so much better. Zero flop mistakes blind v blind as caller.
---
Mental game work was good and I meditated and visualised. I saw a new meditation from Mark Devine somewhere so I gave that a try and really liked it. Will do it again and let you know!
---
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study notes)
Spoiler:
---
That was a lot over my 20 minutes today but it was too good to stop! Up to pdf page 48 "Tilt = Anger + Bad play"
---
Have a great day amigos! Crush life!
---
It does help if the coach explains why they are good and under what circumstances they might not be good first though.
Spoiler:
07-21-2017
, 07:14 AM
Cowabunga!!!
Hit the targets again (just in time for bed)! Same targets set for today but I have got some family stuff going on tonight that might restrict me (father-in-law is over from Macedonia for a few days).
---
I studied for 120+ minutes.
I analysed one flop that I played BB v BU (642r), one flop that I have got a PIO screenshot of BB v BU (843tt) and for some reason I looked at a turn analysis (above actual hand 642r on 7tt turn).
I should not have done the turn analysis as I am not ready for that yet. I think I was just really intrigued to do it. It took me far too long (due to mistakes) and took valuable time away from my flop work. Lesson learned.
---
I played for 60 minutes.
I played one table of 5nlz focusing on facing flop cbet and tilt awareness.
I got sucked out on and dominated a few times and observed the tilt coming a little ("what, not again!?") but managed to stay okay. It is not resolved yet though so quite a lot more work to be done yet.
I also made a few call downs that I would never have made before. I am not sure if they are mistakes or not but it was kind of good to see that I didn't insta smash the fold button.
Something to watch!
---
I meditated and visualised for 15 minutes.
I used the Mark Devine box meditation again. It is basically inhale 5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, exhale 5 seconds, hold 5 seconds. Repeat.
He also shows a way to inhale and exhale using the belly, diaphragm and chest which seems to help the process along well.
I felt really relaxed and calm during and after the meditation and hit the tables feeling pretty damn good!
---
I did mental game work for 20+ minutes.
That's another 20+ minutes really well spent on mental game!!! Up to pdf page 49 "The Tilt Of Tilt"
---
Everything is good. Motivation is high. Skills are improving (and most importantly I feel I am working on just one or two things so well that I will get them to the desired level of Unconscious Competence in the end).
Tomorrow is my son's 6th birthday party so I am really looking forward to that!
Have a great weekend amigos! I hope you are enjoying life as much as I am!? Keep growing!
---
Yes, I never really realised how much I was holding myself back by being such a weaktight nancy boy! Thanks for the advice!
Thanks man, means a lot!
Hit the targets again (just in time for bed)! Same targets set for today but I have got some family stuff going on tonight that might restrict me (father-in-law is over from Macedonia for a few days).
---
I studied for 120+ minutes.
I analysed one flop that I played BB v BU (642r), one flop that I have got a PIO screenshot of BB v BU (843tt) and for some reason I looked at a turn analysis (above actual hand 642r on 7tt turn).
I should not have done the turn analysis as I am not ready for that yet. I think I was just really intrigued to do it. It took me far too long (due to mistakes) and took valuable time away from my flop work. Lesson learned.
---
I played for 60 minutes.
I played one table of 5nlz focusing on facing flop cbet and tilt awareness.
I got sucked out on and dominated a few times and observed the tilt coming a little ("what, not again!?") but managed to stay okay. It is not resolved yet though so quite a lot more work to be done yet.
I also made a few call downs that I would never have made before. I am not sure if they are mistakes or not but it was kind of good to see that I didn't insta smash the fold button.
Something to watch!
---
I meditated and visualised for 15 minutes.
I used the Mark Devine box meditation again. It is basically inhale 5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, exhale 5 seconds, hold 5 seconds. Repeat.
He also shows a way to inhale and exhale using the belly, diaphragm and chest which seems to help the process along well.
I felt really relaxed and calm during and after the meditation and hit the tables feeling pretty damn good!
---
I did mental game work for 20+ minutes.
Spoiler:
That's another 20+ minutes really well spent on mental game!!! Up to pdf page 49 "The Tilt Of Tilt"
---
Everything is good. Motivation is high. Skills are improving (and most importantly I feel I am working on just one or two things so well that I will get them to the desired level of Unconscious Competence in the end).
Tomorrow is my son's 6th birthday party so I am really looking forward to that!
Have a great weekend amigos! I hope you are enjoying life as much as I am!? Keep growing!
---
Quote:
yeah, poker is a lot more fun if you allow yourself to get creative imo. also, I think people probably improve a lot more quickly if they get more creative, a lot more mental connections being made & and exponential effect of more connections leading to more connections leading to ...
Quote:
to expand on this slightly, relevant quote: https://youtu.be/9634A0iBw7w?t=48m16s (48:16 - 49:01)
Thanks man, means a lot!
07-25-2017
, 07:29 AM
07-25-2017
, 10:34 AM
Badabing!!!
Targets were slightly lower than normal as Helen and I needed to spend some time discussing a business opportunity that might be coming our way. Pretty major!
---
I did 45 minutes study...
One detailed flop analysis (BBvBU on AA7tt) and a quick review of BB hands v SB or BU from last session.
In the flop analyses I am getting better all of the time. I am making better predictions of what the bottom of my calling range should/could be. Also I am finding little hacks to help me study and learn a bit better.
In the review all hands were well played but tiny sample (one tabled).
---
I played for 45 minutes...
Nice session, played flop well, tilt control and recognition was good.
---
I meditated for 10 minutes and visualised for 10 minutes too.
---
I studied mental game for over 20 minutes...
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)
The Tilt of Tilt
This is an extra layer of tilt where I might angry just because I tilted or because I let something tilt me. Additionally it could be if I have no idea how to cure my tilt problem.
Using my mind more efficiently is necessary to solve the problem.
The Benefit of Tilt
This has already been mentioned. Yes, tilt can improve my game!
Remember that when any emotion gets too high it has a "profound effect" on ability to think and eventually shuts it down.
Thinking is what I use in-game to play the spots that are not learned to the level of Unconscious Competence.
So when I tilt and that thinking is obstructed it points to the parts of my game that need working on.
Winner's Tilt
This is not an anger issue but an overconfidence issue (or fear of losing the money back) and will be covered in chapter 8.
Tilt Profile
Every player tilts in a slightly different way (and for different reasons). A good time for me to work on it is immediately after a session while it is still fresh.
This is JT's list of questions to ask myself as a guide to start analyzing and identifying tilt.
I need to try to answer these questions and put anything else that comes to mind to form the basis of my Tilt Profile. "It is impossible to control something you don't understand" so I need to continue to build my knowledge base (both general and self).
Let's give it a go!
1. What causes you to tilt? (Bad beats, losing to fish, running bad, etc.)
- Losing medium to big pots because I don't know how to play them better. Maybe even small pots too.
- In sessions where I run bad I do sometimes look to the sky and say "again, seriously" type stuff but I am pretty sure I am laughing when this happens and not tilting. BUT, I need to watch it...
- Being card dead and having to fold a lot but I am pretty sure that it is frustration again and I think I am just doing something wrong.
2. What are the things you say to yourself out loud, or to other players, when frustration starts rising and when tilted?
- I do not say anything at all when the frustration kicks in for being clueless or frustrated.
- If there is real tilt when running bad I do tend to say "What, again!?!?!?"
3.How do you know that you’re on tilt? What’s the first thing you notice?
- Opening up the replayer when I am still playing.
- Focus wanders to a specific hand that is over.
- Looking at my graph (I think this was more related to when I used to have a small stop loss as I don't seem to do this now).
4. How does your body react to tilt? (Head gets hot, body is sweaty, heart races, fist is clenched, etc.)
- I cannot think of anything here but maybe I grit my teeth?
5. Can you identify the point when tilt starts shutting down your thinking?
- No. But if I have opened up the HH replayer it is probably before then!
6. At what point do you take action to deal with tilt?
- Previously never. Now, before I play and when i notice I am losing focus/thinking too much about a hand I just lost.
---
Over 20 minutes done. Up to pdf page 50 "Seven Types of Tilt"
---
I honestly feel really really good at the moment about poker. I just cannot picture anything but massive progress.
---
Wow, what a great question!
The answer: The learning that I have done that is a direct result of my struggles to get good at poker have had a MASSIVE POSITIVE IMPACT on my ability to be a good parent.
Of course that is a matter of opinion.
I can't overstate it enough. My self-improvement journey feels miraculous to me. I do not believe I would have improved so much if I had done something easier or something I am better at.
I honestly believe I have improved as a human almost every single day.
The impact that has on my parenting must be huge. Like some of the things I push my kids towards now? I really wish I had that as a kid.
The struggle is the key.
Like when these people tell me to quit poker etc. They seriously have no idea. Relentless my man, relentless! Unstoppable!
So many things I could say about this, I feel I could write a book!
Damn good question!
Targets were slightly lower than normal as Helen and I needed to spend some time discussing a business opportunity that might be coming our way. Pretty major!
---
I did 45 minutes study...
One detailed flop analysis (BBvBU on AA7tt) and a quick review of BB hands v SB or BU from last session.
In the flop analyses I am getting better all of the time. I am making better predictions of what the bottom of my calling range should/could be. Also I am finding little hacks to help me study and learn a bit better.
In the review all hands were well played but tiny sample (one tabled).
---
I played for 45 minutes...
Nice session, played flop well, tilt control and recognition was good.
---
I meditated for 10 minutes and visualised for 10 minutes too.
---
I studied mental game for over 20 minutes...
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)
The Tilt of Tilt
This is an extra layer of tilt where I might angry just because I tilted or because I let something tilt me. Additionally it could be if I have no idea how to cure my tilt problem.
Using my mind more efficiently is necessary to solve the problem.
The Benefit of Tilt
This has already been mentioned. Yes, tilt can improve my game!
Remember that when any emotion gets too high it has a "profound effect" on ability to think and eventually shuts it down.
Thinking is what I use in-game to play the spots that are not learned to the level of Unconscious Competence.
So when I tilt and that thinking is obstructed it points to the parts of my game that need working on.
Winner's Tilt
This is not an anger issue but an overconfidence issue (or fear of losing the money back) and will be covered in chapter 8.
Tilt Profile
Every player tilts in a slightly different way (and for different reasons). A good time for me to work on it is immediately after a session while it is still fresh.
This is JT's list of questions to ask myself as a guide to start analyzing and identifying tilt.
I need to try to answer these questions and put anything else that comes to mind to form the basis of my Tilt Profile. "It is impossible to control something you don't understand" so I need to continue to build my knowledge base (both general and self).
Let's give it a go!
1. What causes you to tilt? (Bad beats, losing to fish, running bad, etc.)
- Losing medium to big pots because I don't know how to play them better. Maybe even small pots too.
- In sessions where I run bad I do sometimes look to the sky and say "again, seriously" type stuff but I am pretty sure I am laughing when this happens and not tilting. BUT, I need to watch it...
- Being card dead and having to fold a lot but I am pretty sure that it is frustration again and I think I am just doing something wrong.
2. What are the things you say to yourself out loud, or to other players, when frustration starts rising and when tilted?
- I do not say anything at all when the frustration kicks in for being clueless or frustrated.
- If there is real tilt when running bad I do tend to say "What, again!?!?!?"
3.How do you know that you’re on tilt? What’s the first thing you notice?
- Opening up the replayer when I am still playing.
- Focus wanders to a specific hand that is over.
- Looking at my graph (I think this was more related to when I used to have a small stop loss as I don't seem to do this now).
4. How does your body react to tilt? (Head gets hot, body is sweaty, heart races, fist is clenched, etc.)
- I cannot think of anything here but maybe I grit my teeth?
5. Can you identify the point when tilt starts shutting down your thinking?
- No. But if I have opened up the HH replayer it is probably before then!
6. At what point do you take action to deal with tilt?
- Previously never. Now, before I play and when i notice I am losing focus/thinking too much about a hand I just lost.
---
Over 20 minutes done. Up to pdf page 50 "Seven Types of Tilt"
---
I honestly feel really really good at the moment about poker. I just cannot picture anything but massive progress.
---
The answer: The learning that I have done that is a direct result of my struggles to get good at poker have had a MASSIVE POSITIVE IMPACT on my ability to be a good parent.
Of course that is a matter of opinion.
I can't overstate it enough. My self-improvement journey feels miraculous to me. I do not believe I would have improved so much if I had done something easier or something I am better at.
I honestly believe I have improved as a human almost every single day.
The impact that has on my parenting must be huge. Like some of the things I push my kids towards now? I really wish I had that as a kid.
The struggle is the key.
Like when these people tell me to quit poker etc. They seriously have no idea. Relentless my man, relentless! Unstoppable!
So many things I could say about this, I feel I could write a book!
Damn good question!
07-26-2017
, 04:44 AM
Bah... Bad day...
On a bright note I hit all my targets for time spent on poker.
On a darker note I was "tilting" at the tables last night...
---
I played for 60 minutes...
I had a very small tilt hand near the beginning of the session.
I controlled tilt very well. It was more about this being a good opportunity for me to see what my signs of tilt are so that I might recognise it better in future.
I was biting the insides of my cheeks and having "here we go" sort of thoughts but, as I say, it was nothing really just something for self awareness.
However...
As the session wore on, I knew I was having to fold a lot and just felt the frustration building...
"Why am I still so bad at this game"
"What am I doing wrong, surely it is just one concept I don't get!?"
"Is it my preflop game? Is it when flop goes check/check?"
"Aaaaargh!!!"
That makes it look worse than it is but there is no doubt it is there.
I don't think it affected my play at all but it is for sure going to accumulate if I don't work on it.
So. I must work on my flop game when facing c-bet. The same as I have been doing for the last few weeks.
It looks like I played those situations exactly as I was coached. At some stage I will have learned this to a level of Unconscious Competence and then I can move on.
There is no point in trying to learn something new until this part of my game is mastered (or it will gradually get unlearned again).
Frustration is logical for me after all of this time and effort particularly as I have made so many learning mistakes (my fault).
Now I know a better path (which I will also improve) and I must stick to it vehemently.
I am relentless.
I am unstoppable.
Let's get back to work...
---
I studied for 120 minutes...
I did 2 x flop analyses BB v BU (843tt, QT3tt) and have started a third one (982tt) that I will complete tonight.
I also spent 15 minutes revising pot odds for bluffing (e.g If I bluff 2/3 I need 40% folds to auto profit) and revising what that means for defending frequencies (e.g If she bets 1/2 I should look to defend ~67% of my range).
Also I had a few minutes looking at previous day's session facing flop c-bet.
---
I did mental game study for 20+ minutes...
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)
Seven Types Of Tilt
The most common types of tilt (and if/how they affect me!):-
- Running Bad Tilt. It is not unique. It builds up over time and is caused by one or more of the other types of tilt happening frequently...
- Injustice Tilt: Beats, coolers and suck-outs are the best examples. It would make me feel cursed or unlucky. I do sometimes get this tilt if I get a good few beats in succession but I "think" I am just having fun with it. Definitely need to watch it and work on removing it though...
- Hate-losing Tilt: Even if I understand short-term variance maybe I just hate to lose. It is not the "wanting to win" that is the issue here but how I handle the inevitable losses. Definitely an issue, looking forward to more...
- Mistake Tilt: "Making mistakes is frustrating for many logical reasons, these reasons just happen to be flawed because of inaccurate views about learning". This is huge one for me. This is where most of my tilt comes from and particularly the frustration. Hopefully my "inaccurate" views about learning are improving.
- Entitlement Tilt: Believing winning is a possession so one tilts when someone undeserving takes it. I don't have this, more like the opposite!!!
- Revenge Tilt: Seeking vengeance at the table. Not me, no way...
- Desperation Tilt: The urge to win money back and get unstuck. Makes one force the action, play too long, move up. I have been known to play too long for this reason in the past. Maybe I forced the action sometimes too (but very rarely) Never moved up. Something to look out for for sure.
JT is going to discuss each type of Tilt. He says I could jump to the ones I think I have or read them all. I am going to read them all in case something new jump out.
General Strategy For Tilt
1. Recognition. Needs to be more than just away from the table. I need to see the signs that tilt is coming in-game. If the signs are too small I need to work on recognition so that I CAN spot it coming. I cannot control tilt until I can recognise the signs while playing.
2. Preparation. Review my profile, injecting logic statements and strategic reminders as part of my pregame routine. This gives me a better chance to spot tilt coming as well as helping me to take action before it is too late!
3. Performance. Make controlling tilt a priority. Inject logic as soon as I see the signs of tilt coming. Mark hands or make notes of when and where frustration showed up.
4. Evaluation. My evaluation will depend on the severity of the tilt.
If tilt was mild focus on the improvements I made with tilt.
If tilt was significant but not severe then take notes soon after playing. Details are fresh. Add everything I can to my tilt profile. This increases the recognition skill. Helps to find resolution if I can go through the mental HH.
When tilt is horrible taking notes right away is a massive help (even though I probably want to jump off a bridge!). Vent it! Write it all out. Get the critical details out of my head and onto paper where I can see them. THIS IS REALLY VALUABLE! It might help me calm down quicker too!
---
Well over my 20 minutes! Up to pdf page 51 "What Progress Looks Like"
---
I own this. Everything that has happened so far is MY responsibility.
I get better mentally and technically every day.
Better. Every. Day.
On a bright note I hit all my targets for time spent on poker.
On a darker note I was "tilting" at the tables last night...
---
I played for 60 minutes...
I had a very small tilt hand near the beginning of the session.
I controlled tilt very well. It was more about this being a good opportunity for me to see what my signs of tilt are so that I might recognise it better in future.
I was biting the insides of my cheeks and having "here we go" sort of thoughts but, as I say, it was nothing really just something for self awareness.
However...
As the session wore on, I knew I was having to fold a lot and just felt the frustration building...
"Why am I still so bad at this game"
"What am I doing wrong, surely it is just one concept I don't get!?"
"Is it my preflop game? Is it when flop goes check/check?"
"Aaaaargh!!!"
That makes it look worse than it is but there is no doubt it is there.
I don't think it affected my play at all but it is for sure going to accumulate if I don't work on it.
So. I must work on my flop game when facing c-bet. The same as I have been doing for the last few weeks.
It looks like I played those situations exactly as I was coached. At some stage I will have learned this to a level of Unconscious Competence and then I can move on.
There is no point in trying to learn something new until this part of my game is mastered (or it will gradually get unlearned again).
Frustration is logical for me after all of this time and effort particularly as I have made so many learning mistakes (my fault).
Now I know a better path (which I will also improve) and I must stick to it vehemently.
I am relentless.
I am unstoppable.
Let's get back to work...
---
I studied for 120 minutes...
I did 2 x flop analyses BB v BU (843tt, QT3tt) and have started a third one (982tt) that I will complete tonight.
I also spent 15 minutes revising pot odds for bluffing (e.g If I bluff 2/3 I need 40% folds to auto profit) and revising what that means for defending frequencies (e.g If she bets 1/2 I should look to defend ~67% of my range).
Also I had a few minutes looking at previous day's session facing flop c-bet.
---
I did mental game study for 20+ minutes...
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)
Seven Types Of Tilt
The most common types of tilt (and if/how they affect me!):-
- Running Bad Tilt. It is not unique. It builds up over time and is caused by one or more of the other types of tilt happening frequently...
- Injustice Tilt: Beats, coolers and suck-outs are the best examples. It would make me feel cursed or unlucky. I do sometimes get this tilt if I get a good few beats in succession but I "think" I am just having fun with it. Definitely need to watch it and work on removing it though...
- Hate-losing Tilt: Even if I understand short-term variance maybe I just hate to lose. It is not the "wanting to win" that is the issue here but how I handle the inevitable losses. Definitely an issue, looking forward to more...
- Mistake Tilt: "Making mistakes is frustrating for many logical reasons, these reasons just happen to be flawed because of inaccurate views about learning". This is huge one for me. This is where most of my tilt comes from and particularly the frustration. Hopefully my "inaccurate" views about learning are improving.
- Entitlement Tilt: Believing winning is a possession so one tilts when someone undeserving takes it. I don't have this, more like the opposite!!!
- Revenge Tilt: Seeking vengeance at the table. Not me, no way...
- Desperation Tilt: The urge to win money back and get unstuck. Makes one force the action, play too long, move up. I have been known to play too long for this reason in the past. Maybe I forced the action sometimes too (but very rarely) Never moved up. Something to look out for for sure.
JT is going to discuss each type of Tilt. He says I could jump to the ones I think I have or read them all. I am going to read them all in case something new jump out.
General Strategy For Tilt
1. Recognition. Needs to be more than just away from the table. I need to see the signs that tilt is coming in-game. If the signs are too small I need to work on recognition so that I CAN spot it coming. I cannot control tilt until I can recognise the signs while playing.
2. Preparation. Review my profile, injecting logic statements and strategic reminders as part of my pregame routine. This gives me a better chance to spot tilt coming as well as helping me to take action before it is too late!
3. Performance. Make controlling tilt a priority. Inject logic as soon as I see the signs of tilt coming. Mark hands or make notes of when and where frustration showed up.
4. Evaluation. My evaluation will depend on the severity of the tilt.
If tilt was mild focus on the improvements I made with tilt.
If tilt was significant but not severe then take notes soon after playing. Details are fresh. Add everything I can to my tilt profile. This increases the recognition skill. Helps to find resolution if I can go through the mental HH.
When tilt is horrible taking notes right away is a massive help (even though I probably want to jump off a bridge!). Vent it! Write it all out. Get the critical details out of my head and onto paper where I can see them. THIS IS REALLY VALUABLE! It might help me calm down quicker too!
---
Well over my 20 minutes! Up to pdf page 51 "What Progress Looks Like"
---
I own this. Everything that has happened so far is MY responsibility.
I get better mentally and technically every day.
Better. Every. Day.
07-26-2017
, 06:11 AM
Man, if you keep things up. Things will change for the better You might not realize it the moment it happens, but surely, things gotta give soon.
Commend your hard work.
Can i just say one thing thou.
The BY FAR best way to control tilt. Is to get good at the technical aspect of poker. Cause:
* Once you realize how frequent bad beats are, mathematically. Then you wont tilt as much. ( We tilt mostly cause we dont understand, and we feel entitled )
* When your technical game is better, you start making money, crushing your opponents. Meaning taking a few badbeats is whatever, cause im crushing.
Right?
So again, buy Jandas second book. Grind it hard as F
And u will start crushing man.
Can assure you that.
I mean ive had MGOP for what, 5 years now. Have yet to read it. I never tilt, why?
I understand the fundamental mathematics of poker and im crushing, month after month. So why tilt? I know the money is coming in
I will, thou, read MGOP soon.
But i think your priorities are wrong.
Look for the cause of the tilt, and cure it. Not the symptoms
<3
You might not realize it the moment it happens, but surely, things gotta give soon.Commend your hard work.
Can i just say one thing thou.
The BY FAR best way to control tilt. Is to get good at the technical aspect of poker. Cause:
* Once you realize how frequent bad beats are, mathematically. Then you wont tilt as much. ( We tilt mostly cause we dont understand, and we feel entitled )
* When your technical game is better, you start making money, crushing your opponents. Meaning taking a few badbeats is whatever, cause im crushing.
Right?
So again, buy Jandas second book. Grind it hard as F
And u will start crushing man.
Can assure you that.
I mean ive had MGOP for what, 5 years now. Have yet to read it. I never tilt, why?
I understand the fundamental mathematics of poker and im crushing, month after month. So why tilt? I know the money is coming in
I will, thou, read MGOP soon.
But i think your priorities are wrong.
Look for the cause of the tilt, and cure it. Not the symptoms
<3
07-27-2017
, 06:59 AM
Hmm...
Today was a great day for getting my tasks done. I feel like I should be doing a little bit more but I need to think this over a little. I burned out before and am wary of going back there. I think I am being over protective though...
---
I played for 60 minutes...
Frustrating session yet again. I am trying not to fold so much but it just seems correct to me so often. My redline tanks like crazy!
Anyway, I just need to keep faith in what I am working on and get better at that. Hopefully something will come up in the next few coaching sessions that puts me on the right track.
---
I studied for 135 minutes...
I finished my analysis of BB v BU on 982tt flop and did two more complete analyses of BB v BU (AT4tt, KJ7tt). I am getting better and better at this but still some way to go to Unconscious competence!
I also spent 15 minutes going back through my coaching session looking at hands I check-folded flop when I should have at least check-called.
---
I studied Mental Game for 20 minutes...
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)
What Progress Looks Like and How To Keep It Going
First step is getting better at recognition (seems its coming then!). Does not mean can control it yet but it is critical first step.
Some markers to evaluate progress:-
- I spot tilt earlier and can control it more easily
- I recover or get back to normal quicker after bad sessions
- It takes more to get me to my threshold
- It is easier to push through and play for longer
- Intensity of anger is lower
- Biggest weaknesses have improved
Log improvements in tilt profile. Note that it is possible to make slight backwards steps but they are worth it (especially if it highlights problems).
RUNNING BAD TILT
So common that people think it is part of the game!
Although it seems bad there is not much better for helping to identify both mental AND technical flaws.
Running bad tilt is caused by a form of accumulated tilt over differing periods of time. It is a vicious cycle. Ever increasing.
Everyone's is unique but with commonalities.
Note that when running bad other types of tilt get triggered. So a bad beat for example will tilt me more (and when running bad they are happening more too).
A run of bad variance does not cause tilt - it reveals the real reasons causing tilt.
Watch the thoughts that come to help identify the underlying tilt...
I would say with some certainty that I suffer from Hate-losing Tilt and Mistake Tilt.
So see which tilts running bad gives me and work on the corresponding section.
If nothing comes up and it is really just bad variance that is making me angry then I need to work on the whole concept of variance. Knowledge of variance is a skill like any other. Train it to the level of Unconscious Competence.
Great story in the book from Matt "mbolt1" Bolt about how he struggled with variance but got help from JT and even went through a 90 buy-in downswing by ignoring results and focusing on playing each hand!
---
Up to page 53 - Injecting logic
---
I own this.
I improved today and I will improve tomorrow and every other day.
And not only that, I will get better at improving!!!
Today was a great day for getting my tasks done. I feel like I should be doing a little bit more but I need to think this over a little. I burned out before and am wary of going back there. I think I am being over protective though...
---
I played for 60 minutes...
Frustrating session yet again. I am trying not to fold so much but it just seems correct to me so often. My redline tanks like crazy!
Anyway, I just need to keep faith in what I am working on and get better at that. Hopefully something will come up in the next few coaching sessions that puts me on the right track.
---
I studied for 135 minutes...
I finished my analysis of BB v BU on 982tt flop and did two more complete analyses of BB v BU (AT4tt, KJ7tt). I am getting better and better at this but still some way to go to Unconscious competence!
I also spent 15 minutes going back through my coaching session looking at hands I check-folded flop when I should have at least check-called.
---
I studied Mental Game for 20 minutes...
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)
What Progress Looks Like and How To Keep It Going
First step is getting better at recognition (seems its coming then!). Does not mean can control it yet but it is critical first step.
Some markers to evaluate progress:-
- I spot tilt earlier and can control it more easily
- I recover or get back to normal quicker after bad sessions
- It takes more to get me to my threshold
- It is easier to push through and play for longer
- Intensity of anger is lower
- Biggest weaknesses have improved
Log improvements in tilt profile. Note that it is possible to make slight backwards steps but they are worth it (especially if it highlights problems).
RUNNING BAD TILT
So common that people think it is part of the game!
Although it seems bad there is not much better for helping to identify both mental AND technical flaws.
Running bad tilt is caused by a form of accumulated tilt over differing periods of time. It is a vicious cycle. Ever increasing.
Everyone's is unique but with commonalities.
Note that when running bad other types of tilt get triggered. So a bad beat for example will tilt me more (and when running bad they are happening more too).
A run of bad variance does not cause tilt - it reveals the real reasons causing tilt.
Watch the thoughts that come to help identify the underlying tilt...
I would say with some certainty that I suffer from Hate-losing Tilt and Mistake Tilt.
So see which tilts running bad gives me and work on the corresponding section.
If nothing comes up and it is really just bad variance that is making me angry then I need to work on the whole concept of variance. Knowledge of variance is a skill like any other. Train it to the level of Unconscious Competence.
Great story in the book from Matt "mbolt1" Bolt about how he struggled with variance but got help from JT and even went through a 90 buy-in downswing by ignoring results and focusing on playing each hand!
---
Up to page 53 - Injecting logic
---
I own this.
I improved today and I will improve tomorrow and every other day.
And not only that, I will get better at improving!!!
07-28-2017
, 06:08 AM
A gooooood day!
Today everything clicked into place a little bit. I just seemed to get into flow in my study and particularly in the organisation of my study.
I still finished it all at exactly the last minute but I managed to go out for a family meal in there too! My father-in-law goes back to Macedonia today so we had an evening out and a few beers to say goodbye.
---
I played for 60 minutes...
I didn't run too well, like 3.5/10, so it was interesting to see how I reacted to a couple of things.
Lost a stack to a 3 barrel in a 3bet pot with TPTK AQ and took it pretty well. I mean it is standard but when I am generally not running/doing well it affects me more for sure. Like "again, seriously!?" kinda BS.
I did feel a lot better at the tables for some reason and not sure I know why. I THINK it is because I am getting more confident on the flop but not sure, look forward to seeing more tonight!
---
I studied for 120 minutes...
Two more flop analyses BBvBU (Q64r, 865mono) which when compared to Piosolver I got pretty damned close! Helped my confidence maybe...
I also spent 20 minutes going through hands that Victor corrected me on in our coaching session. That seems to be helping me too so will do more of it!
---
I meditated and visualised...
I found a mediation by Alan Watts on Youtube that was pretty cool. Have bookmarked it to do again.
---
I studied mental game for 20+ minutes...
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)
Focused more On Results than Quality
Hard to do when running bad.
Focusing on quality of play (instead of results) is a skill. So it falls under the rules of the ALM.
If I check the cashier/graph it does not mean no progress is being made in inproving the skill of focusing on quality of play.
Look for increased recognition, checking results less frequently, getting less frustrated when looking to track progress.
Each time I run bad it is a chance to look at how much I have learned. Keep tracking progress until reach Unconscious Competence!
It seems logical that after several losing days then booking a win would be good. It avoids pain of another losing day and helps confidence. Right?
It depends! I need to evaluate the risk...
1. Booking a win is a great option when my confidence is low AND it is obvious that I am playing poorly. This is a time to book a win. It is almost EV- to play at all. Maybe booking the win will increase confidence and get me back on track to playing better. REALISE THAT THIS IS A SHORT TERM FIX ONLY.
2. Play a little longer if I have improved my tilt problem and proven I can control it. Pushing through this will help to build my mental strength/muscle.
Poker/Life Balance
I read this excerpt and at the moment poker has zero affect on my "outside of poker" life so I am not going to comment on it. However, I need to be aware it is there for when I am making mega-bucks.
Predicting Bad Beats
Hmm, this is gonna be interesting!
"Knowing" they are going to hit their draw on the river. Getting dealt Aces and assuming they will get cracked. Knowing my flopped set is going to get coolered.
I DO THIS A LOT!
The mind (and body) predicts events based on recent data. When running badly predictions will be based off recent losses/beats.
Predicting more losing is only a problem if:
1. I play a losing strategy in a desperate attempt to avoid taking losses. I AM SURE I DO THIS AND IT IS A LACK OF SOLID FUNDAMENTALS THAT ALLOWS ME TO DO IT. LOOK FOR IT!
2. I believe that my predictions are actually true!
---
A lot of this is especially relevant to me today. I especially need to look at these spots where I think I "play a losing strategy to avoid taking losses". I think preflop especially but maybe also postflop I avoid some spots due to lack of knowledge + avoiding bigger losses.
Up to pdf page 55 "Injecting Logic"
---
So yeah, a good day (even if I lost $).
This journey is bumpy. I am still near the bottom of my curve. Learning is exponential though right!??
Looking forward to another day of getting better at everything...
Have a good weekend amigos.
---
Still at the nano-stakes mate! I enjoy the study though (mental and technical), so much bad stuff in my head!
As for "didn't look like you tilted"... Tilt came as a result of that. Nothing major but interesting to watch.
Great to hear from you mate.
Today everything clicked into place a little bit. I just seemed to get into flow in my study and particularly in the organisation of my study.
I still finished it all at exactly the last minute but I managed to go out for a family meal in there too! My father-in-law goes back to Macedonia today so we had an evening out and a few beers to say goodbye.
---
I played for 60 minutes...
I didn't run too well, like 3.5/10, so it was interesting to see how I reacted to a couple of things.
Lost a stack to a 3 barrel in a 3bet pot with TPTK AQ and took it pretty well. I mean it is standard but when I am generally not running/doing well it affects me more for sure. Like "again, seriously!?" kinda BS.
I did feel a lot better at the tables for some reason and not sure I know why. I THINK it is because I am getting more confident on the flop but not sure, look forward to seeing more tonight!
---
I studied for 120 minutes...
Two more flop analyses BBvBU (Q64r, 865mono) which when compared to Piosolver I got pretty damned close! Helped my confidence maybe...
I also spent 20 minutes going through hands that Victor corrected me on in our coaching session. That seems to be helping me too so will do more of it!
---
I meditated and visualised...
I found a mediation by Alan Watts on Youtube that was pretty cool. Have bookmarked it to do again.
---
I studied mental game for 20+ minutes...
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)
Focused more On Results than Quality
Hard to do when running bad.
Focusing on quality of play (instead of results) is a skill. So it falls under the rules of the ALM.
If I check the cashier/graph it does not mean no progress is being made in inproving the skill of focusing on quality of play.
Look for increased recognition, checking results less frequently, getting less frustrated when looking to track progress.
Each time I run bad it is a chance to look at how much I have learned. Keep tracking progress until reach Unconscious Competence!
It seems logical that after several losing days then booking a win would be good. It avoids pain of another losing day and helps confidence. Right?
It depends! I need to evaluate the risk...
1. Booking a win is a great option when my confidence is low AND it is obvious that I am playing poorly. This is a time to book a win. It is almost EV- to play at all. Maybe booking the win will increase confidence and get me back on track to playing better. REALISE THAT THIS IS A SHORT TERM FIX ONLY.
2. Play a little longer if I have improved my tilt problem and proven I can control it. Pushing through this will help to build my mental strength/muscle.
Poker/Life Balance
I read this excerpt and at the moment poker has zero affect on my "outside of poker" life so I am not going to comment on it. However, I need to be aware it is there for when I am making mega-bucks.
Predicting Bad Beats
Hmm, this is gonna be interesting!
"Knowing" they are going to hit their draw on the river. Getting dealt Aces and assuming they will get cracked. Knowing my flopped set is going to get coolered.
I DO THIS A LOT!
The mind (and body) predicts events based on recent data. When running badly predictions will be based off recent losses/beats.
Predicting more losing is only a problem if:
1. I play a losing strategy in a desperate attempt to avoid taking losses. I AM SURE I DO THIS AND IT IS A LACK OF SOLID FUNDAMENTALS THAT ALLOWS ME TO DO IT. LOOK FOR IT!
2. I believe that my predictions are actually true!
---
A lot of this is especially relevant to me today. I especially need to look at these spots where I think I "play a losing strategy to avoid taking losses". I think preflop especially but maybe also postflop I avoid some spots due to lack of knowledge + avoiding bigger losses.
Up to pdf page 55 "Injecting Logic"
---
So yeah, a good day (even if I lost $).
This journey is bumpy. I am still near the bottom of my curve. Learning is exponential though right!??
Looking forward to another day of getting better at everything...
Have a good weekend amigos.
---
Quote:
What stakes you playing now KP? Seems like an awful lot of study for low stakes which I'm guessing your at. Literally you can just adjust to your opponent and own at these stakes imo.
Edit... the K9os hand few posts up. Didn't look like you tilted? But you were tilting in your head? Flop like that I think you can bet flop and turn bigger...
Edit... the K9os hand few posts up. Didn't look like you tilted? But you were tilting in your head? Flop like that I think you can bet flop and turn bigger...
As for "didn't look like you tilted"... Tilt came as a result of that. Nothing major but interesting to watch.
Great to hear from you mate.
07-29-2017
, 06:01 AM
Interesting...
So, today I not only hit my targets but I actually blasted through and over them!!!
I did 30 minutes more study than target and 60 minutes more play!
Maybe I have had a breakthrough in some personal skill!?
---
I played for 120 minutes...
Er yeah, I kinda flipped when a guy called my 3bet with A4o and flopped trips v my KK over pair! I was not thrilled with his slow play either but hey, thank God for the fish right!?
That was rapidly followed by losing AK to Q9s all in pre for a 40bb loss which is cool but happening straight after the other one certainly it tested my mettle!!!
I did play pretty well over all (my standards not yours!) and the main thing was that my BB flop play looked really good and my tilt recognition was excellent!
One thing that was funny was that I rivered a flush in a 4bet pot as preflop caller. Villain had overpair KK on flop and turned top set but she bet pretty small so I called needing very small implied odds and hit. The funny bit about it was that I felt bad for being lucky when actually I (think I) played the hand well!
The more mental game work I do and the more I study self improvement the more it becomes apparent that I have some pretty serious self confidence and lack of self worth issues!!!
Hey, no worries though, nobody is working harder on that stuff so it's just a matter of time!
---
I studied for 150 minutes...
I did three flop analyses BB v BU (843tt, J63r, A92tt) and compared them to Piosolver printouts. I wasn't so hot on the A92tt but I nailed the other two pretty well!
I did a quick review of my BB spots from the day before - all good.
I spent 30 minutes going through my coaching session video making sure I understand all the opportunities to continue BB v BU on the flop facing a cbet.
Man I have drilled this so hard! And I know I am not there yet but it is coming. I really wish I could do this full time now as I feel it is just the time now that is holding me back!!!
---
I meditated and visualised...
Did the Alan Watts meditation again. Really like it.
---
I studied mental game for 20+ minutes...
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study notes)
This should have been on the end of yesterday's notes and is worth putting on my monitor..!
Resetting Your Mind
When running normally, one bad session can be "emptied" from the mind easily (workout/sleep) but when it builds up after few days it gets harder to play A-game. It gets more likely tilt comes every day.
Maybe it used to take 5 beats to tilt me but after prolonged run bad it can take one!
The reason is the brain has too much anger to digest. It could eventually force me to stop playing to clear my mind. This can be tilting too!
If I don't want to take time off I need to clear the anger somehow...
I read Appendix 1 now about warm-up and cool down. I have never really cooled down in poker. I am usually pretty exhausted and know that if I don't get to sleep soon then I am going to behind and struggling all day the next day. I need to think about that a little...
Anyway, my notes for Appendix 1 will come at the end but for now I will try to implement these as a cool down...
1. Estimate variance. Helps to be more objective about how I played rather than relying on the score.
2. Evaluate how I played. How did I perform in the areas I am working on. Did I improve tilt control and recognition.
And I will make notes of these things each day.
INJUSTICE TILT
Basically this is if I wonder when I am going to get my fair share of the luck. Everything is against me. I am cursed! Here I would be tilting trying to fight the scales of justice.
Answer these questions to help find the missing logic causing injustice tilt...
- Does it feel like I never get your share of the luck, or that I am always getting screwed? Yes, actually it does! But it is not always and I also know a lot of people run really bad/have huge downswings! I have always just put it down to not being good enough really.
- Does it seem as if the money I've lost is being taken from you? As I don't really understand this I am going to say no. The money is just part of my roll. I really don't know about this!
- Is a bad beat, cooler or suck-out worse when it happens against a fish or a regular? I think it is worse for me against a regular. I kinda feel I am contributing to the poker economy when a fish bad beats me!!!
What are the situations when bad luck really gets to you? - Really weird just thinking about this. Firstly when instances of bad luck are close together (time wise). So that means it has accumulated or I have not "simmered" from the first instance. Also right at the end of sessions (so that is short term results orientated).
Are you jealous or resentful of other players who you think run better than you? Actually no but I just realised that when I run well I actually put myself down and tell myself that I am not skilled just lucky. So I resent it when I run well!!!
When variance is really bad, do you wish poker wasn't this way, or that you could somehow control variance? Never wish it wasn't this way, no way. But, I think I take lines sometimes to avoid variance so that seems like trying to control it.
---
Up to pdf page 55 - "For many players..."
---
So that was a really good productive day and I feel pretty hyped about it.
There is no way on earth I can keep working like this and NOT improve massively. Not just at poker but at being professional and productive.
This, my friends, is the business!
---
No play or mental game today, just a little bit of study. At work this morning and then some family time.
Have a great weekend amigos!
So, today I not only hit my targets but I actually blasted through and over them!!!
I did 30 minutes more study than target and 60 minutes more play!
Maybe I have had a breakthrough in some personal skill!?
---
I played for 120 minutes...
Er yeah, I kinda flipped when a guy called my 3bet with A4o and flopped trips v my KK over pair! I was not thrilled with his slow play either but hey, thank God for the fish right!?
That was rapidly followed by losing AK to Q9s all in pre for a 40bb loss which is cool but happening straight after the other one certainly it tested my mettle!!!
I did play pretty well over all (my standards not yours!) and the main thing was that my BB flop play looked really good and my tilt recognition was excellent!
One thing that was funny was that I rivered a flush in a 4bet pot as preflop caller. Villain had overpair KK on flop and turned top set but she bet pretty small so I called needing very small implied odds and hit. The funny bit about it was that I felt bad for being lucky when actually I (think I) played the hand well!
The more mental game work I do and the more I study self improvement the more it becomes apparent that I have some pretty serious self confidence and lack of self worth issues!!!
Hey, no worries though, nobody is working harder on that stuff so it's just a matter of time!
---
I studied for 150 minutes...
I did three flop analyses BB v BU (843tt, J63r, A92tt) and compared them to Piosolver printouts. I wasn't so hot on the A92tt but I nailed the other two pretty well!
I did a quick review of my BB spots from the day before - all good.
I spent 30 minutes going through my coaching session video making sure I understand all the opportunities to continue BB v BU on the flop facing a cbet.
Man I have drilled this so hard! And I know I am not there yet but it is coming. I really wish I could do this full time now as I feel it is just the time now that is holding me back!!!
---
I meditated and visualised...
Did the Alan Watts meditation again. Really like it.
---
I studied mental game for 20+ minutes...
The Mental Game Of Poker (Study notes)
This should have been on the end of yesterday's notes and is worth putting on my monitor..!
Resetting Your Mind
When running normally, one bad session can be "emptied" from the mind easily (workout/sleep) but when it builds up after few days it gets harder to play A-game. It gets more likely tilt comes every day.
Maybe it used to take 5 beats to tilt me but after prolonged run bad it can take one!
The reason is the brain has too much anger to digest. It could eventually force me to stop playing to clear my mind. This can be tilting too!
If I don't want to take time off I need to clear the anger somehow...
I read Appendix 1 now about warm-up and cool down. I have never really cooled down in poker. I am usually pretty exhausted and know that if I don't get to sleep soon then I am going to behind and struggling all day the next day. I need to think about that a little...
Anyway, my notes for Appendix 1 will come at the end but for now I will try to implement these as a cool down...
1. Estimate variance. Helps to be more objective about how I played rather than relying on the score.
2. Evaluate how I played. How did I perform in the areas I am working on. Did I improve tilt control and recognition.
And I will make notes of these things each day.
INJUSTICE TILT
Basically this is if I wonder when I am going to get my fair share of the luck. Everything is against me. I am cursed! Here I would be tilting trying to fight the scales of justice.
Answer these questions to help find the missing logic causing injustice tilt...
- Does it feel like I never get your share of the luck, or that I am always getting screwed? Yes, actually it does! But it is not always and I also know a lot of people run really bad/have huge downswings! I have always just put it down to not being good enough really.
- Does it seem as if the money I've lost is being taken from you? As I don't really understand this I am going to say no. The money is just part of my roll. I really don't know about this!
- Is a bad beat, cooler or suck-out worse when it happens against a fish or a regular? I think it is worse for me against a regular. I kinda feel I am contributing to the poker economy when a fish bad beats me!!!
What are the situations when bad luck really gets to you? - Really weird just thinking about this. Firstly when instances of bad luck are close together (time wise). So that means it has accumulated or I have not "simmered" from the first instance. Also right at the end of sessions (so that is short term results orientated).
Are you jealous or resentful of other players who you think run better than you? Actually no but I just realised that when I run well I actually put myself down and tell myself that I am not skilled just lucky. So I resent it when I run well!!!
When variance is really bad, do you wish poker wasn't this way, or that you could somehow control variance? Never wish it wasn't this way, no way. But, I think I take lines sometimes to avoid variance so that seems like trying to control it.
---
Up to pdf page 55 - "For many players..."
---
So that was a really good productive day and I feel pretty hyped about it.
There is no way on earth I can keep working like this and NOT improve massively. Not just at poker but at being professional and productive.
This, my friends, is the business!
---
No play or mental game today, just a little bit of study. At work this morning and then some family time.
Have a great weekend amigos!