So so so...



I had a coaching session on Monday which again blew my head off!

It is still making me angry that I never got a coach like this before!

We looked at a lot of spots as PFR OOP. Mostly on the flop and then looked at some turn and river situations I had gotten myself into. To say I was clueless here is a HUGE understatement!

Victor also took a quick peek at my stats for the BB OOP stuff we worked on before and it looks like I am still folding too much! Better but not good enough. Sample is a bit small but I need to keep my eye on this still as I feel I am playing it correct (but stats don't show that).

I did not play a session after the coaching so I got a rare (lately) red mark on my Excel! To be honest my head was swimming with new information and it would have been better to just give a couple of buy-ins to charity!

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Yesterday was back on track. I got my sub to GTORB sorted and got all of my tasks done.

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I studied for 120+ minutes...

I spent one hour making notes from my coaching session. It was quite a lot of new (and confusing) stuff for me so one hour of watching and making notes only covers 23 minutes of the session!

I spent at least one hour in GTORB trying to work out wth is going on! I have only got access to the library of solutions for now. I looked at a few of the hands in there to get familiar with it all. Pretty tough for an older guy!

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I played for 60 minutes...

This was the absolute best I have ever felt at the tables! I just felt like more and more of my decisions were being made for a VERY GOOD REASON. Previously I just wondered if I was following a manual correctly.

What was funny was that due to my mental game work I was trying to focus on seeing spots where I am lucky rather than unlucky.

I flopped a straight in a 3bet pot with 76 on 854 and was "yes, you lucky @&%$" and unfortunately villain folded. Then I flopped top set and got the same result. Still, I was flopping sexy and I saw it and recognised it!

What I don't want to talk about is when I 3b JJ BB v CO (with ~50bb) and bet big on 762r and jammed 8 turn and the @$!% had T9o! Or when I 3b KK CO v MP and lost some bb's on J82, X, J to KJo.

I just felt lucky... Seeing people calling KJo and T9o in those spots made me feel so much better!

---

I meditated and visualised for 10+ minutes...

Tried a 10 minute Youtube meditation that was "okay".

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I studied mental game for 20+ minutes...


The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

The mind figures out what is fair by considering these:-

- Variance/luck
- Quality of my skill
- Quality of opponent's skill

These factors determine edge. Calculating them ACCURATELY is not easy. It is a real SKILL to be able to spot subtle variance, a mistake on my part, or a good play from villain.

People are terrible at understanding the maths. Even some people think AA is not their best preflop hand! People interpret results terribly. People estimate their own skill terribly.

Injustice tilt develops from errors in my ability to filter results well and so skews what I believe is fair.

Injustice tilt would not exist if calculating those three factors was easy.

Sometimes the uncertainty of those things is enough to drive you mad!

Understanding variance is a skill I can improve on and it will be covered later.

The major biases in poker are covered next...

Terrible at Spotting Good Variance

I remember bad luck more than good luck, especially under emotional pressure. I am skilled at spotting bad luck but not good luck. So true!

When on a bad run then it gets even worse as the bad luck is all I remember!

Start to recognize both sides of the coin.

More than is Fair

I assume that good luck is more tied to my skill and that bad luck is just that rather than MY mistakes. Wrong!

It can be hard to identify good luck but part of that is because I don't attribute winning to good luck.

Suggestions to help correct this imbalance:-

Short term: Improve ability to spot positive variance and ability to spot my mistakes.
Long term: Go back through whole career and try to spot instances of good luck, especially ones I thought were because of my skill but probably were not. Then look for instances where I thought I was unlucky but was actually making mistakes.



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Up to pdf page 58 - "Injustice Tilt Opportunity"

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So it has been a great 48 hours for finding new material (coaching) and improving my study methods (GTORB and coaching).

Things can only get better!!!!

I am off to hit GTORB and review my coaching session some more. Wish my brain good luck!!!!!

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Thanks Victor, can't thank you enough so far. Really opened my eyes to this beautiful game.

Extremely inspiring work ethic.

Just by curiosity. As I started meditating quite recently I am wondering why you chose guided meditation over doing it alone with your thoughts? I am personally doing mindfulness meditation during 15 minute sessions focusing on my breath and never tried guided meditation. Have you tried both? Is there a specific reason you are trying different material?

Keep up the good work mate!

it's been four years. what games are you currently playing and how is it going?

Great day! Mental game work is awesome! Strategy work is awesome!

Put in an hour of work on my student houses too and still got all my tasks done (just)!

I have no idea why but I tried this cold shower thing that I have seen people chatting about. Had hot for normal couple of minutes then slammed it on cold for 15 seconds! HOLY CATFISH BATMAN! What's the big idea!?!?!?!? Doing it again tomorrow LDO!

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I played for 60+ minutes...

Well, due to my mental game work I don't want to talk about variance or luck...

Played really well I think!

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I studied for 120 minutes...

I did two flop analyses for OOP as PFR (COvBU on K75r and MPvCO on 773r). I am getting the hang of GTORB now but I really would like to be able to input my own ranges etc to help me work more effectively. Not sure I can justify the extra $ just yet though.

I reviewed all of my OOP flop hands from yesterday which all looked good.

I studied/re-watched my coaching session making thorough notes.

---

I meditated for 10+ minutes...

Followed a meditation by Eckhart Tolle - one of my favourites as I seem to space out a bit!!!

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I studied mental game for 20+ minutes...


The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

INJUSTICE TILT OPPORTUNITY

I must be aware that looking for opportunities to improve when I tilt is NOT about just trying to put a positive spin on things but is about "finding something of real value that can make you stronger mentally"...

1. If I learn how to handle bad luck better I will have an edge over other players.
2. How I handle bad luck might predict how I will handle good luck. So if I ran good for a period I can be more realistic about it and not set myself up for a fall.

WISHING POKER WASN'T THIS WAY

Do I wish poker had less variance? If not then why do I take some "lower" variance lines??? I know logically that variance is what makes poker so profitable so why do I sometimes try to avoid it!?

Note: Trying to avoid variance (even slightly!) is like saying "I cannot handle the emotion that variance causes me". MASSIVE AHA MOMENT!!!!???

If variance did not cause me any tilt then I WOULD LOVE THAT IT EXISTS!!!!!!!

What I must do:

1. Get better at understanding it.
2. Improve how I handle it emotionally.

DESIRE TO CONTROL VARIANCE

This desire can show up in small ways. Calling for the cards I need (hmm), avoiding looking at the flop so as not to jinx it (I never watch an all in run out!), standing up during a race (nah).

Although these things seem small but it is wishing I can control variance which means I am giving up control! If I have truly run bad is the frustration or anger affecting the quality of my play (apparently this is usually what happens)? Seeing as I cannot control variance and CAN control how I respond to it the aim is to BUILD UP MORE MENTAL MUSCLE so that I respond more effectively.

"Variance is a major reason that poker is so challenging. Resolve the desire to control variance, and instead focus on being in more control of my game."



AN EXCUSE NOT TO LEARN

Maybe I have avoided learning sometimes because I thought my losses were due to bad variance??? It sounds a little understandable BUT even if losses were down to bad luck it is logical to still work hard on my game.

It is easier to complain about bad luck than do the work because there is less to lose. If i tried to improve and still lose (no comment!) that means I got beat good and proper. By complaining it causes a vicious circle until I face reality and do the work.



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Up to pdf page 60 - "Bad Beat Stories"

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I'm loving all this, I really am!!!!!!!! Bring it on!!!!!

Have a great day amigos!

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Oh yeah



Great day for productivity improvement. Did more work than I had targeted. Feels good to push through...

---

I studied for 140 minutes...

15 minutes reviewing hands from previous session. I had missed a couple of check-raise opportunities BB v BU. I thought about one of them in game and deemed it a check-fold but I was wrong. Other one was actually almost exactly the same. Have put this in my pregame routine to make sure I am watching for it. In other words it is not to Unconscious Competence yet.

I did a flop analysis (UTG v BTN in SRP on T72r) and did it for two different bet sizes from villain. Compared to GTORB I was really close so hopefully I'm getting better. Just need to make sure I can then transfer it into my game.

Also I spent another hour making thorough notes from my last coaching session. It is still amazing me how bad some of my play/thought process is. Or maybe I am more amazed it has not been addressed before...

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I played for 75 minutes...

After losing half a stack first hand in an unsure spot I felt really good at the tables. Tilt control and recognition was excellent.

---

I meditated etc for 10+ minutes...

I did a basic Headspace meditation and some affirmations for good measure!

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes...

Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)


BAD BEAT STORIES

Prime example of injustice tilt. Hate hearing them but compelled to tell them. Why?



Working on other parts of this chapter could/should resolve this. If not find the reason for telling bad beat stories using that list and fix it!

JEALOUSY

Injustice tilt can develop without even playing! Maybe see someone else running hot and feel that is unfair (without giving consideration to their ability). I think I have felt this once or twice!

People even say some top players got lucky! Could get jealous if a friend does really well when I haven't.

To improve on jealousy work on these:-



HATE LOSING TILT

Losing is a fact in all competition. Even more in poker due to variance. In poker the better player loses more often than in anything else.

HOW I lose a hand matters more than the simple fact I lost it.

WHY do I hate losing?

- Is it the FEELING? Losing sometimes feels terrible and that feeling can linger and go into other life stuff.
- Is it the MONEY? Winning money is how you get measured.

Of course I will never celebrate losing but the next sections will help to "make peace" with it!

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Up to pdf page 61 - "COMPETITIVENESS"

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Overall it was just a day where I really did myself justice. I feel like I am ready to push myself harder...

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I play Zoom nanostakes and it is going fantastic thank you. I have made a lot of mistakes along the way unfortunately. No excuses. I fail and then I get up and try again...

I would recommend that one you find some meditation/visualization that you like to stick with it. Like Headspace is good for meditation, pick 1 visualization you enjoy etc. It is fine to switch things up if you notice you are stuck, but you need to give things a serious try also once you pick something new

A minor whoopsie!



Tasks went well but somehow I played only 50 minutes not 60! Just a misjudgement, I have no idea how!

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I studied for 120 minutes...

I did 2 x flop analyses of actual hands from previous session (BB v SB on 422r and BB v BU on 984r). FWIW I played both hands correctly but was interested to see how wide I can continue.

I studied coaching notes for 30 minutes. Due to previously missing flop check-raise opportunity.

I reviewed previous days hands looking purely at the spots I am working on with Victor.

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I played for 51 minutes...

No idea how I missed 10 minutes off! A rare red mark on my Excel.

I ran good and made sure I was aware of the fact!

For example...

$0.02/$0.05Zoom No Limit Holdem
PokerStars
6 Players

Stacks:
UTG ($100BB) 100bb
UTG+1 ($176.2BB) 176bb
CO ($170.6BB) 171bb
BTN ($226BB) 226bb
SB ($125.8BB) 126bb
BB Hero ($100BB) 100bb

Pre-Flop: (1.4BB, 6 players) Hero is BB A A
UTG raises to 3BB, UTG+1 calls 3BB, 2 folds, SB calls 2.6BB, Hero raises to 19BB, UTG folds, UTG+1 calls 16BB, SB folds
Flop: A Q A ($44BB, 2 players)

Hero checks, UTG+1 bets 31.6BB, Hero calls 31.6BB

Turn: 3 ($107.2BB, 2)
Hero checks, UTG+1 bets 77.2BB, Hero goes all-in 49.4BB River: 9 ($233.8BB, 2), 1 all-in

Final Pot: $233.8BB
Hero shows four of a kind, Aces
A A
UTG+1 shows a full house, Queens full of Aces
Q Q

Hero wins $197.4BB (net +$97.4BB)

UTG+1 collects $27.8BB (net -$100BB)
SB lost $3BB
UTG lost $3BB



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I meditated for 10+ minutes...

Did 10 minutes meditation without guidance with slight danger of falling to sleep! I also did some affirmations.

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I studied mental game for 20+ minutes...

Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

COMPETITIVENESS

Being competitive is a good thing. Wanting to win in poker makes good sense even for every session BUT I need to know for sure that these things are NOT IN MY CONTROL IN THE SHORT TERM.

I know that there are times when I make profitable plays but lose to bad players but it is hard to see that in the moment.

Note that when I play there is more "on the line" than just winning money...



So when I lose it is not just the money but also (specifically for me) the ability to move up in stakes, confidence in my game and progress towards my goals.

Then I might assume there will be more losses in the future and I might imagine never winning and get into a downward spiral.

Define the real problem. Being competitive is not the problem. Being frustrated at losing is not the problem (in fact frustration can be good sometimes - without tilt at least).

Consider these to help define the cause:-

1. Define winning. Take a look at the other things that are in play and define what winning means for each of those. So for me "How do I know when I can move up in stakes?" Answer = currently when I have won for 30000 hands.

2. Drop the assumption that losing will continue. This is a flaw in believing I could predict the future. I cannot! To help look at past results where I won.

Oh yeah, I can do that...

Here...



and here...



And I must remember I was breaking even for ages up to the day before those two graphs.



MONEY LOST

Another reason to hate losing is that I might believe the money lost is gone forever. Try instead to consider that money as an investment in my edge that yields a return over the longer term. That sounds logical but if that was how I was thinking then I would not let short term results affect me.

Consider thinking of an hourly win rate over the long term rather than looking at short term wins and losses. Although it might be considered a way to rationalise losing (it is) over the long term it is way more reliable.





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Up to pdf page 62 - "Believing..."

This mental game work is huge for me at the moment. It is easy for me to think it is small and negligible but I think it is making a huge difference in my ability to play at my best for longer.

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So it was another great day even though I messed up on my play time.

I am feeling more and more confident.

Have a great weekend amigos!

P.S. Today is meant to be a day off but I already did a session review and a flop analysis!

A great weekend!!!



Not much poker but more than I planned! The red mark for study on Saturday is just because I put 40 minutes in when I planned to take the day off. Meh, man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!

I had my kids most of the day on Saturday as my wife was re-arranging all of the house around. We are having a new boiler installed so few things needed moving. She is a serial hoarder so yeah, good luck with that babe!!!

Took my son to the park and then to his swimming classes (daughter went to a birthday party). Good times.

Managed to fit a few beers in with the lads on Saturday night too and hangover was not too serious!

Nice family meal out on Sunday. It is my son's birthday this Friday and my mum will be on holiday for it so we sneaked in a mini-party at a local restaurant. More beer/wine/pizza/cake!!!

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I studied for 110 minutes (over the weekend)...

I did 2 x flop analyses (actual hand AsTs MP v BTN on Qd7s5h then hand on GTORB SB v BB on Q83tt).

I did a session review of all spots learned with Victor.

I finished reviewing and making thorough notes of my last coaching session. So much to work on!!!

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I played for 65 minutes...

Felt like I played really well. Got to keep watching the tilt and emotion. I expect the impossible sometimes.

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I meditated for 20+ minutes...

I did a meditation by Sadhguru which is pretty good. I think I am going to do a few non guided this week.

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No mental game study (not planned).

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Targets for this week...



It will be my son's 6th birthday on Friday so things will get affected. I have got a surprise laid on for him on Sunday which I am especially looking to. Top secret though!

Let's KTS out of another week amigos! Kaboom!

Totally smashed it!

I went above and beyond my targets by some way today. I found some extra mental strength and pushed harder.

My self talk seems to have changed over the past few days. I will keep it to myself for a while and see what transpires...

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I studied for 180 minutes (target 120)...

Session review showed up 4 hands to analyse. It highlighted another missed check raise opportunity so I need to put some more hours in on that asap.

I did 4 x flop analyses. Three of them were played hands (BBvSB with 9c3c on 8s6c4s, BBvBU Ad8d on QcJd4s, BBvBU with 8h7h on As6h3c). One was a comparison v GTORB (UGvBU on T73tt).

I am getting better at doing the ones v GTORB now. As in the structure of performing it is improving.

I studied notes from my previous coaching session focusing mainly on check raise spots.

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I played for 90 minutes (target 60)...

Three things to say...

- I am reacting negatively less often
- I am watching my mind better than ever
- I am predicting villain's hand/range way way better

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I meditated for 17 minutes (target 10)...

I found an old programme of six meditations I obtained a few years ago. I never really got into it when I bought it as the meditations were longer than I wanted them to be. I will go through it all now and let you know...

Affirmations and visualisation too!

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes (target 20)...

The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

BELIEVING YOU CAN WIN EVERY HAND

I never even thought of this before but I could have a touch of this!

For some knowing that this belief is illogical is not enough. Some cling to the idea that one day they will be so good that they never lose a hand.

Variance can feed this belief. When running good it seems easy!

Poker would cease to be profitable if that were possible. It is because one cannot win every time that it is possible to find games where I have an edge (with inferior players).

Poker is more like a slot machine but one where I should have the edge. Sometimes I have to pay out in the short term to earn my edge in the longer term. FANTASTIC ANALOGY FOR ME - REMEMBER THIS WELL!!!

If I think poker is easy when I run well then it is likely I will hate it when I start losing as it destroys that dream.

The solution is to improve how I handle winning just as much as improving how I handle losing!!! Ditch the idea of easy money.

Also try these:-

- Preparation: Reinforce focus on making good decisions. Remember why losing is important. Remember why making good laydowns is the same as money won. It is repetitive but mastery of the solution eventually resolves the flaw and until that point is reached it still needs working on.
- Performance: If losing just one hand causes even minor frustration (I actually think it does for me!) then inject logic after EVERY loss. Doing that prevents emotion from building up so much and delays tilt. And as winning is part of the problem too it is important to inject logic when emotions get too positive as well!
- Evaluation: Use the mental HH to reinforce the break down of faulty logic and the build up of the correction (whether it is from winning or losing)
- Break my wish of easy money: Prove to myself why I don't want this wish to come true. Every time this dream surfaces redirect thoughts and actions to something productive that CAN be achieved (and use that slot machine analogy!)



I actually think this section was pretty big for me so I am going to work hard on it!

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Up to pdf page 63 - "Lost Skill"

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So that was a really productive day. 90 minutes more poker "stuff" than targeted is quite a lot for me. Interesting to see if it is going to be consistent...

Maybe you know that trick already but when I feel like I'm getting sleepy (entering a torpor stage, not sure the word hold in english but it's the way Matthieu Ricard describes in french in his books) I straighten a touch more and, what is the most efficient for me, take a nice big breath that automatically reset me and keeps me fully present in the moment.

Keep up the progress. I love your approach to the game and life in general.


PS: Nice looking graphs mate!

Banzai!!!!!!

Smashed my study target again AND improved my study methods (quite a lot!).

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I studied for 180 minutes (target 120)...

Session review - found ZERO mistakes for the spots I am working on!

3 x flop analyses comparing to GTORB (UG v BU on K94mono, BB v BU on J76tt, BB v BU on 863tt).

1 x flop analysis for a played hand (KdQd BB v BU on 9d8s2s).

I ran through 42 hands in the replayer BB v BU trying to make fast decision on flop.

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I played for 60 minutes (target 60)...

Felt good. Noticed when I was lucky and dismissed when I was not!

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I meditated for 22 minutes (target 10)...

Part 2 of old series I never followed through on. Good so far.

Affirmations and visualisations too!

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes (target 20)...

The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

LOST SKILL

Falling into a trap of thinking that lost money means skill is lost (possible for me). It is an illusion. Skills learned to Unconscious Competence are never lost. Even on tilt.

The illusion arises because:-

1. Equate money with skill. I will also hate losing as when other players win and I lose I think I got worse and they got better.
2. Unconscious Competence skills are unconscious. Don't have to think about them at all. Consequently they are taken for granted.
3. Skills in the learning process don't show up when on tilt. This makes me think they have disappeared.

How to break the illusion:-

1. Improve the skill of RECOGNIZING: Variance, my skill level, opponent's skill. Then when I lose I can determine how I really played rather than assuming I suck.
2. Know the solid parts of my game that are trained to Unconscious Competence. Even though basic just knowing them will prove to me that my entire game doesn't disappear (even when on tilt).

LOSING GETS PERSONAL

Competing against others can make it into a personal challenge.

It can be tilting to think another player (especially one that just got lucky) gets to feel superior.

LOSING HURTS MORE THAN WINNING FEELS GOOD

This means I am not only competing to win but also competing to avoid the negative feelings that come with losing. Competitive people can be very hard on themselves when losing. Winning just becomes an escape from losing rather than giving an equal but positive feeling.

"If I just win everything will be fine". Actually winning will just be a temporary fix, it does not solve the flaw. Losing is guaranteed in poker so I need to solve the problem.

Remove the flawed reasons for losing hurting by using these recent sections. The pattern is real but it is just an observation. Realise it is not permanent.

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Up to pdf page 64 - "Mistake Tilt"

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So that was another really really good day.

I feel like I am writing my own story now. I feel in control.

---

You do understand online poker is a dying format?

What youre trying to achieve is basically going all in on horseback riding amidst the automobile revolution.

Using solvers at NL5-10? What?

Whats going on here buddy.

Good productivity but kinda felt like there was a bit left in the tank. I don't like that...

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I studied for 150 minutes (target 120)...

Session review - did it very quickly and just two close decisions to review.

2 x flop analyses of played hands (88 BB v BU on J95r, KhQs UTG v CO on TsTc2s).

1 x flop analysis comparing to GTORB (BB v BU on AJ6tt)

Deliberate practice - 42 hands of BB v BTN making fast flop decision.

Adjustments of preflop ranges - the more I see people's ranges in GTORB the less I like my preflop ranges (mostly from Upswing btw). I am going to work on these a lot over next couple of days.

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I played for 80 minutes (target 60)...

It was a mental game battle and I just about pulled through.

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I meditated for 22 minutes (target 10)...

Same again, seems okay. Sleepy.

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes...

The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

MISTAKE TILT

"Learning means making mistakes. When you aren't making mistakes, it's because you already know what's correct".

At basic level frustration at making a mistake is fair. It can be good if it motivates me to improve. But if it is so intense it affects my play (leading to more mistakes) then it is a problem.

Mistake tilt is often hidden by more obvious reasons to tilt (run bad, bad beats). Helps to ask self direct questions about making mistakes.

So ask "What is it about making mistakes that makes you so angry?"



NOTE TO SELF: I have a lot of these thoughts!!!

All of these connect to a fundamental error in understanding of the learning process and the nature of performance.

Mistakes are essential to improvement. Hating mistakes means I hate improving!!! My reaction to mistakes shows that I hate mistakes at Unconscious Competence!

"When these errors are corrected, it not only means that mistake tilt goes away, but I'm also going to be better at fixing poker mistakes and learning the game in general".

Viewing mistakes as a problem naturally causes tilt. When analysing why mistakes cause tilt also watch for what situations it happens in, when it is worse, and why.

NOTE TO SELF: Do not take this section lightly Chris - this is an issue!!!

EXPECTING PERFECTION

When I play well there is no emotion because I expect it. Then when I make a mistake it is met with anger. So play well = neutral, play bad = beat self up!

Remember that playing well (JT keeps calling it perfection but I can't) is a moving target that increases. It is possible at times. Remember also that skill moves along like inchworm so my "perfection" gets better.

The tilt comes from getting into a state where I expect something that is not possible and the opposite is inevitable.

But the way to get to a new peak of perfection is by correcting weaknesses (like inchworm).

Rather than expect perfection, strive for it by continually working on correcting my mistakes.

The real mistake here is thinking that I have mastered the corrections. But making a mistake proves I have not.

To correct problems with perfectionism try these:-

1. Get a more realistic view of the learning process so I can prove why perfection cannot be attained all the time. That stronger knowledge will help me have perfection as a goal rather than an expectation.

2. When I play perfectly feel good about it. It does deserve recognition as I have worked hard to get there. Just feel good about it.

3. When I play perfectly take a close look at how I got there. Knowing how I got there will help me do it again.



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Up to pdf page 65 - "When a mistake..."

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So I went above my targets again but I can feel there is more capacity in me...

Productivity = amazing. Poker = testing!

Absolutely SMASHED my study AND play targets today.

I am finding new depths of mental strength to push myself more. And I am constantly thinking of ways to improve my study methods.

At the tables, however, it was a different matter!

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I studied for 235 minutes (target 120)...

Session review - Couple of close spots to look at but my instinct is I played them correctly.

4 x flop analyses of played hands - 44 MP v BU on QQ6r, CO v BTN on 742tt, 3s3h on KdKc9c, QTo BB v SB on K73r.

Improve preflop ranges - Ending up with a mixture of Snowie, Victor and Upswing!

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I played for 100 minutes (target 60)...

This session was a real test of my mental game as I ran pretty terrible. Just one of those sessions where pretty well everything went wrong.

It was really interesting to play though as it became totally about watching how my game held up under stress. Usually I would be thinking about the results almost exclusively and actually I did not care about them.

I made a river call that I would not make if there was zero accumulated tilt. That was interesting to see and hopefully I learned something from it.

The session was definitely my best mental performance ever.

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I meditated 0 minutes (target 10)...

Wut!?!?!?!?

Well my son was up and down stairs like a yo-yo last night. It is his birthday today (6) and he could not get to sleep as he was very excited! So I gave meditation a miss for once.

I missed it.

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes (target 20)...

WHEN A MISTAKE IS NOT A MISTAKE

I could be deceiving myself in game. Thinking I have made a big mistake but actually it could be close or even well played. This ONLY MATTERS if it affects my play in the moment and leads to future mistakes!

So just THINKING I made a mistake causes this type of mistake tilt.

The problem here is not being able to recognize a REAL mistake. I need to know the weaknesses in my current game so I can spot them as they happen.

To correct the inability to recognize mistakes when playing:-

1. Analyse the full range of my game from best to worst. Write out the mistakes made when tilted, when autopiloting and when distracted. The mistakes made when playing poorly but not terrible. The standard mistakes in B-game. Adjust it each week.

Then when these mistakes show up at the table I get feedback about how I am playing. Also if the mistake is not on the list then I know it is a mistake about something I don't know about and definitely cannot analyse while playing (take a note and move on).

2. Regularly evaluate my game to keep my understanding up to date. Think of inchworm and take mistakes off the list as I improve and add new ones on (that I did not know about).



NOTE TO SELF: This was an important section for me as I dwell on lost hands often. I am currently working hard to realise that losing a hand does NOT necessarily mean I played it badly. Plus I should not be so hard on myself anyway!

OBVIOUS MISTAKES

This is about bad mistakes that probably mean I am already tilting (or auto-piloting or overconfident). This could be the first sign to self that I am on tilt.

The mistakes start to pile up until quitting. But then it stews on the mind wondering how it could have possibly happened. It affects life away from poker maybe.

Remember that the bad decisions made in this state are the ones showing what is NOT learned to Unconscious Competence. Maybe it will show up something I thought I had mastered.

How to stop making obvious mistakes:-

1. Revisit the ALM and inchworm and the section "Malfunctioning Mind".
2. After making an obvious mistake, decide whether to keep playing or quit. And if decide to play on then focus on mental game so can play as well as possible.
3. Prioritise improving the mental game leak that leads to making such obvious mistakes. Or I have got no chance!

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Up to pdf page 66 - "Threatens..."

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So it was possibly my best day for productivity ever. Sure I had days where I worked more but definitely not as effectively.

Mental game improvements are massive.

I feel another big day coming on...

It seems my son had a fantastic 6th birthday so this was a FANTASTIC DAY whatever happens!!!

I set my play target a little lower for today to account for some birthday shenanigans but managed to go over all my total target time for poker work by 50 minutes still.

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I studied for 150 minutes (target 120)...

Session review - All current learning spots well played.

3 x flop analyses of old played hands BB v BU - 3s3h on Ac8s2c, A8o on K76r, KQo on AT3tt.

I also spent some time making myself a quiz for BB v BU flop situations that I hope will help me make decisions faster in game. Basically will push me to unconscious competence faster.

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I played for 50 minutes (target 30)...

Probably the best I have ever felt at the table. Everything felt calm and deliberate.

I had a couple of bad run outs when I had AA and made disciplined river folds. The important thing was I felt really good about the money saved and they did not affect my emotions etc.

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I meditated for 10 minutes (target 10)...

And did affirmations and visualisations too!

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes...

Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

THREATENS YOUR GOALS

If these reactions happen after tilting because of mistakes then it is because my poker goals are under attack:-



A flawed understanding of the learning process also gives a flawed understanding of how to achieve goals. Expectations get too high so I think I can do more in less time. When mistakes happen naturally tilt comes as goals get wrecked. It seems as though I am failing but it is just a misunderstanding of the learning process.

Correct it by understanding more about learning and by removing flaws of how I set goals. (Also see section "Goal Problems".)

KNOW TOO MUCH, MASTERED TOO LITTLE

There is a lot of poker knowledge available. Can get more knowledge than skill level can handle. End up getting too liberal in definition of a mistake.

"Mistakes are only mistakes relative to my range (bell curve and inchworm)." - In other words a deep level error is not a mistake in part of my current learning process, so forget it!

New knowledge is BUILT upon the old. JT likens it to going through the belts in Karate. No point doing the black belt kata if you can't do the white belt one!!! The trouble in poker is that the knowledge is not organised in such a structured way. That makes it difficult to know what to learn next (or now!).

The problem can be disorganization or consuming too much information (latter is problem for me obv). So the mistake tilt comes because I think I should know how to play spot X because I have read it once but the truth is I have not got anywhere close to mastering it.

Master the basics, this frees up mental space and then move on...

Think of the karate belts.

NOTE TO SELF: I have definitely been guilty of this misunderstanding of the learning process (and not just in poker by any means). I definitely make mistakes that I think I should not. The truth is that hardly any of my poker knowledge is mastered, just some stuff that keeps me at the micros but not much more.

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Up to pdf page 66 - "Entitlement Tilt"

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So another good day for productivity and getting better.

I also went for a short run last night (to the park to meet up with my family after work). It hurt a little in my stomach where I had my operation. I also really hate running. I think I might do more of it because I am finding some mild suffering quite invigorating!

Have a great weekend amigos!

I went on 3 day family vacation.

Some hands...

1.


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2.


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3.


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4.

So...

Had a great few days off work and away from the poker tables...

On Sunday we went to the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham to see Paw Patrol Live. It is a kids TV programme that my son loves and it was a special treat for his birthday.

We went on the train as he loves trains too and went for a nice meal afterwards too.

Some pics...

Daughter and me on the train...



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Son loving the train ride...



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Taxi!!!



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Enjoying Paw Patrol...



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Then Monday to Wednesday we went to stay in a nice hotel for a few days. The idea was mostly for us to spend loads of time in the hotel pool so I could help the kids improve their swimming (used to be swimming instructor).

We had some lovely meals and it was their first time in a "posh" hotel so it was really good fun.

They put on some entertainment for the kids too like cake decorating. So they made us some cakes...



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Back to poker...

Yesterday I set myself some smaller targets but I will be honest and say I found it really hard getting back into it!

I only studied for like 20 minutes and was hoping to do 90 minutes.

I did play and do my mental game study though so it was not a complete fail.

I will get back on track today (already have tbh).

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I played a session and got hammered a little.

Hands posted above are biggest losses.

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H1 - AQ top two. Straight away I was like "wtf did you do that for" so I was obviously in information overload. Doubt he has two pair often enough for this to be a good play but when he only has 32bb behind maybe it's not so bad? I would normally fold here.

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H2 - A6s 4 bet. Not sure I shuld even 4bet bluff much in these games without a read/stat. Post flop it is one street hand so could probably bet turn to XB river but think this is fine too.

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H3 - AQ, TP in 3bet pot as caller on connected. Call flop is okay but on the turn when he bets so big I can fold. This board hits my range pretty nicely so AQ is quite low. Not sure.

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H4 - 54s FD. Pot odds, pot odds, no fold equity so give up.

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I studied mental game for 15 minutes (target 15)...

The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

ENTITLEMENT TILT

At its root I would think I have the right to win for reasons like I worked harder, I am smarter, I have played longer etc.

Happens when something I believe to be mine is taken. Believe winning is owned. Signs are disbelief, shock or laughing. Then tilt piles up and thoughts like these come in...



The underlying problem is NOT the belief that I am better but rather that being a better payer means that I should always win. The real issue is usually OVERCONFIDENCE.

(There is no way I have this form of tilt)

OVERCONFIDENCE

The belief that you should never lose is unrealistic.

Poker can feed this by putting you on a great run that gives a false impression of skill. You might think that the great run is more to do with skill than variance. You might think you are owning people.

When the luck turns entitlement tilt shows up and shows you are a mental fish.

Overconfidence can lead to lack of study and not working on game. Especially as there is a chance you could be proved to not be as good as you thought.

To reduce overconfidence do these:-

1. Use the mental hand history to eliminate the lies in your game.
2. Inject logic when confidence is rising too high.



LOSING TO FISH

You know they have to win sometimes in the short term but it still tilts you. It makes sense to expect to win and to get tilted when you lose.

The problem here is not understanding the level of variance in the game of poker but rather equating it with the level of variance in sports. Remember nowhere else does variance play such a huge part.

Think of self as the slot machine or the casino. I have to pay out sometimes to keep the customers coming back!

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Up to pdf page 68 - "Losing to regulars"

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So today I am going to work hard on my game again. I would also like to find a fellow NL10ish Zoom player to study with.

I am not happy with my personal progress in life so I am making some big changes - mostly mindset stuff.

Have a good weekend amigos...

I would also like to find a fellow NL10ish Zoom player to study with

No, no, no. Don't do this. I did this for a long time and it did not work. Listen to people who are better, not equal or worse. You know what to work on now, stay efficient. If you are lost what to do just go over our previous coaching sessions.

Greetz from the swimming pool. Was just seeing how you are doing but had to comment on this.

Gl gl!

Hand 5.



My range is pretty tight CO v UTG so I only really get to the turn with KJs[4], AQs[3], AQo[9], JJ[6], TT[3] = 25 combos. (Should I be raising TT on the flop? I think call is slightly better on this board.)

On this turn I can continue AhQh[1], AhQo[3], AoQh[2], TT[3], KhJh[1], JhJo[1] = 11 combos.

This would be over folding quite a lot so I think I need to call some of my other AQ combos. I cannot see any blocker effects on this turn so I think calling AdQd (plus a couple of others) is okay.

I had a feeling you would say that. I agree on the whole. Most people are just lazy (even though they may well be better than me at poker).

Can you hurry up back from that swimming pool please as I need more coaching!!!

1. villain dependant but if you have no read that he plays draws aggressively I think we can fold to the min raise, as bad as that may seem. He calls flop with draws so range on turn must be decent.

2. A6s not a great 4b hand imo and as you say light 4bs not really required yet without a good read otherwise. Rest looks fine.

3. Flop is gross but he may just be an auto CBET type so call is maybe ok but bear in mind there are far fewer turns you like. Without thinking about it unless you got a Q or a straight you probably have to fold to most cards. Definitely fold turn to that size.

4. Looks fine.

5. Maybe fold turn but again villain dependant. Think about how many river cards you like, probably hoping for a c/c river? How likely is that after a big turn bet?

Oh and defo listen to your coach and don't take advice from others he sounds like a pretty smart dude. Not saying others are necessarily bad but you owe it to his coaching to give it the best possible environment to work? Just my two cents tho, I realize it is ironic I am saying this and still offering advice!

Gl man.

I have been doing a lot of work on my levels of mental toughness lately.

I realised how bad I am at pushing through barriers and how quickly I make excuses to NOT do something.

I have made a post and short video about it on my personal blog here if you are interested. It might be helpful to you if you are a procrastinator or you just struggle to follow through on your goals etc.

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I didn't post Friday's work...

I studied for 95 minutes (target 90)...

- I did a session review of all the spots we are working on in coaching and looked at a few big pots that I lost (and posted the hands).

- I did 2 x flop analyses comparing to GTORB for OOP spots as PFR.

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I played for 60 minutes (target 90)...

We had an unplanned meal out with friends which stuffed me up. I did make up for it over the weekend!

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I meditated for 10 minutes (target 10).

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I studied mental game for 15 minutes (target 15)...

LOSING TO REGULARS

I would get these thoughts:-



The reasons for the tilt are the same as for when losing to fish. Slightly more complex. Harder to prove edge.

You want to believe you are the better player but that flaw makes your opinion unreliable. Without proof you are gambling.

MOVING UP IN STAKES

Look for entitlement tilt when moving up. Some players expect to win when moving up when it is not really logical.

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REVENGE TILT

Revenge is common in life so it is also common in poker. Often the long term consequences outweigh the short term satisfaction.

Revenge is not irrational.

The underlying problem in revenge tilt is with me not with villain. They have their own rules and strategies. Revenge tilt indicates a flaw in mental game.

Common triggers that spark revenge tilt...



Revenge tilt targets specific players, injustice tilt is towards poker and variance. (I have never had revenge tilt imo)

Revenge can only be sweet when you use anger as fuel to play well. Otherwise it is a losing strategy in the long run. I might know this but if it shows up then I do not know it well enough to keep it away.

Understand the reasons for it and then begin to resolve the flaw in that reasoning.

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DESPERATION TILT

Desperation is hard to recognize. Have to look at the intent of certain actions like trying to get unstuck, chasing losses, raising too much, forcing action, playing monster losing sessions.

What makes it desperate is "the intent or urge to do everything possible to win immediately, get even, or avoid taking a loss." (I think I get this a lot)

It is like an itch I have to scratch. Walking away gets harder and harder.

It can be a performance issue or a gambling problem!

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Up to pdf page 73 - "All the issues..."

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I think studying MGOP has had some impact on my realisation of my mental weaknesses in all areas of life. It has certainly got some good stuff in there that relates to life AWAY from poker.

I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life. I can't exactly put my finger on what has changed but I feel ready for some suffering and some growth.

Time to #suckitup and #getafterit...

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Thanks for this man, pretty well agree with everything you say (and if I don't I think it is close enough to not matter etc). Appreciate it a lot, thx man.

Things are a little out of whack! I am just finishing off one of my student houses ready for them to move back in and it is distracting me!

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I did a push-ups and pull-ups workout. I didn't do very many but I was watching my mind intently. I got to the point where I would usually quit and managed to do a little bit extra.

In the pull-ups I could not actually get my chin up to the bar again (at the usual quitting feeling point) but I did manage to do a couple more negatives after I thought about quitting.

In the push-ups I did 2 more push-ups (I think) but the form was not very good. I did a couple more negatives too.

Interesting stuff. Been leaving too much in the tank.

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I also had a few points during the day where resistance was holding me back from studying.

Small excuses popping into my head at times. Also doing something else instead which is easier (even though it needs doing it is not priority just easier).

Amazing to watch such weakness!

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Oh I also had a small mind battle when craving some food!

I had to pop home for 5 minutes after work on my way to go to the student house to do some work. I really wanted to snack on something but there wasn't much around other then small cakes and chocolate bars that the kids have.

I chopped a small piece of cheese of a block and munched on that! Two mouthfuls. So on the one hand I refused to succumb tot he chocolate but on the other hand I succumbed!

At least it wasn't sugar though! Sugar is the devil's food!!!

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I studied poker for 90+ minutes (target 90)...

I went over 90mins easily but did not track it very well.

> 1 x flop analysis v GTORB

> Session review (big pots and spots we are working on in coaching)

> Making and doing quiz with various flops BB v BTN cbet

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I played for 70 minutes (target 60)...

To be honest I think I could do a bit more in this time but as my kids are off school they are going to bed later and I value that time with them too much.

I am probably being too soft now on my sleep levels. After spending so much time before on 4.5 hours sleep I just don't want to go back there.

It's just excuses though. I get about 6.5 hours now but could reduce it.

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I completely forgot to do mental game study (target 10mins)...

This is lack of attention to my daily planner. Pathetic.

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I meditated for 10 minutes...

Non guided. On my own watching my thoughts.

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Conclusion: Great day! Definitely made a tiny step forward!

Could you describe how one of your poker study session goes? Like when you review a hand, how do you proceed, do you talk about your findings with your coach or you are confident that you analysis are generally "correct"?

A few small wins today.

I ran a bit further than my last run (and a little bit faster). Mindset.

I killed a couple of cravings for snacks that I think are sugar cravings and had a "sugar free" day (if I had sugar in some ingredient I don't care about that). Mindset.

I went running at 06.15 and as I was lying in bed contemplating getting up I could see my mind finding thoughts about leaving it until after work. Killed it dead. Mindset.

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I studied poker for 115+ minutes (target 90)...

In fact it was well over 115!

> Session review - Found a weak fold BB v SB bah!

> Flop analysis v GTORB x 1

> Flash cards for BB v BTN cbet on flop XXX

> Re-reading notes from coaching sessions

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I played poker for 95 minutes (target 60)...

Mental game was good. Couple of times tilt was rising but I was aware of that and controlled it. I was also very aware of when I ran good and also when I was card dead.

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I studied mental game for 10 minutes (target 10)...

Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

DESPERATION TILT (Continued)...

If I have desperation tilt then need to work out if it is a gambling problem or a performance issue! (Well I don't go out my roll or anything so going for the latter!!!)

Desperation tilt is a slippery slope. Hard to prevent. Hard to understand.

It is a form of accumulated tilt. Can take over the mind very quickly. Do things that don't make sense then tilt even more wondering how could be so irrational!

If it has been going on for a while then the anger that shows up has been building up over time. Work away from table is essential.

Use the following to prevent despration tilt destroying game:-

1. Have a sense of urgency. Don't be casual about it. make it top priority.
2. Write a tilt profile. Detail the early signs of it rising. What triggers? What mistakes?
3. Set strict stop loss.
4. Take regular breaks or use a timer. Maintain control. Prevent accumulation. This might prevent best play but better than the alternative!
5. Review emergency response. Before sessions review the strategy to prevent desperation tilt as if rehearsing for an emergency. Be ready.
6. Take aggressive action toward the early signs of tilt.
7. Recognise small steps forward. Gives confidence boost and keeps you working. It takes sustained effort.
8. After identification of the tilt(s) that leads to deperation tilt resolve it using the mental hand history.
9. Better understand the learning process. A contributing cause is inaccurate assumptions about learning.
10. Develop stable confidence by reading Chapter 8.

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Up to pdf page 74 "Using tilt to improve play"

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I meditated for 10 minutes (target 10)...

Non guided alone with my thoughts! Also visualised and affirmed!

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Definitely back into the groove. And with my improved self awareness and my determination to push through my limits I feel like I am really making big improvements in my life.

It is kind of a pity I am going on holiday on Friday for a week but hey, what ya gonna do!!!?

For my workout this morning I did some Wing Chun technique (rusty as hell!), some speed punching (er, rusty as hell) and some stretching (just plain terrible). The point for me is that I DID IT (as those are the basic things that I might usually take for granted) and I pushed myself.

I was aiming for another sugar free day... At 9.00pm during my poker session my wife put this in front of me...



My favourite!!! Come on!!!

To be fair I had not told her that I was specifically being watchful of my sugar intake and she was "treating" me.

So I waited a while and then hid it in my filing cabinet! I was seriously tested there!

I will eat it tomorrow when I get into holiday mode. Or should I just give it to the kids!? Nah...

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I studied poker for 130+ minutes (minimum target 90)...

Again it was well over 130 minutes but hard to gauge.

> Session review (one close spot)

> Flop analysis v GTORB in BB v BTN on KQ8r

> Re-reading all of coaching notes with Victor (got to keep on doing this!)

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I played poker for 90 minutes (minimum target 60)...

Excellent mindset. On the wrong end of two coolers and had absolutely zero reaction whatsoever.

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I meditated for 10 minutes (minimum target 10)...

Box breathing, non guided. Affirmations and visualisation too!

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I studied mental game for 15 minutes (minimum target 10)...



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This was a really great day. Boundaries were pushed and I was tested. I overcame. There is more...