Hi folks! I'm new here. I played online poker a lot back in 2003 - 2007, "a lot" meaning casual screwing around online. I got pretty good, yet really didn't have any deep understanding of the game.

I've had a renaissance lately, and being that I'm in NY, I'm on one of the few NY-friendly sites. I've got 5,000 microstakes cash hands under my belt now in .5/.10 NLH, along with a number of small tournaments. I'm reading Annie Duke's Let's Decide... book, and also reviewing a microstakes course online. Have read much Sklansky and Super System I/II in the past.

Some days I'm flying. Concentration is phenomenal, I can "see" everything that's going on, the cards are realistically generous, etc. I recognize concepts from training, etc.

Other days, like today, are filled with bad beats, bad cards, and bad attitudes from ****-talking regs who play like maniacs. I find I struggle with over committing to pots with 2nd best hands and getting overextended, including All-In, but I've improved. Tonight I recognized a new problem: I'm pretty sure I have a strong hand, if not the nuts, but some insane clown show will raise my barrels on every street, but scare cards come and I'll fold a top pair I know I was dominating, if not still. In this case I'm not calling when I should be. Knowing it rationally, and applying it in the heat of a hand are two different things.

Anyway, I've been playing with the same modest bankroll for micro ($100) for 5,000 hands and 30 tourneys now, haven't gone bust, but haven't really seen profit either.

Any advice on breaking through the "noob" plateau and becoming a solid, very modestly profitable player other than grinding away for another 5,000 hands? I'm still always reading, researching... Just feeling "stuck", if anyone can relate.

Thx!

Some people play 5000 hands in a day! I don't think there's a way to fast-track that doesn't involve playing a lot of hands, which means unless you substantially up the time you put into poker progress will take time.

Make sure you're reading/watching modern poker material, understanding of the game has developed a ton since 10-15 years ago. Outdated material can really hold people back if they decide to pursue poker a bit more seriously.

I'd say learning from just playing poker you sort of slowly learn less and less. Most players have break throughs by studying their game stats, reading poker books, studying materials etc.

Online coaching sites are likely going to help you a lot if you want to get serious about it. You can check out runitonce.com or upswing.com and check them out.

Brokenstars goat 2p2 self made man imo. Dude put in the work. Some of us were witness to his becoming. Its really fantastic because he did it all with class. Well done.

Keep identifying the worst part of your game, and turning it into strength. Repeat. Repeat.