Wondering what I should do to take the next step in my playing.... I've posted very sparingly on here over my playing life, but have always enjoyed reading. I started playing just before the boom, when I saw Late Night Poker in the UK while studying abroad. Then moved home and saw 2003 WSOP coverage. I've gone through some stretches of playing frequently, some long stretches of barely playing. I love the game so much - its so elegant and deep, and incredibly fun.

I play on ignition for very low stakes generally. My typical thing is loading $40 on there at a time, min cash a $10-15 MTT, going on tilt and Jackpot SnGing the rest of it, or .10/.25 Zone. I'll bust several consecutive times like that, use the re-deposit to take a break, and then run pure and 10x and withdraw. I 10x by playing bigger and bigger when I win and generally, if I get it off the ground and I'm not tilting, run it up. I actually am pretty decent in Jackpot SnGs, but play over how I should be rolled for that (like 5-10 buyins)

I keep my poker money in with my other money.

Live, I also play low. I can't get out much, but when I do I play $1/3, $1/2, and jump into $2/5 when I run it up a little and I have time. I do live ~45min to 1.5 hrs from several casinos (Encore, Boston Billiards, MGM Springfield, Foxwoods, Mohegan, even Twin Rivers in RI is about 1.5hrs)

I have run ridiculously pure in live play. I also play quite carefully. I've had a long run of winning sessions.

What should I do? I don't have a network of players to get better with... I'm tempted to use some training materials. I also suspect that I won't have any idea what's actually happening with my play unless I keep a roll separate and take notes.

Any hints would be helpful. What organization, practice model, or training materials should I be looking at?

You play a lot of different games. What do you enjoy most (and want to work on most), online or live poker? If online, do you want to focus on cash or tournaments?

I'm asking because I want to move this thread to the appropriate section. You prolly won't get much useful advice here in BBV.

Do you avoid home games? Even with limited time at a casino you may run across other Players who live close to you and may know about games closer to home. I keep work and poker as separate as I can, but is there any chatter among work/friends?

There's LOTS of free stuff out there on YT .. you will know right away if it's just entertainment or useful to your own situation.

If you're looking to take this 'hobby' to a new level then yes, you may want to start keeping better records of your results.

When you say you can't get out much what does that mean? Work 6 days a week? Family/Church or other commitments? No disrespect, but how far/time do you travel to get to work? 45 min is nothing to most poker Players or even just a shopping trip for some. Treat this as any other hobby. I've traveled 2 hours to play golf .. all but one of my main casinos is 2-2.5 hours away and the main one is 40 minutes away.

Again, no disrespect .. but if you really like something you will find a way to do it. Budget for it, expect to lose it all and be happy anything you bring some back home! You don't get that from golf, eh?

I don't know for sure, but the area where you live has poker 24 hours a day in a lot of those rooms. Get up, effort the travel and get some sessions in! I know 'the best' poker is at night but you gotta take what you can get from your schedule. Even add on some other stops for dinner/entertainment in the same areas as the poker rooms?

You've been a member here a long time .. don't be shy. Stick your toe in the water and if you don't like there are plenty of other options that a little conversation should open up for you. GL