So I pretty much took yesterday off. Ended up hanging out with my friend Ben and then got home a little too buzzed and late to play poker...at least profitably.
Tonight I am not going to push it to make up for last night...I am going to take it easy and maybe play a few, but I wanted to just end the month on a relaxing note. I made money this month, maybe not quite as much as I wanted.
I have been thinking about how my play has changed since I started playing more sngs. My ROI is down, so I am not exactly sure if that means my game does not translate well to me playing a higher volume and paying less attention to each game. I know when I feel like I am in the zone, I see everything on the table. I wish I knew how to turn that on and off, but when I am in the zone, I know I will win...the only question is how much. I think that January showed me some tough love...positive movement in the bankroll, but a big downswing and a very long stretch of tough beats. So February will help me understand whether it was truly just variance, or whether I need to take some serious time and re-evaluate my game. Not that continual evaluation is bad, but I honestly believe that once I am able to play the $109s profitably, I will have very little desire to change my game. I am not quite sure whether I am going to be willing to move up because such big profits can be attainted at the $109s, but when my bankroll is at $20k, I am sure I will be playing the $215s...it would be silly not to.
Playing well, but the bad beats are just horrible. I lost on the river in at least 4 sngs tonight. Been playing well, just cant understand how I can continue to lose hands where I am a dominant favorite...need to keep cool.
Played 2 more and took 2 2nds, so that helped take the sting out of tonight. Im down 5 buy ins.
I ended the month on a terrible downswing. I had a still believe I am playing solid, but just not getting very lucky when the river hits. I have been getting destroyed on the river...but these things will balance out. I had a few suck outs, but then again, i got sucked out against heads up and he ended up going on to beat me. This month, I am up over $1000 including rakeback. Considering I was up nearly $2k about two thirds of the way through the month, this is a disappointing finish. But I have to look on the bright side, I won for the month. I think part of the reason I am putting so much emphasis on my numbers this much is because I am still trying to figure out how I will end up long term. I would like to figure out what my typical ROI will be, and the more I have been playing, the more it has dropped. Need to get a good start to February!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Monday 1/30/2006
Tired. Going to get my first few going. Crapped out today. Played 2 $11 sngs on Empire. A 3rd and crapped out, so down vig. Just chilling. Going to get it going tomorrow.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Sunday 1/29/2006
About to get started here, nothing exciting. Updates to follow.
Took a 6th and a 2nd, so not bad. I did well in the one where I placed 6th, but the unorthodox play from some of the players through me off. I knew they were not very solid players, calling preflop raises for HALF THEIR STACK with J10s. But, knowing that, I need to play a bit tighter...however, I was playing pretty tight due to the very loose calling range on these guys, but I think when I stick a 5xBB preflop raise, they just see it as a weak bet, level 1, its only 75 chips. Therefore, you see a lot of action and a lot or reraises with marginal hands. In my head, I am thinking he must have a monster when in reality, he probably has a worse holding than me. Seems like when you finally get a great hand, say QQ or KK and raise, only to get reraised, then I push and they call with their A7o and hit their ace. I KNOW, I KNOW, these people make the game profitable, quit bitching! Honestly, not really complaining about them at all, just venting frustrations.
One thing I need to learn is to deal with downswings better. Mentally and emotionally, I am not equipped to handle this sort of thing, so this will be another major hurdle for me. I have had a lot of success in overcoming hurdles in poker and life in general, but now that it has an effect on my income, it will be fun to watch my progress...and there is a great way to quantify my progress...BANKROLL BABY!
UPDATE:
Just finished up. Was frustrated early because I started out pretty cold. Mostly due to my mind being elsewhere. I buckled down and finished strong 1st, 3rd, 3rd, 1st in my last 4 to end the night up $205. I think I got a little too crazy on the 3rds. I pushed the edges a little too hard and busted when I still had a pretty healthy stack (>2200 chips). I think that got to me a little and I played a pretty loss bubble, got a big stack, and took that momentum into the money and won it. Very satisfying that I have logged my third straight winning night after my downswing.
Took a 6th and a 2nd, so not bad. I did well in the one where I placed 6th, but the unorthodox play from some of the players through me off. I knew they were not very solid players, calling preflop raises for HALF THEIR STACK with J10s. But, knowing that, I need to play a bit tighter...however, I was playing pretty tight due to the very loose calling range on these guys, but I think when I stick a 5xBB preflop raise, they just see it as a weak bet, level 1, its only 75 chips. Therefore, you see a lot of action and a lot or reraises with marginal hands. In my head, I am thinking he must have a monster when in reality, he probably has a worse holding than me. Seems like when you finally get a great hand, say QQ or KK and raise, only to get reraised, then I push and they call with their A7o and hit their ace. I KNOW, I KNOW, these people make the game profitable, quit bitching! Honestly, not really complaining about them at all, just venting frustrations.
One thing I need to learn is to deal with downswings better. Mentally and emotionally, I am not equipped to handle this sort of thing, so this will be another major hurdle for me. I have had a lot of success in overcoming hurdles in poker and life in general, but now that it has an effect on my income, it will be fun to watch my progress...and there is a great way to quantify my progress...BANKROLL BABY!
UPDATE:
Just finished up. Was frustrated early because I started out pretty cold. Mostly due to my mind being elsewhere. I buckled down and finished strong 1st, 3rd, 3rd, 1st in my last 4 to end the night up $205. I think I got a little too crazy on the 3rds. I pushed the edges a little too hard and busted when I still had a pretty healthy stack (>2200 chips). I think that got to me a little and I played a pretty loss bubble, got a big stack, and took that momentum into the money and won it. Very satisfying that I have logged my third straight winning night after my downswing.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Saturday 1/28/2006
Looking back on the past few days, I have come up with a few thoughts. I am playing well early...I think I am pressing too much on the bubble. I am making good moves and making excellent calls, but when I call a push with a solid hand and have the guy dominated preflop, I end up losing and my good call nets me an early exit...I busted in 5th with a good stack I pushed 88 over the top of a guy I knew had a mediocre hand. He called with KQo, suicide if you ask me and hit 2 kings. My mistake for making a move. Still plugging away, gonna chill on bubble a bit and quit pressing the action.
It's about 20 mins after I posted this and just won a sng. I did exactly what I said, tightened up my play on the bubble and did well.
10 mins after the few lines I wrote I finished another sng in 1st. I think I have identified my problem...Bubble play. I was too loose!
Early in the month, I was busting a lot in 8th place. I mean, >20% were 8th place finishes. So, I thought I needed to play a little more intelligently and tighter early in the sngs and that really helped me get deeper. When I started to 3 and 4 table the sngs, I think I was pushing too hard on the bubble and couldn't figure out why I was not making any dough! Pretty much one of two things were happening in my sngs.
It's about 20 mins after I posted this and just won a sng. I did exactly what I said, tightened up my play on the bubble and did well.
10 mins after the few lines I wrote I finished another sng in 1st. I think I have identified my problem...Bubble play. I was too loose!
Early in the month, I was busting a lot in 8th place. I mean, >20% were 8th place finishes. So, I thought I needed to play a little more intelligently and tighter early in the sngs and that really helped me get deeper. When I started to 3 and 4 table the sngs, I think I was pushing too hard on the bubble and couldn't figure out why I was not making any dough! Pretty much one of two things were happening in my sngs.
- Either I was playing too tight and when I choose my spot, I let myself get a bit too shortstacked and people would call and suck out. But, I did see some fuckin crazies calling with crap. On the last sng I won, I pushed K9s and was called by the big stack with K8o!! My hand held up and I went on to finish it up and take it down, but I just can't believe some of the stuff I see on the $55s.
- Or, I would play very well early, double up within the first 25 hands and then I would get too aggressive and bust.
Thing is, I think just poor luck in terms of the cards that hit the board were the biggest reason I ended up with a losing streak. I have to admit I could have played better, but I think I have made a few tweaks in the past 2 days and not only stopped my hemorrhaging of my bankroll, but had a winning night!
Just cashed in an $11 sng on empire to get my roll to $88 on there. I've cashed in 4 straight. Those players on the $11s are just plain terrible. If anyone mentioned their horrible play, they get very defensive. There was a conversation on the table and of course I had to join in. Anyway, they all thought they were playing well. I called a 7xbb raise, very reluctantly, but I realized I was playing against donks and thought I would just see the flop. I flopped the nut straight, but there were 2 hearts on board, so I raised about a quarter of the pot and got called, jack comes on turn to make the board 10 J Q K. I figure I am gonna split the pot and saw the guy called all the big pre-showdown raises with A8o. Peddle nuts on the $11s!!! The play is so bad and predictable that I am considering some 4-tabling challenges on the $11. Maybe play a few hundred in a week and see what I can do.
Quick update, playing in the Empire $200 freeroll. These are pretty fun...you push early and try to double up. I was able to hit a pretty fat hand early and got really lucky so far. Already itm and I have a fat stack. Blinds are 5000/10000 and I am on button after the break....so I should be in a great position to sit tight and wait for a hand to push on.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Friday 1/27/2006
Started out messing around today. I used to play on Empire poker, but after the split between Party and the Skins, I started to play on Party. I was worried the skins would end up dying off and all the fish were playing on Party. I had $3 bucks in my Empire account and they gave me $10 free. So, I went and played an $11 sng and took 3rd, then a $22 and took 3rd. So, I had $40 bucks, but they took the $10 free back, so I had $30 when I logged on today. I just played an $11 and won it, so I am up to $69 from my $3! I have to admit, I have had amazing luck when I start building a bankroll. Those of you that have read my blog know that I usually start with a $50 deposit and work my way up...this time, it was $3 bucks and a $10 deposit. I find the $11 so amazingly basic right now, I am considering dropping to the $11s and $22s and playing like 1200 sngs a month...but I am obviously going to play the $55s. It gives me a lot of confidence to know I am dominating when I play the $11s and $22s, so I know my risk of ruin with my current bankroll is very low. Considering my rakeback account now holds enough to bankroll me with over 30 buy ins for the $11s, this is a very encouraging sign. Although I had a horrible run this week, I am in good spirits and ready for the weekend.
Gonna take a short break...good luck to my buddies Ric and Al as they continue to grind! Here is to a great, profitable weekend!
Gonna take a short break...good luck to my buddies Ric and Al as they continue to grind! Here is to a great, profitable weekend!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Thursday 1/26/06
I am doing alright. Definitely stopped the bleeding and have started to cash with a little more regularity. Still taking a lot of horrible beats when it really hurts. I just lost A10 to K8. He had the chips, but I defintely had the play on him. I am becoming more aware of my losing streak as a necessary step in my development. I must admit there are cosmic forces at play, so these must be pretty few and far between (I'm hoping!) I can pretty consistently losing consistently on the bubble with very strong hands, only to get rivered. If that doesn't happen, I go card dead when we hit 4 or 5 people and the blinds climb to 150/300 and hit you ever 5 hands...just tough, tough situations and I am still hanging in there. Lets see how the night finishes...
Well, finished the night with a bad beat and exactly even. Not too bad. Appears that I not only have stopped the bleeding, but came out a little ahead overall tonight. Perfectly even over 10 sngs, but up $13 in rakeback. Good for the confidence and the game is starting to come back from Bizarro world. It isn't just the bad beats that I take that have been really hurting my bankroll, it is the constant suckouts that the shortstack makes on the bubble. I have been on the bubble on level 1o several times now...and everyone is feeling it too because everyone is so tight...no one calls a push and it takes people forever to get themselves to call a push, even with premium hands. I hope things settle down soon, but I guess thats just part of the game.
Well, finished the night with a bad beat and exactly even. Not too bad. Appears that I not only have stopped the bleeding, but came out a little ahead overall tonight. Perfectly even over 10 sngs, but up $13 in rakeback. Good for the confidence and the game is starting to come back from Bizarro world. It isn't just the bad beats that I take that have been really hurting my bankroll, it is the constant suckouts that the shortstack makes on the bubble. I have been on the bubble on level 1o several times now...and everyone is feeling it too because everyone is so tight...no one calls a push and it takes people forever to get themselves to call a push, even with premium hands. I hope things settle down soon, but I guess thats just part of the game.
Wednesday 1/25/2006
Well, I stopped the bleeding tonight. I am pretty happy with the way the end of the night went. I had a bunch of 2nd place finishes and a few firsts today. Playing a lot of sngs is not going to be very difficult for me anymore. So I have quickly, and very effectively, overcome that problem. However, I am in the midst of my first major downswing. It hurts...I believe I am playing well...a few moments of indescretion that I prefer not to relive are mixed in there because the suck outs and bad beats were getting to me. I have heard about 20 and 30 buy in downswings and knew that they were something I would have to learn to live with, so I am trying to deal with mine in the best way I can. This is usually just bitching and cursing at the computer screen. Over the past 2 days I am on a 18 buy in downswing. I really dont want to do the math, but you guys know what that means...it hurts. I think things are finally coming around and I am looking forward to playing tomorrow...hopefully my strong finish tonight can carry over to tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Tuesday 1/24/2006
I have to run to the second job again tonight. Not sure how long it will be, but I have a long night of sngs ahead of me. I didnt get any in this morning and I still need to get moving on my project...but overall, things are looking good.
I am going to be heading out in 30 mins and will hoping to get playing by 6 tonight...
7:30 - about to get started...
An hour in and down a few buy ins. I caught myself playing too loose and adjusted it early. One 2nd so far and lost my KK to 99 in another...amazing how the 2 outer always hits on the river.
Amazing run of bad beats and I dont want to bitch about it too much. Still playing....hard to take. Just busted 99 vs 77 when i hit a set but lost to the str8. Then I lost A10 to K6 when the dude had no reason to call with that crap and hit a flush. just dont know what to say...
I am going to be heading out in 30 mins and will hoping to get playing by 6 tonight...
7:30 - about to get started...
An hour in and down a few buy ins. I caught myself playing too loose and adjusted it early. One 2nd so far and lost my KK to 99 in another...amazing how the 2 outer always hits on the river.
Amazing run of bad beats and I dont want to bitch about it too much. Still playing....hard to take. Just busted 99 vs 77 when i hit a set but lost to the str8. Then I lost A10 to K6 when the dude had no reason to call with that crap and hit a flush. just dont know what to say...
Monday, January 23, 2006
Monday 1/23/2006
Going to get started here soon. I have to go to my night job for a bit, but hopefully can get away early and take care of business.
Just fired up my first 2 sngs...only 5:00.
Taking my first quick break. Played 6 after just over an hour...up 20 bucks so far. 1 first and 1 third...not too bad. gonna get back at it in a few!
A very nice run tonight. Finished my last set of 3 - 4th, 1st, and 1st. Made a move on the bubble too with a healthy stack and busted. I think I tightened up too early and allowed the shortstacks to recover. 9 sngs up $355.
Revised Goal for the Month:
I would like to finish January with a total of 350 sngs played. This would be by far the most I have ever played in a month and would be an average of 20 sngs per day to close out the month. That pace is a 600 sng per month pace and I would like to see if I could maintain it and get a feel for it. My gut says I will be ready for more after a few days. But, if I find it too strenuous, I might have to readjust my goals. I believe I am ready for this level of play. So, as I set this revised goal, let me post my current stats for the month and see how they hold up over increased volume of play:
192 sngs
14% ROI
36% ITM
$1440 profit
$250 in rakeback
Total profit: $1690
Add to that $180 for my cash in the $40k and it is turning out to be a big month. Considering I plan to play almost as many sngs the final 8 days of the month as I did in the first 23, these numbers are going to change dramatically. Hopefully, I can get the profit from playing up to around $2500 and the rakeback will follow. Looking forward to tomorrow...
Just fired up my first 2 sngs...only 5:00.
Taking my first quick break. Played 6 after just over an hour...up 20 bucks so far. 1 first and 1 third...not too bad. gonna get back at it in a few!
A very nice run tonight. Finished my last set of 3 - 4th, 1st, and 1st. Made a move on the bubble too with a healthy stack and busted. I think I tightened up too early and allowed the shortstacks to recover. 9 sngs up $355.
Revised Goal for the Month:
I would like to finish January with a total of 350 sngs played. This would be by far the most I have ever played in a month and would be an average of 20 sngs per day to close out the month. That pace is a 600 sng per month pace and I would like to see if I could maintain it and get a feel for it. My gut says I will be ready for more after a few days. But, if I find it too strenuous, I might have to readjust my goals. I believe I am ready for this level of play. So, as I set this revised goal, let me post my current stats for the month and see how they hold up over increased volume of play:
192 sngs
14% ROI
36% ITM
$1440 profit
$250 in rakeback
Total profit: $1690
Add to that $180 for my cash in the $40k and it is turning out to be a big month. Considering I plan to play almost as many sngs the final 8 days of the month as I did in the first 23, these numbers are going to change dramatically. Hopefully, I can get the profit from playing up to around $2500 and the rakeback will follow. Looking forward to tomorrow...
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Sunday 1/22/2006
I am about to get going here. Got a late start today and watched some football. Didnt catch any of the Pitt game, but I hate those bastards and hope they tank in the Super Bowl. Seattle is looking tough...I hope they smoke the Steelers!
On to sngs...
Ok, was sitting pretty, down 2 buy ins and had over half the chips on the bubble. then I lost 3 hands in a row, ALL 3:1 FAVORITES, and busted out on the bubble. I just dont get it sometimes...It just doesnt seem like I could take a worse run, but it all happened in one sng. I guess it could have cost me a sng per bad beat. I sure do bitch about bad beats a lot....so that leads me to think about one thing...I must be playing pretty well and I am sure they are hard to take for any newer player. So I need to learn to deal with them better. I will quit bitching, but I want to make sure I relay in my blog that I am playing well, just getting sucked out on...that's right, no more bad beat talk, I am the victim of variance!
UPDATE:
Well, I am taking a break for a while. I am very encouraged during my first month. I have overcome a lot of obstacles already. I logged 56 sngs this weekend so far. Very mixed results, but I have been getting deep in most of them, but just running into horrible variance on the bubble. Read the previous paragraph to get a taste of what I am going through on the tables. On a positive note, I am not sucking out and am taking a lot of bad beats...so that is very encouraging. I think my game jumped a level this weekend and I am excited to keep the learning process going. Some quick weekend stats:
56 $55 sngss
7% ROI
35% ITM
Profit $220
Profit wasnt great, but consider thats $73 in rakeback and that pushes my weekend to almost $300. Defintely worthwhile!
On to sngs...
Ok, was sitting pretty, down 2 buy ins and had over half the chips on the bubble. then I lost 3 hands in a row, ALL 3:1 FAVORITES, and busted out on the bubble. I just dont get it sometimes...It just doesnt seem like I could take a worse run, but it all happened in one sng. I guess it could have cost me a sng per bad beat. I sure do bitch about bad beats a lot....so that leads me to think about one thing...I must be playing pretty well and I am sure they are hard to take for any newer player. So I need to learn to deal with them better. I will quit bitching, but I want to make sure I relay in my blog that I am playing well, just getting sucked out on...that's right, no more bad beat talk, I am the victim of variance!
UPDATE:
Well, I am taking a break for a while. I am very encouraged during my first month. I have overcome a lot of obstacles already. I logged 56 sngs this weekend so far. Very mixed results, but I have been getting deep in most of them, but just running into horrible variance on the bubble. Read the previous paragraph to get a taste of what I am going through on the tables. On a positive note, I am not sucking out and am taking a lot of bad beats...so that is very encouraging. I think my game jumped a level this weekend and I am excited to keep the learning process going. Some quick weekend stats:
56 $55 sngss
7% ROI
35% ITM
Profit $220
Profit wasnt great, but consider thats $73 in rakeback and that pushes my weekend to almost $300. Defintely worthwhile!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Saturday 1/21/2006
So I am getting an earlier start on a weekend than usual. I just fired up my first sngs and it is about 12:45. I usually do not start playing until the evening. I wonder if I will notice anything different. I have to admit that at night, the $55s have been much more competitive on the bubble lately. Usually 6 people left on level 5 and the pushing on the bubble is everywhere, so there are not a lot of opportunities.
Just played about 10 hands total and I have noticed that these people are much looser during the day and make some weird calls and pushes. Definitely seems like weaker competition...Let's see if my results show that as well!
Seems like I did well during the day...Definitely a different group that plays. Then again, it is the weekend, so it might just be all the same people. I am not used to playing during the afternoon...Just doesn't feel right, but if it is profitable, I will adjust.
UPDATE:
So far, played 3, up $135 and could have done better. Feelin' It BABY, Feelin' It! But, I am going to take a quick break and fire some more up.
Just fired up a few more on Party...going to see if I can win about $300 tonight...that's the overall goal for tonight. So, if I hit it, I am done.
I got a free $10 from Empire poker. I had $3, so I hopped into an $11 sng, took 3rd. Jumped into a $22 sng, and took 3rd again. So I got my $10 up to $40. I am going to see how far I can build that account...I realize I will most likely bust out...but let's see.
Playing great on Party. In with dominant hands and just getting sucked out on. Once they start to hold up I should be doing great...lets just hope i keel putting myself in winning situations and dont let the tilt get to me...so far, so good. these suck outs are costing me real money lately cuz they come when I'm in the money!
Wow, I lost 2 3:1 favorite hands and shortstacks were catching to completely fuck me out of my last 2 sngs. I busted out on both on the bubble...and I had DOMINATING hands both times. I am losing my AK and AQs to very weak off suit aces and havent had one hold up in a while. Considering I am looking to do well this weekend, these suck outs are killing me!
Here was a sweet loss i just took. I had 77 in small blind and 4 people in hand...flop comes 7 hi and 2 clubs. I check, min raise, i caller, i raise to 100, push after me i call. He pushes with 64 of clubs and catches 2 more of them to beat me...i was just hoping the board would pair.
Brutal stretch continues...I see why Party is so profitable! Quick recap, busted out 4th in 3 of my lst 4 sngs. All of them, I played well, but so did everyone else. Not going to take anything away from anyone because they played a good bubble. But, I will say every time I went in I was ahead...just not holding up. Going to add a 3rd table, let see what happens.
Well, fired up 3 and did very well in all. Finished 2nd, bubbled out AGAIN!, but I made a mistake on that one, and I am still playing my 3rd one, chip leader with 5 to go...4 now that my kings just took down Queens. Another 2nd place...not bad. Starting my comeback and playing well...Let's see how the next set goes.
Well, things went well late. I started to get into the zone and I was getting to the bubble every time again, but this time I was able to take a couple firsts and seconds. Finished up the night heads up against a dude. If i take first, I can be up about 155, but I take a bad beat to lose and end up just up $55. I was up more than that after 3 sngs!!! I played 39 tonight! played a ton, and at least I won...and made a lot of rakeback.
Just played about 10 hands total and I have noticed that these people are much looser during the day and make some weird calls and pushes. Definitely seems like weaker competition...Let's see if my results show that as well!
Seems like I did well during the day...Definitely a different group that plays. Then again, it is the weekend, so it might just be all the same people. I am not used to playing during the afternoon...Just doesn't feel right, but if it is profitable, I will adjust.
UPDATE:
So far, played 3, up $135 and could have done better. Feelin' It BABY, Feelin' It! But, I am going to take a quick break and fire some more up.
Just fired up a few more on Party...going to see if I can win about $300 tonight...that's the overall goal for tonight. So, if I hit it, I am done.
I got a free $10 from Empire poker. I had $3, so I hopped into an $11 sng, took 3rd. Jumped into a $22 sng, and took 3rd again. So I got my $10 up to $40. I am going to see how far I can build that account...I realize I will most likely bust out...but let's see.
Playing great on Party. In with dominant hands and just getting sucked out on. Once they start to hold up I should be doing great...lets just hope i keel putting myself in winning situations and dont let the tilt get to me...so far, so good. these suck outs are costing me real money lately cuz they come when I'm in the money!
Wow, I lost 2 3:1 favorite hands and shortstacks were catching to completely fuck me out of my last 2 sngs. I busted out on both on the bubble...and I had DOMINATING hands both times. I am losing my AK and AQs to very weak off suit aces and havent had one hold up in a while. Considering I am looking to do well this weekend, these suck outs are killing me!
Here was a sweet loss i just took. I had 77 in small blind and 4 people in hand...flop comes 7 hi and 2 clubs. I check, min raise, i caller, i raise to 100, push after me i call. He pushes with 64 of clubs and catches 2 more of them to beat me...i was just hoping the board would pair.
Brutal stretch continues...I see why Party is so profitable! Quick recap, busted out 4th in 3 of my lst 4 sngs. All of them, I played well, but so did everyone else. Not going to take anything away from anyone because they played a good bubble. But, I will say every time I went in I was ahead...just not holding up. Going to add a 3rd table, let see what happens.
Well, fired up 3 and did very well in all. Finished 2nd, bubbled out AGAIN!, but I made a mistake on that one, and I am still playing my 3rd one, chip leader with 5 to go...4 now that my kings just took down Queens. Another 2nd place...not bad. Starting my comeback and playing well...Let's see how the next set goes.
Well, things went well late. I started to get into the zone and I was getting to the bubble every time again, but this time I was able to take a couple firsts and seconds. Finished up the night heads up against a dude. If i take first, I can be up about 155, but I take a bad beat to lose and end up just up $55. I was up more than that after 3 sngs!!! I played 39 tonight! played a ton, and at least I won...and made a lot of rakeback.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Friday 1/20/2006
PROJECT STARTED! FIRST HURDLE OVERCOME?
The weekend is upon us and I am getting pretty excited. My project is moving along well and I have a little extra help on this...so I should be able to finally give this a go!
As for poker, I took last night off. Did some research on my project and played some video games...nice, low-stress change of pace. For the first time in months, losing did not affect my bankroll!
Hoping to log a bunch of them over the weekend, starting tonight! If I can get a strong 10-20 in tonight, I have a feeling this will be a great weekend. Actually, I am more concerned with my bankroll than my ## of sngs right now. So, I might have overcome my first hurdle. I am able to play the ## of sngs that I set as a goal for myelf, so I am really excited about that. So, the next step is to build my roll to 4-table. I am shooting for $5500. Once the bankroll gets there, I need to get a monitor and maybe a cheap desktop to devote to playing...
So, revised goal for the weekend:
Play until bankroll, including all rakeback, is $4500, or 50 sngs, whichever comes first! 50 sngs at a 15% ROI will accomplish this, so very attainable!
UPDATE:
So far, slow start. I have played 11 and am up $40. I plan on vegging out and playing a lot over the next few days. Sunday while the playoffs are on for sure.
The weekend is upon us and I am getting pretty excited. My project is moving along well and I have a little extra help on this...so I should be able to finally give this a go!
As for poker, I took last night off. Did some research on my project and played some video games...nice, low-stress change of pace. For the first time in months, losing did not affect my bankroll!
Hoping to log a bunch of them over the weekend, starting tonight! If I can get a strong 10-20 in tonight, I have a feeling this will be a great weekend. Actually, I am more concerned with my bankroll than my ## of sngs right now. So, I might have overcome my first hurdle. I am able to play the ## of sngs that I set as a goal for myelf, so I am really excited about that. So, the next step is to build my roll to 4-table. I am shooting for $5500. Once the bankroll gets there, I need to get a monitor and maybe a cheap desktop to devote to playing...
So, revised goal for the weekend:
Play until bankroll, including all rakeback, is $4500, or 50 sngs, whichever comes first! 50 sngs at a 15% ROI will accomplish this, so very attainable!
UPDATE:
So far, slow start. I have played 11 and am up $40. I plan on vegging out and playing a lot over the next few days. Sunday while the playoffs are on for sure.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Thursday 1/19/2006
Had to work the second job today and decided to take a break from poker. Just a little tired and I have the whole weekend to play, so it isnt like I am going to miss out on it over the next few days. My play has been great and the results are showing it. I am getting excited because I can see how quickly you can move up a buy in and add a few more tables and next thing you know, you are making $5k a month. I hope to get there!!
I know this is a poker blog, but let's change subjects for a bit. To my friends that know me well, I am sportsbettor at heart. I just don't bet sports anymore because I am trying to make money, have some other interest, but most importantly, I lose my money. I can pick games pretty decently, but I just can't find a way to make it profitable. The old unit betting is just too slow for me and $$ on each unit just bore me. So, making any real money sportsbetting is just something I do not have the passion or discipline for.
But, back to sportsbetting. A few friends and I have just bought a domain and are working on a project...I will let you all know when it will be ready for everyone, but I am excited to test it out. I think I can be operational within a few weeks and tested within a few months...Exciting times ahead everyone...
this is the end of my 5th week blogging! Woo hoo
I know this is a poker blog, but let's change subjects for a bit. To my friends that know me well, I am sportsbettor at heart. I just don't bet sports anymore because I am trying to make money, have some other interest, but most importantly, I lose my money. I can pick games pretty decently, but I just can't find a way to make it profitable. The old unit betting is just too slow for me and $$ on each unit just bore me. So, making any real money sportsbetting is just something I do not have the passion or discipline for.
But, back to sportsbetting. A few friends and I have just bought a domain and are working on a project...I will let you all know when it will be ready for everyone, but I am excited to test it out. I think I can be operational within a few weeks and tested within a few months...Exciting times ahead everyone...
this is the end of my 5th week blogging! Woo hoo
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Wednesday 1/18/2006
Playing well, just lost a bunch of bad ones. Ak to A8 then AQ to A8. Busted out on bubble of the 2nd one i played when my 22 lost to AK. Funny, my strong aces never hold up :)
More to come....
Felt like I was able to get in the zone after playing my first 2 sngs. I thought I would have cashed in both of my first two, but did not let it get me down when I busted out 5th in both. I kept my cool, relaxed, and fired up 2 more...won them both and am going to call it a night, up $280 after 4 sngs...I'm cool with that for the night.
So, I have been thinking. The new year brought about the focus on my poker game and the past 10 days have been a blur. So, I wanted to take a moment halfway through month one to assess my progress.
I set my goals to win $2,000. This was a relatively ambitious goal because I have not won that much in a month on sngs alone. I am a little behind schedule, but am on schedule after considering my MTT cash. I played in one MTT and placed 31st out of like 2350, so that was nice. Had a decent run to get my juices flowing...was so much fun. I am looking forward to building my roll and buying into the $200+ buy in tourneys and trying to get lucky.
So, I am well on my way towards having a successful start. My biggest concern was profitability over the long haul. My next biggest concern was that I might be underbankrolled to play the $55s. I put a lot of emphasis on January to help me decide how close I am to where I need to be to make enough money to support myself. I think the $55s are the first level where you can make significant enough money to consider this. So, I want to have at least 100 buy ins before I move up, so starting the new year with under $3,000 and playing the $55s already was setting myself up for failure. But, I have been very fortunate that I have been able to be up at this point and halfway to $5,000. So, just over halfway and hopefully the next time I update my progress, i will be writing this at the end of January with my bankroll over $5,000.
More to come....
Felt like I was able to get in the zone after playing my first 2 sngs. I thought I would have cashed in both of my first two, but did not let it get me down when I busted out 5th in both. I kept my cool, relaxed, and fired up 2 more...won them both and am going to call it a night, up $280 after 4 sngs...I'm cool with that for the night.
So, I have been thinking. The new year brought about the focus on my poker game and the past 10 days have been a blur. So, I wanted to take a moment halfway through month one to assess my progress.
I set my goals to win $2,000. This was a relatively ambitious goal because I have not won that much in a month on sngs alone. I am a little behind schedule, but am on schedule after considering my MTT cash. I played in one MTT and placed 31st out of like 2350, so that was nice. Had a decent run to get my juices flowing...was so much fun. I am looking forward to building my roll and buying into the $200+ buy in tourneys and trying to get lucky.
So, I am well on my way towards having a successful start. My biggest concern was profitability over the long haul. My next biggest concern was that I might be underbankrolled to play the $55s. I put a lot of emphasis on January to help me decide how close I am to where I need to be to make enough money to support myself. I think the $55s are the first level where you can make significant enough money to consider this. So, I want to have at least 100 buy ins before I move up, so starting the new year with under $3,000 and playing the $55s already was setting myself up for failure. But, I have been very fortunate that I have been able to be up at this point and halfway to $5,000. So, just over halfway and hopefully the next time I update my progress, i will be writing this at the end of January with my bankroll over $5,000.
Tuesday 1/17/2006
I decided to mess around and clear my second $50 bonus from party. I lost $49.36 to clear the $50 bonus...what a waste of time. So, I might play some more tonight, I might not. Was going to give myself the night off anyway. Doing well so far this month...looking to finish the second half strong!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Monday 1/16/2006
Had an up and down night. I am starting to realize I am playing far, far too loose. I dont know if it is because I am more comfortable playing now that I am playing more sngs or if it just lack of respect for the game. I think more of the latter and I am a bit ashamed of myself for not respecting the game like i should. I was too busy watching TV and other stuff while I play. Tonight I was messing around and playing and losing my ass. I finally had had enough and decided to start concentrating. So, after a long night of playing and a bit of a confidence boosting session...here are tonight's stats:
19 $55 sngs
3 firsts, 2 seconds, and a third
Finished 2nd, 6th, 1st, 7th, 1st, 1st
Was down about 8 buy ins at the worst point.
Just a great session because when I really put my mind to it, I was very happy with my play. I am capable of it if I just concentrate and am disciplined!
19 $55 sngs
3 firsts, 2 seconds, and a third
Finished 2nd, 6th, 1st, 7th, 1st, 1st
Was down about 8 buy ins at the worst point.
Just a great session because when I really put my mind to it, I was very happy with my play. I am capable of it if I just concentrate and am disciplined!
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Sunday 1/15/2006
I got 2 $50 deposits into my account from Party Poker and I have to play 300 raked hands to cash this money out. Since I got 2 deposits, I figured I would give it a shot. I 2-tabled the 1/2 limit game for 305 hands and cleared one bonus. I lost $20 bucks clearing it, but it netted out to +$30 bucks...fine by me. I started to figure out limit after a few hours. I had dabbled in limit before. I found it to be a way to make pretty good money. Pretty mechanical and fun. I think I will try to clear the other $50 bonus and learn a little more. Maybe start to develop a limit game to change things up and help with burn out. I played for a while tonight and then switched over to sngs and played well.
I played 7 sngs. I had 1 first, 1 second, and 2 thirds...so, overall a very good night. Up over $230. Gonna call it a night...Halfway through the month and I have 104 sngs in.
I played 7 sngs. I had 1 first, 1 second, and 2 thirds...so, overall a very good night. Up over $230. Gonna call it a night...Halfway through the month and I have 104 sngs in.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Saturday 1/14/2006
Well, another tough start to my sngs. Taking some bad beats and playing a bit tighter than I have been. I busted out on the bubble on 2 straight after taking a bad beat. It is hard to keep cool, but I am getting better and better at it. Actually, I dont feel like it affects my play. If I am going to sucessfully 4-table, allowing a bad beat to get into my head will be a big problem, so I think I have that under control. So far, played 13 sngs tonight...just not getting great numbers. my ROI is 5%...I havent had a month with an ROI under 17%. I am sure it will all work itself out, but as long as I am in the black, thats all I care about.
Tonight, I have realize it hasnt been good or bad play, I am just losing all my coin flips. That pretty much explains my results. I think I am playing good poker, but just cant get a hand to hold up....welll keep plugging away!
Finished the night down $135. Not too bad. Hoping for a better day tomorrow.
Tonight, I have realize it hasnt been good or bad play, I am just losing all my coin flips. That pretty much explains my results. I think I am playing good poker, but just cant get a hand to hold up....welll keep plugging away!
Finished the night down $135. Not too bad. Hoping for a better day tomorrow.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Friday 1/13/2006
I just got started playing and am taking a ton of bad beats. So, I feel like I am playing well, just horrible luck. I think I have lost the last 5 coin flips, 3 in one sng. Its been rough, but still playing.
I should be pleased. I am dominating the play of these sngs, but continually lose 3:1 hands...very frustrating.
Well, I fired up 2 sngs and opened up the Party Poker $40k. I took first in both sngs and doubled up in the $40k in the first level. So I am just concentrating on a deep run into the tourney. I am even on the night...so I think I will end up playing a few more sngs at some point tonight.
Party $40k
I should be pleased. I am dominating the play of these sngs, but continually lose 3:1 hands...very frustrating.
Well, I fired up 2 sngs and opened up the Party Poker $40k. I took first in both sngs and doubled up in the $40k in the first level. So I am just concentrating on a deep run into the tourney. I am even on the night...so I think I will end up playing a few more sngs at some point tonight.
Party $40k
- First Break: Only played a hand or two, but I doubled up. Slowly being blinded away, slightly below the average. 1655 after first break.
- Second Break: Just below the average again. I have 6130 and average is 6730. Was down to 600 early after the second break and came back strong. Feeling good.
- Third Break: Played my good hands and they hit. I have 40720, average is 17600, so doing well. 142 left...nothing to get excited about yet, gotta get in top 40 to get excited. And you all know how fast chips can go late in tournaments. About to get started....wish me luck!
- Fourth Break: 50018, right about average. 47 left, blinds 2000/4000
Busted out 31st. Pushed A10o and lost AQo...pushed the next hand, 10 6s when it was folded to me on SB. Made $200 bucks...should be happy.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Thursday 01/12/2006
Man, these days just keep flying by. I can't believe it is already Thursday and I have to go to my second job after my first one. Then, after my second job, I want to log at least 6 sngs tonight. It really does make Monday and Thursday just fly by. But, working two jobs is definitely better than I thought it would be. Admittedly, I have a great situation. I just have to get in there and do some work tonight because it is month-end and I have a lot of extra stuff to do this time of the month. I sure hope this arrangement lasts for a while because it will help me get ahead!!
Other than that, I have a very busy day ahead of me...just wanted to post because I am thinking about poker...just don't have time to play a lot of it tonight. Here are a few random thoughts:
I was mad at myself for not playing last weekend. What that did was put me behind schedule, was a lapse in discipline, and in the long run, may hurt my game. I have tried to set up my week where I will have a MINIMUM of 2 days off from poker. Well, when I push that limit, it takes away from my study time. When I take an unplanned break from poker, it is usually to waste time doing something unproductive. While I am the slack-master, my goals are to be disciplined. So, instead of studying hand histories and reading, I had to log another night of sngs. My ROI isn't quite where I would like it, but then again, I have a small sample size. Just need to be patient!
Once my work life settles down, I will be heading to the gym and trying to take care of myself, physically. I am the type that does everything compulsively. I am trying to take control of that, but I do everything to the extreme. I have never been able to incorporate more than 2 or 3 passions into my life because I get so absorbed with one or two of them. For instance, working out is a passion of mine and when I am into it, I do it compulsively. But, then I get burned out after about a year and my body aches, so while I rest my body, I pick up something else. Well, it appears poker is here to stay and working out MUST become a top priority, not for vanity but because I am getting older...well, finally out of my 20s. Work usually takes a back seat to my happiness. This has caused me some frustrations, but I have had jobs that just plain SUCKED! Sucked is a relative term; let's just say it affected my life outside of the office and I vowed to never let that happen again. If I play my cards right, it never may! (Damn I am good with these puns!!) But poker can definitely infringe on my home life...the ups and downs are hard to handle, but I look forward to learning!
As some of you know, I have been interviewing for jobs. I have quit my old job on a full time basis and have been able to keep my core duties. So, I have freed up myself to get a different full time job. I am currently working at a large corporation and I really like the people I work with, but the work is mind-numbingly boring. One of the advantages of working in a large corporation is that you can be anonymous a lot of the time and just mess around and get paid decently to just hang around. Smaller companies do not usually pay quite as well and you have much more responsibilities and less benefits. So, I have been working at my new job on a temp to hire basis for the first month. After which, I will have to "apply" for the job...I should find out today or tomorrow if I get offered a job at a very fast growing networking company. I feel like i am in a morgue at work...all these old people coughing and complaining. I feel like I am dying here...but it seems low stress and pretty easy. It will be a hard decision to make if I am offered the other job. I have pretty much decided to take it if it is offered. Better pay, about 12-15% higher than what I am making now, full benefits, plus 3 weeks vacation in year 1! Sounds too good to be true. I know working there will be much more active and potentially stressful, but much, much more fulfilling. Anyway, I will keep you updated on the job situations. I cannot bank on doing the books at my old job forever...so if that ever gets yanked away, then I will be happy I opted for a bit more money and more vacation!!
UPDATE:
I ended up playing 11 sngs tonight. I played better, but not great. Still too many early exits for my taste. I am usually seeing 4 multitablers on my tables...which sometimes makes playing the bubble easier. The only reason I say this is because they respect the pushes and they often push marginal hands. In the last sngs that I won tonight, one guy kept playing very aggressively and was picking up blinds. So, I had K8s and called his push and he had Q9o. My hand held up, but bad players usually do not play Q9 so aggressively, and if they do, they do not often tighten up and do not continue to play so aggressively. I was able to bust that dude about 4 hands later when he pushed A 10o into me when I had QQ.
So, down $5 from poker, but up just over $9 with rakeback. I am amazed how I am playing so many sngs and just winning or losing small amounts. Back when I was playing one at a time and only a few a night I was able to win or lose more. I guess this is a good thing though.
Other than that, I have a very busy day ahead of me...just wanted to post because I am thinking about poker...just don't have time to play a lot of it tonight. Here are a few random thoughts:
I was mad at myself for not playing last weekend. What that did was put me behind schedule, was a lapse in discipline, and in the long run, may hurt my game. I have tried to set up my week where I will have a MINIMUM of 2 days off from poker. Well, when I push that limit, it takes away from my study time. When I take an unplanned break from poker, it is usually to waste time doing something unproductive. While I am the slack-master, my goals are to be disciplined. So, instead of studying hand histories and reading, I had to log another night of sngs. My ROI isn't quite where I would like it, but then again, I have a small sample size. Just need to be patient!
Once my work life settles down, I will be heading to the gym and trying to take care of myself, physically. I am the type that does everything compulsively. I am trying to take control of that, but I do everything to the extreme. I have never been able to incorporate more than 2 or 3 passions into my life because I get so absorbed with one or two of them. For instance, working out is a passion of mine and when I am into it, I do it compulsively. But, then I get burned out after about a year and my body aches, so while I rest my body, I pick up something else. Well, it appears poker is here to stay and working out MUST become a top priority, not for vanity but because I am getting older...well, finally out of my 20s. Work usually takes a back seat to my happiness. This has caused me some frustrations, but I have had jobs that just plain SUCKED! Sucked is a relative term; let's just say it affected my life outside of the office and I vowed to never let that happen again. If I play my cards right, it never may! (Damn I am good with these puns!!) But poker can definitely infringe on my home life...the ups and downs are hard to handle, but I look forward to learning!
As some of you know, I have been interviewing for jobs. I have quit my old job on a full time basis and have been able to keep my core duties. So, I have freed up myself to get a different full time job. I am currently working at a large corporation and I really like the people I work with, but the work is mind-numbingly boring. One of the advantages of working in a large corporation is that you can be anonymous a lot of the time and just mess around and get paid decently to just hang around. Smaller companies do not usually pay quite as well and you have much more responsibilities and less benefits. So, I have been working at my new job on a temp to hire basis for the first month. After which, I will have to "apply" for the job...I should find out today or tomorrow if I get offered a job at a very fast growing networking company. I feel like i am in a morgue at work...all these old people coughing and complaining. I feel like I am dying here...but it seems low stress and pretty easy. It will be a hard decision to make if I am offered the other job. I have pretty much decided to take it if it is offered. Better pay, about 12-15% higher than what I am making now, full benefits, plus 3 weeks vacation in year 1! Sounds too good to be true. I know working there will be much more active and potentially stressful, but much, much more fulfilling. Anyway, I will keep you updated on the job situations. I cannot bank on doing the books at my old job forever...so if that ever gets yanked away, then I will be happy I opted for a bit more money and more vacation!!
UPDATE:
I ended up playing 11 sngs tonight. I played better, but not great. Still too many early exits for my taste. I am usually seeing 4 multitablers on my tables...which sometimes makes playing the bubble easier. The only reason I say this is because they respect the pushes and they often push marginal hands. In the last sngs that I won tonight, one guy kept playing very aggressively and was picking up blinds. So, I had K8s and called his push and he had Q9o. My hand held up, but bad players usually do not play Q9 so aggressively, and if they do, they do not often tighten up and do not continue to play so aggressively. I was able to bust that dude about 4 hands later when he pushed A 10o into me when I had QQ.
So, down $5 from poker, but up just over $9 with rakeback. I am amazed how I am playing so many sngs and just winning or losing small amounts. Back when I was playing one at a time and only a few a night I was able to win or lose more. I guess this is a good thing though.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Wednesday 1/11/2006
Tonight, I came home and fired up 2 sngs. Got 1st in one and busted out 5th on the other. I think I am going to get to bed early tonight because I have to work the second job tomorrow. I am committed to paying off all debt so I will not have any future, unnecessary drains on my bankroll. If I continue to pull from it, I am not giving myself a chance to succeed. I will hopefully have time tomorrow night to play some...but I am happy to win some and build the ole bankroll.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Tuesday 1/10/2006
I was looking at my spreadsheets and stats for December and realized that, once again, I am falling behind on my goals for the month. I am going to do everything I can this week to make up for the gap and try to get ahead. In a way, I feel like I am challenging myself. So, it is becoming fun to try to set a goal and attain it. I used to see posts on forums where people would play like 200, 300, or even 400 sngs in a few days. I never understood it, but now I see why. We are competitive and this sort of challenge brings out the gamer in us. Plus, if you can play 100 sngs in a weekend, even if you break even, the rakeback makes it worthwhile.
As I am sitting here thinking about my past few nights of play, I realize I have deviated from the formula that I have been using to successfully play and win at sngs. I think part of it is that my comfort level has changed. I am far more comfortable playing and in my playing abilities. When you start to play all the time, you recognize players and know their abilities. I often keep my eye on known multitablers and people with solid records & stats and have noticed that I am very successful against them.
I wanted to post a few hands from last night. I don't post hands much, so I thought I should start with a few that entertained me, and I will then start to post hands that challenge me.
I am in middle position with KQo. I raise to 3xbb and get one caller. Flop comes KQX, no flush possibility. I bet 2x min raise to see if he is interested and build the pot. He calls. Turn comes 10. I remember thinking, no way this joker has AJ, so I put out a pot sized bet. Next thing I know, I get reraised all in. I couldn't believe it...and how can I fold top 2 pair?? I talk myself into believing he has AK and I very reluctantly called. He shows AJ! RIVER QUEEN! So here is a good, bad beat story :) But, it is just proof to me that getting mixed up in pots with marginal hands is just plain dangerous. And, slowplaying anything but DA NUTS!! Is pure suicide!
Another hand that I have to post: There has been some crazy plays at this table, pushes to win 45 in blinds, pushes into 100 chip pots, you know, donk stuff. So, the table has been quite loose. I am on BB, blinds are 25/50 and there are 9 left. Min raise starts it off, 4 callers, and it is on me. I am sitting on the BB with AA..Heree is my thought process. AA does not play well in a multhanded pot and a medium sized raise, like to 300, would probably have a couple callers, so I push my 950 chips in the middle. Everyone folds. I was immediately yelled at by the worst player on the table..Telling me how he folded AK. Why would he yell at me for saving his butt? Moreover, why would he yell at me at all? I see it as a win/win for us both. I boosted my chipstack 50%, and pushed myself into 2nd place (pun intended) without ever seeing a showdown. For donk with the loud mouth, I saved him $55 in entry fees because he would have been busted and firing up another.
Sorry for the stupid hand posts, but I just needed to laugh. Hope you enjoyed it. I will be playing later tonight and updates to follow!
UPDATE:
Finally a good start. I played tighter early and took a 1st and 3rd in my first 2 sngs. And this leads me to yet another roadblock that I need to overcome. Most times when I get 1st in one of my first 2 sngs and cash in the second, I would quit. Especially after having 2 session of grinding small profits, I should really be calling it quits for the night...I am going to shoot for 10 total tonight...
Big downswing after the hot start. My gut says I should have quit, but that isn't the correct way to think about it. But, in the meantime, while I am still in the bankroll building phase, I think I will quit when I am ahead again. Lets see how I can finish. I must admit, I want properly focused and played horribly...HORRIBLY. Need to stay disciplined, focused, and smart!
Ok, after dumping my money back with stupid, undisciplined play, I buckled down and finished 1st and 3rd again to temporarily end my night up $40. So, it could have been worse and I could have started out up $240 only to lose for the night. In the future, again until I start to 4-table or while I am building a bankroll, I will quit if I start the night with 2 cashes and at least 1 first.
Played 12 sngs, mostly because I busted quickly playing stupid. But, the good thing is that now that I play more regularly, I see the same people and my moments ofindiscretionn might reward me down the line.
As I am sitting here thinking about my past few nights of play, I realize I have deviated from the formula that I have been using to successfully play and win at sngs. I think part of it is that my comfort level has changed. I am far more comfortable playing and in my playing abilities. When you start to play all the time, you recognize players and know their abilities. I often keep my eye on known multitablers and people with solid records & stats and have noticed that I am very successful against them.
I wanted to post a few hands from last night. I don't post hands much, so I thought I should start with a few that entertained me, and I will then start to post hands that challenge me.
I am in middle position with KQo. I raise to 3xbb and get one caller. Flop comes KQX, no flush possibility. I bet 2x min raise to see if he is interested and build the pot. He calls. Turn comes 10. I remember thinking, no way this joker has AJ, so I put out a pot sized bet. Next thing I know, I get reraised all in. I couldn't believe it...and how can I fold top 2 pair?? I talk myself into believing he has AK and I very reluctantly called. He shows AJ! RIVER QUEEN! So here is a good, bad beat story :) But, it is just proof to me that getting mixed up in pots with marginal hands is just plain dangerous. And, slowplaying anything but DA NUTS!! Is pure suicide!
Another hand that I have to post: There has been some crazy plays at this table, pushes to win 45 in blinds, pushes into 100 chip pots, you know, donk stuff. So, the table has been quite loose. I am on BB, blinds are 25/50 and there are 9 left. Min raise starts it off, 4 callers, and it is on me. I am sitting on the BB with AA..Heree is my thought process. AA does not play well in a multhanded pot and a medium sized raise, like to 300, would probably have a couple callers, so I push my 950 chips in the middle. Everyone folds. I was immediately yelled at by the worst player on the table..Telling me how he folded AK. Why would he yell at me for saving his butt? Moreover, why would he yell at me at all? I see it as a win/win for us both. I boosted my chipstack 50%, and pushed myself into 2nd place (pun intended) without ever seeing a showdown. For donk with the loud mouth, I saved him $55 in entry fees because he would have been busted and firing up another.
Sorry for the stupid hand posts, but I just needed to laugh. Hope you enjoyed it. I will be playing later tonight and updates to follow!
UPDATE:
Finally a good start. I played tighter early and took a 1st and 3rd in my first 2 sngs. And this leads me to yet another roadblock that I need to overcome. Most times when I get 1st in one of my first 2 sngs and cash in the second, I would quit. Especially after having 2 session of grinding small profits, I should really be calling it quits for the night...I am going to shoot for 10 total tonight...
Big downswing after the hot start. My gut says I should have quit, but that isn't the correct way to think about it. But, in the meantime, while I am still in the bankroll building phase, I think I will quit when I am ahead again. Lets see how I can finish. I must admit, I want properly focused and played horribly...HORRIBLY. Need to stay disciplined, focused, and smart!
Ok, after dumping my money back with stupid, undisciplined play, I buckled down and finished 1st and 3rd again to temporarily end my night up $40. So, it could have been worse and I could have started out up $240 only to lose for the night. In the future, again until I start to 4-table or while I am building a bankroll, I will quit if I start the night with 2 cashes and at least 1 first.
Played 12 sngs, mostly because I busted quickly playing stupid. But, the good thing is that now that I play more regularly, I see the same people and my moments ofindiscretionn might reward me down the line.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Monday 1/9/2006
Not sure when I will be playing tonight. I have to run down to my other job after work for an hour. I like to get settled before I play. So, I am thinking I will get moving around 7:00 tonight. My goal is to play 5 nights this week. I have a friend moving to town and my brother will be in town in a few weeks, so I know my time this month might be a little tighter than usual. the goal for tonight is 8 sngs, shooting for 10+. I figure if I can manage 10+ on the nights I play, that will be perfect. It will put me well on my way towards my goal of over 200 sngs a month, and put me on pace for 400 sngs once I start to 4-table.
It is weird how poker becomes a job. But, it is like being self employed, so it is very easy to say, screw poker; I’m going to happy hour. Or forget poker, I have friends in town. Then, at the end of the month, you have 100 sngs and failed to make any of your goals. I am pretty disappointed in myself knowing the power of playing sngs and how much I would like to hit my numbers. I have always though about playing poker for a living and it wasn’t fame or money that keeps me focused; it has always been the freedom. I now realize there is no job out there that will offer me the type of freedom I want, unless I marry very well :) But seriously, the life of the anonymous, online, poker pro is fine with me. People pulling in 6 figures, cash where ever you decide to call your home for the week sounds pretty sweet. But, I need a running partner...someone to share the responsibility and help with the rough months...so, in the immortal words of Jerry McGuire, "Whose comin' with me?"
UPDATE:
Again, started slow. I played 11 sngs after starting pretty late. I have to admit, I did not feel that I was playing well. Results showed as I won myself $45, about half of what I would hope for. But, need to get away from results oriented thinking. I am happy to have logged another 11 sngs! That is the goal I should be most focused on.
I am starting to wonder if I need to tweak with my game. I am playing well on the bubble, but I am busting out early in a lot of the ones I don't cash in. I have a lot of 8th places. I do push some edges and have taken a few bad beats, but overall I think I am just playing a bit too loose in early levels. Luckily, most of my bad beats happen early and most of my suckouts happen ITM! Fine by me!
Couple mental notes from my session:
It is weird how poker becomes a job. But, it is like being self employed, so it is very easy to say, screw poker; I’m going to happy hour. Or forget poker, I have friends in town. Then, at the end of the month, you have 100 sngs and failed to make any of your goals. I am pretty disappointed in myself knowing the power of playing sngs and how much I would like to hit my numbers. I have always though about playing poker for a living and it wasn’t fame or money that keeps me focused; it has always been the freedom. I now realize there is no job out there that will offer me the type of freedom I want, unless I marry very well :) But seriously, the life of the anonymous, online, poker pro is fine with me. People pulling in 6 figures, cash where ever you decide to call your home for the week sounds pretty sweet. But, I need a running partner...someone to share the responsibility and help with the rough months...so, in the immortal words of Jerry McGuire, "Whose comin' with me?"
UPDATE:
Again, started slow. I played 11 sngs after starting pretty late. I have to admit, I did not feel that I was playing well. Results showed as I won myself $45, about half of what I would hope for. But, need to get away from results oriented thinking. I am happy to have logged another 11 sngs! That is the goal I should be most focused on.
I am starting to wonder if I need to tweak with my game. I am playing well on the bubble, but I am busting out early in a lot of the ones I don't cash in. I have a lot of 8th places. I do push some edges and have taken a few bad beats, but overall I think I am just playing a bit too loose in early levels. Luckily, most of my bad beats happen early and most of my suckouts happen ITM! Fine by me!
Couple mental notes from my session:
- There was some pretty awful bubble play on the $55s last night. Just awful.
- I played pretty poorly overall
- I tried to get away from the more mechanical style of play and tried to "play" a little more. I admit that it probably is not smart, but sometimes you can feel the game. I think I am going back to my old style. Quit messing with what works!
- Even though I think I played poorly, another winning night! Hit my goal of 8-10 sngs (Played 11)! Another successful night of grinding!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Sunday
Horrible start so far. Lost 3 in a row, and had dominating hands when I was busted...Had QQ and pushed post flop only to be called by a guy that says, I know I'm beat, but I cant fold. Turns over Jacks only to hit a Jack on turn! Unreal! Still playing...
Just pushed at CO with 99 and was called by K5o. Of course a King came on flop. tough man, tough.
Bunch of bad beats tonight. Just finished 2nd and 3rd. Should have won the 2nd one though. Had him beat to eliminate him and he caught a flush. Then, I fought back and would have taken a 2.5:1 chip lead, but my JJ didnt hold up against K4o. Thats the way it goes sometimes. Gonna take a break and get back to it later.
Ended the night up $145. I was able to play 11 tonight, so that was good too. I only played 35 sngs this week, so that is behind schedule.
Nothing exciting to report...just a typical day at sngs.
Just pushed at CO with 99 and was called by K5o. Of course a King came on flop. tough man, tough.
Bunch of bad beats tonight. Just finished 2nd and 3rd. Should have won the 2nd one though. Had him beat to eliminate him and he caught a flush. Then, I fought back and would have taken a 2.5:1 chip lead, but my JJ didnt hold up against K4o. Thats the way it goes sometimes. Gonna take a break and get back to it later.
Ended the night up $145. I was able to play 11 tonight, so that was good too. I only played 35 sngs this week, so that is behind schedule.
Nothing exciting to report...just a typical day at sngs.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Everything Falling Into Place...
Well, I think a major hurdle was overcome this week. First off, I started a new job, which pays me more than my old job which barely covered the bills. Problem was, I couldnt make more money at my old job, but it was a pretty good situation. I didnt work too hard and I could do my core functions standing on my head. Now, I am at a new job, making more $$, AND I was able to keep my core functions from my old job. I come in twice a week, pick up my work, complete my work from home, and we are still working out the compensation. This is a big development for a few reasons.
First, I am assuming this will last at least 3 months, hopefully much longer. This will not infringe much on my playing time because it am able to work from home. Second, and more importantly, it allows me to comfortably pay all my bills and then some. Poker used to be a much needed source of income, where I would scrape some (Over $2,000 one month and over $1,000 the next) off the top at the end of every month. Now, not only am i not counting on the income, but I can let it build! I do not think I will experience the same hang ups, so this will allow me to truly focus on building without the added pressure.
Lots of good stuff happening already in 2006! I knew this would be my year! Stay tuned, I have one more BIG project I am working on. If I can develop the software, anyone following my blog will be the first to know and the first ones offered the service! (FYI – this service is already being done, but at a very prohibitive cost, about $10k a month!) My service would offer the same abilities, but at a few hundred bucks a month...Anyway, I digress...good things though, good things!
I am feeling a big night tonight...really looking forward to playing tonight!
First, I am assuming this will last at least 3 months, hopefully much longer. This will not infringe much on my playing time because it am able to work from home. Second, and more importantly, it allows me to comfortably pay all my bills and then some. Poker used to be a much needed source of income, where I would scrape some (Over $2,000 one month and over $1,000 the next) off the top at the end of every month. Now, not only am i not counting on the income, but I can let it build! I do not think I will experience the same hang ups, so this will allow me to truly focus on building without the added pressure.
Lots of good stuff happening already in 2006! I knew this would be my year! Stay tuned, I have one more BIG project I am working on. If I can develop the software, anyone following my blog will be the first to know and the first ones offered the service! (FYI – this service is already being done, but at a very prohibitive cost, about $10k a month!) My service would offer the same abilities, but at a few hundred bucks a month...Anyway, I digress...good things though, good things!
I am feeling a big night tonight...really looking forward to playing tonight!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Success...And More Success
Last night was a test for me. Not only did I log 17 sngs, I made $9! :)
OK, so my return was nothing to brag about. However, the number of sngs I played was! While 17 sngs is a few hours, or even 1 hour, of work for some sng players; this represents a big step. Sure, I have played 18-22 sngs in a day, but here is why I am excited:
This represents a terrible day of play and I still ended up making some money. The reason why I put so much emphasis on getting my numbers up is because I am currently 2-tabling. When I finally can 4-table effectively (never even tried it), I can log twice as many sngs in the same amount of time. So, if it took me 3 hours to log 8 sngs before, I could log a healthy 16 in that same time. So, hitting my first few monthly goals is going to be important. I believe by the end of February I will be able to buy myself a nice monitor to start 4-tabling. This should decrease my playing time and increase my returns. You find me another endeavor where you could honestly say this! Moreover, it will help decrease burn out. If I can comfortably play 250 sngs while 2-tabling, 400 sngs 4-tabling is a very attainable goal. Very, very good money can be made at this level. Netting a minimum of $2k this month is huge! Gotta keep plugging away!
Tonight after my day job, I am heading back to my old job to help them with their accounting. The nice thing is, if I can play my cards right, I will be doing their books on the side. This will defintely help my overall bankroll and help me make a little extra money. So, I will probably be home and ready to play by 7 tonight...so I hope to get in a solid 8-10 sngs tonight, depending on how I am running.
Update:
It's 11:20 and I havent play 1 sng yet, I am dead tired, and I feel pretty good about it. I just started a new job, but I was able to keep my old job and work from home. I never wanted to leave, but I needed to move on. I enjoyed my time there and now i get to work 2 days a week, drop by the office, pick up my work, drop off what I've done, and thats it. PRETTY SWEET. Obviously not at the same salary, but I get to do what interests me while giving them a good value. Works out well...
So, that allows me a little less time for poker, but definitely plenty to meet all my goals. but, tonight, I take the night off and enjoy my windfall.
OK, so my return was nothing to brag about. However, the number of sngs I played was! While 17 sngs is a few hours, or even 1 hour, of work for some sng players; this represents a big step. Sure, I have played 18-22 sngs in a day, but here is why I am excited:
This represents a terrible day of play and I still ended up making some money. The reason why I put so much emphasis on getting my numbers up is because I am currently 2-tabling. When I finally can 4-table effectively (never even tried it), I can log twice as many sngs in the same amount of time. So, if it took me 3 hours to log 8 sngs before, I could log a healthy 16 in that same time. So, hitting my first few monthly goals is going to be important. I believe by the end of February I will be able to buy myself a nice monitor to start 4-tabling. This should decrease my playing time and increase my returns. You find me another endeavor where you could honestly say this! Moreover, it will help decrease burn out. If I can comfortably play 250 sngs while 2-tabling, 400 sngs 4-tabling is a very attainable goal. Very, very good money can be made at this level. Netting a minimum of $2k this month is huge! Gotta keep plugging away!
Tonight after my day job, I am heading back to my old job to help them with their accounting. The nice thing is, if I can play my cards right, I will be doing their books on the side. This will defintely help my overall bankroll and help me make a little extra money. So, I will probably be home and ready to play by 7 tonight...so I hope to get in a solid 8-10 sngs tonight, depending on how I am running.
Update:
It's 11:20 and I havent play 1 sng yet, I am dead tired, and I feel pretty good about it. I just started a new job, but I was able to keep my old job and work from home. I never wanted to leave, but I needed to move on. I enjoyed my time there and now i get to work 2 days a week, drop by the office, pick up my work, drop off what I've done, and thats it. PRETTY SWEET. Obviously not at the same salary, but I get to do what interests me while giving them a good value. Works out well...
So, that allows me a little less time for poker, but definitely plenty to meet all my goals. but, tonight, I take the night off and enjoy my windfall.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
FIRST MAJOR HURDLE...
Ok, while I wait for my passwords and for people to find the time to train me, I am sitting here at my new job reading contracts and perusing their network and accounting software. I know; loads of fun. There is a lot of room for growth here and I think my time will be well spent...but in the mean time, here is what is going through my mind:
The past month and a half, my ROI on the $55 sngs on Party poker has been 14-15%. While the bad beats have been plentiful, I am still quite disappointed with this ROI. Mentally, this is hard for me to take for the following reasons:
The past month and a half, my ROI on the $55 sngs on Party poker has been 14-15%. While the bad beats have been plentiful, I am still quite disappointed with this ROI. Mentally, this is hard for me to take for the following reasons:
- This low of an ROI will subject me to pretty major swings
- Bad beats just make me fixate on my return
- I feel like it should be higher, but from my reading on forums like 2+2, they tell me I should be happy with this ROI.
Ok, so what is my problem?? Let me change gears and look for reasons why I should be happy with this:
- DO NOT FIXATE ON ROI!! Try to mentally prioritize my stats and put more emphasis on $$/hr!! DO IT!!
- Bad beats happen. If you are taking more than you are giving, then you are playing solid poker because you are ahead when the money goes in. If you can't take them, find a new way to make money!!
- Look at, digest, and keep the following numbers at the forefront of my mind:
I would like to devote 20 hours per week playing sngs. If the average sng is 45 minutes long (In actuality, it is more like 35 minutes, but lets assume I am 4-tabling in sets, not firing up a new one as I bust), here are some numbers:
(20 hours per week):
106 $55 sngs
$880 profit
$137 in rakeback
Total Profit $1017
$$/HR: $50.85
So, now what I believed to be a paltry 15% ROI has netted me over $1000 a week in about 20 hours of work. With numbers like these, why the hell am I having such a hard time hammering out sngs?? Do I really want to do this? Is my heart in it?
I have to admit to myself that I have been questioning whether I can do this. Keeping my return positive is not the challenge, it is keep up the # of sngs I play. Is anyone else experiencing this sort of disconnect? I started this blog to document these sorts of things, and I just cant understand what my issue is. COMMENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ANYONE READING THIS!!
I need to hammer out some sngs tonight...bottom line, get er done!! Focus, Discipline, Focus, Discipline!
About ready to head home...another hour or so. Gotta make a quick stop and then I am heading home to watch the Rose Bowl and play some sngs. My goal for tonight is 8-10 sngs. I think if I start to set more short term goals, like daily and weekly goals, I might be able to achieve them.
Update:
Playing well and not getting results. Lost AA twice to crap hands to bust out of money...I have been playing them well, making people pay for every draw...but they call even when they are not getting proper odds. I should be smarter than that, but in retrospect, I would play them the same. If any night will test my resolve it is tonight. But, I have logged at least 7 sngs and have 2 more going....so I am powering through them. Looks like I will make my goal for tonight, but it is always easier to keep playing and try to win rather than quit when you're ahead. It will be interesting to see how I hold up when I start the session on a winning note.
Tough night to take...lots of suck outs. I am playing solid, but just not holding up. Going to have these nights...so have to learn to expect this. Doesnt bother me too much, but I have to admit I am getting pissed. I am gonna take a break in a few and start up some more.
Just finished up. I played 17 sngs tonight...down $13, but had a great comeback finishing 1st, 1st, 3rd to complete my set. Including rakeback, it is actually a winning night. Very happy with my play tonight...had a few bad beats, a few suckouts, and a break even night...not bad. Definitely played a good number of sngs. I was 3 tabling for 2 sets and 2 tabling for the rest. A few observations:
- 9 straight out of the money finishes
- 2 1sts, 2 2nds, and a 3rd
- 5 8th place finishes, 2 7ths, and a 10th
- I actually played some poker tonight. I dont know how to explain it. Usually I sit around and play my cards, but tonight, I was into the game a little more than usual. I could actually feel the game...I dont know, it was during my losing streak, but I was ahead in most situations and took a lot of bad beats.
Strange distribution of finishes. Had fun tonight, but my comeback is the only reason I can find any positives tonight. If I had not finished strong, it would be tough sleeping tonight!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
And Here We Go...
Well just fired up a sng at 6:50...I'm pretty tired and was not sure if i should be playing. First hand, AA, 3rd hand, JJ. Doubled up without having to go to showdown...so things are starting well...update to come!
I took a few bad beats tonight. Had a 2nd and a 3rd in 5 sngs and am down vig. I got pretty frustrated because I was in with the best hand quite often and lost. If half of my hands would have held up, I would have cashed at least one more. I quit because I felt it was going to affect my play.
I took a few bad beats tonight. Had a 2nd and a 3rd in 5 sngs and am down vig. I got pretty frustrated because I was in with the best hand quite often and lost. If half of my hands would have held up, I would have cashed at least one more. I quit because I felt it was going to affect my play.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Late Start - College Football Finales
I got a late start to the day and have been stuck watching college football. My badgers are playing and handling Auburn today. So, I am enjoying the game. Plus, there are 2 BCS bowl games later. So, after the Badger game, i am heading out to run some errands and will be back playing sngs while I watch Ohio State handle Notre Dame! Big Ten needs some wins, I think we are 0-4 in bowl games so far. If the Badgers & Ohio State win, that will be 2 wins against top 8 teams and Penn State could knock off a Florida State team in another BCS bowl. So, depsite a bad start to the bowl season, the Big Ten could finish very strongly!
Updates to follow!
Well, it is 10:30 and I have not played any sngs. I am a bit disappointed, but I have been watching a few football games and went over to a friend of mine's to talk about my sports software. I am pushing hard for some software to be developed. If I can get what I am requesting, I think I can have a very powerful tool. Updates will follow, but developing this software is on my list of priorities, so it was not a wasted night.
Poker tomorrow for sure!
Updates to follow!
Well, it is 10:30 and I have not played any sngs. I am a bit disappointed, but I have been watching a few football games and went over to a friend of mine's to talk about my sports software. I am pushing hard for some software to be developed. If I can get what I am requesting, I think I can have a very powerful tool. Updates will follow, but developing this software is on my list of priorities, so it was not a wasted night.
Poker tomorrow for sure!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
First Session of 2006
I just fired up a few sngs to kill some time and play my first couple of the new year. I played 2 of them pretty well, at least when I reviewed my hand histories, I thought I played them pretty well. Ironic thing is when I reviewed the hand history of the one I won, I played horribly. I even knew it at the table and joked about how I was playing like a donk and how I was unbeatable. I had 2 or 3 nasty suck outs...Here is one:
Raised 25/50 blinds to 200 preflop UTG with AKo and had one caller. Flop came QJx, no flush draw. I put in a 2/3 pot size raise and was reraised. I was getting the odds to call but knew I was in trouble. Turn comes K and I pushed, which was about 20% of the pot, so I knew I was getting called. He turns over QJ and the river brought another K and I doubled up. Pretty funny hand, but what the hell is he calling a 4xBB raise with QJ in middle position. People online at the $55 sngs just do not respect the UTG raise. I am sure to play a few more tonight...I will update later...
Well, I didnt play any more tonight. Not sure what that means. Is that the same old problem I have had since last year or am I showing discipline? The reason I did not play any more was because I felt out of sync in the 3 sngs that i did play. I felt very fortunate to have won anything, so I decided to call it a night. Is it discipline for recognizing that my play might be off tonight? Or, is this something I need to overcome and just power through it. I still feel underbankrolled right now and wont be comfortable until I have 100 buy ins. I should be able to get there by the end of the month. So, until that point, I will be more concerned with my ROI because the higher my ROI, the less variance I should experience. I know, it sounds like I am making excuses, but once I hit 100 buy ins, I will have to find another excuse. :)
Raised 25/50 blinds to 200 preflop UTG with AKo and had one caller. Flop came QJx, no flush draw. I put in a 2/3 pot size raise and was reraised. I was getting the odds to call but knew I was in trouble. Turn comes K and I pushed, which was about 20% of the pot, so I knew I was getting called. He turns over QJ and the river brought another K and I doubled up. Pretty funny hand, but what the hell is he calling a 4xBB raise with QJ in middle position. People online at the $55 sngs just do not respect the UTG raise. I am sure to play a few more tonight...I will update later...
Well, I didnt play any more tonight. Not sure what that means. Is that the same old problem I have had since last year or am I showing discipline? The reason I did not play any more was because I felt out of sync in the 3 sngs that i did play. I felt very fortunate to have won anything, so I decided to call it a night. Is it discipline for recognizing that my play might be off tonight? Or, is this something I need to overcome and just power through it. I still feel underbankrolled right now and wont be comfortable until I have 100 buy ins. I should be able to get there by the end of the month. So, until that point, I will be more concerned with my ROI because the higher my ROI, the less variance I should experience. I know, it sounds like I am making excuses, but once I hit 100 buy ins, I will have to find another excuse. :)
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