Results for January 2008

In a word...sheesh.

I'm going to call it a "break-even" month. I did make a slight gain for January but I don't really consider a 3% rate of return to be much of a profit. However, I'll take what I can get....better than losing money.

I said that I was going to start reading some more books and I have. I have read Colin Moshmann's (sp?) book on SNG's. It is a very solid book. It pretty much confirmed my overall issue with SNG's. I seem to have the early stages pretty much down....but my middle game needs work. I'll be reviewing the book again and taking notes on things.

So how were my SNG results....mixed. I did really well starting off but really tanked at the end erasing most of that profit leaving only a slight gain for the month. I'm hoping to improve on this over the next few months. I have a site that has 0.10 cent sng's. Since I only have about 10-12 dollars in that account, I'll probably use that one for my SNG work.

My pokerstars account is on life support. My cash games there haven't been going well. I may have to switch it up and play O8 or something to try to conserve what bankroll is left there. Fortunately, it is not my main account so I'm not overly concerned. However, I want to try and grow it.

I have also started reading Sklansky's new book on No Limit Theory. I just read one section at a time (usually just two or 3 pages at most per section) and let myself absorb these nuggets of information. I'm in no mad rush to start NL cash games yet so I'm just taking it easy in that department.

later.

Good Session....plus some thoughts.

I had a good 1 hour session last night more than doubling up my original buy-in. A lot of draws (of which I was priced in to pursue) were coming in and I was getting paid off when I hit them. Can't complain about that.

There has been a bit of discussion on 2+2 regarding the recent PokerRoad radio show with regards to Sebok and Issac Haxton's "discussion" regarding two hands that they played against each other. This seems to be a classic example of how the "internet" players think about the game differently than the "live" players. Go to www.pokerroad.com to hear it.

Personally, I can understand both sides of the debate. However, I seem to be siding more with the "live" side of the debate. While the play, based on the situation as I understand it, is +EV....I'm not sure if it maximizes the player's EV playing it in that fashion. It suggests that, possibly, the stereotypical "internet" player will push any +EV edge while the stereotypical "live" player may be willing to give up small +EV plays for a potentially more lucrative opportunity later. I don't know if I would risk the vast majority of my stack for a smaller pot instead of trying to get someone's entire stack. The whole "internet" thought process makes me think "this play is designed for those afraid to play post-flop". Maybe I'm the only one who thinks that.

No limit is not my strongest game so I could be talking out of my ass. That is why, in accordance with my New Year's resolutions, I decided to order some books to help me out with getting my "no-limit" feet wet. What did I order?

"No Limit Hold'em Theory and Practice" by Sklansky et al.
"Professional No Limit Hold'em Vol. 1" by Mehta et al.
Colin Moshman's book on SNG's

As I read them, I'll post my thoughts on the different subjects plus my opinions on the books in general.

Hello to 2008!

Hey.

Geez, I haven't written. December was, as we say, a poor month. Based on my records for 2007, I had a 16% increase in my bankroll since I started recording results in February. It was actually a bit more than that with my 2nd place finish in an MTT but I have to go with what is recorded.

In a nutshell, my SNG game completely tanked in the second part of the year with very few money finishes. I may have to give those up completely which is a shame since I did very well with those earlier. Fortunately my cash game play helped offset those issues.

So, I should set some goals for 2008. It is interesting that I've been in action since December 2005. I can thank proper bankroll management for that. So what goals do I have?

1. Try to break the $200 dollar barrier for a bankroll. I certainly think this is doable.
2. Improve my limit cash game skills. This seems to be my bread and butter for the time being. I'm hoping this will continue to improve.
3. Not to be afraid to take some shots at higher games. I believe this is important to do. My bankroll could handle the occasional shot at a higher limit...who knows?
4. Play more tournaments (besides freerolls). I think what I will do to accomplish this is to use my cash game results. If I get over the expected 1-2 BB per hour, I'll take a portion of the extra profit every three months and use it towards a tournament bankroll as a reward for myself.
5. Learn to play no-limit cash games. I'll have to do some reading and such on this.

That's about it for now. I hope everyone has a good (and profitable) 2008).

Later.