Since returning from vegas I just can’t get poker out of my mind. I know it’s of my own doing, because I set some pretty serious goals for myself going forward, but it’s amazing how this game can consume you(well, how it can consume me lol).
I’ve been picking up new students left and right; the total now stands at 10. Between my weekly grind(about 25 hours a week) and my masses of Bwammites, I’m thinking about poker from the time I wake up until an hour 
or so before I hit the hay. During the day when I’m not playing I try to get it out of my mind by watching tv shows…but this last week I’ve found myself actually psycho-analyzing the characters in the TV show, Firefly, and running back scenarios that I might find myself in say…if I were playing against these people 5 handed in a 9 man sng. How would I approach each player? Pretty sure Mal’ and I would find ourselves in many battles involving 3bet shoving…but I digress. If it weren’t for the pure joy I get from teaching players to improve their games and reach new levels for themselves, personally, I’d find myself a bit more drained than I’d appreciate.
This nonstop thinking of poker is becoming rather stressful and I’m currently working on ways to compartmentalize poker…maybe give my brain a rest when I’m not at the tables. It’s hard to calculate scenarios ALL DAY LONG, and certainly makes my job more difficult when I’m actually in the game…so in a sense it’s rather -ev to be this focused on poker. I’d say the toughest obstacle standing between my brain and poker freedom is the random times that regulars seem to flood the games. I’m rather certain none of them understand the concept of game selection, so I must be careful about which games I enter. As a result, my sessions tend to drag on for a little longer and they seep into my “away from poker” time. Next thing you know, I’ve got a skype message from a student asking a poker question; more “away from poker” time gone. Lots of little things just keep bringing my brain right on back to poker, all day long, including this blog lol.
I had wanted to do a blog about variance, the evils within, and how/why to minimize it…but my brain’s feelin’ a little on the goofy side tonight so I’ll just do it up in a following post soon.
Update on my progress at the $30+3 and $50+5 SSTTs on FTP:
| 1,656 | $3.61 | $38 | 11% |
$5,972 |
It’s been quite a journey thus far; have had a lot of break even streaks and roller coaster rides…currently on the downside of a pretty sizable swing at the moment. It’s gotten so bad this last week I find myself actually laughing out loud at the mix of beats and bad fortune. I’ve got a pretty decent feeling about this upcoming week though. So…50s/30s, you’re on notice.
I think about poker all the time too! Nice results even with downswing
Game selection is for chumps. Just 3 bet them so light so often that the other regs game select out of your games.
Nice post Bwammo! I play on those same tables and have seen times when regs are really infesting them. Good luck at the tables that downswing will end soon if it has not already!
How do you like having 10 students? Are you finding time to help them all? Any grouping?
Love having 10 students. And I’d welcome even more
No group sessions as of yet…since I don’t have a standard “job” I’ve got plenty of time to dedicate to teaching.
Ah okay. Awesome man. I look forward to reading more blog posts! Keep crushing the grind!
Haha! I can relate to this. During the first half of the year, poker was dominating my life. Fortunately, after feeling a bit burnt out, I was able to minimize my “addiction”. Remember that there is more to life than poker. A well-rounded life ensures a win-win situation for you and your family/friends.
However, for those starting poker, living and breathing poker is the surefire way to significantly improve your game!