Hello Railers and Rounders
Current Challenge Bankroll: $10.46 Holy Donkfish!
Well my tiny challenge bankroll took a hit. It is even smaller than it was! Oh no! It's going down instead of up. The beautiful AK suited I got dealt just went down to KQ and my incredible bankroll just became the incredible shrinking bankroll. What can I do!?!
Have you experienced this? Do you see all your hard work going into a tailspin with a crazy losing streak that just won't end? Did your full house just get busted by a runner runner backdoor straight flush? The downswings are inevitable in poker unfortunately and all one can do in a situation like this is just keep truckin'. You may have to go down in stakes. You may have to give your head a shake and quit for a while or even for a few days. Or a month...
What you should never do is allow yourself to get frustrated and start chasing your losses. Do not become an enraged chip bleeding Eeyore...unless of course you're at my table.
Another hazard to avoid is the tendency to go up in stakes to try to recover losses more quickly. If anything you should go down in stakes or sometimes quit playing all together.
Think about the hands where you lost big pots. Were they avoidable? Did you get unlucky or were you playing badly. Be honest with yourself.
I hope you are in an upswing and not in a downswing as you are reading this. Remember stay positive and good luck at the tables everyone. Minimize your losses maximize your wins. If you are able to stay focused and play a solid game, you might lose sometimes but you will never go broke.
Showing posts with label The Poker Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Poker Challenge. Show all posts
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
7. Slow and Steady...Winning the NL Holdem' Race
Hello Rollers and Bloggers,
Current Challenge Bankroll: $11.82 Holy Fish Sticks!
Slow and steady is certainly the strategy I continue to employ in this challenge. It is really hard to stick to the plan and avoid any larger buy-ins. It is always in my plan to take the occasional shot and I believe that should be a part of anyone's plan. You have to move up in stakes at some point and I think I'm about to take the leap up to the $0.30 ($0.25 + $0.05 rake) single table tournaments.
Don't let that guy who seems to play every pot and also to win every pot get to you. Do not go on crazy monkey tilt... while it may seem like fun at the time it never is. If you are that guy... well I'm not speaking to you anymore. Just kidding.
I'm a firm believer that if you think you can continue to improve and continue to build your bankroll then you will succeed. Just don't forget to keep learning. Read articles. Read books. Talk to other players. Talk to yourself. Talk to God. Talk to that lucky rabbits foot that you have stapled to your underwear. Of course the best way to learn is to go ahead and play poker and multi-table and see 1000s of hands, but a break never hurts and you never know how an outside point of view might help your game.
This studious approach works great with a disciplined slow but steady approach to the game. No matter what the size of your bankroll you can employ solid tactics and a positive outlook to build it up to the next level.
Keep a winning attitude and good luck at the tables everyone.
Current Challenge Bankroll: $11.82 Holy Fish Sticks!
Slow and steady is certainly the strategy I continue to employ in this challenge. It is really hard to stick to the plan and avoid any larger buy-ins. It is always in my plan to take the occasional shot and I believe that should be a part of anyone's plan. You have to move up in stakes at some point and I think I'm about to take the leap up to the $0.30 ($0.25 + $0.05 rake) single table tournaments.
Don't let that guy who seems to play every pot and also to win every pot get to you. Do not go on crazy monkey tilt... while it may seem like fun at the time it never is. If you are that guy... well I'm not speaking to you anymore. Just kidding.
I'm a firm believer that if you think you can continue to improve and continue to build your bankroll then you will succeed. Just don't forget to keep learning. Read articles. Read books. Talk to other players. Talk to yourself. Talk to God. Talk to that lucky rabbits foot that you have stapled to your underwear. Of course the best way to learn is to go ahead and play poker and multi-table and see 1000s of hands, but a break never hurts and you never know how an outside point of view might help your game.
This studious approach works great with a disciplined slow but steady approach to the game. No matter what the size of your bankroll you can employ solid tactics and a positive outlook to build it up to the next level.
Keep a winning attitude and good luck at the tables everyone.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
6. Back from a long hiatus. Still building up this little bankroll that could.
Hello Felt Lovers,
Current Challenge Bankroll: $10.31 Holy Fat Tuna!
I suppose that some of you might have been wondering what happened to my challenge. Well I took a long break from it because playing at this level will make you crazy after a while! Bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha drool...
I have been working on other bankrolls and this one took a back seat for a while but I'm back to build baby build!... or die trying...
For those of you wondering what I'm talking about click here to read about the beginning of the challenge.
I still don't think I'll be able to donate too much time to this particular poker challenge, however I will be updating about it more regularly for those of you that are interested.
My following here is slowly growing and I appreciate those of you that stop by to read my posts. Good luck on the tables everyone and happy blogging.
Current Challenge Bankroll: $10.31 Holy Fat Tuna!
I suppose that some of you might have been wondering what happened to my challenge. Well I took a long break from it because playing at this level will make you crazy after a while! Bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha drool...
I have been working on other bankrolls and this one took a back seat for a while but I'm back to build baby build!... or die trying...
For those of you wondering what I'm talking about click here to read about the beginning of the challenge.
I still don't think I'll be able to donate too much time to this particular poker challenge, however I will be updating about it more regularly for those of you that are interested.
My following here is slowly growing and I appreciate those of you that stop by to read my posts. Good luck on the tables everyone and happy blogging.
Monday, March 22, 2010
5. Bankroll Management, Fluctuations and Breaking the Rules
Hello Micro Crushers,
Current Challenge Bankroll: $9.07 Holy Blowfish!
Well, I'm still struggling with the challenge trying to grind myself up to the next level. I am being super conservative with my bankroll management at this stage so any progress is expected to be slow. It would be really unpleasant to go broke with this challenge so I'm building up from zero very very patiently. For now I am sticking with the 12 cent buy-in single table tournaments and enjoying success when I play a disciplined game and pay attention to the betting patterns of the other players.
In this low limit tournament arena I really think it's best to stick to a basic strategy and not try anything too fancy. The players at this level will make mistakes. When I play too loose too early in these tournaments it sets me up for trouble because most of these guys don't know how to fold. If you're going to break some basic strategy rules and start raising in position with any two, be sure that you know your opponent is smart enough to fold when he or she should.
Because discipline isn't always the easiest thing in the world it's easy to say "oh it's only twelve cents" and just open shove with any decent hand. I know when I'm playing bad sometimes but continue to do so due to boredom. Don't be like me! Don't trap yourself with too many raises and thoughtless aggression. Aggression is good, but only when you're in control of yourself and your table.
Good luck at the table guys and dolls.
Current Challenge Bankroll: $9.07 Holy Blowfish!
Well, I'm still struggling with the challenge trying to grind myself up to the next level. I am being super conservative with my bankroll management at this stage so any progress is expected to be slow. It would be really unpleasant to go broke with this challenge so I'm building up from zero very very patiently. For now I am sticking with the 12 cent buy-in single table tournaments and enjoying success when I play a disciplined game and pay attention to the betting patterns of the other players.
In this low limit tournament arena I really think it's best to stick to a basic strategy and not try anything too fancy. The players at this level will make mistakes. When I play too loose too early in these tournaments it sets me up for trouble because most of these guys don't know how to fold. If you're going to break some basic strategy rules and start raising in position with any two, be sure that you know your opponent is smart enough to fold when he or she should.
Because discipline isn't always the easiest thing in the world it's easy to say "oh it's only twelve cents" and just open shove with any decent hand. I know when I'm playing bad sometimes but continue to do so due to boredom. Don't be like me! Don't trap yourself with too many raises and thoughtless aggression. Aggression is good, but only when you're in control of yourself and your table.
Good luck at the table guys and dolls.
Monday, February 15, 2010
4. Slow going - Patience and Poker
Hello Donkey Killers,
Current Challenge Bankroll: $7.02
I'm still playing many 12 cent No-Limit tournaments and learning much as I go. These tournaments can be really tough because there can be quite a few donkey pots. It seems that as much as you may try to avoid coin flips eventually you will have to call some of these guys with a marginal hand particularly if they are shoving too much.
Recently I played heads up with a guy that was shoving on me every single pot and I just wasn't getting any cards. Such a frustrating game. I eventually ended up the shorter stack against this seemingly mindless aggression and shoved on his blind with K6 suited. The villain called with Q5 before the flop and caught both cards. This seems to happen to me quite a bit heads up and I'm working on making my game more reckless to avoid getting walked on... however it's really tough when your opponent is going all in every hand with little or no thought.
I have had some success with these guys by waiting for a decent pocket pair or an ace and letting them hang themselves. Unfortunately in a heads up game you don't always have the luxury of waiting for cards and if they never come you'll have to resort to other means. Slow playing really isn't the best idea either as it's too easy for them to beat you with an inferior hand if you let them see a cheap flop, however if they are shoving on you every hand then it might be worth it to limp - call with some of your better hands.
So for now the word of the day is patience. I really was hoping to be at least over the $10 mark with this challenge but for now it's break even city. Good luck on the felt everyone and good luck to you in your challenge whatever the level.
Current Challenge Bankroll: $7.02
I'm still playing many 12 cent No-Limit tournaments and learning much as I go. These tournaments can be really tough because there can be quite a few donkey pots. It seems that as much as you may try to avoid coin flips eventually you will have to call some of these guys with a marginal hand particularly if they are shoving too much.
Recently I played heads up with a guy that was shoving on me every single pot and I just wasn't getting any cards. Such a frustrating game. I eventually ended up the shorter stack against this seemingly mindless aggression and shoved on his blind with K6 suited. The villain called with Q5 before the flop and caught both cards. This seems to happen to me quite a bit heads up and I'm working on making my game more reckless to avoid getting walked on... however it's really tough when your opponent is going all in every hand with little or no thought.
I have had some success with these guys by waiting for a decent pocket pair or an ace and letting them hang themselves. Unfortunately in a heads up game you don't always have the luxury of waiting for cards and if they never come you'll have to resort to other means. Slow playing really isn't the best idea either as it's too easy for them to beat you with an inferior hand if you let them see a cheap flop, however if they are shoving on you every hand then it might be worth it to limp - call with some of your better hands.
So for now the word of the day is patience. I really was hoping to be at least over the $10 mark with this challenge but for now it's break even city. Good luck on the felt everyone and good luck to you in your challenge whatever the level.
Monday, February 1, 2010
3. Sit and Go Grind - Avoiding Tilt in a NL Holdem Session
Hello Poker Piranhas,
Tilt is the single most dangerous thing that can damage your bankroll. I know what you're thinking; "Oh no, the silly micro stakes tournament player is going to try to tell me something about tilt". We are all subject to tilt regardless of what level we are at.
Here is a one of my recent NL holdem sessions;
Starting Bankroll:$6.59
Game One - NL Holdem Single Table Tournament
Buy In:$0.12
Runners:10
Finishing Rank:6th
Prize:$0.00
Game Two - NL Holdem Single Table Tournament
Buy In:$0.12
Runners:10
Finishing Rank: 3rd
Prize:$0.20
Game Three - Rebuy freeroll Mtt:
Buy In:$0.00
Spent on rebuys:$0.05
Runners:920
Finishing Rank:230
Prize:$0.00
Game Four - NL Holdem Single Table Tournament
Buy In:$0.12
Runners:10
Finishing Rank:7th
Prize:$0.00
Finishing Bankroll: $6.38
Anyone can see that this is a losing session. But this does not mean that it is an invaluable session. To avoid tilting I can ask myself a few questions.
1)Q - Am I playing my best at the moment?
A - No.
2)Q - Am I running well?
A - Not fantastic.
3)Q - Have I made mistakes this session?
A - Yes.
4)Q - How can I learn from these mistakes?
A - Study the hand histories pay more attention to the bet sizes of other players.
5)Q - Should I play higher to try to make up losses?
A - No, This would be a terrible mistake and could result in damaging all of the work to get to this stage.
6)Q - Should I quit for now and take a break?
A - Yes, this session isn't going great and I'm feeling a little tired.
7)Q - Will my next session have better results?
A - Yes! A positive attitude is an excellent defence against tilt. Play your best and if the cards are against you even when you've played your best game, be proud that you played your best game.
These are the seven questions that I'm currently working with as I play NL holdem tournaments. I would welcome you to try them too and let me know if they help your game.
Tilt is the single most dangerous thing that can damage your bankroll. I know what you're thinking; "Oh no, the silly micro stakes tournament player is going to try to tell me something about tilt". We are all subject to tilt regardless of what level we are at.
Here is a one of my recent NL holdem sessions;
Starting Bankroll:$6.59
Game One - NL Holdem Single Table Tournament
Buy In:$0.12
Runners:10
Finishing Rank:6th
Prize:$0.00
Game Two - NL Holdem Single Table Tournament
Buy In:$0.12
Runners:10
Finishing Rank: 3rd
Prize:$0.20
Game Three - Rebuy freeroll Mtt:
Buy In:$0.00
Spent on rebuys:$0.05
Runners:920
Finishing Rank:230
Prize:$0.00
Game Four - NL Holdem Single Table Tournament
Buy In:$0.12
Runners:10
Finishing Rank:7th
Prize:$0.00
Finishing Bankroll: $6.38
Anyone can see that this is a losing session. But this does not mean that it is an invaluable session. To avoid tilting I can ask myself a few questions.
1)Q - Am I playing my best at the moment?
A - No.
2)Q - Am I running well?
A - Not fantastic.
3)Q - Have I made mistakes this session?
A - Yes.
4)Q - How can I learn from these mistakes?
A - Study the hand histories pay more attention to the bet sizes of other players.
5)Q - Should I play higher to try to make up losses?
A - No, This would be a terrible mistake and could result in damaging all of the work to get to this stage.
6)Q - Should I quit for now and take a break?
A - Yes, this session isn't going great and I'm feeling a little tired.
7)Q - Will my next session have better results?
A - Yes! A positive attitude is an excellent defence against tilt. Play your best and if the cards are against you even when you've played your best game, be proud that you played your best game.
These are the seven questions that I'm currently working with as I play NL holdem tournaments. I would welcome you to try them too and let me know if they help your game.
Friday, January 29, 2010
2. My Poker Bankroll from Zero
Hello Poker Fans,
Current Poker Bankroll : $6.59
Wow $6.59 a new milestone in my tournament poker challenge. I made something from nothing. While this seems completely and hopelessly ridiculous...for me it is about the challenge. It is not the amount that is important it is the potential that it represents. This is about proving to myself that I can climb this micro tournament mountain and either survive to tell the tale or die trying.
The journey so far has taken me about a month of single table tournament grinding. The hardest part was getting up to $1.00 from the $0.00 mark. The ten cent giveaways are ten seat tournaments and you must place in the top two to get paid. First place pays $0.06 and second place pays $0.04 so you can imagine how impossible this seems at first. This is particularly true if you manage to cash in one and then bust out of three.
I was very strict with myself and didn't allow myself to buy in to any of the $0.10 tourneys until I got up to ~ $1.00. (PKR will only allow you to register in the ten cent giveaways if you have less than $1 in your poker account.) Once I got up over $1 it became slightly easier to start making progress as the top four spots pay in the $0.10 + $0.02 tourneys. (they actually cost 12 cents to enter with 2 cents being the rake)
1st - $0.40
2nd - $0.28
3rd - $0.20
4th - $0.12
They call these micro poker tourneys Level 1 beginner SNGs. (These extreme low level tournaments are only available to players that have never deposited or those that have made their first deposit within the last 60 days.) At this point I'm trying to stick to the 10 cent poker tourneys. There is little risk of going bust as the buy-in is a small percentage of the tiny roll I've built. There is always a chance that I'll go on some mind bending terrible run and lose ten tourneys in a row but I'm going to play my best to try to avoid any big downswings.
I have taken some shots at some of the multi-table freerolls but so far haven't managed to get to a final table. I will keep you posted as it's only a matter of time until I do make a final table. :-)
Current Poker Bankroll : $6.59
Wow $6.59 a new milestone in my tournament poker challenge. I made something from nothing. While this seems completely and hopelessly ridiculous...for me it is about the challenge. It is not the amount that is important it is the potential that it represents. This is about proving to myself that I can climb this micro tournament mountain and either survive to tell the tale or die trying.
The journey so far has taken me about a month of single table tournament grinding. The hardest part was getting up to $1.00 from the $0.00 mark. The ten cent giveaways are ten seat tournaments and you must place in the top two to get paid. First place pays $0.06 and second place pays $0.04 so you can imagine how impossible this seems at first. This is particularly true if you manage to cash in one and then bust out of three.
I was very strict with myself and didn't allow myself to buy in to any of the $0.10 tourneys until I got up to ~ $1.00. (PKR will only allow you to register in the ten cent giveaways if you have less than $1 in your poker account.) Once I got up over $1 it became slightly easier to start making progress as the top four spots pay in the $0.10 + $0.02 tourneys. (they actually cost 12 cents to enter with 2 cents being the rake)
1st - $0.40
2nd - $0.28
3rd - $0.20
4th - $0.12
They call these micro poker tourneys Level 1 beginner SNGs. (These extreme low level tournaments are only available to players that have never deposited or those that have made their first deposit within the last 60 days.) At this point I'm trying to stick to the 10 cent poker tourneys. There is little risk of going bust as the buy-in is a small percentage of the tiny roll I've built. There is always a chance that I'll go on some mind bending terrible run and lose ten tourneys in a row but I'm going to play my best to try to avoid any big downswings.
I have taken some shots at some of the multi-table freerolls but so far haven't managed to get to a final table. I will keep you posted as it's only a matter of time until I do make a final table. :-)
1. The Poker Challenge - Starting at Rock Bottom
Hello poker enthusiasts,
I have been an online poker player for a few years mostly at the micro level. Recently I found myself looking around for a new poker site to try out and I came across PKR.
This site boasts 3d avatars to simulate the feel of live play. I'm not sure any website will ever come close but this is the next best thing.
I figured I would try out this new software and was about to deposit when I noticed they offered 10 cent giveaways. A slightly painful (and not so original thought) entered my mind. What if I could build a substantial bankroll from nothing baby?
If Chris "Jesus" Ferguson can do it why can't I? Okay well wait a minute I'm not a pro. I'm not even close to being a pro and have only messed around at the micro level. This is not a pro trying to prove something, just an average guy trying to build a bankroll and have a story to tell. I hope you will join me on this journey and I welcome your comments.
This poker blog will document the ultimate quest of discipline and endurance. The quest from $0.00. So thus begins my journey. Please check in for updates on my quest and feel free to comment on your own poker marathons.
I have been an online poker player for a few years mostly at the micro level. Recently I found myself looking around for a new poker site to try out and I came across PKR.
This site boasts 3d avatars to simulate the feel of live play. I'm not sure any website will ever come close but this is the next best thing.
I figured I would try out this new software and was about to deposit when I noticed they offered 10 cent giveaways. A slightly painful (and not so original thought) entered my mind. What if I could build a substantial bankroll from nothing baby?
If Chris "Jesus" Ferguson can do it why can't I? Okay well wait a minute I'm not a pro. I'm not even close to being a pro and have only messed around at the micro level. This is not a pro trying to prove something, just an average guy trying to build a bankroll and have a story to tell. I hope you will join me on this journey and I welcome your comments.
This poker blog will document the ultimate quest of discipline and endurance. The quest from $0.00. So thus begins my journey. Please check in for updates on my quest and feel free to comment on your own poker marathons.
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