Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Getting ready to play again...

I've been reading alot of Mike Caro's articles and books lately and although I think there are far better strategy books out there, his thoughts and ideas about the psychology behind when and why you should be playing has really helped me lately. Right now, I think I have perspective on everything and I really have some lofty goals and guidelines for next year. This year started off horrible, and I mean horrible, but the second half of the year has shown great progress but lackluster results. It's not going to be easy but I have implemented new guidelines to my online and live play such as a set number of hands before moving up, keeping notes, controlling emotions, limited time playing, limiting number of tables online, only playing when focused, reviewing each session to learn from mistakes and find improvement. All of these points are ones that the top players do and why not learn from them. In others words, I'm planning on doing the opposite of what I do right now!

Believe it or not, one of my biggest goals is to take a shot at the Raleigh game I read so much about, although I know that I must really focus improving my NLO8 game b/c you guys will crush me right now b/c it would be scared money playing. But its a reasonable and achievable goal none the less. I can hear you smacking your lips right now saying "Come on up here. It's no big deal. Have a sit next to me. Would you like something to drink?" And then a few hours later, "It was nice meeting you. Sorry about that tough beat your just took. Look forward to seeing you next week though." I can even hear the comments after I've left broke, "Man, that guy sucks! Nice guy but what was he thinking calling down with that trash? I really hope he comes back next week, I sure could use another flat screen TV."

Oh well, it all starts over again tomorrow night. I haven't played at the game in a month now and I'm really looking forward to it. The game is running thin and tight which should be great for me. Guess you'll find out on Friday.....

2 comments:

Rick said...

Come on and play, it's no big deal. You can sit next to me - I'll get you something to drink!

Seriously though, our game can be a fast-paced (unless Molasses Bill is there...), action-packed, heart-pounding adventure, something rivaled only by Lucas or Speilberg's imagination. Still, it's nothing to be afraid of or intimidated by. It's just an eclectic mix of professionals and/or business owners who get together to blow off a little steam by insulting each other. Sometimes I think the poker is simply an afterthought...

Our goal is to have players who won't be hurt financially if they have a bad night or two (though some would say it's not really poker if it doesn't hurt to lose). While it may not be as much fun playing with scared money, that doesn't necessarily mean it's more difficult to win. We have a couple tight-ass nits who'll just sit and wait all night until they have the nuts, and (although I'd be bored out of my skin playing like that), they usually do pretty well.

I commend you for wanting to improve your game, and for wanting to test yourself against "better" competion. When you feel you're ready to eat some great food, drink at an open bar (all free, of course), watch XXX porn on two plasma screens, and get insulted by guys who would make Don Rickles blush (that's right, we won't wait until you've left...), then we'd love to have you.

That is, provided you make it through the screening process...

Rick :-)

ftp_pirate said...

I thought I was going to actually make it up there this past weekend! And then I started on a downward spiral of nut draws that never hit, not even once. Ended up 400 loser so I guess I will have to put the dream of sitting with the big boys off another week!