+++Tri Nguyen in da house!+++

Nearly missed this thread.Really interesting few articles on the link that Ingrid posted and look forward to reading more.

Just wondering would you mind sharing your biggest tilt session that you can remember and does it just take time for you to improve this aspect of your game and what is the best way you find to deal with it.

Personally i think i have got alot better with it and then last week as an example i got 3 bad beats in the space of 2 minutes across a few tables while playing online.They were pretty bad and more got to do with bad play from the others (going all in on the turn needing a 9 to hit a st8 and hitting and this was for all his stack),This set me off and i went onto spew 3 BIs shortly after.It is without a doubt the most frustrating part to my game.When i finally think i have got a proper mindset to deal with such things it happens again.

I know it's such a frequently asked question and you are probably sick of answering it but would be interested in your dealings with it and how you cope with it.

ioc

Hi, Tri! Sorry for mistakes if there will be any, i'm not very good in english

In russian there is one well-known phrase. I'll try to translate it.

"If u got unlucky in cards, u will enjoy ur luck in love"

And same goes for the opposite.

So, what do u think about? Is that somehow true for u?

Hi Tri,
In your interview u said u started grinding live small stakes (i am assuming u mean 1/2) and then started grinding online. I have a few questions for you as a fellow live ginder.

1. I have heard that the games were alot softer pre 2008 online. Were the pre-2008 live games also alot softer? I am finding this tough to believe as LLSNL is super soft atm.

2. How many buyins did u bring with u when u played live? Where u scared aboout being robbed in the parking lot, having soo much money in your pocket?

3. Why did u chose to move to online poker as opposed to live?

4. Did u tell your parents/RL friends about how much u won or lost at the casino?

5. What is your favorate or most trusted live tell? Do u feel that timing tells online are important?

I have more questions but ill leave it at that for now.

Hey Tri!

When you were little did you ever think you'd be a pokerstar? Or you wanted to become an astronaut or smth like that?
If someone had told you that you'd be an excellent poker player in the future how would've you reacted?

Have you always been this person you are now? Or poker has somewhat affected your personality in any way?

Pretty abstract questions, sorry ^_^

Thanks!

Hey Tri thanks for doing this...

I have 3 Question,

1- What was ur favourite Chapter to write

2- Which chapter was hardest to write

3- Which Chapter do u think a trying to win player will enjoy the most

Regards,
BigAl

Hey Tri!
In a post above you advise to play above NL25. In your opinion the future online of poker for beginners come to poker exists in the form of growth on limits?

Hi Tri,

In order to be more interested in YOUR book, please tell me:
What is the main difference between "Treat your poker like a buisness" by Dusty Schmidt aka Leatherass and your new book? Your interview sounds like it could be pretty the same as there is less technical input and more tips and tricks to be a complete player. Why should I read yours if I allready read Dusty´s?

edit: you talk alot about psychology in your book. dusty uses a menthal coach in his book, do you had professional advice too in yours or is it all exprerience?

Originally posted by 1984ioc
Nearly missed this thread.Really interesting few articles on the link that Ingrid posted and look forward to reading more.

Just wondering would you mind sharing your biggest tilt session that you can remember and does it just take time for you to improve this aspect of your game and what is the best way you find to deal with it.

Personally i think i have got alot better with it and then last week as an example i got 3 bad beats in the space of 2 minutes across a few tables while playing online.They were pretty bad and more got to do with bad play from the others (going all in on the turn needing a 9 to hit a st8 and hitting and this was for all his stack),This set me off and i went onto spew 3 BIs shortly after.It is without a doubt the most frustrating part to my game.When i finally think i have got a proper mindset to deal with such things it happens again.

I know it's such a frequently asked question and you are probably sick of answering it but would be interested in your dealings with it and how you cope with it.

ioc

My worst tilting session was when I first started playing. I was playing $100 buy-in at a live casino. At this point, I probably had $2,000-3000 to my name.

One day, I came in with a $200 and proceeded to lost it pretty quick. My face got hot and I wanted to show these players how good I am. I went to the ATM and withdrew another buy-in.

This went on for a couple of hours and the next thing I knew, I was down over 10 buy-ins. Although the money amount was huge, it made me realize how important stop-loss was.

I have a lot of pride so the only way for me to quit back then was to leave my ATM card at home. From that point on, when I play live, I show up with my ID and only two buy-ins for the game.

As for online, there are numerous sessions where I was stuck 15+ buy-ins and come back a few times. It felt good to come back. But when I was doing my tax returns and was looking over my sessions, I realized that if I could cut down top 10 losing sessions of the year by half, I would make so much more.

It also help to figure out what your average winning session is. So if you win an average of 4-5 buy-ins every time you have a good day, next time, when you're stuck that much, it's easier to quit because you know to come back, you have to have a good day and that isn't just happening.

In the end, no matter what I say, you have to do it yourself. Look over your sessions. Figure out a way to implement stop-loss. Use a software to help you do it. Being a great quitter will make you a much better poker player. After all, it's tough for others to beat when you're on your 'A' game right?

Originally posted by NoEmoti0n
Hi, Tri! Sorry for mistakes if there will be any, i'm not very good in english

In russian there is one well-known phrase. I'll try to translate it.

"If u got unlucky in cards, u will enjoy ur luck in love"

And same goes for the opposite.

So, what do u think about? Is that somehow true for u?

Hey!

Don't worry about your English. Mine is probably worse haha.

There's a saying similar to that in Vietnamese as well. You either have the good luck in gambling or cards.

The funny thing is when my love life goes well, I get super lucky in cards!

Originally posted by DailyVariance

Originally posted by NoEmoti0n
Hi, Tri! Sorry for mistakes if there will be any, i'm not very good in english

In russian there is one well-known phrase. I'll try to translate it.

"If u got unlucky in cards, u will enjoy ur luck in love"

And same goes for the opposite.

So, what do u think about? Is that somehow true for u?

Hey!

Don't worry about your English. Mine is probably worse haha.

There's a saying similar to that in Vietnamese as well. You either have the good luck in gambling or cards.

The funny thing is when my love life goes well, I get super lucky in cards!

same here ♦

Originally posted by DailyVariance

Originally posted by NoEmoti0n
Hi, Tri! Sorry for mistakes if there will be any, i'm not very good in english

In russian there is one well-known phrase. I'll try to translate it.

"If u got unlucky in cards, u will enjoy ur luck in love"

And same goes for the opposite.

So, what do u think about? Is that somehow true for u?

Hey!

Don't worry about your English. Mine is probably worse haha.

There's a saying similar to that in Vietnamese as well. You either have the good luck in gambling or cards.

The funny thing is when my love life goes well, I get super lucky in cards!

u rock ♠_thumbsup:

Originally posted by i5bet72o
Hi Tri,
In your interview u said u started grinding live small stakes (i am assuming u mean 1/2) and then started grinding online. I have a few questions for you as a fellow live ginder.

1. I have heard that the games were alot softer pre 2008 online. Were the pre-2008 live games also alot softer? I am finding this tough to believe as LLSNL is super soft atm.

Pre-2008 live games were soft as well. All you had to do was bet and win.

2. How many buyins did u bring with u when u played live? Where u scared aboout being robbed in the parking lot, having soo much money in your pocket?

When I play live, I only bring two buy-ins. No matter how I lose the two buy-ins, I get up and leave. I have no choice haha.

I'm always paranoid about being robbed. There are two ways to deal with this:

1. Valet your car.

2. Get a safe deposit box at the casino that you play at. Of course, if you only play there a few times a year, no need. But if you play a couple of times a month, I would get one.

3. Why did u chose to move to online poker as opposed to live?

A few reasons for this:

1. There was more money to be made online.

2. I didn't have to drive and could stay home.

3. The time I save driving and being on the waitlist at the casino, I can use that to improve myself by reading or exercising. Or chat with my friends or read forums.

4. Did u tell your parents/RL friends about how much u won or lost at the casino?

No one know how much I win/lose at the casino. My parents only knew how much money I made after I bought them a house.

I don't tell my friends how much I make, even my poker friends. In fact, my new book is the only time I publicly stated how much I have made since getting involved with poker.

5. What is your favorate or most trusted live tell? Do u feel that timing tells online are important?

My favorite trusted live tell (and it works almost every time) is before the river card lands and my opponent instant reach for his chips to prepare to call a bet.

I bet 3/4th pot. My opponent folds. Almost every time.

I said "almost" just cover my bases. I can't remember the last time that didn't work.

Timing tells for online play is HUGE, especially when playing heads-up. My favorite timing tell is when someone makes an instant call or fold on the river. This gives me valuable information on how they play and what their thinking process are.

For example, let's say on the river, I make a bet and my opponent instantly call with a bluff-catcher. It doesn't matter if I lose or win. What matters is somewhere in the hand, he made a decision to put me on a bluff and called me no matter what. This is valuable information and you can use it to your advantage in the future.

I have more questions but ill leave it at that for now.

Ask more!

Do you study poker everyday as well as play?

What study methods do you prefer, vids, articles, books, coaching etc ?
What would you say is the ratio for study/play time that you use?

what would you recommend for an ex Nl2 player who is moving up to Nl25 ? ♦

Roo

Originally posted by d1sAA
Hey Tri!

When you were little did you ever think you'd be a pokerstar?

Hey!

When I was little, all I could think of was boobies and booties haha.

Also, I'm no poker star. There are tons of players who are more talented than me but they don't know how to manage their life as a poker player so now they're gone. It's unfortunate but it's a common occurrence in poker.

Or you wanted to become an astronaut or smth like that?

I wanted to become a stock market specialist, like I knew what that mean when I was little haha.

If someone had told you that you'd be an excellent poker player in the future how would've you reacted?

Vietnamese people usually play cards at a very early age. I was always good with cards growing up so I would feel I have a great chance to be a good player. However, I wouldn't think I'll be this lucky. I definitely feel blessed.

Have you always been this person you are now? Or poker has somewhat affected your personality in any way?

I've always been this way. I'm very energetic and have a high tolerance for risk.

Pretty abstract questions, sorry ^_^

No need to apologize. I love your questions!

Originally posted by BigAl123456
Hey Tri thanks for doing this...

I have 3 Question,

1- What was ur favourite Chapter to write

Hey!

My favorite chapter to write was the last chapter in the book. I finally accepted my weakness as a person and found the courage to let the world know about it. I feel so relieved now and it makes me a happier person.

2- Which chapter was hardest to write

The hardest thing to figure out was the direction of the book. Because it's a psychology-related book, I didn't have a clear objective in mind and I was all over the place. I must've written 5 rough drafts before settling on the current one. This was why it took me more than 2 years to complete it. I'm so glad it's over haha.

3- Which Chapter do u think a trying to win player will enjoy the most

The chapter that most will enjoy, BY FAR, is the chapter on how to work on your game.

The funny thing is I wasn't going to put it in there because I wanted this to be a psychology book, not a poker book. But I know people will demand some poker advice so there it is.

Originally posted by baxbaxbax
Hey Tri!
In a post above you advise to play above NL25. In your opinion the future online of poker for beginners come to poker exists in the form of growth on limits?

I'm sorry. I'm having a hard time understanding this question but I'll give a shot. If I didn't address, let me know and I'll try to have a better one.

I think every beginner should learn the rules and hand selection then start at NL25. There's no point playing lower that.

However, poker sites will continue to offer stakes below NL25 because that's where most of the rake it. Also, players in those stakes rarely cash out so eventually, the sites get it all.

Originally posted by roopopper
Do you study poker everyday as well as play?

Hey Roo!

I study by thinking about the hands as I play at the tables and after the hands is over. Also, when I play, the majority of the time, I don't do anything else but play poker so I'm totally focus. I find this helps me play better and also improve faster.

When I have a dowswing, I take a few days off to clear my head and then look over HEM/PT4 to make sure I didn't have a huge leak in my game.

What study methods do you prefer, vids, articles, books, coaching etc ?

I'm fortunate in that I have a lot of friends I can message and ask for their advice. The fastest way to improve is to find a poker buddy that you can bounce ideas of.

Videos and books are great as well. However, you have to take notes and figure out why the author is choosing to present this topic to you.

Coaching is a great way to fix leaks. It's also helpful to have a coach by your side when you're taking a shot at a higher stake. You won't feel as nervous and you'll realize that a stake higher isn't that difficult.

What would you say is the ratio for study/play time that you use?

I play a lot when I'm running good. When I'm running bad, I study. There's no exact ratio.

what would you recommend for an ex Nl2 player who is moving up to Nl25 ? ♦

Play with good hands and play aggressively. Table select and only play at a table where there's one obvious fish. Your goal is to build a big enough bankroll so you can move up to NL50.

The real money is when you start playing 2/4NL+.

Lastly, I go into much deeper details in my book on all of the questions you asked and I proposed different solutions for different type of players.

I'm going to order your book today ,as soon as I get back from my christmas shopping trip ♦

Big thanks for your reply

Roo

Hi Tri, great thread here I almost missed it.

What's the single, most useful piece of advice you have ever gotten?

What's the single, most useful piece of advice you have ever given?

And what would a beginner poker player (who cannot dedicate 10hrs+ daily to poker) benefit mostly from?

Thanks for an inspirational thread ♦

Originally posted by matel17
Hi Tri, great thread here I almost missed it.

What's the single, most useful piece of advice you have ever gotten?

Hey Matel!

The single most useful piece of advice is Phil Ivey is the best player because he quit the best. I cannot emphasize how important quitting is.

What's the single, most useful piece of advice you have ever given?

Learn how to quit! haha

And what would a beginner poker player (who cannot dedicate 10hrs+ daily to poker) benefit mostly from?

I became a much better player after I started writing books and coaching others.

It's easy to convince yourself that you're a good player and not put too much work on it. However, when I finished writing my rough drafts, I would send them to super good players like Cole South and Tom Marchese and their advice opened my mind.

When you become good, it's very difficult to notice the subtle leaks in your game and thought the process. The only way to know is to write everything that is on your mind and send it to someone who's opinion you respect.

For most players, I definitely recommend keeping a journal. I would pick a concept or a hand history and I would write everything I know about that concept or hand history. Then I send it to a better player to read it and tell him to be brutally honest with you and give you feedback. You will learn so much through this process that it's almost cheating.

Thanks for an inspirational thread ♦

Thank you for having me!