Additional 529 hands played on Full Tilt SSS NL10(FR) = +$0.95 1.8xBB/100 = Small but perfectly formed 
Comedy moment:
$1,000 VIP Freeroll MTT on Titan, mouse stuck and clicked on call mistakenly when wanted to fold. Strangely my 96o didn't hold up against someone pushing all in with AQ....... oh how I laughed at the time............................NOT 
Watch those clicks folks!
2nd Successful ITM cash in a Freeroll MTT and largest to date:
14th in Full Tilt $10k (UK&Ireland) New Depositors Freeroll = +$170 ♦
Was running Hot and within top 5 for large parts of the game, but my QQ got caught by AA whilst lying 7th, oh well, still chuffed to bits with addition to BR.
Total Freeroll earnings to date = $185, might therefore consider upgrading to micro stakes MTT's shortly alongside the SSS cash tables & the odd STT SNG.
Overall cost to me = $0
> Cash Tables NL10 SSS = -$12.34
> STT SNG's = +$53.40
> MTT Tournaments = +$185.00 (Freerolls only at the moment)
Net "playing profit" = +$226.06
> Free Bankrolls = +$150.00
> Additional Bonus cleared = +$25.00
> Rakeback = +$2.23
Total "freebies" = +$177.23
Overall Fighting Fund therefore stands at $403.29 
Bart.
+$5.25 on the Full Tilt sss Grind today, got myself into a good pattern and nearing breakeven again on sss ♦
Titan 3,697 hands = -$1.77 (4bb/100? not sure why +ve, rake possibly?), not played recently.
FullTilt 2,855 hands = -$5.90 (-0.23bb/100).
Pacific still only +$2.27, not played recently.
Also played in the Hendon Mob tourney last night. Whilst over my usual bankroll, was tremendous fun playing against the pro's and a deserved break from sss grind (payed for from freeroll wins). Finished 133/280, but did win 2x hands against Joe "The Elegance" Beevers. That guy is hugely impressive to watch and worth staying to see after going out, learnt a lot. A true gent too.
Oh and cleared $10 more from bonus and on track for PokerStrategy Silver & Full Tilt (Silver) IronMan too 
Overall cost to me = $0
> Cash Tables NL10 SSS = -$5.40
> STT SNG's = +$53.40
> MTT Tournaments = +$174.00
Net "playing profit" = +$222.00
> Free Bankrolls = +$150.00
> Additional Bonus cleared = +$35.00
> Rakeback = +$2.23
Total "freebies" = +$187.23
Overall Fighting Fund therefore stands at $409.23
Mood = Encouraged
Full Tilt Chart
Titan Chart
Played my first Matrix tonight on Full Tilt, Hmmm.... me like ♦
Thought I'd give it a try as I like SNG's but normally only play 1 or 2 at a time. I usually try to stagger them too to avoid playing multi-heads up at the same time. Matrix can get a bit hectic towards the end for this reason, but it all adds to the fun.
Game 1 = 2nd
Game 2 = 7th
Game 3 = Won
Game 4 = 3rd
Overall = 2nd, Doubled the buy in after paying off the fee. Good first attempt, happy with that.
Had beaten/outlasted the overall winner on 3 of the 4 tables and went out just in front of him on the other so guessing he took 1 or 2 more player out than me. Double points for take outs, single points for lasting.
Might need to therefore work on the strategy a little more and go bounty hunting a bit more 
If anyone has any ideas on how to attack these or found some success, please drop me a reply on here, would be good to help each other. Can see myself playing these a fair bit in future..... the fun between the sss grinds ♦
I love playing matrix to for change of SSS play. I played only 18 of them with really nice ROI. I am very hot at sharkscope atm ♦ Why i like them is probably because after 10min. you know a lot about your opponents after 30min. you know everything
Me personally i am not bounty hunting at start. After i double up and some short stack push i like to repush with ok hand to take him out. I am lately getting sth. like 20 bounty points per match which is a lot more than first few matrixs where it was 10 max usually.
Today for example one was slowplaying nuts ♦ I had 63 on BB all fold SB completes. Board 45J he checks i bet 75% turn Q he checks i check river 7 he bet post size i push all in he call and flips AA ♦ He is out than 10min. later on other table i have 99 first in i raise he in BB calls. Flop 789. He checks i bet 80% and am committed he push all in i call he flip QQ ♦ I hope he DIDN'T learn a lesson ♦
Matrix really suits to me so far. I will play more and when my sample size will be at least 100 i could tell more i think
Thanks Slikec,
Yes, agree totally with you on reading other players. If you watch all 4 tables closely, you can actually see a player pause on 2 or 3 tables and concentrate on 1, 9 times out of 10 that's the table where the've found a hand ♦
Look forward to comparing strategies in due course, for the moment only played 2x $1 games, until I get the feel for it & worked out my gameplan:
Game 1: 2nd/7th/1st/3rd & 2nd overall +$2.25-$1.25=+$1.00 profit.
Game 2: 6th/3rd/5th/1st & 2nd overall +$1.80-$1.25=+$0.55 profit.
ROI of 62% (is that right calc, profit/orig stake?), seems interesting, would be more than happy with a longer term average in region of 10 to 20% allowing for downswings, suk outs etc.
Originally posted by EagleStar88
Game 1: 2nd/7th/1st/3rd & 2nd overall +$2.25-$1.25=+$1.00 profit.
Game 2: 6th/3rd/5th/1st & 2nd overall +$1.80-$1.25=+$0.55 profit.ROI of 62% (is that right calc, profit/orig stake?), seems interesting, would be more than happy with a longer term average in region of 10 to 20% allowing for downswings, suk outs etc.
Yes that makes ROI 62% Playing so low matrix makes you same as me ♦ I have BRM 2k$+ and play 5+5 and now 11+1 matrix which makes 200+ buy ins and matrix are 4 SNGs in one so actually 800 ♦
You have BRM 400$+ and play 1+0,25$. I mean we should both step up.
I decided i will play 10+1 from now on for a while and move up when i have bigger sample size(at least 50).
Good luck,
slikec
Through both laughter & tears, I've survived thirty....<cough>...something years, so to all my friends at PokerStrategy I say Cheers ! ♦
My Birthday today, think I've got to the stage in life where you don't bother celebrating anymore, but will raise a glass of something cold to you all.
Warmest regards,
Old Bart.
p.s. update to the blog (usual mixed fortunes) will follow when I can be rs'd, but us O.A.P.'s need our afternoon naps
happy birthday bart! i will drink one tonight for you
nice blog by the way. and also, when i read the title, i thought about this Pie Chart ♦
Thanks guys, lol love that pic snuggles, bit more gone tonight... hmmmm nice. ♦
Promise update will be posted shortly, but for now can summarise as following:
Cash Tables / 
SNG/Matrix /
MTT Tourneys ♦
Bart.
Do you like Pie? Well I got 2 words for you: Happy Birthday! ♦
keep on writing Bart, keep on writing, we want more Pie!
Sorry for the delay in blogging guys & girls, been busy grinding etc.
Have had quite a significant downturn/poor play/bad luck, whichever recently on Full Tilt. I still seem to struggle to turn a profit here but seem to be doing ok doing exactly the same strategy on Titan. I'm thinking it's a combination of factors, different players, 1 less seat in a Full Ring on Full Tilt, higher rake on NL10 etc. But at the end of the day, I have made some bad plays and first to stick my hands in the air and admit it.
The truth is, as mentioned before, I just get so bored grinding away. It's daft though, just a state of mind, because in tourneys I'm happy to Fold-Fest for hours in a similar way, but actually enjoy these much more. Ah well not to worry.
Been playing a lot more Matrix (multi-SNG's) recently. They seem to be quite well suited to my style of play and they do get fun towards the end if your still in 3 or 4 with timer warnings kicking off all over the place lol
Turned a nice profit here which helps to soften my sss exploits.
On the MTT front, had some more minor successes in freerolls, missed out on qualifying for the ECOOP after making it through 3 successive qualifiers from a 10 player point starting point (chuffed to bits with this though), and still have a possibility (albeit very slim) of reaching the Irish Open event from a freebie ticket given by a poker site. Have qualified through one round and play the satellite final tonight.
Oh and I've cleared the whole $50 PokerStrategy bonus on Full Tilt and on course to achieve IronMan Bronze status (although I can't actually make the Freeroll as visiting my mum, bless her, that weekend).
So the all important stats. No charts I'm afraid, elephant still being a little tempermental and hiding some missing hands behind the sofa. But if you can imagine a slow steady loss on a graph or image how bank shares would have looked on a chart recently, you get the picture
Overall cost to me = $0
> Cash Tables NL10 SSS = -$34.56
> STT SNG's = +$83.03
> MTT Tournaments = +$210.04
Net "playing profit" = +$258.51
> Free Bankrolls = +$150.00
> Additional Bonus cleared = +$65.00
> Rakeback = +$3.00
Total "freebies" = +$218.00
Overall Fighting Fund therefore stands at $476.51
Mood = A year older & maybe a day or two wiser
Matrix currently showing a 17.2% ROI, but waiting for the first downswing/over confidence to strike ♦
MTT Record (since joining PokerStrategy)
Freerolls (ITM only shown, others played & failed)
06/10/2008 Full Tilt $100 U.K. Freeroll = 9th/1,205 (+$3.00)
25/10/2008 Full Tilt $100 U.K. Freeroll = 1st/1,089 (+$15.00)
02/11/2008 Full Tilt $10k New Depositors Freeroll = 14th/124 (+$170.00)
15/11/2008 Full Tilt $100 U.K. Freeroll = 8th/1,075 (+$3.00)
16/11/2008 Full Tilt $100 U.K. Freeroll = 25th/1,224 (+$2.00)
Paid MTT's (Complete records shown)
04/11/2008 Hendon Mob Tournament = 133rd/280 (-$11.00, but great fun!)
12/11/2008 Titan $2 Freezeout = 6th/378 (+$30.24-$2.20)
Bart.
Originally posted by EagleStar88
and still have a possibility (albeit very slim) of reaching the Irish Open event from a freebie ticket given by a poker site. Have qualified through one round and play the satellite final tonight.
Well that didn't last very long rofl ♦
half hour into the tourney, my raised QQ's got pushed all in by another player with one further caller after me too. Perhaps should have folded, but as I wasn't going to rebuy or add on and had got here freerolling, decided to call.
Didn't rate my chances until both other players revealed AKo... hmmm only 2 of each left in deck... maybe..... flop comes down AKJ rainbow... wtf ♦
Left needing a Q or T but sadly doesn't appear.
Great fun for what was effectively a freeroll, but at $40 not worth the rebuy. 457th/505.
Had got to the final by finishing 2nd/35 (top 5 seats) MTT so gotta be happy with that
One step at a time.
Bart.
Sorry, been a long time since updated.
Have been busy grinding NL10, stepping up the pace to cash in on rakeback (bless you PokerStrategy) & FTP Ironman promo.
Other "non poker" things been happening too which has meant less time in the forum i'm afraid.
Really beginning to turn the SSS around (taken 29,000 hands to get the hang of it & plug most leaks though, but time well spent lol), will be moving up shortly to NL25.
Haven't really had the time to pursue what is probably my most profitable poker arena, SnG's & Matrix. Will look to do more in 2009 all being well.
Similarly, I love playing tourneys, but only played 2x MTT's since writing before:
07/12/2008 $15,000 Guaranteed on Pokerstars (My first ever BOTD & as it happens the last of current season). Card dead all tourney & admitedly played a tad too tight. Finished 1,738 / 5,841 (mid table in BOTD'ers) but still had a great time and more than happy watching the highly talented Hylkinn blitzing the tables and Seednoir tilting everyone in sight (in the resultant Sunday Million) with trash chat rofl ♦
18/12/2008 $1,000 Monthly Freeroll on Titan, finished 14th/69 = +$25 (get in ♦ )
I can't & don't want to name the specific tourney as run by the "other" strategy site that gave me a free BR before I found the vastly superior PokerStrategy
But I think you will see from the poor attendance of 69 for what is the only tournament they bother to stage, is a very good indication of just how bad they are. Still can't grumble, happy to take a further $25 from them & use it on my PS linked platform instead :tongue:. Earnt more than that in PS Rakeback this week alone lol.
Made Full Tilt Bronze Ironman last month & will be Silver this. Whilst you have to be really dedicated to play most days of the month, for those that are, the bonuses are definately worth having.
Will update all my stats/charts etc soon if anyone is interested, also have some very interesting hands saved in elephant which I'll post in the relevant forum threads soon, but time short at the moment.
Got my mother coming to stay tomorrow for Xmas, so chances to play poker & visit forum may be limited.
In case I don't see you all before, have a Merry Christmas & a very Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year.
Bart
Thanks for the reminder Gerv, full stats etc will follow shortly, appreciate your support/following.
For now, just an update of achievements/targets as the new year approaches:
Joined PokerStrategy:
[x] Oct 2008 = Bronze member
[x] Nov 2008 = Silver member
[ ] Mar 2009 (Aim): Gold member
Full Tilt IronMan Promotion:
[x] Nov 2008 = Bronze
[x] Dec 2008 = Silver
[ ] Jan 2009 (Aim) = Gold
Cash Table Level:
[x] NL10 SSS(FR) = Oct 2008
[x] NL25 SSS(FR) = Dec 2008
[ ] NL50 SSS(FR) = I'm in no hurry, as & when
[ ] NL10 BSS(FR) = Hope to try before too long to widen overall knowledge of the game
STT/Matrix/Levels:
[x] Up to $11, but typically $2 = Nov 2008
[ ] Continue at $2 to $5 = Most of 2009.
MTT Levels:
[x] Freeroll only = Oct 2008
[x] Up to $5 but typically $2 = Dec 2008
[ ] Continue upto $5 = Most of 2009.
Overall Bankroll (start of each month):
[x] Oct 2008 = $100.00
[x] Nov 2008 = $227.44
[x] Dec 2008 = $476.43
[ ] Jan 2009 (Aim) = $500.00+ (current $534.90 as at 26/12)
[ ] Feb 2009 (Aim) = Money not the main aim here, but further knowledge & techniques the key. Don't want to drop below $500 though. 
Additional aims for 2009:
[ ] Continue to build on existing PS friendships, continue to listen & learn from other members & support them in their own games/development, ♦
[ ] Continue breathing
[ ] Improve social life outside of poker & hopefully find a like minded female soulmate to share the good times & be there for the bad times
Bart.
Stumbled across your blog, very well structured and has got to be the first blog i've seen with accomplishable goals that arnt too money orientated.
Thumbs up
James
Originally posted by jmackenzie
Stumbled across your blog, very well structured and has got to be the first blog i've seen with accomplishable goals that arnt too money orientated.Thumbs up
James
Thanks James, really appreciate your comments/words of encouragement.
My long term/ultimate goal is to fund the MTT tournaments which I love so much from 'earnings' from cash tables. That's pretty much my holy grail really, a hobby I enjoy that is self sufficient, not really looking for a 'profit' as such.
Each to their own of course, some will be solely or largely motivated by how much money they can make in a short space of time and theres no problem with being like that, but my motto is:
"Why run when you can walk & enjoy the view" ♦
Would also like to get to a stage where I qualify for the Grosvenor U.K. Poker Tour from satellites too, but this is still a little way off.
Had been struggling with SSS for a couple of months whilst Sng & Mtt's doing well, I will post my full SSS stats soon as I'm sure that there are still many holes/room for improvement that some kind & helpful established players (like Gerv or Stiev) can help with.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy & prosperous new year. Cheers
Bart.
hey bart, great blog, in fact i am in awe of this blog, very well structured and the goals are great. Just sat and read through all of you're blog and loved it, just reading you're enthusiam even after bad runs gives me confidence and enthusiam to play through mine, normally i either come off and don't play for a week or go on tilt and blow 3x what i lost in the first place. Think i just found my January goal lol. Keep up the good work and i will deffinatly keep a close eye on you're blog, and i look forward to seeing how you do on BSS. Great run in the int. league btw, great times and it was a lot of fun. Gained lots of mtt experience and several friends from this. That also gave me the confidence needed to actively be a part of the forums.
Keep up the great work bart
Thanks Gaz, really appreciate your comments. It's actually guys like yourself that helped make the Int League the great fun & learning experience that it was earlier in the year (edit: last year :)).
Guess that's PokerStrategy in a nutshell really, learning & helping each other whilst having fun.
I already hold you in the highest esteem for both your attitude to the game/other players and also you were far & away the most consistent player. In my book respect has to be earnt rather than automatically given & you earnt it straight from day 1 :).
Was great to hear of the safe delivery of your new arrival & my best wishes for a happy new year go out to yourself, Kay & all the family. Here's hoping the addage "nice things happen to nice people" really is true.
Poker in 2009 has started with a bang for me, I've noticed that some sessions are just downswings (or upswings) & pretty much whatever you do does little to affect this. I've therefore been trying to employ a stop loss on the bad sessions and continue to 'run with' the good sessions. Last night was one of the latter & I stayed "in the zone" to exit with a $38 gain, by far my best session to date.
Not getting complacent though, this will help to fund some of the inevitable future downswing sessions.
I also video'd a session last week (that didn't go quite so well ) & going to get Stiev to check quickly through it for thoughts & suggestions. There's another superbly consistent MTT finisher that I already greatly respect.
Blog has served it's primary purpose which is to focus myself on my own discipline and hopefully will continue to do so. Already thinking of re-jigging the format slightly to include more varied items of (hopeful) interest. If anyone has any views/suggestions, feel free to post & I'll pull some of the best ones together.
Watch this space as they say.
Bart
