WARNING!!! Going pro... If you don't like hard work then GTFO!!!

"Injustice tilt can develop without even playing! Maybe see someone else running hot and feel that is unfair (without giving consideration to their ability)."

every fucking day till the rest of my life!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by BadHabit1989
"Injustice tilt can develop without even playing! Maybe see someone else running hot and feel that is unfair (without giving consideration to their ability)."

every fucking day till the rest of my life!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me make u feel better:
http://imgur.com/a/CfKDh
And then worse JUST AFTER!
http://imgur.com/a/qrsL1

To avoid letting GTO tilt you, im close to broke now ♦ So in that regard, since you wish for things that seem impossible, everyone played nl2 at one point. I even play nl10 now. Sure nl500 to build a nl10 roll once in a while too. But still. Also this is a no limit game. The 150k hands 20k under ev, was mainly on nl100, nl200 and nl500. 3k hands pr hour. Only 3k under ev was on 25/50 capped tables where on THE FIRST HAND I JOIN THE TABLE, i get QQ in big blind, vs TT.

And yeah, eventually you will have greedy younglings leeching your abilities through linux scripts. And i had a hijacker from around the 110k hands. Just before i joined the capped 25/50 tables. But since the hijackers got so greedy, and i was curious how it worked, they eventually showed me where i later learned they where redirecting 4000 agressive phishing/blackmailing attacks pr sec, although some popups had a loud noise harming the hearing a little, which COULD be descriped as harming, and therefore illegal.

http://imgur.com/a/G6zzF

And peaeater ♦, ppl dont see you through the amt you make. Sure maybe its a scary amt. But i like to believe most see you for who you are. And dont forget where money comes from, although it is maybe a bit off topic, it still might help you if a opportunity presents itself (a juicy game where you kinda have to sit with 10% of ur roll on the table). Recently i called out 3 times in row the opponents hand on stars. 7 times in total in that session during a downspiral. But i got a little carried away, and started to guess a lot after i got 3 in row correct in exact suit aswell.

Maybe that sounds insane, but learning random fluctuations of life can have that effect on you. And when you cant be labelled, and have to figure theese things out, books like JT is truly amazing in poker situations.

Good luck I think you have inspired me a little too. Not enough to create a blog though.

A great weekend!!!

Not much poker but more than I planned! The red mark for study on Saturday is just because I put 40 minutes in when I planned to take the day off. Meh, man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!

I had my kids most of the day on Saturday as my wife was re-arranging all of the house around. We are having a new boiler installed so few things needed moving. She is a serial hoarder so yeah, good luck with that babe!!!

Took my son to the park and then to his swimming classes (daughter went to a birthday party). Good times.

Managed to fit a few beers in with the lads on Saturday night too and hangover was not too serious!

Nice family meal out on Sunday. It is my son's birthday this Friday and my mum will be on holiday for it so we sneaked in a mini-party at a local restaurant. More beer/wine/pizza/cake!!!

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I studied for 110 minutes (over the weekend)...

I did 2 x flop analyses (actual hand AsTs MP v BTN on Qd7s5h then hand on GTORB SB v BB on Q83tt).

I did a session review of all spots learned with Victor.

I finished reviewing and making thorough notes of my last coaching session. So much to work on!!!

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I played for 65 minutes...

Felt like I played really well. Got to keep watching the tilt and emotion. I expect the impossible sometimes.

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I meditated for 20+ minutes...

I did a meditation by Sadhguru which is pretty good. I think I am going to do a few non guided this week.

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No mental game study (not planned).

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Targets for this week...

It will be my son's 6th birthday on Friday so things will get affected. I have got a surprise laid on for him on Sunday which I am especially looking to. Top secret though!

Let's KTS out of another week amigos! Kaboom!

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Originally posted by BadHabit1989
"Injustice tilt can develop without even playing! Maybe see someone else running hot and feel that is unfair (without giving consideration to their ability)."
every fucking day till the rest of my life!!!!!!!!!!!

---

Originally posted by martinemem
And peaeater ♦, ppl dont see you through the amt you make. Sure maybe its a scary amt. But i like to believe most see you for who you are. And dont forget where money comes from, although it is maybe a bit off topic, it still might help you if a opportunity presents itself (a juicy game where you kinda have to sit with 10% of ur roll on the table). Recently i called out 3 times in row the opponents hand on stars. 7 times in total in that session during a downspiral. But i got a little carried away, and started to guess a lot after i got 3 in row correct in exact suit aswell.
Maybe that sounds insane, but learning random fluctuations of life can have that effect on you. And when you cant be labelled, and have to figure theese things out, books like JT is truly amazing in poker situations.
Good luck I think you have inspired me a little too. Not enough to create a blog though.

Thanks for the comments man. Good luck to you too.

Totally smashed it!

I went above and beyond my targets by some way today. I found some extra mental strength and pushed harder.

My self talk seems to have changed over the past few days. I will keep it to myself for a while and see what transpires...

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I studied for 180 minutes (target 120)...

Session review showed up 4 hands to analyse. It highlighted another missed check raise opportunity so I need to put some more hours in on that asap.

I did 4 x flop analyses. Three of them were played hands (BBvSB with 9c3c on 8s6c4s, BBvBU Ad8d on QcJd4s, BBvBU with 8h7h on As6h3c). One was a comparison v GTORB (UGvBU on T73tt).

I am getting better at doing the ones v GTORB now. As in the structure of performing it is improving.

I studied notes from my previous coaching session focusing mainly on check raise spots.

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I played for 90 minutes (target 60)...

Three things to say...

- I am reacting negatively less often
- I am watching my mind better than ever
- I am predicting villain's hand/range way way better

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I meditated for 17 minutes (target 10)...

I found an old programme of six meditations I obtained a few years ago. I never really got into it when I bought it as the meditations were longer than I wanted them to be. I will go through it all now and let you know...

Affirmations and visualisation too!

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes (target 20)...

The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

BELIEVING YOU CAN WIN EVERY HAND

I never even thought of this before but I could have a touch of this!

For some knowing that this belief is illogical is not enough. Some cling to the idea that one day they will be so good that they never lose a hand.

Variance can feed this belief. When running good it seems easy!

Poker would cease to be profitable if that were possible. It is because one cannot win every time that it is possible to find games where I have an edge (with inferior players).

Poker is more like a slot machine but one where I should have the edge. Sometimes I have to pay out in the short term to earn my edge in the longer term. FANTASTIC ANALOGY FOR ME - REMEMBER THIS WELL!!!

If I think poker is easy when I run well then it is likely I will hate it when I start losing as it destroys that dream.

The solution is to improve how I handle winning just as much as improving how I handle losing!!! Ditch the idea of easy money.

Also try these:-

- Preparation: Reinforce focus on making good decisions. Remember why losing is important. Remember why making good laydowns is the same as money won. It is repetitive but mastery of the solution eventually resolves the flaw and until that point is reached it still needs working on.
- Performance: If losing just one hand causes even minor frustration (I actually think it does for me!) then inject logic after EVERY loss. Doing that prevents emotion from building up so much and delays tilt. And as winning is part of the problem too it is important to inject logic when emotions get too positive as well!
- Evaluation: Use the mental HH to reinforce the break down of faulty logic and the build up of the correction (whether it is from winning or losing)
- Break my wish of easy money: Prove to myself why I don't want this wish to come true. Every time this dream surfaces redirect thoughts and actions to something productive that CAN be achieved (and use that slot machine analogy!)

I actually think this section was pretty big for me so I am going to work hard on it!

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Up to pdf page 63 - "Lost Skill"

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So that was a really productive day. 90 minutes more poker "stuff" than targeted is quite a lot for me. Interesting to see if it is going to be consistent...

Banzai!!!!!!

Smashed my study target again AND improved my study methods (quite a lot!).

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I studied for 180 minutes (target 120)...

Session review - found ZERO mistakes for the spots I am working on!

3 x flop analyses comparing to GTORB (UG v BU on K94mono, BB v BU on J76tt, BB v BU on 863tt).

1 x flop analysis for a played hand (KdQd BB v BU on 9d8s2s).

I ran through 42 hands in the replayer BB v BU trying to make fast decision on flop.

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I played for 60 minutes (target 60)...

Felt good. Noticed when I was lucky and dismissed when I was not!

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I meditated for 22 minutes (target 10)...

Part 2 of old series I never followed through on. Good so far.

Affirmations and visualisations too!

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes (target 20)...

The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

LOST SKILL

Falling into a trap of thinking that lost money means skill is lost (possible for me). It is an illusion. Skills learned to Unconscious Competence are never lost. Even on tilt.

The illusion arises because:-

1. Equate money with skill. I will also hate losing as when other players win and I lose I think I got worse and they got better.
2. Unconscious Competence skills are unconscious. Don't have to think about them at all. Consequently they are taken for granted.
3. Skills in the learning process don't show up when on tilt. This makes me think they have disappeared.

How to break the illusion:-

1. Improve the skill of RECOGNIZING: Variance, my skill level, opponent's skill. Then when I lose I can determine how I really played rather than assuming I suck.
2. Know the solid parts of my game that are trained to Unconscious Competence. Even though basic just knowing them will prove to me that my entire game doesn't disappear (even when on tilt).

LOSING GETS PERSONAL

Competing against others can make it into a personal challenge.

It can be tilting to think another player (especially one that just got lucky) gets to feel superior.

LOSING HURTS MORE THAN WINNING FEELS GOOD

This means I am not only competing to win but also competing to avoid the negative feelings that come with losing. Competitive people can be very hard on themselves when losing. Winning just becomes an escape from losing rather than giving an equal but positive feeling.

"If I just win everything will be fine". Actually winning will just be a temporary fix, it does not solve the flaw. Losing is guaranteed in poker so I need to solve the problem.

Remove the flawed reasons for losing hurting by using these recent sections. The pattern is real but it is just an observation. Realise it is not permanent.

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Up to pdf page 64 - "Mistake Tilt"

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So that was another really really good day.

I feel like I am writing my own story now. I feel in control.

Good productivity but kinda felt like there was a bit left in the tank. I don't like that...

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I studied for 150 minutes (target 120)...

Session review - did it very quickly and just two close decisions to review.

2 x flop analyses of played hands (88 BB v BU on J95r, KhQs UTG v CO on TsTc2s).

1 x flop analysis comparing to GTORB (BB v BU on AJ6tt)

Deliberate practice - 42 hands of BB v BTN making fast flop decision.

Adjustments of preflop ranges - the more I see people's ranges in GTORB the less I like my preflop ranges (mostly from Upswing btw). I am going to work on these a lot over next couple of days.

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I played for 80 minutes (target 60)...

It was a mental game battle and I just about pulled through.

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I meditated for 22 minutes (target 10)...

Same again, seems okay. Sleepy.

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes...

The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

MISTAKE TILT

"Learning means making mistakes. When you aren't making mistakes, it's because you already know what's correct".

At basic level frustration at making a mistake is fair. It can be good if it motivates me to improve. But if it is so intense it affects my play (leading to more mistakes) then it is a problem.

Mistake tilt is often hidden by more obvious reasons to tilt (run bad, bad beats). Helps to ask self direct questions about making mistakes.

So ask "What is it about making mistakes that makes you so angry?"

NOTE TO SELF: I have a lot of these thoughts!!!

All of these connect to a fundamental error in understanding of the learning process and the nature of performance.

Mistakes are essential to improvement. Hating mistakes means I hate improving!!! My reaction to mistakes shows that I hate mistakes at Unconscious Competence!

"When these errors are corrected, it not only means that mistake tilt goes away, but I'm also going to be better at fixing poker mistakes and learning the game in general".

Viewing mistakes as a problem naturally causes tilt. When analysing why mistakes cause tilt also watch for what situations it happens in, when it is worse, and why.

NOTE TO SELF: Do not take this section lightly Chris - this is an issue!!!

EXPECTING PERFECTION

When I play well there is no emotion because I expect it. Then when I make a mistake it is met with anger. So play well = neutral, play bad = beat self up!

Remember that playing well (JT keeps calling it perfection but I can't) is a moving target that increases. It is possible at times. Remember also that skill moves along like inchworm so my "perfection" gets better.

The tilt comes from getting into a state where I expect something that is not possible and the opposite is inevitable.

But the way to get to a new peak of perfection is by correcting weaknesses (like inchworm).

Rather than expect perfection, strive for it by continually working on correcting my mistakes.

The real mistake here is thinking that I have mastered the corrections. But making a mistake proves I have not.

To correct problems with perfectionism try these:-

1. Get a more realistic view of the learning process so I can prove why perfection cannot be attained all the time. That stronger knowledge will help me have perfection as a goal rather than an expectation.

2. When I play perfectly feel good about it. It does deserve recognition as I have worked hard to get there. Just feel good about it.

3. When I play perfectly take a close look at how I got there. Knowing how I got there will help me do it again.

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Up to pdf page 65 - "When a mistake..."

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So I went above my targets again but I can feel there is more capacity in me...

Productivity = amazing. Poker = testing!

Absolutely SMASHED my study AND play targets today.

I am finding new depths of mental strength to push myself more. And I am constantly thinking of ways to improve my study methods.

At the tables, however, it was a different matter!

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I studied for 235 minutes (target 120)...

Session review - Couple of close spots to look at but my instinct is I played them correctly.

4 x flop analyses of played hands - 44 MP v BU on QQ6r, CO v BTN on 742tt, 3s3h on KdKc9c, QTo BB v SB on K73r.

Improve preflop ranges - Ending up with a mixture of Snowie, Victor and Upswing!

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I played for 100 minutes (target 60)...

This session was a real test of my mental game as I ran pretty terrible. Just one of those sessions where pretty well everything went wrong.

It was really interesting to play though as it became totally about watching how my game held up under stress. Usually I would be thinking about the results almost exclusively and actually I did not care about them.

I made a river call that I would not make if there was zero accumulated tilt. That was interesting to see and hopefully I learned something from it.

The session was definitely my best mental performance ever.

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I meditated 0 minutes (target 10)...

Wut!?!?!?!?

Well my son was up and down stairs like a yo-yo last night. It is his birthday today (6) and he could not get to sleep as he was very excited! So I gave meditation a miss for once.

I missed it.

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes (target 20)...

WHEN A MISTAKE IS NOT A MISTAKE

I could be deceiving myself in game. Thinking I have made a big mistake but actually it could be close or even well played. This ONLY MATTERS if it affects my play in the moment and leads to future mistakes!

So just THINKING I made a mistake causes this type of mistake tilt.

The problem here is not being able to recognize a REAL mistake. I need to know the weaknesses in my current game so I can spot them as they happen.

To correct the inability to recognize mistakes when playing:-

1. Analyse the full range of my game from best to worst. Write out the mistakes made when tilted, when autopiloting and when distracted. The mistakes made when playing poorly but not terrible. The standard mistakes in B-game. Adjust it each week.

Then when these mistakes show up at the table I get feedback about how I am playing. Also if the mistake is not on the list then I know it is a mistake about something I don't know about and definitely cannot analyse while playing (take a note and move on).

2. Regularly evaluate my game to keep my understanding up to date. Think of inchworm and take mistakes off the list as I improve and add new ones on (that I did not know about).

NOTE TO SELF: This was an important section for me as I dwell on lost hands often. I am currently working hard to realise that losing a hand does NOT necessarily mean I played it badly. Plus I should not be so hard on myself anyway!

OBVIOUS MISTAKES

This is about bad mistakes that probably mean I am already tilting (or auto-piloting or overconfident). This could be the first sign to self that I am on tilt.

The mistakes start to pile up until quitting. But then it stews on the mind wondering how it could have possibly happened. It affects life away from poker maybe.

Remember that the bad decisions made in this state are the ones showing what is NOT learned to Unconscious Competence. Maybe it will show up something I thought I had mastered.

How to stop making obvious mistakes:-

1. Revisit the ALM and inchworm and the section "Malfunctioning Mind".
2. After making an obvious mistake, decide whether to keep playing or quit. And if decide to play on then focus on mental game so can play as well as possible.
3. Prioritise improving the mental game leak that leads to making such obvious mistakes. Or I have got no chance!

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Up to pdf page 66 - "Threatens..."

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So it was possibly my best day for productivity ever. Sure I had days where I worked more but definitely not as effectively.

Mental game improvements are massive.

I feel another big day coming on...

It seems my son had a fantastic 6th birthday so this was a FANTASTIC DAY whatever happens!!!

I set my play target a little lower for today to account for some birthday shenanigans but managed to go over all my total target time for poker work by 50 minutes still.

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I studied for 150 minutes (target 120)...

Session review - All current learning spots well played.

3 x flop analyses of old played hands BB v BU - 3s3h on Ac8s2c, A8o on K76r, KQo on AT3tt.

I also spent some time making myself a quiz for BB v BU flop situations that I hope will help me make decisions faster in game. Basically will push me to unconscious competence faster.

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I played for 50 minutes (target 30)...

Probably the best I have ever felt at the table. Everything felt calm and deliberate.

I had a couple of bad run outs when I had AA and made disciplined river folds. The important thing was I felt really good about the money saved and they did not affect my emotions etc.

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I meditated for 10 minutes (target 10)...

And did affirmations and visualisations too!

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I studied mental game for 20 minutes...

Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

THREATENS YOUR GOALS

If these reactions happen after tilting because of mistakes then it is because my poker goals are under attack:-

A flawed understanding of the learning process also gives a flawed understanding of how to achieve goals. Expectations get too high so I think I can do more in less time. When mistakes happen naturally tilt comes as goals get wrecked. It seems as though I am failing but it is just a misunderstanding of the learning process.

Correct it by understanding more about learning and by removing flaws of how I set goals. (Also see section "Goal Problems".)

KNOW TOO MUCH, MASTERED TOO LITTLE

There is a lot of poker knowledge available. Can get more knowledge than skill level can handle. End up getting too liberal in definition of a mistake.

"Mistakes are only mistakes relative to my range (bell curve and inchworm)." - In other words a deep level error is not a mistake in part of my current learning process, so forget it!

New knowledge is BUILT upon the old. JT likens it to going through the belts in Karate. No point doing the black belt kata if you can't do the white belt one!!! The trouble in poker is that the knowledge is not organised in such a structured way. That makes it difficult to know what to learn next (or now!).

The problem can be disorganization or consuming too much information (latter is problem for me obv). So the mistake tilt comes because I think I should know how to play spot X because I have read it once but the truth is I have not got anywhere close to mastering it.

Master the basics, this frees up mental space and then move on...

Think of the karate belts.

NOTE TO SELF: I have definitely been guilty of this misunderstanding of the learning process (and not just in poker by any means). I definitely make mistakes that I think I should not. The truth is that hardly any of my poker knowledge is mastered, just some stuff that keeps me at the micros but not much more.

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Up to pdf page 66 - "Entitlement Tilt"

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So another good day for productivity and getting better.

I also went for a short run last night (to the park to meet up with my family after work). It hurt a little in my stomach where I had my operation. I also really hate running. I think I might do more of it because I am finding some mild suffering quite invigorating!

Have a great weekend amigos!

I went on 3 day family vacation.

Some hands...

1.

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2.

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3.

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4.

Hi sir, about the hands:
1. terribad, preflop is okish but then your postflop sizing - look, if you bet OTT 20bbs, his continuing range will be 100% same, you miss alot of value there... And then vs minraise - well, havent played nl5 in a while but still, its a fold imo. I mean, he limp/called preflop, so I assume his stupidities will be more on the passive side, OTT he is saying he has nuts, now I dont think nuts for him in this situation would be hand like A6o. So although you might see hands like that lets say 5% of the time, I think its easy b/f, no need to put in 50bb more just because we have 2pair (absolute vs relative handstrength). Look, if you are ahead, then he still has not so bad equity vs you, and if ur behind then well, ur hoping basicaly for 4 outs so...
2. no idea why you go into these waters. Like, you play nl5 so you clearly demonstrate that plays like 4betting light should stay out of your game imo, there is no need for bluffing at all to have very nice winrate at this limit. Once you happened in this spot then well, I would probably bet turn, cause thing is - I get it why you are not betting the flop, but on the turn whats happening is you are giving him free cards for w/e he might have (say he has TT - its not like he calls you on the river every single time, or on the turn even... but if he hits, you pay him off every single time if he bets, so...), and Im not quite sure if hero is checking behind here to fold to potential river bet... So if hero is not folding and not getting bluffed (or raised by weaker) ever, then there is no point in checking behind turn, its a mistake. But then again, you shouldnt even happen in this spot in the first place
3. just look at his sizings, then look into your database and see for yourself, bigger bets = equals strong hands almost always. Not much else to say, I think turn should be fold (as latest street), we are basicaly calling for K and hoping for split, right? I mean, you have toptop but, just name few hands that you are ahead of and he plays like that... Like, KJ and KQ? I dont think they bet this big always, they dont 3b always so... I cant see single one (not to mention that even if he has KQ and is betting that one, you still fold river every single time right? There is not a single hand in your range that calls turn bet and calls shove on the river, every 2p+ you raise turn or before hand, am I right?)
4. well not much to say, I think you played it well. Just be careful in case you do hit your flush, dont overplay that sht and jsut call if they bet

Good luck mate, just my 2 cents

So...

Had a great few days off work and away from the poker tables...

On Sunday we went to the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham to see Paw Patrol Live. It is a kids TV programme that my son loves and it was a special treat for his birthday.

We went on the train as he loves trains too and went for a nice meal afterwards too.

Some pics...

Daughter and me on the train...

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Son loving the train ride...

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Taxi!!!

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Enjoying Paw Patrol...

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Then Monday to Wednesday we went to stay in a nice hotel for a few days. The idea was mostly for us to spend loads of time in the hotel pool so I could help the kids improve their swimming (used to be swimming instructor).

We had some lovely meals and it was their first time in a "posh" hotel so it was really good fun.

They put on some entertainment for the kids too like cake decorating. So they made us some cakes...

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Back to poker...

Yesterday I set myself some smaller targets but I will be honest and say I found it really hard getting back into it!

I only studied for like 20 minutes and was hoping to do 90 minutes.

I did play and do my mental game study though so it was not a complete fail.

I will get back on track today (already have tbh).

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I played a session and got hammered a little.

Hands posted above are biggest losses.

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H1 - AQ top two. Straight away I was like "wtf did you do that for" so I was obviously in information overload. Doubt he has two pair often enough for this to be a good play but when he only has 32bb behind maybe it's not so bad? I would normally fold here.

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H2 - A6s 4 bet. Not sure I shuld even 4bet bluff much in these games without a read/stat. Post flop it is one street hand so could probably bet turn to XB river but think this is fine too.

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H3 - AQ, TP in 3bet pot as caller on connected. Call flop is okay but on the turn when he bets so big I can fold. This board hits my range pretty nicely so AQ is quite low. Not sure.

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H4 - 54s FD. Pot odds, pot odds, no fold equity so give up.

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I studied mental game for 15 minutes (target 15)...

The Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

ENTITLEMENT TILT

At its root I would think I have the right to win for reasons like I worked harder, I am smarter, I have played longer etc.

Happens when something I believe to be mine is taken. Believe winning is owned. Signs are disbelief, shock or laughing. Then tilt piles up and thoughts like these come in...

The underlying problem is NOT the belief that I am better but rather that being a better payer means that I should always win. The real issue is usually OVERCONFIDENCE.

(There is no way I have this form of tilt)

OVERCONFIDENCE

The belief that you should never lose is unrealistic.

Poker can feed this by putting you on a great run that gives a false impression of skill. You might think that the great run is more to do with skill than variance. You might think you are owning people.

When the luck turns entitlement tilt shows up and shows you are a mental fish.

Overconfidence can lead to lack of study and not working on game. Especially as there is a chance you could be proved to not be as good as you thought.

To reduce overconfidence do these:-

1. Use the mental hand history to eliminate the lies in your game.
2. Inject logic when confidence is rising too high.

LOSING TO FISH

You know they have to win sometimes in the short term but it still tilts you. It makes sense to expect to win and to get tilted when you lose.

The problem here is not understanding the level of variance in the game of poker but rather equating it with the level of variance in sports. Remember nowhere else does variance play such a huge part.

Think of self as the slot machine or the casino. I have to pay out sometimes to keep the customers coming back!

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Up to pdf page 68 - "Losing to regulars"

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So today I am going to work hard on my game again. I would also like to find a fellow NL10ish Zoom player to study with.

I am not happy with my personal progress in life so I am making some big changes - mostly mindset stuff.

Have a good weekend amigos...

Hand 5.

My range is pretty tight CO v UTG so I only really get to the turn with KJs[4], AQs[3], AQo[9], JJ[6], TT[3] = 25 combos. (Should I be raising TT on the flop? I think call is slightly better on this board.)

On this turn I can continue AhQh[1], AhQo[3], AoQh[2], TT[3], KhJh[1], JhJo[1] = 11 combos.

This would be over folding quite a lot so I think I need to call some of my other AQ combos. I cannot see any blocker effects on this turn so I think calling AdQd (plus a couple of others) is okay.

Hey buddy,

I thought this would be a good homework for me. I think the hand is interesting. So I did my own analysis and I wouldn't mind getting your feedback.

OTR I gave villain a (maybe too value heavy) range of: AA-KK,AKs-AJs,A3s-A2s,KTs,AKo-AJo,AhTh,Ah5h,Ah4h,KhQh,KhJh,QhJh,QhTh,JhTh,Jh9h,Th9h,9h8h,8h7h,7h6h

I put that against the range you gave to the river and got the following result:
Board: Th2hAs3hKs

Range 1: AA-KK,AKs-AJs,A3s-A2s,KTs,QJs,AKo-AJo,QJo,AhTh,Ah5h,Ah4h,KhQh,KhJh,QhTh,JhTh,Jh9h,Th9h,9h8h,8h7h,7h6h
Range 2: TT,KhJh,AcQh,AdQh,AsQh,AhQc,AhQd,AhQs,JhJs,JhJc,JhJd

Equity 1: 68.196% Win 1: 65.902% Tie 1: 4.587%
Equity 2: 31.804% Win 2: 29.511% Tie 2: 4.587%

Unfortunately the K made a lot of his gunshots get there. Against your specific hand:
Board: Th2hAs3hKs

Range 1: AA-KK,AKs-AJs,A3s-A2s,KTs,QJs,AKo-AJo,QJo,AhTh,Ah5h,Ah4h,KhQh,KhJh,QhTh,JhTh,Jh9h,Th9h,9h8h,8h7h,7h6h
Range 2: AdQd

Equity 1: 80.208% Win 1: 75.000% Tie 1: 10.417%
Equity 2: 19.792% Win 2: 14.583% Tie 2: 10.417%

You beat 20% of the hands in his range. Now if he would turn his hand into a bluff with something like JhJx Qhjx OTR, or some of the 1h fd combos that would cbet the flop and turn then you're beating enough of his hands to call the bet. We basically need to beat 100*(31/(31 + 31+ 43) )= ~30% of his hand combos to call there.

Hope I am not too far out to lunch here. Or there might be something that I am not thinking about. Look forward to discussion soon. I think it would be reasonable to pull out the wheel cards out of my range. Curious to see what you think his range is for betting the river.

Wow chowchow! Nice work there, amazing effort you put in!

So what I would say here is two main things...

1. When the flush hits the turn and the gutshots hit the river there are hardly any flop bluffs available that have not caught a piece of the board by the river. This does probably meant that to bet the river balanced he will want to turn some made hands into bluffs.

2. I think some of the value range you have given him is already turning quite a few made hands into bluffs. For example you have got in there 7 combos of AJ and 7 combos of AQ that are already bluffs in my opinion. I mean surely he cannot be expecting me to call worse that AQ on a three flush, three straight, three broadway board after a three barrel in these positions?

So all in all I don't think he is going to bet any more combos unless he is spewing.

Also note that from my workings calling the turn was pretty close when looking at MY RANGE only so calling the river would be quite a big adjustment to GTO and on this board seems a pretty crazy one.

Come back at me bro! Trying to figure this s**t out myself!!!

I have been doing a lot of work on my levels of mental toughness lately.

I realised how bad I am at pushing through barriers and how quickly I make excuses to NOT do something.

I have made a post and short video about it on my personal blog here if you are interested. It might be helpful to you if you are a procrastinator or you just struggle to follow through on your goals etc.

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I didn't post Friday's work...

I studied for 95 minutes (target 90)...

- I did a session review of all the spots we are working on in coaching and looked at a few big pots that I lost (and posted the hands).

- I did 2 x flop analyses comparing to GTORB for OOP spots as PFR.

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I played for 60 minutes (target 90)...

We had an unplanned meal out with friends which stuffed me up. I did make up for it over the weekend!

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I meditated for 10 minutes (target 10).

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I studied mental game for 15 minutes (target 15)...

LOSING TO REGULARS

I would get these thoughts:-

The reasons for the tilt are the same as for when losing to fish. Slightly more complex. Harder to prove edge.

You want to believe you are the better player but that flaw makes your opinion unreliable. Without proof you are gambling.

MOVING UP IN STAKES

Look for entitlement tilt when moving up. Some players expect to win when moving up when it is not really logical.

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REVENGE TILT

Revenge is common in life so it is also common in poker. Often the long term consequences outweigh the short term satisfaction.

Revenge is not irrational.

The underlying problem in revenge tilt is with me not with villain. They have their own rules and strategies. Revenge tilt indicates a flaw in mental game.

Common triggers that spark revenge tilt...

Revenge tilt targets specific players, injustice tilt is towards poker and variance. (I have never had revenge tilt imo)

Revenge can only be sweet when you use anger as fuel to play well. Otherwise it is a losing strategy in the long run. I might know this but if it shows up then I do not know it well enough to keep it away.

Understand the reasons for it and then begin to resolve the flaw in that reasoning.

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DESPERATION TILT

Desperation is hard to recognize. Have to look at the intent of certain actions like trying to get unstuck, chasing losses, raising too much, forcing action, playing monster losing sessions.

What makes it desperate is "the intent or urge to do everything possible to win immediately, get even, or avoid taking a loss." (I think I get this a lot)

I t is like an itch I have to scratch. Walking away gets harder and harder.

It can be a performance issue or a gambling problem!

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Up to pdf page 73 - "All the issues..."

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I think studying MGOP has had some impact on my realisation of my mental weaknesses in all areas of life. It has certainly got some good stuff in there that relates to life AWAY from poker.

I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life. I can't exactly put my finger on what has changed but I feel ready for some suffering and some growth.

Time to #suckitup and #getafterit...

Things are a little out of whack! I am just finishing off one of my student houses ready for them to move back in and it is distracting me!

---

I did a push-ups and pull-ups workout. I didn't do very many but I was watching my mind intently. I got to the point where I would usually quit and managed to do a little bit extra.

In the pull-ups I could not actually get my chin up to the bar again (at the usual quitting feeling point) but I did manage to do a couple more negatives after I thought about quitting.

In the push-ups I did 2 more push-ups (I think) but the form was not very good. I did a couple more negatives too.

Interesting stuff. Been leaving too much in the tank.

---

I also had a few points during the day where resistance was holding me back from studying.

Small excuses popping into my head at times. Also doing something else instead which is easier (even though it needs doing it is not priority just easier).

Amazing to watch such weakness!

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Oh I also had a small mind battle when craving some food!

I had to pop home for 5 minutes after work on my way to go to the student house to do some work. I really wanted to snack on something but there wasn't much around other then small cakes and chocolate bars that the kids have.

I chopped a small piece of cheese of a block and munched on that! Two mouthfuls. So on the one hand I refused to succumb tot he chocolate but on the other hand I succumbed!

At least it wasn't sugar though! Sugar is the devil's food!!!

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I studied poker for 90+ minutes (target 90)...

I went over 90mins easily but did not track it very well.

> 1 x flop analysis v GTORB

> Session review (big pots and spots we are working on in coaching)

> Making and doing quiz with various flops BB v BTN cbet

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I played for 70 minutes (target 60)...

To be honest I think I could do a bit more in this time but as my kids are off school they are going to bed later and I value that time with them too much.

I am probably being too soft now on my sleep levels. After spending so much time before on 4.5 hours sleep I just don't want to go back there.

It's just excuses though. I get about 6.5 hours now but could reduce it.

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I completely forgot to do mental game study (target 10mins)...

This is lack of attention to my daily planner. Pathetic.

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I meditated for 10 minutes...

Non guided. On my own watching my thoughts.

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Conclusion: Great day! Definitely made a tiny step forward!

A few small wins today.

I ran a bit further than my last run (and a little bit faster). Mindset.

I killed a couple of cravings for snacks that I think are sugar cravings and had a "sugar free" day (if I had sugar in some ingredient I don't care about that). Mindset.

I went running at 06.15 and as I was lying in bed contemplating getting up I could see my mind finding thoughts about leaving it until after work. Killed it dead. Mindset.

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I studied poker for 115+ minutes (target 90)...

In fact it was well over 115!

> Session review - Found a weak fold BB v SB bah!

> Flop analysis v GTORB x 1

> Flash cards for BB v BTN cbet on flop XXX

> Re-reading notes from coaching sessions

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I played poker for 95 minutes (target 60)...

Mental game was good. Couple of times tilt was rising but I was aware of that and controlled it. I was also very aware of when I ran good and also when I was card dead.

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I studied mental game for 10 minutes (target 10)...

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I meditated for 10 minutes (target 10)...

Non guided alone with my thoughts! Also visualised and affirmed!

===

Definitely back into the groove. And with my improved self awareness and my determination to push through my limits I feel like I am really making big improvements in my life.

It is kind of a pity I am going on holiday on Friday for a week but hey, what ya gonna do!!!?

For my workout this morning I did some Wing Chun technique (rusty as hell!), some speed punching (er, rusty as hell) and some stretching (just plain terrible). The point for me is that I DID IT (as those are the basic things that I might usually take for granted) and I pushed myself.

I was aiming for another sugar free day... At 9.00pm during my poker session my wife put this in front of me...

My favourite!!! Come on!!!

To be fair I had not told her that I was specifically being watchful of my sugar intake and she was "treating" me.

So I waited a while and then hid it in my filing cabinet! I was seriously tested there!

I will eat it tomorrow when I get into holiday mode. Or should I just give it to the kids!? Nah...

===

I studied poker for 130+ minutes (minimum target 90)...

Again it was well over 130 minutes but hard to gauge.

> Session review (one close spot)

> Flop analysis v GTORB in BB v BTN on KQ8r

> Re-reading all of coaching notes with Victor (got to keep on doing this!)

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I played poker for 90 minutes (minimum target 60)...

Excellent mindset. On the wrong end of two coolers and had absolutely zero reaction whatsoever.

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I meditated for 10 minutes (minimum target 10)...

Box breathing, non guided. Affirmations and visualisation too!

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I studied mental game for 15 minutes (minimum target 10)...

===

This was a really great day. Boundaries were pushed and I was tested. I overcame. There is more...

Glad to hear you are back with the Martial Arts. It's such an amazing practice. You're killing it my friend.

Gotta rush off to go on family holiday for a week!

That Kit Kat is still in my drawer!

Smashed through pull-ups and push-ups yesterday. Did quite a few more negatives after my "I want to quit" moment! Those are the ones that count!

Already been for run (okay it is a jog!) this morning and went a bit further (and faster) again!

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Quick summary for the day...

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I studied for 100+ minutes (target 90)...

Again it was over this but hard to measure.

GTORB / review notes / session review.

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I played poker for 100 minutes (target 60)...

Feel really good. Mindset better every day!

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I meditated for 10 minutes (target 10)...

Box breathing, non guided.

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I studied mental game for 15 minutes (target 10)...

This part of MGOP is VERY good for me...

Mental Game Of Poker (Study Notes)

CHAPTER 6 - FEAR

In the poker world if you are not playing your best they call it "tilt". So anxiety and fear get barely noticed. "Defining tilt as just being caused by anger allows FEAR to emerge as a real contributor to mental game problems".

Fear could be there all along but without the ability to spot it I miss that it causes problems.

I might not realise that fear can be the cause of not thinking clearly or constantly checking past hands for mistakes - THIS SEEMS VERY RELEVANT TO ME ALREADY!

FEAR may show up in one fo these ways:-

I would say that only the last two of these do NOT apply to me although I have stopped checking the cashier since I have been studying this book and am improving in all of the others!!! And maybe the only reason I don't struggle sleeping after bad sessions is that I am so knackered!

THE NATURE OF FEAR

Fear = An accumulation of anxiety

Anxiety = An accumulation of doubt or uncertainty

Uncertainty is a question that I do not have an answer for or if i do have an answer I am not sure if it is correct. When these questions remain unanswered doubt lingers then accumulates into anxiety. Then that turns to fear after time.

Same as other emotions fear exists along a spectrum but it begins as just a question.

I need to dig into my fear to pull out the unanswered (or unproven) questions. Find out what these questions are as they will indicate what I need to know at a deeper level.

Examples of common questions/doubts:-

3,4,6 and 8 apply for me.

Sometimes the questions linger unanswered but at other times they get answered negatively such as "It is because I am stupid that I make these mistakes". these answers cause FEAR.

It seems too simple to reduce fear down to a question but logically when there is no question there is certainty and when I have certainty there is nothing to fear.

Certainty is the antidote to fear.

Unpredictability or uncertainty alone does not create fear (same as anger alone does not create tilt).

Underlying flaws in my approach to poker and to my learning are needed to create the intensity required to cause anxiety.

The end goal is NOT to eliminate uncertainty - it is to correct the underlying flaws in my logic that make me NEED certainty when I cannot really have it.

Without uncertainty there is no risk. Without risk there is nothing to gain, no edge to create, no profit to be made.

THIS CHAPTER IS MASSIVE FOR ME AND I ACTUALLY READ IT EARLIER DURING THIS STUDY PERIOD AND IT IS ALREADY IMPROVING MY ATTITUDE AT THE TABLES AND MY ABILITY TO PLAY AT MY BEST.

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Up to pdf page 79 - "Incomplete Information"

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So now it is time for a break!

Kind of a shame as feel like everything is building huge momentum. Maybe the rest will do will me good though. I am sure it will!

Good luck at the tables amigos. Just keep trying!

XXX