Rockstar
Poker Update.
Yesterday I played in one of my first big online tournaments. Cost me $6 to enter from a satellite. Out of 600 people, I finished fourth. Had a shot to win it, but I lost my step and was out before I recovered. Won $1250. Booyah. And this was my first time at this structure. I may try it again.
I've been playing a few live tournaments, usually the bigger special events at Oaks. The most recent was a $500 tournament of 200 players, much tougher field than the piddly thing online, with several professionals at my starting table. I did quite well, tripling my stack without showing down a hand before doubling up when someone pushed all-in at my raise with aces. I made a couple of blunders later on (middle game was my weakest, but I've already improved since then), and sadly finished at 24th. 20 positions paid. Still, not bad, and one of the pros I busted was a little surprised to learn I didn't end higher, as he felt my play was solid. Since that tournament I've been given a lot more respect by coworkers and players alike.
Then there's the bread and butter, limit poker, I'm starting to get somewhat competent at this. Since I've been taking it seriously, I've made $3.42 an hour (but with a standard deviation of over $33). Basically, too soon to tell, but I get better after every session. I play mostly 6/12 limit now, with the occasional 3/6 if I'm waiting for another game or don't have much cash on me. One of the long-time dealers at work said I was the best graveyard dealer player, but considering my competition, that't not much of an accomplisment. Still, it's recognition and outside verification.
As to my home games, I go hot and cold. What with running my game and all the drink and smoke being passed around, it's hard for me to concentrate and focus on winning. I usually do very well and then relax and make a mistake and poof. While the stakes are tiny and I don't mind a loss, there's a not insignificant amount of money in the room, so I should focus more on trying to take it. These days I average around 20 people for the cash games and 30 for the tournaments. Not bad for a game I started eight months ago with four friends who don't even really play.
All in all I feel like I might have aptitude here, but it's far too soon to tell. The idea of relying on poker as a part of my income is much more frightening than the reality of stepping away from architecture in order to live a life of leisure. But I keep studying and keep feeling like I improve after every session. I wouldn't be surprised if I was up to 15/30 by the end of the year, and I'm quite sure I'll cash in a few live tournaments, if not win one of them.
This past year has certainly been interesting. And a hell of a lot of fun.
Yesterday I played in one of my first big online tournaments. Cost me $6 to enter from a satellite. Out of 600 people, I finished fourth. Had a shot to win it, but I lost my step and was out before I recovered. Won $1250. Booyah. And this was my first time at this structure. I may try it again.
I've been playing a few live tournaments, usually the bigger special events at Oaks. The most recent was a $500 tournament of 200 players, much tougher field than the piddly thing online, with several professionals at my starting table. I did quite well, tripling my stack without showing down a hand before doubling up when someone pushed all-in at my raise with aces. I made a couple of blunders later on (middle game was my weakest, but I've already improved since then), and sadly finished at 24th. 20 positions paid. Still, not bad, and one of the pros I busted was a little surprised to learn I didn't end higher, as he felt my play was solid. Since that tournament I've been given a lot more respect by coworkers and players alike.
Then there's the bread and butter, limit poker, I'm starting to get somewhat competent at this. Since I've been taking it seriously, I've made $3.42 an hour (but with a standard deviation of over $33). Basically, too soon to tell, but I get better after every session. I play mostly 6/12 limit now, with the occasional 3/6 if I'm waiting for another game or don't have much cash on me. One of the long-time dealers at work said I was the best graveyard dealer player, but considering my competition, that't not much of an accomplisment. Still, it's recognition and outside verification.
As to my home games, I go hot and cold. What with running my game and all the drink and smoke being passed around, it's hard for me to concentrate and focus on winning. I usually do very well and then relax and make a mistake and poof. While the stakes are tiny and I don't mind a loss, there's a not insignificant amount of money in the room, so I should focus more on trying to take it. These days I average around 20 people for the cash games and 30 for the tournaments. Not bad for a game I started eight months ago with four friends who don't even really play.
All in all I feel like I might have aptitude here, but it's far too soon to tell. The idea of relying on poker as a part of my income is much more frightening than the reality of stepping away from architecture in order to live a life of leisure. But I keep studying and keep feeling like I improve after every session. I wouldn't be surprised if I was up to 15/30 by the end of the year, and I'm quite sure I'll cash in a few live tournaments, if not win one of them.
This past year has certainly been interesting. And a hell of a lot of fun.