eek 500 posts. Well some people make a big deal of this, and some don't. I won't bother much but I'll at least contribute something. Since I'm not really good enough to be writing a strategy post, I'll write a bit on what I find helped me and hopefully that'll motivate you to work hard.

Ok so to anyone out there who are not seeing the results they want to be seeing at these microstakes here's one of those little secrets that could boost your game a little....

***READ THE DIGEST!!!***

Yup..that's pretty much all I have to say and the only advice I would consider myself qualified to give. Go read it, and doing so only once doesn't count. This shit is so good. I've probably read every article at least 4 times and it's gotten me to 10nl so there has to be at least some value in there. Maybe once I read everything 8 times I'll hit 25nl. Shitttt son, that's like turning $50 into $1,000 just by....reading. I'm not trying to brag here, and I'm not saying that the digest is the only thing you have to bother with to get through this game - because it isn't! However, it will for sure give your game a boost. I have no doubts about this.

So if you haven't already, read the digest. In fact, I'm pretty sure if you just read Renton's full ring guide and follow proper bankroll management, you should be able to get through at least 2nl.

If not, keep reading, keep studying, keep posting, keep asking questions, keep playing poker. Get the experience. Apply what you learn - this is so important. For example, if you practice how to calculate pot odds away from the table but then completely ignore the concept at the table, where's the benefit? Put these things you learn into your game. Next time you see that flush draw, count your odds. Then pat yourself on the back when you make the correct decision. It may take awhile to go through all these articles, but it's worth it. 100% worth it, in fact, here's a technique I've used for a few of the longer articles:

Micro's steps for getting the most out of a poker article:

Step 1: Print that shit out.

Step 2: Grab a light, turn it on. Turn off the TV/stereo or anything else distracting so you can focus.

Step 3: Grab a highlighter, and sheet of paper, and a pen/pencil if you want to take some notes. (I normally just highlight the articles and take notes on the video's, but I'm sure taking notes would be beneficial on the articles too).

Step 4: Read through the article carefully, take notes if you like. Then read it - AGAIN! And this time highlight everything that's important, or that you feel really applies to you (i.e. don't bluff the calling stations - highlight that shit).

Step 5: Play some poker, and really think about what you read and how it applies to the game.

Step 6: Anytime you hit a slump/downswing/shitty session or feel like you just forgot how to play poker, go back and pick up one of those articles you printed out. Read through those important parts you highlighted to remind yourself of all those key concepts some of the FTR reg's have written about. This stuff is free and these players have written these papers on their own time. Respect that, and read the damn articles properly - don't half-ass it.

Okay that's just what I do, maybe you guys have a better way I dunno. These steps aren't concrete, they're just a guide. Take it as is and do with it as you will. All I can say though is I find it's more beneficial to go through these articles thoroughly and multiple times, rather than just giving them one quick skim and forgetting or missing half the important shit that you were supposed to learn. Maybe you will too.

Conclusion
Since I know alot of you don't like to read much I'll write the main point here at the bottom where I figure most of you will just skim to. (Please don't do this when you read the digest though). Alright, read the digest, read every article at least twice, ask questions, apply what you learn, maintain a positive attitude, and results will follow. The end. Did I mention read the digest yet?



*Disclaimer: Reading the digest ONLY will NOT give you those great results you want, but it will HELP. It should do a good job at helping if you take the time to learn. No one here can force you to put lots of time and effort into poker, that's just something you have to do yourself. Anyway there's my 500th post rant, enjoy.

-Micro