My progress hitherto - (don't flame)

I put this here so I can get people's feedback on what I've done and what I plan to do next re poker. It's also for myself, just to clarify.

I don't recall when exactly I found this site, but I obviously did so. According to my profile I joined in November 2009. I don't even know what made me motivated to start taking poker seriously. I used to play on Facebook a little bit (which is a total joke).

Anyway, I decided to play on PokerStars in November purely because it was a more well known site here in the UK. I initially deposited $10 which I lost, then another $10 which I lost, then another $20, which I lost. I was definitely more into *playing* than learning how to play, hence why I leaked so much money. I couldn't make my mind up whether I wanted to play cash or tourneys. The ideal answer is both, but I'd rather master one first.

I started reading the Beginner's Digest articles on BR management and deposited the recommended minimum for 2nl of $40. Thank god I've never deposited since. I did however, go down to as low as $7, and this has been SINCE Xmas 2009. (I made a thread in the Tilt section). It's funny, cos while I was at home (Nottingham) during Xmas, I got as high as $75. I was on absolute fire. Since I came back to London however, it's been downhill ever since, well up to this last couple of weeks anyway.

Determined not to have to EVER reload again, I plugged away, and today is the day when I finally hit my target and broke even on my SECOND $40 buyin....although it's nothing for you guys, it's important for me. I'm still a losing player statistically of course, I need to hit the $80 mark in my Stars account to have COMPLETELY broke even

This is a challenge that I think won't be as difficult as it once would have been however, as since I've started learning and grasping the fundamentals I've improved. No longer am I worried (if I lose a pot) about building it back up, cos I am beginning to find 2nl easier and easier. I don't think it's all luck either

Anyway, that is where I am as of now. My plan is to stop playing totally for a few days, as I have been doing so like a madman just to reach this point.

What I intend on doing in the meanwhile is:

Continuing to read and absorb everything I can re the fundamentals.

Develop better familiarity and skills with the software etc. I have HEM and I use it to gauge where I am and to gain reads on players, but I don't know it inside out.

Go through my HH and eradicate leaks etc. Funny thing is, I know that my biggest losses come when I get angry and proud. Sort of pissed off that some stupid **** has overbet the pot x20 and I want to punish him, only to walk into an ace high flush.

And the most important thing I want to begin to learn are the maths of poker, cos being honest with you, what I know about them I could write on the back of a postage stamp.


Despite what my "image" may be on here, I'm actually supremely confident that I will beat 2nl very soon, and progress onwards and upwards. It would be great if you can give me some thoughts, inspirations etc.

Cheers.

Watch some of the videos posted here on the forums. It'll help you get in the head of winning players.

Yes, watch the videos, and for NLHE maths the bible is Sklansky's "No limit theory and practice". Not much fun to read (surely not as fun as Harrington's tournament's books), but essential. Ed Miller's Professional No Limit seems great as well, although I have not started it seriously yet.

Also read through the articles on this site and the stickies/articles/pooh-bah posts on 2+2 forums.

pooh-bah?

u mean senior posters i take it

Yes that is what they call them on 2+2

Index of pooh-bah posts and other strategy articles on 2+2:
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/96...ncement36.html

Links to good micro-stakes posts:
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/69...hreads-430489/

What's better, here or 2+2?

I use both, but just curious.

Both are better than each other.

Don't really know. I post here only, and read the posts daily. I have been using 2+2 only for reading the articles and strategy posts. Among others, posts by Pokey are great.

I think this may be a sensitive question. I never knew the exact story but there is some kind of feud between here and 2+2.

Originally Posted by celtic123

Both are better than each other.

I take it u mean there are reasons why they are both better in certain aspects.

But which aspects?

Well ,I personally prefer here.

I like the way You get bullied for making a hash of things. Too make your made to think for yourself.
I Like the way ,If you ask a question in the wrong context ,you get beaten up, severely.Its all done to get you thinking the right way.

You get a shovel smashed in your face for messing up, the very next day ,the're helping you again.

When someone experienced sees you struggling, they run an article on it .Just for your benefit. Making you try to think for yourself , then some nobel prize winner chirps in and gives a whole new way of looking at the subject .

Some wonderful threads start here. There are some inspirational posts. Lots tucked away in the cubbie holes.

I goto 2+2, but have never registered , Its massive and there is tons of great material, Its world famous ,M A S S I V E, you would be nuts not to go there for a shifty round. And pick through the treasure troves. Ive bookmarked zillions of stuff.
Different characters with differing views , Excellent articles.

I read on there about the unfolding of the UB cheating , took me about 4 hours, read every post.

Sshit, loook at the time, The birds are tweeting.

I played

I lost

I lost bad

See you guys in a couple of weeks, I'm leaving the game for a bit.

Originally Posted by daviddem

I think this may be a sensitive question. I never knew the exact story but there is some kind of feud between here and 2+2.

There is no "feud" between FTR and 2+2. Most of the long-standing members (myself included) post on both sites (although I post here much more than there).

One of the things that initially attracted me here rather than 2+2 was the fact that FTR is far friendlier to newer posters than 2+2 where new posters aren't shown a great deal of tolerance.