Well, perhaps it depends:

I started with $50 from a friend. I played .50/1 and in 1-2 hours I was down to $16. It was a heavy grind, but I kept going and didn't allow myself to tilt. I made a comeback [perhaps I should be more specific: I learnt how to play] and the next 6-8 hours I experimented with higher tables and a $50 heads up. I ended the session on rounds again with $222.

The next morning (couldn't sleep properly, you know how it is when you first start playing) I went straight for 3/6 and saw a gradual decline to $130 from $200. I put this largely down to terrible draws/luck, but I realise now how tight higher level play can be. I ended up being 'forced' all-in by a guy with $700+ for a showdown. I also now know that I should very obviously have folded to him. I tilted the remaining few bucks down the drain.

I believe I progressed a huge amount during the session, and learnt a lot. The 2 weeks since then I've learnt even more - read up on positioning, outs and odds, player styles, use of cards and so on.

My friend did tell me that a large % of people will fail with their first $50, so I'm extremely happy to have been able to achieve what I did. Not the slightest bit worried about losing everything in an hour the next morning - I knew perfectly well the risks of going into 3/6 but I'm the kinda guy who just has to test his limits ;p

I really wouldn't ever put it down to a lucky session. I had crap cards a great deal of the time.

Anyway. You're totally right of course, and if I play again I'll be a lot more cautious in my progression.

Um, and I'm also still looking for a 31c donation on pokerstars as IbsuBaiHui :s ;P

*scampers*