There's not much in what I'm about to write that will engage your poker brain. I haven't played a hand of poker for two weeks now. Instead, this is a perspective post. Still interested? Read on.
As part of my new position as a Technical Writer, I had to travel to Virginia Beach, VA to interview the development team as part of a writing project. My daughter lives in Virginia with her husband, so it was a chance to see her as well. Of course, one of the things I did before I left was to look up where I could play some poker while I was there. Well, the answer was nowhere. The closest place was Dover, DE. Well beyond driving distance. I spent my time watching the WSOP on ESPN2 instead--when I wasn't on the beach or working. I also had The Poker Blueprint with me which I read on the plane and when dining alone.
For those who are struggling with their post-flop play, I recommend this book and I recommend you wade through the first half, which is mostly common sense, and get to the second half, where post-flop play is disected. I didn't have any real "Aha!" moments, but it did a better job than Super System (imho) to describe how to be aggressive effectively, rather than just generally. After reading Super System the first time I was much too aggressive to the point of border-line spewing. I had to unlearn some of that aggression to return to profitability.
Anyway, at this point I've read Poker Blueprint twice, and I'll reread it again over the next week or two. If you need help reading hands or putting opponents on a range, this book helps. Will I be playing poker in that time? Maybe, maybe not. My poker drive is not what it was before I started working again. I have more money in the bank right now than I've had in years. Some of that is thanks to tournament wins, but most of it is due to having a good job that pays a decent wage. So I may be stepping away from poker as a profession, and treating it more like what it was when I started: entertainment.
I never tore up the felt during my short career as a poker player. I made more than I could have made working at Target, and about the same as a data entry clerk, but without the regular hours or having to answer to anyone but myself. My live poker win rate this year is between 5 and 6 BB per hour at 1/2NL. Not exactly bragging material, but I suppose it could have been worse. Full time employment has tripled that, without swings, without bad beats, without the constant worry of whether I'll be able to pay my bills that week or month.
If nothing else, I have a greater respect for those of you who play the game for a living. I don't know if I'm cut out for that kind of life. I still love the game and will always play, but the stress, now that I no longer have to bear it, is a real joy killer. So my hat's off to you, guys. Keep up the good work. This humble player is going back to his game a bit wiser, and is rediscovering his joy in the game.
M
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