A Week Off

This week I'm not playing, as we are headed to Bend, OR for vacation. It's a much-needed break, after so much playing lately. Back at it next week.

New Progress Charts

On both charts, you can see the impact of my bad weekend a couple weeks ago. However, I think both charts suggest that that downturn was a fluke. I know that type of thing will happen now and again, however.

Daily Profit/Loss Chart:



Bankroll Chart:

Rules of Engagement

After so much playing, trying to build a bankroll, I've come up with some self-imposed rules that seem to further my success, the more I stick to them:

1) Don't play tired/sick.
When I'm tired or sick, my decision-making process is affected. Unlike most players, I actually play tighter/more conservative when I'm tired. But it still affects my play, so it's to be avoided whenever possible. Nothing wrong with taking a day off.

2) Don't chase a loss.
This is something I'm working on. I'm so competitive and win a good deal of the time. So when I run bad (i.e. get unlucky), I tend to want to play again, to prove that I can win. But it's dumb. There are times when you WILL lose, either because your luck is crap, or because you aren't playing at the top of your game. You have to recognize those times and take a small loss, rather than chase and end up with a huge loss.

3) Don't get personal/emotional.
There will be times when bad players get the best of you. And there will be times when the deck hates you. Either way, you can't let it affect how you play. You can't get fixated on one player, since you have to beat them ALL to win. And you will get bad luck sometimes. You have to try to laugh it off and move on. I'm struggling the most with this last part.

Whew. Back to Level 3

After my two-day horror movie of poker last week, it took me only 5 days to get back to over $400 and therefore back into level 3. I will reset my goal date to complete level 3 to October 4th.