Running for the red line

Just smiled to myself after logging in again after about 3 months and seeing my last post from Easter saying I was going to start playing again after taking a little break.

Well I got a job offer I couldn't refuse and it came along with a side order of overtime and a whole load of mental exertion. I realised that much of the reasons I had for playing poker were about occupying my mind with a puzzle that felt a little more constructive than video games or sudoku.

When I took on my new job, I found I was coming home mentally exhausted and really in no mood for playing poker optimally. I even stopped listening to the podcasts.

But last night I sat at a few 5NL tables and began to think about taking another shot at the game. Wow I was out of practice! So I have come up with a notion to get back to basics and start playing again.

1. Deliberate practice

I will identify a measurable taget, where I feel I can be better, EG - identifying villains range, and spend 1 or two hours working on only that discipline.

2. Hand reviews

I will review any pots > 15bb and identify the reasons behind each decision. With the ultimate goal being to explain the reasons for every decision clearly.

3. Forum reviews

I will review hands on the forums and attempt to understand Hero's reasons, and possible opportunities to play it differently.

4. Keep it simple stupid!

I will believe their stiories, I will fold pretty hands when they put a lot of money in, I will not get caught playing out of position with no plan, I will not make light 3 and 4 bets, I will move tables when I dont have a good position.

5 - I will blog more

:)