Newbie pro looking for advice

luckylucky

I went online pro about 10 weeks ago and it's been going well but I feel my discipline is starting to break down particularly the last few days. I've started playing in games more than my bankroll dictates, I'm chasing a little bit more etc etc - in general my game has deteriorated somewhat and I feel my approach to the game has become a bit more raggedy and less professional so I'm getting concerned and thought I better nip this in the bud and look for advice from those who have been there done that.


So if long-term pros out there have any advice I'd be glad to hear it.

Some specific questions are
Do u have a set routine?
Do u take a break from the game every now and then and if so how often?
Are u always able to be strict with your bankroll?
Do u stick to the same game or do u play different types of games to keep a bit of variety?
Do u find urself getting 'cabin fever' - I know I've felt quite isolated since not working in an office anymore?
Do u try to get out and exercise?
Any other tips?

FutureGuy

luckylucky wrote:

I went online pro about 10 weeks ago and it's been going well but I feel my discipline is starting to break down particularly the last few days. I've started playing in games more than my bankroll dictates, I'm chasing a little bit more etc etc - in general my game has deteriorated somewhat and I feel my approach to the game has become a bit more raggedy and less professional so I'm getting concerned and thought I better nip this in the bud and look for advice from those who have been there done that.


So if long-term pros out there have any advice I'd be glad to hear it.

Some specific questions are
Do u have a set routine?
Do u take a break from the game every now and then and if so how often?
Are u always able to be strict with your bankroll?
Do u stick to the same game or do u play different types of games to keep a bit of variety?
Do u find urself getting 'cabin fever' - I know I've felt quite isolated since not working in an office anymore?
Do u try to get out and exercise?
Any other tips?

I'm no expert but when reading the Super System, Doyle mentions that you should schedule breaks ahead of time, even when you don't feel that you need then. Take a holiday or something. He didn't realise that his game had gone downhill until someone said it to him. When he came back, he played way better.

El Stuntman

Hi Barry,

I don't want to appear overly negative but is this not a bit of a crazy time to turn full time poker pro?

Surely you'd be better off seeing how the US market (where I'm sure you make most of your profits) settles down?

best of luck anyways, would be interested in your thoughts on the above.

el S

NickyOD

Some specific questions are
Do u have a set routine?

I tried but it was impossible. Just play when and how long you feel comfortable with.

Do u take a break from the game every now and then and if so how often?

If you play 7 days a week then you have a problem. Take days off ona regular basis.

Are u always able to be strict with your bankroll?

I wish.

Do u stick to the same game or do u play different types of games to keep a bit of variety?

Most pro players are only very good at one type of game. Concentrate on putting in the hours on your bread and butter tables, but do take a break to play tourneys and satelites also.

Do u find urself getting 'cabin fever' - I know I've felt quite isolated since not working in an office anymore?

yes definitely

Do u try to get out and exercise?

I try

Any other tips?

Stop playing above your bankroll, Don't go broke and have something else to fall back on incase you do.

luckylucky

El Stuntman wrote:

Hi Barry,

I don't want to appear overly negative but is this not a bit of a crazy time to turn full time poker pro?

Surely you'd be better off seeing how the US market (where I'm sure you make most of your profits) settles down?

best of luck anyways, would be interested in your thoughts on the above.

el S

Good point.. however in my original post I didn't post the full story. I'm not reliant on poker for my income I also have a writing contract that pays me a decent enough income but I am spending the majority of my working time( more than I should be) playing poker so for all intensive purposes I'm playing it professionally.

Anyways on ur point about da US market situation I guess it's not the most ideal time to go pro, though 10 weeks ago I didn't realise it was all going to kick off so soon, with that bill getting passed through US congress and party poker declaring that they were pulling out of da US market.

But and this is just my opinion - even if u take out all the american players now playing from the total number of players, I would think at the rate poker has grown that this would still leave a number the equivalent if not greater than the number of players involved 2 years ago, and back then there was plenty of people making a living from the online game AFAIK.

In other words though less people is not good, I think there is still enough players even without da americans to make it worthwhile, and the number of europeans playing keeps growing and growing, in less traditional poker playing countries like Germany and Russia it seems to be taking off there now, I notice more and more from these places and the standard on average is not great at all - well at least not at the minute, though I'm sure it will improve. In fact I would say at the medium high stakes the average american is probably better than them. And in regards to French players... I would personally invest money to encourage more of em to play
Now if they'd only ban online poker in Scandie Land!

OK I am generalising, there r of course good and bad players from all countries, but my basic point is that as long as european governments don't follow suit I think european online pros do not have anything to fear short-term anyway but I as I say that's just my opinion.
And on a personal level even if I hadn't secured a writing job I couldn't stomach the day job I had anymore so I would have taken the risk anyways as I had little choice.

FutureGuy wrote:

I'm no expert but when reading the Super System, Doyle mentions that you should schedule breaks ahead of time, even when you don't feel that you need then. Take a holiday or something. He didn't realise that his game had gone downhill until someone said it to him. When he came back, he played way better.

I think this is the key really - I haven't had a break from it in 10 weeks - not sure if there has even been 1 day that I haven't at least played for some part of the day. I'm going off on hols shortly so hopefully this will recharge my batteries but I think when I come back I need to start taking more breaks, maybe even complete days off.

And as u say futureguy u can b so involved that u don't realise ur game is going to muck.

luckylucky

NickyOD wrote:

Some specific questions are
Do u have a set routine?

I tried but it was impossible. Just play when and how long you feel comfortable with.

Do u take a break from the game every now and then and if so how often?

If you play 7 days a week then you have a problem. Take days off ona regular basis.

Are u always able to be strict with your bankroll?

I wish.

Do u stick to the same game or do u play different types of games to keep a bit of variety?

Most pro players are only very good at one type of game. Concentrate on putting in the hours on your bread and butter tables, but do take a break to play tourneys and satelites also.

Do u find urself getting 'cabin fever' - I know I've felt quite isolated since not working in an office anymore?

yes definitely

Do u try to get out and exercise?

I try

Any other tips?

Stop playing above your bankroll, Don't go broke and have something else to fall back on incase you do.

Cheers Nicky

TacT

luckylucky wrote:

Some specific questions are
Do u have a set routine?
Do u take a break from the game every now and then and if so how often?
Are u always able to be strict with your bankroll?
Do u stick to the same game or do u play different types of games to keep a bit of variety?
Do u find urself getting 'cabin fever' - I know I've felt quite isolated since not working in an office anymore?
Do u try to get out and exercise?
Any other tips?

No set routine but I play when I'm on form and feeling good, never when tired etc. I play between 3-6 hrs max incl. breaks, never more than a 3hr stretch.

Yes I take a break, at least making a break out of the weekends unless of course I'm feeling on form and know I'll play to the best of my ability and have some time to kill.

No, not in the past (regarding bankroll) although this time around I have been so far (this is my second shot at this). I'm VERY strict with my bankroll now and I'm damn happy about it too, currently with just over 10K hands in PT averaging 7.5BB/100. I took a hit for €1K in March which was my bankroll at the time but it wasn't a problem really (even though it seemed like a monumental one at the time).

I still had a fair bit of money put aside and payed for a nice 6 and a half week-long holiday and didn't play for over 2 months because I knew I needed a break from the game. I was playing .50/1 nl full ring and hitting circa €400 a week and sometimes more, my best week saw me up over €1200 with a nice placing in an MTT, I was literally flying!

I stick to the same game 99% of the time and if I'm feeling a little frustrated I'll go LAG it up at some stupidly low micro limits (.2/.4c or .5/.10c). alternatively I might hit an omaha table with $10 or $20 or play a few low level buyin STT's/MTT's.

Nope, no cabin fever, get out, see the gf, go fishing/diving/swimming yadda yadda.

I force myself to go out and get regular exercise, yup, gotta be done! Even if it's just a walk around the park for 45mins (don't fancy that cabin fever!)

other tips are, you seem to be playing WAY too much, don't get sucked in, take a step back, accept that some days you might be a loser and others a winner, don't chase -- whether it's a loss or the cards, it will be your downfall and undoing and what cost me my roll back in March. Good luck!

pok3rplaya

luckylucky wrote:

Do u have a set routine?
No. I just play whenever I feel like it, which is alot of the time some weeks, not at all others. I'm usually a routine lover and it would probably help my results but part of the beauty of playing poker is the flexibility, it's too valuable to try and constrain. I probably average about 20-30 hours a week.

Do u take a break from the game every now and then and if so how often?
No. I can't force myself to tke breaks unless there's a reason like a holiday or whatever . If I run bad I get a real play through it attitude and just slog on.

Are u always able to be strict with your bankroll?
Yes always. I have NEVER played out of my bankroll. Not even if I consider it a 'just for an experience' live tournament. Like I would love to play the Irish open or whatever but I consider myself not bankrolled and I wouldn't even think of registering even though I feel I would have an edge.

Do u stick to the same game or do u play different types of games to keep a bit of variety?
Stick to whatever is the most profitable. Only game I can play is holdem and I have no desire to learn another game because that would cost me money bacause I'm losing out on hours when I could be playing holdem. If I wan't a bit of variaty I'll play a $6 SnG. I have like a million buyins for them.

Do u find urself getting 'cabin fever' - I know I've felt quite isolated since not working in an office anymore?
Not really.

Do u try to get out and exercise?
Exercise is not something I try and do. Usually it's just a case of one of my mates ringing me up for a game of football etc. I think my social life suffered a bit but it's still healthy.

Any other tips?

Discipline is the most important skill for poker IMO. You really need to get the right attitude or when you hit your first speedbump you will probably just fall apart.

delanec8

pok3rplaya wrote:

If I wan't a bit of variaty I'll play a $6 SnG. I have like a million buyins for them.

And you won't play the Irish Open. You should have like a thousand buyins for that. NIT;)

Hectorjelly

You have to be disciplined and play within your bankroll, you will definitely go broke otherwise

White Knight

Full time Poker player rather than a poker pro might be a better description imo

I think peers would take you more seriously especially since asking the type of questions you are asking. Of course life and any profession is a learning curve where you are always gathering information

I have always thought that a full time poker player should be set up in an work/office type environment. It does not mean having to start at 9am but any time really ... take lunch breaks/smoke breaks/skive off for a few minutes but have set goals(can be general - dont have to be x amount of money like) that they can work toward and achieve and then face other goals & challenges.

Norwich Fan Rob

will be full time poker pro myself in 8 days
some interesting questions.
i dont think the usa thing is going to make a huge diff to the games i play.
personally, i play a lot of diff games, cash, miltis, stts, but i guess thats just me.
good luck with it anyway.

bohsman

Some specific questions are
Do u have a set routine?

Not really, I try to leave if Im feeling tired or if I make 2 mistakes no matter how small.

Do u take a break from the game every now and then and if so how often?

Yes, I try to travel as much as possible, Im a member of a gym which I dont get to as often as Id like and Im back playing football a couple of days a week - I generally dont play any poker on those days. I also have a few football manager type games that Ill play if Im bored in the house but know I shouldnt play poker.

Are u always able to be strict with your bankroll?

No. I find it nearly impossible to discipline myself for the limits I should be playing but I will make sure to have 5-10 buyins at the limit Im playing and if I take a hit I take a couple of days off before moving down (I could walk back into my job tonight if I wanted so there isnt massive pressure)

Do u stick to the same game or do u play different types of games to keep a bit of variety?

I go through periods of playing only online NLH cash games to only online tournies to playing live tournaments and PLH cash games. I also play PLO the odd time, playing the same thing day in day out would drive me crazy (as would working 9-5)

Do u find urself getting 'cabin fever' - I know I've felt quite isolated since not working in an office anymore?

I try to get out of the house as much as possible but yes it does affect me.

Do u try to get out and exercise?

Yes, I play far better when Im excercising compared to when I havent left the pc in a week.

delanec8

luckylucky wrote:

Some specific questions are

Do u have a set routine?
I will play when i feel like it. I probably would fare better with a set routine as i havent been playing enough lately. Once i hit a certain amount for the week i find it hard to play (something ive been trying to remedy recently).

Do u take a break from the game every now and then and if so how often?
I take too many breaks, but not consciously, they just happen if im playing well. It should be the other way around i know.

Are u always able to be strict with your bankroll?
Never had a problem with playing outside my bankroll. There are no regular SNGs where i play which would allow me to do this anyway and i dont jump into cash games underfunded. I think if you are taking poker seriously you should stick to a strict bankroll management strategy.

Do u stick to the same game or do u play different types of games to keep a bit of variety?
I play the same games almost all the time. I will play the odd bit live and home games more for fun than anything else.

Do u find urself getting 'cabin fever' - I know I've felt quite isolated since not working in an office anymore?
At little bit. Im well used to it at this stage. Ive been averaging less than 20hours a week lately so it doesnt affect me much. A lot of part time players probably play more than me.

Do u try to get out and exercise?
Playing GAA keeps me to a reasonable fitness level. I enjoy it so its not exactly a struggle to get out and exercise.

Any other tips?
Its already been said but discipline can't be stressed enough. Pride yourself on not tilting and playing outside your bankroll. Learn to step away if you feel your play deteriorating. Don't chase, consider the long run(you know its not the most profitable way to play so why cost yourself money by doing it?)

.

luckylucky

Thanks everybody for the replies so far - all very helpful.

Good luck in going pro Rob - let us know how u get on.

I think the main thing I've got out of this is to not spend so much time at my PC and even then reduce the time I spend playing poker on it and try to just make it quality time when I do play. I'm inclined to think that if I'm not so engrossed in the game I will probably be able to sit back and look at it logically and it might help me to discipline myself with my bankroll like I was when I initially went full time 'player' cause there is no arguing with what HJ says if ur not strict with ur bankroll ur asking 4 trouble.


In regards to mixing up games - I have mixed feelings on it - I play no limit hold em cash games,sngs and also pot limit omaha which I just took up around March (the 1st month of my play at that was hilarious - for my opponents that is ) and very occasionally some limit hold em when I want to go on autopilot. I'm in profit in all 4 of them. I'm inclined to think if I didn't get bored sticking to one I might do better however, but I do like to change between them, so guess the main thing is I'm not losing at any of them.

And I guess I need to start getting more exercise :eek: - once upon a time I was actually fit and active:rolleyes:


Anyway just to re-iterate I greatly appreciate all the tips and suggestions and I have taken a lot from it and will certainly be looking to take it all on board so thanks to all.

luckylucky

White Knight wrote:

Full time Poker player rather than a poker pro might be a better description imo

I think peers would take you more seriously especially since asking the type of questions you are asking. Of course life and any profession is a learning curve where you are always gathering information

I have always thought that a full time poker player should be set up in an work/office type environment. It does not mean having to start at 9am but any time really ... take lunch breaks/smoke breaks/skive off for a few minutes but have set goals(can be general - dont have to be x amount of money like) that they can work toward and achieve and then face other goals & challenges.

The questions I asked were not down to naiveity and yeah they might seem obvious and make me appear to be a right donk(which at times I am), when ur in da zone all these things r obvious, however when u go off the boil u can't see the wood from the trees and u r better off holding ur hands up and asking things that may appear obvious and even if they make look u stupid - I think it would be more stupid of me not to have raised these questions that deep down I knew the answers to but I was out of touch with.
Especially for someone like me - I'm kinda isolated over here in Manchester - I'm not part of any poker social circle that I can bounce these trivial thoughts of. We r all only human and I think we need to stop and look at ourselves every now and then and if necessary ask the obvious, particularly for a game like poker which is such an emotional game.

MrPillowTalk

why not do a forum search there has been about ten threads on the subject all with good advice in the last year or so, it really should be stickied imo.

phantom_lord

luckylucky wrote:

when ur in da zone all these things r obvious, however when u go off the boil and u can't see the wood from the trees u r better off...

....taking a look at this to psyche yourself up http://lucky.lucky.youaremighty.com/

spectre

phantom_lord wrote:

Taking a look at this to psyche yourself up http://lucky.lucky.youaremighty.com/

That is fcuking genius - that music makes me want to assemble an army right now

eggie

phantom_lord wrote:

....taking a look at this to psyche yourself up http://lucky.lucky.youaremighty.com/

Wheres that music from? anyone?

luckylucky

phantom_lord wrote:

....taking a look at this to psyche yourself up http://lucky.lucky.youaremighty.com/

hehe my name is maximus luckyluckius, commander of the donk legions, husband to murdered pocket rockets, father to an outdrawn set, and I will have my suckout in this hand or the next.

anyway yeah nice 1.

phantom_lord

eggie wrote:

Wheres that music from? anyone?

I think it's from "united 93", at least that's what my friend said the other day.



EDIT: actually no it's not...the one I posted in the bb sticky is from that film, can't remember where he said this one was from.

peeko

very good!

hope you get back on track lucky lucky! take some money and go to some luxury hotel for the weekend or something crazy!

luckylucky

Cheers Peeko I'm off on hols shortly to Portugal so will b taking a much needed break from the game.

When I get back I'm going to cut down the amount I play - well at least that's the intention :rolleyes:

peeko

I'm sure when you get into holiday mode, you'll subconsiously fix your leaks and see things clearly again. no bother, no sweat...

RoundTower

MrPillowTalk wrote:

why not do a forum search there has been about ten threads on the subject all with good advice in the last year or so, it really should be stickied imo.

There should be a question in one of the stickys

Q: I am earning $xx/hr on xxxxx site or in the xxxxxxx Club and this is better than I could do in my job. My BR is $xxxxx. Should I go pro? Anyone got any tips?

A: No. You are not as good as you think you are and you have been running hot. Also despite your good results you are mysteriously underbankrolled.