Updates, Strategy, Girls, and Life (2/22/2010)

Traffic was absolutely miserable this morning.  It took me over an hour to get to work.  The commute is back to being hands-down the worst part of my life.  Sitting in the traffic causes me to question my very existence.  The prospect of dealing with it another year is a terrifying thought.  Hopefully I can escape in a few more months.

Last night I played another 4 hours, and at least I hit the 20-hour goal for the weekend.  I had a commentary I recorded on the session, but I’m not going to post it this time.  Another extremely frustrating session, ended up down -$60 overall.  I vividly remember 3 hands in the last hour that really screwed up any chance of a possible profit. 

Hand 1:  All in preflop with AA against 10-10.  Dude drills a TEN.  You gotta love it.

Hand 2:  All in preflop with AK against AQ.  Guy nails a queen on the flop.  He turns another queen just to rub it in.

Hand 3:  All in preflop KK < AA.  Why am I the only one on this site who seems to have a problem hitting a 2 outer when I need it?

There were a few more, but you get the general idea.  Yet overall, I was still down only -$60 in the 4 hours.  That puts me just over break even for the full 20 hours.  The last 2 hours of the Sunday session I was also 8-tabling (the most tables I have played at once during this format).  I actually felt relatively comfortable playing the 8 tables at once.  I did make one ten dollar blunder, as I hit “min-raise” by accident on a far left table.  My 3-5 off-suit was promptly 5-betted and I had to fold.  That mistake could have been a lot worse.  If the opponent had already raised $20 instead of $6 it would have been a full buy-in.  But normally I would have only lost -$4.  I normally don’t make that sort of error, it was completely unacceptable.  But I have a feeling it occasionally happens to the best of us.   

I’m going to discuss a few strategy topics below.  I have a lot to sort out:

Should I crank up the table volume, or sacrifice a few tables for increased research?

This is an interesting debate that I haven’t quite figured out.  It may seem stupid that I’m considering increasing my table volume, when realistically I haven’t showed a consistent profit when four tabling.  All I’ve shown is the ability to get my money in with the best of it and lose to horrific suck-outs again and again.  I’m not sure how even 8-tabling would help that fact.  Sure it should balance out the shit-luck, but maybe it will just increase my misery x8.  Well I think the topics of player traffic, research being over-rated, and HUD should factor into my decision.

Player Traffic

When I played 8 tables on Sunday, it really seemed to make sense.  There was an abundance of very solid tables, and there seemed to be at least 2 fundamentally poor players at each table.  Things were very much getting crazy, and I would have stayed longer if it wasn’t for obligations the next day.  In this type of situation I think it would be ideal to sacrifice some table selection for increased table volume.

However, if I tried the same strategy Saturday afternoon for example; I don’t think it would have made sense.  The tables were super-tight, and there wasn’t much action anywhere.  During times of limited action I think I should stick to a max of 4-tabling while intensely researching during the time being.  However, during peak times I think I could benefit from 6-8 tabling.

Table Research may be Over-rated in This Format

I honestly can’t believe I am making such a statement.  If someone made this comment with regards to my online poker situation three weeks ago I would have sarcastically laughed in their face.  But in some instances, it seems that table research can be almost border-line detrimental.  I have to understand that the main point of my strategy is to CHIP UP AND LEAVE.  Therefore, when I do all this research and get on the best tables I think it sometimes messes with me.  Often I double up and want to go to war with my $100 stack against a terrible player.  This strategy should be used sparingly; when used it needs to be a VERY IDEAL situation.  Otherwise it could be screwing me up in the long-run.  Even the time I spend researching could go into winning a few extra big blinds here and there. 

Every-time I’m using a doubled up stack to go after a weak player I am making a drastic strategy shift on one of my tables.  This is doable, but it is not easy.  And many times it could be taking away valuable focus from the other tables.  Meanwhile, I could split the $100 stack into almost 3 additional buy-ins and play optimally against semi-weak players.  I don’t think I can ever completely write off researching and committing more against super-weak players.  However, I am now more aware of some possible negatives to this strategy.  That being said, there are still certain situations that I would label as 100% foolish to not attack.  I guess having an adaptable mind-set and being aware is essential here.

When I boil it down it seems going after the weak with a bigger stack is setting myself up for a big score.  But in the process I lose a slight amount of profit per hour.  When the score hits it is worth it.  But I am increasingly aware of what I am giving up to even go after the score.  Hitting the score is rare, but sometimes worthwhile.  Usually the guy is just going to end up stacking off to a regular who is dealt QQ+ within 10 minutes.  There are also the risks of getting caught up with a regular when trying to go after the fish.  Not that I should be scared of regulars, but in this situation I would be under-stacked against them, which is an enormous disadvantage.

HUD Implications

Within a week of using an HUD display I have already noticed the unavoidable dynamic that has be introduced to my personal game.  The HUD allows me to cut down on the research.  It even gives me a clearer picture of who to steal from at certain times.  It is massively important, especially when I was playing 8 tables Sunday.  However, personal research is sometimes better than the HUD.  I realize people playing more than 8 tables are pretty much screwed without the HUD, I get that.  They use the HUD to make pretty much ALL of their reads and strategy adaptations while playing.  Everything makes so much more sense to me now.  The HUD is such a valuable tool.  But sometimes it can cost you. 

For example, last night I remember a hand I lost a full buy in when using an HUD read while 8-tabling.  I pushed all in pre-flop with AQ off against a very loose player.  Without the HUD I wouldn’t have made the play.  But the HUD read gave me that slight read that ultimately pushed my decision to ALL-IN, rather than FOLD.  The guy turned over QQ.  That being said, based on his VPIP% and Pre-flop raise% I had to make that push.  Serves me right for using an HUD!

The HUD gives an increased advantage to putting in more table volume, and sacrificing some research.  

Conclusion on focusing on volume or research

Going forward there really is no conclusion.  I’m going to adapt based on the feel of the situation.  If there seems to be great traffic and tons of profitable tables I will increase my table volume.  If the site seems to be dead I will cut back to a 4-table maximum and ramp up the research while doing so.

Hardware Upgrades

I now have two enormous 22 inch+ monitors linked up together.  Sunday I had 8 tables up and could keep a view on them at all times.  It’s funny though because my right monitor is more distant from my view then the left monitor.  It’s almost like a different world over there.  And the two tables on the far right of the right monitor are like Pluto or something.  Funny but maybe this isn’t always bad.  I probably stick to a more conservative strategy on the far right.  The HUD eventually becomes more in charge of the two tables on the VERY FAR right.  And maybe that’s not always bad.  Besides what the hell do I know?  The HUD is probably a better player than me.  I bet it could do more than break even if it played on its own. 

That being said, I think keeping a view on your tables at all times is still much better then stacking tables on top of each-other.  Even if I’m only 4-tabling I can be researching new tables on the second monitor, or keep a running commentary if I please.  I also have my mac-book set up to my left (on the same desk).  The book can be used to research opponents while playing.  So I’m now utilizing 2 machines and 3 screen displays during my sessions.  I also bought a new laser mouse that is super responsive and a great improvement.

I’m also thinking about hooking up a car battery to my portion of the room.  If I did this I would have a lamp and my computers available as the rest of the neighborhood plunged into darkness during a power outage.  This way I won’t lose anything even if the power goes out for a few hours.  I would be immune to power surges.  I haven’t had problems with power yet, but it’s just something to plan for in the future.  Thunderstorms sometimes cause problems during the summer.

Weekly Poker and Obligations

This upcoming weekend I want to put in 20 more hours.  I will probably get at least one solid session in during the week, but I’m not sure yet.

I am absolutely forcing myself to go to the gym and work out at least TWICE this week.  I am looking to go Monday and Wednesday, getting it out of the way.  I have been seriously slacking the last two weeks.  Last week I went ONCE, lol.  Sure I’ve been drinking less, but two times a week needs to be a minimum going forward. 

If I need to go out once during the week it will be on Thursday.  Again, this ensures my work schedule is screwed up and not the weekend.  Last weekend I went out Friday night and I’m sure it messed with my poker game the first half of Saturday.

I plan to not go out this upcoming weekend and put in the time with poker.  I’m going away the first week of March, so this weekend is a big-deal.  I should most likely just turn off my phone Thursday night through Sunday evening.  It is very important to stay focused.

Russian Girls are still my Ultimate Weakness

I went out Friday because it was one of my best friend’s birthdays.  I was not looking for a girl.  It was a shitty bar (it was not my choice), and I didn’t expect there to be one girl that was worth hitting on anyways.  I planned to hit on a chair in the corner or something.  As in an actual bar-stool, not a girl that is as big as a chair.  Yes I figured I’d be spending the night hitting on an inorganic object.  That sums up my hopes for this particular place.

Of course out of nowhere there is this gorgeous girl.  I don’t think we broke eye contact the first 20 minutes we met.  Immediately there was a connection.  I find out this girl lives 5-10 minutes from me and is from Ukraine.  And this attractive?  How?  Her looks are stunning.  Her accent is unbelievable.  Her name is amazing.

For starters, this bar was close to my house, which is basically considered the country.  Russian girls DON’T LIVE IN THE COUNTRY.  This is impossible.  I’m agnostic, but at this point I’ve concluded that a higher force is OBVIOUSLY FUCKING WITH ME.

Secondly, Russian girls are my weakness.  The higher force knows this.  I semi-dated a girl last summer who was straight up from Russia, and it was her first summer in the U.S.  I have never been attracted to someone more.  I basically sacrificed months of my summer driving 3-hours each way to the beach just to see her (I was still working 9-5 during the week).  Sure it ended in a raging inferno, but WE SHARED A MOMENT OK. 

Back to the bar, I later talk to one of her friends (that I somehow happened to know from a while back).  I just ask if she could put in a good word for me.  She immediately goes “no”.  So I’m like wtf?  She said the girl has a boy-friend so FML.  This is why I DON’T GO OUT; SERIOUSLY.  Go fuck yourself.  I didn’t like you anyway.  You aren’t even real Russian; Ukraine is some bull-shit satellite nation.

That being said she told me to call her and seemed really interested.  So I texted her the next day and received no response.  It was against my morals not to contact this girl.  I’m not sure why she seemed so interested and lead me on if she had a boyfriend.  Actually I am sure.  Either she was really drunk, got lost in the moment for an hour, and was just having fun.  Or she is looking for a back-up plan, girls do that shit all of the time.  In my experience this logic ESPECIALLY refers to really good looking girls.  These girls need constant attention and without it they cease to exist in a way.  These girls take preemptive steps to make sure they always have a solid source of constant attention.  These attention sources ultimately define them.  They are actually so insecure that they will wrap up a solid “back-up plan” months before their current relationship comes to a fiery end.  When the first signs of problems pop up they begin looking for a back-up.  Well I’m hoping I am a back-up plan, because I would um….. how do I say this…..

Be totally in on that. 

I’ll probably try to call her one more time and that’s it.  What a waste of time going out really is though.

I’m currently content being single, but when stuff like that happens it makes be momentarily lose focus.  Ok let’s say someone said choose A or B and I could only have ONE:

A)  You hook up with the girl from Ukraine.  She dumps her BF and you begin hooking up regularly.  Somehow you get into a relationship, but are only required to see her once every week or two.  She is somehow totally cool with this.  She hasn’t even mentioned marriage.

B)  You become profitable enough playing online poker where you can quit your job at the end of May with EASE.  You won’t need to think about quitting, it will just make sense.  You then steadily build your bankroll as you plan your next step to Vegas.

I’d choose B.

-bag

Comments

[FkCoolers]

I'd choose B, too. But that's mostly because I prefer Italian/Armenian girls.

[Lucypher]

Bags, good move to obtain two monitors, that's how I roll, too. Regarding # of tables, I prefer 4. I have played more but I think no more than 4 at once is best. You are getting your money in ahead even though the results have been sub-optimal. That is what you have to do. You cannot control the cards but you can control your decisions. Keep making the right decisions and the results will follow. Keep going to the gym and doing things to keep your life balanced - that is good for your long term outlook. I also think using the HUD will also help, I use one, too. Finally, imo, for short stacking to work best, you have to leave with the profits and join another table with the min buy in as soon as you double up or better. If you don't, you are now having to play two different strategies at the same time and that is tougher when multi tabling. Keep grinding and working on controlling your emotions. I think you are nearing a breakthrough.
Good luck.

[baglife]

FK,

LOL and I have a few cousins you should meet if your relationship ever goes south.

Luc,

Thanks for the input. I understand it is optimal to immediately leave when you chip up. Though I'm trying to remain flexible and "out of the box" with my strategy. I eventually intent to enter an un-tapped market. THE HYBRID SHORT-STACKER. This is great flexibility when the tables are dead. At least I can chip up on the one weak table and make my "quota" for the day. I have confidence in my ability to handle two different strategies at the same time under certain circumstances.

I actually feel really good right now. I've played 6 Hours combined on Monday and Tuesday. I was up around +$300 total. Amazing, all the work I put in on the weekend to just break even. And I sit on the tables 3 hours on Monday night and BAM up 200. I couldn't believe it.

Tuesday I was up around $70 overall in 2 hours, but it should have been +$200. Lost a huge 3-way pot. I got all in pre and one caller had AQ, the other J4 off. The guy with J4 flopped 2 pair and won the huge pot. He went on to piss away $150 in the span of 20 minutes.

I'm still very focused. This weekend I'm not going out, it's all poker during the nights and early morning hours. I'm going to go out hard-core Thursday night and get the social life thing out of the way. Maybe I shouldn't even bring my phone in case I meet a girl. Might wait at least until the weekend to post an update. I read back and actually liked the post above. I thought it was a good post and not all poker. Wanted to allow any vistors the chance to read. I think sometimes I post almost to frequently.

-bag

P.S almost sent a work email with the close "bag" haha. Corporate is the rake.