New Session Log (9/15/2011)

I've been a pro for almost a year now. 

During that time I have meticulously recorded every single session on excel sheets.  I can tell you exactly what I’m up or down from a session over a year ago.  For example it looks like on 9/6/2010 I had the biggest 1-2 win of my life, up +1365 in 5.5 hours.  The session took place Monday night, 10:30 p.m – 4:00 a.m.

For the first time I want to experiment with a different model for recording sessions.  I just want to record the duration, location, mistake-free?, mind-set/emotional state, notes/adjustments, and finally up/even/down.

Duration

Still recording the actual number of hours I play.  Just to make sure I’m not getting lazy, or over-working myself.

Location

You guessed it, the casino I playing at.

Mistake-free?

A simple yes or no will do.  Did I feel I played mistake free during the session?  If I don’t feel I played mistake free I will write no and explain in a corresponding the note section.

Emotional state (Mind-set)

Good, average, frustrated, disgusted, and mind-fucked are all examples.  I had an “emotional state box” on my primary session log sheet so this isn't completely new.   But in this model the emotional state box is being listed ahead of any net results.

Up/even/down

A simple “up” “even” or “down” for my net session result.  If it's within approximately $50 of up or down I'll probably just put even.  I can still have a stop-loss in effect even though I'm not actaully recording the net result.  I walk in the casino with 1500, if I'm at 500 I realize my wallet is a little low and just leave.

Notes/Adjustments

This will often correspond to the “mistake-free” section.  Here I will talk about session specifics.  If I feel any adjustments are needed I will record them.

Moving on….

Notice there isn’t an exact “net/gain/loss” or “hourly rate” listed.  That’s sort of the point.  These are things I usually can’t control.  Normally I look right over to the “net/win/loss” after a session and see -$300, and that’s it.  “Failed session” I subconsciously think, as I beat myself up for no reason.

I’m hoping to focus on mistake-free and emotional state.  If both these elements are in my favor I should be able to sleep well at night.  If I’m also “UP” that’s just a side bonus.

Notice that being up 1k or being down -1k no longer has significance in this format.  If I’m mistake free and feel emotionally well I win.

If I make mistakes and don’t feel good I lose.

I’ve been such a stat freak for so long.  This should be interesting.  If I don’t like the model I can always go back to meticulously recording every dollar.  But this may be a good change of pace.  I’m attempting to eradicate the results oriented attitude that has always caused me more negatives than positives during my first year as a pro.

At the end of each week I can easily update my current bankroll status just to make sure I’m properly rolled and all.  I’ll update on how it works out.

-bag