Yep, still getting used to writing a blog. I seem to forget that I am here on P5's everyday and have a blog to keep up. If anyone is even reading this, that is. But, it's mainly for me anyhow. I can look back and see how I was doing or feeling at the time and get a better idea of when's good and when it's not. So, onto the update.

My last couple of sessions have been ok, I guess. First session went well, 3 tourneys, 3 cashes. One of which I was able to get deep but no final table. Remember, I mainly play on Sundays and Mondays. Those are the only two off days I have during the week. I have learned through trial and error that I should play only when I'm feeling my best and not when I'm tired or worn out from work. I believe that is the main reason I am able to cash as often as I do. I still need work to get deeper, but I will get there.

Currently I am reading one of Tony Guerra's books, Poker by the Numbers, I think. I already have a firm hold on the math, but I feel that I should get a bit better at it. It is going into detail enough that I'm going to have to pull out the pen and paper soon. At least that will plant it firmly in my head. After reading Gus's book, Every Hand Revealed, I see that I still need work on my math. I highly recommend Gus's book by the way. It really shows the thought process of working the hand at the moment. There are truly some sick examples of aggressive play. Tony's book is well written also. He takes you through from the simplest math to the more extreme in a way that is easy to understand. It sounds kind of boring, but it really is a necessity to know your math in this game.

My psychological game is coming around well too. I am now getting to the point of indifference, almost, to bad reads, bad beats, and bad players. Being able to take that in stride has allowed me to open up my game a bit. Taking advantage of weaker players is getting easier. Suck them in and let them hang themselves. Such a great feeling when you play a hand well enough that they had no idea they were beat.

As of yesterday, the WSOP Main Event played down to the final nine players. The final table will be in November, as most of you already know. Personally, I think it will be a good thing for poker. Yes, ESPN will make big money in advertising, and the Rio will fare very good as well. But the real upside is the exposure to such a big event. People will be flocking to hear the stories of the players and the action that they barely understand. People will want to play that have not thought of playing already. Unthinkable, I know, that more people don't already play. Remember the Moneymaker effect, how it drove people to the tables online and live. It changed the game in the card rooms from limit to no-limit. Poker rooms were expanded. Poker became a big draw so the casinos could rake in more cash from spouses that didn't play poker but sat at the slots. Poker players came from the blackjack and craps tables to play in the card rooms. And then left to play more in the pits. This will be a good thing as it will be hyped up to no end. All I can say is that ESPN better have it live on pay-per-view. I plan on watching to the very end.

Till next time,

D