I think its important in life to take time to reflect on our past. If you really think about it, most things we learn come from mistakes that have already happened. Whether thats our own mistakes, or a strangers that have been chronicled in a text book, life is really a series of trial and error. If were patient and observant we can avoid some mistakes, or more likely at least avoid repeating them. In this light I think it's time for a new blog entry, a review of the last seven months.

Sometimes playing more isn't always better...

One lesson I learned this summer is that sometimes playing optimally is better than playing often. That is not to say volume isn't crucial but sometimes we need to sacrifice a night of volume to help keep our game sharp. I have been making a considerable effort to take off more weeknights and I think it's paid off. Give it a shot, see if you don't like the game a bit more.

Hard work really does payoff

If you've been following the blog you'll remember that I decided to seek professional help. I hired Jennifear and honestly its the best poker decision I've ever made. I worked very hard and I feel I have improved quite a bit, we would have to ask her for an objective opinion but I'm sure you'll take my word for it. I've heard the dissenting opinions about her but I'll tell you this, I know many pro's who dont have the push fold game she does. I know veterans who have been playing for years that could use a brush up, which brings me to the next point...

Poker is still very profitable

Yes it might be harder now, but it is still very beatable. I have had the good fortune to meet and talk with many players that are much better than I am over the last seven months and do you know what I learned? No one's game is perfect. Some are well rounded but often they focus too much on one aspect of their games and neglect others. If your still out there wondering if you could ever play at the upper level, wonder no more. You absolutely can. Understand that I mean to take nothing from them, its not easy, but it is still possible.

Practice makes Perfect

I have found out that poker is like many other things in life, the more you review\practice, the better you get. I would often fore go reviewing for the sake of putting in more volume but I have learned that the real gains in my poker game often come when I'm not playing poker! Even if your game is at its peak reviewing helps keep it there.

Calling an Audible isn't enough, knowing when to call it is crucial

I watched Payton Manning and the colts play the Houston Texans the other day and while I have always respected Manning's results I was never really a big fan. What I saw was a game quarterbacked as perfectly as possible. I saw a hard count where one linebacker barely flinched, he stepped back and called the perfect audible. He knew the defense so well that it was second nature to him, it would benefit us all to have a bit more Payton in our work ethic.

Results

While I know I have a long way to go I am very proud of what I accomplished this summer. If you OPR me you'll find my total's look pretty good for the last 3 months. I have a 46% ROI over about 1500 games. My numbers are largely due to taking down the Rush Super Turbo KO a few weeks back, which was a great time. While I am ecstatic that I was able to do that, the number I am must proud of comes from sharkscope. Since my last blog I have played 1,295 90 man's @FTP and have a ROI of 21%, not the best by far but I'm still very proud. These results are combining the 3.30's and 6.60's.

My goal all along has been to find consistency. I dont need to be the "best" but I do need to prove to myself that I can consistently win. Currently I am working on beating the 6.60's for 1k games so I can move up. My bankroll is easily large enough to play the $24 dollar version of these but it's not about that. It's about proving to myself that I belong when I eventually work my way up to playing them.