I'm really putting myself out here so, PLEASE, try to be kind and helpful. I really love the game of poker and I am calling out for help. So...

Ok, I've heard that the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Well, here it goes...

Hi, My name is T.D. and I'm a bad online poker player.

I've been playing poker online since 2003. I've had some great wins (for me - won a seat on the PPM IV cruise in 2004, 6th in one of the 200K Guarantees, etc.), but mostly I have been a losing player and have gone broke with my online bankrolls more times than I can count. I've played tournaments and cash games ranging from the lowest micros to the mid range buyins and just haven't been able to make an overall winning record. Hell, I haven't gotten back to even.

Overall this is VERY frustrating for me because I do take the time to read books (I have a pretty decent library), watch different tournaments and cash tables, etc. I felt like I was on the right path there for awhile back in 2003-2005, but now I know I'm heading in the wrong direction. I truly love the game and especially love the mental challenges of it. But somehow I've lost my way and really am at a point that I need to refocus and retool, if I want to keep playing online.

So, here's the deal: I need to have better discipline with my bankroll as well as my spirits at the table. My biggest problem is bankroll managment along with never giving up when I should. I'm the type of person that HATES to quit anything. But I know this is something that I can learn to do, if I'm steered the right way.

That being said, I am allowing myself to make a FINAL deposit onto pokerstars for $50-$100. This is the very last time I'm going to deposit online. If I lose it, I'm going back to free games and only playing live occasionally (schedule doesn't permit more with the travel, etc.). I don't have the extra money to deposit more than $100 and/or to invest into PXF or CardRunners, etc. I go onto P5s almost every other day and try to read up on the Hand Advice as well as the Poker discussions. I can, however, commit to playing online at least 3 hours on weekdays and 6 hours on Sunday.

With that being said - Here are my questions:

1) how much should I deposit in that range of $50-$100?
2) Once I have my deposit # down, What criteria should I set for myself (what limits, etc.)?
3) What advice, etc. do you as a P5 community have in playing these micro sngs, mtts, and NL/Limit Hold'em cash games?
4) Am I missing anything?

I am all for being blunt/harsh as long as it's constructive. So please, tell me straight: What should I do other than giving up playing online?

Thank you all for any advice as well as your time. GL all and God bless :-)

PS - feel free to PM, if you don't feel comfortable posting advice.

dont deposit

save to invest in a site,,,,,,

then come back and kick some ass

Thank you both. I hope to get more responses and then start with a weekly update. I really want to build a bankroll so I can enjoy the game 100% regardless of up and down swings.

You probably dont have a chance since you couldnt make it for the first four years. But if you do try just do what that guy said above about BR management. Most likely you'll follow the BR management for a few days, then tilt and lose it all....

I pretty much agree with all of the above posts (except for the one mean one)

The only thing I can add is that understanding the importance of keeping your own game disciplined (i.e. don't tilt off your roll b/c of one bad beat, don't play outside your roll, etc.) is crucial to being an over all winning player.

It seems like you've had it pretty rough lately and I commend you on your bravery in calling yourself out. So many losing players deny their losses to themselves. Perhaps the best idea would be to step back and take sometime to regroup, rather than spouting off another $50-$100. Give yourself time to regroup mentally, build some money to deposit, reread some books, and so on. gl

wait until you are ready, the time will come. everyone is unique, if depositing more money scares you right now, don't do it, wait. this isn't something someone can really give you advice on

Play the absolute bottom limit of your best game...penny limit or the 1.20/9 sng. The reason is this is your last 100 bucks so normal bankroll management doesnt apply at least at the start. Every dollar will be precious. Dont move up even 1 level until you've reached 150. If you fall to 100 then its back to the bottom. Your goal is to grind out 100-1000. The hardest part will be 100-200 but Ive done it a few times so if I can anyone can. Youll have to appreciate the small wins...5 bucks ahead is a great day. 3 weeks and youve doubled your money. Good Luck

Step 1: Read Fox's Article
Step 2: Pick something your good at.. cash games, sngs,small mtt's (I wouldnt go with the large mtt's cuz your ITM will be lower)
Step 3: If you want this to be the last time depositing try to use the 100 Buy in rule... I knw it sucks especially when your playing low limits and you have a comfortable roll... but stick with it.. If you really want this to be the last time I would stay away from the cash games cuz $100 isnt alot even playing .05/.1 and anything less would just be too painful..
Step 4: Have a good perspective...everytime you sit down to play poker, have a plan for what your going to play (ex 5 sngs, or 2 hours in a ring game etc) dont think well im going to play sngs for 3 hours, it becomes to easy to play loose knowing that you have 100BI's and you cant just jump in another one..
Step 5: Have fun... if youre not having fun take some time off..

Personally my advice would be to play the $1.25 45 man sngs on FTP the rake is a bitch, but last Octoberish I cashed out some money, went on a bad run and was left with $4.54 left in my account.. I had just read Fox's article (among others) and decided to try working that $4.54 up... I was up over $1000 in just under 2 months... and I only have time to play in between ft school and ft work... so I didnt have alot of time... (at $250 i moved to the $5 sngs)

Info on the 45 man sngs... if you get ak,aq, or jj+ in the first 10 minutes just push all in... it is crazy the hands they will call with that you are dominating (typically its Ax or Kx calling you) Doubling up early can almost carry you to the final table...

If you can play these later at night You can win one in just over an hour, otherwise expect it to be about 90 minutes...

Ive cashed in many of these playing under 10 hands

lastly with all low stakes DONT BLUFF...its not worth it, they will call you... your better off them calling you when you have hand...

last be honest with yourself..if your not playing your best, or if your steaming turn the computer off..

anyways thats my advice

gl

ya update please

For those that cared...there's the update above. Thanks to all that have posted replies. Great help and I'm starting to get really excited about this. I love this challenge and, since I put myself out there, I will be more focused on succeeding adhering to my guidelines (bankroll managment, etc.) this time.

Gl all and God bless :-)