Just
took down my first $100 rebuy on stars today. It was a short-fielded
Saturday tournament, surprisingly drawing only 81 players. My game
feels very sharp as of late and I can't wait to wake up to play
Sunday morning.
Final
two tabled the $1k Monday on FTP...it seems I'm getting deeper and
deeper in bigger and bigger tournaments. I've completely lost my
respect for the buy-ins and am simply looking to make the most
positive-ev moves at all times.
I
had several p5'ers contact me regarding the negativity expressed at
the end of my last blog. It's important to treat people with respect
and decency in everyday life, but in poker it's kill or be killed.
I've called security and had them walk me out of casinos several
times. I'm not going to be pressed at the table, I'm going to be
doing the pressing. It's important to stick up for yourself, give it
your all, and do everything you can to fight to earn the most amount
of profit possible when you sit down to play poker. Life's too short
to be mediocre and unmotivated. If I came across as a bit crass in
my last blog, I assure you,...it's only to let you in on the killer
poker mentality that is present in many top players. Put up or shut
up!!!! Give it your all or get out of the arena. If you're not
going to take your life seriously, nobody will.
Over
the past 6 months, I've seen many instances of what I would describe
as "A-player-itus." This is a term I made up to describe B
and C level players who truly believe they are A players. Whether
it's a student that comes through Ari's training center, a "pro"
that comes into Vegas to try their hand at a few live tournaments or
friends I know from back-home that also play poker...unless you are
making well into the six-figures every year...you're probably not an
A player. If you can't be self-honest with yourself, the odds of you
drastically improving is unlikely. My humblest students, the ones
most eager to listen to what I have to say (and ask questions) almost
always do the best.
Happiness
is infectious (like winning). The buddhist monks cross their arms in
front of themselves as a "ward off" if someone with
negative energy tries to touch them or give them a hug. People with
negative attitudes give off different energies/vibrations than those
who are positive. Always try and remain positive in support of
yourself and to set a good example for others around you.
Every
time I walk into my bank I notice this teller behind the counter who
is always smiling, happy, and conversive. The last time I was in the
bank it was my turn after waiting in line and what do you know...Mr.
Happy says, "I can help the next customer." I had a friend
with me and as I was in line I was pointing out to him just how happy
this guy always seems. While I was taking care of my banking needs I
asked the guy, straight up, "I know this might sound odd...but,
what's your trick? Every time I come in here you seem so damn happy.
What's the deal?" He laughed and said, "It's the drugs.
No, just kidding. Really, I just want others to treat me the same
way and I feel like I have a better day if I treat others with
respect and friendliness."
It's
unfortunate to have others treat me differently than the way I treat
them. So often throughout my life I've seen others cut corners for
short-term gains and end up burning bridges...costing themselves
greatly long-term. I'll do everything in my power to keep people who
are negative out of my playing and living environment. To a large
extent, we program others to treat us in the manner we're treated.
Go out of your way to help others, but don't be so short-sighted as
to allow any form of negativity in your life in return for short-term
gain.