So, as I posted already, I've been spewing money. I'm not losing this money, it was simply being spewed due to my own bad play.

I took a short break from poker (two days) and came back with renewed focus. Sex does wonders to help you regain focus (seriously). I chose to come back to only four tables at a time. I am playing more patiently and using my time wisely (PokerStars gives us a time bank for a reason!).

What am I taking the time to do? I am asking myself the necessary questions before actually taking action. Some of these questions include (but are not limited to):

Pre-Flop Raise
- Why am I raising here?
- Am I looking to be called or would I like to win the pot right here?
- What are villains' most likely action here? Is this what I want?
- Am I looking to isolate anyone in particular?
- What is my plan for the flop if villain calls?

Calling With a Speculative Hand
- If with a pocket pair, how will I play this hand if I don't hit my set? Is this profitable?
- If with a [suited] connecting hand, how will I play this hand if I hit a pair (obviously this question is board-specific but it helps to have a plan!)?

Please note that we are ALWAYS asking these questions against villain's range. We do NOT ask these questions in a vacuum which means the answers to these questions will NOT always be the same.

Post-Flop
- How does this flop correspond with villain's range?
- How does this flop correspond with my perceived range?
- Am I going to need to draw? How many outs do I have?
- Given villain's range, my perceived range, and the outs I have, is a cbet profitable?

Turn
- What did villain's call/raise on the flop mean?
- Have I seen this action before from villain? If so, what was he holding (if it went to showdown)?
- Can he be floating me?
- Did the turn card complete any draws?
- Does villain's range include hands that may now be holding a straight/flush?

River
- All turn questions.
- Am I likely ahead or behind at this point?
- Can I win this hand without betting?
- If a bet is needed, what is my perceived range at this point?
- Would a bluff be profitable?
- Is my hand strong enough to catch a bluff?
- Should I value bet here or check to induce a bluff? Am I happy if this river is checked down without further value?

In addition to all these questions, one of my favorite questions is the whole "Do worse hands call here?" and "Do better hands fold?" Basically, are you betting for value or as a bluff? It becomes second-nature at a point...but ask yourself this at when you start!

Of course there are hundreds of other questions we should be asking ourselves that are specific to each situation. As of now, I will leave my list at that. I may add more in the near future.

I wouldn't mind if some of you guys helped me out with some of the questions you use to keep your mind in the game. It would be great to have some ideas of good questions to ask handy.

And for those of you losing focus or clicking buttons too fast, take a breath before taking action. While taking this breath, think to yourself about your impending decision. Good luck!