Gday all,

My name is Rob, and have been lurking around this site and others for a little while now.

I have been reading through some of the beginner posts, and came across a few topics, in particular "The Newbie Circle of Death" and "How to become a poker player". At first i found them quite amusing, but then gave it a bit more thought. I know who this person they are talking about is. IT'S ME.

Yes, i deposited $50 into PS, played some long winded Tourneys, finished in the middle of the pack.....not bad for someone who hasnt played before. A few more $$$ later, I finish in the money. $2 return for my $1 + 10 investment. Still, i am beating these other players who have been playing longer than me.

Skip over some of the beginners topics, and find the "HOLY GRAIL" of poker strategies. Yep found it. Hmmm, didnt work but finishing in the top 200 now. Must be working. Maybe if i loosen up a little , that might make a difference.

NOPE.

Hmmm, find a topic on being an aggresive player. Jump back in. That sorta worked a couple of times. Start playing more hands, thats it.

NOPE.

Watch a couple of videos, play like they do. I mean, they are winning these games. (After thought - why doesnt anyone publish losing game videos ?!?)

Down to my last $20. I have had some ups and downs now, but i feel like i can play sooooo much better than when i first started. Try out these "play" money games, that will improve my game. WOW, i cant believe the run of TOP 3 finishes i am having in these games. I am so ready to get back in for real money.

WRONG.

They say the money is in these cash games. Stick to same strategies, and play best hands. Bloody cold decks, sucked out on the river....this is BS. F#$K it, my last couple of bucks, its late, i'm tired...one more game for glory....damn.....out in 5th......BR busted.

These articles i mentioned earlier are so true, and i can only suggest to new players like myself to throroughly read them before thinking of taking on the world of poker. I am sure many have been through this like myself, and i am sure many will follow in the future.

So for me, i am looking at a fresh start. I am currently accumulating a BR i want to invest into the game, and talk/listen to the "right" people to become a winning player.

Although my first set of goals aren't entirely game related, for me they are the catalyst of proving i can discipline myself for the future. From these, my goals will be to achieve certain $$$ and hand goals, whilst continuing to learn all the time.

Initial short term goals are as follows :

1. Build BR without playing to $600 (currently $420)
2. Earn enough extra $$$ to purchase PT or HEM
3. Spend 1 hour per day, studying/understanding HH on FTR
4. Spend 1 hour per day, studying/understanding leaks from previous poker gaming experiences
5. Read/understand/work through HOH Vol1
6. Look to accomplish above tasks by end of July
7. Annoy the crap out of felow members with any questions regarding above.

Regards
kolonel