Progression

July 2010 Performance Update
Total Month: -$745
100NL: -$788
RB/Bonus: +48
Donkaments: -$5

Wow, tough month! Low volume again due to Real-Life, although better than June.

Going down 8 Buy-Ins at 100NL in one month definitely hurts but it's only over 4k hands so sample size is too small to make any firm conclusions.

Overall, now down a bit over 6 Buy-Ins at 100NL over 14k hands. Certainly frustrating to run bad, lost $248 with KK (21 times dealt, 3 losses KK < AA for 100+ BB each). At least I have made it to 14k hands and not flamed out 10 Buy-Ins in 5k hands like when I moved up from 25NL to 50NL the first time.

Did make a couple bad plays that were costly and clearly ran behind EV as well.

100NL is definitely tougher than previous levels, players are clearly better and the fish don't last as long.

Also doesn't help that I haven't really studied since beginning of May. While I still review all of my 25BB+ hands post-session, have to believe that my game has suffered from reduced playing time and lack of study. This has also hurt my confidence level.

Following my Bankroll Management strategy, I will continue playing 100NL and drop back down to 50NL at 10 Buy-In stop-loss (-4 from here).

Donkaments were frustrating as well, volume was low (17 tournaments, placed in 2), finished 19th out of 3200 in $11 tournament but only $82.

The beauty of good Bankroll Management is that you can stink it up pretty good and still not go anywhere near broke.

Mid-month update and it's not a good one.

So first shot at 100NL comes to a close at 15k hands. Stats for this level and my latest MTT are updated on the cover post at the top.

First shot at 100NL was better than first shot at 50NL but certainly disappointing nonetheless. Think what was most disappointing was that I was actually up 2 Buy-Ins at the 10k mark and then just hit an absolutely horrid run going down 12 Buy-Ins in the last 5k hands. Didn't help to run -4 Buy-Ins below EV over that period but no excuses, my game is just not equipped for 100NL yet.

I have certainly sprung some leaks, many of which I thought were plugged but have returned. Not studying since May really hurt too I think.

I started out playing MTT and 45+ player SNG tourneys and took up cash to improve post-flop play. My volume has been light so I am going to use this opportunity to go back and start playing some more of these and see how that goes. It's a very frustrating slog playing MTT but we'll see how it goes.

I have solely played Full Ring to this point and always wanted to try 6-max once my game improved enough to play. Since I am going back down anyway, my plans is to play 6-max at 25NL to get used to the dynamics of that game and see how I like it (20 Buy-In Target).

So, Objectives going forward:
1.) $4 - $11 MTT and 45+ Player SNG (+$1,176 Target)
2.) 25NL 6-Max (20 Buy-In Target)
3.) Begin studying again (Cover all posts in FR since May, Begin covering 6-Max posts)

August 2010 Performance Update
Total Month: -$33
100NL (Full Ring) / 25NL (6-Max): -$234
RB/Bonus: +$83
Donkaments: +$118 (+94% ROI, 10/26 ITM)

Progress Toward Objectives:
1.) $4 - $11 MTT and 45+ Player SNG (+$1,176 Target)
Progress: +$412, $764 Remaining

2.) 25NL 6-Max (20 Buy-In Target)
Progress: +3 Buy-Ins, 17 Buy-Ins Remaining

3.) Begin studying again (Cover all posts in FR since May, Begin covering 6-Max posts)
Progress: FR Review complete, Covered 6-Max for Jan-2010 through early Feb-2010

Much better volume this month. First 1k hands was the end of the failed attempt at 100NL Full-Ring. Remainder of the month was 25 NL 6-Max, flat performance reflecting adjustments to new game format, different level (SO WEAK-TIGHT) and alot of variance since almost all the fishy tables are 20bb-50bb. Upswing at the end of the month and, while not included here, first 2 days of September have gone really well (up additional 4 Buy-Ins) so am optimistic about the future.

Really pleased progress with the studying aspect of the game and my level of thinking and results have started to really improve over the last week or so (might just be coincidence). Like any sport or exercise, it's amazing to me how quickly your skills erode when you are not constantly focusing, studying and playing.

The game stopped being fun for a period during the end of the 100NL run and it's nice to once again look forward to producing alot of volume and not getting so bent out of shape at losing hands when we are ahead 80% on the flop/turn (lol) and pot committed.

Also really pleased with the donkaments. While low in volume (those MTT are just SO LONG!), I went deep in a couple and really only got knocked out on coolers or bad beats.

Play, Study, Learn and Progress!!