Hey Boost,

I think part of your issue is trying to conquer these mountains with big huge steps. I have the same type of aspirations... I want to get really good at MTTS... win some big ones.... be ilikeaces basically. Anyways, I think this has to be approached in steps. First I studied the limit game. It was useful for bonus whoring, but it also taught me many important facets of the game that I don't think I'd get from NL alone. Once I learned a lot from this though, I didn't leave it. Ring limit tables are still a steady part of my poker diet. Even though I can beat them consistantly (at least at the levels I'm at right now), I don't consider them "conquered". I still learn new things all the time from playing limit, and still have miles to go. I branched to SNGs though, which is more where my heart is (NL tourny poker). I've got these to a rate where I'm making good money at the $20+2s and have moved up to 30+3s. Now I want to head into the MTT zone (where I recently had my first win). Do I stop playing SNGs? No way! There is still so much more to learn about the game from SNGs. Even though I can win at a very good rate there (again only at the 20+2 level and now the 30+3), I still don't consider them "conquered". There are people out there that can kill me still, and lots, lots more that I can learn. Every night I play, limit ring (some NL ring too) and SNGs are part of my diet. If you're going to build a mansion, make sure you have a great foundation. I'm constantly moving up levels in all of these venues, as each level teaches you something different. I still feel like I'm at the bottom of the mountain I'm trying to conquer... but I can see the top, and I think I can see the path to get up there. It certainly helps that there are lots of FTR members littered all over the mountain that help to show me the way. ::cheesy music::

I guess what I'm trying to say is... don't just "move on" from one stage to the next. I'm sure you're good at SNGs, but it would be a fallacy to say you can't learn anything more about them. If you want to be a great MTT player, I think it's important to learn about all facets of poker. Heck, 7-card stud would help you become a better MTT player I'm sure. Don't just stop SNGs because you can beat the fish. Move up (bankroll permitting) to learn new things at SNGS, play some limit ring, some NL ring.... all this to feed whatever mountain you're trying to conquer. I'm certain that every great MTT player out there isn't ONLY great at MTTs. They probably have a big foundation in many other areas of poker...

Erm... I'm just rambling here. Hopefully you can get something out of this mess....

Good luck,
Darkwing