Back to Basics

The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success. Talent is only a starting point in this business. You've got to keep on working that talent. Someday I'll reach for it and it won't be there.
-Irving Berlin

So I am going back to the basics and begin again. Going to read Small Stakes Holdem again and deposit in Noble Poker for their $700 first deposit bonus as soon as I am done re-reading. Josh (72os.com) is making a killing in the $3/$6 games over there so, seeing that my desire to play is returning, I will start there.

I guess "begin again" is not really what is happening. I still have my bankroll and I can't really "unlearn" all that I have digested over the years so I guess it is more a shift of focus rather than a re-start. With my long background in sales, this was a common practice for me. After I would see my sales numbers slipping, I would always fine that I was skipping a step or two in the successful map I had going. So I would take a deap breathe and re-read some material and get back to doing what got me there. I think it is the same thing in poker.

I got to a point where I was out thinking myself and not playing the way I should be. I was getting outplayed by aggressive donkeys because I was trying to be cute and not aggressive myself. My game was suffering and the main problem was me. Sometimes that it a hard thing to see, much less admit to.

It is time to amp up the aggressiveness and play poker the way I know how to do it. It is back to texas holdem full time. I really enjoyed PLO8 and will continue to play, just not now. I have ordered Ray Zee's book on H/L games and will digest it before I continue on. There will be the occasional tournament or SnG but basically it will be cash ring games for the forseeable future.

It feels liberating making this decision. I am not sure the reason why. Maybe because I have finally picked one direction, a familiar one, and I'm going to stick with it. I really don't know, but feels good. So hoist your glasses this Labor Day with me and toast a new biginning to an old song.

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Also, please visit the Red Cross and help those in need the most in the Gulf Coast.


Till Next Time!

First of Many I am Sure

Absolute Poker is sponsoring an online donation "tournament" to raise money for the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts. Absolute Poker will match all collected funds, donating 100 percent of money raised to help victims.

The tournaments have been set up specifically for donations and are not actual poker games. Those interested in participating can go to Absolute
Poker and choose a "Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund" tournament from the tournament lobby. Donors can register in any tourney, ranging from $1, $10, $25, $50, or $100 tables. Additionally, players can make account transfers from their own account to an account called, KATRINAFUND, directly through the automated system within the Absolute Poker Cashier tab.

Edit: Coming up on September 12th and 14th, PokerStars.com and Wil Wheaton will host two Hurricane Katrina Relief tournaments with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross. PokerStars will be matching every buy-in 100% and will be offering prizes to the winners.

As of right now, you'll find the tournaments under the "Tourney" and "Special" tabs.

Once again....

For the second time this year, the Red Cross needs your help bad. Man, the Gulf Coast is a mess. Please help if you can.

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On the poker front, nada. I even missed the Head Hunter Tournamant for 72os on Sunday. I haven't missed poker at all....till recently. I think I am getting close to jumping back in. After watching the Young Guns tourney on the Travel Channel tonight where they were chatting it up, laughing and having a lot of fun at the table. Even playing blind (David Wiliams) and getting cracked after flopping trips! Just got me to thinking about sitting and the tables again. I think my patience is back and ready for the test.

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On the Freeroll front, revamping of the site is complete. I always will tinker but like the new layout and organization. Messing with some SEO programs (free of course) and have learned SO MUCH! So I haven't been completely away from poker!

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My daughter turned 13 yesterday. 13!! I have a teenager. I remember my parents talking about "I remember when you were just X years old and you ....." Now I am doing it. I can't beleive 13....1 year to high school, 3 years to drive (As I keep getting reminded), 5 years till college. WOW time flies. Just another step closer to over the hill for me :)

Till Next Time!

Hurricane Katrina is suppose to make land fall Monday Morning. Hope it does the minimum amount of damage possible. Man it is HUGE!

Saw on the news that gas prices will rise again because of it. Like they needed an excuse. Having no excuse at all hasn't kept them from going up!

Truckin' is out. Go check it out.

Going to play another 72os Head Hunter tonight. They are starting to get to me. Finished in the money 4 out of 5 and still have not cashed in a bounty!

Till Next Time!