Cos
how much did the move to thailand help?
do you think you'd have gone through the levels and grown the bankroll sufficiently if you were at home?
Firstly let me just say, as I know it might be misleading but I have far from had a pleno-esque year. I've done well but can do much much better.
When I first went to Thailand nearly 4 years ago, it was an escape. I was stuck in a job that was ok but I didn't enjoy it and I spent half my time on blonde envying anyone who was lucky enough to play poker for a living.
I quit my job without the bankroll or proper self discipline to turn pro, but I did it anyway.
For a year in Thailand I never had much money. It meant I had to do less travelling than planned but I loved Phuket and didn't mind that. Amatay was a great help and is one of the people I can truly 'vouch' for. A really great guy.
I had to grow up fast that year. I couldn't be mindlessly pissing away money and I didn't. I kicked a lot of bad habits and grinded and learnt to play better. Watching how Simon handled swings and his own bankroll and money etc certainly helped.
I met lots of poker players there and some I can call my best friends today. I was able to improve at poker through them and make money.
I have saved enough money that I have a deposit for a property and I never keep too much in my current accounts as the more I have there the more I spend rather than save.
Atm and in general I just feel incredibly lucky. I feel I've run awfully this Vegas trip and my last couple of live trips but I just haven't let it get to me much at all. I'm incredibly lucky to even be here. My family is awesome. My girlfriend is awesome. My friends are awesome. My dog is awesome. I'm just in a good place atm.
I'm aware that I mustn't get complacent and post Vegas I'm very very revved up to put in a lot of work off the table to make the next 12 months really good. I'm still lazier than I should be and very determined to change that.
Everyone in poker/gambling has less money than you think and of course, I'm absolutely no different. I have however used more money than I can realistically justify (but don't care) on good causes. 2 weeks ago my girlfriend heard of a girl in BKK with a 2 month old baby who had lost her family and husband. My girlfriend got in contact with her and used almost all her own savings on buying things for the baby. She found a modest accomodation for them and I paid a months rent for them upfront. My girlfriend and some of her friends in BKK all help take care of the baby while mum can go and look for work.
These things are totally unselfless because they make me feel great to help someone in a way worse position than myself. Somehow I know I'll always be ok and a lot of people won't so once in a while it's great for me to help.
I realise I went off tangent there making a diary like post so back to the question...
I still think I would have grown my roll if I was at home. Probably/possibly to much bigger than what it is now but I wouldn't have been nearly as happy doing it and that's the most important thing imo.
I have enough money to play my own $$ but I am still staked and prefer it that way. Emotionally it's easier on me and I'm afforded the opportunity to play games where I undoubtedly have an edge but you need a very very big bankroll to play.
I am currently in a bit of makeup though, nothing unmanageable at all but would be nice to get some heat soon.