A DOG'S LIFE

[matt674]

Its the morning after the night before and having reread my post from last night. I know a lot of people read this thread, myself inculded and would like to clear something up in case anyone reads my posts the wrong way.

I would like to apologise to anyone - particularly Snoopy, if anyone misinterpreted my last post to read that i was critisizing the way Snoopy played in any way. Critisizing peoples (and beagles) play is something i will never intentionally do and having never played a cash game or having never watched Snoopy play in any of his sessions i am in no position to comment about anything particular about his game.

At first i thought nothing of it as i read the journal entries but the more i read about the bad luck and then the quote made on the 27th about the brain convincing you into thinking you are playing well it then struck home that maybe Snoopy was going thru what i had earlier in the year. Yes there will be occasions when people do go on bad runs and get their fair share of bad luck - but more often than not the longer this "bad run" goes on then usually there is always a contributing factor which seems to exaggerate the problem.

Snoopy's post from yesterday (3rd Jan) entitled "FINALLY" should be stickied somewhere - and anytime someone thinks they are starting to go through a "bad run" should read it and take mental notes as chances are there is something in there which will help. With any luck they will be able to be honest with themselves and stop the "bad run" before it damages the bankroll beyond repair.

hope this clears up any misunderstandings

[snoopy1239]

There's no need to apologise. There was nothing wrong with your post. It wasn't, at any point, received in a negative way.

If anything, I appreciate your input. If anyone tries to offer me advice, I listen.

So please, don't worry about it.

 

[HarlemShuffle]

Snoops, glad to see that you’re back in the profit but more importantly that you’re enjoying it again.

I don’t know if you have already thought about it but this is an idea that you might like to think about. Set aside a certain amount of hours a day to play poker. Maybe something thing like 7.5 hours a day – 37.5 hours a week. Set aside certain times of the day to play and stick with this. Also, you should be able to work out from the table stakes how much you should be expected to earn per hour. After a month or two you should then be able to have accurate figures on how it’s going and will be able to easily compare it to a conventional job. After this period you will also be able to decide if you are playing too much poker or too little. By setting certain times to play you will be able to lead a normal social life and make sure that you set aside time for friends, family and other interests.

This is just an idea. Might or might not work for you.

I would also like to mention again that book I told you about before. I think you would defiantly benefit from reading it. It’s not so much about poker strategy but more about being a professional. I firmly believe that you would pick up some useful ideas from it.

Jog on.

HarlemShuffle

[RyG]

Intresting read as ever Snoopster... Keep it up sir

[snoopy1239]

Snoops, glad to see that you’re back in the profit but more importantly that you’re enjoying it again.

I don’t know if you have already thought about it but this is an idea that you might like to think about. Set aside a certain amount of hours a day to play poker. Maybe something thing like 7.5 hours a day – 37.5 hours a week. Set aside certain times of the day to play and stick with this. Also, you should be able to work out from the table stakes how much you should be expected to earn per hour. After a month or two you should then be able to have accurate figures on how it’s going and will be able to easily compare it to a conventional job. After this period you will also be able to decide if you are playing too much poker or too little. By setting certain times to play you will be able to lead a normal social life and make sure that you set aside time for friends, family and other interests.

This is just an idea. Might or might not work for you.

I would also like to mention again that book I told you about before. I think you would defiantly benefit from reading it. It’s not so much about poker strategy but more about being a professional. I firmly believe that you would pick up some useful ideas from it.

Jog on.

HarlemShuffle

Thx, Harlmeshuffle. As ever, an insightful post.

I'll certainly take your idea into consideration. My problem is that I am very selective about when I play poker. My stamina isn't what it should be at the moment. I'm 5.11 and only 9.5 stone, so I'm not as healthy as I should be. Also, I seem to get tired very easily. Fatigue and poker are a real bad mix for me, so I have to resist the temptaion to play, unless I am absolutely sure I'm feeling fresh. Therefore, a routine is a real difficulty. If I feel good, I play, if I don't, I give it a miss. Luckily, I seem to have found success from short sessions, not sure why. The longer I play, the worse I do. Guess I need to get myself down the gym. eek.

Regarding the book, I've made the purchase already but am yet to start it. I'm in the middle of reading Kill Phil, but, as soon as I finish, I'll move onto you recomendation. Cheers for that.

[snoopy1239]

In response to Harlemshuffle’s question regarding the reaction of my parents:


POKER AND THE FOLKS


I didn’t have a career. I didn’t have a mortgage. No kids. No responsibilities whatsoever. However, going into poker full-time was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. What was I letting myself in for? No future. No proven income. No job security. No credit flexibility. A life as a hermit perhaps? Some would see it as an absolute grind, a path of doom and gloom, one which is perhaps determined by how much money you can extort from the naïve gamblers in this world. Not a pretty picture, but probably one that was envisaged by my folks. And so, I can’t blame them for having reservations.

Although I held these concerns myself, I knew in my heart that I had to give it a crack, otherwise I’d always be left asking myself the same question, ‘What would have happened if I’d given poker a shot?’ So, here I am, writing now as a full-time player, and loving every minute, even the extreme lows. I embrace the challenge and I’ll do whatever I can to make a success of it.

Selling the idea to my parents wasn’t the easiest task. I wasn’t even 100% sure myself. It was a new venture and I was going in somewhat blind. How can I convince them that I’m doing the right thing if I’m not too sure myself? Anyhow, the pitch didn’t go down too well at first. My mother wasn’t overly chuffed. I think, like most mums, she still considers poker to be gambling and perhaps relates it too closely to bingo games such as Roulette and Blackjack. This, I can understand, and I think the majority of mothers share her view. Also, as someone who hasn’t been to the casino or witnessed a live tournament in action, the image of a smoky backroom is all too prevalent. Dark dingy atmosphere with cigar smoke swirling across the room. Ol’ Frankie Knuckles on my left, Psycho Pete on my right, perhaps even dogs playing snooker in the room next door. Not an inviting picture for a mother.

Pops, on the other hand, wasn’t as cynical. Fortunately, he has recently taken up the game socially and is beginning to understand the mechanics of the poker world. Poker is a massive recreation in England, and there are many commercial possibilities. It isn’t just about sitting in front of the computer all day and all night. Therefore, I believe that he can accept my passion for poker as long as I utilise some of my non-poker skills. Whether this be contributing to updating, writing reviews, or whatever, I think he can remain satisfied, if not overly impressed. If I just sat around all day playing online, then I think even I would go insane.

So, there you have it. The folks aren’t crazy about the path I have chosen, especially when you consider the fact that they basically paid for my GCSEs, A-Levels, and University Degree. However, I think that, deep down, they understand that I have to make my own mistakes in this life. In this sense, they are very supportive and I am therefore unable to fault them.

I’m still only a month or two in, so I guess I should readdress this question further in, when the dust has settled and the smoke has cleared. At the moment, I think it's very much a case of them thinking, 'Let's see what happens'.

snoops snoopy

[Newportlad]

Hi Snoopy

In one of your previous posts, you comment about your lack of stamina.
When you first opened this thread, you mentioned about getting fit.
I was wondering if you have started doing any exercises, running etc.

Love the thread
All the best to you in your quest.

[snoopy1239]

Hi Snoopy

In one of your previous posts, you comment about your lack of stamina.
When you first opened this thread, you mentioned about getting fit.
I was wondering if you have started doing any exercises, running etc.

Love the thread
All the best to you in your quest.

 

[snoopy1239]

Hi Snoopy

In one of your previous posts, you comment about your lack of stamina.
When you first opened this thread, you mentioned about getting fit.
I was wondering if you have started doing any exercises, running etc.

Love the thread
All the best to you in your quest.

No, that is one thing that I have failed in. Health wise, I'm still in the same position that I was 2 months ago. This WILL change.

I'm deterined to start a jogging regime. Once every two days. Then sit-ups, press-ups, etc on the other days. Nothing too strenuous, but I need to improve my stamina, no question about that.

Soon I'll be pumping iron in my local gym with my new 24 inch pythons. 

Shame it's so hard to motivate yourself to get fit. I just don't enjoy it, that's my problem. 

[Poppet7]

SNOOPS WILL SUCCEED!

Best of luck to you 

[Newportlad]

Do you play any sports Snoop?

[snoopy1239]

Do you play any sports Snoop?

Just poker. 

[Newportlad]

Why did i have a feeling you were going to say that.

I know your a Villa supporter, but have you thought about taking up soccer 

[Nakor]

Snoops,

Just a thought. . .

After reading the last few posts it dawned me that You need a hobby !

Poker was your Hobby when you were working no matter how seriously you took it.

Now poker is a job, and no matter what job you do you need a release.

I am thrilled you are going well and keeping us all informed.

Good luck and see you Saturday.

[Jim-D]

i found the best way to get fit instead of doing the whole boring gym thing, was for me and a friend took up squash,
its great fun and when u have some one else involved its easier to get motivated

and you'll be fit in no time, its non stop action