10K Status
I have finally hit a decent groove, and made some headway toward playing for some real money. Even though this has been a total beatdown at times I think it has taught me a few simple poker rules that I might not have followed to the best in the past.
1. Bankroll management. I think this is the biggest thing this will teach is bankroll management, which I have traditionally been HORRIBLE at. By sticking pretty much to Ferguson's rules - even if you put money in and aren't trying to work your way up like him - I think it keeps you under control and within limits. I mean they are a little strict for most (SNG can't be more than 5% of bankroll, and MTT can't be more than 2% of bankroll), but I think it would help to come up with some simple rules for yourself. Maybe 10% and 5% respectively. Hell I don't know, but I do think there is a point to be learned here.
2. I think my style of play has changed a little bit. I have traditionally been a guy that plays with one place in mind - 1st. I have always pushed for the top spot and sometimes it cost me close to the bubble. This challenge is so crucial to make money every time you sit down that every place counts HUGE. I think my style of play has altered a little bit for the better in that I am much more aware of what the next place plays, how big do I want to gamble, chip stacks in relation to button position, etc. I looked at all this before, but I think now I am even more aware of all this. It sounds like basic poker, but when you are fighting for every penny then it hits home even more.
3. In my small sample size I think it is harder to win a $1 SNG then it is a $2 SNG, and I think it is harder to win a $2 SNG then it is a $5 SNG. I think as you move up it is more predictable, and you can get better reads on people. When you are playing at the $1 level you basically have no clue what these yahoos have or what they are doing. I have gotten sucked out on when they had absolutely NOTHING and CALLED then hit runner runner, had people lay down hands in HUGE pots with a VERY VERY small bet after calling huge bets (even to where if they missed their flush/straight draw they should call), etc., etc. You just witness some very bad poker at the lower levels. I have had MUCH better luck once I was able to play the $5 level. It seems there is better players, which in turn means they are more predictable and you can get better reads. In the past I have played all the way up to $200 SNGs, and I don't think there is a more difficult level then the very micro levels.
It has really tested my patience, but it has also allowed me to see a ton of hands. I have seen a lot more than I usually would, because I was always trying to push out of the lower levels ASAP. And I have seen a ton of hands, and risked very little money. I doubt I will ever make it, as I am sure I will burn out, but it is starting to become somewhat enjoyable now. |
