This past week was a vivid illustration of the highs and lows that come with the game. I was actually very close to completing the challenge after the first session of the week. However.. in poker, just as in life, not every session is a smooth ride, and week 17 was the epitome of that.
Session breakdown
| Date | Weekday | Topic | Hours | Stakes | Profit session | Rakeback | Profit incl. rakeback |
| ---------- | --------- | ----- | ----- | ---------------- | -------------- | -------- | --------------------- |
| 2024-01-03 | Wednesday | Grind | 1.20 | NL200/NL200 ante | $810.00 | $264.00 | $1,074.00 |
| 2024-01-03 | Wednesday | Grind | 1.02 | NL200/NL200 ante | -$109.00 | | -$109.00 |
| 2024-01-03 | Wednesday | Grind | 1.53 | NL200/NL200 ante | -$456.00 | | -$456.00 |
| 2023-01-04 | Thursday | Grind | 1.30 | NL200/NL200 ante | -$199.00 | $15.00 | -$184.00 |
| 2024-01-07 | Sunday | Grind | 4.17 | NL200/NL200 ante | $57.00 | $40.00 | $97.00 |
| Total | | | 9.22 | | | | $422.00 |
The Highs and Lows
The week started on a high note with a significant win in the first session, only to be followed by a series of downswings. This is a clear reminder of the volatility in poker. Variance is an integral part of the game, and as Phil Galfond discusses in his free book “Poker Mindset Strategy: My Mental Game Playbook”, embracing this variance is crucial for long-term success.
One key takeaway from Galfond’s insights is the importance of maintaining a stable mindset. Instead of getting bogged down by short-term results, focusing on long-term strategies and consistent play is vital. This week, while the swings were evident, my approach remained steady, and the overall outcome was positive.
Learning from Variance
The fluctuations this week served as an excellent opportunity to reflect on strategy adjustments and mental resilience. In poker, as in any high-variance scenario, it’s essential to learn from both wins and losses. Analyzing the sessions, especially the losing ones, helps in identifying potential leaks or strategic missteps.
Embracing the variance also means celebrating the wins without becoming complacent and learning from the losses without getting disheartened. This balanced approach is what makes a poker journey both challenging and rewarding.
In conclusion, Week 17 was a testament to the rollercoaster nature of poker. Through the ups and downs, the key is to remain focused, learn continuously, and appreciate the journey. Here’s to embracing the variance and the endless lessons it brings! 🚀
