After a longer-than-expected break from the blog, it’s time to shed some light on the reasons behind my silence and share the path forward. Managing a self-hosted blog while dedicating hours to grinding and strategizing on the felt, while still grinding a 9-5, proved more challenging than anticipated. The allure of simply sharing session snapshots on Instagram and Twitter/X vs. crafting detailed blog narratives was more tempting and easier. However, recognizing the value of deeper reflections, I want to find a balance that enriches both my poker journey and your reading experience. More on this later.
The $100k Bankroll Challenge: Where we stand
- Current status: $16,663.31/$100,000
- Sessions played: 126
- Hours played: 231.33
The journey so far towards the $100k goal has been bumpy with a lot of emotions and invaluable lessons. As you can see from the graph, we have just recovered from a pretty big downswing relative to the bankroll and have reached a new high. The downswing includes multiple failed shots at NL400 and a 22 buyin downswing at NL200. While the downswing in and of itself is nothing out of the ordinary, it is mentally slightly more challenging when you are playing with a pretty aggressive bankroll management plan. It is of course self-inflicted, so I guess I just like the pain.
March in Review: Numbers tell the tale
- Hands Played: 31k
- Profit: $3,866.67 ($3,616.67 + $250 in rakeback)
- BB/100: 4.23
- EV BB/100: 5.16
Hands played at each stake:
- NL200: 85%
- NL400: 13.5%
- NL600: 1.5%
Relative to the time I can commit to poker, this is quite big volume for one month. My grind:study ratio has been way too skewed towards grinding, which is fine for short stints. But, now is the time to allocate a bit more time in the lab. After all, we are looking for quality over quantity and want to as quickly as possible set ourselves up for moving up in stakes successfully.
Forward Expectations: Blogging on a new frontier
In pursuit of a more interactive and engaging platform, I’ve decided to transition the blog to community-rich environments like 2+2 and PokerStrategy. This move is fueled by the anticipation of more dynamic discussions and feedback on the content. Moreover, Instagram and Twitter/X will continue to play a role in sharing quick updates and session snapshots.
Link to the 2+2 blog: twoplustwo
Closing Thoughts: Embracing the Grind and the Community
The road to the $100k goal is paved with challenges, learnings, and opportunities for growth. Inspired by Phil Galfond’s insights, I’m committed to adopting a mindset that values strategic adaptability, resilience in the face of variance, and the power of community support.
I look forward to continuing to share this journey with you, through the highs, the lows, and every hand in between.
