Hey everyone,
I'm here to share a bit of my poker journey with you all. I've been in the game since 2008, grinding it out
YouBetIcallHey everyone,
I'm here to share a bit of my poker journey with you all. I've been in the game since 2008, grinding it out alongside my 9-to-5 gig. Back then, I was holding my own at NL100, mostly sticking to Zoom games or the Entraction network. But as time went on, things got tougher. My focus on GTO became a double-edged sword. While it solidified my fundamentals, it left my exploit game underdeveloped. I was so fixated on playing perfectly against anyone that I missed glaring weaknesses in recreational players. NL200 felt like a distant dream, and even holding ground at NL50 became a struggle. I did dabble in some NL200 games, but it was a roller coaster of ups and downs, constant swings that left me feeling frustrated.
Then, in 2022, something clicked. An old buddy, known as Uskebasi in the Balkan poker scene, reached out to me on Skype. This guy was a legend – his reputation preceded him as one of the foremost experts in exploiting recreational players. He boasted win rates that were the stuff of dreams, ranging from a staggering 20 to 25bb/100 over substantial sample sizes. Just hearing his numbers made my jaw drop. We decided to team up. He brought his unmatched ability to identify and exploit fish tendencies, while I contributed my solid theoretical background.
But that's not all. Uskebasi also introduced me to his buddy Blaž, another seasoned grinder who added his own insights to our collaboration. Together, they helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice. They showed me how to identify and exploit fish tendencies that I was completely oblivious to before. Honestly, my obsession with GTO had blinded me to the vast potential for profit sitting right there at the tables.
From barely scraping by at NL50, I've climbed my way up to NL100 and NL200, and I'm even dabbling in higher stakes when the action's good. Right now, I'm rocking a solid win rate of 6bb/100 (or 7bb EV if we're getting technical) over the last 200k hands. It's been quite the ride, let me tell you.
But the journey doesn't stop here. I've set my sights on ramping up my volume, aiming for at least 100 hours of play each month, with another 50 to 100 hours dedicated to improving my game. It's all about pushing myself to the next level, constantly learning and adapting in this ever-changing world of online poker.
This blog is a record of that journey, a way to stay motivated and focused, and hopefully an inspiration to others. I'll be posting interesting hands, sharing some of the challenges I face as a full-time grinder, and hopefully learning a ton from all of you along the way. Who knows where it will lead? Maybe I'll crack the code on exploiting those juicy fish, or maybe I'll discover a hidden talent for coaching. The beauty is, it's all an adventure.
So here's to the grind, the late nights, and the adrenaline-fueled showdowns. Here's to chasing our dreams, one hand at a time.
By the way, I used a little AI help to craft this first post, but from here on out, it'll be all me!
Catch you at the tables,
YouBetICall
Last 100k hands
Graph
Last 200k hands
Graph
YouBetIcallHey everyone,
October is halfway over, and I'm happy to report that it's been a fantastic month so far! I've managed to maintain a solid 12bb/100 win rate, even with the lower volume due to my live poker activities. I've also cashed in €2k from live games, making it a profitable month overall.
By limits
Winnings
Winnings in BB
Key Highlights:
Live Poker Success: Cashed in €2k from live games.
Strategic Adjustments: Focused on studying general player tendencies and implementing new strategies.
Let's Talk Poker!
I'm eager to hear your thoughts and experiences. Are there any poker concepts or strategies that you're struggling with? Feel free to ask questions or share your own observations.
Share Your Hands:
Have you encountered any particularly interesting hands lately? If so, please share them in the comments below. Let's discuss the key decisions, potential alternatives, and the outcomes.
See you at the tables,
