Online HS Cash; $1m Challenge. By Luke Johnson.
Hello,
I'm setting myself the challenge to make $1m playing online Mid-HS cash, blogging here along the way.
My name is Luke Johnson. I'm 29, from the UK, and have played mid-high stakes cash online for the past few years. I am an Elite Coach at RunItOnce. And I am a husband and a father.
What counts towards the $1m?
• Winning's at the tables
• Rakeback
• Bonuses
• Site refunds
... if I sell action, I will account according to what I had of myself
... essentially, the challenge will track my raw profit from playing poker. Any earning's from my other sources of income will not be included.
Why am I making this challenge?
• My own motivation -- I've always loved having big projects to work on and slowly chip away at
• $$$$
• To show that Poker is still crushable. Hopefully this can inspire a player or two out there. Questions are welcomed.
• To hopefully have an awesome blog of this journey along the way
Timeframe:
There is no deadline to this challenge. Finishing by the close of 2028 would be good going from my POV. I won't be racing, but instead trying to do things as correctly as possible. Truthfully, my BRM is a lot nittier than it has ever been; my risk tolerance just isn't what it used to be 😊. So this really will be a slow and steady wins the race-type journey.
Where will I play to achieve this?
As of July 2024 and going into this challenge, I am mainly playing on WPN, Coinpoker and GG from NL500-5k. I expect to be playing here for the foreseeable. If there are any big changes, I will update accordingly.
How does this work?
I will officially start this challenge from 1st August 2024. I'll post progress reports every week detailing how my Pokering has been going, both on and off the tables, including where my mind is at, HH's, graphs & my profits/losses. Expect monthly wrap-ups.
What can you expect from this blog?
Mostly, an honest report of what's going on in my journey, including the ups and the downs, playing and coaching this game for a living, whilst ever striving to improve at being a great husband and father along the way. My foremost goal is to stick this journey out; I know I have what it takes to make it a success, thus consistency must become my most primary focus.
... in case you are interested, see below for my older blogs
• [COLOR="Blue"][2016 NLz200 Challenge][/C...
• [COLOR="Blue"][ZOOOOOM][/COLOR]
• [COLOR="blue"][ZOOOOOM v2][/COLOR]
• [COLOR="blue"][ZOOOOOM v3][/COLOR]
Before the challenge begins... I am planning to make a July wrap-up post, a prequel of sorts on what you can expect, as I was already documenting it at the end of my most latest blog [COLOR="blue"][HERE][/COLOR], which as of this post I am migrating over to this thread. Any profits/losses will not be included as part of this $1m challenge.
I hope that covers just about everything. Thank you very much for reading.
Gooooood luck & take care.
Luke
I'd like to recommend Yoga Nidra to you Luke.
It's great for resetting the nervous system and alleviating any anxious proclivities you might have shotting 5k. Also increases focus and can be done w/ headphones and no movement required (~10-20m)...I'd propose anyone should try
Thanks, I'll check it out 😀
Thank you 😀
It depends on the games I'm playing. As I've been playing a bit lower and playing more HU, it's been winning more than usual.
Hello Luke, RIT here from RIO. Good luck on your journey! I think 3 years is very reasonable time frame for a million when you break down the hands per hour and BB/100 assuming avg stake is around 2kNL. In your RIO video you mentioned playing about 3hrs a day, so its going to be a long journey.
Yep, absolutely. Hopefully in time I increase my avg. stake. No rush, though
I have a question about the recent graph in BBs you posted. Around the 10k-12k hand mark there is roughly a 15 buy-in downswing, then it sky rockets back up 15 buy-ins or so over the next 500 hands, followed by another 15 buy-in downer over the next 500 or so hands. What is going on here? Is this like PLO variance? HU variance? Hopefully not tilt. I wouldn't say it is tilt because your EV line disconnects from your green line on the last downswing. Really insane swings!
Nice job for noticing! It was a crazy, deep stacked HU session.
I was reading your previous blogs and I don't remember you talking about getting coached while climbing the stakes.
Was it purely studying on your own?
I've never been coached on poker. Some time back I did reach out seriously to get coaching, but he wasn't interested. I have, however, had mental performance coaching, which I have found helpful.
Tbh, I've always known I wouldn't be the best student to take coaching, as I'm quite 'in my own way' with how I approach the game. This likely reduced my interest. If I were to start over, knowing what I now know on how beneficial coaching can be, I would certainly invest, likely in BitB.
I've never been coached on poker. Some time back I did reach out seriously to get coaching, but he wasn't interested. I have, however, had mental performance coaching, which I have found helpful.
Tbh, I've always known I wouldn't be the best student to take coaching, as I'm quite 'in my own way' with how I approach the game. This likely reduced my interest. If I were to start over, knowing what I now know on how beneficial coaching can be, I would certainly invest, likely in BitB.
and would you still move up through zoom? or what would your advice be to an upcoming grinder between zoom or reg tabs?
and also, what was your study routine like?
and would you still move up through zoom? or what would your advice be to an upcoming grinder between zoom or reg tabs?
I don't think you can go too wrong with game selection, so long as you're working hard and smart. With tougher games comes a lower WR, but likely more improvement. And the inverse is true. Basically, I wouldn't put too much emphasis into it; your career will not make or break from which games you select at <500nl. The money comes later in poker once you reach MS+, at which point you can put a lot more consideration into game seection.
Cannot remember how I was studying back then
Nowadays I study 6 days a week, Monday being a dedicated study day where I put in three sessions, two of them solo and one with a couple friends.
For the other 5 days, Thursday being the day off, I do ~45mins in the evening.
In total my volume is probably around 8 hours a week, once I factor in some coaching/RIO videos, etc. Nothing too crazy. That being said, I do study very efficiently, as I've got all the resources I need at my disposal. In essence, I try to work smart>work hard when it comes to studying.
I don't think you can go too wrong with game selection, so long as you're working hard and smart. With tougher games comes a lower WR, but likely more improvement. And the inverse is true. Basically, I wouldn't put too much emphasis into it; your career will not make or break from which games you select at <500nl. The money comes later in poker once you reach MS+, at which point you can put a lot more consideration into game seection.
Cannot remember how I was studying back then
Nowadays I study 6
awesome! thank you so much ♥
Week 1: August 1st-August 11th:
Goals:
• Strong flowstate; strong focus ✅
> playing really well as of late. Taking each spot as they come, managing tables well, and focus is high. When tables break I do twiddle my thumbs a little and lose focus, but that also seems natural.
• Consistent studying ❌
> a lot of other things going on often getting in the way. Still, there have been some times I've taken the decision not to study, due to laziness/XYZ. Can do better.
• No 5knl; continue to keep head down at 3k- ✅
> Selling some action at 5k now, so feeling good to play there.
• 24 hours ✅
> In hindsight, this was not achievable. I managed 18.5 hours which I'm happy with.
August got off to a little bit of a rocky start; I was out of country for first few days attending a funeral, which I had not foreseen the toll it'd take on me. So upon returning I held back to gradually ease into work. Self compassion is an important attribute as a poker player (shoutout to BenaBadBeat ♥). Despite this, it was still a busy week with other activities. A little frustrating, as sometimes all I want to do is work well and feel good about it. That's my own issue, I now understand. Anyway, I managed to close the first week out feeling good about my play, which I consider a massive win. Hoping to take this positive momentum into next week.
In other news, I surprised Maanya with a date day. We went to an Italian, then a swanky patisserie (def. didn't have to google the spelling), and then a shooting range. Obviously being the gentleman that I am, I intentionally lost by 8 points...
---
Hands:
1. Most disguisted boat in history. Shame no monies OTR
Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $10/$20 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
UTG: $3,998.13 (200 bb)
MP: $2,000.00 (100 bb)
CO: $3,459.85 (173 bb)
BU: $2,000.00 (100 bb)
SB: $2,484.63 (124 bb)
BB (Hero): $2,050.00 (103 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($30) Hero is BB with Q♣ Q♦
1 fold, MP raises to $40, 3 players fold, Hero calls $20
Flop: ($90) 7♣ J♦ 7♠ (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $27, Hero raises to $99, MP calls $72
Turn: ($288) K♣ (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $144, Hero calls $144
River: ($576) Q♥ (2 players)
Hero checks, MP checks
Total pot: $576 (Rake: $3)
Showdown:
MP shows J♥ A♥ (two pair, Jacks and Sevens)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 32%, Flop: 20%, Turn: 11%, River: 0%)
BB (Hero) shows Q♣ Q♦ (a full house, Queens full of Sevens)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 68%, Flop: 80%, Turn: 89%, River: 100%)
BB (Hero) wins $573
2. Satisfaction
Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $10/$20 - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
SB: $2,159.37 (108 bb)
BB (Hero): $2,727.81 (136 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($30) Hero is BB with 3♦ 3♠
SB raises to $50, Hero 3-bets to $225, SB calls $175
Flop: ($450) T♦ 3♥ 6♦ (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $180, Hero calls $180
Turn: ($810) 2♠ (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $607.50, Hero calls $607.50
River: ($2,025) K♥ (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $1,146.87 (all-in), Hero calls $1,146.87
Total pot: $4,318.74 (Rake: $1.25)
Showdown:
SB shows 5♠ 9♠ (high card, King)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 49%, Flop: 5%, Turn: 9%, River: 0%)
BB (Hero) shows 3♦ 3♠ (three of a kind, Threes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 51%, Flop: 95%, Turn: 91%, River: 100%)
BB (Hero) wins $4,317.49
3. Going thin
Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $5/$10 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
UTG: $758.25 (76 bb)
MP: $1,262.39 (126 bb)
CO (Hero): $1,364.52 (136 bb)
BU: $1,052.00 (105 bb)
SB: $1,140.25 (114 bb)
BB: $1,847.84 (185 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($15) Hero is CO with A♠ A♣
2 players fold, Hero raises to $22.50, BTN calls $22.50, 2 players fold
Flop: ($60) 3♥ 4♣ K♠ (2 players)
Hero bets $16.20, BTN calls $16.20
Turn: ($92.40) 7♣ (2 players)
Hero bets $92.40, BTN calls $92.40
River: ($277.20) 3♦ (2 players)
Hero bets $1,233.42 (all-in), BTN calls $920.90 (all-in)
Total pot: $2,119 (Rake: $3)
Showdown:
CO (Hero) shows A♠ A♣ (two pair, Aces and Threes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 81%, Flop: 92%, Turn: 95%, River: 100%)
BU shows 9♦ 9♣ (two pair, Nines and Threes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 19%, Flop: 8%, Turn: 5%, River: 0%)
CO (Hero) wins $2,116
4. Villain is one of the most winning online players the past few years. Props to him, this is what separates the good from the great imo
PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $25/$50 ($10 ante) - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
SB: $6,479.21 (130 bb)
BB (Hero): $5,000.00 (100 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($95) Hero is BB with Q♦ 3♦
SB raises to $125, Hero calls $75
Flop: ($270) 8♥ 2♣ 4♦ (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $196.50, Hero raises to $425.75, SB calls $229.25
Turn: ($1,121.50) Q♥ (2 players)
Hero bets $1,129.45, SB calls $1,129.45
River: ($3,380.40) 5♦ (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $4,789.01 (all-in), Hero calls $3,309.80 (all-in)
Total pot: $10,000 (Rake: $8)
Showdown:
SB shows 8♠ K♠ (a pair of Eights)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 62%, Flop: 81%, Turn: 11%, River: 0%)
BB (Hero) shows Q♦ 3♦ (a pair of Queens)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 38%, Flop: 19%, Turn: 89%, River: 100%)
BB (Hero) wins $9,992
5. Meh. This feels so clean in HU
PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $2.50/$5.00 ($0.80 ante) - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
SB: $510.98 (102 bb)
BB (Hero): $1,081.26 (216 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($9.10) Hero is BB with 7♦ K♥
SB raises to $12.50, Hero calls $7.50
Flop: ($26.60) 8♣ 3♠ K♣ (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $12.64, Hero calls $12.64
Turn: ($51.88) 6♥ (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $73.94, Hero calls $73.94
River: ($199.76) 5♥ (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $411.10 (all-in), Hero calls $411.10
Total pot: $1,021.96 (Rake: $3)
Showdown:
SB shows K♦ 6♦ (two pair, Kings and Sixes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 40%, Flop: 32%, Turn: 86%, River: 100%)
BB (Hero) shows 7♦ K♥ (a pair of Kings)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 60%, Flop: 68%, Turn: 14%, River: 0%)
SB wins $1,018.96
6. (150bb eff) PIO wants bigger OTF (b40/b50) and as played via block OTF, PSB OTT. Makes sense.
Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $5/$10 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
UTG: $1,035.00 (104 bb)
MP: $2,015.17 (202 bb)
CO: $1,636.01 (164 bb)
BU (Hero): $1,551.13 (155 bb)
SB: $431.65 (43 bb)
BB: $1,672.50 (167 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($15) Hero is BTN with Q♣ K♣
3 players fold, Hero raises to $22.50, 1 fold, BB 3-bets to $135, Hero calls $112.50
Flop: ($275) 5♠ 5♥ T♠ (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $74.25, BB calls $74.25
Turn: ($423.50) 4♦ (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $296.45, BB calls $296.45
River: ($1,016.40) A♦ (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $1,045.43 (all-in), BB calls $1,045.43
Total pot: $3,107.26 (Rake: $3)
Showdown:
BU (Hero) shows Q♣ K♣ (a pair of Fives)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 46%, Flop: 1%, Turn: 0%, River: 0%)
BB shows T♣ T♦ (a full house, Tens full of Fives)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 54%, Flop: 99%, Turn: 100%, River: 100%)
BB wins $3,104.26
7. Feels so bad, but also feels so good(??)
PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $25/$50 ($10 ante) - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
SB: $6,547.06 (131 bb)
BB (Hero): $6,163.29 (123 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($95) Hero is BB with Q♦ J♥
SB raises to $150, Hero 3-bets to $625, SB calls $475
Flop: ($1,270) 4♣ 4♠ T♣ (2 players)
Hero bets $631, SB calls $631
Turn: ($2,532) 8♠ (2 players)
Hero bets $1,766.80, SB calls $1,766.80
River: ($6,065.60) K♥ (2 players)
Hero bets $3,130.49 (all-in), SB folds
Total pot: $6,065.60 (Rake: $8)
BB (Hero) wins $6,057.60
---
Results:
BB's:
$:
By Stake:
By Session:
Data:
---
Week 2 Goals:
• Continued Flowstate
• 18 hours
• Consistent Study
That's it for now. Goooood luck 😀
Great update, gl next week
GL mate, go crush em up!
lets go!
Thank you kindly 😀
---
Week 2: August 12th-August 18th:
Goals:
• Continued Flowstate ✅
A green tick does not truly represent how this went. Whilst I did maintain flowstate, I still felt a little lazy with my thought process throughout the week. With this in mind, I'll add a new goal: High Focus.
• 18 hours ✅
16.83/18 hours. Reyaan is fast becoming a little toddler out of nowhere, and is also teething, so he's becoming more of a handful :p. I'll consider this weeks volume a success.
• Consistent Study ❌
Still not anywhere near consistent enough. I've booked this upcoming Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday off from the grind to get in some proper studies. Moving forward, I need to find more of a consistent rhythm. There's no excuse really, just me not being deliberate enough.
... also, I'm not sure about you, but I feel my mind can be quite superficial, in the sense that after just a couple hours of studies, I'll feel extremely confident and raring to get back to the tables, almost as if the recent studies have somehow changed everything and now I'll begin crushing. Ridiculous when you think about it 😃, but nevertheless, the confidence boosts are always very welcomed, and tbh, help a lot with performance at the tabs. So I must really try to do a better job here.
---
Overall this week went well(ish). Volume was good, consistency was there and I maintained a good life balance. As for pokering, I ran slightly badly in evBB's, but ran well where it mattered. Very fortunate. As mentioned earlier, I was a bit lazy at the tabs re. my thought process, and was becoming a little distracted, too. Will try to knock this on the head with a goal of "High Focus". Otherwise I'm happy, made some good decisions this week and hope to make more moving forward... 😀
---
Hands:
1. No justice
Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $10/$20 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
UTG: $2,035.60 (102 bb)
MP: $2,000.00 (100 bb)
CO: $2,329.94 (116 bb)
BU: $2,000.00 (100 bb)
SB (Hero): $3,192.35 (160 bb)
BB: $2,457.00 (123 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($30) Hero is SB with 8♣ A♣
1 fold, MP raises to $40, CO calls $40, 1 fold, Hero 3-bets to $246.20, 1 fold, MP calls $206.20, CO calls $206.20
Flop: ($758.60) 5♣ 6♣ 7♠ (3 players)
Hero checks, MP checks, CO bets $379.30, Hero raises to $2,904.51, MP folds, CO calls $1,704.44 (all-in)
First Turn: ($4,926.08) 4♦ (2 players, 1 all-in)
First River: ($4,926.08) 2♦ (2 players, 1 all-in)
Second Turn: ($4,926.08) 3♠ (2 players, 1 all-in)
Second River: ($4,926.08) T♠ (2 players, 1 all-in)
Total pot: $4,926.08 (Rake: $3)
First Showdown: Board: 5♣ 6♣ 7♠ 4♦ 2♦
SB (Hero) shows 8♣ A♣
CO shows 8♦ 9♦
CO wins $2,461.54
Second Showdown: Board: 5♣ 6♣ 7♠ 3♠ T♠
SB (Hero) shows 8♣ A♣
CO shows 8♦ 9♦
CO wins $2,461.54
2. Vs unknown rec. Think this is OK.
GGPoker, Hold'em No Limit - $25/$50 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
UTG (Hero): $6,100.00 (122 bb)
MP: $4,925.00 (99 bb)
CO: $5,779.00 (116 bb)
BU: $2,575.00 (52 bb)
SB: $13,986.08 (280 bb)
BB: $7,346.25 (147 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($75) Hero is UTG with 2♦ 2♣
Hero raises to $110, 1 fold, CO calls $110, 3 players fold
Flop: ($295) J♥ T♦ 4♣ (2 players)
Hero bets $79.65, CO calls $79.65
Turn: ($454.30) 2♥ (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets $454.30, Hero raises to $2,266.96, CO calls $1,812.66
River: ($4,988.22) 8♥ (2 players)
Hero bets $1,346.82, CO raises to $3,322.39 (all-in), Hero calls $1,975.57
Total pot: $11,633 (Rake: $27.50)
Showdown:
CO shows 6♥ A♥ (a flush, Ace high)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 50%, Flop: 32%, Turn: 16%, River: 100%)
UTG (Hero) shows 2♦ 2♣ (three of a kind, Twos)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 50%, Flop: 68%, Turn: 84%, River: 0%)
CO wins $11,605.50
3. FPS being punished. Might I add it was PIO approved, though
Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $5/$10 - 5 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
UTG: $2,792.92 (279 bb)
CO: $1,054.50 (105 bb)
BU: $1,155.62 (116 bb)
SB (Hero): $1,395.61 (140 bb)
BB: $1,478.50 (148 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($15) Hero is SB with T♥ 9♥
2 players fold, BTN raises to $25, Hero 3-bets to $104.80, 1 fold, BTN calls $79.80
Flop: ($219.60) 4♥ 4♣ 2♥ (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $72.46, Hero raises to $254.72, BTN calls $182.26
Turn: ($729.04) 5♥ (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $182.26, Hero raises to $1,036.09 (all-in), BTN calls $613.84 (all-in)
River: ($2,321.24) 8♦ (2 players, 2 all-in)
Total pot: $2,321.24 (Rake: $3)
Showdown:
SB (Hero) shows T♥ 9♥ (a flush, Ten high)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 54%, Flop: 2%, Turn: 0%, River: 0%)
BU shows 2♣ 2♦ (a full house, Twos full of Fours)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 46%, Flop: 98%, Turn: 100%, River: 100%)
BU wins $2,318.24
4. Pray, then call
Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $15/$30 - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
SB (Hero): $5,704.25 (190 bb)
BB: $9,789.07 (326 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($45) Hero is SB with Q♦ T♠
Hero raises to $75, BB 3-bets to $300, Hero calls $225
Flop: ($600) 4♥ K♠ Q♥ (2 players)
BB bets $300, Hero calls $300
Turn: ($1,200) 8♦ (2 players)
BB bets $900, Hero calls $900
River: ($3,000) 9♣ (2 players)
BB bets $8,289.07 (all-in), Hero calls $4,204.25 (all-in)
Total pot: $11,408.50 (Rake: $1.25)
Showdown:
BB shows J♦ A♠ (high card, Ace)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 62%, Flop: 23%, Turn: 14%, River: 0%)
SB (Hero) shows Q♦ T♠ (a pair of Queens)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 38%, Flop: 77%, Turn: 86%, River: 100%)
SB (Hero) wins $11,407.25
5. Sick one. Have a habit of coolering this villain, and I know he reads this blog. Sorry man ♥
Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $25/$50 - 3 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
BU: $8,578.29 (172 bb)
SB: $4,950.00 (99 bb)
BB (Hero): $10,087.61 (202 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($75) Hero is BB with 3♠ 3♣
BTN raises to $120, 1 fold, Hero calls $70
Flop: ($265) 3♦ 9♥ 5♥ (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN bets $105, Hero raises to $342.50, BTN calls $237.50
Turn: ($950) 5♣ (2 players)
Hero bets $1,422, BTN calls $1,422
River: ($3,794) 3♥ (2 players)
Hero bets $8,203.11 (all-in), BTN calls $6,693.79 (all-in)
Total pot: $17,181.58 (Rake: $1.75)
Showdown:
BB (Hero) shows 3♠ 3♣ (four of a kind, Threes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 50%, Flop: 90%, Turn: 84%, River: 100%)
BU shows 6♦ 5♦ (a full house, Fives full of Threes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 50%, Flop: 10%, Turn: 16%, River: 0%)
BB (Hero) wins $17,179.83
6. 😃😃😃
GGPoker, Hold'em No Limit - $25/$50 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
UTG: $7,720.99 (154 bb)
MP: $5,000.00 (100 bb)
CO: $6,610.82 (132 bb)
BU (Hero): $5,000.00 (100 bb)
SB: $2,450.00 (49 bb)
BB: $10,754.07 (215 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($75) Hero is BTN with Q♦ K♦
3 players fold, Hero raises to $110, SB 3-bets to $350, 1 fold, Hero calls $240
Flop: ($750) J♥ 2♣ A♣ (2 players)
SB checks, Hero checks
Turn: ($750) 4♣ (2 players)
SB bets $150, Hero calls $150
River: ($1,050) A♠ (2 players)
SB bets $200, Hero calls $200
Total pot: $1,450 (Rake: $27.50)
Showdown:
SB shows K♠ Q♥ (a pair of Aces)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 47%, Flop: 50%, Turn: 50%, River: 50%)
BU (Hero) shows Q♦ K♦ (a pair of Aces)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 53%, Flop: 50%, Turn: 50%, River: 50%)
SB wins $711.25
BU (Hero) wins $711.25
---
Results:
BB's:
$:
By Stake:
By Session:
Data:
---
Week 3 Goals:
• High Focus
• Flowstate
• 18 hours
• Consistent Study
That's it for now... thank you for reading. Goooood luck!
Nice blog and congrats with the family. Have to say you are posting some of the most interesting hands i have seen in a pgc in a long time. Most people never post any with strategic relevance.
Gl with your goals!
Love the blog Luke, gl!
Nice blog and congrats with the family. Have to say you are posting some of the most interesting hands i have seen in a pgc in a long time. Most people never post any with strategic relevance.
Gl with your goals!
Ty man ♥
Haha well ty, tbh I was thinking I should post more strat in the HH's as there's not much of a commentary from me. Glad you are enjoying them 😀
Tyvm ♥, happy to hear 😀
---
Unfortunately came down with some sort of bug/illness past 24 hours, so will postpone this week's and update at the end of the month.
Speaking of illnesses and recovery, whenever I come down with something, usually ~1-3 times a year, I always give myself ample time to recover. I take full advantage of being self employed and choosing my own work hours. Depending on how bad the illness is, these stints are usually half recovery and then a good few days extra off to enjoy time away and to make sure the illness is completely gone before I get back to work.
In the past, I always raced to get back to work, sometimes prolonging recovery process. Sometime in 2020 I remember being ill for a full month because I kept coming back to work prematurely and then falling ill again. In reality I probably only needed to be ill for 10 days.
Anyway, perhaps this is just a waffle post, but wanted to share my 2c as I feel that self compassion in this regard can be quite powerful, not only for recovery, but as a way to mentally reset.
***instead of feeling guilty about taking extra time off (as I often hear from friends), take stock of the fact that you can afford to do so 😀
See you at the end of the month 😀
Sick blog!
Gl on your goals, looking forward to following your progress !
Great blog. Subscribed.
Here's a question:
For a beginner who is currently on an ambitious grind in microstakes R&C on GG, would you recommend I play 1 R&C/zoom table at a time and focus on quality over quantity?
I've been playing 2 tables, but naturally I see a big improvement in my game when I only play 1 table. Should I just keep grinding 2 tables and build up my ability to focus on both for more volume or focus on 1 table only?
Thanks!
This is a very positive comment
It also helps me to not forget about reading this thread
Thank you 😀
Great blog. Subscribed.
Here's a question:
For a beginner who is currently on an ambitious grind in microstakes R&C on GG, would you recommend I play 1 R&C/zoom table at a time and focus on quality over quantity?
I've been playing 2 tables, but naturally I see a big improvement in my game when I only play 1 table. Should I just keep grinding 2 tables and build up my ability to focus on both for more volume or focus on 1 table only?
Thanks!
I'd recommend two tables of RnC/any fast fold format over one. Every now and then you can dedicate yourself to a more focused session of just one table.
Sure, you may play better with just one table, however, it's important you learn to multi-table effectively, and also get in volume.
awesome blog!
I would love to hear your opinion:
I'm playing 25nl atm and using a 500nl preflop range. My reason is so I don't have to relearn new ranges every time I move up even though I may sacrifice some ev now.
Thanks.
Nice blog ! 
Keep it up !
awesome blog!
I would love to hear your opinion:
I'm playing 25nl atm and using a 500nl preflop range. My reason is so I don't have to relearn new ranges every time I move up even though I may sacrifice some ev now.
Thanks.
I think that's very prudent of you.
& tyvm 😀
Thanks man 😀
Weeks 3+4: August 19th-31st + August Wrap-up
Basically did not play, just 5 hours/1.5k hands. I was off for a week due to a bug/illness, and then attended a festival and also had a mini family vacation. Hoping for a better September. Altho I already know I've got the last week off for Reyaan/Maanya's b-day and then another vacation planned to celebrate. Wcyd, family gotta come first ♥
In terms of play/performance, things were good. Solid. Just not enough of it. Nothing much more on that front; aiming to show up as much as I can and stay strong on the performance front for Sept.. Happy w/ my game and how I'm applying myself at the tables.
Some pics from the vacation/festival♥
Hands:
1. Wcyd... I like my line, as do I like villains, too. Wp.
Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $25/$50 - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
SB: $13,228.82 (265 bb)
BB (Hero): $5,000.00 (100 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($75) Hero is BB with 3♠ 2♠
SB raises to $125, Hero calls $75
Flop: ($250) 2♥ 8♠ 8♦ (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $75, Hero calls $75
Turn: ($400) J♦ (2 players)
Hero checks, SB checks
River: ($400) 3♦ (2 players)
Hero bets $108, SB raises to $470, Hero raises to $4,800 (all-in), SB calls $4,330
Total pot: $10,000 (Rake: $1.25)
Showdown:
BB (Hero) shows 3♠ 2♠ (two pair, Eights and Threes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 36%, Flop: 4%, Turn: 0%, River: 0%)
SB shows 8♣ J♠ (a full house, Eights full of Jacks)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 64%, Flop: 96%, Turn: 100%, River: 100%)
SB wins $9,998.75
2. Disaster river turned godsent river. Villain is extremely capable as well, so not folding vs him
GGPoker, Hold'em No Limit - $25/$50 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
UTG: $5,181.25 (104 bb)
MP: $5,803.03 (116 bb)
CO: $5,315.22 (106 bb)
BU: $1,541.58 (31 bb)
SB: $9,854.20 (197 bb)
BB (Hero): $5,000.00 (100 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($75) Hero is BB with 6♦ 6♣
4 players fold, SB raises to $150, Hero calls $100
Flop: ($300) 4♣ 4♠ 9♠ (2 players)
SB bets $90, Hero calls $90
Turn: ($480) 6♥ (2 players)
SB bets $360, Hero calls $360
River: ($1,200) 9♣ (2 players)
SB bets $2,425, Hero calls $2,425
Total pot: $6,050 (Rake: $27.50)
Showdown:
SB shows 9♥ 9♦ (four of a kind, Nines)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 81%, Flop: >99%, Turn: 98%, River: 100%)
BB (Hero) shows 6♦ 6♣ (a full house, Sixes full of Nines)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 19%, Flop: <1%, Turn: 2%, River: 0%)
SB wins $6,022.50
3. Weird one, where you can't help but feel thankful for the brick river, despite being on a bluff
Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $10/$20 - 4 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit
UTG: $2,068.25 (103 bb)
BU: $2,000.00 (100 bb)
SB: $2,010.00 (101 bb)
BB (Hero): $2,000.00 (100 bb)
Pre-Flop: ($30) Hero is BB with T♣ J♣
UTG raises to $46, 2 players fold, Hero 3-bets to $224.50, UTG calls $178.50
Flop: ($459) K♥ 2♦ Q♦ (2 players)
Hero bets $91.40, UTG calls $91.40
Turn: ($641.80) Q♥ (2 players)
Hero bets $449.26, UTG calls $449.26
River: ($1,540.32) 7♣ (2 players)
Hero bets $1,234.84 (all-in), UTG folds
Total pot: $1,540.32 (Rake: $2.25)
BB (Hero) wins $1,538.07
---
Results:
BB's:
$:
By Stake:
By Session:
Data:
---
August:
BB's:
$:
By Stake:
By Session:
Profits:
Playing: +$11301.10
Action Sold: +$18
Rakeback: +$2629.07
Total: $13,948.08
Progress: $13,948.08/$1,000,000
Cheers, gooooood luck 😀 ♥
What do you think about security on WPN, in terms of:
- a) security of the money you have deposited
- b) safety from bots/collusion in HS
Do you keep much roll on there at any given time or do you try to minimise exposure?
R.e H2 the 66 hand.
Thoughts on riv fold? This sizing choice by villain is so absurdly greedy and clearly some weird custom exploitative size (not trying to be results oriented here but I think villain has to be 1/1000000 to make this a winning riv call)
The best blog! thank you,
Why do you keep track of the hands you vpiped / hour?
What do you think about security on WPN, in terms of:
- a) security of the money you have deposited
- b) safety from bots/collusion in HS
Do you keep much roll on there at any given time or do you try to minimise exposure?
A). Feel safe. It doesn't cross my mind that my funds may become compromised.
B). Good. There is a fairly clear understanding of who is and isn't RTA'ing at HS. The guys who are, are outed and reported. Ofc nothing is bullet-proof, but I'm not too worried. Are there times that I am getting cheated? Without a doubt. But the supposed frequency isn't alarming to me.
I don't keep too much on the site
R.e H2 the 66 hand.
Thoughts on riv fold? This sizing choice by villain is so absurdly greedy and clearly some weird custom exploitative size (not trying to be results oriented here but I think villain has to be 1/1000000 to make this a winning riv call)
For almost every villain, yes. In this case, villain is an extremely aggro red liner who hopefully has random 75 53 87 fires. Tbh, I didn't feel the sizing was custom at all, it's fairly standard for him and the situation.
I would be careful with the "1/1xxx", it's rarely the case. Sometimes is, but not here imo.
Thanks man.
I'm also going to add a HUvsRing split breakdown, too. It will be interesting to see the progression as the challenge continues.
Keep up the great thread! Very inspiring to see what it's like to be a ft poker player. How did you make the decision to go pro back in the day, were you confident you'd find a way to make it work or have any backup plans? Did you have periods of doubt where you wondered if you made the right decision?
