Online HS Cash; $1m Challenge. By Luke Johnson.

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

) 15 Views 15
25 July 2024 at 06:12 AM
Reply...

104 Replies

5
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Update 7: October 1st - October 21st:

From now on I'll update when it feels right, instead of committing to an update every week, as it fast became a chore. However, I'll continue to commit to the monthly wrap-ups.

From Oct. 1st-6th I was on vacation with Maanya & Reyaan. We went to a hill resort with an elevation of 2.6km. At times, clouds at our elevation would flood the valleys with dense fog. Overall it was pristinely beautiful and a lovely getaway. Reyaan made sure to keep it a memorable experience by being a complete nightmare the entire trip 😃😃






---

So, how is this month going?

As mentioned earlier, on paper/PT4, it might look quite meh. Losing without much traction, perhaps. However, I'm optimistic. As you may notice from the By Stake and By Session pictures, I have dropped my average stake and upped my hands/hour in my most recent sessions. This has been a very enjoyable change. There have been some teething problems, as my showdown stats have dropped a little. Maybe some autopilot, or just general run bad. I am not sure yet. My summary would be that I'm playing pretty well, and running pretty badly, with a few extra missed bluffs/calls due to the extra action. Time will tell. What matters is that I am excited and having fun, despite getting a little bruised. And I'd rather run bad at 400-1k than 2k+ 😀

In any case, grinding has been super fun, and I am looking forward to seeing what develops. My plan of action is to keep doing what I'm doing for a little while longer, to get better and better at managing the action.

BB:


$:


Stake:


Session:


Challenge Data:


Goals:
• Flowstate
• Improved table management
• Get to a point where I'm happy to reintroduce 2k/3k with the increased table count

Cheers... Goooood luck!


Just watched your two videos on Nick Eastwoods ' punt or no punt ' and thought they were absolutely excellent,
How well you articulate what are clearly very advanced concepts and make them make sense was great.

Good luck at the tables


by herbalerv k

Just watched your two videos on Nick Eastwoods ' punt or no punt ' and thought they were absolutely excellent,
How well you articulate what are clearly very advanced concepts and make them make sense was great.

Good luck at the tables

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed 😀


I think you have all that it takes your smart and I think able to take risk etc.

What you don't want to see / do is your also sensitive and egoistic and you think you have it figured out in a strange way.

Bcz you have a lot of fanboys

But guess what playing real poker its not about being a celebrity

You should really work harder and do sims and calibrate your game to your opponents and give-up on your idea of being a "gto-coach"

I'm really rooting for you.


Yet still feel same as 7 years ago beating nl200 and advising a nl 50 player

Nothing has really changed


October 22nd-October 31st + October wrap-up:

Hi everyone

October is a wrap. Overall, I am feeling excited, whilst also a little concerned;
• Excited:
• ○ I dropped my table count from 6→5 during my recent sessions and noticed a clear improvement in keeping track of action, and thought process throughout. At times, I was playing A++ / 9.5/10.
• Concerned:
• ○ I am still struggling with focus and getting into a flow state. The task has become a lot easier said than done. I must find a way to figure this out, as it is such an integral part of the grind.

I'm happy with how I dealt with the negative variance this month. Truly, I was running awfully. Despite some doubts creeping in a little here and there, I knew deep down that I was playing just fine, and that it was just one of those stretches.

Still keeping stakes low until I'm happy with my mindset. Very happy with my discipline in this regard. Whilst I'm itching to get back to playing higher, I know that now is not quite the right time just yet; I need to first string together a few solid (mostly regarding mental performance) sessions before I can happily pull the trigger.

I am extremely excited to see what develops in the next ~six months. Despite the grim start to this $1m challenge and other hurdles I face, I am extremely confident in myself to do what I need to do to make things happen, and cannot wait to see things come to fruition. Happy playing the long game.

---

Hands:

1. Slightly ridic line from villain

Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $2/$4 - 4 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

UTG: $742.03 (186 bb)
BU: $753.69 (188 bb)
SB: $561.60 (140 bb)
BB (Hero): $563.59 (141 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($6) Hero is BB with K A
UTG raises to $9.20, 1 fold, SB 3-bets to $46.80, Hero 4-bets to $106.20, 1 fold, SB calls $59.40

Flop: ($221.60) A 3 4 (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $21.96, SB raises to $455.40 (all-in), Hero calls $433.44

First Turn: ($1,132.40) 6 (2 players, 1 all-in)

First River: ($1,132.40) 7 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Second Turn: ($1,132.40) A (2 players, 1 all-in)

Second River: ($1,132.40) 3 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: $1,132.40 (Rake: $2)

First Showdown: Board: A 3 4 6 7

SB shows K A
BB (Hero) shows K A
BB (Hero) wins $565.20

Second Showdown: Board: A 3 4 A 3

SB shows K A
BB (Hero) shows K A
SB wins $282.60
BB (Hero) wins $282.60

2. Felt thin, but actually v std, esp. given PSB OTF

Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $5/$10 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

UTG: $2,552.15 (255 bb)
MP: $1,000.00 (100 bb)
CO: $1,054.90 (105 bb)
BU (Hero): $1,000.00 (100 bb)
SB: $945.50 (95 bb)
BB: $1,261.60 (126 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($15) Hero is BTN with A Q
3 players fold, Hero raises to $22.50, 1 fold, BB calls $12.50

Flop: ($50) K 2 A (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $50, BB calls $50

Turn: ($150) 3 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $199.50, BB calls $199.50

River: ($549) K (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $728 (all-in), BB calls $728

Total pot: $2,005 (Rake: $3)

Showdown:
BU (Hero) shows A Q (two pair, Aces and Kings - higher kicker)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 73%, Flop: 78%, Turn: 86%, River: 100%)

BB shows A J (two pair, Aces and Kings)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 27%, Flop: 22%, Turn: 14%, River: 0%)

BU (Hero) wins $2,002

3. (Bomb pot) Getting absolutely put into the bin. Annoying, because I really like my line, too.

Yatahay Network - $10 NL (6 max) - Holdem - 4 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (SB): $1,324.93
BB: $861.99
CO: $1,282.50
BTN: $1,468.64

4 players post ante of $50.00

CO checks, BTN checks, Hero checks, BB checks

Pre Flop: (pot: $200.00) Hero has 9 2

Flop: ($200.00, 4 players) 5 T 4
Hero checks, BB checks, CO checks, BTN checks

Turn: ($200.00, 4 players) 9
Hero checks, BB checks, CO bets $65.26, fold, Hero calls $65.26, fold

River: ($330.52, 2 players) A
Hero checks, CO bets $271.20, Hero raises to $1,209.67 and is all-in, CO calls $896.04 and is all-in

Hero shows 9 2 (One Pair, Nines)
(Pre 31%, Flop 4%, Turn 11%)
CO shows T Q (One Pair, Tens)
(Pre 69%, Flop 96%, Turn 89%)
CO wins $2,662.75

4. What a life, eh?

Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $5/$10 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

UTG: $1,753.75 (175 bb)
MP: $1,897.01 (190 bb)
CO: $1,000.00 (100 bb)
BU: $1,046.00 (105 bb)
SB: $2,833.40 (283 bb)
BB (Hero): $1,516.80 (152 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($15) Hero is BB with A 8
1 fold, MP raises to $21, 1 fold, BTN 3-bets to $70, 1 fold, Hero 4-bets to $193, MP 5-bets to $316, 1 fold, Hero calls $123

Flop: ($707) 8 8 7 (2 players)
Hero checks, MP bets $176.75, Hero raises to $353.50, MP calls $176.75

Turn: ($1,414) 7 (2 players)
Hero bets $282.20, MP calls $282.20

River: ($1,978.40) 5 (2 players)
Hero bets $565.10 (all-in), MP calls $565.10

Total pot: $3,108.60 (Rake: $3)

Showdown:
BB (Hero) shows A 8 (a full house, Eights full of Sevens)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 12%, Flop: 91%, Turn: 98%, River: 100%)

MP shows A A (two pair, Aces and Eights)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 88%, Flop: 9%, Turn: 2%, River: 0%)

BB (Hero) wins $3,105.60

5. Lucky me

PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $5/$10 ($2 ante) - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

SB: $1,272.19 (127 bb)
BB (Hero): $1,488.11 (149 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($19) Hero is BB with K J
SB raises to $23, Hero 3-bets to $105, SB calls $82

Flop: ($214) 3 9 Q (2 players)
Hero checks, SB checks

Turn: ($214) 8 (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $146.30, Hero calls $146.30

River: ($506.60) 7 (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $549.45, Hero raises to $1,098.90, SB calls $469.44 (all-in)

Total pot: $2,544.38 (Rake: $5)

Showdown:
BB (Hero) shows K J (a flush, King high)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 69%, Flop: 81%, Turn: 100%, River: 100%)

SB shows T J (a straight, Eight to Queen)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 31%, Flop: 19%, Turn: 0%, River: 0%)

BB (Hero) wins $2,539.38

---

October 22nd-October 31st Results:

By Stake:


By Session:



BB:


$:


Monthly Results:

By Stake:


By Session:


BB:


Session:


Data:


Profits:
Playing: +$1837.23
Action Sold: 0
Rakeback: +$2209.43
Total: $4046.66

Progress: $-31,853.87/$1,000,000


Hi Luke, just found this thread and it made me signup for a TwoPlusTwo account after 10y or so LoL. Thanks for doing what you do and best of Luck!


by tarsiermonkey k

Hi Luke, just found this thread and it made me signup for a TwoPlusTwo account after 10y or so LoL. Thanks for doing what you do and best of Luck!

Wow man, thanks a lot, nice to know I finally made you sign up to the site, better late than never 😃😃


hey clanty curious as to why you dont put in volume at those stakes, since you've now added more 6M grinding to your mix


by TheLove_Below k

hey clanty curious as to why you dont put in volume at those stakes, since you've now added more 6M grinding to your mix

Hey man

As you can see from the pics, last month I put in 62 hours with a 6-day break at the start of the month for a vacation. That's about as much as I can hope to put in whilst managing other commitments.

Once two projects clear up, I'd like to be hitting 75 hours a month which is ~17 hours a week.


Update 9: November 1st-November 17th:

Hi everyone

Took my foot off the gas pedal a bit lately regarding volume. I believe that's partly down to winning and not 'needing' to grind as hard, or something to that measure. In any case, it isn't a good way to approach the journey and should look to be righted. A counter to this, though, is that I did put in x2 3-hour sessions b2b days after a +$10k session, despite not really wanting to grind for that long on either day. So perhaps I am being a little hard on myself. Anyway, I feel that I am not being sincere enough, so I will look to put a nail to it.

I noticed myself reduce table count this month whilst adding back in 2k and 3k. It makes sense given the tougher competition. I'll let things flow here, depending on how many HU/SH games I have, and how well I think I'm playing. I feel like less of a professional if I only have 3 tables going/only logging 200 hands/hr, but if they are all played HU/SH vs really top notch guys, then it seems reasonable to dial into those tables only, without trying to force other action. This happened a few times.

Outside of Poker:
I'm focusing on trying to separate my days between work and life. That means when work finishes, I am not only not physically working, but not mentally either(!); I wish to be as present as I can be around my family, taking in as much as I can with them, instead of being there physically, whilst sometimes being MIA mentally. It's a work in progress.

Also committing myself to a 6-week weight loss plan, to go from 188lb/85kg to 176lb/80kg. Wanting to really lean up for sports. I've lost 90lb/40kg twice in my life, once when I was around 17, and then again around 25. Both times were from approx. 125kg down to 85kg. I was a big boy 😊. I've never got myself down to being super lean, though, so looking to lose these last 5kg's.

---

Hands:

1. Lmao

Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $15/$30 - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

SB: $3,147.50 (105 bb)
BB (Hero): $8,027.54 (268 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($45) Hero is BB with Q J
SB raises to $75, Hero 3-bets to $315, SB calls $240

Flop: ($630) 6 8 7 (2 players)
Hero checks, SB checks

Turn: ($630) 8 (2 players)
Hero checks, SB checks

River: ($630) 6 (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $945, Hero calls $945

Total pot: $2,520 (Rake: $1.25)

Showdown:
SB shows T Q (two pair, Eights and Sixes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 27%, Flop: 29%, Turn: 23%, River: 50%)

BB (Hero) shows Q J (two pair, Eights and Sixes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 73%, Flop: 71%, Turn: 77%, River: 50%)

SB wins $1,259.38
BB (Hero) wins $1,259.37

2. Suuuuper proud of my courage to BC here. Felt grim at face, but also couldn't deny the fact that it's easy to show up w/ bluffs here, as well as value. So tried to stay objective.

PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $10/$20 ($2 ante) - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

SB (Hero): $2,362.03 (118 bb)
BB: $2,000.00 (100 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($34) Hero is SB with K 6
Hero raises to $50, BB 3-bets to $200, Hero calls $150

Flop: ($404) A 4 6 (2 players)
BB bets $160, Hero calls $160

Turn: ($724) T (2 players)
BB bets $480, Hero calls $480

River: ($1,684) Q (2 players)
BB bets $1,158 (all-in), Hero calls $1,158

Total pot: $4,000 (Rake: $3)

Showdown:
BB shows J 7 (high card, Ace)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 43%, Flop: 53%, Turn: 30%, River: 0%)

SB (Hero) shows K 6 (a pair of Sixes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 57%, Flop: 47%, Turn: 70%, River: 100%)

SB (Hero) wins $3,997

3. Upsetting vs rec :(

GGPoker, Hold'em No Limit - $10/$20 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

UTG: $1,079.78 (54 bb)
MP (Hero): $3,058.22 (153 bb)
CO: $2,362.00 (118 bb)
BU: $4,001.43 (200 bb)
SB: $2,284.40 (114 bb)
BB: $4,951.20 (248 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($30) Hero is MP with K K
1 fold, Hero raises to $44, CO 3-bets to $82.94, 3 players fold, Hero 4-bets to $384, CO calls $301.06

Flop: ($798) 8 2 3 (2 players)
Hero bets $320, CO calls $320

Turn: ($1,438) 6 (2 players)
Hero bets $2,354.22 (all-in), CO calls $1,658 (all-in)

River: ($4,754) A (2 players, 2 all-in)

Total pot: $4,754 (Rake: $40)

Showdown:
MP (Hero) shows K K (a pair of Kings)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 77%, Flop: 66%, Turn: 0%, River: 0%)

CO shows 4 5 (a straight, Two to Six)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 23%, Flop: 34%, Turn: 100%, River: 100%)

CO wins $4,714

4. Waiting for the pinch


Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $10/$20 - 6 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

UTG: $2,670.20 (134 bb)
MP: $5,055.65 (253 bb)
CO (Hero): $2,732.00 (137 bb)
BU: $18,686.56 (934 bb)
SB: $2,016.45 (101 bb)
BB: $2,715.55 (136 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($30) Hero is CO with A Q
2 players fold, Hero raises to $45, BTN calls $45, 1 fold, BB calls $25

Flop: ($145) T 8 J (3 players)
BB checks, Hero checks, BTN checks

Turn: ($145) 2 (3 players)
BB checks, Hero checks, BTN checks

River: ($145) K (3 players)
BB bets $39.15, Hero raises to $150.80, BTN raises to $413.67, BB calls $374.52, Hero raises to $2,687 (all-in), BU folds, BB calls $2,256.88 (all-in)

Total pot: $5,899.77 (Rake: $3)

Showdown:
CO (Hero) shows A Q (a straight, Ten to Ace)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 76%, Flop: 22%, Turn: 13%, River: 100%)

BB shows 9 Q (a straight, Nine to King)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 24%, Flop: 78%, Turn: 88%, River: 0%)

CO (Hero) wins $5,896.77

5. (Bomb pot) Getting turbo binned vs giant rec.

BTN: $2,191.45
SB: $2,168.80
BB: $2,436.20
UTG: $6,258.45
Hero (MP): $3,147.50
CO: $15,644.01

6 players post ante of $100.00

UTG checks, Hero checks, CO checks, BTN checks, SB checks, BB checks

Pre Flop: (pot: $600.00) Hero has 5 3

Flop: ($600.00, 6 players) 9 8 3
SB checks, BB checks, UTG checks, Hero checks, CO bets $200.00, fold, fold, fold, fold, Hero calls $200.00

Turn: ($1,000.00, 2 players) 4
Hero checks, CO bets $330.00, Hero raises to $2,847.50 and is all-in, CO calls $2,517.50

River: ($6,695.00, 2 players) 7

Hero shows 5 3 (One Pair, Threes)
(Pre 43%, Flop 74%, Turn 32%)
CO shows 4 Q (One Pair, Fours)
(Pre 57%, Flop 26%, Turn 68%)
CO wins $6,692.00

6. Once in a lifetime HH

PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $5/$10 ($2 ante) - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

SB (Hero): $1,451.48 (145 bb)
BB: $1,070.30 (107 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($19) Hero is SB with J 6
Hero raises to $25, BB 3-bets to $100, Hero calls $75

Flop: ($204) J J J (2 players)
BB bets $99.50, Hero calls $99.50

Turn: ($403) 6 (2 players)
BB bets $199, Hero calls $199

River: ($801) 6 (2 players)
BB bets $669.80 (all-in), Hero calls $669.80

Total pot: $2,140.60 (Rake: $5)

Showdown:
BB shows Q Q (a full house, Jacks full of Queens)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 84%, Flop: <1%, Turn: 0%, River: 0%)

SB (Hero) shows J 6 (four of a kind, Jacks)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 16%, Flop: >99%, Turn: 100%, River: 100%)

SB (Hero) wins $2,135.60

7. (Bomb pot) Okay then

Hero (SB): $2,454.50
BB: $3,249.38

2 players post ante of $100.00

Hero checks, BB checks

Pre Flop: (pot: $200.00) Hero has A A

Flop: ($200.00, 2 players) 3 A K
Hero checks, BB bets $65.60, Hero calls $65.60

Turn: ($331.20, 2 players) 8
Hero checks, BB bets $494.80, Hero calls $494.80

River: ($1,320.80, 2 players) 5
Hero checks, BB bets $2,588.98 and is all-in, Hero calls $1,794.10 and is all-in

Hero shows A A (Three of a Kind, Aces)
(Pre 87%, Flop 83%, Turn 91%)
BB shows 4 2 (Straight, Five High)
(Pre 13%, Flop 17%, Turn 9%)
BB wins $4,907.75

---

Bonus:
1. The ultimate dream spot in a bomb pot


Spoiler
Show

Sadly, it checked through on flop, and they all folded to my 1/2p probe on a 5 turn

2. The battle arena .


---

Results:
By Session:



By Stake:


BB's:



$:


Data:


...

Just noticed I am +10evBI's, but down $50k net. Just goes to show how hurtful HS can be. Onwards and upwards, hopefully.

That's it for now... Goooooood luck!


by Clanty k

[B]
Also committing myself to a 6-week weight loss plan, to go from 188lb/85kg to 176lb/80kg.

What is your plan for it?
Thanks for the entry as always !


by babolino k

What is your plan for it?
Thanks for the entry as always !

Congrats on your first 2p2 post 😉

I've been doing the OMAD (one meal a day) diet, consisting of a lunch time meal of around 2400 cals, 110g protein, ~0g refined/added sugar.

On Sunday's I have what I'd say is half a cheat day, around 4k cals, but all clean. Still ~0g refined/added sugar.

Idk exactly how many calories I'm burning each day, I'm estimating 3700-4000. This puts me at around 3lb loss/week, quite steep, but doable for me in shorter stints. Once I hit my goal I'll likely continue with OMAD, but bump up the calories

I personally find this working extremely well for me, most days I am hitting ketosis around 6am which is great.

IMO the hardest part about dieting is not sticking to the diet itself, it's trying to find what works for you. Once you figure that out, you're pretty much golden.


A small piece of dark chocolate of an evening can help reduce hunger pangs but would break the fast

Sent from my XQ-AS52 using Tapatalk


He is not a grinder! 75 hr a month what a joke lol


by Clanty k

Congrats on your first 2p2 post 😉

I've been doing the OMAD (one meal a day) diet, consisting of a lunch time meal of around 2400 cals, 110g protein, ~0g refined/added sugar.

On Sunday's I have what I'd say is half a cheat day, around 4k cals, but all clean. Still ~0g refined/added sugar.

Idk exactly how many calories I'm burning each day, I'm estimating 3700-4000. This puts me at around 3lb loss/week, quite steep, but doable for me in shorter stints. Once I hit my goal I'll likely continue with O

Thanks, that a huge calorie deficit, hope you will not feel too tired,
I did OMAD too but i find it really hard to do anything (poker related or sport) after that big meal for a few hours..


by Dejavudu666 k

A small piece of dark chocolate of an evening can help reduce hunger pangs but would break the fast

Sent from my XQ-AS52 using Tapatalk

I try to do everything I can to not break the fast. As soon as I do, I know I'll be hungry the following morning.

by ratplay k

He is not a grinder! 75 hr a month what a joke lol

I do not intend to be a "grinder", moreover, I'm not only a poker player, I'm also a coach and a father. And I've got two other work projects going on that I can't talk about just yet. In the next few months they'll be finished up. All in all, I'll be very glad to be hitting 75 hours/month.

by babolino k

Thanks, that a huge calorie deficit, hope you will not feel too tired,
I did OMAD too but i find it really hard to do anything (poker related or sport) after that big meal for a few hours..

After I have my big meal (~2400 cals or so), I take my son out on a long walk, around the town and in the park. 60-90 mins. It's great for digestion and avoids that crash you speak of.

First week I lost 5lb, realistically prob lost some water weight. Then I went a little crazy on Sunday and ate ~6k cals. Albeit I kept to my goal of only clean foods without any added sugars, but without concern for volume 😃. Need to do a little better managing those cheat days ^^


Update #10 - November 18th - December 7th:

Hi everyone

Wow, last update was only three weeks ago, but so much has changed...

Maanya and I found out we are expecting a 2nd little one , due date next summer. What's so cool is that our 1st was born on Maanya's birthday, and our 2nd is due just 3 days before my 30th. It would be so incredibly awesome to also share my birthday with my baby! Time will time... fingers, toes and everything else crossed tightly...

We have also purchased a new home, which came at the perfect time given the aforementioned news. After looking at many places, this one really stuck out as perfect for us. Everything smooth, we should be moved in within ~12 weeks. It is a new build, looking to be finished before the new year.

Poker-wise things have been going well, just busy as you might expect. I'm playing well, studying more consistently, and feeling confident. No complaints. Happy with my efforts.

"Flowzone"/"flowstate" has been my forefront focus during sessions lately, with the idea being that all I must do to find success is to achieve a "flowstate" whilst playing, and then study afterwards. Of course, it is not quite this simple, however, it helps to remove the noise/distractions that would otherwise boggle me down. Less is more.

"Less is more." — I believe a lot of players overcomplicate their approach to poker, manifesting either in their strategy, or routines away from the tables, or both. Often when students approach me, I advise them to "dumb things down" a little. We are human, not machine, unable to process at what we idealise in our minds. This may, however, have a survivorship bias, as perhaps those who approach specifically me for advice are more inclined in this way, believing I am also doing so similarly. I cannot be sure. Ironically, though, my strategies at the tables, and routines away from the tables, are all very simple, and very exploitative, a far cry from what people might think. Ultimately, we are mere, stupid humans, playing vs other likeminded, stupid humans. Hopefully 😮. Mistakes are happening left, right and center. Even at high stakes. What I've found over the past 18-months is that dumbing things down a little, whilst perhaps feeling foolish -- especially after you worked so hard to acquire the foundations and all that you have! -- might end up being the biggest gift you can ever gift yourself at the poker tables.

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Hands:

1. I'm not quite sure who owned who, but it worked out okay.

PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $5/$10 ($1 ante) - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

SB (Hero): $1,000.00 (100 bb)
BB: $1,003.00 (100 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($17) Hero is SB with 4 A
Hero raises to $25, BB 3-bets to $80, Hero 4-bets to $220, BB calls $140

Flop: ($442) 3 5 2 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero checks

Turn: ($442) J (2 players)
BB bets $189.75, Hero calls $189.75

River: ($821.50) A (2 players)
BB bets $592.25 (all-in), Hero calls $589.25 (all-in)

Total pot: $2,000 (Rake: $2.50)

Showdown:
BB shows 9 9 (a pair of Nines)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 70%, Flop: 8%, Turn: 0%, River: 0%)

SB (Hero) shows 4 A (a straight, Ace to Five)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 30%, Flop: 92%, Turn: 100%, River: 100%)

SB (Hero) wins $1,997.50

2. Right idea, but slightly wrong suits. Supposedly I like A, but want K for bdfd blocker, not K fdfd blocker.

Winning Poker, Hold'em No Limit - $5/$10 - 3 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

BU: $2,541.65 (254 bb)
SB (Hero): $1,733.79 (173 bb)
BB: $1,078.25 (108 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($15) Hero is SB with K A
BTN raises to $25, Hero 3-bets to $114.80, 1 fold, BTN calls $89.80

Flop: ($239.60) 2 5 T (2 players)
Hero bets $167.72, BTN calls $167.72

Turn: ($575.04) 4 (2 players)
Hero bets $575.04, BTN calls $575.04

River: ($1,725.12) 5 (2 players)
Hero checks, BTN checks

Total pot: $1,725.12 (Rake: $1.75)

Showdown:
SB (Hero) shows K A (a pair of Fives - higher kicker)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 71%, Flop: 56%, Turn: 72%, River: 100%)

BU shows A Q (a pair of Fives)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 29%, Flop: 44%, Turn: 28%, River: 0%)

SB (Hero) wins $1,723.37

3. Seems good. No regrets.

PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $10/$20 ($4 ante) - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

SB: $2,218.00 (111 bb)
BB (Hero): $2,947.30 (147 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($38) Hero is BB with 6 5
SB raises to $50, Hero calls $30

Flop: ($108) 3 K 4 (2 players)
Hero checks, SB bets $41.04, Hero raises to $133.38, SB calls $92.34

Turn: ($374.76) 6 (2 players)
Hero bets $490.60, SB calls $490.60

River: ($1,355.96) T (2 players)
Hero bets $2,269.32 (all-in), SB calls $1,540.02 (all-in)

Total pot: $4,436 (Rake: $6)

Showdown:
BB (Hero) shows 6 5 (a pair of Sixes)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 44%, Flop: 30%, Turn: 23%, River: 0%)

SB shows K 4 (two pair, Kings and Fours)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 56%, Flop: 70%, Turn: 77%, River: 100%)

SB wins $4,430

4. Really not an easy call, but my hand does everything I can ask for, and if he shows up w/ this, then I'm doing well

PokerStars, Hold'em No Limit - $10/$20 ($4 ante) - 2 players
Replay this hand on Pokeit

SB (Hero): $2,054.00 (103 bb)
BB: $2,206.00 (110 bb)

Pre-Flop: ($38) Hero is SB with A 7
Hero raises to $50, BB 3-bets to $250, Hero calls $200

Flop: ($508) 7 4 8 (2 players)
BB bets $150.60, Hero calls $150.60

Turn: ($809.20) Q (2 players)
BB bets $240.96, Hero calls $240.96

River: ($1,291.12) 6 (2 players)
BB bets $1,560.44 (all-in), Hero calls $1,408.44 (all-in)

Total pot: $4,108 (Rake: $6)

Showdown:
BB shows 9 J (high card, Queen)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 44%, Flop: 42%, Turn: 41%, River: 0%)

SB (Hero) shows A 7 (a pair of Sevens)
(Equity - Pre-Flop: 56%, Flop: 58%, Turn: 59%, River: 100%)

SB (Hero) wins $4,102

---

Results Since 17th November:
BB:



$:


By Stake:


By Session:


Overall Challenge Results:
BB:



$:



Data:


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Clawing back nicely in $... almost out of the downswing 😀

Challenge Progress:
Playing: -$25,270.28 + -$10,000 tournament = $-35,270.28
Action Sold: +$21,860.82
Rakeback: +$11,323.44

Profits: -$2086.02/$1,000,000

That's it for now.... goooood luck!


Nice results, Comeback is on!!

Maanya and I found out we are expecting a 2nd little one

gongratz man 😀


that’s huge! congrats!!!


Really good to see you're doing well at poker and living a happy life!

I'm a big fan, really enjoy your videos on RIO, your videos are the best in the site imo. Gl!!

Vamoooo


Wow, last update was only three weeks ago, but so much has changed...

Maanya and I found out we are expecting a 2nd little one.

so happy and great to see you are still doing what you love man 😀 , was thinking about you and how the pokers going and found this thread. Keep going bro you got this 😃.

Amazing to hear and a big congrats on finding out you are expecting a 2nd little one, feels not long ago we were walking along the beach together talking about having kids and becoming dads 😆

Hope you and the family have an amazing Xmas and New Year


gl


by KidCudi147 k

Nice results, Comeback is on!!

gongratz man 😀

Thank you very much

Yes, comeback is definitely on!

by RoadtoPro k

that’s huge! congrats!!!

Thank you very much

by Rapidesh123 k

Really good to see you're doing well at poker and living a happy life!

I'm a big fan, really enjoy your videos on RIO, your videos are the best in the site imo. Gl!!

Vamoooo

Thanks man, really appreciate the thoughts. I am, for sure, happy with how life has been turning out; I can only say that I'm blessed. Seems like the tides are similar on your end after reading your recent blog post

Glad you like my RIO content. Just finished two video series there, which I hope will be successful!

Vamooooooo

by naysmith90 k

Wow, last update was only three weeks ago, but so much has changed...

Maanya and I found out we are expecting a 2nd little one.

so happy and great to see you are still doing what you love man 😀 , was thinking about you and how the pokers going and found this thread. Keep going bro you got this 😃.

Amazing to hear and a big congrats on finding out you are expecting a 2nd little one, feels not long ago we were walking along the beach together talking about having kids and becoming dads 😆

Hope you an

Hi bro, so nice to see you here. Happy Xmas & NY's

Yeah, I remember the day out and beach walk well... in fact the other day I was going through old photo's and saw some pics of the alcove we found 😆

Tysm on the congrats on 2nd baby! This time round I am less nervous and more excited as I kind've know what to expect, and how amazing everything is. Just of course praying all goes ok 🙏

This year we are planning to visit. Let's catch-up

by MartimC k

gl

Thanks man. Long time..... hope things are going well for you


Hello Luke, what a nice blog to follow. Since i'm new here i have a lot of reading to do.
Congratz on the second baby that is on the way and GL at the tables!

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