Calculated Risk - CASH CASH BABY
Hello everyone!
Hello, I'm astro, I'm a recreational cash game player. I've never really studied poker, I've only played on initiative, I've rarely watched any videos on youtube while eating. I love the game, I’m not losing money, but I haven’t exactly "cracked the code" to build a massive fortune either. I’ve always been stuck in that middle ground.
However, things are changing. My current job now allows me more free time, and instead of just "playing" poker, I’ve decided to invest that time into mastering it.
For 2026, I am setting three major pillars for my growth. Here is my transparency report and my roadmap.
1. The Bankroll Challenge: From $350 to $5, 000
In the past, I’ve struggled with consistency. Whether it was life getting in the way or a lack of mental stamina, I’ve never truly grinded. This year, I’m following a strict bankroll management (BRM) strategy to climb the stakes in Cash Games.
Starting Bankroll: $350
Target Profit: $5, 000
Stake Entry Bankroll Buy-ins Goal
NL10 ($0.05/$0.10) $350 35 BI Build to $500
NL25 ($0.10/$0.25) $500 20 BI Build to $1, 000
NL50 ($0.25/$0.50) $1, 000 20 BI Build to $2, 500
NL100 ($0.50/$1.00) $2, 500 25 BI
2. Personal Evolution: Mind & Body
Poker is a mental marathon, and I can’t win if my "hardware" is failing. To improve my focus and discipline at the tables, I am committing to three massive personal goals for the year:
Weight Loss: Lose 12kg. A lighter body means a sharper mind.
Endurance: Run 1, 500km over the course of the year. This averages out to about 28km per week—discipline that will translate directly to my sessions.
Knowledge: Read 100 books. I want to expand my perspective, both in poker strategy and personal development.
3. Community & Growth
Grinding in a vacuum is the fastest way to burn out. My third goal is about connection.
This year, I want to step out of my shell. I am looking to:
Connect with fellow serious players.
Join a dedicated coaching group or find a study stable.
I realize that to get to the next level, I need to surround myself with people who are better than me.
Closing Thoughts
I’m done with the "recreational" excuses. 2026 is about seeing what happens when I actually apply myself. It won’t be easy, and the variance will surely test me, but the plan is set.
Wish me luck, I'll see you at the tables!
PS
I already played my first session yesterday
NL10 - 3391 hands 31.91$ profit- 2$Laderboard = total 33.91$


I have one hand to talk about: River move is ok? or just call QT is in his range

2 Replies
On the second day I played fewer hands. 1690 hands in total. I also went to a live tournament, where I got out quite early.
I reached a profit of $55.81

Regarding the game, on the second day I balanced the first part of the session, the starting raise was 4x, in the end I played with 2x-3x. When I open 4x the players are tighter, regulars at NL10 don't really make 3b pre-flop anymore. On the other hand, recreational players have the same plays.
Regarding the development plan, I ordered my first book that I will read (something easy, to get it into my blood to continue with this plan). Regarding losing weight and running, everything will start after the new year.
A hand that made me think about it is the following. When the turn comes with a donk, I choose to just call and on the river I decided it was worthless, in case of a raise I would have folded. I need to work on my game, I'm still not confident in the decisions I make.

Happy New Year to everyone!
Playing 10.277 hands =
+43$ NL10
+30$ rackback
+7C$ laderboard
+62.7C$ #Thanks2025 $1M Flipout [Final Stage]
2026 stasr fresh with new bankrool: 423$ and 69.7C$
I wish you all a dream year, in which you achieve everything you set out to do.