1.c4: Chessman begins his poker journey
Hey everyone! I’m excited to see where this goes. I’m 20 and have decided to forgo getting a traditional job (most likely at Big4, high finance, trading, IB etc.) to play poker professionally for the foreseeable future.
This is a really great time for me.. by this time next month I’ll have completed my undergraduate finance degree with honors and have moved out of my apartment in TX and into one somewhere else. The last three years have been incredible, and while this is an interesting time to be graduating (with COVID-19 and all), I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m considering moving back in with my parents in Southern California, as the game selection in the LA area is among the best in the world, and saving piles on rent will certainly help long term, but also have the funds to move anywhere I’d like. I’m still undecided. If I do move home, it would likely be temporary and mostly a business decision.
Since I imagine that almost everyone reading this doesn’t know me (irl or through my posting on here), the title alludes to my childhood chess obsession 😀. I’ve won state titles, national titles, represented the U.S. internationally, become a National Chess Master, coached CEOs- the whole nine yards. I’m hoping I can achieve similar success in poker, this time for piles of cash rather than fulfillment :p. While I’m proud of my accomplishments wrt chess, and worked incredibly hard for them, it’s time to move on and start fresh. Hopefully this thread is a piece of that puzzle.
Poker Volume Goals for 2020 & 2021 (Combined): Play 2000 hours and study, analyze, watch, post, and talk Poker etc. for 2000 hours as well. I’ll be tracking how much I play. The second half will be a little harder to track considering how many elements there are but I’ll do my best to estimate within reason. While watching a poker vlog or posting on here, for example, isn’t nearly as beneficial as reviewing HHs etc., I do think those things are miles better than watching Netflix etc. and think they can be considered productive. I plan to also incorporate a fair amount of balance in my life, something which I have always struggled with. This will include things like lifting, playing basketball, playing or teaching chess, going out etc.
Life can always get in the way as well, and I think it’s good to be conservative to account for that in some capacity. However, regardless of how I decide to spend my time in the coming years, I’d like to be as productive as my mental health allows me to be. After all, I’m sacrificing a lot of upward mobility to take this career route.. and don’t want to look back filled with regret,
I plan to primarily be multi tabling 40 NL, 60 NL, and 100NL cash and small/mid buyin tourneys on PokerBros until I turn 21 (November). I’ve played practically every stake and have spent a fair amount of time at 100NL and 200NL on bros, but want to now start approaching this the right way... especially as the games get progressively more difficult. I have multiple accounts and access to private clubs in addition to unions such as diamond union.
Starting December of this year, I plan to play 5/5+ at the Bike, Commerce, Gardens, HP etc. assuming I move back home... 2/5+ if I move to Florida, Vegas, etc.
If you know me irl, have pics of me, recognize one of my SNs, know my name, where I went to school etc.. that’s cool! But please don’t post any of that itt. I feel more comfortable that way and this will allow me to be more transparent. I would also really appreciate if we could keep things positive itt as well. Thanks!
GL me. Enjoy!
Congrats on having carved out a version of the poker world that works for you. You should be proud of yourself to have done it at such a young age. I'm also in socal and am getting back into playing plo after a long time away from it while I hit some monetary goals. I remember your thread from back in the day and am happy to see your significant progress!
Thank you, super appreciate the kind words! All the best.
Happy Holidays, everyone.
If any of you are ever in the LA area moving forward, please feel free to PM. Ideally we've interacted on the forum previously.
I'm grateful for all of the support and advice I received in here over the years and would love to treat you to drinks or a meal. I'm not traveling much these days for personal reasons otherwise I would be more than happy to come to you.
How is everyone?! I know it’s been a while. I appreciate those of you who have stayed in touch over the years. You all are amazing.
I recently started working as a behavioral interventionist for special needs children. I love it.
I achieved my dream of live high stakes private games and it was time to transition into something more fulfilling in the short term.
I am traveling to India again! I don’t have a plan for the thread but in the airport and remembered the thread. I don’t expect much engagement and I don’t plan to post any poker.
But wanted to document this trip and engage in conversation with anyone who is interested. Lots of pictures hopefully. Here’s a pic of my coffee to start lol. It’s a hot americano with Splenda.
17 hour flight awaits. I’m looking forward to it, hopefully a distraction free environment to read nonfiction. I purchased 10 new hardcover non-fiction books that I would like to deep dive into during my time there.
Congrats on the fulfilling job! Sounds like you are really enjoying contributing to society, and for a good cause as well. Bravo.
Have a sweet trip! I’m going to put some water in my latte tomorrow morning too.
congrats mang, glad things have been going well
good to hear from you
Looking forward to the trip report! Anyone want action on whether he comes back engaged this time?
Congrats on the fulfilling job! Sounds like you are really enjoying contributing to society, and for a good cause as well. Bravo.
Have a sweet trip! I’m going to put some water in my latte tomorrow morning too.
Looking forward to the trip report! Anyone want action on whether he comes back engaged this time?
Thank you, gentlemen, I appreciate your kind words and enthusiasm! It's always nice to hear from you guys as well. I, sincerely, have learned a lot from how authentic and genuine you four are, among other things.
If anyone is comfortable, please feel free to pm anytime with pictures from your personal or work life. I DO care so don't hesitate if you ever get the urge to connect moving forward. We can always catch up organically from there.
My discord is .buttonclickr and my telegram is @ButtonClicker. I would be glad to send pictures back if we know each other and have been talking for a while. I would also love to stay connected in general.
Yes, of course! I know the World Chess Championship is coincidentally happening in Singapore, where I am flying. I didn't factor it in my original travel plans but will see if I can make it to the venue during the layover!
And looking forward to the TR as well. The first flight, has been good. More to come later. Thanks again all, I appreciate the warm welcome also. Let’s goooo
Hey friend, great to hear from you again!!! 
I recently started working as a behavioral interventionist for special needs children. I love it.
This is music to my ears friend, I love it ♥ The poker world - the World in general, tbh - needs more compassionate people like you ♥ Think about your evolution in so many few years : from chess prodigy to poker high stakes to the ultimate goal : helping out your peers and being a good human ♥
Spoiler
how old are you again... 😉. Much love bro ♥♥♥
A Trip To the FIDE World Chess Championship in Singapore
It was a wonderful but exhausting 42 hour journey to India. We arrived late last night (3am now). Waking up from a short nap and thought I would do a quick update 😀
Full transparency that I used AI to assist me with writing this post!
Ding Liren vs. Gukesh: A Championship to Remember
The 14-round World Chess Championship match between Ding Liren and Gukesh had been nothing short of thrilling. Ding, the reigning champion and a master of positional play, was up against the prodigy Gukesh, whose meteoric rise and fearless attacking style had captivated the chess world. The clash between experience and youthful ambition made for an electrifying contest. Gukesh, only 18 years old, was roughly a 3-1 favorite in the betting markets prior to the match.
The Match
The match had been a rollercoaster, with both players trading wins early on and showcasing brilliant preparation and nerves of steel. Ding’s resilience and strategic mastery had saved him in tough positions, while Gukesh’s creativity and sharp tactics had kept the champion constantly on edge. By the end of the 13th game, the score was tied at 6.5-6.5, setting up a dramatic showdown for the final round.
The Final Round
As the final game approached, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. A win would crown the champion outright, while a draw would lead to rapid tiebreaks to decide the title. The tension was palpable, with both players needing to balance the desire to push for a win with the risk of overextending.
Trip Report
With an 8-hour layover in Singapore, my mom and I decided to make the most of it by booking a private van for six hours to explore the city. Our first stop was Resorts World Sentosa, and specifically, the Equarius Hotel, where the championship match was being played.
At the time, the score stood at 6.5-6.5, with the final game set to be played later that day. We wandered around the venue a bit, and while I’m not sure if it was protocol or just good luck, the cleaning staff didn’t seem to mind. It was such a surreal experience to be in the middle of it all, even if nothing major was happening at the moment.
The pictures we took pretty much sum it up—not overly dramatic, but still incredible to be there. It felt like such a unique and lucky coincidence, and we were unbelievably grateful for the experience! Enjoy!
Spoiler
CONGRATS TO GUKESH AND INDIA!!!
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30 minutes of Magic: A Quick Journey Through The Outside of Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore was conveniently located just a short walk from the Equarius Hotel within the Resorts World Sentosa complex, making it an easy trek for us after our adventure at the venue of the World Chess Championship.
When my mom and I arrived at the entrance to Universal Studios Singapore, we were greeted by the iconic spinning globe with “Universal Studios” emblazoned across it, which made for a perfect photo opportunity. The cheerful music playing in the background set the mood as we soaked in the vibrant energy of the area. The towering archway marked the main entrance, where guests were eagerly queuing to enter the park.
As we walked around the perimeter, we passed lush tropical landscaping that added to the resort-like ambiance. Since it was around the holiday season, the area was decked out with festive decorations, including garlands, ornaments, and twinkling lights. Along the way, we spotted three life-size Minions statues standing near a brightly themed backdrop, drawing attention from excited visitors taking photos. The sounds of laughter and excited chatter mixed with distant roller coaster screams, hinting at the park’s thrilling attractions. Around the corner, we found souvenir shops and food stalls, tempting visitors with snacks and themed merchandise. The pathway offered sweeping views of Sentosa Island, with the Equarius Hotel visible in the distance, blending seamlessly into the resort’s tropical setting. The lively atmosphere and shared excitement made our brief exploration feel like a teaser for a grand adventure waiting inside
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Awesome photos!!!
Gukesh!!!!
I got comped a share (roughly 20£ I believe) in the Sporting Events Forum Sports Betting Syndicate. So I proposed the idea to bet on Gukesh to win the WCC. I think we bet 2% of the collective funds on it lol.
Good to see you back RTP. I have an old colleague friend who was just in Singapore -they went to an amazing bird "zoo" where they have separate environments for birds from all over SE Asia with plants from the region the bird came from. Did you hear about it?
Hey friend, great to hear from you again!!!
This is music to my ears friend, I love it ♥ The poker world - the World in general, tbh - needs more compassionate people like you ♥ Think about your evolution in so many few years : from chess prodigy to poker high stakes to the ultimate goal : helping out your peers and being a good human ♥
Spoiler
how old are you again... 😉. Much love bro ♥♥♥
Hey great to hear from you as well sir!!!
Thank you so very much for your kind words brother, I appreciate them more than you know. And I understand that was rhetorical but I turned 25 recently.
Same to you <33
Good to see you back RTP. I have an old colleague friend who was just in Singapore -they went to an amazing bird "zoo" where they have separate environments for birds from all over SE Asia with plants from the region the bird came from. Did you hear about it?
Good to see you too Mr JRR!! How is everything?! Please feel free to pm me anytime or if you don’t feel comfortable sharing here.
That sounds amazing indeed! But no I did not! We simply didn’t have enough time to do everything. I will be posting one more report about Singapore detailing all that we did.
Awesome photos!!!
Gukesh!!!!
I got comped a share (roughly 20£ I believe) in the Sporting Events Forum Sports Betting Syndicate. So I proposed the idea to bet on Gukesh to win the WCC. I think we bet 2% of the collective funds on it lol.
Lovely to see you here sir.
Everyone’s genuine enthusiasm is super appreciated and it sincerely fills me with so much joy to have connected with some of you in such a meaningful way
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Speaking of Singapore - and to go on a tangent... -, my Argentino buddy has just met a Singapore lady traveling in Argentina : they met at a Vipassana meditation centre (my buddy is the manager of the place). And they fell in love!!! Her, trying to escape the too tidy and controlled/restricted way of coming from the Anglo-saxon influenced rich island that is Singapore, and him trying to find a more traditional lady, meaning not so fracking intense, maniacal and feminist like many Argentina women are
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I differ from his taste in women, obviously, but thought it would be interesting to share his little story here... 😀
Speaking of Singapore - and to go on a tangent... -, my Argentino buddy has just met a Singapore lady traveling in Argentina : they met at a Vipassana meditation centre (my buddy is the manager of the place). And they fell in love!!! Her, trying to escape the too tidy and controlled/restricted way of coming from the Anglo-saxon influenced rich island that is Singapore, and him trying to find a more traditional lady, meaning not so fracking intense, maniacal and feminist like many Argentina wome
Oh, how wonderful!! They seem like a great match.
Please please please feel free to go on tangents anytime in here. I deeply appreciate when people share stories, moments, and memories in here 😀
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AI-assisted writeups of the chess world championships: we have reached peak RtP.
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😃😃
Great photos and trip report!
Glad to see you’re following your passions and doing well in life.
Thanks Sqwid!
I am so so grateful for your continued support all of these years - it is deeply appreciated. You are a superstar and I can’t thank you enough.
Great photos and trip report!
Glad to see you’re following your passions and doing well in life.
Thanks TJ! Same to you.
Also I’ll be posting food porn in my new thread over in Health & Fitness! Wanting to avoid cluttering the forum by posting the same pics in multiple threads
Exploring Singapore
Exploring Singapore was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and tastes. After our adventure to RWS to see the venue of the FIDE World Chess Championship and Universal Studios Singapore, we wandered through Gardens by the Bay, marveling at the greenery.
The contrast of lush greenery against the ultra-modern cityscape was surreal and awe-inspiring. Locals jogged along the waterfront while groups of tourists strolled leisurely, all soaking in the vibrant energy.
For lunch, we hit a center in the town nearby. The food was deliciously affordable, and the mingling aromas of diverse cuisines made it hard to choose. Vendors greeted us warmly.
My mom went for Indian vegetarian while I had a fresh meat plate, followed by a flaky egg tart and a sweet mochi muffin for dessert. The mix of casually dressed tourists and office workers in suits created a lively atmosphere, while the background buzz of traffic and occasional chirps of birds added to the symphony of the experience
Driving through the city, I noticed how impeccably clean and organized Singapore is, with sleek highways framed by palm trees and modern buildings. Compact neighborhoods with pastel-colored shophouses peeked out between the skyscrapers, adding charm to the urban landscape.
We then visited at Marina Bay, where the iconic skyline gleamed under the tropical sun, reflecting beautifully in the water. The Marina Bay Sands hotel stood like a futuristic ship, and tourists from all over the world paused for selfies.
Traffic moved smoothly, and the lush greenery lining the streets reminded me of a garden city. Everywhere we went, there was a fascinating mix of cultures and languages, a testament to Singapore’s multicultural identity.
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A Day of Simple Joys: Animals, Games, and Sweet Moments
We began the day at a charming cafe, enjoying a cozy atmosphere with delicious coffee and light snacks. After feeling refreshed, we headed to the zoo, excited to see the reptiles, an elephant, deer, and even a tiger. We wandered through the exhibits, taking plenty of pictures and marveling at the animals. Next, we made our way to a beautiful lake, where we sat for a while, enjoying the serene view and watching people pass by.
After the lake, we dove into some light shopping, exploring vibrant stalls and picking up a few souvenirs. The arcade was a blast, where we played a bunch of games and let out our inner child. Dinner that evening was nothing short of amazing, at a wonderful pan-am cuisine that left us satisfied. To end on a sweet note, we treated ourselves to froyo, piling on toppings and savoring every bite.
Throughout the day, the intense India traffic kept us both amused and frustrated, even experiencing a hit and run at a red light, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. By the time we got home, we had so many pictures and memories from an unforgettable day
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Hey guys any advice on this situation would be amazing and deeply appreciated. I respect your opinion and thoughts.
I recently transitioned from HSNL to working as a BI for special needs children. I have autism and not a mild case. My coworkers and supervisors like me, but HR is being difficult with the reasonable accommodations I have requested. I understand that is not uncommon. It is my first real job but I have been working since high school. I am 25 now.
I have provided a letter from my primary care physician as well as documentation from my psychiatrist. I understand the primary suggestion will be to leave the company but I have developed rapport with my learners and do not want to do that unless necessary.
I live near LA and if anyone has opportunities for me in a similar or related field I would be open to hearing them. I do not need the money.
Thank you!
I assume you've already googled "reasonable accommodation autism?" There are a couple of good Reddit threads on the subject and a bunch of articles that I have no idea how good they are. The biggest point I noticed was that according to the ADA, it is their job to explain why a requested accommodation would not be reasonable, not your job to sell that it is. What are they trying to deny you?
I assume BI is Behavioral Interventionist? If so, seems like a tough job for someone with autism, though I am by no means an expert. I have friends on the spectrum, from a high functioning executive through to one who has enough comorbidities that he's not able to work at all, but that's it.
