Posted Wed May 23, 2007 4:27 am GMT by StarlightCoast
Hello everyone,
I wasn't sure if I was ever going to post here at THP or any of the poker forums I frequented ever again. As some had suspected my disappearance from the forums was because I ended up going down hard in the Live $4/$8 games at the local card club. I was so ashamed and embarassed I was not sure if I could bring myself to come back again. I had all these emotions going through me for the last several months and one of the major ones was fear. Fear as to how people would react to my, what I considered at the time and still do to a certain extent......... disgrace.
I was depressed for a long while over the turn of events and loads of self doubt about myself were a major part of my life. But I knew I could not let my dream die. It was still there. Flat broke, no reasonable access to any live games, the internet not an option, I had few options. The wife and I were planning on making a move back up to Oregon and it was going to happen in january 2008 so I decided 2007 would have no poker for me and I would start it up again in 2008 after the move.
Then the car died. For good this time. I got it towed to work but it was deadsville and I ended up having to sleep in it for 2 nights. I could have got home, but then would not have been able to get to work, and if i can't work, then me and the Mrs would be living in it full time, no thanks.
We went out and got approved for an auto loan and we are now the proud owners of a 2003 Chevy S-10 pick-up. Also bought a two year/24,000 mile extended warranty on it. With a truck payment of $300/month the ability to save for an out of state move would have to be on hold.
So, I'm working 7 days a week, got a new truck (i know it's a 2003 but it sure is new to me), no move to Oregon at the beginning of the year, and no poker. Well there's always the lottery i suppose, LOL. Not like I have a lot of choices so I resigned myself to waiting out what could be a long wait.
Then about 2 weeks ago I downloaded Poker Stars on this newer computer we now have. Not sure why. I think maybe I just wanted to play a freeroll, I'm not even sure if that was the reason. After doing so and doing some poking around I stumbled onto the prepaid Visa that PS is in partnership with. To say I signed up quickly for this would be an understatement. I made a deposit of $25 and messed around with some $1 SNG's, a $5 MTT and some penny games. Nothing difinitive, just having a little fun once again, but the more I was playing the more I realized I could build myself back up again. I could continue with my dream and get back on that road to professional. This was my chance.
I'm sure some of you are laughing about now and that's ok. It has taken me several months, but I am ready to face it. I am ready to face the criticism and in fact anything negative that might come my way. It's not like I wouldn't deserve it after losing everything I had. For a long while I was not in a state that I could face that and that's why I was away as long as I was, but I'm back and ready to take on the world once again.
The plan for the move to oregon is on again and when we make that move I will be going there as a full time professional poker player with a 1000 big bet bankroll for $3/$6, ready to face 12 hour work days 7 days a week in the casino at the limit tables..
First things first however. My wife Becci and I sat down and figured out what we wanted in as far as extra money in the bank for the bad weeks, the money to move in and all that other stuff that goes along with it. Furnishing an apartment, getting our licenses and new registrations and all that other tid bit stuff. The final analysis is $15k. I want to do it by June 2008. I took my first step towards it on Sunday May 20th. I have started or restarted the journey and this time more focussed than ever, more disciplined than ever, and quite frankly more determined than ever.
I guess the bottom line is that it has taken me all these months to have the nerve to show my face around here again. I was disgusted with myself and what happened....... what I allowed to happen. Acting like I was some high rolling hot shot semi-pro, playing slots, motel rooms, dining out and a Vegas trip mixed in. I lost it all and only the strength and encouragement of my wife Becci kept me going. When a poker player taps out, especially when the dream of a life seemingly slips away, I am not exagerating the fact that some very dark thoughts enter the mind. I felt like for me there was no tomorrow and the tomorrows it looked like I was facing would be an existance, not a life, but there was one exception to that.........my wife. As long as she was there I could face the coming days. Becci has no idea how deeply affected i was. What was going through me inside. I tend to be able to hide those things pretty well. She has no idea what her constant encouragement and belief in me and my ability to regroup and make my dreams reality did for me. Damn the woman has such powers and she proably doesn't realize just how strong.
So on May 20th, just a few days ago I decided to restart my journey. With many lessons learned and a more mature attitude towards everything in my poker life I am back more determined and more disciplined than ever before.
So let me catch you up on days 1-3.
My official start amount was $91.79 and was broken down as follows.
Ring Game: $60
MTT $25
Quest: $1.54
SNG: $5.25
I am 8 tabling the .05/.10 Limit games and am using a base bankroll of 600 big bets with a max loss of 50-60 big bets per day. Once I lose that much i am done for the day, but with the swings I have been seeing in just the first few days I may have to increase that to a stop-loss of 100 big bets per day. I will move up levels when 600 big bets for the next level is reached and drop back down if I fall to 400 big bets. .05/.10 however is the lowest I will play. I refuse to play the penny games ever again for as long as I live. I will average 1000 hands played each day. Projections show I should reach the $15k sometime in June of 2008. This is based on an earn rate of 1.5bb/100 hands which should be easily obtainable even multitabling. I am going to try just a few of those $1.75 multitable turbo SNG's and see how I do. The $1.54 for the PL Omaha is for trying that system Jesus Ferguson talked about taking one buy-in and turning it into thousands, lol. In other words just for fun. I got a new registration code from pat at Poker tracker and away I was off.
Day 1 was a profitable session. 1009 hands played and a profit of 61.7bb. Everything seemed to go right and I never saw so many pocket pairs hit a set on the flop as I did that day. Also on day 1 I entered a $1/$0.10 HORSE MTT. 328 players and I made the money, but that's it. Top 40 got paid and I placed 39th. a .70 profit for 3 hours work, but all in all I was happy with my performance for the simple reason that to play in such a tournament you need to be skilled in several games. I made a few mistakes in the razz part and that prevented me from placing higher.
Day 2 was a morning filled with household errands and thus only 767 hands were played for a loss of 10.1bb.
Day 3 consisted of an early am session and a mid morning session. Did great in the former and stunk in the latter. Final result 1017 hands played for a loss of 7/10ths of a big bet.
Early morning session to begin day 4. 306 hands played and a profit of 40.2 big bets.
So in conclusion as of this posting 3099 hands played and a profit of 91.1 big bets.
Ring Game: $69.11
Tournie: $23.25
Quest: $1.59
Total: $93.95
Did you know that participating in a poker forum can help you improve your own game? Be it by sharing experiences or simply asking for help, participation in a forum helps you focus and keep 'on topic' which will help you improve your game. You can learn from other players feedback and from their experiences. Why the THP poker forums? We offer one of the best managed texas holdem poker forums available, and the community within is far more friendly than those typicaly found on other sites. We've made a 'lurkers edition' of the poker forum available here on Holdem Poker Online, but we encourage all visitors to register and join in on the conversations on TexasHoldem-Poker.com
Posted Wed May 23, 2007 5:01 am GMT by crack
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes eh?
Next time tell us when you are leaving because we all thought you had died till we tracked you down to some other forum the other month.
I know I told you this before and you didn't listen, but you might now. You really should think about scrapping these projected bankroll type ideas if you want to succeed. It's good to see you are not typing about how you will be playing 5/10 by Feb 2008 based on a 1bb/100 ratio or whatever it is, but just saying stuff like I should earn $15k by June 2008 is setting you up for disappointment if you don't make it.
Stop worrying about how much you need to make and just have fun. If you are playing well then the money should roll in eventually, unfortunately poker doesn't give you any definitive answers as to when.
Anyway, glad to see you are not dead and welcome back.
Posted Wed May 23, 2007 6:51 am GMT by Dave B
I would encourage you to get a real job.
Posted Wed May 23, 2007 8:40 am GMT by UrAteUp
Welcome back. Great to see you back Starlight. I have to agree with Crack. Don't set yourself up for disappointment or failure. We all have swings and a bad swing can really burn your bank roll up.
Heck I was feeling like you, just the ready to give up poker part, when the US online ban went into affect. I cashed out all but a few dollars. I thought of how great it will be when I build this up. I also picked up a referrel bonus so that helped. Needless to say it all went poof with a bad run at the $05/$0.10's. I thought about quiting after that but when I look back and realized my initial deposit was 2 years ago and I never had to redeposit I have to think I did good and I know how to play most variations of poker well. Mind you I did not cash out a ton of money over the 2 years but it was enough to allow me a few small pleasures in life which made it sweeter because it came from other people's money.
Posted Wed May 23, 2007 8:45 am GMT by MrDarling
The famous Starlight.
I don't think I had the pleasure meeting you around here, but the talk about you never died.
Good to see you back.
Keep it tight and good luck.
Danny
Posted Wed May 23, 2007 12:47 pm GMT by Phil14312
Good luck as always. I encourage you to only do what makes you most happy in this life.
Posted Wed May 23, 2007 1:34 pm GMT by xDiamond_CutteRx
Welcome back.
And while I fully support your decision and ambition, I feel the need to echo DaveB's advice... even if it's just a part-time job, it helps to have some guaranteed income. The rake alone at live $3/$6 games can make it very hard to stay ahead.
Posted Wed May 23, 2007 1:46 pm GMT by supafrey
Damnit I had 10 to 1 on suicide. fudge.
Posted Wed May 23, 2007 1:58 pm GMT by AHBrownell
That was quite a story. Good luck, and be careful to not over exert your bankroll this time around. Don't be afraid to drop down if things don't go well.
In relation to your post, I had been killing the .5/1 NL games for a few months and recently took a shot at the 1/2 NL games. After losing for a 2 week period (about 10k hands), I decided that I'd move back down and continue winning in the games I can consistently beat until I have rebuilt. After moving back down, I have actually been doing better than I was prior to my move to the 1/2 games! I'm sure I will move back up again soon in the future, but for now, my goal is to be a winning player, even if its at a smaller limit. :D
Posted Thu May 24, 2007 6:04 pm GMT by Geno
| Dave B wrote: | | I would encourage you to get a real job. |
I don't want to piss on your parade but you should listen to Dave man, you really should. Your ideas scare me frankly.
Posted Fri May 25, 2007 11:02 am GMT by suitedaces84
Good to see you're back.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 12:30 am GMT by Fat Tony
It's nice to have you back and all, but I must also hop on the get a real job train. You can always take another crack at playing for a living when you are in a little better financial shape.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 10:11 am GMT by K-rug
| Geno wrote: | | Dave B wrote: | | I would encourage you to get a real job. |
I don't want to piss on your parade but you should listen to Dave man, you really should. Your ideas scare me frankly. |
Fourthed
Even a part time job at some place fun like a Starbucks so you could suck coffee all day and be wired for your playing sessions.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 2:45 pm GMT by exit music
Wow, I really pity your wife.
If you are somewhat young and somewhat charming, get a job at a classy bar or restaurant, you'll pull in +$100 in tips per shift, even if you're just working 2 shifts a week, that's like way more than your life bankroll right now.
BTW, ever considered the fact that you are not cut out to play poker? Most players are long-term losers, and from the looks of things, you are hopelessly addicted. I honestly suggest getting help and stop playing poker completely. Addiction isn't your fault, but not getting help and continuing these failure patterns is a huge mistake. You are calling all-in on the turn with a gutshot in the poker game of life. Although it also looks like you are pretty short-stacked... that doesn't mean you have to donkey away the rest of your chips. It's really fuucking sad - you aspire to grind out .05c/.10c limit ring games online for 84 hours a week.... wow... just wow.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 3:00 pm GMT by StarlightCoast
I fail to understand the negativity I am seeing in some of the replies. Let's look at things that I see as the most obvious.
1. As full time player I will have a bankroll of 1000 big bets.
2. What amounts to 3 months of living expenses in the bank when you count what will be in there as an "extra" and what my wife brings in.
3. The determination and willingness to work as hard as it takes to accomplish it all.
4. Why would I not fulfill my dream.
Lets be clear on this. First things first. My mission to get to $15k first. Once that is fulfilled then the pro career begins.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 3:12 pm GMT by Geno
I think your lack of proven track record worries a few people on your behalf, that is all.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 3:29 pm GMT by StarlightCoast
Experience is a valuable teacher. I have learned from my errors is all I can say.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 3:39 pm GMT by Ensano
bottom line... you need a guaranteed source of income...
if you plan on only playing 80 or so hrs a month then you def have time for working another 80 hrs at a real job...
good play or not you WILL have a bad swing... and even if you have 3 months expenses in your BR what happends when you lose 1/3 of your BR in 1 month like I recently did?...
so you'll lose 1/3 to play, spend 1/3 to live and only be left with less than 350 big bets... i guarantee you'll be busted out shortly after that...
get a job that supports your living expenses and play 15-20 hrs a week of poker on the side.... keep progressing your way up in stakes as your BR allows for it, cashing out only 50% of what you win (nothing if you lose) and then you'll have a chance of making it...
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 3:39 pm GMT by K-rug
You will probably read this as a personal attack or something harsh. But it is reality. I really do hope you take the following words to heart.
| StarlightCoast wrote: |
1. As full time player I will have a bankroll of 1000 big bets.
|
Starting out that will be your bank roll. Until something tragic happens either while playing or in real life itself. You’re mentality of banking on winning or needing a certain amount is wrong.
Like Crack says “Stop worrying about how much you need to make...” That’s a very important fundamental thing to understand.
| StarlightCoast wrote: |
2. What amounts to 3 months of living expenses in the bank when you count what will be in there as an "extra" and what my wife brings in.
|
Say your wife falls and breaks her hip or is involved in a car accident and has to go on long-term disability. Let’s say a tree falls on where you live after a storm, you go on a trip and get sick and can’t play for a couple of weeks, your wife becomes pregnant, your wife has to take unpaid leave off because something has happened to someone on her side of the family or you have to stop playing because someone in your family needs you. You seem to be thinking very short term and chasing your dream while your wife is the real life support of the family.
It already has back fired once to where you were contemplating killing yourself. You are defensive, suicidal and can’t stop gambling. What will you do WHEN it happens again? Not if… it is inevitable in this game that it will happen. You got issues that you need to deal with BEFORE you start to take on this journey.
God bless your wife but what you are asking of her is completely unfair to her.
| StarlightCoast wrote: |
3. The determination and willingness to work as hard as it takes to accomplish it all.
|
If all it took was hard work, willingness and determination then you would see the same people at the final table of the WSOP year after year. In reality, luck as more to do with your success than all of the above mentioned things. That is why it is called gambling after all.
| StarlightCoast wrote: |
4. Why would I not fulfill my dream.
|
You are not fulfilling it at this point. You are chasing it at this point. Good for you to be able to chase it. But again, it’s backfired once and you didn’t handle it well then. You need to have a plan B because if poker should have taught you anything it’s that nothing is guaranteed.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 3:52 pm GMT by exit music
| StarlightCoast wrote: | | Experience is a valuable teacher. I have learned from my errors is all I can say. |
Apparently you haven't learned that poker is not a career, get a real life.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 5:57 pm GMT by Sean_in_NJ
Don't hate the player. Hate the game.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 6:05 pm GMT by AHBrownell
Personally, I think you can play poker as a job, but its a very difficult thing to do. I played my way through college - so it is doable. HOWEVER - you have to play a certain style of low variance poker to do this. For me this meant I stopped making lots of moves, I played very tight at 8-12 tables, like a robot.
I made 3/4s of my income from site bonuses and very little from actual poker. I usually made about $4-5K per month doing this. I did have losing periods, so that will happen. One month I was actually negative for the month! What you have to remember is that when you project what you can win, you have to factor in your losses in your potential earnings. For example, I tend to win $100-$500 per session. BUT my average win per session is much closer to $50-$100. Sometimes I lose.  When you play two sessions per day, every day, you can make enough money from this style of poker, but it isn't easy and it isn't fun.
I now work a regular job and play poker as a hobby. I cash out a few thousand dollars every couple months and buy something fun. I'm about to assemble a new computer with my latest cashout. This is quite good for me, and I think its the best approach for most people. I played "professionally" and I use that loosely, for most of last year. I found it good during the good times, and very difficult during losses. GL HF and stay focused.
Posted Thu May 31, 2007 6:48 pm GMT by Phil14312
1. Don't quit the dream
2. Get a part-time job to start. You seriously need something to fall back on this time.
3. Don't quit the dream.
4. Profit.
You at least gotta listen to me about the job, I'm the only one who's piped up so far to support your efforts.
Posted Fri Jun 01, 2007 1:46 am GMT by Fat Tony
We're not trying to shit on your corn flakes or anything like that, it's just that most of the people who have commented are trying to help you take a closer look at your situation. I hope that you DO make it but the message that we are trying to convey here is it doesn't look you are in a position where you have a very realistic chance of success at the moment so maybe putting your dream on hold for a bit would be best.
Posted Fri Jun 01, 2007 1:56 am GMT by xDiamond_CutteRx
Even getting a part-time job for a little steady income would be a good start and a decent compromise that gives you good time to pursue your dream. As you do well, you can scale back and eliminate the job altogether. That might be what I myself end up doing over the next year before starting Law School if I don't get the position I'm looking for.
Posted Fri Jun 01, 2007 4:03 am GMT by StarlightCoast
| Fat Tony wrote: | | We're not trying to shit on your corn flakes |
LMAO. I never heard that one before. LOL
In all seriousness I appreciate the opinions and although I don't agree I will consider what you have all said here except for the poster called exit music. Bottom line, you're a real a**hole! And if that remark gets me a few days suspension off the forum, I accept that, but i also reiterate it.
Remember, none of this happens tomorrow. I'm on my comeback trail and my roll right now is still under $200 so I'm not exactly giving my 2 week notice yet. 
And also remember I work in retail. Guys like me can get a job in 2 seconds flat so even if "something" happened I would simply go back to getting a normal job. No biggee.
As far as household not getting any money from poker that would be impossible to happen as household will be getting its $400/week in advance each and every week. If the bankroll ran dry I get a job, reevaluate, rebuild, and try again.
I think when you guys think of full time player you are setting the monetary requirements much higher than they are for me. Quite frankly my wife and I are quiet people with simple tastes. Major amounts of money is not important. The $400/week to start out with is more than we need from me and my wife is on disability already (heart condition) so all the medical stuff is already covered. believe me becci and I have discussed this at length. We have talked and negotiated and gone through the what ifs and what would and will be done to counter them. if we are happy with the decision, then nothing else really matters in the grand scheme of things.
Posted Fri Jun 01, 2007 7:01 am GMT by Dave B
WILL WILL NOT SUCCEED TRYING TO PLAY 3/6 IN A CASINO FULL TIME. You simple cannot beat the rake.
Posted Fri Jun 01, 2007 12:08 pm GMT by supafrey
YOU YOU NOT SUCCEED
Posted Fri Jun 01, 2007 12:21 pm GMT by StarlightCoast
Thank you for the opinions. They have been noted for future reference. I think we've taken this thread as far as it will go.
Posted Fri Jun 01, 2007 12:49 pm GMT by Dave B
Obviously we havent.
3/6 casino game, people buy in for $100 each (generally) so there is $1000 on the table. The casino will take $100-150/hour off the table ($3-4 rake plus dealer tips for 30-40 hands). If you play 10 hours, it is like on player winning 10 buy ins or roughly 100% of the total money on the table at any certain time.
Now, with that kind of chip vaccuum at the table you still expect to have enough of a margin to beat even the weakest of players?
You would have to be able to see everyone else's cards to beat that game.
Posted Fri Jun 01, 2007 1:47 pm GMT by Gogie
| Dave B wrote: | Obviously we havent.
3/6 casino game, people buy in for $100 each (generally) so there is $1000 on the table. The casino will take $100-150/hour off the table ($3-4 rake plus dealer tips for 30-40 hands). If you play 10 hours, it is like on player winning 10 buy ins or roughly 100% of the total money on the table at any certain time.
Now, with that kind of chip vaccuum at the table you still expect to have enough of a margin to beat even the weakest of players?
You would have to be able to see everyone else's cards to beat that game. |
Dave, you just burst my balloon. I never looked at it that way before, but now I think I'm going to have to give up poker (or learn how to seriously cheat without getting any bones broken)!!!  Good thing I never gave up my day job.
Posted Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:51 pm GMT by finalhonor
Ok first off before i say anything, i must state that i support your fully. Your dream of making living off poker is very similar to mine. I do have some experience in what you are trying to accomplish. Ever since i have moved on to CEGEP i have been able to support myself through the school year by playing poker, BUT when the semester ends i still go out and get a part time job. Like everybody else has already stated you need some source of income other than poker. (Plus its go to know that if i have bad week of Poker, I'm still gonna get a paycheck.) I suggest strongly that you take their advice.
Ok here comes the harsh part.
You are going to go broke if you keep playing poker the way you do. You are not playing poker you are GAMBLING sir. I am not talking out of my ass, i have played against you on a few occasions on the .25/.50 PL/NL triple draw tables. For somebody who only has a 200.00 br this is VERY F*CKING STUPID.(not mention you are playing on 7 .05/.10 NL tables at the same time.) You are shooting yourself in the foot, one minimum buy-in loss if a big hit to your BR (like last night loss). I suggest you reevaluate your strategy, stop playing above your head, and for christs sakes think about your poor wife.
Sorry THP Mods for the swearing, but i believe this is the only way to get the point across.
Posted Fri Jun 01, 2007 11:24 pm GMT by Ciso_B
I reckon everyone is being pretty harsh on ya Starlight but their intentions are obviously honest. I have recently finished with my uni degree and am currently going to give the "pro poker" thing a shot, I think I have the ability but need to make sure I can manage my money and wins/losses' well. Either way I hope thing's turn out well for you bud. Good luck.
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 12:06 am GMT by exit music
i mean no disrespect, sorry for being harsh
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 1:26 am GMT by snoogins47
| Ciso_B wrote: | | I reckon everyone is being pretty harsh on ya Starlight but their intentions are obviously honest. |
That line is about as succinct and important as I can imagine in this context.
Seriously, saying you aspire to play live 3/6 for 80+ hours a week for a living is quite strange and unrealistic. And re:geno: no, it's not his lack of a proven track record. It's precisely his track record that worries us (or at least worries me.)
Check your PMs SC
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 1:49 am GMT by StarlightCoast
| finalhonor wrote: | | i have played against you on a few occasions on the .25/.50 PL/NL triple draw tables. For somebody who only has a 200.00 br this is VERY F*CKING STUPID.(not mention you are playing on 7 .05/.10 NL tables at the same time.) You are shooting yourself in the foot, one minimum buy-in loss if a big hit to your BR |
I happen to have 2 seperate bankrolls. My ring game roll and what i call my tourney/fun money roll. With the latter i play SNG's, triple draw PL omaha, MTT's, basically whatever i want. it is fun money to have fun with. My ring game roll goes untouched and is used only for my ring games.
So I guess this very f*cking stupid player has no right to unwind with a different sort of game when he feels like it. Well, I don't remember asking your permission so try taking a long walk off a short pier loudmouth.
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 2:02 am GMT by StarlightCoast
Anyone here that thinks I can't earn $6/hour playing $3/$6 live is insane. I played $2/$4 live and did very well thank you very much. I did not lose my last bankroll from lack of success at the cash games. I lost it because of slot machines, restaurants, $30 rebuy tournies, weekend in vegas (where I might add I was a winner playing $3/$6 just not enough to cover gas, food, valet tips and a hotel for 2 nites.)
I was an idiot I admit it and I way overspent on things not poker, I was a jerk. But I learned a hard hard lesson and the mistakes I made will never and I mean never be made again.
You may all mean well in your comments and I believe most of you do mean well, but there is no doubt I have the ability. Now i will earn the bankroll one level at a time and never repeat my mistakes from the past and that you can bet on.
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:14 am GMT by supafrey
so err.. who's gonna stake me for the 200nl+ tables? I'll await the pms
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 10:38 am GMT by General Sal
Wow... hey I'm not gonna discredit anyone who tries to go after the dream... well if you can tighten up your play online and in "life" (no more slots and other stupid gambling) than you should be okay.
Hey, the guy has nothing to lose now right? Grinding it at 3/6 limit is not the way though. Dave's right about that one.
Go after your dream, man. I struggle with it, and have finally made my own personal breakthroughs. Don't fear persecution though... I think that's all in your own head. Like Johnny Moss said, "There's no disgrace in going broke."
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:25 am GMT by Jefecaminador
"As some had suspected my disappearance from the forums was because I ended up going down hard in the Live $4/$8 games at the local card club."
"I did not lose my last bankroll from lack of success at the cash games. I lost it because of slot machines, restaurants, $30 rebuy tournies, weekend in vegas (where I might add I was a winner playing $3/$6 just not enough to cover gas, food, valet tips and a hotel for 2 nites.) "
Its really important to try and not delude yourself. And you also shouldn't be trying to impress or convince anyone here that you can make it.
If you really think you can make a living playing poker, then fine do it. But you have to really know why you failed the first time. If you failed cause you got killed at the game, thats one thing. If you failed cause you spent too much money on other shit, thats entirely different. Don't confuse the two though.
Also, why are you insisting on grinding it out at a live casino? If you have the talent I can't imagine why multitabling online would be less profitable than playing at a single, slowly dealt live table that has a higher rake. And making 6$ an hour playing 80 hours a week doesn't sound like much of a career to me. I don't particularly like the job I have now, but its a gaurenteed check and its a lot more than that, plus i have insurance. And since you have to take money out of your bankroll for living expenses, its gonna be hard as hell to move up stakes, as i assume thats what you want to do eventually.
One last thing. If you don't make it this time around, just give it up. Don't waste your life chasing something that just might not be there. I hope you go big, or go home.
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:43 am GMT by Ensano
http://www.fulltiltpoker.com/tip-email-104-deposit.php?utm_id=98
the new fulltilt article that came out...
also working 80+ hrs a week you're going to burn yourself out... if you really do that the skill you say you do then play at least 4/8-5/10 that way the rake won't be as big of a deal and you'll be able to build your BR as well as make a living...
If i understand this you're just going to be sitting at 3/6FL... taking 6$/hr that you play out of your BR?... if you do that you'll never move up in stakes... you'll never move you anywhere...
what kind of life it that... if I got offered a job where the boss told me i was going to make 6$/hr and never move up anywhere, never advance... 10 years from now doing the same thing, making the same thing... I walk out of the interview right there....
a job like that isn't a dream... it's the type of situation many realistic people avoid...
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 1:48 pm GMT by Geno
I don't doubt that being a poker pro is possible, you just need to be very, very grounded and be able to handle the swings well. Since you have already proven that you are unable to do this, I think you are on a path to financial and mental destruction.
My intentions are good here - we thought you'd killed yourself last time you disappeared and we don't want that to actually become a reality!
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:30 pm GMT by supafrey
| Geno wrote: | I don't doubt that being a poker pro is possible, you just need to be very, very grounded and be able to handle the swings well. Since you have already proven that you are unable to do this, I think you are on a path to financial and mental destruction.
My intentions are good here - we thought you'd killed yourself last time you disappeared and we don't want that to actually become a reality! |
But think how many papers we'll sell, Kane!
btw I put over/under on busto at 3 months with a .... -120 line? how off do we think this line is
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 4:04 pm GMT by Ensano
| supafrey wrote: | | btw I put over/under on busto at 3 months with a .... -120 line? how off do we think this line is |
what do you mean -120 line?
from what I gather he's planning on running with a 1000BB roll... i'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say def more than 3 months... if i'd have to put money on a block of time i'd say 6 months
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 4:09 pm GMT by Fat Tony
| supafrey wrote: | | so err.. who's gonna stake me for the 200nl+ tables? I'll await the pms |
If I win the 32 million on the 6/49 tonight i'll stake you.
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 5:31 pm GMT by gumbie
Starlight, I've told you before and I'll tell you again.
GO SEE A DOCTOR
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 8:08 pm GMT by supafrey
-120 means you bet 12 to win 10 bucks but you get to choose whether it's over/under. Now I just need a more suitable line and we can alllll participate in Starlight's misfortunes.
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 9:13 pm GMT by efram
I don't get it. Whats the big deal "dream" about playing poker 80hrs/month/week/2weeks, for 6$ an hour.
Christ, thats not even minimum wage in WA state.
You won't get paid sick leave, you won't get paid vacation, you won't get bennies. What you get is stuck in a Casino, for hours upon hours, grinding out a meager living, surrounded by down and out addicts alot of the time, with no real growth involved. Why?
Why is this such a "dream"? I don't get it. Playing poker for a living sure seems glamorous when you look at the Deebs, Negraneus, Helmuths, Fergusons' and such. But these are the cream of the crop. How many people play hoops, but how many are professionals? How many play baseball and how many are professionals. I think the ratio to poker is possibly greater. Beyond that, why not just get a regular, or even part time job, making 10$ or more an hour, bennies, sick pay, vacation pay and play poker the other part time. Then you can swing the downs and be ok. With an income to supplement your roll, your roll can grow, you can improve the poker game and move up in limits to where you maybe can make a decent living. But if you're grinding out a meager living in a casino, day in day out, with no real room for advancement/growth/retirement, whats the point?
Can you say "burnout"? Use a job to supplement your poker until you don't need to anymore. Part time job, part time poker, until you're able to make more than 6$ an hour. Otherwise, its a disaster in the making. But... good luck sir. I hope you kill the 3/6 and get rich.
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:28 pm GMT by Ensano
| supafrey wrote: | | -120 means you bet 12 to win 10 bucks but you get to choose whether it's over/under. Now I just need a more suitable line and we can alllll participate in Starlight's misfortunes. |
k well if that's the case i'll pony 24$ for over... want me to send the money on stars?
Posted Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:30 pm GMT by exit music
| StarlightCoast wrote: |
You may all mean well in your comments and I believe most of you do mean well, but there is no doubt I have the ability. Now i will earn the bankroll one level at a time and never repeat my mistakes from the past and that you can bet on. |
You are missing the big picture. You may be able to make a crappy little living by playing poker full-time, hell - for all I care, you can go and make $120 p/hour - the part you are missing is this... poker is gambling and poker is a destructive hobby for a person's psyche. You will get completely addicted to the sensation of gambling, both the highs and the lows, it's a completely destructive cycle. Even if you make a huge living playing poker, you are going to be a sociopath and you will still be completely unsatisfied, buzzing for another risky situation, money will lose any practical value and you will over-spend in many areas of your life that aren't poker. And frankly - you will never be happy. How long do you really want to strugle with that life? Why wouldn't you start up a meaningful career now, and play poker in your free time - maybe 2-3 nights a week if you have time. Use your head - think of your wife athink of yourself - make a living that doesn't cause mass depression, anxiety, stress and insanity.
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 8:16 am GMT by kingetje
welcome back to the board, and good luck on your ventures
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 9:22 am GMT by Dave B
If you are so about your abilities, play 15/30 for 1/2 the hours and make twice the money.
IMO, you should get a job as a dealer. You will make over $30/hour and get to watch and learn a ton. Not only that, you can play when you are off or when it is not as busy and get $5-$10/hour from the house as a prop player.
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 12:22 pm GMT by General Sal
| Dave B wrote: | If you are so about your abilities, play 15/30 for 1/2 the hours and make twice the money.
IMO, you should get a job as a dealer. You will make over $30/hour and get to watch and learn a ton. Not only that, you can play when you are off or when it is not as busy and get $5-$10/hour from the house as a prop player. |
Propping is a great idea. If you can't beat the rake, which I think is essentially what you get back in hourly wages from propping, then you need to either quit poker or "go back to the drawing board."
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 1:39 pm GMT by Moon_Child
i would prefer to go get a full time job and play poker on the side rather than trying to be a poker player. whats the point of playing poker full time when it's not fun? the reason why most people want to do it is because they enjoy the game... most of the players make money from sponsors and doing other things than actually playing the game... anyways, i think if you seriously want to do it... it's better to invest money in other area...
i school, do a bit of forex, play poker for fun and work part time... i tried to play poker FT, but that's wayyyy too hard... variance is a beep!
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 1:41 pm GMT by Moon_Child
...but Goodluck and i hope you are successful at what you want to do ^___^
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 2:43 pm GMT by finalhonor
Since you refuse to acknowledge the advice that we are giving you. The only thing i have to say is, when you go broke, have fun sleeping in your car.
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 2:48 pm GMT by supafrey
No bets accepted until I talk to my experts and we figure out a solid line.
Some more tips from Starlight as to how often he will play, what stakes, and whether there are any penny slots nearby would really help me out here... <3
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 3:27 pm GMT by xxadrianxx
| Dave B wrote: | | ...IMO, you should get a job as a dealer. You will make over $30/hour and get to watch and learn a ton. Not only that, you can play when you are off or when it is not as busy and get $5-$10/hour from the house as a prop player. |
OFF TOPIC
there is a casino in my city so i am curious what does it take to be a dealer? do they train you? do you have to deal all the games they offer? if it really is $30/hr that would be a great part time job for me.
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 4:53 pm GMT by Geno
PM General Sal - he deals in Vegas.
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 6:42 pm GMT by StarlightCoast
I have read every reply, but the job thing is out of the question. I have a job now. i work 7 days a week and play online poker on my off time, but when I do accumulate the money to give me a full time bankroll I am going for it. If I lose it, big deal, I go back into the real working world again. No worse off than I am now.
In this thread I have been called f*cking stupid, been told to see a doctor and told that my intentions aspirations, dreams, or whatever you want to call them are a no win situation. Well, you can say what you want. You can ridicule and name call if you wish, but I'll be damned if I am going to let that stop me from going after a sucessful career. If I am playing the tables 7 days a week, 15 hours a day to scrape $6/hour to start I will be very very happy. It's what I want. It's the life I have chosen to go for and as far as my "poor wife" is concerned, I got news for you, she believes in me. I believe in me. As for those that do not, you have a right to your opinion. You've stated it most eloquently to be sure, but it would have been nice to have gotten a little more supportive attitude. isn't that what we're all here for?
The "advice" I have recieved here has been filled with why I can't do this or why I can't do that. There is no can't, not in my book. I can achieve anything I work hard enough for and believe me I will never be faulted for the effort I put into this.
To those that have actually wished me luck in achieving my goals I thank you. As for the rest of you with the negative attitudes and whatnot..........thanks for the advice. I will give it all the consideration it is due. Out of politeness I will not quantify just how much that is.
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 7:50 pm GMT by Dave B
I havent doubted your ability, I simply question your plan. 3/6 in a casino 12 hours/day will not work out-especially if you are playing against the same people each day in a local casino.
Posted Sun Jun 03, 2007 11:10 pm GMT by K-rug
QFT
If you are confident in your self, which you seem to be, then hold off a bit longer. Reexamine your plan and adjust it to maximize your gains. Then you can truly do big things. There is no rush. Poker isn’t going to disappear over night. Some like General Sal have been chasing it and preparing for it for years. Heed their advice.
| StarlightCoast wrote: |
If I lose it, big deal, I go back into the real working world again.
|
It is a big deal. While I can’t go back and quote you now exactly because you have edited it out of your original post; the last time you busted out you publicly admitted that you had thoughts of suicide. You may have learned from your errors but again, Lady Luck is a bitch and you can do nothing to control or plan for her.
You have now come out with this grandiose public plan to be a poker pro on several poker related websites. If you fail, your failure will now be larger, more public, more scrutinized and more important than your previous attempt. You have to be prepared for what could happen and not deny or think that it won’t. Your replies do not illustrate that you are ready for this.
The majority of us are just saying that from experience your plan as it exists today is flawed due to how and what you plan on playing. We aren’t saying that you can’t be successful and fulfill your dream. Just that we strongly recommend taking a second look at it and tweak some things. Then attack it full on when it looks better on paper and can maximize what it is that you hope to obtain. No one wants to be a “professional poker player” earning only $50k a year. However, if your definition of success is to sqweak out a meger $6 an hour. More power to you. That is 100% achievable with little to no skill.
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