Retirement - Gangster Style

Bill said, "Wait a minute. You mentioned that poker was your main game. Is this some form of reverse psychology ploy to pull me into the game?

I believed the ads stating. "Read this book and get rich playing poker." It sounded easy. This fantasy translated into too little study and a lot of frustration.

Strategy
Acknowledging poker's complexity is a big step. With a clear understanding of poker's depth, it's easier to study seriously, to untangle mistakes, and to create a long-term training plan.

As long as I thought there was a chance, I'd try harder. In poker, this killed me. Poker always gives you a chance, but the odds often make additional action impractical.

Strategy
Poker is about adjusting to probabilities, not trying hard. Persistence must be tempered with a risk calculation that dictates play. Learn the odds.

I didn't know I'd have to wait so long for playable cards. Some days I'd be right in the action; other times, nothing. For hours. All while others raked pots with junk. I said the heck with the guidelines and tried to make things happen. Things happened all right. I lost.

Strategy
Poker is a streaky game. Sometimes it takes a while for 52 cards to shuffle themselves into a combination that makes your hand. Bad streaks happen. Pass the time taking notes on your opponents.

In competitive events, I get suspicious. I don't trust my opponents. At the poker table, I think everyone is bluffing. I give away tons of money validating their honesty.

Strategy
I'm still suspicious and continue to call, but I try to be more selective. Player tracking helps. This is a tough one for me.

This is my fault. I read a lot of books and sometimes mix up the limit and no-limit suggestions. It creates strategy mud in my head.

Strategy
When reading about a new maneuver, I ask, "Does it apply to my game?"

I sat in front of the computer for hours; at the card room, I spent the day in a chair. It was way too much sitting. I put on seven pounds.

Strategy
Poker has the potential to be unhealthy. There's just too much sitting. Over the last six months, however, I've walked and exercised an hour everyday. I'm working through my old copy of The Complete Juggler.

1. Experiment with other games.

Backgammon has many of the same elements as poker and the feedback is quicker. In just a few games, you'll develop a feel for how odds dictate play and how much statistically based action fluctuates.

While you're at it, mix in some horse race handicapping. A day at the track is a pleasant outing. Have a hot dog; yell at the jockey. Poker education is a long haul project. You can't stay in the basement until your training is completed.

2. Read up on Hold'em.

Start with Texas Hold'em. The shared cards are easy to see, and it requires less raw memory than the stud games.

Pick up a good beginning book.

Winning Low-Limit Hold'em by Lee Jones is good choice. Graduate to classics like The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky, or Doyle Brunson's Super System II when you're ready.

3. Get your feet wet.

Poker software is widespread. Buy a card game sampler for your computer. I've seen CDs with a dozen games. Poker is usually included. The quality will only be fair, but it will teach you the flow of the game. Stay with this program until you can beat it regularly.

4. Find a tougher opponent.

Wilson Software offers an excellent computer based poker game (more expensive than the low end games, but worth it). As you gain understanding from the books, test it against these computer opponents.

It's free training, and your mistakes don't cost you money. When you can beat this program, you're ready for live play.

5. Live opponents.

Online poker sites offer an incredible training aid, the ability to play against live competition with imaginary money. Most of the players are serious, even though it's play money, so you will need to make good decisions to win.

5. Real money.

Once you're feeling good about your play, find a cash game for one to two dollars. Now you're in the real deal.

Start with a $200 stake. Play at this level until you hit 100 times the big bet.

If you lose half your stake, go back to the books and computer games. Drop back to a lower level. Find your leak.

6. Move on.

When you've won enough for the next level's stake, 100 times the big bet (200x is better), feel free to move the next level.

Be aware, the competition gets tougher as the stakes increase.

If you hit a losing streak, shift back down to a lower level and review the books. If you stop winning for an extended period, go back to the computer games until you identify and correct your errors.

Fixing weaknesses, winning at the low levels, and stepping up into higher levels when you're ready, that's the plan. With the low-end starting amounts and the computer practice effort, you shouldn't lose much. The idea is for your winnings to fund your poker education.

There are no limits on how much you can learn, or how much you can win.

7. Don't spin.

Poker is tricky. You will get confused, and your ability to trust your instincts will be challenged. Poker is designed to be counter-intuitive.

Slow down when it's too much. Take breaks.