Unexpected Destiny

Can't sleep so I suppose I'll write, and I'll do so a little better than I have in the past.
   
        This month of poker was abruptly interrupted by the death of my Aunt Penny. Sometimes in life you just need to step back and realize how to appreciate people, and things for that matter, that you're fortunate to have in your life. As I sit and ponder life, I wonder why there are so many unanswered questions. I wonder why the world isn't perfect, and I wonder why people are dealt the cards they are. Is it all luck, or simply by chance. I'm very naive, like most people, when I complain about the littlest of things. The complaining is usually followed by a small regret of stupidity in my mind. I feel complaining is a product of being a bit cynic at times. I realize what I'm doing, yet I still do it. I know you hear it all the time, but most of the things we complain about don't really mean a whole lot when it comes down to it.

       My aunt's death hit me a lot harder, because of the tragedy in how it happened, and because she was an amazing person, and gave so much to people in need. It makes me wonder why I'm not more like her, I mean, I was partially raised by her. My recent downswing, coupled with the death of my aunt, really had me feeling like poker was going to have to go on the back burner while I gathered myself. I played a bit right after it happened, at my cousin's (danwrnr) house, but my results were very weak, and felt it was probably best I studied up and came back towards the end of the month with a much fresher mind. It's so weird for me to see people playing day in and day out with nothing affecting their play. I could never do that, and I only wish I was on that level. For me to play at my best I feel I need everything just right, probably why I take the breaks I do. I'm trying harder and harder every day to overcome that, but it's just too difficult. I get discouraged quick, and realize my play is therefore being affected. I was never one to see this flaw at the start of my career, but now it's quite clear to me that breaks are much needed. I obviously know that most people aren't like this, but some of you may be able to relate.

      I feel like, because of this, maybe poker isn't the best of career choices for me, but then I weigh it out and realize what other job can I take a break from when things aren't going well for months at a time... Hmm.. I still haven't found a legit answer for that one, but maybe the answer comes within myself and I should just suck it up. Today is Sunday, we've got some of my favorite online tourneys running today like the Mill, and the TT. I think it's the best time for me to start back up, and grind.

      It's 3:10 am right now, and I'm driving to Minneapolis in the morning. I'm going to try to be there before noon, but if I can't fall asleep soon it's going to be tough to play after the couple hour car ride I'm going to be enduring. January will be a big month of travel most likely. I plan on helping my brother Clayton0719 who just won the nightly 70k to move into his new place in Florida. Then from there I plan on flying to Mexico to meet up with acequad and a few other people, but I'm equally excited to crush, and get my legs back. Last night was Christmas, and I hope all of you had a great one, I know I did. Realize the things, and the people you have in your life, and don't take any of them for granted. And of course GL to everyone (except lol, cigaro).

-Blake

November in the books

I decided not to go to the PCA, or even try for a package, with the USA-COOP running I simply couldn't fit it into my schedule, and didn't have it in my priorities. Last month I ended down money just barely, probably about $200 or so. I had a pretty good 18 man session at the end of the month that helped a lot. Today I loaded up a few tourney's, mostly turbos, and some player capped MTTs. +$1800 or so on the day, and for the month. Cut the grind short because it's my brother's bday, and we're going out for a few drinks soon (SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS) . Anyway, I've been playing very well lately and going deep in a lot of MTTs, but things aren't panning out in the end. I broke about even in the COOP, in the $320 6 max I got 31st for about $1600. I'm really becoming numb to "beats," they get easier and easier day in and day out. They're obviously a part of the game, and learning how to control your emotions are even a bigger part of the game. I try to feel the same while I'm playing from start to finish, and not let the cards or my play affect how I feel emotionally. If you look at my recent results you'd understand why I'm getting use to them. I feel like I'm playing to the best of my ability, and I feel like I know where I'm at in almost every situation. It's just a matter of time before I start crushing. I also feel like I've been basically living in Minneapolis as of late, and it feels like when I'm back at my house I don't actually live there, and it surely doesn't really feel like a place I can call home anymore. I'm going to kick back and chill at my place for the next week and see if I can make some deep runs before I head back down to the cities for a couple weeks. I know December is going to be waaay better than November was, (besides the weather) mark my words on it. I donno what my future holds, but this northern Minnesota winter shit won't be happening too much longer. It was -10 degrees Fahrenheit when I went to bed lastnight. I HATE IT. I'm outty. See you at the tables all. GL everyone (except lol, cigaro).

-Blake

A Break in the Action

I haven't played much at all this month, and am actually on track to lose money this month for the first time since starting my poker career. Although, I do have half the month left so I'm not too worried. Both online, and live have been virtually nonexistent. November might be trending like this for many years to come. There's a reason for this though, as November comes around its been a family tradition to hunt whitetail for many years, and I can't find much time to play as of late because of it. I played a session last night of some smaller buy-in MTTs to get in the swing of things again. Results were decent, I went deep in the $11RA, only to bust in 46th out of 1155 people to this crazy crazy play by a villain holding 77 in the BB, after I already 3-bet a person from MP! Whats his thought process here? Lets think about this, we're not very deep, as the later in tourney's you go the blinds kind of catch up with you, I've 3-bet a very select range of hands to this point, he shoves his tourney life which is probably around 27 or 28 BBs. I mean how often is this guy ahead of me with the 77 here, and I was way priced so I'm obviously not folding. It really would have been a better shove if he had 78s or J10s because of the way the hand was playing. In the $5R+ I got 91st outta 2678 players, and in the $8.80 I got 69th outta 2223 people. A bunch of deeper runs that don't mean anything besides giving me a slight boost of confidence. I feel I'm playing great, and another decent score is in my near future! On another note I'm trying to eat shrimp Cajun Alfredo right now, but can't, because as I glance at my 52inch Panasonic I see models throwing up. WTF? Why does this kinda shit make TV? A. who cares about these people that are putting themselves in this predicament? B. Why does this need to be shown on TV, don't people become bulimic because they're not only starving for food, but also attention? C. Can they at least not show the vomit, the remote is so far away. Anyway I digress. Another thing I really don't agree with is Pokerstars signing these so-called "pros". I don't understand it, I mean I'm sure some of these players are good players, and a lot has to do with marketing reasons and such, but really? Please, if you are reading this take a look at some of these guys? Show me what they have done to make their case as a "pro"? I'm not saying these guys are bad at all, and I'm not saying they're not worthy of the job, but what I am saying is that there are much better players that qualify for the job in a much better way, rather than half of these Pokerstars "pros". If you go ahead and actually find the time to waste reading some of these team Pokerstars "pros" bio's they actually get quite amusing, when it never lists a big score or any kind of cash game play, but list where they're from and how they started playing. It doesn't make sense to me, and really hurts the online poker community imo. Anyway, lots of grinding in my near future! I really want a PCA package, and whenever I put my mind to something pokerwise I've been very fortunate, and I hope this time is no different. I'll be leaving for Minneapolis again Friday night to meet up with AceQuad for the weekend grind, its really nice to be around someone with such good work ethics as himself. I might play some live cash early next week since I feel its been quite awhile since I've really tapped that resource, and I'll be in the area. If your an online player that grinds with music I strongly suggest making a play list on YouTube of your own. Mine contains almost 200 songs right now, ranging from Sublime, to Ray Charles, and is the best thing I've EVER invested my time into! See you at the tables all. GL everyone (except lol, cigaro).

Check out this great new site!  http://www.pororeport.com/

-Blake

Rambling Rambling Rambling

Not really in the writing mood so like most of my other posts this will be short and sweet. Maybe I should start writing these in better paragraph form? Screw it, I kinda like the rambling on. So, Live game has been just about non existent since my last post, which is fine when I can make enough online to support my spending habits. People are addicted to many things in life, I'm fortunate to only be addicted to one thing, money. The only goal I have at this point in my life is making money. Obviously that's pretty vague, but its the truth for the most part. My goals may change over the next few years, actually I know they will change, but until then all I'd like to do is make money. I need to make money to support my habits! I think the spending habits I've acquired are simply a product of poker in a sense. You can work a dead end 9-5, 40 hours a week, and have a secured check every two weeks. But its the high risk, high reward why most of us poker players choose not to. I feel a 9-5 is simply too easy, and repetitive. I also think most would agree, why waste your life doing something you don't want to? I do something I love, and feel I'm pretty good at it. I play poker, at most, on the weeks I'm really grinding live/online 40 hours a week. I usually do pretty well for myself, and make enough that I have little to no worries in my life. Its just so hard not to spend spend spend, when I know if I really had to grind out something to make a profit I would, or if I really really needed money all I have to do is sit down and play a game that I love.  Back to poker, I just chip chopped first place in the 3r+ for 11.5k. That score felt really good since I felt I was running like shit the past month or so. I've just been focusing on MTTs as of late, have had some descent results, been fairly deep in a lot of tourney's, and feel/hope its only a matter of time before I bink another! Side note I've been pretty much living in Minneapolis the past month, with my good friend Acequad. He's a machine, he doesn't sleep, rarely drinks, plays nosebleed mixed games, and is insane on the felt. Plus he's got a mean punch! Lets just say don't door his 30k Subaru WRX STI and laugh about it! Anyways...  I rented a suite in the great city of Duluth for the night, not a big fan of drinking and driving. Its Halloween, and I'm a breathalyzer! Its so cheesy, but I'm just looking for a fun and SAFE time! Happy Halloween everyone! GL at the tables! (except lol, cigaro)

-Blake

Haven't ate Ramen in months

  FIRST,  I'd like to say I've been getting a number of emails about coaching, and I regret to inform most of you I'm quite full at the moment but will be taking on a couple new students soon. (If I didn't email you back I'm sorry I've been busy with other projects) Thanks for all the support guys!

http://twitter.com/InTheMoney11

  -So lately I've been staying on my grind like a skateboard. I've been down to Minneapolis quite a few times in the past couple weeks. Times started out rough,  I had about 1k hands in at the 5-60 spread limit level and was down about $2.5k, yikes. I ran so bad that I don't care to elaborate much on it. But the 2-60 game I'm killing, and making up for my losses in the 5-60. I realize these stakes are quite low, but the biggest game in MN is 5-60 and it seems like its so profitable that I try to get on the table whenever its going (which isn't very often). Avg buy-in at this level is about $500. So its a decent game, but just plays so tight its almost too easy to bully these live fish time after time. They simply don't understand simple math, ranges, nor care to improve their games. Their play is always the same, and the faces at the table never change. Always the rich guys that love to spew. Its kinda like a circle of life at these tables. I grind all week online (when the weather permits) then take off and drive 2 hours to Minneapolis for the weekend. I sit there grind 2-60 in until a bigger game opens around 11pm-12pm, and keep in mind the 5-60 doesn't always get going, but when it does I try to feel out the table for the first hour or so, find ranges, play into my image, and then after an hour or two I like to open up and 3 bet more often to balance my ranges. Most of the time these guys show up after working all week, they give me their money, they leave, another guy shows up, he gives me his money, I go to bed for the night. Play again the next night, and the circle continues. I drive home about 2 hours, party with their money, then grind online for the rest of the week. Had a 1k day online yesterday which was nice, after a 9 hour session. After my session I did some studying with Simakos for about 2 hours. We pretty much just tuned-up our games, and didn't help each other that much, but it's always good listening to different points of view. Like they say, "even a donk can teach you something about poker". GL at the tables everyone! (except lol, cigaro)
 -I leave you guys with yesterdays graph

Running with the bulls

Hey Hey Hey, won 2.5 buy-ins in the last cash game, crazy soft of course. Putting some major thought into my next couple of months, and the end of the year for that matter. It sounds like Vegas will be getting put off for awhile. Probably moving to town for some better internet connection. A move is def +EV right now, the internet I currently have is horrible and goes out almost everyday. I can't grind as much as I'd like online with the poor connection, and it really ways on my conscience day after day. There is so much money to be made, and if I'm not playing I'm obviously missing a lot of chances. Up about 1k this month, and looking forward to the rest of the month and some big cashes. Been playing a little bit of cash online, I'm really getting the hang of it I think. Everytime I play I seem to improve and learn something new. With my live cash game background you would think I'd catch on right away and crush, but its just not like that. Its a different animal in so many ways. Its kinda nice though, right now, learning this new animal that so many people are making a living off of. I feel confident at just about any game. If I get bored I just change it up, MTTs, SNGs, or cash. I'm profitable in all of them, although MTTs are my least amount of profit, and that's simply because my sample size is very small. As soon as I move out I'll be putting in major volume in the SNGs/MTTs. I wanna see how profitable they really can be if I dedicate myself. The amount of games I'm putting in right now simply crushes my morale. If I'm running badly and can only play 1k games in a month I simply won't make enough money to keep up with my massive spending habits. Lately, since I've been running bad in the SNGs, I've been playing HU cash on Fulltilt, and a little on Stars. Its a big help to my wallet, and if the internet goes out while I'm playing its not really a big deal, as compared to if I had 2k in equity running and it went out. Might take a run down to Madison this weekend, and play the 2-5 NL there. I was told it runs 24 hours a day, and is very juicy. Its quite a drive though, but its definitely an option for the coming weekend. If I were to drive down there I'd probably grind around 30 hours straight. It just wouldn't make sense to drive all the way down there, and only see a small amount of hands. Perhaps I'd stay for a week or so, who knows. I'll keep it updated. See you at the tables all. GL everyone (except lol, cigaro)

-Blake

Fishing Season

Today was a short grind. I grinded hammered all day while taking shots of patron and grey goose from my office desk. It was interesting to see my view points change on different spots well highly intoxicated, and it seemed with every shot my thought process would change(JOKE). I made about $550 today and am excited about the grind tomorrow. The best news about today though has to be the cash game going on tonight at the casino near my place. Soooooo juicy! Theres a country music concert so you know what that means old country fish everywhere. The country concerts seem to attract the best fish and I'm sure all cash game players know this. If theres a casino with a cardroom, and a concert its almost so +EV you have to stop everything your doing, put your life on hold, even if the wife's having a baby, and make it to the game. I haven't played a good cash game for about a month so I'm very excited to print some money off. GL EVERYONE (except lol, Cigaro)

-Blake

Sunday Grind, Sunday Mill, TT, etc

Only played 60 tournaments +$250 or so. Ran well until FTs, Got a couple 3rds in the 12s. Been improving my MTT game so much lately. I feel like everything is clicking. I feel its the worst part of my game, and I'm still semi-confident with it. Almost made the money in the Sunday Million, but lost a 120k flip and was left with 1BB, although with that 1BB I got it in good :), and lost of course. Running like a 12 year old fat chick in gym glass all month long. Really excited for the coming months and feel that there's a big upswing in my near future, but then again its been what two months since I made some good cash online. Cash games have been so sour as well. I really need to get to Vegas and find some games. My cash game BR hasn't changed much over the past month or so. Since Last December this was my worst month in total profit with only making about 2k+ since I didn't play any cash, and ran bad online etc. Always have to stay a step ahead of the poker scene, and if you don't study, work hard, talk strag, read a lot, and consistently improve your game the game will beat you. Never forget that you can never be cocky, never think you're the best. Always learn, improve, and be open for new ideas. Over the past years of being a poker player I've learned that the biggest downfall of players is thinking they're above others, and not respecting other player's games. Always respect your opponent and realize they're just as capable as you. I just bought a new setup for the office and really enjoy it. I was getting sick of the old grinding spot, and the whole computer was just giving me a bad vibe. A good friend of mine built me the best computer around and got a nice 24inch monitor to go along with one of the other monitors I had. It really is a good setup, and looking forward to a 24-hour grind in the near future, although a new office chair is needed first. GL


-Blake

A Pure Grind

9 1/2 hour grind so far... I'm up $20 !... Really? FML This B/E stretch has to stop soon its killing me. No grind tomorrow, heading to Minneapolis for a concert. It will be nice to get poker off my mind for a couple days, blow some cash, and enjoy some quality time with friends. Coaching will resume next Monday, because I'll most likely be in Minneapolis for the live grind all weekend. I'm hoping to get some bigger action there this weekend its been over 2 weeks since I've played a good live game, obviously I'm excited for it. Email me at InTheMoney11@yahoo.com for details, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.  Ohhhhh ya well I was writing this I just went 600+ on the day profit.

-Blake

Sunday Grind/Coaching

Sunday comes with much anticipation for most grinders that play online. Yesterday I kinda decided to take it easy, and not play any majors. I played mostly turbos, and made some cash. I'm running a 28% ROI right now which is respectable. I really had the goal of making 10k this month and I really had a shot at the start of the month to ship a MTT and put me on track. Looking back at my HH I mis-played some crucial spots on 2 different occasions.Playing ICM affects so much of your game when your getting 3 bet and such. I really have to find my game next time I get a shot for a bigger score, and capture it. The salty taste in my mouth after those MTTs really put a damper on my 10k month, but if I can ship one in the near future all that will change. My grind has slowed some already and we're not even halfway through the month. The intense heatwave across northern Minnesota is a complete joke, it really sucks without AC. Obviously being in Minnesota not a lot of homes have AC.  I'm still looking forward to spending the winter in Vegas. If you've ever spent a winter in Minnesota you know exactly what I'm talking about, its cold, frigid, isolated, and for someone who grew up playing basketball every winter there's really nothing for me to do. I suck at skiing, hockey, snowboarding, ice fishing, and I don't own a snowmobile. Winters in MN consist of me playing poker, drinking, being cold, and again very very isolated. Vegas will be an exciting experience and I really hope to learn and build upon my cash game  repertoire. I've got a couple emails about staking, and at this point I am not staking anyone for micros, but in the near future that might change. If you have any questions or would like to talk about staking/coaching email me at Inthemoney11@yahoo.com and if it takes me some time to respond please bare with me. If you would like to be coached I am willing to take some time out of my everyday grind to better you as a player for a small fee. I can coach you on a number of things, and you will be charged accordingly.

Blah Blah Blah guess someone has to go out in 7th

Today was crazy, but that's why I play the game. If you followed me at all you know why. Got 7th in the $7.50 turbo. Card dead on the FT, seems to be the trend these days. Went deep in the $16.50 again but lost a flip for all my chips. Up 1.2k today not a bad day but did miss some spots that I normally wouldn't miss. I think it had to do with me having a hangover. I got in about 100 tourney's today, and am really tired and don't feel well at all.  Might play some cash tonight, usually a bigger game on Fridays. That depends on how I feel in a few hours. +1.2k on the month, Top 50 TLB I'm sure, and improved my rank on OPR. I also maybe on the weekly for the time being. GL See you guys tomorrow. Follow my twitter @ http://twitter.com/InTheMoney11

Getting crushed and feeling good

This is a ridic past couple months for me. Although I'm up money its just too weird the variance all together. Its really strange. Today I ran almost 70, and gotta end it short because of bar league softball. Softball is something that brings me back to reality after working in a office for  6-12 hours a day.  All I wanna do is work none stop really. And when I'm barley winning like I am that makes me wanna put in Even more hours. Gl to Clayton0719 who's on the FT of the 4.40 turbo right now with 1mill chips. He's really been running poor, and he knows his stuff so he'll be fine. Big month in store for him I can feel it. Oh ya he's also my brother.   I'll be grinding like crazzzy tomorrow catch me on stars under Blake Warner. GL guys. I feel a biggg upswing in my near future you might wanna be witness.

Rough day

Not much for results today. Played from 2pm till 8pm, not the longest session, but still a session got in 100 tournaments. But few final tables in the 12s 180 mans. Went deep in the $16.50 turbo went out 15th JJ vs K9, first was 6.2K. So frustrating to see some of those guys that deep not having a clue what there doing. K9 shipped it UTG with about 11bb, I actually tanked for about 30 seconds thinking about his range there. I truly felt I'd be flipping vs AK,AQ, maybe a low poker pair. I reshipped 14bbs with JJ and he flipped over the K9o, Flop K obvi. FML. Really had the wind taken out of my sails today on making 10K this month. I'm sure if I put in the time I'll still make 10K, but that 6.2K first would have been a nice start.  Think I need a beer after that. Might take the day off tomorrow to recover from a massive hangover I'll probably have, and I have softball tomorrow night sometime. GL

Back in the game

So last month was mediocre! I chopped a first place at the Caesar cup in Vegas, 3rd in a smaller tourney in Mn when I got back, (possibly the weakest field I had ever played) ran bad in cash game although still making about 1k, and didn't really play enough for any results online. This month I'm hitting the online grind way harder then I ever have (witch isn't saying much). So far this month I'm up about  +$1800, but should be so much more! The way I'm running on final tables could not be worse. Right now I sit in  93 on the monthly TLB on stars, and at OfficalPokerrankings.com I'm hanging around the 1000 mark, but hope to change that this month grinding because I'll be putting in way more volume obviously. You can follow me on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/InTheMoney11. I rele look forward to blogging on here, and will share some insight on different hands, tourneys, cash game, etc. Going to discuss a little bit about tough spots as well. See you on the felt, and GL.