Movin On Up

I am happy to report I have completed my journey back from the micro-limit tables.

For those who didn't (or don't care to) read my previous posts, I will sum it up quickly by saying that I was having some back-to-basics issues and forced myself to play at the low-to-micro level for a while.

While there, I learned a number of things which I think will be very beneficial to my game in the future. The most important was learning where I stand in terms of the levels I play.
Specifically: Where I should not be playing. When the money doesn't "matter" I get careless. I use quotes because I believe that all money matters, but sometimes it seems insignificant.
And, where I can make the most profit in playing (my comfort zone).

As an experiment, I dropped right down to the $0.02/$0.04 level on PokerStars, with just double the minimum amount allowed, $0.80. I considered that my entire bankroll. Within two weeks, I turned the $0.80 into $75.00. I did play tournaments and SNG's with my regular bankroll during this time, but any profit (or loss) from those stayed in my regular bankroll and didn't cross over into my experimental bankroll.

So, I am now playing two games. I am using that $75.00 and seeing how far I can take it. I am currently between the .25/.50 and .50/1 limit with it, and am hoping to increase the total to my next goal of $150.00. This has become my regular 'grinding' money now, and I have dedicated my regular bankroll to my tournament play and SNG's exclusively for the duration of this 'test'.

I am working to increase the experimental portion of my bankroll to the point where I can once again play the limits I prefer, but by taking it one level at a time I find that I am gaining valuable insight on many different types of players, styles of play, and the like. After all, it takes a much different mindset and strategy to win in a no-fold'em game than it does against selective-aggressive players.

Now as a bit of a disclaimer, which I feel compelled to add, I am going to say this:

I realize that we all know, at least in theory, how to play against different levels of players, and at different levels of play. I do know that nothing I am saying is earth-shattering news to the world of online poker players. I too play poker upwards of 44 hours a week, every week. I have seen all types of hands, I have taken (and given) all kinds of bad beats.

Through this blog I am voicing my opinions, revelations, insights, and the odd rant ;) about the different levels that I am working through. There may not be much in terms of content that others can take away from my site as new knowledge or ground-breaking discovery. This is not about how big (or not) my bankroll is compared to others. I play poker for a living, and am lucky enough to not have to work a normal job right now as my husband completely supports this endeavor, and for that I am eternally grateful. (Of course, if I can get to the point in this game where HE can play recreational golf for a living, it will pay off for him ;)

This blog is about the continuous learning process in my game of poker. I have, by my own choice, taken my game from high school back to kindergarten if you will, in terms of levels that I play. To learn, re-learn, grow, and continue being profitable, with the intention of one day "graduating".