The trend has been one of DOWNSWING for a few months, so this win was sorely needed. Good to get deep and hold on for a nice score.
I did manage to blow off about $11,000 between online and live play over the last month, so after the Bike win, I am net up about $3,000 for that period.
In playing the 10-20 NL game at Commerce last Thurs, I ran into a few coolers, but despite that setback I did not tilt, and patiently built the stack back up from $600 to $3,000. Then more "playing too many hands erosion" followed by some bad luck at the end of the session resulted in a -$5,000 night (this is included in the $11,000 figure above).
Sooooo ... I will head to WSOP with a nice wad, but knowing that I am really only freerolling $3k. But at least not with the guilt of being in the hole at the middle of a bad streak, which will go a long way to having the right attitude, confidence level, and concentration needed to play successfully AND have some fun. Poker is a blast, when it is NOT a negative financially and IS able to provide some nice cash paydays.
Play for fun and profit, in equal parts. THAT is the path to take.
When I buckle down and play to my potential, with a little help from the deck, I am as capable as anyone at the table of doing big things. So it is on that parting assertion that I offer up a personal prediction:
I will play the best poker I have ever played during the coming WSOP. If the cards cooperate, I will win at least $100k in profit before the main event. Regardless of the outcome, I will conduct myself with class, composure, and calm. Remembering all the while how truly blessed I am to have a family that loves me, and the talents to provide a great life for them. THAT by any measure makes me as fortunate and wealthy as anyone touting a bracelet. Jeezus.
Poker is just a place to get the satisfaction out of competing against other thrill seekers to see how well I can fair. Fun to dream about the TV cameras and noteriety among peers, but more better positioned in my life as a fun pastime that comes with some occasional prize money.
When losing becomes unimportant, you free yourself to win! - Me, Now, Spontaneous!
