For a long time now, I have been wondering whether I was capable playing poker professionally. I think it's something that virtually every semi-serious poker player contemplates at some point... So I decided to give it a go. So... Am I capable? --- The following tale I think answers that question with a resounding "No".
Starting with a $200 bankroll, I grinded the $0.01/0.02 Zoom tables on PokerStars, playing 4 at a time for up to 8 hours a day... The first 5 days brought nothing but wins... profitable session after profitable session after profitable session. My bankroll had risen to around $240 - and although $40 may not seem a lot - at that level it was 2,000 Big Blinds - So I was very happy with the rate of progression. On day 6, I had my first losing session. Only dropping $6 should have been no major disaster.... but it was.
Knowing $6 would likely take a while to win back on the $0.01/0.02 I (foolishly) moved up to the $0.05/0.10 tables... half an hour later I was sitting at $0.50/1.00 PLO Zoom with my last $98 on the table. Knowing I shouldn't be there - but desperate to win back my squandered bankroll. After 10 minutes or so, I've got all in on a flop with a made straight flush - more than doubled up to $205... but continued to play. WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOUT?!? LEAVE! LEAVE NOW!
Unfortunately, my future self either wasn't loud enough, or my past self just didn't want to listen... because I stayed. Less than 2 hours later, I was broke.
I wasted my FPP remaining in my account on Sunday Million Satellites, before finally turning the computer off for the night.
The next morning when I woke up, it was the first thing on my mind. I was so annoyed with myself. For 2 days, I played no poker at all... I knew I would be back - but needed a break.
When I finally did open up PokerStars again yesterday - the reality of the zero bankroll hit me. Well actually, it wasn't quite a zero bankroll - I had $0.09 remaining, but still, I had to do something about it... I registered in a BankrollMob freeroll - 4,000+ entrants. A few hours later, a 22nd place finish earned me $0.11 - That's $0.20 in my roll now... just enough for the cheapest Fixed Limit cash tables. I took my seat and remained there for the next 4 and a half hours. I left with $3.84 and a very positive feeling.
I didn't hang around - I split the $3.84 and took it to 2 $0.01/0.02 Zoom tables. An hour or so passed, and I was broke on 1 table, but had $12 on the other. I stepped up to the $0.05/0.10 - My luck was obviously in. The third hand I was dealt was pocket Kings... Getting all in preflop against Aces isn't normally a good thing - but sure enough, I spiked the king and took down a $20 plus pot. From there everything just went swimmingly. No dramas, just steady wins until I was up at around $50. Again, I moved up the limits. Sitting at 2 $0.10/0.25 tables with $25 on each... 3 hours later, I was over $100 on each table, so I sat out. Totally happy with my nights work.
Checking my cashier afterwards, I see I now have $1 more than I did a few days previous.
I hope I learn my lessons from this, and that it will help going forward. Maybe that $1 will be the most important dollar in my poker life. Or maybe not. It's poker. It's life. Who knows what it will bring?
This whole thing has a few life lessons too.
When things are going well, don't let one little setback throw you off course... keep doing what has worked in the past, and things will work out.
Don't risk what you HAVE... to get back what you HAD. It's always going to end in tears.
When all feels lost, when you have nothing - don't give up hope.
For tomorrow is another day.
