Turning 0$ into WSOP trip

Hi all It is November, and you know what it means?

Time for barber shop And some words about the Yearly goals

1. Make 8 poker trips
MPN Austria, January 26-30 - 0€
Kings of Tallinn, February 21-26 - 0€
MPN Malta, April 27-30 - 100€ - just a small mincash in a side event
MPN Manchester, July 20-23 - 4th in side event - 1500€ (1350 pounds)
MPN Tallinn, Octobet 19-22 - 3895€ + Ticket to Kings of Tallinn
PokerStars festival of Hamburg - in progress

Tallinn trip was the best so far, but hopefully the next one will be even better! Buy-in of the event is 1000€ so if I go deep, I can complete my Bankroll challenge with one month to go! However I expect it to be very tough as I have much respect to German grinders. Hopefully there won't be any Holz horses

2. Top5 tournament player on Microgaming
Dropped some places into 21th. The reasons? One week of Live games in Tallinn and one week off after some success in Main Event. I don't want to get burnout so I will sacrifice this goal for the bigger picture. Still I think I can go up this year by couple of places

3. Reach Blackmember at PokerStrategy
Far away from destinated goal, but will keep collecting points for status upgrades. PokerStrategy is running "Level up" promotion this month, so hopefully I can reach Platinum status in November

4. Everlasting study of poker
Very happy with the way it is going Still use that 20/80 rule of studying/playing, sometimes leaning to 30/70. As results are not declining, that probably means I'm on track. Here are Spin stats of last month. Not a big sample, but still satisfied with some profit and other attributes.

5. Fully equip new home for an ordinary life
Slowly but steady Such a good feeling when every week you see improvements on the apartments. The money from Tallinn tournament will certainly made our life easier and all of it are already invested New high-quality mattress for sleeping, new bed, advanced payments for workers, some material for constructions and you see that not much €€€ left Did I mentioned that I really want to go deep in Hamburg festival?

6. To maintain strong relationship with others
Very very happy with Social life. My girlfriend came with me to Tallinn and she helped me a lot to feel comfortable. I hope it didn't feel as a "jail" for her, because we had some activities arranged by MPN team. Here are some photos of the welcome party, which took place in luxurious Spa. It had like 10 different saunas, jacuzzi, pools, pre-paid massages and many more. Good times

7. Increase weight to 85 kg from 82 kg
Took the advice and tried to weight myself more times on different time of day. It fluctuates between 80 and 82 which is not what I wanted But human body tends to keep the fats in winter, so hopefully I could gain some kg soon

8. To hold a healthy body through proper nutrition
Despite not getting more weight, I feel more powerful and more energetic than before. Last month I wrote about trying not to eat meat anymore but in some cases it is not very comfortable (like going to friends place or attending banquets). So we (together with my women) decided to change "we don't eat meat" to "we don't buy meat". Especially than traveling and not having enough time and equipment for preparing food for yourself, then hotel food suits well. And you don't expect the meat at the 4-5 star hotels to be low quality, so we can accept that. But I want to take more research on this as in the first days I felt a bit hungry. It is so easy to grab a piece of sausage but "easy" is not always best. And I can dedicate more time for food if it makes me more healthy and happy

9. Finish in Top5 with Top Kickers in Lithuanian VI division
Season is over! We managed to keep 4th places which was original plan. Won half of our matches, scored more goals than conceded, although we will have to work more on defensive tactics if we want to keep challenging on higher divisions. 4th place doesn't promote us but there is one team in higher division, which possibly quits after this year. And in that case we can move up.. But it will be clear only next month and only then I can start building team for the next season. So far it goes all according to the plan

10. Read 12 books
David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
Think Rich to get Rich by T. Harv Eker
Gargantua and Pantagruel by Francois Rabelais
Thinking fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman
The 100 A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History by Michael H. Hart
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Silva Rerum by Kristina Sabaliauskaite
Silva Rerum II by Kristina Sabaliauskaite
Silva Rerum III by Kristina Sabaliauskaite
Greenberger, Dennis. Mind over mood : change how you feel by changing the way you think"
God Always Travels Incognito from Laurent Gounelle --> in progress

I am only in the middle of the Laurent's book, but I do love it! I find it similar to "A monk who sold his Ferrari" and I really enjoy this type of books. Can't wait to read it till the end

To conclude, October was great and I hope something similar in November. It is getting cold outside, but hopefully I can run HOT in poker

And it really started some kind of hot

Tough battle in HU, but eventually my AK flipped well against 77
Also I won a qualifier to Final of MPN Morocco package so will try to use it on Sunday

Good stuff, subbed! Gratz on the good start this month. For the new year, I will follow your lead and set more specific goals each month as well.
Are you thinking about a new challenge for 2018?

Thanks DaToepFa! Where can I read your progress?
For the next years challenge, I have some adjustments in mind. But overall I am very happy with those goals which are set now and probably will change just the numbers, like reading 15 books instead of 12

2017 Bankroll Challenge
Week 44
Hands 6548
Profit 1189 €
Current bankroll 26 920 €
Previous bankroll 25 731 €
Starting bankroll 5 386 €
Target bankroll 50 000 €

Besides a win in a tournament, I had quite ok Spin&Go week. Pitty, but couldn't win a package to MPN Morocco I guess there is another week for that

Originally posted by Mantelo
Thanks DaToepFa! Where can I read your progress?
For the next years challenge, I have some adjustments in mind. But overall I am very happy with those goals which are set now and probably will change just the numbers, like reading 15 books instead of 12
You should find it in my sig
Not sure if you mentioned it but how much time do you invest per week? I'm just curious b/c I have just a couple of hours each week and still become more time-efficient. Any insights into time Management and schedule would be great.

It is VERY VERY difficult to play profitably if you have a full time job. From personal experience, I found it very hard to concentrate after the work and play A-Game. I was too tired to make optimal decisions. And you need some time for improving in strategy area. And I read that your weekends are reserved for some other activities, so it will be even harder. But hopefully You can prove me wrong and proudly show some €€€ won after a month

As myself, I try to dedicate 30-40 hours to poker a week. Even I don't consider myself as a Pro, it is still a big number

A very small profit last week. But I got a ticket to MPN Morocco satellite, worth 200€. My last chance to use it on Sunday before trip to PokerStars Hamburg

2017 Bankroll Challenge
Week 45
Hands 7796
Profit 227 €
Current bankroll 27 147 €
Previous bankroll 26 920 €
Starting bankroll 5 386 €
Target bankroll 50 000 €

It took me 5 rebuys each 10€, bet eventually I've got a seat at Morocco main event worth 550€

Unfortunately no Legends this week Indeed, it was probably the worst week in a year. And not the best timing as I don't get any self-belief for tomorrows PokerStars Festival of Hamburg Main Event. Can't say that I played terribly, but I am a firm believer that results never lie. And last week they were in red

2017 Bankroll Challenge
Week 46
Hands 11 140
Lost 1276 €
Current bankroll 25 871 €
Previous bankroll 27 147 €
Starting bankroll 5 386 €
Target bankroll 50 000 €

But who knows, maybe it is just a teaser before a big win?

happens. chill, enjoy your time. believe in yourself and ship that fkn main event man!

Hi guys,

No good news from Hamburg Ended Day 1 with average stack for around 35 BB, but 2nd day was a no-go. First lost JJ against Q8 for a runner runner flush. When Isolated with JTs, flopped streight, but was outdrawn on the Turn. And the last hand 77 against A9o for a flip preflop. However, I don't feel too much disappointed because I had more time to explore this city

As for the future, I am not sure which event will be my next. I have a MPN Morocco "Seat only", but unless I win whole package, I am probably not going there. Still a whole month to grab that, so hopefully my Christmas present will come earlier

Btw, my short online session was in the red also
2017 Bankroll Challenge
Week 47
Hands 588
Lost 50 €
Current bankroll 25 821 €
Previous bankroll 25 871 €
Starting bankroll 5 386 €
Target bankroll 50 000 €

PokerStrategy produced a great video about increasing volume for grinding.

Found it very interesting to see the clock of human biorhythm. And it labels an animal to your personal schedule As lion seems like a "healthiest" option, it is utopia for poker players as tournaments start in the late evenings and there is no chance of me getting up early every morning

Ooh, the last month of the year is finally here Some of the guys are putting whole feet on pedal but for me it is usually a quite end of the year. No need to catch Supernova, no need to get burnout - basically what I am doing is to prepare myself for the 2018. And to start it fresh so I can get a pole position while others are still resting But maybe there is one or two goals which I still can complete? Lets look at the list

1. Make 8 poker trips
MPN Austria, January 26-30 - 0€
Kings of Tallinn, February 21-26 - 0€
MPN Malta, April 27-30 - 100€ - just a small mincash in a side event
MPN Manchester, July 20-23 - 4th in side event - 1500€ (1350 pounds)
MPN Tallinn, October 19-22 - 3895€ + Ticket to Kings of Tallinn
PokerStars festival of Hamburg, November 22-27 - 0€

Hamburg was my 6th stop of the year, but it didn't bring me any €€€. As for the next trips, I don't have any scheduled for 2017, so this goal won't be complete. However, I am still happy how it progressed, especially taking in mind that I have 2 seats already in my bag for 2018 - MPN Morocco and Kings of Tallinn

2. Top5 tournament player on Microgaming

Dropped some places into 16th and I don't see myself climbing too much up. Last year I finished 24th, so anything above that will keep me satisfied.

3. Reach Blackmember at PokerStrategy

Far away from reaching the Black. Was expecting to grind more Spins this year and climb one more level in stakes, but I guess I will leave it for the next year

4. Everlasting study of poker
Trying to spend more time on theory, especially I am in kind of a downswing. It is first time in the year, when my results are negative in 3 weeks in a row. And as I don't believe in downswings, I need to figure out why my game suddenly declined. PokerStrategy videos always come to help me and I am keen to analyze most of the material in December

5. Fully equip new home for an ordinary life
This one is close. The constructions are still taking place and at least 2nd floor is planned to be finished before Christmas. If that happens, I will be very glad, so hopefully no delays will struck. What I still would like to sign this year is height adjustable table like in the picture below. Read some positive reviews about that and I consider it as a very nice investment. Maybe some of you are using it?

6. To maintain strong relationship with others
This one is probably I am the most happy. This year I managed to set my schedule so I can spend the time with the people I really like and love. Last month I invited my parents to come with me in Hamburg, which was the 3rd time this year they joined me. Until this year they only traveled to the East, so I am very happy they saw how the West Europe is living. As for closest friends, I try (and most times successfully) to meet at least once a week. Here is the photo of us near the Christmas tree in Vilnius ♠_cool:

Girls on the left are just the decoration for the picture

7. Increase weight to 85 kg from 82 kg
That went into other direction I am still surprised that I didn't gained any weight and barely reach 82 kg. Took the advice and weighted myself in various times of the day, which showed numbers from 80 to 82. I will need a better plan next year for sure

8. To hold a healthy body through proper nutrition
Our kitchen is not complete yet so we can't prepare the healthiest food and most of the times our options are limited. Still I believe my diet is better than in the beginning of the year and I feel more energized as well. Room for improvement in 2018!

9. Finish in Top5 with Top Kickers in Lithuanian VI division
I am happy with 4th position this year and there is still a hope that we will get promoted again. Couple of teams in higher divisions struggle with finances and it is very likely one of them will not start next year. Not the ideal scenario to take someones place by such event, but if we are offered a higher league, then we will take it. The problem is that it the decision will be made just before the season starts and it makes a bit more difficult to shape the team.

10. Read 12 books
David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
Think Rich to get Rich by T. Harv Eker
Gargantua and Pantagruel by Francois Rabelais
Thinking fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman
The 100 A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History by Michael H. Hart
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Silva Rerum by Kristina Sabaliauskaite
Silva Rerum II by Kristina Sabaliauskaite
Silva Rerum III by Kristina Sabaliauskaite
Greenberger, Dennis. Mind over mood : change how you feel by changing the way you think"
God Always Travels Incognito from Laurent Gounelle --> one of the best books I read this year. Definitely worth time and highly recommended. If you need some motivation boost then grab it!
And the last book is the last part of Silva Rerum IV by Kristina Sabaliauskaite. Was impressed with the first 3 parts, so decided to leave the last as the dessert Hopefully I finished the last page just before the fireworks!

So, that was November Although poker results were not the best, I still enjoy how is it progressing in the other parts of life. In fact, cards are not my primary focus and I hope it will never be. But it pays my dinner and allows me to see the world, so I should keep that professional attitude. And hopefully Lady Karma will reward me again

Just read your entire blog! Great stuff ♠_cool:
You have come a long way. I will follow your progress and good luck at the tables

P.S. I hope you enjoyed your time in my homecity Hamburg despite not cashing.

hope you got the number from the 2 girls

Originally posted by MoneyInTrust
Just read your entire blog! Great stuff ♠_cool:
You have come a long way. I will follow your progress and good luck at the tables

P.S. I hope you enjoyed your time in my homecity Hamburg despite not cashing.

Diamond member reads my goal I am surprised
Hamburg was very nice, good timing just before Christmas. And I met my ideal singer here

Originally posted by BadHabit1989
hope you got the number from the 2 girls
Hope my girl doesn't read this

Not the highroller tournament, but still nice to get back on track in some smaller event