Hey sir, you are the lucky winner of the mental game of poker 1 or 2, as part of the Bankroll Challenge.
I've added you as a friend, PM me which book you want and where you want it sent.
congrats!
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November 5th
Word of the Day
Williwaw
Definition: 1 a : a sudden violent gust of cold land air common along mountainous coasts of high latitudes
b : a sudden violent wind
2: a violent commotion
b : a sudden violent wind
2: a violent commotion
-In 1900, Captain Joshua Slocum described williwaws as "compressed gales of wind … that Boreas handed down over the hills in chunks." To unsuspecting sailors or pilots, such winds might seem to come out of nowhere—just like word williwaw did some 170 years ago. All anyone knows about the origin of the word is that it was first used by writers in the mid-1800s to name fierce winds in the Strait of Magellan at the southern tip of South America.
Day Start BR$794.80
EOD BR: $730.12
Well today has been a tale of two half's! After 300 hands I am down 3 buy ins! This is a mix of bad luck and then total distraction causing me to tilt and lose again. Not to worry this is a lesson. DON'T PLAY POKER AND TALK ON THE PHONE!
This is what happens!
Poker Stars $0.10/$0.25 No Limit Hold'em - 8 players
BTN: $35.08
Hero (SB): $25.00
BB: $114.26
UTG: $29.46
UTG+1: $34.30
MP1: $25.35
MP2: $25.00
CO: $25.00
Pre Flop: ($0.35) Hero is SB with Q♥ A♦
1 fold, UTG+1 raises to $0.75, 4 folds, Hero raises to $2, 1 fold, UTG+1 raises to $5, Hero calls $3
Flop: ($10.25) 6♦ 8♦ Q♠ (2 players)
Hero bets $7, UTG+1 raises to $28, Hero calls $13 all in
Turn: ($50.25) A♣ (2 players - 1 is all in)
River: ($50.25) K♦ (2 players - 1 is all in)
Final Pot: $50.25
Hero shows Q♥ A♦ (two pair, Aces and Queens)
UTG+1 shows A♥ A♠ (three of a kind, Aces)
UTG+1 wins $48.25
(Rake: $2.00)
On the plus side of this some what tragic day.
Hey sir, you are the lucky winner of the mental game of poker 1 or 2, as part of the Bankroll Challenge.
I bought the first audio book and look forward to listening to it. Having the second book will really benefit me! So I shall report back on how I get on with it.
Tomorrow I make a start on the Vape tutorial and post this Saturday.
30 Days to make a habit. How I am doing so far with my drill list.
Getting up early. - Still a work in progress.
Stretches and Exercises. - 1/5 days. Failed
Mindless Tasks. - 5/5 getting all my jobs down before I hit the tables. But still starting too late!
Warm up - 5/5 Really helps and stops big losses. about 100 - 200 hands warm up on NL5
Breaks - 3/5 getting there! still need to work on this
Meals - 4/5 need to prep for my day ahead so I get a better break.
6 pints of water - 5/5 I am drinking a lot more water
Early nights - 2/5 I go to bed early, just don't fall asleep early due to watching t.v. Must do better here as linked to early start!
So over all I would give my first week a 3/5 rating.
Getting up early. - Still a work in progress.
Stretches and Exercises. - 1/5 days. Failed
Mindless Tasks. - 5/5 getting all my jobs down before I hit the tables. But still starting too late!
Warm up - 5/5 Really helps and stops big losses. about 100 - 200 hands warm up on NL5
Breaks - 3/5 getting there! still need to work on this
Meals - 4/5 need to prep for my day ahead so I get a better break.
6 pints of water - 5/5 I am drinking a lot more water
Early nights - 2/5 I go to bed early, just don't fall asleep early due to watching t.v. Must do better here as linked to early start!
I am doing a similar thing, it does help a lot I think, especially getting all your jobs done, it relives the stress, that you know you got to do it, I need to start my exercises, Im thinking about joining the local boxing gym tomorrow.
Congrats on winning the mental game of poker thingymabob 
Listening to audio books (fiction - not MGOP or something similar) is very helpful to fall asleep quicker since you dont get the light from the TV/whatever else keeping your body from relaxing and going into sleep mode. Just a tip!
November 6th
Starting BR $730.12
EOD BR $784.85
Word of the Day
Lucullan
Definition: lavish, luxurious
A much better day today. Although I encountered some very weird play styles today. More plus action then bad beats today, I controlled the size of bets on risky boards today which has really helped. Along with adjustments I have been told I should make in my post flop play. All together I have done much better and found myself more focused.
Poker Stars $0.10/$0.25 No Limit Hold'em - 8 players
UTG+1: $58.18
MP1: $23.89
MP2: $60.00
CO: $29.26
BTN: $25.00
Hero (SB): $25.00
BB: $35.51
UTG: $10.34
Pre Flop: ($0.35) Hero is SB with K♣ K♦
4 folds, CO raises to $0.50, 1 fold, Hero raises to $1.75, 1 fold, CO raises to $3.75, Hero calls $2
Flop: ($7.75) 7♠ T♦ 2♣ (2 players)
Hero bets $4.50, CO calls $4.50
Turn: ($16.75) 3♦ (2 players)
Hero bets $8, CO calls $8
River: ($32.75) Q♣ (2 players)
Hero bets $8.75 all in, CO calls $8.75
Final Pot: $50.25
CO shows T♣ 9♣ (a pair of Tens)
Hero shows K♣ K♦ (a pair of Kings)
Hero wins $48.25
(Rake: $2.00)
Poker Stars $0.10/$0.25 No Limit Hold'em - 7 players
SB: $12.20
Hero (BB): $25.00
UTG: $30.31
UTG+1: $25.00
MP: $19.25
CO: $9.61
BTN: $49.13
Pre Flop: ($0.35) Hero is BB with A♣ A♥
4 folds, BTN raises to $0.62, 1 fold, Hero raises to $1.50, BTN raises to $4.90, Hero raises to $14.80, BTN raises to $27.50, Hero calls $10.20 all in
Flop: ($50.10) 9♣ 2♥ Q♦ (2 players - 1 is all in)
Turn: ($50.10) 9♠ (2 players - 1 is all in)
River: ($50.10) T♣ (2 players - 1 is all in)
Final Pot: $50.10
Hero shows A♣ A♥ (two pair, Aces and Nines)
BTN shows A♠ K♥ (a pair of Nines)
Hero wins $48.10
(Rake: $2.00)
Poker Stars $0.10/$0.25 No Limit Hold'em - 8 players
SB: $20.67
BB: $38.26
UTG: $23.50
UTG+1: $24.59
Hero (MP1): $26.82
MP2: $25.35
CO: $25.00
BTN: $17.96
Pre Flop: ($0.35) Hero is MP1 with A♦ A♥
1 fold, UTG+1 raises to $0.75, Hero raises to $2, 5 folds, UTG+1 calls $1.25
Flop: ($4.35) 5♣ 6♥ 3♣ (2 players)
UTG+1 bets $2.07, Hero raises to $6.21, UTG+1 calls $4.14
Turn: ($16.77) T♦ (2 players)
UTG+1 bets $8.01, Hero raises to $18.61 all in, UTG+1 calls $8.37 all in
River: ($49.53) 8♦ (2 players - 2 are all in)
Final Pot: $49.53
UTG+1 shows 7♦ 7♠ (a pair of Sevens)
Hero shows A♦ A♥ (a pair of Aces)
Hero wins $47.53
(Rake: $2.00)
Poker Stars $0.10/$0.25 No Limit Hold'em - 9 players
UTG+2: $34.38
MP1: $55.62
MP2: $14.41
CO: $25.15
BTN: $25.49
Hero (SB): $29.99
BB: $36.95
UTG: $9.65
UTG+1: $28.22
Pre Flop: ($0.35) Hero is SB with Q♣ A♥
5 folds, CO raises to $0.50, 1 fold, Hero raises to $1.75, 1 fold, CO calls $1.25
Flop: ($3.75) Q♦ 3♠ Q♥ (2 players)
Hero bets $2.75, CO calls $2.75
Turn: ($9.25) K♠ (2 players)
Hero bets $5.50, CO calls $5.50
River: ($20.25) 6♠ (2 players)
Hero bets $9.67, CO raises to $15.15 all in, Hero calls $5.48
Final Pot: $50.55
CO shows J♠ Q♠ (a flush, King high)
Hero shows Q♣ A♥ (three of a kind, Queens)
CO wins $48.55
(Rake: $2.00)
Still having a relaxed time with getting to sleep Last night I ended up engrossed watching WSOP on youtube. Bad monkey!
But seriously I will make sure this is corrected for Monday at the start of my second week.
Thanks for the tip vonki, I will look into that. I just need more discipline and not watch poker on youtube at night!
Congrats again on the new status FrozenElf
I need to start my exercises, Im thinking about joining the local boxing gym tomorrow.
Good idea. one of the best ways to develop a solid discipline. I have thought about skipping again!
Saturday and Sunday are my days off the grind. I might play a few tourneys. I shall continue to update my 30 days over the weekend.
Good Luck at the tables.
Matt
November 7th
Word of the Day
absolve
Definition 1: to set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt 2: to remit (a sin) by absolution
EOD: $768.14
Success! I final got up early today! 0830. I hope this trend continues.
So I played 195 hands today to test the waters again with the weekend play.
It was hard to make a flop without having to pay lots. My big issue was swings but I managed to finally beat the rake by the end of the session by .41c.
So this week I have 4278 hands.
Played the $3.30 Saturday micro and went deep in finishing in 325 out of 8449 $12.09
Getting up early. 1/5
Stretches and Exercises. - 2/5 days. Failed
Mindless Tasks. - 5/5
Warm up - 1/5 Didn't warm up today!
Breaks - 3/5
Meals - 4/5
6 pints of water - 4/5
Early nights - 2/5
Happy days.
November 8th
Word of the Day
Gadfly
Definition
1: any of various flies that bite or annoy livestock
2: a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism
Beginning of week BR: $759
End Of Week BR: $768.14
BR Difference of +$9
Not a great movement in BR but def better than minus. This week my BR has been between $730 and $800. The hardest part of moving up to 25NL has been the massive differences in BR when you lose buy ins. Over time though I am sure this will become a somewhat redundant thought as I become use to this.
Today has been my day off. When I planned my working week I thought about what hours and days I would like to work. When I was a monkey working for a irritating organ grinder I didn't have the luxury to choose when I worked. Now I am the monkey and organ grinder in one! This is one of the great reasons why being your own boss is not only good for your health, but overall wealth. Being in control is a prosperous win win situation in every way.
With my first week of the 30 days to make a habit done I can now look back over my blog and reflect on how well I have or haven't done and the adjustments I need to make for the coming week.
My biggest success this week is starting the 30 days. I look forward eagerly also to the arrival of the mental game of poker 2. A big thank you to every one who has supported me in my journey thus far.
Good luck at the tables.
Matt.
Word of the Day
Umami
Definition : a taste sensation that is meaty or savory and is produced by several amino acids and nucleotides (such as glutamate and aspartate)
November 9th
STARTING BR $768.14
EOD BR $799.49
Hands: 1486
PROFIT: $32.72
After a slow, but productive start to the first week I am now embarking on the second week. Today I got up late again and continued on regardless with my drill list. Starting my main grind around 2pm today and finishing at 8pm. The traffic was lower today than other days and I found myself having to change tables often as they died away after 20 - 50 hands. During the second part of the day I managed to run 6 tables and managed it well. So overall I am happy with my game, and unhappy with my progress with my habits.
Poker Stars $0.10/$0.25 No Limit Hold'em - 7 players
SB: $29.24
BB: $25.00
UTG: $25.35
UTG+1: $36.70
MP: $25.00
CO: $50.30
Hero (BTN): $25.00
Pre Flop: ($0.35) Hero is BTN with A♥ T♦
3 folds, CO raises to $0.50, Hero raises to $1.85, 2 folds, CO calls $1.35
Flop: ($4.05) 6♠ A♣ 2♣ (2 players)
CO checks, Hero bets $2.75, CO raises to $8.55, Hero calls $5.80
Turn: ($21.15) 4♠ (2 players)
CO bets $12.52, Hero calls $12.52
River: ($46.19) 2♠ (2 players)
CO checks, Hero checks
Final Pot: $46.19
CO shows 7♣ 6♣ (two pair, Sixes and Deuces)
Hero shows A♥ T♦ (two pair, Aces and Deuces)
Hero wins $44.19
(Rake: $2.00)
Poker Stars $0.10/$0.25 No Limit Hold'em - 9 players
UTG+2: $22.24
MP1: $18.80
Hero (MP2): $25.00
CO: $12.52
BTN: $38.77
SB: $27.53
BB: $24.50
UTG: $59.65
UTG+1: $25.00
Pre Flop: ($0.35) Hero is MP2 with K♦ K♠
2 folds, UTG+2 raises to $0.50, 1 fold, Hero raises to $1.85, 4 folds, UTG+2 calls $1.35
Flop: ($4.05) 3♥ K♣ Q♣ (2 players)
UTG+2 checks, Hero bets $2.50, UTG+2 calls $2.50
Turn: ($9.05) 5♠ (2 players)
UTG+2 checks, Hero bets $5.25, UTG+2 calls $5.25
River: ($19.55) 8♠ (2 players)
UTG+2 checks, Hero bets $15, UTG+2 calls $12.64 all in
Final Pot: $44.83
UTG+2 shows T♠ A♥ (high card Ace)
Hero shows K♦ K♠ (three of a kind, Kings)
Hero wins $42.83
(Rake: $2.00)
Getting up early. - I need to stop ignoring the alarm! maybe tonight I will put it over the other side of the room forcing me to get up to turn it off!
Stretches and Exercises. - 1/5 days. Failed
Mindless Tasks. - 5/5 getting all my jobs down before I hit the tables. But still starting too late!
Warm up - 5/5 Really helps and stops big losses. about 145 hands warm up on NL10
Breaks - 2/5 I only had one break today which wasn't enough even though I felt on my A game.
Meals - 4/5
6 pints of water - 2/5 I didn't drink enough water today
Early nights - 4/5 I go to bed early and fell asleep not long after.
Tomorrow I will be adding one more habit to my list, spending time before I start my grind putting together the learning list for beginning of December and catching up with some of the blogs I am following.
Looking ahead this week I will not be able to do as many days grinding due to a visit tomorrow to the cinema (new bond film) and Thursday I am off to the theater to see Die Fleidermaus. I also have a few other life bits to do.
November 10th
Word of the Day
Sycophant
Definition: A person who acts attentively toward someone in order to gain advantage; a servile flatterer.
Starting BR: $799.49
EOD: $793.82
BR Difference of $-5.67
Today has been a complete right off and I haven't been able to get any volume or work on my poker done at all today.
Although off the tables I have managed to make some good steps towards solving life tasks. The new bond film was OK. Some really good stunts and he got the girl!
Friday will be the same by the looks of it so I am going to do a weekend grind to make up.
You learn a thing every day!
You can always drag you’re picture file in to you’re post.
Than you’re picture will be automatic uploaded for you.
- SDK1987 advise on adelaar blog
I have been using photobucket which is really slow and AD heavy! My question is, does that slow down the overall blog when loading and is it still better to externally link your graphics?
Other good news today. My prize arrived!
The book arrived in good time considering the postal service in the UK! I look forward to working my way though it. If the opera is bad on Friday I may just start reading the book!
Tomorrow I will have no distractions so I am hoping to get in a good volume on the tables.
November 11th 
Word of the Day
dewy
Definition 1: moist with, affected by, or suggestive of dew 2: innocent, unsophisticated
Starting BR: $793.82
EOD: $745.53
Difference: -$48.29
Dreadful! Just bloody dreadful sums up today. Nothing I could really do about this. Most of the day I have been playing 6 - 4 handed as the rest of the table have either been sitting out or just disappearing completely after a few hands. So lots of swapping rooms. When I have managed to get a good table and a nice hand I have been beaten by a flush! I noticed this happen lots also to other regs on tables. Just couldn't made a dime. But onward and upward as I know every day won't be a plus. At least I have made some points. Has anyone noticed that Pokerstars have got rid off the green progress bar for next rake reward in the cashier!
On the upside today I got up early and did lots of my tasks.
Getting up early. - 5/5 Got up early.
Stretches and Exercises. - 5/5 Did a complete series of exercises. Tomorrow I will do 2 series.
Mindless Tasks. - 5/5 getting all my jobs down before I hit the tables. But still starting too late!
Warm up - 5/5 Really helps and stops big losses. about 145 hands warm up on NL10
Breaks - 4/5 Had 2 decent breaks today.
Meals - 4/5 Eat lots and often.
6 pints of water - 5/5 Drank plenty of water today.
Early nights - 4/5
Overall I feel I have been on my A game regardless of the many bad beats.
November 12
Word of the Day
sinecure
Definition: an office or position that requires little or no work and that usually provides an income
Start of Day BR : $745.53
EOD: $841.23
Have finished late today. Just got back from the Opera, which was very nice. I must of been the youngest person there tonight!!
But overall today has been a really good day on the tables $45.97 over 885 hands. I also got a rake of $50 making a total profit of$95.97.
Getting up early. - 5/5 Got up early.
Stretches and Exercises. - 5/5
Mindless Tasks. - 5/5 getting all my jobs down before I hit the tables.
Warm up - 5/5 about 100 hands warm up on NL10
Breaks - 5/5 Had 2 decent breaks today.
Meals - 5/5 Eat lots and often.
6 pints of water - 5/5 Drank plenty of water today.
Early nights - 5/5
Tomorrow I may not be able to many hands, if any at all so I shall update for Saturday when I am back at the tables.
Good luck at the tables.
Matt
November 13th
Word of the Day
bipartisan
Definition: of, relating to, or involving members of two parties; specifically : marked by or involving cooperation, agreement, and compromise between two major political parties
I am swapping playing today for tomorrow. Lots of life bits to do and I don't think I will be able to get a decent grind in. Good luck every one who is grinding on Friday 13th!!!
Originally posted by metalmonkey80
Although off the tables I have managed to make some good steps towards solving life tasks. The new bond film was OK. Some really good stunts and he got the girl!
Yeah, Bond always gets the girl no matter what they do to him. It was pretty sick and rude of her "dumping" him just before the big mission but he wins anyway. Being a fan of James Bond, I think Skyfall was better than the new remake of Spectre. However, I enjoyed them both.
November 14th
Word of the Day
equanimity
Definition 1: evenness of mind especially under stress 2: right disposition : balance
Starting BR: $841.23
EOD BR: $853.53
Difference : $12.30
Taking a shot
First time for a while since I played on a Saturday. I thought with the extra $50 rake payout I would take a shot on the limit above 50nl. Not a bad start although HM2 isn't allowing me to track hands (Small Stakes version.) I doubled up in the first 100 hands. After that I didn't really get any extra action, played a few sng and tourneys with no results.
Poker Stars latest xmas promotion Daily 2x Double Jackpot starts in 2 days and I will play all the $1.10 games. Fingers crossed I can add something to my bank roll!
Hi Zanardi1, I didn't watch the last two bond films! I should have upon reflection because I kinda spoiled it for my self!
So this is now the end of my second week of the 30 days habit and I am seeing a massive difference.
The first week I had a bad sleeping pattern and I sorted it out by the second week. This change reflected in my results.
Beginning week BR: $768.14
EOW BR: $853.53
Difference: $89.39
November 15th
Word of the Day
Opprobrious
adj. Disgraceful; shameful. “His actions were opprobrious.”
Opprobrious
adj. Disgraceful; shameful. “His actions were opprobrious.”
Was my day off today so didn't play any hands. Watched t.v, did a few mindless tasks, but overall a nice relaxing day.
Getting up early. - 3/5 Got up early.
Stretches and Exercises. - 0/5
Mindless Tasks. - 5/5 House work
November 16th
Word of the Day
talisman
Definition 1: an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune 2: something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects
Starting BR: $853.53
EOD BR: $821.76
Difference : $31.77
Session time : 6.43 hours
First day back to work. The session was good 1394 hands but poor for opportunity. Regardless of this, being down just over a buy in is Ok for me.
This week is about scoring top marks in all my drill lists and getting a solid days work in.
In previous jobs I was working around 8 hours a day, which is a full time job Monday - Saturday. My ideal working times are 09.00 - 18.00. I aim this week to get this patten right and be naturally doing this for the final week.
My energy and concentration levels are better since starting. But I must really pick up on my Stretches and Exercises this week as I have let this slip.
Getting up early. - 4/5 Got up earlier. 09.20
Stretches and Exercises. - 1/5 Did not do any 
Mindless Tasks. - 5/5
Warm up - 5/5 Really helps and stops big losses. About 100 hands warm up on NL10
Breaks - 3/5 Had 2 short breaks today.
Meals - 4/5 Eat lots and often.
4 pints of water - 4/5 Could of done better.
Early nights - 5/5
Hope everyone has had a good weekend.
Regards
Matt
November 17th
Word of the Day
Abrogate
Definition : Repeal or do away with a law, right, or agreement. “To abrogate a law.”
Start of Day BR: $821.76
EOD BR: $781.75
Difference :$40.01
Another bad day today. My play style was a bit poor and slipped today. I found myself pot betting pf with AK which has landed me in problems. A stop limit I have set myself is 3 BI. Today I am just over one and a half BI down.
Getting up early. - 4/5 Got up earlier. 08.45
Stretches and Exercises. - 1/5 Did not do any
Mindless Tasks. - 5/5 Had to go to town. 2hrs
Warm up - 5/5 Really helps and stops big losses. About 100 hands warm up on NL10
Breaks - 2/5 Had 1 short breaks today.
Meals - 3/5 Eat late and not much in day.
4 pints of water - 4/5 Could of done better.
Early nights - 5/5
November 18th
Word of the Day
onomastics
Definition 1
a : the science or study of the origins and forms of words especially as used in a specialized field
b : the science or study of the origin and forms of proper names of persons or places
2 : the system underlying the formation and use of words especially for proper names or of words used in a specialized field
onomastics
Definition 1
a : the science or study of the origins and forms of words especially as used in a specialized field
b : the science or study of the origin and forms of proper names of persons or places
2 : the system underlying the formation and use of words especially for proper names or of words used in a specialized field
Starting BR: $781.75
EOD BR: $755.13
Difference : $26.62
Session time : 5.10 hours
A better day today. Although I am still down by $26.62 the day has been a positive one. I have managed to stick with getting up early, but still very poor results on my Stretches and Exercises. Tomorrow I am going to make it a priority before I get on with my grind.
Poker Stars $0.10/$0.25 No Limit Hold'em - 6 players
BTN: $25.00
SB: $24.75
BB: $17.45
Hero (UTG): $25.00
MP: $25.55
CO: $28.98
Pre Flop: ($0.35) Hero is UTG with 9 
9 
Hero raises to $0.75, 3 folds, SB calls $0.65, BB calls $0.50
Flop: ($2.25) J 
7 9 (3 players)
SB checks, BB bets $1.25, Hero calls $1.25, SB calls $1.25
Turn: ($6.00) 3 
(3 players)
SB checks, BB bets $2.86, Hero calls $2.86, SB folds
River: ($11.72) 4 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $7.50, BB calls $7.50
Final Pot: $26.72
BB mucks J K
Hero shows 9 9 (three of a kind, Nines)
Hero wins $25.52
(Rake: $1.20)
This hand I probably was a bit trigger happy due to the fish next to me. It turned out nice on the river 
Poker Stars $0.10/$0.25 No Limit Hold'em - 8 players
MP2: $25.00
Hero (CO): $33.86
BTN: $20.00
SB: $31.75
BB: $35.92
UTG: $10.00
UTG+1: $36.38
MP1: $49.12
Pre Flop: ($0.35) Hero is CO with A A
4 folds, Hero raises to $0.75, BTN calls $0.75, 1 fold, BB calls $0.50
Flop: ($2.35) 6 4 9 (3 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $2, BTN folds, BB raises to $5.75, Hero calls $3.75
Turn: ($13.85) 8 (2 players)
BB bets $7.40, Hero raises to $14.80, BB calls $7.40
River: ($43.45) 3 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero checks
Final Pot: $43.45
Hero shows A A (a pair of Aces)
BB shows Q 8 (a pair of Eights)
Hero wins $41.49
(Rake: $1.96)
Getting up early. - 5/5 Got up earlier. 09.00
Stretches and Exercises. - 1/5 Did not do any
Mindless Tasks. - 5/5
Warm up - 5/5 Really helps and stops big losses. About 100 and $20 down.
Breaks - 4/5 Had 2 good breaks today.
Meals - 4/5
4 pints of water - 4/5 Could of done better.
Early nights - 5/5