[erac22]

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I don`t like giving credit to guys in their 20`s ( reasons are somewhat obvious so I`m gonna skip explaining that part) but in this case I must make an exception.
I must say I`m impressed in the way you managed your bankroll.
Fact is that there are many young and spoiled wannabe poker players that run good for a while but eventually the balance is restored and they go broke because of a bad play/BR management.
On the other hand, there are many talented young online players, lets call them "naturals", and I think you are one of them.
I think you`ve done everything right, grinding from scratch and even being disciplined enough to move up a level only when you hit a 50bi mark. I don`t know any person at your age that can do this. You also had a discipline to drop down stakes many times.
All in all I think you have what it takes to be a winning poker player, no doubt about that.

Then the alcohol came, coupled with a down swing.
All I can say about this is... if you are planing to continue playing poker seriously quit alcohol... it`s that simple.
I know that you mean it when you are sober and say I`m not gonna play later when I`m waisted but it doesn`t work that way. Drink and party when you are on a vacation or when you don`t have an access to internet.
Any other time.. DO NOT drink alcohol.
About the weed... I dunno what to say about it.. as long as you don`t overdo it you`ll be fine I guess.

Downswings happen. It`s part of poker.
If this is your first longish downswing it`s a good test for you on how you can handle it.
It`s essentially an Ego test. You need to learn to lose it when you play poker.

Bankroll and Tilt management are of a paramount importance in poker.
So far you have the BR part down.

Most important, right now you need a break from poker.
Go on a vacation for couple of weeks, chill, get your battery reloaded.
I think you`ll be ok. [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]

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Thank you for the kind words, I greatly appreciate it. I hope you're right about me "being a natural," I guess we'll see. I keep telling myself if I can get through this I can get through anything, hopefully it pans out. Your advice is spot on, and hopefully I have the self control to heed it.