[psyduck]

I've been at post 1599 for a while since I wanted the 1600th post to be a great pooh-bah post, but like Wiggs, I found that I had nothing tremendous to say.

So I'd like to thank all of you guys and 2+2 in general. I've improved my game tremendously in the 1.5 years or so I've been playing. I've only been a winner for the past 8 months or so; before that, I was losing at the 10+1 SNGs, 0.5/1 cash games, and 3/6 at the local casino [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] It really feels weird that I've come this far, being able to play at the 100+9 level and have an edge.

I'd like to include some of the things I've picked up over the past 1.5 years. Some of these things might be super-obvious, but even if it helps two newbies, I think it'll be worth it:

a) Always keep an open mind. This doesn't just apply to SNGs, it applies to all sorts of poker and LIFE in general. Too many times I've read a thread and posted 'push preflop' or 'easy fold', without considering all the ramifications of a play. Of course, some hands are crystal clear as to what the best play is, but many times, some hidden factor make a call a fold, or a fold a call. THINK about decisions and why you're making them.

b) STUDY, STUDY, STUDY. This includes reading and posting at 2+2, but also LOOKING BACK AT HAND HISTORIES and nothing hands that you think you might have misplayed. Then post the hands, or send them to a player that's better than you, and see what he has to say. And always keep an open mind.

c) Don't be afraid to take shots. I've lost $4000 this month and last month taking shots at the $530s, the $215s and 1 Step 5 (the $109s and lower are my usual home) but I don't regret it. I see too many players that have been at the $33s or the $55s for a YEAR. They're just stagnating, and it's bad. Their play might even be deteriorating since they just crank out the normal 1000 SNGs/month. I used to be one of these guys, but you shouldn't. Keep reviewing your play, keep trying to improve, and always keep taking shots. During my 8 months as a winner, I was at the 33s and the 22s for 6 of them. If I could go back and change something, I would definitely move up quicker and study more, instead of just opening up a new set of the same game.

Lastly, and I think this is the most important,
d) Stay in school. Poker is super hot right now, and it's easy to say that it's your 'job'. However, the money is coming from somewhere, and it's 95% of players that are the losers. <font color="red">It cannot last. </font>Having a backup plan is soooo +EV that I cannot stress it. Sure, take a break from school and make $100,000s, but make sure you go back.

Like I said, super-obvious, but it's nice to pass on my 'wisdom' to the newbies (the only ones I can help [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]).

Lots of cool and smart people on this forum, and while I know a good percentage of you, I'd like to get to know more of you. I'll continue reading and posting for many a year to come [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]