Comfort Zone

I used to like playing poker in a sort of comfort zone up until a week or so ago and this is definitely when i dont achieve my best results. Occasionly ive stepped out of this zone and am fearless. Its now something im looking to do much more often, (several times a day in fact) especially in tournaments. The extra excitement of difficult decisions adds to the thrill of the game and is a much better way to bust a tournament rather than waiting for decent cards all the time then moaning when they dont hold up. When the money means something to you and the pressure and excitement is there its the best game in the world and im almost certain my playing style of late has now become the most enjoyable for me (still await to see if the most profitable). Obviously not everyone can play this way and obtain a long term profit. I now find myself checking flops that i would never have checked at all in the past. Im finding myself playing awful cards sometimes when it just feels right as the information available on the other player(s) means this is more exciting and not a losing strategy. Yes i get it wrong sometimes and find those tough decisions timing out more often but its great in the long run and i know i will be rewarded long term. The ability to change gears has always been one of my better skills but i think im on a new level at the moment and hope the results will prove this for the rest of this year and beyond.

With respect to cash games, well im playing 6,8 or 10 handed lately so have a good variable starting hand selection dependant on this and of course the players at the table at any one time. Yes i often rock up in both cash and tournaments but i prefer it more when ive just been active and decide to rock up. A big hand then when everyone else thinks you are playing loose is the best reward in poker when it holds up of course.

Anyway enough of the ramblings, tonights games. Never got going in mansion and crashed out 99 vs QQ about half way down the field. The only other "multi" i played was the 13 player winners choice £77. Was a bit mad with myself a few minutes back but ive calmed now. Basically apart from a ridiculous JJ vs 33 (the guy called 2800 preflop at 100,200) allin my stack was never in any preflop danger until we reached the last 3. Unforunately i had dropped back to joint 2nd after having been 1/9 and 1/8 (win only for £1250 package) with 1st having over twice my chips. In hindsight i wish i had raised with rubbish more as i played too defensive as a short stack is "supposed" to and look for a double opportunity. The other shorter stack moved allin far too often given the blinds and i was really hoping to pick up a hand and bust or double through him as the chip leader was very tight and i think i would have been a big favourite against him heads up even with a 40/60 disadvantage start. Anyway i made a mistake of gaving away a free card in one pot and let the other shortie catch. I then chose to check raise a raised pot with king high and got reraised allin which left me on only 10xbb. I then finally exit on a 50/50 only to get back where i had almost been before. I live and learn and i would approach that situation a bit different next time with the same stack against the same players. Like i said i was a bit angry with myself but i know why and its all been put to memory now and im fine.

Cash games have been good so far today (more than cover above entrance fees) and i might play some more shortly as long as im 100% calm and relaxed after that nonsense above.

Speaking of comfort zones, i went for a longer jog earlier. Only 3 miles (more than the normal 2 miles) and boy was it a struggle but im on the right road and with the excellent weather and the extra daylight soon im hoping to get my fitness back and enjoy a lot more outdoor activities this spring/summer and a lot less poker until the short autumn/winter nights return :))

LATE NIGHT EDIT:

2.5 hours on cash tables, at my lowest i was $1500 down just on 2,4$NL but luckily managed to recover to only $340 down. A good reminder of keeping my head on and testing my patience which is easier said than done sometimes. Anyway i guess that makes me about level for the day and im done 100% now.