Notes: Shuffle and Flow #2

Shuffle and Flow #2
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** The first step is admitting that you have a problem **


Game Film -

The ability to effectively analyze "game film" (videos, sweat sessions, critiques, talking about hands) is one of the most crucial skills, because it helps you to outline a path to improvement.

This includes analyzing yourself, analyze more skilled players, and breaking down your stronger opponents to find their weaknesses.

When watching a video or having a sweat session done - take notes, rewind and review important sections. Try to figure out what they are actually thinking. Review the notes a day or two later and make a list of things this tells you that you need to improve.

Keep a notepad at the computer to remind you of the leaks you're addressing.

Study with the intention of learning, not with the intention of receiving validation.

Go deep into any hand you need to analyze, including those that appear standard. Including those hands that turn out well for us - Just because we win the hand or the result is positive does not mean that we played well or optimally.

Pokertainment is not studying. Studying without a plan for retaining the information is not studying.

At my current level, I need to be both player and coach - I need to outline my own path to improvement, I need to gather the information. I need to discipline myself to following that path.

(This series is about building that path)

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Exercise and Assessment

What does poker mean to me? - Poker is a means to being my own boss and to financial independence. I dislike the concept of relying on a job or another person's evaluation of my worth or ability to pay me to determine my income. Poker is a harsh meritocracy, and that is a positive thing.

Why do I play? - To improve, and ultimately to be one of the best in the game.

What is my goal? - I want to be able to support myself in comfort without burning myself out on the game.

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Everybody wants to become better. What are you doing to become better?

Am I willing to make sacrifices to improve? WHAT SACRIFICES?

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Being aware of your leaks is the first step - identifying how you can close off these leaks is the next step.

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Homework assignment (27:00) -

In order to become the best player you can be, you need to optimize the use of each hour you have to work with.

** Write a daily to-do list for improvement.
** What does this do for you?
** How does it make you feel?