Kenny,

Sorry to hear you had a rough day, but it's good to see you handling it this well. I've had a rough few days, but I think I'm also starting to really grasp the cocept you mentioned, that when there's nothing you can do, you might as well just smile and let it go. Nevertheless, I think you got it down more than me, because I'm still having trouble with the "smile" part.

-TW

Tough break on the beats but even tougher break on the girlfriend being sick. You need some comfort after those hands.

hmmm... maybe Altantic City wasn't such a bad idea.

Just caught up on your journal after being out of town for the past 2 weeks. Those are some of your best entries. Your Saturday June 4th entry is a classic. I am going to print it out and keep it by my computer. It made me realize that most of the mistakes I am making are emotional rather than technical. Good work dude, and thanks.

thanks for the comments dog. i'm ready to post another entry...but i'm so damn lazy. check back tommorow.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

A slap to the face
Current mood: hopeful

After taking bad beats, bad luck, and bad cards for over a week... I've lost my confidence. I think my play has gone awry. Today I watched myself make a call with two pair even though my instincts told me to fold. But I couldn't fold...they couldn't have outdrew me "again?!" I had to see it for myself. He had the straight...just the thing I put him on when he minimum raised me on the turn.

The thing is...these sessions I've been having are pretty much unbeatable. Not even the greats could overcome the hands I have run into. Nut straights losing to nut flushes, AK vs AK losing to a 4 to the flush on the river etc etc. I could go on and on. There's no point.

The point is I'm bleeding money away rapidly. I should not be losing as much as I am. I'm being drained of my money, my bankroll, my confidence, and my skill as a poker player.

This is a test of my devotion to playing poker for a living. I will pass it. I will make it through this shit and become a better player for it. I'm a professional. This is what I do.

Starting tommorow I'm moving back down to the 1/2 tables. I'm going to reread TJ Cloutier's NL Championship Holdem. I will budget myself more properly. No more of these crazy spending on HDTVs and lavish nights out. It's nitty gritty time. This is what I do.

As I write this entry, I know my emotions can take a little beating. I will weather this storm and every other cloud in that damned sky. This is what I do.

So I say bring it on dealer. Keep giving me shitty cards. Keep giving me bad luck and bad beats. Who will give in first?

Currently watching:
The Phantom of the Opera (2-Disc Special Edition)
Release date: By 03 May, 2005

Kenny... you're one of the best NL players I've been around a lot... I'm sure you'll pull through...

BTW... If, at ANY TIME in Costa Rica, I see or hear anything about freakin "Phantom of the Opera", you're gonna find yourself naked, broke, and standing in front of the American Embassy... Maybe getting something like the Godfather or SuperTroopers, you know, a movie you didn't have to borrow from a 90 year old woman, will get you out of your slump...

You'll pull through. You are just going through your "Mad Genius" period and you'll come back strong.

Kenny, I'm sorry to hear about this. You're definately near the top of the online no-limit players out there. I seriously suggest taking up a hobby, something you can do to get your mind off of poker. I use guitar when I'm on a bad streak, and it helps a lot. Drums are great too.

First Mad Genius, then me, now KennyG? WTF is going on. I finally pulled out my streak and the past 8 days, Im winning at my normal pace again. Im sure you will be soon also.

Ride the storm out.

What's this I hear about Costa Rica amigos?

I'm probably gonna go to costa rica with MVP in january..just depends what bankroll is at, at the time.

We're hoping some other are interested as well.

So, you liked the email Kenny...? I'm seriously considering quitting poker and becoming the spokesperson for single males in paradise...