Learn Slow

There are a lot of times when you can over think things. When you are actively trying to get better you seem to stumble first as you get familiar with doing something different. Change is awkward.

I entered a poker tournament today and did not play well initially because I was trying to be really good right away. I have been playing poker with varying vigor and enthusiasm for almost ten years now and changing how anyone does anything after ten years takes time. I was trying to think about and implement too many new strategies and ideas too soon.

I have come to a couple conclusions about poker recently. Everyone thinks they're good, which is mostly true, and I'm not that good. I am completely decent. I don't have any glaring tells, I can evaluate situations and execute the right decision most of the time. If I don't get cards I can't do much, if I get great cards I can win.

In overwhelming myself today trying to do too much too quickly I lost my bearing. I wasn't playing my game but a new one I had never played before. It was uncomfortable. After I forgot about everything I was trying to do and just played my game I got much more comfortable and started having fun, which is the first requirement to success.

In recording my attempts at improving my poker skill I will first try to identify those things I do well and those things I do poorly, understand them and try to change or continue certain habits. While I do that I will read books, watch videos, study and implement one new aspect at a time or try to remove one bad habit at a time.