POOH-BAH POST (long but interesting, in my biased opinion)

[adamstewart]

POOH-BAH POST:

NOTABLE INFLUENTIAL POSTERS:

Ed Miller, Sthief09, Stellerwind, Bernie, Clarkmeister, CDC, Nate tha’ Great, Entity, Spamuell, MoreWineII


Brief History:

Leading up to the summer of 2003, I went to a casino for the first time and played blackjack. I had heard that blackjack was a potentially favourable casino game, and it seemed like a great deal of fun. So afterwards, I went to Chapter’s and picked up a book on blackjack, studied it, practiced it, and began to learn how to count cards and apply the suggested mathematical strategy. I was actually having success. That summer, however, I was accepted into medical school *WITH THE CONDITION THAT I COMPLETE TWO ESSAY COURSES BY THE END OF THE SUMMER*. I thus had to devote all of my time and effort into completing these courses. During that time, I forgot most of that which I had practiced and memorized for blackjack, and I stopped taking it so seriously.

I’d always played cards with my family growing up, but no one actually “knew” how to play winning poker. In December 2003, I became interested in learning more about poker: Why is that some players are so good? What makes them better? It had always seemed to mystical to me. Further, it seemed so much more enjoyable, challenging, and complex than blackjack.

So, I wanted to learn.

That Christmas, as a gift I received my first poker book. Don’t laugh… it was “Winning at Poker” by David Scharf. Even though this book was over-simplifying, and arguably terrible, it primed my interest to learn more. The most important thing I learned from that book was that it referred me to better books, some of which were 2+2 books, (which ultimately later referred me to these forums).

I began applying my new knowledge to the odd home games that took place between family and friends. It wasn’t long after that I discovered Party Poker and made my first (AND ONLY!) deposit of $100 on February 7, 2004.

I found the 2+2 forums several months later, and registered as a member on July 28, 2004.

This has been fun reviewing my past posts. I can’t believe how inexperienced and niave I was even just 6 months ago. July 2004 seems so long ago. I can’t believe it’s actually only been less than a year. Looking back, I feel that I’ve improved at an exponential rate throughout my time at 2+2 (even though I still have an infinite amount to go).

I really feel that posting hands and getting involved in strategy discussions is one of the most influential factors on my success thus far. Thank you, 2+2.



HIGHLIGHTS:

1st post “Please excuse my ignorance …” July 29/04.
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16th post: I was so excited when Ed Miller actually responded *to me* (as well this includes my classic welcoming from Joe Tall): “MILLER vs. CARO” August 12/04
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After one month at 2+2 (a thank you and a milesotone): “Thank you 2+2!!!” Sept. 1/04
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A naïve hotstreak… and downslide: “When will the other shoe drop ???” Sept 2/04
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3 months of 2+2 and I finally figured out how to post a hand (and found the Small Stakes Forum). Man, looking back I can’t believe I actually played that hand! FWIW, though, I believe I had been playing a lot of 5/10 6 max before that hand.: “My first time posting a hand…” Oct. 28/04
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[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] A very memorable thread for me. It made me aware of what some of the other good posters think about during a hand, and motivated me to improve my game to the next level. It may be long, but it’s a fairly good read.
Right or wrong, I was feeling bold, and “argued” with a few posters named MoreWineII, Spamuell, and Entity. “KQ suited” Nov 4/04.
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[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] (This occurred a week after the above “KQs thread”). Another very memorable thread, where I offended sthief09. The thread includes my apology to him. (I even sent him a PM over this!). Another good thread to read through, even though it’s long because it’s got a lot of twists and turns. (FWIW, I have since started mucking ATo from EP). “The lesser evil” Nov. 11/04.
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Hit a real downswing/stagnant period. I later realized that I wasn’t playing well either. Most of you can probably relate. Check out these threads:

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another Link


I then realized my wasn’t playing my “A game,” but vowed to get it back. (I feel that I’ve since got it back – and some! [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] ).
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[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] Perhaps my most famous post. Some even nominated this for Post of The Year (POTY). Others didn’t appreciate my efforts – oh well. The best part was that I made this post shortly after The-Matador wrote an essay-long post denying he was any of his other aliases… It was a long, hard-fought battle, but The-Matador has since been banned.
PWN3D!!!111 [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
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There you have it – my highlights.



By the way, what the hell is a “Pooh-Bah” anyway?? [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]


Adam