Back to School

I've had a good friend staying at my place for the last few weeks since he returned from a summer in St Tropez (jealous). So we've been hanging out quite a bit before he ships off to Moscow. He'll be there for at least a year to work as a private chef. €9000 a month to feed a family of four isn't such a bad deal either! But anyway, despite a few distractions I've still found the time I need to push on with my Omaha studies before I start my grind...

I read an interesting article today on moreev.com about card removals in PLO. Read it here. It's something I've thought about but never in such depth or with statistics to back up mere theory. If you don't know what card removal is, Imagine a tight player opens UTG. You look down at your hand and hold AXXX. The fact you hold one of the aces reduces the chance that the tight opener holds an AAXX hand. It's definitely an interesting article and outlines some ideas on how best to approach the situation when it presents itself.

I'm also working my way through the first of four books by Jeff Hwang, a semi-professional poker player, Writer for Card Player magazine and stock market investment analyst. The first books entitled "Pot-Limit Omaha Poker - The Big Play Strategy" and gives a solid strategic foundation to build on, covering all variants of Omaha.

It feels great to be learning so much in such a short period of time. I thought I was a solid Omaha player. In my defence I wasn't that bad, but all this studying opened my eyes to some really great information on area's I struggled with before. Now, even though I've still got 3 books to go, I'm starting to feel like I could completely crush the game! I'd definitely recommend Jeff's books if you're interested in making the transition to Omaha. From what I've read about how juicy the games can be, I'm not regretting it in the slightest. Not only that but I'm grinding for Supernova Elite, so the higher percentage of big pots that occur in Omaha will increase my bonus points and VIP rewards. Win-Win!

Dusty "leatherass" Schmidt

So, my main focus over the past 3 weeks has been studying. Every poker player in the world should study the game at least a few times a week, even if it's briefly and even if you're Phil Ivey. Study helps to maintain a sharp, thoughtful and serious outlook on the game. Even if it's information you already "know", it's good to be reminded. Because thinking about the game in detail away from the table helps you settle into a good mind-set at the table. One that promotes focus, discipline and professionalism. These are ideas I've stolen and evolved from "Treat your poker like a business" - by Dusty "leatherass" Schmidt, a brilliant and truly inspiring book I read a few years ago. I plan to read it again in the coming weeks, along with the sequel "Treat your poker like a business 2" which I'm yet to read. Order his books direct from dustyschmidt.net! Ultimately you'll never get rich from poker unless you put the effort in away from the table. That said, I can't effing wait to start my grind!