SplitSuit.com

It’s nice to be back in Vegas from my mini-vacation. The ride out on Thursday was quite easy and fun. Finally got my car over 100mph (because what better time than in the wide open desert?)…and capped it at 111mph. There was a black Benz and white Maxima who acted as speed buffers and made for some very aggro driving. The drive should take about 4.5 hrs, and I made it in about 3.75hrs. No complaints at all.
.
Once we got into Palm Springs we pretty much got right to food and drinks. I ended up passing out at about 8p that night due to being so tired from waking up at 6a to leave, and turkey (damn tryptophan!) Woke up at 10a the next day and spent a lot of the afternoon just bumming and watching game shows (Lingo is an awesome game if you haven’t seen it). At night we went out to the movies and saw “Due Date”, which was really good, except for the asshole sitting behind us. Obviously stoned, the kid laughed about 90x louder than anyone else and talked about why each joke was funny. The kind of kid you want to punch right in the damn face. I ended up having words with him after the movie…but it was an exercise in patience to say the least. Went home from here, ate some food, and passed out.
.

.
Woke up early on Saturday to prep lunch (early being 11a). My Uncle Tom came over for lunch, and then we stopped over at his place after (as he lived about 15min away). I am the first person in the family to see his place, so I got lots of pix. He was very interested about the book and seemed both confused and impressed, lol. My job is so odd. After that we drove around Palm Springs (saw some of the sights that I didn’t see last year), and then bummed around for the rest of the night.
.
Woke up at 5a to ensure we were on the road by 6a (had to get back to Vegas by noon to get Jon’s dog, and I am a super nit when it comes to travel time buffer). I have been insanely tired the entire day and just catching up on emails and skype messages. I will probably be finalizing some of the 2011 protege’s this week, and hopefully will have the entire team solid before I leave for Christmas vacation. The year is wrapping up very quickly, and I’m just trying to remember to enjoy the ride =) Hope everyone else is doing the same!
.
*SS*

This probably won’t be a long post as I am insanely tired and relatively stressed out right now. The last few days have been nothing but working and coaching and writing emails and spread sheeting and other related activities. I guess I’ll start this post from a few nights back…as it’s been a few days since I’ve written a post.
.
Friday:
.
Had two students early in the day and then drove over to get my green slip from the dealership (I officially own my car!). Went out that night with Jon and Kuge, met up with some other poker players (I won’t name drop…but there were some very baller MTT players in company). Went to some random bar near UNLV, which was super shady on the outside (got asked for change walking into the bar). Inside was alright and ended up trying some new Belgium beers to mix it up. Everyone decided the next stop needed to be the strip club so we went over to Hustler. That popped my Vegas strip club cherry…and didn’t get home till 4 or so. Good night though
.

.
Saturday/Sunday:
.
Saturday was an adderall day and I wrote the first chapter of my next book. I caught the writing bug pretty hard and figured I might as well get as much writing done while it’s enjoyable and before it becomes the grind part of the book, lol. What was plotted to be a 3 page chapter slowly turned into 7, and I think the next book might be just as lengthy as DFRP (that’s right…i just accronymed by book, lol). On Sunday I had 2 students and then spent the rest of the night at the gym. I had to get to bed early due to having to be up early on Monday.
.
Monday:
.
I woke up super early to get over to the DMV. I had to register my car, get my Nevada license, and get my custom plates. I sadly won’t get my custom plates for a month or two…but so long as it passes the panel, I will be super happy. The DMV ended up taking about 2hrs, which is rediculous…but it is what it is. Got home, took an addy, and started writing. I ended up spending about 2hrs doing protege program work (answering applications, negotiating, etc.). I still got about 4 pages written…and got a lot of organization done…which is solid. Which reminds me…I still have about 6 spots open on the protege program in 2011…so if you are interested, ship me your application and we can have a conversation =)
.

.
Tuesday:
.
Today I had 3 students and was trying to do book work around it (finalized the edits I believe). I have been insanely stressed all day trying to take care of business, and I forgot to eat lunch, which was a poor choice. I have a few students tomorrow, and then I need to pack up and be ready to leave early for Palm Springs on Thursday. It will be nice to take a few days off…so hopefully my mini-vacation is relaxing. And with that said, I will leave you with a song and hope Thanksgiving is good for those that celebrate =)
.

.
*SS*

In 2011 I will be running my protege program again. The goal with this program is to create a close relationship with a group of poker players, and help them accomplish their poker goals. This is a great program for those planning on playing professionally, or serious players who plan on putting in a solid chunk of volume. If this sounds like you, keep on reading!

What is the protege program?:

This program will consist of myself, my co-coach, and up to 12 students. It will run for the entire year of 2011, and aims to increase all student’s skill sets and abilities.

Is this program for me?:

If you are a grinder and looking to improve your skills while networking with a solid group of like-minded poker players, this program is for you. If you are unsure about playing poker, or just looking for free coaching, this program will be an brutal failure for you. Also, you do not need to be a winning player to apply for the program…just be motivated and hungry to learn and grind!

What is expected from me?:

Because you get a large amount of coaching from me (I estimate my average protege from 2010 got over 120hrs from me (over a $9,000 value)), I am asking for a percentage of your wins for the year. The exact percentage will be negotiated, but I assure you, I don’t expect to be retiring from this program =). I want you to be happy and comfortable with everything to ensure that your grinding and involvement is fruitful.

What is the structure like?:

The protege program is very front-loaded. More coaching is done up front to ensure the rest of the year is spent focusing on details, as opposed to core fundamentals. There is nothing set in stone like “we will do 1 sweat session/week, and 1 hand history review twice/month”…rather we just flow and do sessions as they come up and are needed. Most of the time I am able to answer questions during the day, as I am always trying to ensure you get what you need between scheduled sessions.

How do I get involved?:

Fill out the application below and email it to splitsuit@gmail.com . Just put “Protege Program 2011” in the title.

1.) Name:
2.) 2p2/poker names:
3.) Location:
4.) Poker Background:
5.) How many hands did you play in 2010?:
6.) General PT/HEM stats:
7.) Reason for applying:
8.) Poker goals:

I look forward to welcoming you the team =)
.
*SS*

I am doing my best to keep optimistic and happy right now. I knew this was going to happen…but it is what it is. As the book gets closer to releasing, more threads will get created and more people will fire on me over my “stellar” PTR results. Now, I have always been upfront about that, and give DB screen shots with usernames on them, but I hate having people firing on me. It is the the absolute worst part of being a coach…people will always shit on you. Your either have poor public results, less than stellar, or “aren’t crushing enough.” Of course, it is up to a potential buyer to make an educated decision whether or not to buy my product(s)…but if you aren’t going to buy it anyway…why the fuck are you saying shit about me? Ok, enough of that negative shit, lol
.
The last few days have been super busy. I planned on having a pretty laid back week with regards to coaching, and randomly picked up a ton of hours. So I have just been working on random stuff between sessions (edits, 6max, etc.), but enjoying being busy. This is a really stressful time…but I’m trying to remind myself to enjoy the stress and have fun with it. Random note, I watched a documentary on stress a few weeks ago and the way that we release adrenaline when stressed. We, as humans, apparently release a similar amount of adrenaline when stressing over dumb shit that an animal releases when it’s life is being threatened. It makes me feel ridiculous that I hurt myself so much with stress (both physical and psychological), that I am trying to start using stress as a more positive thing. We’ll see how that goes…
.

.
Everything else is going really well. My green slip for my car finally got released, so I officially own it. I will go get my custom plates next week, and will show a pic once they actually come in. I have been hitting the gym every other day and feel in really good shape. Diet-wise, not great, lol. I have been eating a ton of pizza bagels (home-made, not those terrible microwavable ones), and I’m guessing those aren’t the healthiest things. I am looking forward to hiring a fulltime chef…that will probably be my first “baller” purchase, whenever I make it. Nothing will be better than eating healthier.
.
Past that, everything is fine. I need to be up insanely early tomorrow (fucking 8:30a), so I should probably get to sleep. Here is an awesome video about the quantitative easing that made me laugh non stop (and it’s pretty educational for those interested in American economics). Enjoy, and hope all is well!
.

.
*SS*

Odd side note, I have been using the term “holy hell” way too often, lol. Things have been moving quickly for some odd reason. Must be the end of year wrap up, but I feel so rushed right now (pun only slightly intended). For those interested in book news, here is a blog post from DailyVariance about it (and with my TOC!). I spent a lot of this weekend doing little tweaks and such, and things seem to be coming along nicely =)
.

Past that, I did two videos over the last few days. I did my 3bet Pots Postflop video, which is a premium video covering 3bet pots when we go postflop (a great video to pick up with 3baller imo). Then this morning I made a quick video on RPM (the site I am a pro on)…which is only 14 minutes but full of gems imo. I just played one table, and only played 2 orbits, but talked a lot about handling passive games and had some fun spots come up.
.
Past that, things are flying. Thanksgiving is coming up and I am looking forward to going out to Palm Springs to enjoy turkey with my grandparents. It will actually be fun to do it in my new car, rather than my Jeep like last year, which was nerving driving through the desert. Not sure how long I am going to chill out there, but it should be fun none the less.
.
Oh, I almost forgot, I also wrote a new COTW “Getting Diamonds From Charcoal” a few minutes ago. It is all about getting the most from every bit of information we get. This isn’t the most beginner concept ever, but it is very helpful for those looking to add a little to their WR and are looking to find new spots to improve in. Hopefully you enjoy!
.

And with that said, I am going to go pass out and wake up for a busy work day. Lots of grinding and coaching left in the week, so I want to get a good jump on it. Hope all is well!
.
*SS*

.
(Click the above to watch a trailer of the video)
(you need up-to-date Quicktime)
.

This 50 minute video goes over the dreaded spot…when our 3bet gets called. We start simply by classifying our hand strength, then review line creation with each strength. We then look at our opponent’s tendencies and mistake-propensities to make optimal lines. While we do review various default lines, we heavily stress using information and how seemingly small pieces of info can help us shape future lines and plays. This video is a must for anyone who feels lost when they 3bet and/or is interested in implementing more 3bets into their game. Here is a quick table of contents for the video:

Hand classifications
CBing bluff hands (when to, and when not to)
Range contortion versus board texture
Value versus showdown value (SDV)
Default lines with AA/KK
Mixup lines with AA/KK
SDV and how to think about it
Goals with SDV hands
Various examples from various positions
Playing slight underpairs (QQ on Axx)
Semi-bluffing considerations
Using FE to create lines
How to think about SPR
Review

The introductory price for this video is $34.99. Payment options include Full Tilt transfer, Poker Stars transfer, or PayPal.

.

If you are interested in buying this in combo with the 3baller video, I would be happy to give a discount =)
.
*SS*

I am right back into the grind work. 3 students yesterday, 3 today, 3 tomorrow, etc. Plus trying to prep 2 vids (one free one and one premium one)…and gym, and relaxing, and playing, etc…its grind mode. I want to finish the year off really strong. This year totally escaped me, and even though it was my best year (from a financial POV), I feel like it went way too quickly. Hopefully next year goes a bit slower, lol.
.
The weather is also getting sick cold. The Vegas natives have taken the winter jackets out, and are preparing for the 50* winter. It sucks because I want to go out and play disc golf…but the wind is high and I hate cold weather. O well. It’s just so odd in the Vegas winters because the sun is shining everyday…it’s just shockingly cold everytime you step outside, lol
.

.
Past that, I met up with Illini43 last night and grabbed a quick dinner. It’s so funny how most every poker player our age is the same. ADD/ADHD, super motivated but kind of floaty, schedule-issues, etc. We mostly just talked general poker stuff, and giggled about how the regs are terrible at most everything. Silly poker =)
.
And with all of that said, I am going to go prep hands for the next video. I am doing a video on playing postflop in 3bet pots…because people seem to get so lost and confused in them and ruin their WRs entirely. Hope all is well!
.
*SS*

Ok….I have been reeeeeeeeally good about not spewing off about running bad for the last 6months or so. I have tried really hard to be good at it. But this hand is just too perfect:
.
Poker Stars $0.50/$1 No Limit Hold’em – 9 players – View hand 1014227

BB: $20.50
UTG: $26.20
UTG+1: $78.20
UTG+2: $48.35
MP1: $21.95
Hero (MP2): $20.00
CO: $34.00
BTN: $30.65
SB: $23.70

.
Pre Flop: ($1.50) Hero is MP2 with A Q
1 fold, UTG+1 calls $1, UTG+2 raises to $2, 1 fold, Hero raises to $12, 5 folds, UTG+2 calls $10

.
Flop: ($26.50) J 3 3 (2 players)
UTG+2 bets $8, Hero calls $8 all in

Turn: ($42.50) J (2 players – 1 is all in)

River: ($42.50) 8 (2 players – 1 is all in)

.
Final Pot: $42.50
UTG+2 shows J A (a full house, Jacks full of Threes)
Hero shows A Q (two pair, Jacks and Threes)
UTG+2 wins $40.45
(Rake: $2.05)

.
The size of the pot has nothing to do with it, ldo. But villain puts in a large amount of relative stack with 3 outs, hits, I pick up 12 outs, and brick. Not even just brick, but I’m not even given a fair sweat. lol poker. Ok…that is my bitching. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
.
*SS*

Today has been a busy ass day. I did the wall (3 students back-to-back-to-back), and have been trying to keep up on the WSOP FT feed as much as possible. I’m going to go watch the rest with my friends in a lil while, but wanted to get a blog post written before I did that. The last few days have been alright. I have just been coaching and finishing up book work non stop, all the while trying to get sessions in and junk. I got all of the book images done (about 90 or so) in about 8hrs, which took much longer than I anticipated it taking. Most of them are just things like screen shots of flopzilla or pokerstove, but I did make some custom ones as well.
.

.
I also bought out of my volume prop bet, as I got way behind due to student load picking up and also book things. I am still going to try and make it, but I stand just about no chance and figured buying out for a cheaper meal was a good idea. Yes, I’m an EV nerd. However, I have been putting in some more volume over on PS, and trying to fit in some late night 6max sessions before I get tired and/or hit the gym. I have been averaging a lift every 2 days, which has been lovely. I am starting to feel in good shape for the first time in a long while.
.
I am feeling really hungry this week though. I have about 9hrs of coaching scheduled, and want to get a lot done around that. I want to try and do another video (on playing 3bet pots, as I’m finding most people struggle balls there), lots of playing in, and hopefully start jumping up in 6max. I am going to be super aggro and keep building up 3BIs for the higher level so I can keep shotting quickly. I see no reason that I shouldn’t be aggro, and don’t want to fall in the normal trap that most do of grinding out the same level forever. It’s just not worth my time imo to keep doing that. I also need to start prepping the protege program for 2011. Hopefully more details will follow shortly =)
.
And on that note…I’m off to sweat the FT. Hope all is well!
.
*SS*

This week got started with a bang. I had 4 students yesterday, and after the first one was having some connection issues. I had some issues last week so i bought a new router, and that seemed to fix most of the problems. But my Viao had been having some problems (HEM was glitching, it had bluescreened randomly, etc.), so I just said fuck it all and bought a new laptop. This is my second laptop bought in the last 6months, and 4th laptop that I own…making me ridiculous, lol. Hopefully this one works well and for more than 2yrs…although I’m learning that laptops seem to have that expiration date on them the way that I use them.
.

.
Today I got my students and poker done then went down to the strip to pick up my uncle B and do dinner. It was nice to catch up with him, even though we had just seen eachother for Labor Day. Had a nice meal over at Monte Carlo and then I bounced out. I might see him this weekend as well…but we shall see. This week is going to be super long. I need to make about 100 images for my book (flopzilla/pokerstove screen shots, pie charts, etc.) which will be time consuming as all hell. Hopefully I can just get that all done in one Adderall boost and call it done =)
.
Past that, life has been peachy. Here is my random list for the post:
.

- Flagels have become my new favorite thing (flat bagels)

- My router came with the name “Peach Horse” as the default network name. I almost kept it for the total LOLs

- I got a new xbox account and have officially retired the “The7thEmpire” account

- Trying to reset up your pokersite/software/etc. settings is a massive PITA

- 6max is going well and I’m getting stronger with it. Still missing some VBs, but it’s adjusting

- I have a new hatred for people who drive on their brakes.

.
And on that note, here is a playlist I made for those looking for music to grind to. I will be listening to this on repeat while working the next few days. Hope all is well!

*SS*