Poker - SNGs

Poker. SNGs. A simple game, mathematically solvable and yet unpredictable. The swings can be so demoralising at times. I do envy other SNG players who are able to grind out consistent profits, eg: manilagrind and Jason (check out their blog for details)

I have been running bad for the last 2000 SNGs. And yet ironically, I feel that I am a better player than say, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months ago. Have fixed 2 major leaks in the past few months

1)The "major" leak-disconnections
This probably cost me 3-5% ROI for a long, long time. My 5 year old desktop has been shit! The fan has been noisy and affecting my concentration. The system hangs for about 30 secs periodically, about once every 8-10 tabling session. This has clearly cost me dearly.

After switching to playing with laptop, I have been astonished at the results, hwo many impt hands I might have missed pushing due to disconnection. Even it's only been about 500 SNGs since then...I FEEL the difference.

2)The "minor" leak - ITM call
Probably I have been calling/pushing too light with Ace-Rag where Rag<5. Tightening up helps.

Though it's sick, sick, sick that I have been gettign so many 3rd places lately. Probably due to my tight game in the early-mid stage, but I still think I am a winner at the $24 FTPs. Definitely beatable.

Anyway, I really need to improve on

1)Hand Reading skill of opponents: What do they push with? When to call with A-9 on the bubble?
2)Pushing: Pushing with Ace or King Rag is probably right with BB<5 but when do I push light?

My ICM is not perfect, room for improvement but I do think I'm on the right track.

Going to finish up at least 1K SNGs this month, down about $250 at the moment with RB $380. Was down $600+ish last month, but up $150 in RB. I'll attempt to at least breakeven or even get a small profit in. As it stands

After approx 920 games (mixture of $12s and $24s)
FTP SNG Madness: +$7.50
RB: +$380 (est)
Profit/loss: -$250
FTP Leaderboard: Currently 31st, either 2-3 buy-ins profit.

Hopefully the numbers won't look so bad after this midweek. On leave on Wed, so going to grind, grind, grind!

Got to keep reminding myself, after fixing "1)", it's only been about 500 SNGs. Still lots of variance to come and hopefully run good...

professor76poker