My September results for cash games were pretty atrocious, but is the culmination of a string of poor cash results throughout the year really
As I am trying to treat my poker like a business, as with any business facing losses in one particular area, I need to take some action to turn the results around and start moving towards making a profit
A quick bit of background. I started playing cash games in November 2009, inspired by the desire to attempt the Grading in January 2010 (http://sceaga.blogspot.com/2010/01/poker-black-belt-poker-grading-week.html) Despite the hiding I got at the cash tables in that process, I persevered with my cash playing and have improved (a little!), moved up a couple of levels and diversified into other games such as PLO & PLO8 and most recently 8 Game (albeit on Stars)
In the end, I don't want (and certainly can't afford) a £125 a month cash game habit, as I have over the last nine months... so what can I do to improve the situation ?
1. Stop playing cash games completely
This is certainly an easy option, but really feel playing cash has helped my general Poker game and it would be a shame to just throw away my time and money investment made so far.
2. Drop down levels
I'm currently playing $0.50 NLHE and PLO. Dropping down to the $0.20 or lower levels would certainly reduce the pain. I'm not entirely convinced playing these levels would help improve my Poker game generally, nor allow me to get into profit, but is certainly something to consider from a financial perspective
3. Play less cash games and use the time for increasing time spent on self-education
At the moment I aim to play cash games two or three sessions a week, for around 3 hours or more each session. I could reduce the number of sessions, number of hours or both and use the time to read articles, watch videos, review hands, general research, etc instead. The idea being that I would try and improve my game with education, whilst continuing to play in order to keep my hand in and hopefully see my results improve.
4. Vary the types of games in a session
I've often struggled with boredom playing cash games, finding myself zoning out/playing automatically at times. At the moment I am focusing on one game in a week, playing NLHE or PLO alternating every other week. One theory of mine is that if play perhaps 1 hour of NLHE, 1 hour of PLO and 1 hour of PLO8 each session, then maybe I would be able to focus more and get better results.
One potential problem with this approach is I also often drop a fair amount early doors then gradually claw some of it back, so only playing one hour will perhaps put undue pressure on me to perform and doesn't allow me to get to know my fellow competitors on my table.
A variation to counter this possibility would be to play one type of game each session, so NLHE first session, then PLO next session and PLO8 the third session in a week.
5, Move up a level
Sounds a bit bizarre but moving up a level would make each pot more significant monetary investment, so should incentives me to play better. Nothing like making something more meaningful to focus the mind! It isn't such an outlandish option, as my current bankroll level would easily allow me to play $1, according to accepted bankroll management constraints. I feel I would probably learn more at this level as most players will be better than me!
6. Specialise in one type of cash game
At the moment I regularly play NLHE 6-max and PLO 6-max, sometimes play PLO8 and occasionally dabble in Stud. This month I also started playing 8 game cash tables as well. Whilst I enjoy the variation in the games, maybe I would be able to become a better player by specialising in one only and really get my teeth into the theory and research. I am a little lax on my deep thought about hands, etc.. mainly restricted to reviewing my cash sessions briefly after each session so to task myself to become a "master" of one, rather than a jack-of-all-trades would perhaps give me a objective to go for, and enthuse me to put in the work of research/reading, etc.
Conclusions
There is lots to think about, but one thing I haven't mentioned is perhaps the most important. What is my long term objective. Well, I don't ever see myself turning Pro, but would certainly want to be making a consistent profit. It is important for me to continue enjoying my Poker, and not feel like its a job/chore. I also need to bear in mind my limited time availability.
So what option(s) best fit my requirements and suits my lifestyle ?
For me, I think I can quickly eliminate options 1,2 and probably 5 for the moment. I'm probably being obstinate/arrogant to discard option 2 so quickly, so hope I don't regret that :) I also enjoy playing a mix of games, so option 6 also doesn't appeal very much either.
This leaves me with options 3 & 4. To be honest, I should probably implement both options. I do skive a bit on my poker education, preferring to spend time playing instead.... Varying the game types will probably also help me to maintain enthusiasm and focus, so will work out a new schedule to incorporate this new regime.
You can all now look forward to reading about my new found success in my October update :)
Update: 2nd October 2011
After re-reading my thoughts, I realized I didn’t document a couple of other significant factors I should be considering.
7. Switch number of seats
I currently play 6-max cash only, having switched from Full Ring (10 seat) a while back. I could consider switching back to Full Ring, which tends to play tighter (more my style) or even think about switching to Heads Up!
8. Don’t multi table
I switched from 4 tables to 2, to try and help my game. Although I think I am making fewer mistakes now, they tend to be more expensive! Maybe switch to single table at a time or going back to 4 tables, in the hope I will be playing more straightforward/tighter
) so seems a good place to look into. 
