I just had 2 winning sessions in a row, but I still feel like I am playing my C+ game. Between breaking even for 150k hands and smoking way too much weed I really felt down on poker. I went through 25 sessions where I didn't have a single day above +$1k, which is ridiculous for someone playing midstakes. I ran way below EV obviously but I also played rather badly in the last few months. I think that's what frustrates me the most. Running bad is whatever, it will turn around, but when I make bad plays it annoys me a lot because I know I know better.

I moved down in stakes and table selected a lot more than usual, trying to get some sort of winning period going, but to no avail. It's kinda hard to put into words how destructive it can be to just lose every big pot/brick everything for months, but eventually I let go of the frustration and stopped hitting my head on the wall trying to force winning. But it's still an uphill climb back to playing my A game. There's no doubt I will get back there now that my focus is better.

These days it's hard to just get by on your C game. Mental edges are where the real money can be made today. Players who can play their A game day in and day out and can maintain a high level of confidence throughout tough periods are probably the most successful ones, whereas 2 years ago, skill was enough to get by and crush the games.

In an attempt to slow things down and focus on my work ethic, I started to play full ring, which plays extremely different than HU in many ways (orly). At first, I'll be honest, I thought it would be easy money. I was wrong. I think FR players don't get nearly enough credit for their amount of skill and mostly dedication to the game. I underestimated them and I was quick to realize I had to adjust my strategy completely. Yes, they play very tight for the most part, but within much smaller ranges they have been able to navigate the games with patience, focus and an ability to exploit subtle leaks and nuances in player ranges. More credit to them!