What A Year (Part 3)

I was feeling kind of lost after ending my work contract. So back to the grind. In September I played at USOP Hanoi but it was a rough series for me. The highlight was winning two main event tickets from the same satellite, and on the same day finishing 3rd in the PLO event. Then at the end of the month I played at Poker Dream Hoian cashing twice on the same day but still had a losing trip. Two back to back losing series was tough on me. I often remind myself of where I came from, so not to lose my values and appreciation of money and my lifestyle. I like to put things into perspective so that I am grounded and don't get ahead of myself. Over these two series, I lost a combined 15 months of my last local salary. Of course I have come very far from my last local salary, but to think that this money was my 1-year+ income not so long ago was really humbling. Determined not to let this happen again, I refocused my time to more cash games as the next series was about 7 weeks away.

I like narrow paths (Hoian)

Hanoi

I was very fortunate to be accepted into some really good cash games. The results did not come immediately but I put effort into improving myself, adjusting to the games and players, did mental exercises, solver work etc. In October I lost 3/3 sessions as I was still uncomfortable with the stakes, game and player dynamics. But after some studying, adjustments, and thanks to help from good friends, in November I lost 4/11 sessions, and in December I lost 1/9 sessions. Soon enough I not only won back what I lost, I had a bigger profit from cash games within 2 months than I had from tournaments the whole year. Some of you might know my story, that on one off night, I ventured to new game and was arrested. Although it was terrible when we were locked up, looking back it wasn't that bad. Good to be humbled once in a while and to appreciate the little things in life that sometimes we might take for granted. 

Worst bracelet EVER

In between cash games I had time to play briefly at USOP Danang again with 2 ITMs but a losing trip, and a last minute dash to APT Hanoi basically breaking even after one ICM chop but a great trip for me psychologically. I felt that I played really well in that series and it lit a fire in me to continue to pursue tournament poker when I can. Previously I felt a bit dejected and even thought tournaments were a waste of time. But I think I have found my mojo again. I am probably not going to chase tournaments as often, but when I get the opportunity I am going to give it a good go. 

Cool villa in at Furama Danang

Seeing President Joe Biden pass in front of me in Hanoi

Under the guise of transiting, I had the chance to travel to Bangkok 3 times. We really love the food there and it's better to stop over in Bangkok rather than boring transits through airports. Although at the end I did not achieve my goal of traveling to a different country every month, but in 2023, I have traveled to 3 continents, 16 different countries, 24 cities. 

Where Bangkok milk tea is from

This year I have managed 18 cashes, including 5 final tables, cashing roughly $85k. I missed my goal of $150k but considering my previous best was $58k back when I was grinding full time, I think it's been a good year. I aimed to win at least 2 trophies but I came close finishing 3rd four times and 4th once. 

I have managed to stick to my 4th resolution which was to have a degen-free year until just this month. I did play a few flips with the VIP after winning cause I felt it was necessary to keep him happy, and on a big losing night to blow off some steam. PS: I lost all my flips totalling roughly $4500. Although tempted at times, I did not make a sports bet, casino bet or anything. Focused purely on playing good profitable poker. Despite some ups and downs this year, I continue to feel happy and thankful. I have come a long way from crying outside Taipei's poker arena questioning my career choice to now thriving in my element. We are so blessed and we hope to continue to bless others around us. My last resolution was to give my time for those within my reach and maybe I could have done better, but I have made it a conscious decision to reach out and care for some people around me. To be a good role model and friend. And I am so touched that others have reciprocated and shown me their love and care when I needed it too. 

Helping a random taxi that was stuck on the curb

2023 has been unforgetable to say the least but I feel there's so much more to come. Thank you for following me on my journey this far. I hope I can be your inspiration not just to be a poker player, but also to be a good human being as well. God bless.