Andrew Murnane

by andrew
(dublin)

Andrew Murnane is our fourth Poker Disciple

When I first started playing poker, I was impatient and impulsive when it came to betting and I lost money month after month. I feel that I have reached the bottom of the barrel.

I have being playing poker for two years and my game has not progressed to the level that I want. I started surfing the Internet looking for lessons and found Fr.Ashley's website.

I am really delighted, because I believe with his help he can make me a much better and more profitable player. Thanks, Andrew...

Father Ashley's analysis

Welcome, Andrew. I want to commend you for your bravery and honesty. That was quite an introduction.

We feel your pain. All of us have felt like this at some stage of our poker 'careers'. I have lost count of the number of times I've seen a player make a stupid move on an Internet Holdem table and think to myself, "If only you knew about Poker Disciples."

Let's focus on what I believe to have been the problem up to now. Rest assured, Andrew, it's a very common ailment. I call it "The Money Drip."

Many players, especially those who are new to the game or who believe they should somehow prove themselves at a low level before moving higher, are unwilling to invest in a proper bankroll. Somehow they feel better if $500 is invested in a series of ten $50 deposits rather than one lump sum.

What does this do?

1) It limits your initial deposit bonus. Even if you cannot clear the entirety of a $500 bonus, it is smarter to have the option. The alternative isn't sensible. Once your $50 bonus is clear, you will be making deposit after deposit with no extra bonus.

2) It limits your confidence. Believe it or not, a bigger bankroll allows you some sense of satisfaction. You have earned that money -- how is not important, even selling burgers is as valid (and usually quicker!) than turning $50 into $500 at online poker -- and even if you face a run of losses, you are miles away from having to dip back into the credit card again.

Poker is a very psychological game. To beat poker and make a successful income from it, you need to learn how to beat YOURSELF. Our biggest enemy is negative thinking and any tool at your disposal that will make you think positively should be adopted.

We've established Andrew with a new poker account, a healthy bankroll and a laser-beam focus. He will no longer be playing $2 Sit and Go tournaments -- unless he feels like a change of scene, in which case he will do that on his old account.

His new account will be a cash game only account. He will sit down with $10 and the aim to make 50% profit per session. This should be quite achievable within a couple of months of mentoring as part of the Poker Disciples scheme.

My aim with Andrew is to build some confidence and turn him into a positive return of investment player by the end of February at the latest. His courage and willingness to adapt to a new game and way of thinking should pay dividends. Kudos.