How to become a better poker player
How I did it: When I set myself this goal, I think (it was a while ago) I was winning, but only just. Over a couple of years I worked at various games and formats, gradually discovering what I was best at. I started winning tournaments, with a return on my stake money of about 100% (but the stakes were fairly low, so not as impressive as it may look) and holding my own at the cash games. That latter one got me into a Full Tilt Iron Man freeroll one month, which I won for about $800, also qualifying me for a four-way knockout for $5K, which I also won, giving me the shot at three pros for $5K a time. I only won one of those matches. Then I gave up smoking (ironically not a goal I'd thought to set) and my game fell apart, only now slowly getting rebuilt. But three family holidays, a couple of new computers and sundry other items have been paid from my winnings. Which is nice.
Lessons & tips: Play at the level you are most profitable at. Understand bankroll management. Remember that the long run may be longer than you can imagine. Know when to stop and go to sleep.
Resources: The pokertracker series of software was a tremendous help, mostly in understanding my own defects.
