With January now officially out of the way I thought it would be a good idea to review the month and note any progression and places where I feel I can improve. Reviewing your own play and being a critique is crucial to developing as a poker player, regardless of the stakes you have been playing.

During January I played a total of 220 tournaments, made it to the money in 31 of them (14.1% ITM) and achieved an ROI of 17.5%. Of those cashes I won two tournaments outright and reached 15 final tables which I am very pleased with. However,I was less than pleased about the 70 buy-in downswing I went on that tested me to my limits mentally, though how I actually came through the other side really pleased me and I cannot wait to start grinding more tournaments during February!

Playing tournament poker requires a mental toughness like no other. It is almost like the game is constantly punching you in the face over and over but then once in a while it stops the punching, cuddles you and bakes you a cake! The feeling of winning a tournament is superb and something that I will never grow tired off.

One of the things I need to improve is my aggression in the latter stages, especially against other big stacks. I think I have missed a few betting and all-in spots where I would have picked up the pot and possibly gone onto finish in the top three places instead of the early places of the final table.

Goals for this month are to play my best whenever I log on, play at least 300 tournaments and hopefully hit an ROI closer to 50% and I feel if I play like I have this month I will easily achieve those goals. See you at the final table!