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Meet Alan, Database Analyst and 6-max coach

Today we had some questions for Alan Jackson, our Database analyst and coach. Read his answers here, if you want to know more about him, how he donated some of his won money and especially how he focuses on reaching his set goals. 

 
How are you doing in general and at the poker tables?
 
Life is good. Each year I strive for the best in each part of my life: relationships, health, financial. I always fall short in one.
 
Usually, it’s working too much and failing in other parts of my life, This year there’s a decent chance I’ll hit my goals in all 3 areas. That’s a first for me.
 
If I don’t hit my goals this year a lot of what I’ve done this year will set me up to achieve my goals next year.
 
My poker volume is limited, even more so since joining BPC. Time is limited and it’s a struggle to put in volume with my other projects.
 
I have a decent win rate and play mostly 200 and 400NL but it’s a struggle to play more than once a week. I enjoy playing very much but I enjoy my other work even more.  Alan Jackson
When did you actually start playing poker?
 
About 20 years ago, playing live limit hold’em. I wasn’t good, just more of a gambler looking for a fix. I liked the idea that I had an edge and I could gamble and win.
 
I’m not sure if I was a winner or not in the early days but I really enjoyed the game and loved playing through the night even when I had to work in the morning.
 
Then, about 15 years ago, I started playing online. I was one tabling for hours every spare minute I had. I was very lucky and won two tournaments in the first year. One for 9K and another for 28K.
 
I donated some of that money to high limit sit-and-goes and limit hold’em and after giving back about 10K decided it was time to get serious. Finding 2p2 and my life changed. I switched to SHNL as it became more popular and I’ve played it since.
 
What do you like most about being a coach for BPC? And in general how is it for you to be coach? What do you like most about that?
 
By far, I most like working with the members, they’re hardworking and they listen. I’m really blown away by the dedication and skill level of some members. I also really enough working with large databases, it’s really opened my eyes to different situations and confirm things I’ve only suspected.
 
I’ve coached for close to 10 years. Coming from a business background I could see that, for me at least, it was best to have multiple income streams to keep my interest, reduce variance and ensure a long poker career.
 
Once I started coaching I found a lot of satisfaction in coaching and it has made me a much better player. It’s a great feeling helping someone make it to the mid stakes and know that you’ve changed their life. 
 
 
Where do you actually come from and where do you live right now and how is it to live there?
 
I grew up in the Midwest of the US. It’s been 6 years since I last visited.
 
I’ve lived a few places around the world but quickly found the nomadic life unsatisfying and settled in Chiang Mai where I’ve lived for the past 6 years.
 
In that time it’s become a huge digital nomad hub. First, it was poker players and more recently it’s been a wide range of on-line workers. You really can’t beat the quality of life and the cost of living combination. Despite being a huge tourist location it’s really not that interesting of a place. What I like is the culture and the pace of life. It fits my life perfectly. 
What are your plans for the future in general and in poker?
 
Permanent financial security is my primary mid-term goal. I like to pretend I’d retire at that point but I enjoy my work too much and there’s, of course, different levels of financial security.
 
I’m very driven to achieve that goal and don’t plan on slowing down until I achieve that goal.
 
We’ll see what happens but my plan is to reduce my working hours to 30 hours/week when I hit my goal (currently I work about 60-65 hours each week).
 
For poker specifically, longer term I plan on working on mixed games when I have more time. I think mixed games added to my NL game give the best chance at poker longevity and being able to make 6-figures annually.
 
I’ve made it nearly 15 years professionally, that’s much longer than most, but I don’t plan on starting another career and I always try to put myself in the most advantageous position by having as many as possible options.
 
 
How do you motivate yourself to put in the hours at the tables?
 
Set schedule and holding myself accountable for my time. Time is the most valuable resource I have.
 
Every day, week and month I challenge myself to get the most out of my working hours.
 
The biggest mistake a poker player can make is to only play when they feel like it. That alone can cut your volume in half. Without volume, you’ll never reach your full potential.
 
 
If there is only one thing you can give as advice to your students, which one would you give?
 
Make goals and commit to them. Cut out anything or anyone that prevents you from achieving your goals. 

 

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