Hi guys,

My name is Nick. I’m a doctoral student in history and philosophy of science and cognitive science at Indiana University Bloomington. I’ve been casually playing poker for years with brief stints of intense play and study in-between (typically over the summer months at my hometown casino in Arizona). Over the past few months, however, something clicked with my online play, and I’ve decided to re-focus my efforts on improving my poker game to the best of my ability. 

I currently play online approximately 15 hours/week, typically larger MTT’s ranging from $5-$20 on Bovada, mixing in smaller 3-4 table sng’s as well as some mid-stakes MTT’s ($30-$150). My recent final tables since August 1st have been 1st in a $10 7k guarantee ($2,175), 3rd in a $10 10k guarantee ($1,300), 5th in a $30 Mini-Main event ($2,375), and 9th in a $10 10k guarantee ($150). When I’m not playing, I’m reading books, listening to podcasts and watching training videos while running or on the bike, and convincing my wife that the tournaments I late-reg won’t go all night.

My long-term goal is to develop into a winning serious-amateur player who can compete in high-level online and live tournaments. To accomplish this, I’d like to find a coach who can help me develop a plan of study as well as with whom I can regularly work. I’ve received a few hours of coaching from an old friend who’s a Vegas cash-game pro. This experience has been helpful, however, I’ve realized that I would like to receive additional training from someone with a greater personal interest and focus on tournament play. 

If you or someone you know who can recommend is available for coaching, please let me know. You can PM or email me at nzautra@indiana.edu.

On a somewhat unrelated note, I’ll be taking a trip down to Louisville, KY to play a couple of WSOP circuit events at the Horseshoe Southern Indiana this upcoming weekend. If anyone will be in the area/plans to play this circuit or has any previous experience playing this stop, send me a note and perhaps we can chat/meet up.