2023 Year End Results, poker vlog 186

[@bryanwoodcock3011]

Thanks for the transparency. You motivated me to calculate my 2023 hours and total return. About $38 an hour, playing mostly 1/2 with a $300 max buy in. A couple of forays into 2/3, including 1 for a $1k loss. I’m also planning to play more hours in 2024 and get the hourly rate up. Happy New Year. Zeus is a lucky dog.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Good stuff! $38/hr is solid. Keep playing solid and that rate will continue to rise. Best of luck in 2024.

[@joeyp3094]

Happy New Year Doug. Another fun year in the books. Because you are a lower stakes player (like many of us), it would be cool to see you do a Vegas week. Play a few hours each day at a different property and give us your feel for them. I'd even expand it a bit to some off the felt for dining options and atmosphere. A 3 or 4 day trip like that would be great content, best of luck in '24!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Good idea, may have to do that.

[@valentinomoreno848]

5:49 I love the way the queen came

[@Hikingguy359]

Suggestions for new goals in 2024: 1. Add Zeus’ commentary in every video. It’s fun and separates you from other vloggers which will increase your subs; 2. Play other 1/3 or 2/5 games at other casinos in CA (eg Thunder Valley, Graton, Lucky Chances, M8trix, and Vegas casinos etc.). Give reviews pros/cons. Keep up the great job! Love your content and consistency with Sunday posts.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Not a bad idea, the other local casinos are not vlogger friendly.

[@user-ou1ih8kk3i]

More zeus all the time indeed 😂 I am presently in cuenca, ecuador. Yesterday, i thought of your pup as i passed by a restaurant named Zeus.

[@markikn3183]

Happy New Year Doug, thanks for all the great videos and content. Thoroughly enjoy your vlog, sir. Big hug for Zeus.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year! Thanks for the praise.

[@vincentbaca790]

Enjoyed all your insights watching your blog all of 2023, Mr. McCusker...have a successful 2024!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Same to you Vincent, Happy New Year.

[@seanwaltrip5235]

Enjoy your vlog Doug. Happy New year to you and the family!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thanks, you too!

[@raylewis6117]

Enjoy your blessings, happy winter solstice.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thank you! You too!

[@jeffevans7449]

Your content is always spot on and educational. Hope to catch up with you sometime at Talking Stick in the future. Having Zeus around as your personal poker coach keeps the whole thing real. Here’s to an amazing 2024, Cheers!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thanks for your support. 2024 will be a great year!

[@nickferrazano9531]

New to your channel. I have watched a ton of your content. Im going through some tough family issues right now and wanted to thank you for your content. I spend hours during sleepless nights watching your poker videos. Your a great player to watch and found a wonderful women who allowed you to gamble for a living. Our stories started very similar. I didnt have my first real “job” till 28 and made my living off poker and sports betting. It was alot of stress and alot of fun. It just didnt give me enough money to live the life I desired and thats where that story ended. Anyways, thanks again and keep up the vlogging, I look forward to seeing your new videos.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Welcome to the channel and thanks for sharing some of your story. Hope the future improves and you can catch up on your sleep. Until then I will be making some more vlogs to keep you distracted. 😀

[@CoolHandC]

I love your Sunday morning Vlogs! Great Vlog once again! Merry New Year to you, Zeus, and your family!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thank you, Happy 2024 to you and yours.

[@lisas.8113]

Like u said, a win is a win, u did good, happy New Year 😁

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year!!

[@user-ou1ih8kk3i]

Happy new year, Doug. May 2024 bring you much more success. One suggestion; the next time you go to the lodge majal, sell 3/4 of your action. I am certain that your subscribers would support you.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy New Year 😀

[@petergardner4266]

Happy New Year, come back to Southern Ca. for a mug.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Will see what I can do. Happy New Year

[@jvjoe4376]

Happy New Year to you and yours, Doug! Watching Zeus tear into his gifts, always brings joy to my heart. Tips on how you can improve your game. Tough question. Not sure how you prepare for a poker game, but for the Texas game. Binge watch those poker streams to get more of a feel. It was a tough, because you had to travel and it was not a familiar poker room or regular villains, that you were playing against. As well the pressure of filming and for the stream, that was supposed to be live. Still good content either way and a learning experience. Back home at your usual poker room. Maybe, stronger coffee or a Red bull, before playing. Mediation and or a good workout at the gym. Your posts are, always something to look forward to. Keep'em coming and thanks. Peace..!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I was at a distinct disadvantage, all my opponents were new faces and they were all familiar with each other.

[@ericlewis6843]

Enjoy the thought process talk. Have a good year.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thanks Eric, you too

[@eugeneahmad5459]

Wow.... thx for sharing. You just gave me a big boost! I kept trying to compare my stats to something..... n yours were a great reference. Happy new year!!!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Glad it was helpful! Happy 2024!

[@beachfraser3747]

Ive watched a few Texas vlogs from Polk and Neeme, they own a card house there, its very swingy poker there, there all massive gamblers and almost impossible to play solid against, you have to play tight there , let them gamble, but , as we know, anyone can get coolered , Texas is dangerous, you can lose $10k or win $50k, but yourea very solid player, Happy new Year Doug , best wishes from the UK

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thanks Fraser, all the added nit games and such makes you open up your game. Makes the wild players more at home. My solid style is better off in my local casino. Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@davidyoung3901]

Happy New year 🎉Doug and all your family

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Same to you!

[@politicscommentator]

Happy New Year Doug! I would say continue working on your current goals. Best of luck!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year!

[@UURevival]

Thanks for everything and Happy New Year! I hope you can make it to Talking Stick once they finish the new poker room. My goal is to record an album. I took up voice and guitar during the pandemic. I just played an open mic back in August was the first time I ever played.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Wow, I don’t have those skills, jealous. All I can do is play a little poker here and there. I will try to make it out to talking stick.

[@mikebailey9998]

Happy New Years, Doug! Woof Zeus.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year!

[@fswatyahoocom]

the winning is good as a side job and had fun!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I have other sources of income :-)

[@wagnerdmr]

Thanks for the content and the consistent posting schedule. I play once a week in a 1/3 game that plays large like yours so I personally love your vlogs. I think your hourly is very impressive and your play and strategy is something I really relate to. Please keep up the good work - it’s entertaining, educational, and relatable. Happy new year !!!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Glad you enjoy it! 2024 should be a great year!

[@joshmorrow9872]

Texas poker is LAG so much different than the $1/$3 California games you're used to. Texas is full of over aggressive inexperienced players. I'll be traveling to the lodge million dollar tournaments this year. Hope to see you at thunder valley during wsop

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Texas does play more LAGGY, the game was way out of my bankroll and comfort zone, made too many mistakes that day. Overall, I think I can hang just fine in their normal 1/3 and 2/5 games.

[@smokinjoe4709]

Happy New Year Doug!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year!

[@bobbyg99]

Happy New Year Doug. I enjoy your vlogs.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thanks for your support and Happy New Year.

[@user-do8to3ty1n]

Great video's thanks for keeping it real with your wins and losses

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

No problem 👍

[@NAHORDOG_POKER]

HAPPY NEW YEAR DOUG , and good luck for your upcoming sessions!!! CHEERS!!!🍻

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year!

[@michaelmclaughlin1958]

If you want to play at higher stakes, maybe try the 2/5 game at Capital? The Texas game was an order on magnitude higher and too much too soon. Best of luck in 2024. I’m trying to figure out my schedule. Enjoyed playing at Capital and hope to again this year.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

The 2-5 runs mostly in the evening, I try not to have late nights. Happy New Year Mike.

[@CatherineReardon]

Great to see another stream of yours! One day we’ll be at the same table lol!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Can't wait!

[@user-do8to3ty1n]

Great videos thanks🎉 for keeping it real with your wins and losses

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Always! gotta keep it real!

[@robs4530]

happy new years good luck this year

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thank you, you too.

[@abubakrmostafai101]

except the 10 k you had very Successful year . Happy new year to you

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy New Year

[@kellybang9646]

Happy new year!! Thanks for being real and showing us the real numbers and being very transparent!! We can all relate and I’m also a recreational low cash player and your videos definitely helps to improve my game and be aggressive when needed.. it was a bummer to see the downswing at Texas, but I’m glad you were able to move on and turn it around. My goals for 2024.. is definitely manage my bankroll, and not play every hand and not to play against an opponent when they’re heating up… Thank you again for your vlogs!! Wishing you a great new year of luck at the tables and pls say hi to your dog!! Peace ✌️

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thank you so much for supporting the channel. I do keep it real and show the ups and downs of poker life. Happy New Year and hoping 2024 is good to you.

[@Justin-ig8cd]

I think it is perfectly fine to carry over some of your goals from year to year. I hope your Texas games (and these comments/engagement) generate more viewers for your channel.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

most of my goals will carry over, there will be some slight changes

[@briandfre]

Happy New Year!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Same to you!

[@ianshirreffs5604]

Nice win for a short session. Have a great New Year Day. Since you wrote down your goals, I'd take out "kidding" from your "be luckier than my opposition." I hope you smash 2024 Doug!!!

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year!

[@jrcorsey]

Happy New Year 🎉 Maybe shot taking should not be scheduled so close to the year end review 😅 I'm not surprised you failed to add 25% more hours while simultaneously increasing KZbin commitment. I'd suggest focusing on win rate, not volume, especially since volume typically lowers rate. A step up in stakes would almost automatically boost your rate, and also challenge your game with better players. Maybe trade one 1-3 session per week for 2-5? I'd like to see you expand your comfort zone. The first hand today, with AQ, was a classic shove or fold spot on the turn. If you think he's got a pair, you're drawing too thin to call. If you think he's got a draw, you want all the money in. If you call because you're unsure, you're paying his made hands and losing value to his missed draws. The perseverating call is a huge leak, make up your mind while your chips are still in your stack. I look forward to spending Sundays with Doug through 2024 and beyond! Please love up that dog for me.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thanks for your support John, win rate is always a key in performance. I do want to play bigger, but I need to find the right game. Game selection is very important as I found out in Texas.

[@davidjeffcoat4306]

Happy New Year

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year

[@Ggoodlad1]

I like your betting size to opponents remaining stack size. Nice! Happy New Year to you, Doug, your family, and if course too Zeus (the wise one) too!😊🥳

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year! Zeus is excited about 2024!

[@MecheGT]

Nice, 12k is still 12k 😅.... last year I was down -28k so but this year I did so much better so 2024 should be green😊

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Glad I had a winning year and I do expect 2024 will be much better.

[@MecheGT]

@dougmccuskerpoker can't wait to see it

[@bartsupino813]

happy new year

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year

[@youhavethisnametoo]

i watch your channel because you are super transparent with the wins and the losses.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thanks for your support 😀

[@emailjosho]

Have you thought about vlogging a small tournament? Might be a fun goal. Where I live there are $100 or less tournaments all the time.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Every time I try to I bust out early. lol 😂

[@chitownshowtime5246]

I think a great goal for 2024 would be to double your subscribers or impact your views….I think if you do shorts with Zeus showing and analyzingpoker hands would crush it! Big fan of your channel very down to earth and relatable. Happy New Year 🎉

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Great idea, shorts do drive traffic and that’s great for subs. May have to Zeusify some shorts in 2024.

[@michaelhall8020]

For the new year I would like to see you show Zeus more in your videos. He could be more than a one-trick lassie. I would like to hear what the dog would say about other people's play besides yours. Remember it's not coming from your mouth it's coming from the dog's mouth just like a ventriloquist..

[@andrewbrownlie9276]

doug, love the videos! one goal i would have is to increase your 3 betting % (not sure how track able this is but just suggesting based on the videos i have seen), i find it to be useful at these stakes. best wishes

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

That’s a good one! More aggression is higher variance and higher ev.

[@mealatus]

Hope this message finds you well in 2024 Doug. Thanks for all the great videos in 2023. Now, regarding that AQo hand, I don't like your donk. I think it's better to let him bluff it.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Checking is probably the best line.

[@mrhumble2937]

1k a month is good for a hobby. Plus whatever change you make from YT.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

My KZbin revenue is change. I think I should make up the extra by winning more at the tables.

[@helenrachel1520]

Happy New Year to you and your family I am new to no limit my goal is to improve my play and win 😅

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

That’s a great goal, Happy New Year 😀

[@DennisVideoaddict]

Just Have fun

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Will do. 😀

[@arturnagy6994]

Happy New Year! You could start a big tournament next year.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Happy new year! Every time I try to vlog a tournament, I bust out early. 😩

[@Rob.777]

Doug I feel like you should go play some sessions up in Redding California at casino club! I feel like you would absolutely crush that player pool I played at Capitol casino and at casino the games at casino club are much softer! Also do you ever think about taking shots at PLO maybe once twice a month

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Haven't traveled to Redding for a very long time. When I was at Chico State, I took a few road trips there. PLO is not my best game, I can play it, I feel my edge is bigger in no limit Holdem.

[@davidgeorgecross815]

Enjoyable as always/ Happy New Year to you and yours! Congrats on the year results: awesome except for Texas of course. Goal suggestions: 1) Play and vlog the 2/5 game there (as Michael suggested). Great opportunity for growth and challenge. Maybe start with 1 session/ wk at 2/5 and go from there. 2) Increase your hours. For some reason I assume you're retired or semi-retired, if not then 500hr is great. But ~10hr/wk is not much for a serious player, try bumping it up to ~14hr/wk?

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I will try to add some 2-5 games and play a little more. People always forget about the 8 hours or so I spend making the vlog. Mariano only played 750 hours in 2023. It gets harder to grind as I get older. I only like to play when I have my A game.

[@Bazza22264]

Great vlogs Doug ...really enjoyed them from the uk ....shame that texas result dragged your stats down .....cant wait for vegas in may

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I took a shot and didn’t play my best in Texas. Hope 2024 is good for you, kick some butt in Vegas

[@MaydayAggro]

Results are great! Don't worry about the downturn at the end. Those things happen.

[@BenDover-kb2th]

That downturn happened because he played in a high stakes game where he was the worst player at the table.

[@MaydayAggro]

@@BenDover-kb2th First part is correct, but I don't believe he was the worst player at the table. There were some bad players there.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

It was a tough game and had no reads on the players going in. I didn’t play well, but such is life. 2024 should be better.

[@masonfehrenbacher6034]

Happy new year🎉 do you know where to find home games in Sacramento area I’m 19 and can’t play at any casinos

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

No, not a big fan of home games unless they are your friends. Lots of bad stuff can happen with strangers.

[@therealbinarymaster]

Shit it's already been another year... ugh

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Time flies when you are having fun!

[@kmsnow6292]

500 hrs a year equates to about 10 hrs/wk for poker. Aren’t you retired? If so that’s low, imo.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Add another 8 hrs for making a vlog each week too. Mariano played 750 hrs in 2023 and he is a young gun pro.

[@dacgours55]

Two years ago I made 17k. Last year down to 9600. You beat me both times. I’m gonna get cha lol. Good luck man keep grinding.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

side bet for dinner, low man pays

[@dacgours55]

@@dougmccuskerpoker lol you got it. I’m off to a pretty hot start 🤪

[@MaydayAggro]

AQo: Why are you betting this flop mw, especially so large? Is 66 folding? Is AT calling? I think both of you played this badly (if villain had a draw as he claimed). KTo: WP on the turn. I'm glad villain bet out of turn because x/r was a much better move than donk bet imo. KK: Why is your 3bet so large? You're IP and 3x would be 68. You made it 4x.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

AQ, some would fold small to mid pairs there. KT, I was happy he bet out of turn, makes my move look stronger. Loose games, I raise larger with squeezes and 3 bets. Some players hate to fold.

[@moayourlawn1126]

41 hours a month? Need more hours played imo

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I don't play long sessions anymore, my attention span has narrowed over the years. I do spend an additional 8 hrs a week creating the vlog.

[@fryoungtrad]

goal idea - x hours of off table study per week?

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I do study off the table, but haven’t vlogged about it. Good study goes a long ways!

[@zekebones34]

I get your 1/3 game plays bigger, but setting a goal of 25BB an hour is absurd. $75 an hour isn’t obtainable

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I know players that do better than that in these games. The games at night can play even bigger. 1/3 may be the name of the game, but it’s much bigger sometimes.

[@gailseagris7600]

What app r u using..thanks!🇨🇦

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I use poker bankroll tracker, I like it.

[@Frosty2211]

We need new opening music

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Zeus likes it and so do I

[@superweifeng2192]

you should stay in only one stake! More stakes will confuse you.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

you might have something there.

[@KenDavis-uo8kq]

Play Zeus-like

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

If it was that easy

[@KenDavis-uo8kq]

It’s never easy. Let’s do it anyway.

[@jamesseale1981]

maybe avoid Texas

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Maybe avoid the 5-10-25 games in Texas

[@enriquestewart5762]

I’m taking a big dump in Tennessee right now.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Good luck

[@stevelc1531]

I’m shocked you only played 500 hours for the year. Why don’t you play more? That’s only about 10 hours per week.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

In my youth I could play all day and play well. Now I can only play short sessions and still play my "A" game. I also spend an additional 8 hrs making the vlogs.

[@stevenmartin2070]

And all the grinders will think they can win too. Not a video for gamblers IRS watching this video ? Just asking.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I pay my taxes and report my poker income. I also sleep well at night knowing that my return is legit.

[@markjeffs1677]

show zeus in every vlog :)

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I will soon, he is the ⭐️

[@robo2007]

Don't go to Texas

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

I’ll be back, but I do plan on playing better and in my comfort zone.

[@gailseagris7600]

Just dont say vomit so much…lol🤭

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Lol

[@BenDover-kb2th]

You are dullusion if you thought you could maintain a $60 hr win rate in a 1-3 game.

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

The 1-3 plays bigger than most 1-3s. In fact, it plays bigger than some 2-5 games. $60 an hour is not a stretch for my local game.

[@rudenurse2561]

✌🏻👽 don't start w "shorts". Super annoying & wrecks the longer (proper) vlog... #morezeus

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@user-do8to3ty1n]

Great videos thanks for keeping it real with your wins and losses

[@dougmccuskerpoker]

Always