I know the basics of NLHE. How to improve most effectively?

I have been playing HoldEm for real money for about 4-5 months now and I have the basics down. i.e. c-bet, basic MTT strategy, microstakes cash game play, etc. I have committed about $200 thus far and have (no surprise) lost it all. I am ready to make my next deposit on Jan 1 and would like to invest some money in game improvement. I would prefer to deposit $50, could do $100.

I have read Sklansky's Tournament Poker book but have had difficulty applying his writings to microstakes MTTs ($5.00 and under buy-in); he writes about Medium (more than $16) stakes and higher.

Should I invest in a HUD? Should I get coached? Read another book? If so, which one? Should I review hand history; if so, what should I look for?

At this point, poker is definitely something that I think could pay in the long run but I do have to take things slowly due to school and work commitments. Feel free to check my stats on Poker Table Ratings, etc. and comment accordingly.

I just looked up your mt sng and mtt on opr. it says you finish 8% in early stages, 29% in early to middle stages, 39% in the middle stages, 16% in middle to late stages, and 8% in late stages. Those stats tell me that you are probably going broke with one pair postflop more often than you should. My guess is you are willing to call a raise with aj in the early stages of a tournament, and willing to call normal size bets postflop with top pair medium kicker (q,j) without seeing your opponent bet with worse first. If you are, I suggest stop playing hands in the j10-kq range in the early and middle stages of a tournament. Early and early middle stages of tournaments are best suited for scouting opponents weaknesses. Most micro stakes players don't pay attention, be one of the exceptions.

i would say upload fifty when you are ready. that will make you properly rolled for 2nl. next thing you do is get a free trial on pt3. they give 60 day free trial it doesn't get much better than that in terms of really seeing how much it helps. then just play hands that is how you truly get better. just grind 2nl until you can beat it then move up. as far as what you are going to read just stick around here and you will pick up loads of information.

Top three things I would recommend:

1) Read alot more. Not just books, but online strat articles, and forum posts. Joining up here was a good move as well.

2) Learn to fold marginal, yet pretty hands in early positions. Hands like KJ, KQ, A rag, 10J and mid suited type hands may look good, but they are only going to get you into more trouble than they're worth.

3) Have patience. Learning the basics of NLHE is one thing, but this is a very long term game and you will have to accept the fact that is is going to take a looong time of constant practice before you are going to be proficient.

Good advice from everyone. I see so much potential here but as you said it does take lots of time. What really kills me, as dwolfg pointed out, are hitting top pair and then losing to a draw or better kicker.

Example: last night, played AJ offsuit in the $0.55 NL, Flop comes a jack and two clubs. Me and two others go all-in, villian 1 has JJ and villian 2 has two clubs

I am hoping that pt3 or hem can help me see where I stand now, and how I am improving as I learn intermediate strategy. Thanks again for the advice.

What position were you in? Early to early mid AJ is probably a fold. Did you call a raise from someone in earlier position? If so it was a bad call. The complete hand history of this hand would help folks here properly break this hand down and help to plug a possible leak. Thus start making you more money. A bet saved is a bet won!

I'm playing 2NL again and I remember why I don't like this level. It's harder to beat than 5NL. It depends on your style. I'm on the more aggressive side so people knowing when to back down is good for me. In 2NL, a lot of people don't really get aggression. I also prefer 6 Handed Tables, looser, faster games.

I have to play the table and leave tables that don't work for me. If a table has some more decent players it can be better for me to leave and find another table. There are always plenty of tables. If a table is tighter, I tighten up too and playing AJ anywhere but BTN or CO isn't good enough.

Wow, are you able to look up some stats of mine. Madsaac on Full Tilt. Thanks

There are many articles and forums available online that can help you with your game.

Invest in a HUD software it is worth it.

Because I've said it before:

Ring Game Hand Analysis: Required Reading
5 Rules for Beginners who want to Make Money Playing Poker
Public Service Announcement: Stop looking at your stats.

After you've skimmed all that, start posting here (http://www.cardschat.com/f50/) or here. (http://www.cardschat.com/f51/)

Go here: http://www.officialpokerrankings.com

You can look up any player on a number or different sites, as long as they didn't ask for their stats to be hidden.