Two short but successful sessions since my last post.
Folded QQ in blinds pre flop to a 17/14 regular who 4bet me in position. Thought his range was AA-QQ and AK so nice fold I think....
Happy Christmas to all.
Monday 24 December 2007
Thursday 20 December 2007
Play resumes
Finally my PC is back up and running - how long it will last is another matter......
Not much to report on the poker front really. Probably won't play too much between now and new year either so December will be 'break even' on cash tables as predicted.
Will be doing a lot of thinking about my poker plans for 2008 during the break so watch this space!
Not much to report on the poker front really. Probably won't play too much between now and new year either so December will be 'break even' on cash tables as predicted.
Will be doing a lot of thinking about my poker plans for 2008 during the break so watch this space!
Monday 17 December 2007
MTT win brings back memories
Been away for work xmas bash but no graphics card to greet my arrival home. Is being delivered today alledgedly - yeah right.
Anyway, I started playing 2 tables of 200NL yesterday morning but made some shitty plays and stopped session short. Basically I wanted to play poker but also wanted to catch up with the football on TV, MTT's are perfect for this as I don't have to pay much attention in the first couple of hours so I registered for $33 buy in on Party which had over 100 entrants.
After the first hour or so I noticed that some guy had been complaining about my 'slow play' constantly in the chat box. Like I said I wasn't paying too much attention before and my clock run down a few times but nothing too bad I don't think. This player had very loose stats and was clearly losing his patience so I entered into a little banter with him and started running my clock down to annoy him. It worked a treat because he started slagging my tight/nitty style just a couple of levels before I needed to change up the gears. He highlighted the fact that I was folding so much to the entire table gave me far too much respect when I did start playing frequently and this helped me make the money with an average chip stack.
I used to play MTT's a lot and my tight style means I don't need a huge chip stack to win. With an average stack and 16 people left I felt I had a big edge on the field and was confident of going all the way. I did not once consider making a deal at the final table and it was all over pretty quickly. By the time I got to the last 3 I had over half the chips in play and they were playing for 2nd :-)
The win paid $942 which is not bad for 3 1/2 hours of watching TV!
Anyway, I started playing 2 tables of 200NL yesterday morning but made some shitty plays and stopped session short. Basically I wanted to play poker but also wanted to catch up with the football on TV, MTT's are perfect for this as I don't have to pay much attention in the first couple of hours so I registered for $33 buy in on Party which had over 100 entrants.
After the first hour or so I noticed that some guy had been complaining about my 'slow play' constantly in the chat box. Like I said I wasn't paying too much attention before and my clock run down a few times but nothing too bad I don't think. This player had very loose stats and was clearly losing his patience so I entered into a little banter with him and started running my clock down to annoy him. It worked a treat because he started slagging my tight/nitty style just a couple of levels before I needed to change up the gears. He highlighted the fact that I was folding so much to the entire table gave me far too much respect when I did start playing frequently and this helped me make the money with an average chip stack.
I used to play MTT's a lot and my tight style means I don't need a huge chip stack to win. With an average stack and 16 people left I felt I had a big edge on the field and was confident of going all the way. I did not once consider making a deal at the final table and it was all over pretty quickly. By the time I got to the last 3 I had over half the chips in play and they were playing for 2nd :-)
The win paid $942 which is not bad for 3 1/2 hours of watching TV!
Thursday 13 December 2007
2 tables +EV
Computer still out of action and running pretty crap so decided to play a two table 100NL session on my laptop.
I wanted to really concentrate on playing well more than anyhting else and found that playing less tables gave me so much more time to think about table dynamics, my image and way to beat these crazy people!
Unfortunately the cards were not too kind again but managed to book a $40 win and was really pleased.
This shows just how crap the last week has been!
I wanted to really concentrate on playing well more than anyhting else and found that playing less tables gave me so much more time to think about table dynamics, my image and way to beat these crazy people!
Unfortunately the cards were not too kind again but managed to book a $40 win and was really pleased.
This shows just how crap the last week has been!
Tuesday 11 December 2007
Play suspended
I haven't played since the weekend as I am waiting for a replacement graphics card for my PC.
I really don't like playing on my laptop so bought this power PC for the sole purpose of playing poker and datamining.
The phrase 'you get what you pay for' doesn't ring true when it comes to me and computers as it has to be fixed after less than 3 months :-(
I have decided my targets from next month will be based hours of play rather than number of hands. I have been thinking about playing 1 hour sessions and mixing up levels, site, no. of tables etc. I want winning at the tables to be my number one priority and need to be less concerned with rakeback or FPPS's which just encourage me to play too much.
I really don't like playing on my laptop so bought this power PC for the sole purpose of playing poker and datamining.
The phrase 'you get what you pay for' doesn't ring true when it comes to me and computers as it has to be fixed after less than 3 months :-(
I have decided my targets from next month will be based hours of play rather than number of hands. I have been thinking about playing 1 hour sessions and mixing up levels, site, no. of tables etc. I want winning at the tables to be my number one priority and need to be less concerned with rakeback or FPPS's which just encourage me to play too much.
Monday 10 December 2007
Mork work less play FFS
This weekend has been a roller coaster!
I started by playing my first ever 200NL session on friday night. I have noticed some of my fish list were playing 200NL and thought I would see if I could feed off them! Didn't quite work out but I felt comfortable and feel I can beat 200NL in the future.
Saturday I played very well but regulary got my money in in front on turn only to be sucked out on and then Sunday that form continued.
By the end of Sunday the outdraws got to me and I played badly for a few costly orbits before stopping.
Lessons to be learned:
1. Don't let short term variance effect your play; or
2. If that is not possible just don't play until you are over it
3. Always review previous days play before starting again
I started by playing my first ever 200NL session on friday night. I have noticed some of my fish list were playing 200NL and thought I would see if I could feed off them! Didn't quite work out but I felt comfortable and feel I can beat 200NL in the future.
Saturday I played very well but regulary got my money in in front on turn only to be sucked out on and then Sunday that form continued.
By the end of Sunday the outdraws got to me and I played badly for a few costly orbits before stopping.
Lessons to be learned:
1. Don't let short term variance effect your play; or
2. If that is not possible just don't play until you are over it
3. Always review previous days play before starting again
Friday 7 December 2007
BRAG - I CAN FOLD TPTK
Just read Verneers latest blog entry and thought back to this hand I had last night.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1780908
I had less than 30 hands on both so no reads but they had both been pretty loose so far.
Would people honestly fold this?
Or do they just say they would fold because they think that it is the correct play?
I agree with Verneer that most low limit players know the right play, but for most it is a case of easier said than done.
I am pleased that my focus on playing each hand on it's own merits has started to pay off.
Even if only for 1 hand ;-)
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1780908
I had less than 30 hands on both so no reads but they had both been pretty loose so far.
Would people honestly fold this?
Or do they just say they would fold because they think that it is the correct play?
I agree with Verneer that most low limit players know the right play, but for most it is a case of easier said than done.
I am pleased that my focus on playing each hand on it's own merits has started to pay off.
Even if only for 1 hand ;-)
Thursday 6 December 2007
Making Changes
I am back to 100NL after my brief drop down and have devised my starting hand requirements to play a 21/19 style.
Tested these on 2 tables last night and it went well. I actually felt like I was table captain for most of the session and was surprised how little people played back at me.
When I am thinking about making changes to my game I look at a certain aspect of my play and see if I can come up with a way of improving. If I am struggling I will ask for advice.
What makes me mad is that losing players seem to ask for advice and then totally ignore, or in some cases not even entertain, the advice they are lucky enough to get from winning players.
They bleat that they get outdrawn constantly and are victims of play so bad it becomes unbeatable. If that was the case surely everyone would strive to be really bad! In most cases they are just too stubborn or set in their ways to accept that the problem lies in their their own game.
They ask for advice but really they just want to be told to carry on because they are good (deluded) players and will win in the long run. If they don't like the advice they are given, they just decide that the advice is wrong and carry on as before.
My advice to these players is to keep at it and come and sit at my tables!
Tested these on 2 tables last night and it went well. I actually felt like I was table captain for most of the session and was surprised how little people played back at me.
When I am thinking about making changes to my game I look at a certain aspect of my play and see if I can come up with a way of improving. If I am struggling I will ask for advice.
What makes me mad is that losing players seem to ask for advice and then totally ignore, or in some cases not even entertain, the advice they are lucky enough to get from winning players.
They bleat that they get outdrawn constantly and are victims of play so bad it becomes unbeatable. If that was the case surely everyone would strive to be really bad! In most cases they are just too stubborn or set in their ways to accept that the problem lies in their their own game.
They ask for advice but really they just want to be told to carry on because they are good (deluded) players and will win in the long run. If they don't like the advice they are given, they just decide that the advice is wrong and carry on as before.
My advice to these players is to keep at it and come and sit at my tables!
Sunday 2 December 2007
Aaarrrrggghhhh - still paying off them damn fish
December has started OK and pre-flop game is getting back to where I want.
Am Running at 19.7/17.1 so far as opposed to 17.5/14.6 last month. The numbers look similar but is actually big change in my game.
This hand is disgusting. I continue to fail my target to "stop paying off fish":
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1759792
Villain is 40/6/1.29 fish. He weak leads and min re-raises flop. Shoves turn. I call with overpair.
I am ashamed to say I knew I was way behind on both flop and turn but still doubled him up.
We had a sweat session with Dice (top fella) last night and he was saying that these donk palys really add up over time and he is so right.
If I could rid myself of this weakness I am convinced my BB/100 would more than double.
Am Running at 19.7/17.1 so far as opposed to 17.5/14.6 last month. The numbers look similar but is actually big change in my game.
This hand is disgusting. I continue to fail my target to "stop paying off fish":
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1759792
Villain is 40/6/1.29 fish. He weak leads and min re-raises flop. Shoves turn. I call with overpair.
I am ashamed to say I knew I was way behind on both flop and turn but still doubled him up.
We had a sweat session with Dice (top fella) last night and he was saying that these donk palys really add up over time and he is so right.
If I could rid myself of this weakness I am convinced my BB/100 would more than double.
Friday 30 November 2007
December Targets
As I feel I am going backwards I am going to set some pretty straightforward and non profit making targets for December. I want to be able to hit the ground running for 2008 with a semi-LAG stlye and am therefore going to set targets to change my style rather than make money.
December Targets:
1. 5,000 Hands at 50NL with stats at a minimum of 21/19/3.5.
2. 15,000 Hands at 100NL with stats at a minumum of 21/19/3.5
3. Learn to trust stats/reads and fold if necessary. Carried over from November.
4. Continue to actively participate in coaching group.
5. Accept that I may have to 'break even' for a while whilst going through transition period in my game.
6. Research more advanced plays and compare with my current play. eg. How to play in 3bet pots, Cold Calling with the intention of floating etc.
December Targets:
1. 5,000 Hands at 50NL with stats at a minimum of 21/19/3.5.
2. 15,000 Hands at 100NL with stats at a minumum of 21/19/3.5
3. Learn to trust stats/reads and fold if necessary. Carried over from November.
4. Continue to actively participate in coaching group.
5. Accept that I may have to 'break even' for a while whilst going through transition period in my game.
6. Research more advanced plays and compare with my current play. eg. How to play in 3bet pots, Cold Calling with the intention of floating etc.
November Review
So with bonuses and rakeback my final total for November is $1,919.20 profit. Is an OK result money wise but I feel like my game has gone backwards a bit and my style is slipping but into nitty TAG. May as well be playing with my cards face up against some of the better players at 100NL.
Here's my review of targets set at beginning of month:
1. 25,000 Hands 100NL at 4+ PTBB/100
I played nearly 33,000 hands at 1.98 BB/100. Ok for my first month at new level but feel like I have failed. Been slipping back to TAG which is bad for me. Verdict - Failed.
2. Focus on Pot Control for EVERY session
I have been working hard on pot control and am much better at this now. Verdict - Pass.
3. Learn to trust stats/reads and fold if necessary!
I am getting worse not better here. I think this is biggest problem with TAG style. Hard to put down hands against fish when you have been patiently waiting for a hand to take their money. A true fish is always in front of your unimproved AA when they check/raise turn. Verdict - Failed miserably.
4. Start folding if unsure what to do in small pots.
Some good fols on flop with overpairs. Verict - Pass.
5. Review sessions and post hands on CR
Am getting better at reviewing my play. Am also breaking play down into sessions of around 500 hands and making sure I review big hands before playing again. Verdict - Ongoing.
6. Find a good coach
Coaching has started as part of a group with newly honoured CR Guest Pro Verneer. The whole group are currently trying to lay TAG foundations and hopefully we will be starting to open up soon. I am finding TAG a little too dull and feel I am not maximising my earning potential. What I really need is a one on one coach but do they even exist?
7. Work on Table Selection
Passed.
8. Re-read psychology of poker
Am halfway through and am referring to this book and the two NLHE books. This is ongoing study and I could read each book five times and still be able to learn more on sixth read!
Monday 26 November 2007
More work less play
I lost 8 buyins this weekend at 100NL. I played OK for the most part, had some minor coolers, maybe donked of a stack or two (not more than that) and think this is mostly variance of a short period.
A problem in my game when playing 18/16 style is getting frustrated when things are not going for me. It is difficult to lay down something like AK pre-flop, or KK when shortish stack shoves A high flop, when you haven't played a hand for ages over 4 tables. Playing every hand correctly regardless of being up or down in session is a target I will not be getting close to acheiving this month.
I have decided that plugging my TAG leaks is a must. I seem to be going backwards at the moment and need to imporove my grinder style before I can open up.
Loosening up is currently a disaster waiting to happen!
Play - Review - Improve - Play - Review - Improve - Play.........you get the idea.
A problem in my game when playing 18/16 style is getting frustrated when things are not going for me. It is difficult to lay down something like AK pre-flop, or KK when shortish stack shoves A high flop, when you haven't played a hand for ages over 4 tables. Playing every hand correctly regardless of being up or down in session is a target I will not be getting close to acheiving this month.
I have decided that plugging my TAG leaks is a must. I seem to be going backwards at the moment and need to imporove my grinder style before I can open up.
Loosening up is currently a disaster waiting to happen!
Play - Review - Improve - Play - Review - Improve - Play.........you get the idea.
Friday 23 November 2007
Hand Reviews
The coaching group forum is starting to take off and I am trying to respond to the hand history posts as often as I can.
I think it is better than the CR forums because I know that the rest of the guys in the group are at a similar level to me and we are all trying to help each other as well as improve our own game. I am starting to recognise peoples strengths and weaknesses and hopefully people will start picking up on the holes in my game.
I am also trying to watch all the videos being posted but don't have so much time now I am back at work.
Another thing I have found is that I put much more thought into others peoples hands as I don't want to give bad advice or come across as an idiot! I need to take this approach when reviewing my hands too - and I need to review my sessions more often.
I think it is better than the CR forums because I know that the rest of the guys in the group are at a similar level to me and we are all trying to help each other as well as improve our own game. I am starting to recognise peoples strengths and weaknesses and hopefully people will start picking up on the holes in my game.
I am also trying to watch all the videos being posted but don't have so much time now I am back at work.
Another thing I have found is that I put much more thought into others peoples hands as I don't want to give bad advice or come across as an idiot! I need to take this approach when reviewing my hands too - and I need to review my sessions more often.
Tuesday 20 November 2007
Planning Hands and Changing Plans!
So I am trying to plan my plays in advance but at the same time trying to re-evaluate each street. That is a little confusing but this hand today was a very good example of what I mean.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1722092
Pre Flop:
Original Raiser is playing 26/18/2.4 and has a pretty wide range. Caller is short stacked and a bit of a loose/passive calling station and I call with AJo. My plan is to play the station for his short stack if I hit an A or J.
Flop:
Jack hits and i'm in business. I check, original raiser cbets as expected and station calls as expected. I make my planned check/raise expecting original raiser to fold and station to call which effectivley puts him all in, but no.......the wrong villain calls and my plan has failed. Not quite sure what to put this guy on but sure am not happy with my TPTK out of position anymore.
Turn:
Straight draws have got there but I am still not sure what to put him on. In any case I am not prepared to play TPTK for stacks. I am trying hard not to make bad plays when my original plan has not worked out and have therefore given this one up. I check with the intention of folding to his bet. He checks and now I am totally confused.
River:
Another Jack. Now I am thinking I am in front!! Another change of plan. There is no way he not betting the turn with a set and therefore he hasn't filled a boat. His flop call suggests a draw or a set but his lack of turn bet suggests he missed a draw. If my read is correct then he has a busted flush draw and will fold if I lead out so I check. He bets pots which convinces me he has air (why bet so much?), I shove and he folds for 30BB more in a 265BB pot!!
I was very happy with myself here, spoke with Aaron from the coaching group and he agreed with the read. Going to post on forum and also send to Verneer to see if my line is OK or I just got lucky.......
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1722092
Pre Flop:
Original Raiser is playing 26/18/2.4 and has a pretty wide range. Caller is short stacked and a bit of a loose/passive calling station and I call with AJo. My plan is to play the station for his short stack if I hit an A or J.
Flop:
Jack hits and i'm in business. I check, original raiser cbets as expected and station calls as expected. I make my planned check/raise expecting original raiser to fold and station to call which effectivley puts him all in, but no.......the wrong villain calls and my plan has failed. Not quite sure what to put this guy on but sure am not happy with my TPTK out of position anymore.
Turn:
Straight draws have got there but I am still not sure what to put him on. In any case I am not prepared to play TPTK for stacks. I am trying hard not to make bad plays when my original plan has not worked out and have therefore given this one up. I check with the intention of folding to his bet. He checks and now I am totally confused.
River:
Another Jack. Now I am thinking I am in front!! Another change of plan. There is no way he not betting the turn with a set and therefore he hasn't filled a boat. His flop call suggests a draw or a set but his lack of turn bet suggests he missed a draw. If my read is correct then he has a busted flush draw and will fold if I lead out so I check. He bets pots which convinces me he has air (why bet so much?), I shove and he folds for 30BB more in a 265BB pot!!
I was very happy with myself here, spoke with Aaron from the coaching group and he agreed with the read. Going to post on forum and also send to Verneer to see if my line is OK or I just got lucky.......
Monday 19 November 2007
Moving up checklist
This has been lifted from Sirnebs Blog and original from a 2+2 poster. Is a really good list of what skills you need for each level. Based on this I am almost ready for 200NL but I want to take things a little more slowly.
"first off you should never view it as a quantum leap kinda thing. just take little shots when you feel comfortable, have the money and are good enough. here's a hand waving yardstick:
try 50NL when:-
you're confident in your preflop game
you understand position
you have a good idea of their hand by the river
you have an ok feel when to continuation bet
you have 500 or more
100NL when
you're confident playing draws
you can spot good semibluff opportunities
you can lay down AA/KK unimproved
you're attacking the blinds in easy steal situations
you have 1200+
200NL when:-
you're ok betting your stack on a draw
a PFR from you doesnt always mean AA-JJ and AQs+
you're starting to play one hand while holding another
you have more than one mode
you have 3000 or more
400NL when:
you can ID profitable preflop steals
you know how to pick between b3b and c/r- position factors heavily into your play
you're good at manipulating pot size
you have 6000+
1K NL when
your lines don't define your hand
you're good at playing and winning lots of small pots
your oop opponent must hold a strong hand to win a pot from you
you understand the real math of the game at least at a basal level
you have 20000+"
"first off you should never view it as a quantum leap kinda thing. just take little shots when you feel comfortable, have the money and are good enough. here's a hand waving yardstick:
try 50NL when:-
you're confident in your preflop game
you understand position
you have a good idea of their hand by the river
you have an ok feel when to continuation bet
you have 500 or more
100NL when
you're confident playing draws
you can spot good semibluff opportunities
you can lay down AA/KK unimproved
you're attacking the blinds in easy steal situations
you have 1200+
200NL when:-
you're ok betting your stack on a draw
a PFR from you doesnt always mean AA-JJ and AQs+
you're starting to play one hand while holding another
you have more than one mode
you have 3000 or more
400NL when:
you can ID profitable preflop steals
you know how to pick between b3b and c/r- position factors heavily into your play
you're good at manipulating pot size
you have 6000+
1K NL when
your lines don't define your hand
you're good at playing and winning lots of small pots
your oop opponent must hold a strong hand to win a pot from you
you understand the real math of the game at least at a basal level
you have 20000+"
Friday 16 November 2007
Cursed
I will not be posting "it's going/am playing well" posts ever again, nuff said!
Had 1st sweat session on Wednesday night, my mic wouldn't work but I knocked it over half way through and it burst into life. Shows that a good old fashioned thump still fixes modern technology!
The session went on much longer than I was expecting as we had an hours sweating the coach followed by two hours of discussion using poker tracker replayer. Was really intersting and it seems like they other guys are struggling with similar spots.
We also have a private forum now which is brilliant and better than CR as I know we are all players at a smilar level. Apart from the coach(es) of course!
More sessions planned for this weekend.
Had 1st sweat session on Wednesday night, my mic wouldn't work but I knocked it over half way through and it burst into life. Shows that a good old fashioned thump still fixes modern technology!
The session went on much longer than I was expecting as we had an hours sweating the coach followed by two hours of discussion using poker tracker replayer. Was really intersting and it seems like they other guys are struggling with similar spots.
We also have a private forum now which is brilliant and better than CR as I know we are all players at a smilar level. Apart from the coach(es) of course!
More sessions planned for this weekend.
Wednesday 14 November 2007
Shhhhhhhh
Am reluctant to say things are going well again due to superstition!
Am waiting for my first coaching group session to start which I am looking forward to. Hopefully I won't have any IT issues!
These 3 hands from today were all against the same guy:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1699077
This was the start of our battle.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1699070
Not sure about the passive line but I thought he was a little tilty and I wanted to hand him the rope.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1699091
And just when I think I am playing well I turn into a goddam calling station.
Only explanation for the pre flop call is I was desperate not to give him his money back. I stopped playing after this hand!
Am waiting for my first coaching group session to start which I am looking forward to. Hopefully I won't have any IT issues!
These 3 hands from today were all against the same guy:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1699077
This was the start of our battle.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1699070
Not sure about the passive line but I thought he was a little tilty and I wanted to hand him the rope.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1699091
And just when I think I am playing well I turn into a goddam calling station.
Only explanation for the pre flop call is I was desperate not to give him his money back. I stopped playing after this hand!
Tuesday 13 November 2007
A good day
Caught up with the coaching group videos today and am looking forward to my first session tomorrow night. I am starting to think about calling raises with the intention of floating and am interested in how Verneer is going to approach this with us.
Played a couple of thousand hands today too and ran pretty well for the most part. Mostly at 100NL plus some 25NL whilst making a video for Kenny.
Some intersting hands:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1695149
An example sticking to my pre-flop plan.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1695283
Bet the turn sir!
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1695307
So maybe my Ace high is no good...
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1695340
This is why Kenny should be beating 25NL!
Played a couple of thousand hands today too and ran pretty well for the most part. Mostly at 100NL plus some 25NL whilst making a video for Kenny.
Some intersting hands:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1695149
An example sticking to my pre-flop plan.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1695283
Bet the turn sir!
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1695307
So maybe my Ace high is no good...
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1695340
This is why Kenny should be beating 25NL!
Monday 12 November 2007
Downswing
I have been expecting a downswing and it has arrived. Droppes $250 today and downswing is now 7 buyins and counting.........
I played almost 1500 hands today playing 4-6 tables and felt I played pretty well but cards just weren't doing it for me.
Ironically a little bit of a tilty check/shove on turn brought an fold from villain who had been running me over. Maybe I do have fold equity in these spots? I think these hands, in no particular order, tell the story of the day:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1691904
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1691910http://www.pokerhand.org/?1691914
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1691919
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1691924
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1691934
For the coaching group I am wondering what is the best way for us all to post our hands? I considered hiding the results but I thought it may be better, for Verneer especially, if you could see the end result too. Anyone got any ideas for a blog template we can all use?
Also what type of hands are considered interesting and best for us to select for review from our sessions?
Friday 9 November 2007
Tough Session
Played 500 hands this morning and session started badly but recovered well to finish a little up.
These two hands pretty much sum up the session:
I am working hard on playing TPTK better but am I right to fold this? One for the CR forums.
WilddBill is 58/8/1.7 over 85 Hands.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1680945
And this will just make you laugh:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1680950
These two hands pretty much sum up the session:
I am working hard on playing TPTK better but am I right to fold this? One for the CR forums.
WilddBill is 58/8/1.7 over 85 Hands.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1680945
And this will just make you laugh:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1680950
Thursday 8 November 2007
Trusting your reads
So I am running pretty good since sundays mini disaster and am now running at 4PTBB/100 hands for the month so far over 7750 hands and 10PTBB/100 hands for last 5000 hands.
I am really trying to concentrate on pot control and stop myself from playing for stacks without good reason.
I am also starting to get a good feel for the PT stats and the hand ranges of my opponents. An example is this hand http://www.pokerhand.org/?1678783. I was seriously considering a fold on the turn here but was one of those moments where I find the all in slider up to the max anyway!
My stats were telling me he folds 77% of cbets on flop and 76% of turn bets. Alarm bells were ringing when he check raises turn (1st time he has done this too!) and I am disappointed I wasn't good enough to put it down.
TRUST YOUR PT STATS !!!!
I am really trying to concentrate on pot control and stop myself from playing for stacks without good reason.
I am also starting to get a good feel for the PT stats and the hand ranges of my opponents. An example is this hand http://www.pokerhand.org/?1678783. I was seriously considering a fold on the turn here but was one of those moments where I find the all in slider up to the max anyway!
My stats were telling me he folds 77% of cbets on flop and 76% of turn bets. Alarm bells were ringing when he check raises turn (1st time he has done this too!) and I am disappointed I wasn't good enough to put it down.
TRUST YOUR PT STATS !!!!
Overshoving
I have been reading about the value of overshoving big hands, especially on the river, when there are certain cards the opponent just wont fold.
An examples of this came up today:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1678728
Cardrunners membership has just paid for itself once again!
An examples of this came up today:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1678728
Cardrunners membership has just paid for itself once again!
Tuesday 6 November 2007
FOCUS ON TPTK
Didn't play yesterday as it was 2nd wedding anniversary and we went to see the firework display by the beach.
Have been thinking a lot about my bad session on sunday morning which is the last time I played. My conclusion is that TPTK is a major leak in my game and I really need to focus on this.
I knew it was a leak anyway but I really need to get the alarm bells rining in my head as soon as I am dealt AK-AJ and make sure I play the hand correctly according to my opponents range. From the CR forums it is clear that good players can easily fold TPTK. I really need to work on this and post more of these hands on cardrunners. In short I need to understand what ABC poker is for TPTK type hands.
Have been thinking a lot about my bad session on sunday morning which is the last time I played. My conclusion is that TPTK is a major leak in my game and I really need to focus on this.
I knew it was a leak anyway but I really need to get the alarm bells rining in my head as soon as I am dealt AK-AJ and make sure I play the hand correctly according to my opponents range. From the CR forums it is clear that good players can easily fold TPTK. I really need to work on this and post more of these hands on cardrunners. In short I need to understand what ABC poker is for TPTK type hands.
Monday 5 November 2007
Deep Stacks
We had friends over to stay this weekend so I haven't played a great deal so far this month.
I did however manage to drop 4 buyins yesterday morning in less than 200 hands. I was planning on playing a couple of hours before everyone else got up but I had to stop after 20 minutes as 4 buy-ins is my stop loss at the moment. Players were so aggro I could have done my bankroll in 2 hours the way things were going!!
My main hands are below and I am going to post on cardrunners for some comments.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1666437
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1666450
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1666435
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1666432
The river call for over 100BB with TPGK looks very bad but guy was total maniac and thought I was in front. I think I need to work on my play when I have built a 200BB stack as this is potentially a very expensive leak.
I did however manage to drop 4 buyins yesterday morning in less than 200 hands. I was planning on playing a couple of hours before everyone else got up but I had to stop after 20 minutes as 4 buy-ins is my stop loss at the moment. Players were so aggro I could have done my bankroll in 2 hours the way things were going!!
My main hands are below and I am going to post on cardrunners for some comments.
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1666437
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1666450
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1666435
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1666432
The river call for over 100BB with TPGK looks very bad but guy was total maniac and thought I was in front. I think I need to work on my play when I have built a 200BB stack as this is potentially a very expensive leak.
Wednesday 31 October 2007
November Targets
So November promises to be a crucial month for me.
I am going to be playing 100NL exclusively except for any videos I do for Kenny and hopefully I will be able to hold my own at the new level.
November Targets:
1. 25,000 Hands 100NL at 4+ PTBB/100
2. Focus on Pot Control for EVERY session
3. Learn to trust stats/reads and fold if necessary!
4. Start folding if unsure what to do in small pots.
5. Review sessions and post hands on CR
6. Find a good coach
7. Work on Table Selection
8. Re-read psychology of poker
I am going to be playing 100NL exclusively except for any videos I do for Kenny and hopefully I will be able to hold my own at the new level.
November Targets:
1. 25,000 Hands 100NL at 4+ PTBB/100
2. Focus on Pot Control for EVERY session
3. Learn to trust stats/reads and fold if necessary!
4. Start folding if unsure what to do in small pots.
5. Review sessions and post hands on CR
6. Find a good coach
7. Work on Table Selection
8. Re-read psychology of poker
Pot Control - Perfect example?
My biggest leak is still pot control and I really need to work hard at this. I need to make this a standard part of my game rather than focusing on pot control only when things start to go bad.
This hand totally demonstrates my biggest leak:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1649040
1. I should check behind on the turn here as I am concerned by his flop call (he folds 100% to c-bets before this hand).
2. When the inevitable check raise comes I know I am beat and still stack off.
When I am playing well I check turn and call river bet here. When I am playing badly I play as above.........
This hand totally demonstrates my biggest leak:
http://www.pokerhand.org/?1649040
1. I should check behind on the turn here as I am concerned by his flop call (he folds 100% to c-bets before this hand).
2. When the inevitable check raise comes I know I am beat and still stack off.
When I am playing well I check turn and call river bet here. When I am playing badly I play as above.........
October Results and Review
Here is a review of the Targets I set myself at the start of October:
1. Play 25,000 hand at 50NL at over 4 PTBB/100
I ended up playing 23,241 hands at 50 NL and then moving up to 100NL with 4 days to go so almost made it!
2. Continue to focus on pot control and TPTK hands in particular
I still need to improve this area of my game. When I moved up to 100NL I really focused hard on this for a couple of days with great results but slipped back to overplaying TPTK today and stacked off a couple of times.
3. Fully review play weekly and identify leaksHave now decided to work on a monthly review procudure of overall play.
4. Watch CR videos including PT analysis
Have been watching videos but there hasn't been much worth wacthing at low stakes this month apart from Fabian video.
5. Make first video (subject LAG starting hands)
Made a few videos for Kenny to watch and this seems to be going well. I am determined to get him winning at 50NL at least.6. Research future coaching website
Have looked into this but am putting on hold for now to concentrate on my own game.
Monday 29 October 2007
Sometimes you gotta trust your gut
So I couldn't wait to move up any more.
I felt I wasn't playing my A game at 50NL because I am ready for another shot at 100NL so I jumped and played 15000 hands yesterday and another 1000 hands tonight. I really focused on table selection, and seat selection, to give myself the best chance.
Am up $589 at 12.03 BB/100 hands and running hot at 100NL :-)
Am sure it will get tougher so will take it while it lasts!
I felt I wasn't playing my A game at 50NL because I am ready for another shot at 100NL so I jumped and played 15000 hands yesterday and another 1000 hands tonight. I really focused on table selection, and seat selection, to give myself the best chance.
Am up $589 at 12.03 BB/100 hands and running hot at 100NL :-)
Am sure it will get tougher so will take it while it lasts!
Kenny hits the downswing
My one and only student has crashed down to earth!
Am going to do a post flop video but his biggest problem is that he doesn't take responsibility for his own results and blames all his 'beats' on how bad his opponents are.
Am going to do a post flop video but his biggest problem is that he doesn't take responsibility for his own results and blames all his 'beats' on how bad his opponents are.
Saturday 27 October 2007
Am a little annoyed with myself
Aaaaaarrrrrrrgggghhhhhhhhhh.
I played 6 max on Full Tilt for the first time today 6 max today and dropped five buy ins. Started bad when All In pre flop with AA and lost a stack against AKs. Was down 2 buy ins soon after but recovered well and finshed 1st session up just over $60.
Dropped Helen off at airport and decided to play an hour more before lunch. I can't really remember any major beats and dropped 6 buy ins. I'm pretty sure I played badly but am not in the right frame of mind to review rationally at the moment so will have a look in a few days.
The reason I am annoyed with myself is because I rarely get tilted these days and always feel I can play my best or have the discipline to stop if playing badly. I knew I was playing badly but still carried on.
I think this is beacuse of the change of site and that is pretty silly I guess.....
I played 6 max on Full Tilt for the first time today 6 max today and dropped five buy ins. Started bad when All In pre flop with AA and lost a stack against AKs. Was down 2 buy ins soon after but recovered well and finshed 1st session up just over $60.
Dropped Helen off at airport and decided to play an hour more before lunch. I can't really remember any major beats and dropped 6 buy ins. I'm pretty sure I played badly but am not in the right frame of mind to review rationally at the moment so will have a look in a few days.
The reason I am annoyed with myself is because I rarely get tilted these days and always feel I can play my best or have the discipline to stop if playing badly. I knew I was playing badly but still carried on.
I think this is beacuse of the change of site and that is pretty silly I guess.....
Friday 26 October 2007
Verneer Coaching Application
Hi Verneer,
Am really pleased to see you have decided to take on a few more students. I would sure like to be considered for one of the places.
I live in the UK (Isle of Man actually) and have been playing poker online for around about two and a half years, mostly playing MTT's. I have had some success in low buy in MTT's but have always had the desire to play cash games. I played some full ring for fun whilst considering myself an MTT player and won a few hundred dollars overall.
A few months ago I decided that MTT's were not the way forward for me. I have a full time job and playing the early stages of a large MTT after work just became too boring and was resulting in me making mistakes.
I played full ring for a while but when I joined cardrunners I realised 6 max was where I wanted to be. I started off watching the low limit series by brymstar and worked on playing ABC poker. I've had some up and downs but am always thinking about the game and striving to improve.
I am doing pretty well at 50NL at the moment and now consider myself a cash game player. I am going to move up to 100NL next week.
I read the cardrunners forums every day but don't reply to hand history posts much yet as I don't quite have the confidence in my own play.
I am going to try and post a link to my stats since playing 6 max as my chosen game above. Hopefully this will work but I am fairly new to blogging to so apologies if they aren't there! I have done a print screen to a word doc so can e-mail to you if necessary.
To deal with the points in your blog:
Expectations of Students
1. Put in a couple of thousand hands per week - I play more than this
2. Update progress on blog - I started this blog about a month ago. Have been away on holiday but will be posting more regulary.
3. Send hand histories and ask questions - Will certainly do this!
4. Listen to the advice - I trust your advice already from your cardrunner posts and blog
5. At least two sweat sessions per month - This is what I need
6. No quick fix - I fully understand this and am looking to improve my game over the long term
Hopefully the above gives you an idea of where I am at in my poker and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
I look forward to hearing from you should you be interested in coaching me.
Am really pleased to see you have decided to take on a few more students. I would sure like to be considered for one of the places.
I live in the UK (Isle of Man actually) and have been playing poker online for around about two and a half years, mostly playing MTT's. I have had some success in low buy in MTT's but have always had the desire to play cash games. I played some full ring for fun whilst considering myself an MTT player and won a few hundred dollars overall.
A few months ago I decided that MTT's were not the way forward for me. I have a full time job and playing the early stages of a large MTT after work just became too boring and was resulting in me making mistakes.
I played full ring for a while but when I joined cardrunners I realised 6 max was where I wanted to be. I started off watching the low limit series by brymstar and worked on playing ABC poker. I've had some up and downs but am always thinking about the game and striving to improve.
I am doing pretty well at 50NL at the moment and now consider myself a cash game player. I am going to move up to 100NL next week.
I read the cardrunners forums every day but don't reply to hand history posts much yet as I don't quite have the confidence in my own play.
I am going to try and post a link to my stats since playing 6 max as my chosen game above. Hopefully this will work but I am fairly new to blogging to so apologies if they aren't there! I have done a print screen to a word doc so can e-mail to you if necessary.
To deal with the points in your blog:
Expectations of Students
1. Put in a couple of thousand hands per week - I play more than this
2. Update progress on blog - I started this blog about a month ago. Have been away on holiday but will be posting more regulary.
3. Send hand histories and ask questions - Will certainly do this!
4. Listen to the advice - I trust your advice already from your cardrunner posts and blog
5. At least two sweat sessions per month - This is what I need
6. No quick fix - I fully understand this and am looking to improve my game over the long term
Hopefully the above gives you an idea of where I am at in my poker and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
I look forward to hearing from you should you be interested in coaching me.
Coaching Kenny
I have started to give a friend of mine some coaching. He has been playing poker much longer than me (and plays more than me probably) but has never made any money apart from a single success in a $10 MTT with 2000+ starters where he won over $5,000. I watched the last couple of hours and he just could not miss when all in and way behind - this happened numerous times and he had over 3/4 of the chips in play going into the final table!!
Anyway he has been wasting his roll playing badly in sit and goes and complaining about the 'bad beats' ever since. When I moved from MTT's to 6 max a few months ago he started playing some 50NL too. The bad beat stories continued and I have now finally convinced him it is actually his play that is the problem.
He is now at 25NL. I made him a short 20 min video on the very basics of pre flop play (another October target acheived) to try and change him from 30/10 pre flop to hopefully around 20/18. He will never read a book. I got him to buy Harrington 1 & 2 as couple of years ago as these were my MTT bibles. He is half way through Volume 1!
The video seems to have had a positive effect and he now thinks he is the best player in the world again! I will let him run with it for a few days, wait for his bb/100 to drop down from over 20 (again he cannot miss a flop) and then try and get him working on his post flop play, specifically c-bets and flop texture.
Thinking about his game seems to be having a positive effect on my game too so we are both gaining from this.
Anyway he has been wasting his roll playing badly in sit and goes and complaining about the 'bad beats' ever since. When I moved from MTT's to 6 max a few months ago he started playing some 50NL too. The bad beat stories continued and I have now finally convinced him it is actually his play that is the problem.
He is now at 25NL. I made him a short 20 min video on the very basics of pre flop play (another October target acheived) to try and change him from 30/10 pre flop to hopefully around 20/18. He will never read a book. I got him to buy Harrington 1 & 2 as couple of years ago as these were my MTT bibles. He is half way through Volume 1!
The video seems to have had a positive effect and he now thinks he is the best player in the world again! I will let him run with it for a few days, wait for his bb/100 to drop down from over 20 (again he cannot miss a flop) and then try and get him working on his post flop play, specifically c-bets and flop texture.
Thinking about his game seems to be having a positive effect on my game too so we are both gaining from this.
Successful Holiday!
Got back from a great holiday in Boston a few days ago. Boston is a really cool place.
I actually took my laptop on holiday with me and this was definetely +EV. I knew that with the time difference I would be getiing up pretty early for the first few days (like 5am) so thought that with free internet in my hotel this would be the perfect opporturnity to see what the games are like when I am normally at work.
I got in a couple of hours of play every morning and was a winner every day. Won about 10 buy ins over the 5 days i played so am pretty happy with that.
I have also won another 9 buy ins since I got back at so am running really hot at the moment. Confidence at 50NL is now sky high and will move up at end of month. Feel I am ready now but am keeping the discipline of sticking to my October target before moving up!
I actually took my laptop on holiday with me and this was definetely +EV. I knew that with the time difference I would be getiing up pretty early for the first few days (like 5am) so thought that with free internet in my hotel this would be the perfect opporturnity to see what the games are like when I am normally at work.
I got in a couple of hours of play every morning and was a winner every day. Won about 10 buy ins over the 5 days i played so am pretty happy with that.
I have also won another 9 buy ins since I got back at so am running really hot at the moment. Confidence at 50NL is now sky high and will move up at end of month. Feel I am ready now but am keeping the discipline of sticking to my October target before moving up!
Tuesday 9 October 2007
Itchy Feet
Have had a good start to October and feel I am ready for 100NL but am going to make myself stay at 50NL for this month at least.
I need to be disciplined and stick to my monthly targets. They are designed to stop me being Mr. Fickle after all!
Have been looking at some of the other cardrunners blogs and am going to change one of my targets slightly. My play review will include review of PT stats by following link found on Dodgykens blog. (Originally posted by Pokey on 2+2).
I will do my review at end of month instead of weekly. I am on holiday next week and as I have a full time job I am struggling to find the time for a weekly review.
I need to work on getting a standard format for my monthly reviews for comparison purposes.
I need to be disciplined and stick to my monthly targets. They are designed to stop me being Mr. Fickle after all!
Have been looking at some of the other cardrunners blogs and am going to change one of my targets slightly. My play review will include review of PT stats by following link found on Dodgykens blog. (Originally posted by Pokey on 2+2).
I will do my review at end of month instead of weekly. I am on holiday next week and as I have a full time job I am struggling to find the time for a weekly review.
I need to work on getting a standard format for my monthly reviews for comparison purposes.
Monday 1 October 2007
October Targets
Am starting to feel more comfortable with LAG style now and really want to focus on developing this at 50NL for an entire month with a view to moving up to 100NL in November.
October targets:
1. Play 25,000 hand at 50NL at over 4 PTBB/100
2. Continue to focus on pot control and TPTK hands in particular
3. Fully review play weekly and identify leaks
4. Watch CR videos including PT analysis
5. Make first video (subject LAG starting hands)
6. Research future coaching website
October targets:
1. Play 25,000 hand at 50NL at over 4 PTBB/100
2. Continue to focus on pot control and TPTK hands in particular
3. Fully review play weekly and identify leaks
4. Watch CR videos including PT analysis
5. Make first video (subject LAG starting hands)
6. Research future coaching website
Septmber 2007 Results
Finished up $462.99 at 6 Max split between 50NL and 100NL plus a $125.00 reload bonus from Pokerstars for a total profit of $579.99
As this was my first full month at 6 max and I was experimenting with TAG and LAG styles I have to be happy with this. Final weekend was superb and pulled me out of the red....
Now 100% certain LAG is the way forward.
As this was my first full month at 6 max and I was experimenting with TAG and LAG styles I have to be happy with this. Final weekend was superb and pulled me out of the red....
Now 100% certain LAG is the way forward.
Wednesday 26 September 2007
6 Max Swings
Played about 1,000 hands last night and started with a downswing of over 5 buy ins.
Nothing too out of line but was finding it hard to get respect as I just wasn't hitting any flops. I couldn't go to showdown with anything, hence lots of c-betting followed by folding on turn and river 90% of the time!
After a break the cards were a little kinder and I managed get back to finsh slightly up for the session.
I need more 6 max experience to know how big a downswign can be put down to variance.
Also, I looked at my graph for September and it looks like one of those stock market crash charts! I will try and post if I can figure out how to do it. I am a total newbie blogger!
Nothing too out of line but was finding it hard to get respect as I just wasn't hitting any flops. I couldn't go to showdown with anything, hence lots of c-betting followed by folding on turn and river 90% of the time!
After a break the cards were a little kinder and I managed get back to finsh slightly up for the session.
I need more 6 max experience to know how big a downswign can be put down to variance.
Also, I looked at my graph for September and it looks like one of those stock market crash charts! I will try and post if I can figure out how to do it. I am a total newbie blogger!
Tuesday 25 September 2007
This is just the beginning!
I am new to 6 max and my targets for Spetember 2007 were as follows:
1 Play 5000 Hands as TAG (50NL) but open up slightly on tight table
2 Work on pot control and commitment. Analyse check behind on turn for pot control.
3 Review all play every Sunday morning - Post hands on cardrunners
4 Watch CR Videos
I acheived number 1 in 4 days winning over 10 PT BB's and it has been downhill since then. Moved up to 100NL and down about $800 over 18,000 hands so am back at 50NL as of yesterday.
Don't think I was quite ready for 100NL so am going to try and build a bigger bankroll before I take another shot.
New targets:
1. Win $2500 at 50NL before moving up to 100NL
2. Aim for stats around 22/20/3.5
1 Play 5000 Hands as TAG (50NL) but open up slightly on tight table
2 Work on pot control and commitment. Analyse check behind on turn for pot control.
3 Review all play every Sunday morning - Post hands on cardrunners
4 Watch CR Videos
I acheived number 1 in 4 days winning over 10 PT BB's and it has been downhill since then. Moved up to 100NL and down about $800 over 18,000 hands so am back at 50NL as of yesterday.
Don't think I was quite ready for 100NL so am going to try and build a bigger bankroll before I take another shot.
New targets:
1. Win $2500 at 50NL before moving up to 100NL
2. Aim for stats around 22/20/3.5
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