We all play the game. Making the goals for ourselves. “I want to make ‘X’ amount by ‘Y’ date.” “My Goal is to FT Such and Such a tournament”. Then it happens or it doesn’t. We at times focus so much on the results that we forget that the short term results don’t matter in the long run. This is a long run game. Goals that are fixed and solid often will not help us. We must look beyond that to what is really out there.
I am going to invite a friend to join me in this little rambling right about now. His name is Quality. I have known him for a really long time, but I really started to find him much more interesting after my last read of “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”.
Now Robert Pirsig really messes with that term until it sings to you like an Aria of the Heavens. Now he states at one point that quality can’t really be defined but it is often just “known”. “Any philosophic explanation of Quality is going to be both false and true precisely because it is a philosophic explanation. The process of philosophic explanation is an analytic process, a process of breaking something down into subjects and predicates. What I mean (and everybody else means) by the word ‘quality’ cannot be broken down into subjects and predicates. This is not because Quality is so mysterious but because Quality is so simple, immediate and direct.”
He also equated quality to the Greek areté, in the following quote from his book. "What moves the Greek warrior to deeds of heroism," Kitto comments, "is not a sense of duty as we understand it... duty towards others: it is rather duty towards himself. He strives after that which we translate 'virtue' but is in Greek areté, 'excellence' — we shall have much to say about areté. It runs through Greek life."
Now think this over. You want to win. Not just now, but in the future as well. Your goal is now the Invisible Target, Quality. Every action you make, should be trying to invoke Quality for it is in that term that you will see your rewards. If you make Quality descisions at all parts of the hand, all parts of the session, and all parts of your career, then it is imposible to fail.
Quality and the Greek areté are here to make it simple. Striving for these, through the time honored aproaches of practice, study, review, and experience will get you to advance your knowledge of Quality. Every action, should be thought over before it is made, every action should be reviewed in hindsight, and every action of the others at the table as well. Learn it all, every time, from every direction.
With a focus on Quality, the long term becomes a smoother road.
“The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.” Sun Tzu quotes
“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” William A. Foster quotes
“Quality is not an act, it is a habit.” Aristotle quotes
“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” Henry Ford quotes
“I have offended God and mankind because my work didn't reach the quality it should have.” Leonardo da Vinci quotes
“The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Vince Lombardi quotes
Follow up discussion on Quality with a buddy.
The discussion Maj and I had following him reading the article. The only editing done here was so it could be easier to read.
Maj: nice article
Maj: and i like the quotes at the end
Ezarc: I thought they fit the theme of the article
Maj: but BECAUSE quality is tough to nail down it's impossible to have as a "goal"
Ezarc: Bingo, now you are thinking
Maj: your point is saying that poker isn't just cards and chips on the table
Ezarc: So, Pirsig left us with the corralation between Quality and areté or excellence!
Maj: but something done before, after, as well as during a session
Ezarc: No, it is about the pursuit of doing things in the best manner you can.
Ezarc: Learning, practicing, and applying everthing you know to play your very best every moment.
Maj: that takes emotion out of the equation
Maj: no annoyance when you lose
Maj: OR glee at your win
Maj: disconnect
Maj: u say something?
Ezarc: No, there will always be a certain satisfaction for doing well, but there also will be an anticipation to try to do better
Maj: and you can't do better than your best?
Ezarc: Perfection in poker is not available.
Ezarc: There are too many variables.
Maj: right Ezarc: But, you keep striving for it.
Maj: you can't control or anticipate everything
Ezarc: Exactly
Maj: u raise with aces, but your opponents don't have to play with you
Maj: therefore the "perfect" result of doubling up is impossible
Ezarc: Sometimes a fold of cards in the bb to a raise is the best move, so you do so.
Ezarc: That move then has Quality.
Ezarc: Think of Quality as a maximizing of expected value.
Maj: looking at each situation unclouded from previous experiences?
Maj: like someone may raise your blind 10 times
Ezarc: You have to from an emotional stand.
Maj: and it is Quality to fold it 10 times
Ezarc: Ahhh, that is where traps, raises with nothing, and psychological factors come in.
Maj: but re-raising with Q taken by itself is a bad move though E
zarc: From a hand stand point, folding the tenth time might make ev sense but from a quality point of view, what is your best option at the moment? Are you playing live? What position is he on steals from?
Maj: so then it's not just correct decisions, you're saying that it's correct TABLE decisions
Ezarc: What is the best play for your long term game.
Maj: not to play weak hands from out of position
Ezarc: That is simple, but if the guy is sitting there all night, I am going to reraise with air about three times in a row.
Maj: but that could turn what is a "correct" play into a monster mistake
Ezarc: I am not going to let anybody at the table hit me in the head that many times without decking him.
Ezarc: If he thinks I am a target, then the target gets to shoot back now.
Maj: that's emotion. You are fighting against a person, not against cards or hand standards Ezarc: It is a purely psychological move, not emotional.
Ezarc: You are changing perception of the table with the reraises. Ezarc: Your table image is the whipped dog under the table.
Ezarc: Now you are biting the hand that is slapping you around. That is not emotional, but table image psychology.
Maj: and that is a "quality" decision?
Ezarc: It can be.
Ezarc: Ok, if the table thinks it can run over you, how can you play effectively?
Maj: let them "run me over" until i get a hand and whack them in the face with it
Ezarc: Then you are a nutpeddler and the table runs over you until you bet and then they run away.
Ezarc: If a table nit raises, or reraises and you have tpmk, you fold right?
Maj: yea
Maj: so then, quality isn't about making +EV decisions?
Maj: you're confusing me now
Ezarc: It is about making long term EV+ decisions.
Maj: but long-term one table one day doesn't matter
Ezarc: Even if you lose those hands from the BB with air, you have made a better winning environment for the session.
Ezarc: I am not saying this move will always have quality, but it can if it changes things to a more suitable playing situation.
Maj: so overall picture from losing a buy-in on a resteal is "this guy can put in his money with anything"
Maj: "so we need to call him down"?
Ezarc: Ok, here are the points made by this move
Ezarc: 1) I can be aggressive
Ezarc: 2) I don't always have to have cards to be aggressive
Ezarc: 3) If you try to push me around, we will tangle
Ezarc: 4) I am not quite the "weak tight" guy you thought
Maj: ok, but this is great and all for the session, or maybe that specific game
Maj: but overall, in the long run, how does this matter
Maj: you don't do this EVERY game you play, right?
Maj: b/c that could get expensive
Ezarc: Profitable decisions have quality.
Ezarc: if you think this decision is profitable, then it holds some degree of Quality.
Maj: and letting them know u aren't a nit is a "quality" decision because it can ultimately be profitable for that game
Ezarc: yes Maj: i think i get it a little better now
Maj: it isn't about one play being the "correct" play in everything
Maj: but each individual play being put together
Ezarc: YES!!!!
Maj: lol, i'm not that hard-headed
Maj: i just like going back and forth
Ezarc: It helps to maintain and clean out your poker thinking then it is all good.
Maj: cool Ezarc: Very cool conversation by the way.
Maj: thank you, i enjoyed it
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Logical Vs Intuitive
We study, we learn, we share, and we grow. New books, tools, and resources become available, we eat them all up. So, where does all this knowledge go? Most of it to waste. Garbage it. Yup, had I, if I, why did I.... those are the starts of what happened to some if not all of our profits.
When you are at the tables, what information you have will always be incomplete. Those theories, simulations, and talks you had, don’t always fill in all the gaps. So what do you do? You throw those hours of hard work down the drain on a feel. Most of the time, those hunches were wrong, but you get lucky at times. Your mind plays tricks on you telling you that you have great intuition. Telling you that the risk is worth it. Telling you that you are beyond all the hard work you have put in.
Yup, you now are in denial. Unless you get the right odds, why play? Unless you are in a position to really take advantage of a situation, why are you in it? You put in the research, now let it pay for itself.
I am not saying to give up work on your intuition. I think that would be grossly wrong. What I am saying is the more you allow yourself the chance to really evaluate the situation, the odds, the texture, and your opponents, the more money you will make. Ask yourself the question of “Why” a bunch of different ways. Make yourself think through the situation at hand. Every time.
As for the growth of your intuition, allow your logical game to grow, and you will find that your intuitive game will get stronger as well. Good luck and more profit.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
A few thoughts on some gameplay
I was reading one of my swords and sorcery fantasy books when I came across an intreging little passage.
"From history and philosophies and religions came an understanding of human motivation, and motivation lay at the heart of tactics and strategy. Just as people moved in patterns, so too did their thoughts....." From the book Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson.
Again, this goes into one of those little know your villain chats I do. When starting at a new table, Ted Forrest goes out of his way to talk to all the people at his table. He wants to know what they do, how they got there, and anything else he can find out in small talk. Even just the act of talking will tell you something of the person in questions demeanor. Use the information you have to make rough theories of how they will act. When you have more information, revise those theories and build a plan of action to them.
Often you will want to first look to the first two to your left and the two to your right as you gather this information. They will often be the ones you will most often need this information on. As it goes on, build on this data and on your plans of action to include more of the table. Revise this as situations change. Short stacked people, big stacks, tilt, and other factors will change the patterns. Be mindful of this and find out the new patterns and motivations for the table. Always be ready to change directions yourself as the table changes its balance.
"From history and philosophies and religions came an understanding of human motivation, and motivation lay at the heart of tactics and strategy. Just as people moved in patterns, so too did their thoughts....." From the book Memories of Ice by Steven Erikson.
Again, this goes into one of those little know your villain chats I do. When starting at a new table, Ted Forrest goes out of his way to talk to all the people at his table. He wants to know what they do, how they got there, and anything else he can find out in small talk. Even just the act of talking will tell you something of the person in questions demeanor. Use the information you have to make rough theories of how they will act. When you have more information, revise those theories and build a plan of action to them.
Often you will want to first look to the first two to your left and the two to your right as you gather this information. They will often be the ones you will most often need this information on. As it goes on, build on this data and on your plans of action to include more of the table. Revise this as situations change. Short stacked people, big stacks, tilt, and other factors will change the patterns. Be mindful of this and find out the new patterns and motivations for the table. Always be ready to change directions yourself as the table changes its balance.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Bubble time lesson(Lagtard and Turte)
Situation, you are approaching the money bubble of a good sized tournament. Table is a mix of stack sizes. You are above average in chipstack but there are a few bigger at the table. Changes at your table are, on of the larger stacks is now in chip up mode(I will call him LAGtard), the other big stack is playing his normal game, and two of the medium short stacks have gone into Turtle mode. They just won’t peak the heads out of the shell until the bubble has past, these two are the most common victims of the LAGtards aggress. You have position on the LAGtard on his steals against the Turtles. His steals are like clockwork on these two, 2.5x bb raise-3x bb raise, each and every time they are on the blind. Has folded twice to reraises from other players during these steals.
He is stealing from you buddies. These should be your steals. So, every third or forth steal attempt from him, you should reraise. Doesn’t matter the cards, his don’t, but it is a matter of pressure and chipping up. If you resteal every third or fourth time, you are still chipping up every cycle on average. If your steal fails and at times it might, you are still in the hunt and can steal again later. Now, you only need to succeed on these steals about 40% of the time to keep chipping up. Also, this might get the LAGtard to tighten his requirements as well, which is great. Then our steals become ours again. Win, win.
Having nothing on these steals is actually a bit favorable then having a medium hand as well. Why? If you get reraised, it is such an easy dump after Hollywooding for a bit. Another thing is if you just get smoothcalled and hit the flop hard, he will never know what the fraq hit him. Most important on this whole resteal is position and pressure.
Now, you will need an M high enough to do this successfully or you might get stuck if one of your steals goes foul. This also can not be done against a total donk that can not lay down after he puts money in the pot. This situation is very specific. You need a LAGtard that can lay down, enough stack size to put pressure on him, and enough sense to get away when you don’t have anything(don’t get attached to your chips).
GL and see you at the FT.
He is stealing from you buddies. These should be your steals. So, every third or forth steal attempt from him, you should reraise. Doesn’t matter the cards, his don’t, but it is a matter of pressure and chipping up. If you resteal every third or fourth time, you are still chipping up every cycle on average. If your steal fails and at times it might, you are still in the hunt and can steal again later. Now, you only need to succeed on these steals about 40% of the time to keep chipping up. Also, this might get the LAGtard to tighten his requirements as well, which is great. Then our steals become ours again. Win, win.
Having nothing on these steals is actually a bit favorable then having a medium hand as well. Why? If you get reraised, it is such an easy dump after Hollywooding for a bit. Another thing is if you just get smoothcalled and hit the flop hard, he will never know what the fraq hit him. Most important on this whole resteal is position and pressure.
Now, you will need an M high enough to do this successfully or you might get stuck if one of your steals goes foul. This also can not be done against a total donk that can not lay down after he puts money in the pot. This situation is very specific. You need a LAGtard that can lay down, enough stack size to put pressure on him, and enough sense to get away when you don’t have anything(don’t get attached to your chips).
GL and see you at the FT.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Finding the magic button.
Virtual table or live, there is all sorts of information moving around. Limped, raised, reraised, early, mid, late, slow, fast, talking trash, not saying a word, it is all about information. Find out what sort of man is sitting across the felt from you. Now the man’s priorities can change over the course of the game, but how he thinks will remain constant. If you can curl yourself into his mind, you have already won.
Sounds simple right. Well, think of all the little things that can tick you off. Slow drivers, guys that have that “I am superior” vibe to them, being late, girl friend troubles, ……. Ok, now what does this have to do with poker? Well all can put a different spin on how we are facing a situation. If you are pissed, will you be more aggressive? If you are distracted will you see all the clues to the puzzle? You really want to take that smug look off of that guys face; will you really notice the guy who is setting a trap for him?
What sort of hands does he limp? Is he consistent in his play? Is he observant of position? What situations does he raise or reraise? How often does he limp, and then call a raise? What sort of bets does he make post flop? Does he bet the full pot, half, min after raising it preflop? Does he always bet things in a consistent manner?
There is a lot to this wonderful game. Play a game with yourself. See how long it takes to come up with 10 true statements about each of the guys you are playing with every time. The more you can think of, the easier you will find it to get a good idea of where they are at in any given hand.
Sounds simple right. Well, think of all the little things that can tick you off. Slow drivers, guys that have that “I am superior” vibe to them, being late, girl friend troubles, ……. Ok, now what does this have to do with poker? Well all can put a different spin on how we are facing a situation. If you are pissed, will you be more aggressive? If you are distracted will you see all the clues to the puzzle? You really want to take that smug look off of that guys face; will you really notice the guy who is setting a trap for him?
What sort of hands does he limp? Is he consistent in his play? Is he observant of position? What situations does he raise or reraise? How often does he limp, and then call a raise? What sort of bets does he make post flop? Does he bet the full pot, half, min after raising it preflop? Does he always bet things in a consistent manner?
There is a lot to this wonderful game. Play a game with yourself. See how long it takes to come up with 10 true statements about each of the guys you are playing with every time. The more you can think of, the easier you will find it to get a good idea of where they are at in any given hand.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Time to stick a fork in me for now.
Guys, I fucked up. I have become a stupid frigging mess. I will start at the beginning and let you guys all see how I did this to myself.
A couple months ago, life was going well. I had a very good new job, was getting married soon, was killing sngs and cash games and had rolled up to almost 1k from about a hundred. Then as you all know, I got canned. That is when the fit hit the shan.
Within hours of being put on “administrative leave”, I started my crash on poker. In the first 4 days I had tilted off almost ¾ of my bankroll. I stopped playing for a short time and soon started playing only sngs. It was a just a slow bleeding with that. I couldn’t get back on track. I tried to stick to reasonable rates and still wasn’t finding my way out.
During that time, you might have noticed that I no longer was voicing my opinions on 67 threads on theory, gameplay, or anything else that was remotely related to the actual game of poker. I also stopped working on theory and other gameplay articles that I had been working on and submitting. I stopped looking to help others and stopped helping myself as well.
Poker has become more obsessive. I think about it an alarming amount and since my game has more holes then a screen window, it is not productive. My game continues to sink into oblivion with occasional moments of my previous skill. I can touch it and feel it at times but I can’t get it to hold. I have become self destructive to my bankroll. I am not busto yet but I am not that far away either. One more good tilt and I am done.
Also, problems with cash for the coming wedding, child support, and other day to day living has become an another stress builder. I have become more of an annoying asshole then I would have ever believed possible. I am even more short tempered and grumpy. I am often sullen and withdrawn. Rachel and I are having problems with all the extra stress. If she didn’t love me so much(I really don’t know why) she would have already called off the wedding with all the stress we are under.
Even with the new job, the stress is still there. It pays a whole heck of a lot less then the last job and to be honest, the owners really don’t have a solid idea of how and what I am supposed to be doing.
So, the bottom line is I am done. Stick a fork in me. Poker is not a part of my life for the moment. I have to cut it away from me. I am transferring Rachel my remaining funds to hold at the moment. I am not going to play for a while, not going to read about it for a while, and not going to post about it for a while. I need to get healthy again.
Take care for now. Talk with you all later. Bye.
Signed, your fucktard buddy,
Ezarc
A couple months ago, life was going well. I had a very good new job, was getting married soon, was killing sngs and cash games and had rolled up to almost 1k from about a hundred. Then as you all know, I got canned. That is when the fit hit the shan.
Within hours of being put on “administrative leave”, I started my crash on poker. In the first 4 days I had tilted off almost ¾ of my bankroll. I stopped playing for a short time and soon started playing only sngs. It was a just a slow bleeding with that. I couldn’t get back on track. I tried to stick to reasonable rates and still wasn’t finding my way out.
During that time, you might have noticed that I no longer was voicing my opinions on 67 threads on theory, gameplay, or anything else that was remotely related to the actual game of poker. I also stopped working on theory and other gameplay articles that I had been working on and submitting. I stopped looking to help others and stopped helping myself as well.
Poker has become more obsessive. I think about it an alarming amount and since my game has more holes then a screen window, it is not productive. My game continues to sink into oblivion with occasional moments of my previous skill. I can touch it and feel it at times but I can’t get it to hold. I have become self destructive to my bankroll. I am not busto yet but I am not that far away either. One more good tilt and I am done.
Also, problems with cash for the coming wedding, child support, and other day to day living has become an another stress builder. I have become more of an annoying asshole then I would have ever believed possible. I am even more short tempered and grumpy. I am often sullen and withdrawn. Rachel and I are having problems with all the extra stress. If she didn’t love me so much(I really don’t know why) she would have already called off the wedding with all the stress we are under.
Even with the new job, the stress is still there. It pays a whole heck of a lot less then the last job and to be honest, the owners really don’t have a solid idea of how and what I am supposed to be doing.
So, the bottom line is I am done. Stick a fork in me. Poker is not a part of my life for the moment. I have to cut it away from me. I am transferring Rachel my remaining funds to hold at the moment. I am not going to play for a while, not going to read about it for a while, and not going to post about it for a while. I need to get healthy again.
Take care for now. Talk with you all later. Bye.
Signed, your fucktard buddy,
Ezarc
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Two Bankroll related articles
Coming Back From a Catastrophic Loss.
I think we all have been there. Either played above your roll, got caught up in the moment, or just played too much when you shouldn't have. Results are that you and your bankroll have been damaged. You are now playing at limits you would have laughed at weeks ago. Here is some humble advice.
First is to take some time away from any game of value. If you really need to play, play for pennies or freerolls. I know this sounds silly, but don't sink any more money into the pit of despair. Playing for anything of consequence is a huge mistake right now. Get your head back on first.
Second, I would review what killed you. Were you outplayed? Bad beat? Or in most cases did you do it to yourself? Look for your holes in your game. Turn up the self analysis and sit through every painful moment and get to the root of your problems. Write yourself a self evaluation if you would find it helpful, with checklist of what mistakes you found common in yourself during that bad run.
Next, look to your books and friends to plug those leaks. If you are overplaying certain situations, ask other or read about how to better identify them so you can improve your game. Remember that it is time to check your ego at the door and work towards playing a better game. Advice might seem harsh at times but remember that your friends are trying to help you. Ignore good advice at your own peril.
Don't be afraid to return to a lower level. Again, your ego can go fuck itself here. You need to do two things here. Start to recover a bankroll and to rebuild your confidence are your current goals. Playing easier games with softer opponents are the best way at this.
Play to your strengths. If your best game is short handed cash, don't go playing MTTs. If you killing the SNG game, why fuck with cash games if your ROI won't be as good in the long run? Just play were you play your best and where you make your most money.
Sounds simple. Hard part is doing it. Don't forget that even after you get back on your feet that this beautiful game we all play is centered about learning. Don't stop analysing your game just because you are starting to move up. Keep studying, keep working to make your game as strong as you can.
Good Luck All.
(The author will not play online cash games until I finish over 100 SNGs)*promise* (Went on tilt after getting laid off)
Some Thoughts on the "Taking Your Shot" Style of BR Management
Taking a shot. Seems so simple. Moving your roll into a higher risk-reward situation. But have you read the fine print? I think the fine print in this situation is that you are doing several things that are detrimental to your poker career.
First item on the agenda is learning about bankroll management skills. I know it sounds odd to list that first but I believe that it is the biggest failure of many want-to-be-great players. If you can't figure out how to fund your buyins, you will be leading towards a busting your roll. This will become habit, climbing it fast, and busting it twice as fast. Once you become responsible in how your treat your bankroll you can work in small risks you can take when you have a cushion to work with.
Second is you are not gaining the skills at your current level to move up. Basics are important, learning your trade is important, the odds, the psychology are all important. Learn each step as it comes, you will better understand the next level and the players who are there.
Last point is the psychological aspects. Playing your way up, building your confidence in the game as you go. You run into bad beats, you are in a safe place bankroll wise so it doesn't tilt you because it doesn't really hurt your overall net value. You learn to deal with bad beats and tilt better because your degree of risk involved is never going to be that bad. You won't run into that almost manic-depressiveness that runs when you are running higher then your bankroll has room for.
If you are a casual player that is playing for fun, do as you wish but if you have any interest in building your poker game and talents, please take your time and build it right.
I think we all have been there. Either played above your roll, got caught up in the moment, or just played too much when you shouldn't have. Results are that you and your bankroll have been damaged. You are now playing at limits you would have laughed at weeks ago. Here is some humble advice.
First is to take some time away from any game of value. If you really need to play, play for pennies or freerolls. I know this sounds silly, but don't sink any more money into the pit of despair. Playing for anything of consequence is a huge mistake right now. Get your head back on first.
Second, I would review what killed you. Were you outplayed? Bad beat? Or in most cases did you do it to yourself? Look for your holes in your game. Turn up the self analysis and sit through every painful moment and get to the root of your problems. Write yourself a self evaluation if you would find it helpful, with checklist of what mistakes you found common in yourself during that bad run.
Next, look to your books and friends to plug those leaks. If you are overplaying certain situations, ask other or read about how to better identify them so you can improve your game. Remember that it is time to check your ego at the door and work towards playing a better game. Advice might seem harsh at times but remember that your friends are trying to help you. Ignore good advice at your own peril.
Don't be afraid to return to a lower level. Again, your ego can go fuck itself here. You need to do two things here. Start to recover a bankroll and to rebuild your confidence are your current goals. Playing easier games with softer opponents are the best way at this.
Play to your strengths. If your best game is short handed cash, don't go playing MTTs. If you killing the SNG game, why fuck with cash games if your ROI won't be as good in the long run? Just play were you play your best and where you make your most money.
Sounds simple. Hard part is doing it. Don't forget that even after you get back on your feet that this beautiful game we all play is centered about learning. Don't stop analysing your game just because you are starting to move up. Keep studying, keep working to make your game as strong as you can.
Good Luck All.
(The author will not play online cash games until I finish over 100 SNGs)*promise* (Went on tilt after getting laid off)
Some Thoughts on the "Taking Your Shot" Style of BR Management
Taking a shot. Seems so simple. Moving your roll into a higher risk-reward situation. But have you read the fine print? I think the fine print in this situation is that you are doing several things that are detrimental to your poker career.
First item on the agenda is learning about bankroll management skills. I know it sounds odd to list that first but I believe that it is the biggest failure of many want-to-be-great players. If you can't figure out how to fund your buyins, you will be leading towards a busting your roll. This will become habit, climbing it fast, and busting it twice as fast. Once you become responsible in how your treat your bankroll you can work in small risks you can take when you have a cushion to work with.
Second is you are not gaining the skills at your current level to move up. Basics are important, learning your trade is important, the odds, the psychology are all important. Learn each step as it comes, you will better understand the next level and the players who are there.
Last point is the psychological aspects. Playing your way up, building your confidence in the game as you go. You run into bad beats, you are in a safe place bankroll wise so it doesn't tilt you because it doesn't really hurt your overall net value. You learn to deal with bad beats and tilt better because your degree of risk involved is never going to be that bad. You won't run into that almost manic-depressiveness that runs when you are running higher then your bankroll has room for.
If you are a casual player that is playing for fun, do as you wish but if you have any interest in building your poker game and talents, please take your time and build it right.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Common flaw at the lower levels
Attachment to the money you have invested in the pot is a serious problem for a lot of players. They can't let go from the idea that those chips are still theirs. They raise it up from position after some limpers with the a-k(no spades). Flop comes down a-7-8 with two spades. The limpers that call the raise check to him. He bets out at almost pot size. UTG +2 had a pp of eights and the MP had 9-10 spades. Big pot and the A-K doesn't get away. Why? He thought he was good with tptk? Not really, he knew he was in trouble with all the action. But he had money in the pot and he just couldn't face that he might just have to dump that money and look to the next hand.
Now, two things you should try to be aware of at the table. First, when you are putting too much value into a hand. One pair, no matter how big is still just one pair. There is a lot of ways to lose with that. Just go through the list on what might be beating you and what would fit in your opponents betting of the hand. Yes, I am simplifying things. You could have trips on a strait board or flush board. Be willing to lay down a big pot when there are a good number of hands that can toss yours into the dumpster with the other trash. That might occasionally mean you are tossing a winner but sometimes you have to do that.
Second thing on the to do list for this is identify players with this habit. Overplaying any pair, not laying down on a flushing board, the guy who calls you down with a pair when the turn hits a higher card. You need to know who will pay you off. These are the ones that I will call more with second pairs and draws. Because if it hits, the impied odds are more then good. They don't have the ability to mentally divorce themselves from the money they have added to the pot.
Let's try to describe this in a different way. You all had relationships that didn't work out. They drove you crazy, it was torture, but you walked out the door. Next relationship you see some of the same traits, you leave but it wasn't as crushing. Next time you even see the traits, the door shuts and you are gone. No pain.
Now, you are putting chips in the pot. You have done this plenty of times. The hand goes bad. Simple, right? Walk out the door.
Just one of the many small steps in building yourself into a better player.
Now, two things you should try to be aware of at the table. First, when you are putting too much value into a hand. One pair, no matter how big is still just one pair. There is a lot of ways to lose with that. Just go through the list on what might be beating you and what would fit in your opponents betting of the hand. Yes, I am simplifying things. You could have trips on a strait board or flush board. Be willing to lay down a big pot when there are a good number of hands that can toss yours into the dumpster with the other trash. That might occasionally mean you are tossing a winner but sometimes you have to do that.
Second thing on the to do list for this is identify players with this habit. Overplaying any pair, not laying down on a flushing board, the guy who calls you down with a pair when the turn hits a higher card. You need to know who will pay you off. These are the ones that I will call more with second pairs and draws. Because if it hits, the impied odds are more then good. They don't have the ability to mentally divorce themselves from the money they have added to the pot.
Let's try to describe this in a different way. You all had relationships that didn't work out. They drove you crazy, it was torture, but you walked out the door. Next relationship you see some of the same traits, you leave but it wasn't as crushing. Next time you even see the traits, the door shuts and you are gone. No pain.
Now, you are putting chips in the pot. You have done this plenty of times. The hand goes bad. Simple, right? Walk out the door.
Just one of the many small steps in building yourself into a better player.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Fear
Ok, I already posted this on a different site but I just feel like sticking a little something here.
Fear. I love the concept of fear. To make someone fear you, to play with there fears, to tap in to their hidden depths and dance. Ahhh, the screams and moans of the defeated are such music to my ears. Ok, so I am a bit of a psychopath but I am your psychopath for the moment so just humor me.
What the heck does this have to do with poker? Yup, there is the bottom line statement for you. EVERYTHING or nothing depending on your game! What is the goal of poker? To make money. What are the restrictions on how you win? Other then no cheating, there are no restrictions. Bang, every person has fears. Every person has desires and wants. Use these simple ideas when you can. Fear is a blocker to reasonable thought.
I am looking to induce fear into their systems like a sickness. I want to be the thing that bumps in the night, the creature hiding under the bed, I want to play in the dark places of their brains and take their fear for a ride. Is there anything really wrong with that?
So everybody, kick in your ideas of what might go bump in the dark for a pokerplayer. What do you think most players fear and/or loath? What makes them squirm? Conversely, what do most players want? What are their needs at the poker table? How do you go about crushing their dreams from a mental aspect?
Now what simple things do people fear, the unknown, the strong, of looking like a fool, of being caught, of being wrong, of being broke and the list goes on. What does everybody have a tendency to want? Money, acceptance, to be right, and so on. You might as well just list the seven deadly sins, we all just want it all for lack of a better term. If you have a decent idea of the opponents wants, you can also add to there lists of fears by presenting obstacles to his wants.
How do I use the idea and concept of fear in the game of poker? Well, let us list a few things. When you raise it, do you fear a reraise or a call? Do you have greater fear for someone who is raising all the time or just a few times? Do you have a fear of postflop play? Do you have a fear of playing out of position? Think through all of your little fears and worries during your next few tournaments, jot them down. Think that your list would be that unique? Probably not.
Ok, let's list a few more types of poker fear.
-Fear of being bluffed(calling stations)
-Fear of the guy on a rush(passive play of good hands)
-Fear of the big stack(don't want to play against the big boy)
-Fear of being sucked out of
-Fear of being crippled(medium stack vs medium stack + a little)
-No fear(donkeys, idiots, morons, or solid players) Having no fear is pretty rare, even harder to have no fear and being a solid player. Also remember fear can also drive people to act, as in flight or FIGHT response from fear. So be ready for the dumb to swing back wildly at wierd times as well. That is not a bad thing as well. Aggression without focus is like trying to fish in your bathtub. It just doesn't work.
Use this information now. How? Play more from position to start with. Nothing is quite as scary as playing a moderate to semi strong hand out of position. Play a bit less hands. Yup, I said that. By playing less hands, you help strengthen the mystery about your play. You don’t have a great deal of fear for something that you are used to. Force your opponents to play flops with you. Most weak players don’t want to play postflop, don’t really know how. Exploit this.
Fear. I love the concept of fear. To make someone fear you, to play with there fears, to tap in to their hidden depths and dance. Ahhh, the screams and moans of the defeated are such music to my ears. Ok, so I am a bit of a psychopath but I am your psychopath for the moment so just humor me.
What the heck does this have to do with poker? Yup, there is the bottom line statement for you. EVERYTHING or nothing depending on your game! What is the goal of poker? To make money. What are the restrictions on how you win? Other then no cheating, there are no restrictions. Bang, every person has fears. Every person has desires and wants. Use these simple ideas when you can. Fear is a blocker to reasonable thought.
I am looking to induce fear into their systems like a sickness. I want to be the thing that bumps in the night, the creature hiding under the bed, I want to play in the dark places of their brains and take their fear for a ride. Is there anything really wrong with that?
So everybody, kick in your ideas of what might go bump in the dark for a pokerplayer. What do you think most players fear and/or loath? What makes them squirm? Conversely, what do most players want? What are their needs at the poker table? How do you go about crushing their dreams from a mental aspect?
Now what simple things do people fear, the unknown, the strong, of looking like a fool, of being caught, of being wrong, of being broke and the list goes on. What does everybody have a tendency to want? Money, acceptance, to be right, and so on. You might as well just list the seven deadly sins, we all just want it all for lack of a better term. If you have a decent idea of the opponents wants, you can also add to there lists of fears by presenting obstacles to his wants.
How do I use the idea and concept of fear in the game of poker? Well, let us list a few things. When you raise it, do you fear a reraise or a call? Do you have greater fear for someone who is raising all the time or just a few times? Do you have a fear of postflop play? Do you have a fear of playing out of position? Think through all of your little fears and worries during your next few tournaments, jot them down. Think that your list would be that unique? Probably not.
Ok, let's list a few more types of poker fear.
-Fear of being bluffed(calling stations)
-Fear of the guy on a rush(passive play of good hands)
-Fear of the big stack(don't want to play against the big boy)
-Fear of being sucked out of
-Fear of being crippled(medium stack vs medium stack + a little)
-No fear(donkeys, idiots, morons, or solid players) Having no fear is pretty rare, even harder to have no fear and being a solid player. Also remember fear can also drive people to act, as in flight or FIGHT response from fear. So be ready for the dumb to swing back wildly at wierd times as well. That is not a bad thing as well. Aggression without focus is like trying to fish in your bathtub. It just doesn't work.
Use this information now. How? Play more from position to start with. Nothing is quite as scary as playing a moderate to semi strong hand out of position. Play a bit less hands. Yup, I said that. By playing less hands, you help strengthen the mystery about your play. You don’t have a great deal of fear for something that you are used to. Force your opponents to play flops with you. Most weak players don’t want to play postflop, don’t really know how. Exploit this.
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