3 things you've done in last week to improve your game

I'll go first:

1. Reviewed last 4k HH's in depth, looking for (and finding ) leaks.
2. Learned more functionality for HEM: "fish list" search, filtering, etc.
3. Practiced hand reading by loading a villain's HH's (checked the "known hole cards" box) in HEM and stopping replayer on every street, trying to put both players on a range. Took notes at end of each interesting hand.

No BS pleez. Stuff we noobies are doing / ought to be doing. Things that will turn into monies.

nothing unfortunately.

1) Joined GrinderSchool
2) Studied stats of reg I have 1.3k hands on to learn how to best exploit him
3) Reviewed my own stats on HEM, with a little more understandage of spew spots.

1) Sat back from the tables the last two days a re-read all the strategy stickies.
2) Began reading Sklansky's NLHE Theory and Practice
3) Reviewed all of my big win and big loss plays over the past 30 days to see where my mistakes were.

1. Played more hands
2. Played more hands
3. Played more hands

and then some more

OK, really:
1. Datamining, color coding, and generally dedicating more time to table selection. Didn't do that much of it before... Done.
2. Study poker literature 10h/week and watch at least 2 coaching videos each day (mainly stox). Done.
3. Log 2k hands each day and go through the biggest pots won/lost HHs for each day. Done.

3) Reviewed all of my big win and big loss plays over the past 30 days to see where my mistakes were.

Funny story. Years ago when I first started posting on these forums I said that I only like to review my big hands because that's where all the money is won and lost. Fnord scolded me, telling me it was the dumbest thing he had ever heard.

Originally Posted by a500lbgorilla

3) Reviewed all of my big win and big loss plays over the past 30 days to see where my mistakes were.

Funny story. Years ago when I first started posting on these forums I said that I only like to review my big hands because that's where all the money is won and lost. Fnord scolded me, telling me it was the dumbest thing he had ever heard.

u talkin NL, right? cause LHE is a different story imo... at least once u get PF right

It was likely based on the fact that Fnord was a LHE player at the time. But I only served it up as a funny story! Take from it what you wish.

also, i like how you've kept the same controversial avatar all this time.

1) acquired 3 hours of coaching from a winning player.
2) reading Sklansky's Theory and Practice
3) Got my last 25k hands sent to me, and shipped 'em off to ihategnomes... he's supposed to get back to me on them.

Originally Posted by a500lbgorilla

It was likely based on the fact that Fnord was a LHE player at the time. But I only served it up as a funny story! Take from it what you wish.

It's cool, just stating the difference between NL and limit...

People dont get my avatar, they always assume bad things
But i do like a good controversy

Back to topic, one thing i should do more is analysing other regs play and see what i can get from them... like Bollocks said.

1) Joined IRC #flopturnriver (not so sure about that one :P)
2) Started and finished my GTA IV operation in record time - will improve my GTA game for sure.
3) If it has to be 3, I guess... hmmm... reviewed all my big hands
Actually I've been making a lot more, and more detailed player notes this week, and for a change it has helped rather than backfired.

1. Made table selection my #1 rule for all rules possible
2. Talked poker with friends
3. Watched videos

1. Not played
2. Exercised
3. Did some hobby stuff.
This is no BS, when I play next time I will WANT to play.

Originally Posted by kmind

3. Watched videos

This is a good one - I need to do it more.

To weigh in on the "only review big hands" issue, it's important to note that our biggest leaks are going to be worst in big pots. But we can have HUGE leaks (like blinds vs. blinds) that cost more money over time. The search for leaks shouldn't stop with only big hands, imo.

One thing I've done is to set up a filter that finds "troublesome cbetting spots," things like big pairs where an Ace or King hits, AK or AQ overcards oop, that sort of thing. Then I stop the replayer and analyze the flop before my action, see if I'm "picking spots" that make sense for cbets. It's hard to claim you're "picking spots" if you never find the fold button.

1) Took a week of not playing (started again on Tuesday). Major leap/study in this time was a serious attempt to apply Vinyl Burns' diablo philosophy in a poker context - this after sitting in on the first half of one of his circus workshops.

2) Identified and listed 9 leaks recently appearing in my poker journey - most importantly = NOT logging into IRC while I'm grinding - this is huge ----ve EV cos the tables should be my main/only focus

3) Withdrew more $$$ to remind myself what poker is about and to stop myself from prematurely moving up/taking shots at mid-stakes

1) Spent a ton of time in HM looking over different filters and looking at how lines I take effect my winrate. (i.e: Raise, face threebet, call, IP/OOP)

2) Did some Grinderschool vids on the very subjects I am trying to work on most to ingrain the habits.

3) Looked over a ton of hands played by what I deem to be the two toughest regs at $200NL on iPoker and gained a ton of notes and insite into why they seem tough, what they do to be just that and why they are the biggest winners in my DB.

1.) I've re-read all the info in the beginners guide over and over.
2.) Reviewed videos on FTR.
3>) Every session has been treated as a "Training session" with discipline and focus!

Now I have to say this has been my best week of poker thanks to all I have learned from the peeps here at FTR!

Originally Posted by HarleyGuy13

1.) I've re-read all the info in the beginners guide over and over.
2.) Reviewed videos on FTR.
3>) Every session has been treated as a "Training session" with discipline and focus!

Now I have to say this has been my best week of poker thanks to all I have learned from the peeps here at FTR!

Welcome to FTR. You're on the right track. GL!!

what is "HEM"??

HEM = Holdem Manager.

also Robb, I would like to point out that you may no longer call yourself a noob. You may call yourself a micro grinder if need be, or even a small stakes grinder if you deem it appropriate. But over 15 months of FTR membership says you are no longer a noob.

i do like this one, this is awesome didactics

1. put in more hands; do 6-8tabling

2. rerescanned handhistories using pokerstove/ reviewed *biggest pots* in several sessions (+plus notetaking on villdonks)

3. speewed 60% of my afternoonwinnings in laggmaniacing tonight

great thread, tyall and keep on trucking

hags

also Robb, I would like to point out that you may no longer call yourself a noob. You may call yourself a micro grinder if need be, or even a small stakes grinder if you deem it appropriate. But over 15 months of FTR membership says you are no longer a noob.

nice hand, sir

Originally Posted by jyms

also Robb, I would like to point out that you may no longer call yourself a noob. You may call yourself a micro grinder if need be, or even a small stakes grinder if you deem it appropriate. But over 15 months of FTR membership says you are no longer a noob.

I'm a noobie to playing well

I told all the regs at the $30 HU SNG level to use OPR
it improves my games by not being matched up with people of my skill level

oh wait you meant improve MY game
nothing then I've just been beating the SNGs for profits and don't even know where to get advice

Originally Posted by a500lbgorilla

3) Reviewed all of my big win and big loss plays over the past 30 days to see where my mistakes were.

Funny story. Years ago when I first started posting on these forums I said that I only like to review my big hands because that's where all the money is won and lost. Fnord scolded me, telling me it was the dumbest thing he had ever heard.

I can absolutely see the sense in reviewing smaller hands, but how do you pick which ones?

Is it a matter of taking note of interesting hands as you play, or picking them at random out of your database, or something else?

Originally Posted by TonyB73

Originally Posted by a500lbgorilla

3) Reviewed all of my big win and big loss plays over the past 30 days to see where my mistakes were.

Funny story. Years ago when I first started posting on these forums I said that I only like to review my big hands because that's where all the money is won and lost. Fnord scolded me, telling me it was the dumbest thing he had ever heard.

I can absolutely see the sense in reviewing smaller hands, but how do you pick which ones?

Is it a matter of taking note of interesting hands as you play, or picking them at random out of your database, or something else?

Reviewing a whole session hand by hand from time to time...
Looking at some of your marginal loser/winner hands, you may load 20-30 hhs and look at them all

Forgot to say, great thread man. I vote we each update this every week

I actually did some analysis using pokerstove and hand ranges with pot odds. Found out stacking off with 66 PF hu was not good against a normal range of an unknown.

Originally Posted by jyms

also Robb, I would like to point out that you may no longer call yourself a noob. You may call yourself a micro grinder if need be, or even a small stakes grinder if you deem it appropriate. But as a subscriber of Grinderschool says you are no longer a noob.

FYP!

1. Take more notes on opponents that will help me next time he face off like range and betting patterns
2. Pay attention to all the hands, even if I'm not involved, because I can find out valuable info on opponents
3. Look at my own stats to see where I can improve and fix leaks

1.) I let my A-game be my A-game
2.) Worked on my B-game
3.) Worked on my C-game

Originally Posted by asdpikas

1. Played more hands
2. Played more hands
3. Played more hands

and then some more

This.

contrary to popular opinion playing a lot doesn't guarantee being good

see: fgators

1. Don't call an AI without the nuts, in general. I was doing this entirely too much esp. after a couple of winning hand in a row. In almost every case my top two pair got beat with a set.

2. Don't get drunk and try to move up from 5NL to 10NL without the proper BR just to see if the play is different. It wasn't much different but when I performed #1 the $$$ lost was a more significant hit to my BR.

3. Watch FTR videos and rewind when necessary to understand why certain plays were made.

4. Use Pokertracker. Previously I would fold to a PF 5bb bet. Now when I see the guy is a 70/60/6 I call or reraise and take down the pot.

5. Take more notes during the game. I now have almost 15k hands so I'm starting to see alot of repeat players.

6. Join IRC

Edit: Oh wait, you said top 3. Ignore 3 of these

I felt guilty not being able to post in this thread so I got my lazy arse in gear:

1.Watched 2 bottomset videos and a GoldSeraph video in the DC Ringsside series.

2. Went through my HEM DB looking at how I play in 3bet pots, and how I isolate IP and OOP.

3. Went through some poker maths re. 3betting and "risking A to win B" with Muzz.

I got laid and played a bunch of WoW.

Originally Posted by Fnord

I got laid and played a bunch of WoW.

Result!

This post is a GREAT idea. Now I feel like a lazy bag of ass and need to step up my attitude towards poker to become a winning player. Especially if I'm trying to grind my way outta the micro's. As of right now there are only two things that I can say I've really done in the last couple days.

1.) Taking more notes on players. I used to just play and never take notes 'cuz I thought they were a waste of time. Now I know better!

2.) Limit how many tables I'm playing. I assumed grinding meant getting in as many hands as possible. Which there is an argument for that I guess, but I think I was playing too many at a time for me to play comfortably. So I took myself from 4 or 5 down to 1 or 2 at a time. Gotta say it has helped out a lot in terms of reads and whatnot.

Now I'm gonna have to go find 3 MORE things just so I don't feel like a slacker compared to you guys. I think I might go read all the 6-max strategy articles on here...

Originally Posted by TonyB73

I can absolutely see the sense in reviewing smaller hands, but how do you pick which ones?

Looks at catagories of spots over a reasonable sample:

• Getting 3-bet
  4-betting
  BN opens you defend
  You open from BN
  Offsuit broadways
  Cold-calling on the button
  over-limping on the button
  (check) raising c-bets with air

How are your results in those spots? How are your results if you throw away a couple sick coolers (either way.) Do you think you're getting the best of it? Do you think you can play more hands in this spot?

Keep adjusting.

1. Joined FTR
2. Reading lots of articles on this site.
3. Started reading my first poker book, "internet texas holdem" by matthew hilger.

Originally Posted by Sasquach991

1. Don't call an AI without the nuts, in general. I was doing this entirely too much esp. after a couple of winning hand in a row. In almost every case my top two pair got beat with a set.

you cant generalize like this. its all about hand RANGES, not absolute hand strength. There are a bazillion times to call an AI without nuts, but it is player/situation dependent and has to do with how your hand stacks up against villains range of hands, the price your being laid, etc.

Originally Posted by bode

Originally Posted by Sasquach991

1. Don't call an AI without the nuts, in general. I was doing this entirely too much esp. after a couple of winning hand in a row. In almost every case my top two pair got beat with a set.

you cant generalize like this. its all about hand RANGES, not absolute hand strength. There are a bazillion times to call an AI without nuts, but it is player/situation dependent and has to do with how your hand stacks up against villains range of hands, the price your being laid, etc.

Maybe I didn't put it correctly. I was calling an AI when I was pretty sure I was beat. I have TT against a TAGG and bet pf and get reraised and I call. Flop is AK5 and Villian pushes and I call.

Originally Posted by Sasquach991

Originally Posted by bode

Originally Posted by Sasquach991

1. Don't call an AI without the nuts, in general. I was doing this entirely too much esp. after a couple of winning hand in a row. In almost every case my top two pair got beat with a set.

you cant generalize like this. its all about hand RANGES, not absolute hand strength. There are a bazillion times to call an AI without nuts, but it is player/situation dependent and has to do with how your hand stacks up against villains range of hands, the price your being laid, etc.

Maybe I didn't put it correctly. I was calling an AI when I was pretty sure I was beat. I have TT against a TAGG and bet pf and get reraised and I call. Flop is AK5 and Villian pushes and I call.

but you said you weren't retarded?

1. Studied hand histories early in the week looking for hands I was confused on... didn't really find any but posted a few to IRC for comment.

2. Eliminated IRC while I'm playing. Not only was I distracted I too often got bullshit back when I tried to ask questions, granted it was only a couple of users but decided it wasn't worth it while playing.

3. Buckled down and played very basic poker and incorporated pot odds... result: up 5 BIs.

1. Made a $50 deposit on PS so I can play the $2NL games, instead of messing around with my roll trying to beat $10NL on Full Tilt with too small of a roll.

2. Watched some of the microstakes videos, and learned a few things; relative position was very interesting and something I quickly picked up on.

3. Forced myself to be dilligent about making reads and taking notes on players, even at the very lowest stakes. Plain and simple, it has made a positive difference in my ability to make better laydowns, and extract more value from players. I've finally been able to break the habit of believing that my Qs or Ks are overpair to the uber nitty limp-reraisers.

1. Re-read Harrington on Cash Games Vol. 1 and 2 for a second time
2. Watched 3 BidSpenda tutorials on $5nl full ring and six handed
3. Started looking for a coach to karate chop me into playing correctly

Originally Posted by asdpikas

Originally Posted by a500lbgorilla

It was likely based on the fact that Fnord was a LHE player at the time. But I only served it up as a funny story! Take from it what you wish.

It's cool, just stating the difference between NL and limit...

People dont get my avatar, they always assume bad things
But i do like a good controversy

Back to topic, one thing i should do more is analysing other regs play and see what i can get from them... like Bollocks said.

i like your avatar...

i watched 3 episodes of wpt....

1.Read Harrington on Hold'em Volume I&II
2.Forcing myself to write notes on other players
3.Playing only when I am fully focused

1. looked at each stack off (mine or villains) and see how the hands played out
2. posted/read on ftr
3. posted/read on 2p2

1. play smaller range
2. play more tables
3. bet more aggressively

New week, new reply..

1>> Watched a couple of FR vids on Grinderschool.
IMO if you want to get goot, subcribe. Same goes for IRC (which is free)

2>> Re-read Rentons FR Guide. Definately got more out of it than before. Also, got familiar with Rentons ABCD Theorem, and ISF's brilliant articles.

3>> Found http://poker-strategy.flopturnriver.com/ and started to read some articles. You would think I'd have seen this before

Theres some more stuff but Ill leave it at 3 for here. Question... What would you say is a good ration for study:grind?

1. Logged onto IRC for the first time. (Didn't participate just yet, but the conversation is great to read and follow)

2. Bought Ed Miller's Small Stakes Hold' em and devoured it in about an hour and a half.

3. Unchecked the "Display folded cards" option on PS. This was reinforcing bad thinking where I would have flopped trips, a boat or a straight when playing the hand would have been an egregious error.

1) Read Sklansky's Theory of Poker
2) Started to really pay attention to table selection and got up and left when a specific table wasn't doing me any good
3) Started to play a bit more aggressively when I think I have the better hand

Glad I started this - I'll chime back in.

1. Watched GrinderSchool vids
2. Learned to table select using HEM's Table Manager
3. Did a week review

1. Took 2 weeks off after horrible downswing.
2. Re-read Harrington.
3. Joined FTR

Originally Posted by Monsieur_chat

3. Joined FTR

^^^this is ++++++++++++EV

Haha I can tell - it seems to have instantly ended my terribad losing streak, I just won my first SNG after losing *ahem* in a row. Woo.

What a relief.

Originally Posted by Jack Sawyer

Originally Posted by asdpikas

1. Played more hands
2. Played more hands
3. Played more hands

and then some more

This.

1 - Returned to reading FTR after being a away for a while.
2 - Continued not playing poker when I don't feel like I'm really prepared to play my best.
3 - Look into new books to read (or reread old ones)


Because of #1:
Look at a500lbgorilla's avatar (did he get it from the "man tries to pay bill with spider picture story and/or did the spider picture come from somewhere else?)

Look at Jack Sawyer's avatar (what is exactly photoshopped?)

yah, the happy seven legged spider now with action-grip xmas cap!

The hat looks nice on him, although he still only has seven legs.

Anyone who hasn't seen it should search the web for something like "man spider drawing bill" and read through the e-mail exchange between the guy and his utility company.

1. Reviewed my last 1k hands to look for leaks
2. Realized that I was playing OOP Alot.
3. Stopped playing OOP

1. Played a ton of hands. Hands on experience always works.

2. Reviewed my database and losing hands. Have to see if I played/ran well/terrible. See how my opponents play and find leaks.

3. Tightened up in early position, especially in the small blind. Seen how much I was leaking and losing from these spots.

Originally Posted by Robb

Glad I started this - I'll chime back in.


2. Learned to table select using HEM's Table Manager

Brief summary?

I have got to dig deeper into HEM. I'm only utilising a fraction of its awesomeness.

Robb wrote:

Glad I started this - I'll chime back in.

glad you did

hags

Originally Posted by OhBollocks

Originally Posted by Robb

Glad I started this - I'll chime back in.


2. Learned to table select using HEM's Table Manager

Brief summary?

I have got to dig deeper into HEM. I'm only utilising a fraction of its awesomeness.

I just tweaked my HUD. I like color coding stats (green means gogogo). HEM's replayer w/ villain stats is great. I can't use half the filters, but I'm learning. Bottom line, I'm not using HEM to its full potential either.

I think (one of) its best feature(s) is the notes utility where they popup as you scroll over - no clicking. I've been learning to take quick notes on tons of hands and use them effectively.

1. I've started thinking a lot more about postflop betting, paying close attention to board texture and my opponents' ranges, considering the likelihood I'm ahead (or will fold out a better hand), and sizing my bets appropriately to charge draws and profit vs a range of holdings. I've especially begun thinking a lot more about river bets and when I have a very strong hand, sizing bets to get all of my chips or all of my opponent's chips in the pot by the river. Oh, and I mostly stopped being laggy at low stakes... I was tired of beating my head against the wall.

2. I've started playing cash games, both NLHE and LO8. I don't know what took me so long; I'm liking cash games a lot better than SNGs. It's nice after a big suckout or cooler to be able to rebuy and keep playing against the same bad opponents.

3. I've been posting a lot more hands to FTR for comment. When I see another thread where I might have played it in a way that no one has mentioned, I reply with my own ideas to see what's right or wrong about my thinking.

So I haven't done much that specifically relates to studying poker, but with these changes I'm definitely seeing major improvements in my game. The next thing I need to work on is to stop defending my play after I post a hand for comment... that has to be annoying.

Lets keep this one up....


1. started to read more pokerliterature, in particular Harrington on cashgames vol I and Vol II
2. joined IRC trying to exploit fellow ftr people for information and opinions
3. mixing in nl25 tables to my standard level (nl10) while reducing the total amount of tables

sthg else that might help:

things I`ve done loast weeek to deteriorate my game:

1. lacking time I`ve almost stopped my routine of session reviewing
2.
3.


hags

1. Really thought about position and my starting hands. I am now running 14/10 over last 3K. Still a little tight but a starting point for dumping crap hands OOP.

2. I am dropping down to 1 or 2 tables max while I really concentrate on hand reading. I mostly just play my 2 cards. (suggestions on improving hand reading are welcomed!)

3. Started reading FTR again after a HUGE hiatus.

1. Started participating in the forums, reviewing hands more often and reading new material

2. Eating better and exercising more

3. Practicing meditation to develop awareness and emotional control

Originally Posted by geoffm33

1. Really thought about position and my starting hands. I am now running 14/10 over last 3K. Still a little tight but a starting point for dumping crap hands OOP.

FR? or 6m? Stakes?

Originally Posted by geoffm33

2. I am dropping down to 1 or 2 tables max while I really concentrate on hand reading. I mostly just play my 2 cards. (suggestions on improving hand reading are welcomed!)

If you're 2-tabling, watch every hand (especially the ones you're not in) and try to put opponents on ranges. I like to guess who's ahead on the turn, and see if I'm right. Treat it like a game show.

1) Started to play more tables at a time
2) Tightened up my range
3) Got more aggressive to drive out the crap that kept out-drawing me.


The result: 25% profit increase in the last week

1. Stopped calling allmost every hand.

2. Watched some PokerStars pro players playing, and recognized that they mostly only played really good hands, depending on what tournament or cash tables they were playing.

3. Trying to practicing being more patient when playing MTT's.

Sorry for my confusing english, but I'm not that good at it.

Thanks Robb:

6m $25NL. I also stopped limping PF. I either raise or fold (unless I get walked in the BB).