i can say that the reason i bet $5 was because i had no idea where i was...i tend to do that. i bluff this way and bet the nuts this way, too. sure, the balance is there, but i leave $$ on the table. my bluffs look like the nuts, and i can get away from shoves...which is what i did here. as i remember, i folded...

however, thank you so very much for the explanation (i have practically BEGGED for these before to no avail). this is what i need to work on, and its painfully obvious.

i have read, and read, and read this type of explanation. i have seen the math to back it up, but it still refuses to sink in. its like i need to re-read this another 100 times before the light bulb clicks on.

any suggestions as to how to speed up this process? anything you look for, in particular, when reviewing PT (not stats, but HHs)? any pencil and paper practicing? any other drill that you can think of?

or, do you just keep trying to focus on these situations when they come up and let natural experience run its course?

oh, and max, will you and ISF keep this thread in your memory, and check it from time to time? there is no way i/we cant get better if we just keep running some hands through here and thinking aloud, as long as i am not the "lead consultant." lol.

thanks again.