Improving at fr indirectly

Hey all, so Ive been playing some supermicro stakes HU with my current roommate, and Ive found that although I suck at hu in general (not as bad as him), it still helped me to analyze how different ranges hit flops, and the relative strength of hands versus opps range both on the flop, and assuming for later streets. I know the idea behind this is pretty basic and has been rehashed multiple times, but it didnt really strike me in this capacity until i started actually playing these HU games

that said, im probably going to look into flopzilla to try to get a better idea for this. does anyone have any good strategy links regarding like...hand development?


also, more in the spirit of discussion, has anyone had similar experiences, where playing/analyzing a game other than fr has had (in)direct positive consequences on your fr game? if so, it would be great to hear what it was, and what sort of things i/others should keep an eye out for when doing it.


i know the idea has applications when it comes to studying, like with the spoony lessons and toy games, which i particularly liked, so if anything else comes to mind, please share!



(disclaimer: yes, i know not to put too heavy of a correlation between hu play and fr play because theyre very different games, and i do not intend to do things like make shoving middle pair on the flop after opening button a standard play.)

Originally Posted by Zorkion

also, more in the spirit of discussion, has anyone had similar experiences, where playing/analyzing a game other than fr has had (in)direct positive consequences on your fr game?

almost everyone who has ever got any good.

Originally Posted by Zorkion

if so, it would be great to hear what it was, and what sort of things i/others should keep an eye out for when doing it.

thinking while playing, playing less tables some sessions, proper review, mixing in some 6-max once in a while, dropping stakes and playing 30-24 at FR for a session, the list goes on forever

Originally Posted by Zorkion

i do not intend to do things like make shoving middle pair on the flop after opening button a standard play.)

why not? Think more (and I agree, don't make it your standard)

Originally Posted by daven

almost everyone who has ever got any good.


thinking while playing, playing less tables some sessions, proper review, mixing in some 6-max once in a while, dropping stakes and playing 30-24 at FR for a session, the list goes on forever


why not? Think more (and I agree, don't make it your standard)

oh god oh god, im running at exactly 30-24 at a table that im playing right now, youre not there, and going to take all my money, are you?


also, i hate to club already clubbed baby seals (or something like that) but what constitutes proper review? i know ive read some general ideas, but i dont recall reading anything very thorough on the matter. if you like, you can add the topic to your list of things to write about if its not already there

fwiw, from my very limited experience playing HU cash, i have come to the belief that the best way to accelerate your poker understanding/decision making skills after gaining a decentish grasp on the fundamentals such as ranges, pot equity, fold equity, and EV is to play and study the shit out of headsup play. it teaches you a lot about what ranges are composed of, how to deal with different ranges, and how to effectively plan your hands over all 4 streets based on what you perceive your opponents strategy to be. that said, the variance is pretty sickening. i, personally, definitely don't yet have the necessary balls to grind HU as my main game.

/csb