Low Buy In Poker - Learning to Win

Ok, so this is the official start of my operation... I have been playing now for about 4 months and feel I've made some progress, but am still in the Micro-stakes arena now. I like to play $2 SNG's primarily, with drops to $1 SNG's where I am a slave to the rake when I am playing bad. I play only on Full Tilt Poker, am running with no HUD or PT or any tools at this point...

I started in December with a $50 buy in, which I have repeated in early February. Current bankroll is around $80 with hoping to get back to even before the end of the month. Eventual goal is to play $11 SNG's 4 at a time... and be profitable.

So here goes... see my blog for updates as well as here... I hope to update every 2-3 days, with hands to get help on, if all goes well I hope to be owning the $2 soon and moving to $5. All help and comments appreciated... even the smart assed ones.

Last night started with a little tilt, then got back on track. Two second place and one first place finish put me back up to $79 in the bankroll, so that was positive... the first one I'm posting under the bad beat forum... just so everyone can hear me whine...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...hh-t68756.html

The operation continues, have had some good days, some bad, found that my operation avatar was screwed because it won't take anything but whole dollar amounts, so started a new more accurate one. Hope to update daily as progress ensues...

It is a difficult thing about competition, when you feel you are good enough, or when you hear of someone else accomplishing something, you want to compete at their level.

Often this leads to trying something you are not ready to do yet. When I played darts competitively, I thought I could hang with the big dogs and was quickly beaten down. Same thing with pool. With golf on the other hand, I’ve grown slowly to where I compete on a level I can do well at but still have to struggle to be the winner at. That though, is amateur competition.

Playing poker and making money is a professional competition. It isn’t about the cards, it isn’t about your cards, it isn’t about bet size… or stack size… it is totally about controlling YOU.

If you can keep yourself in check, be patient, be smart, know what your odds are and then play them correctly, you will win in the long run. The question is, is the long run for you or are you just here for the quick kill?

Just broke the $180 mark with this tourney... was the comeback kid here... amazing a couple of times how it built back but it all worked out ( maybe not the best plays, but in the end I made it work )

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3241.html

Woo hoo! Am ITM for the last 7 games, two of which were at the 5.50 level and were 1sts... Got an actual SuperHot on Sharkscope!

Now if I can just keep it up! Too bad vacation is in two more days... hopefully I can hit the FTR500 though it is late the night before I leave for vacation!

The total run to ruin continues... I might change my operation name.

Honestly, looking for someone who can give me any advice, many new tourneys in my blog and here is today... I can't win at all it seems, after months of doing pretty well. On Super Tilt... any advice is appreciated.

Well.. hell, now the tournament trimmer won't let me post tourneys.

The first one was AA and I shove on first hand... get called and lose with trip aces to flush.

Let me try another one...
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3379.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3380.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3381.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3382.html

I don't know what has so drastically changed in my game other than people slow playing AA at me all the time... any suggestions/help would be appreciated... I'm down to probably only a few tourneys left before I throw in the towel... I'll play on the 5th but if I haven't done better before then I'm gone.

For the second month I competed last evening in the FTR500.

As a warm up I ran two $2 SNGs, finished 3rd in one on a bad shove and 2nd in the other. So then it was on to the FTR500.

I started out playing very conservative, TAGG with a lot of pretty good hands thrown in but not a lot of big pots. Then the break happened, I made some good headway after the break then just at about the second hour I finished up in 9th place. I think there were around 50 players, so i think I did pretty well.

Here is the tournament in three parts for me:

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3406.html

Well ok, the trimmer isn't working for the second half... so let me highlight some hands I'd appreciate comments on...

I'm not sure I should have folded this initially, this late in the game... thoughts?
Full Tilt (7 handed) Full-Tilt Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Preflop: Hero is MP2 with , . SB posts a blind of 120.
UTG raises, 5 folds, BB calls.

Flop: , , (2 players)
BB checks, UTG bets, BB folds.

Final Pot:


This one is for those who thought I had AA in the hole...

Full Tilt (6 handed) Full-Tilt Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Preflop: Hero is CO with , . SB posts a blind of 120.
2 folds, Hero raises 2244 (All-In), 3 folds.

Final Pot:

Not sure I played this right though it worked out... thoughts?

Full Tilt (6 handed) Full-Tilt Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Preflop: Hero is BB with , . SB posts a blind of 120.
4 folds, SB (poster) completes, Hero checks.

Flop: , , (2 players)
SB checks, Hero bets 1719 (All-In), SB folds.

Final Pot:

Finally played a good hand here...
Full Tilt (6 handed) Full-Tilt Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Preflop: Hero is MP with , . SB posts a blind of 150.
1 fold, Hero raises 2129 (All-In), 1 fold, Button calls, 2 folds.

Flop: , , (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (2 players, 1 all-in)

Final Pot:

And the hand that killed me...

After being stupid and shoving into it...
Full Tilt (5 handed) Full-Tilt Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver Cards)

Preflop: Hero is BB with , . SB posts a blind of 150.
1 fold, MP raises, Button raises 21322 (All-In), SB (poster) calls 633 (All-In), Hero calls 1258 (All-In), MP folds.

Flop: , , (3 players, 3 all-in)

Turn: (3 players, 3 all-in)

River: (3 players, 3 all-in)

Final Pot:

Hi Monty. I used to play SnG's a lot, but have since moved on to cash. I hate to see a player in dire straights, so I'd like to help if I can! Just looking at the first tournament, here are my thoughts. Let me know if you would like me to look at the others in depth also...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3379.html

Hand 1: 99. This is REALLY aggressive from the SB, I would play like this in a cash game (where I can reload), but never in a SnG. Why would you invest SO many chips this early in the tourny? At this level with people limp/calling all the time, set-mining from the SB is probably more profitable! Lucky turn...You better have been check/folding that if you had missed.
Hand 2: KQs. Obviously villian is an idiot, so TPGK is worth felting. I wouldn't get in this habit though!
Hand 3: JJ. I hate the fishhooks. PreFlop is read dependent... but you have the stack for it, so no prob. I would lean towards calling the 3-bet and getting it in on an all-under flop...
44 in MP1. tight fold after the JJ sting? Tight raiser?
Hand 4: 77. Why suddenly so passive? This is a Raise/fold situation for me. I would like to isolate and get it in against the shorty if possible, getting rid of the BB... Your bet on the turn is spew though, what is calling you on that board that you beat? Your hand has showdown value now, try to call a small river bluff...
Hand 5: 99. What's the big difference between 99 and 77 to you? This was a risky play against the big-stack, but I like the aggression...
Hand 10: A5s. Limping is just asking for trouble when the blinds are getting big. Raise or Fold PF.
Hand 11: A4o. Ewww, do NOT open limp this UTG. Raise or fold, those blinds are valuable.
TJs in the BB: Depends on how much the raise was, but you can defend with this.
QTo in the BU: Blinds are 60/120. Raise it up, you really need to start stealing some blinds.
Hand 13: A6o. Raise the limper. Don't let him see a cheap flop.
Hand 14: 87s. I don't like the limping. If you want to play, be aggressive and raise.
T7s on BU: Steal a little! Live a little!
Hand 16: AQo. duncapone is being Aggro it seems. I'd take a shot on the flop, or Raise his turn to see what's up... If you're going to call a raise PF, then try to take charge at some point...
Hand 18: KQo. Not a bad stand, but I'm not very happy with this push call here. Have you seen him do this before? This is a very easily dominated hand, we are only hoping that villian is pushing with a worse K, that is a small part of his range. We don't like any hand with an A in it, and all PP's have a small edge on us... Lucky.
Hand 20: A9o. Raise or Fold UTG.
Hand 24: TJs. Raise or Fold UTG. As played, I take the aggro duncapone to the felt with TPGK. That is a really weak fold here.
Hand 25: 85o. WTF? After you fold TP last hand, you go to town with a 1-card OESD here? Felt the made hands first! He overbets the flop again. Just FOLD!
K6o on the BU: Blind Steal...
K7o on the BU: Steal.
Q7s on the BU: Steal.
Hand 29: Q7s. If you are so willing to get it in with draws, then I push over this aggro on this flop! You have more outs than your OESD earlier, PLUS, you're probably good as you are!
Hand 30: KJo. No, and I didn't even look at results first. Reason - duncapone is being aggro POST flop mostly. Both times he's been aggro PF, he's had an Ace at the least. KJ is an all too often dominated hand, and you are no longer the aggressor. Fold to the PF PUSH!

Overall, you play too passively. When the blinds get to 50/100 and above you should have a good reason NOT to RAISE when it's folded to you in LP. Stealing blinds (what duncapone was doing mostly) is very necessary when the blinds are getting big. Limping is a BIG no-no except for the very early rounds. Say this 100 times: "Raise or Fold, Raise or Fold".

I hope this is helpful to you! Let me know if you have any questions!

Chris

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Hi Monty. I used to play SnG's a lot, but have since moved on to cash. I hate to see a player in dire straights, so I'd like to help if I can! Just looking at the first tournament, here are my thoughts. Let me know if you would like me to look at the others in depth also

Chris, feel free to take a look at anything I post, I love the comments.

My problems are with passive play, I'll admit, but I'm getting slammed with it when I play some of these hands. Maybe I'm not using the aggression correctly or missing some cues that are killing me.

I am trying to learn when to be aggressive and when not to be. Lately it seems that my aggression has been poorly timed and I keep getting sucked out on. I know that isn't my fault but it has made me tentative.

I guess what I am asking is, once I get to that 50/100 level, what kind of requirements am I looking at to get in the hand from LP... I tend to loosen up but I think I'm missing out. I don't raise suited connectors below 8/9, I tend to not get in unless there is a pair or Ace or King in my hand... maybe I'm just too wimpy with my aggression...

Suggestions gladly welcomed, here or in private... always looking for guidance and potential coaching/assistance.

I'll take a look at another Tourny tomorrow, that took a little while as you can imagine!

Ponder this though: You need a much higher quality hand to CALL an All In than you need to GO All In...

Depending on the people in the blinds, you should be willing to steal with A2C (Any 2 Cards). Suckouts happen, don't let them affect how you play. If you keep putting your chips in with the best of it, it'll come around.

It's not that you are "wimpy" with your aggression, you are "wimpy" with your passiveness (i.e. limping) See the difference?

Talk to ya tomorrow!

Ok thanks Chris, here are two more if you or anyone else wants to comment, I tried to put your theories into practice, got a third and out on the bubble in the other. Some hands I goofed, but recovered nicely a couple of times... trying to steal more... maybe I'm learning something. Maybe.


http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3408.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3409.html

I know no one gets paid to do this, and it is appreciated, I want to learn and get better... even just a hand or two you might comment on is helpful... anyone feel free!

Ok, Since you have these fresher in your mind, I'll look at one of these then!

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3408.html

QKo in the CO. That idiot has raised the first 4 hands in a row. Pop him back here, if his raise isn't a push... and Huh, by your hand one 2 people are gone, but everyone has even stacks? Something is wrong with the converter maybe? Ok, I see BIG77DOG is in the history, but we don't see his stack? I guess he took out the idiot at the beginning...
Hand 2: A3o. Fold. With an UTG limper in there, it's just not worth it, you won't hit 2pr or better often enough, which is what you would need to continue with this hand!
Hand 3: QQ. Easy! The monotone flop had to scare you a little though...
Hand 4: QJo. Don't like the raise here, just check and hit something. If it's just a blind war then fine, but being OOP with a mediocre hand like this is not a good spot to be in. Flop C-Bet is too weak, I'm surprised he folded. Needs to be closer to the pot size if you are going to do it...
Hand 5: K7o. Don't tell me "Pot odds made me do it". Just fold this crap, save your chips for a good hand.
22 in the SB. How big was the raise? I'm guessing you were probably getting REALLY good set-odds there...
Hand 6: ATs. 6-handed UTG, I probably dump this PF, unless the table seems pretty tight. Your Raise is also slightly big though, at 30/60, your standard raise should be 180.
Hand 8: A6s. 6-handed UTG, I really dump this PF. 240 would be a standard raise size here.
Hand 9: 66. PF is good, nice raise. C-Bet is not large enough, bet the pot here. Check/fold turn, you are not representing AK by betting so weakly...Wait to be in position to continue like this...
Hand 10: K4o. YES! Very good! Time to start stealing! A raise to 300 is usually just as effective though...
Hand 12: ATo. Scary. 4-handed, this is a good raise UTG, but also why I would've rather raised to 300. 350 bloated this pot a bit bigger with 2 callers. Turn bet is horrible though, your stack is about the same size as the pot, and you CANNOT FOLD if you choose to bet, so get as much Fold Equity as you can, PUSH. If you are going to commit yourself, then DO IT!
J9s on the BU. Steal Att. here please!
Hand 14: 32o. Lead the flop for 200. docholm is limping a lot from what I can see, he's got crap here a lot. Obv fold if he pushes back at you though...
Hand 16: A8o and Hand 17: AJo. 360 is plenty!
Hand 18: T5s. Why? Be aggressive if you are going to defend your blind. Perfect flop to lead into him. Fold PF next time...
Hand 19: TT. Standard raise please. This is unneccesary at this point. You still have plenty of chips to play poker with...
Hand 20: 66. Same deal, you aren't at push/fold poker yet, standard raise...
Hand 21: KJo. WTF mate? Now, I haven't seen TraderBob tangled up yet, so maybe you've seen him doing something that prompted this? Maybe a Call PreFlop, then check/fold the flop. Stop seeing two pretty cards and spewing everywhere!
Hand 22: 53o. Again, with docholm limping so much, I lead this flop for 320 and fold to aggression with bottom pair.
Hand 23: TQo. 480 is fine!
Hand 24: A8o. 480 PFR makes your 640 C-Bet scarier...
AKs in the BB. Darn...
Hand 26: AKo. Tough as played. I like a 3-bet PF to 1600 better than your call/bet line though, it looks less like a bluff which is what your flop bet is OOP. Aggression is good, but I think it really needs to be PF instead...It'd be less easy to fold, but I wouldn't mind getting AI with AKo 4-handed in this situation.
Hand 27: K7o. Nice Steal Att. PF. but Raise his Min-bet on the flop to 700. Or you should Fold, calling and then trying to check down is bad and very weak.
93o in the SB. You are desperate now. Use what FE you have and try to steal the blind here. With your M<5 you should be looking for any opportunity, and this is the best chance against only 1 random hand.
Hand 28: A4s. Yes, after hand 27 you are deep into Push/fold territory. GJ.
KQo in the BB. VERY Good fold! You want to have FE with this hand, and you have none. I'm actually quite surprised that you folded this. (look at Hand 21...)
29: TJo, 30: Q9o. Very good.
Hand 31: 83s. You see! This is why I keep telling you to lead into docholm. He was stupid to lead here, and showed you why...This particular hand would've been bad to lead with BIG77DOG already All In, but the previous ones...
Q6s on the BU. Push. Really, you waited for the bubble to burst, and it has, now is the time to go for the gold!
Hand 32: J7s. I don't understand. You fold your "made" 1-pair hands to him earlier, and now go hog-wild with a gutshot draw and an overcard? Fold the flop here just like you've been doing...

Overall, this looks much better than the last history I looked at, but It also looks like your playing to "make the money" and not for the win. Your aggression is unfocused. When the blinds get high, you need to pick a spot and commit. The AKo hand is a good example, it is a god hand 4-handed (really 3-handed since BIG77DOG is just folding everything), and you really need to establish your aggression at the beginning. Hope this helps!

Chris

So as Chris suggested, I'm trying to learn to focus my aggression in poker and make good moves.

Last night I worked on this in three games, the first I started from the CO or button positions to blind steal even in the first few rounds with any two cards, but got little chance to do that. Often there was a raiser in front of me, and even though I put them on a wide range, I often had nothing worth calling with.

Later in that game I kept up my tight image but found the blind steals didn't seem to work... then a good hand (or so I thought) caught and I shoved over only to get plowed under by a straight.

The second game was going ok, played a few good hands then drew Jacks... now everyone hates the fish hooks. But I raised to 3xBB and got called. No big deal, looking for a low board... well lookie there... Jack on the flop. So I have a set of Jacks. Other player was the BB and he acts first, there is an A on the board, so I figure he paired up... he bets 1/2 pot... I don't want to scare him off... so I call. Board also held a 5 and 3 I think. The next card is a 7 of clubs, so no scare there, he checks and I bet pot thinking I have him... he calls and shows down a 4/6. Straight.

What kills me is the donk bets that have been beating me lately. I can't tell you how many straights have been drawn out on me, how many people have min raised K's or A's. I have thought I had the best hand so many times lately that I've lost total faith in my reads and have just been playing the cards, which leads to total losses. I'm down from $190 a little over a week ago to $110.

That leaves me with $10 profit for 4 months of hard work.

Or another way to look at it, leaves me with 10 buy ins if I move to the $10 games, 20 at the $5 level or around 40 at the $2 level (higher rake).

Or should I move to cash games?

My options are dwindling... so is my patience. I may forgo playing for a day or two and re-read Harrington. Or I might start over at the beginning of the SNG forum and read every stinking post.

Something has to help.

fisrt things first, chin up! you started with $50 and are still in profit - lots of donks at these stakes are depositing constantly, having the odd win then losing it all again.

If I was you, I would withdraw and get over to PokerStars and play cash.

You'll be rolled for $5nl, but you should prob start on $2nl.

Play nothing but solid hands and position to start and you'll have a healthy bankroll in no time. And you'll learn how to play poker as you go.

I was piddling around making money, then losing my bankroll playing bad poker or drunken poker....

But I started again on microstakes at PStars and after a few months of solid play am now nearing $50nl.

Monty,
I know it's hard, but don't dwell on the bad beats. What you should dwell on is any time that YOU made a bad play. For instance: your JJ hand above. You slowplayed it when you hit big and got burned. Stop worrying about scaring people off, this applies to ALL forms of poker! They are stupid enough to PAY you off, so just BET when you have the goods. Don't play weak when you are strong, play strong ALL THE TIME, let them gamble to try to figure you out...

Don't give up just yet! I've got an small experiment for you.

Play 10 more $2 SnG's with the following strategy: "Don't Call"

It's quite simple, you only have 2 real options, Raise(bet), or Fold. Checking is also OK especially from the BB, but NEVER limp, and no calling of raises. Over the long run, this should be profitable at the lower stakes. After each one, post the HandHistory, and we can go over them. Hopefully this will be enlightning!

Ok, I'll give it a shot Chris.

I'll try to start tonight if I think my head is in the game.

Willbur, I actually bought in twice for $50. So I'm getting close to break even.

Not going to go into quite as much depth this time, but I'll point out some noteworthy hands here...

Originally Posted by Monty3038

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3409.html

Leave the Axo hands alone until the end of the tourny, they will bleed you to death early on.
Hand 3: QTo Yes, his min-raise was stupid looking, and I can't blame you too bad for the re-raise, but jeez, when he 4-bets you, GTFO, you would need a 1 in 1 million idiot to fold to your push, and even then, I'd be surprized.
Hand 7: AQs A Check/Raise is strength more often than it is a bluff. Unless you have a SOLID read that villian is playing back at you, swallow your pride and fold. ESPECIALLY in pots like this where your villian will HAVE to show you if he is bluffing since there is someone already ALL IN!
Hand 11: K8s You're not quite this desperate yet, If you were on the Button, great, but UTG your asking for trouble.
K5o on the BU between Hand 15 and 16, is a good stealing hand. Just because a hand is unsuited doesn't make it that much less valuable. It's K-high, and you need chips here. PUSH
Hand 17: KQo Nice hand, lucky.
Hand 25: 57o Don't Call the Min-bet. Raise flop if you think you're good, but your hand isn't likely to get any better, so nearly every card to come will be scary...
Hand 28: K5o This is why you only steal when it's folded to you. should be an Easy fold. Lucky again...
Hand 30: 55 hrmmm...4-handed, I'm almost tempted to call, but a limp/RR is so strong that you have to fold here. Good fold.
Hand 35: Q9o Not bad per se, but you're not in bad shape yet, so save this steal for when you are on the button or the SB...
Hand 40: J8s Stop this please. Don't CALL All in with just a draw. You can GO All in with one, and try to push the other guy around, but calling is VERY BAD.

You got very lucky to get as far as you did in this SnG. Stop trying to pick off bluffs. Your steals at many points were fine, and that's why I didn't say anything about them. Your aggression overall was better here, but still pretty reckless in a couple spots as noted above.

Before you CALL all in, or make a huge bluff, take your hand off of the mouse for a second, and think through the situation. All it takes is a moment, and it could help your game a TON I think.

Ok, started off tonight trying to follow what you guys are saying, but it hasn't worked out well so far... two games down, both down before the bubble.

Here they are... I haven't reviewed though the first one I know I spewed a bit early...

The second I know I shouldn't have shoved what I did, so ignore the last hand but everything before that...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3420.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3421.html

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Ok, started off tonight trying to follow what you guys are saying, but it hasn't worked out well so far... two games down, both down before the bubble.

Here they are... I haven't reviewed though the first one I know I spewed a bit early...

The second I know I shouldn't have shoved what I did, so ignore the last hand but everything before that...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3420.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3421.html

Oh, and before anyone says anything... I played into nannijeddu based on previous experience against them, had them rated as pretty wide open and calling/raising with anything.

The rest of the night went a bit better... here are the tourneys and the results...

3rd place here...
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3422.html

2nd place here...
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3423.html

5th on this one...
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3424.html

2nd place here... but in my defense, going AI when HU with two pair, I thought I had him... he pulled out a set.
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3425.html

So, for the night I didn't do badly, thank you Chris, I finished ITM 3 out of 6, 2 second places and one third.

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Not going to go into quite as much depth this time, but I'll point out some noteworthy hands here...

Originally Posted by Monty3038

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3409.html

Leave the Axo hands alone until the end of the tourny, they will bleed you to death early on.

Wasting your time Chris. Monty LOVES A-Rag. LOL

Just kidding Monty, hang in there.

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Ok, started off tonight trying to follow what you guys are saying, but it hasn't worked out well so far... two games down, both down before the bubble.

Here they are... I haven't reviewed though the first one I know I spewed a bit early...

The second I know I shouldn't have shoved what I did, so ignore the last hand but everything before that...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3420.html

MUCH better. Still too much LIMPING though. Really try not to do this. The experiement is RAISE or FOLD. Calling is PROHIBITED!

Your FIRST hand you limp 22 in the SB. RAISE OR FOLD.
Hand 3: JTo FOLD or raise the flop, either way, DON'T CALL.

Everything after that looks GREAT after this until...
Hand 11: T6o Fold this PF, NO LIMPING, you have NO REASON to play this hand.
Hand 14: QTo I actually don't mind this too bad 5-handed with a low M of under 6.

Don't beat yourself up about this one. Quite well played overall!

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3421.html

Again the limping in hand 1: 77Don't limp! That's part of the exercise! Solid Flop bet. Turn bet should be a little larger(350 or so), so that it defines villians hand better if he calls or raises.
Hand 2: AJs Nice PFR, but C-BET! Perfect flop to C-Bet here, you can be SURE to be behind if someone calls or raises you after that, but with what showed up, you would've surely taken it down on the flop...
Hand 4: AQo Eh? What are you doing? Where'd your aggression go?
Hand 8: A7o Fold PF. You are limping which is not acceptable, you aren't following the experiment...
Hand 9: A9o Again, this push is fine, you need chips, sometimes you run into somebody with a better hand. I have no problems with this AT ALL!

I like the direction this is going... I'll scan your others now also!

Ok, I'll admit the 22 and 77 were set hunting.

Raising with them to me doesn't make a lot of sense as they are so easily dominated so I should just be dumping them.

I have to look at the others to see if there was anything situational about them... but I hear you on the limping.

Originally Posted by Monty3038

3rd place here...
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3422.html

Hand 1: AJs With 2 limpers before you, Raise it up a little more PF (150-180). It's not easy to Fold TPTK, but this is a situation where you can. Now, if these two have BOTH displayed that they are idiots, then I like your call of the double push, but as a general rule, if two people are ALL IN in front of you, your 1 pair hand is no good, throw it away.
Hand 2: KK I see what you tried to do there, and it does work sometimes at micro stakes. Act like you are tilting, and someone will call here a lot. Too bad it didn't work.
Hand 8: K5o Raise PF, steal there first, NO LIMPING!
Hand 10: A8o and Hand 11: QJo Small mistakes, but you have less than 10 BB's, PUSH PF.
A3o on the BU PUSH!! Any Ace 3-handed is a great hand, Really!
Q4s in the SB PUSH, you are getting blinded away, you need chips!

Well played, just need to work on opening up more when 4 and 3-handed and low on chips!

Originally Posted by Monty3038

2nd place here...
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3423.html

Hand 1: KK WEEEE! Wasn't that fun?!
Hand 2: JJ Ok, you can have a reprieve for calling the raise PF here, Nice Flop! Two big hands in a row, that'll get the blood pumpin!
Hand 8: Q4s Good steal attempt, and calling the min-raise is fine. Good Check/fold on flop, no need to get tricky.
Hand 11: Q5o Limp bad, Steal good!
Hand 21: K2s You got schooled. He likely didn't have an Ace or the flush, I pay him off here if he does, that looks too bluffy.
AAAAAACK, TURN YOUR CHAT OFF! DO NOT SAY: "nice flush" after that, he OWNS you now.
Hand 35: AKo C-Bet flop, why are you playing so scared?
The random ALL IN pushes with PP's are unneccessary HU. Bet for value, while the blinds are low...
Hand 41: QTo. Are you getting tired of HU play? This is sloppy.
Hand 45: Q8s. Unlucky. I put him on a 9, or A-high on the flop, so I would've continued on the turn. Try to get your money in when you think you have the best of it.

HU play was a challenge here, your opponent seemed pretty solid. You need to play more hands when HU, and really think about what your opponent has, he's going to be bluffing a WHOLE LOT, and A-high, K-high hands are very valuable, don't fold them easily... Turn off your chat, you gave away some VERY valuable information about your play style there...

Originally Posted by Monty3038

5th on this one...
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3424.html

Hand 1: 24o That is seriously funny!
TT in the BB A BU raise and a SB call? You're probably allowed to call this in this situation (depending on the raise size...)
Hand 11: AKo This is fine.
I didn't notice any limping here, all other hands looked fine!

Originally Posted by Monty3038

2nd place here... but in my defense, going AI when HU with two pair, I thought I had him... he pulled out a set.
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3425.html

Hand 4: 82o I know you said "Whoops!" when you saw the short stack re-pop you there. When the blinds are still under 50/100, I'd use just a touch more discretion when stealing like this. Have something a little more coordinated than this absolute crap hand... What also sucks about this is nobody is going to respect your raises from now on, if they are paying attention that is...
Hand 6: AJs This is always a trouble hand. Especially when you are OOP like this. The Call PF is ok. I'll allow this one also. But the Call on the flop is bad. Either Check/Raise him or Check/Fold, do not call on that flop. (I like a Check/Raise here myself!)
Hand 7: ATo Raise his flop donk bet, you JUST saw him do this with crap in hand 6! NO CALLING! If you can't make yourself Raise, then FOLD and I won't fault you for that either!
Hand 11: 23o GOOD! Risky, but you had a couple outs if he called, as many as 12 if he didn't have a flush draw...
Hand 12: AA Whew, that takes some pressure away.
Hand 13: A6o NH. I would've continued on the flop, I don't know why he bluffed the river like that though.
Hand 15: QQ Don't Min-Raise. The blinds are getting too high to start getting cute now.
Hand 16: A2o Here it comes again! DON'T Limp! STEAL!
Wow, dbfla is really aggressive HU. You will need to gamble with him probably
Hand 21: 27s Wow, what a lucky trappy punk. At the same time, if you took your time, you should have been able to fold. Think about it like this. This is the FIRST hand since you started HU play that he has LIMPED. EVERY other hand, he has RAISED OR FOLDED Preflop. Doesn't that look odd to you? Combine that with cold calling a somewhat scary flop and a good bet on the turn, and you have to really think of a trap here.

Now, I don't blame you AT ALL for calling this, it is not always easy to recognize a trap in the heat of the moment; but as I said before, before CALLING All in (which is basically what you did here) take your hand off of the mouse and objectively evaluate the situation, go over the hand from start to now. Sometimes when you do that, a clue will stick out to you, sometimes not, and that's poker!

Originally Posted by Monty3038

So, for the night I didn't do badly, thank you Chris, I finished ITM 3 out of 6, 2 second places and one third.

Don't focus on the results just yet, I want you to focus on your play!

I'll do my best tonight to re-review this stuff and follow your lead, but it is difficult based on my past. I was being led before, and didn't do badly at it, that I play a lot more conservative, but I think I'm my own worst enemy there...

Yeah, the chat thing was dumb... but he kept trying to taunt me after it, which distracted him I think... especially in the other game we were playing. I'm playing two SNG's at once normally, and he was in both at the time.

Ok, played a few $2 SNGs over the weekend, posting them now...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3445.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3446.html

That was Friday, Saturday coming up...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3447.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3448.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3449.html

On Sunday I only had a short while to play, was a little tired, but fired up three at one time, here they are... look for the Quad 9's I pulled out from a bad call... amazed me. But I suppose there is always a slight luck factor.

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3450.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3451.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3452.html

I may not have done the best job of holding to your strategy you wanted me to, but I think I did reasonably well at it. There are a few hands I'm not too excited about in there... but I'm trying to stick to it.

All in all I have improved. There is one spot where I tried to fully apply pot odds, I lost the hand but I think it was worth the call. I have to run so I can't isolate the hand out of the tourney at this time, but I'll look for it.

Monty

I'll have to come back to these Monty. Overall I agree that you are improving, but there is still a lot of work to be done!

OMG, quick glance at the first one (3445), WTF are you doing with your 3rd hand (AQo) betting into a dry side pot on the flop? Wow. I'll look more later...

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

I'll have to come back to these Monty. Overall I agree that you are improving, but there is still a lot of work to be done!

OMG, quick glance at the first one (3445), WTF are you doing with your 3rd hand (AQo) betting into a dry side pot on the flop? Wow. I'll look more later...

Yes, I'm sure there is a long way to go to being able to make the jump up to being a consistent and quality player.

I'm a little confused by your comment on the 3445 tourney though. I called the short stack, no worries from him, felt I had enough of a hand to beat him... was wrong, but felt I had a good chance and it wasn't going to kill me too badly... the other player jumps in though and I wanted to isolate against the short stack, so I bet into him to drive him out... apparently that is wrong? Or is the question because of the hand I had?

I'll go over the rest in a sec, but here's the hand in question for the moment:
-----Hand 3-----
Heros M = 18.60
Full Tilt Poker Game #6353609605: $2 + $0.25 Sit & Go (48335610), Table 1 - 25/50 - No Limit Holdem - 22:25:59 ET - 2008/05/09
Condensed history provided by the Tournament Trimmer (v1.1.4w) from http://www.FlopTurnRiver.com
Seat 1: javamikie (1,920)
Seat 2: Big Bass86 (510)
Seat 3: Hero (1,395)
Seat 4: Th3_Pornostar (2,015)
Seat 5: daywalker8 (2,100)
Seat 6: deezenuts22 (2,405)
Seat 7: drewsay (1,995)
Seat 8: Arnia (840)
Seat 9: StarGent (320)
Th3_Pornostar posts the small blind of 25
daywalker8 posts the big blind of 50
The button is in seat #3
Preflop: Hero dealt Q A
deezenuts22 folds
drewsay calls 50
Arnia folds
StarGent raises to 320, and is all in
javamikie folds
Big Bass86 folds
Hero calls 320
Th3_Pornostar folds
daywalker8 folds
drewsay calls 270
Flop: 4 6 8
drewsay checks
Hero bets 300
drewsay raises to 1,675, and is all in
Hero calls 775, and is all in
drewsay shows A J
StarGent shows K J
Hero shows Q A
Uncalled bet of 600 returned to drewsay
Turn: 2
River: 9
drewsay shows Ace Jack high
Hero shows Ace Queen high
Hero wins the side pot (2,150) with Ace Queen high
StarGent shows a flush, Jack high
StarGent wins the main pot (1,035) with a flush, Jack high

PF: You have a good hand in the BB, and a Shortstack pushes into you PF. drewsay limped from EP. If you want to isolate the shortstack (not a bad idea) then THIS is the time to PUSH OVER the shortstacks push.

Flop: Now, having called, your objective now becomes to eliminate the shortstack, unless you hit the flop good. That flop missed you about as badly as possible. You and drewsay do not yet have a side pot between you, so what is the point of betting? You can't win any more of the main pot, and you have A-high. There is absolutely no reason to isolate yourself against the shortstack here, you're not changing anything for his situation, it doesn't matter if you or drewsay beat him now, that pot is locked. When you bet into an empty side pot, you are basically announcing "Hey, I've got a monster, don't mess with me, I've got the All-in guy murdered right now." If you DON'T have a monster in this situation, DON'T BET! Secondly, drewsay (who has you covered) check/pushes on a wet flop with somebody already All-In! If you have the mother of all reads AND drewsay is running about 90/75/20, THEN you might be able to consider calling ALL-IN with A-high. Otherwise, this should be the EASIEST FOLD IN THE HISTORY OF POKER.

Obviously at showdown, drewsay is revealed for the drooling idiot that he is, but that doesn't make your play any better at all. Calling yourself ALL-IN when your villian is guaranteed a showdown, and you have a 1-pair or less hand, is a high-speed ticket to varianceville. I don't know how to emphasize how lucky you were here.

Continuing on with this tourney!
Looks good after your miracle above, nice, solid and aggressive.

Hand 11: Q9o Let this go UTG, you're sitting pretty on your stack, and you're going to hate life with the SB (Arnia 980 chips) pushes back at you. There'll be much better situations, I'm sure.
Hand 17: TT StarGent seems to be pretty active from what I've seen? This is a close fold on the flop, If I have a pretty loose read on him, I might even push over here, but I'd have to have that read. Fold is fine.
Hand 21: KJo This is borderline. This'll be the 3rd hand in a row that you've raised, and you're not going to like it if anyone calls or raises this time. Not bad, but I would be a little more cautious UTG...
Hand 22: QQ That nit Arnia got lucky with his 5-outer there.
K4s on the BU This is a steal 3-handed. Much better than 39s, which you just stealed with in the SB (nice aggression! )
Hand 29: QQ Nothing to do here, he would do this with a LOT of hands that don't have a K in them. GG.

So again, except for the craziness that was your early AQo hand, there is really not much to complain about here!

Originally Posted by Monty3038

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3446.html

Looking good! Glad to see no limping early!

Hand 3: JJ Gotta hate this hand huh? PF is a little large of a raise, but it's not a mistake, and neither is your C-bet. Gotta hate it, but good fold.
Hand 6: 48o Yes you are desperate, but you still need to avoid limping at all costs. Your ONLY moves should be PUSH or FOLD. so FOLD here.
Hand 8: KTo You have 11XBB with an UTG limper behind you, this is a bad spot to normal raise, it's either PUSH or FOLD, leaning towards FOLD actually. Remember this, "UTG (or EP) limping at higher blinds is usually an indicator of STRENGTH". Now, that's not universal, and at this point of the SnG, you should have a small idea of the style of most of the people at the table. If this guy is limping a LOT so far, then you are ok to raise behind him, but if this is one of the few if any times you see him limp, then this REALLY needs to start shooting sparks at you! Lucky river there. You are freerolling now...
Hand 9: KJo Here is a spot where I like a raise from the BB. Your Hand is likely far ahead of SB's range, and you'll have position for the rest of the hand. Good lead for a PSB on the flop, but your 3-Bet should be larger, to about 1200 or so. Depending on your read though, this is a risky Call when he 4-bet pushes into you here, can I assume he was pretty LAGGY here? NH. SICK turn and river...
Hand 11: 27o That flop hit his range a lot better than yours. And Don't Min-Bet bluff, it's just ASKING to be raised, and he obliged...Check it down...
Hand 15: Q5o Min-betting sucks, please stop this also. xsubman seems to have a braincell or two. He knows that you know he check/raised twice on you already, yet you still are betting here on this nothing flop. If you are trying to induce a mistake from him, bet larger, so his mistake is larger...
Hand 18: K7o The idea of a steal is to LET GO when you meet resistance. I know that he's LAGGY, but you need to have a better hand than this to call his push. Fold to the re-steal. NOT being results-oriented here...
Hand 23: K2o No no no. You are WELL into PUSH/FOLD territory here. And you can't fold! Are you going for the win? Well you've gotta get lucky when you are so shortstacked!

Nice LUCKY comeback here, especially after my last comment! Glad that HU only lasted 1 hand, you would've had to gamble with the laggy xsubman (and you did!).

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3447.html

Hand 3: 99 Refer to my earlier statements about people Limp-re-raising from EP. Does it fit here at all? WOW luck.
Hand 6: A8o Very easy fold here UTG.
Hand 9: AQo This isn't too bad. You have 11.5BB or so, so you could try a normal raise, but then it would be difficult to fold to his forthcoming push without a Nitty TAG read.

Everything else looked good/standard.

Last one for today:

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3448.html

Good Folding! (Really! I'm glad to see this!)
Hand 1: J2o The Big-Blind-Special huh? Looks good. He looks like he's on a draw, and the only thing that fits is QT or T8. Maybe a weak J? Turn bet needs to be bigger though. Make him pay to draw!
KJo on the BU You are in position here with a decent hand and chips to play with, you can limp behind the two others here or even raise, try to hit a good flop!
ATs on the CO Hmm, looks like this table blew up! I'd still like a raise here. Time to get your piece!
A3s in the SB Looks like a good place to Squeez here. Raise it up! Announce that there'll be no limping on your blinds!
Hand 6: KQo He's defending a lot against you. That's as good a flop as Any to C-Bet about 500 or so, and THEN shut down. Folding to the min-bet is weaksauce...
Hand 10: 62o I don't like this bet into 2 villians, especially with what amounts to a 1.5 BB bet. If you want to bet, then make a bet scary enough to make them fold, the :As:, and :Qs: happily call your wimpy bet there...
Hand 12: KJo Up to this point I've noticed a LOT of limping going on on this table. For this reason ONLY am I endorsing this as a good push. You already know my comments on the EP limpers from above.
Hand 13: 8To Wow, WTF was villian doing there? FWIW, I don't bet the flop here much, but if I do, I DON'T MIN-BET. It setup your turn nicely! NH.
Hand 17: K9o Notice anything about the EP limper here? Wow. Granted, he's been limping all game long, but wow...
Hand 21: QTo Hmmm. Again with the Limp/Re-raise UTG. When I see this and somebody is putting their Tourney on the line, I have to have a good reason to call. QTo is likely NOT the reason in this situation. He's been pretty passive from what I've seen, so I don't like his aggression here. Surprising what he showed up with, but still, I don't like the call. This was basically your tourney ender... The next hand (while unlucky) played itself.

In summary, Limping UTG alone is not a strength move. Limp-re-raising is a HIGH STRENGTH move, which suckers a LOT of people into calling with less than stellar hands. Watch for this! If you are in PUSH/FOLD mode, then be careful when somebody limps when they are usually raising. If you have some chips, don't call em' off to this move unless you're sure that villian is an idiot!

Ok, I skimmed it quickly as I'm on lunch break at work.

last night had two 1st's... helped my BR considerably since one was at a $5 table.

One quick question... all in all, though I still seem to be making mistakes... am I improving?

Originally Posted by Monty3038

One quick question... all in all, though I still seem to be making mistakes... am I improving?

Most definitely!

Your game, from what I can see, is definitely coming around. Just gotta iron out some more wrinkles!

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Hand 1: J2o The Big-Blind-Special huh? Looks good. He looks like he's on a draw, and the only thing that fits is QT or T8. Maybe a weak J? Turn bet needs to be bigger though. Make him pay to draw!

Yeah, I didn't want to scare him off, wanted to suck out as much value as I could... probably should have been higher on the turn.

For the KJo on the BU ... now wait a minute... you said no limping

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Hand 6: KQo He's defending a lot against you. That's as good a flop as Any to C-Bet about 500 or so, and THEN shut down. Folding to the min-bet is weaksauce...

Well... I'm trying to avoid the spewage that was my history... weak I know but I'm trying to hoard what I can, when I can.

Notice anything about the EP limper here?

Yes, he limps a ton, then tends to min bet when he thinks he can get you into the hand further... almost like a check-raise on Hand 17... is that what you were asking?

Take a stab at cash.

SnGs rake too much with not big enough of edges.

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Yes, he limps a ton, then tends to min bet when he thinks he can get you into the hand further... almost like a check-raise on Hand 17... is that what you were asking?

Pretty much. He's a really passive player, meaning, if he starts betting, GTFO unless you have a very strong hand.

Originally Posted by Fnord

Take a stab at cash.

SnGs rake too much with not big enough of edges.

Fnord, right now, I think that Monty needs to solidify his starting hand requirements (Almost done!). SnG's are a good place to do this with relatively little risk don't you think? Very soon I was also going to recommend the move to cash also, as cash games are more profitable , especially at the micro limits.

Fnord, also, he is playing at FullTilt where the lowest cash games is $10NL which is too high for his bankroll. He'd have to move his BR to Stars or somewhere else for $5NL to start with.

Monty, I think you're getting the idea (only because you're not asking many questions?) so this'll be the last one I review for a bit.

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3449.html

Hand 16: A5o Tiny "mistake" here. Fold or Raise PF. Depends on read. If I call, it's only to lead out on a majority of flops.
Hand 21: A9s From what I can see in the history momagicks88 hasn't been all that active? Unless your read is different, I don't see how you can continue after his 3-bet here. 3-handed, it's not a bad hand to get all in with, but at the same time, the blinds aren't hurtin ya yet. Surely you didn't think that he could fold to your push? I shrug off my 420 chips here and move onto the next hand.

Everything else looked pretty solid! Well played!

I started with SnGs and I believe they really give you a great basic understanding of hand requirements and putting people on ranges instead of one possible hand because in push/fold it's clearly impossible to work out exactly what they have.

That said, I think I wasted a lot of time past a certain point playing SnGs when I could have been starting to learn cash. I would reccomend moving when your BR reaches $250 or so.

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Fnord, also, he is playing at FullTilt where the lowest cash games is $10NL which is too high for his bankroll. He'd have to move his BR to Stars or somewhere else for $5NL to start with.

Monty, I think you're getting the idea (only because you're not asking many questions?) so this'll be the last one I review for a bit.

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3449.html

Hand 16: A5o Tiny "mistake" here. Fold or Raise PF. Depends on read. If I call, it's only to lead out on a majority of flops.
Hand 21: A9s From what I can see in the history momagicks88 hasn't been all that active? Unless your read is different, I don't see how you can continue after his 3-bet here. 3-handed, it's not a bad hand to get all in with, but at the same time, the blinds aren't hurtin ya yet. Surely you didn't think that he could fold to your push? I shrug off my 420 chips here and move onto the next hand.

Everything else looked pretty solid! Well played!

I hope I am, was waiting to see what was next... and your thoughts on the results of the 10 tournaments overall... I think I get the general idea of what you are saying, but I need to expand on that further I suppose. I'll run for a bit, post up hands I have questions on...

Got a little slow at work... I'll tackle the last 3 real quick...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3450.html

Hand 3: T6s Wow, you had quite the gambling hat on for this SnG! Nothing "Wrong" with your play here, just high variance!

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3451.html

Hand 4: 88 Out of context, this looks horrible. But judging from droopys small stack, and UTG limp, I'm guessing that he has demonstrated his stupidity already some. Still, you only have 88...ugh...
Hand 7: 55 Don't know why you felt the need to play like this? You have less than 9xBBs, you are in PUSH/FOLD poker time now! Surprised that villian found a fold there...
Hand 8: KQs UTG with 7 players left, For me, this is a FOLD UTG. Very Minor mistake though, and some would debate me on that also!
A5o in the CO You are DESPERATE for chips, this is an INSTAPUSH when folded to you!
Hand 11: Q9o You made some ground back, but you are still in PUSH/FOLD territory, you can't fold if either blind pushes back at you, so PUSH yourself, don't let them think that you might fold!
Hand 12: KQs Same thing, Blinds are big, PUSH.
Hand 13: TJo NH sir.
Hand 15: AA Darn.
Hand 21: KJo ?? Push. no need to get tricky?
Hand 26: QTs Wait. The shortstack is about to get blinded out. And again, the move is PUSH or FOLD. so FOLD until Mr. Shortstack is gone.
Hand 28: AJo Brutal board. GG

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3452.html

77 on the BU You're following the experiment! Depending on the raise, you can call here in the future now!
Hand 4: A3o Wow, grilopoker is horrible.
Hand 5: KQo Fold this UTG, it will only bring you trouble...
Hand 12: K9o Yes. I like your aggression!
ATo in the SB grilopoker is horrible, this is an EASY call of whatever she raised with...
Hand 25: AJs You have 20xBBs, play a little poker! This was gambling...
Hand 26: A2o I like the idea, but the execution was too weak. Your flop bet needs to be stronger, think 1000 or so... Stop-N-Go is a good way to reduce an opponents aggression.
Hand 31: JJ If you are going to open push at all, then you need to be doing it with more hands than just monsters. Play some poker, stop gambling!
Hand 32: AA After pushing the last hand, this looks a LOT stronger than just a push. You were better off pushing again.
Hand34: A4o Did you really think your 4-high flush was good there? PreFlop is fine, but calling that river raise is ugly, as you found out quickly.

Overall, MUCH improved! Just need to get you to slow down on the big decisions, such as CALLING ALL IN when you really only beat a bluff. This situation also applies when you re-raise ALL-IN when your opponenet is already committed. You need to be quite sure your villian is bluffing (not 100%, but at least 60%) to put your tourney on the line like that.

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Hand 4: 88 Out of context, this looks horrible. But judging from droopys small stack, and UTG limp, I'm guessing that he has demonstrated his stupidity already some. Still, you only have 88...ugh....

Yes, well... thought was 1/2 stack would be risked, 88 qualifys as top 10% hands, he has limped, showing he just isn't sure... so I went for it. A gambool but a better than average one I thought.

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Hand 7: 55 Don't know why you felt the need to play like this? You have less than 9xBBs, you are in PUSH/FOLD poker time now! Surprised that villian found a fold there.......

Well, yes and I'll be honest here, I hit the wrong button.
.

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Hand 15: AA Darn.
Hand 28: AJo Brutal board. GG

Yeah the AA sucked, the other well... I was questioning it but felt it was worth it.

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Hand 15: AA Darn.
Hand 28: AJo Brutal board. GG

Yeah the AA sucked, the other well... I was questioning it but felt it was worth it.

Absolutely nothing wrong with the AJo hand. Nothing to question yourself about! Cheers!

That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach is you playing badly and losing.

Focus, Focus, play by the expirement.

Then when you do finally play correctly, getting beat sucks.

Oh well, back on track hopefully this weekend.

3 tourneys last night, all $5.50 SNGs, ITM on one, 3rd place.

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Focus, Focus, play by the expirement.

Please play by the experiment, not the expirement. The latter probably leads to death sooner.

Chin up man, it's a fact that better players recieve a larger portion of bad-beats (mostly because our money is going in good more often than not...)

Only play when you are mentally ready to play your A-game. If you're not ready to attack, then go do something else!

yeah, tought night last night, was too unfocused, shouldn't have been playing. Hopefully get some good table time tonight or Sunday.

Friday and Saturday (early)

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3508.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3509.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3510.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3511.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3512.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3514.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3515.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3516.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3517.html


The last tourney I deserved the beating I got. I am going to try to go through these tourney by tourney and tell what I did wrong. Maybe point out some specific hands and give my reasoning... then Chris and you others can correct me

Originally Posted by Monty3038

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-Poker-Tournament-3508.html

Ok, Hand 1 I see no problem with, two high pairs and I bet it properly I think.

Folded KJo on the button to a raise ahead... think that was right...

Hand two was a bit risky, but he acted like he missed, so I bet at it... and it worked out. Might have been a bad play in the long run but worked here.

This hand... I think I should have checked instead of raise post-flop... thoughts?
-----Hand 3-----
Heros M = 31.53
Full Tilt Poker Game #6444444404: $2 + $0.25 Sit & Go (49008277), Table 1 - 25/50 - No Limit Holdem - 21:25:24 ET - 2008/05/16
Condensed history provided by the Tournament Trimmer (v1.1.4w) from http://www.FlopTurnRiver.com
Seat 2: cmccarthy2007 (835)
Seat 3: larsmattim (755)
Seat 4: Samm310 (2,045)
Seat 5: sp pucket (1,885)
Seat 6: Swampgas (2,625)
Seat 7: vegasglen (2,190)
Seat 8: yoda241 (800)
Seat 9: Hero (2,365)
yoda241 posts the small blind of 25
Hero posts the big blind of 50
The button is in seat #7
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Hero [9s Js]
cmccarthy2007 folds
larsmattim folds
Samm310 folds
sp pucket calls 50
Swampgas folds
vegasglen calls 50
yoda241 folds
Hero checks
*** FLOP *** [5c Td Qh]
Hero bets 175
sp pucket folds
vegasglen calls 175
*** TURN *** [5c Td Qh] [As]
Hero checks
vegasglen checks
*** RIVER *** [5c Td Qh As] [4s]
Hero checks
vegasglen bets 300
Hero folds
Uncalled bet of 300 returned to vegasglen
vegasglen mucks
vegasglen wins the pot (525)

Hand 4 flopped a nice set, nice hand there.
hand 5 checked to an ok flop, good turn for me, worked well.
Hand 6 we were into 50/100 so I opened up, but got burned on this hand.
Hand 7 was blind stealing, but had cards
Hand 8 was weird... somehow with crap checked through to two pair, but so did he, the same two pair!
Aggressive in hand 9, 11 I think I overbet it...
Aggressive in 13, 14, 15
Hand 16 looked a lot like hand 8. That was twice.

Hand 17, well, I think I played this wrong, maybe... I had an OESD and bet for it, missed it and lost to a low pair, which I didn't figure he had... but I think that was a poor read on my part... how would you have played this?
-----Hand 17-----
Heros M = 10.56
Full Tilt Poker Game #6444761911: $2 + $0.25 Sit & Go (49008277), Table 1 - 80/160 - No Limit Holdem - 21:50:30 ET - 2008/05/16
Condensed history provided by the Tournament Trimmer (v1.1.4w) from http://www.FlopTurnRiver.com
Seat 3: larsmattim (1,390)
Seat 5: sp pucket (4,270)
Seat 6: Swampgas (5,305)
Seat 9: Hero (2,535)
Swampgas posts the small blind of 80
Hero posts the big blind of 160
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Hero [Qd 7c]
larsmattim folds
sp pucket calls 160
Swampgas folds
Hero checks
*** FLOP *** [5s Th 9s]
Hero checks
sp pucket checks
*** TURN *** [5s Th 9s] [Jc]
Hero bets 200
sp pucket calls 200
*** RIVER *** [5s Th 9s Jc] [4h]
Hero checks
sp pucket checks
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Hero shows [Qd 7c] Queen Jack high
sp pucket shows [3d 3s] a pair of Threes
sp pucket wins the pot (800) with a pair of Threes

Hand 18, 19 all standard. Now I know villian has been all over the place, so I shoved over my pair of 9s in hand 20... had him too until the river... oh well.

Chris, I think I got it...

This tourney I feel I played very well in, please take a look at this one and let me know. Others are obviously encouraged to comment as well, I need all of the help I can get.

Monty...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3528.html

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Chris, I think I got it...

This tourney I feel I played very well in, please take a look at this one and let me know. Others are obviously encouraged to comment as well, I need all of the help I can get.

Monty...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3528.html

GG sir! I'd have to nit-pick if I wanted to say anything here. There are a couple of hands that I might've played slightly differently, but overall, the aggression and hand selection was spot on here

Originally Posted by Monty3038

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-Poker-Tournament-3508.html

This one looks good too. Even the hands you mentioned looked fine. You are showing the aggression, but not getting carried away with it unless you hit. No problemo!

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3509.html

Hand 6 A5o: Ewwww. Lucky suckout there. With this many people still in, you can pick better spots.
Hand 14 AKo: Risky but GOOD call! You're going for the win, and this is the way to do it!
Hand 17 AKo: RAISE it up. Don't let him limp on your blind with his crap stack, His effective stack is 5xBB, don't let him see a cheap flop EVER on your BB when you are the monster stack. This is what let him get back into it, and cost you the win...
Too much folding going on here As the big stack, you need to be putting a lot more pressure on the shorties, by giving them decisions for their tourney life. Don't nit up because your A8s and KJs got "Cracked"...
JTo on the BU? Raise it up!
A7o in the SB Go Go Go! You're folding yourself down to the shortstack...

Ohhh, this looked like a great tourney up until Hand 17, then the luck, followed by your aggression went south quickly.

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3510.html

Hand 3 AQo: C-Bet that flop! As played Call river, you win!
Wow, this looks like a weak/passive table Interested to see what shorthanded brings...
KQo in the SB Steal from the shorty when folded to you! He's got about 10xBB, so PUSH!
Lots of folding going on 3-handed. At some point, I would've made a steal with a crap hand. Unfortunate with the AJs hand
A8o on the BU I Push
TT in the BB ?? Please tell me you misclicked? AUTO-PUSH
QJo in the SB What are you waiting to steal with??
Hand 47: TT Arrrgh, why won't you DIE!?
Hand 56: KK Oh MAN that sucks!
86o in the SB M=2.98, You are WAY too desperate now to be picky. You have first action, so PUSH. He'll fold sometimes, you'll suckout sometimes.

Your opponents were very tight. You missed a lot of steal opportunities 3-handed, as well as some C-Bet opportunities. No big mistakes though, a little unlucky towards the end!

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3511.html

Hand 2: KK Ugh, you played this fine, villian was an idiot. THANK YOU river.
Hand 6: KK Wow, you had the Cowbows a bunch! FUN!
Aggression looking good! the A7o raise after 2 limpers was a bit loose, but no big deal.
Hand 19: TJs You know you played the turn horribly. Check/Fold should be easy there...
Hand 26: KK Again?? oh man. About the best spot you could've been on that flop too... Except that, what's with the Min-raise PF here and with AA last hand? Don't try to get tricky, you'll encourage getting sucked out on...
J9o in the SB M <5, folded to you in the SB, PUSH with just about A2C.
Hand 28: KK Wow. As often as you are getting it, this hand needs to be more nice to you.
Hand 29: A6s Villian is an idiot. GG.

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3512.html

Nothing wrong here. GG.

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3514.html

AKo in the CO ?? That's a really tight fold to a single raise? Care to explain?
Hand 18: A5o What's with the min-raise CiB? This is NO-LIMIT... You stole his aggression PF, so you NEED to C-Bet that flop, and fold to a Check-raise. Checking GAVE him back his initiative.
Hand 22: A6o NH. Well played. Sucks, but good job.
Hand 28: A9s Interesting. I've seen this betting pattern from villian before! Still a good fold though...
Hand 30: A3o You're running out of wiggle room for sure. I don't see how you could've gotten away here. GG.

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3515.html

Errr?
Hand 3: A8s A bit loose from EP at these blind levels. Save it for later...
Hand 4: QJo Huh? You still had time...Not horrible, but You could've waited for something better...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3516.html

Hand 13: 99 That's funny!
Hand 23: K7 This is fine against the shortstack.
Hand 28: A9o Meh. 3-handed, this isn't a terrible call, but I don't like it much either unless villian has been pretty active... Let it go to the 3-bet mostly...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3517.html

Hand 1: A3o No. Not necessary at level 1. Just wait, establish a tight image!
Hand 9: 49o wow. Very good raise on your read there.
Hand 14: A9o 6-handed still, this is livin on the edge here.
Hand 16: A8o You have just barely over a 10xBB stack. PUSH/FOLD would make your decisions a lot easier...
Hand 18: A6s Again, still 6-handed, probably let this go UTG. Not horrible, just a high variance move.

Lookin good overall! Just need to trim around the edges a little bit!

Monday night I took off. No poker for you the poker nazi would say.

Tuesday night I played in two SNGs, a $2 and $5 at FTP, the $2 I started first and was making big swings, getting sucked out on then winning hands, was down to under 500 chips early back up to over 2000, then made some stupid plays when my wife started arguing with me about something, gambled on a A7 sooted and lost.

The $5 tourney I buckled down and played properly, made it to HU with a person who initially seemed to be a calling station then straightened up, we went at each other for nearly 1/2 hour and I got bored with it, started shoving everything because I was tired... got called with Q-7 off and she won with K-J if I remember correctly.

Anyway, bankroll continues to slowly grow, things feel ok and I am hopefull I can get deeper into the reasons why I keep making edge plays rather than stick to the middle (reference last comment by Chris).

Monty

Ok, played badly over the last few days, made some headway but not nearly what I should have.

Yesterday I had been up for 27-30 hours but sat down to try to chill playing in two tourneys, here they are... both weren't what I had hoped.

All in all the week hasn't gone as hoped, I have now got only a few days to earn that $20 and break the $200 mark. Hopefully I can get there before the end of the month. As I stated in my blog, my focus will change then to $5 exclusively, working to build from there. Once I reach the next milestone there, I think I will move to both SNGs and Cash games. I tried my hand at a little cash this week, didn't do so hot.


http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3616.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3617.html

Some others from earlier in the week:

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3618.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3619.html

There are others, they are bad though so I'm holding those for my own inspection... Happy Memorial Day everyone!

I knew I shouldn't have set goals...

It is now the 28th, 3 days left in the month, probably only two days of playing, 4-8 tourneys left in the month... and I have to gain back some ground. Have lost a bit in the last two days... biggest problems in the last few days:

1) Playing SHOW ME poker. I have lost three tourneys to not believing they had what they represented... and they did.

2) Not reading the board effectively. When the flop comes with a King and you have Jacks... betting as if the King didn't exist... then losing when the villian has the King... stupid stuff like that.

and lastly

Unfocused aggression. When I have mediocre hands, jumping in then folding out. When I have the best hand, not betting effectively... getting 'bought out' of hands I should have not been allowed to be pushed off of.

Finally last night I played what I thought was a good tourney, leading all the way to heads up, then back and forth until finally crushing villian on a marginal call by him...

It looks like you are really recognizing your leaks now! The tough part is getting out of your rut! (I'm having the same problem myself actually...)

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3616.html

WOW. Amazing Royal flush hand...I probably would've called the PFR there though.
GG otherwise. Nothing to comment on...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3617.html

Hand 17: K9o Villian was stupid, but so were you... Just let it go on the flop...It's a LIMPED POT, don't go broke without the nuts.

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3618.html

Hand 1: A7o I would REALLY prefer you to fold these PF. Flop aggression is good. Rest of hand is fine.
Hand 11: A2o wow. Very aggressive. Careful.
IMO you folded PF a little too much when heads-up. And just a little too passive on some hands. I'm not a heads-up expert, I'm workin on it myself also, but those are my observations...

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3619.html

Hand 2: KJo I'm CRYING that you went on a bathroom break here??
Hand 15: 33 nice frop.
You are controlling the table! Good!
Hand 33: KTo Fold to the 3-bet...Take a stand with a better hand, you still have room to maneuver with your stack size.
Hand 34: 96o nice frop.
Hand 36: QQ Darn. Just when you were on a roll getting back into the game.

Yes, regretfully on that hand... was tucking my daughter into bed if I recall...

It's been a mixed bag this week, I have failed at my goal of reaching a $200 BR by the 1st but have had little playing time the last few days... here are my tourneys since my last post, will post comments on them in the next post if possible.

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3645.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3646.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3647.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3648.html

5th place:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3649.html

Another 5th place bubble out:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3650.html

Two pair bubble out:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3651.html

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3652.html

Horrible finish here:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3653.html

Another bubble:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3654.html

2nd place finish:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3655.html

I've turned into chatty Kathy:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3656.html

Saturday was a fiasco, bad play all around I think, here are the three from there:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3657.html
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3658.html
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3659.html

I'll dissect some of them here in the next post. Please anyone, not just ChrisBCritter is invited to comment, I'd love the suggestions and help, he has been very patient and so has Deuce Blue with me as I try to learn this game, but I'm missing 'somethin' that just isn't clicking.

Originally Posted by Monty3038

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3645.html

Ok, going to dissect this and see how I did...
Hand 2 I might have bet a little less for action, but wasn't bad.
Hand 3,4,5 standard
Now down to 5 players, M is getting low, into push/fold mode...
I did fold a pair of twos here, with no bets in front... maybe not the best move.
Folded A-2off to a limp ahead, maybe that was a bad move...
Hand 8 I think was ok...
Checked through hand 9 and almost caught a straight
Hand 10, M is around 5, desperate for chips, shoved KQ... not a bad move IMO due to situation, so don't necessarily regret this loss.

Originally Posted by Monty3038

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-Poker-Tournament-3646.html.

Ok, let's take a look...
Hand 1... I'm a little torn on this one, I was likely beat with his kicker but wasn't sure... so I folded A2...
Hand 2... Good hand.
Hand 3 standard
Hand 4, not sure I should have called him but it worked out.
Right after hand 4 folded 66 UTG... was that a good idea?
Hand 5 I don't think I played badly, but the other player had the nuts and didn't bet it, at least I didn't get sucked in.
Hand 6 - I normally fold pocket 2s at this point in the game, not sure why I felt compelled to play these, but folded as I should have.
Hand 7,8 standard
Hand 9 was cool, checked into a flush
Hand 10 - should have probably folded pre-flop, or bet differently.
Hand 11 standard
Hand 12 well.. that was a little risky, but worked out
Hand 13/14 standard
Hand 15 I'd like to hear your opinion on since it was the bubble.
Hand 16 I couldn't let go of and lost a chunk.
Hand 17 standard, Hand 18, I don't know about, may have been bad raise, but felt normal when I did it, then folded to aggression since I didn't hit... second guessing this one.
My M sucks now and I'm still on the bubble, push/fold. Hand 23 was questionable...
Cards got cold after Hand 24, run of a few hands with nothing...
By hand 26 we're in deep trouble...
shoving any A or K, and got caught on Hand 27 with it.

Overall, not horrible but not sure I could have made this one much better.

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Originally Posted by Monty3038

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-Poker-Tournament-3645.html

Ok, going to dissect this and see how I did...
Hand 2 I might have bet a little less for action, but wasn't bad.
Hand 3,4,5 standard
Now down to 5 players, M is getting low, into push/fold mode...
I did fold a pair of twos here, with no bets in front... maybe not the best move.
Folded A-2off to a limp ahead, maybe that was a bad move...
Hand 8 I think was ok...
Checked through hand 9 and almost caught a straight
Hand 10, M is around 5, desperate for chips, shoved KQ... not a bad move IMO due to situation, so don't necessarily regret this loss.

Don't see much wrong with this tourney or your eval...

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Originally Posted by Monty3038

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-Poker-Tournament-3645.html

Ok, going to dissect this and see how I did...
Hand 2 I might have bet a little less for action, but wasn't bad.
Hand 3,4,5 standard
Now down to 5 players, M is getting low, into push/fold mode...
I did fold a pair of twos here, with no bets in front... maybe not the best move.
Folded A-2off to a limp ahead, maybe that was a bad move...
Hand 8 I think was ok...
Checked through hand 9 and almost caught a straight
Hand 10, M is around 5, desperate for chips, shoved KQ... not a bad move IMO due to situation, so don't necessarily regret this loss.

Don't see much wrong with this tourney or your eval...

Noticing your posts and dissection of your own systems/FR, should I be considering some tools such as PT, PAHUD, others as a good investment at this point or wait until I move up a level or two... I'm playing strictly without tools so far other than Pokerstove.

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Originally Posted by Monty3038

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-Poker-Tournament-3646.html

Ok, let's take a look...
Hand 1... I'm a little torn on this one, I was likely beat with his kicker but wasn't sure... so I folded A2... Yes, easy fold. Any other A, or a Q beats you. NH
Hand 2... Good hand.
Hand 3 standard
Hand 4, not sure I should have called him but it worked out. Pretty easy call here. He should be pushing quite wide there, and you are ahead of a lot of his range.
Right after hand 4 folded 66 UTG... was that a good idea?7-handed, this is a tough call. I like a raise, or at least a call. Don't get too crazy OOP though. Folding is probably playing a little too safe...
Hand 5 I don't think I played badly, but the other player had the nuts and didn't bet it, at least I didn't get sucked in. He had anything but the nuts...This is fine.
Hand 6 - I normally fold pocket 2s at this point in the game, not sure why I felt compelled to play these, but folded as I should have. Raise PF, or check it down! Don't Min-bet, like, EVER.
Hand 7,8 standard
Hand 9 was cool, checked into a flush
Hand 10 - should have probably folded pre-flop, or bet differently. This was fine PF. You are being results Oriented. I probably C-Bet that flop more often than not, your check looks like you were scared...
Hand 11 standard
Hand 12 well.. that was a little risky, but worked out This is fine 4-handed, folded to you in the SB, you should be stealing with a WIDE range...
Hand 13/14 standard
Hand 15 I'd like to hear your opinion on since it was the bubble. This is fine. You are 4-handed. Ax is very often the best hand. Just as long as you don't get married to it...
Hand 16 I couldn't let go of and lost a chunk. Yea, this should've been an EASY river fold. Beagle looks loose, but pretty passive mostly...
Hand 17 standard, Hand 18, I don't know about, may have been bad raise, but felt normal when I did it, then folded to aggression since I didn't hit... second guessing this one. 17 is a little bit aggressive...but not bad. 18 is fine. Your only move on the flop was Push/Fold, and since your villian was NOT folding to a push, the fold is preferred...
My M sucks now and I'm still on the bubble, push/fold. Hand 23 was questionable... Questionable? No. This is/should be an INSTAPUSH every time in this situation.
Cards got cold after Hand 24, run of a few hands with nothing... I do NOT like the min-bets that I'm seeing. Stop it.
By hand 26 we're in deep trouble... Shove Hand 25 PF. 95s on the button, M=3.25, it's time to GAMBLE! J6s on the Button, GAMBOOL!
shoving any A or K, and got caught on Hand 27 with it. You are just being results oriented. that was a good push.
Overall, not horrible but not sure I could have made this one much better.

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Noticing your posts and dissection of your own systems/FR, should I be considering some tools such as PT, PAHUD, others as a good investment at this point or wait until I move up a level or two... I'm playing strictly without tools so far other than Pokerstove.

For now, you're probably going to have to stick to the available free tools that are out there. $90 is too significant a portion of your BR to buy PT3, and to be honest, I don't know how much value you would get from it while playing SnG's. I'm not sure of the cost of the other tools, maybe look in the SnG forum to see what they say about SnG wiz and what others may be using. PT3 was a very significant purchase on my current $10NL bankroll, but It didn't decimate it. That kind of purchase should not be made lightly if it is coming out of your bankroll. I would wait on this until you have enough of a buffer in your BR to rationalize this purchase, and even then it may not be the best tool for the job!

Personally I find that tournaments offer a lot more "easy" decisions than cash does. But, there's also a lot more gamble to it than there is in cash. My "dissections" are basically just applying lessons learned through books and experience to determine a logical course of action. As you understand, knowing the logic is only half the battle. Applying it is the other half.

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Noticing your posts and dissection of your own systems/FR, should I be considering some tools such as PT, PAHUD, others as a good investment at this point or wait until I move up a level or two... I'm playing strictly without tools so far other than Pokerstove.

For now, you're probably going to have to stick to the available free tools that are out there. $90 is too significant a portion of your BR to buy PT3, and to be honest, I don't know how much value you would get from it while playing SnG's. I'm not sure of the cost of the other tools, maybe look in the SnG forum to see what they say about SnG wiz and what others may be using. PT3 was a very significant purchase on my current $10NL bankroll, but It didn't decimate it. That kind of purchase should not be made lightly if it is coming out of your bankroll. I would wait on this until you have enough of a buffer in your BR to rationalize this purchase, and even then it may not be the best tool for the job!

Personally I find that tournaments offer a lot more "easy" decisions than cash does. But, there's also a lot more gamble to it than there is in cash. My "dissections" are basically just applying lessons learned through books and experience to determine a logical course of action. As you understand, knowing the logic is only half the battle. Applying it is the other half.

SngWiz has a free 30 day trial. Poker tracker three has a 60 day free trial. I recommend you start off with those.

Ok, looking at Saturday:

http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3657.html


Up to hand 2 the cards sucked. Not much to be said about early except the cards I was dealt were not very friendly.

Hand 2 Standard
Hand 3, know he had a king but figured my 3 kicker was beat, folded... think this was standard move... maybe I over-read it? M started dropping as cards continued to suck, shoved over with AK suited and lost to AQ... don't feel too bad overall about this tourney but the cards were cold hearted in it. Very few opportunities.

Next tourney:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/Online-...ment-3658.html
Hand 1 feel I played it properly, the third unknown caused me some caution but felt it was an ok risk... ended up good.
Hand 2 I might have been overagrresive betting into the flop, but had two good cards and flush draw... felt in the long run it was ok.
Hand 3 brought the third set of AK this tourney... standard.
Hand 5 I think I should have called rather than fold, but fold would have been the standard. I think a call might have been justified on the gut-shot considering it was such a small part of my stack.
Hand 6 I was beat, hate overpairs.
Hand 8, ok, villain was the super donk. He called someone in the early rounds with total crap, twice and won both showdowns... he loved to call all ins... that is the reason for the push... even though I think it was a good push regardless... I wanted to play in any tourney he was in.
Then on Hand 14 he actually had something... and busted me out.

Overall I don't think it was a mistake against villian because of his stupid calls earlier that he got away with.

Originally Posted by bigteif

Originally Posted by ChrisBCritter

Originally Posted by Monty3038

Noticing your posts and dissection of your own systems/FR, should I be considering some tools such as PT, PAHUD, others as a good investment at this point or wait until I move up a level or two... I'm playing strictly without tools so far other than Pokerstove.

For now, you're probably going to have to stick to the available free tools that are out there. $90 is too significant a portion of your BR to buy PT3, and to be honest, I don't know how much value you would get from it while playing SnG's. I'm not sure of the cost of the other tools, maybe look in the SnG forum to see what they say about SnG wiz and what others may be using. PT3 was a very significant purchase on my current $10NL bankroll, but It didn't decimate it. That kind of purchase should not be made lightly if it is coming out of your bankroll. I would wait on this until you have enough of a buffer in your BR to rationalize this purchase, and even then it may not be the best tool for the job!

Personally I find that tournaments offer a lot more "easy" decisions than cash does. But, there's also a lot more gamble to it than there is in cash. My "dissections" are basically just applying lessons learned through books and experience to determine a logical course of action. As you understand, knowing the logic is only half the battle. Applying it is the other half.

SngWiz has a free 30 day trial. Poker tracker three has a 60 day free trial. I recommend you start off with those.

Thanks guys I exhausted the SNGWiz free trial in December... will hold off till it won't affect bankroll too much, hell if I started winning more we wouldn't have to worry about it

Played an hour in cash yesterday, won 6.80 and then played 6 SNGs later on that evening, lost it all.

BR - $180.