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  1. #1

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    Hey whats up guys. Haven't really posted much in awhile . . . until now. I'm bringing out a new OP thread. This time there isn't any particular end goal to this operation, it is simply just all about the grind. I'll post a bit about what I'm up to in here, so this will simply be a blog. If there's anything I've learned about poker (and life) in the last few years, it's that you're better off having zero expectations, and just do the thing for the sake of doing it. So with that, here's a practical application.

    As far as poker goes, I'm still alive. Playing a variety of NL holdem formats for a living in the following order:

    1) CAP games on Stars
    - these are my bread and butter, mostly because I've spent more time on these than any other variant. Despite feeling very confident in these games, I am aware there is still alot to be learned, and the competition is always becoming tougher.

    2) MTTs, MTT satellites - these are what I tend to study a lot and play a fair bit. I have yet to get significant volume out of MTTs but am slowly chipping away at this part of the grind. Fortunately I was able to bink a full package to EPT Barcelona this year, so I took my GF on vacation through Europe over the summer after busting the event. It was a nice change from not doing much besides random 3-4 day weekends back home. Last time I had a 2 week vacation was years ago. I have been grinding pretty hard this year so it felt good to believe I 'deserved' it.

    3) Hyper Turbo Satellites - these things are action packed, a little strange, and a lot of fun. I'm not exactly sure whether these will become a significant part of my grind at some point in the future. Only time will tell. Meanwhile, I'lll be spending most of my time on these reviewing and studying various common situations that arise. If you ever decide to test these out, prepare to make some wacky folds.

    4) Other Satellites/SNGS (Full Ring, Steps, Hypers etc) - these are last in terms of priority. There is some really good value in games that don't run at high volume. The issue with learning them however, is becoming a master has limited value - if you can only play 10 steps a day, you aren't gaining a lot by spending a large chunk of your time becoming a super crusher. 25bb Hyper turbos on the other hand would be worth mastering due to the large # of them that fire off. For other reasons however, I haven't made learning those a priority, so they fit in here.

    5) Open Face Chinese - not much to be said other than a professional needs some sort of outlet for degening

    As far as deeper stack cash games go, I do not play them anymore with any regularity (I'll sit in a good game if I have little other action). I do watch a lot of videos though, and tend to review hands with other people. So if you have interesting hands from Zoom or whatever format that you'd like to share I'd be happy to discuss. I feel my overall framework for NLHE has really solidified in the last year or so, which translates into strong understanding of how ranges change at any and all stack depths.

    Anyway that's it. Feel free to drop in and say hello and if you have any questions post in the thread. Peace
    Last edited by Micro2Macro; 09-11-2014 at 03:26 AM.
  2. #2
    Hey man, good to hear from you!

    Glad the grind is going well. Keep up the CAP ownage!
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay-Z
    I'm a couple hands down and I'm tryin' to get back
    I gave the other grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
  3. #3
    Nice to see you back after our OFC session the other night. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
  4. #4
    How'd your trip to Barca go? Both in terms of the poker and any cool places you went.
  5. #5
    Good luck in all games ! Sounds like a nice plan!

    Question: do you mean the cap mtt´s or the cap cash game tables?
  6. #6
    bikes's Avatar
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    i approve of this blog title.

    ?wut
  7. #7
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    i like stuff
    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    As far as poker goes, I'm still alive.
    glad to hear it
    snee?
  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by griffey24 View Post
    Hey man, good to hear from you!

    Glad the grind is going well. Keep up the CAP ownage!
    Hey man good to see you drop in here! IIRC you've got a lot of big changes happening in your life around now? Tell me about them sometime on Skype. I'm usually present in the late evening.

    Quote Originally Posted by dhubermex View Post
    Nice to see you back after our OFC session the other night. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
    That was fun. I keep telling myself I'm going to study OFC to some degree, but in the end I just play a ton of hands If you happen to see me battling the bot and you're looking for a game hit me up!

    Quote Originally Posted by Daniel72 View Post
    Good luck in all games ! Sounds like a nice plan!

    Question: do you mean the cap mtt´s or the cap cash game tables?
    Thanks Daniel. When I say CAP I am referring to the cash game tables.

    Quote Originally Posted by bikes View Post
    i approve of this blog title.




    Savy/daven: haven't missed your posts, good to see you both posting here. I may elaborate a bit further in each of my replies to each so holding off for the time being. Am on a bit of a time constraint as I'm on my way to Jiu-Jitsu class shortly (highly recommended to anyone who struggles with channeling their inner aggression - more on that later). Peace
  9. #9
    It's great to see you with a new blog M2M. We would all benefit from more stuff from you.
    Playing big pots at small stakes.
  10. #10
    rong's Avatar
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    Good stuff.
    I'm the king of bongo, baby I'm the king of bongo bong.
  11. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by ImSavy View Post
    How'd your trip to Barca go? Both in terms of the poker and any cool places you went.
    Ok so I had this idea that I'd give a trip report on the whole thing but I wanted to avoid going into too much detail so I put it off forever. Now that I'm wired on caffeine and procrastinating with poker I'm typing away in this box.

    In short, Barcelona was awesome and is currently my favorite destination of the world.

    Going from Barcelona to Paris was almost depressing (how contradictory to my so called 'big realization'!). Though for some I imagine the opposite would hold true, so to each their own.

    Much different from Barcelona, but also a place I really love on a different level, but not necessarily any less was Bruges (Brugges/Bruge etc?). The vibe there was very community like, loving, and cheerful. I came away from this trip with a much more grounded sense of self and vision of what I want my future to look like. Lot's of introspection and life chats with the GF were had.

    Overall the whole trip was much needed. I hadn't taken 2 weeks off in awhile and tend to get consumed in what I'm doing so stepping out of the office was a relief. It feels good to be back on the grind though, and I've taken up a couple new hobbies (woah!) which is something I had put off for too long...

    ...I'll extend this post by giving a small update on what I'm currently doing outside of poker.

    1) Training Brazilian Ju-Juitsu at a marshal arts academy - this is awesome because it's such a unique learning process, and in a lot of ways reminds me of poker. A couple classes in I found myself starting to see how game theory could apply to high level competition. here is so much more to this game than just rolling around on the floor. Aside from that, I've always had a bit of a suppressed fighter inside of me, so I find this is a semi-good outlet for that. On the other hand I'm thinking the different forms of striking may be best for that, because from what I understand from my very limited understanding, is that to be successful in BJJ requires an almost meditative approach where the aggression is very controlled and smooth - raw power just won't cut it. So after training BJJ for awhile I may pick up different formats. At the moment I feel trying everything at once may be a bit counterproductive to growth - kind of like trying to learn the nuances of sit and gos, cash, and PLO all at once when first jumping into poker being a sure way to halt progress.

    2) Painting - I'm pretty narrowly focused on abstract expressionism and as of now can't see myself creating anything else regarding what 'labels' my art. This one I'm learning on my own through experimenting and studying other works. I do plan on looking up instruction on techniques etc. through online resources to expand my knowledge though don't have any plans to take classes at this time. My brothers girlfriend took art in college and will be spending some time at my house in the coming weeks working on different pieces so no doubt I'll be learning from her as well. As far as other mediums go I'm heading to the store later today to pick up some markers and foam boards to work on adding depth to shapes. Here's an example of what inspired that for those interested:

    http://www.favpics.net/wp-content/up...t-for-sale.jpg

    Also regarding daven's questions about SNE, I don't put volume goals in anymore. I simply just try to learn more and apply what I learn with grinding in a consistent way. Whatever amount of points I get at the end of that is what it is.

    This is getting really long so I'll leave it at that. All the best to all
    Last edited by Micro2Macro; 10-17-2014 at 02:42 AM.
  12. #12
    Subbed.

    I was also in Barcelona, Paris and few other euro cities during the Spring for my honeymoon. Barcelona was def my favorite. Was there when Atlético Madrid won La Liga.
  13. #13
    Found an old gem while creeping my screen name online. Amazing how much of a donk I was back in the day

    PokerStars Game #12063957687: Tournament #61220916, $1.00+$0.20 Hold'em No Limit - Level IV (50/100) - 2007/09/14 - 23:20:19 (ET)
    Table '61220916 4' 9-max Seat #3 is the button
    Seat 1: footboy1 (825 in chips)
    Seat 2: ChipDoctor07 (1375 in chips)
    Seat 3: roback (3715 in chips)
    Seat 4: rabiddog70 (2445 in chips)
    Seat 5: McTwizzleDad (1500 in chips)
    Seat 6: Andjing (2600 in chips)
    Seat 7: newguy89 (1750 in chips)
    Seat 9: aces4thewin (830 in chips)
    rabiddog70: posts small blind 50
    McTwizzleDad: posts big blind 100
    *** HOLE CARDS ***
    Dealt to ChipDoctor07 [Qd Th]
    Andjing: folds
    newguy89 said, "realax doc, games almost over for you"
    newguy89: calls 100
    aces4thewin: folds
    footboy1: folds
    ChipDoctor07: calls 100
    ChipDoctor07 said, "nah"
    ChipDoctor07 said, "just begininning"
    roback: calls 100
    rabiddog70: calls 50
    McTwizzleDad: checks
    *** FLOP *** [Ts 9h 7d]
    rabiddog70: checks
    McTwizzleDad: checks
    newguy89: checks
    ChipDoctor07: bets 500
    roback: raises 3115 to 3615 and is all-in
    rabiddog70: folds
    McTwizzleDad: folds
    newguy89: folds
    ChipDoctor07: calls 775 and is all-in
    *** TURN *** [Ts 9h 7d] [Qs]
    *** RIVER *** [Ts 9h 7d Qs] [Jc]
    *** SHOW DOWN ***
    ChipDoctor07: shows [Qd Th] (two pair, Queens and Tens)
    roback: shows [7h 7c] (three of a kind, Sevens)
    roback collected 3050 from pot
    ChipDoctor07 said, "gh"
    newguy89 said, "donkey!"
    *** SUMMARY ***
    Total pot 3050 | Rake 0
    Board [Ts 9h 7d Qs Jc]
    Seat 1: footboy1 folded before Flop (didn't bet)
    Seat 2: ChipDoctor07 showed [Qd Th] and lost with two pair, Queens and Tens
    Seat 3: roback (button) showed [7h 7c] and won (3050) with three of a kind, Sevens
    Seat 4: rabiddog70 (small blind) folded on the Flop
    Seat 5: McTwizzleDad (big blind) folded on the Flop
    Seat 6: Andjing folded before Flop (didn't bet)
    Seat 7: newguy89 folded on the Flop
    Seat 9: aces4thewin folded before Flop (didn't bet)
  14. #14
    have you noticed any difference in your games with the new rake structures.Are they deterring you from starting tables etc.
  15. #15
    CAP seems to be dying a slow painful death gradually this year but randomly lots of games will run so its hard to say. I have been playing more zoom lately fwiw.

    Overall I think its too early to draw any conclusions, but somewhere around 10% of my yearly profit comes from HU so consider that wiped out in the year to come.
  16. #16
    Mastering the ego can be a professionals greatest challenge.

    Goal: neutralize all positive and negative feelings that originate from results.

    Neutralize = remove all judgement from your emotion. What you feel simply is, and has no impact on decisions.
    Last edited by Micro2Macro; 11-23-2014 at 05:15 PM.
  17. #17
    Update: Recently just final tabled a hot $75 w/ 700 players. Placed 3rd. Pretty happy with how I played rather
    than the result itself - one of the key concepts I have worked to ingrain in my MTT game is when you lose 1/2 your stack or whatever at some point in the tournament, to just tell yourself that you simply lost one of your tournament lives, but you have more lives left and nothing should change about your play. There were a few times in the tournament where I lost a large chunk of my stack, but this thought process helped keep me on my A game and not get out of line after taking a huge hit. I hit the final table last in chips, but refusing to spew off and being patient allowed me to realize my equity in the game - if you don't give yourself the chance to get lucky and win flips, you never will. As I write this I am aware that its easy to have your ego get out of control after final tabling an MTT. If you are aware of this possibility you will take your result in stride and allow yourself to grow from the experience. With that being said, I think im still in the red this year for MTTs...lol

    Lately Ive been spending more time working on my deep game in attempt to move up and crush higher levels of zoom in addition to the other games I play. After 80k hands I've come up with the following observations for 100nl zoom:

    -people SNAP do everything, unless they have something really marginal and are considering a hero call/fold. no one thinks about shit unless they are truly stuck - or if they are tricky and trapping, repping they are stuck.

    -people call too wide in a lot of spots.

    -it is very rare for someone to 4bet/call off worse than QQ button vs blinds. but people 4bet a lot of crap.

    -people 3bet too polarized vs early/middle position and dont adjust to villains flatting them a lot

    -people haven't figured out you can 3bet/call 4bets when they are sized tiny and full of crap

    -no one knows what they are doing with 150bb+. if you figure this out and you run your stack up beyond 150bb, don't quit your session, your expectation in the game potentially doubled if you figure out how poorly constructed everyone's ranges are for these stack depths.

    -zoom is not dead despite what you read on 2+2 etc.
    Last edited by Micro2Macro; 12-04-2014 at 08:15 PM.
  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    Mastering the ego can be a professionals greatest challenge.

    Goal: neutralize all positive and negative feelings that originate from results.

    Neutralize = remove all judgement from your emotion. What you feel simply is, and has no impact on decisions.
    you spending much time on mental game these days?

    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    Update: Recently just final tabled a hot $75 w/ 700 players. Placed 3rd. Pretty happy with how I played rather than the result itself
    but enjoy the result too i reckon

    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    Lately Ive been spending more time working on my deep game in attempt to move up and crush higher levels of zoom in addition to the other games I play.
    given all the cap you've played and the study associated with that game, do you feel like you have a stronger capacity to identify and utilise decent pre-flop and flop range frequencies than most of your opponents?
  19. #19
    yeah I want to say I read every new update from M2M, not sure if you want feedback or responses or what but your posts are much appreciated.
    Playing big pots at small stakes.
  20. #20
    Hey M2M, just been lurking around for the first time in ages and stumbled upon this. Awesome to see you're still at it - feel like an eternity ago when we were both new players discussing 25NL hands.

    I love deigning around at OFC every now and then if you ever want to battle for monies hit me up on Skype (Carroters) All the best man.
  21. #21
    Quote Originally Posted by daven View Post
    you spending much time on mental game these days?


    but enjoy the result too i reckon


    given all the cap you've played and the study associated with that game, do you feel like you have a stronger capacity to identify and utilise decent pre-flop and flop range frequencies than most of your opponents?
    I spend a lot of time on mental game. I don't consider just reading Jared tendlers books and coaching sessions contribution to it - keeping up with workouts, training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, meditation, and artistic expression all contribute to refining the mental game of poker. Lately I have been working on performance more - i.e getting into the zone/flow state more often. The art of learning by josh waitzkin provided a good story for inspiration here in addition to highlighting a few key ideas on the subject of mental performance.

    regarding your cap question, yeah. I think it's been ingrained into me not to make spewy preflop plays ever - yet when I play other games I see people do dumb shit like 3bet me oop with q6 off suit. I don't fold to 3bets ip much so I think I make a lot of money off those guys who don't have a solid preflop strategy that does well vs anyone.

    sorry for taking forever to get to this. I tend to check for in between grinding and running out the door so often forget to write here
  22. #22
    Quote Originally Posted by baudib View Post
    yeah I want to say I read every new update from M2M, not sure if you want feedback or responses or what but your posts are much appreciated.
    No expectations but I'm happy to see you enjoy this.
  23. #23
    Quote Originally Posted by Carroters View Post
    Hey M2M, just been lurking around for the first time in ages and stumbled upon this. Awesome to see you're still at it - feel like an eternity ago when we were both new players discussing 25NL hands.

    I love deigning around at OFC every now and then if you ever want to battle for monies hit me up on Skype (Carroters) All the best man.
    Sup man how are things going? I may hit you up for ofc sometime if I'm drunk and want to degen. Haven't played it in weeks now. Btw those were the fucking days. Feels like we are all grown ups now, to some degree at least
  24. #24
    Hi folks. Just checking in

    still lots of edge to be had if you game select across multiple formats of NLhE. This would be difficult for noobs but most vets have a couple games worked out they can go to for ev. I've put a lot of work into all formats of NLhE this year and am seeing good results.

    Upcoming events: I am playing the 1.1k IPT and 5.3k EPT Main events in Malta this March. If anyone is interested I'm selling pieces to a max of 25% for the main at 0 mU. I am not interested in selling action to the 1.1k. I've cashed 4 IPT seats and 1 5.3k euro seat in the past couple weeks. Pm me if you'd be interested . I will share graphs for cash and other games privately if wanted. Cheers guys, hope everyone is holding up through this winter. It's a bloody cold one thus far in Canada.
  25. #25
    Add EPT Grand Final to the list of upcoming live tournaments.
  26. #26
    Congrats, good to hear it's going well.

    Don't forget to post a reminder when some of these events are happening as it's always fun to watch how you're getting on in them.
  27. #27
    Thanks man. I'll try to remember to make a post while in Malta on the updates.

    If I bust the 1.1k I may play another 1-2k side event as I'll have a few days before the main to continue gaining more live experience.

    Very likely to be adding Barcelona and Prague to the list of destinations later in the year, though part of that will depend on how well I run as I plan on adding a larger volume of MTTs later this year once my vpps are in excess - - the swings in the big field events are pretty sick.
  28. #28
    Good luck in the tourneys!
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay-Z
    I'm a couple hands down and I'm tryin' to get back
    I gave the other grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
  29. #29
    Thank you griffey!
  30. #30
    MALTAAAAA

    Sold 41% of EPT Malta. Up to 9% remain if anyone would like a piece, contact by PM or skype if you have me as a contact.

    This is one event I will really be looking forward to. Should be a big turn out, the IPT which runs prior to the EPT main should attract a lot of recreational players. Staying with a friend of mine who grinds a lot of live events. Makes the experience a lot more enjoyable to share accommodation with a friend, despite both of us putting in lots of hours.

    Is it really maximizing EV to travel for poker?

    Probably not, unless you also play highstakes cash live on the side. Regardless of the answer, the experience is priceless, and the utility value of having a chance at a big score outweighs the opportunity cost. But thats just my 2c. I encourage any other pros who only grind online to consider adding at least one live festival to your grind each year (as long as it doesnt dent you financially). There is seriously more to this life than just sitting in front of a computer clicking a mouse, even if that means not giving up the playing cards part.

    Hope all is well with the readers here. Adios Canada.
  31. #31
    Sold out Malta seat.

    20 % of the EPT Grand Final in May has already been sold. If anyone early birds would like a piece now, you know where to find me.
  32. #32
    Gogogogo m2m Good luck!! Healthy chip count you got there right now.
  33. #33
    Sick, run good dude.
    [00:29] <daven> dc, why not check turn behind
    [00:30] <DC> daven
    [00:30] <DC> on my hand?
    [00:30] <daven> yep
    [00:30] <DC> because I am drunk
    [00:30] <daven> nice reason
    [00:30] <daven> no further questions
    [00:30] <yaawn> ^^Lol

    Problem officer...?
  34. #34
    Thanks Donny!

    Ended up busting day 2. Bad run of cards all day + being at the bottom of my range in lots of spots and having to fold or get bluffs called = downswing. Last hand shoved 13bb all in BU v CO AK vs 33, 993 flop. Overall I'm very happy with how I played and have noticed an improvement in my overall demeanor and execution of my strategy in a live environment. Learned some interesting things about MTT regulars this trip. People showing hands to fuel their ego = opportunity for those who understand how to utilize the information. Ill be working on including some new exploitable adjustments for the next month of online MTTs before heading to Monaco based on the games I've played this year and lots of 'afterhours' talk with a very successful high stakes MTT/cash/sng player I am close friends with. Thank you to those who bought action. I'd be lying if I said I don't feel disappointed not making you guys immediate money but I am grateful to have supporters who believe in me to provide a +EV investment opportunity.

    After some time to reflect on what made this trip a success (from a non results oriented point of view), Ive come up with a couple tips for live MTTs:

    1)Get a routine. This is essential to maintaining focus and IMO it is the most important thing to get right. The less decisions you have to make on breaks and before/after the tournament, the more energy you will retain to put towards playing your best. You should do the same thing on every break. For me it was go back to my hotel room, eat a snack, lay down and relax for 5min to collect my thoughts, then begin a slow walk back to the game.

    2) Eat healthy on dinner break and dont binge on food: One thing I noticed is a fairly out of shape player at my table started to get cranky and semi tilted shortly after dinner. He started complaining about a bunch of trivial shit, where during the day he seemed fine. This is of course an assumption, but with the information I had my best guess is he likely didn't eat the greatest meal during break and it ate up alot of his energy. As a result he became impatient/irritable. I know for a fact if I eat a massive meal with a dessert I don't feel like doing shit. Even if this wasn't the reason why he was like that, it could be. It could also be just being tired and out of shape. So on top of eating well, make sure you workout and get good sleep. This shit is crucial to playing well, yet so many people seem to just get it wrong. Not eating well, sleeping right, or exercising properly fucks up your hormone levels which will absolutely affect your game. These are simple decisions too which, when done right, will automatically increase your roi by increasing the likelihood you stay on top of your A game.

    I could go on about others but those are the two main things that stand out in my mind so just get that right and the rest falls into place. Play enough tournaments and you'll win one. On to the next, cheers all and good luck.
  35. #35
    Shame about you busting on day two, was fun to follow. Get a haircut ya hippy bastard!!!

    I hear (from reading 2p2) the cash games going on in casinos around events like this are usually pretty juicy, any experience in playing in cash games around big poker events?
  36. #36
    Quote Originally Posted by ImSavy View Post
    Shame about you busting on day two, was fun to follow. Get a haircut ya hippy bastard!!!

    I hear (from reading 2p2) the cash games going on in casinos around events like this are usually pretty juicy, any experience in playing in cash games around big poker events?
    ahahahaahaha I probably had the longest hair there. poker players really like it keep it short it seems. Ive always been one to go against the grain to a degree....

    to enhance the matter, I didn't bring a brush with me either as I try to pack as light as possible to minimize decisions and not have to check luggage so it was pretty narly :P

    Re: cash games, sure there are def some soft spots. But the tournaments are really good value as well, so pick your poison. Variance in MTTs is ridiculous though, so you have to just expect to lose while still playing to win (or rather, maximize your expectation). I can't really comment on the cash games because I've only logged 20-30 hours in vegas and 100+ in a private game back when I first started out, which has probably changed a lot since I was playing it, but I'm out of that loop at this time.
  37. #37
    Good write up. Hope to see similar posts after all your live tournies.
  38. #38
    Just dropping in for a quick update here.

    Am basically playing (almost) every format of NLHE. Somehow I managed to become motivated to evolve into a jack of all trades. I've built up a serious study addiction in the past few weeks, which is odd considering study is one thing I've always gone through cycles of slacking/on for a few days/slacking. Lately it has been consistent. I would encourage anyone who is lacking motivation to study or play to do your best to make studying a habit. It is a lot easier to do when its relatively automatic. It can be really hard for us humans to will ourselves to do things that are not expected. But to be locked into a routine of some sort makes the tough choices easier.

    As far as learning all game formats, improving at one format transfers into improvements in others. It may not work for everyone though. I have played NLHE for over 5 years. Someone newer to the game is probably better off focusing on one format for a certain amount of time, and until their bankroll is above a certain amount (cant give you a number because its different for everyone)

    Now on to my favorite format of all, MTTs

    I was fortunate enough to run really good the past couple days. Had a few final table finishes with field sizes of 65-70ish players, 120ish players, and 300+ players. Reviewing each in detail has been great for fine tuning mid-late game play. Looking at this makes it look like an advertisement for EPT Grand Final shares. The tournament is coming up soon, and I will be selling shares up until the time I leave for Monaco on the 31st of April. PM me or message me on Skype if you would like a piece of the action.

    Now for those reading wondering, wow you luckbox! Keep this in mind: just because I ran well the past couple days doesn't mean I haven't experienced my fair share of variance: It is very normal to have downswings exceeding 100 buy ins and I have had swings up to 200x my average buyin***. For anyone looking to put in some MTT volume, be sure you are well aware of the swings. And when playing in the big fields of 1000+ on a regular basis (i.e the Sunday Majors) proceed with caution with how much of your roll you are willing to invest.

    Hopefully someone got something out of that besides me rambling about my own shit. Adios and good luck at the tables.



    ***this was during a stretch where my ABI was higher than usual due to grinding high buyin sateliites.
    Last edited by Micro2Macro; 04-15-2015 at 04:56 AM.
  39. #39
    Nice good job! What kind of buyins you playing?
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay-Z
    I'm a couple hands down and I'm tryin' to get back
    I gave the other grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
  40. #40
    $40ish-$215ish and then occasionally the 215-320euro sats if the field is soft. I'll play the big field $11s/22s etc on a Sunday when I feel like adding more gamble.

    Cap helps reduce the variance so I grind that all day alongside. I tend to stop playing MTTs for awhile if I'm downswinging in most games to preserve my sanity (or lackof)
  41. #41
    It's funny how after grinding cash for so long, the gambool of MTTs seems to trump all the swinginess in terms of fun factor. I've gotten pretty heavily addicted to MTTs recently as well, though I definitely find it hard some times to stay focused in the lower buy-in ones. Have you encountered any "sweet spot" of risk/reward buyin/prize where you feel you play your best? Ie. Bigger buy-in tournaments always keep my attention from start to finish but it comes at the sacrifice of poor BRM.

    Also, get at me on Skype so I can railbird the Sunday big ones
    [00:29] <daven> dc, why not check turn behind
    [00:30] <DC> daven
    [00:30] <DC> on my hand?
    [00:30] <daven> yep
    [00:30] <DC> because I am drunk
    [00:30] <daven> nice reason
    [00:30] <daven> no further questions
    [00:30] <yaawn> ^^Lol

    Problem officer...?
  42. #42
    Well it shouldn't matter what the buyin is regarding trying to play each hand as well as possible. If you are having trouble maintaining focus in the lower ones that's probably not much of a problem. I can't imagine anyone decent having a true ROI of less than 50-100% in the big field $11s (although being such +EV games they are still a big gamble on variance if you look at a simulator). So if you aren't paying much attention to the game you probably aren't giving up a huge % of your edge? I could be wrong about this but the logic makes sense to me. If you get into a big pot and aren't sure what to do you can always time bank, open up the replayer, and see what villain has done in showdown pots if you have no idea.

    Regarding focus I will share what works for me and maybe it will help.

    Rather than try to focus on every game equally I will adjust the tables are on screen so that the one I to follow action on the most is in the center and put the other games in corners. Typically this will be the lower buyins, in corners and highest in middle - though you may have a low buyin in the middle if its late in the tournament or the bubble of a satellite will need the most attention. It should shift depending on the stage and doesn't correlate to buy-in size, though as a default if all tournaments for the day started at once the smaller field combined with larger buy in amount would be centered, with bigger fields off to the corners.
  43. #43
    PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, 320 Tournament, 10/20 Blinds (7 handed) - PokerStars Converter Tool from http://flopturnriver.com/

    MP1 (t19,560)
    MP2 (t19,990)
    CO (t20,760)
    Button (t19,950)
    SB (t19,980)
    Hero (BB) (t20,150)
    UTG (t19,610)

    Hero's M: 671.67

    Preflop: Hero is BB with 8, 8
    UTG calls t20, MP1 raises to t100, MP2 raises to t350, 2 folds, SB calls t340, Hero calls t330, UTG calls t330, MP1 calls t250

    Flop: (t1,750) 9, 4, 8 (5 players)
    SB checks, Hero checks, UTG checks, MP1 bets t380, MP2 calls t380, 1 fold, Hero raises to t2,700, 1 fold, MP1 calls t2,320, 1 fold

    Turn: (t7,530) 4 (2 players)
    Hero bets t5,640, MP1 calls t5,640

    River: (t18,810) Q (2 players)
    Hero bets t11,460 (All-In), MP1 calls t10,870 (All-In)

    Total pot: t40,550

    Results below:
    Spoiler:

    Hero had 8, 8 (full house, eights over fours).
    MP1 had J, J (two pair, Jacks and fours).
    Outcome: Hero won t40,550




    Fun >2k bb pot for your entertainment before heading off to Monaco. It's becoming tempting to just move to Europe already...
  44. #44
    Blurb on Monaco:

    Made a deep run in the EPT Grand Final. Finished 27th after losing most of my (30bb) stack with JJ vs AJ all in preflop, then running T9s into QQ all in pre for 6.5 bigs (pokernews misprint stack for any curious railbirds) Overall happy with how I played and how I manged 4 days of playing one tournament. Ran into some bad variance where it counted - but I ran very well on all ins before/after the bubble to have made it that far.

    Plan for rest of 2015:
    For spring/summer Ill be grinding a ton and putting in a good amount of study. Come fall my GF and I will be off to Malta in October for a couple months. EPT Malta is on the agenda in addition to exploring the island. The plan is to rent a flat there until December. From there we will move up to Prague (next stop on the EPT) then fly home for Christmas.

    Im very excited to play more live poker while still balancing a steady online grind between events.

    Dont really have much else to say atm so leaving it at that. Cheers all and gl
  45. #45
    are you going to Vegas for WSOP?
    Playing big pots at small stakes.
  46. #46
    Nah, gonna stick to online during wsop
  47. #47
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    nice monaco run! and i'm always impressed when people acknowledge the early/mid-game rungood as part of the lament of late-game runbad.
    Your plan sounds well made - keep on getting it done
  48. #48
    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    Blurb on Monaco:

    Made a deep run in the EPT Grand Final. Finished 27th after losing most of my (30bb) stack with JJ vs AJ all in preflop, then running T9s into QQ all in pre for 6.5 bigs (pokernews misprint stack for any curious railbirds) Overall happy with how I played and how I manged 4 days of playing one tournament. Ran into some bad variance where it counted - but I ran very well on all ins before/after the bubble to have made it that far.

    Plan for rest of 2015:
    For spring/summer Ill be grinding a ton and putting in a good amount of study. Come fall my GF and I will be off to Malta in October for a couple months. EPT Malta is on the agenda in addition to exploring the island. The plan is to rent a flat there until December. From there we will move up to Prague (next stop on the EPT) then fly home for Christmas.

    Im very excited to play more live poker while still balancing a steady online grind between events.

    Dont really have much else to say atm so leaving it at that. Cheers all and gl
    Nice that sounds awesome, and sweet the lady can join you too! Have an awesome time, and good job on the deep tourney run!
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay-Z
    I'm a couple hands down and I'm tryin' to get back
    I gave the other grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
  49. #49
    Quote Originally Posted by griffey24 View Post
    Nice that sounds awesome, and sweet the lady can join you too! Have an awesome time, and good job on the deep tourney run!
    Thanks!
  50. #50
    Upate:

    Macau has been added to the destination agenda for the ACOP main event in November.

    So it's EPT Malta - Prague for a few days to rest and catch Asia flight? - Macau - travel around china a bit? - EPT Prague - home for holidays - PCA being tentative . . .

    Not exactly sure how I'm going to manage all this in 2 months but am grateful to have the opportunity to see more of the world than I ever believed. This would not be possible if it weren't for finding this forum to post HH's on back when I was a huge fish
  51. #51
    Sometimes I gotta just come in here and tell it how it is.

    There seems to be a lot of critiquing peoples strategy in chat at the tables lately amongst the MTT community. And when it comes to live tournaments the level of strategy talk seems to be getting way out of hand.

    If anyone is reading this and is guilty of such behavior, I forgive you. But do yourself a favor and cut that shit out from now on.
  52. #52
    Eric's Avatar
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    Still playing ofc? Regular or pineapple?

    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    Upate:

    Macau has been added to the destination agenda for the ACOP main event in November.

    So it's EPT Malta - Prague for a few days to rest and catch Asia flight? - Macau - travel around china a bit?
    I've always wanted to go to Macau. Been reading a lot about the Chinese stock market not doing well lately. Is it as bad as the media says?
  53. #53
    !Luck's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    Sometimes I gotta just come in here and tell it how it is.

    There seems to be a lot of critiquing peoples strategy in chat at the tables lately amongst the MTT community. And when it comes to live tournaments the level of strategy talk seems to be getting way out of hand.

    If anyone is reading this and is guilty of such behavior, I forgive you. But do yourself a favor and cut that shit out from now on.
    how much of this is driven that most players are break-even and they need to validate their ego by sounding smart?

    my guess this will get worse over time.
  54. #54
    Hey Eric. Ive faded away from putting time into OFC unfortunately. My have to get back at it when I find the time

    As far as the Chinese stock market, I really am not the person to ask as I am not up to date with markets these days. I think !lLuck would be a much better person to ask as I recall he worked in finance.
  55. #55
    Quote Originally Posted by !Luck View Post
    how much of this is driven that most players are break-even and they need to validate their ego by sounding smart?

    my guess this will get worse over time.
    Well now that you mention it probably all of it really. I dont see any reason why someone would do this besides what you stated, and I wouldn't bet against your claim it will only get worse over time.
  56. #56
    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    Sometimes I gotta just come in here and tell it how it is.

    There seems to be a lot of critiquing peoples strategy in chat at the tables lately amongst the MTT community. And when it comes to live tournaments the level of strategy talk seems to be getting way out of hand.

    If anyone is reading this and is guilty of such behavior, I forgive you. But do yourself a favor and cut that shit out from now on.
    This drives me craaaazy. Especially if someone is berating a fish, ugh. I can kind of give some leeway if the preson just got river 3-outered, and then is on tilt and berates some crazy fish level call down. It's not good, but at least I can blame frustration. But ppl just randomly berating or what not, is inexcusable.

    I agree it also happens too much at live tables too. Do you ever tell ppl to stop? It's baffling how "regulars" or ppl that play poker full time can't see that they are costing themselves some money by doing these things.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay-Z
    I'm a couple hands down and I'm tryin' to get back
    I gave the other grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
  57. #57
    I was at a table in the WPT500 and there was this very cute, nice local girl who had like 6 bbs, and was open limping. A few of the guys who had played with her all day were saying like, "yeah you gotta go all in or fold."

    I mean, I'm all for being nice and all, but I said, "Hey, ya know, we're only playing for $2M here."

    I felt like a jerk but WTF WTF
    Playing big pots at small stakes.
  58. #58
    Quote Originally Posted by griffey24 View Post
    This drives me craaaazy. Especially if someone is berating a fish, ugh. I can kind of give some leeway if the preson just got river 3-outered, and then is on tilt and berates some crazy fish level call down. It's not good, but at least I can blame frustration. But ppl just randomly berating or what not, is inexcusable.

    I agree it also happens too much at live tables too. Do you ever tell ppl to stop? It's baffling how "regulars" or ppl that play poker full time can't see that they are costing themselves some money by doing these things.
    I haven't yet but you've got me thinking of ways to do it so its worded the right way to avoid any conflict
  59. #59
    Quote Originally Posted by baudib View Post
    I was at a table in the WPT500 and there was this very cute, nice local girl who had like 6 bbs, and was open limping. A few of the guys who had played with her all day were saying like, "yeah you gotta go all in or fold."

    I mean, I'm all for being nice and all, but I said, "Hey, ya know, we're only playing for $2M here."

    I felt like a jerk but WTF WTF
    I have never been one to limp. I feel more comfortable not letting the small and big blind hit two pair when 2 3 flops that totally shred my premium pair of AA, KK, or QQ. Others can feel free to do as they please, and I even admire their style of play.
    Last edited by eberetta1; 07-27-2015 at 10:36 PM.
    It takes 2 years to learn to talk, but a lifetime to learn when to shut up.
  60. #60
    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    I haven't yet but you've got me thinking of ways to do it so its worded the right way to avoid any conflict
    Hey man, it's his money, he can play with it how he wants.

    Everybody makes bad plays on occasion, some more than others, that is what keeps me coming back.
  61. #61
    You guys are going to start seeing a lot more limping in the future by good players. Not sure when, but it's gonna happen 100%.

    Edit: I meant in MTTs. It's already happening in other games.
    Quote Originally Posted by Fnord View Post
    Why poker fucks with our heads: it's the master that beats you for bringing in the paper, then gives you a milkbone for peeing on the carpet.

    blog: http://donkeybrainspoker.com/


    Watch me stream $200 hyper HU and $100 Spins on Twitch!
  62. #62
    Quote Originally Posted by donkbee View Post
    You guys are going to start seeing a lot more limping in the future by good players. Not sure when, but it's gonna happen 100%.

    Edit: I meant in MTTs. It's already happening in other games.
    I can see it in full-ring, but I'd imagine 6-max would be the last place this would happen.

    I've been experimenting with limping behind in full-ring. I think this can be profitable, especially in games where ppl play predictably and c/f often.

    Limping in the SB I do on occasion too.

    Limping EP... I don't know. Again the merits to this which I've thought about in my live full-ring games are that if I limp a hand like a pocket or Axs, then it encourages bad players to play suspect hands that will likely get dominated by me (set > their two pair, or flush over flush).
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay-Z
    I'm a couple hands down and I'm tryin' to get back
    I gave the other grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
  63. #63
    Quote Originally Posted by donkbee View Post
    You guys should be seeing a lot more limping now by good players.

    Edit: I meant in MTTs. It's already happening in other games.
    FYP
  64. #64
    Are there spots to limp with 6 bbs in MTTs? I'm not saying it's impossible, but it seems unlikely.
    Playing big pots at small stakes.
  65. #65
    Quote Originally Posted by baudib View Post
    Are there spots to limp with 6 bbs in MTTs? I'm not saying it's impossible, but it seems unlikely.
    On the bubble where a micro stack is all in on another table and you have a hand you want to go with when bubble burts but would muck if the micro stack doubles and you don't have the timebank to wait before acting on your hand so you limp and can see what the rest of table does. If you are forced all in you wait and see then decide based on results from the micro stacks hand.

    Obviously do this with whatever you determine you'd get in anyway as well so you can occasionally pick up blinds and antes even if micro stack doesnt bust instead of being moved off your hand every single time it doesn't.
    Last edited by Micro2Macro; 08-06-2015 at 08:42 AM.
  66. #66
    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    On the bubble where a micro stack is all in on another table and you have a hand you want to go with when bubble burts but would muck if the micro stack doubles and you don't have the timebank to wait before acting on your hand so you limp and can see what the rest of table does. If you are forced all in you wait and see then decide based on results from the micro stacks hand.

    Obviously do this with whatever you determine you'd get in anyway as well so you can occasionally pick up blinds and antes even if micro stack doesnt bust instead of being moved off your hand every single time it doesn't.
    Interesting. I have so much to learn about donkaments haha. For someone who never plays MTT's, I dream about winning the WSOP Main event too much
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay-Z
    I'm a couple hands down and I'm tryin' to get back
    I gave the other grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
  67. #67
    Cool post M2M, thanks.

    Can we talk about other spots that we should consider limping in MTTs when we're deeper...let's say 25 bbs
    Playing big pots at small stakes.
  68. #68
    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    FYP
    I don't play MTTs, so I just assumed it wasn't prevalent yet by the fact that everyone else in this thread seemed to think it was such a strange concept.
    Quote Originally Posted by Fnord View Post
    Why poker fucks with our heads: it's the master that beats you for bringing in the paper, then gives you a milkbone for peeing on the carpet.

    blog: http://donkeybrainspoker.com/


    Watch me stream $200 hyper HU and $100 Spins on Twitch!
  69. #69
    Courtie what are you playing these days? I will check your Twitch out one of these days.
    Playing big pots at small stakes.
  70. #70
    I actually quit $200 HU hypers the other day and switched to full time $100/$60 spins on Stars. And that would be cool... chat with you soon hopefully
    Quote Originally Posted by Fnord View Post
    Why poker fucks with our heads: it's the master that beats you for bringing in the paper, then gives you a milkbone for peeing on the carpet.

    blog: http://donkeybrainspoker.com/


    Watch me stream $200 hyper HU and $100 Spins on Twitch!
  71. #71
    Quote Originally Posted by donkbee View Post
    You guys are going to start seeing a lot more limping in the future by good players. Not sure when, but it's gonna happen 100%.

    Edit: I meant in MTTs. It's already happening in other games.
    Well aside from blind vs blind it is pretty non standard and requires some very specific set of conditions... I think one can't really go far wrong just sticking to never limping any position but SB.

    I do it a lot more live. Online its not as easy to keep track of your reads on everyone when 9 tabling so playing more default standard open raises is more practical
  72. #72
    Quote Originally Posted by baudib View Post
    Cool post M2M, thanks.

    Can we talk about other spots that we should consider limping in MTTs when we're deeper...let's say 25 bbs
    you can pm me on skype but not going to post details of my strat here just yet
  73. #73
    Lazy so instead of merging all this into 1 post I posted 3 separate posts (omg post whore)

    Alright so update on what's going on here, I'm in Barcelona for next couple weeks grinding out the EPT festival. I just decided on going maybe a month ago. Last year brought the GF along but this time I'm flying solo so won't be doing much other than playing tournaments. Be the first festival I've actually played more than 2 MTTs so pretty excited to get on with this one.

    Not much else to say. MTT regs still constantly call me out on all my 'bad plays'

    After trying to give a well reasoned logical reply to someone telling me what and why I'm doing 'x' wrong - explaining to them why they should not try to correct their opponents behaviour - I was met with fierce defensiveness and further reminders of what I did that was 'wrong'. I have come to the conclusion that this is not the way to go about the situation. It is simply a waste of time to try and argue with an irrational being. They will get defensive when you call them out on their behavior due to their fragile ego rather than own up to it being a mistake. They are simply lacking the awareness to being able to analyze their own behavior.

    The only course of action then is to go along with it and make everyone believe you are a clueless dolt/drunk/scared/unaware of icm etc.
    Last edited by Micro2Macro; 08-18-2015 at 06:53 PM.
  74. #74
    I'm curious what kind of plays in question you are doing that are causing this kind of reaction / response from ppl? haha.

    I wonder if using some form of analogy would work? Like just asking them "If you owned a restaurant, and there was a competing restaurant next door, would you give them all of your recipes/trade secrets?" ... "No"... "Good. Now just think about that for a second.. and think about what we're doing here".
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay-Z
    I'm a couple hands down and I'm tryin' to get back
    I gave the other grip, I lost a flip for five stacks
  75. #75
    spoonitnow's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Micro2Macro View Post
    After trying to give a well reasoned logical reply to someone telling me what and why I'm doing 'x' wrong - explaining to them why they should not try to correct their opponents behaviour - I was met with fierce defensiveness and further reminders of what I did that was 'wrong'. I have come to the conclusion that this is not the way to go about the situation. It is simply a waste of time to try and argue with an irrational being. They will get defensive when you call them out on their behavior due to their fragile ego rather than own up to it being a mistake. They are simply lacking the awareness to being able to analyze their own behavior.

    The only course of action then is to go along with it and make everyone believe you are a clueless dolt/drunk/scared/unaware of icm etc.
    Kinda like arguing with women.

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