Mostly numbers-based playing?

[NoSocksLLC]

Hi everyone. Very pleased to find a site such as this...I've been searching for a couple weeks, but it's pretty tough to wade through all the advertisements to find a place with all this EXCELLENT info.

I'm BRAND new to the game, so I'm pretty much in the same place as many of you. I recently moved to Nashville, and while waiting to get everything setup, I happened to catch "High Stakes Poker" on GSN. Honestly, I never really appreciated the WSOP broadcasts, and never paid attention. BUT, after seeing HSP -- it really started to get me hooked on the game.

Anyway, that's my boring and probably pretty common story.

NOW -- I'll finally get to my point. Of all things, I'm currently a professional horseplayer. And, much like poker, the entire game is about the analysis of risk versus return, and determining whether a corresponding play gives you a positive expected value. There's losing streaks, tilts, and honestly, just about everything else that you find in the game. HOWEVER, there's not the "human" aspect. When I punch in a bet on the ponies, there's no human aspect at all.

So, I ask -- in your estimate, how much of poker belongs to that human aspect? Are numbers-based players the ones that win? In fact, is it even possible to be numbers-based player?

Just trying to get a little insight on these ideas. I'm pretty excited to have found the community.

Best,
EW

[ProZachNation]

I know at the lower limits I play 10NL currently I dont even try to read the players they are too random. I pretty much count my outs try to decide if I am ahead and play accordingly. I know for the guys who play like 10 SnGs at once it is all about making choices on your odds and such and not as much reading players.

[Pelion]

Welcome to FTR.

I play 10NL and find that most of the time when I try to "play the player" its because im on tilt and it actually doesnt have a +EV.

I find that the most you need to do at the lower limits is find out what sort of hands they like to play (e.g. loves suited cards) and what sort of % of hands they play/raise. The other important thing is how much they are willing to call with common hands like flush draws and single pairs and things like that. Im not talking numbers im just talking something vague and general like "lots" or "not much". Then you can milk them pretty easily when you have a hand.

[euphoricism]

Of all things, I'm currently a professional horseplayer. And, much like poker, the entire game is about the analysis of risk versus return, and determining whether a corresponding play gives you a positive expected value. There's losing streaks, tilts, and honestly, just about everything else that you find in the game.

If you have a gambling background, already understand the inate concepts involved, you will CRUSH limit poker. Youre about 6 months ahead of every new player that comes to play. I really think No Limit is not your game. Your background suggests youre too mathematical. Believe me 100% when I say YOU WILL KILL LOW LIMIT POKER if you already understand the above.

Limit poker IS a math game. And its a math game everyone you play against SUCKS at. You've got a HUGE advantage already understanding the concepts. I feel its my duty to steer you there ;p

[NoSocksLLC]

Of all things, I'm currently a professional horseplayer. And, much like poker, the entire game is about the analysis of risk versus return, and determining whether a corresponding play gives you a positive expected value. There's losing streaks, tilts, and honestly, just about everything else that you find in the game.

If you have a gambling background, already understand the inate concepts involved, you will CRUSH limit poker. Youre about 6 months ahead of every new player that comes to play. I really think No Limit is not your game. Your background suggests youre too mathematical. Believe me 100% when I say YOU WILL KILL LOW LIMIT POKER if you already understand the above.

Limit poker IS a math game. And its a math game everyone you play against SUCKS at. You've got a HUGE advantage already understanding the concepts. I feel its my duty to steer you there ;p

Hmmm...I think you are really, really onto something here.

I assume that the cap makes it more mathematical simply because of the more set wagering structure? What are the various types of limit games?'

Best,
EW

[Dunk]

Wow, that has really made me think. I've been playing NLHE primarily because that's what my friends like to do at our home games, but I am definitely more mathematically inclined.

I think I'll have to go read up more on LHE...

[euphoricism]

Well, here's your standard day at limit:

I have good position with a good hand. I bet.
I know I need X:1 to call in this spot. I don't have x:1, I fold.
I know I need x:1 to call in this spot. I have x:1, I call.
Repeat, repeat, repeat. Play 1500 hands a day.

If you understand x:1, you can count outs, you understand EV, you'll beat the shit out of low limit holdem.

[Fnord]

What do you have?
What are you representing?
What is he representing?
Does he have it?
Will he lay it down?

[Pelion]

What do you have?
What are you representing?
What is he representing?
Does he have it?
Will he lay it down?

Adds to winrate but not necessary to win at low limit holdem.

[euphoricism]

What do you have?
What are you representing?
What is he representing?
Does he have it?
Will he lay it down?

If youre that worried at .25/.50, youre worrying too much.