5896

[samsonite2100]

So, I don't really know where this post belongs, but I figure it's related to hold 'em strategy, at least on a meta-level.

I've been transitioning lately into making a semi-living off poker, and this has gotten me thinking about the state of online poker in general. Specifically, I've been thinking about how most people approach it, or their reasons for playing. I know that when I started playing I immediately loved it--not just the free money aspect, but as someone inclined to playing games and strategy, I loved learning about it and tried to improve my game.

I've spent a lot of time on FTR since I joined b/c there's so much valuable insight here--it's really helped me immensely. I looked at the FTR database thingy today and noticed there are 5896 members. Getting (slowly) to the point, 5896 is a drop in the ocean of online players out there. I know that, along with P5s and 2 + 2, FTR is one of the bigger strategy websites. I wonder what percentage of players out there belong to sites like this one? 5 percent? 10? Not that all good players belong to strategy websites, and certainly not that belonging to a website will magically turn you into a good player, but surely it's an index of sorts. Poker is not the kind of activity that most people are born naturals at--intellectual curiosity about the game is richly rewarded. I guess I'm wondering how unusual it is to take the game as seriously as we do here.

[sejje]

It's really pretty unusual. But for me, there's no other way I could approach it. Really, I approach all of my hobbies and interests in the same way.

I think some people lurk as well, but really we're just a small percentage of the online poker playing population. And there's a lot of once-in-a-great-while live players to put into the mix.

Man how I wish FL casinos dealt NL.

[Warpe]

I think it's like anything...you get dabblers and then you get people who take improving seriously. I want to crush this game so that's why I'm here. I hate being mediocre at anything.

The less people that read FTR the better, imo (sorry Xianti!).

[Irisheyes]

Of those 5800 members I'd say a good 40% joined and never looked at the thing again. And another 30%, those who read some posts, are breakeven at best.

I'd say the top 10% of FTR make more then the rest put together.

[Fnord]

<------- 3.8%

[Miffed22001]

i guess 1% gets you into the special club?

amirite?
amirite?

[Irisheyes]

i guess 1% gets you into the special club?

amirite?
amirite?

Miffed don't worry you're already in the special club.

[dev]

Let's not forget the people who know everything about poker, the starting hand nazis who tell me I'm terrible because they got stacked by 85 on a 679 board and they couldn't fold an overpair.

They might see a site like this, register, post something about how good they are, get flamed, and leave because they're too good to be wrong. I'd go so far as to say that at most 1k out of the 5.8k actually take the time to learn anything.

[BankItDrew]

I think a very small portion of those 5k who joined, are still posting today. In the 3 forums I play ing (stratigies, HH, and Begginers), I'd say there are only a couple hundred regulars.

I agree with Warpe 100% in that I hope that the less players here the better.. just so that we can take their money easier.

[Krieg1984]

Let's not forget the people who know everything about poker, the starting hand nazis who tell me I'm terrible because they got stacked by 85 on a 679 board and they couldn't fold an overpair.

They might see a site like this, register, post something about how good they are, get flamed, and leave because they're too good to be wrong. I'd go so far as to say that at most 1k out of the 5.8k actually take the time to learn anything.

This reminds me of those "table teachers"... you know the ones.

Like this guy sitting to my left today. I got three nice pairs in a row, raised them up in EP. In the third hand (I had QQ) some dude on the button called my bets until the turn where I got minraised. I smelled a set and bowed out. And then this comment by the "Professor" to my left:

"Doesn't understand position lol"

There were a few more comments like this, and one or two more players joined in to discuss their "great poker skills". I did what you should always do in response to a online poker smartass: don't type anything into the chat box. Let that guy think you're a huge donk, it does wonders for your image.

Anyway this guy was a total rock (10/3 haha) so he rarely got paid off, and on one hand I stuffed it all in on the flop with a flush draw/gutshot. He folded (undoubtably somthing like JJ or TPTK) and cursed:

"eventually I'll get you donk"

rofl.

The sad thing is, I suspect some good players who frequent this site may act like this sometimes. My advice: don't do it. No one cares if you're the smartest god at poker ever. All they see is your stack.

[jyms]

I lurked here for three months after losing my first deposit in a couple of days. Thought 25NL would be easy. Put in 50 bucks at Stars and gave it to one of you guys no doubt. Decided to read up a bit like I do on any new endeavor, and now fighting back at low $ S&G's and 0.01/0.02 stakes. I think all the lurkers here should register and post at least once. If the least to thank some of you guys for putting out the info you give for no $, no reason and no glory. Maybe it's time to update the datbase and remove some of the names that don't even exist anymore. Give us a better understanding of who is really out there learning or lurking. And as for people calling ya a donk, that just shows how they read a post or two or an online tip sheet and figure they no it all now. As far as i'm concerned "schools out", stack em all.

[Fnord]

You guys need to get with the program and talk about important stuff at the table!

Strippers, booze, casino gambling, sports betting, etc.

[mcatdog]

The sad thing is, I suspect some good players who frequent this site may act like this sometimes. My advice: don't do it. No one cares if you're the smartest god at poker ever. All they see is your stack.

I know for sure that there are posters here who do this, and it's fucking terrible, for lots of reasons.

I'm with Fnord, a lot of times I strike up a goofy conversation to make the fish feel comfortable and make the nits think I'm a fish.

[midas06]

I don't talk to make my ops think I'm a bot

[Miffed22001]

I don't talk to make my ops think I'm a bot

Dont bots win money?

[pizzatron]

I'm sure a lot of people read these forums but never post. The only way to really tell how many people visit this site is to look at the web server stats though, so maybe one of the admins can find that out.

[Warpe]

I don't talk to make my ops think I'm a bot

Dont bots win money?

pwned

[thnwkd]

The sad thing is, I suspect some good players who frequent this site may act like this sometimes. My advice: don't do it. No one cares if you're the smartest god at poker ever. All they see is your stack.

I know for sure that there are posters here who do this, and it's fucking terrible, for lots of reasons.

reason no. 1 it educates the fish. this is how i found ftr;

I had just started playing on the micro nl tables (or was it playmoney?..hmm) @ UB. The only thing i had read on poker were UB's strategy guides. I observed AA get crushed by something like J2s... well AA guy just went balistic... the last thing he typed after like a minute long tirade was go learn how to play... www.flopturnriver.com. I imediately clicked the link and was here... this was before the facelift when it was kinda crappy looking, so i didnt join or started visiting regularly until much later... great site!

[Krieg1984]

The sad thing is, I suspect some good players who frequent this site may act like this sometimes. My advice: don't do it. No one cares if you're the smartest god at poker ever. All they see is your stack.

I know for sure that there are posters here who do this, and it's fucking terrible, for lots of reasons.

I'm with Fnord, a lot of times I strike up a goofy conversation to make the fish feel comfortable and make the nits think I'm a fish.

Oh lol, sometimes during a 6max session I follow the Triptanes school of thought and just yell about pokemon, body odor, rap music, etc etc. Anything but poker strategy. It's fun sometimes when people think you're a dumb moron. :P