31 replies to this topic

[Smasharoo]

The GoalTo turn $50 in my first Pokerstars deposit into $1000.The RulesI'll play only Limit games, primarily Holdem, though I might mix in some O8 or Stud etc. later on.I won't move up in limits without at least 300BB for the new limit. I will post hands that I win and lose and explain my thinking behind how I played them.I'm too lazy to spellcheck. Deal with it.Day 8 Three tables..zero dollars Two-Hundred hands..zero dollars...one rediculously good run of cards...priceless. Or in this case worth about 7 bucks.Remember the 50 hands where I folded 45 of them or whatever?This is the other side of the coin. *** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [Ad Kc]silverbeard: folds thecandle: raises $0.05 to $0.10LadyEagle70: folds JimmyTJams: folds jahnerboy: calls $0.10MTerry: calls $0.10x3000gtx: calls $0.08snipersizeit: foldsRaise with AKo. Raise it under the gun. Raise it when there is sun. Do not limp with it on the button. Do not limp with it while eating mutton. I want you all to make lots of loot, so just trust me and raise when you have ace king off-suit. *** FLOP *** [As 9c 6c]x3000gtx: checks thecandle: bets $0.05jahnerboy: raises $0.05 to $0.10MTerry: raises $0.05 to $0.15x3000gtx: folds thecandle: calls $0.10jahnerboy: raises $0.05 to $0.20Betting is cappedMTerry: calls $0.05thecandle: calls $0.05Is it a set? Surely two pair?I have no idea, but I'm check calling this to the river unless it gets really nutty on the turn.*** TURN *** [As 9c 6c] [2d]thecandle: checks jahnerboy: bets $0.10MTerry: calls $0.10thecandle: calls $0.10Can't fold it in a pot this big. Please stop folding top pair in big pots against bad players. Fold top pair in tiny pots against good players, that's fine.*** RIVER *** [As 9c 6c 2d] [8h]thecandle: checks jahnerboy: bets $0.10MTerry: calls $0.10thecandle: calls $0.10*** SHOW DOWN ***jahnerboy: shows [3h Ah] (a pair of Aces)MTerry: mucks hand thecandle: shows [Ad Kc] (a pair of Aces - King kicker)thecandle collected $1.65 from potI can't explain it either. Crack maybe. Maybe he a "read" on me and "put me on KK".Who knows.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [As Ac]TopGallant: folds thecandle: raises $0.05 to $0.10fantabulous: calls $0.10rockbankroll: folds ibara: folds crivens: calls $0.10buremog: folds crazycow74: calls $0.05Someone litterally chatted "I hate aces, they never hold up on these tables with people calling to the river." Yeah, I hate that when there are huge pots and I have AA.*** FLOP *** [2c 9s 8c]crazycow74: checks thecandle: bets $0.05fantabulous: calls $0.05crivens: calls $0.05crazycow74: calls $0.05No position to get a C/R in as the PF raiser.*** TURN *** [2c 9s 8c] [6h]crazycow74: checks thecandle: bets $0.10fantabulous: calls $0.10crivens: calls $0.10crazycow74: calls $0.10Sure, keep calling. Maybe you're pair of 6s is good! *** RIVER *** [2c 9s 8c 6h] [2d]crazycow74: checks thecandle: bets $0.10fantabulous: folds crivens: calls $0.10crazycow74: calls $0.10*** SHOW DOWN ***thecandle: shows [As Ac] (two pair, Aces and Deuces)crivens: shows [Jh Js] (two pair, Jacks and Deuces)crazycow74: mucks hand thecandle collected $1.32 from potFeel bad for the JJ guy I hate it when I run into bigger overpairs too. Cest la vie!*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [Qd Ac]buremog: calls $0.05crazycow74: folds TopGallant: folds thecandle: raises $0.05 to $0.10fantabulous: calls $0.10rockbankroll: folds txsblueyes: folds ibara: folds crivens: calls $0.05buremog: calls $0.05Raise AQ anywhere in an unraised pot. Seriously. Just do it. Don't argue with me, raise it allready.*** FLOP *** [Td Qc 5s]crivens: checks buremog: checks thecandle: bets $0.05fantabulous: calls $0.05crivens: calls $0.05buremog: foldsTPTK ho hum. *** TURN *** [Td Qc 5s] [3d]crivens: checks thecandle: bets $0.10fantabulous: folds crivens: calls $0.10Still TPTK*** RIVER *** [Td Qc 5s 3d] [9d]crivens: checks thecandle: bets $0.10crivens: calls $0.10*** SHOW DOWN ***thecandle: shows [Qd Ac] (a pair of Queens)crivens: shows [Qh 8h] (a pair of Queens - lower kicker)thecandle collected $0.97 from pottxsblueyes leaves the tableWhy not cold call two bets with Q8s? ^ This is why.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [As Qc]silverbeard: calls $0.05thecandle: raises $0.05 to $0.10LadyEagle70: calls $0.10chrisjenning: calls $0.10JimmyTJams: folds Paul-Stachio: folds jahnerboy: folds MTerry: calls $0.08snipersizeit: folds silverbeard: calls $0.05Raise with AQ, raise with AQ, raise with AQ.*** FLOP *** [Tc Qd Kd]MTerry: checks silverbeard: checks thecandle: bets $0.05LadyEagle70: calls $0.05chrisjenning: calls $0.05MTerry: calls $0.05silverbeard: calls $0.05Why bet out with the K there? Mainly to see if I get raised and I don't want to check around and give a free card to the 900 draws here if I'm best which I will be more thanone time in 4 and I'm likely getting 4 to 1 on the bet.*** TURN *** [Tc Qd Kd] [9c]MTerry: checks silverbeard: checks thecandle: checks LadyEagle70: bets $0.10chrisjenning: calls $0.10MTerry: folds silverbeard: folds thecandle: calls $0.10Why the call? Ladyeagle was just horrible. Like randomly pressing buttons horrible. Might have a King, might have a jack, might have 28.*** RIVER *** [Tc Qd Kd 9c] [Ts]thecandle: checks LadyEagle70: checks chrisjenning: checks *** SHOW DOWN ***thecandle: shows [As Qc] (two pair, Queens and Tens)LadyEagle70: shows [Kc 2d] (two pair, Kings and Tens)chrisjenning: mucks hand LadyEagle70 collected $1.10 from potMight call two cold with K2o....Can't win em all.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [Qh Kh]thecandle: raises $0.05 to $0.10Urack9: calls $0.10charbs: folds JimmyTJams: folds bikslick: folds riverplate: calls $0.10fantabulous: folds MTboy: folds parlayking: calls $0.05 and is all-inLet's talk about KQ for a minute.Here's the deal with KQ, and also AJ. Raise with them in low limit games if no one else has raised, especially if you are first inot the pot.Don't call two cold with them.I know, I know, what's the diffrence, it's two bets either way, why raise with them they're not that good, yadda yadda yadda.Just do it, ok. Raise with them if it's not raised yet and fold them to two cold.*** FLOP *** [8d Ah 3d]thecandle: checks Urack9: checks riverplate: checksBah, I hate when one overcard flops and I have no fold equity because some knucklehead is all in. The check tells me that I'm probably ahead of the live guy. *** TURN *** [8d Ah 3d] [3s]thecandle: bets $0.10Urack9: folds riverplate: foldsFor sure now. *** RIVER *** [8d Ah 3d 3s] [Qs]*** SHOW DOWN ***parlayking: shows [Td Jc] (a pair of Threes)thecandle: shows [Qh Kh] (two pair, Queens and Threes)thecandle collected $0.42 from potCalling two with TJ. No wonder he's out of money.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [7h Qh]thecandle: calls $0.05fantabulous: folds BrPanthers99: folds soraya: folds kAsh369: folds crivens: folds bloxxx 1: folds x3000gtx: raises $0.05 to $0.10TopGallant: calls $0.05thecandle: calls $0.05Why did I call with Q7s UTG? Well, it's like this. x3000gtx, out fine forum brethren, was lagging it up like crazy and running over everyone and the table was becoming pretty tight. He's on my right so the only times I ever have position on him is when he's in a blind, like now. I keep getting junk UTG and the table is tending to fold to him when he's in a blind apparently because they don't want to call a raise. Am I ludicrously overthinking the play of people at a .05/.10 table? Of course! I need some reason for making the loosest pre-flop call in history though, don't I?? I'm going with the I wanted positon on the manic theory. It's my story and I'm sticking to it.*** FLOP *** [Th 6h 4d]x3000gtx: bets $0.05TopGallant: calls $0.05thecandle: raises $0.05 to $0.10x3000gtx: raises $0.05 to $0.15TopGallant: folds thecandle: calls $0.05Free card play gone bad.Dropped the poor bastard in the BB though, and got us heads up, so that's something.*** TURN *** [Th 6h 4d] [Kd]x3000gtx: bets $0.10thecandle: calls $0.10Pot odds, etc. *** RIVER *** [Th 6h 4d Kd] [Qc]x3000gtx: checks thecandle: bets $0.10x3000gtx: calls $0.10Pot's too big to fold, the check is very weak and there's about 1 chance in 9000 he's decided to CR me on the river after three-betting the flop and betting out on the turn so I bet for value with the pair of Qs.*** SHOW DOWN ***thecandle: shows [7h Qh] (a pair of Queens)x3000gtx: shows [Jc Jh] (a pair of Jacks)thecandle collected $1.05 from potWho's the king of suckouts?ME!!*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [As Qd]fantabulous: calls $0.05sugar dady: checks parlayking: calls $0.05thecandle: raises $0.05 to $0.10Urack9: folds Benoit113: calls $0.10Dan Bond: folds ChicknHawk: calls $0.10x3000gtx: calls $0.08riverplate: calls $0.05fantabulous: calls $0.05sugar dady: folds parlayking: calls $0.05Did I mention that I got AQ like every other hand?Did I tell you to raise with it yet?*** FLOP *** [6s Ah 5d]x3000gtx: checks riverplate: checks fantabulous: checks parlayking: checks thecandle: bets $0.05Benoit113: folds ChicknHawk: raises $0.05 to $0.10x3000gtx: calls $0.10riverplate: calls $0.10fantabulous: folds parlayking: calls $0.10thecandle: calls $0.05I probably three-bet this on a better table where I think someone is capable of raising with a worse ace. It's multiyway though and most of these raises at low limits mean two pair.Again, though, the pot is large, I definately can't fold.*** TURN *** [6s Ah 5d] [Kh]x3000gtx: checks riverplate: folds parlayking: checks thecandle: checks ChicknHawk: bets $0.10x3000gtx: calls $0.10parlayking: folds thecandle: calls $0.10If it was AK I was behind anyway. If it was two pair it's still two pair. If it's a weak ace, I'm way ahead.*** RIVER *** [6s Ah 5d Kh] [Ad]x3000gtx: checks thecandle: checks ChicknHawk: bets $0.10x3000gtx: folds thecandle: calls $0.10Probably worth a raise for value, but I have no idea what to do with a three bet if it comes back to me.*** SHOW DOWN ***ChicknHawk: shows [7d Ac] (three of a kind, Aces)thecandle: shows [As Qd] (three of a kind, Aces - Queen kicker)Kickers, kids. They matter.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [9c 9s]thecandle: calls $0.05Urack9: calls $0.05ChicknHawk: raises $0.05 to $0.10x3000gtx: folds riverplate: calls $0.10fantabulous: folds WongFeiHung: folds parlayking: calls $0.05thecandle: calls $0.05Urack9: calls $0.05Obviously play 99. Obviously call a riase with it. Eddie Miller says raise with it UTG in a loose game. I don't. He probably knows more than me, but I still don't. TT I do. Semantics. I think it's pretty close.*** FLOP *** [Qc Ac Ks]parlayking: checks thecandle: checks Urack9: checks ChicknHawk: checks riverplate: folds *** TURN *** [Qc Ac Ks] [3s]parlayking: checks thecandle: checks Urack9: checks ChicknHawk: bets $0.10parlayking: calls $0.10thecandle: folds No set, bad flop, free turn card, still bad, easy fold.PF raiser had AA and flopped a set, by the way, allthough why he'd check that flop with 97 billion draws out there I have no idea.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [8h 8c]fantabulous: folds WongFeiHung: folds parlayking: folds thecandle: calls $0.05Urack9: calls $0.05ChicknHawk: calls $0.05x3000gtx: calls $0.03riverplate: checksOne more seat towards the button I raise it. In a better game I raise it first in for sure, but then I raise almost everything first in in middle position in a better game. (by better I mean the players are better, not that the game's easier to beat). *** FLOP *** [7s 5s 9s]x3000gtx: checks riverplate: bets $0.05thecandle: foldssuited flop, no set, easy fold.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [Ah Th]ChicknHawk: folds bill318: calls $0.05fantabulous: calls $0.05ChicknHawk leaves the tablesugar dady has timed outsugar dady: folds sugar dady is sitting outparlayking: calls $0.05thecandle: calls $0.05Urack9: folds Benoit113: calls $0.03Dan Bond: checks AT in the CO, limp in.AJ in the CO raise.Live by it.*** FLOP *** [5s 7s 4h]Benoit113: bets $0.05Dan Bond: folds bill318: calls $0.05fantabulous: calls $0.05parlayking: calls $0.05thecandle: calls $0.05Backdoor nut flush draw, overcards, pot odds, etc.*** TURN *** [5s 7s 4h] [3c]Benoit113: bets $0.10bill318: calls $0.10fantabulous: folds parlayking: folds thecandle: foldsDead flush draw, horrible sucker straight draw, could be drawing dead, overcards not that great. Fold to the big bet.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [Jh As]supercivicsi: folds silverbeard: calls $0.05thecandle: raises $0.05 to $0.10Kanks19: folds mistro909: folds Judge Law: folds aopenva: folds subversion: folds MTerry: calls $0.08x3000gtx: calls $0.05silverbeard: calls $0.05Raise AJ. Really. Remember what I said about KQ. Same thing with AJ. If it's not raised, raise it. If it's raised and it's two cold to you, fold it.*** FLOP *** [Js 5h 8s]MTerry: bets $0.05x3000gtx: folds silverbeard: calls $0.05thecandle: raises $0.05 to $0.10MTerry: calls $0.05silverbeard: calls $0.05I don'y know what they have, but I have TPTK baby!*** TURN *** [Js 5h 8s] [Ts]MTerry: checks silverbeard: checks thecandle: bets $0.10MTerry: calls $0.10silverbeard: raises $0.10 to $0.20thecandle: calls $0.10MTerry: calls $0.10Now, old Silverbears is as Lee Jones as they come. I think he might have been reading WLLH as he was playing. When he raises here he has the flush. But I have 6 outs to the nut flush so I have to call it. "Don't you mean 8 outs, Smash??" No, grasshopper, old Siverbeard has two of my outs.*** RIVER *** [Js 5h 8s Ts] [3d]MTerry: checks silverbeard: bets $0.10thecandle said, "I belive you I guess"thecandle: foldsAn *exceptionally* rare river laydown in a big pot for me. Having played with this particular guy a lot I've never, ever, not once seen him put a move on anyone. Ever. I'd have bet my left nut he had the flush. MTerry: calls $0.10*** SHOW DOWN ***silverbeard: shows [2s 6s] (a flush, Jack high) Which, of course, he did.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [7h 7c]crivens: folds buremog: folds bloxxx 1: folds x3000gtx: folds TopGallant: folds thecandle: calls $0.05fantabulous: raises $0.05 to $0.10BrPanthers99: folds soraya: folds kAsh369: calls $0.05thecandle: calls $0.05Would have raised this in a better game.*** FLOP *** [Kc 8c Jh]kAsh369: checks thecandle: checks fantabulous: bets $0.05kAsh369: folds thecandle: foldsPot's small, flops not great, I might be better than AQ, but just about every other raisng hand has me crushed. Did I mention the pot was tiny?*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [Qd Tc]ChicknHawk: calls $0.05x3000gtx: folds geron1mo: checks fantabulous: calls $0.05sugar dady: folds parlayking: calls $0.05thecandle: calls $0.05Urack9: calls $0.05Benoit113: calls $0.03Dan Bond: checks Even in easy games I only limp with QT in late position, like here in the CO.*** FLOP *** [9h Qh 7d]Benoit113: checks Dan Bond: bets $0.05ChicknHawk: folds geron1mo: folds fantabulous: folds parlayking: calls $0.05thecandle: calls $0.05Urack9: folds Benoit113: calls $0.05Could raise it, but a raise would have to be for value here,, and it's still QT. I'd have raised a T high flop.*** TURN *** [9h Qh 7d] [Ah]Benoit113: bets $0.10Dan Bond: folds parlayking: folds thecandle: folds Wakes up to the A, heads up if I call. Pot's tiny. Fold.Am I getting through with the fold in small pots, call in big pots thing yet? I'm posting these hands where I fold in small pots with hands I'd call with in bgi pots so you don't think I'm a lunatic who goes to the river with middle pair because I'm playing at a .05/.10 tables. It's really more about pot size relative to bet size and future epexcted pot size.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [Qs Ah]sugar dady: folds parlayking: calls $0.05thecandle: raises $0.05 to $0.10Urack9: folds Benoit113: folds thecandle said, "worked out ok"Dan Bond: folds ChicknHawk: calls $0.10x3000gtx: calls $0.10riverplate: calls $0.08fantabulous: folds parlayking: calls $0.05Raise AQ. Did I mention I got it like 1000 times?I don't know what I'm chatting about, but it's ussually what I say when I beat someone a pot and they feel silly for calling a river value bet or something and say "Nh, don't know why I called" or something.*** FLOP *** [Ks 4c 7h]riverplate: checks ChicknHawk said, "not for me"parlayking: checks ChicknHawk said, "lol"thecandle: checks ChicknHawk: checks x3000gtx: checks Sometimes I bet this flop, sometimes I don't. I didn't.*** TURN *** [Ks 4c 7h] [3c]riverplate: checks parlayking: checks thecandle: checks ChicknHawk: bets $0.10x3000gtx: folds thecandle said, ":)"riverplate: calls $0.10parlayking: folds thecandle: calls $0.10I fgure it's probably not a king and both my cards are live. Pot's not huge, but it's big enough to call with 6 outs.*** RIVER *** [Ks 4c 7h 3c] [Tc]riverplate: checks thecandle: checks ChicknHawk: bets $0.10riverplate: folds thecandle: folds Pretty sure A high isn't good more than one time in 7 which it needs to be to call here. I considered a desperation raise representing the flush, but then I remebered that I liked money, even twenty cents.*** HOLE CARDS ***Dealt to thecandle [4c 4d]silverbeard: calls $0.05thecandle: calls $0.05LadyEagle70: calls $0.05mistro909: calls $0.05Judge Law: checks aopenva: calls $0.05MTerry: calls $0.03x3000gtx: checks Limp small PP anywhere in a loose game.*** FLOP *** [6c 7s Th]MTerry: checks x3000gtx: checks silverbeard: checks thecandle: checks LadyEagle70: checks mistro909: checks Judge Law: checks aopenva: bets $0.05MTerry: calls $0.05x3000gtx: folds silverbeard: folds thecandle: folds And..we're foldin.No real draw, etc.There are more hands, including a set over set against x300gtx where I take all his money, but I allready posted it in antoher topic.I think you get the idea, though, it was a good session.I played a few hours of Stud-hi (which I'm just horrible at) and I think I'm starting to get it. Did you know you can bet double if there's a pair on the boar on 4th street? :)I made a few pennies at stud and popped up over $80.ResultsStarting Bankroll: $73.65Ending Bankroll: $80.29Playtime: 200 hands and assorted number of stud handsNet: $6.64BB/100: a lot.Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 7

[dna4ever]

Just started reading a few of these, pretty good stuff, thanks. I love this one ....*** FLOP *** [Qc Ac Ks] parlayking: checks thecandle: checks Urack9: checks ChicknHawk: checks riverplate: folds *** TURN *** [Qc Ac Ks] [3s]riverplate couldnt handle the pressure of that AKQ flop even being the last to act in a free check before the turn.

[jack24bauer24]

Hey Smash, i know for your experiment you are only playing limit games, but do/will you ever play NL and take that money either won/lost out of your experiments report?I started out this summer with a 50 dollar buy in and played 10 25 cent NL, and along with a Christmas day pokerstars millionth hand $1500 reward I've built my stack up to over 3600 so I'm really interested to see how you are doing and such and would enjoy playing against ya some time at the NL tables.I'll sit at the limit with ya when I see you on but I was wondering if you'll ever play NL cash games too.Best of luck

[Smasharoo]

I do play NL, but I honestly find it pretty boring.Limit theory is more intresting to me because of the clear visability and controll fo future betting rounds. Lots of people here seem to play NL exclusively which seems to me kind of like WPT syndrome, but whatever. Maybe I'll have a NL day or week or something as this goes forward.

[jayistheman]

Smasharoo said:

I do play NL, but I honestly find it pretty boring.Limit theory is more intresting to me because of the clear visability and controll fo future betting rounds. Lots of people here seem to play NL exclusively which seems to me kind of like WPT syndrome, but whatever. Maybe I'll have a NL day or week or something as this goes forward.

GOD BLESS WPT SYNDROME... and dont you talk bad about it!!! lol. wpt syndrome is the reason i play NL in a roundabout way. other people have it and i like to exploit it.

[Vidgames]

Smash, these are great for someone getting back into poker after a long time, but can I ask a favor? Can you maybe add a legend of abbreviations you're using (maybe after the Rules section), so those of us not heavily versed in poker chat can keep up?I'm figuring out many of them, but if I had a reference for those I'm stuck on, it'd make reading the messages smoother.Here are some I couldn't quite figure out or those that took a bit of extra time before I could continue reading (putting on asbestos layer for the sure "Gawd, you're such a noob, Vid..."):PF = Okay, I figured out pre-flop, but for some reason I was stuck on it for a while.TPTK = This one took even longer, but is this "top pair, top kicker"?UTG = ?CO = ?PP = I assume this is some pair reference, but I can't figure out, does it stand for "something pair" or just two Ps to show a pair.yadda = You seem to say this a lot three times in a row...okay, just kidding.Also, you have in your calculations at the end "BB/100," but I'm not sure what that is in reference to the big blind and why that's important. Any explanation would help clear it up.Keep up the good work on your bankroll build and on these "tutorials." It's cool watching (and learning) from this exercise. Thanks much... A E

[Mandelbrot]

Quote

clear visability and control of future betting rounds.

No limit rules!

[Randy Reed]

Well, being one of those WPT kinda guys, (lol) who has been working on his limit game, I find these threads entertainng and I'm picking up a few things as well. I admit I would have called the last bet on his flush draw with TPTk. I lose alot with dumb calls at the end knowing I'm beat, sure I get em once in while but not enough. Guess I'll have to see if I can find ya online and play too one of these days, sure you'd appreciate the donation to your quest, lol.I like the way you lay it out and give your thoughts between cards. I can compare to see if I'm thinking the same thing or if I disagree with your thinking. Oh well, thanks for doing this anyway, I bet it becomes huge as you get close to the $1000.

[Smasharoo]

Here are some I couldn't quite figure out or those that took a bit of extra time before I could continue reading (putting on asbestos layer for the sure "Gawd, you're such a noob, Vid..."):Actually if you look at my posts I never have a problem with someone asking a question or professing ignorance about something. If someone asks me what I think of a play I might say it sucks if I think it does or if they ask "why don't I do well online" I'll say "probably because you suck at playing poker online" occams razor and all.For some reason people attack me because of that and poor beset upon me just tries to defend myself.PF = Okay, I figured out pre-flop, but for some reason I was stuck on it for a while.TPTK = This one took even longer, but is this "top pair, top kicker"?UTG =Under the Gun The first person to act pre-flop, the position just to the left of the big blind.CO = Cut off. One off the button. The cut off between middle and late position. Where you post a blind if you come into a game on the button and dcide not to wait for the blind to come around again. (unless you just post anwywhere, in which case you suck )PP = Pocket Pair. Two paired cards dealt to you as opposed to one in hand and one on the board.[b]yadda = You seem to say this a lot three times in a row...okay, just kidding.Also, you have in your calculations at the end "BB/100," but I'm not sure what that is in reference to the big blind and why that's important. Any explanation would help clear it up.Keep up the good work on your bankroll build and on these "tutorials." It's cool watching (and learning) from this exercise. Thanks much... BB/100 is Big Bets per One Hundred Hands. In this case, the big bet is 10 cents. The big blind by comparison is 5 cetns. So I'm doing twice as well as you thought!Thanks for posting, glad someone's reading them.

[pokerkid]

Why raise with these if you can see the flop for cheaper and then bet if you hit something or if you have a read; you might havce the better hand now but at this limit ur most likely always gonna see a flop and things could change so why not wait to flop soemthing before betting instead of comitting more money and risking the chance of flopping nothing? Also more callers preflop could mean more money. In a game with higher limits/tighter play i could see you would want to limit the field but people are gonna call alot of bad hands with a preflop raise at these limits and flop two pair to ur TPTK or hit gutshot straights, so i was wondering if you could tell me why you are so insitent on raising. (i'm not trying to second geuss you or claim i'm right, i just want more knowledge)

[711Buddha]

I like the way you articulate your play. I wonder, do you "talk to yourself" while you play? Do you even know what I mean?

[Smasharoo]

Why raise with these if you can see the flop for cheaper and then bet if you hit something or if you have a read; you might havce the better hand now but at this limit ur most likely always gonna see a flop and things could change so why not wait to flop soemthing before betting instead of comitting more money and risking the chance of flopping nothing? Also more callers preflop could mean more money. In a game with higher limits/tighter play i could see you would want to limit the field but people are gonna call alot of bad hands with a preflop raise at these limits and flop two pair to ur TPTK or hit gutshot straights, so i was wondering if you could tell me why you are so insitent on raising. (i'm not trying to second geuss you or claim i'm right, i just want more knowledge)Lots of reasons, but mainly because of your massive pot equity edge preflop with these hands. It comes down to a propisition wager really. If you end up winning the pot, either at showdown, or to folds a higher percentage of the time than the odds you get by raising then you must raise or give up a substantial profit. It's not about limiting the feild, but that's fine too. Both work for you. Winning a huge pot because lots of people called a pre-flop raise is good. Winnning a small pot because someone folded a hand that would have beat you pre-flop is good.It's all good!Simple example:You have AQ in the BB. Six people limp to you. You'd have to be up against some pretty amazing limping hands not to win this hand 1 time in seven. Raising get's money in from people limping in with 6J or whatever that you probably won't get on the flop. Let's say you win the hand 1 time 5, which I think is a fairly reasonable expectation. The 4 times you lose the hand you will have lost two bets each time because of your flop raise costing you 8 bets. The 1 time you win you will have made 12 bets because of your raise.Raising also does other things, including increasing your fold equity on later streets, and allowing you odds to continue with overcards if you miss a flow. Depending on position it allows you a free card on the flop if you want to take one etc. etc.Also, and this isn't insignifigant, it let's you dicatate tempo. It's better to be feared than loved and it's better to be the agressor in holdem, particularly when you ussually have the best hand.

[dr0ck]

Vidgames said:

Can you maybe add a legend of abbreviations you're using (maybe after the Rules section), so those of us not heavily versed in poker chat can keep up?I'm figuring out many of them, but if I had a reference for those I'm stuck on, it'd make reading the messages smoother.Here are some I couldn't quite figure out or those that took a bit of extra time before I could continue reading (putting on asbestos layer for the sure "Gawd, you're such a noob, Vid..."):PF = Okay, I figured out pre-flop, but for some reason I was stuck on it for a while.TPTK = This one took even longer, but is this "top pair, top kicker"?UTG = ?CO = ?PP = I assume this is some pair reference, but I can't figure out, does it stand for "something pair" or just two Ps to show a pair.yadda = You seem to say this a lot three times in a row...okay, just kidding.Also, you have in your calculations at the end "BB/100," but I'm not sure what that is in reference to the big blind and why that's important. Any explanation would help clear it up.Keep up the good work on your bankroll build and on these "tutorials." It's cool watching (and learning) from this exercise. Thanks much... A E

UTG = Under the gun ( player after BB- Big Blind )CO = Cut Off ( player to the left of the Dealer button Hope this helped out....

[dr0ck]

Guess i was a little late, sorry....had page up for a while and noone had replied yet.

[Smasharoo]

CO = Cut Off ( player to the left of the Dealer button Right (not left).I'm dyslexic even!

[HoosierGrady]

Smash..I owe you a quick apology....after your first post of this I came out and basically told you no one cared(kinda drunk at time..had only read your blunt answers to other members and wasn't to fond of you then)...now i read everyone and try to pick up as much knowledge as possible..keep them coming..and "I'm sorry!"

[Smasharoo]

"I'm sorry!"Noted, I'll now remove you from THE LISTthere is of course no list, i'm just kidding....as far as you know

[cmstaab]

Smash, first of all, I love reading your updates, very informative. I started at .05/.10 and am now at .25/.50, and I have a couple questions for you.1. Have you read Small Stakes Hold Em by Miller and Slansky and if so has it improved your game? 2. Are there any other books you would recommend to a low limit player that hasn't read any poker books yet?Thanks in advance.

[Ice94]

Smash,I would like to concur with many of these posts, reading through your "thinking" has helped me find some holes in my game that were causing some bankroll leaks and the rampant use of the excuse "This woouldn't happen in No Limit". Thanks for the insight and keep it up.-Ice94

[Smasharoo]

Smash, first of all, I love reading your updates, very informative. I started at .05/.10 and am now at .25/.50, and I have a couple questions for you.1. Have you read Small Stakes Hold Em by Miller and Slansky and if so has it improved your game?Yes and yes.I think it would improve anyone's performance in loose games. It's really, geniuenly, not a begginers book, though. It's a book about maximizing your earnings in loose games. I think most beginners could read it and get something out of it, but there is definately the potential for beggining players to misunderstand some of the tactical raising concepts and lose a lot of money.The starting hand reccomendations and discuassions about counting outs and odds would be huge for a new player.If you're asking me if you should buy it, yes. 2. Are there any other books you would recommend to a low limit player that hasn't read any poker books yet?Thanks in advance.Hmm, I duno. I started with HEFAP and worked backwards, I hear people say good things about Lee Jones book but evevryone I know that reads strikes me as very passive and missing out on a lot of value and FOLDING FAR TOO MUCH in big pots.Your milage may vary.