Polished Poker Vol. I Study Group

[John A]

I could write a very long reply to this but I don't have time.
John kindly puts his free book out there (gold dust). We read it and implement it into our games and ask questions about areas we struggle to get to grips with. We post hands primarily for advice from John. But I welcome opinions from most of the players who work hard on their game in this thread.
If you want a wide range of opinions you can post in the cash games forum separately.
Every now and again we focus on one section of the book or our games that is giving us issues.
So it's primarily a coaching support thread and along the way some of us will buy some of John's other products like leak buster or sign up to his other coaching programs and spread the word about John via word of mouth recommendation and via social media.
We also have a Skype sweat club which gets together on Tuesdays where you can have your game put under the microscope by imo one of the world's premier poker coaches for FREE.
Thanks John.

Good Friday to me. Thanks for the kind words Fig. Much appreciated!

When I can get this 3rd volume done (which will again be free), I think you guys will really enjoy it. Mainly because I'm focusing on what I said a few posts ago, the little things that I notice a lot of players miss when I'm observing them play. It's also a great help sweating you guys because it gives me some good insight into what I can write that would be helpful.

I think we've all learned a lot from each other, and I'm glad I didn't publicize this thread because it would have just become too much for me. We have a good small group.

 

[fletchdad]

Sorry Fletch, I know it's rough when you're not running well. We've all been there. Of course just take a break and get your mind off poker for awhile.

The main encouraging thing I can say to you is that the more you learn to pick up some of these smaller pots, the more your variance will shrink. There are still things you can implement to make this game easier, and that's why we're in this thread. I outlined some of those things in Polished Poker. You just want to be constantly aware of them, and then execute.

Just about all of your are solid on most of the basics in no-limit. That first major turning point is making sure you're capitalizing on the little things, because that will help soften the times when you're getting sucked out on. Then we keep adding pieces from there.

Any ways, hang in there man.

Thanks for the kind words John.

TBO, I feel a bit silly on my post, but I was really pissed. I just finished a session that started of, like the 4th hand, my AA vs KK and he hits a K OTR...lol. And I was able to shrug it off, so that is good.

I am almost done with Polished Poker vol. 1 and hope I can utilize the concepts, cause I am really killing my BR the last 2 weeks.

I really need to do a sweat at some point, but my time is so sporadic with the family and just stuff, life in general. It does get a bit depressing at times, I am starting back in poker and cant beat 2nl.........

But, as you said, I will hang in there. I am sure it IS the small pots that are killing me the most.......

 

[Sneaky Feet]

It is getting real fuking hard to take. Since a week, hands like this numerous times in 2 out of 3 sessions. Non stop. I am down 25 BI and I am fuking tilting so bad. The Q) hand, although vs this player not all that bad, was also tilting, I was "no way am I folding FFS" I broke a water spout in my kitchen, 2 nights ago. I should look for the hands but it will give me a friggin ulcer. Same shit as above.

It just doesent help right now that I got in ahead...it just doesent...............


FFS. I am about to withdraw and say fuk this. Better ways to waste my time.......


Sorry about the vent, but it is vent here or kill a kitten........


Poker Stars $2.00 No Limit Hold'em - 5 players - View hand 2893886
DeucesCracked Poker Videos Hand History Converter

UTG: $2.08 - VPIP: 22, PFR: 18, 3B: 3, AF: 2.7, Hands: 645
CO: $2.00 - VPIP: 24, PFR: 15, 3B: 2, AF: 1.8, Hands: 106
BTN: $2.00 - VPIP: 14, PFR: 13, 3B: 3, AF: 3.1, Hands: 541
Hero (SB): $2.30
BB: $7.19 - VPIP: 42, PFR: 21, 3B: 14, AF: 8.0, Hands: 66

Pre Flop: ($0.03) Hero is SB with Q <font color='black'>♣</font> Q <font color='black'>♠</font>
3 folds, Hero raises to $0.06, BB raises to $0.20, Hero raises to $0.76, BB raises to $7.19, Hero calls $1.54 all in

Flop: ($4.60) 9 <font color='black'>♠</font> 3 <font color='black'>♣</font> A <font color='red'>♥</font> (2 players - 1 is all in)

Turn: ($4.60) 7 <font color='black'>♠</font> (2 players - 1 is all in)

River: ($4.60) J <font color='black'>♠</font> (2 players - 1 is all in)

Final Pot: $4.60
Hero shows Q <font color='black'>♣</font> Q <font color='black'>♠</font>
BB shows J <font color='red'>♥</font> J <font color='black'>♣</font>
BB wins $4.44
(Rake: $-4.73)
-----------------------------------------------

Poker Stars $2.00 No Limit Hold'em - 5 players - View hand 2893887
DeucesCracked Poker Videos Hand History Converter

BTN: $1.84 - VPIP: 67, PFR: 4, 3B: 5, AF: 1.8, Hands: 57
SB: $2.02 - VPIP: 22, PFR: 18, 3B: 3, AF: 2.7, Hands: 645
BB: $2.00 - VPIP: 24, PFR: 19, 3B: 10, AF: 3.8, Hands: 311
UTG: $3.85 - VPIP: 21, PFR: 16, 3B: 3, AF: 3.7, Hands: 116
Hero (CO): $2.42

Pre Flop: ($0.03) Hero is CO with A <font color='red'>♦</font> T <font color='black'>♣</font>
1 fold, Hero raises to $0.06, BTN raises to $0.10, 2 folds, Hero calls $0.04

Flop: ($0.23) A <font color='black'>♣</font> T <font color='red'>♥</font> 6 <font color='red'>♦</font> (2 players)
Hero bets $0.18, BTN raises to $0.36, Hero raises to $1.06, BTN raises to $1.74, Hero calls $0.68

Turn: ($3.71) 9 <font color='black'>♣</font> (2 players)

River: ($3.71) Q <font color='red'>♦</font> (2 players)

Final Pot: $3.71
BTN shows Q <font color='black'>♣</font> A <font color='black'>♠</font>
Hero shows A <font color='red'>♦</font> T <font color='black'>♣</font>
BTN wins $3.58
(Rake: $0.13)
-----------------------------------------
---



Poker Stars $2.00 No Limit Hold'em - 5 players - View hand 2893885
DeucesCracked Poker Videos Hand History Converter

CO: $2.29 - VPIP: 18, PFR: 17, 3B: 3, AF: 1.7, Hands: 145
BTN: $3.78 - VPIP: 47, PFR: 9, 3B: 0, AF: 2.0, Hands: 34
SB: $0.82 - VPIP: 19, PFR: 1, 3B: 0, AF: 1.1, Hands: 328
Hero (BB): $2.01
UTG: $1.83 - VPIP: 15, PFR: 13, 3B: 8, AF: 3.0, Hands: 127

Pre Flop: ($0.03) Hero is BB with Q <font color='red'>♥</font> 9 <font color='red'>♦</font>
UTG raises to $0.08, 1 fold, BTN calls $0.08, 1 fold, Hero calls $0.06

Flop: ($0.25) 2 <font color='red'>♦</font> Q <font color='black'>♠</font> 9 <font color='red'>♥</font> (3 players)
Hero bets $0.20, UTG folds, BTN calls $0.20

Turn: ($0.65) J <font color='black'>♠</font> (2 players)
Hero bets $0.62, BTN raises to $1.24, Hero raises to $1.73, BTN calls $0.49

River: ($4.11) Q <font color='red'>♦</font> (2 players)

Final Pot: $4.11
BTN shows J <font color='black'>♣</font> Q <font color='black'>♣</font>
Hero shows Q <font color='red'>♥</font> 9 <font color='red'>♦</font>
BTN wins $3.97
(Rake: $0.14)

2 months ago I was on a massive down swing. I ended up in my girlfriends bedroom with my head in my hands asking myself why the fuk I was so stupid and how come I keep doing the same shit every single time. I was so angry with myself I couldn't speak. I really beat myself up hard. I pissed my girlfriend off too because I was being so hard on myself.

Just the other day I was watching twitch and saw Elky freak out when he was knocked out of a tournament with A3 against A6. His girlfriend looked scared!!

We all tilt brother. Keep your head up. Remember we are always practicing to be our best.

 

[rhombus]

Pokers Brutal sometimes see hand I just played below, up until that hand most I'd lost in a hand was 15bbs

1 question though Ive noticed a few people tick the runit twice option. I'm trying to resist cos I know when I tick it as I have done in the past, it went the other way where I was way ahead won the 1st time and they won the second lol.

I might start doing it although hand below wouldn't have made any difference!!

PS DON'T TILT and CHASE LOSSES, ITS THE WORST THING POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!

poker stars, $0.05/$0.10 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.

SB: $2.02 (20.2 bb)
BB: $10.90 (109 bb)
Hero (UTG): $18.79 (187.9 bb)
MP: $9.50 (95 bb)
CO: $9.49 (94.9 bb)
BTN: $10.08 (100.8 bb)

Preflop: Hero is UTG with T

T

Hero raises to $0.30, 4 folds, BB calls $0.20

Flop: ($0.65) 5

T

8

(2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $0.41, BB calls $0.41

Turn: ($1.47) 5

(2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $1, BB raises to $2, Hero calls $1

River: ($5.47) K

(2 players)
BB bets $2, Hero raises to $6.61, BB raises to $8.19 and is all-in, Hero calls $1.58

Results: $21.85 pot ($0.98 rake)
Final Board: 5

T

8

5

K

BB showed 5

5

and won $20.87 ($9.97 net)
Hero showed T

T

and lost (-$10.90 net)

 

[fletchdad]

It has been a brutal 3 weeks. I have been reading Polished Poker, been working on trying to range, asking myself things before I act, not drinking alcohol at all, keeping attention on HUD stats, and overall (I guess....) playing much more thinking poker than I have ever done. I have lost 45 BI in 3 weeks......

I am stopping for a while because it just does not make any sense to continue to play right now.

Either I am on the quintessential bad run, unlucky as the lottery winner whose first first class flight goes down, or simply suck major at poker decision making, and should just play like a donk and not think,... OR probably in reality a combination of many factors.

I have also tilted more than I eve have in the past. And that is saying something. I have - in the past - broke mice (yes, plural) keyboards, desks, doors. This time I only broke the faucet in the kitchen, and that was after force quitting when my AA was busted by KK, but the session was brutal, I lost also AI hands (AI when I was ahead) with QQ vs JJ, the flopped nut straight, (no pair or FD and AI OTF), and my set of 3 was busted by an AI OTF vs 99 and he hits a 9 OTR. So I force quit, made a cup of coffee, and thinking about the hand, when I turned the water off, I used so much force that I broke the faucet handle off. It was, in retrospect, kind of funny, cause the water was spouting everywhere and I also saw that I deserved it. To my credit, I did say aloud "well, idiot, is this what you wanted to do?"

Anyway, if I am running so bad, then I have to rethink my entire approach. I had $180 at stars and now I have 90. (15 of that was a very tilted spew, I mean VERY TILTED SPEW) and who knows how much due to unseen tilt. The VERY TILTED SPEW (caps om purpose) was stupid but funny in a sick and sad way. I went on spin and go and ran a bunch of games and just went all in and lost every one...... I am a donk, lol.

So I am off poker for a while.. Maybe 3 days, maybe 3 week, I have no idea. I will be finishing up Polished poker, try to post some hands here, and try to watch some sweats. I had a nice session with Fig (thanks again!!) and you can ask him what he thinks of my play if you want. He saw an hours worth. I have to get over my mindset as it is now, cause I am sort of convinced that there is no way I can win, so with that attitude, I see no reason to play.

I will keep you posted........

IDK if I should post my graph (or w/e) with stats etc of this period?

 

[John A]

Thanks for the kind words John.

TBO, I feel a bit silly on my post, but I was really pissed. I just finished a session that started of, like the 4th hand, my AA vs KK and he hits a K OTR...lol. And I was able to shrug it off, so that is good.

I am almost done with Polished Poker vol. 1 and hope I can utilize the concepts, cause I am really killing my BR the last 2 weeks.

I really need to do a sweat at some point, but my time is so sporadic with the family and just stuff, life in general. It does get a bit depressing at times, I am starting back in poker and cant beat 2nl.........

But, as you said, I will hang in there. I am sure it IS the small pots that are killing me the most.......

Take a long break. Get your mind off poker. Don't play or study it at all. You need to get your mind right first, or you're correct, you won't win.

With that being said, my best advice to you when you are ready to return is to only focus on the tilt first. If you're breaking things and it's causing this much angst, then you need to get that correct before even contemplating playing again. This will be helpful to get under control and understand, and not just for playing better poker.

Use this downswing and frustration as a catalyst for change, because if you don't do it now, when will you do it? We all have a lot to learn about ourselves, so just turn it into something positive for yourself and those around you. It's cliche, but quite literally, the world and how we perceive ourselves is just a mental construct WE put in place. If what you're doing isn't working for you, you are fully and completely in control of being able to change it to WHATEVER you want it to be. The big question always is, are you fed up and frustrated enough to want to put in the effort to make those changes? Have you hit your bottom yet, or are you ready to go further down?

When you're ready, then read some of Jared Tendlers work. Maybe try and locate a local psychologist that you can bounce some ideas off of. Be open for change.

It's just a little internet poker forum, but we're all behind you here.

 

[John A]

Pokers Brutal sometimes see hand I just played below, up until that hand most I'd lost in a hand was 15bbs

1 question though Ive noticed a few people tick the runit twice option. I'm trying to resist cos I know when I tick it as I have done in the past, it went the other way where I was way ahead won the 1st time and they won the second lol.

I might start doing it although hand below wouldn't have made any difference!!

PS DON'T TILT and CHASE LOSSES, ITS THE WORST THING POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!

Poker Stars, $0.05/$0.10 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.

SB: $2.02 (20.2 bb)
BB: $10.90 (109 bb)
Hero (UTG): $18.79 (187.9 bb)
MP: $9.50 (95 bb)
CO: $9.49 (94.9 bb)
BTN: $10.08 (100.8 bb)

Preflop: Hero is UTG with T

T

Hero raises to $0.30, 4 folds, BB calls $0.20

Flop: ($0.65) 5

T

8

(2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $0.41, BB calls $0.41

Turn: ($1.47) 5

(2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $1, BB raises to $2, Hero calls $1

River: ($5.47) K

(2 players)
BB bets $2, Hero raises to $6.61, BB raises to $8.19 and is all-in, Hero calls $1.58

Results: $21.85 pot ($0.98 rake)
Final Board: 5

T

8

5

K

BB showed 5

5

and won $20.87 ($9.97 net)
Hero showed T

T

and lost (-$10.90 net)

I don't have any sites w/ run it twice options, but I'm adamantly opposed to it for many many reasons. It's absurd that they allow people to do this imho, and they are concerned about HUD's and things ruining the games and pushing casual players out of the game, but then in the same breath they allow regulars to essentially collude with other regs against the casual players. It's ridiculous and embarrassing for the game.

 

[rhombus]

I don't have any sites w/ run it twice options, but I'm adamantly opposed to it for many many reasons. It's absurd that they allow people to do this imho, and they are concerned about HUD's and things ruining the games and pushing casual players out of the game, but then in the same breath they allow regulars to essentially collude with other regs against the casual players. It's ridiculous and embarrassing for the game.

Not sure what you mean regs can essentially collude.

Do you mean regs run it twice so reduce their variance, whereas the casuals who may not be aware of the feature lose money quicker

 

[John A]

Not sure what you mean regs can essentially collude.

Do you mean regs run it twice so reduce their variance, whereas the casuals who may not be aware of the feature lose money quicker

Correct. It's collusion imho. Two people who are more aware of how to reduce variance (and usually don't get it in as big dogs), versus casuals that don't understand this and usually get it in as large dogs, agreeing to share info. How many pro players do you see running it twice versus rec players? I never see it, especially live. Why is that?

 

[rhombus]

Correct. It's collusion imho. Two people who are more aware of how to reduce variance (and usually don't get it in as big dogs), versus casuals that don't understand this and usually get it in as large dogs, agreeing to share info. How many pro players do you see running it twice versus rec players? I never see it, especially live. Why is that?

I did actually start using it, but not sure If I'll continue or not although 1st hand it ran, it worked out in a funny way.

Called a 3Bet and hit my Set and got it in on the Turn as 95 % Fav but they hit their two outer on the first run but I won the second.

 

[John A]

I don't think it's as big a deal at these stakes. But I don't know any regs at higher stakes running it twice versus fish. I just don't see it happening.

 

[rhombus]

I don't think it's as big a deal at these stakes. But I don't know any regs at higher stakes running it twice versus fish. I just don't see it happening.

Agree not going to make a massive difference at the micros. maybe PLO where there are alot more all ins and the variance is alot higher

I don't think the regs have a choice who they run it twice against as you either have it Ticked or Unticked in the options. Would be a bit of a pain to constantly turn it on and off all the time depending on your opponent especially if you are playing multiple tables.

 

[rhombus]

Hand from earlier, did I play it ok apart from the river call or did I butcher it on all streets including Preflop.

Maybe I looked too much into villain aggressive stats and didn't realise only had 3 hands on them.
Think I should have at least raised the turn or was it still ok to call and let them barrel as I had a good blocker to the flush although as it turned out not good enough

Poker Stars, $0.05/$0.10 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.

SB: $10.15 (101.5 bb)
BB: $10.15 (101.5 bb)
UTG: $28.59 (285.9 bb)
Hero (MP): $13.96 (139.6 bb)
CO: $23.16 (231.6 bb)
BTN: $10.27 (102.7 bb)

Preflop: Hero is MP with Q

Q

UTG raises to $0.30, Hero calls $0.30, 4 folds

Flop: ($0.75) 7

9

2

(2 players)
UTG bets $0.70, Hero calls $0.70

Turn: ($2.15) 9

(2 players)
UTG bets $1, Hero calls $1

River: ($4.15) 5

(2 players)
UTG bets $4, Hero calls $4

Results: $12.15 pot ($0.55 rake)
Final Board: 7

9

2

9

5

UTG showed A

K

and won $11.60 ($5.60 net)
Hero mucked Q

Q

and lost (-$6 net)

 

[fletchdad]

Take a long break. Get your mind off poker. Don't play or study it at all. You need to get your mind right first, or you're correct, you won't win.

With that being said, my best advice to you when you are ready to return is to only focus on the tilt first. If you're breaking things and it's causing this much angst, then you need to get that correct before even contemplating playing again. This will be helpful to get under control and understand, and not just for playing better poker.

Use this downswing and frustration as a catalyst for change, because if you don't do it now, when will you do it? We all have a lot to learn about ourselves, so just turn it into something positive for yourself and those around you. It's cliche, but quite literally, the world and how we perceive ourselves is just a mental construct WE put in place. If what you're doing isn't working for you, you are fully and completely in control of being able to change it to WHATEVER you want it to be. The big question always is, are you fed up and frustrated enough to want to put in the effort to make those changes? Have you hit your bottom yet, or are you ready to go further down?

When you're ready, then read some of Jared Tendlers work. Maybe try and locate a local psychologist that you can bounce some ideas off of. Be open for change.

It's just a little internet poker forum, but we're all behind you here.

Again, thanks for your post.

I have started reading The Mental Game of Poker. I will continue to read that, and then look to finish your book.

This past bad spell is quite unusual for me. I am normally quite balanced and am good at taking punches. Years of martial arts training as well as many years of intensive physical fitness, combined with a positive outlook in life and business have helped me to normally be quite content to take the shots and roll with the punches. Years of being on the road as a musician also didnt hurt as far as having to deal with unexpected situations. (The sex, drugs and rock n' roll aspect was very diverting however, but what doesent kill us makes us stronger...)

The last few years have seen a sharp decline in my roll as a live musician, and studio musicians mainly drive taxis in this modern day of computer generated music combined with the fact that mediocre musicians can easily use technical means to produce cheap but high quality audio, and the high paid specialist is now a much smaller pond, with many larger fish. This all means I am having a harder time feeding the family and the stress of this has peaked this year, which combined with my "new start" in poker peaked out the last few days.

Anyway, I will be reading Jareds book, getting back into my meditation and breathing as well as upping my physical exercise regime. This (the meditation and exercise) have always been my ticket to balance and focus in the past. I will say, tho, that I am surprised at my reaction lately and am speaking to some people I have dealt with in the past about this. It is very out of my norm. A small break at poker is on the agenda, but I suspect that, if past achievements can be used as a measuring board, I wont stay down too long.

Still, an intense view at myself, and why I am where I am, is first and foremost for now.

As soon as I know who I am again, I will be posting more hands.......... And hopefully doing what I know I am capable of.

 

[John A]

Hand from earlier, did I play it ok apart from the river call or did I butcher it on all streets including Preflop.

Maybe I looked too much into villain aggressive stats and didn't realise only had 3 hands on them.
Think I should have at least raised the turn or was it still ok to call and let them barrel as I had a good blocker to the flush although as it turned out not good enough

Poker Stars, $0.05/$0.10 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.

SB: $10.15 (101.5 bb)
BB: $10.15 (101.5 bb)
UTG: $28.59 (285.9 bb)
Hero (MP): $13.96 (139.6 bb)
CO: $23.16 (231.6 bb)
BTN: $10.27 (102.7 bb)

Preflop: Hero is MP with Q

Q

UTG raises to $0.30, Hero calls $0.30, 4 folds

Flop: ($0.75) 7

9

2

(2 players)
UTG bets $0.70, Hero calls $0.70

Turn: ($2.15) 9

(2 players)
UTG bets $1, Hero calls $1

River: ($4.15) 5

(2 players)
UTG bets $4, Hero calls $4

Results: $12.15 pot ($0.55 rake)
Final Board: 7

9

2

9

5

UTG showed A

K

and won $11.60 ($5.60 net)
Hero mucked Q

Q

and lost (-$6 net)

I'd tend to raise that turn sizing. It looks like exactly what it is usually. It's difficult when you start getting over 125 bbs, but you're still at that point that you'll get value and you can control the hand. If you're shoved on, you're calling, but most of the time you won't be.

 

[John A]

Again, thanks for your post.

I have started reading The Mental Game of Poker. I will continue to read that, and then look to finish your book.

This past bad spell is quite unusual for me. I am normally quite balanced and am good at taking punches. Years of martial arts training as well as many years of intensive physical fitness, combined with a positive outlook in life and business have helped me to normally be quite content to take the shots and roll with the punches. Years of being on the road as a musician also didnt hurt as far as having to deal with unexpected situations. (The sex, drugs and rock n' roll aspect was very diverting however, but what doesent kill us makes us stronger...)

The last few years have seen a sharp decline in my roll as a live musician, and studio musicians mainly drive taxis in this modern day of computer generated music combined with the fact that mediocre musicians can easily use technical means to produce cheap but high quality audio, and the high paid specialist is now a much smaller pond, with many larger fish. This all means I am having a harder time feeding the family and the stress of this has peaked this year, which combined with my "new start" in poker peaked out the last few days.

Anyway, I will be reading Jareds book, getting back into my meditation and breathing as well as upping my physical exercise regime. This (the meditation and exercise) have always been my ticket to balance and focus in the past. I will say, tho, that I am surprised at my reaction lately and am speaking to some people I have dealt with in the past about this. It is very out of my norm. A small break at poker is on the agenda, but I suspect that, if past achievements can be used as a measuring board, I wont stay down too long.

Still, an intense view at myself, and why I am where I am, is first and foremost for now.

As soon as I know who I am again, I will be posting more hands.......... And hopefully doing what I know I am capable of.

That sounds good. My only humble suggestion though is you need to get at the WHY of what's setting you off. If you don't get into the understanding behind the issue, you're just going to stay on that same cycle.

Meditation and things are good exercises for the mind, but exercise without understanding the mechanics of what you're applying it to can only help you so much. You have to get to that why.

 

[Sneaky Feet]

Here are a couple hands from yesterday. First one I posted over in the hand analysis page as well but would like your feedback as well.

1. River sizing? I bet the turn small to keep villain in but when the river came a club my heart dropped. Can I play this another way?

Poker Stars $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 6 players
DeucesCracked Poker Videos Hand History Converter

CO: $2.08
BTN: $5.00
SB: $3.22
Hero (BB): $5.16
UTG: $10.25
MP: $8.43

Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is BB with 9<font color='black'>♣</font> 8<font color='black'>♣</font>
3 folds, BTN raises to $0.13, SB calls $0.11, Hero calls $0.08

Flop: ($0.39) A<font color='black'>♣</font> 5<font color='black'>♣</font> 8<font color='red'>♥</font> (3 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $0.25, BTN calls $0.25, SB folds

Turn: ($0.89) 6<font color='black'>♣</font> (2 players)
Hero bets $0.35, BTN calls $0.35

River: ($1.59) 4<font color='black'>♣</font> (2 players)
Hero bets $0.55, BTN calls $0.55

Hand 2. Now I know we never bluff and it's a carnal sin but hell, I'm a sinner. Life would be too boring with some carnal indulgences : ). I knew I was going to bluff this hand from the flop. Villain was very passive so I chose to shove vs betting pot. I feel that I probably picked the wrong villain to try and bluff with this hand but I'm curious to know if this is believable or not and how can I make my line more believable? My goal was to rep J10+ clubs

Poker Stars $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em - 6 players
DeucesCracked Poker Videos Hand History Converter

MP: $5.57
CO: $5.75
BTN: $5.00
Hero (SB): $5.68
BB: $3.12
UTG: $9.60

Pre Flop: ($0.07) Hero is SB with 7<font color='red'>♦</font> J<font color='red'>♦</font>
4 folds, Hero raises to $0.15, BB calls $0.10

Flop: ($0.30) 4<font color='red'>♦</font> 7<font color='black'>♣</font> 6<font color='black'>♣</font> (2 players)
Hero bets $0.20, BB calls $0.20

Turn: ($0.70) Q<font color='black'>♣</font> (2 players)
Hero bets $0.50, BB calls $0.50

River: ($1.70) 8<font color='red'>♦</font> (2 players)
Hero bets $4.83 all in, BB calls $2.27 all in


I'll let you guys know what he called with after if you're interested

 

[rhombus]

Run it Twice my arse lol.

Serious Question, if the Majority of the time its a flip or I'm ahead is it best to not have it switched on.

PS don think you can have it switched on fro PLO and not switched on for NLHE

 

[John A]

For Fletch and fellows. An interview I did w/ Jared Tendler last year. Some good tidbits in it:

http://www.acepokersolutions.com/poker-blog/7-questions-with-jared-tendler-poker-psychology-coach/

 

[TimovieMan]

Villain was very passive so I chose to shove vs betting pot. I feel that I probably picked the wrong villain to try and bluff with this hand

If you want to bluff, you might want to pick thinking players who actually know how to fold, not passive players that will call down with anything.

 

[Sneaky Feet]

If you want to bluff, you might want to pick thinking players who actually know how to fold, not passive players that will call down with anything.

Yep good call : ) they weren't the best choice to bluff but was my line believable?

 

[John A]

If you want to bluff, you might want to pick thinking players who actually know how to fold, not passive players that will call down with anything.

Hehe... just had this convo w/ Fig. Actually still having it. Different hand, exact same thing though.

 

[rhombus]

Hehe... just had this convo w/ Fig. Actually still having it. Different hand, exact same thing though.

Did read something recently about Game Theory and bluffing the same amount as the odds you are offering or is that difficult to do.

i.e. If you bet Pot and give opponent 2/1 or 33% to call Value to Bluffs should also be 2/1

 

[Sneaky Feet]

Did read something recently about Game Theory and bluffing the same amount as the odds you are offering or is that difficult to do.

i.e. If you bet Pot and give opponent 2/1 or 33% to call Value to Bluffs should also be 2/1

Value to bluff should be 2:1 to make villain indifferent to calling. That said, I'm curious to know what hands we should be bluffing with? Is it dependant on villain or should that matter since we should assume that everyone at the table is watching how we play and will see our value/bluff bets?

 

[John A]

Did read something recently about Game Theory and bluffing the same amount as the odds you are offering or is that difficult to do.

i.e. If you bet Pot and give opponent 2/1 or 33% to call Value to Bluffs should also be 2/1

I didn't, but it's kind of the essence of game theory. There's no alternative solution where your opponent gains an advantage. The indifference comes out of their not being a solution where they have an advantage.

Why are you asking? Fyi, I wouldn't worry about this in your games right now.