Chris 'Fox' Wallace (Poker Pro, Coach and Author) - Ask Me Anything!

[ChrisFoxWallace]

Chris, how important was it for you to win a bracelet? Was this one of your lifetime goals or did you enter a WSOP tournament once in a while just to have fun?

Winning the 10k HORSE specifically was a big goal for me. I never expected to achieve it, but it was important. Winning a bracelet in general wasn't that high on my list, I know how much luck is required, but I did play a lot of wsop events because I knew how soft the fields were compared to big events elsewhere.

 

[ChrisFoxWallace]

good afternoon! I cannot address by name because I use a translator) and he does not spell your name correctly .. Thanks for the previous answers, they opened my way in the right direction. I'm a beginner with a sad result) and I think I am in the right place. Please tell me how to stop at the chip leader stage and not go into all the hands? I play micro-limits and it’s impossible, as it seems to me, not to respond to the maximum with monsters. a lot of people just sit back and get to the prize places in the tournament, and from the position of the chip leader I slide down to zero. how to overcome this passion? I understand my mistake, but during the game I can not stop. I think I might be missing a good combination. and when I fold preflop, the very monsters of the combination come very often. What about my head?) Thanks in advance!

Hi Andryxa!

I find that a lot of my time working with students these days is on topics like this. The mental game is much tougher than just knowing the right play. Sometimes it's really hard to make the right play. The easiest thing for me is to learn more and more about the game. As I become more certain what the correct play is, the harder it is to make the wrong play. That level of certainty, where you know the play is definitely wrong, makes it easier to do the right thing.

And stop worrying about what comes after you have folded. Forget those cards, they are gone forever. I also find Alan Schoonmaker's books on the mental game very helpful. You may want to try those. I hope that helps.

 

[AndryxaDovolen]

Hi Andryxa!

I find that a lot of my time working with students these days is on topics like this. The mental game is much tougher than just knowing the right play. Sometimes it's really hard to make the right play. The easiest thing for me is to learn more and more about the game. As I become more certain what the correct play is, the harder it is to make the wrong play. That level of certainty, where you know the play is definitely wrong, makes it easier to do the right thing.

And stop worrying about what comes after you have folded. Forget those cards, they are gone forever. I also find Alan Schoonmaker's books on the mental game very helpful. You may want to try those. I hope that helps.

Chris, thanks for the answer! And thanks even more for recommending the book !! It so happened that my bank became empty very handy) .. I had time to read and study the information. I am still half way, but I already understand my mistakes from the other side. I took note of everything new and I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but I managed to win the home tournament. Perhaps for someone this is not a high indicator, but for me to take the first place out of sixteen participants offline is progress. Thank you for your recommendations!

 

[BetterThanAvgButNotByMuch]

There is a lot on how to play these mixed games out there but I have a lot harder time finding info on how to play these games/hands in a tournament format, so will your book cover how to play hands in a tournament format?

Other question is what casinos do you know of that are known for having mixed games or any of these lesser known variations played at the lower to mid stakes on a regular basis live? The only time I get to see them played is when they're put on a tourn schedule.

Thanks.

 

[ChrisFoxWallace]

There is a lot on how to play these mixed games out there but I have a lot harder time finding info on how to play these games/hands in a tournament format, so will your book cover how to play hands in a tournament format?

Other question is what casinos do you know of that are known for having mixed games or any of these lesser known variations played at the lower to mid stakes on a regular basis live? The only time I get to see them played is when they're put on a tourn schedule.

Thanks.

The book will definitely cover tournament play, maybe even more than cash games. The two very well known pros that are also part of the book are mostly known for tournament play.

Here in Vegas there are quite a few mixed games these days. Resorts World, Orleans, and Bellagio frequently have mixed games, and Wynn has them once in awhile as well. Check the Bravo and Poker Atlas Apps to find games that are currently running and join the Vegas Mixed Games facebook group to get regular updates on them. Usually Resorts World is the spot for smaller mixed games and they often have an $8/16 game.

 

[Chebchoub]

Hello Chris

Hey CardsChat! I've just joined the team to write news and strategy articles and take photos at big events. I thought I would celebrate by doing an AMA here on the forums.

I have been playing poker professionally for almost twenty years, have written two books on the subject, worked for numerous training sites, and coached hundreds of students. I also won the WSOP $10k HORSE in 2014 for over half a million dollars and have made two deep runs in the WSOP main event.

If you have questions about poker strategy, life as a pro, bankroll management, mixed games, tournaments, photography, writing, guitars, or the best places to eat in Vegas, I'm here to help.

My new book, Short Stack Ninja, was an Amazon Best Seller in it's first month and continues to get great reviews.

Hi, my question is about the Freezeout tournament. What is the best way when we are faced at the table with an aggressive player, who does not stop throwing all-in with any hand that is distributed to him, and makes me and also all players fold our hands, whether good or strong hands, and what is the reason that makes him a winner most of the time , even if his hand is weak, "especially in online poker".
Is this method a correct and reliable strategy?

 

[ChrisFoxWallace]

Hi, my question is about the Freezeout tournament. What is the best way when we are faced at the table with an aggressive player, who does not stop throwing all-in with any hand that is distributed to him, and makes me and also all players fold our hands, whether good or strong hands, and what is the reason that makes him a winner most of the time , even if his hand is weak, "especially in online poker".
Is this method a correct and reliable strategy?

This is definitely not a good strategy. If it was, everyone would be doing it and making lots of money. But this is great for you to have a player like this at your table. When you get a good hand to play, there will always be someone to put their chips in the middle. And you will win these hands more often than you lose them.

Playing against a maniac can be very frustrating. Just don't put chips in and then fold too often, and get it all-in when you have a good hand and you will be fine.

 

[AKQ]

Hey CardsChat! I've just joined the team to write news and strategy articles and take photos at big events. I thought I would celebrate by doing an AMA here on the forums.

I have been playing poker professionally for almost twenty years, have written two books on the subject, worked for numerous training sites, and coached hundreds of students. I also won the WSOP $10k HORSE in 2014 for over half a million dollars and have made two deep runs in the WSOP main event.

If you have questions about poker strategy, life as a pro, bankroll management, mixed games, tournaments, photography, writing, guitars, or the best places to eat in Vegas, I'm here to help.

My new book, Short Stack Ninja, was an Amazon Best Seller in it's first month and continues to get great reviews.

I need to know your weakness's and are there any good drills for practicing bluffing
Ty for joining us at Cardschat Chris THE Short stack Ninja,
I'm the Chipleader
no book written, i rant too much to make the book bearable


Hopefully you can swing by my stake rails and help me out a little .ie insight or theory on my short stack ninja game and I'll help with the other spectrum
I'd appreciate anything and everything you would have to say

 

[Chebchoub]

This is definitely not a good strategy. If it was, everyone would be doing it and making lots of money. But this is great for you to have a player like this at your table. When you get a good hand to play, there will always be someone to put their chips in the middle. And you will win these hands more often than you lose them.

Playing against a maniac can be very frustrating. Just don't put chips in and then fold too often, and get it all-in when you have a good hand and you will be fine.

Yes, that's right, thank you very much, Chris

 

[ChrisFoxWallace]

I need to know your weakness's and are there any good drills for practicing bluffing
Ty for joining us at Cardschat Chris THE Short stack Ninja,
I'm the Chipleader
no book written, i rant too much to make the book bearable


Hopefully you can swing by my stake rails and help me out a little .ie insight or theory on my short stack ninja game and I'll help with the other spectrum
I'd appreciate anything and everything you would have to say

My weaknesses? That is a great question. I have trouble staying focused when the stakes are not high. Grinding $2/5 games is tough for me and my win rate is not as high as it could be because I get bored and lose focus. I also start off slow in mixed game events, often making lots of mistakes the first few hours. And for the last few years I definitely don't study enough. I'm also a much better coach than player these days. My students are having better results than I am the last year or two.

I don't know about practicing bluffing. I like to just analyze the hand after the fact and think about how often my opponent would fold given what I think their range is. You can think about various sizing choices and how often they would fold to each one and then figure out the value of each option with a simple formula -

(bluff Amount + Money In The Pot) * Opponent Fold % = Bluff equity
Bluff Amount * Opponent Call Percentage = Bluff Loss
Bluff Equity - Bluff Loss = Total Equity

Whatever bluff has the highest total equity is the best. If none of them have a total equity that is a positive number, then no bluff is profitable.

 

[Jillychemung]

Chris, do you still use your Blue Shark Optics glasses, https://www.bluesharkoptics.com/team? If you do, how have they helped or hindered you?

 

[Clutchdenier]

Do you think all HUDs online should be removed or do you think it adds value to the poker experience?

 

[AKQ]

My weaknesses? That is a great question. I have trouble staying focused when the stakes are not high. Grinding $2/5 games is tough for me and my win rate is not as high as it could be because I get bored and lose focus. I also start off slow in mixed game events, often making lots of mistakes the first few hours. And for the last few years I definitely don't study enough. I'm also a much better coach than player these days. My students are having better results than I am the last year or two.

I don't know about practicing bluffing. I like to just analyze the hand after the fact and think about how often my opponent would fold given what I think their range is. You can think about various sizing choices and how often they would fold to each one and then figure out the value of each option with a simple formula -

(Bluff Amount + Money In The Pot) * Opponent Fold % = Bluff Equity
Bluff Amount * Opponent Call Percentage = Bluff Loss
Bluff Equity - Bluff Loss = Total Equity

Whatever bluff has the highest total equity is the best. If none of them have a total equity that is a positive number, then no bluff is profitable.

the age old formula ahh

IMO*
when playing advanced MTT poker
bluffing its about high success rate
not about having high equity%

with bluff catching and gto thinking being a now commonplace tool in our villians bag
sizing cannot be interpreted as simply as bigger bet= less chance of calling
plus polarization = a mess

but we have many different types of bluffs
each works very differently with each player type
small ball
squeeze bluffs
3 bet bluffs
c bet bluffs
check raise bluff
oop float to JAM

and coupled with specific boards makes for success

while 3 betting bluffing the nit/tag preflop is dumb
squeezing the tags limp is better

poker is all about the bluff
concepts are far more important than equations

 

[AKQ]

everyone is always aiming for equity and value
in a game of RNG
in a MTT setting
flips and showdowns should be avoided at all costs
if bluffs can be more successful
by learning to selectively bluff each persona
we gain a better understanding/KNOWING of where our opponents are in the hand


practicing bluffing
is a core workout that everyone skips nowadays
Like leg day!

 

[ChrisFoxWallace]

Chris, do you still use your Blue Shark Optics glasses, https://www.bluesharkoptics.com/team? If you do, how have they helped or hindered you?

I definitely still use them. I don't usually bring them to cash games, because it's kind of a dead giveaway that you are a serious player and I try to fly under the radar at cash games in Vegas where there is enough turnover that most people won't know me. At cash games I wear nice clothes, nothing poker related, etc.

I do wear them most of the time in tournaments. I think they are a huge help, not because people can't see my eyes to get a read on me, though I'm sure that is helpful, but because it means I can watch people without them knowing that I'm watching them. People behave more naturally when they don't know you are looking at them, so I pick up a lot more tells, especially when the flop is first revealed.

 

[ChrisFoxWallace]

Do you think all HUDs online should be removed or do you think it adds value to the poker experience?

A good question. I'm not sure it's possible for them to be removed, someone will always find a way around it. One one hand, they are good for me because I know how to use them and they increase my win rate in games where they are allowed. On the other hand, they allow grinders who are just robotic players using a hud and good basic strategy to kill fish faster and mess up our poker ecosystem. And in games where they aren't allowed, my win rate is quite good because there are more recreational players and less grinders.

If they could be banned and it would work, I would be fine with it, but I don't worry too much about what should be when it comes to poker. I find that it's better for my mindset to worry about making money within the parameters of the game, whatever they are. I try to play the cards I'm dealt as much as possible and not worry about what cards I would like to have.

The biggest place where I see huds add real value is working with students. My students who play online nad can use tracking software learn much faster because we can go through their database and look at their stats and find problem hands. I have some students who send me tournament hand histories to load into poker tracker before every lesson and then I can share my screen with them and go through the tournament looking for mistakes, leaks, well played hands, and educational opportunities.

 

[nimburkx]

i have question how to play poker day by day without loosing enthusiasm that you will get rewarded one day ? how to get that mood that you will definetly get rewarded?

 

[funnyhook3]

If a player with 40+bb from utg position pushes everything with AA-KK. Is he a fish?

 

[Evan Jarvis]

Hey CardsChat! I've just joined the team to write news and strategy articles and take photos at big events. I thought I would celebrate by doing an AMA here on the forums.

I have been playing poker professionally for almost twenty years, have written two books on the subject, worked for numerous training sites, and coached hundreds of students. I also won the WSOP $10k HORSE in 2014 for over half a million dollars and have made two deep runs in the WSOP main event.

If you have questions about poker strategy, life as a pro, bankroll management, mixed games, tournaments, photography, writing, guitars, or the best places to eat in Vegas, I'm here to help.

My new book, Short Stack Ninja, was an Amazon Best Seller in it's first month and continues to get great reviews.

Welcome to the Forum Chris!

Super Cool to have you here with us!!!

 

[ChrisFoxWallace]

i have question how to play poker day by day without loosing enthusiasm that you will get rewarded one day ? how to get that mood that you will definetly get rewarded?

I'm not sure having the mood that you will definitely get rewarded is a good idea. The truth is that most players will lose money. The rake eats up a lot of profits and means that most players don't win. For most it is a hobby that is fun, but not profitable.

I think the idea that you will definitely be rewarded some day has all kinds of potential negatives attached to it. You could end up disappointed time after time. You could also lose a lot of money because you believe that you will definitely start winning eventually. And you could invest far too much time treating poker as a potential occupation when you could be doing other, more productive, things.

It's good to have a positive attitude, but also be realistic. Every session I know I could lose, but I play my best game and I worry about how well I play, not how much money I make.

If losing is getting you down, it may be time to take a break, or at least study more and play less. Studying poker is never a losing proposition, there is no money at stake. And if you study more, you will win more often. And when you win more often, you will enjoy the game more and have a better attitude towards your sessions. It is a spiral upwards if you study enough, and a spiral down if you don't study and just keep expecting to win.

Buy poker books. Read them and take notes. Talk about hands with friends. Join a poker training site. Hire a poker coach. Find some way to work harder on your game.

Picture a runner who wants to be the fastest sprinter. He goes to all the races, knowing that if he keeps trying he will win eventually. But will he? Probably not. Most people can never be an Olympic sprinter. And he definitely won't ever win if he isn't training really hard. If he does everything he can to be as fast as he can, working out with a coach, eating a perfect diet, sculpting his body, then he has a much better chance. Without those things, he never has a chance.

Poker is really no different. If you don't dedicate a lot of time and hard work to studying, then it doesn't matter how much you play, you will never be a long term winner. So study hard, enjoy the game, and stop expecting to win. Just enjoy the game and get better at it and play for money that you can afford to lose, because no matter how good you are you will still lose fairly often.

I hope that helps a little. I know it's not good news, but it's true.

 

[ChrisFoxWallace]

If a player with 40+bb from utg position pushes everything with AA-KK. Is he a fish?

Probably, but there are situations where almost any play can be correct. If he knows that someone will call him, then the all-in might be the most profitable play. It doesn't really matter if he is a fish, it matters that you know how he is playing and can fold QQ against his all-in if you know he only shoves with AA and KK.

 

[nimburkx]

I'm not sure having the mood that you will definitely get rewarded is a good idea. The truth is that most players will lose money. The rake eats up a lot of profits and means that most players don't win. For most it is a hobby that is fun, but not profitable.

I think the idea that you will definitely be rewarded some day has all kinds of potential negatives attached to it. You could end up disappointed time after time. You could also lose a lot of money because you believe that you will definitely start winning eventually. And you could invest far too much time treating poker as a potential occupation when you could be doing other, more productive, things.

It's good to have a positive attitude, but also be realistic. Every session I know I could lose, but I play my best game and I worry about how well I play, not how much money I make.

If losing is getting you down, it may be time to take a break, or at least study more and play less. Studying poker is never a losing proposition, there is no money at stake. And if you study more, you will win more often. And when you win more often, you will enjoy the game more and have a better attitude towards your sessions. It is a spiral upwards if you study enough, and a spiral down if you don't study and just keep expecting to win.

Buy poker books. Read them and take notes. Talk about hands with friends. Join a poker training site. Hire a poker coach. Find some way to work harder on your game.

Picture a runner who wants to be the fastest sprinter. He goes to all the races, knowing that if he keeps trying he will win eventually. But will he? Probably not. Most people can never be an Olympic sprinter. And he definitely won't ever win if he isn't training really hard. If he does everything he can to be as fast as he can, working out with a coach, eating a perfect diet, sculpting his body, then he has a much better chance. Without those things, he never has a chance.

Poker is really no different. If you don't dedicate a lot of time and hard work to studying, then it doesn't matter how much you play, you will never be a long term winner. So study hard, enjoy the game, and stop expecting to win. Just enjoy the game and get better at it and play for money that you can afford to lose, because no matter how good you are you will still lose fairly often.

I hope that helps a little. I know it's not good news, but it's true.

I know a lot of cases, after years almost all of them became successful via playing poker on daily basis, they start from micro stakes now they are high rollers and even the in 1000game in the big tournament if you win once approximate amount half million it will drastically change your life and occupy all your life loses on poker dont you think so?
I think positive mood on anything better drive to success. However sometimes I loose my ambitions after week after week looses..

 

[ChrisFoxWallace]

I know a lot of cases, after years almost all of them became successful via playing poker on daily basis, they start from micro stakes now they are high rollers and even the in 1000game in the big tournament if you win once approximate amount half million it will drastically change your life and occupy all your life loses on poker dont you think so?
I think positive mood on anything better drive to success. However sometimes I loose my ambitions after week after week looses..

Trying to hit that big score and change your life with one tournament win is not a great way to look at the game for the long run. If you are a losing player because you don't study hard enough, then you will spend a million dollars to make half a million in winnings. And then likely lose it back because that big win convinces you that you are good enough to beat the big games for a living now.

A positive mood is important, but that doesn't mean you have to keep losing and losing forever and just stay positive as you dump money into the game and then eventually you will get it all back, that just isn't realistic or healthy.

I guess what I'm worried about is the idea that eventually a big pile of money will fall in your lap if you just keep grinding. This is a really dangerous belief. Winning is about how well you play, not sticking with the game and losing until you get lucky.

There are many stories of players who worked their way up through the stakes slowly, and others who had a big score that launched their career. The latter often lose it all back and end up broke again. I won't name anyone, but more than half of the main event champions I know have been broke within a few years after their big score. And there are many more stories of players who played and played and never had a big score, but you don't usually hear those stories because they aren't as interesting.

The only way to be certain of making money in poker is to play very well over a large sample size of hands. Without the large sample, or the high level of skill, you are not likely to make any real money. And working hard to develop those skills also helps with confidence, which makes a positive attitude much easier.

If you are going into a fight, you could just keep fighting different opponents every day in hopes that you will eventually get really good at it and be the world champion. But it is almost never going to happen that way. If you train hard and know that you have the skills to fight well, you will go in with much more confidence and the skills to back up that confidence. Confidence without skills is just delusion.

I find that I play better after a break. If you don't want to play because of a bad run, don't play. Take a little time off until you really want to play again. Then learn something new about the game and go back feeling confident. When I have some bad sessions I always take a short break and go back fresh rather than driving myself to play through a terrible losing streak. Sometimes it makes a big difference.

 

[Akuana]

Cool! I hope to see you at the table in some cardschat freeroll

 

[Ac3 Meister]

My question is : how have you maintained motivation all these years long for playing poker ? You must have experienced ups and downs along your career.I for example play a few days a week, and easily get bored or afterI loose a tournament i dont feel motivated to continue. Everything starts feeling like a grind. Do you have any routines?Do you worke out, go for a run, alternate pokersesions with something else ? what is your secret ! thx man