Phil Galfond - Ask Me Anything!

kam1kadzee

kam1kadzee

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Hey, everyone! I'm new to CardsChat, but I've long been familiar with your community.

I did an interview based on your questions, which I really enjoyed, a few years ago: https://www.cardschat.com/forum/poker-news-events-63/

I've been a poker pro for 15 years, and have played everything from small stakes online SNGs to high roller MTTs, but my expertise is mostly in high stakes cash games, both online and live.

For the past six years, I've also been trying my hand at some business ventures.

I founded Run It Once Training, which has been the leading poker training site for the overwhelming majority of those six years. More recently, we launched Draftboard, a Daily Fantasy Sports site, and have been working hard on launching Run It Once Poker, an online poker site.

Also launching a baby in December :)

Ask me anything!

Also, I wanted to throw in a Run It Once offer for CardsChat members:

If you're a new user and Sign up for a month of either our Essential plan ($24.99/mo) or our Elite plan ($99.99/mo), you'll get the 2nd month of that plan on us.


To get your free month:
  • Use this Run It Once link
  • Sign up for either the Essential or Elite plan.
  • Post your Run It Once username in this thread & we’ll credit you with your free 2nd month.
Please feel free to email support@runitonce.com with anything and we'll be happy to help.

I'm looking forward to answering your questions and getting to know you!



Hello Phil, I've made a thread in online poker section yet struggling to get an single reply from anyone :D:D my hopes are on you Sir. I'll copy paste the post as it was huge but I simply seek a little guidance from someone like you,especially being given the opportunity.

Hello everyone again, without going around the subject, first I'd like to tell a little about me so you guys get to know a new member of this informatively rich website with at first sight friendly community, which is the reason why I registered here in first place. :)

My mindset :


I'd love to tell how I found poker or how poker found me haha, but it's an loong and personal story which in my dream scenario Ill be able to write a book about when I do reach the success and level I am going after to achieve. Please do not take it for over confidence which is common to complete fishes, but rather as my mental attitude which helps me to push myself to my limits in order to do stuff which I never would've done otherwise, like nerding theory and dedicating 12-18hrs of my day to poker in general. Besides of this attitude I believe I am a nice guy to have around haha :)

As I already mentioned, I've decided to dedicate every each minute of my time to poker. I do not look at poker as a game, but rather an investing platform with good returns depending on my play solely and ofc some luck. Yet, I do not exclude variations, furthermore I do expect those as in my head those are inevitable minding everyone been through it and those who hasn't, will have a taste of it soon or later any way. I think the key here is decent bankroll management and taking amounts I am ready to loose to the table,while investing the rest into different assets, so I have an financial pillow when variation in my performance accures.

During last 3 weeks, I've read and studied 4 poker books, from Gus, Sklansky, Hellmuth and Negreanu. Next is raisers Edge, mathematics of poker and psychology of poker, so I do feel for sure that I do my homework, I'm not even counting poker analysis by Polk(he's just more entertaining compared to other regs who do YouTube) but still, I do watch and analyse other past and current pros. As in my head those who do not learn, die, this principle applies to everything in life to me.

Questions :

1) What else can I do, in order to improve?
2) Do you find anything wrong/abusive/misunderstood by me? If yes, please explain, I am thankful for all the constructive criticism, as I migh have gone crazy :D:D:bike:

I couldn't hold myself anymore and played around 80 hands on microstakes NL2 for the practice sake in order to check my recently obtained knowledge. How did it go? I've found myself going from 0.80cents to 12$ real quick playing 6max but then I've lost in a nonsense way(in my opinion, correct if you think otherwise) where my opponent 3bet Pre flop out of position, which sounds in my head like "hey Ive got something" I assumed at least an AKo, ATo, maybe any pair 66&up minding that it's solely enough for microstakes to go for it as I've founded out :)) i had 56ss, at that point I decided to loose up myself a little as I gathered an solid bankroll by then compared to the rest of the table, and an 3bet for damn 10cents ain't really such a big deal (I know it's wrong judging, but as I said, I was only feeling the grounds,tried hud for the first time, and minding how much time I invest into studies I am surely not afraid to test my theories out there for pennies :D) so I call him, the flop comes Ah2s3d, at this point its my turn to act and I as mentioned I did expect him to join the fight with an A, so me being me, thought that this nutsack realised I was on a street draw or already could've hit it since I 3bet the flop and guess what, donkey calls(previously in the game I wasn't making any obvious plays in attempts to make them believe I have a certain hand) so this move in my head was supposed to be convincible enough for him to fold, but guess what? Noo, our man called it, then I am realising that it's a point of no return(not because Ive already "invested so much into the pot omg" but rather because I was curious if he would actually go to the end having only one high pair, so I go all in and he calls, everything ended as expected, I got surprised how stupid his play was minding that you hit only one pair and you actually bust all your money onto that :confused: yes, lesson learned, do not mind play micros without having anything in my back, yet what do you think about the general idea of me trying to put his thoughts onto certain hand of mine during the play?

So conclusions of my first attempt today were following : Majority of microstakes do actually play really tight or simply rat around the table to get some data for hud & they do go for it by hitting one of the top tier pairs

Questions :

1) Are my observations correct?
2)What about my thinking process?
3)What was wrong? Where did I made a mistake? Besides of those I've already reflected over, maybe reflections were not on point?





BTW I've put 20€(thats the only bankroll money I got atm and I for real need to make it bigger cuz it's life depending :DD..No jk) Do not ask how, I've already told that the time isn't right for this crazy story just yet :) after today's session I ended up at 17€ without minding the winnings, an minus of 3€ 8 can live with,but really tried multiple game modes etc just to make myself comfortable around the application itself etc.

Now the most important questions :

1)What would you do in my shoes having only 17€ to play with which is the total amount of money you've got(I got food so I won't starve, but no money cuz they're on my stars acc :icon_thum:bike::D:D
2)What would be your approach in order to maximise the bankroll growth?

3)Do you think if I Do an live challenge with every day streaming let's say called Get rich or die tryin' Poker Journey? Do you think that would be inspirational for other people, especially if I do succeed, or at least funny if I fail? If you like the idea, I need a shout out in order to inspire people cuz I got no money atm to invest in myself, that's why I am doing what I am doing atm(not without clever your clever advices guys bc atm I feel like swimming in the ocean alone without seeing the shore, but somehow my approach feels right, correct me where its wrong and what I could've done differently please :))

I know my situation might sound crazy or even I might do :D:D, but believe me, I am allright and feeling much better than for last 3 months cuz back then it was a complete hell in terms of personal problems, close friends betrayal, I was left all alone and I've found god so no worries there, all fear and insecurities went away. This is especially funny to me because 3 months ago I would argue with any religious person on the subject of the existence of God if I'd be given a chance  anyways, I am looking forward for all the replies if I get any, as written before, I'd appreciate every each one of you who contributes with his useful 5cents(not a donation request lmao) but an opinion of yours onto my game and how I can improve and eventually go forward in order to raise my bankroll.

Also,does anyone knows how to find a suitable game mode for my situation? I feel cash game, but need your help on grinding micro players who play it like its a home poker with both, the people they like and hate around the same table(waiting on top tier Pre flop hands and going for it like hallelujah) maybe I am taking micros too complicated and should change smth in my approach btw?

I am desperate for fresh insight from people who already have walked this path as you guys are supposed to know more than me for sure and I do appreciate every each one of you who comes with a useful piece of advice for a young man(23) with hairy goals yet crazy dedication and passion for the game, besides of it being an great investment source in my eyes as I've mentioned before.


Br, Edvard
 
ninjareal

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Hi Phil , very nice having you here btw , fantastic actually ,
I'm mostly a NL player but play some PLO on the side , more just for fun at home live games, however seemed a nice fit for me, more recently plsying online plo inbetween nl matches , so one thing I'd like to ask is what to do with a maniac in the game ? always bets pot etc (msybe on tilt from s big loss) , since in NL we do "flips" in plo I don't see how a flip could work ? I get maybe try isolate the opponent to lessen losing chances, however when other players notice the maniac play they tend to loosen right up as well , I get quite patient at such times hoping for KKQQ or such hand i.e trips from either on flop, however I eventually lose patience and recently shoved on him with 99xx and faded all cards to beat him , I didn't feel good about it though as I got 2 callers and seemed I won by luck , I mean what are the odds vs 2 players allin that 1 pair is good to the river !?
anyway it got me thinking about flips, do they exist in plo ? I would guess against any single opponent I could win say 30% of the time with a pair ? just a shot in the dark guess from me....
I also wanted to ask about pot control in plo , may seem silly since plo is controlled by the pot size at any moment, however with small stack that pot gets huge real quick vs stack size, and some maniacs can bet huge with just a draw, my idea for pot control was to at least get to the river and prevent any "miracle" rivers for my maniac, when no flush or boats get there it is harder for him to bluff at,
I hope I made some sense in these questions/ideas ? NL seems much easier to identify bluffing, prevent drawing hands, squeeze etc....
thanks again for your time :)
go CC for a great community
 
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Mantones

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Hi Phil,

I guess you also played poker on online as well.

What is the best way to earn money on online? Ofc it depends on the playstile but would you recommend MTT or SNG?

Also, tell us about the ways that u learned poker.

Thank you and nice holidays :D
 
Zzzms

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Mother-Effing Phil Galfond

Does any one play the Pseudo-psycho-intelligent LAG better than Tom?
 
LavaStorm

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Hey, everyone! I'm new to CardsChat, but I've long been familiar with your community.

I did an interview based on your questions, which I really enjoyed, a few years ago: https://www.cardschat.com/forum/poker-news-events-63/

I've been a poker pro for 15 years, and have played everything from small stakes online SNGs to high roller MTTs, but my expertise is mostly in high stakes cash games, both online and live.

For the past six years, I've also been trying my hand at some business ventures.

I founded Run It Once Training, which has been the leading poker training site for the overwhelming majority of those six years. More recently, we launched Draftboard, a Daily Fantasy Sports site, and have been working hard on launching Run It Once Poker, an online poker site.

Also launching a baby in December :)

Ask me anything!

Also, I wanted to throw in a Run It Once offer for CardsChat members:

If you're a new user and Sign up for a month of either our Essential plan ($24.99/mo) or our Elite plan ($99.99/mo), you'll get the 2nd month of that plan on us.


To get your free month:
  • Use this Run It Once link
  • Sign up for either the Essential or Elite plan.
  • Post your Run It Once username in this thread & we’ll credit you with your free 2nd month.
Please feel free to email support@runitonce.com with anything and we'll be happy to help.

I'm looking forward to answering your questions and getting to know you!
What it takes to become an elite player and be able to play in a high roller mtt?
i would also apriciate it if you can recomend me some usefull book.Thanks
 
wontmilion

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Live games

Hi Phil! First of all a big pleasure to have virtual chat with a legend!
What would be your advise for your friend who have some descent expirience online but new to live games if he will be playing his live tournament next week:)
Thank you and looking forward for launching your poker site.
 
T

tomku2005

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Poker Pr

How is your life as a poker pro. What are the 3 biggest likes and dislikes about going pro.
 
Poker_Mike

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Hi Phil,

Please give some guidance about the battle of the blinds from the SB's perspective - when the table folds to the SB (in tournaments).

Are you ever giving the BB a walk?

Thanks.
 
B

bttrkks

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Hey! Im reading a lot about Coaching Sites or Pokerschools, what do you think about that? Is that ripp off or can you suggest a good one? Im trying to continue to learn more about poker and some visiual trainings (video etc) would help me a little bit. A monthly and fair fine would be okay to me. Thanks in advance
 
DieCosta

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Visit Us

Hi Phil!
I have to admit i am a big fan of you , i`ve been watching you for long time and did learn a lot poker from you.
Do you have any plan to visit Europe or play any EPT in Europe will be great to see you in this kind of tournamets.
Big Regards from UK!
 
Goldog

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Phil, what is it with the name Phil?

I’m hoping to up my game. Maybe some regional tournaments. Games in out of the way towns. Stuff like that. It’s too early to call it “Pro”. But when the time comes...

Should I consider changing my name?
 
jaymfc

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hey Phil,
very happy to have you join us and appreciate the time you put in to help the little guy :)
I have no questions since I play MTTs or SSTs and you play cash but will follow this thread with interest.


Should I consider changing my name?

think about it:confused:
Phil Galfond
Phil laak
Phil Gordon
Phil helmuth
Phil Ivey

you gotta go with Phil :eek:
but I put a double d in your name and you can be PHIL GOLDDOG :D
good luck :)
 
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I recently had a hand in 3/5 NL. I'm UTG with QQ and open with a 4BB bet. UTG+1 calls. folds to button who calls. Flops J-9-6 Rainbow. I C-bet 62% of pot. Both call. Turns a Q. I check to what I think is trapping a committed UTG1 and button. UTG1 goes all in. Button calls. Do I call hoping my set is good with at least the implied odd of board pairing or possibly a 4th queen? Or do I fold my set to the possible K10, 10/8?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Rawgame74

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Do you ever take time out to actually play in CC's freerolls? or is that a waste of your time? If you do whats your handle at BCP?
 
CRStals

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Hey Phil,


Quick question for you if I could - one of my goals for 2018 is to satellite into the Sunday Million. What is the best way to satellite into this for someone with a bankroll that allows for at best $11 tournaments?
 
A

animalitymk3

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What is your favorite thing about poker and what are your religious beliefs?
 
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RunItOnce_James

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Hey everyone,

Phil's wife just had a baby over the holidays so I wanted to let you know that Phil will definitely be back to answer your questions but that it might be a little bit with the new addition to the family as well as the poker site work to be done. Thanks for your understanding.

James
 
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nandoabelha

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books

hi, i would like to known book that i can read to improve my poker. Thanks!
 
Pharaoh39

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So Phil, what's the latest update with your poker website, that you've worked on for years? How close would you say the launch date is?
 
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HSmith

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Been watching your videos on YouTube Phil and instantly been making more profitable play in certain spots, thank you very much, youre a legend :D
 
57noona

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Hi Phil, I was wondering who are your favorite Pro Players to play against and why?
 
Nathan Smith

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Thanks for answering our questions Phil and congrats on your new baby boy.

I am looking forward to joining run it once poker.
Will it be available to Australians?
What will be your deposit/withdrawal options?

Cheers
 
Debi

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Hey everyone,

Phil's wife just had a baby over the holidays so I wanted to let you know that Phil will definitely be back to answer your questions but that it might be a little bit with the new addition to the family as well as the poker site work to be done. Thanks for your understanding.

James

That's a damn good reason! We look forward to his return and hopefully some cute baby pics. :)
 
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