Solid poker.

I watched two videos in the last day and both talked about playing solid ABC poker. I think that there is a lot to be said about it too. If I look at my big losing sessions alot of the big pots that I lose are do to me getting fancy or bluffing for no real reason. Last Friday I dumped a BI for no reason with ATo with A high. Yesterday I watched a CR member lose 2BI with J7s with no pair against a mega fish. Moving up from the low stakes to the 200s I dont think you need to do to much. Just sticking to solid ABC poker will be very profitable. Loosening up IP will allow you to gain a fair amount of post flop play aswell. Also it will have an illusionary effect which will allow your bigger hands to get action do to your opponents viewing you as a loose maniac. Most important is taking a badbeat in stride and not allowing it to have any effect on your style of play. This is the biggest key to success. Yesterday I played a 1.5 hour session where nothing went right. I had several hands get sucked out on or I ouldnt hit a flop etc,etc. Finally a hand occured that just made me mad and I decided then and there to take a break and come back fresh in a half hour. Know your tilt trigger and when it is pulled pull the plug on your computer. Also review the session and confirm you are playing good poker. Post some hands as well for confirmation. Regroup and attack. Here are some hands from yesterday. Would this tilt you?

Hand 1: Villain was a donk who just lost a big pot and I knew he could be tilting I snap called his shove.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($229.35)SB ($129.50)BB ($45.85)UTG ($345.25)MP ($126.05)CO ($58.70)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Ad, Qc. UTG raises to $10, 1 fold, CO calls $10, Hero raises to $44, 2 folds, UTG folds, CO raises to $58.7 (All-In), Hero calls $14.70.
Flop: ($130.40) 9c, 5h, Qd (2 players, 1 all-in)
Turn: ($130.40) 6c (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($130.40) Jd (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $130.40
Results below: Hero has Ad Qc (one pair, queens). CO has Qh 9h (two pair, queens and nines). Outcome: CO wins $130.40.

Hand 2: This guy was a mega donk too and I actually put him on a FD on the turn which is why I bet. I hate my bet size though. Then I raise the river? Pretty ugly. This could tilt me simply do to how poor I played it.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($199.55)SB ($89.55)BB ($80)UTG ($439.67)MP ($143.95)CO ($570.10)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Kc, 9c. 3 folds, Hero raises to $8, 1 fold, BB calls $6.
Flop: ($17) 3d, As, 5d (2 players)BB bets $2, Hero raises to $12, BB calls $10.
Turn: ($41) 9s (2 players)BB checks, Hero bets $16, BB calls $16.
River: ($73) 9d (2 players)BB bets $2, Hero raises to $28, BB calls $26.
Final Pot: $129
Results below: Hero has Kc 9c (three of a kind, nines). BB has Qd Td (flush, queen high). Outcome: BB wins $129.

Hand 3: This guy was a super NIT and I dont know how much I like my play here either. It can get under your skin though when you keep getting AK and cant do shit with it.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($480.35)SB ($390.35)BB ($329.10)UTG ($167.30)Hero ($200.80)CO ($269.04)
Preflop: Hero is MP with Ac, Ks. 1 fold, Hero raises to $8, 1 fold, Button calls $8, 2 folds.
Flop: ($19) 5s, Td, 7h (2 players)Hero bets $14, Button calls $14.
Turn: ($47) 9h (2 players)Hero bets $32, Button raises to $396, Hero folds.
Final Pot: $475
Results below: No showdown. Button wins $475.

Hand 4: The old BB special. Not much I can do hear.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($234)SB ($214.85)Hero ($200.65)UTG ($80)MP ($235.05)CO ($507.35)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 6s, Qs. 3 folds, Button calls $2, SB completes, Hero checks.
Flop: ($6) 8s, 2s, 4h (3 players)SB checks, Hero checks, Button checks.
Turn: ($6) 3c (3 players)SB checks, Hero bets $4, Button calls $4, SB folds.
River: ($14) Js (2 players)Hero bets $8, Button raises to $21, Hero calls $13.
Final Pot: $56
Results below: Button has Ks 3s (flush, king high). Hero has 6s Qs (flush, queen high). Outcome: Button wins $56.

Then this hand just made me sick. Another donk who I am looking to take to value town. I flop so perfect and know this guy has and A and is going to pay me off after he calls the flop. I bet nice and big on the turn and am planning to fire a 3rd barrel. Nice river!

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($218.75)SB ($45.25)BB ($201.80)UTG ($197)MP ($229.90)
Preflop: Hero is Button with 8s, Ks. 2 folds, Hero raises to $8, SB calls $7, BB calls $6.
Flop: ($24) Kh, Ac, 8d (3 players)SB checks, BB checks, Hero bets $12, SB folds, BB calls $12.
Turn: ($48) 4s (2 players)BB checks, Hero bets $28, BB calls $28.
River: ($104) 4h (2 players)BB checks, Hero checks.
Final Pot: $104
Results below: Hero has 8s Ks (two pair, kings and eights). BB has Ad Td (two pair, aces and fours). Outcome: BB wins $104.

After this I was done. I played solid poker up to this point for the most part. I knew that my mind wasnt right after this and I had to quit. I was down 2BIs. Not horrible considering how bad I ran. I won one pot over 15BB. I came back and got coolered right out of the gate but stayed focused and put in a winning session. Again there is alot to be said about solid ABC poker combined with mental toughness. With those two I believe the sky is the limit.

Why am I a spewtard?

Seriously though I get so wrapped up in becoming this losse aggressive player from the Btn and CO that I lose focus of solid post flop play and I spew away my chips. Being loose and playing more hands is fun and profitable when you are capable of playing solid ost flop play. By loosening up in position it allows you to play optimally easier yet I find a way to fuck it up sometimes. This has been the craziest week ever. Started up 1 grand after 3 days then dropped back 1600 on Thr and Fri only to scoop 950 in 470 hands last night. Looking at all the big pots I have lost they are my fault. I either couldnt get away from a big PP when I was beat or I tryed to play tricky and ended up getting sucked out on or simply getting my money in bad. I have decided that as boring as it is I am going back to my old crushing wait for the goods and jam style. Dont get me wrong I will still reach into my bag-o-tricks now and then but if aint broke why fix it. I killed for 8.5 PT/BB100 in August and then I started to tweak my game. Why? I am looking to find that magical potion again. On to the hands. Here are a few where I tryed to get fancy.

Hand 1: Villain is 45/7/.5

Absolute PokerNo Limit Holdem Ring gameBlinds: $1/$26 players
Stack sizes:UTG: $655.42UTG+1: $292Hero: $224Button: $219.50SB: $368BB: $241.35
Pre-flop: (6 players) Hero is CO with kh ks UTG calls, UTG+1 folds, Hero raises to $10, 2 folds, BB calls, UTG calls.
Flop: 2c jd 7h ($31, 3 players)BB checks, UTG bets $22, Hero calls, BB folds.

I was busy bluffing off a BI on another table when I get this hand. I knew I was best and didnt want to discourage this guy from bluffing the turn and the board was so dry I didnt mind the BB coming along. Looking back I think this is a clear raise.
Turn: 8s ($75, 2 players)UTG bets $60, Hero calls.

If I am not going to raise the flop I have to raise the turn as the board is getting nasty and there arent to many good rivers for KK.
River: qs ($195, 2 players)UTG bets $152, Hero calls all-in $132.Uncalled bets: $20 returned to UTG.
Does he do this on the river if it didnt help him? If so then is my play optimal?
Results:Final pot: $459UTG Shows 7d Qd


Hand 2: Villain is 28/9/1 I have quite a history with this guy but he rarely 3bets me.

Absolute PokerNo Limit Holdem Ring gameBlinds: $1/$26 players
Stack sizes:UTG: $401.55UTG+1: $220.15CO: $221.10Hero: $204.35SB: $206.55BB: $642.20
Pre-flop: (6 players) Hero is Button with :10h ad 3 folds, Hero raises to $8, SB folds, BB raises to $24, Hero raises to $70, BB calls.

This is not adjusting correctly to your opponent. I know plain and well this guy doesnt 3bet light yet I decide to take a stand with AT.
Flop: 7c 9s kc ($141, 2 players)BB checks, Hero bets $84, BB raises to $168, Hero calls all-in $50.35.Uncalled bets: $33.65 returned to BB.

My only saving grace would have been to shutdown completely once he called as I know this guy never folds when he calls 4 bets. I have had a few 4bet pots with him where I got the better of it.
Turn: 3s ($409.7, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: $409.7)
River: jc ($409.7, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: $409.7)
Results:Final pot: $409.7BB Shows Ac AsHero Shows 10h Ad

Hand 3: Villain is 62/44/2

Absolute PokerNo Limit Holdem Ring gameBlinds: $1/$26 players
Stack sizes:UTG: $133.70UTG+1: $139.10CO: $162.75Hero: $202SB: $73.15BB: $490.70
Pre-flop: (6 players) Hero is Button with 8s 8h UTG folds, UTG+1 calls, CO raises to $12, Hero calls, 2 folds, UTG+1 calls.

So I initially call mining for a set.
Flop: 4d 6h 7c ($39, 3 players)UTG+1 checks, CO bets $34, Hero calls, UTG+1 folds.

On the flop something told me I was best. If I think I am best shouldnt I raise here and now and try and get it in while I am ahead? Instead I call looking to get it in on the turn if it is a safe card.
Turn: 9d ($107, 2 players)CO bets $42, Hero raises all-in $156, CO calls all-in $74.75.Uncalled bets: $39.25 returned to Hero.

Looks pretty safe, shit I picked up more outs if I am behind. This was just sick!
River: 7s ($340.5, 0 player + 2 all-in - Main pot: $340.5)
Results:Final pot: $340.5CO Shows 8c 9sHero Shows 8s 8h

Need more time at he range.

It has been a swingy week and I dont think I have posted at all. I started the week strong and was up 5BI after Tuesday. I neglected posting and that is a major m,istake. I also had a routine of studying in the morning pre play and I stopped this week. I also tryed to start playing 6 tables on 2 monitors and open my game up IP which sometime causes me to lose focus and overplay my hands because I think am getting played back at. Here are a few hands where I think I messed up.

Hand 1 Villain is 47/13/.75 I need to not care when I get KK and encounter resistance. I have to treat this like AK sometimes and just give it up.

Absolute PokerNo Limit Holdem Ring gameBlinds: $1/$26 players
Stack sizes:UTG: $78UTG+1: $346.25CO: $96.35Button: $173SB: $82.10Hero: $253.50
Pre-flop: (6 players) Hero is BB with ks kd UTG folds, UTG+1 calls, CO calls, 2 folds, 2 folds, Hero raises to $14, UTG+1 calls, CO folds.
Flop: 8s 4d 2h ($31, 2 players)Hero bets $20, UTG+1 raises to $40, Hero calls.

I think this is an easy call and looking at it this is a real dry flop. There are no draws he is doing this with. He has TP a set and that is all I think.
Turn: 9c ($111, 2 players)Hero checks, UTG+1 bets $112, Hero raises all-in $199.5, UTG+1 calls.

When he bets this big on the turn even if I am ahead I think this is an easy fold. I had seen this playr mash pot on a draw but I dont see him it doing it in this spot without 2p or better.
River: :10h ($510, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: $510)
Results:Final pot: $510UTG+1 Shows 8h 8dHero Shows Ks Kd


Hand 2 villain is 51/27/1.5 Did I catch a case of FPS?

Absolute PokerNo Limit Holdem Ring gameBlinds: $1/$25 players
Stack sizes:Hero: $541.60CO: $221Button: $120.55SB: $324.60BB: $100
Pre-flop: (5 players) Hero is UTG with ad qh Hero raises to $8, CO calls, 3 folds.
Flop: kh as 2d ($19, 2 players)Hero bets $14, CO calls.

When villain calls I put him on a Ax hand or a PP maybe a gut shot straight draw.
Turn: 3d ($47, 2 players)Hero checks, CO bets $20, Hero raises to $76, CO raises all-in $199, Hero calls.

I decided to C/R here to extract value from all hands a DB folds out. Is this greed and FPS or a good play as this guy is a super aggro donk? Also when I decided to C/R I also told myself I had to call a shove. What is his shoving range?
River: 8s ($445, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: $445)
Results:Final pot: $445CO Shows Ah 3hHero Shows Ad Qh

Hand 3: Villain is 41/20/1.3

Absolute PokerNo Limit Holdem Ring gameBlinds: $1/$25 players
Stack sizes:UTG: $417.93CO: $439.20Hero: $200.40SB: $195.65BB: $133
Pre-flop: (5 players) Hero is Button with kh kc UTG raises to $4, CO folds, Hero raises to $20, 2 folds, UTG calls.
Flop: jh 6d 8s ($43, 2 players)UTG checks, Hero bets $34, UTG calls.

This guy was a donk and I was looking to take him to value city.
Turn: qh ($111, 2 players)UTG checks, Hero bets $74, UTG raises to $148, Hero calls all-in $72.4.Uncalled bets: $1.6 returned to UTG.

Pretty bad card for villains range? T9 got there and JQ. Should I be checking this turn for PC? I bet knowing I was calling a shove. Is this just a cooler or did I misplay this? I need to get value from a donk here who call me down light but is this the right board to do it on?
River: 6c ($403.8, 1 player + 1 all-in - Main pot: $403.8)
Results:Final pot: $403.8UTG Shows 8h 8dHero Shows Kh Kc

I rebound like Dennis Rodman!

So I went and caught the preseason opener for the Warriors, they looked bad, and got my mind right. I came home and decided to put in a nice long session. I had Dodgy sweat me for the 1st half and I played some good solid poker but waqs on the recieving end of some sick beats. Then I took a quick break and came back with avengence. I have been CC on the BTN more if I think it will be a multi way pot and completing or calling Minraises from the blinds too. Last night it payed off.

Hand 1: Villain is 73/37/1.4

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($160)SB ($252.55)BB ($47.25)Hero ($207.60)MP ($168)CO ($194.97)
Preflop: Hero is UTG with Qd, Qs. Hero raises to $8, 2 folds, Button calls $8, 2 folds.
Flop: ($19) 7c, 9d, 2h (2 players)Hero bets $14, Button raises to $32, Hero raises to $100, Button calls $68.

When this flop peeled off I decided then and there this guy was stacking me if he out flopped me as QQ is never folding here.
Turn: ($201) 8c (2 players)Hero calls $99.60 (All-In), Button calls $52 (All-In).

After he calls he has 52 left and I am shoving any turn. I knew this turn was bad when it hit.
River: ($352.60) 3d (2 players, 2 all-in)
Final Pot: $352.60

Results below: Button has 8h 7d (two pair, eights and sevens). Hero has Qd Qs (one pair, queens). Outcome: Button wins $305. Hero wins $47.60.


Hand 2: Villain is 59/24/1

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($200.45)SB ($36.29)BB ($213.98)UTG ($440.77)MP ($533.14)CO ($471.35)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Ah, 5h. UTG calls $2, MP calls $2, 1 fold, Hero calls $2, SB completes, BB checks.
Some might argue a raise but I like my limp.
Flop: ($10) 3d, 4c, 2c (5 players)SB checks, BB checks, UTG bets $8, MP folds, Hero raises to $32, SB folds, BB folds, UTG calls $24.

Ah the beauty, I just flopped 2nd nut and I am going no where against this goober.
Turn: ($74) 9s (2 players)UTG bets $2, Hero raises to $66, UTG raises to $406.77 (All-In), Hero calls $100.45 (All-In).

WOW! Can you say eeeee-awwwww.
River: ($647.22) Ks (2 players, 2 all-in)
Final Pot: $647.22
Results below: Hero has Ah 5h (straight, five high). UTG has Kd Kh (three of a kind, kings). Outcome: Hero wins $406.90. UTG wins $240.32.


Hand 3: Villain is 30/12/1.4

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($494.10)SB ($73)BB ($123.25)UTG ($434.60)MP ($167.07)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Td, 9d. UTG calls $2, MP raises to $4, Hero calls $4, SB calls $3, BB calls $2, UTG calls $2.

East call on the BTN knowing this was going to be a nice multi way pot.
Flop: ($20) 3h, 9s, Th (5 players)SB checks, BB checks, UTG checks, MP bets $6, Hero raises to $32, SB calls $32, BB folds, UTG folds, MP folds.

Am I raising it to much here? Even though I flopped strong this is a wet flop and I figured it was best to protect my hand and tax anyone who wanted to try and out draw me.
Turn: ($90) 8d (2 players)SB calls $37 (All-In), Hero calls $37.

If you got there good game sir. I call!
River: ($164) 9h (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $164
Results below: Hero has Td 9d (full house, nines full of tens). SB has 7h 8h (flush, ten high). Outcome: Hero wins $164.

I am a winner!!!

But when I tilt I lose. I know deep down I am a winning player and I believe I know the correct decision at the table 99% of the time. The problem is when I incur a suckout or set vs set I allow it to effect me and I lose that mental edge. Its real sick because I will tell myself the correct decision mentally yet allow myself to physically do the opposite. Here is a prime example of that. Let me show you the set up.

Hand 1: Set vs Set. Honestly I think I might be able to get away from this. Vilain is 28/10/1

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($200)SB ($636.53)BB ($452.55)UTG ($156.70)MP ($75.60)CO ($350.24)
Preflop: Hero is Button with 2h, 2d. 2 folds, CO calls $2, Hero raises to $10, SB calls $9, BB calls $8, CO folds.
Flop: ($32) 8d, 4s, 2c (3 players)SB checks, BB bets $12, Hero calls $12, SB folds.

The flop is so dry that I opted to call looking to encourage the SB to come along.
Turn: ($56) Tc (2 players)BB bets $20, Hero raises to $76, BB raises to $242, Hero calls $102 (All-In).

I honestly think this might be a fold. My line looks so strong I am almost certain that a villain with these numbers isnt doing this with anything I beat. What do you think? I mean I called excpecting to see 88 or 44.
River: ($476) Jd (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $476
Results below: Hero has 2h 2d (three of a kind, twos). BB has 4h 4d (three of a kind, fours). Outcome: BB wins $476.

After this hand is when I need to shut down the tables. Post it on CR and get feedback maybe and just go for a walk and know that it was simply a cooler and I am playing winning poker. Then come back and start fresh. But this time around I didnt because I was pressed for time and I felt I could play through it. Now the next two hands.

Hand 2: Villain is 27/8/1 with an attempt to steal of 23. I almost didnt 3 bet but I think it was fine. What do you think?

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($327.52)SB ($400)Hero ($200)UTG ($91.20)MP ($246.38)
Preflop: Hero is BB with Ad, Jd. 2 folds, Button raises to $6, 1 fold, Hero raises to $24, Button calls $18.
Flop: ($49) 7h, As, 9c (2 players)Hero bets $32, Button raises to $64, Hero folds.

After 3 betting I am looking for a bet fold or else I think my hand is dead. Is leading the best choice? I think my play here was fine actually.
Final Pot: $145
Results below: No showdown. Button wins $145.

Now here is where I allow those 2 spots to lead me to spew.

Hand 3: Villain is 50/11/1

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($566.03)SB ($173.56)BB ($262.75)Hero ($200)MP ($46.75)CO ($140.65)
Preflop: Hero is UTG with Ah, As. Hero raises to $8, MP calls $8, 3 folds, BB calls $6.
Flop: ($25) Qc, Th, 8c (3 players)BB checks, Hero bets $18, MP folds, BB calls $18.
Turn: ($61) 5s (2 players)BB checks, Hero bets $36, BB raises to $70, Hero calls $36.

Before betting this turn I told myself this was a Bet/Fold situation as with a super low AF this villain never C/R with worse, yet I talk myself into a call. Why? TILT!
River: ($203) 6h (2 players)BB bets $76, Hero raises to $102 (All-In), BB calls $26.

Fuck I can get away from this still and have only spewed 18BB by finding a fold here facing an obvious river VB from a fish. Nah, I like a shove!
Final Pot: $407
Results below: BB has Jh 9c (straight, queen high). Hero has Ah As (one pair, aces). Outcome: BB wins $407.

There it is! Spew tard city. What have we learned today class? Thats right, take a beat and close the tables. Come back 10 minutes later and start fresh. I think from now on I will be meditating after a cooler.

2k hands down 3/4 a buyin.

I feel real good about my game at the moment. I know the up swing is happening today actually. All my big hands are going to be getting payed and the times when I am a 95% favorite I think the 5% chances have had their fair share and it is my turn. With that said I still might be missing value by overbetting some rivers or raising to big when I have the goods. I need to work on betting sizes so to maximize my value when I have the goods. Also I plugged the leak from the SB but now I am spewing from the BB. I need to fix this asap. Funny thing is I am not losing any monster pots only 2 50 bigblind pots and like 3 of the top 10 losers are when I 3bet from the blinds and my cbet failed. One thing I think I noticed too last night was that I have been 3betting alot less and just calling with SC IP. I dont like that as aggression wins. I will be getting back to my aggressive ways asap too. Now some hand;

Hand 1: Villain is 66/5/.5 Is this a spew as I put this guy dead on a Q when he calls my turn bet? He tanks the shove too. Seriously he hollywoods and lets the timer run near out and then gets it in. I so want to fold and think a great layer might. Granted I think we all have seen 99 or 88 in this spot.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($374.10)SB ($51.05)Hero ($245.75)UTG ($125.88)MP ($190.50)CO ($74.75)
Preflop: Hero is BB with Ac, Ah. UTG calls $2, 1 fold, CO calls $2, 1 fold, SB completes, Hero raises to $12, UTG calls $10, CO folds, SB folds.
Flop: ($28) 3d, 3c, Qh (2 players)Hero bets $20, UTG calls $20.
Turn: ($68) Js (2 players)Hero bets $46, UTG calls $46.
River: ($160) Qs (2 players)Hero checks, UTG calls $47.88 (All-In), Hero calls $47.88.
Final Pot: $255.76
Results below: Hero has Ac Ah (two pair, aces and queens). UTG has Qd 4d (full house, queens full of threes). Outcome: UTG wins $255.76.

Hand 2: Villain is 43/12/.75 he has some suspect HUD numbers yet he is a regular. We have tangled quite a bit as he loves to call raises OOP and float. I would like to say my play is standard and I have seen this line being played alot, yet I think due to player history this isnt. After thinking about it this guy almost never has 3bet me that I can remember so getting it in here stinks. I think I can call and get it in if I hit. Instead I choose to play it fast and it bites me. Is this just variance again?

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($118.90)SB ($116.35)BB ($541.25)UTG ($100.80)Hero ($205.65)CO ($202)
Preflop: Hero is MP with Kc, As. 1 fold, Hero raises to $8, 1 fold, Button raises to $16, 2 folds, Hero raises to $48, Button raises to $118.9 (All-In), Hero calls $70.90.
Flop: ($240.80) 3d, 2h, 8h (2 players, 1 all-in)
Turn: ($240.80) 5s (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($240.80) 3h (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $240.80
Results below: Button has Ah Ad (two pair, aces and threes). Hero has Kc As (one pair, threes). Outcome: Button wins $240.80.

7.5k hand challenge

I have decided that this week I want to challenge myself to play 7.5k hands at the 200NL level. If I am going to be beating the 400s and higher by December I need to get working on the 200s now. Switching the 100BB BI rather then 200 has made me so much moe comfortable and my game as come full circle. I feel better then ever at the tables and I am using table selection like a mad man. All that combined has made for an easier transition this time around and the results will be son to follow. I have had some tough beats and sticky spots. Here they are for your viewing pleasure.

Hand 1: Villain is 33/7/.7

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($382.59)SB ($525.85)BB ($219.54)UTG ($107.75)MP ($157.75)CO ($84.95)
Hero is BB w/ Th3h
Preflop: 1 fold, MP calls $2, 1 fold, Button calls $2, SB completes, BB checks.
Flop: ($8) Jh, 4h, 9h (4 players)SB checks, BB bets $8, MP calls $8, Button raises to $16, SB folds, BB raises to $62, MP folds, Button raises to $112, BB raises to $223.54 (All-In), Button calls $105.54.

Obviously not a bad flop and I lead for pot to protect and charge all big FD's. I get MR by a donkey and I repop. Think my reraise might be to large. When he Min4bets I figure him for a flush almost instantly but I think my only play is to get it in. This hand has been bugging me alot though. My instaincts told me I was against another flush, that being the case can I fold? I need to do the math to see how many worse flushs there are.
Turn: ($457.08) 7d (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($457.08) 9d (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $457.08

Hand 2 Villain is 72/21/1.27, we had been battling a bit as he is in every hand. He had been getting the best of it too.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (4 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($177.50)SB ($206.75)BB ($97)UTG ($693.02)
Hero is SB w/8s8h
Preflop: UTG calls $2, 1 fold, SB raises to $12, 1 fold, UTG calls $10.

Looking back I think I might wanna just limp here as this guy is never folding to my raise and I will have to play the rest of the hand OOP against someone who has been kicking my ass. This guy floats everything. I should have adjusted better at the table and this is a weakness in my game.
Flop: ($26) Ah, 5h, 7c (2 players)SB bets $14, UTG calls $14.

I decide to lead small for pot control and to see just where I am.
Turn: ($54) 6c (2 players)SB bets $22, UTG calls $22.

He snap called and I felt he didnt have an A. I pick up an open ender on the turn and decide to Value/pot control bet.
River: ($98) Jd (2 players)SB bets $34, UTG calls $34.

I didnt know what to do here. I still felt I had the best hand and I didnt want to check and let him set the price so I made another blocking bet. How is my bet sizing on every street?
Final Pot: $166

Hand 3: Villain is 37/9/2.7

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($86.70)SB ($392.20)BB ($280.95)UTG ($388.90)MP ($367.10)CO ($375.35)
Hero is BB w/QdQh
Preflop: 1 fold, MP calls $2, 1 fold, Button calls $2, SB completes, BB raises to $12, MP folds, Button folds, SB calls $10.
Flop: ($28) Td, Ad, 5c (2 players)SB checks, BB bets $22, SB raises to $44, BB calls $22.

Ugh! The Check MR. I decided my best choice here was to call and reeval the turn.
Turn: ($116) 3h (2 players)SB checks, BB checks.

He checks to me and in all honesty I cant explain my check. I felt he could have a weak Ace that he wasnt folding and I wanted to make it to SD cheap I guess
River: ($116) Kc (2 players)SB checks, BB checks.

Not the best card in the deck. I take the free SD. I think my play on the turn and river arent the best. Please do comment
Final Pot: $116

Hand 4: Villain is 24/18/3 is this standard? Can I 3bet smaller? Any time you dont 3bet this?

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($102.60)SB ($574.79)BB ($208.70)UTG ($907.94)MP ($469.77)CO ($54.38)
Hero is BB w/JsJc
Preflop: UTG raises to $8, MP calls $8, 2 folds, SB calls $7, BB raises to $46, UTG raises to $100, MP folds, SB folds, BB folds.
Final Pot: $162


Hand 5: Villain is 43/11/2 How is my line?

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($487.85)SB ($151.50)BB ($251.50)UTG ($57.60)MP ($252.30)
Hero is MP w/AcAs
Preflop: 1 fold, MP raises to $8, 2 folds, BB calls $6.
Flop: ($17) 8h, 7s, 5s (2 players)BB checks, MP bets $12, BB raises to $26, MP calls $14.

I thought my hand was most likely the best hand yet this is a very wet board and I decided calling was better then raising. I called with the intention of raising most turn cards.
Turn: ($69) 2c (2 players)BB bets $42, MP raises to $120, BB folds.

He leads pretty strong and I was put to the test. I had decided I was getting it in on any safe turn and this is about the safest card in the deck. Looks like he was bluffing.
Final Pot: $231

My weekend at the 200s

I decided it is time to crack it wide open. I struggled last month and it was do mainly to a lack of mental edge and confidence in my ability. I had an epiphany(maybe?) on Saturday and decided it is time. Time to take my game to the next level and dive in head 1st. I ideally am going to try and get 10K hands in this week at the 200s but 7.5K is probably more realistic seeing that I am yet to play a hand and it is 4:35PM. Oh and I wont be till later as I am going to go watch the Yankees game. Real quickly though here are a few hands from the sessions.


Hand 1: Villain is 43/13/2
Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($513.30)SB ($194.20)BB ($109.30)UTG ($76.08)Hero ($200)CO ($152.45)
Preflop: Hero is MP with Th, Jh. UTG calls $2, Hero raises to $10, 3 folds, BB raises to $20, UTG folds, Hero calls $10.

I have dedided to tighten up from this position and this hand will no longer be in my opening range except for maybe 25% of the time. Facing a MPFR IP I decide to take a flop
Flop: ($43) Ts, 7c, Tc (2 players)BB bets $30, Hero calls $30.

Best flop possible for me and I decide to basically call and l;et villain bluff his stack on the turn or shove if he checked. In retrospect I wonder if I should just shove here and now?
Turn: ($103) 6c (2 players)BB calls $59.30 (All-In), Hero calls $59.30.

He shoves when FD completes but I think I am good still and I snap call.
River: ($221.60) 5c (2 players, 1 all-in)

Sweet river, LOL.
Final Pot: $221.60
Results below: BB has Js Jc (flush, jack high). Hero has Th Jh (three of a kind, tens). Outcome: BB wins $221.60.


Hand 2: Villain is 31/15/.75

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($210.35)SB ($75.95)BB ($347.45)UTG ($212.90)MP ($104.60)CO ($113.60)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Jh, Jc. 1 fold, MP raises to $6, CO calls $6, Hero raises to $28, 2 folds, MP calls $22, CO folds.

Looks standard so far
Flop: ($65) Tc, 7d, 9s (2 players)MP checks, Hero bets $36, MP calls $36.

Great flop and I bet out with all intention of calling a shove that hopefully my weaker 1/2 PSB will enduce.
Turn: ($137) Th (2 players)MP checks, Hero calls $146.35 (All-In), MP calls $40.60 (All-In).

I think I will always get it in here and if he has a T gg sir.
River: ($323.95) 9d (2 players, 2 all-in)
Final Pot: $323.95
Results below: Hero has Jh Jc (two pair, jacks and tens). MP has Ad Td (full house, tens full of nines). Outcome: MP wins $218.20. Hero wins $105.75.

Hand 3: Villain was insane like 80/40/7 this guy had been overbetting like crazy and him and another maniac at the table were battling it out.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($79)Hero ($203.20)BB ($1152.70)UTG ($544)MP ($359.20)CO ($217.70)
Preflop: Hero is SB with Jh, Ad. 4 folds, Hero raises to $8, BB raises to $152, Hero raises to $203.2 (All-In), BB calls $51.20.

When it folded to me I was thinking here we go. I have to raise and sure enough villain goes insane. I tanked this one and decided you know what I have this guys range crushed and I want to gamble. I mean I am do. What do you think?
Flop: ($406.40) 7c, 4h, 6d (2 players, 1 all-in)
Turn: ($406.40) 8c (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($406.40) 7h (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $406.40
Results below: Hero has Jh Ad (one pair, sevens). BB has Qc Kh (one pair, sevens). Outcome: Hero wins $406.40.

Hand 4: Villain is 83/25/3

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($234.85)SB ($833.97)BB ($311.60)UTG ($79)MP ($184)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Ah, Kc. UTG calls $2, 1 fold, Hero raises to $10, SB calls $9, 1 fold, UTG folds.
Flop: ($24) Td, Js, Qc (2 players)SB checks, Hero bets $16, SB calls $16.

Amazing flop, now hopefully he will come along.
Turn: ($56) Qd (2 players)SB checks, Hero bets $36, SB raises to $72, Hero calls $36.

Fuck! Is this happening again? Looking back at this hand and the responses I recieved from the CR forum I think this is a shove. Villains range here is so many more hands other then a FH. Also if I call his turn C/MR I have to call a river shove so with that in mind why not get it in now before the board gets uglier? Shoving was the best choice here.
River: ($200) 7c (2 players)SB bets $54, Hero calls $54.
Final Pot: $308
Results below: Hero has Ah Kc (straight, ace high). SB has Qs 4s (three of a kind, queens). Outcome: Hero wins $308.

Hand 5: Villain is 29/11/3

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($93.40)SB ($356)BB ($401)UTG ($32.25)Hero ($208.80)
Preflop: Hero is MP with 6s, 6c. UTG raises to $4, Hero calls $4, 1 fold, SB calls $3, 1 fold.

This guy had been minraising alot and I decided to take a cheap flop with 66 and see if I couldbnt hit big
Flop: ($14) 5h, Jh, 6d (3 players)SB checks, UTG checks, Hero bets $8, SB calls $8, UTG folds.

I love the flop and I decide to fire what might look like a steal size bet when checked to.
Turn: ($30) Qs (2 players)SB bets $20, Hero raises to $65, SB calls $45.

I am thinking the Q might have given villain 2P which is great and I raise his donk alittle more then 3x looking to call a shove. I think I should be raising more here though as this is such a draw heavy board and in the case that he does have 2P he is most likely sticking around. Feedback on a proper bet size here would be appreciated.
River: ($160) 3h (2 players)SB bets $60, Hero calls $60.

Such an ugly river but I think I have to call. I am getting great odds and if he hit GG sir.
Final Pot: $280
Results below: SB has Js Ks (one pair, jacks). Hero has 6s 6c (three of a kind, sixes). Outcome: Hero wins $280.

I suck at dodge deck.

Similar to dodge ball except the only problem is in this game you want to get hit. My time is coming. In the meantime I have managed to get back to the old me via a little help from my friend Dodgy. I realized how scared I have been playing and I feel I have got my groove back. Now it is just a matter of time before I stack me some donkeys. With that said I did manage to play 1396 hands at 7.25BB/100. Not so bad really. Also I didnt lose one single pot over 40BB.

Hand 1: I had very few hands on this guy he was 87/0/.5

Absolute PokerNo Limit Holdem Ring gameBlinds: $0.50/$16 players
Stack sizes:Hero: $109.25UTG+1: $135CO: $183.40Button: $324.13SB: $120.19BB: $163.60
Pre-flop: (6 players) Hero is UTG with 4d 4c Hero raises to $4, UTG+1 folds, CO calls, 3 folds.
Flop: as qs 8h ($9.5, 2 players)Hero bets $6, CO calls.

Felt a cbet was pretty standard here.

Turn: 7c ($21.5, 2 players)Hero checks, CO bets $1, Hero calls.
Obviously I am shutting down but a $1 I am calling.

River: 4s ($23.5, 2 players)Hero checks, CO bets $1, Hero raises to $12, CO raises to $24, Hero ???.

Oh great I made a set, NOT. I check and he bets a buck again. No fucking way he has a flush. I put in a raise and bam Min raise. Can I call? I have to right?

Hand 2: I just sit down and pick up AKs and this preflop action insues. Had no stats on original Raiser villain who called my preflop raise was 52/12/.6.

Absolute PokerNo Limit Holdem Ring gameBlinds: $0.50/$16 players
Stack sizes:UTG: $206.40UTG+1: $218.99CO: $280.48Button: $190.40SB: $101.50Hero: $100
Pre-flop: (6 players) Hero is BB with ad kd UTG folds, UTG+1 raises to $7, CO calls, Button calls, SB folds, Hero raises to $31, UTG+1 folds, CO calls, Button folds.

I decided then and there again that I would 3bet big with the intention of calling any shove. Instead we take a flop and I have a pot size bet left behind.
Flop: 7h 6s 5h ($76.5, 2 players)Hero checks, CO checks.

I get nothing and rather then spew off my stack I decide I will be shutting down unless something interesting occurs.
Turn: 2h ($76.5, 2 players)Hero checks, CO bets $88, Hero folds.Uncalled bets: $88 returned to CO.
Results:Final pot: $76.5

Standard?

Hand 3: villain is 21/10/1.36

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($170.20)SB ($25.95)Hero ($112.65)UTG ($85.20)MP ($187.76)CO ($77.35)
Preflop: Hero is BB with 8h, 8d. 2 folds, CO raises to $4, 2 folds, Hero calls $3.

I opted to set min with 88 here and possibly make a play depending on flop texture.

Flop: ($8.50) 6c, 9h, 7s (2 players)Hero checks, CO bets $7, Hero raises to $21, CO raises to $73.35 (All-In), Hero calls $52.35.

I loike the texture and I make my move. I know I am behind when he shoves yet I am getting proper odds with my OPSD and my 2 outs to make a set. So 10 outs twice. Standard?
Turn: ($155.20) 5d (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($155.20) 6h (2 players, 1 all-in)

1st day of October

I actually only lost one hand over 50BB yet managed to lose a total of 338.5 on the day. Again I want to blame the cards but know it is my play. I think I am looking to not cbet so often that I am actually losing value. Also I continue to play scared and allow scare cards to effect my play. Another problem I am having is playing super scared in 3bet situations. Before I was so fearless and I took the losses and rolled with it. I played my cards and my opponent accordingly and was really learning to go with my instincts. I have begun to shy away from this and will look to get back to it from here on. Here are a few hands that gave me trouble.

Hand 1: At the time I had know HUD stats on Villain but it turns out he is playing 19/6, my table image was LAG as I had already been involved in 2 3bet pots without SD.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($90)SB ($149)BB ($180.24)Hero ($200)MP ($48.15)CO ($154.30)
Preflop: Hero is UTG with Kh, Ah. Hero raises to $4, 2 folds, Button raises to $15, 2 folds, Hero raises to $36, Button calls $21.

Beacuse of my image I thought villain could be doing this light and I was prepared to call a shove.

Flop: ($73.50) 6d, 3h, Jd (2 players)Hero calls $164 (All-In), Button calls $54 (All-In).

When he smooth calls I dont know what to do. I think the best line is to C/F here but I decided to shove. In retrospect I think it is almost impossible to fold out any hand he called my 4bet with on this flop.

Turn: ($291.50) Td (2 players, 2 all-in)
River: ($291.50) Jc (2 players, 2 all-in)
Final Pot: $291.50
Results below: Button has Ac Ad (two pair, aces and jacks). Hero has Kh Ah (one pair, jacks). Outcome: Button wins $181.50. Hero wins $110.

Hand 2: Villain is 25/19/2.5

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($199.50)SB ($58.05)BB ($38.15)UTG ($100.85)MP ($130.40)CO ($319.15)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Tc, Js. 2 folds, CO raises to $4, Hero raises to $15, 2 folds, CO calls $11.

I felt his CO raising range is quite wide as he had a high attempt to steal and I decided t 3bet with JT here. I am not sure how much I like JT in a 3bet spot but then again I dont hate this play at all

Flop: ($31.50) Ts, 9c, 2s (2 players)CO checks, Hero bets $21, CO calls $21.

I get a piece of the flop and he had checked it so I make a standard cbet here. Looking at it now I have to assume his calling range OOP is very tight and he most likely is holding like at worst 99+ and AQs. When he calls my flop bet I decided I was shutting down and looking to SD.
Turn: ($73.50) 2d (2 players)CO checks, Hero checks.
River: ($73.50) 6c (2 players)CO calls $283.15 (All-In), Hero folds.

I dont get his shove but it might be out of frustration that I didnt bet the turn when he was planning to get a C/R in.
Final Pot: $356.65
Results below: CO doesn't show. Outcome: CO wins $356.65.

Hand 3: I had just sat down and had no read on villain. The only thing I can really think is maybe a donky due to the min 3bet.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($200)SB ($114.80)BB ($88.15)UTG ($195.50)MP ($71.30)
Preflop: Hero is Button with As, Td. 2 folds, Hero raises to $4, SB raises to $8, 1 fold, Hero calls $4.

I am curious really if I should just fold this hand as I am going to have a hard time playing any A or T if I encounter resistance and alot of the time the min 3bet in my experience is a monster.

Flop: ($17) 3c, 2s, Ks (2 players)SB checks, Hero checks.

Villain checks so I opt for a free card.
Turn: ($17) Th (2 players)SB checks, Hero bets $10, SB raises to $20, Hero calls $10.

I connect and villain checks again. I feel I am probably best and I want to get value as well as protect my hand so I bet. When I C/MR I think this is an easy fold. The turn MR is again typically a big hand and it is most likely that I am behind and will be facing a river bet. I decide to call.
River: ($57) 6c (2 players)SB bets $14, Hero folds.

I should probably call this river bet with the odds I am getting but I felt this was a monster looking to get value. Then again if this villain is a donkey alot of times they bet super small on bluffs. Do you call?
Final Pot: $71
Results below: SB doesn't show. Outcome: SB wins $71.

Hand 4: Villain is 41/13/.79

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($183.25)SB ($113.90)Hero ($100.80)UTG ($48.85)MP ($170.10)CO ($97)
Preflop: Hero is BB with Qc, Ac. UTG calls $1, MP calls $1, 2 folds, SB completes, Hero raises to $8, UTG folds, MP folds, SB calls $7.
Flop: ($18) Ah, 7c, Jc (2 players)SB checks, Hero checks.

I hammer this flop and opt to check as I felt there werent any cards that could hurt my hand and I didnt want to run off the villain. I am wondering if this is a bad choice? Did I lose value? Is the FPS?
Turn: ($18) 5c (2 players)SB checks, Hero bets $12, SB calls $12.

I hammer the turn even harder and now I have to bet.
River: ($42) Jh (2 players)SB checks, Hero bets $24, SB folds.

When vilain calls turn I am thinking yes! I opt to VB slash induce a bluff by showing weakness on the river and he folds.
Final Pot: $66
Results below: Hero has Qc Ac (flush, ace high). Outcome: Hero wins $66.