My poker goals for 2008.

Continue improving my poker game while steadily moving up the stakes, obviously easier said then done. I know I am at a point in my poker career where things are ready to take off. I finally realize I am a winner at 200NL and approach the game with that attitude. This month has been good but not great. I havent played half as many hands as I would like but I am still satisfied. 2008 is my year to shine. I havent fully decided the perfect way to continually imporve my game but 1st and foremost putting in hands is my main goal. I spend way to much down time just kinda aimlessly surfing the web or whatever. If I aint studying/responding to a post/posting I will be grinding. Basically i have outlined daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
Daily:
Always play my A game.
Read 1 chapter of a poker book everyday.
Respond to 3 forum posts with stove analysis.
Post 1 difficult hand from every session.
Weekly:
Watch two videos and take in depth notes.
Participate in no less then two sweat sessions.
1 hour long session 1 tabling.

Monthly:
Build my roll in Jan. for a shot at 2/4 in Feb or sooner.
Play no less then 75k hands.

The hands goal is not unobtainable but is set insanely high for the sole purpose of making it so I must play alot of hands. If I reach it awesome if not I imagine my hand total will be way above any month of 07. I will hopefully chronicle some of the trials and tribulations I go through on my road to success. If the content here is lacking I suggest checking the crews blog.

http://unrecklessforce2b.blogspot.com/

Up and down.

I havent posted as frequent as I would like and probably wont ever. I have decided that my game is sound and I need to focus mainly on playing. Playing hands is what makes you better. I have all the concepts and ideas it is now a matter of applying them. While applying them when problems arise that is when I will need to seak a solution. With that in mind I will post a few of the more interesting hands that have occured sense my last post.

Hand 1: Villain plays 41/18/2.8 and is actually a regular whom I now own. This hand was me being a spew tard.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($126.10)Hero ($201.90)BB ($422.05)UTG ($1079.40)MP ($261.60)CO ($523.10)
Preflop: Hero is SB with Jd, Jh. UTG raises to $7, MP calls $7, 2 folds, Hero raises to $32, 1 fold, UTG folds, MP calls $25.

I considered CC here as not to create a nasty spot OOP and because JJ is a tweener hand in spots like these. Anyways my 3bet gets called by the original CCer which is strange. I had just recently seen him play AA in a similar fashion.

Flop: ($73) 7d, Th, Qc (2 players)Hero bets $46, MP raises to $229.6 (All-In), Hero calls $123.90 (All-In).

Not the worst flop in the world and to bhe honest looks like a very simple bet/fold. I was very near a fold when I convinced myself that he may well push an OESD in this spot and called.
Turn: ($472.50) Ah (2 players, 2 all-in)
River: ($472.50) 4s (2 players, 2 all-in)
Final Pot: $472.50
Results below: Hero has Jd Jh (one pair, jacks). MP has Ad Qh (two pair, aces and queens). Outcome: MP wins $472.50.

After plugging it into stove this is a easy fold. This hand occured at a time when i was doubting myself and pressing to win. Those two combined are no bueno.

hand 2: villain is 35/18/3.2 When this hand occured I had begun open raising from late position for 3x rather then 4x which I have gone back to. This created a realy loose image and I began playing loose as well. I strarted 3 betting a little too much.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($241.25)SB ($201.15)BB ($123)UTG ($383.45)MP ($476.08)
Preflop: Hero is Button with 8s, 5s. 1 fold, MP raises to $6, Hero raises to $20, 2 folds, MP calls $14.

I 3bet 85s? I dont hate it actually as most the time I should be folding out alot of villains hands though he is the type to call with a wide range. This can be trouble but will me allow me to take him to value town when i do hit.

Flop: ($43) 4s, Kd, 2s (2 players)MP checks, Hero bets $28, MP raises to $56, Hero calls $28.

A great flop to cbet when checked to and then he min raises. I think a shove here may be profitable as I doubt he ever is doing this with a monster. to me his bet is more of a feeler looking to find out where a mediumish strength hand stands.

Turn: ($155) 3h (2 players)MP checks, Hero bets $100, MP raises to $200, Hero calls $65.25 (All-In).

Here is where I went wrong in the hand. The turn gives me more outs and I can take a free card and most likely extract when I get there. If I miss I can give up if villain leads the rive ror consider bluffing. against someone with these stats I think checking is best. I do not hate my p-lay thought at any point in the hand besides the fact that I think a shove is a better choice then my 2/3 PSB.
River: ($520.25) 2h (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $520.25
Results below: Hero has 8s 5s (one pair, twos). MP has Kh Th (two pair, kings and twos). Outcome: MP wins $520.25.

Hand 3: villain is 28/14/1.65 Another 3bet happy time. Looking at these stats that makes this play even worse granted I do belive he has a high attempt to steal. Although I do believe if you look close at this hand you will see that I do have what it takes to be a successful high stakes winner


Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($295.89)SB ($1096.87)Hero ($222.80)UTG ($398.85)MP ($394)CO ($234.60)
Preflop: Hero is BB with Js, Th. 2 folds, CO raises to $6, 2 folds, Hero raises to $22, CO calls $16.

Pretty loose 3bte OOP something I removed from my arsenal.
Flop: ($45) 4d, 7s, 4c (2 players)Hero bets $32, CO raises to $64, Hero raises to $200.8 (All-In), CO calls $136.80.

If I dont cbet I cant win. When villain min raises I sensed weakness. I should most likely fold due to the player strength at 200NL as they rarely fold and if he calls my equity is shit. At the time I said fuck it and trusted my gut. he was so weak it wasnt funny. The best thing is he thinks he made a great call. The truth is 95% of the time I make this play he is dead.
Turn: ($446.60) 9d (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($446.60) 6s (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $446.60
Results below: Hero has Js Th (one pair, fours). CO has Kd 7d (two pair, sevens and fours). Outcome: CO wins $446.60.

Hand 4: Villain is 55/25/3 He can give you fits and is a regular whom I believe stays afloat 1 or two tabling. he is and older man from what I gathered who simply enjoys playing the game and loves the action.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($270.10)SB ($400)BB ($423.50)UTG ($465.65)Hero ($273.10)CO ($1442.84)
Preflop: Hero is MP with Kd, Qd. UTG calls $2, Hero raises to $10, CO calls $10, 2 folds, BB calls $8, UTG calls $8.
Flop: ($41) Ks, Jc, 6s (4 players)BB checks, UTG checks, Hero bets $30, CO calls $30, BB folds, UTG folds.

4 handed with TP2ndK isnr fun but I must bet. The maniac calls. At this point I belive he has a very wide range and is very capable of anything on the turn.

Turn: ($101) 2h (2 players)Hero checks, CO bets $64, Hero calls $64.

I would like to say I knew my opponent and checked to allow him to bluff but that isnt the case. I actually checked for the simple fact that I was afraid to bet and get bluff raised. Knowing your opponent is so key and this hand is a perfect example of that. My hand is basically the nuts against this guy and I think I am forced to go broke. A large range of his hands are either Kx or a draw. I considered a CRAI once he bet but opted to call instead.


River: ($229) 9c (2 players)Hero checks, CO bets $198, Hero calls $169.10 (All-In).
Final Pot: $596.10

The river completes a oesd and I opt to check again. Villain shoves pretty quick and I go into the tank. I know this guy can do this with the nuts or nothing. By calling the turn I felt calling the river was almost a must. i do and boo yah he was bluffing all along.


Results below: Hero has Kd Qd (one pair, kings). CO has 8c 8s (one pair, eights). Outcome: Hero wins $567.20. CO wins $28.90.

If you look at this hand I think you might think i played it brillaintly. The truth is I played it like shit. But what I have learned is by knowing your opponents tendencies well enough you will be able to extract max value from them at all times. This is a spot where my turn and river check maximized my value by inducing my opponent to play his hand how I wanted him to. At the time I wasnt aware of that.

Must play more.

I have been slacking big time this month yet the results have been decent but I am in this shit for the long term and I know they will as long as I continue to make +EV decisions. I have been slacking on posting as well simply because I have been mopre time into actually studying and trying to improve my game. Working super hard on the mental side of the game as well as improving my hand reading. I truly want to master equity vs ranges. That is why I made this blog and that is why i will continue to attempty to post here as much as possible. Yesterdays session. Only played 538 hands yet I 4-6 tabled for 1.25 hours. Not enough at all. I think if I can get in two solid 90 minute sessions a day I will be happy. My new style is actually my old style too. I am playing very nitty yet I do make some moves here and there. Now the hands.


Hand1: No real explanation needed. I opted to call and jam any non A flop that villain leads on rather then 4 bet preflop. I still am not sure of my line.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($271.30)SB ($382.15)BB ($504.90)UTG ($390.40)MP ($1068.28)Hero ($235.45)
Preflop: Hero is CO with Kc, Kh. UTG calls $2, 1 fold, Hero raises to $10, 3 folds, UTG raises to $24, Hero calls $12.
Flop: ($49) 5s, 3d, 2c (2 players)UTG bets $54, Hero raises to $213.45 (All-In), UTG calls $159.45.
Turn: ($475.90) 2h (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($475.90) Td (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $475.90
Results below: UTG has Ah Ad (two pair, aces and twos). Hero has Kc Kh (two pair, kings and twos). Outcome: UTG wins $475.90.


Hand 2: I check the turn as I think the A kills alot of my action from worse hands thus I might induce a bluff from worser hands as well as portect myself from getting C/R off my hand. Again not sure if this was the best way to play the hand but i do like my line.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($159.56)SB ($255.37)BB ($133.25)UTG ($329.65)MP ($432.75)Hero ($286.40)
Preflop: Hero is CO with Kh, Qd. UTG calls $2, 1 fold, Hero raises to $8, 2 folds, BB calls $6, UTG calls $6.
Flop: ($25) 8c, Qs, 9h (3 players)BB checks, UTG checks, Hero bets $20, BB calls $20, UTG folds.
Turn: ($65) Ad (2 players)BB checks, Hero checks.
River: ($65) 2d (2 players)BB bets $25, Hero calls $25.
Final Pot: $115
Results below: BB has Jh As (one pair, aces). Hero has Kh Qd (one pair, queens). Outcome: BB wins $115.

Hand 3: Villain was a complete maniac who had been open raising for anywhere from 50-70. I hadnt seen him going crazy in a few orbits and then he limp raises me. I honestly didnt put him on a big hand here as he was actually showing down strong holding when open raising. This player seemed like an action junky who if he was going to play a raised pot he wanted to get it in the middle asap. As I tanked a shove or fold villain typed in chat that he Q8. I wasnt sure what to think but I decided to trust my initial read and jam it. Look at his hand.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($554.37)Hero ($242.10)BB ($393)UTG ($706.35)MP ($515.85)
Preflop: Hero is SB with 9h, 9d. 2 folds, Button calls $2, Hero raises to $10, 1 fold, Button raises to $54, Hero raises to $242.1 (All-In), Button calls $190.10.
Flop: ($488.20) 5d, 2c, 5s (2 players, 1 all-in)
Turn: ($488.20) Kd (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($488.20) Jd (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $488.20
Results below: Button has Qs 8s (one pair, fives). Hero has 9h 9d (two pair, nines and fives). Outcome: Hero wins $486.20. Button wins $2.

Well so much for applying ranges. I will do more tomorrow as for now i am going to work on some ranges with stove and PT.

Hi

Ok so no real reason for the title. Well I guess it is kinda like HI. Because I feel I need to say hello to poker again as it feels like it has been way to long. Personal shit had me not feeling so good about playing so I took a break. I did play a few small sessions but nothing spectacular. I have been doing a ton of studying the game though. I feel I lack a lot of the real solid fundamentals that make a winning player. 1st and foremost a good computer to work on. Sent the new/old one back. New one on the way. Please god let it work without any bs. Also been studying the shit out of the math side and working on getting super solid at hand ranges and knowing equity against them. Basically the biggest thing super solid winning players do that make them the shit. Also knowing villains range and then the range I am repping and wether or not I can push them off there range. Basically 3rd and 4th level shit. Fuck grinding away and playing super ABC poker. I mean shit that is my style and I will do that but I will also out play any reg that wants to go to war for my fish. I am back in a major way too. My reads are sick good right now and I think they will only be getting better. I will mostly be 4 tabling and occasionally that wil be 6 depending on how I feel. I think 4 will allow for some sick good poker.

I will post hands manana. I am OUT!

Winning session, losing session.

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Good poker, bad poker.

Its stupid how sometimes we play like the best poker of our lives. Its like you can see your opponents hole cards. Then other times when I allow my emotions to take over, which has been way to often lately, we suck. Here are two hands to show you what I mean.

Good: Villain was a 30/8/1 On the surface this hand looks self explanatory. I have AA bet all the way when in actuality I think many players check either the turn or river here. Villain tanked the turn call which told me there was no way in hell he had a flush and most likely had a medium strength Q. Also I knew if he C/R the turn I could fold without questioning if I was beat or not. On the river I make sure to bet the right amount to get value from his weak Q.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com

Hero ($216)SB ($349.35)BB ($206.52)UTG ($93.50)MP ($309.17)

Preflop: Hero is Button with As, Ac. 2 folds, Hero raises to $8, 1 fold, BB calls $6.
Flop: ($17) 8d, 4h, Qd (2 players)BB checks, Hero bets $14, BB calls $14.

Turn: ($45) 2d (2 players)BB checks, Hero bets $28, BB calls $28.

River: ($101) 9s (2 players)BB checks, Hero bets $54, BB calls $54.
Final Pot: $209

Results below: Hero has As Ac (one pair, aces). BB doesn't show. Outcome: Hero wins $209.


Bad: Villain in this hand is actually a good friend a memeber of the UF2B. He has been playing 10 tables at a time so his numbers are quite nitty. 18/12/2. In this spot I hate seeing the flop with so many players but I have to bet when it is checked to me. The sickest thing about this spot is before I bet I said something in chat to Jason about how sick he makes me. It was like I knew he out flopped me instinctually. Then he raises. If I put him on a CC range which raises my cbet on this board with 3 villains left to act this is the easiest fold in the book. I chose to jam my chips in the middle and hope for a miracle instead. HOW? WTF? That is letting my emotions play a roll in my decision making. Whenever I do this I go on a downswing and that is fact.


Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com

Button ($305.55)SB ($192.80)BB ($76)UTG ($100.70)MP ($154.10)Hero ($203.30)
Preflop: Hero is CO with Ad, Ac. UTG calls $2, MP calls $2, Hero raises to $12, Button calls $12, SB calls $11, 1 fold, UTG calls $10, MP calls $10.

Flop: ($62) 4s, 8h, 5h (5 players)SB checks, UTG checks, MP checks, Hero bets $38, Button raises to $116, SB folds, UTG folds, MP folds, Hero raises to $191.3 (All-In), Button calls $75.30.

Turn: ($444.60) Ks (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($444.60) Qd (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $444.60
Results below: Button has 4c 4h (three of a kind, fours). Hero has Ad Ac (one pair, aces). Outcome: Button wins $444.60.

Why?

Why havent I been posting in here more? I just noticed that August was the month I posted the most and coincidentally that was my best month ever. With that said I will try and review every session the morning after and post my big winners and losers. Mostly the losers unless I feel I really played a winner unorthodoxed. With that said I am currently having another rocky month with a graph that is insane. I will try and post it at the end of the month. Hopefully it will end with a sharp upward slope.

1: Villain was a mega fish and the reason I am on the table. This was actually the last hand of my session as I had to quit after this one. I had been check min raised by him before and he showed a bluff. Then this hand.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($483.45)SB ($15.15)BB ($451.24)UTG ($662.34)Hero ($269.55)
Preflop: Hero is MP with As, Ah. UTG posts a blind of $2. Hero raises to $10, 2 folds, UTG (poster) calls $8.
Flop: ($21) 8c, Qh, 8h (3 players)UTG checks, Hero bets $16, UTG calls $16.

Standard up to this point and I felt villain could have a Q here alot maybe an 8.

Turn: ($53) 8d (3 players)UTG checks, Hero bets $46, UTG raises to $92, Hero calls $46.

Now I think an 8 is almost impossible and I am hoping to get it in. I felt his line might be a bluff and I didnt want to blow him off it with what I felt was the nuts.

River: ($237) Ks (3 players)UTG bets $112, Hero raises to $151.55 (All-In), UTG calls $39.55.
Final Pot: $540.10
Results below: UTG has 9s 8s (four of a kind, eights). Hero has As Ah (full house, eights full of aces). Outcome: UTG wins $540.10.

Guess he had the 8.

2: Villain was something like 28/8/5. I hate calling a raise OOP here but it is min. I felt his range wasnt that wide so if I could hit a flop hard I would be able to stack him.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (5 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($344.10)SB ($702.85)BB ($326.35)UTG ($139.08)Hero ($231.05)
Preflop: Hero is MP with Jd, Qh. 1 fold, Hero raises to $8, Button raises to $16, 2 folds, Hero calls $8.
Flop: ($35) Td, 9c, 3c (2 players)Hero checks, Button bets $24, Hero raises to $80, Button raises to $272, Hero calls $135.05 (All-In).

Ok so I pretty much hate this line here. I felt villain had an over pair here like JJ+ and with that said I made this play thinking I really had no fold equity. In retrospect I like a C/F here. Honestly when I put in my raise I said to myself is this a good play if I have no FE?

Turn: ($522.05) 2s (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($522.05) 5c (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $522.05
Results below: Button has Jc Ac (flush, ace high). Hero has Jd Qh (high card, queen). Outcome: Button wins $522.04.

WOW I was shocked to see his hand.

3: Same villain as the last hand on a different table. Basically I felt he was capable of playing draws fast.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($433.95)SB ($76)BB ($321)UTG ($102.45)Hero ($222.90)CO ($531.25)
Preflop: Hero is MP with Ks, Kd. 1 fold, Hero raises to $8, CO calls $8, 1 fold, SB calls $7, 1 fold.
Flop: ($26) 7d, Jd, 6d (3 players)SB checks, Hero bets $20, CO raises to $48, SB folds, Hero calls $28.

With the K of diamonds in my hand I dont hate calling the flop but seeing that I thinik he playsd his draws fast isnt that more reason to eithert jam or fold? I basically at the time called to reeval the turn looking for a blank.

Turn: ($122) 7s (2 players)Hero checks, CO bets $45, Hero raises to $166.9 (All-In), CO calls $121.90.

Is this a blank? Whats with his bet size? Is that weakness? Or is he trying to suck me in? I jammed here against my gut knowing I was going to be shown better.

River: ($455.80) 3h (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $455.80
Results below: Hero has Ks Kd (two pair, kings and sevens). CO has 6c 6s (full house, sixes full of sevens). Outcome: CO wins $455.80.

It was him trying to suck me in. It worked.

4: So this guy is like a 40/20/3 Honestly I think some of these guys can be winners if they use good pot control. There stats and style allow them to get payed off by all types of players.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($215.45)SB ($160.50)BB ($140.70)UTG ($249.05)MP ($649)CO ($355.55)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Jc, Js. UTG raises to $8, 2 folds, Hero raises to $30, 2 folds, UTG raises to $60, Hero calls $30.

Min 4 bet? Are you serious? I think this is a huge hand or a complete bluff. Witht that said I think my line is horrible.

Flop: ($123) 2d, 8d, 7d (2 players)UTG checks, Hero calls $155.45 (All-In), UTG calls $155.45.

I think I should probably try and just check this hand down at this point. Shoving allows better to call and worse to fold. I dont know though.

Turn: ($433.90) 9c (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($433.90) Ah (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $433.90
Results below: Hero has Jc Js (one pair, jacks). UTG has Qc Qs (one pair, queens). Outcome: UTG wins $433.90.

Pretty sick!

5: Villain is a CR memeber running at 23/15/2 Honestly I think this p0lay is never made if I dont know that.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $2 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Hero ($200)SB ($255.55)BB ($234.30)UTG ($113.05)MP ($172.85)CO ($366)
Preflop: Hero is Button with Qh, As. 3 folds, Hero raises to $8, SB calls $7, BB raises to $38, Hero raises to $200 (All-In), SB folds, BB calls $162.

I felt villain could be squeezing here often. The only thing is I dont think that is the case as much as I would like to believe. It can be very frustrating though when you havent been running good and hands like AQ keep getting 3 bet. This was actually the start of my session and this was the 1st time I had been 3 bet. This shove is stupid though. If you think about the range that calls a 4 bet shove AQ has shit equity against it.
Flop: ($408) 7c, 5d, 8s (2 players, 1 all-in)
Turn: ($408) 2d (2 players, 1 all-in)
River: ($408) Ks (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $408
Results below: Hero has Qh As (high card, ace). BB has Ad Kh (one pair, kings). Outcome: BB wins $408.

To sum it all up I played pretty bad in big pots. This isnt how we win money at poker. Hopefully in the following days there will be less losers to post and some nifty winners to show off. Stay tuned.

My thinking on the game of poker

Poker by street

To really get in depth on the game of poker you have to start to think about your action on every street and why you take it. I don’t think many consider pre-flop to be a street but is the driveway leading to the streets. This is where you decide what car you will take out of the garage and drive down the street. Certain vehicles will serve you better on certain days. OK enough with the metaphorical thinking.

Pre-flop

Pre-flop: This is a loose guideline to pre-flop play. The biggest thing to consider pre-flop is your position and next your hand strength. The hands I outline are strictly for being 1st in as well as isolating weak limpers. Your 3 betting range whether it be 3 betting or calling a 3bet will be drastically different. All discussions from here on out pertain to 6-max strategy. I don’t feel a lot needs to be said about pre-flop strategy but I will touch upon the most important. Position is number one. Everyone knows this yet few utilize it to its fullest potential.

UTG and UTG+1: In order to get action and loosen up your image from these two spots opening all PP’s is quite effective. It is nice to mix in a random SC as well but not entirely necessary. Yet I think I rather raise 87s here then QJs because it is easier to play post flop OOP. As for non pairs Ajo+ and Kqs+ work well for me. If my table is tight and my image is well I will expand upon this range.

CO: This is when my range begins to open up as I will more times then not end up with position post flop and will be able to play my hand profitably against my opponent. Our range is all of the UTG & UTG+1 range plus SC down to 65 and off suit connectors down to 89. Also A9o+ and Kto+. This is where we can begin to utilize HUD number as well. If the BTN and blinds are tight we can open our range up more.

BTN: This is the whore of position. She spreads her legs for any two cards. Due to your position sometimes your cards are irrelevant. This is where good hand reading skills and shear aggression will win you the pot 9 times out of 10. You can raise a lot of suited junk here as well as any Ace as long as the blinds arent 3 betting you often.

3 betting: This is by no means the know all end all on 3 betting but rather some observations of my own. If you look at the range of hands I just said we should be raising from the CO and BTN position it is obvious that the majority of them cannot withstand a raise. Therefore I think 3 betting from the blinds is something that isn’t being done enough by the average player, including myself. The toughest thing about 3 betting from the blinds is it goes against the idea of position. This is again a spot where we can use are HUD numbers. If the PFR has a high attempt to steal which I believe is 20+ then we should be 3 betting lighter from the blinds. The majority of the time we should take the pot down pre-flop. Also if called we can C-bet and show a profit as well but I do believe our c-betting frequency should decrease in 3 bet pots when OOP.

When 3 betting IP I think we can stick to a pretty tight range depending upon our villains numbers. If villain looks tight then we shouldn’t be 3 betting light. If villain is loose then we should. Also you should be more apt to 3 bet a CO raiser light then a UTG or UTG+1 raiser due to the ranges we have discussed. With hands that flop well I tend to call IP against tight players rather then raise and open the door up for them to blow me off my hand. Calling IP also allows you to make moves post flop. Again HUD should show you villains c-bet number and if it 70+ we know that this villain is betting with air here often enough that a float or raise will show profit.

My goals up close

1. Play my A game at all times.

Obviously easier said then done and something everyone talks about. How do I achieve this goal? I need to create a routine and stick to it I believe. Not necessarily a set time I play and such but rather a ritual that I practice before every session so to get in the right frame of mind. I have written out a list which I will read before every session and I will as of today post to 3 CR posts in either Low or mid stakes prior to playing.

2. All decisions should be made for a reason.

This is something I struggle with sometimes. Making a decision to bet/check/fold without really thinking through it. I will make an attempt to conciously know why I am making the choice I am on every street.

3. 40K hands @ 5BB/100

This will require the above 2 as well as a solid work ethic. I must play 2k hands or more on days I play. I must no longer allow for tilt to be a part of my game. Last month I believe I could have played at a win rate of 5BB/100 but I allowed myself to tilt off several BI in diffwerent situations.

4. Take a shot at 400NL this month when the games look good.

Basically I will be datamining a few tables and keeping an eye out for some soft spots on the weekends. If my 200 game continues to improve I will have a solid roll and will take my stabs when I feel comfortable.

5. Use my time efficientluy to study the game if I am not playing.

No longer will I surf the net aimlessly. If I am infront of m,y computer I will be either studying or playing poker. I will only allow myself 1 hour a day for non poker related things. I strongly believe those who have success at this game didnt get there easy. It takes alot of hard work and dedication and the ability to never be satisfied.

A fresh start

Finally, I got a new computer. Therefore i will be starting my PT database fresh. I datamined all weekend while I was gone and got 60K hands. Also my numbers will be starting from scratch. Should be interesting to see how i do.

It is a new month so I should write up some goals real quick.

1. Play my A game at all times.
2. All decisions should be made for a reason.
3. 40K hands @ 5BB/100
4. Take a shot at 400NL this month when the games look good.
5. Use my time efficientluy to study the game if I am not playing.

I will go into more depth on these later.

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.

I suck!!!

This has been my worst month mentally. I literally came unglued and I finally realized it Thursday night. As enlightening as it is we will have to wait and see if I can get back on track. I vowed to take the weekend/end of month off. I will be starting fresh in October and will be posting my goals for the month on here before I start playing on Monday. Here are the big losers from Thursday. One good thing to take away from Thursday was I did manage to have a 1 buy in win at the 200s.

Hand 1: Vilain is 48/8 not sur4e of his AF.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($48.25)Hero ($199)BB ($16.05)UTG ($114.45)MP ($156.62)CO ($187)
Preflop: Hero is SB with Js, Ad. 1 fold, MP calls $1, CO calls $1, Button calls $1, Hero raises to $9, 1 fold, MP folds, CO calls $8, Button folds.

I still dont know about my SB play. In the past I think I just complete here and take the cheap flop as to avoid trouble spots OOP in big pots.
Flop: ($21) Kd, Td, 9d (2 players)Hero bets $14, CO calls $14.

Pretty good flop for my hand so I bet out.

Turn: ($49) Ac (2 players)Hero checks, CO bets $62, Hero calls $62.

I have no idea why I chose to check this turn as it has improved my hand that much more. When villain ove rbets the shit out of the pot I just lost it. I was pissed. Honestly I let my emotions get in the way of rational thinking. This is an easy fold as I have one pair and I am way behind such a large range of hands.
River: ($173) Tc (2 players)Hero checks, CO bets $51, Hero calls $51.
Final Pot: $275
Results below: Hero has Js Ad (two pair, aces and tens). CO has 7d 5d (flush, king high). Outcome: CO wins $275.

Oh and I won 1 pot over 50BB in 1k+ hands. This has been the toughest month of my life. I have played so poor and ran poor too. Those two combine have been a real struggle. September is behind me and I will be crushing again in October. See you then.

I am bringing it back!

I got very complacent in the month of August as I was destroying the game. Its funny because I know I am good at poker and the results show it, yet I still felt like I wasnt to special. I just didnt feel I was like this amazing player making all these insane plays and what not. In reality though I dont think thats what the game is about. The money is made when the chips are in the middle. That being the case you have to find ways to get it in when you are best. I know, ground breaking stuff right. Anyways I will elaborate on this idea at a later date. Here are some hands from yesterday.

Hand 1: Villain in this hand is a 41/13/3

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($64)Hero ($203)BB ($339.15)UTG ($72.80)MP ($139.30)CO ($45.40)
Preflop: Hero is SB with Ac, Jh. 4 folds, Hero raises to $4, BB calls $3.

BoB this is an easy raise.

Flop: ($8) 9h, Td, Ah (2 players)Hero bets $5, BB raises to $15, Hero calls $10.

I lead the flop and then villain types in chat "what you got?" and raises. I should have just folded then and there as this is a tactic I would employ with a monster. Right away this kinda ticked me off and I allowed my emotions to take over.

Turn: ($38) Ts (2 players)Hero checks, BB bets $15, Hero calls $15.

I dont hate my flop call but this is a fold. Yet it is hard because villain is a donk and BoB he could be playing back here with any Ax.

River: ($68) 2h (2 players)Hero checks, BB bets $40, Hero calls $40.

His river bet size is enough to allow me to fold here. But really the river card should have me shaking and this is an easy lay down. This is a fine example of poor poor poker playing by me. When you allow emotions to become involved in your decision making you will play losing poker.
Final Pot: $148
Results below: Hero has Ac Jh (two pair, aces and tens). BB has Th 9s (full house, tens full of nines). Outcome: BB wins $148.

Hand 2: No read on villain.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter, Courtesy of PokerZion.com
Button ($79.95)Hero ($206.05)BB ($50)UTG ($186.20)MP ($101.50)CO ($206)
Preflop: Hero is SB with 7d, 8h. UTG calls $1, 1 fold, CO calls $1, Button calls $1, Hero completes, BB checks.

This is an easy complete from the SB w/3 limpers
Flop: ($5) Ts, 8c, 7s (5 players)Hero bets $4, BB raises to $11, UTG folds, CO folds, Button folds, Hero calls $8.

Not an amazing flop but good enough. These flops have been giving me fits actually. I did speak with Dodgy and my crew and we agree that I should actually 3bet here and try and get it in now as 2p is so vulnerable and this board is so draw heavy. I decided to basically call and look to get it in on a safe turn
Turn: ($28) 3d (2 players)Hero checks, BB calls $37 (All-In), Hero calls $37.

Pretty safe turn and villain shoves. Only thing to do now is call.

River: ($102) 6s (2 players, 1 all-in)
Final Pot: $102
Results below: Hero has 7d 8h (two pair, eights and sevens). BB has Td 8s (two pair, tens and eights). Outcome: BB wins $102.

This month has been quite rough and I am working on fixing some leaks and putting my concentration back on hand ranges and developing solid hand reading skills. This blog will hopefully become the tool I use for that. Here is the thing that is prety sick is these are my two biggest losers from yesterday from a 600 hand session and some how I managed to drop 3BI 1 at 200NL and 2 at 100NL. I had 1 54BB winner and the next biggest is 16 LOL. Hopefully this will be turning around. I will mainly focus again on hands I lose and made poor decisions so to expose them and iron them out. If you read this sweet. If not oh well I am mainly doing this for myself.

Update

I think I will try and stick to most of my big losers where I could have not made a certain choice, as well as the big winners in which I made a solid play. Its been almost 8k hands since my last update.

Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (4 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com



Hero ($302.15)

SB ($200)

BB ($198.63)

UTG ($102)



Preflop: Hero is Button with Ah, As.

1 fold, Hero raises to $4, SB calls $3.50, 1 fold.



Flop: ($9) 5h, Jc, 2d (2 players)

SB checks, Hero bets $6, SB calls $6.

This was a snap call and I was sure he was on a J or a PP.



Turn: ($21) 9c (2 players)

SB checks, Hero bets $14, SB raises to $28, Hero raises to $56, SB raises to $185, Hero raises to $278.15 (All-In), SB calls $5 (All-In).

Villian insta min raises. I had just seen his SD numbers and came to the conclusion that he only got it in with big hands even though he was running 36/18 his WTSD was 20 and win was 70. I dont hate my 3bet I juts think once he 4 bets I have to realize one pair is dead and give this up.
Granted a better line might be to smooth call his min raise and call his river bet. Either way I lose way less.



River: ($489.15) 6h (2 players, 2 all-in)



Final Pot: $489.15

Villain had 2p J9


Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com



Button ($170.90)

SB ($263.76)

BB ($210.35)

Hero ($200)

MP ($176.85)

CO ($178.40)



Preflop: Hero is UTG with Ah, Kc.

Hero raises to $4, 1 fold, CO calls $4, 3 folds.



Flop: ($9.50) 5h, 3c, Kh (2 players)

Hero bets $6, CO raises to $12, Hero calls $6.
I had just ran KK into same villians AA and he min raised preflop so I had a note saying minraise=strength. Somehow I ignore this and decide I will call and C/R the turn.


Turn: ($33.50) Ks (2 players)

Hero checks, CO bets $15, Hero raises to $55, CO raises to $110, Hero raises to $184 (All-In), CO calls $52.40 (All-In).

Great turn, or is it? Again I dont hate my line but I should probably simply check call because the likeliness of him having the fourth King is super slim and the min raise on the flop says he has a monster. When he min 3 bets I think I can easily dump. Do you?



River: ($339.90) 2s (2 players, 2 all-in)



Final Pot: $339.90



Results in white below:

Hero has Ah Kc (three of a kind, kings).

CO has 3d 3h (full house, threes full of kings).

Outcome: CO wins $278.30. Hero wins $61.60.


Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com



Button ($200)

SB ($69.40)

BB ($58)

Hero ($204.35)

MP ($129)

CO ($63.55)



Preflop: Hero is UTG with Qd, As.

Hero raises to $4, MP calls $4, 4 folds.



Flop: ($9.50) 2h, Qh, 2c (2 players)

Hero bets $6, MP raises to $14, Hero calls $8.

Villian is 31/4/.8 I felt he makes this play with many weaker Q or a medium PP and I felt I could C/R on the turn with 100% confidence he doesnt have a 2.



Turn: ($37.50) 8d (2 players)

Hero checks, MP bets $15, Hero raises to $45, MP calls $30.

Everything is going according to plan. Hopefully he calls my river shove.



River: ($127.50) 4d (2 players)

Hero bets $67, MP calls $66 (All-In).

He calls now it is SD time.


Final Pot: $260.50



Results in white below:

Hero has Qd As (two pair, queens and twos).

MP has 8h 8c (full house, eights full of twos).

Outcome: MP wins $259.50. Hero wins $1.
Nice turn asshole! LOL

2 sessions in one.

Last night was my 1st night back after 2 days off and I came out playing super fast and aggro. Actually made a great call with AQ on he flop when fish shoved with J9 no pair. River was a 9 and honestly I was like semi tilt from that point on. The break fucked me up. Hopefully I wont be missing 2 days in a row anymore. I mean I played pretty solid but there were a few spots wher I didnt analzy the hand and just played my cards like a fish. Speaking of them here they are:


Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com



saw flopsaw showdown



Button ($74)

SB ($182.65)

BB ($44.90)

UTG ($103)

MP ($44.05)

Hero ($200)



Preflop: Hero is CO with Ah, Qc.

1 fold, MP calls $1, Hero raises to $5, Button calls $5, 2 folds, MP folds.



Flop: ($12.50) Jd, 6h, 4h (2 players)

Hero bets $8, Button calls $8.


He snap called my flop bet and I had him on a draw.


Turn: ($28.50) Ac (2 players)

Hero bets $18, Button raises to $36, Hero raises to $161, Button calls $25 (All-In).

This was a perfect turn for me except for when I get min raised. I am not sure I can do much about this here but I am hard on myself and I think maybe folding to his min raise is possible. He snap calls the flop and min raises the turn. To me that line screams Ax with a flopped pair and turned 2p. I think my only line here is to fold or shove because if I call I am commited to calling a river shove.



River: ($250.50) 9s (2 players, 1 all-in)



Final Pot: $250.50



Results in white below:

Button has Ad 6d (two pair, aces and sixes).

Hero has Ah Qc (one pair, aces).

Outcome: Button wins $150.50. Hero wins $100.



Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com



saw flopsaw showdown



Button ($97)

Hero ($199)

BB ($138.85)

UTG ($52.65)

MP ($75)

CO ($96.47)



Preflop: Hero is SB with Kd, Kh.

1 fold, MP calls $1, 2 folds, Hero raises to $5, 1 fold, MP calls $4.



Flop: ($11) Jc, 9h, Js (2 players)

Hero bets $7, MP calls $7.

Pretty standard C-bet.



Turn: ($25) 2d (2 players)

Hero checks, MP bets $7, Hero raises to $28, MP raises to $63 (All-In), Hero calls $35.

I hate my line here. I let the HUD stats get the best of me as vilian had major donk numbers. I check for pot control and he bets super small. I should simply call and check cakk the river. Instead I take the worse line and decide to C/R and commit myself basically. WTF am I doing. I played this hand perfect until I decide; "Oh he is a donk I am raising that weak turn bet."



River: ($151) Jh (2 players, 1 all-in)



Final Pot: $151



Results in white below:

Hero has Kd Kh (full house, jacks full of kings).

MP has Jd Ts (four of a kind, jacks).

Outcome: MP wins $151.


Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com



saw flopsaw showdown



Button ($87.50)

SB ($199)

BB ($64.90)

UTG ($98.40)

MP ($41.50)

Hero ($214.60)



Preflop: Hero is CO with Qd, Kh.

1 fold, MP calls $1, Hero raises to $5, 2 folds, BB calls $4, MP calls $4.



Flop: ($15.50) 5h, Qs, 7d (3 players)

BB checks, MP checks, Hero bets $12, BB raises to $23, MP folds, Hero raises to $131, BB calls $35.90 (All-In).

Really just a tough spot. I think a call of his flop C/R is best as the flop is so dry. Then evaluate the turn I guess. Honestly though this is just one of those spots where he simply outplayed me and his trap worked perfectly.



Turn: ($205.40) Js (2 players, 1 all-in)



River: ($205.40) 8s (2 players, 1 all-in)



Final Pot: $205.40



Results in white below:

BB has Ac Ah (one pair, aces).

Hero has Qd Kh (one pair, queens).

Outcome: BB wins $133.30. Hero wins $72.10.


Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com



saw flopsaw showdown



Button ($131.30)

SB ($118.34)

Hero ($261.05)

UTG ($119.91)

MP ($64.75)

CO ($33.50)



Preflop: Hero is BB with Ts, Th.

UTG calls $1, 3 folds, SB completes, Hero raises to $6, UTG calls $5, SB folds.



Flop: ($13) 4d, 6h, 4s (2 players)

Hero bets $8, UTG raises to $16, Hero calls $8.

This guy was a super fish and I called with the intention of C/R the turn.



Turn: ($45) 5s (2 players)

Hero checks, UTG bets $7, Hero calls $7.

WTF? I have no idea what happened to my plan to C/R.



River: ($59) Jd (2 players)

Hero bets $27, UTG calls $27.

Horrible river bet as I rarely get called by worse even though this guy is a fish. The problem was when he was checked to he usually bet really large so this was a value/blocker bet. sweet river card.



Final Pot: $113



Results in white below:

Hero has Ts Th (two pair, tens and fours).

UTG has Js 7c (two pair, jacks and fours).

Outcome: UTG wins $113.


Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com



saw flopsaw showdown



Button ($166.35)

SB ($210.85)

Hero ($226.50)

UTG ($159.82)

MP ($198.78)

CO ($229.26)



Preflop: Hero is BB with Tc, Ts.

1 fold, MP calls $1, 1 fold, Button calls $1, SB completes, Hero raises to $7, MP calls $6, Button folds, SB calls $6.



Flop: ($22) 8s, 2s, 4s (3 players)

SB checks, Hero bets $15, MP raises to $44, SB folds, Hero calls $29.

Again another mega donk. I didnt know what he makes this play with. i decided to call and get it in on a safe turn. Should I shove here? Should I fold?



Turn: ($110) 9s (2 players)

Hero checks, MP bets $27, Hero folds.

His bet is real fishy. I didnt like it at all and my Tens hit the muck.



Final Pot: $137



Results in white below:

No showdown. MP wins $137.


Absolute Poker No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (6 handed) Hand History converter Courtesy of PokerZion.com



saw flopsaw showdown



Button ($186.65)

SB ($47.35)

BB ($39)

UTG ($95.52)

Hero ($209.95)

CO ($70.40)

The villian in this hand had just folded to a flop c-bet and announced I wouldnt be able to buy every pot.

Preflop: Hero is MP with 5c, 5h.

UTG calls $1, Hero raises to $5, 2 folds, SB calls $4.50, 1 fold, UTG calls $4.

I am looking to bang a set here as he could be tilting and looking to make a play at me.



Flop: ($16) 3h, Th, 5s (3 players)

SB checks, UTG checks, Hero bets $12, SB folds, UTG calls $12.

Thats what i am talking about. I bet large and he calls.

Turn: ($40) 6c (2 players)

UTG checks, Hero bets $35, UTG raises to $78.52 (All-In), Hero calls $43.52.

I decide if I bet almost pot he will put me on a steal. At this point he starts tanking and I decide to entice a call with chat. I type; "Looks like I will be buying this one, LOL." He shoves. Oh I love it. This is why I think you have to keep chat on and be in tune to what the players are aying.



River: ($197.04) Ks (2 players, 1 all-in)



Final Pot: $197.04



Results in white below:

UTG has Qs Td (one pair, tens).

Hero has 5c 5h (three of a kind, fives).

Outcome: Hero wins $197.04.