By Al Sousa
Posted
3/2/2007
If you read my history you all know I started playing on January 1st 2004. Most of the articles for this site are for limit holdem but I am updating and changing them to bring them up to date. I am also adding NL articles as well.
I have decided to keep a log of thought and lessons I learn to assist my readers in improving their game. I hope this will help many of you.
Starting in 2006 I decided to switch my game to no-limit holdem from limit. Personally I found the difference in skill is amplified between a poor player and a good player. One mistake in limit costs you a small amount, one mistake in no-limit costs you your stack. Also as a note when playing online or live I feel it is much cheaper to play no-limit if you are a skilled player playing in good games.
Lets say you play live for 30 hands an hour of $3/$6 limit holdem. Your expected return per hours here is around $20 at best vs the worst type of players. Usually it is $6-$12. You are paying 3 rounds of blinds totalling $27 an hour. Usually your stack to play is around $150-$200.
Playing $1/$2 NL holdem you play the same amount of hands and should have between a 75-100 big bet stack or $150-$200. Your return can vary greatly but your skill plays a much greater role in the amount of moey you make. It only costs you $9 an hour to play this game. For me it is the better choice.
Right now I focus my attention on NL multi-table tournaments and NL cash games. I hope my blog, can assist all of you in improving your game no matter what you play.
Although I focus mostly on NL holdem please remember that poker has many aspects. For me this is the formula to success in poker in a nutshell:
Discipline, Focus, Mathematics, Aggression, and Psychology.
Discipline: Know when to play, when to quit, when you are on tilit. Realize your environment, know how to prepare. Keep records and set a plan for success.
Focus: If you want to become good you have to pay attention to your game and others. Be reflective on the activities at the table and within yourself.
Mathematics: Understand the math behind the cards. Know where to play which hands, in what positions, and according to different circumstances. Know the odds. Your don't have to be a math expert to grasp this concept.
Aggression: Properly timed aggression is part of the key to poker success. If you play too timid you won't get action and will get moved off hands. If you play too aggressive you will have huge swings in your game and eventually be trapped. The right amount of aggression earns you the most money in the right pot and also saves you money in certain situations (most players don't realize that a raise sometimes can actually prevent you from losing more than a call).
Psychology: Understand your opponents and yourself. Most players are there to have fun and socialize. If they are making you money make it worth their while and keep them happy and the game fun. NEVER, EVER berate another player. Understand how they think and exploit it without them ever realize what you are doing. Personally I want to be everyone's friend at the table even though I am out for their money. |
