I haven't posted in a few weeks because I moved to Twitch. So catch me Thursday and Sunday at 7pm pacific for my live streams. My channel is YourPokerStudent
I was trying to figure out a way to save hand histories so I could share them with you and came up with Twitch. When I stream you can see the hand as I play it (3 min delay) and I can also tell you what I am thinking at the time.
As I or a viewer brings up a leak in my game I will do some studying to try to plug it up and improve my game. So join me and let me know what I am doing wrong or right.
Thank you,
Scott
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Going Well
Have to work on my blog titles, didn't know what to call this. It is an update, but that is to broad of a title. "Going Well" is accurate and will have to do.
Made the first complete pass through the Upswing lab and put it into practice. The bankroll went all the way down to $50 dollar, maybe less, before I started to turn it around. Per the previous post, I dropped down to 20nl but I felt like that level wasn't sustainable. There weren't enough games, rake was very high, and I felt like the players, including myself, didn't care enough about the stakes to play correctly. So I redeposited to take advantage of the sites' matching deposit bonus and allow myself to play 50nl without fear of going broke each session. This turned out to be a good decision because they reduced the deposit bonus the next month and it did give me the comfort level to play 50nl. Disregarding the redeposit, I built the bankroll back up to ~$425. Proud of myself for not actually needing the new funds except for mental comfort. Still in the hole but digging out.
I strayed from my core plan of cash games and lost money on tournaments and even took a ill-advised shot at 100nl. I played some free and $1 tournaments without much luck. I bubbled on 2 tournaments that actually paid some money but almost doesn't count. The play and my mental state for these cheap tournaments was the same when I played 20nl. All in to build a stack and I got bored so I punted off my stack half way through the tournament. To make myself care about the tournament, I played a more expensive one with bigger payouts. I have to say it worked. I tried harder and was running an average stack most of the time. As we got closer to the money I lost AK against AQ when he flopped and turned a Q. Had I won the hand, I most likely would have made the money. My 100nl shot is much the same. AK against 53. He turned 2 pair on a A high board and I called him down for half my stack. Without these expensive learning experiences I would be doing even better.
After thinking about my goals, I decided to play only 50nl cash games until I get back to break even. A free tournament is fine but not even a $1 tournament and no shots at 100nl until then. I will also start my second pass of the Upswing Lab. Reinforcing what I learned and picking up any information I missed or didn't absorb the first time. I want to keep the momentum going and stay focused. I am seeing improvement in my game but I am not even back to break even Now is not the time to slack off.
Made the first complete pass through the Upswing lab and put it into practice. The bankroll went all the way down to $50 dollar, maybe less, before I started to turn it around. Per the previous post, I dropped down to 20nl but I felt like that level wasn't sustainable. There weren't enough games, rake was very high, and I felt like the players, including myself, didn't care enough about the stakes to play correctly. So I redeposited to take advantage of the sites' matching deposit bonus and allow myself to play 50nl without fear of going broke each session. This turned out to be a good decision because they reduced the deposit bonus the next month and it did give me the comfort level to play 50nl. Disregarding the redeposit, I built the bankroll back up to ~$425. Proud of myself for not actually needing the new funds except for mental comfort. Still in the hole but digging out.
I strayed from my core plan of cash games and lost money on tournaments and even took a ill-advised shot at 100nl. I played some free and $1 tournaments without much luck. I bubbled on 2 tournaments that actually paid some money but almost doesn't count. The play and my mental state for these cheap tournaments was the same when I played 20nl. All in to build a stack and I got bored so I punted off my stack half way through the tournament. To make myself care about the tournament, I played a more expensive one with bigger payouts. I have to say it worked. I tried harder and was running an average stack most of the time. As we got closer to the money I lost AK against AQ when he flopped and turned a Q. Had I won the hand, I most likely would have made the money. My 100nl shot is much the same. AK against 53. He turned 2 pair on a A high board and I called him down for half my stack. Without these expensive learning experiences I would be doing even better.
After thinking about my goals, I decided to play only 50nl cash games until I get back to break even. A free tournament is fine but not even a $1 tournament and no shots at 100nl until then. I will also start my second pass of the Upswing Lab. Reinforcing what I learned and picking up any information I missed or didn't absorb the first time. I want to keep the momentum going and stay focused. I am seeing improvement in my game but I am not even back to break even Now is not the time to slack off.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Reload
I deposited more money. It was in the back of my mind that if I don't win I will have to reload and I felt like it was affecting my play. The best way to correct this was to eliminate it. So I reloaded and that concern is now gone. I didn't go broke but I was down to around $100. I also wanted to take advantage of the 100% reload match.
I moved down to the 20nl tables but I couldn't find games as easily as the 50nl, so I move back up. WSOP.com has a limited player pool and 50nl seems to be the most sustainable level. I noticed many higher level players dropping down to play. The games seemed tougher then they should be and after seeing multiple high level players at the tables, it confirms my suspicions. I don't and can't, play at other sites living in Nevada, so I have to go with my experience on this topic.
I made it through a complete cycle of the the Upswing Lab. I would recommend this site to anyone who wants to improve their game. They present the information in a very easy to understand and logical way. I was able to apply what I learned and see it in action. I understand and feel much more confident in my play. I will go back and re-read every chapter again until I absorb every piece of information they offer.
Still tracking my losses and hopefully soon, wins. I am currently $ -720.00.
I moved down to the 20nl tables but I couldn't find games as easily as the 50nl, so I move back up. WSOP.com has a limited player pool and 50nl seems to be the most sustainable level. I noticed many higher level players dropping down to play. The games seemed tougher then they should be and after seeing multiple high level players at the tables, it confirms my suspicions. I don't and can't, play at other sites living in Nevada, so I have to go with my experience on this topic.
I made it through a complete cycle of the the Upswing Lab. I would recommend this site to anyone who wants to improve their game. They present the information in a very easy to understand and logical way. I was able to apply what I learned and see it in action. I understand and feel much more confident in my play. I will go back and re-read every chapter again until I absorb every piece of information they offer.
Still tracking my losses and hopefully soon, wins. I am currently $ -720.00.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Chasing
I continue to read and re-read the upswing lab material. I am still picking up little tid bits I missed the first time through while still filling in wholes in my poker understanding. For example, chasing draws. I was off on my odds for my draws. This could be why I have roller coaster poker results. A few sessions they come in and I will win big and the next few I miss and give it all back.
In case you are wandering, I am on a give it back cycle. My bankroll is down to just over $100. I tried doing some small tournaments to get a few hundred back quick but no luck. Did cash on a few free rolls for 4 to 8 cents but who cares.
Dropped down to 20nl and put the new knowledge to use. Chased less and changed up my betting. Was able to double the bankroll from 50 to 100 but 20nl is tough with players dropping down and high rake. I play 2 tables for 1 hour sessions and stop. Most of the time I am up or down less then $10. I am fighting the urge to re-deposit, as building a bankroll at 20nl is slow. Using it as a lesson in patience.
Tip. Browsing through the training videos there aren't many to choose from at the micro stakes on the training site. I turned to, Youtube, were there are more choices but suspect quality. I also found many are zoom tables or have multiple small screens going. It is hard to see and keep up with the action if you are really trying to learn.
The best I have found for me, have been Doug Polk's bankroll challenge videos. Some videos are tournaments but many are of him grinding out 20 and 50nl on WSOP.com. He is multi tabling but he only puts 1 table up on the screen at a time so you can see and follow the action. Although he does explain some of his thought process while he is playing, these videos aren't really training videos. They allow you to watch what he does and figure out some things on your own without him spoon feeding everything to you.
I am playing on WSOP.com so it is also a direct comparison to what I am seeing at the same stakes. It is also without HUDs. This takes away the crutches and make you draw on the material you are trying to learn. Lastly, this is as close to live games you can get on the internet. Playing live is my main goal once the pandemic is over, so this fits nicely into my plan.
In case you are wandering, I am on a give it back cycle. My bankroll is down to just over $100. I tried doing some small tournaments to get a few hundred back quick but no luck. Did cash on a few free rolls for 4 to 8 cents but who cares.
Dropped down to 20nl and put the new knowledge to use. Chased less and changed up my betting. Was able to double the bankroll from 50 to 100 but 20nl is tough with players dropping down and high rake. I play 2 tables for 1 hour sessions and stop. Most of the time I am up or down less then $10. I am fighting the urge to re-deposit, as building a bankroll at 20nl is slow. Using it as a lesson in patience.
Tip. Browsing through the training videos there aren't many to choose from at the micro stakes on the training site. I turned to, Youtube, were there are more choices but suspect quality. I also found many are zoom tables or have multiple small screens going. It is hard to see and keep up with the action if you are really trying to learn.
The best I have found for me, have been Doug Polk's bankroll challenge videos. Some videos are tournaments but many are of him grinding out 20 and 50nl on WSOP.com. He is multi tabling but he only puts 1 table up on the screen at a time so you can see and follow the action. Although he does explain some of his thought process while he is playing, these videos aren't really training videos. They allow you to watch what he does and figure out some things on your own without him spoon feeding everything to you.
I am playing on WSOP.com so it is also a direct comparison to what I am seeing at the same stakes. It is also without HUDs. This takes away the crutches and make you draw on the material you are trying to learn. Lastly, this is as close to live games you can get on the internet. Playing live is my main goal once the pandemic is over, so this fits nicely into my plan.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Still Learning
Following the new preflop charts helped tremendously. I can see how I was being pushed around before and I understand the concepts behind the actions. Some was faith and hope, but as it worked I gained more confidence.
I went on a good run of cards timed with the improvement in my game and almost made my bankroll back. Just when I was counting my money while sitting at the table, my luck ran out. I got into a half dozen or so spots that I thought my equity was better then it was and started loosing. Plugged the hands into Equilab and found my true equity was only 30%. Not the best investment to do multiple times. Not as bad as the first down swing but still hurts after battling back.
I went back to the training chapters and my notes and re-read. Went down to playing just 1 table and started to work through my spots. Started to come back but it is a slow climb. Have to put in the hands now to see where my next issue will pop up.
I went on a good run of cards timed with the improvement in my game and almost made my bankroll back. Just when I was counting my money while sitting at the table, my luck ran out. I got into a half dozen or so spots that I thought my equity was better then it was and started loosing. Plugged the hands into Equilab and found my true equity was only 30%. Not the best investment to do multiple times. Not as bad as the first down swing but still hurts after battling back.
I went back to the training chapters and my notes and re-read. Went down to playing just 1 table and started to work through my spots. Started to come back but it is a slow climb. Have to put in the hands now to see where my next issue will pop up.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Preflop Charts Everywhere
When I learned how to play poker, I found the preflop hand charts. There was a chart for each position. Just play these hands in these positions and you are your way to poker greatness. Not so much.
In my last post I started to touch on the questions these charts can't answer. Should I raise or call? He 3 bet me, now what?
The guys at Upswing took the time to create a chart for each of these questions and more. First in action, what I do if this or that position was first in the pot and now it is my turn, and if I am 3 bet, play these hands. They go on to 4 bet action but I ran out of room on the page. I cut and pasted each matrix and sized them so they could fit mostly to one page. They are even color coded to say sometime re-raise with this hand instead of calling. So very detailed. They took the time to review their hand results along with all the equity calculators out there to find optimal and deceptive plays so I didn't have to. That is what membership fees are for. lol
My goal isn't to blindly follow these new charts but to understand the theory behind how they made them. Thinking about why each hand is included and how to play it. Not just preflop but how it sets up the play on the remaining streets.
All these charts also broadens my thinking when it comes to preflop play. Play starts preflop not on the flop. There is no reason you can't semi bluff or out right bluff preflop, by raising. When you think about the hand ranges a position may play, you can make educated guesses about how your hand strength compares to theirs. If you think you are ahead, then raise. Preflop is the most creative part of the hand. The flop can make any hand great or bust. It is on the later streets you have to narrow your holdings to win the pot. Of course you can take these ideas to extremes but I know I have room to loosen up.
Excited to see how this new way of playing works. It looks like I will be playing more hands and 3 betting frequently. Will put more pressure on my post flop game so I don't go broke. Being able to fold will be very important when I miss the flop or am just beat.
In my last post I started to touch on the questions these charts can't answer. Should I raise or call? He 3 bet me, now what?
The guys at Upswing took the time to create a chart for each of these questions and more. First in action, what I do if this or that position was first in the pot and now it is my turn, and if I am 3 bet, play these hands. They go on to 4 bet action but I ran out of room on the page. I cut and pasted each matrix and sized them so they could fit mostly to one page. They are even color coded to say sometime re-raise with this hand instead of calling. So very detailed. They took the time to review their hand results along with all the equity calculators out there to find optimal and deceptive plays so I didn't have to. That is what membership fees are for. lol
My goal isn't to blindly follow these new charts but to understand the theory behind how they made them. Thinking about why each hand is included and how to play it. Not just preflop but how it sets up the play on the remaining streets.
All these charts also broadens my thinking when it comes to preflop play. Play starts preflop not on the flop. There is no reason you can't semi bluff or out right bluff preflop, by raising. When you think about the hand ranges a position may play, you can make educated guesses about how your hand strength compares to theirs. If you think you are ahead, then raise. Preflop is the most creative part of the hand. The flop can make any hand great or bust. It is on the later streets you have to narrow your holdings to win the pot. Of course you can take these ideas to extremes but I know I have room to loosen up.
Excited to see how this new way of playing works. It looks like I will be playing more hands and 3 betting frequently. Will put more pressure on my post flop game so I don't go broke. Being able to fold will be very important when I miss the flop or am just beat.
Monday, May 11, 2020
Going Up
Worked on my faith in my fellow players and got there more then half way. I did believe 60% of the time and my bankroll doubled. Yes, it was that low. Back up to 44% of starting size.
True to my personality, I lost faith a hand full of times and paid the price. It just seems amazing that they have it. You are sitting there and thinking, wouldn't it be great to have AA right now, then someone raises big and that is exactly what they have. To help my ego, I did have the good end of a flip or two and still lost.
As I write this I am thinking I am not looking at this properly. Most of these are preflop battles for stacks. I put the hands in the equity calculator after and I usually have the worse of it. Even against ranges. Not sure if no all in preflops are correct but I definitely need to reduce mine. I can think of several times I regret pressing that button. If I had believed I could be back to even by now.
I worked more on my post flop game Saturday. Trying to bet more for value instead of checking it down. This worked out very well. Playing less games gave me the time to think through the action and bet when I was ahead. It was usually small but every dollar helps.
In fact, bet sizing is another item I have been playing with. I found myself saying, If you bet it, they will call. This did work a few times and I caught a few non believers for big pots. I just bet very aggressively and they assumed I was trying to run them over. Most of the time I had been trying to bet just enough to give them bad odds to call. Don't know if this is the best way in these games. The players seem to read it as weakness to get to a cheap river. And then I am thinking I could have bet more.
Wow! Writing this out really shows me how many holes I have in my game. In conjunction with the number of hands you see playing on the internet, your errors really stand out if you look for them. Playing live at the local casino was giving me a false sense of my skill level.
I seem to have 1 reader and need your help. I want to record my sessions to review my hands since wsop.com doesn't support tracker software. What is a software that can record what is on my screen? There is a game recorder built into my computer but I can only record one table. I want to record what ever I see, even if I drag various windows on and off screen to look at different information. Any ideas?
True to my personality, I lost faith a hand full of times and paid the price. It just seems amazing that they have it. You are sitting there and thinking, wouldn't it be great to have AA right now, then someone raises big and that is exactly what they have. To help my ego, I did have the good end of a flip or two and still lost.
As I write this I am thinking I am not looking at this properly. Most of these are preflop battles for stacks. I put the hands in the equity calculator after and I usually have the worse of it. Even against ranges. Not sure if no all in preflops are correct but I definitely need to reduce mine. I can think of several times I regret pressing that button. If I had believed I could be back to even by now.
I worked more on my post flop game Saturday. Trying to bet more for value instead of checking it down. This worked out very well. Playing less games gave me the time to think through the action and bet when I was ahead. It was usually small but every dollar helps.
In fact, bet sizing is another item I have been playing with. I found myself saying, If you bet it, they will call. This did work a few times and I caught a few non believers for big pots. I just bet very aggressively and they assumed I was trying to run them over. Most of the time I had been trying to bet just enough to give them bad odds to call. Don't know if this is the best way in these games. The players seem to read it as weakness to get to a cheap river. And then I am thinking I could have bet more.
Wow! Writing this out really shows me how many holes I have in my game. In conjunction with the number of hands you see playing on the internet, your errors really stand out if you look for them. Playing live at the local casino was giving me a false sense of my skill level.
I seem to have 1 reader and need your help. I want to record my sessions to review my hands since wsop.com doesn't support tracker software. What is a software that can record what is on my screen? There is a game recorder built into my computer but I can only record one table. I want to record what ever I see, even if I drag various windows on and off screen to look at different information. Any ideas?
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