Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Pot Limit Omaha Book
When I was first approached to take part in a pre-release review and discussion of Tri "SlowHabit" Nguyen's upcoming eBook, The Pot-Limit Omaha Book: Transitioning From NLHE To PLO, I was pretty psyched. I'd followed the discussion about the NLHE book he wrote, co-authored by Cole "CTS" South, and the reviews of it were of high praise.
To be honest though, I didn't set the bar too high for this book before reading. The reason being is I've always been a little disappointed when I do. Most books end up just rehashing basic concepts, with little new content, so I end up taking very little from them. I can say with all honesty, this book goes above and beyond. Because there are so few PLO books, it's hard to compare this to anything. What I can say is The Pot Limit Omaha Book seems to start off where all others end.
The Pot-Limit Omaha Book: Transitioning From NLHE To PLO
by Tri "SlowHabit" Nguyen
To start off, there is basically no fluff in this book. It is 75 pages of pure content about how to play this high variance game and how to play it well. After a brief introduction, Tri gets right down to business in Chapter 2: Pre-Flop Play. In all honesty, this is the only section where you may be familiar with most of the content discussed, in some way or another. It's inevitable as pre-flop play only has so much that can be discussed that is original. But also notice that I said most, not all, because Tri managed to provide ideas that you won't see anywhere else as well expanding on previously discussed topics. When I got through the section on Calling 4-Bets, where he shows you how to calculate preflop equities necessary for proper post flop play(as I mentioned in a previous post), I knew that this book was different. I've never seen any aspect of this discussed and additionaly conveyed so it's easily understood through a series of graphs, useful equation templates and hand history examples. I was really looking forward to what was to come. SlowHabit finishes off the chapter with some great discussion of big cards and aces.
Chapters 3, 4 and 5 start to delve into a variety of aspects that are critical to successful PLO play. He starts Chapter 3: Key Concepts
by focusing on position. As it's pretty well known that position is important in just about every poker game, Tri enumerates how significant it really is in PLO by breaking down the different ways it can be utilized. He goes on to cover several other key concepts including bet-protection, value betting and bluffing, slow-playing and freerolling, as well as touching on realizing player tendencies and how to adjust your play accordingly. Chapters 4 and 5, Common Mistakes and Common Situations, go hand in hand. He touches on a variety of aspects including playing from the blinds, trouble hands and delves even further into understanding and taking advantage of +EV situations. Again in this section, there are concepts you may already familiar with. However, there are several that aren't often discussed and SlowHabit does a great job of breaking them all down so that they're easily understood and most importantly, easily adapted to your in game play.
At this point the book is half way over. My feelings about it were all positive, I felt like I was learning something new, but I still was wanting more. I had to put it on hold for a couple of days when some business matters popped up and during that time, I was reflecting on what I'd read. It was some great content, but I wasn't completely sure how significant is was going to be to actually improving my play. Learning new things and being able to utilize them are two different things. I then finished the book. While in the process I realized I had judged the information I'd absorbed too soon. It was all a lead in to be utilized with Chapters 5: Flop Play, 6: Turn Play and 7: River Play. I have one word to describe these 3 sections: RIDICULOUS. As in jaw-dropping ridiculous. As in WTF ridiculous. As in, I've never seen any of this discussed ridiculous. I'm not easily impressed, saying I was impressed here would be an understatement.
Tri starts Chapter 5 by discussing ranges and understanding your equity versus such ranges. Because you have 2 more cards than PLO, an opponents range in theory is much broader. Tri, through a variety of ways, enables you to break down and mimimize these ranges, allowing you to quickly understand where you stand. He breaks down flop texture and the relevancy of back door draws and blockers. He discusses c-betting, check-raising, and bluffing, while focusing through specific hand history examples on how and when to utilize these actions properly. While no play is set in stone, Tri provides the information needed to help you hopefully make the correct decisions. His equity examples are a great tool as well. They really pound home the concept.
Chapters 6 and 7 really compliment Chapter 5 and in some ways expand on ideas presented in Chapter 5. Chapter 7, because there are no more cards to come, is the shorter of the two. It primarily focuses on value betting, when and why, and bluffing. It's pretty straightforward stuff, but extremely important as this is where the bets are biggest and you may be stacking off. Chapter 6 on the other hand is much more in depth obviously and is filled with incredible content that WILL improve your game. Tri touches on a variety of aspects revolving around turn play, from bet-folding, fold equity and bluffing to marginal made hands and scare cards. The most interesting area I found was the discussion of Donk Betting and how to utilize it for value or as a semi-bluff/bluff. It is incredibly informative. Chapters 5-7 I feel are some of the most comprehensive discussions on post flop play ever put in print.
When I was finished with
The Pot-Limit Omaha Book: Transitioning From NLHE To PLO I felt like I'd just completed a solid coaching session, which I've never experienced with any type of poker book. Through his abilities to convey his thinking, utilization of hand histories and mathematical equations and overall understanding of PLO, Tri Nguyen has produced a PLO tool like no other. He helps you formulate a plan, preflop to the river, that enables you to have confidence that you'll be able to tackle any situation presented. I'd go so far to say if your game doesn't improve after reading this, you should quit. For a small to mid stakes player, this book will become a must. The only downside is the games are probably going to become a bit tougher, I'm glad I'm getting in now before it's too late.
I wanted to test my newfound knowledge with some actual play to see how if it really helped. Well, I've never felt as comfortable playing PLO, with virtually no instance where I felt overwhelmed and unsure. Thanks, Tri.
For more information, visit http://dailyvariance.com.
To be honest though, I didn't set the bar too high for this book before reading. The reason being is I've always been a little disappointed when I do. Most books end up just rehashing basic concepts, with little new content, so I end up taking very little from them. I can say with all honesty, this book goes above and beyond. Because there are so few PLO books, it's hard to compare this to anything. What I can say is The Pot Limit Omaha Book seems to start off where all others end.
The Pot-Limit Omaha Book: Transitioning From NLHE To PLO
by Tri "SlowHabit" Nguyen
To start off, there is basically no fluff in this book. It is 75 pages of pure content about how to play this high variance game and how to play it well. After a brief introduction, Tri gets right down to business in Chapter 2: Pre-Flop Play. In all honesty, this is the only section where you may be familiar with most of the content discussed, in some way or another. It's inevitable as pre-flop play only has so much that can be discussed that is original. But also notice that I said most, not all, because Tri managed to provide ideas that you won't see anywhere else as well expanding on previously discussed topics. When I got through the section on Calling 4-Bets, where he shows you how to calculate preflop equities necessary for proper post flop play(as I mentioned in a previous post), I knew that this book was different. I've never seen any aspect of this discussed and additionaly conveyed so it's easily understood through a series of graphs, useful equation templates and hand history examples. I was really looking forward to what was to come. SlowHabit finishes off the chapter with some great discussion of big cards and aces.
Chapters 3, 4 and 5 start to delve into a variety of aspects that are critical to successful PLO play. He starts Chapter 3: Key Concepts
by focusing on position. As it's pretty well known that position is important in just about every poker game, Tri enumerates how significant it really is in PLO by breaking down the different ways it can be utilized. He goes on to cover several other key concepts including bet-protection, value betting and bluffing, slow-playing and freerolling, as well as touching on realizing player tendencies and how to adjust your play accordingly. Chapters 4 and 5, Common Mistakes and Common Situations, go hand in hand. He touches on a variety of aspects including playing from the blinds, trouble hands and delves even further into understanding and taking advantage of +EV situations. Again in this section, there are concepts you may already familiar with. However, there are several that aren't often discussed and SlowHabit does a great job of breaking them all down so that they're easily understood and most importantly, easily adapted to your in game play.
At this point the book is half way over. My feelings about it were all positive, I felt like I was learning something new, but I still was wanting more. I had to put it on hold for a couple of days when some business matters popped up and during that time, I was reflecting on what I'd read. It was some great content, but I wasn't completely sure how significant is was going to be to actually improving my play. Learning new things and being able to utilize them are two different things. I then finished the book. While in the process I realized I had judged the information I'd absorbed too soon. It was all a lead in to be utilized with Chapters 5: Flop Play, 6: Turn Play and 7: River Play. I have one word to describe these 3 sections: RIDICULOUS. As in jaw-dropping ridiculous. As in WTF ridiculous. As in, I've never seen any of this discussed ridiculous. I'm not easily impressed, saying I was impressed here would be an understatement.
Tri starts Chapter 5 by discussing ranges and understanding your equity versus such ranges. Because you have 2 more cards than PLO, an opponents range in theory is much broader. Tri, through a variety of ways, enables you to break down and mimimize these ranges, allowing you to quickly understand where you stand. He breaks down flop texture and the relevancy of back door draws and blockers. He discusses c-betting, check-raising, and bluffing, while focusing through specific hand history examples on how and when to utilize these actions properly. While no play is set in stone, Tri provides the information needed to help you hopefully make the correct decisions. His equity examples are a great tool as well. They really pound home the concept.
Chapters 6 and 7 really compliment Chapter 5 and in some ways expand on ideas presented in Chapter 5. Chapter 7, because there are no more cards to come, is the shorter of the two. It primarily focuses on value betting, when and why, and bluffing. It's pretty straightforward stuff, but extremely important as this is where the bets are biggest and you may be stacking off. Chapter 6 on the other hand is much more in depth obviously and is filled with incredible content that WILL improve your game. Tri touches on a variety of aspects revolving around turn play, from bet-folding, fold equity and bluffing to marginal made hands and scare cards. The most interesting area I found was the discussion of Donk Betting and how to utilize it for value or as a semi-bluff/bluff. It is incredibly informative. Chapters 5-7 I feel are some of the most comprehensive discussions on post flop play ever put in print.
When I was finished with
The Pot-Limit Omaha Book: Transitioning From NLHE To PLO I felt like I'd just completed a solid coaching session, which I've never experienced with any type of poker book. Through his abilities to convey his thinking, utilization of hand histories and mathematical equations and overall understanding of PLO, Tri Nguyen has produced a PLO tool like no other. He helps you formulate a plan, preflop to the river, that enables you to have confidence that you'll be able to tackle any situation presented. I'd go so far to say if your game doesn't improve after reading this, you should quit. For a small to mid stakes player, this book will become a must. The only downside is the games are probably going to become a bit tougher, I'm glad I'm getting in now before it's too late.
I wanted to test my newfound knowledge with some actual play to see how if it really helped. Well, I've never felt as comfortable playing PLO, with virtually no instance where I felt overwhelmed and unsure. Thanks, Tri.
For more information, visit http://dailyvariance.com.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Couple of things in the works
Had alot going on the past few days between work, family, and poker. Went on a nasty little downswing that I compounded a bit with tilt/bad play. I've found how my TILT manifests itself, but unfortunately it isn't always evident when I'm experiencing it. Only after I've pulled back and relaxed do I have the clarity to see it. It comes down to....marginal spots. When I'm playing well, I play marginal hands and marginal spots correctly(debatable?). When I'm on tilt, I play these poorly and put myself in the position where I'm playing in them frequently. And when playing a game that is filled with marginal spots, it can become a serious, I.E. costly, problem. As a basic example, I end up valuing, thus playing, hands like AJ73ss the same as I would A246ds. See the difference?
I've had a few exciting developments involving poker in the past few days as well, one which is still tentative, so I won't get into it yet. The other, I can discuss and will be discussing further in the next couple of days.
The Pot Limit Omaha Book
What I can discuss. I was contacted by SlowHabit, a highly regarded mid and high stakes pro most recently known for Let There Be Range, the venerated eBook he wrote with Cole "CTS" South, and given the opportunity to participate in a pre-release review and discussion of his next eBook. The subject matter? PLO. I was psyched to say the least. I'm not done with it yet, and plan on doing a full review of it in a few days, but at this time, to say it's good, would be an understatement.
I was reading for a bit and then it hit me. I realized that I was actually learning something new. It was early on, in Chapter 2: Pre-Flop Play, in a discussion regarding equity and calling 4 bets. The author, through different equity calculations and graphs, shows a proper way to determine post flop EV versus a likely flop shove and how you should use this in your pre flop decision making. This is a theory that I have never seen discussed, let alone articulated, anywhere. And again, this is just in Chapter 2. Oh, Chapter 1 is the introduction.
Time to go. It's thundering, lightening, raining and hailing outside so if I lose power I want to make sure my laptop has plenty of juice.
I've had a few exciting developments involving poker in the past few days as well, one which is still tentative, so I won't get into it yet. The other, I can discuss and will be discussing further in the next couple of days.
The Pot Limit Omaha Book
What I can discuss. I was contacted by SlowHabit, a highly regarded mid and high stakes pro most recently known for Let There Be Range, the venerated eBook he wrote with Cole "CTS" South, and given the opportunity to participate in a pre-release review and discussion of his next eBook. The subject matter? PLO. I was psyched to say the least. I'm not done with it yet, and plan on doing a full review of it in a few days, but at this time, to say it's good, would be an understatement.
I was reading for a bit and then it hit me. I realized that I was actually learning something new. It was early on, in Chapter 2: Pre-Flop Play, in a discussion regarding equity and calling 4 bets. The author, through different equity calculations and graphs, shows a proper way to determine post flop EV versus a likely flop shove and how you should use this in your pre flop decision making. This is a theory that I have never seen discussed, let alone articulated, anywhere. And again, this is just in Chapter 2. Oh, Chapter 1 is the introduction.
Time to go. It's thundering, lightening, raining and hailing outside so if I lose power I want to make sure my laptop has plenty of juice.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Today
Full Tilt Poker Game #11314510595: Table Chip Jett - $8/$16 Ante $1.50 - Limit Stud H/L - 19:09:46 ET - 2009/03/24
Seat 1: tvmikey1 ($167.50)
Seat 3: Esther Rossi ($534)
Seat 5: kw2370 ($74)
Seat 6: 10731 ($314)
Seat 7: Zophar ($326)
Seat 8: clowne22 ($261.50)
Zophar antes $1.50
10731 antes $1.50
tvmikey1 antes $1.50
clowne22 antes $1.50
kw2370 antes $1.50
Esther Rossi antes $1.50
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to tvmikey1 [5h]
Dealt to Esther Rossi [2h]
Dealt to kw2370 [As]
Dealt to 10731 [Ts]
Dealt to Zophar [4d 8c] [5d]
Dealt to clowne22 [3d]
Esther Rossi is low with [2h]
Esther Rossi brings in for $2
kw2370 folds
10731 folds
Zophar completes it to $8
clowne22 calls $8
tvmikey1 raises to $16
Esther Rossi calls $14
Zophar calls $8
clowne22 calls $8
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to tvmikey1 [5h] [8s]
Dealt to Esther Rossi [2h] [2s]
Dealt to Zophar [4d 8c 5d] [3s]
Dealt to clowne22 [3d] [3c]
clowne22 bets $8
tvmikey1 raises to $16
Esther Rossi folds
Zophar calls $16
clowne22 calls $8
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to tvmikey1 [5h 8s] [Qs]
Dealt to Zophar [4d 8c 5d 3s] [6s]
Dealt to clowne22 [3d 3c] [7d]
clowne22 checks
tvmikey1 checks
Zophar bets $16
clowne22 calls $16
tvmikey1 calls $16
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to tvmikey1 [5h 8s Qs] [7h]
Dealt to Zophar [4d 8c 5d 3s 6s] [2d]
Dealt to clowne22 [3d 3c 7d] [Th]
clowne22 checks
tvmikey1 checks
Zophar bets $16
clowne22 calls $16
tvmikey1 calls $16
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to Zophar [4d 8c 5d 3s 6s 2d] [6d]
clowne22 checks
tvmikey1 checks
Zophar bets $16
clowne22 raises to $32
tvmikey1 folds
Zophar raises to $48
clowne22 calls $16
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Zophar shows [8c 6d 5d 3s 6s 2d 4d] a straight, Six high, for high and 6,5,4,3,2, for low
clowne22 mucks
Zophar wins the high pot ($155) with a straight, Six high
Zophar wins the low pot ($155) with 6,5,4,3,2
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $313 | Rake $3
Seat 1: tvmikey1 folded on 7th St.
Seat 3: Esther Rossi folded on 4th St.
Seat 5: kw2370 folded on 3rd St.
Seat 6: 10731 folded on 3rd St.
Seat 7: Zophar showed [8c 6d 5d 3s 6s 2d 4d] and won ($310) with HI: a straight, Six high; LO: 6,5,4,3,2
Seat 8: clowne22 mucked [Ac 4h 3d 3c 7d Th 4c] - HI: two pair, Fours and Threes
Monday, March 23, 2009
Home game fun, aka live poker is rigged
About every month and a half or so we have a home game where we play a couple of $20, 9 or 10 man S&G's. Occasionally we play cash, dealers choice, but not this past friday night. It was the usual crowd of 9, a couple of droolers, a few semi-competent players that don't understand beyond A of ABC, a couple of gamblers and me.
Things started out fine, picked up a couple of pots w/position raises preflop and chipped up from my starting stack of 4500 up to 5500. Blinds had moved up to 100/200, UTG and UTG +1 limp, and I pick up KcKd in the CO. I make it 900. SB comes over the top for 3700 total, it folds around to me and I snap call. SB shows 2h 2c. Sweet, I think to myself. Flop comes Qs Jd 3d. Turn 7d. I say, "he has one card, the 2d makes the flush". River 2s. WTF!? Sigh. I count my measly chips, trying to avoid tilting, fold the next hand and go for a smoke.
I came back in, somewhat cooled down and got back to it. A couple of hands later I overshoved a couple of limpers w/suited connectors, I figure I have pretty good equity and I was chipping up almost 4 to 1, and end up getting called by QJo. Flop was paired, no draws, turn another blank, river I hit an 8 and I'm right back in it. Over the next hour I crushed souls and took it down. One point during HU, I was about a 10 to 1 dog after a big all in, not even enough to cover the BB. I won every hand after that. The following tourney went on to crush again.
Overall, I was really happy with my play. I was comfortable and confident and I feel like I really made some good decisions. I'd like to play more live. Between comments and actions, many people pretty much play their hands face up.
Things started out fine, picked up a couple of pots w/position raises preflop and chipped up from my starting stack of 4500 up to 5500. Blinds had moved up to 100/200, UTG and UTG +1 limp, and I pick up KcKd in the CO. I make it 900. SB comes over the top for 3700 total, it folds around to me and I snap call. SB shows 2h 2c. Sweet, I think to myself. Flop comes Qs Jd 3d. Turn 7d. I say, "he has one card, the 2d makes the flush". River 2s. WTF!? Sigh. I count my measly chips, trying to avoid tilting, fold the next hand and go for a smoke.
I came back in, somewhat cooled down and got back to it. A couple of hands later I overshoved a couple of limpers w/suited connectors, I figure I have pretty good equity and I was chipping up almost 4 to 1, and end up getting called by QJo. Flop was paired, no draws, turn another blank, river I hit an 8 and I'm right back in it. Over the next hour I crushed souls and took it down. One point during HU, I was about a 10 to 1 dog after a big all in, not even enough to cover the BB. I won every hand after that. The following tourney went on to crush again.
Overall, I was really happy with my play. I was comfortable and confident and I feel like I really made some good decisions. I'd like to play more live. Between comments and actions, many people pretty much play their hands face up.
Hakuna Matata, bitchez
FullTiltPoker Game #11283497250: Table Neurath (edu) - $1/$2 - Pot Limit Omaha H/L - 22:51:06 ET - 2009/03/22
Seat 1: UFPokerAce ($144.50)
Seat 2: patek17 ($317.95)
Seat 3: Zophar ($206.15)
Seat 4: blu man grp ($81.50)
Seat 5: wildting ($35)
Seat 6: moneytoburn1 ($266.20)
Seat 7: ontario_j ($249.85)
Seat 8: june32 ($77.55)
Seat 9: clown god ($202.90)
UFPokerAce posts the small blind of $1
patek17 posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Zophar [Ah Td 2h Ad]
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar calls $2
blu man grp folds
wildting folds
moneytoburn1 folds
blu man grp adds $6.45
ontario_j folds
june32 folds
clown god folds
UFPokerAce folds
patek17 raises to $7
Zophar raises to $22
patek17 raises to $67
Zophar raises to $202
patek17 raises to $317.95, and is all in
Zophar calls $4.15, and is all in
patek17 shows [Ac As 3d 2d]
Zophar shows [Ah Td 2h Ad]
Uncalled bet of $111.80 returned to patek17
*** FLOP *** [6d 8s Kd]
*** TURN *** [6d 8s Kd] [Jc]
*** RIVER *** [6d 8s Kd Jc] [Qs]
patek17 shows a pair of Aces, for high
Zophar shows a straight, Ace high, for high
Zophar wins the pot ($410.30) with a straight, Ace high
No low hand qualified
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $413.30 | Rake $3
Board: [6d 8s Kd Jc Qs]
Seat 1: UFPokerAce (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 2: patek17 (big blind) showed [Ac As 3d 2d] and lost with HI: a pair of Aces
Seat 3: Zophar showed [Ah Td 2h Ad] and won ($410.30) with HI: a straight, Ace high
Seat 4: blu man grp didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: wildting didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: moneytoburn1 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: ontario_j didn't bet (folded)
Seat 8: june32 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: clown god (button) didn't bet (folded)
FullTiltPoker Game #11229079616: Table Zi (edu, 6 max) - $0.50/$1 - Pot Limit Omaha H/L - 21:01:06 ET - 2009/03/19
Seat 1: rummyman ($119.45)
Seat 2: Zophar ($100)
Seat 3: Captain N Coke1 ($54.40)
Seat 4: Mister Bacio ($50.20)
Seat 5: smoknprofits ($64.60)
Seat 6: shepdog1957 ($75.65)
smoknprofits posts the small blind of $0.50
shepdog1957 posts the big blind of $1
The button is in seat #4
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Zophar [6s Ah 3c 4d]
rummyman folds
Zophar raises to $2.25
Captain N Coke1 folds
Mister Bacio calls $2.25
smoknprofits folds
shepdog1957 calls $1.25
*** FLOP *** [As 5d Ac]
shepdog1957 has 15 seconds left to act
shepdog1957 bets $7.25
Zophar calls $7.25
Mister Bacio folds
*** TURN *** [As 5d Ac] [8c]
shepdog1957 checks
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar bets $17.85
shepdog1957 calls $17.85
*** RIVER *** [As 5d Ac 8c] [3h]
shepdog1957 checks
Zophar bets $57.45
shepdog1957 calls $48.30, and is all in
Uncalled bet of $9.15 returned to Zophar
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Zophar shows [6s Ah 3c 4d] a full house, Aces full of Threes, for high and 6,5,4,3,A, for low
shepdog1957 mucks
Zophar wins the high pot ($75.55) with a full house, Aces full of Threes
Zophar wins the low pot ($75.50) with 6,5,4,3,A
shepdog1957 is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $154.05 | Rake $3
Board: [As 5d Ac 8c 3h]
Seat 1: rummyman didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: Zophar showed [6s Ah 3c 4d] and won ($151.05) with HI: a full house, Aces full of Threes; LO: 6,5,4,3,A
Seat 3: Captain N Coke1 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: Mister Bacio (button) folded on the Flop
Seat 5: smoknprofits (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 6: shepdog1957 (big blind) mucked [Ad Th Kh 7d] - HI: three of a kind, Aces; LO: 8,7,5,3,A
Seat 1: UFPokerAce ($144.50)
Seat 2: patek17 ($317.95)
Seat 3: Zophar ($206.15)
Seat 4: blu man grp ($81.50)
Seat 5: wildting ($35)
Seat 6: moneytoburn1 ($266.20)
Seat 7: ontario_j ($249.85)
Seat 8: june32 ($77.55)
Seat 9: clown god ($202.90)
UFPokerAce posts the small blind of $1
patek17 posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Zophar [Ah Td 2h Ad]
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar calls $2
blu man grp folds
wildting folds
moneytoburn1 folds
blu man grp adds $6.45
ontario_j folds
june32 folds
clown god folds
UFPokerAce folds
patek17 raises to $7
Zophar raises to $22
patek17 raises to $67
Zophar raises to $202
patek17 raises to $317.95, and is all in
Zophar calls $4.15, and is all in
patek17 shows [Ac As 3d 2d]
Zophar shows [Ah Td 2h Ad]
Uncalled bet of $111.80 returned to patek17
*** FLOP *** [6d 8s Kd]
*** TURN *** [6d 8s Kd] [Jc]
*** RIVER *** [6d 8s Kd Jc] [Qs]
patek17 shows a pair of Aces, for high
Zophar shows a straight, Ace high, for high
Zophar wins the pot ($410.30) with a straight, Ace high
No low hand qualified
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $413.30 | Rake $3
Board: [6d 8s Kd Jc Qs]
Seat 1: UFPokerAce (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 2: patek17 (big blind) showed [Ac As 3d 2d] and lost with HI: a pair of Aces
Seat 3: Zophar showed [Ah Td 2h Ad] and won ($410.30) with HI: a straight, Ace high
Seat 4: blu man grp didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: wildting didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: moneytoburn1 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: ontario_j didn't bet (folded)
Seat 8: june32 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 9: clown god (button) didn't bet (folded)
FullTiltPoker Game #11229079616: Table Zi (edu, 6 max) - $0.50/$1 - Pot Limit Omaha H/L - 21:01:06 ET - 2009/03/19
Seat 1: rummyman ($119.45)
Seat 2: Zophar ($100)
Seat 3: Captain N Coke1 ($54.40)
Seat 4: Mister Bacio ($50.20)
Seat 5: smoknprofits ($64.60)
Seat 6: shepdog1957 ($75.65)
smoknprofits posts the small blind of $0.50
shepdog1957 posts the big blind of $1
The button is in seat #4
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Zophar [6s Ah 3c 4d]
rummyman folds
Zophar raises to $2.25
Captain N Coke1 folds
Mister Bacio calls $2.25
smoknprofits folds
shepdog1957 calls $1.25
*** FLOP *** [As 5d Ac]
shepdog1957 has 15 seconds left to act
shepdog1957 bets $7.25
Zophar calls $7.25
Mister Bacio folds
*** TURN *** [As 5d Ac] [8c]
shepdog1957 checks
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar bets $17.85
shepdog1957 calls $17.85
*** RIVER *** [As 5d Ac 8c] [3h]
shepdog1957 checks
Zophar bets $57.45
shepdog1957 calls $48.30, and is all in
Uncalled bet of $9.15 returned to Zophar
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Zophar shows [6s Ah 3c 4d] a full house, Aces full of Threes, for high and 6,5,4,3,A, for low
shepdog1957 mucks
Zophar wins the high pot ($75.55) with a full house, Aces full of Threes
Zophar wins the low pot ($75.50) with 6,5,4,3,A
shepdog1957 is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $154.05 | Rake $3
Board: [As 5d Ac 8c 3h]
Seat 1: rummyman didn't bet (folded)
Seat 2: Zophar showed [6s Ah 3c 4d] and won ($151.05) with HI: a full house, Aces full of Threes; LO: 6,5,4,3,A
Seat 3: Captain N Coke1 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: Mister Bacio (button) folded on the Flop
Seat 5: smoknprofits (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 6: shepdog1957 (big blind) mucked [Ad Th Kh 7d] - HI: three of a kind, Aces; LO: 8,7,5,3,A
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Big bet O8 is fun
I wish it was always this easy. Stacking off for only a chance at half.
FullTiltPoker Game #11125950233: Table Twin Lakes - $0.50/$1 - Pot Limit Omaha H/L - 22:15:16 ET - 2009/03/13
Seat 1: ray918273 ($109.35)
Seat 2: BogeyGolfer ($30.05)
Seat 3: TheRipcurl ($96.70)
Seat 4: chiseler1 ($39)
Seat 5: Agran05 ($61.50)
Seat 6: oupaintball9 ($57.35)
Seat 7: TheMatrix5 ($75.80)
Seat 8: 1stock1 ($158.55)
Seat 9: Zophar ($108.15)
ray918273 posts the small blind of $0.50
BogeyGolfer posts the big blind of $1
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Zophar [8c Ac 4h 9h]
TheRipcurl folds
chiseler1 folds
Agran05 folds
oupaintball9 folds
TheMatrix5 calls $1
1stock1 calls $1
Zophar calls $1
ray918273 calls $0.50
BogeyGolfer checks
*** FLOP *** [5s 3h 2c]
oupaintball9 stands up
ray918273 checks
BogeyGolfer checks
TheMatrix5 checks
1stock1 bets $5
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar raises to $20
ray918273 folds
BogeyGolfer folds
TheMatrix5 folds
Ronjohn adds $30
1stock1 has 15 seconds left to act
1stock1 raises to $35
Zophar raises to $107.15, and is all in
1stock1 calls $72.15
Zophar shows [8c Ac 4h 9h]
1stock1 shows [2h 6s Js 2d]
*** TURN *** [5s 3h 2c] [Qs]
*** RIVER *** [5s 3h 2c Qs] [Tc]
Zophar shows a straight, Five high, for high and 5,4,3,2,A, for low
1stock1 shows three of a kind, Twos, for high
Zophar wins the high pot ($108.15) with a straight, Five high
Zophar wins the low pot ($108.15) with 5,4,3,2,A
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $219.30 | Rake $3
Board: [5s 3h 2c Qs Tc]
Seat 1: ray918273 (small blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 2: BogeyGolfer (big blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 3: TheRipcurl didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: chiseler1 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: Agran05 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: oupaintball9 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: TheMatrix5 folded on the Flop
Seat 8: 1stock1 showed [2h 6s Js 2d] and lost with HI: three of a kind, Twos
Seat 9: Zophar (button) showed [8c Ac 4h 9h] and won ($216.30) with HI: a straight, Five high; LO: 5,4,3,2,A
I made a couple of mistakes in this hand. I don't have a problem with the min 3bet so much, as most non aces won't 4bet. What I don't like is I didn't have a plan for a 4bet and just flatted, I probably should have just gotten it in then. There are alot of flops I can't call on even though I still have the equity. This flop fell real nice, epecially if he has aces.
FullTiltPoker Game #11170860316: Table Tulane (6 max) - $1/$2 - Pot Limit Omaha H/L - 12:51:20 ET - 2009/03/16
Seat 1: Zophar ($248.50)
Seat 2: HEDOYMOK ($244.65)
Seat 3: Spicoli19 ($33.05)
Seat 4: THANKS_4_CASH ($152.60)
Seat 5: LeeFrankel ($132.50)
Seat 6: stockticker33 ($241)
stockticker33 posts the small blind of $1
Zophar posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Zophar [8c Ac 2d 6s]
HEDOYMOK folds
Spicoli19 folds
THANKS_4_CASH folds
LeeFrankel folds
stockticker33 calls $1
Zophar raises to $6
stockticker33 raises to $10
Zophar raises to $20
stockticker33 raises to $60
Zophar calls $40
*** FLOP *** [8d 2s 4c]
stockticker33 bets $120
Zophar raises to $188.50, and is all in
stockticker33 calls $61, and is all in
Zophar shows [8c Ac 2d 6s]
stockticker33 shows [5s 9s 6d Jd]
Uncalled bet of $7.50 returned to Zophar
*** TURN *** [8d 2s 4c] [9c]
*** RIVER *** [8d 2s 4c 9c] [Ts]
Zophar shows two pair, Eights and Twos, for high and 8,6,4,2,A, for low
stockticker33 shows a pair of Nines, for high and 8,6,5,4,2, for low
Zophar wins the high pot ($239.50) with two pair, Eights and Twos
Zophar wins the low pot ($239.50) with 8,6,4,2,A
stockticker33 is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $482 | Rake $3
Board: [8d 2s 4c 9c Ts]
Seat 1: Zophar (big blind) showed [8c Ac 2d 6s] and won ($479) with HI: two pair, Eights and Twos; LO: 8,6,4,2,A
Seat 2: HEDOYMOK didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: Spicoli19 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: THANKS_4_CASH didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: LeeFrankel (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: stockticker33 (small blind) showed [5s 9s 6d Jd] and lost with HI: a pair of Nines; LO: 8,6,5,4,2
Weee
FullTiltPoker Game #11170707232: Table Tulane (6 max) - $1/$2 - Pot Limit Omaha H/L - 12:37:58 ET - 2009/03/16
Seat 1: Zophar ($182)
Seat 2: HEDOYMOK ($249.10)
Seat 3: Spicoli19 ($198.50)
Seat 4: THANKS_4_CASH ($153.90)
Seat 5: LeeFrankel ($83.75)
Seat 6: stockticker33 ($207.40)
THANKS_4_CASH posts the small blind of $1
LeeFrankel posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #3
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Zophar [Qs Ad 2c Tc]
stockticker33 calls $2
Zophar calls $2
HEDOYMOK folds
Spicoli19 raises to $11
THANKS_4_CASH folds
LeeFrankel has 15 seconds left to act
LeeFrankel folds
stockticker33 calls $9
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar calls $9
*** FLOP *** [7s 9h 5d]
stockticker33 checks
Zophar checks
Spicoli19 has 15 seconds left to act
Spicoli19 bets $18
stockticker33 calls $18
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar calls $18
*** TURN *** [7s 9h 5d] [Jh]
stockticker33 checks
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar bets $78
Spicoli19 has 15 seconds left to act
Spicoli19 has requested TIME
Spicoli19 folds
stockticker33 folds
Uncalled bet of $78 returned to Zophar
Zophar mucks
Zophar wins the pot ($87)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $90 | Rake $3
Board: [7s 9h 5d Jh]
Seat 1: Zophar collected ($87), mucked
Seat 2: HEDOYMOK didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: Spicoli19 (button) folded on the Turn
Seat 4: THANKS_4_CASH (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 5: LeeFrankel (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 6: stockticker33 folded on the Turn
FullTiltPoker Game #11125950233: Table Twin Lakes - $0.50/$1 - Pot Limit Omaha H/L - 22:15:16 ET - 2009/03/13
Seat 1: ray918273 ($109.35)
Seat 2: BogeyGolfer ($30.05)
Seat 3: TheRipcurl ($96.70)
Seat 4: chiseler1 ($39)
Seat 5: Agran05 ($61.50)
Seat 6: oupaintball9 ($57.35)
Seat 7: TheMatrix5 ($75.80)
Seat 8: 1stock1 ($158.55)
Seat 9: Zophar ($108.15)
ray918273 posts the small blind of $0.50
BogeyGolfer posts the big blind of $1
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Zophar [8c Ac 4h 9h]
TheRipcurl folds
chiseler1 folds
Agran05 folds
oupaintball9 folds
TheMatrix5 calls $1
1stock1 calls $1
Zophar calls $1
ray918273 calls $0.50
BogeyGolfer checks
*** FLOP *** [5s 3h 2c]
oupaintball9 stands up
ray918273 checks
BogeyGolfer checks
TheMatrix5 checks
1stock1 bets $5
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar raises to $20
ray918273 folds
BogeyGolfer folds
TheMatrix5 folds
Ronjohn adds $30
1stock1 has 15 seconds left to act
1stock1 raises to $35
Zophar raises to $107.15, and is all in
1stock1 calls $72.15
Zophar shows [8c Ac 4h 9h]
1stock1 shows [2h 6s Js 2d]
*** TURN *** [5s 3h 2c] [Qs]
*** RIVER *** [5s 3h 2c Qs] [Tc]
Zophar shows a straight, Five high, for high and 5,4,3,2,A, for low
1stock1 shows three of a kind, Twos, for high
Zophar wins the high pot ($108.15) with a straight, Five high
Zophar wins the low pot ($108.15) with 5,4,3,2,A
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $219.30 | Rake $3
Board: [5s 3h 2c Qs Tc]
Seat 1: ray918273 (small blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 2: BogeyGolfer (big blind) folded on the Flop
Seat 3: TheRipcurl didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: chiseler1 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: Agran05 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: oupaintball9 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 7: TheMatrix5 folded on the Flop
Seat 8: 1stock1 showed [2h 6s Js 2d] and lost with HI: three of a kind, Twos
Seat 9: Zophar (button) showed [8c Ac 4h 9h] and won ($216.30) with HI: a straight, Five high; LO: 5,4,3,2,A
I made a couple of mistakes in this hand. I don't have a problem with the min 3bet so much, as most non aces won't 4bet. What I don't like is I didn't have a plan for a 4bet and just flatted, I probably should have just gotten it in then. There are alot of flops I can't call on even though I still have the equity. This flop fell real nice, epecially if he has aces.
FullTiltPoker Game #11170860316: Table Tulane (6 max) - $1/$2 - Pot Limit Omaha H/L - 12:51:20 ET - 2009/03/16
Seat 1: Zophar ($248.50)
Seat 2: HEDOYMOK ($244.65)
Seat 3: Spicoli19 ($33.05)
Seat 4: THANKS_4_CASH ($152.60)
Seat 5: LeeFrankel ($132.50)
Seat 6: stockticker33 ($241)
stockticker33 posts the small blind of $1
Zophar posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Zophar [8c Ac 2d 6s]
HEDOYMOK folds
Spicoli19 folds
THANKS_4_CASH folds
LeeFrankel folds
stockticker33 calls $1
Zophar raises to $6
stockticker33 raises to $10
Zophar raises to $20
stockticker33 raises to $60
Zophar calls $40
*** FLOP *** [8d 2s 4c]
stockticker33 bets $120
Zophar raises to $188.50, and is all in
stockticker33 calls $61, and is all in
Zophar shows [8c Ac 2d 6s]
stockticker33 shows [5s 9s 6d Jd]
Uncalled bet of $7.50 returned to Zophar
*** TURN *** [8d 2s 4c] [9c]
*** RIVER *** [8d 2s 4c 9c] [Ts]
Zophar shows two pair, Eights and Twos, for high and 8,6,4,2,A, for low
stockticker33 shows a pair of Nines, for high and 8,6,5,4,2, for low
Zophar wins the high pot ($239.50) with two pair, Eights and Twos
Zophar wins the low pot ($239.50) with 8,6,4,2,A
stockticker33 is sitting out
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $482 | Rake $3
Board: [8d 2s 4c 9c Ts]
Seat 1: Zophar (big blind) showed [8c Ac 2d 6s] and won ($479) with HI: two pair, Eights and Twos; LO: 8,6,4,2,A
Seat 2: HEDOYMOK didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: Spicoli19 didn't bet (folded)
Seat 4: THANKS_4_CASH didn't bet (folded)
Seat 5: LeeFrankel (button) didn't bet (folded)
Seat 6: stockticker33 (small blind) showed [5s 9s 6d Jd] and lost with HI: a pair of Nines; LO: 8,6,5,4,2
Weee
FullTiltPoker Game #11170707232: Table Tulane (6 max) - $1/$2 - Pot Limit Omaha H/L - 12:37:58 ET - 2009/03/16
Seat 1: Zophar ($182)
Seat 2: HEDOYMOK ($249.10)
Seat 3: Spicoli19 ($198.50)
Seat 4: THANKS_4_CASH ($153.90)
Seat 5: LeeFrankel ($83.75)
Seat 6: stockticker33 ($207.40)
THANKS_4_CASH posts the small blind of $1
LeeFrankel posts the big blind of $2
The button is in seat #3
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Zophar [Qs Ad 2c Tc]
stockticker33 calls $2
Zophar calls $2
HEDOYMOK folds
Spicoli19 raises to $11
THANKS_4_CASH folds
LeeFrankel has 15 seconds left to act
LeeFrankel folds
stockticker33 calls $9
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar calls $9
*** FLOP *** [7s 9h 5d]
stockticker33 checks
Zophar checks
Spicoli19 has 15 seconds left to act
Spicoli19 bets $18
stockticker33 calls $18
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar calls $18
*** TURN *** [7s 9h 5d] [Jh]
stockticker33 checks
Zophar has 15 seconds left to act
Zophar bets $78
Spicoli19 has 15 seconds left to act
Spicoli19 has requested TIME
Spicoli19 folds
stockticker33 folds
Uncalled bet of $78 returned to Zophar
Zophar mucks
Zophar wins the pot ($87)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $90 | Rake $3
Board: [7s 9h 5d Jh]
Seat 1: Zophar collected ($87), mucked
Seat 2: HEDOYMOK didn't bet (folded)
Seat 3: Spicoli19 (button) folded on the Turn
Seat 4: THANKS_4_CASH (small blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 5: LeeFrankel (big blind) folded before the Flop
Seat 6: stockticker33 folded on the Turn
Monday, March 16, 2009
A BlueFirePoker Review
As I'd mentioned before, I was lucky enough to be chosen by Deucescracked to receive a free month membership for BlueFirePoker, the hot new training site headed by the infamous high stakes cash game player and WSOP Omaha bracelet winner Phil Galfond(aka OMGClayAiken). Several well known players like PBJaxx, Fees, Samoleus and others make up this brain trust of a poker training site. All I had to do to win this was blog a video review of a Deucescracked video, series or any other DC product. Then follow up with a similar review of BlueFirePoker.
Sounds easy? Yeah it sort of is and I don't understand why so few people have grabbed the opportunity. Regardless, here's my review of a specific video and my overall impression of the site.
RyanFee 4 Tables at 50NL
Produced by RyanFee aka Fees
Session review format of 4 Tables of $50NLHE on Full Tilt
I briefly want to begin by mentioning the several reasons why I chose this video. I'd heard a lot about Ryan Fee, his table skills and his teaching ability seemed highly regarded. I didn't want to do a Galfond review because I figured the majority would do so and this content pertained to me. Although I feel I learned a bit watching Phil play David Benyamine at RailHeaven, it's not something I'm going to be doing anytime soon, so it was as much entertainment as anything else.
For a non series video, this is one of the best I've seen for ssnl. The quality of content packed into the 55 minute segment is top notch, touching on concepts that seem to rarely be discussed. What's most memorable for me out of the whole video is his discussion of P.S.R, or Pot to Stack Ratio. He touches on the differences and importance of bet sizing in raised and reraised pots in such a way that it really sinks in through actual examples. The first time he c-bet 1/2 pot, I didn't quite understand why. By the last time, I did. There are also great insights offered into c-betting, range discussion weighed against board texture and semi-bluffing. Most ideas flow really well, transitioning from one concept to the next with little downtime. The actual quality of the production itself was up to par as well, good editing, sound, etc.
As for Ryan's actual teaching ability, I'd put him up there with Krantz, OMGClayAiken and WiltonTilt, who are among the best imo, for several reasons. He coherently expresses his reasoning in a way that makes the viewer feel as though he's part of a conversation. He obviously has a wealth of knowledge as is evident when unexpected actions occur, as can be the case with session reviews. Not many uhhhs. Another reason I put him up with the top makers is because he throws out bricks of knowledge. I think of bricks of knowledge as the foundation of a solid poker understanding. These bricks can vary or overlap from game to game, level to level, are often of critical importance, but can be easily overlooked or not thought of. One from Krantz that has always stuck with me regarding HU play, "Treat TP like the nuts until the villain gives you a reason not to". The brick I took from Fees- "At $50NL, just play ABC poker. Your hand is only face up if your opponents can read hands". Thanks for that comment Fees.
I look at signing up at a training site as more than just viewing videos, I look at it as an interactive experience between viewing, feedback and forum interaction, so I wanted to touch on my general opinion of the site. Unfortunately there are some negatives involved, but I do think they are easily remedied with time and some effort. Also, I'm the first to admit that I use DC as a measuring stick. Having such a great experience there so far, it's hard not to. Given that, DC also had to face a lot of these same issues.
I think the vids could use a little more production time. There really aren't intro's, so the action just sort of begins with little set up of whats to come(this is really just a personal preference) and some vids that I saw just seemed to end either quickly or suddenly. I like finality. No DRM, is a huge plus. The library is obviously small, although filled with great content, because of how new the site is. It does however seem to be growing fairly quickly. There's no "other games" content, strictly NLHE & PLO. A little more diversity would be a plus.
The activity in the forums is a tad slow. Granted it again has the newness problem, but when I see some video discussion threads not responded to by the maker, it leads me to believe that more time could be spent interacting by the coaches. Everyone has been extremely friendly from what I've seen, just some aren't so visible(although a couple seem to really make an effort). The aspect of interaction is a big draw to a training site and when just starting up I think it's more critical a time than ever to focus on it. All of the coaches are really the stimulus of any training forum.
Thankfully, these are all growing pains that are easily resolved over time. Even in the short time I've been there, I've noticed what seems to be an increase in forum activity. Overall, I think it's a quality site that's worth being on the ground floor of. I really see great things being produced here.
Sounds easy? Yeah it sort of is and I don't understand why so few people have grabbed the opportunity. Regardless, here's my review of a specific video and my overall impression of the site.
RyanFee 4 Tables at 50NL
Produced by RyanFee aka Fees
Session review format of 4 Tables of $50NLHE on Full Tilt
I briefly want to begin by mentioning the several reasons why I chose this video. I'd heard a lot about Ryan Fee, his table skills and his teaching ability seemed highly regarded. I didn't want to do a Galfond review because I figured the majority would do so and this content pertained to me. Although I feel I learned a bit watching Phil play David Benyamine at RailHeaven, it's not something I'm going to be doing anytime soon, so it was as much entertainment as anything else.
For a non series video, this is one of the best I've seen for ssnl. The quality of content packed into the 55 minute segment is top notch, touching on concepts that seem to rarely be discussed. What's most memorable for me out of the whole video is his discussion of P.S.R, or Pot to Stack Ratio. He touches on the differences and importance of bet sizing in raised and reraised pots in such a way that it really sinks in through actual examples. The first time he c-bet 1/2 pot, I didn't quite understand why. By the last time, I did. There are also great insights offered into c-betting, range discussion weighed against board texture and semi-bluffing. Most ideas flow really well, transitioning from one concept to the next with little downtime. The actual quality of the production itself was up to par as well, good editing, sound, etc.
As for Ryan's actual teaching ability, I'd put him up there with Krantz, OMGClayAiken and WiltonTilt, who are among the best imo, for several reasons. He coherently expresses his reasoning in a way that makes the viewer feel as though he's part of a conversation. He obviously has a wealth of knowledge as is evident when unexpected actions occur, as can be the case with session reviews. Not many uhhhs. Another reason I put him up with the top makers is because he throws out bricks of knowledge. I think of bricks of knowledge as the foundation of a solid poker understanding. These bricks can vary or overlap from game to game, level to level, are often of critical importance, but can be easily overlooked or not thought of. One from Krantz that has always stuck with me regarding HU play, "Treat TP like the nuts until the villain gives you a reason not to". The brick I took from Fees- "At $50NL, just play ABC poker. Your hand is only face up if your opponents can read hands". Thanks for that comment Fees.
I look at signing up at a training site as more than just viewing videos, I look at it as an interactive experience between viewing, feedback and forum interaction, so I wanted to touch on my general opinion of the site. Unfortunately there are some negatives involved, but I do think they are easily remedied with time and some effort. Also, I'm the first to admit that I use DC as a measuring stick. Having such a great experience there so far, it's hard not to. Given that, DC also had to face a lot of these same issues.
I think the vids could use a little more production time. There really aren't intro's, so the action just sort of begins with little set up of whats to come(this is really just a personal preference) and some vids that I saw just seemed to end either quickly or suddenly. I like finality. No DRM, is a huge plus. The library is obviously small, although filled with great content, because of how new the site is. It does however seem to be growing fairly quickly. There's no "other games" content, strictly NLHE & PLO. A little more diversity would be a plus.
The activity in the forums is a tad slow. Granted it again has the newness problem, but when I see some video discussion threads not responded to by the maker, it leads me to believe that more time could be spent interacting by the coaches. Everyone has been extremely friendly from what I've seen, just some aren't so visible(although a couple seem to really make an effort). The aspect of interaction is a big draw to a training site and when just starting up I think it's more critical a time than ever to focus on it. All of the coaches are really the stimulus of any training forum.
Thankfully, these are all growing pains that are easily resolved over time. Even in the short time I've been there, I've noticed what seems to be an increase in forum activity. Overall, I think it's a quality site that's worth being on the ground floor of. I really see great things being produced here.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Bit of this, bit of that
I finally felt like playing some nlhe last night, so I sat at a couple of tables of 50nl and turned on HoldemManager. Moment later, there's an error. Dammit, wtf. I've never had an error with it, so of course I immediately check their forum and try to figure it out and fix it. I 3bet a couple of pots and was hardly paying attention to poker, as I was now consumed by fixing the problem. Soon it became to much to focus on the game, so I sat out so I could quickly resolve the HEM issue.
About 2 hours later, I think I completely screwed it up. I had partially installed applications, partially uninstalled applications, un-backed up HH files and no clue where I now was in the process. My night of nlhe was not meant to be.
Today I figured I'd try restoring my system to a previous date. I think it may have worked, but I still don't know as HEM is still not working. "Worked"= post screwed up HEM, pre-me screwing it up worse. I posted an error log in their forum. I said something about Vista using a leap second and HEM not. I hope that's the issue. Still waiting for response, hope it's soon.
DC had a fan link for facebook, so I signed up. It's pretty weird imo. It brings up all contacts from schooling, emails, etc and all these name appear that I know I somewhat remember, but don't. Then I see their pictures and I really don't recognize them. There are faces you recognize but their names don't ring a bell and people you remember like yesterday, but are virtually strangers. One in particular that I hung out with on a pretty much daily basis would be a stranger on the street today. It's also strange how some people age way faster than others. Now I'm forced to interact with some of them again. Weird. Off to check on HEM. Next post will likely be my BlueFirePoker video review.
About 2 hours later, I think I completely screwed it up. I had partially installed applications, partially uninstalled applications, un-backed up HH files and no clue where I now was in the process. My night of nlhe was not meant to be.
Today I figured I'd try restoring my system to a previous date. I think it may have worked, but I still don't know as HEM is still not working. "Worked"= post screwed up HEM, pre-me screwing it up worse. I posted an error log in their forum. I said something about Vista using a leap second and HEM not. I hope that's the issue. Still waiting for response, hope it's soon.
DC had a fan link for facebook, so I signed up. It's pretty weird imo. It brings up all contacts from schooling, emails, etc and all these name appear that I know I somewhat remember, but don't. Then I see their pictures and I really don't recognize them. There are faces you recognize but their names don't ring a bell and people you remember like yesterday, but are virtually strangers. One in particular that I hung out with on a pretty much daily basis would be a stranger on the street today. It's also strange how some people age way faster than others. Now I'm forced to interact with some of them again. Weird. Off to check on HEM. Next post will likely be my BlueFirePoker video review.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Steve McQueen was such a badass
Steve McQueen really was the coolest. I first saw this documentary, On Any Sunday, about 15 years ago, it's from around 1969 or so and was made by Bruce Brown and produced by Steve McQueen. McQueen would race cars and motocross whenever he had a chance, right during the peak of his movie career. He has a good amount of moto-x footage in this.
It's mostly about this dude Malcom Smith, who was basically the best rider then, sooo much better than everyone else. idk, I love classic stuff like this.
It's mostly about this dude Malcom Smith, who was basically the best rider then, sooo much better than everyone else. idk, I love classic stuff like this.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Brag: WWCD
My Deucescracked series review posted below won me a free 1 month subscription to Bluefirepoker, Phil Galfond's new training site. WooHoo! I'm looking forward to it. The stipulation is that I review one of their videos/series as well, so keep your eyes peeled for that in the upcoming weeks.
Also, if you haven't done it, listen to the Tommy Angelo Podcasts on Deucescracked, they are ridiculously good. It is all about Tilt management and strategic planning, critical stuff for your poker game.
Also, if you haven't done it, listen to the Tommy Angelo Podcasts on Deucescracked, they are ridiculously good. It is all about Tilt management and strategic planning, critical stuff for your poker game.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
I tilted a bit
So I played some 10/20 Stud8 last night and tilt set in for a bit. I wasn't playing ideally to begin with, but hands like this didn't help. Probably should have check called 6th, but meh.
Full Tilt Poker Game #10934635686: Table Fromm (edu) - $10/$20 Ante $1.50 - Limit Stud H/L - 22:32:21 ET - 2009/03/02
Seat 1: Shalomentor ($199), is sitting out
Seat 2: leapin1 ($385.50)
Seat 3: xxJOBOBxx ($341.50)
Seat 4: golfextreme ($264.50)
Seat 5: reerob ($546.50)
Seat 6: digablemars ($258.50)
Seat 7: Zophar ($173)
Seat 8: SEAL98 ($367.50)
golfextreme antes $1.50
digablemars antes $1.50
xxJOBOBxx antes $1.50
leapin1 antes $1.50
Zophar antes $1.50
SEAL98 antes $1.50
reerob antes $1.50
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to leapin1 [7c]
Dealt to xxJOBOBxx [Jc]
Dealt to golfextreme [Jd]
Dealt to reerob [6d]
Dealt to digablemars [Js]
Dealt to Zophar [Ad Jh] [As]
Dealt to SEAL98 [7s]
reerob is low with [6d]
reerob brings in for $3
digablemars folds
Zophar completes it to $10
SEAL98 calls $10
leapin1 folds
xxJOBOBxx folds
golfextreme calls $10
reerob calls $7
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to golfextreme [Jd] [4s]
Dealt to reerob [6d] [Td]
Dealt to Zophar [Ad Jh As] [9d]
Dealt to SEAL98 [7s] [9c]
Zophar bets $10
SEAL98 calls $10
golfextreme calls $10
reerob calls $10
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to golfextreme [Jd 4s] [5d]
Dealt to reerob [6d Td] [5s]
Dealt to Zophar [Ad Jh As 9d] [5h]
Dealt to SEAL98 [7s 9c] [Ks]
Zophar bets $20
SEAL98 folds
golfextreme calls $20
reerob folds
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to golfextreme [Jd 4s 5d] [4c]
Dealt to Zophar [Ad Jh As 9d 5h] [Th]
golfextreme checks
Zophar bets $20
golfextreme raises to $40
Zophar calls $20
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to Zophar [Ad Jh As 9d 5h Th] [3h]
golfextreme bets $20
Zophar calls $20
*** SHOW DOWN ***
golfextreme shows [Ac 6h Jd 4s 5d 4c 4h] three of a kind, Fours, for high
Zophar mucks
golfextreme wins the pot ($247.50) with three of a kind, Fours
No low hand qualified
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $250.50 | Rake $3
This sort of set me over the edge for a bit. I couldn't make a hand for the life of me, and when I did, it just wasn't good enough. 345s turned to junk. Aces up losing to 7th street trips. 6th street I have 8754Q2, made low + FD and gutshot vs 88 + a 6 low draw. Of course I catch a T and villain makes a 86low. So in total I dropped 40BB's. 10 or so were tilted, 30 were just bricks and outdraws. Running bad it seems like scoops and 1/2's always go against you, running good they are for you, very frusterating.
Full Tilt Poker Game #10934635686: Table Fromm (edu) - $10/$20 Ante $1.50 - Limit Stud H/L - 22:32:21 ET - 2009/03/02
Seat 1: Shalomentor ($199), is sitting out
Seat 2: leapin1 ($385.50)
Seat 3: xxJOBOBxx ($341.50)
Seat 4: golfextreme ($264.50)
Seat 5: reerob ($546.50)
Seat 6: digablemars ($258.50)
Seat 7: Zophar ($173)
Seat 8: SEAL98 ($367.50)
golfextreme antes $1.50
digablemars antes $1.50
xxJOBOBxx antes $1.50
leapin1 antes $1.50
Zophar antes $1.50
SEAL98 antes $1.50
reerob antes $1.50
*** 3RD STREET ***
Dealt to leapin1 [7c]
Dealt to xxJOBOBxx [Jc]
Dealt to golfextreme [Jd]
Dealt to reerob [6d]
Dealt to digablemars [Js]
Dealt to Zophar [Ad Jh] [As]
Dealt to SEAL98 [7s]
reerob is low with [6d]
reerob brings in for $3
digablemars folds
Zophar completes it to $10
SEAL98 calls $10
leapin1 folds
xxJOBOBxx folds
golfextreme calls $10
reerob calls $7
*** 4TH STREET ***
Dealt to golfextreme [Jd] [4s]
Dealt to reerob [6d] [Td]
Dealt to Zophar [Ad Jh As] [9d]
Dealt to SEAL98 [7s] [9c]
Zophar bets $10
SEAL98 calls $10
golfextreme calls $10
reerob calls $10
*** 5TH STREET ***
Dealt to golfextreme [Jd 4s] [5d]
Dealt to reerob [6d Td] [5s]
Dealt to Zophar [Ad Jh As 9d] [5h]
Dealt to SEAL98 [7s 9c] [Ks]
Zophar bets $20
SEAL98 folds
golfextreme calls $20
reerob folds
*** 6TH STREET ***
Dealt to golfextreme [Jd 4s 5d] [4c]
Dealt to Zophar [Ad Jh As 9d 5h] [Th]
golfextreme checks
Zophar bets $20
golfextreme raises to $40
Zophar calls $20
*** 7TH STREET ***
Dealt to Zophar [Ad Jh As 9d 5h Th] [3h]
golfextreme bets $20
Zophar calls $20
*** SHOW DOWN ***
golfextreme shows [Ac 6h Jd 4s 5d 4c 4h] three of a kind, Fours, for high
Zophar mucks
golfextreme wins the pot ($247.50) with three of a kind, Fours
No low hand qualified
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot $250.50 | Rake $3
This sort of set me over the edge for a bit. I couldn't make a hand for the life of me, and when I did, it just wasn't good enough. 345s turned to junk. Aces up losing to 7th street trips. 6th street I have 8754Q2, made low + FD and gutshot vs 88 + a 6 low draw. Of course I catch a T and villain makes a 86low. So in total I dropped 40BB's. 10 or so were tilted, 30 were just bricks and outdraws. Running bad it seems like scoops and 1/2's always go against you, running good they are for you, very frusterating.
Monday, March 2, 2009
I've come to like Pokerstars
I've really come to like Pokerstars. It's so much softer than Full Tilt, where there are a lot more of these-
I used to dislike stars for some reason. I never was fond of the client and I had a great rakeback deal with Full Tilt(which held me back tbh), so I didn't bother playing there much, primarily only 5 card draw. After blowing my roll up there a while back, I didn't bother with it.
A few weeks back, I decided to try my own $0 to hero bankroll project. It was technically not zero though, I had 97 cents. I grinded a bit of micromicro PLO8 up to $2, then ran that up to about $150 in about a week playing 5 card draw(brag-I absolutely crush that game). I then moved back over to .10/.25 PLO8, picked up another 7/8 buyins and was able to short roll 2/4 stud8. Ran up about 30BB's and started playing the 8 game mix. I'm currently closing in on a $700 stars BR and been having a lot of fun doing it.
Fwiw, the 8 game mix is so incredibly soft it's ridiculous. Most players seem to only grasp 3-4 of the games at most, so if you are competent in all of them, you'll absolutely crush the game.
And to end it, a dose of Murray. For those unaware, he's on HBO's Flight of the Conchords, which is absolutely brilliant. This was my Obamican from the 2+2 thread. It's funny how many people seemed to like it. I got about a half dozen A+'s and several PM's about it.
It really is amazing how big the original image has become. I've been pretty familiar with Shepard Fairey since he started Andre the Giant has a posse years ago. My friend Jed(linked in sites and sounds) went to RISD with him and they did a lot of work together and I still have a ton of stickers and other stuff from that campaign. I think some of it's even pretty valuable now. I only met Shepard once when Jed took me down to Shepards warehouse studio, probably around '95 or so. We went to go skate a mini ramp that he had right in his workshop and hang out for the afternoon, it was a good day.
I used to dislike stars for some reason. I never was fond of the client and I had a great rakeback deal with Full Tilt(which held me back tbh), so I didn't bother playing there much, primarily only 5 card draw. After blowing my roll up there a while back, I didn't bother with it.
A few weeks back, I decided to try my own $0 to hero bankroll project. It was technically not zero though, I had 97 cents. I grinded a bit of micromicro PLO8 up to $2, then ran that up to about $150 in about a week playing 5 card draw(brag-I absolutely crush that game). I then moved back over to .10/.25 PLO8, picked up another 7/8 buyins and was able to short roll 2/4 stud8. Ran up about 30BB's and started playing the 8 game mix. I'm currently closing in on a $700 stars BR and been having a lot of fun doing it.
Fwiw, the 8 game mix is so incredibly soft it's ridiculous. Most players seem to only grasp 3-4 of the games at most, so if you are competent in all of them, you'll absolutely crush the game.
And to end it, a dose of Murray. For those unaware, he's on HBO's Flight of the Conchords, which is absolutely brilliant. This was my Obamican from the 2+2 thread. It's funny how many people seemed to like it. I got about a half dozen A+'s and several PM's about it.
It really is amazing how big the original image has become. I've been pretty familiar with Shepard Fairey since he started Andre the Giant has a posse years ago. My friend Jed(linked in sites and sounds) went to RISD with him and they did a lot of work together and I still have a ton of stickers and other stuff from that campaign. I think some of it's even pretty valuable now. I only met Shepard once when Jed took me down to Shepards warehouse studio, probably around '95 or so. We went to go skate a mini ramp that he had right in his workshop and hang out for the afternoon, it was a good day.
A deucescracked review
Real Life Micro NL-Grinder: Unlimited Texas Hold Them
As mostly an "Other Games" player, I spent little time playing NLHE in recent years, especially ring games, and really felt I had fallen way behind. At the end of spring 2008, my interest in re-learning NLHE had peaked. I had some familiarity with training sites from when Cardrunners premiered and was aware of Stoxpoker and another site called Deucescracked. I looked into CR initially, but it really seemed very expensive and I regularly heard conflicting reports about it, so the training sites went on the shelf. On 2+2, DC had a sub-forum for some time and one day I happened upon a free sample video. It was the most incredible thing I'd ever seen. I went to the site, saw that the cost was extremely reasonable, and immediately signed up for a 6 month membership. It was one of the best decisions I've made.
I knew I had many core problems with my NLHE play and wanted to approach my studies from the perspective of a beginner. So I started with the basics. Watched some great TubaSteve vids, Mathematics on Holdem by WiltonTilt and others. That's when I came across the incredible series, Real Life Micro NL-Grinder: Unlimited Texas Hold Them. Looking back, I'd say this series helped my fundamentals more than anything else of seen on DC(although there are several other's that are close behind) and this is my brief review of it:
Real Life Micro NL-Grinder: Unlimited Texas Hold Them
Featuring DC Executive Producer and Coach WiltonTilt along with Deucescracked member and Wilt's student, WhiteHeatSYD
It's described as "How do you mold a beginner into an expert? WiltOnTilt and DeucesCracked member WhiteHeatSYD delve into the heart of that question in Real Life: MicroNL Grinder. Bankroll management theory, starting hand selection and general strategy development coupled with live sweat and hand history review. And keep your eyes peeled for special guest coaches!", but really is so much more.
This series details virtually everything a beginning to experienced player needs to know to beat SSNL in a primarily live-play format. Most "lessons" are conveyed in such a way that they can quickly be incorporated successfully into your own game. And, as with all DC videos, anything that you may have a question about will be cordially responded to by the video makers in each videos follow up discussion thread.
Content wise, starting hands, villains ranges, board texture and how all relate to one another are covered. As is bet sizing, 3betting, 4 betting and the math behind it. A lot of time is focused on position, how to manipulate it, how hand strengths change depending on position, basically all the critical elements related to it. Also covered are the commonly used software tools and how to utilize them to analyze your own play, evaluate villain types, how to play vs. general villain types and determine ideal table selection. Most importantly, they really get into the "WHYS?!". The explanation of why to take any specific action is broken down so it's easier to implement into your own play.
Another nice aspect of the series are the personalities involved and their ability to interact and express ideas to one another. WiltonTilt is comfortable communicating his thoughts, with an obvious familiarity with the subject matter. He's also sympathetic to the trials facing WhiteHeat, an enthusiastic Australian small stakes player whose learning process is easily related to. Whether it be the jubilation felt after a great session or the misery of variance following a session filled with coolers and cold decks, you experience it right along Wilt and WhiteHeat. The concept of seeing others getting nailed by a bad beat and they brush it off makes your own TILT management that much easier.
I'd say that this is the most complete and concise series relating to 6 max SSNL available on Deucescracked and is not to be missed.
As mostly an "Other Games" player, I spent little time playing NLHE in recent years, especially ring games, and really felt I had fallen way behind. At the end of spring 2008, my interest in re-learning NLHE had peaked. I had some familiarity with training sites from when Cardrunners premiered and was aware of Stoxpoker and another site called Deucescracked. I looked into CR initially, but it really seemed very expensive and I regularly heard conflicting reports about it, so the training sites went on the shelf. On 2+2, DC had a sub-forum for some time and one day I happened upon a free sample video. It was the most incredible thing I'd ever seen. I went to the site, saw that the cost was extremely reasonable, and immediately signed up for a 6 month membership. It was one of the best decisions I've made.
I knew I had many core problems with my NLHE play and wanted to approach my studies from the perspective of a beginner. So I started with the basics. Watched some great TubaSteve vids, Mathematics on Holdem by WiltonTilt and others. That's when I came across the incredible series, Real Life Micro NL-Grinder: Unlimited Texas Hold Them. Looking back, I'd say this series helped my fundamentals more than anything else of seen on DC(although there are several other's that are close behind) and this is my brief review of it:
Real Life Micro NL-Grinder: Unlimited Texas Hold Them
Featuring DC Executive Producer and Coach WiltonTilt along with Deucescracked member and Wilt's student, WhiteHeatSYD
It's described as "How do you mold a beginner into an expert? WiltOnTilt and DeucesCracked member WhiteHeatSYD delve into the heart of that question in Real Life: MicroNL Grinder. Bankroll management theory, starting hand selection and general strategy development coupled with live sweat and hand history review. And keep your eyes peeled for special guest coaches!", but really is so much more.
This series details virtually everything a beginning to experienced player needs to know to beat SSNL in a primarily live-play format. Most "lessons" are conveyed in such a way that they can quickly be incorporated successfully into your own game. And, as with all DC videos, anything that you may have a question about will be cordially responded to by the video makers in each videos follow up discussion thread.
Content wise, starting hands, villains ranges, board texture and how all relate to one another are covered. As is bet sizing, 3betting, 4 betting and the math behind it. A lot of time is focused on position, how to manipulate it, how hand strengths change depending on position, basically all the critical elements related to it. Also covered are the commonly used software tools and how to utilize them to analyze your own play, evaluate villain types, how to play vs. general villain types and determine ideal table selection. Most importantly, they really get into the "WHYS?!". The explanation of why to take any specific action is broken down so it's easier to implement into your own play.
Another nice aspect of the series are the personalities involved and their ability to interact and express ideas to one another. WiltonTilt is comfortable communicating his thoughts, with an obvious familiarity with the subject matter. He's also sympathetic to the trials facing WhiteHeat, an enthusiastic Australian small stakes player whose learning process is easily related to. Whether it be the jubilation felt after a great session or the misery of variance following a session filled with coolers and cold decks, you experience it right along Wilt and WhiteHeat. The concept of seeing others getting nailed by a bad beat and they brush it off makes your own TILT management that much easier.
I'd say that this is the most complete and concise series relating to 6 max SSNL available on Deucescracked and is not to be missed.
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