Quote Originally Posted by iopq
remember, if you hold AQo and you raise from UTG
YOU'D RATHER HAVE EVERYONE FOLD
I don't get this at all


Here's my take on why people at lower levels struggle and don't move up. I understand this could be misconstrued as mean/demeaning/upsetting to some, to those who feel that way grow a thicker skin kthxbai. These are not directed towards anyone in particular but basically my thoughts on this subject:

1. You're not smart

--Plain and simple you're just not an intelligent person who can process information quickly and apply it to the correct situation. We all seem to forget that everyone doesn't start from the same place in poker. I've yet to meet (and I've met a lot) a very good poker player who I would consider dumb. I've met a lot who regularly make stupid decisions (myself included) but that's "off the felt" so to say.

2. You're preconceived notions are holding you back BIG TIME

--You have a lot of thoughts about the game of poker that are just plain wrong. Yet, you are stubborn and will not let these go. Whether it was something you read or heard or just thought yourself chances are these types of thoughts are holding your game back. You need to keep your mind wide open about different lines/scenarios/explanations/etc... that could improve your game. I learn new things every day about poker that I apply to my game.

3. Your poker friends/buddies SUCK at poker

--The "blind leading the blind" line is never more true when I see a bunch of 10nl players chatting/discussing poker. It's not a bad thing to talk to people who are worse than you, it's just bad to talk to them (and take their advice) about poker. I have a ton of poker friends on AIM, at least half a dozen who I consider better than me at the game. I'm guessing you can figure out who I IM when I have a question. I also have people IM me all the time asking me questions, I certainly don't mind.

4a. You play way too many goddamn tables

--Any more than 4 tables for anyone playing under 50nl is just stupid. You're significantly stunting your poker growth.

4b. You use a HUD below 50nl

--Once again, a crutch that is stunting your poker growth. People who don't understand ranges and/or how to look at a situation or HH and place people on ranges rely way too heavily on these types of devices/programs to do the work for them. I have no problem with having a database to review your game.

5. You are playing the incorrect game for your style

--I'm fairly nitty, nitty enough that I wasn't that great at HU NL. I was aggressive enough to succeed at 6max but had even more success at FR b/c I was one of the more aggressive players at my levels. However, I get bored easily, so much so that playing only 12-15% of my hands killed my love for the game. I now play a game, PLO, where being tight means playing 25% of your hands and you're playing a lot more all-in pots than NL. The point is you need to find a game that matches your personal style. If someone likes to run 16/10 they shouldn't be playing 5/6-max, they should be playing FR. If they don't like getting in marginal situations against wide ranges, that's a FR player. If someone likes to mix things up, 3bet light, and get into battles, 6max/HU might be the game for them. Find a game where your style makes you the most money.