Micro stakes grinding

Originally Posted by tuuk2

I'm actually surprised that he waited to call. That means he was actually thinking about it. (Or perhaps looked away). You can almost never get someone to fold TPTK at the microstakes. I find that bluffing only works at these stakes if the villain has hit nothing and even then sometimes it won't work. That's what makes it profitable. When you hit two-pair or a straight, these guys will pay you off big time.

Sorry but didn't the guy only have AK here therefore he didn't have a pair? Seems like a bad call by him as I don't think he could have put you on a draw. I think he was just clicking and hoping as most microstakers do with AK. Good try though. Out of curiousity what did you put him on Nibbles?

The min-raise on the flop makes your hand look like a draw, as a made hand would probably raise more to price out the draw.

Probably should have just called the flop as you were getting good odds, raising opens the door to him blowing you off your hand on the flop.

As played, try to see a cheap river not a good spot to bluff due to stack sizes and the min-raise on the flop.

You're right, my bad. I thought the Kc was on the flop. I think the big thing to think about here is that some people just won't fold. You can't make them fold. I've gone through the same frustration and still do. WTF? How could they make that call with a A-J without hitting and a flush on the board? They just do. And in the long run, it's great that they do, as long as you adjust to them.

Consuitors, I put villain on two face cards. He had raised a few times with KQ, QJ, and once from the BB with KJs. He could have had an overpair, but i figured against that as he only called my raise facing two opponents on a drawy board. When he checked the turn I was positive he only had two overcards and I could easily be ahead of him (KJ, QJ in his range).

Demon, chasing a draw on a board villain likely missed seems weak to me. I had reason to believe I was actually ahead on flop. My flop min raise was a feeler for his possible overpair. If villain shoves, meh, next hand. I hate chasing in tournaments.

Originally Posted by nibbles

Consuitors, I put villain on two face cards. He had raised a few times with KQ, QJ, and once from the BB with KJs. He could have had an overpair, but i figured against that as he only called my raise facing two opponents on a drawy board. When he checked the turn I was positive he only had two overcards and I could easily be ahead of him (KJ, QJ in his range).

Demon, chasing a draw on a board villain likely missed seems weak to me. I had reason to believe I was actually ahead on flop. My flop min raise was a feeler for his possible overpair. If villain shoves, meh, next hand. I hate chasing in tournaments.

Have a think about how you played this, I disagree with your play on every street.

If you really think you are ahead you should shove this (I don't think you are ahead enough and you still have a player behind you to worry about). Min-raising with the plan to fold to a shove is much worse than calling the original raise, as you still have a lot of equity against an overpair. Min-raising also decreases your fold equity on the turn (because you don't have a big enough bet and you have indicated you may have the draw).

What did you think you were representing by min-raising/shoving. I accept that you thought he had unpaired overs but what did you want him to think you had?

Demon, I often make that same play with medium pocket pairs when flop seems to have missed pre-flop raiser (have seen numerous other players do this as well). UTG raise usually means big PP or big slick / AQ. Overpairs will usually re-raise on flop, overcards sometimes fold, but often call and check turn. When villain called my raise and checked the turn is when I felt I was ahead. On the flop I had no idea, but on overpair would have definitely re-raised me on the flop as he was facing two opponents. I wanted him to think I had a medium pocket pair or possibly paired the ten.

With my stack size, calling off my chips would have been the worst thing. Sure i had odds on the flop, but I would most likely have been priced out on the turn. I would have called off 25% of my stack by the flop (started hand with 2000 chips, called 200 pf, flop bet was 300), and his turn bet would have been 500 at the very least (probably more) so more than half my stack would be gone on a draw. Let's pretend I hit my draw, how often would I get paid off by ace high? The way I played it gave me the best chance to win, I thought based on my read. I guess my mistake was trying to bluff a calling station.

Originally Posted by nibbles

Demon, I often make that same play with medium pocket pairs when flop seems to have missed pre-flop raiser (have seen numerous other players do this as well). UTG raise usually means big PP or big slick / AQ. Overpairs will usually re-raise on flop, overcards sometimes fold, but often call and check turn. When villain called my raise and checked the turn is when I felt I was ahead. On the flop I had no idea, but on overpair would have definitely re-raised me on the flop as he was facing two opponents. I wanted him to think I had a medium pocket pair or possibly paired the ten.

With my stack size, calling off my chips would have been the worst thing. Sure i had odds on the flop, but I would most likely have been priced out on the turn. I would have called off 25% of my stack by the flop (started hand with 2000 chips, called 200 pf, flop bet was 300), and his turn bet would have been 500 at the very least (probably more) so more than half my stack would be gone on a draw. Let's pretend I hit my draw, how often would I get paid off by ace high? The way I played it gave me the best chance to win, I thought based on my read. I guess my mistake was trying to bluff a calling station.

Ok, I tried. Keep going the way you are going.

Good luck with it (I think you will probably need it).

Big nothing day. Made a few pennies. Pretty much card dead. Roll sits at $116. Only played 127 hands, didn't feel for poker. So I'm not gonna force it. $116 is a long way from the 5 bucks I started with that my friend loaned me. Come to think of it, I haven't paid him back. I'll ship it to him when I hit $200, lol. Calling it a night. don't wanna burn out on poker again.

Till tomorrow.

Nibbles haven't checked in on you in a long time. You've made good progress since I did last check in. Have you made the move upto 5nl yet. Sorry but I didn't have time to read all through the thread. If not when do you plan on moving up?

Hey Harley! I've been bouncing between both 2NL and 5NL. All depends on how I feel. Today I've been playing 2NL and working on expanding my game. I've pretty much been playing nitty fit or fold poker, which works at 2NL. But at 5NL I haven't been getting paid off as much. So I've been working on my floating / bluffing / moves. Check this one out. Villain seemed pretty solid.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

MP1 ($2.18)
MP2 ($6.24)
CO ($2.37)
Button ($0.82)
SB ($5.67)
BB ($5.62)
Hero (UTG) ($2.18)
UTG+1 ($0.54)

Preflop: Hero is UTG with 8, 9
Hero calls $0.02, 3 folds, CO calls $0.02, 1 fold, SB bets $0.10, 1 fold, Hero calls $0.08, CO calls $0.08

Flop: ($0.32) 9, K, 10 (3 players)
SB bets $0.18, Hero calls $0.18, 1 fold

Turn: ($0.68) 4 (2 players)
SB bets $0.24, Hero calls $0.24

River: ($1.16) A (2 players)
SB bets $0.28, Hero raises to $1.66 (All-In), 1 fold

Total pot: $1.72 | Rake: $0.05

I put him on big slick and was looking to catch him if my 9 hit or 2 pair, and would bluff if the spade came. When river gave him 2 pair I considered abandoning my bluff, but said what the hell. I normally attempt bluffs when I feel my opponent is weak (but still ahead of me), but I never try to bluff them off a hand I KNOW they have. Until now, and the future. Gotta start making things happen instead of waiting for things to happen. I'm not as comfortable being as aggressive at 5NL. Remember, still a novice here, still learning.

Try not to play suited connector's so much in EP, especially UTG. These type of hands play so much better when you are in position. They allow you to raise them PF, instead of just limping in which will give you more fold equity post flop, thus increasing your chances to take pots away.

Also, if you were putting him on AK, no way in hell you should have shoved that river regardless if you thought the bluff would work. Most of the people at 2nl will NEVER fold 2nd pair, let alone top two pair, even though the flush came in. I think he was probably on KQ or KJ and the Ace spooked him, not the flush, which is why he bet so small. Next time just fold this PF to the raise imo.

Normally I wouldn't play that way, but opening up a bit. This was also one of those tables that allowed limpers to see the flop. When in Rome. I marked villain as a solid bluffable player. He and I have history (only means I have notes on him). He might have had KQs, or QQ, but from what I saw of him, he just completes with KJ. Also, why should I fold to pfr when I have position on him, and the cards that counter his likely holdings?

But the way I play normally (nit) I woulda mucked those cards before button rx'd his second card.

I'm not saying you should ALWAYS fold that hand, just in that position. Hands like suited connectors play so much better when in position. Sure, you were in position on this guy, but what if he had been on the button? What would u have done then? Still call? Look it up on here if you have to, but I guarantee you that (the majority) of people will say to fold 89s PF UTG and in other early position spots. Start to limp or raise it when in MP2+.

I understand you want to open up, but you have to do it correctly.

If you're going to try opening your ranges up a bit, start doing it in late position and work your way back. Also if your going to open UTG I'd rather raise than call. You give away any fold equity you'd have from a raise if you just call.

EP ranges should be nitty and you don't need to add in SC's for balance at $2NL because no one pays attention to what you open with and theres quite a few stations so good luck repping a big hand postflop when you completely miss. Good luck repping a big hand without initiative either, although I see it worked out for you this *one time.

FWIW nits bring home the bacon in microstakes games.

Argh! Took two bucks off the ring games tonite and decided to play S&G. Loss, loss, loss. Back down to $115. Oh well. Still card dead and tried to force progress. Needless to say, it didn't work out. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

Woke up at 4 this morning and couldn't fall back asleep. So of course I got online for some poker. 2NL for an hour and won just over 2 bucks. Then I got sleepy again and crashed. Home all day today so I plan on logging some major hands. See if I can hit 600 hands.

237 hands down. Taking a break. Roll sits at $120.52. Feels pretty good to hit the 120 mark. Have a long way to go to hit 600 hands, but have plenty of time. Hopefully keeps going well.

So much for 600 hands. I ate a big dinner and fell asleep. I woke up just b4 10 so I played the 25 cent MTT and finished 360 something and won a whopping 62 cents. Didn't feel for anymore ring games. All in all still a good day. Up close to 3 buy ins. Can't complain.

Don't you hate when you drop half your stack early and spend the rest of the session grinding it back? Just knocked out a 100 hand session, taking a break b4 I grind the night away. Here are the key hands from my drop and recovery.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

MP1 ($0.79)
MP2 ($4.35)
CO ($4.65)
Button ($5.05)
Hero (SB) ($2.39)
BB ($2.20)
UTG ($4.81)
UTG+1 ($2.82)

Preflop: Hero is SB with 8, 6
1 fold, UTG+1 checks, 1 fold, MP2 calls $0.02, 2 folds, Hero calls $0.01, BB checks

Flop: ($0.06) 8, 3, 2 (4 players)
Hero bets $0.06, 2 folds, MP2 calls $0.06

Turn: ($0.18) 6 (2 players)
Hero bets $0.12, MP2 calls $0.12

River: ($0.42) 10 (2 players)
Hero bets $0.18, MP2 raises to $0.60, Hero calls $0.42

Total pot: $1.62 | Rake: $0.05

Villain had 66. I wasn't at table very long so didn't have a read, but deep down I knew I was beat but called anyway. Sigh

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

MP1 ($1.27)
MP2 ($3.50)
CO ($4.42)
Button ($6.84)
Hero (SB) ($1.20)
BB ($1.64)
UTG ($6.19)
UTG+1 ($1.14)

Preflop: Hero is SB with Q, A
2 folds, MP1 calls $0.02, 1 fold, CO calls $0.02, 1 fold, Hero bets $0.12, BB calls $0.10, MP1 calls $0.10, 1 fold

Flop: ($0.38) K, K, 2 (3 players)
Hero checks, BB checks, MP1 bets $0.10, Hero calls $0.10, 1 fold

Turn: ($0.58) 10 (2 players)
Hero bets $0.20, 1 fold

Total pot: $0.58 | Rake: $0


PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

BB ($4.52)
UTG ($4.40)
UTG+1 ($6.84)
Hero (MP1) ($1.56)
MP2 ($1.62)
CO ($6.09)
Button ($3.97)
SB ($1.15)

Preflop: Hero is MP1 with A, J
2 folds, Hero bets $0.06, 1 fold, CO calls $0.06, 3 folds

Flop: ($0.15) J, A, 3 (2 players)
Hero bets $0.08, CO calls $0.08

Turn: ($0.31) 6 (2 players)
Hero checks, CO bets $0.20, Hero raises to $0.50, CO calls $0.30

River: ($1.31) 7 (2 players)
Hero bets $0.92 (All-In), CO calls $0.92

Total pot: $3.15 | Rake: $0.15

Villain had big slick. Ended the session up a buck (1/2 buy in) but I feel pretty good about it. Not playing any MTT tonight, all ring games.

Hand 1- How do you KNOW you are beat here? Depending on how aggro the opponent is, he could be thinking you are betting a busted flush draw, or bluffing one himself, A8 or AT could play like this, but then again, I'm used to 6-max and really retarded plays by people lol.

Hand 2- What makes you c/c flop then donk turn?

Hand 3- nh sir

Hand 1- How do you KNOW you are beat here?

It was just a feeling. I called for all the reasons you listed.

Hand 2- What makes you c/c flop then donk turn?

I played it like I would if I had AK. The board was so dry I wouldn't c-bet that flop. I only called the flop bet to allow the BB to call. I took control on the turn as I would if I had AK. Also villain might not bet again, or worse make a crazy large bet that I couldn't call. Just seemed like the best way to play it.

Ended last night up another dollar and change. Roll is at $122.90. Fell asleep playing. Gonna do another session today. In addition to cash, will likely throw in a MTT or S&G. Today feels like it will be a good day.

Hand 1 I might check call sometimes here, but I like that blocking bet. The only problem is, it isn't a blocking bet anymore if you call the raise.
I think the line you take though would depend alot on the opponent. If against a station just bet, if against someone who's agg perhaps check to induce a bluff.

Hand 2 I usually get stuck in these spots so I can't really comment.

Hand 3 played well imo, I'm pretty sure your almost always ahead here.

Mac, ur right. A check call on the river would have been the better play there in hand #1. A missed flush draw wouldn't pay me off, if villain hit his 10 he would likely value bet the river (which woulda been much cheaper than the 60 cents gave up there). I have been having trouble value betting rivers lately (actually not betting when I was ahead and missing out on monies) so I guess I still need to work on it.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (6 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

BB ($5.42)
UTG ($4.45)
Hero (MP) ($2.44)
CO ($0.98)
Button ($1.38)
SB ($6.55)

Preflop: Hero is MP with 2, A
UTG calls $0.02, Hero calls $0.02, 2 folds, SB calls $0.01, BB checks

Flop: ($0.08) 7, 6, K (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, UTG checks, Hero checks

Turn: ($0.08) 7 (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, UTG checks, Hero bets $0.04, 2 folds, UTG raises to $0.12, Hero calls $0.08

River: ($0.32) 7 (2 players)
UTG bets $0.10, Hero folds

Total pot: $0.32 | Rake: $0

Results:
UTG didn't show
Outcome: UTG won $0.32

I sooooo wanted to call just to see what he had (he coulda had a smaller flush), but felt that the player I am trying to become wouldn't make that call. Kinda pissed at the runner runner though, as I don't flop nut flushes that often.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (7 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

UTG ($5.31)
MP1 ($4.81)
MP2 ($4.57)
Hero (CO) ($2.33)
Button ($0.96)
SB ($1.28)
BB ($6.59)

Preflop: Hero is CO with K, K
UTG calls $0.02, 2 folds, Hero calls $0.02, 1 fold, SB bets $0.10, 2 folds, Hero raises to $0.40, SB raises to $1.28 (All-In), Hero calls $0.88

Flop: ($2.60) J, 7, 8 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: ($2.60) 7 (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: ($2.60) Q (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: $2.60 | Rake: $0.10

Results:
SB had 10, 10 (two pair, tens and sevens).
Hero had K, K (two pair, Kings and sevens).
Outcome: Hero won $2.50

Here, I was laying a trap for the BB. He was bullying the table and saw flops even though his pfr was 3 bet by opponents (was hitting). Do you guys feel that slow playing big pp from this late a position is too risky / potentially wasteful of a powerful hand regardless of read? I've been pissed about my big pp not holding up lately and then I pull this crap.

Obviously, if you had a read that the guy raised a decent percentage and you felt he would raise, then this is perfectly fine, but I think you could have just raised straight out and it still would have wound up like this, except you would have been putting him all in instead of him shoving lol.

Decent night. Once again I failed to log the number of hands I planned on, but such is life. Up a little over a buy in in 168 hands. Roll sits at $125.16. The snow is really coming down so something tells me I wont be feeling well tomorrow, so hopefully I can put some hands in and win like 10 bucks or something while I stay at home all day. For some reason I haven't played 5NL at all this weekend. Actually the reason is I am trying to expand my game and you don't move up to do that. I said it before, I'm in no rush. It is not about the money yet, it is about learning and growing as a player. When I was playing 5NL I wasn't getting paid off on my hands. I was a bit too straight forward with my play and very tight / nit nitty. Game still needs alot of work. And it wouldn't hurt to pad my roll a little more. Long short, I guess I'm just comfortable here for now. No rush. Till tomorrow.

Originally Posted by nibbles

Decent night. Once again I failed to log the number of hands I planned on, but such is life. Up a little over a buy in in 168 hands. Roll sits at $125.16. The snow is really coming down so something tells me I wont be feeling well tomorrow, so hopefully I can put some hands in and win like 10 bucks or something while I stay at home all day. For some reason I haven't played 5NL at all this weekend. Actually the reason is I am trying to expand my game and you don't move up to do that. I said it before, I'm in no rush. It is not about the money yet, it is about learning and growing as a player. When I was playing 5NL I wasn't getting paid off on my hands. I was a bit too straight forward with my play and very tight / nit nitty. Game still needs alot of work. And it wouldn't hurt to pad my roll a little more. Long short, I guess I'm just comfortable here for now. No rush. Till tomorrow.

I think you have to start taking more shots at 5NL before you start getting too comfortable at 2NL, as a mental barrier might develop when you finally decide to move up. GL and keep grinding though dude

With only $125.16, I agree to stay @ $2NL until you have $150. Once you get to $150, I say it's time to jump into $5NL with both feet and don't step down until you your bankroll drops to $100. And when you move up a level, it's not "taking a shot", it's just a normal part of the process and a promotion you've earned and know you're ready for because you're following a sound, proven Bankroll Management system. Good luck.

I think I will do that, Jay. $150 it is. No harm in that, especially since I am modifying my gameplay. Better to do it down here than up there.

Suit, I don't think I have any mental barriers for 5NL (but those that do don't think they do, so I wouldn't really know), but padding my bankroll would help with that me tinks. I'm cool with that, as I'm almost there anyway. About to hit the tables now.

I envy you bankroll nits sometimes! I mean I find it's taken me a long time to develop the discipline to obey suggested BR requirements, and here you are - saying your happy to wait until you have 30 bi's for 5nl.

Good luck nibbles, you're making great progress, keep it up.

Slev, how can I be in a rush to leave a place that loves me like this.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

SB ($0.22)
BB ($2)
UTG ($5.53)
UTG+1 ($4.25)
MP1 ($2.95)
Hero (MP2) ($2.47)
CO ($1.10)
Button ($4.80)

Preflop: Hero is MP2 with 9, K
2 folds, MP1 calls $0.02, Hero calls $0.02, CO calls $0.02, Button calls $0.02, SB calls $0.01, BB checks

Flop: ($0.12) A, 9, J (6 players)
SB checks, BB checks, MP1 checks, Hero checks, CO checks, Button checks

Turn: ($0.12) Q (6 players)
SB checks, BB checks, MP1 checks, Hero bets $0.04, CO calls $0.04, Button calls $0.04, 1 fold, BB calls $0.04, 1 fold

River: ($0.28) 8 (4 players)
BB checks, Hero checks, CO bets $0.12, 1 fold, BB calls $0.12, Hero raises to $0.50, CO raises to $1.04 (All-In), BB calls $0.92, Hero raises to $2.41 (All-In), BB calls $0.90 (All-In)

Total pot: $5.20 | Rake: $0.25

CO had 67 clubs, BB had, get this, a str8. Only at the pennies! lol. I will miss them so.

Fell asleep playing last night. Roll sits at $127.60. I want to play today, but don't feel like playing. Will see how it goes. Will go through the forums, watch a video or two, and see how I feel later, cos I want to play. But I have noticed that when I don't feel like playing I don't win. But then again, there have been plenty of times I felt like playing and lost, so go figure. Will see how it goes.

Didn't play that much poker the last two days. Roll dipped down to $123, but a short session today has me back up to $128.17. Gonna log another session after dinner and see if I can't crack $130. I will throw in some S&Gs and MTTs this weekend in an effort to hit $150 by Monday. Would like to start my serious 5NL grind by then.

GL Dr Nibbles

TY Muzzard. Well wishes are appreciated. Dem hell wishers get on my nerves.

Played the 50 cent MTT and finished 330+ outta 2300+ field. This was the worst payout structure I have ever seen. It paid about 498 places and from 425 to 498 only got 59 cents, for a whopping 9 cents profit. It wasn't always like that, must have restructured payout. I didn't even double up, getting like 89 cents (only 39 cents profit). But it is not about the money yet, just gaining MTT experience. On one of these upcoming weekends I will play the $5 MTT at 1p.m. That has 3000 starting chips which should allow for more poker and be less of a donkfest.

After the MTT I played ring until I fell asleep. Woke up to see roll sits at $129.03. So 6 bucks on the day makes for a very good day. 3 buyins for a single tabler is very nice. I always say I will log major hands on the weekend, but never do. So whatever, I'm just trying to hit 150. Lofty goals, but what the hay.

Decent session yesterday. Roll is at $131.80. Played in 1 S&G but lost when I flopped a JT flush but villain flopped ace high flush. Cash game went well though. Won two buy ins. The bad thing is I was at a hot seat for about 20 minutes. If I was a maniac I would have cleaned up. My trash hands (that I folded pre-flop) were hitting hard. My good hands held up, but damn near everything was hitting. Of course, every time I played my speculative hands they didn't hit, but the ones I folded did. That was my luckbox moment that I didn't take advantage of. Still grinding.

Originally Posted by nibbles

That was my luckbox moment that I didn't take advantage of.

]

i seriously doubt any FTR regs will advocate opening up your PF range to include speculative "trash" because had you been playing trash hands earlier in a session, you'd have been hitting some hands.

the right decision is the right decision, regardless of what comes on the flop/turn/river. if you open limp 72o UTG (extreme example, but it puts the point across) then you are making a long term -EV decision, regardless if the flop comes 772.

great job nibbles
i also am grinding it out
hope to see you soon at 5nl

I hear ya sil, thanks clvaca. I hate that tables break up so often at 2NL. I spent over an hour grinding up another buy in of profit when everybody leaves. I go to a new table and get kicked in the nuts.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (9 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

saw flop | saw showdown

UTG ($2.05)
UTG+1 ($2.81)
MP1 ($2.43)
MP2 ($1.70)
MP3 ($5.30)
CO ($0.97)
Button ($5.09)
nibbles (SB) ($2.49)
BB ($0.59)

Preflop: nibbles is SB with K, K
1 fold, UTG+1 calls $0.02, MP1 calls $0.02, MP2 calls $0.02, 3 folds, nibbles bets $0.12, 1 fold, UTG+1 calls $0.10, MP1 calls $0.10, 1 fold

Flop: ($0.40) 4, 3, 3 (3 players)
nibbles bets $0.30, UTG+1 calls $0.30, MP1 calls $0.30

Turn: ($1.30) 4 (3 players)
nibbles bets $1.02, UTG+1 calls $1.02, 1 fold

River: ($3.34) A (2 players)
nibbles bets $1.05 (All-In), UTG+1 calls $1.05

Total pot: $5.44 | Rake: $0.25

Results:
nibbles had K, K (two pair, Kings and fours).
UTG+1 had 5, A (two pair, Aces and fours).
Outcome: UTG+1 won $5.19

Was I right in putting that last dollar in on the river. When villain called on the turn I thought he had A high and was looking for the split, or a flush draw, or both. I added the possibility of him having a medium PP thinking I missed with my big slick. I felt I was pretty much pot committed and would have called his all in had I checked the river, so I decided to push. Bad play? Can I check fold this? I could see a medium PP playing like him. Oh, idk. Argh!

Anyway, got on tilt and managed another bit of spew against the same villain. Chased once, must be habitual chaser, right? I get so upset over pennies, I don't know how I'll do for money.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (9 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

saw flop | saw showdown

MP1 ($2.07)
MP2 ($5.73)
MP3 ($1.94)
CO ($1.63)
Button ($5.38)
SB ($0.91)
BB ($4.95)
nibbles (UTG) ($2.50)
UTG+1 ($0.57)

Preflop: nibbles is UTG with 4, 4
nibbles calls $0.02, UTG+1 bets $0.08, 1 fold, MP2 calls $0.08, MP3 calls $0.08, 2 folds, SB calls $0.07, BB calls $0.06, nibbles calls $0.06

Flop: ($0.48) 2, 3, 5 (6 players)
SB checks, BB checks, nibbles checks, UTG+1 bets $0.49 (All-In), MP2 calls $0.49, 3 folds, nibbles raises to $0.98, MP2 calls $0.49

Turn: ($2.93) 9 (3 players, 1 all-in)
nibbles bets $0.58, MP2 calls $0.58

River: ($4.09) J (3 players, 1 all-in)
nibbles checks, MP2 checks

Total pot: $4.09 | Rake: $0.15

Results:
nibbles had 4, 4 (flush, Jack high).
UTG+1 mucked 9, 9 (flush, Jack high).
MP2 had 7, K (flush, King high).
Outcome: MP2 won $3.94

So long and slow to build, but fast as hell to lose. Tilt is a terrible thing. Taking a short break, but will return cos I wanna put in alot of hands today.

KK hand is fine.

I don't understand the check/minraise on the flop in the 44 hand, and sure you had the straight flush draw, but I dont like sticking it in on the turn, i woulda just pushed the flop or folded (folding not being very likely ).

Up and down day, finished down. Here is my final hand of the day. Quite fitting.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

saw flop | saw showdown

UTG+1 ($2.36)
MP1 ($2.92)
MP2 ($3.11)
Hero (CO) ($3.31)
Button ($1.69)
SB ($4.86)
BB ($2.72)
UTG ($2.09)

Preflop: Hero is CO with J, 6
UTG calls $0.02, 3 folds, Hero calls $0.02, 1 fold, SB calls $0.01, BB checks

Flop: ($0.08) 6, 10, 6 (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, UTG bets $0.02, Hero calls $0.02, 1 fold, BB calls $0.02

Turn: ($0.14) J (3 players)
BB checks, UTG bets $0.06, Hero calls $0.06, 1 fold

River: ($0.26) A (2 players)
UTG bets $0.16, Hero raises to $0.50, UTG raises to $0.84, Hero raises to $3.21 (All-In), UTG calls $1.15 (All-In)

Total pot: $4.24 | Rake: $0.20

Results:
UTG had A, A (full house, Aces over sixes).
Hero had J, 6 (full house, sixes over Jacks).
Outcome: UTG won $4.04

I love how some players get away with limping and catching while I sometimes overbet pre=flop and still get rundown. Amazing!!! Whatever fucks need, they catch catch against me. Anyway, roll is back down to $129.28. I was up to $135 at one point. It's these types of beats that kill me. if not for these I would be at 10NL by now. And I don't play thousands of hands per week. I don't even clear 1 thousand, so how the heel does this happen to me so fucking often? I really don't get it. I RARELY win the big pots cos villain catches whatever the fuck they need. Man I'm so pissed. Disgusting. But tomorrow is another day. Fucking internet poker.

And me being the idiot that I am, decided to play one more time to recover my losses. My 3 of a kind aces with J kicker went down to aces full o 7's. Stacked. Again. The sucker is me. The sucker is me. Roll is $126 and change. Oh well. Almost 10 bucks down from my highpoint on the day. Sweet. I think I'll carry my ass to bed now. I've almost got my credit cards paid off, so I wont need poker to occupy my time for much longer. The grind is getting to me. Too frustrating.

cheer up! i just lost $30 at $0.02-$0.04. that is my worst ever day (not counting drunken moments at $0.25-$0.50). poker continually finds new ways to mess with you lol. somedays u just get stacked whatever u do. somedays u just cant flop anything.

I think always classing it as a grind is bad for the mindset. Poker should be fun, and thats the reason i play now. getting peeved cause i played for 2 hours and lost $2 and im further from $0.05-$0.10 is not how i want my life to be lol!

gl on the grind!

Nibbles, the J6 hand you played TERRIBLY and tbh u deserved to be sucked out on lol. Why the fuck would you wait til the river to throw in a bet/raise, it doesn't matter that you have the virtual nuts you need to VALUE BET ALL THREE STREETS.

Especially on that flop, there are a lot of gutshots/flush draws/TP/weaker 6's that will call there and on turn you gotta keep on firing out them bullets. River blows, but money will always get in here.

Don't worry about having a couple of losing days, shit man, I went an ENTIRE MONTH of being stuck at $40, but I just kept on pushing through it and now my roll is up to $187 a month later. Just gotta fight through the stretches of bull until you hit your hot run of cards.

Remember, you started out at $5, now you are at $126, that is a pretty big accomplishment that a lot of people playing wouldn't be able to boast about.

Take a break from poker for a week or so if the grind is getting to you. Seriously, don't play if you don't feel like it, you will just spew.

Keep ur chin up!

J6 hand - fold pre

The J6 hand is a little odd in several ways. For me, I'd be hard pressed to ever play J6s because it's going to be hard for you to get a flop that hits you hard enough AND you'll get paid. Fortunately you DID hit the flop, but unfortunately we won't ever know if you would have got payed because you slowplayed it and allowed the villain to catch up. For many average to bad players, it's entirely possible you would have gotten paid and villain would have sucked out on you by the river because many players get married to aces. Most better players would get suspicious of the paired board and probably wouldn't pay you off that much.

Although it does suck to get a full house with a speculative hand and lose it on the river, I think you'd be hard pressed to totally play the victim here. Look how the hand played out: you were behind pre-flop, ahead on the flop and turn, but hardly ANY money went in then. The money got in on the river when YOU were behind. But, even had the money got in when you were ahead, as we all know, that's poker and it's going to happen. Just learn from the hand and try to make better decisions next time - there were SEVERAL things I think you could learn from this hand: don't play J6, don't slowplay, get the money in when you're ahead, not behind, and don't tilt when poker happens

Good luck.

Everything you guys said was dead spot on. Tilt happens. Today is much better. Roll is back up to $130.71. The sweet spot is I cracked KK with my 99 for a stack. THAT is what made me feel better. There's something about doing unto others. Just gotta remember to keep things in perspective. This is poker. Everything that happens is what is supposed to happen. Last night I played while steaming and it cost me two buy ins. Can't let this game get the best of me. I gotta best the game. Thanks for the construc crit.

Seems like $150 is a tad bit outta reach. Sandra Oh well.

Ok, I've made the move to 5NL officially. I have adjusted my buy in to 80 BB ($4), so I well have my 30 buy ins. Today's session went pretty good. Up $6.39 in just under 150 hands. Mixed my play up well. (As I type this I just got eliminated from a MTT QQ vs TT, you know what happened). Actually, I wasn't dealt any big PP this ring session so... I figured I'd be in a MTT for a while longer, but since I wont, I shall return to the ring grind. See if I can't squeeze out another buy in.

Don't you hate the times where you only hit a hand when you are beat? Missing flop after flop, finally hit top two and go down to set. Finally hit set and lose to bigger set. Poker. I should have quit while ahead. Well, I am still ahead 2 dollars and change, but I'm about to play some more. So where will my roll end up? Set over set actually hurts. They feel so much like the nutz. I really should be in bed by now, but really wide awake now.

Yesterday was a nasty day. Had fallen back down to $133. Today has been great, however. Thing is I decided to play at 2NL again, but I've been buying in for $5. I found tables that have other deep staked players and had a great experience. The play isn't as maniacal when your opponents have 5 bucks at risk. Short stackers screw up the game, imo. Anywho, roll is up to $141.13. Taking a break. Gonna do another session after dinner. Hopefully my run will continue (hit 3 sets, including one set over set).

I played the 50 cent MTT and busted out. Not lucky enough. So then I sit down at a 2NL table. As i wiat for the BB, half the table gets up. I go to another table. scoop two pots worth a total of 30 cents, and the table breaks up again. I've noticed this before and it is really annoying. I need full tables. I don't even look at tables that have less than 7 players. So when I sit, and 3 players leave, I hafta leave. My BB/100 hands must be up there, so maybe that is scaring off opponents. It is tough to squeeze chips outta me, so maybe I'm not worth their time. Maybe it is just a whole bunch of coincidences. I dunno, but it is annoying. Lemme see if I can find someone to play with. Woe is me.

i would presume that the majority of 2nl players arent using any sort of tracking device and so have no idea about your winrate. tables fill and break all the time at the micros as there are so many players just nipping in and out. if you're ever at the table with position on a floundering feesh and it becomes short handed, id suggest staying at the table (sit out if you're uncomfortable playing short) as it'll probably fill up again very shortly.

gl with the grind sir.

Tanks sil. One thing I did like about 5NL games was their stability. Even games with very little action held together. Not as many hit & runners. At 2NL there are way too many one dollar donkeys. Pushing all in into a 3 cent pot. Sigh. But I guess if they had rolls they'd be at higher stakes. Back to the grind.

Calling it a night. Roll is at $139. I really need to remove MTTs from my game selection cos I have a hard time winning them. My big PP keep going down. It is so unreal! I do not understand how that is. I do well enough in single table S&Gs, so I'll stick to that from time to time. Otherwise it is cash. But I like the idea at taking stabs at big cash for a small buy in, but I am not lucky. I like tourneys, just can't get lucky enough to win. I've done well cashing ITM, but it is not enough money for the 3+ hours of play. So I play my hands more aggressively but get outlucked by donks playing any two cards and hitting big, or running me down with the suckout. I rand deep once back in November, but that is it. Gotta be lucky.

Time for bed. Better to be lucky than good. At what buy in are the MTTs not such a donkfest? $10? $20? $50?

Originally Posted by nibbles

At what buy in are the MTTs not such a donkfest? $10? $20? $50?

please don't do a slev. you have to realise that variance in MTTs is simply huge. even the best MTT players can go through REALLY shitty runs. ok when the BI is higher they might not call you with shitty cards etc, but they'll ruin you in other ways.

Originally Posted by sil693

Originally Posted by nibbles

At what buy in are the MTTs not such a donkfest? $10? $20? $50?

ok when the BI is higher they might not call you with shitty cards etc, but they'll ruin you in other ways.

Don't we want the players to be donks and call down with bad cards?

Originally Posted by Jason

Originally Posted by sil693

Originally Posted by nibbles

At what buy in are the MTTs not such a donkfest? $10? $20? $50?

ok when the BI is higher they might not call you with shitty cards etc, but they'll ruin you in other ways.

Don't we want the players to be donks and call down with bad cards?

exactly my point.

No, I'm playing out of my bankroll on MTTs. Just asking.

Boy is today not my day. Dropped 7 dollars. Top 2 pair went down to a rivered gutshot. Top pair with flush draw went down to runner runner gutshots. Then the grand finale, my KK went down to 77 on a 4 card flush. Roll is at $132.51. I even threw in a $1 S&G and lost my race AJd vs 45s where villain flopped OESD and flush draw. Uh, I should be done for the day, but I still feel like playing. The money went too quickly. I don't remember dropping this much in a day before, so hopefully I don't lose any more. Nasty!!!

Originally Posted by nibbles

Uh, I should be done for the day, but I still feel like playing. The money went too quickly. I don't remember dropping this much in a day before, so hopefully I don't lose any more. Nasty!!!

Just to give the angel on your shoulder a louder voice - if you started with $139.51 and lost $7, that's 5% and you should probably stop playing for the day. Either do something completely unrelated to poker OR if you still have poker on the brain, do what I do, scratch the itch by reading some poker books @ Starbucks, study hand histories, or surf FTR. Remember, continuing to play when you're on a heater is easy. Stopping play when you hit a stop loss or tilt is tough, but still something that the disciplined, successful players do.

I forgot all about that, but I remember reading it. I've since recovered a little over 2 dollars. Flopped 3 of a kind (pair on board, one in hole) twice winning decent pots, but then I hit a set of fives and won a nice pot there. So I am no longer at the 5% threshold. That is something I will hafta keep in mind in the future. In times like this that 5% rule would really be a test of discipline, cos I lost that 5% way too fast. Didn't get enough bang for my buck, ya know? Usually my losing session take a long time.

Phew! Was able to recover my losses for the day. Roll is back up to $139.22. With the way my day has gone, my last hand was a crying call. On the flop I thought he had overpair. On turn I thought he had flush. On river I thought he had flush or str8. This is the hand that got me back to even. No read on opponents as this was still my first orbit.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.02 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

saw flop | saw showdown

MP1 ($5.62)
nibbles (MP2) ($4.97)
CO ($3.58)
Button ($1.54)
SB ($2.96)
BB ($5)
UTG ($2.25)
UTG+1 ($6.11)

Preflop: nibbles is MP2 with 9, 9
UTG calls $0.02, 2 folds, nibbles calls $0.02, CO bets $0.08, 2 folds, BB calls $0.06, 1 fold, nibbles calls $0.06

Flop: ($0.27) 6, 8, 5 (3 players)
BB checks, nibbles bets $0.08, CO raises to $0.16, 1 fold, nibbles calls $0.08

Turn: ($0.59) 9 (2 players)
nibbles checks, CO bets $1, nibbles calls $1

River: ($2.59) 10 (2 players)
nibbles checks, CO bets $2.34 (All-In), nibbles calls $2.34

Total pot: $7.27 | Rake: $0.35

Results:
nibbles had 9, 9 (three of a kind, nines).
CO had 8, A (one pair, eights).
Outcome: nibbles won $6.92

Normally I would have been all in on turn, but my mind wasn't where it should be. I'm seeing monsters under the bed. I'm torn between playing some more or just appreciating my recovery and resuming tomorrow. I still feel like playing, but like I said, my mind isn't where it should be. I am going into hands expecting to lose. Game of confidence, so this is a bad thing. Oh well. About to eat a late supper. Will decide afterwards. All smiles about recovery though.

Ending my OP. This poker thing isn't for me. I take way too many bad beats in too few hands. What ever my opponents need they catch. It is like I'm being set up. Can't win the big pots. Poker grinding isn't for everyone. My credit cards are almost paid off, so I'm just gonna get back with regular life (only living more within my means). I will still play poker from time to time, but just for fun. Playing tight and losing to people playing push and catch poker is not that much fun. It has really gotten to me. I no longer enjoy grinding.

This is a great site with a ton of good information. I used to read it before I became a member and will continue to do so. I wish you all continued success in your respective poker journeys. See you at the tables. Take care.

End of OP roll $128.46. Back to gambling.

Ouch.

I think you should go out, buy, and read The Poker Mindset not once, but twice, and come back to poker playing ONLY CASH games. Trust me. I've been where you've been and you can come out to the other side no worse for the wear.

Hey nibbles, hate to see you go man. I remember back in November/December when it was just me and you grinding the 2nls. Gonna be weird not having you around updating your blog. I'm switching over to FR as soon as I get back to school and start grinding, was hoping to see catch you at the tables. O well man, have fun getting some rest. Maybe after you take a couple weeks off you'll get the bug again.

Later man.

Maybe you guys are right and some time away would be good. But I have done that b4 and it only kept me in good spirits for a short while. Even though I am turning a profit, I am running bad. It is like I win just enough to keep me interested. In my spew session last night I threw in a heads up S&G and my KK went down to villain's 95 off full fuckin' boat. I just played a hand where my TPGK went down to villain's runner runner suckout. What made that one bad was he had no draws! just a 2 and a 3 which he caught nicely on the turn and river. Then he promptly donked off his chips to everyone else, as usual. But this time I didn't get pissed. I just said screw it.

I'm just gonna play off the rest of my roll at 5NL and see what happens. Probably throw in some stud while I'm at it. I see why so many people claim online poker is rigged. I have played a good deal of live poker and you just don't see these beats so damn often. It is crazy. So there is no way I can take it seriously. Who knows, maybe I just need a little bit of luck to get back in gear. Just gonna have fun again.

online you see far far more hands/hour than in live poker.

this is why it seems like the bad beats are more frequent.

variance is a bitch, but unless you learn to live with it (i really struggle with this but its something you need to work on and i am doing so) you're never going to make it in this game.

gl man, hope you sort things out!!

Yes, the more online hands per hour that sil693 mentioned is HUGE and the reason I think cash games are a lot more stable for mental sanity is because you go all-in a LOT more in tournaments than you do in cash games, so that feeling of villain always catching their card or bad beats is MUCH more prevalent. Also in cash games, they don't turn both cards over so even when you're all-in, you have no time to figure out what villain needs to catch or how far you are behind - it's win or lose. You have to go back in the hand history to try to relive the moment to see how ripped off you got.

The truth is, whether you want to believe it or not, you do NOT get drawn out more than any other player. You get drawn out the same frequency as everyone just the same as everyone does compared to anyone else. If you keep a database of hands, it's easy to check and you just have to make sure you play enough hands to see it even out.

I feel like such a heel. I need to get my poker emotions under control. When I'm winning I feel great! When I'm losing the world is against me. I had spewed my roll down to $116 since last night. After my last post I decided to play 3 tables of 5NL. I was still in my "screw it" mode but I still only played premium cards. It went well. I've got my roll back up to $129. I've been taking this too seriously. I have to remember that this isn't high stakes poker and alot of people are just fucking around. Need to just have fun.

Stats from my first real multi-table session:
During current Hold'em session you were dealt 322 hands and saw flop:
- 29 out of 46 times while in big blind (63%)
- 12 out of 44 times while in small blind (27%)
- 36 out of 232 times in other positions (15%)
- a total of 77 out of 322 (23%)
Pots won at showdown - 10 of 26 (38%)
Pots won without showdown - 30

My pots won at showdown % is very low for me, but I made plays and calls I usually don't make. Worked out in the end.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.05 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

saw flop | saw showdown

UTG+1 ($1.25)
MP1 ($4.98)
MP2 ($3.30)
CO ($2.05)
Button ($5)
nibbles (SB) ($6.02)
BB ($1.19)
UTG ($5.20)

Preflop: nibbles is SB with K, K
1 fold, UTG+1 calls $0.05, 1 fold, MP2 calls $0.05, 2 folds, nibbles bets $0.25, 1 fold, UTG+1 calls $0.20, MP2 calls $0.20

Flop: ($0.80) Q, 4, A (3 players)
nibbles bets $0.35, UTG+1 calls $0.35, 1 fold

Turn: ($1.50) 7 (2 players)
nibbles bets $0.85, 1 fold

Total pot: $1.50 | Rake: $0.05

Results:
nibbles didn't show K, K (nothing).
Outcome: nibbles won $1.45

Never used to fire the second bullet there. Bet became a bluff.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.05 BB (9 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

saw flop | saw showdown

CO ($6.89)
Button ($4.79)
SB ($6.40)
nibbles (BB) ($6.32)
UTG ($10)
UTG+1 ($1.85)
MP1 ($5.85)
MP2 ($6.44)
MP3 ($4.13)

Preflop: nibbles is BB with 9, 9
4 folds, MP3 calls $0.05, 3 folds, nibbles bets $0.15, MP3 calls $0.10

Flop: ($0.32) 10, J, 9 (2 players)
nibbles bets $0.15, MP3 calls $0.15

Turn: ($0.62) 4 (2 players)
nibbles bets $0.15, MP3 raises to $0.85, nibbles calls $0.70

River: ($2.32) 2 (2 players)
nibbles checks, MP3 bets $2.98 (All-In), nibbles calls $2.98

Total pot: $8.28 | Rake: $0.40

Results:
nibbles had 9, 9 (three of a kind, nines).
MP3 had 5, Q (high card, Queen).
Outcome: nibbles won $7.88

Beat so many ways, but said screw it. If I'm beat, I'm beat.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.05 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

saw flop | saw showdown

MP1 ($9.73)
nibbles (MP2) ($5.33)
CO ($5.93)
Button ($5.49)
SB ($5.55)
BB ($2.81)
UTG ($2.12)
UTG+1 ($5.05)

Preflop: nibbles is MP2 with K, Q
1 fold, UTG+1 bets $0.20, 1 fold, nibbles calls $0.20, 4 folds

Flop: ($0.47) J, 5, 6 (2 players)
UTG+1 bets $0.20, nibbles raises to $0.50, UTG+1 calls $0.30

Turn: ($1.47) J (2 players)
UTG+1 checks, nibbles bets $0.50, 1 fold

Total pot: $1.47 | Rake: $0.05

Results:
nibbles didn't show K, Q (nothing).
Outcome: nibbles won $1.42

Normally I don't call UTG raises with likely dominated hands, but said I will get away from heavy action UTG gives. Also take advantage of bluff opportunities. Don't usually go into hands prepared to bluff.

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.05 BB (9 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

saw flop | saw showdown

UTG ($9.73)
nibbles (UTG+1) ($6.05)
MP1 ($5.93)
MP2 ($5.44)
MP3 ($5.53)
CO ($8)
Button ($2.86)
SB ($2.07)
BB ($4.35)

Preflop: nibbles is UTG+1 with K, K
1 fold, nibbles bets $0.25, 1 fold, MP2 calls $0.25, 2 folds, Button calls $0.25, 2 folds

Flop: ($0.87) 3, 5, J (3 players)
nibbles bets $0.50, 1 fold, Button calls $0.50

Turn: ($1.87) 2 (2 players)
nibbles checks, Button checks

River: ($1.87) 10 (2 players)
nibbles bets $0.30, Button raises to $0.60, nibbles calls $0.30

Total pot: $3.07 | Rake: $0.15

Results:
Button had 5, A (one pair, fives).
nibbles had K, K (one pair, Kings).
Outcome: nibbles won $2.92

Another "screw it" moment. If I'm beat, I'm beat. I would never put more money into that board, before today. Some people are just fucking around, looking to bluff people outta pots. Gotta get loose and have fun like everyone else.

Playing three tables was a good experience, and not just because I had a winning session. I turned off the t.v. and listened to music instead, staying focused on the play at the tables. I was able to keep track of everyone's actions. The other times I played more than 1 table it was at 2NL and players change tables too much down there, and too maniacal as well. Gonna do another session tonight b4 the freeroll. The only other freeroll I played in, I was the last FTR member standing, taking 4th place and a whopping $9 prize. That was in Dec when our password was compromised and the freeroll had like 400 players. Will see how I do tonight.

Sil, Jay, you guys make alot of sense. Mentally I agree 100%, it is just my emotions I need to get under control. I used to shake the beat off easily, but now it is getting harder, and it is affecting my play. I am looking to get lucky sometimes, and I know that's a bad thing, but emotionally I feel I'm due. Again, in my head I know what's wrong with that last sentence, but that is how I feel. I'm at the point where someone comes from behind to win (not even a bad beat) and I get pissed. I think it is because I don't come from behind intentionally. I don't go looking to get lucky like so many others do. I may actually be jealous of other peoples luck, I think. The times I look to get lucky, I don't. Hopefully I will get through this. I appreciate you guys' comments. Mentally helpful, emotionally, not so much. but the latter is on me to fix. I see my FPP count is going up again since I've been playing 5NL, so I may be able to get a good poke book this time around. The last two I got from Stars sucked testes.

luck is short term. how many of the guys who ship it in with no pair no draw do you think are long term winners??

are you a good poker player if you have to rely on luck every time?

keep at it mate. gl.

Sigh. Hoped for a quick pick me up with the freeroll, but didn't happen. Doubled up early, but then my AQ ran into AA of a guy raised 3 times in the one orbit I had was at the table (recent table change). That took half my stack. Then I tried to get cute with my cowboys. I don't know why I would try that when they don't hold when played str8 forward. I just really wanted more than just the blinds. No risk, no reward, right?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tournament, 50/100 Blinds 10 Ante (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

saw flop | saw showdown

CO (t5390)
Button (t2951)
SB (t3770)
BB (t1917)
nibbles (UTG) (t1584)
UTG+1 (t1125)
MP1 (t1907)
MP2 (t2065)

nibbles's M: 6.89

Preflop: nibbles is UTG with K, K
nibbles calls t100, 4 folds, Button calls t100, SB calls t50, BB checks

Flop: (t480) K, 9, 5 (4 players)
SB checks, BB checks, nibbles checks, Button bets t345, SB calls t345, 1 fold, nibbles raises to t1474 (All-In), 1 fold, SB calls t1129

Turn: (t3773) 2 (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: (t3773) 6 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: t3773

Results:
SB had 10, 3 (flush, King high).
nibbles had K, K (three of a kind, Kings).
Outcome: SB won t3773

Villain ended up winning the whole friggin' thing. Anywho, about to do another 3 tabling session at 5NL. See if I can do as well as this afternoon.

I decided to do a $1 MTT. Finished 68th outta 2600. Made a little over 4 bucks, so it's ok. But I really am not lucky. my TT ran into QQ. My AA got cracked by 66. And finally my AK ran into AA for the knockout blow. I haven't run that deep in a long while, so happy about that at least. Didn't log that many ring game hands today. Finagled my roll back up to $138.41. Oh yeah, yesterday after I got knocked out of the freeroll I played an 18 man $1 S&G and took second. I shoulda taken 1st, but when we were heads up, villain just started shoving every hand and beat me every time I called him. It really is better to be lucky than good. But that was a nice little 5 bucks addition to the roll.

Poker on the brain. Couldn't sleep so played a 90 man 25 cents S&G, so if I fell asleep it wouldn't be a big deal. Finished 7th, but again my AA got cracked by K8 with the 4 cards str8, 7 to J. I am not exaggerating on my lack of success with big pocket pairs. It really is unbelievable. If someone was telling me about this, I probably would think it was all in their head.

The sad thing is I was in 3rd place up against the big stack. Just as well. Need to carry my butt to bed anyway. Tomorrow is gonna be a rough day.

Originally Posted by nibbles

But I really am not lucky. my TT ran into QQ. My AA got cracked by 66. And finally my AK ran into AA for the knockout blow.

Originally Posted by nibbles

Finished 7th, but again my AA got cracked by K8 with the 4 cards str8, 7 to J. I am not exaggerating on my lack of success with big pocket pairs. It really is unbelievable. If someone was telling me about this, I probably would think it was all in their head.

I don't think anyone doubts the beats you are reporting are accurate. Where I think you have a road block is in at least three places:

(1) You are not reporting or remembering the bad beats you are giving. It is statistically improbable or impossible that you are not putting your money in bad and winning in the exact same manner you sometimes get beat. Unless you are meticulously recording EVERY all-in situation and comparing all the times you got in good versus all the times you got in bad, you are naturally going to remember ALL the bad ones and NONE of the good ones.

(2) You are not reporting or remembering the GOOD hands that hold up. It is statistically improbable or impossible that you are not putting your money in good and winning your fair share. Unless you are meticulously recording EVERY all-in situation and comparing all the times you got in good and the hand HELD UP versus all the times it got cracked, you are naturally going to remember ALL the bad ones and NONE of the good ones.

(3) You are underestimating the frequency with which bad beats will occur. AA versus 66 is a 4 to 1 favorite. That's pretty good, but it's no time to call the cops when that 1 happens. If an 80% free throw shooter misses, he doesn't go on the air after the game and say, "Man, I'm just REALLY unlucky. I shot 5 free throws and MISSED one?!" No, he was SUPPOSED to miss 1 out of 5 just like an 80% free throw shooter should. Just like your AA will get cracked to smaller pocket pairs 1 out of 5 times ON AVERAGE. Sometimes they will win 10 in a row, sometimes they will LOSE 10 in a row, but if you play AA versus a smaller pocket pair 1,000,000 times all-in pre-flop, about 800,000 times it will hold. If your sample size is small, don't be surprised if the results are a little off until you play more hands.

To maintain your own sanity, as an EXERCISE, DO record EVERY all-in situation by hand, spreadsheet, or use a software tool. Or record every time your AK runs into AA, but ALSO record the opposite situation when villains have AK and run into YOUR AA. See what the results are after thousands of those situations. If there is a significant variation, then you may have a case, but odds are you're just doing an exercise in basic mathematics of which we already know the answer.

Not to beat a dead horse, but when you report your results, there is an underlying sense of entitlement that you exude. Having a sense of entitlement in poker is a very bad mindset to have because until the last card is dealt on the board and the cards are turned up, it's anyone's pot. To me, it's quite clear that you haven't bought into that yet and I think you start mentally putting chips in your stack prematurely. That may be the area you need to improve in the most - even more so than any specific playing strategy. No one wins a single tournament without some luck. No one builds a bankroll from cash games with a line that goes straight up. Everyone who plays poker is in a constant state of flux of bad cards, bad beats, coolers, and all the bad things that go along with it. The good players accept that, deal with it, and embrace those things along with all the other GREAT things about poker: good cards, bad cards that hit great flops, good cards that hold up, and outplaying other players.

Good luck.

Jay wrote:

You are not reporting or remembering the bad beats you are giving.

Oh, I do. I just don't have many of them cos I don't put my money in bad often, and the few times I do, I usually lose. I've posted some of my suckouts on here and they actually made me feel good. Felt like I was owed. I know that is not right.

You are not reporting or remembering the GOOD hands that hold up.

Yes I do. I am not multi-tabling thousands of hands a week. I don't even clear a thousand hands a week. I only see so many AAs and KKs during my sessions, and they stand out. Yes some of them hold up, but not 80% of them. I understand that this is a short sample and things like this will happen, it is just hard to take. Just waiting for this run to end, but this nasty run is actually happening.

You are underestimating the frequency with which bad beats will occur... but if you play AA versus a smaller pocket pair 1,000,000 times all-in pre-flop, about 800,000 times it will hold.

Understood. Right now I am in that 200,000 crack rut. This had been the biggest problem for me; gaining the long term perspective of the game. Going from being a casual player to an everyday grinder takes alot of getting used to, and I need to get my expectations in line with poker reality. Easier said than done.

Thanks for the great post(s), Jason. Very insightful. Seems like you've been around the poker block a few times. My "mentally stacking chips prematurely" was dead on at one time, but sadly I fully expect to lose in those situations now. Neither expectation is good. I just need to remain focused on putting my money in good and feel good about that. In the long run it will balance out. Still learning, still growing, still winning. Can't let the normal swings of the game throw me off, like it did this past weekend.


I paid the price for not getting much sleep last night. Was a zombie all day. Then I had the nerve to try and play poker when I got home, lol. I fired up 3 tables of 5NL, but started dozing off at about 50 hands. Made a little over a buck, so it was cool. 60 cents here, 40 cents there, 15 cents around the corner. Took a short nap, and about to get back to it. This multi-tabling things is pretty good. I am going to make it a regular part of my game now. Poker on the brain.

Speak of the devil. After this play my table broke up immediately. Went from full to four in one hand, lol. This wasn't that bad, was it?

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.05 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

saw flop | saw showdown

UTG ($4.93)
UTG+1 ($4)
MP1 ($9.68)
MP2 ($5.38)
nibbles (CO) ($5.95)
Button ($3.88)
SB ($5.47)
BB ($1.56)

Preflop: nibbles is CO with 8, 7
4 folds, nibbles bets $0.15, 2 folds, BB raises to $0.25, nibbles calls $0.10

Flop: ($0.52) 5, 6, K (2 players)
BB bets $0.25, nibbles raises to $0.60, BB raises to $0.95, nibbles calls $0.35

Turn: ($2.42) 4 (2 players)
BB bets $0.05, nibbles raises to $0.40, BB calls $0.31 (All-In)

River: ($3.14) A (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: $3.14 | Rake: $0.15

Results:
BB had K, K (three of a kind, Kings).
nibbles had 8, 7 (straight, eight high).
Outcome: nibbles won $2.99

There are alot of 5NL tables running on Stars today. Usually there are only a few tables with no less than 7 players. Today there are a bunch of tables with 4 and 5 players. Players jumping in and out of tables, seems like 2NL. Still really sleepy / groggy so playing ring probably isn't the best idea. Playing when we are at our best is part of the discipline. So I'm done. I will play the 50 cent MTT to minimize risk of my bankroll. Roll is at $142.67.