Operation: a micro-adventure towards 200$

[Raoni_Poker]

Hi all,

I've been posting here for some months now and the discussions I read here are improving a lot my game. This operation towards 200$ started some weeks ago. I'm currently playing with the PokerRoomSchool no deposit bonus, which is 50$. After losing 3$ playing limit HE (which I like but I dont think I'm going to be successfull playing it) I started to try micro SGs at CD Poker.

I started playing 0,60 SGs and after 11 games, I made a profit of 6.9$ (104.5% ROI). After 81% ITM, I finished in 1st twice, 2nd 3 times and 3rd 4 times. Those games are easy to beat, so...I decided after that to try the 1,2SGs. I did not think it would be a huge difference, but there is quite a difference between both games. I wonder if it would be more profitable to get back to the 0,6$.

I played 14 of those 1,20$ games and made a profit of 8.20$ (48.8% ROI). I'm 57% ITM now. Finished in 1st twice, 2nd 3 times and 3rd 3 times. Luckly I never was elimined in 4th place in these 25 games I've played, which is good in terms of hourly profit (which is currently between 0,84 and 0,93% per hour).

Unfortunately, I dont have many time to grind and play a lot of hours. Besides that, I'm still playing 1 table at a time (tried 2 once, but is harder to observe the game). Therefore what might be a simple operation for a grinder, build my bankroll up to 200$ is not that easy playing one or two games per day.

Lets see how many games I'll have to play to reach this point. I dont intend to try higher stakes until that moment, so...lets see if micros can be profitable or not.

Good luck for me!

[Raoni_Poker]

Two SGs so far this weekend. A 3rd and 2nd place and a stupid move. I could easily have played the final HU and I made this stupidity:

No-Limit Hold'em, $600.00 BB (3 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

Hero (SB) ($2720)
BB ($10920)
Button ($1360)

Preflop: Hero is SB with J, Q
1 fold, Hero bets $2420 (All-In), BB calls $2120

Flop: ($5440) 10, A, 3 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: ($5440) 10 (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: ($5440) Q (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: $5440

Results in white below:
Hero had J, Q (two pair, Queens and tens).
BB had A, 2 (two pair, Aces and tens).
Outcome: BB won $5440

The Big stack on my rigth should call with anything since he had 2/3 of all the chips. I should have just waited to get 2nd place and get more money but that was dumb. Need to balance patience and aggressiveness better.

According to ICM, my shoving range should be 33% (22+ Ax+ K2s+ K6o+ Q9s+ QTo+ JTs) and BBs calling range 40% (22+ Ax+ K2s+ K6o+ Q5s+ Q9o+ J7s+ JTo T7s+ T9o 97s+ 86s+ 76s).

Apparently, it was a correct move (and a correct call)...but some times intuitive poker can do better than what the numbers say.

The other guy was about to get elimined...I think it was a wrong move. Hope to play a couple more games today and see what happens. I keep my concentration at maximum level playing one table at a time and it is quite exhausting. I could not do it for many hours and many tables like a grinder does.

[sil693]

Apparently, it was a correct move (and a correct call)...but some times intuitive poker can do better than what the numbers say.

A right decision is a right decision. Would you be questioning this play if the BB had folded and you'd taken the blinds + antes?

[nibbles]

You made the right play. The "outlast the other short stack" game ends once you make the money. After the bubble, you are going after the top prize. I used to do that "outlast" thing until I realized it costs me money in the long run. Don't assume your opponent will get eliminated. You will see that as you pass up opportunities your opponents seize theirs and you end up on the rail 1st. Hindsight is always 20/20. Just stay focused on trying to make the best decisions consistently. Being results oriented will only ruin your game.

[Raoni_Poker]

Apparently, it was a correct move (and a correct call)...but some times intuitive poker can do better than what the numbers say.

A right decision is a right decision. Would you be questioning this play if the BB had folded and you'd taken the blinds + antes?

Yes, you have a point, I would not question the play if it worked.
When I mention intuitive poker, I'm not saying that the numbers are wrong. In fact, this play was intuitive, since I dont play according to an ICM calculator. But sometimes, when the numbers say you must shove ATC or a really wide range, preserving chips might be wiser.

For me now...it was correct the shove. I just need to stop being that frustrated when I lose. Thanks for the comments!

[Raoni_Poker]

After another 3rd place I was elimined in 7th with this hand. Feel free to criticize it. I wanted to shove in the flop, but when it came to me, I had only the option of calling (some software bug, I guess).

No-Limit Hold'em, $40.00 BB (8 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

Button ($1440)
SB ($3270)
BB ($1240)
UTG ($1770)
Hero (UTG+1) ($1500)
MP1 ($510)
MP2 ($1440)
CO ($3830)

Preflop: Hero is UTG+1 with K, K
1 fold, Hero bets $120, MP1 calls $120, 1 fold, CO calls $120, 1 fold, SB calls $100, 1 fold

Flop: ($520) 6, 3, 9 (4 players)
SB checks, Hero bets $360, MP1 raises $390 (All-In), CO calls $390, 1 fold, Hero calls $30

Turn: ($1690) 7 (3 players, 1 all-in)
Hero bets $990 (All-In), CO calls $990

River: ($3670) Q (3 players, 2 all-in)

Total pot: $3670

Results in white below:
Hero had K, K (one pair, Kings).
MP1 had Q, J (one pair, Queens).
CO had K, A (flush, Ace high).
Outcome: CO won $3670

[defjoe22]

I think you did well on this one, i would have lost my chips there too. Maybe your bet on the flop should have been higher with that many callers. I also think that it was not a bug.

Mats

[Raoni_Poker]

Another bad game. Finished in 5th place. Poor cards for me...when I got a KK my raise scared 5 limpers.
Should have been more aggressive even with poor cards. I need to evaluate my hands from today. Bad cards and a huge stack on my left. Aggressive stealers on my right. I should have shove sometime even with ATC.

The final hand was a bit sad...I finally got AQ and shoved UTG. The BB called with J9. The flop: JJ4 and game over for me.

My little journey has now 29 games. My biggest OFM streak is 2 consecutive games (3 times so far)...hope to keep this up and get ITM in the next one.

[Raoni_Poker]

Again a bad game. Elimined in 5th after losing my concentration in the following hand. I was lucky in a previous steal from the button with Q4 (I was not stealing often and the cards were cold) facing A4. I hit two Q on the flop and river.

In the elimination hand I should have bet less and fold to any raise. Thats easy to figure this out now, but it takes a moment out of focus to make these silly mistakes (thats why I play 1 table at a time...to minimize these moments).

No-Limit Hold'em, $300.00 BB (6 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

CO ($1900)
Button ($1357.50)
SB ($790)
Hero (BB) ($2210)
UTG ($3535)
MP ($5207.50)

Preflop: Hero is BB with 8, K
1 fold, MP calls $300, 3 folds, Hero checks

Flop: ($750) Q, J, K (2 players)
Hero bets $600, MP raises $1200, Hero raises $1310 (All-In), MP calls $710

Turn: ($4570) 4 (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: ($4570) 2 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: $4570

Results in white below:
Hero had 8, K (one pair, Kings).
MP had 10, A (straight, Ace high).
Outcome: MP won $4570

I'm aware this hand was poorly played...many hands here beat me (QJ, K9+, AT). Need to stay in focus.

Interestingly, the guy who elimined me has a ROI of -30% over 1000 games. A negative balance of 600$. In his last 10 games he lost 8, was 3rd once and (unfortunately for me) won his last game.

Its so frustrating to lose to those players. Just to give you an idea. After my elimination, another player was elimined. They were 4 players. However, one of them was sitout for a long time (connection problem, perhaps) and he had less than 1BB. The player on his rigth decided to shove with AJ....and got called by A5.
The caller made a straight on the river and that other guy might be much more frustrated than I am. The sitout managed to get ITM...thats weird.

For the first time I was 3 consecutive times "Out of the money". I'll try another game later (need to chill out) and if I lose again, I'll get back to 0,60 games to get my money back. In this case, unless my confidence and my money are back, I'll stick to the 0,6 games for a while.

[Luco]

keep at it raoni, gl

[Raoni_Poker]

Thanks, man

I had my third consecutive loss after a bad decision early on the game...coin flip.

However, just after this game I decided to try again. Boy, I was on fire. Finished 1st and nobody got the chance to bother me. I recovered most of the damage with this win (Im up to 63,3$). The problem is that I need to play better when the cards are cold. The blinds keep coming and I need to stand up. Luckly, I had good cards in this game.

I also need to keep focus constantly. Whenever I lose my concentration, I make silly mistakes and that can be frustrating. Hope I get a good winning streak now.

[Raoni_Poker]

I decided to try a freeroll at EverestPoker. The field is weak and the game is deepstack with blinds increasing every 12 minutes.

I finished in 4th place and won 9$. That might seem nothing to some of you, but for me is a huge bankroll improvment. However, since this operation towards 200$ is only for micros SG...i wont consider that extra money (that would be cheating).

Hope to get more tomorrow.

[Raoni_Poker]

Nice session today...winning streak coming!
I finished 1st again and was very lucky in the bubble (A5 x K5...the 5 made a straight and we shared the pot).

I also won because of the following hand:

No-Limit Hold'em, $400.00 BB (3 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

BB ($5840)
Button ($3940)
Hero (SB) ($5220)

Preflop: Hero is SB with 10, 7
1 fold, Hero bets $600, BB calls $400

Flop: ($1600) A, 5, 10 (2 players)
Hero checks, BB checks

Turn: ($1600) 4 (2 players)
Hero bets $800, BB raises $2000, Hero calls $1200

River: ($5600) 9 (2 players)
Hero checks, BB bets $3040 (All-In), Hero calls $2420 (All-In)

Total pot: $10440

Results in white below:
Hero had 10, 7 (one pair, tens).
BB had J, 5 (one pair, fives).
Outcome: Hero won $10440

It is quite odd, but it worked. I min raised from the SB because in this situation because I did not want to lose many chips and the min raise can scare the majority of hands. The BB called and after the flop, with middle pair and out of position, I just checked to him...if he bets, Im out.

The BB checked behind...which gives a strong indication that he does not have A, because he would not slowplay that. The 4 came in the turn and I bet, knowing that my middle pair could be the best hand. He raises...and I got really confused.

Either way...or he is much ahead of me (with set or two pairs), or he has something or a draw and was suspecting that I was bluffing or had a flush draw. Since I did not think he would slowplay that...I called.

After the river, he puts me all in. He would do that if he thougth I was bluffing, but I dont think he would do that with a strong hand. He intended to take the pot there. Interestingly, I called knowing he had at least an ace. I was already ITM, would be shortstack if I folded...so...I called.
To my surprise he was suspicious about my bet in the turn and he thought that if I had an A I would reraise him.
This hand is not a good example of smart playing, since many hands would beat me here. Luckly, it worked.
I'm now up to 67$.

[Raoni_Poker]

Good session today. I made a wrong call early in the game and dropped to 160 chips. Had to climb my way back and fortunetaly, I did it. This guy shoved twice after pre flop raises, so...I thought he could be shoving wide. He had QQ in this case.

I was lucky to finish in 3rd place today. After being shortstack, I stealed some blinds, won an all in and then...I got AA! Here is what happended:

No-Limit Hold'em, $100.00 BB (8 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

Button ($1440)
SB ($2430)
BB ($1370)
UTG ($1590)
UTG+1 ($2020)
MP1 ($3160)
Hero (MP2) ($880)
CO ($2110)

Preflop: Hero is MP2 with A, A
2 folds, MP1 calls $100, Hero bets $200, 1 fold, Button calls $200, 1 fold, BB calls $100, MP1 calls $100

Flop: ($850) 3, Q, A (4 players)
BB checks, MP1 bets $425, Hero raises $680 (All-In), 1 fold, BB calls $680, MP1 calls $255

Turn: ($2890) 2 (3 players, 1 all-in)
BB checks, MP1 checks

River: ($2890) 9 (3 players, 1 all-in)
BB checks, MP1 checks

Total pot: $2890

Results in white below:
BB had J, 10 (high card, Ace).
MP1 had J, K (high card, Ace).
Hero had A, A (three of a kind, Aces).
Outcome: Hero won $2890

The first hand after the bubble was JJ. I raised 3BB UTG. The BB called. Ace on the flop. He bets, I pushed (would be with 5BBs if I folded) and he won.

But since I had 160 chips early on...finishing 3rd was a bless for me! Hope to continue this ITM streak!

[Raoni_Poker]

End of winning streak!
For the first time in 35 games I was elimined in the bubble (4th place). That would happen someday...
Unfortunately, I was really close to the money. Had TT, the shortstack had A7. Ace on the flop. 7 on the turn.
After that, I had less than a BB and, even though I won a couple all ins...I could not climb back to the money. Also, during most part of the game the big stack was in my left...so, when the bubble came, I became very reluctant to shove over to steal.

This game would be nice to analyze in SGwiz. Very interesting spots.
Hope to get better (or luckier)!

[Raoni_Poker]

Bad session today...
Out of the money again. I hate those games when the action is limited and many players are still in the game when the blinds are up to 300. It just feels like bingo. Perhaps blinds increasing every 7 minutes are a good idea at 0,60 games...but those players at 1,20 just stick to the table like glue.

That does not mean they play well. The chip leader at my table had an impressive ROI of -65% in 135 games. Man, you need to suck to get those numbers!

Today its been exactly one month of operation. I think the results were great at one point, but is hard to keep the pace. 1,20 games are not going to be that easy to beat. I'm almost considering to go back to 0,60 since I tend to make more money at those stakes.

However, I think the challenge is great in terms of improving my game. Even winning less than expected, managing to get well in these games is certainly going to improve my game. This experience is going to be valuable if I wish to increase stakes in the future.

The results for this first month are:
Balance = +16.7$ (in 37 games).
ROI = 104.5% in 0.60 SG and 31.4% in 1.20 SG
ITM = 81.8% in 0.60SG and 50% in 1.20SG
$/hour = 0.93$ in 0,60 SG and 0.57$ in 1.20SG

I'm playing very few games and this task can take a long time. Thats why my downswings bother me...if I had more time to play, I would not mind getting a few times OTM. But when I'm 3 consecutive times OTM...I feel the pressure on me. That might be normal for beginners.

This is the graph of the month:



Hope to get better results in the next month, since I'm not playing 0,60 games...that can be hard to do.

[Raoni_Poker]

Bad session again...
Elimined TWICE in the bubble...thats frustrating. Since I'm visiting my folks this week I'lm not playing for a while. When I get back, I'll play those 0,60SGs.

Man...I see many terrible players that does not have a clue of what is push/fold mode winning at my tables. Thats frustrating. The bubble play is terrible...imagine the blinds up to 400 and 6 (or more players) still on the game.

It feels like a lottery. Luckly, I cashed my protif out..so...I'm playing only with the 50 bonus. That means the money I earned is not going to drop with these losses (but I still need to recover my money...so...I'm getting back to 0,6SGs).

[Raoni_Poker]

After 2 weeks without playing poker, I'm back. Unfortunately my losing streak is still on. However, I think I played solid today. The problem is that 1,20SG players prefer to be blinded out than to stand up and be aggressive.

As far as I'm concerned, thats not an appropriate strategy, but when 6 players are still playing and the blinds are up to 300...it can work for someone.
I was elimined with 99 x AK...coin flip? One K on the flop, another K on the turn and an ace on the river...
definitely not my day

Since I'm playing with bonus money (i've cashed out my profit from last month), I think I'll try someday a 3$ SG. Perhaps players are less coward to play there and hopefully the shorthanded action begins earlier.

[Raoni_Poker]

I'm in a cold streak in SGs. So, to keep playing without losing money I'm playing only freerolls for a couple days. I played one turbo at Pokerstars (2000 registered, I was 106th could be easily ITM, but lost with JJ x TT...I had JJ). Yesterday I played at Everest and PokerStars (which passwords were provided here in this great forum).

I noticed that my level of playing isnt bad. I was almost ITM in the Everest tourney (200 players), I was elimined afte making the only mistake in the tourney, which was shoving a bad hand from the button (K6). Since the SB had just lost a big pot with a weak call, I assumed he would not call, but he had TT. I was elimined in 28th and 20 were prized (at the moment of elimination I was 20th).

At pokerstars I can remember of two decisive hands. The first one, in which I lost half of my stack, was not a mistake...was more a fatality. I'm sure many of the pros here would do the same. The hand is below:

No-Limit Hold'em, $30.00 BB (6 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

Button ($1530)
Hero (SB) ($1740)
BB ($60)
UTG ($2775)
MP ($1485)
CO ($1410)

Preflop: Hero is SB with 6, A
3 folds, Button calls $30, Hero bets $45, BB calls $30 (All-In), Button calls $30

Flop: ($180) 9, Q, 9 (3 players, 1 all-in)
Hero checks, Button checks

Turn: ($180) 9 (3 players, 1 all-in)
Hero checks, Button checks

River: ($180) A (3 players, 1 all-in)
Hero bets $90, Button raises $800, Hero calls $710

Total pot: $1780

Results:
Button had 10, 9 (four of a kind, nines).
Hero had 6, A (full house, nines over Aces).
BB didn't show
Outcome: Button won $1780


The second decisive hand I consider a mistake. I should have realized the meaning of the flop raise. I was the chipleader at the moment, but after that, it was quite difficult to build my stack back. Calling here is stupid, since opponent is pot commited. I should fold or shove, but folding is the best option, since I'm losing to many hands.

No-Limit Hold'em, $50.00 BB (7 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

Hero (SB) ($3025)
BB ($1590)
UTG ($1030)
MP1 ($1720)
MP2 ($2425)
CO ($1215)
Button ($1310)

Preflop: Hero is SB with Q, K
UTG calls $50, 1 fold, MP2 calls $50, 2 folds, Hero calls $25, BB checks

Flop: ($200) 8, 10, Q (4 players)
Hero bets $130, 1 fold, UTG raises $500, 1 fold, Hero calls $370

Turn: ($1200) A (2 players)
Hero checks, UTG bets $480 (All-In), Hero calls $480

River: ($2160) Q (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: $2160

Results:
Hero had Q, K (three of a kind, Queens).
UTG had 8, 8 (full house, eights over Queens).
Outcome: UTG won $2160


After that, I took some blinds, but did not build a stack. I also was unlucky to not win pots with QQ and JJ in coin flips situation. I was elimined in 7th place (of 17 players).

I will now play the First Deposit freeroll at CD Poker...hope to get better (and luckier).

[Raoni_Poker]

Bad tourney at CDPoker...elimined in 500th or something

Playing against bad players can be tricky when it comes to call overbets. I saw today several players overbeting with middle pairs or even bluffing (they usually bluff betting 2 times the pot).

I was busted in a calling decision. Had 97s from the button. Raised unopened and BB called. Flop: 9 Q 3 rainbow. I bet a little more than half the pot. Villain thinks a bit...and calls.

Turn: Q. Villain checks...I check (he could be slowplaying).

River: 4. Villain bets the size of the pot. I had no specific read on that player, but bad players tend to overbet weak hands or bluffs. I pushed and unfortunately, he had a Q and I was busted. He was slowplaying top pair...thats silly, he should bet the flop...but I got lost on that.

I should bet the turn and fold if he raised or just check turn, fold river. Need to remember:"big pots for big hands...small pots for small hands".

That was a huge mistake, I lost completely the focus. I had only middle pair...did not need to get involved that way. Should fold more in these situations (yesterday was the same).

I'm feeling stupid. Not playing for today anymore...need to chill out.

[Raoni_Poker]

Still away from SG tables and playing freerolls...
Made a final table today (8th place from 150)...big deal...won only 4$. Now I have 58$ on my neteller account (11$ from playing SGs, 27$ from freerolls prizes and 20$ I deposited myself). Apart from that, I'm lpaying only with bonuses (5$ at PS, 5$ at Everest and 50$ at CD Poker). My mission is to build this bankroll from these bonuses and freerolls and then make deposits in sites that offer nice bonuses (Full tilt, Carbon, etc).

I was also playing a freerol in a site called "banana poker". Boy, thats the worst software I've ever seen. I lost a huge pot because I was not able to distiguish spades and clubs (I maximized the window and the image gets blurred...awful). My set lost to a flush because of that.

They have 300$ freerolls very often, but I'm not sure if I can withdraw it if I win. If I dont...better to stay away from it (or find someone willing to buy credits there).

Tomorrow I might play one or 2 SGs...I'll play 0.6SGs...its easier to recover the lost money. Perhaps I can manage to multitable in these games and make more money than I made in 1,20 games. Lets see how it goes...

[Raoni_Poker]

I started to play again today. Since I was in a losing streak and I'm very conservative in terms of Bankroll Management, I played one $0.6 SG. I'll play a few of those to get back at 1,20 tables...

I was on fire in this game...got good cards and I knew how to take advantage of opponents mistakes. We were 10 players...I elimined 4 of them.

Unfortunately, I made a stupid, stupid mistake in the final HU. It takes a few minutes on the auto-pilot to lose a game. The decisive hand is below:

No-Limit Hold'em, $400.00 BB (2 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

BB ($5940)
Hero (SB) ($9060)

Preflop: Hero is SB with A, A
Hero calls $200, BB checks

Flop: ($800) 8, 2, 6 (2 players)
BB bets $400, Hero calls $400

Turn: ($1600) 7 (2 players)
BB checks, Hero bets $800, BB calls $800

River: ($3200) Q (2 players)
BB bets $3200, Hero raises $7460 (All-In), BB calls $1140 (All-In)

Total pot: $11880

Results:
Hero had A, A (one pair, Aces).
BB had 10, 9 (straight, ten high).
Outcome: BB won $11880

Should have raised the flop. AA is too vulnerable to play like that. Villain was betting 1/2 the pot almost every time...I assumed he had nothing. He made a gutshot on the turn (he would not chase it if I have raised).

Bad play. After that hand, I managed to recover most of it, but got busted when my A3 was facing AK. Opponent never raised PF and bet the flop 77% of the time...quite predictable, but he won today.

[Raoni_Poker]

Had a terrible session today. I tried the 1,20SGs, I was pretty confident about it...
It sucks when 6 or seven players are still on the game and the blinds are high. In addition to that, two players were sitout, so...they would lose chips very slowly...
Moved AT UTG (with 2 sitouts it was not a problem) and got called by AJ. Busted.

Since I'm playing with bonus money, I decided to give a try at 30 man SG ($1,20). Here is my elimination hand...I was elimined in 30th (what a good start!). Lots of action PF and post flop. Here is my reasoning process:

Pre flop:
I raised 1 limper with 5BB (4 + 1 for each limper) and got reraised by the BB. I called the re raise. I prefered to play it conservatively, since the re raiser could have AA, KK. The guy in my left also calls.

Post flop:
I saw the BB bet as a standard Cbet, so...I raised him. To my surprise, the guy in my left who had called my raise and the re raise comes over the top (all in). BB folds. I thought a bit about his range...he did not have a higher pair, that was for sure. He could be semi-bluffing or with a lower pair. I called...bingo! He had 66. A 6 on the river and game over for me.

Thats a shame...I would have won a huge pot there. Perhaps it would be better to shove it PF and hope for the best.

No-Limit Hold'em, $20.00 BB (10 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

CO ($1500)
Button ($1270)
SB ($1480)
BB ($1390)
UTG ($1970)
UTG+1 ($1500)
UTG+2 ($1390)
MP1 ($1500)
Hero (MP2) ($1500)
MP3 ($1500)

Preflop: Hero is MP2 with Q, Q
UTG calls $20, 3 folds, Hero bets $100, MP3 calls $100, 2 folds, SB raises $170, 2 folds, Hero calls $80, MP3 calls $80

Flop: ($580) 4, 7, 7 (3 players)
SB bets $290, Hero raises $660, MP3 raises $1320 (All-In), 1 fold, Hero calls $660 (All-In)

Turn: ($3510) 5 (2 players, 2 all-in)

River: ($3510) 6 (2 players, 2 all-in)

Total pot: $3510

Results:
Hero had Q, Q (two pair, Queens and sevens).
MP3 had 6, 6 (full house, sixes over sevens).
Outcome: MP3 won $3510

[Raoni_Poker]

I'm downloading the trial version of SnG Wiz. I'm not confident with my game and I'll take this month to study more my previous games and try to apply it in a few tables.

Even though I know I can beat 0,60 SGs easily, I intend to stay at 1,20 games, which lately are quite hard to beat. In the last 10 games I was ITM 3 (2 times first and 1 time third). Thats not good enough and I need to work on it.

I think my leaks are:
1) I need to shove wider with position and tighter without position. Sometimes, it can be better to fold A9o UTG with 5 people to talk. SnG wiz will definitely help me with that.
2) I get desperate when many players are in the game and the blinds are high. I should be more patient because this moments are crucial...If I dont make mistakes, someone will.
3) Work to improve my ICM analysis. I use a lot of intuition, but I need to improve my ICM knowledge.

[Raoni_Poker]

I'm getting a grip on the push/fold game...SnG Wiz is a great tool. I played a game to test it...apparently, I did not make any mistake in terms of pushing/folding decision. I was elimined in 3rd, but since I had a connection problem, I ended shoving the flop with middle pair...and villain made higher pair on the turn.

Basically, before SnG Wiz I was shoving wide in bad position (say 15%) and too tight from the SB (say 20%). If I had A5 from the button, I would shove without thinking. Today i got in this situation and I folded (opps calling ranges are usually around 13%...this is a correct fold even for thighter ranges).

Hope to improve!

[Raoni_Poker]

Another 4th place at a 0,60 game. In this game I got terrible, terrible hands...but I need to improve my SB game.
I got terrible cards like 96o, 83o when I was the SB. I never know when to push it. Apparently, I should push the 96o.
I got somany bad cards today....played around 7%. It is terrible to get bad cards in late position and average cards in early position...you just sit there and wait.

Doing a lot o quizzes to improve this...ICM can be quite complicated.

[Raoni_Poker]

Man, I'm in such a huge downswing now (massive bad luck). I flop 2 pairs, bet 3/4 flop, bet 2/3 turn...and the donkey makes his gutshot in the river. What can I do?

In addition to that, I'm getting many bad cards when i'm in position. I FInally get a KK form the SB...2 limpers! Perfect shoving situation? The BB has AA and Im busted.

I'm having second thoughts about this operation. Perhaps SGs are not that profitable for a non-grinder like me. Variance is huge and i'm now just +$2 in the 1,20 games and +$7,20 in 0,6 Games.

I'm thinking about changing my goals. I'm going to take forever to clear this bonus playing these games...and apparently, I'm not getting payed for that. Perhaps it would be better to move to 5NL for a while...I've been watching some videos about it lately.

My main frustration with poker is that I do not have time to play many hours a day. So, it is harder to assimilate the downswings...my stack isnt getting any bigger.

I'll try tomorrow 5NL (one table) and I'll see how it goes. It might be easier to clear my bonus and better to play for rakeback after that. Boy...I was doing so well in Sgs...thats a shame. I'll go back definitely to 0,6 games until I recover some of the damage.

What really frustrates me is that I see many many donks in those tables. Almost every player I sharkscope is like -30% ROI, negative hundred dollars...

Would I be in this situation if I keep playing? I feel like I'm losing my mojo or something...

[Sir Pawnalot]

Keep your chin up!

Search or google about variance in poker and you will be surprised to say the least.

[Raoni_Poker]

Thanks, man. Sometimes you better stay off the table...
Tried today a 0,60 game to recover my money. My KK got busted by TT early on the game. I do not tilt often, but this bad luck phase is lasting too much. I know they are worse than me, but somehow I'm having a huge streak of bad beats.

After this game, I decided to try 2NL for a while. I got 1 bad beat when my JJ lost to 88. I lost 32 BBs, but my revenge was coming. I busted an AA with QQ and won 100BBs. Thats good when this happens for me once in a while.

2NL seems a good way to recover my money...soft competition there. I could have won more if I raised my KK less (raised 4BB + 1 for a limper). Thats ok. Unfortunately, it would take forever to clear my 50$ deposit playing 2NL. Thats temporary though.

I'm making the quizzes of SnG Wiz. I Decided to define realistic ranges (I'm not putting anyone in 60% shoving range...thats too inaccurate) and answer 100 quizzes for each position. At the moment, I'm 69% from the BB and 72% from Early Position. Tomorrow I'll do the SB and button.

[Raoni_Poker]

Boy...I never experienced such a bad luck. Bad beat of the day? was elimined in the bubble with this hand:

No-Limit Hold'em, $200.00 BB (4 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

Hero (BB) ($1190)
UTG ($3830)
Button ($6540)
SB ($3440)

Preflop: Hero is BB with 9, A
1 fold, Button calls $200, SB calls $100, Hero bets $990 (All-In), Button calls $990, 1 fold

Flop: ($2580) 5, 10, 3 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Turn: ($2580) Q (2 players, 1 all-in)

River: ($2580) 6 (2 players, 1 all-in)

Total pot: $2580

Results:
Button had 9, 5 (one pair, fives).
Hero had 9, A (high card, Ace).
Outcome: Button won $2580

In 15 games I was ITM twice (a 3rd and a 2nd place). Thats terrible for someone who had such great numbers. I might be talking crap, but this bad luck started after I cashed out my money at CD poker. They said I could not withdraw the money I had deposited...I made a big deal of it.

If my opponents were solid, consistent players...I would not complain about it...I would play at lower stakes. But my opponents are so fucking dumb that sometimes I ask myself: what am I doing here?

I'll try more these micro games...but if this shit continues to happen, I'll burn the money i'm playing with in higher games...If I lose, thats their money anyway. If I win, thats ok i guess.

Even if this operation at CD Poker fails, I still have some $54 to deposit and play for bonuses and Rakeback. New operation coming? Lets wait a bit...I'll try to play more this weekend and see how does it go.

[Raoni_Poker]

Back in the game! Finally won a 1st prize after such a losing strake. What a terrific game...many nits. After the bubble I was the shortstack but I managed to get the chip lead after a few hands.
In the HU, I got lucky. Got AA. Flop 3 suited (one ace, giving me a set). I bet the flop, he shoves, I call...one of my 6 outs pops up on the river.
This game was pretty competitive. I will analyze the game with SnG Wiz...I think I'm getting the main concepts.

[Raoni_Poker]

I spent another week far from home and I did not play. However, I got a 50$ no-deposit bonus at Absolute Poker. I will use this cash to improve my game in two aspects:
1) Multi-tabling: Its hard to multi-table at CD Poker (I currently play there) because the blinds increase in 7 minutes. So, you must act and sometimes the decision is not that easy. At Absolute, this is easier because the blinds increase in 10 minutes. Besides that, the tables are 9-max and the blinds start at 5-10 (very low first level). I think multitablng here is a good training ground. I intend to multi-table at CD Poker after getting used to it.
2) Try micro MTTs: I always wanted to try these, but, since the variance can be huge, I chose single tables. I intend to practice these games and see if I can get a decent ROI after some games. Whenever my balance is positive again at CD Poker...i might try those.
3) Play more cash when I'm not in the mood to play SGs: you must have to be fully focused to play SGs...and this can be very stressing. I'm not saying you should be less focused when playing cash games, but at 2NL...you should just play ABC poker. Nice way to get some cash.

The idea behing this plan is to improve my game at CD Poker and withdraw my profit. Since at Absolute I cannot withdraw it (unless I make 2 deposits and 200 points)...I will consider it as a training ground. At least I'm not losing money there.

Just played my 1st game there...to get used to the interface. The blinds seem reeeally slow for me (I'm used to 7 min), so...the game was pretty boring (I will 2-table in the next time). I got busted holding QQ x A9 in 5th place.

The level of playing there is a bit stronger than at CD Poker. Players tend to be looser when they're deep and tighter when the blinds increase and the table gets shorthanded (which is great).

This week I'm playing only at Absolute. 2 tables at a time...if I get some profit, I'll try MTT. Hope to get better.

[Raoni_Poker]

Just played a turbo SG on Absolute Poker. I'll stick to those and, if possible (the traffic there is low), I'll try to multitable. I played well, was chip leader for a while but los 3 hands in a row when we were 4 (2 of them major bad beats). I need to get used to it, because losing affects me. When I lose a lot, I tend to play less...and that cant be good for someone who is willing to improve.

I was thinking about trying some HU games, but I need to read specific material about it. I am aware of the basics, but it would be great to get deepen on it. Unfortunately, at Absolute Poker (my training ground for now) the buy in for HU games is high ($5), so...I'll have to wait a bit to play there.

At CD Poker (where part of my money is), the stakes are lower, but I need to work on it. The good news is that the rake is 1/4 lower for HUs.

I'll work hard on my turbo game. Its a great way to enhance my decision-making and to provide conditions for multitabling at CD Poker.

[Raoni_Poker]

Today my bankroll increased considerably! I won my first freeroll and have more 30 bucks.

I'm not playing at Absolute for a while. I tried to play in 2 tables a turbo game and won one of them. But I decided to deposit my $54 I had at NETELLER in PKR (they say the field is weak and I dont multitable anyway). I'm playing to unlock a $25 bonus and deposited the rest of the money later (100% bonuses are virtually impossible to clear without being a grinder).
Good results so far, won my first SnG there and lost the second.
My mission is: increase this BR at PKR as soon as possible and move up to 3+0.3 SnGs. I have 2 months to unlock the bonus and it will be hard to do it (and still profit).

After this bonus experience, I will come back to CD Poker and Absolute Poker.
I have now $90!

[Raoni_Poker]

Need to play more hands and more tables. In order to do that, I got yesterday a 22' monitor...its huge! My previous one had 17' and it was hard to multitable. The screen did not fit 2 tables and the observation of the game was difficult.

Hope things get better with my new screen. I'll practice 3 tables at Absolute Poker and 2 tables at CD Poker. This will be a great experience and I hope to maximize my profit and unlock my bonuses faster.

[Raoni_Poker]

I'm getting a grasp on multi-tabling. Yesterday I tried 2, but had connection problems. Today I tried 3 at Absolute Poker. It was nice...2 ITM out of 3.
I need more time to play. I think I can play more than 10 games per day. If I manage to get at least even, I will unlock my bonuses (at Absolute and CD Poker) faster.

I hope someday to play more than 6 tables and still profit.

[Raoni_Poker]

Last week I had connection problems, so I did not play much. Today I decided to try multi-table with my new 22' monitor.

What a great session! I tried first a ultra turbo game to check if the connection was OK. After that, I opened 4 windows (1,20 SnG at Absolute).

In 5 games today I won 2, and was second in more two. I still need to get more advantage of the information when I'm playing several tables. I have to always check stacks, hud and notes but thats hard to do.

Besides the great results...I never was so luckier than today. Got AA 8 times in 5 tables! Of course, thats ot why I got the results...some raised aces were folded.

I was OTM after a stupid mistake. Blinds still 30/60, one limper. I have AK. Instead of raising 4-5 BBs, i decided to push. Unfortunately (to me), the BB had aces.

Remaining focused is hard when you're multitabling.

[Raoni_Poker]

So far, my multitabling results are great. Played 3 tables at the same time and finished in 2nd place in all tables. Its hard to play 3 HUs at the same time, perhaps I could do better.

I'll focus on playing 4 tables, but my connection was not good today...did not want to risk. My balance at Absolute Poker is $14.80 in 16 games. Very good start.

[Raoni_Poker]

Terrible session today. 6 games...none of them ITM.
I need to focus...many silly mistakes that need to be fixed. I'm still getting used to multitabling, so...I need more focus.

[Micro2Macro]

Focus focus focus!

Don't feel like you need to keep playing a session if you find your focus deteriorating. The game will always be there, and there will be something more +EV to do with your time if you're not playing your best.

[Raoni_Poker]

Focus is the key, my friend. Session today broke even. 3 OTM + 1 first prize.
I made 1 silly mistake, villain slowplayed top pair (K) and I re raised AI over him on the turn with 2nd pair.
I got trapped once...vllain limps with KK, SB calls, I shove from the BB with TT. Busted.
In the 3rd game, I was really short (around 4BBs)...5 players left, blinds huge...had to push K6o UTG and got called by QQ.

The game I won was pretty exciting. The HU was pure fun...I got really short and climbed my way back. I got lucky winning 22 x 88, but even doubling up, my stack was around half of villain's stack. It was a nice game.

I feel I'm getting used to multitable. I need to minimize idiot mistakes and just play straightfoward poker. Its nice to make a better hand fold, but it is very risky to make these plays in micro-games. In this hand, it worked (villain showed 9Q):

No-Limit Hold'em, $60.00 BB (5 handed) - Hold'em Manager Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

MP ($5405)
Button ($1360)
Hero (SB) ($1115)
BB ($2675)
UTG ($2945)

Preflop: Hero is SB with 4, 4
1 fold, MP calls $60, Button calls $60, Hero calls $30, BB checks

Flop: ($240) 9, 5, 5 (4 players)
Hero checks, BB bets $240, 2 folds, Hero raises $1055 (All-In), 1 fold

Total pot: $720

Results:
Hero had 4, 4 (two pair, fives and fours).
Outcome: Hero won $1535

[Raoni_Poker]

Running good lately. Won around $4 playing NL2 (90 hands) and today I was ITM in the 4 tables I played today: first prize once, second prize twice and third prize once.

I feel that my results would be better without playing 4 tables at a time. Playing shorthanded in 4 screens demands a lot of concentration. When you're HU its even worse. I dont know how some grinders manage to play more than 10 tables.

Fortunately, in the last game (after finishing the other 3 tables) I managed to recover a huge stack difference in the HU without going all in. Villain was terrible, ultra passive and predictable.

I could do better in other tables...I was almost blinded out in the table I was 3rd. Need to get used to multi table.

[Raoni_Poker]

I've been away from the tables for a week. I lost a bit of money in the last 6 games. The today's session was very nice, I recovered all the money lost + $3. I played 4 games simultaneousely, won 2, was 3rd and 5th.
I made very nice calls today against overbets.

I've been profiting at Absolute Poker. I thought it was going to be harder as the tables there have 9 players instead of 10. The rake at micros hurts a bit too, but what can I do? Need to earn money to move up.

I feel I'm playing better, making less errors and being cautious in marginal situations. When I'm 4-tabling, I often tend to focus in shorthanded tables and play tighter at other tables. I still need improvments to make more blind stealing. I'm stealing 17% at full ring, 22% 6 max and 33.7% heads up (at Absolute I played 54 games).

[scfc_andy15]

gl m8 just read this and you are doing well just need to focus and play your best all the time.

[Raoni_Poker]

Thanks,

I've been away from here, but I keep playing occasionally. I'm considering moving up stakes at Absolute Poker. I started with $50 no-deposit bonus and I have now around $74. When I reach $80, I'll try some $2,2 (yes, I am a bankroll nit).

The session today was negative, but almost even. A shove in the bubble with A8s (opponent had AT), 8th place after shoving 2 pairs (opponent made 2 higher pairs on the turn), a miraculous 3rd place and a 2nd place. The good news is that I'm keeping up even when I have severe bad beats (yesterday my KK was busted by a straight with JJ).

Interestingly, I got ITM in tables that I got really short...and was elimined in the bubble when I had an average chip count. This session could be much better, but thats fine, I guess.

I've noticed that I'm playing better heads-up. Today I was really short and almost reached my opponent (even though he had AA two times in a roll). Unfortunately, my nut flush did not hit and I lost for a low pair.

In my last 64 games (my sample at Absolute), I finished 15.6% in 1st and 20.3% in second. Hopefully, these numbers will change. 4 tabling is fun...I hope to improve it soon.

[Raoni_Poker]

After 100 SnGs at Absolute, I had a ROI of 15%. However, I'm currently playing only cash games and it is much more profitable.
Besides the $50 bonus, I had a profit of $23 after 100 SnGs. Playing cash games, I had a profit of $30 within 2,5k hands and I'm reaching $100 in this site (besides $100 I have in other account).

The good news is that, since I'm playing higher than this bankroll allows (NL10), I'm almost clearing my bonus. The plan is firstly, to achieve the amount of necessary points and then, make a $30 dollar deposit there. I'll play for the 150% bonus (which is loaded in $5 increments).

After that, hopefully, this operation will be done. My next plan is to withdraw this money and play for rakeback in Euros.

Next operation coming ahead: to become a cash game player (from NL10 to NL100).

GL to me.

[Raoni_Poker]

This is my last post in this thread. Finally, my operation is acomplished. NL10 tables were great for me and I won $64 in the last 3.8K hands. Besides that, I cleared my bonus and i'm now able to withdraw the money I have at Absolute Poker (around $130).

My BR now is $240. My plan is to deposit $30 at Absolute and keep playing for bonus. When I clear this bonus, I'll make a rakeback deal and play in euro tables.

My next goal is to become a succsessful cash game player.

Good luck mor me then!