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fammy · Pair Joined: 13 Nov 2005 Posts: 21

Hello all,

Well, I am still plugging along trying almost daily to work with my game. Some days up, some days down....we all know how that goes. I am trying to stay agressive, play tightly, and in general maximize my returns. So as I notice that I am creaping along, I started to ask myself, "Self...what is next?" I started to think about how I might approach an issue like this with my students, and I realized that I constantly emphasize "knowing the basics". That, in turn, caused me to try to inventory the basics. One of the first things that came to mind was reading boards, and in turn, trying to read opponents hands.

I have read the standard texts that talk about these topics, but in reality, these sections all seem very short to me. The easy things make sense: A tight / passive player becomes very excited all of a sudden, a raising war starts between several players...indicating at least SOMEONE most likely has a good hand, etc. Also, I understand the texture of the board affects what a player might see / expect from known opponents.

So...I guess what I am wondering:

Does anyone out there have specific suggestions / guidelines / hints / "things that I do" that they would care to share? Also, is there a website, or a book that really emphasizes reading hands (hand reading quizes, a very detailed step by step, etc.)?

I think this is a skill we could ALL use some help with (we newer players more than others), and any suggestions would be much appreciated.

High blood sugars get you in 20 years, low blood sugars get you today.

Fammy

deadmoney314 · Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 12:25 pm Post subject: Mike Caro

Read Mike Caro's book of tells--even for online (or his part in SSII is good too). There are some general concepts in there that apply to all situations. For example, most poker players are actors, when they are strong they act weak and vice versa. When trying to read a hand, ask yourself what they might have and if they are playing it how you would expect them to play it. If they flopped trips, would they bet out? If they have shown themselves to be a tricky player consistantly would you not expect them to check raise or smooth call trips on a board of 7-7-10? Then if you don't put them on the 7, then what DO you put them on and do you have a hand that you can continue with.
Moreover a lot of players wait until the turn to fire out when they flop big. So, if someone just calls flop and fires out on the turn or check raises, ask yourself what two cards would have flopped something big--does it make sense that the person doing it would have those two cards based upon their earlier patterns?
Remember, the higher the skill level of the field, the more your opponents are asking themselves these questions of you, and then it gets tricky... what does my opponent think that I have based upon how I have played and how do I do the opposite of what he expects me to do next etc. Only experience will teach you some of this and it is a part of poker that takes a lifetime to learn.

KGBlovesOreos · Moderator Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 5318 Location: VA

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