Sat in on holdem session with my brother.
I owe a lot of my poker skills to my brother, he shares a lot of valuable information with me, and we talk often about holdem. So recently when I went through one of my worst online holdem stretches since I started playing online about a year ago, we talked as we always do, and we decided we should sit down together while we play holdem. This happened this past Monday, and it was likely the best thing I’ve done for my poker game to date. First, just talking out loud about various situations can clarify the right way or wrong way to play in those various situations. Second, learning to play differently, getting out of my comfort zone- variation makes sure I’m not playing my cards face up. Third, reading players, which is tougher online, but no where near impossible. I think I’m decent at narrowing down player styles, but I wasn’t using the information to exploit players as much as I was using it to keep myself out of trouble. Sure we all want to avoid getting in tough spots, but at the same time we should be putting other players in tough spots, and I wasn’t doing that often enough. Add to all that the fact that you can’t help but reiterate basic stuff too, and it was a great learning experience all around. I’d recommend it to anyone who feels like they need to break out of a rut.
So the question of the day is, do you have any friends or family that play online? My dad, brother and one of my best friends do, so we see each other online at the tables from time to time.
August 8th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Unfortunately I dont have that many friends who play poker! So talking about poker, I can only do it online!
My friend at work plays, and we keep meaning to play some heads up challenges, you know the ones with 32 players, and you play heads up and the final 4 get paid, but never get around to it. One day though.
I have learnt all my stuff from reading books, watching strategy videos etc, partaking in forum discussions and just playing as much as possible!
WillyC’s Poker Blogs last blog post..My first night of Omaha - Results!
August 9th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Holdem is indeed a difficult game. Practice to develop skill is very important.
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August 12th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Once upon a time, I played online, but now limit myself to the version that came with my Vista version or to the Hoyle Card games program on the other one.
Guess I’m too chicken to risk real $$
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August 13th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Willy- I have to admit it’s nice having some real life friends and family with a passion for the game.
Margaret- Well so far I haven’t risked any of my own money, that’s been a goal of mine since I started this journey, hopefully I can always say that.