Getting back into Poker.

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ynot United States. Dec 20 2011 23:21. Posts 209

As I contemplate typing this, I think to myself "how should I start this off?".

I would like to start by talking about my prior experience playing holdem. The town I live in is made up of 3 things: casinos, restaurants and more casinos. (Shreveport, LA) The main live game played is 1/2 and 2/4 no limit. I understand how a lot of the members of this site are well beyond 1/2 and 2/4 and consider them newbish games but I would that me a "fish" or a newby. I have played in more tournaments than i can count. Just simple 200 dollar buy-ins with about 60-70 people. A dream for some of you pros on here who would make an easy 2k.

During my poker time I had to go to Iraq for a year and have yet to get back into poker. I wasn't incredibly successful at 1/2 cash games breaking more even than winning. I won multiple tournaments somehow finding it easier to play and more strategic. I never wanted to play poker leisurely. I did my best to acquire the most knowledge of the game I could. I bought multiple books, went though and highlighted what i thought was consistent in all the books. I folded pages with good information and did my best to include the tips and tricks into my play.

Now that I decided to get back into the game I have been re-reading my books, trying to re-understand everything. I have the bank roll to play the 1/2 cash games but I don't want to have the same thing happen as last time. I don't want to come out breaking even, every once in awhile doubling my stack at 1/2. I am posting this looking for guidance and help. As I read these forums and browse through the threads you all seems to be very skilled players. I want to be like you guys. I want to view 1/2 as low limit and a game where the easy money is.

I was looking for guidance from you guys. Any help you could offer. Any thought of good material for 1/2 no limit? Any good threads you could refer me to? Any tips or play styles you guys could give to help me become a better player and finally surpass 1/2 and move up the ladder.

Thank you guys for reading this and I really want to become a great poker player and lose my fish mentality. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks again guys!!

0 votes

Carthac United States. Dec 20 2011 23:32. Posts 1343

In live 1/2, the rake is going to eat you alive. Play there while you learn and such, but when you are rolled enough to play higher, do so.

Never be the first to limp, but feel free to limp behind with hands that want to see flops cheaply.

Rarely bluff. People don't fold in 1/2, it is typically not a skill in their repertoire. The biggest thing you need to learn how to do is LEARN TO VALUE BET AND GET THE MOST VALUE OUT OF YOUR HANDS. When you have a strong hand, bet bet bet. It goes against fish logic and they become confused when you bet a set all 3 streets.

Oh, and welcome to liquidpoker Have thick skin and try to pull the knowledge from the statements on this site. There are soooo many skilled players, but often their comments are drenched in sarcasm and condescension.

Last edit: 20/12/2011 23:34

ynot United States. Dec 20 2011 23:46. Posts 209

Thanks for the input! :D I have been coming to team liquid for a few years but finally decided to come to liquid poker. A journey much overdue! I am really aiming at picking people's mind for information. I want to get over this hump of being "just another guy" who sits down at the table. But hey, thanks a lot Carthac! I will be posting my progress on this site as I continue to play and grind at the 1/2. Always looking for tips. :D

Silver_nz New Zealand. Dec 21 2011 00:17. Posts 5647

If you can study hard enough to internalise this article you will win at poker.
I have been playing professionally for several years and have still not fully internalised the thought process. It takes alot of working through hands with math.
Phil Galfond

ynot United States. Dec 21 2011 00:37. Posts 209

Thanks! I will definitely took a look and do my best to understand it.

mnj United States. Dec 21 2011 17:24. Posts 3848

i wouldn't bother with poker if you can not play online poker

there is so substitute for volume which is the ONLY way to get better at this game

30hands an hour at a local casino is not enough exposure to poker to learn the game

i used to play online poker, and was a small winner, but i did put in my 100k hands (prob more) and have a solid foundation of poker, enough to crush live.

El_Tanque United States. Dec 22 2011 00:41. Posts 360

[x] clicked cause i saw "Getting back into poke..." and thought it was Pokemon