Poker Generalization(s)
Here's the problem with trying to give general advice in poker, especially to new players. There are so many variables that affect a decision, it is very often incorrect to give general advice about a given situation. How many times does a new player post a hand and ask for advice... and the first 12 replies are "What are the stack sizes?", "what player reads do you have?", "what's your image?", "what's the payouts?", blah, blah, blah, etc, etc, etc. What we would call the "relevant" questions.
Of course, we all know this, but rarely do we think about it, and even more rarely do we try and explain it to a new player. I was asked this past weekend, by a fairly new player, "what was the most important thing to learn in poker?" WOW... how do you narrow that down?
Most important? Game theory? EV calculations? Soul Reading? Bluffing?... hmmm?... never given it much thought exactly. Most important?? MOST important?? MOST IMPORTANT??
I thought about it for a few minutes and finally came up with MY answer... Have Fun!
That's sounds corny, so let me just say that EV Calculations and Defining An Opponent Range are 1b and 1c, but I'm serious: Having fun playing poker is the most important thing about the game for ME!
I've played some form of poker since high school, and I'm 41 now. I've played poker in a casino regularly since '99. I played seriously online from about '03 until '06, full-time while on parental leave from January 04 until that September. I no longer play online... It became a "grind", and I don't find it "fun" anymore. I find live poker more fun than ever, and continue to play 60-80 sessions a year. I taught my wife to play so we could spend more time together.
During a recent losing session, someone at my table noted that I was in an awful good mood, considering I was stuck over $800. I'd never thought about that before, but it was true... because I was still having fun!
So my first Poker Generalization is: Try to have fun playing!
It's probably the only generalization that has NO exception. After that... you're on your own!!
Of course, we all know this, but rarely do we think about it, and even more rarely do we try and explain it to a new player. I was asked this past weekend, by a fairly new player, "what was the most important thing to learn in poker?" WOW... how do you narrow that down?
Most important? Game theory? EV calculations? Soul Reading? Bluffing?... hmmm?... never given it much thought exactly. Most important?? MOST important?? MOST IMPORTANT??
I thought about it for a few minutes and finally came up with MY answer... Have Fun!
That's sounds corny, so let me just say that EV Calculations and Defining An Opponent Range are 1b and 1c, but I'm serious: Having fun playing poker is the most important thing about the game for ME!
I've played some form of poker since high school, and I'm 41 now. I've played poker in a casino regularly since '99. I played seriously online from about '03 until '06, full-time while on parental leave from January 04 until that September. I no longer play online... It became a "grind", and I don't find it "fun" anymore. I find live poker more fun than ever, and continue to play 60-80 sessions a year. I taught my wife to play so we could spend more time together.
During a recent losing session, someone at my table noted that I was in an awful good mood, considering I was stuck over $800. I'd never thought about that before, but it was true... because I was still having fun!
So my first Poker Generalization is: Try to have fun playing!
It's probably the only generalization that has NO exception. After that... you're on your own!!
Comments
BAN !
Seriously though: With that gaping hole where a nickname should go, I dub thee, "The Sensible Sage of CPF."
Is it maybe possible there's some reward in playing with utterly terrible players?
I'd suggest the most important aspect to poker is learning how to think analytically about ANY poker situation. Ie, the WHY, not the what or the how. What makes raising better than calling in this situation? Why should I go for an overcall? Why should I fold in this spot vs. this player? Why is this a profitable game to play in?
For the social gambler, having FUN is key. Otherwise, what's the point.