Newbie tips

fatboy

Hey Guys,

I have been reading quite a few of the posts and figured I would finally post. I have just started playing online for money. I have played mostly tourneys and prefer this but have sat at some low limit NLH tables just to see what its like. I tried to start playing ABC poker as you guys like to call it and build my skills from there. I have just started reading about some more advanced play and have read a ton here about position and how to go about betting.

I know that I have a ton to learn but I have had some success in some tourneys on PokerStars with my best result $$$ result being a 34th place finish in a 55K gaurenteed $10+R picking up $218 and getting closer to the bigger $$$. I have had some 45 Player sit'n'go wins but feel with just some more knowledge I could do so much better.

I hope this isnt repeating what someone else has asked before but I figured if you guys could give your best advice for someone fairly new starting out in online tourney play that would be great. One thing that I have noticed from reading on this site is I probably play a bit to tight pre-flop with suited connectors in position. I have also started to try and read others and have gone down in flames knowing full well that I was beat but calling to the end. I also find that my bankroll tends to get up there but then come back down to near bust. Any tips on bankroll management for tourney players would be great.

Thanks for all the great info on your site and I look forward to reading your replies here and on other posts.

moose

1. Track your results, buyin, finish, $$$
2. Don't play anywhere unless you are also clearing a bonus or earning rakeback, which will help smooth out the b/r fluctuations
3. If you want to be a tourney specialist, start with sngs. Track your results and make sure you are a winning player before moving up levels. You will need at least 100 sngs under your belt to start to see if you are a winning player. 200+ is better.

haddon

AA,KK,QQ,AKs,JJ always and TT, 99 and 88 in position.

Flint Bones

haddon wrote:

AA,KK,QQ,AKs,JJ always and TT, 99 and 88 in position.

What about 5,3 Josh!!! What about 5,3!!!!

haddon

Only if it is suited hearts in a rebuy against you. Then, he should play them!!


How mad were you eh? Haha :D:D:D:D

beanie42

What Moose said, but I'll emphasize #1: track your results (consider getting PokerTracker - it's more than worth it).

Also, read Harrington's books (regardless of whether you're playing ring or tourney) - they're the best NL books available right now, and you can learn a ton from them even before reading some of the other classics that are out there.

Finally, try and find somebody better than you who is willing to "talk poker" with you, who can answer some of the (often dumb) questions you'll have, and who has been through the bad swings and can help you when you hit them (which you will). After tracking/analyzing results, I think a mentor (and/or a buddy) is the biggest edge I've had while learning.

AcidJoe

Finally, try and find somebody better than you who is willing to "talk poker" with you, who can answer some of the (often dumb) questions you'll have, and who has been through the bad swings and can help you when you hit them (which you will). After tracking/analyzing results, I think a mentor (and/or a buddy) is the biggest edge I've had while learning.

You had friends who talked to you while learning? OMG I just thought they were just nicely taking your money. J/K Seriously tho, the biggest thing is when you run real good (and you will) the bad is not to far away. You will run worse than you ever believe you can. Knowing that from the start can do wonders for your mental outlook on the game.

As for SNG's you will need far more than 200 to actually know if your a winning player. I have run bad in them for 100+ games at a time. With over 8K SNG's in the bank I do know where I stand over all tho.

ChrisWinsor

Minraising is a horrible raise, unless it's in a SNG and the blinds are uber big.

When someone min raises, or min reraises that almost always means they have really good hands, so you'd best call with something close to the nuts.

JohnnieH

ChrisWinsor wrote:

Minraising is a horrible raise, unless it's in a SNG and the blinds are uber big.

I know the topic is about online play, but I'd like to add that minraising in a home game is almost an insult, and NEVER gets respect. Right Mario?!

Hobbes

JohnnieH wrote:

ChrisWinsor wrote:

Minraising is a horrible raise, unless it's in a SNG and the blinds are uber big.

I know the topic is about online play, but I'd like to add that minraising in a home game is almost an insult, and NEVER gets respect. Right Mario?!

At least with a home game you can slap him silly....

fatboy

Wow Great response so far all thanks. I have taking some of your advice already and I am going to stick to lower limit S'n'G's. Do you have any recommendations? I play on PokerStars. I have started with some low $5 buy-in events. I played a 3 table and finished 2nd and then played a single table and finished 2nd as well this weekend. Is it better to play single table or multi-table S'n"G's. I figured it would be best to mix it up.

Now I just have to pick up Harringtons book and read those they sound great!!

GordenGrecko

beanie42 wrote:

Finally, try and find somebody better than you who is willing to "talk poker" with you, who can answer some of the (often dumb) questions you'll have, and who has been through the bad swings and can help you when you hit them (which you will).  After tracking/analyzing results, I think a mentor (and/or a buddy) is the biggest edge I've had while learning.

I have found this one of the greatest improvements to my game. If you can't find a mentor visit froums and discuss hands which will allow you others opinions or to help point out leaks in your game.

JohnnieH

The $1 bun-in- 45player SnGs are great, as are the $4nuy-in 180 player SnGs.