Following with interest; keep it up!
Notifications
Clear all
Originally posted by Harrier88
Speaking of Pokerstars, there is one more thing I should point out: Their terms and conditions prohibit you from using the ICM Trainer while your Pokerstars client is open, so please make sure to exit the client before you run the program. They are actually capable of detecting what software you have running in the background.While we're at it, I think it might be a good idea to add one training session with the ICM Trainer (100 hands maybe) to your daily practice schedule. Just remember to set the program up for your type of tournament, and also remember to reduce the "Hero Edge" slider, which is found near the bottom right corner, to zero every time you use it.
Yes, I read about ICM Trainer being open with a poker client before but did forget. Thank you for reminding me!
That's a great idea about ICM Trainer Harrier, I am definitely incorporating that into my schedule as soon as I get back.
Thanks Tim! I'm glad you're following, I read your coaching thread earlier on in the week and I think the changes you have made to your life are incredible!
This week has been far too busy for my liking. Next week is a land of free time and I'm most definitely looking forward to putting in some solid hours towards my goal.
Other than that, I can't really say much for this weekend as I'm bound by family commitments. I will try to get a couple of articles under my belt if I can squeeze it in anywhere.
Today's goals:
-Learn and understand one article.
-do my morning exercise.
Thank you everyone for following, and have a great weekend! Enjoy.
Completed my short list of goals yesterday.
The same will be repeated today, with revision of key articles I feel I struggled with.
I will also do 100 hands on ICM Trainer, as Harrier suggested.
I will focus this evening on how I can rapidly scale up my efforts in the coming week.
I also need to remind myself of my first month's goals every day so it sinks in.
I have currently been reading my overall aim and why I'm doing it every morning and evening. I think it helps a lot but I definitely need to read it say, when I'm on the train back and forth to work.
Hopefully a good evening's work there.
A day of travelling from about 1PM though.
Have a great Sunday!
Girlfriend is making a surprise visit in about half an hour so here is what I have done so far, should I not get a chance to update later this evening:
-Completed an article
-Done 100 hands on ICM Trainer. I have recently read about combos so I decided it be best if I just went on instinct to see how I would do without any calculations:
I'm not sure how good or bad this is, so if anyone has a relative idea it would be great if you could share it :). I think based on that, I would like to a 90% rate consistently by the end of the month.
Also, are my settings correct...I'm not sure.
-Read over this month's goals, which are:
Month 1:-
• Complete basic and sit ‘n’ go strategy articles with full marks on quiz on pokerstrategy.com
• Read entire Collin Moshman book
• Use ICM trainer to do 1,500 hands (100/1,500)
• Implement poker tracking software
• Practice volume by using 2 tables two days, 3 tables next three days and 4 tables next four days. Only do this if win rate is sufficient
• Analyse hands and mental state after every 2hr session
• Achieve consistent wins of ~$5 buy-ins
It's a tall order, especially the last one but I have made a small dent in it so far and I'm confident I can ramp my effort up enough to achieve my goals.
What am I doing tomorrow?
-Revise the concept of combos and card removal thoroughly and ensure I am consistently accurate in it's use
-Complete another article
-Read one chapter of Collin Moshman's book
-Play two games
-Order a journal that I can write down my notes for the day, what went well, and my aims for the next day. I can then take this when I am traveling to re-read over again to get it embedded into my mind
Originally posted by sol8921
Also, are my settings correct...I'm not sure.
One thing I noticed is that the "Hero Edge" is still at 3%. You're supposed to reduce it to 0% to get the most mathematically accurate results. For some reason, the slider will reset itself to 3% every time you start the program, so you have to remember to change it back every time you use it.
I'm less sure about the tournament settings. I see that you have reduced the number of players to six, but you are using the profile of a 10-handed tournament, which has a different payout structure.
There are two different profiles for 6-handed SNGs, Full Tilt and Party Poker. None of them are completely identical to the tournament structure of 888 or Pokerstars SNGs (which are similar to each other), but I think Full Tilt is the closest you can get. I haven't played on either site, though, so other people might know better.
About the results, I think a consistent score of over 90% would be a good result that should enable you to make a profit at the lowest levels. When I practice, I typically score somewhere in the range of 95-97%, but I have been using this program for a while already. 81% is not a bad result at all for the start, there are a lot of decisions that seem unintuitive when you're starting out, especially in blind vs blind situations.
The article you mentioned about combos and card removal is, once again, primarily meant for cash game players. In this case, however, it can also be applied to SNGs, it's just a bit less relevant in this format.
Originally posted by Harrier88
One thing I noticed is that the "Hero Edge" is still at 3%. You're supposed to reduce it to 0% to get the most mathematically accurate results. For some reason, the slider will reset itself to 3% every time you start the program, so you have to remember to change it back every time you use it.
I didn't mention - I did remember to change the Hero Edge to 0% when I did the 100 hands, only I reopened the program to print screen it, which would be the explanation for it changing to 3%.
Originally posted by Harrier88
I'm less sure about the tournament settings. I see that you have reduced the number of players to six, but you are using the profile of a 10-handed tournament, which has a different payout structure.
There are two different profiles for 6-handed SNGs, Full Tilt and Party Poker. None of them are completely identical to the tournament structure of 888 or Pokerstars SNGs (which are similar to each other), but I think Full Tilt is the closest you can get. I haven't played on either site, though, so other people might know better.
Thanks for suggesting that, Harrier! I was confused as to what I should pick, so I decided to leave it as it's default. I will use Full Tilt's profile from now on.
Originally posted by Harrier88About the results, I think a consistent score of over 90% would be a good result that should enable you to make a profit at the lowest levels. When I practice, I typically score somewhere in the range of 95-97%, but I have been using this program for a while already. 81% is not a bad result at all for the start, there are a lot of decisions that seem unintuitive when you're starting out, especially in blind vs blind situations.
I would be really happy to achieve a score like yours! But I will definitely aim for over 90% for now.
You are right about some of the decisions being unintuitive, at the start of the session is where I made most of my mistakes - it was fairly easy from that to notice a pattern and stop those mistakes. However, I'm sure this 19% that is missing off my score will be harder to reclaim than a few simple mistakes such as these.
Originally posted by Harrier88The article you mentioned about combos and card removal is, once again, primarily meant for cash game players. In this case, however, it can also be applied to SNGs, it's just a bit less relevant in this format.
I have thought about this. You mention that the basic articles are primarily meant for cash players - does this mean I should stop going through them and move on to the SnG ones? Or should I carry on to provide a firm basis of hold 'em in general?
Today's ICM Trainer:
I doubted myself on a few hands, resulting in wrong answers.
Self-belief is important.
Nice one, congrats! 
Now that you have accounts on both sites, will you be playing on 888 or Pokerstars?
Originally posted by sol8921
You mention that the basic articles are primarily meant for cash players - does this mean I should stop going through them and move on to the SnG ones? Or should I carry on to provide a firm basis of hold 'em in general?
That probably depends on how much you already know about poker. Did go through all of the basic articles up until Combos & Card Removal? If that's the case, you also might as well read the next article, which is the Introduction to Equity. The concept of equity also plays a role in SNGs, obviously, so this article can at least serve as an introduction before you learn about the correct application of this concept in your format.
The following article about Equity: Final Calls can be skipped, because it's not that relevant to SNGs. You may take a look at the next one, which is about the Sample Hand Format, but you probably already know most of the stuff that is explained in it.
After that, you're done with the basics, and you can move on to the SNG lessons. I recommend going through the lessons as they are listed in this overview.
Originally posted by Harrier88
Nice one, congrats!
Now that you have accounts on both sites, will you be playing on 888 or Pokerstars?
Thanks! I'll be playing on PokerStars now, the pay out structure is more challenging and as you said, the players seem better also. I'm all for challenges that make you grow!
Originally posted by Harrier88 That probably depends on how much you already know about poker. Did go through all of the basic articles up until Combos & Card Removal? If that's the case, you also might as well read the next article, which is the Introduction to Equity. The concept of equity also plays a role in SNGs, obviously, so this article can at least serve as an introduction before you learn about the correct application of this concept in your format.
The following article about Equity: Final Calls can be skipped, because it's not that relevant to SNGs. You may take a look at the next one, which is about the Sample Hand Format, but you probably already know most of the stuff that is explained in it.
After that, you're done with the basics, and you can move on to the SNG lessons. I recommend going through the lessons as they are listed in this overview.
That really clears things up, thank you. I did read all the articles up until combos. I will do exactly as you've suggested - the quicker I learn the better!
Had a busy day yesterday so wasn't able to post and didn't get any poker done :(. But the previous day I played the games I wanted to play, learnt almost everything I wanted to learn and ordered a stunning journal as well!
Today I need to read a chapter of Moshman's book, which I didn't get to read. I will also refresh the articles in my mind and play a few games. I also want to download a pokrer tracker of some kind.
Time to work now!
ICM for today - same result as last time. However, I did misclick my answer twice so if it were adjusted it would be 88%. The pocket 2's near the bottom of the hand list was the second misclick.
Yesterday was good for studying - I revised articles and also read some of the book. Not a chapter though, as I didn't realise how long the chapter's were. That's fine though as I can still make progress doing it. Also did ICM (above).
However, in terms of tables played I did 3...and my game was awful.
The first table I made mistakes I could easily identify but the second and third were inexcusable as I was getting annoyed with my girlfriend over text (I know I should have put my phone away before I started but we are going through a rough patch). This made my play inconsistent and prone to fluctuations!
Results reflected this: 5th, 3rd, 5th.
What could I do better today?
-put my phone in another room when I start playing
I won't be back until the evening (problems) so my goals today are:
-ICM
-10 pages of book
-2hrs of poker
I'm going out in the night tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to that - with my old colleagues (I worked two Christmas periods in a jewellery shop before my current full time job)!
Originally posted by sol8921
I'll be playing on PokerStars now, the pay out structure is more challenging and as you said, the players seem better also.
In this case, I should remind you that there is some fine print in 888's terms and conditions that enables them to start seizing your funds if you stay inactive for over six months. Here is the excerpt:
Should you fail to use your account for six months your account will be considered a "dormant account". The six-month period will run from the date of your last login to your account. In the case of a dormant account, the Company will levy a monthly administration fee at a rate of 10% of the balance in the account on the date that it became dormant. The administration fee shall be deducted from the dormant account commencing from the last day of the sixth month in which the account is inactive and on the last day of every month thereafter, until the balance of the account has reached zero. In the event that you login to your account during the ten-month period during which the administration fee is levied, the Company will cease to levy the administration fee but shall not be obligated to return to you any monies already deducted from the account at such time.
Six months is a long time, but if you know that you won't be using your account anytime soon, it might be wise to consider cashing out.
I also have some more advice for practicing:
- When you're using the ICM Trainer, it would be a good idea to not only check if your decision was right or not, but also take a look at the correct ranges. Sometimes, you may have been way off, and other times, it might have been so close that you could have gone either way. This should help you get a better understanding of the required ranges in each spot.
- We are offering free live coaching sessions here at Pokerstrategy. One coaching that should be of interest to you would be Collin Moshman's SNG coaching, which starts every Wednesday at 8pm UK time. It should be worth the watch if you have the time.
Originally posted by Harrier88
In this case, I should remind you that there is some fine print in 888's terms and conditions that enables them to start seizing your funds if you stay inactive for over six months. Here is the excerpt:Should you fail to use your account for six months your account will be considered a "dormant account". The six-month period will run from the date of your last login to your account. In the case of a dormant account, the Company will levy a monthly administration fee at a rate of 10% of the balance in the account on the date that it became dormant. The administration fee shall be deducted from the dormant account commencing from the last day of the sixth month in which the account is inactive and on the last day of every month thereafter, until the balance of the account has reached zero. In the event that you login to your account during the ten-month period during which the administration fee is levied, the Company will cease to levy the administration fee but shall not be obligated to return to you any monies already deducted from the account at such time.
Six months is a long time, but if you know that you won't be using your account anytime soon, it might be wise to consider cashing out.
Thanks for giving me that info Harrier, it might come in useful to check for other sites I could potentially sign up to as I have already withdrawn my money from 888poker :).
Originally posted by Harrier88I also have some more advice for practicing:
- When you're using the ICM Trainer, it would be a good idea to not only check if your decision was right or not, but also take a look at the correct ranges. Sometimes, you may have been way off, and other times, it might have been so close that you could have gone either way. This should help you get a better understanding of the required ranges in each spot.
Thanks for the advice, I will definitely implement that. I'm currently trying to set a base level so I know at what level I currently stand with just 'instinct' (I'd be happy with 10 sessions as a sample average) just to give me a baseline I can measure against. As you can see from the session I did on the 27th, it isn't as predictable a result as I first thought (my original guess being mid 80's - this could be an exception though):
Originally posted by Harrier88We are offering free live coaching sessions here at Pokerstrategy. One coaching that should be of interest to you would be Collin Moshman's SNG coaching, which starts every Wednesday at 8pm UK time. It should be worth the watch if you have the time.
I did indeed see this
I was very pleased when I found out and made a note to add it to my training/education as the weeks progress and I can implement more. Thanks again for your invaluable knowledge Harrier - I can't thank you enough!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It has been a while since I've last posted, which unfortunately isn't due to a thorough amount of poker :(. I found out/half decided late last week that me and my girlfriend are on a "break" of two weeks. It's my fault as I brought up the fact we had different ambitions, wants etc. and that is what her mum suggested as she's been through it before and because of that, my girlfriend and her sister came to exist (as in, they got back together). Anyway, it has hit me a lot harder than I thought it would and I haven't been able to focus on anything for the last week. I also started eating a lot less than I usually do and had negative thoughts. Essentially, it has been time wasted but I understand I could have in no way predicted this.I am feeling a bit better today, which is why I've had at least a little bit of drive to enable me to post this message. I am trying to push myself (and being pulled) back into my goals, as it isn't a whimsical thing for me.
Wish me luck!
The great thing about the last few days is the focus I have for my goal is coming back again! The bad thing is the last three games I've played I have lost against ridiculously stupid hands that no one in their right mind would actually call with. I've also attempted to set-up PokerTracker 4, which is proving to be difficult.
I can't seem to get the HUD to work, even though I followed the guide for it as well. My hand history sometimes want to load and other times it just feels like staying in bed.
Frustrating day, but I have managed to create a few graphs to help me keep track of my progress easier. It's a lot easier seeing a visual representation!
I haven't been to the gym in two or three weeks so tomorrow that is on the agenda, along with my remaining time dedicated to studying poker material...I have decided it best to set days for study, reflection and actual play as my time is limited. This way I will be able to focus better and get more from what I am doing.
That's about it for this Sunday evening!
Originally posted by sol8921
The bad thing is the last three games I've played I have lost against ridiculously stupid hands that no one in their right mind would actually call with.
That's pretty much par for the course in micro stakes SNGs, the swings can be quite brutal. Take it easy, it will all even out in the end.
Originally posted by sol8921
I've also attempted to set-up PokerTracker 4, which is proving to be difficult.I can't seem to get the HUD to work, even though I followed the guide for it as well. My hand history sometimes want to load and other times it just feels like staying in bed.
What exactly did you do so far? I use Pokertracker 4 as well, so I may or may not be able to help.
If all else fails, you can post about your problem in our dedicated Pokertracker section. They were always able to help me out whenever I had a problem.
I wish I could also offer advice on girl trouble, but sadly, I'm not qualified at all for this. 
Originally posted by Harrier88
That's pretty much par for the course in micro stakes SNGs, the swings can be quite brutal. Take it easy, it will all even out in the end.
I will do, it is extremely frustrating though :).
Originally posted by Harrier88
What exactly did you do so far? I use Pokertracker 4 as well, so I may or may not be able to help.If all else fails, you can post about your problem in our dedicated Pokertracker section. They were always able to help me out whenever I had a problem.
I went step by step through their setup guide and did exactly as it said. Could it be that I'm not using it correctly for these tools to work?
I go onto Pokertracker and press Play Poker, select Pokerstars and press Launch - I then play as normal.
Originally posted by Harrier88I wish I could also offer advice on girl trouble, but sadly, I'm not qualified at all for this.
I don't think anyone's qualified for it, to be honest :f_biggrin:!
Apologies for my slow reply Harrier :). I have a question, but only if you don't mind answering - with the ICM trainer the 'Push Range' %....I take it this is % chance of your range being better than the opponents? If so, why is it that there are hands are classified as a 'Push' when they are under 50%?
So....what have I done recently?
Honestly, not much - I've mostly been buffeted about by social demands.
I'm starting to think I would have been a lot better placed to deal with the demands of my goal when I was a student!
It isn't going well, that's for sure.
On a positive note, I'm not one to quit at the first signs of failure. Failure is definitely a learning tool. I will keep trying - I'm not positive at the moment that I will achieve my target but giving up will only make it 100% certain I won't achieve it.I am going to try and find out how other people study poker effectively, as I think it is a concept that is eluding me at the moment.
Originally posted by sol8921
Originally posted by Harrier88I wish I could also offer advice on girl trouble, but sadly, I'm not qualified at all for this.
I don't think anyone's qualified for it, to be honest :f_biggrin:!
Truer words were never spoken.
Originally posted by sol8921
I go onto Pokertracker and press Play Poker, select Pokerstars and press Launch - I then play as normal.Did you click on "Get Hands While Playing"? "Launch" only opens up the poker client.
Originally posted by sol8921
With the ICM trainer the 'Push Range' %....I take it this is % chance of your range being better than the opponents? If so, why is it that there are hands are classified as a 'Push' when they are under 50%?The "Push Range" is the percentage of hands you can profitably push in this spot. If you have a push range of 2.1%, for example, you would only push JJ+ and AKs, while a push range of 57.2% would contain 22+, Ax, Kx, Q2s+, Q6o+, J3s+, J8o+, T5s+, T8o+, 95s+, 97o+, 85s+, 87o, 74s+, 64s+, and 54s.
Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to beat your opponent's hand to make a profitable shove, you can also win by making them fold. As you most likely know by now, you need a better hand to call an opponent's push compared to when you're opening with a push yourself. That's why you can shove such a wide range of hands when you're opening from the small blind. There is only one opponent left, and he will likely fold the majority of his hands, depending on the situation.
I recommend reading the four articles on Chip Value, they explain the logic behind these decisions.
Originally posted by Harrier88
Truer words were never spoken.
Originally posted by Harrier88Did you click on "Get Hands While Playing"? "Launch" only opens up the poker client.
That must be it! It didn't occur to me to press that. I will click on it next time I play and will let you know what goes on.
Originally posted by Harrier88The "Push Range" is the percentage of hands you can profitably push in this spot. If you have a push range of 2.1%, for example, you would only push JJ+ and AKs, while a push range of 57.2% would contain 22+, Ax, Kx, Q2s+, Q6o+, J3s+, J8o+, T5s+, T8o+, 95s+, 97o+, 85s+, 87o, 74s+, 64s+, and 54s.
Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to beat your opponent's hand to make a profitable shove, you can also win by making them fold. As you most likely know by now, you need a better hand to call an opponent's push compared to when you're opening with a push yourself. That's why you can shove such a wide range of hands when you're opening from the small blind. There is only one opponent left, and he will likely fold the majority of his hands, depending on the situation.
I recommend reading the four articles on Chip Value, they explain the logic behind these decisions.
You've outdone yourself with that reply, thanks Harrier! I understand it now and this will give me the correct depth to my ICM training. I will definitely be reading the articles. Thank you for the fast reply :f_cool:.
Review of Previous Month 17/11/14 – 17/12/14
Performance in this month was overall lacking to the highest degree.
There were few good days and the only consistency was the poorer performance that was guaranteed week by week. The following goals were achieved:
1,700 hands in ICM Trainer (currently averaging at 84% - I wish to improve this to 88% by the end of the coming period)
The following goals are mid-way through the process of being achieved:
Implement poker tracker software - I pressed the grab hands while playing button and it didn't make any difference. I will double check my initial settings to make sure (for the zillionth time) they are correct.
The following goals were either not started or not even close to being completed:
Complete basic sit n go strategy articles and with full marks on quizzes on pokerstrategy.com (Have done about 6/7 basic articles and 1/2 sit n go)
Read entire Collin Moshman book (have barely read)
Practice volume by using 2 tables two days, 3 tables the next three days and 4 tables the next four days (poor method?)
Analyse hands and mental state after every 2hr session (Going to attempt to review these hands every two days)
Achieve consistent wins on $5.50 buy-in tables (not even close!)
Perhaps overreaching may have had a big play in the failure of reaching my goals, but for the most part I don’t believe this is the case. I have had a rough month in terms of my relationship and I know this hit me hard psychologically. It, I think, was the start of a slippery slope; as at the same time the weather become increasingly cold and wet, making it easy to become comfortable in the warmth of my apartment.
I need to rally my discipline for the month ahead – it is a tough one, requiring consistent work from 6:25 until 21:00-22:00 at night. Many people finish after their day jobs – I am giving more so as my goals are accomplished one by one, I will receive far more pleasure and satisfaction and material goods than anyone in the rat race ever shall.
The period ahead is however, a week shorter due to Christmas traveling and visiting etc.