I'm really struggling at the moment and its not variance, its bad play. I appreciate all advice offered to help me improve. Below are my 5 biggest hands from yesterday - I've added player information (extremely limited - I'm a new fast poker player with limited hand history) before each hand, and my thoughts after each hand. I've included hands that seem no brainers (like KK v AA) just in case my thinking is wrong where I don't believe that it is. I think hands 1 and 2 are straightforward, hands 3-5 are probably where I need to put some thought into it.
I've been watching and studying double2s "10 tips to get out of the micros" series - having so far watched video 1 twice (Steal more) and video 2 once (Fold less on the blinds) and am trying to implement what I have learned into my game.
Hand 5
Spoiler
No history worth mentioning on the BTN (just 3 previous hands)
18 hands on the SB - 28/0
24 hands on the BB - 33/17
IPoker, $0.02/$0.05 No Limit Hold'em Cash, 6 Players
Poker Tools Powered By Holdem Manager - The Ultimate Poker Software Suite.
SB: $6.36 (127.2 bb)
BB: $1.87 (37.4 bb)
UTG: $5.75 (115 bb)
MP: $6.57 (131.4 bb)
Hero (CO): $5.04 (100.8 bb)
BTN: $2.35 (47 bb)
Preflop: Hero is CO with 8
8
2 folds, Hero raises to $0.12, BTN calls $0.12, 2 folds
Flop: ($0.31) 2 3
3 (2 players)
Hero bets $0.21, BTN raises to $0.42, Hero raises to $1.57, BTN raises to $2.23 and is all-in, Hero calls $0.66
Turn: ($4.77) J (2 players, 1 is all-in)
River: ($4.77) 4 (2 players, 1 is all-in)
Results: $4.77 pot ($0.31 rake)
Final Board: 2 3 3 J 4
Hero mucked 8 8 and lost (-$2.35 net)
BTN showed A A
and won $4.46 ($2.11 net)
Spoiler
Again, the preflop situation on this hand is very relevant to the first double2 video - against an unknown on the BTN, and with a decent enough hand in the cut off, my first goal is to steal the button. I put in my standard 2.4BB raise when it is unopened to me in the cut off.
The BTN calls and the blinds fold. Not really the goal - I am now out of position for the rest of the hand.
Not a bad flop for pocket 8s and I lead out. Villain minimum 3bets me. The pot is 94c and villain has only €1.81 in front of him. I shove. With hindsight, must be horrible! However my probable justification at the time - shoving removes positional disadvantage and his min 3bet suggests a drawing hand (or a monster?)? The small reraise definitely suggests he wants action.
But its pretty bad - he calls and I have 12% equity!
So where did I go wrong? What should I have done differently? The shove must be a mistake, but I'm not sure what to do instead - I cant fold can I? If I call, what do I do on the turn and the river?
