The cash game student's blog [Free microstakes tips inside!]

OK, you got me! The parrot was playing a tournament. I just didn't want to admit it because PokerStars has a very strict policy that states animals can't play poker at their site. However, they seem to be fine with the russians , the spanish and the french, which is a bit unfair to the animals.

I mean, seriously, here you have your random, average russian online poker player. How is this better than an animal?

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 100 BB (VPIP: 11.69, PFR: 8.00, 3Bet Preflop: 3.18, Hands: 2,649)
SB: 54.36 BB (VPIP: 33.04, PFR: 6.96, 3Bet Preflop: 3.60, Hands: 234)
BB: 53.64 BB (VPIP: 13.79, PFR: 11.72, 3Bet Preflop: 3.77, Hands: 293)
UTG: 111.16 BB (VPIP: 13.13, PFR: 11.88, 3Bet Preflop: 6.06, Hands: 161)
UTG+1: 54.44 BB (VPIP: 18.18, PFR: 6.57, 3Bet Preflop: 1.11, Hands: 202)
Hero (MP): 100 BB
MP+1: 154.8 BB (VPIP: 13.81, PFR: 8.29, 3Bet Preflop: 3.95, Hands: 183)
MP+2: 79.6 BB (VPIP: 14.38, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 4.78, Hands: 3,305)
CO: 102.48 BB (VPIP: 15.63, PFR: 9.38, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 32)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A♣ A♥

fold, fold, Hero raises to 3.4 BB, MP+1 calls 3.4 BB, fold, fold, BTN calls 3.4 BB, SB calls 3 BB, fold

Flop: (14.6 BB, 4 players) 4♦ 3♣ 2♥
SB checks, Hero bets 11.2 BB, fold, fold, SB calls 11.2 BB

Turn: (37 BB, 2 players) J♦
SB checks, Hero bets 85.4 BB and is all-in, SB calls 39.76 BB and is all-in

River: (116.52 BB, 2 players) 3♦

And yet more russianness:

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 175.8 BB (VPIP: 15.91, PFR: 9.09, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 44)
SB: 160.68 BB (VPIP: 17.71, PFR: 12.49, 3Bet Preflop: 4.63, Hands: 3,079)
BB: 55.16 BB (VPIP: 17.95, PFR: 8.97, 3Bet Preflop: 3.33, Hands: 79)
UTG: 119.92 BB (VPIP: 14.29, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 7)
UTG+1: 317.08 BB (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)
MP: 45.32 BB
MP+1: 248.08 BB (VPIP: 17.45, PFR: 13.40, 3Bet Preflop: 3.54, Hands: 324)
MP+2: 106.76 BB (VPIP: 18.75, PFR: 6.25, 3Bet Preflop: 12.50, Hands: 16)
Hero (CO): 123.36 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has Q♠ Q♥

fold, UTG+1 raises to 2 BB, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 8 BB, fold, fold, fold, UTG+1 calls 6 BB

Flop: (17.4 BB, 2 players) 8♦ 9♥ 7♦
UTG+1 checks, Hero bets 14 BB, UTG+1 calls 14 BB

Turn: (45.4 BB, 2 players) 6♦
UTG+1 checks, Hero checks

River: (45.4 BB, 2 players) Q♣
UTG+1 bets 21.68 BB, Hero calls 21.68 BB

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 80.52 BB
SB: 96 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
Hero (BB): 115.24 BB
UTG: 244.24 BB (VPIP: 14.63, PFR: 9.76, 3Bet Preflop: 5.00, Hands: 335)
UTG+1: 121.24 BB (VPIP: 11.70, PFR: 8.07, 3Bet Preflop: 4.51, Hands: 611)
MP: 132.28 BB (VPIP: 15.53, PFR: 13.66, 3Bet Preflop: 14.29, Hands: 164)
MP+1: 133.48 BB
MP+2: 87 BB (VPIP: 20.70, PFR: 16.59, 3Bet Preflop: 7.69, Hands: 461)
CO: 238.76 BB (VPIP: 66.67, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 4♦ 4♠

fold, fold, fold, MP+1 raises to 2 BB, fold, CO raises to 4 BB, fold, SB calls 3.6 BB, Hero calls 3 BB, MP+1 calls 2 BB

Flop: (16 BB, 4 players) 9♦ T♥ 4♥
SB checks, Hero bets 12 BB, MP+1 calls 12 BB, fold, SB calls 12 BB

Turn: (52 BB, 3 players) 3♣
SB checks, Hero bets 37.6 BB, MP+1 calls 37.6 BB, SB calls 37.6 BB

River: (164.8 BB, 3 players) 8♠
SB checks, Hero bets 61.64 BB and is all-in, MP+1 calls 61.64 BB, fold

Today I made a terrible mistake which cost me 40 big blinds.

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 110.48 BB (VPIP: 13.44, PFR: 6.72, 3Bet Preflop: 0.32, Hands: 1,561)
SB: 190.44 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: _, Hands: 3)
BB: 120.68 BB (VPIP: 20.09, PFR: 14.66, 3Bet Preflop: 5.14, Hands: 1,121)
UTG: 50 BB (VPIP: 23.26, PFR: 20.93, 3Bet Preflop: 6.67, Hands: 44)
UTG+1: 100 BB (VPIP: 15.26, PFR: 13.19, 3Bet Preflop: 6.37, Hands: 681)
MP: 79.44 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)
MP+1: 98.6 BB (VPIP: 9.26, PFR: 6.48, 3Bet Preflop: 3.61, Hands: 217)
Hero (MP+2): 100 BB
CO: 133.56 BB (VPIP: 22.22, PFR: 15.56, 3Bet Preflop: 7.14, Hands: 45)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has K♠ A♣

fold, fold, MP calls 1 BB, MP+1 calls 1 BB, Hero raises to 5.4 BB, CO calls 5.4 BB, fold, fold, fold, fold, MP+1 calls 4.4 BB

Flop: (18.6 BB, 3 players) 4♥ 6♣ A♠
MP+1 bets 10 BB, Hero calls 10 BB, fold

Turn: (38.6 BB, 2 players) 2♥
MP+1 bets 21 BB, Hero calls 21 BB

River: (80.6 BB, 2 players) 5♦
MP+1 bets 40 BB, Hero calls 40 BB

Flop and turn are fine, but why the hell would I call a 3rd barrel from a 9/6 nit with top pair?! He was basically playing with the cards face-up: 44 or 66.

you were hoping for a split obv.

But it was clear i wasn't gonna get a split or beat anything. What 9/6 limps AK? I don't know how I convinced myself to call.

Edit: I keep editing my post because I'm very obsessed about text formatting, in case anybody was wondering.

i think they limp AK, but yeah, his range has a fuckton of sets. almost wanna fold turn tbh, you just know what he has

It crossed my mind too that the turn could have been a fold, but I assumed he could bet some worse hands there, like A9s or something, which he could also limp-call, seeing how he's an inexperienced nit. The bet sizing wasn't too big either.

Here we have a good example of an exploitative play on very scary boards versus regulars who float too much. This particular regular had 83% flop floating

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 155.2 BB (VPIP: 100.00, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
SB: 114.08 BB (VPIP: 21.74, PFR: 17.39, 3Bet Preflop: 10.00, Hands: 24)
BB: 96.88 BB (VPIP: 13.63, PFR: 11.48, 3Bet Preflop: 4.84, Hands: 2,061)
Hero (UTG): 101 BB
UTG+1: 100 BB (VPIP: 5.66, PFR: 3.77, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 54)
MP: 66.2 BB (VPIP: 16.28, PFR: 11.63, 3Bet Preflop: 6.25, Hands: 43)
MP+1: 238.44 BB (VPIP: 19.39, PFR: 15.21, 3Bet Preflop: 5.00, Hands: 534)
MP+2: 100 BB (VPIP: 15.34, PFR: 11.60, 3Bet Preflop: 4.33, Hands: 915)
CO: 80.28 BB (VPIP: 13.28, PFR: 8.91, 3Bet Preflop: 4.78, Hands: 1,753)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 4♦ 4♥

Hero raises to 2.48 BB, fold, fold, MP+1 calls 2.48 BB, fold, fold, fold, fold, fold

Flop: (6.36 BB, 2 players) 9♣ J♣ 5♣
Hero checks, MP+1 bets 4.4 BB, Hero raises to 13.2 BB, fold

If he doesn't have an A♣, a K♣ or a flopped set or flush, he'll instantly get the hell out of your way. That means a very high percentage of the time.

think you can save a bit on sizing?

And while we're still on the topic of bluffing I would like to show you one of my best bluffs ever!

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 143.8 BB (VPIP: 16.18, PFR: 13.28, 3Bet Preflop: 3.53, Hands: 244)
SB: 100 BB (VPIP: 8.88, PFR: 5.98, 3Bet Preflop: 2.50, Hands: 556)
BB: 277.36 BB (VPIP: 21.39, PFR: 14.45, 3Bet Preflop: 4.00, Hands: 174)
Hero (UTG): 110 BB
UTG+1: 251.4 BB (VPIP: 13.36, PFR: 6.71, 3Bet Preflop: 0.31, Hands: 1,607)
MP: 107.2 BB (VPIP: 40.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)
MP+1: 105.36 BB (VPIP: 20.77, PFR: 14.78, 3Bet Preflop: 4.21, Hands: 467)
MP+2: 101.68 BB (VPIP: 11.79, PFR: 4.32, 3Bet Preflop: 1.39, Hands: 517)
CO: 29.8 BB (VPIP: 35.71, PFR: 14.29, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 14)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 4♦ 4♣

Hero raises to 2.48 BB, UTG+1 calls 2.48 BB, fold, fold, fold, fold, fold, fold, fold

Flop: (6.36 BB, 2 players) 2♥ Q♥ Q♦
Hero checks, fold

My checking range is so nutted here, I didn't even have to bet to represent a queen and get a fold!

The regulars are making the most retarded plays against me to "adapt", I got them totally nerd raged against me!

No, I don't think I can save anything on bet sizing. It's just 3x and I have to have credibility, my bet has to scream "value bet!". But that's just how I play, I don't claim it's the best way, I just claim it's a winning play in a hand with very little showdown equity.

Got totally "outplayed" today... ♠_o:

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 100 BB (VPIP: 13.18, PFR: 11.34, 3Bet Preflop: 3.00, Hands: 1,421)
Hero (SB): 100 BB
BB: 94.56 BB (VPIP: 4.44, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 45)
UTG: 100 BB (VPIP: 13.04, PFR: 10.30, 3Bet Preflop: 3.06, Hands: 1,957)
UTG+1: 214.16 BB (VPIP: 14.99, PFR: 11.72, 3Bet Preflop: 4.27, Hands: 1,606)
MP: 263.52 BB (VPIP: 26.83, PFR: 15.85, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 164)
MP+1: 64.64 BB (VPIP: 22.45, PFR: 13.61, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 148)
MP+2: 113.48 BB (VPIP: 13.44, PFR: 6.78, 3Bet Preflop: 4.13, Hands: 818)
CO: 143.24 BB (VPIP: 15.09, PFR: 9.85, 3Bet Preflop: 4.95, Hands: 269)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has K♥ A♠

UTG raises to 3 BB, fold, MP calls 3 BB, MP+1 calls 3 BB, fold, CO calls 3 BB, fold, Hero raises to 16 BB, fold, fold, fold, MP+1 calls 13 BB, fold

Flop: (42 BB, 2 players) 2♦ 8♥ 6♥
Hero bets 84 BB and is all-in, MP+1 calls 48.64 BB and is all-in

Turn: (139.28 BB, 2 players) 7♣

River: (139.28 BB, 2 players) 4♥

Christmas came early this year ♦

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 136.6 BB
SB: 123.16 BB (VPIP: 14.67, PFR: 11.80, 3Bet Preflop: 3.96, Hands: 2,316)
BB: 105.88 BB (VPIP: 17.09, PFR: 11.97, 3Bet Preflop: 11.11, Hands: 118)
UTG: 288.28 BB (VPIP: 55.56, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 18)
UTG+1: 114.36 BB (VPIP: 12.24, PFR: 10.33, 3Bet Preflop: 4.33, Hands: 1,166)
MP: 106.32 BB (VPIP: 12.50, PFR: 8.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 24)
MP+1: 100 BB (VPIP: 16.77, PFR: 10.56, 3Bet Preflop: 4.55, Hands: 164)
MP+2: 96 BB
CO: 62.4 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 9)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A♠ A♥

UTG raises to 2 BB, fold, fold, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 8.4 BB, fold, fold, UTG calls 6.4 BB

Flop: (18.2 BB, 2 players) 9♠ 3♣ A♣
UTG checks, Hero bets 11.64 BB, UTG raises to 31.96 BB, Hero raises to 128.2 BB and is all-in, UTG calls 96.24 BB

Turn: (274.6 BB, 2 players) 6♠

River: (274.6 BB, 2 players) K♣

Dat outplay...Dat awesome usage of my maniacal image... ♠_o:

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 114.8 BB (VPIP: 11.18, PFR: 7.31, 3Bet Preflop: 1.13, Hands: 466)
SB: 103.4 BB (VPIP: 13.25, PFR: 11.08, 3Bet Preflop: 5.44, Hands: 846)
BB: 109.24 BB (VPIP: 15.28, PFR: 11.34, 3Bet Preflop: 6.59, Hands: 434)
UTG: 100 BB (VPIP: 15.25, PFR: 11.40, 3Bet Preflop: 3.45, Hands: 1,490)
UTG+1: 117.36 BB (VPIP: 36.36, PFR: 36.36, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 11)
MP: 56.92 BB (VPIP: 26.61, PFR: 19.35, 3Bet Preflop: 10.34, Hands: 124)
MP+1: 100 BB (VPIP: 12.37, PFR: 10.26, 3Bet Preflop: 3.80, Hands: 385)
MP+2: 73.72 BB (VPIP: 33.95, PFR: 11.93, 3Bet Preflop: 2.44, Hands: 109)
Hero (CO): 100 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has K♥ K♦

fold, fold, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, BB raises to 9.4 BB, Hero calls 6.4 BB

Flop: (19.2 BB, 2 players) 9♥ Q♣ 6♣
BB bets 12.08 BB, Hero calls 12.08 BB

Turn: (43.36 BB, 2 players) 5♥
BB checks, Hero bets 16.4 BB, BB raises to 83.16 BB, Hero calls 62.12 BB and is all-in

River: (200.4 BB, 2 players) 2♣

How to nerd rage the shit out of regulars and ensure they go crazy against you in the future:

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 101.6 BB (VPIP: 10.61, PFR: 7.89, 3Bet Preflop: 4.63, Hands: 629)
Hero (SB): 100 BB
BB: 100 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
UTG: 100 BB (VPIP: 15.19, PFR: 11.35, 3Bet Preflop: 3.44, Hands: 1,497)
UTG+1: 100.32 BB (VPIP: 24.39, PFR: 17.96, 3Bet Preflop: 7.18, Hands: 455)
MP: 100 BB (VPIP: 17.31, PFR: 9.62, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 52)
MP+1: 122.84 BB (VPIP: 13.26, PFR: 6.57, 3Bet Preflop: 0.29, Hands: 1,718)
MP+2: 185.36 BB (VPIP: 12.86, PFR: 8.95, 3Bet Preflop: 4.48, Hands: 1,339)
CO: 122.6 BB (VPIP: 15.37, PFR: 11.47, 3Bet Preflop: 7.14, Hands: 438)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 9♥ 7♥

fold, fold, fold, fold, MP+2 raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, Hero calls 2.6 BB, fold

Flop: (7 BB, 2 players) T♥ T♦ 8♥
Hero checks, MP+2 bets 4.64 BB, Hero raises to 12.6 BB, MP+2 raises to 34.2 BB, Hero calls 21.6 BB

Turn: (75.4 BB, 2 players) 9♣
Hero bets 62.8 BB and is all-in, MP+2 calls 62.8 BB

River: (201 BB, 2 players) Q♥

I'd have shoved the turn no matter what card came on it, except another T. It's a move called "stop and go" and it transforms your positional disadvantage into an advantage. You still see both turn and river cards if the opponent calls the turn shove, just like you would if you shoved the flop with a maximum of 48% equity on this flop against an overpair and worse against a higher flush draw or a Tx. However, the advantage of this move is that you have extra fold equity on the turn than you would if you just shoved the flop, and you also pick up a nice pot some of the time rather than hoping to hit with less than 50% equity, which, in my opinion, makes this the better play.

Examples:
:club:Opponent has A♥x:heart: and the turn misses the draw, your opponent will fold the better hand most of the time;
:club:Your opponent has JJ and the turn is an overcard,your opponent will fold the better hand some of the time;
:club:Your usual opponent does not expect this unusual play with a draw, so he might put you on a T and fold a pair, etc.

Even in the current example we have some fold equity, but we don't need it as the villain makes a terrible call and our turned pair is already way ahead.

Lefuq just happened here? ♠_pleased:

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 115 BB (VPIP: 13.25, PFR: 10.58, 3Bet Preflop: 5.54, Hands: 1,098)
SB: 347.76 BB (VPIP: 13.71, PFR: 10.86, 3Bet Preflop: 3.68, Hands: 1,314)
BB: 124.88 BB (VPIP: 13.38, PFR: 11.45, 3Bet Preflop: 5.10, Hands: 674)
UTG: 175.76 BB (VPIP: 26.67, PFR: 13.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 30)
UTG+1: 123.84 BB (VPIP: 10.26, PFR: 8.97, 3Bet Preflop: 13.16, Hands: 78)
Hero (MP): 101.4 BB
MP+1: 119.96 BB (VPIP: 15.91, PFR: 8.84, 3Bet Preflop: 1.23, Hands: 399)
MP+2: 172.92 BB (VPIP: 16.98, PFR: 11.32, 3Bet Preflop: 4.55, Hands: 54)
CO: 146.08 BB (VPIP: 14.41, PFR: 11.35, 3Bet Preflop: 4.35, Hands: 230)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has K♣ K♥

UTG raises to 3 BB, fold, Hero raises to 10.4 BB, fold, fold, fold, fold, fold, fold, UTG calls 7.4 BB

Flop: (22.2 BB, 2 players) 6♠ K♦ 4♦
UTG checks, Hero bets 14.8 BB, UTG calls 14.8 BB

Turn: (51.8 BB, 2 players) J♠
UTG checks, Hero bets 39.6 BB, UTG calls 39.6 BB

River: (131 BB, 2 players) 4♣
UTG checks, Hero bets 36.6 BB and is all-in, UTG calls 36.6 BB

Divine justice for the shittiest set mining ever:

PokerStars - $0.25 NL FAST - Holdem - 9 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 85.44 BB (VPIP: 9.86, PFR: 6.34, 3Bet Preflop: 4.72, Hands: 576)
SB: 101.4 BB (VPIP: 14.11, PFR: 10.89, 3Bet Preflop: 4.29, Hands: 885)
BB: 141.56 BB (VPIP: 13.08, PFR: 10.37, 3Bet Preflop: 3.10, Hands: 2,022)
UTG: 77.6 BB (VPIP: 13.92, PFR: 7.59, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 161)
UTG+1: 100 BB (VPIP: 11.41, PFR: 8.41, 3Bet Preflop: 0.73, Hands: 337)
MP: 79.92 BB (VPIP: 17.44, PFR: 10.47, 3Bet Preflop: 5.41, Hands: 86)
MP+1: 134.52 BB (VPIP: 14.09, PFR: 3.36, 3Bet Preflop: 3.39, Hands: 149)
Hero (MP+2): 100 BB
CO: 162.56 BB (VPIP: 12.11, PFR: 6.61, 3Bet Preflop: 1.58, Hands: 457)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has K♥ K♣

UTG raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 10.4 BB, fold, fold, fold, fold, UTG calls 7.4 BB

Flop: (22.2 BB, 2 players) 2♣ J♥ 7♦
UTG checks, Hero bets 16.8 BB, UTG calls 16.8 BB

Turn: (55.8 BB, 2 players) 3♦
UTG checks, Hero bets 72.8 BB and is all-in, UTG calls 50.4 BB and is all-in

River: (156.6 BB, 2 players) K♦

K be like:

got question about last hand, do you consider hand a cooler when someones setmines i 3bet pot, and they catch they set ? I mean like you bet the flop, he calls, you shove turn and he shows up with set ?