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Server Time: 12/1/2008 5:58:58 PM PACIFIC |
 Taking Mental Notes, JDS, 28. Aug 2003 01:29 | ||
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| Hello, Not really sure how to phrase this really well but here I go. I trying really hard to practice analizing how my opponents play. People always say to watch players and to take mental notes. My question is what exactly am I looking for? Not sure that Im doing this very well at all, and it bothers me that I really dont have much information on a player when it comes down to making a critical decesion. Any tips or examples of what you jot down in your mind after seeing a hand played would be great. | ||
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| Re: Taking Mental Notes, Charles Kincy, 28. Aug 2003 02:22 | ||
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| Caro says to focus on just one thing at first, I'll let him elucidate. :) From a limit hold-em perspective: The very first thing I learned how to do was, one by one, learn what each opponent typically does on the turn. Do they ever bluff or semibluff checkraise? If not, what are they turning over after checkraise on the turn? Simply good hands (2 pair) or monsters? Do they continue to run semibluffs after the flop? Do they delay raises from the flop? The turn is where the bet doubles, so if you can learn anything to help you fold or call correctly at that point, you can instantly turn a HUGE profit. | ||
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| Re: Taking Mental Notes, 4 POKER, 28. Aug 2003 05:33 | ||
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| Hi JDS, If you're sitting in the game long enough, you should be observing the players from the beginning; meaning, take note (mental) of not ony "what type" of starting hands they tend to come in with, but how well do they utilize their position as well.... if it all. Are they overly aggresive?........do you see them 3 betting someone with A-10 or a pair of fives in early position? Are they tight pre-flop players that will only come in with a really strong holding? Are they the type of players who will raise the proper hands up front, and also mix it up a bit when they're on the button with a hand like 10-9 suited, and throw in that occasional raise for a deceptive play? How do they handle situations once the flop comes up? Do they go into a check-call mode (weak/tight)?.......Are they still aggresive, and if so, what are they showing down at the end? Did you notice them betting top pair for value?...Did they continue to bet their hands all the way through, or did their play become a little weak at the river? What are they turning over at the river, and how was the hand played out in its entirety? Is there a "consistency" at all in their play; are they constantly calling down with middle pair (and showing their cards); are they aggresive/solid pre-flop, and do they remain that way throughout the hand when they think they're getting the best of it? DO they slowplay their hands too much?.......Do they check-raise alot? Do you constantly see them turning over good hands (strong holdings)?.........it goes on and on. But if you can become aware of all of these things (tendencies), you can capitalize on the opportunity as well. (minimizing losses, and maximizing on winners). Are you taking note if and when there's a certain player/s who will not only play strong hands, (while still being able to take advantage of his position), but will also know how to adjust their play (stratedgy/experience/skill) when playing their own hands accordingly/correctly depending on "who" is the hand with them, because they are aware of their opponents tendencies as well? That's something you really need to look for as well, because those types of players will be your toughest opponents to extract money from. Taking mental notes of players is obviously very important, but it's something that I find to come naturally, and if you can become completely focused in the game, you'll be able to be aware of all the players tendencies/strategies, etc.. You must stay focused, and if you take note at "what hands" are being shown down at the river and by "whom", and can replay those hands in your head from where they took place (pre-flop), and by also taking note of their position......and how was the hand played out from there.......you'll have a much better understanding as to "Why". It's really just a matter of complete obervance at all times. But it takes a conscience effort as well. When you stay focused, you'll then start to pick up on other things like "tells" (*whatever* they may be).........and you should have a much better read on your opponents by staying that way, and if so.......you'll be able to play your own hands even better when playing them "accordingly" to the players ( who you have observed carefully).........that you'll be up against. *Stay focused on everything and everyone at all times and take note of any change in their play (or yours) when they're in the middle of a win or a loss*. 4P- | ||
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| Re: Taking Mental Notes, JDS, 28. Aug 2003 17:35 | ||
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| Thanks alot Poker for the detailed explanation. You dont mind if I publish this in a book do ya!!! lol. | ||
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| Re: Taking Mental Notes, 4 POKER, 28. Aug 2003 17:44 | ||
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| LOL!!!.....ok:) | ||
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| Re: Taking Mental Notes, Roy Cooke, 28. Aug 2003 05:55 | ||
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| Hi JDS I would recommend that you take more than mental notes...I would recommend that you keep a notebook. I would focus on the players play knowledge and emotional control....Once you know how an opponent thinks and reacts emotionally you will have a very strong read on the guy. That should translate into a big edge over time. What does he play, how does he play, what is his level of thinking. How does he react emotionally to losing, to winning. Does he focus on the game? Is he there for fun or money? What are his mannerisms? Once you get that all down....He should be dead meat :-) Life is Good :-) Roy Cooke on 28. Aug 2003 01:29 JDS wrote: > Hello, > > Not really sure how to phrase this really well but here I go. I trying > really hard to practice analizing how my opponents play. People always say to > watch players and to take mental notes. My question is what exactly am I > looking for? Not sure that Im doing this very well at all, and it bothers me > that I really dont have much information on a player when it comes down to > making a critical decesion. Any tips or examples of what you jot down in your > mind after seeing a hand played would be great. | ||
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| Re: Taking Mental Notes, stdioh, 28. Aug 2003 10:16 | ||
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| Try to stereotype your opponents as well as picking up subtle bits of information. You might say, "That guy is a calling station, but for some reason he likes to raise suited connectors in early position." | ||
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| Re: Taking Mental Notes, Formless, 28. Aug 2003 13:31 | ||
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| The first things I look for off the top of my head: -How loose or tight does he play preflop? I don't need to wait an hour to see him show down T8o to tell if he is playing bad; if he's getting in there preflop too often over a sample of hands I'll extrapolate that and get a good guess what he plays preflop. -In higher limit games, how does he play in the blinds? Defend too much? Call too much? -After the hands are shown down, play the hands backwards in your head to see how each player played on each round. That's probably the best source of info. -Post flop play: are they calling stations? Do they slowplay? Are they trick? And especially, do they bluff? | ||
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