Identifying "holes"

Okay, I haven't been playing that long -- so maybe this is just NLHE variance.

By playing 2-4 tables (PokerStars micro) I find I can play a fairly tight game and get to 120-150% of my total buy-in. For example, 4 tables @ $3/table ($12 total buy-in) I can usually find myself up to maybe $14-$17. From there I usually lose my profit and end up near my initial buy-in.

I don't feel like I change my play at all when I'm up -- I don't start playing more hands, or anything. However, as far as I can tell my profit comes gradually -- playing tight and aggressive and winning most pots before showdown. But in the end, I seem to usually lose my profit to a few large hands. I'm talking TT-AA (usually JJ-AA), not AK or 88-99. It seems half of the time I'm against a larger pair, and the other half against a much lesser hand that just gets lucky.

It doesn't seem to be a tilt issue. I really don't get too married to my cards, and usually have no problem folding AA/KK/AKs/AQ/etc if I feel I am beat.
But with JJ-AA and a weak flop (and position) I have no problem coming out strong -- especially when I am called but usually even with a raise/reraise.

So lately I find I am kind of treading water. Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions?

TIA

PokerStars -- I don't use Poker Tracker, so I don't have any real way to analyze my game at that level. I really want to build my BR before I spring for PT.

From your post it sounds like you overvalue top pair and over pairs. AA's are great to start but when the flop come 10,J,9 it is time to start reevaluating.

Post some HH in the analysis section and players much better than me can help identify some leaks.

Get the new PT3. It's beta testing and wonderful. And at this point, while still in beta, it's free.

Both of the above.


Plus, it sounds like you're buying in fairly short. Maybe your style of play lends itself better to short stack play, or, maybe it's a time thing and your game changes as a result of getting slightly tired or something.

Or, maybe your style is better unread, so after you've been at a table for a while the other players read you better. Or, you start to get reads on other players but are doing the wrong things with those reads.

If the first, third or fourth are the case, change tables after you've gotten to, say, 50% up or more. If that doesn't adjust things for you, try just quitting after you get up.


But, also use the advice of the posts above as well.

Maybe you should leave your table when you have doubled................

Thanks guys, all great ideas.

I have downloaded PT3, and already I don't think I'll be able to give it up after the beta period. I suspect the ability to analyze my play at this level will really help me improve my game.

A few other things I'm adding to the mix.

* increasing my buy-ins at these micro tables to the max buy-in
* working on reevaluating my play of top/over pairs
* change tables more frequently