Busted

G'Day All, First a bit of background. I've been playing NLHE for about a year and have read a few books (Harrington 1,2,3. Most of Sklansky's. Phil Gorden. Malmuth & Mike Caro).

Although I try to play a TAG game I am continually experimenting to see what works for me.

To the problem. When I play in tournaments I am normally up with the chip leaders when nearing the bubble but then seem to get "busted" in one or two hands and get knocked out.

Similarly in ring games I will get two to five buy ins in front and then lose the lot. I normally play micros $0.25/$0.50.

Trying to put this into perspective I would have to say that my game is reasonable but has some holes.

Given this very limited information what do you think I can do to find out the problem areas of my game (there are probably several of them) and rectify them.

All the best.

There could be many explanations for the things you've mentioned. For example, in the tournament scenario, it could be that you're being a little too over zealous trying to take advantage of everyone tightening up near the bubble and you're getting married to much lesser quality hands. Then again that might not even be close.

But there is definitely some help available from the lot here. Sounds like you've done a fair bit of reading. For tournament play, go back to HoH again and reread. Otherwise, as far as this site is concerned, my big suggestions for you are...
1. Read the Online Poker Guide.
2. Read most everything in the Articles Section.
3. Begin posting some in the Hand Analysis section. Focus on the hands that are getting you in trouble. Oh, and check out the posting rules in that section so that you get the best feedback from people. One big hint is to leave off the results and cut your hand history off where you have your first difficult decision and go from there. That could be PF or facing an AI river bet, doesn't matter. Just leave off the results initially to get non-results oriented feedback.

Start with those.

Thanks Jack will do !

I was the same way a few years back!!! I realized my problem was a simple one....I was so sure cashing out was in my future that I played looser. Most of the time players tend to tighten up when someone is on the bubble, then relax alittle once they have cashed. Not sure if that is your problem, but when i realized it cashing out got easier.

First thing you have to do is remember why, and what happened to you in the past when in those situations again. Next year you'll tell yourself "I wish what I know now I new last year". If you play enough your game will improve in time, just like a fine wine.

Thank you for the replies.

I am at present "revisiting" Harrington 1 and have dropped down from tournaments to 1,2 & 5 table S&Gs.

This appears to be working as from nine games I have 2 wins, 2 seconds , 2 thirds and a positive ROI.

Thanks for the advice.