Help for 2012

Hi All,

This year I have been focussed on the basics, but want to put a lot more effort in for 2012. My main game is live 2/5 NL and also a few live MTT's.

I am wondering what the next things for me to focus on would be.

So far I have been building on the basics and have a decent grasp of:

• The rules ()
• Starting hand selection
• The importance of position
• Pot odds
• Implied odds
• Playing styles
• Table image
• Playing different sized stacks.
• Telling a story for a good bluff
• When and when not to slowplay
• Picking up reads.

What I know virtually nothing about is:

1. Proper bet-sizing
2. Fold equity
3. M
4. Putting opponents on a range
5. Note taking for live games

Am I on the right track in continuing to focus on the basics and then start learning about 1-5 above? Am I missing anything else that is crucial? Anything not on the list that should be?

Appreciate any advice.

CuttleFish

Don't worry about:

Implied odds
Fold equity
Slow playing(never do this)

Thanks bgomez,

Ive heard before about never slow playing, but I still do it if I hit the absolute nuts on a board, flop quads, etc. Other than then I dont do it anymore thanks to CC. (I used to do it a lot).

Does the never take into account flopping the absolute nuts?

Also, anything missing from the list?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!
CuttleFish

I think a general idea of pot odds is required at lower stakes. This is because many players at these levels will pay you off which allows you to make bets that at first calculation appear unprofitable but won't be due to the opponents you're playing against.

I've printed off a huge bundle of basics and little extras it includes:

How to play specific hands: AA, AK, from the SB, low-mid pairs, JJ, KK, QQ and something I need to play more to be less nitty suited connectors.
Position
Observations
Probe bets
Raising draws for value
Free card myth
value betting the river
implied odds
bluffing

I realise that I won't be applying many of these concepts (mainly bluffing) and I'm in danger of overplaying cards at low stakes against people who won't realise the sublties but I still want to learn and move up so I'm building the foundations now.

Even when I flop the nuts I never slow play. If the board is a A33r, people are going to give me MUCH less credit for having a full house, quads, or trips if I bet out as opposed to c/r

I think I've read that you don't play much 'online' poker.

My suggestion, play ALOT of online poker, but at the low & micro stakes. It'll give you the oppurtunity to play a gazillion hands.
Also, depending upon what game you're playing, pick up a couple books.

then.. prob goes without saying, review your play, post HH's, read other's HH's, read.. play.. review.. do it all again... & again.

gl in the new year!