Need Help/advice--- live cash games

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HarryH5656

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I used to play live 1/2 NLHE games all the time, I am recently making a return to doing it, and want to try to win 700$ per week. The game is a max 200$ buy-in. My dilemma is that I can read the table, and I can be on top of my game, but I always end up getting a little bit too loose, and then bluff away 100$ in a pot every once in a while per session. I stay so tight for the most part, but have been making calls, that I know I am probably beat in. My main question for now is, how do I keep it in my head to make better decisions, and hold onto my money- once im up a couple hundred? Overall, I would categorize myself as a Tight Aggressive player. I don't only wait for premium hands, but 95% of the time I will be playing smart positional poker for picking which pots to enter. Thanks in advance for any help/advice.
ps. I don't have any poker friends to talk through my game or mishaps with, so I am hoping this site will assist me through my journey.
 
EchoEllis

EchoEllis

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I used to play live 1/2 NLHE games all the time, I am recently making a return to doing it, and want to try to win 700$ per week. The game is a max 200$ buy-in. My dilemma is that I can read the table, and I can be on top of my game, but I always end up getting a little bit too loose, and then bluff away 100$ in a pot every once in a while per session. I stay so tight for the most part, but have been making calls, that I know I am probably beat in. My main question for now is, how do I keep it in my head to make better decisions, and hold onto my money- once im up a couple hundred? Overall, I would categorize myself as a Tight Aggressive player. I don't only wait for premium hands, but 95% of the time I will be playing smart positional poker for picking which pots to enter. Thanks in advance for any help/advice.
ps. I don't have any poker friends to talk through my game or mishaps with, so I am hoping this site will assist me through my journey.
ive just posted a thread asking about the same issue, I look forward to seeing what people have to say
 
Mr Sandbag

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First of all, $700/week is unrealistic. I highly suggest getting that out of your mind and focusing entirely on in-game decision making. If it was that easy to just start making $30k+ a year at 1/2, wouldn't everyone be doing it? Plus, in a $200 max game you'll find it very difficult (or even impossible) to sustain a win rate that high over a reasonable sample. You could grind 60 hours every week and possibly average $700 but that is not a smart thing to do.

My main question for now is, how do I keep it in my head to make better decisions, and hold onto my money- once im up a couple hundred?

If you tighten up or start playing less aggressive because you are up a certain amount in the session, just leave. Your goal is to play as optimally as you can, and if current profit causes you to play sub-optimally it is best to just not play at all. This is a mental game issue. You shouldn't worry about "losing" profit. Ask a poker pro how often he started the session out ahead and ended up leaving stuck a bunch of money. He won't be able to tell you because it's such a common occurrence.

Overall, just focus on making good decisions. You won't know your true hourly rate until you've logged a few thousand hours anyway. Why dwell on meaningless results?
 
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HarryH5656

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Thanks Mr. Sandbag... I was hoping to spend a couple months at 1/2, then move to a 2/5 500$ max buy in game. I agree with everything you replied with, and I guess my main issue, is just staying mentally strong enough to not make dumb moves (aka start playing too loose). I understand that I need to switch my game up a little bit, but I think I push the limit sometimes with bluffing. I don't know if I should put myself on a limit per hour of how many bluff attempts to make, until im a stronger player, or what.
 
Mr Sandbag

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The key is being able to identify the exact reason why bluffing in each particular spot is a profitable play. There is no system or substitute for making/understanding good decisions. It's going to take a lot of time before you start to feel more comfortable. Take advantage of Cardschat and post hands frequently. Getting advice from experienced players is extremely valuable.
 
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HarryH5656

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I will def post hands frequently! My game may not be as solid as I believe, but I have nobody to talk to about it. I may be trying these bluffs, when I think its a good time, but in reality, it may just be stupid! Im looking forward to more feedback and insight from Cardschat. Thanks again for your feedback.
I read some of your Grind Up: 1/2NL and Beyond thread. I may start something similar, as I really like the feedback you are able to get.
 
Aces2w1n

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Easy traps to get into.

Limping along like everyone else.
Calling with nothing because the pot isn't big.
Getting stuck

Things you need to be doing.
Raising unopened pots.
Working on getting the most value out of your hands.

Play aggressive and have a plan of when your leaving the table.
 
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Weisssound

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I used to play live 1/2 NLHE games all the time, I am recently making a return to doing it, and want to try to win 700$ per week. The game is a max 200$ buy-in. My dilemma is that I can read the table, and I can be on top of my game, but I always end up getting a little bit too loose, and then bluff away 100$ in a pot every once in a while per session. I stay so tight for the most part, but have been making calls, that I know I am probably beat in. My main question for now is, how do I keep it in my head to make better decisions, and hold onto my money- once im up a couple hundred? Overall, I would categorize myself as a Tight Aggressive player. I don't only wait for premium hands, but 95% of the time I will be playing smart positional poker for picking which pots to enter. Thanks in advance for any help/advice.
ps. I don't have any poker friends to talk through my game or mishaps with, so I am hoping this site will assist me through my journey.


Setting a win target is trepidatious. And $700 is only relevant to the amount you play, and more importantly who ends up at the table with you.

For grinder playing, which I only do once in a while, I am more interested in finding the people throwing money around. If I find some money guy who spews - I'll sit there and make as much as possible. If I'm at a table of tight regs... PEACE.... I'll catch ya'll later.

And that's going to dictate your play. Winning or losing you shouldn't really adjust. You should only adjust to the players.

Now, as for winning 300 + blinds.... that's a lofty goal. Yes, it looks very doable when in any one session you can walk out with $800... $1000... I think I played a 1/3 game where I walked with $2300. But you have to consider what you are going to lose in the process. I've walked out of games -$600.

So over time, you may win $700, but lose $500 in the process... which incidentally still makes you a winning player! But it's hard to make a living grinding 1/2 that's for sure!
 
MrBadAss

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i dont think you have to start focus on the 2.8k a month, unless you are now playing mid stakes cash and know your previews results i think its a mistake start play by a winning number and the final of the session,thats short term, because if you want to make 700$ per week and moving up you would want to do 5x on a 5/10 limit? thats equal 14k a month and not so easy. thats just my concern
 
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