F
Falian
Rock Star
Silver Level
I've been playing poker for the past 6 months (roughly) and have been gradually improving my game. Recently, I feel that I have mastered the fundamentals, the building blocks of poker that any aspiring player needs to succeed.
However, now that I am looking to take my game to the next level I need help understanding and applying "2nd level thinking" poker concepts that are critical to have as you move up in stakes.
So, I will be posting 5 replies directly below, each with a separate concept that I need assistance on. I greatly appreciate help on any questions you feel qualified to answer.
1. C-bets
2. 3-bets
3. Applying villian ranges to specific hands.
4. When to bluff
5. Laying down made hands
If I can patch up these leaks I really feel like I'll be moving up in stakes quick.
C-bets
To start things off, yes I know what a c-bet is and yes I understand the concept behind it. A c-bet gives you fold equity as well as masks the difference between your made hands and missed hands and draws. This often causes villians to play against you when they often shouldn't.
Although I understand the concept of the c-bet i'm not too sure I am successfully applying it, and as a result this may be a leak. I often hear people saying the c-bet between 60%-90% of the time. This seems to correlate well, considering people miss the flop 1/3 of the time.
1. Should my c-betting be directly related to the cards on the board? I understand I should be c-betting with overcards, etc.
2. How should I handle c-betting in a multi-way pot?
3. When should I not be c-betting?
4. How should my image/opponents hud affect my decision?
Overall, I feel like my c-bets aren't as effective as they should be (at 10nl). I'm either getting floated or people have solid hands and I feel double barrelling is an even bigger leak in my game, so i've stopped that almost all together.
To start things off, yes I know what a c-bet is and yes I understand the concept behind it. A c-bet gives you fold equity as well as masks the difference between your made hands and missed hands and draws. This often causes villians to play against you when they often shouldn't.
Although I understand the concept of the c-bet i'm not too sure I am successfully applying it, and as a result this may be a leak. I often hear people saying the c-bet between 60%-90% of the time. This seems to correlate well, considering people miss the flop 1/3 of the time.
1. Should my c-betting be directly related to the cards on the board? I understand I should be c-betting with overcards, etc.
2. How should I handle c-betting in a multi-way pot?
3. When should I not be c-betting?
4. How should my image/opponents hud affect my decision?
Overall, I feel like my c-bets aren't as effective as they should be (at 10nl). I'm either getting floated or people have solid hands and I feel double barrelling is an even bigger leak in my game, so i've stopped that almost all together.
3-bets
Applying villains range to specific hands
I feel like this may be one of my biggest issues. Pre-flop I use the hud ranges a lot, and I often adjust my range and decisions based on that. Post-flop, however, I really don't feel like i'm using these stats effectively. How do you use your hud to make post-flop decisions?
1. Should I only be 3-betting in position?
2. When is it better to just flat call?
3. How should I react to opponents 3-bets? when should I call, when should I fold?
2. When is it better to just flat call?
3. How should I react to opponents 3-bets? when should I call, when should I fold?
Applying villains range to specific hands
I feel like this may be one of my biggest issues. Pre-flop I use the hud ranges a lot, and I often adjust my range and decisions based on that. Post-flop, however, I really don't feel like i'm using these stats effectively. How do you use your hud to make post-flop decisions?
When to bluff/float
I feel like most of the time i'm bluffing based on how I read a villians strength through his actions, rather than basing it off of the board. Any advice here?
Also, when should I read other peoples bluffs and be able to float it?
Also, when should I read other peoples bluffs and be able to float it?
Laying down made hands
I can do this pretty easily If I have tptk and I feel like someone hit their straight or flush draw. However, I feel like i'm losing a lot of money to trips, etc.
Pot Control
Everyone says "big hand, big pots" "small hand, small pots" then I see "keep your bets standard, 2/3 the pot or you will invite in draws or show weakness" what gives?