I'm learning the maths for the first time. Some help?

Hello,

Firstly I'd like to say I'm new to the CardsChat forum. I've used a lot of the articles recently, and have snooped in on some discussions here, and as I'll be learning Poker I figured it'd be good to muck in. So. Hello.

I have a couple questions regarding my method of learning the game. I've come up with several things and I was hoping someone might gloss over them and provide me with some feedback/thoughts on where I may improve.

My intention is to be able to hold my own at the lower stakes STTs (NL Hold'em), but also understand HOW I'm holding my own; giving me a grounding to build on in the future.

This is what I have so far.
- An A4 notebook that I've got numerous detailed and summarized notes about different part of the game. This includes Hole Card Tiers, Positional Play, Blind Stealing, Fold equity, Implied odds / pot odds, Bubble Play, Heads Up at an STT, Variance and expected value. I've yet to look at specific hand ranges that I can stick to.

- An Excel document keeping tabs on my bankroll ($60 starting bankroll), listing profit/loss, buy in amount, field size etc...

- PokerTracker 4, tracking ALL hands and whilst playing I'm marking hands for review if I make a terrible call, bluff at the wrong time or play out of position.

- I'll be acquiring ALL of the "first poker books" mentioned in another thread. I'll read these thoroughly, highlight what I find eye opening and sticky note mark their pages. As well as rewriting the information in the notes book.

- I'm in the process of looking up drills so that I can learn hand ranges and calculate EV quicker on the fly. It's the main part of the game I've yet to try and develop. I should be able to start work on this come the new year.

I've long had a flirtatious relationship with Poker, but now I want to learn the game and get good. While I understand some things can't be skipped, and the couple million hands I need to start seeing some results won't be handled overnight, I feel like I can influence the speed that I learn somewhat.

Would you say I'm doing the right thing in terms of learning?

I hope you all have a nice day/night/variance swing.
-The Continuer.

Sounds awesome :up:

My suggestion is that instead of reading the books from cover to cover, you read from your A4 notebook the current topic to study, and then you read from multiple sources that very same area. Also you might want to include to your notes a totally not detailed structure about what you have learned so far, so you can review the study path easily.

Your in the same position as me. 😃 I think that your strategy to improve is effective and you pretty much have everything covered. Just and added tip: Analyze your hands after every session and see what hands your playing the best and what hands you are not getting the most value off of and the. you can improve your game faster. Good luck at the tables.

The problems occur when you have made your notes, researched and studied, gained experience and then you lose anyway.
I have to admit though, it is fun learning the hard way (just dont go on poker rooms you cant really afford) but expensive.

Thanks folks, I appreciate the responses.

The initial deposit amount was $60, however, I imagine somewhere down the line that may be depleted. If so, I'm not too fussed as the deposit is only a small amount of what I set aside for the bankroll to start with. I've considered it talent development money but I'm not treating it like it's just disposable.

Thecontinuer said:

- I'm in the process of looking up drills so that I can learn hand ranges and calculate EV quicker on the fly. It's the main part of the game I've yet to try and develop. I should be able to start work on this come the new year.

I've long had a flirtatious relationship with Poker, but now I want to learn the game and get good. While I understand some things can't be skipped, and the couple million hands I need to start seeing some results won't be handled overnight, I feel like I can influence the speed that I learn somewhat.

Would you say I'm doing the right thing in terms of learning?

I hope you all have a nice day/night/variance swing.
-The Continuer.

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I'm biased, but I'd recommend Ace Poker Drills. The odds and outs trainer and equity calculator are great and free. And then there's the pre-flop and equity trainer. Perfect for beginners and people looking to get the solid foundation they need to be a winner.

http://acepokerdrills.com

John A said:

I'm biased, but I'd recommend Ace Poker Drills. The odds and outs trainer and equity calculator are great and free. And then there's the pre-flop and equity trainer. Perfect for beginners and people looking to get the solid foundation they need to be a winner.

http://acepokerdrills.com

Click to expand...

That looks like the kind of thing I'm in need of. I'll take a peek when I can.
Thanks

Thecontinuer said:

I have a couple questions regarding my method of learning the game. I've come up with several things and I was hoping someone might gloss over them and provide me with some feedback/thoughts on where I may improve.

Click to expand...

Off table study would really help you improve. give it 1~2 hours a day

Learn the rule of 2 and 4 to be able to quickly calculate your equity in the hand and see if you have the correct pot odds. On the flop multiply your outs by 4 to figure out your equity, on the turn multiply your outs by 2. Then look at the price you are being laid and see if you are getting the correct price to continue in the hand.