What to do about getting pushed around?

Hi All

I just joined cardschat after reading your excellent threads, with non-judgmental advice. As you'll see - am a complete n00b, in every sense.

After playing online for play money, learning what I thought were the basics, and studying the game intensively, I was doing really well.

BUT! Now I'm playing for money (admittedly, microstakes), I'm getting a whupping near every time.

- When I bet in softly with the nuts, everyone folds.
- I fail to come over the top of secondary hands, which then suck out on the river.
- I've been hit by more flush draws in the last weekend than in 3 months of play.
- I can't get a grip of the table with either a tight-passive or loose-aggressive style.

I know I can learn and improve, and some advice would be really welcome.

Thanks!

It happens to everyone.Don,t despair . When good starting hands are beat on the flop get out don,t stay in hoping for a miracle turn and river cut your loss early and keep them as small as you can. When you are beat by someones super river catch accept it gracefully don,t go on tilt or try to win all that big loss back with the next mediocre to good hand you catch. take note of the wild lucky players and the real rocks learn who is who it takes a lot of attention to the game but will pay off. One other note be extra careful when in a early position that big bet with those pocket Kings can cost you a lot.

As noted above, go back, study the therory, study your opponents, learn more, and remember your postion.
Another importants thing is: do people get any read from you?
Is your timing different when you hit as opposed to when you just bluff, do you always bid a certain amount when you have a good hand, and another amount when you are stealing?

Hi, welcome to Cardschat!

It just seems to me that you're running badly. Be aware though that while microstakes play is hardly superb, it's a world different from play money play because it's actual money and people can't just instareload at no cost oif they go busto.

Your best bet is to start posting hands where you're unsure of your decisions. As I said it could be just that you're runnign bad, but there are probably leaks in your game that need ironing out, and the best way to do that is by reviewing questonable hands.

hiya and welcome to cardchat you just not only have to go back and study but you have to do a litte especially since its micro stakes anyway a little what I like to call experimentation. Try out different playing styles and techniques and see which ones work best for you and also learn to practice picking up tells of fellow players when your at the table. Remember practice makes perfect so just keep up the good work and you will see results soon.

Have you tried reading poker books?
There's lots of good ones out there, if you want to plug leaks in your game it might be the best way.

I learned a lot from Phil Gordon's Little green book for example.

Its completely normal when you first start playing. When I first started I got steamrolled! lol Keep studying and playing and you'll get it soon enough! It just takes alot of hands and practice to get the hang of it.

listen u have to mix up ur play u cant be predictable
u have to bet ur nuts as will bet ur bluff
that is as simple as that !!
u cannot let the opponent have a read on you !!
and never giv free cards if u think u are beat dont pat htem of !!

when i see your post my immediate thought is ' a fish '
u have to improve !!
play aggresively and tight at the same time !!

What types of games are you playing? Ring, tournament, Sit 'n Go?

Don't feel so bad, as you can tell fromt this thread, most of us had to transition into it. Don't panic or doubt yourself. Be patient and you'll grow into it.

Dorkus Malorkus said:

Hi, welcome to Cardschat!

It just seems to me that you're running badly. Be aware though that while microstakes play is hardly superb, it's a world different from play money play because it's actual money and people can't just instareload at no cost oif they go busto.

Your best bet is to start posting hands where you're unsure of your decisions. As I said it could be just that you're runnign bad, but there are probably leaks in your game that need ironing out, and the best way to do that is by reviewing questonable hands.

Click to expand...

yep microstakes are like freerolls to some and don't take it for real......
I am with Dorkus Malorkus, and say you should post some of your hands you are having problems with.

Thanks guys. Great points made - and only one reference to the F-word ;-P.

I'll circle my wagons and plug my leaks.

My advice is...

1)Play extremely tight - Master being tight. Only play premium hands like AA, KK, QQ, JJ AK suited, etc. No KQ or A10 or 22 or anything like that. Get soem results playing like an extreme nit before loosening up your game. You won't get too much action but you won't lose your pants and it makes your postflop decision making much easier.

2)Play Aggressively - Don't limp. Raise and Reraise. Make those guys pay to play a flop with you. Make them pay to see the turn and river. Don't be passive. Only slow play flopped boats, nut flushes, sets, or well concealed nut straights. Once you get comfortable, you can try trapping with lesser holdings and making moves. But to start out be aggressive as possible. Make very healthy preflop raises.

3)Play in position - Always be the one to act last. This alone will make you win more pots. Play mostly in late position, (the button, cutoff etc). If you're in early position only play AA or KK (raising healthy to get rid of people). Middle Postion on you can loosen up a bit. Do this til you're comfortable than you can loosen up.

In short, master being a supertight but super aggressive player who uses position before opening up your game to a style you're more comfortable with. I think that's the safest and fastest way to learn and get good.

Just keep playing.. Play as many hands as you can... Advice is great but its all about reading the situation and the only way to do this is to play as many hands as you can.

And in 6 months come back and answer this question yourself!

No matter how good a player is they will have a run of bad cards. Just play a tight aggressive game and the cards will come... Everytime you sit thru another hand... your odds will get better.

I've had my fair share of a hard run recently.
Don't get down on yourself for not knowing everything, cause even knowing everything about poker... you will never know everything about every player. each player is diffrent and makes diffrent plays...

One most important thing i can pass on for the table....

ALWAYS play your own game.....Never play your opponents game...
GOOD LUCK and i hope this helps in anyway!