The Importance of Balance

wanderingthehall

wanderingthehall

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The more I learn about most things in life, the more I learn the importance of balance, and how similar the results can be on two opposite sides of a spectrum. Poker is a perfect example of trying to find balance. Every move we learn and try will work sometimes, but not always, and the more we use it the more it will be exploited.

Some specific poker examples that come to mind are situations such as blind stealing, c-betting, and shove ranges. Too tight and you miss out on a lot of chips and will get blinded away. Too loose, and you will give your chips away. The results are the same, falling short of your poker potential, whatever that may be judged by.

Most CC members put in study time whether it's watching videos, reading book, reviewing hands, etc. We are so focused on the "correct" move in each situation, but it's important to realize poker isn't easy enough to be that straight forward. It's important to also realize that no 2 poker players are the same. Learning to play the exact strategy your favorite poker book recommends will improve your game, but it's not the way to become a great player because it takes your own intelligence out of the equation.

The most important thing you can do to improve your game is whenever you lose a hand, don't blame the player, but ask yourself what kind of logic was he using? Because chances are there is something to their play that creates balance against yours and the two of you may not be as far apart in skill levels as you think.
 
steffdbird

steffdbird

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thanks

The more I learn about most things in life, the more I learn the importance of balance, and how similar the results can be on two opposite sides of a spectrum. Poker is a perfect example of trying to find balance. Every move we learn and try will work sometimes, but not always, and the more we use it the more it will be exploited.

Some specific poker examples that come to mind are situations such as blind stealing, c-betting, and shove ranges. Too tight and you miss out on a lot of chips and will get blinded away. Too loose, and you will give your chips away. The results are the same, falling short of your poker potential, whatever that may be judged by.

Most CC members put in study time whether it's watching videos, reading book, reviewing hands, etc. We are so focused on the "correct" move in each situation, but it's important to realize poker isn't easy enough to be that straight forward. It's important to also realize that no 2 poker players are the same. Learning to play the exact strategy your favorite poker book recommends will improve your game, but it's not the way to become a great player because it takes your own intelligence out of the equation.

The most important thing you can do to improve your game is whenever you lose a hand, don't blame the player, but ask yourself what kind of logic was he using? Because chances are there is something to their play that creates balance against yours and the two of you may not be as far apart in skill levels as you think.
Hi this a really good post I agree there is a fine line with everything and not just poker :) these are the kind of posts i joined to read :D
 
warturtle7

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I find that balance is very important and try to put emotions aside when i play.
Every move we learn and try will work sometimes, but not always, and the more we use it the more it will be exploited.
I like this part and sometimes i have sessions when all i wanna do is be unpredictable so they respect me :) If they recognize me us "crazy" they wont play back
 
shanest

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Great post OP. Def need a greater balance in my game
 
wanderingthehall

wanderingthehall

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I find that balance is very important and try to put emotions aside when i play.

I like this part and sometimes i have sessions when all i wanna do is be unpredictable so they respect me :) If they recognize me us "crazy" they wont play back

I'm labeled a "fish" by quite a few people. I used to be more on the nit side, but went a little overboard learning to be aggressive. I'm ok with the reputation, because it means players under estimate me and I can get paid off value betting.

The thing about balance is that the middle ground you're aiming for is constantly changing, so it's kinda like being a tight rope walker with the wind blowing!
 
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seanbee01

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playing in non turbo games and getting a good table image and figuring out your opponents is what I usually aim for if you have a good table image its easier for your bluffs and c-bets to come off .
 
itsmebobd

itsmebobd

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First off good post. I find myself, in my best games, changing gears at the right times, setting up an image only to exploit it later. Really you have to be 2 steps ahead of your opponents to beat them. :)
 
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