The way to improvement is the ability to recognize your own weaknesses, and work on them!

This is true in poker and in life.

So...let this thread be a way for you to focus your attention on your biggest weakness (right now) in your poker game. It could be a technical aspect of the game, or a struggle with balancing time/other commitments. Lets have an open discussion on our weaknesses.

Right now, I'd say my biggest weakness is playing a 15-20BB stack, mid to late in the MTT. I either play too tight, and allow myself to fold down to ~10BB where I feel more comfortable, or I play too aggressive and give away 5-10BB with weird steal attempts. This is the area of my game that I'd really like to focus on and improve.

How about you?

My biggest weakness is playing too much poker. I'm just not enjoying it like I used to anymore.

They have a name for that - continuously doing something that you don't enjoy.

I think the writing is on the wall.

Originally Posted by jordanbillie

The way to improvement is the ability to recognize your own weaknesses, and work on them!

This is true in poker and in life.

So...let this thread be a way for you to focus your attention on your biggest weakness (right now) in your poker game. It could be a technical aspect of the game, or a struggle with balancing time/other commitments. Lets have an open discussion on our weaknesses.

Right now, I'd say my biggest weakness is playing a 15-20BB stack, mid to late in the MTT. I either play too tight, and allow myself to fold down to ~10BB where I feel more comfortable, or I play too aggressive and give away 5-10BB with weird steal attempts. This is the area of my game that I'd really like to focus on and improve.

How about you?

I think my biggest weakness is failing to slow down and really consider what the opposition has when they re-raise me and I have caught a hand. Example recently in a MTT on the Btn, the UTG 2 min raised, Mid position called I had A9o I called, flop A93 rainbow, UTG2 chks, Mid bets 2.5BB, I raise all in, Mid calls , showdown Mid has 99 for a set, I never considered the possibility of a set and at the time I was in the top 3 of the tourney, had I considered a little more I could have just called and if he pushed I could have folded and maintained my position in the tourney, I failed to think. another example here, again I didn't stop and think.
https://www.cardschat.com/replayer/7qwAFgL

many times in bubble moments I don't make the best decisions, I am affected by pressure and tiredness on several occasions

I think my biggest weakness at the moment is tilt - I get quite annoyed easily which leads to very poor decisions.
I'm still fairly new to poker though so I'm hoping to get this under control soon.

These are some good posts! Let's consider how to improve in these areas.

Originally Posted by Rowdy Greg

My biggest weakness is playing too much poker. I'm just not enjoying it like I used to anymore.

They have a name for that - continuously doing something that you don't enjoy.

I think the writing is on the wall.

Greg, you are experiencing what I went through about 7 years ago. I had been playing poker for so long, and continuing to fill my "free time" with as much poker as I possibly could. Also, I was a poker dealer at the time!

Playing less is the obvious answer, but while you play less you should take the extra available time as an opportunity. For me, it was almost 7 years away from the game completely (with the exception of a dozen or so "dining room table" games), seriously I didn't play online poker for 7 years (look me up!).

Now that I'm "back" I am treating this differently. Before I was concerned with the results (i.e. the money), and now I'm concerned with the experience (i.e. having a good time). There are ways in which you can alter your poker experience to be more enjoyable (lower volume, lower buy-in, different games, etc.). I suggest you try this out!

Originally Posted by CDNMAN 42

I think my biggest weakness is failing to slow down and really consider what the opposition has when they re-raise me and I have caught a hand. Example recently in a MTT on the Btn, the UTG 2 min raised, Mid position called I had A9o I called, flop A93 rainbow, UTG2 chks, Mid bets 2.5BB, I raise all in, Mid calls , showdown Mid has 99 for a set, I never considered the possibility of a set and at the time I was in the top 3 of the tourney, had I considered a little more I could have just called and if he pushed I could have folded and maintained my position in the tourney, I failed to think. another example here, again I didn't stop and think.
https://www.cardschat.com/replayer/7qwAFgL

CD,

I think you would benefit from a larger scope, or a broader view of the tournament structure and develop a strategy that ensures you are lasting as long as possible in the majority of your games. For some, this could be risk management (i.e. avoiding large pots where you only perceive a small edge, pressuring mid stacks instead of short stacks and chip leaders, etc.), and for others it could be simply folding more hands preflop.

I challenge you to think this one through and see how you can get "deeper" in your games.

Originally Posted by tuku222

many times in bubble moments I don't make the best decisions, I am affected by pressure and tiredness on several occasions

Tuku,

I would suggest registering later, that way when the bubble comes around you aren't sleeping.

Originally Posted by johnoman

I think my biggest weakness at the moment is tilt - I get quite annoyed easily which leads to very poor decisions.
I'm still fairly new to poker though so I'm hoping to get this under control soon.

John,

This is the most urgent weakness you should work on. The #1 focus of playing great poker is a balanced mind.

You will see quick improvement if you focus your studies on this.

My biggest weakness in poker tourneys is especially when I have almost the nuts, or close to nuts cards including flop and turn, with from 93% to 95.5% of winning the hand before river and when after that comes the opponent amazing 4.5 % for hitting the card, he somehow menage to get that remaining 1(one) card and blew me away.

Happening this same two times in a row for a day, get me so nervous and so angry after spending maybe 5-6 hours on playing and finishing with just 20$.
I see my work, day, my back and shoulders wiped off from that sick and disgusting one idiotic card that comes and get my hard playing tour disappear.
After this situation Im angry the next day or two, because I spent third of day sitting in front of pc and clicking with hope for winning lets say 200$ or above.
I cant get the fact that there is always luck included in poker, even so many said that the game is not based on luck.
I agree with that, but with what or on what is based getting 5 on the river, when that its the only card that I DONT NEED, in order to win the pot.
How that isn't luck. Back on the track in the future I must accept that this is gambling and to look for a justice in a gambling is insane.
That would be equal to going in the liquor shop and saying hey I drink yesterday and got drunk, looking for someone else, which would be guilty, instead of you...
No sense right??? I know that myself too, but at the end maybe Im angry who can people get me that easy and when I'm in that same situation, but from the other side and Im the man which 5 is needed in order to save my as* in the tournament, I get you guess 9 and end it in the history.
It would get better in the future I hope so..maybe my lady luck is waiting to give me the Q, I needed to win the 10Million$ and bracelet.

Originally Posted by jordanbillie

John,

This is the most urgent weakness you should work on. The #1 focus of playing great poker is a balanced mind.

You will see quick improvement if you focus your studies on this.

Definitely something I am working heavily on.

If I understand what you mean, my biggest weakness in poker is playing with hands that I don't know what to do with. In fact, sometimes I play in bad positions with my hands knowing that an important part of my stack is going to end.
My next weakness is in tournaments. When good hand doesn't reach me and my stack ends, I get angry and all in with every hand. Although such a thing is wrong, and in the end I know that this weakness of lack of knowledge is enough and I have to strengthen myself. It was a good topic and I really enjoyed writing this article.

The weakness of most players, the inability to fold in the necessary situation, and overestimating a good, but not the best hand at the table) I think a lot of players forget to follow the game of their opponents at the current table) These problems also concern me ,

My biggest weakness in poker is a strong belief and expectation of fairness in the game.

And when, even at a long distance, dispersion starts openly laughing in my face, it upsets me. Because I believe too strongly that the distance should already return my losses faster.

My main weakness is not realizing when its time to fold. I hold on to premium hands a lot and end up overpaying when they've already become medium or low hands. It is a point to learn.

Hmm very good question.
But i think my biggest weakness is gambling.
Sometimes i just gamble with my bankroll,sometimes gamble in late phase tourney.
So don/t be like me,don't gamble!

My biggest weakness is probably that I go on tilt after a couple of hands where I get rivered by a lucky donk..haha

I believe that my biggest weakness is trying to take down bad players, and sometimes I don't take the necessary precautions to do so.

My biggest poker weakness is Tequila.

OK really, my biggest issue is time. I just dont have enough to play the games I want to play. ACR with 9 months of late registration and games lasting so long its a new year all the time I am limited to when and what I can play. If only the sites would put up a freeze out every night I would play a ton more or have late registration of 1/2 hour or less would work. Having a job just makes it hard.

Probably should not add my sarcasm in this but the other day I logged in to a game with 4+ hours of late REG. Just to much.

Originally Posted by gravac

My biggest weakness in poker tourneys is especially when I have almost the nuts, or close to nuts cards including flop and turn, with from 93% to 95.5% of winning the hand before river and when after that comes the opponent amazing 4.5 % for hitting the card, he somehow menage to get that remaining 1(one) card and blew me away.

Happening this same two times in a row for a day, get me so nervous and so angry after spending maybe 5-6 hours on playing and finishing with just 20$.
I see my work, day, my back and shoulders wiped off from that sick and disgusting one idiotic card that comes and get my hard playing tour disappear.
After this situation Im angry the next day or two, because I spent third of day sitting in front of pc and clicking with hope for winning lets say 200$ or above.
I cant get the fact that there is always luck included in poker, even so many said that the game is not based on luck.
I agree with that, but with what or on what is based getting 5 on the river, when that its the only card that I DONT NEED, in order to win the pot.
How that isn't luck. Back on the track in the future I must accept that this is gambling and to look for a justice in a gambling is insane.
That would be equal to going in the liquor shop and saying hey I drink yesterday and got drunk, looking for someone else, which would be guilty, instead of you...
No sense right??? I know that myself too, but at the end maybe Im angry who can people get me that easy and when I'm in that same situation, but from the other side and Im the man which 5 is needed in order to save my as* in the tournament, I get you guess 9 and end it in the history.
It would get better in the future I hope so..maybe my lady luck is waiting to give me the Q, I needed to win the 10Million$ and bracelet.

Gravac,

Evan Jarvis, shared a very wise sentiment in a different thread regarding "luck." When we get our money in good, we should not expect that we deserve to win the hand. We should accept the odds as they are, and understand that we have done all we can do. Try to sit with that idea for some time and think through it. Also, try late regging some cheap MTTs. You just might have more fun!

Originally Posted by MusterIsBack

If I understand what you mean, my biggest weakness in poker is playing with hands that I don't know what to do with. In fact, sometimes I play in bad positions with my hands knowing that an important part of my stack is going to end.
My next weakness is in tournaments. When good hand doesn't reach me and my stack ends, I get angry and all in with every hand. Although such a thing is wrong, and in the end I know that this weakness of lack of knowledge is enough and I have to strengthen myself. It was a good topic and I really enjoyed writing this article.

Muster,

Good hand selection is critical to be a successful player. If you don't know how to play certain hands it could either be because they are crappy hands that should be folded pre-flop, or you need to improve on your post flop play. Pay attention to the dynamic of your table, and the frequency of hands getting to showdown. Adjust to the style of play that takes advantage of your current table dynamics. Again, play a solid range of hands pre-flop and limit your risk with your marginal hands.

Originally Posted by LFC_yllnwa

The weakness of most players, the inability to fold in the necessary situation, and overestimating a good, but not the best hand at the table) I think a lot of players forget to follow the game of their opponents at the current table) These problems also concern me ,

LFC,

Great post! I suffer from this one too. I often tell myself, "He's strong here. Just fold." but then I will call anyway to see if I'm right. Usually I'm right.

Sticking with our reads, and sticking with what we know is right.

I found preparedness is the way to control this. Have a plan for each hand, tournament, session, etc. Poker is an emotional game, and the emotions usually try to steer us in the wrong direction.

Originally Posted by 1nsomn1a

My biggest weakness in poker is a strong belief and expectation of fairness in the game.

And when, even at a long distance, dispersion starts openly laughing in my face, it upsets me. Because I believe too strongly that the distance should already return my losses faster.

1nsomn1a,

Thank you for this great post, on such an interesting topic.

The illusion you suffer from is not unique, in the sense that most gamblers (yes, poker players are technically gamblers too) see through this same lens. It is this exact believe in fairness, which leads to large losses. Stick with the limits you play, don't play more when you are losing (to try to win back losses) and retain an unbiased focus on your skills. If your results are lacking, but you can confidently say you are playing well then all is well. If you get upset over the results and start playing higher/longer/more careless, then all is not well.

Remember, AA can lose to KK 30 times in a row. There is nothing preventing it from happening. Each event has the same odds and doesn't have memory.

Originally Posted by NicoVlopez

My main weakness is not realizing when its time to fold. I hold on to premium hands a lot and end up overpaying when they've already become medium or low hands. It is a point to learn.

Nico,

This is often to product of thinking premium hands should also equate to big pots. Deviate from this thinking and you will play them better. Premium hands are only an advantage, and it takes serious skill to look past the pretty cards.

Originally Posted by mar_dragan

Hmm very good question.
But i think my biggest weakness is gambling.
Sometimes i just gamble with my bankroll,sometimes gamble in late phase tourney.
So don/t be like me,don't gamble!

Mar,

You know your weakness, now act on what you know is right.

Originally Posted by SubZero111

My biggest weakness is probably that I go on tilt after a couple of hands where I get rivered by a lucky donk..haha

SubZero,

See above. Remember, when you get it in with good equity, you have done your part. Let the cards fall. Good players are not the players that get lucky, they are the players that handle bad luck well.

Originally Posted by Benkisto_BR

I believe that my biggest weakness is trying to take down bad players, and sometimes I don't take the necessary precautions to do so.

Benkisto,

Yes, being blinded by a fish is a common weakness. While focusing on the weak players is a good idea, you also need to keep some attention on the critical aspects of your game. Too much head hunting will make you too aggressive and careless, paradoxically making you a fish.

Originally Posted by Luvepoker

My biggest poker weakness is Tequila.

OK really, my biggest issue is time. I just dont have enough to play the games I want to play. ACR with 9 months of late registration and games lasting so long its a new year all the time I am limited to when and what I can play. If only the sites would put up a freeze out every night I would play a ton more or have late registration of 1/2 hour or less would work. Having a job just makes it hard.

Probably should not add my sarcasm in this but the other day I logged in to a game with 4+ hours of late REG. Just to much.

Luve,

Send me a PM if you want. I have developed a strategy for this very purpose. I have a family of 6 (4 kids ages: 8, 5, 3, 1 month) so I also have very limited time. I have found a way to play a few games per day, with the minimum required time commitment. Essentially, you have to develop a good late reg style of play in MTTs. Game selection is very important, as is your 10-20 BB play. Get some extra experience in how to be a winning Hyper SNG player, and your MTT results will flourish.

my biggest weakness is winner tilt, Whenever I'm playing really well in a tournament and get close to the money i always get anxious, and nervous and start making really bad decisions.

I need to focus on sit and goes, and or micro cash!

My biggest weakness (no matter how paradoxical it sounds) This is a game against weak players! Playing against them, I believe that I should win every hand and when this does not happen (which is completely natural) I very quickly fall into tilt!

Probably thinking too much about my own hand and not enough about my opponents hand(s).

My biggest weakness is post flop play.

I should play more cash games and study Harrington on Cash Game but I had no time so far.

At least I beat Zoom NL2 on Stars lol.

"I think you would benefit from a larger scope, or a broader view of the tournament structure and develop a strategy that ensures you are lasting as long as possible in the majority of your games. For some, this could be risk management (i.e. avoiding large pots where you only perceive a small edge, pressuring mid stacks instead of short stacks and chip leaders, etc.), and for others it could be simply folding more hands preflop.

I challenge you to think this one through and see how you can get "deeper" in your games."


This is good advice. The best thread for a long time.
I suffer from loss of concentration at the mid-point usually when I have built a stack. Do you have any more ideas. What else was contained in your etc?
My other huge weakness is curiosity. I see I have a playable hand and in my excitement I forget to put my opponent on a range of hands, and only bet what I'm seeing in front of me.
Then even worse is that if I know I'm probably behind, I can't find the correct play and fold.
Folding correctly actually works two ways. It saves you chips to make the right play with later, and it denies your opponent chips.
I used to believe people bluff a lot. I'm trying to focus on this thought. Most times the big bets go in, the Villain(s) will have us beaten
I will try and apply those ideas you have given.

The other concept to acknowledge and remember is that your big pair pre-flop is only best then. Post-flop is a different scenario where the number of players seeing the flop and the wetness of the board can changes everything. Again you must range your opponents and know their type of reaction.
An LAG may bluff a wet flop, but a tight player has nearly always connected if he is making serious bets

I tend to over value my hand when multiple players are in the pot. I limp too often early in the tournament. I don't have the patience when the cards aren't coming, and I start trying to steal blinds with trash. I always open suited A rag, even UTG (knowing it isn't going to win). Too often I call oversized river bets when I know I am beat. I fold to min bets when I should stay one more street.

These might not be my biggest flaws, but they are the ones I'm working on this week.

My biggest weakness is that I am human and a bankroll nit that hates losing money,
If I have thousands available to play poker can happily leave it off the poker sites and play freerolls all week long which is very limiting.
Maybe in July will risk a serious wad for a biscuit or maybe not.

Originally Posted by jordanbillie

The way to improvement is the ability to recognize your own weaknesses, and work on them!

This is true in poker and in life.

So...let this thread be a way for you to focus your attention on your biggest weakness (right now) in your poker game. It could be a technical aspect of the game, or a struggle with balancing time/other commitments. Lets have an open discussion on our weaknesses.

Right now, I'd say my biggest weakness is playing a 15-20BB stack, mid to late in the MTT. I either play too tight, and allow myself to fold down to ~10BB where I feel more comfortable, or I play too aggressive and give away 5-10BB with weird steal attempts. This is the area of my game that I'd really like to focus on and improve.

How about you?

Oh, I have similar too. I think problem is that after good positions of previous tournaments we think in area previous tournaments. But now there are new players with us. Think about it when you want raise bet without knowledges about players and their tactics.

Originally Posted by Kertooie

my biggest weakness is winner tilt, Whenever I'm playing really well in a tournament and get close to the money i always get anxious, and nervous and start making really bad decisions.

I need to focus on sit and goes, and or micro cash!

Kertooie,

Perhaps a smaller buy-in could help you confront your "winners anxiety." You are experiencing a very common emotion of not wanting to lose when you are so close to the money. It's very hard to describe how you should be feeling, but it's essentially a balance between understanding which risks to take (and not take) because of the proximity of the bubble, but not completely compromising your game just to do anything to cash. I hope that makes sense, you'll figure it out with more experience. I think keeping the buy-ins small while you work through the nervousness, you will help keep that anxiety at a manageable level.

You'll get there!

Originally Posted by vittopio

My biggest weakness (no matter how paradoxical it sounds) This is a game against weak players! Playing against them, I believe that I should win every hand and when this does not happen (which is completely natural) I very quickly fall into tilt!

Vittopio,

You have a common weakness with others above. This is good, because you can learn from others. Weak opponents are only an advantage, they don't guarantee anything. You are better when you are patient, pick your spots wisely, and keep the mindset of limiting your risk. If those players are really weak, you won't have to take 50/50 or even 60/40 flips against them. You can afford to give them all the thin spots, because you know you will completely hammer them once you have the right set up.

Originally Posted by Waleswasp

Probably thinking too much about my own hand and not enough about my opponents hand(s).

Wale (pronounced WAH-LAY),

This is a super common (mostly live instead of online) beginners weakness. You will progress through this with experience. Once you determine a standard for the types of hands you play and how you choose to play them, you can introduce the dynamic of your opponents holdings. This topic of "reading your opponent" has evolved so much in the last 15 years, that we could discourse on it for hours. So for now, just be ok with the fact that you aren't thinking about your opponents possible holdings right now. You can actually get by quite well (in the micros) simply playing your own hands well. You'll progress with experience.

Originally Posted by Daniel72

My biggest weakness is post flop play.

I should play more cash games and study Harrington on Cash Game but I had no time so far.

At least I beat Zoom NL2 on Stars lol.

Daniel,

Post flop play is an art. It's constantly changing, and is very dependent on the table dynamic. If I could summarize it in a few words I would say: Predict what your opponent would do if she were strong, weak, marginally strong, etc. Come to a conclusion on what seems likely, given the pre-flop action and hand histories with the player. When multiple possibilities exist, but then would have the same action (i.e. my opponent either missed their draw or they have worse than top pair, either way they won't call a big bet so I'm going to either bet small or check to induce a bluff/stab) you have a clear decision. My philosophy on post flop play is to get as much information regarding my players hand with the minimum amount of chips at risk. This can also be discussed at great length, but I think my summary is enough to spark your thoughts.

Reading some books is always a good idea, but what is more important is to think about what you read on your own time. I like the shower for such occasions. I philosophize daily in the shower.

Originally Posted by okeedokalee

"I think you would benefit from a larger scope, or a broader view of the tournament structure and develop a strategy that ensures you are lasting as long as possible in the majority of your games. For some, this could be risk management (i.e. avoiding large pots where you only perceive a small edge, pressuring mid stacks instead of short stacks and chip leaders, etc.), and for others it could be simply folding more hands preflop.

I challenge you to think this one through and see how you can get "deeper" in your games."


This is good advice. The best thread for a long time.
I suffer from loss of concentration at the mid-point usually when I have built a stack. Do you have any more ideas. What else was contained in your etc?
My other huge weakness is curiosity. I see I have a playable hand and in my excitement I forget to put my opponent on a range of hands, and only bet what I'm seeing in front of me.
Then even worse is that if I know I'm probably behind, I can't find the correct play and fold.
Folding correctly actually works two ways. It saves you chips to make the right play with later, and it denies your opponent chips.
I used to believe people bluff a lot. I'm trying to focus on this thought. Most times the big bets go in, the Villain(s) will have us beaten
I will try and apply those ideas you have given.

Okee,

Thank you! This thread has quickly turned into something I look forward to daily. I'm certainly not claiming to know it all, it's actually the opposite. All I know is what I don't know.

My etc. could also contain, "finding ways to steal differently/more cheaply such as limping in the SB when its B vs B, and just min betting the flop (you only risk 2BB to steal but this method is shockingly effective), attempting some super tiny steal attempts post flop in multi-way pots, stop trying to win every pot, knowing when to just simply give up on a hand, playing the math more." The math point is in line with the broader scope concept. Seriously, once I decided to stop trying to win every tournament, I started winning more tournaments.

Curiosity, yes this one has cost me plenty of chips/potential money. Are you referring to a thought that goes like this, "Well I'm pretty sure he just 1/2 potted the river because he has two pair or hit that straight. Meh, whatever, I'll call with second pair."

I've had to make this big adjustment to my game, because I had the paradox of thinking I was good and I would pay these people off. There is a weird thing our brain does during poker. Our brain will almost always jump to the "I'm being tricked" line of thinking, when you are facing a big bet. If you are not cognizant of this simple neurological fact, then you can almost always easily justify a reason to call. It's simple, we don't want to be bluffed or tricked.

Don't be too curious! Of course you are going to call here and there, but when it's an important spot make the right decision. Sure, you are opening up the door to being bluffed more often, but this doesn't really matter as much as you would think. You have now conserved more chips for a future spot where you can get it in better, or at least more confidently. I hate "guessing" if my opponent is bluffing or not for my tournament life. That's a crappy spot.

Originally Posted by okeedokalee

The other concept to acknowledge and remember is that your big pair pre-flop is only best then. Post-flop is a different scenario where the number of players seeing the flop and the wetness of the board can changes everything. Again you must range your opponents and know their type of reaction.
An LAG may bluff a wet flop, but a tight player has nearly always connected if he is making serious bets

Okee,

I had a response further up this thread regarding premium hands. I'm not sure if you saw it, but you pretty much are in line with my way of thinking on this. Big pairs/premium hands are a slight advantage for one hand. Just play it well, and don't automatically assume it has to be a big pot.

Originally Posted by thehangdude

I tend to over value my hand when multiple players are in the pot. I limp too often early in the tournament. I don't have the patience when the cards aren't coming, and I start trying to steal blinds with trash. I always open suited A rag, even UTG (knowing it isn't going to win). Too often I call oversized river bets when I know I am beat. I fold to min bets when I should stay one more street.

These might not be my biggest flaws, but they are the ones I'm working on this week.

Hang Dude,

Proper preflop hand selection is a solid foundation to build on. In art or music, one must know the rules before one can break the rules. Try applying this wisdom to poker.

Originally Posted by hugh blair

My biggest weakness is that I am human and a bankroll nit that hates losing money,
If I have thousands available to play poker can happily leave it off the poker sites and play freerolls all week long which is very limiting.
Maybe in July will risk a serious wad for a biscuit or maybe not.

Hugh,

I have (and often still do) suffered from this same weakness. For me, I would always compare my current BR to the most recent high point. So, I became obsessed with always having my BR at the highest level it's ever been (talk about a recipe for disappointment!). My solution, to stop adding up my account balances on all three sites after every session! I know where I'm at right now, but I'm not so obsessed with keeping it above $1,600 or $1,500 or $1,000 or any other arbitrary number. This (like most other weaknesses) is simply a product of the mind placing importance on an abstract idea which truly has no meaning. So, you don't want to lose money playing poker? Good! Figure out a low variance style of play which provides constant feedback to ensure you playing correctly. I did this for myself with a unique style of MTT play. I mostly play buy-ins that I have well over a few hundred buy ins for, so the losses are insignificant. I do not believe that in poker you need to risk a lot to win a lot. It can be done differently than that.

Originally Posted by alexand8r

Oh, I have similar too. I think problem is that after good positions of previous tournaments we think in area previous tournaments. But now there are new players with us. Think about it when you want raise bet without knowledges about players and their tactics.

Alex,

Ego is the enemy. Sometimes a good ole' fashioned beatdown is just what the consciousness needs to remain balanced.

my biggest weakness is bank control.
I need to improve urgently.

I think my biggest weakness is playing to tight.

my biggest weakness is that when i get involved in tournaments over the limits of tournaments above my bankroll and end up losing everything, it makes me angrier.

Originally Posted by jordanbillie

The way to improvement is the ability to recognize your own weaknesses, and work on them!

This is true in poker and in life.

So...let this thread be a way for you to focus your attention on your biggest weakness (right now) in your poker game. It could be a technical aspect of the game, or a struggle with balancing time/other commitments. Lets have an open discussion on our weaknesses.

Right now, I'd say my biggest weakness is playing a 15-20BB stack, mid to late in the MTT. I either play too tight, and allow myself to fold down to ~10BB where I feel more comfortable, or I play too aggressive and give away 5-10BB with weird steal attempts. This is the area of my game that I'd really like to focus on and improve.

How about you?

My weaknees is when a have 10 10, JJ, QQ or KK in preflop and the cheapleader goes all in..

I can't fold but most of the time, one A in flop makes me go home

Originally Posted by Airles17

my biggest weakness is bank control.
I need to improve urgently.

Airles,

Yes, this is critical. Poker is an emotional game, without BRM it is very likely you will blow your money when you are upset. Also, you just need the cushion for the inevitable run bad. Only play games you are rolled for. Try it for a day and see if you can make it a good habit.

Originally Posted by Shrops

I think my biggest weakness is playing to tight.

Shrops,

Then loosen up! Play some freerolls or cheap MTTs and just try to play tons of small pots. This overexposure can help you find the balance between aggression and passiveness that best suits your game and can evolve to the table/tournament dynamics.

Originally Posted by Luan

my biggest weakness is that when i get involved in tournaments over the limits of tournaments above my bankroll and end up losing everything, it makes me angrier.

Luan,

BRM, see above.

Also, you knew the risks when you signed up for the tournament, so getting angry over something you knew could happen is kind of a silly response. If you really didn't want to lose $50 or whatever the buy in was, you probably shouldn't have registered for that game.

Originally Posted by Tomacco

My weaknees is when a have 10 10, JJ, QQ or KK in preflop and the cheapleader goes all in..

I can't fold but most of the time, one A in flop makes me go home

Tomacco (nice name!),

I don't think being coolered out of a tournament is a weakness, but it does SUCK!

Yeah, just look back at those hands and think them through now, while your emotions are settled and you are at your most rational self. Check them out for any areas where you might have missed something (i.e. was it extremely likely that my opponent had a higher pair and was this an unnecessary load of risk given the dynamic of the table/tournament). There are certainly spots where I will fold 10 10, JJ, and QQ pre flop in an MTT (not very often). It's extremely rare and would be an outlier situation where I'm folding KK.

So...cheer up. You'll go deep in the next one!

My newest biggest weakness:

Playing too much!

Poker (for me) is best when it is a hobby I do for fun and for the mental challenge of the game. I do not aspire to "grind" online. I do not have any financial goals or requirements. Poker is best played as a game. A game is challenging, fun and enjoyable. I need to make sure I keep poker in my mind as a game, not a means to make money.

Originally Posted by jordanbillie

Airles,

Yes, this is critical. Poker is an emotional game, without BRM it is very likely you will blow your money when you are upset. Also, you just need the cushion for the inevitable run bad. Only play games you are rolled for. Try it for a day and see if you can make it a good habit.



Shrops,

Then loosen up! Play some freerolls or cheap MTTs and just try to play tons of small pots. This overexposure can help you find the balance between aggression and passiveness that best suits your game and can evolve to the table/tournament dynamics.



Luan,

BRM, see above.

Also, you knew the risks when you signed up for the tournament, so getting angry over something you knew could happen is kind of a silly response. If you really didn't want to lose $50 or whatever the buy in was, you probably shouldn't have registered for that game.




Tomacco (nice name!),

I don't think being coolered out of a tournament is a weakness, but it does SUCK!

Yeah, just look back at those hands and think them through now, while your emotions are settled and you are at your most rational self. Check them out for any areas where you might have missed something (i.e. was it extremely likely that my opponent had a higher pair and was this an unnecessary load of risk given the dynamic of the table/tournament). There are certainly spots where I will fold 10 10, JJ, and QQ pre flop in an MTT (not very often). It's extremely rare and would be an outlier situation where I'm folding KK.

So...cheer up. You'll go deep in the next one!

my biggest weakness and wanting to be rich in seconds kkk

Originally Posted by Luan

my biggest weakness and wanting to be rich in seconds kkk

Luan,


I don't think poker is a way to get rich in seconds. I would ask yourself, "Why do you want to be rich?"

Maybe you already are.

Originally Posted by jordanbillie

Airles,

Yes, this is critical. Poker is an emotional game, without BRM it is very likely you will blow your money when you are upset. Also, you just need the cushion for the inevitable run bad. Only play games you are rolled for. Try it for a day and see if you can make it a good habit.



Shrops,

Then loosen up! Play some freerolls or cheap MTTs and just try to play tons of small pots. This overexposure can help you find the balance between aggression and passiveness that best suits your game and can evolve to the table/tournament dynamics.



Luan,

BRM, see above.

Also, you knew the risks when you signed up for the tournament, so getting angry over something you knew could happen is kind of a silly response. If you really didn't want to lose $50 or whatever the buy in was, you probably shouldn't have registered for that game.




Tomacco (nice name!),

I don't think being coolered out of a tournament is a weakness, but it does SUCK!

Yeah, just look back at those hands and think them through now, while your emotions are settled and you are at your most rational self. Check them out for any areas where you might have missed something (i.e. was it extremely likely that my opponent had a higher pair and was this an unnecessary load of risk given the dynamic of the table/tournament). There are certainly spots where I will fold 10 10, JJ, and QQ pre flop in an MTT (not very often). It's extremely rare and would be an outlier situation where I'm folding KK.

So...cheer up. You'll go deep in the next one!

Thanks jordan, beautiful words!

my biggest weaknesses:
when I think I have the best hand, and I raise and the bad guy follows me, I don't try to analyze his hand and I don't look at the edge,
when I raise with AKs and the flop gives 257 for example, I bet, the bad guy follows me and I can't stop
I lack the courage to follow postflop with a good hand, and when the bad guy goes allin I fold and groan when I realize that I had the best hand, for example yesterday I had JKo, flop j105, the bad guy did allin with j10 and I fold and the river gave K, grrrrr

Originally Posted by jordanbillie

The way to improvement is the ability to recognize your own weaknesses, and work on them!

This is true in poker and in life.

So...let this thread be a way for you to focus your attention on your biggest weakness (right now) in your poker game. It could be a technical aspect of the game, or a struggle with balancing time/other commitments. Lets have an open discussion on our weaknesses.

Right now, I'd say my biggest weakness is playing a 15-20BB stack, mid to late in the MTT. I either play too tight, and allow myself to fold down to ~10BB where I feel more comfortable, or I play too aggressive and give away 5-10BB with weird steal attempts. This is the area of my game that I'd really like to focus on and improve.

How about you?

I would say my weakness in poker is that when I am running bad and on tilt, I find it hard to take a break and realize that I should play the next day and let that day go.

My biggest weakness is becoming pot committed and calling when the pot gets too big. As such, I'm working on folding on later streets in tournaments even when a lot of my stack goes into the pot.

I'm also trying to lower the number of times I call raises on the river and turn.

Originally Posted by stephan7

I would say my weakness in poker is that when I am running bad and on tilt, I find it hard to take a break and realize that I should play the next day and let that day go.

I have switched my thinking on bad beats. As long as I got my money in good, I can't be upset. I know the luck will come around sometime when I need it. Each bad beat is just addition saved karma.

Playing too many hands that are not good starting hands. Should really look into changing to a tighter image, but I like to see flops too much when it is cheap enough.

Originally Posted by najjah166

my biggest weaknesses:
when I think I have the best hand, and I raise and the bad guy follows me, I don't try to analyze his hand and I don't look at the edge,
when I raise with AKs and the flop gives 257 for example, I bet, the bad guy follows me and I can't stop
I lack the courage to follow postflop with a good hand, and when the bad guy goes allin I fold and groan when I realize that I had the best hand, for example yesterday I had JKo, flop j105, the bad guy did allin with j10 and I fold and the river gave K, grrrrr

Najjah,

Review the discussion above on overvaluing premium hands, and on post flop play.

Originally Posted by stephan7

I would say my weakness in poker is that when I am running bad and on tilt, I find it hard to take a break and realize that I should play the next day and let that day go.

Stephan,

This is why poker is such a mental game. Master this weakness, and you will improve your game dramatically. This is more important than any technical aspect of the game.

Originally Posted by natelearnspoker

My biggest weakness is becoming pot committed and calling when the pot gets too big. As such, I'm working on folding on later streets in tournaments even when a lot of my stack goes into the pot.

I'm also trying to lower the number of times I call raises on the river and turn.

Nate,

Perhaps the solution isn't folding more turns/rivers, but preventing the pot from bloating up too much where you feel like you have to call later streets.

Originally Posted by thehangdude

I have switched my thinking on bad beats. As long as I got my money in good, I can't be upset. I know the luck will come around sometime when I need it. Each bad beat is just addition saved karma.

Hang Dude,

That's a good way to look at it. Sometimes karma forgets about the credit balance we have built up, so don't take it personally if you always feel like you are owed something.

Originally Posted by 57noona

Playing too many hands that are not good starting hands. Should really look into changing to a tighter image, but I like to see flops too much when it is cheap enough.

Noona,

You can't go wrong with a solid tight approach to MTTs. A simple game will get you surprisingly far.

According to my dad who was the one who taught me to play poker, my temperament, I always pay attention to that aggressive player who takes advantage of his stack and is provoking everyone at the table, so I make the mistake that the cloudiness My judgment and I play badly, almost always when I do this I don't advance in tournaments, but when I manage to control this irrational anger, I play for the best and even have fun playing poker haha ​​lol

Originally Posted by AizenFalck

According to my dad who was the one who taught me to play poker, my temperament, I always pay attention to that aggressive player who takes advantage of his stack and is provoking everyone at the table, so I make the mistake that the cloudiness My judgment and I play badly, almost always when I do this I don't advance in tournaments, but when I manage to control this irrational anger, I play for the best and even have fun playing poker haha ​​lol

Aizen,

I'd recommend finding a good book (or two) On Anger. Most of my favorite philosophers have written at great lengths on the topic.

You'd be surprised how after reading about anger, you can pretty much eliminate it from your life.

I hope you can find the motivation to actually pick up a philosophy book on anger and read it. I really do.

My only weakness is king, nine. When these are my whole cards I melt like butter. I know often when players have any pair in a low cost game they go all in, my self well king and nine I do the same. With me it is about 50-50 win loss ROI. So with that said thanks for your advice and I will work on my only weakness. Capo1014

I could probably give an entire laundry list, but lately I've found my biggest weakness to be over-bluffing against fish. For example, I will build a decent stack in a MTT and then I'll open a hand like AQo in MP and get called by the BTN. Flop comes K96r. I'll c-bet small, get called or raised. Turn 4. I'll double barrel. Get called. River. 2 that brings 3 to a flush, and I have the A blocker, I jam, and get called by KT and then have a short stack. I end up getting tilted and punt the tournament. I feel like I'm forcing the play too much, and it ends up burning me.

Also, a bonus point. I don't think I check-raise bluff enough. I pretty much always do it for value, so I really need to work in some bluffs to be more balanced.

Have you heard the phrase "scared money don't make money"? That probably sums up my biggest weakness. Not wanting to lose money, thus making bad decisions just to avoid losing said money. It's a constant battle.

Originally Posted by jordanbillie

My newest biggest weakness:

Playing too much!

Poker (for me) is best when it is a hobby I do for fun and for the mental challenge of the game. I do not aspire to "grind" online. I do not have any financial goals or requirements. Poker is best played as a game. A game is challenging, fun and enjoyable. I need to make sure I keep poker in my mind as a game, not a means to make money.

Why can't I listen to myself?

I played too much last night (I played 8-10 MTTs which is way more than normal) and lost all of my games (~$50).

Play less Jordan. Play less Jordan.

Also, has anyone who posted about a weakness taken any time to think about it deeper yet?

I have.