Quote:
Originally Posted by Omaha8A2
I have read many times about ABC poker being a winning formula for LLSNL, and I believe that. But I am really questioning my standard ABC plan. What it has given me is lower variance and a winning formula, but not a crushing formula. If I'm willing to deal with higher variance, is a there a better plan than ABC poker to crush these games with a little run good? I guess I am not happy with my low variance low winnings sessions, when the competition is so transparent and so beatable. Some nights I just see some players donk away buy-in after buy-in, and making huge bets with their big hands because they want to win that hand (forget making the most money), and calling off all their chips on flush draws, and none of it seems to come my way, and I just think, "I should be able to stack these guys, what am I doing wrong?" Is it because I'm just playing ABC poker? Is that code for "you're not taking enough risks?"
You see the writing on the wall. Your exactly right. There is a better style than abc. Its what ever your own personal style morphs into. Once you play enough you will realise different things that you do well and things that you don't do well. So over time you must develop a formula that plays to your strengths and eleviates your weaknesses.
An example from my own game is that I hate making river decesions. Hate it I never want to get to the river and not know where I'm at. So I don't do it. I almost always come in for a raise, I pound away and by the time we get to the river I know exactly where I'm at and the decesions are simple.
Am I value betting, am I folding, am I c/r as a bluff? Knowing where your at in a hand at all times is so key. This becomes so much easier playing one or two players. In 1/2 2/5 its impossible to put anyone on a hand in an unraised pot.
However when you have reads on people and you raise and force the action and play big pots this becomes simple. At these stakes vills play straight forward in big pots. Use their weaknesses against them. They'll never mix up their play, never.
I stand by not limping atleast for me.
Another thing for me is I play laggy. At this level I feel I can hand read and out play literally 99% of vills. So the more pots I can play with them the better. I trust in myself and mix it up all day long.
The bad players can't give you their money if your not in the pot!!
I would also say that 70% of the times I play I have a stack of 1k+ I'm not writing that as a brag, someone just said I'm running hot.
I don't believe this to be the case at all. I've supported myself and my girl for the better part of a decade playing cards.
The games I currently play in max buyin is $300 for 1/2 also so that helps.
If your always putting people to the test and forcing them out of their comfort zone you'll start winning more. Don't sit back and wait for hands, get in there and capitalize on your opponents weaknesses.
ABC poker is for people who can't play poker. Constantly people say that theres no need to try an "outplay" or out think vills. Just sit back and let them pay off your good hands.
Two things: 1 If you don't continuesly try to improve your game you'll never get better. never. you'll be stuck squeeking out $200 a session and get killed when you run bad.
2 The amount of money your letting on the table taking this approach is mind numbing!
IDK I generally think a more aggressive higher variance style is the only way to go in todays live games.
This prob comes off as a brag or dumb rant, thats not my attention. I was once in your exact spot and I truely beleive theres a better way. Your just going to have to find it your self. Build your own style, not what a book, or a buddy or forum says.
Open it up and trust yourself!