Interesting thread I’m also in similar situation, and also reading similar books. Are you in any study group? If you wanna talk about hands or make some sweat hit me with pm.

Thanks! I appreciate your input.

Yeh it's a great book. I need to read through it again for a refresh. 100 hands is also a good book. Been making my way through that slowly.

Hey. Not in a study group no. Would be up for talking hands though. Can be tough on your own. Variance in poker, plus not being confident at times can make it very hard to know if you're doing the right things.


Another horrible day today. These last 3 days have really dented my confidence after 2 positive months in a row.

Here is today:



And here is the month so far



I'll have to move back down to 5nl now. I should have moved down sooner if I'm honest but, well all I can do is learn my lesson and carry on. My 10k hand foray into 10nl has put a big dent in the bankroll. Back down to $200. So I will take my medicine from here on in and grind it back.

When I look back at some hands now I did play some badly and made some calls that should be folds. I think there was some subtle tilt creeping in today, frustration at the boards running out horribly etc that led to this. I'll post a couple below as a reminder to myself.

Hand 1

I think this call is ok actually but happy to hear any other thoughts.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 110.7 BB (VPIP: 34.62, PFR: 26.92, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 27)
SB: 112.1 BB (VPIP: 32.22, PFR: 27.78, 3Bet Preflop: 16.13, Hands: 91)
Hero (BB): 102.3 BB
UTG: 158 BB (VPIP: 36.84, PFR: 26.32, 3Bet Preflop: 22.22, Hands: 20)
MP: 107.4 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 9.09, Hands: 28)
CO: 97 BB (VPIP: 19.23, PFR: 7.69, 3Bet Preflop: 4.17, Hands: 53)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 6 6

fold, fold, fold, BTN raises to 3 BB, fold, Hero raises to 9.5 BB, BTN calls 6.5 BB

Flop: (19.5 BB, 2 players) 4 5 4
Hero bets 9.3 BB, BTN calls 9.3 BB

Turn: (38.1 BB, 2 players) 4
Hero checks, BTN bets 18.2 BB, Hero calls 18.2 BB

River: (74.5 BB, 2 players) 5
Hero checks, BTN bets 35.6 BB, Hero calls 35.6 BB




Hand 2

I think I should probably check-fold the river.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 103.1 BB (VPIP: 80.00, PFR: 60.00, 3Bet Preflop: 50.00, Hands: 5)
Hero (SB): 100.5 BB
BB: 220.8 BB (VPIP: 45.45, PFR: 27.27, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 12)
UTG: 92.4 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 22)
MP: 109.9 BB
CO: 180 BB (VPIP: 12.50, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 8)

Hero posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 8 8

fold, fold, fold, BTN raises to 3 BB, Hero raises to 10 BB, fold, BTN raises to 17 BB, Hero calls 7 BB

Flop: (35 BB, 2 players) K 5 7
Hero checks, BTN bets 15 BB, Hero calls 15 BB

Turn: (65 BB, 2 players) A
Hero checks, BTN checks

River: (65 BB, 2 players) 5
Hero bets 31.1 BB, BTN calls 31.1 BB



Hand 3

I think this is poor. This was near the end and I called it quits after this as I could feel myself playing frustrated. I called this one out of frustration and pretty much knew I was beat.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 106.2 BB (VPIP: 47.37, PFR: 31.58, 3Bet Preflop: 16.67, Hands: 19)
SB: 125.1 BB (VPIP: 11.54, PFR: 3.85, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 27)
Hero (BB): 175.7 BB
UTG: 100 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 2)
MP: 289.9 BB (VPIP: 26.53, PFR: 16.33, 3Bet Preflop: 12.50, Hands: 52)
CO: 222.4 BB (VPIP: 18.60, PFR: 13.95, 3Bet Preflop: 17.65, Hands: 43)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has K K

fold, fold, CO raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, Hero raises to 9.5 BB, CO calls 6.5 BB

Flop: (19.5 BB, 2 players) 9 7 Q
Hero bets 9.3 BB, CO raises to 26 BB, Hero calls 16.7 BB

Turn: (71.5 BB, 2 players) J
Hero checks, CO checks

River: (71.5 BB, 2 players) 6
Hero checks, CO bets 45 BB, Hero calls 45 BB



Hand 4

I would say this is the worst hand I played. Definitely some tilt involved in the call. I think the flop is most likely a fold, but the river certainly is.

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 138.3 BB (VPIP: 9.52, PFR: 4.76, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 64)
SB: 103 BB (VPIP: 16.84, PFR: 13.68, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 97)
BB: 120 BB (VPIP: 16.67, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 16.67, Hands: 19)
Hero (UTG): 128.6 BB
MP: 97.5 BB (VPIP: 21.32, PFR: 15.93, 3Bet Preflop: 7.95, Hands: 418)
CO: 120.3 BB (VPIP: 22.58, PFR: 22.58, 3Bet Preflop: 8.33, Hands: 31)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has K A

Hero raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, SB calls 2.5 BB, BB calls 2 BB

Flop: (9 BB, 3 players) Q 4 T
SB bets 7 BB, BB calls 7 BB, Hero calls 7 BB

Turn: (30 BB, 3 players) K
SB bets 23 BB, BB calls 23 BB, Hero calls 23 BB

River: (99 BB, 3 players) 7
SB bets 70 BB and is all-in, fold, Hero calls 70 BB




Hand 5

And, as always let's finish on a winning hand - the biggest one of the day! All $4.08 of it!!

PokerStars - $0.10 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 130.7 BB
SB: 57 BB (VPIP: 11.90, PFR: 11.90, 3Bet Preflop: 6.67, Hands: 45)
BB: 100 BB (VPIP: 14.58, PFR: 12.01, 3Bet Preflop: 8.74, Hands: 556)
UTG: 130.7 BB (VPIP: 24.55, PFR: 18.35, 3Bet Preflop: 8.51, Hands: 111)
MP: 107.7 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)
CO: 108.1 BB (VPIP: 66.67, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)

SB posts SB 0.5 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.5 BB) Hero has 9 A

fold, fold, CO raises to 3 BB, Hero raises to 10.5 BB, fold, fold, CO calls 7.5 BB

Flop: (22.5 BB, 2 players) 4 T J
CO checks, Hero bets 10.8 BB, CO calls 10.8 BB

Turn: (44.1 BB, 2 players) 3
CO checks, Hero bets 22 BB, CO calls 22 BB

River: (88.1 BB, 2 players) 3
CO checks, Hero bets 67.3 BB, fold

Hero wins 84.1 BB


Definitely doesn't feel good posting those hands so that should inspire me in the future to recognise the subtle creep of frustration tilt. The month so far feels like a big set back, but it's only 10k hands and in the big picture of the whole year it's not much. I'm going to take a break from poker tomorrow and come back later in the week refreshed and ready to hit 5nl again.

Thanks for reading!

H1 a lot of low Ax steal is in his range so better option is x/r ott x/f brick otr
H2 he’s 4 bet sizing smells a little fishy so I’m not a big fan of leading otr
H3 V on this stakes like to raise this wet flops, and turn is not our favorite but he still can have some sd, ap fold otr
H4 sqz the flop, so we don’t have to cut our equity. We have two overs and nut str8 gutter

Thanks godtoh! Really good to get someone else's view. You made me realise I need to pay more attention to how the whole hand plays out as well. H2 with the 4bet I'm playing the river but not factoring in how we got here.

Well, I stuck to my plan - took yesterday off and reentered the 5nl zoom pool today! Felt pretty rubbish for a day or so but I've shook it off now and ready to go again. It's reset my game as well and I feel I have a renewed focus and understanding.

Only a few hands today. Was going to play later but I want to take it easy, so decided I'll have a few beers instead!

Today:



Some things I have changed are trying to play more within myself and keeping pots small when I have medium strength hands. I'm checking back a bit more and planning the hand out to maybe get maybe 1 or 2 streets of value rather than keep betting when I hit resistance. I also need to work on my flop game a lot more, I think I'm betting far too many flops. I don't feel confident enough and if I'm unsure I just bet. I want to look at when to bet, when to check, when to check raise etc, flops in and out of position in general. Will take a look back through Grinders Manual this week, if anyone playing similar stakes would like to chip in with their views that would be most appreciated too!

Hand 1

Here is a hand that I played which I want to check my thinking on:

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 44.6 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
Hero (SB): 100 BB
BB: 159.4 BB (VPIP: 24.07, PFR: 18.52, 3Bet Preflop: 4.55, Hands: 55)
UTG: 125.4 BB (VPIP: 42.86, PFR: 42.86, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 7)
MP: 100 BB (VPIP: 16.06, PFR: 10.36, 3Bet Preflop: 5.71, Hands: 201)
CO: 117.2 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 1)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 6 6

UTG raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, Hero calls 2.6 BB, fold

Flop: (7 BB, 2 players) K 5 4
Hero checks, UTG bets 5 BB, Hero raises to 11.8 BB, fold

Hero wins 16.2 BB

In the past I would probably just call this. But here my thinking is I have a made hand right now, but it's one that will struggle to realise equity over two more streets. Although villain has more Kings in his range this is a pretty dry flop and so I'm happy to checkraise and take down the pot now. Am I on the right lines here?


Hand 2

Again would like to check my thinking is sound here.

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 103 BB
SB: 253.2 BB
BB: 98.6 BB (VPIP: 16.13, PFR: 16.13, 3Bet Preflop: 11.11, Hands: 31)
UTG: 101.4 BB (VPIP: 20.88, PFR: 17.58, 3Bet Preflop: 3.33, Hands: 93)
MP: 107.8 BB (VPIP: 12.50, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 9)
CO: 87.8 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A K

UTG raises to 2.4 BB, fold, fold, Hero raises to 8.6 BB, fold, fold, UTG calls 6.2 BB

Flop: (18.6 BB, 2 players) Q 6 J
UTG checks, Hero bets 9 BB, UTG calls 9 BB

Turn: (36.6 BB, 2 players) J
UTG checks, Hero checks

River: (36.6 BB, 2 players) T
UTG checks, Hero bets 17.6 BB, UTG calls 17.6 BB



I check back the turn here as I don't think I'm getting called by worse. I can still have the best hand here and have some additional equity in the straight draw. I don't want to bloat the pot here as if I get called and don't hit the river I'll most likely have to give up.

Hand 3

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 216.6 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
SB: 278 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 10.00, 3Bet Preflop: 28.57, Hands: 22)
BB: 100 BB (VPIP: 21.43, PFR: 17.35, 3Bet Preflop: 5.56, Hands: 100)
UTG: 100 BB (VPIP: 22.45, PFR: 16.33, 3Bet Preflop: 5.97, Hands: 148)
MP: 98.6 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 6)
Hero (CO): 115.4 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A T

fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, BTN raises to 8 BB, fold, fold, Hero calls 5.6 BB

Flop: (17.4 BB, 2 players) J 6 9
Hero checks, BTN checks

Turn: (17.4 BB, 2 players) 5
Hero bets 8.4 BB, BTN calls 8.4 BB

River: (34.2 BB, 2 players) 8
Hero checks, BTN bets 25.2 BB, fold

BTN wins 32.8 BB

Here I think I should be checking the turn. The 5 doesn't hit our range
and so the lead out makes no sense. I'm only getting called by worse and folding out hands that I'm already ahead of.


Hand 4

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 55.6 BB (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 16.67, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 6)
Hero (SB): 100 BB
BB: 102.4 BB (VPIP: 100.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
UTG: 188 BB (VPIP: 16.67, PFR: 12.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 24)
MP: 45.6 BB
CO: 125.6 BB

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has J A

UTG raises to 3.6 BB, fold, fold, fold, Hero calls 3.2 BB, fold

Flop: (8.2 BB, 2 players) T 8 2
Hero checks, UTG bets 4.4 BB, fold

UTG wins 7.8 BB

Preflop I could go either way here but to an UTG raise I'm not too keen to
3bet with AJ even when suited. Against any other position I'd 3 bet. I think this is a flop I can check raise - two over cards and a back door flush draw I don't think I can fold here.

Any thoughts appreciated! So my plan is to get a few hands in tomorrow. I'm on just short of 6000 hands for the week so far so I should smash my 7k hands a week target. I'm going to do some studying on flop play also and will post hands with my thoughts as I think that can only help my game.

Good luck at the tables everyone!

Well, I did say I would take the night off, do some study and have a few beers. I did that but did what I shouldn't have done and played a few hands as well. Tbf I was feeling pretty good and excited to put into practice the things I'd been studying. Flop play was my area of study tonight and I've learned a lot.

Played another 500 or so hands at 5nl which makes my day look like this:



Just a shame this isn't still at 10nl!! It's easy to say that of course, but I do think the downswing was what I needed to reset my game and to refocus.

Definitely calling it quits now for the night. I'm pleased that on my third month I'm still really enjoying poker and learning all the time. I think my preflop game is not too bad, my flop game is ropey and that is my focus for the rest of this week and next.

Good night all!

Realise my thread is all poker which might be a bit boring. So here is a song that I love...

Decent day today:



Been doing some more work on flop play and feeling a lot more comfortable.

5nl graph for the month:



A few hands and some thoughts...

Hand 1

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 86.6 BB (VPIP: 16.67, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 6)
Hero (SB): 101.2 BB
BB: 100 BB (VPIP: 20.90, PFR: 19.40, 3Bet Preflop: 12.12, Hands: 67)
UTG: 106 BB (VPIP: 25.64, PFR: 24.36, 3Bet Preflop: 12.00, Hands: 82)
MP: 110.4 BB (VPIP: 22.22, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 9)
CO: 100 BB (VPIP: 23.88, PFR: 17.91, 3Bet Preflop: 10.71, Hands: 67)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 9 7

fold, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, BB calls 1.4 BB

Flop: (4.8 BB, 2 players) 8 3 4
Hero checks, BB bets 2.4 BB, Hero raises to 7.2 BB, BB calls 4.8 BB

Turn: (19.2 BB, 2 players) 6
Hero bets 9.2 BB, BB calls 9.2 BB

River: (37.6 BB, 2 players) A
Hero bets 14.4 BB, fold

Hero wins 36 BB

Flop is very dry, I could definitely cbet here but check back expecting villain to bet this flop. I think a raise is ok here, I have fold equity with the flop being so dry, I'm out of position so don't want to call, I have no show down value, if called I have outs in the form of a back door straight draw and back door flush draw.
The turn brings additional outs with an open ended straight draw so I lead out. The ace on the river is a good scare card, I have no SDV so think I have to bet here.

Hand 2

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 194.8 BB
SB: 132 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
BB: 89 BB (VPIP: 11.11, PFR: 5.56, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 94)
UTG: 315.8 BB (VPIP: 30.77, PFR: 15.38, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 26)
MP: 103.8 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
CO: 92 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A A

fold, fold, CO raises to 2 BB, Hero raises to 7.4 BB, fold, fold, CO calls 5.4 BB

Flop: (16.2 BB, 2 players) 3 6 2
CO checks, Hero checks

Turn: (16.2 BB, 2 players) 3
CO checks, Hero bets 7.8 BB, CO raises to 19.6 BB, Hero calls 11.8 BB

River: (55.4 BB, 2 players) 8
CO bets 27 BB, Hero calls 27 BB



Not sure about this one. I could definitely bet the flop but decide to check given my hand strength relative to the board. I bet on the turn to start to build the pot and call the raise, villains range can have flush draws and TT+. On the turn the flush comes in but with the pocket pairs in villains range I think I have to call. Not sure my thinking is ok here though.


Hand 3

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 103.4 BB (VPIP: 12.36, PFR: 8.43, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 183)
SB: 101.4 BB (VPIP: 19.23, PFR: 7.69, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 26)
BB: 222 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
UTG: 100 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 10)
MP: 178.4 BB (VPIP: 16.52, PFR: 8.70, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 117)
Hero (CO): 108.4 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has Q Q

UTG raises to 3 BB, fold, Hero raises to 10.4 BB, fold, fold, fold, UTG calls 7.4 BB

Flop: (22.2 BB, 2 players) 6 9 J
UTG checks, Hero checks

Turn: (22.2 BB, 2 players) 6
UTG bets 11 BB, Hero calls 11 BB

River: (44.2 BB, 2 players) T
UTG bets 22 BB, Hero calls 22 BB



This is a hand I'd normally bet out on the flop. Here I decide to check back given the strength of my hand and the fact that villain can have JJ+ here. By betting I'm not sure I get called by worse. AJ would probably fold to the 3bet. There are flush draws also villain can call with so perhaps a bet is best here.
On the turn I think a call is best, the fact I didn't bet on the flop means villains range is still relatively wide. River again I think is a call. I think this is ok as played, the debate may be over whether a bet on the flop is best. Any thoughts appreciated!

Hand 4

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 105.8 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 22.86, 3Bet Preflop: 20.00, Hands: 39)
Hero (SB): 153 BB
BB: 102.6 BB (VPIP: 11.76, PFR: 7.84, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 53)
UTG: 191.4 BB (VPIP: 17.95, PFR: 13.46, 3Bet Preflop: 10.94, Hands: 161)
MP: 85.2 BB (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 41.67, 3Bet Preflop: 14.29, Hands: 26)
CO: 115.8 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 5)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has J Q

fold, fold, fold, BTN raises to 3 BB, Hero calls 2.6 BB, fold

Flop: (7 BB, 2 players) 9 2 6
Hero checks, BTN bets 3.4 BB, Hero raises to 8.8 BB, fold

Hero wins 13.2 BB

Continuing my flop work...Preflop I could 3bet or fold here, I am working on calling more as I think this is profitable at micros. Flop is dry and I expect villain to be betting with all his range. A raise here takes the pot down now and the 2 overcards and bdsd give great equity if called.

Let me know if you have any views on the hands above. My thought process may be flawed in places and if so I want to correct this. The good thing is I'm thinking more within the hand than I once was. I think my non showdown winnings show this, although small sample obv, before my redline went straight down whereas now it's a bit less severe. Could just be variance but I do feel I have a better idea of what I'm doing.

On another note I reached 2500 stars coins and so cashed them in for $25. Bringing my bank back up to over $250. Could technically play 10nl again but think I will stick with 5nl for the remainder of the month. If I end up over 250 I will play 10nl and move back down if I drop back to $200.

Wrapping up now for the week. Another day in the green:



And the week:



Pleased with volume. On track to hit my monthly goals. Also pleased with how I've recovered from the start of the week. Graph is in bb's, from the bottom of the downswing I dropped down to 5nl so cash graph will look a lot worse. I don't mind about this though, I learned a lot from the week.

May 10nl:



May 5nl:



A few hands and thoughts...

Hand 1

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 111.2 BB (VPIP: 12.83, PFR: 11.23, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 191)
SB: 159.8 BB (VPIP: 11.11, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 6.67, Hands: 38)
BB: 156.4 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 6)
UTG: 136.2 BB (VPIP: 13.21, PFR: 9.43, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 54)
MP: 100 BB (VPIP: 6.12, PFR: 4.08, 3Bet Preflop: 4.76, Hands: 49)
Hero (CO): 100 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A J

fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, BTN raises to 8 BB, fold, fold, Hero calls 5.6 BB

Flop: (17.4 BB, 2 players) 6 A 5
Hero checks, BTN bets 7.2 BB, Hero calls 7.2 BB

Turn: (31.8 BB, 2 players) 2
Hero checks, BTN bets 14.4 BB, Hero calls 14.4 BB

River: (60.6 BB, 2 players) 8
Hero checks, BTN bets 30 BB, Hero calls 30 BB



Not sure I can do anything else but call down here.

Hand 2

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 88.6 BB (VPIP: 31.82, PFR: 22.73, 3Bet Preflop: 8.33, Hands: 22)
SB: 199.2 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 4)
BB: 134.4 BB (VPIP: 27.03, PFR: 24.32, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 38)
Hero (UTG): 127.8 BB
MP: 124.2 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 13.89, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 37)
CO: 32.6 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 5 6

Hero raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, fold, BB calls 2 BB

Flop: (6.4 BB, 2 players) 4 3 K
BB checks, Hero bets 3.2 BB, BB calls 3.2 BB

Turn: (12.8 BB, 2 players) 8
BB checks, Hero bets 6.2 BB, BB raises to 18.6 BB, Hero calls 12.4 BB

River: (50 BB, 2 players) 9
BB checks, Hero bets 19.2 BB, fold

Hero wins 48 BB

This is far from a standard open for me. T9s would be the bottom of my range here normally. However I had tags on nearly all players behind as weaker players and so I think this is just about ok with the implied odds I have. Flop well with an oesd and happy to cbet here, K hits my range nicely. On the turn I don't see any reason to stop betting, villain could have called flop with all sorts of low to mid pocket pairs, flush draws or other random floats. When he raises this is interesting and my first thought is a set, I have to call here to this sizing. When he checks on the river I think I have to bet, I have no showdown value, I bet out small so as to lower my required fold equity.
All in all I'm not sure about this hand. I feel like it's ok (apart from the UTG open perhaps which is very marginal even at a weak table), any thoughts post flop would be appreciated.

Hand 3

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 112.4 BB (VPIP: 50.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
SB: 100 BB (VPIP: 17.65, PFR: 17.65, 3Bet Preflop: 25.00, Hands: 17)
BB: 101.4 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 1)
UTG: 112.8 BB (VPIP: 7.14, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 14)
Hero (MP): 117.2 BB
CO: 281.4 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 16.67, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 19)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has K A

fold, Hero raises to 3 BB, fold, fold, fold, BB calls 2 BB

Flop: (6.4 BB, 2 players) 9 4 Q
BB checks, Hero bets 3.2 BB, BB calls 3.2 BB

Turn: (12.8 BB, 2 players) A
BB checks, Hero bets 6.2 BB, BB raises to 16 BB, Hero calls 9.8 BB

River: (44.8 BB, 2 players) 6
BB bets 29 BB, fold

BB wins 43 BB

Not sure about this one. The turn check raise from villain I think is very strong, at these stakes a cr on the turn is nearly always a very strong hand imo. I don't think this is a top pair hand, as good Ax would have 3bet pre, I see a cr here as weighted to sets, 44 or 99, or a 2 pair that called preflop, like A4s maybe. A bigger raise I would fold but I have to call here. Flush draws could also raise here, JT, T9, 98, that would have also called flop. When he leads out on the river I'm not sure, at these stakes I think this is massively weighted to value and the fold is ok. However if there are missed flush draws here then I should call. I have ran this through snowie which says a fold is fine but it would also call 72% of the time.
Would be interested to hear your views. I think at micros I'm not losing out on too much by folding.

Thanks for reading!

Hand 1 fold pre button looks like biggest nit ever.

Couldn't get any momentum going today:



Some frustration in there today - recognised that I was starting to open too wide and could feel brain fog setting in a bit. Pleased with myself though for realising it after not too many hands and managing to work through it.

Some hands

Hand 1

This hand kicked off a few hands of frustration tilt mentioned above:

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 65.6 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
SB: 562.4 BB (VPIP: 38.46, PFR: 30.77, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 13)
Hero (BB): 168.2 BB
UTG: 119.6 BB (VPIP: 60.00, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 16.67, Hands: 10)
MP: 124.8 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
CO: 155 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has K K

fold, fold, CO raises to 2.4 BB, fold, fold, Hero raises to 7.6 BB, CO calls 5.2 BB

Flop: (15.6 BB, 2 players) 9 2 8
Hero bets 7.6 BB, CO raises to 15.2 BB, Hero calls 7.6 BB

Turn: (46 BB, 2 players) 7
Hero checks, CO bets 12.4 BB, Hero calls 12.4 BB

River: (70.8 BB, 2 players) 7
Hero checks, CO bets 38 BB, Hero calls 38 BB




Hand 2

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 77.6 BB (VPIP: 37.50, PFR: 37.50, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 10)
Hero (SB): 160.4 BB
BB: 141.8 BB (VPIP: 11.11, PFR: 5.56, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 20)
UTG: 132.4 BB (VPIP: 29.17, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 10.00, Hands: 25)
MP: 132.8 BB (VPIP: 34.00, PFR: 30.00, 3Bet Preflop: 18.75, Hands: 50)
CO: 47 BB (VPIP: 100.00, PFR: 100.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)

Hero posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A 6

fold, fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, BB calls 1.4 BB

Flop: (4.8 BB, 2 players) A K 9
Hero checks, BB bets 3 BB, Hero calls 3 BB

Turn: (10.8 BB, 2 players) A
Hero checks, BB bets 7 BB, Hero calls 7 BB

River: (24.8 BB, 2 players) 2
Hero checks, BB bets 129.4 BB and is all-in, fold

BB wins 23.8 BB

On the flop I decide to check. I have a decent hand oop and happy to check-call. I'm not sure if a bet is better here. I think either is probably ok. I don't think he has many A's or K's in his range so by checking I think this keeps in a lot of his air which might bluff which would fold to a bet. On the river I have to fold to the massive overbet.


Hand 3

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 101.6 BB
SB: 100.4 BB
BB: 306.2 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
UTG: 75.2 BB (VPIP: 13.33, PFR: 11.11, 3Bet Preflop: 9.62, Hands: 137)
MP: 263.2 BB (VPIP: 23.60, PFR: 13.48, 3Bet Preflop: 7.50, Hands: 91)
CO: 119.4 BB (VPIP: 18.03, PFR: 16.39, 3Bet Preflop: 8.33, Hands: 61)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 8 9

fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, SB raises to 8.4 BB, fold, Hero calls 6 BB

Flop: (17.8 BB, 2 players) 6 7 3
SB bets 10.4 BB, Hero calls 10.4 BB

Turn: (38.6 BB, 2 players) 2
SB bets 24.6 BB, fold

SB wins 37 BB

I think this is all standard apart from turn. I think I need to call here. Working out my equity required I need 28% to be able to call this bet, with the oesd there are 8 cards that would complete this, 8 outs gives odds of 31% and so the fold is an error.


Hand 4

Finish with a winner!

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 101 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 48)
SB: 132.8 BB (VPIP: 15.38, PFR: 15.38, 3Bet Preflop: 11.11, Hands: 40)
BB: 114.6 BB (VPIP: 13.64, PFR: 9.09, 3Bet Preflop: 3.03, Hands: 91)
UTG: 100 BB (VPIP: 14.04, PFR: 11.80, 3Bet Preflop: 4.00, Hands: 183)
MP: 104.6 BB (VPIP: 24.63, PFR: 20.59, 3Bet Preflop: 5.31, Hands: 276)
Hero (CO): 127.2 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has J J

fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, fold, SB raises to 8 BB, fold, Hero calls 5.6 BB

Flop: (17 BB, 2 players) 6 9 9
SB bets 10 BB, Hero calls 10 BB

Turn: (37 BB, 2 players) 6
SB checks, Hero checks

River: (37 BB, 2 players) J
SB bets 24 BB, Hero raises to 109.2 BB and is all-in, SB calls 85.2 BB



Nice bit of luck on the river

Not in love with the QJo sb call. It kind of begs the question that if you're happy to C/R a flop you whiff then why aren't you just 3betting to take it down pre? Imo develop a 3betting range from the SB then adjust it depending how often the BTN player is opening and how often he's folding to 3bets.

Example, you have KJs in the sb and a btn player who's opening 70% opens, this becomes a mandatory 3bet imo. It's a mandatory fold if he's some 12/10 nit and barely stealing at all. Once you start practising this then you can start adjusting and start 3betting much wider depending on how often V is folding to 3bets, Axs becomes a great hand to 3b vs a guy opening a tonne but also folding a tonne to 3bets.

Flatting qjo then check raising a bad board isn't a solid strategy, it's high varience, spewy and a losing strategy. These are the spots you want to avoid at micros, just c/ring and hoping for the best. Don't mean to sound rude just think it's important.. GL man

I see you're opening 2.4x from the sb, I'd recommend 3x.. you have more fold equity that way and you don't want to be playing a tonne of hands oop. You can steal like crazy from the sb at 5nl, don't give them a reason to call

Easy exploit is to 2.4x with your nutted hands, player poole is too big for people to notice

Thanks for the feedback. Seriously, don't worry, didn't come across rude at all, all comments are welcome. I'm pretty much clicking buttons and very slowly learning, I post my thoughts so as to hopefully have someone correct my errors!

This hand was the result of 2 things I'm working. One is playing flops oop without a made hand, and the other is developing a more polar 3bet range and calling more hands. My pre flop game before was pretty much 3bet or fold. QJo is a decent hand, so far I think players at this level overfold to 3bets, if I 3bet here my thoughts were I'm only getting called with hands that have me beat, I don't feel I can raise for value and I don't want to fold here so I call. I think perhaps the mistake is calling this in the sb where I'm out of position and at risk of being squeezed by the bb (admittedly not a massive worry at 5nl). QJo is probably to weak to call here oop and is better played as a 3bet or fold I agree.

good luck

Been working on sizing too and I agree with players overfolding at these stakes. My sizing was 3x from first two positions and 2.5x from everywhere else. I now change this up a bit and raise based on hand strength. If they're overfolding I should be sizing smaller no? I go minraise from the btn now unless I have a decent hand, maximise my required fold equity. I don't think players at this level are paying too much attention to bet sizes and so we've more incentive to risk less with our weaker hands.

Cheers pal, I appreciate that.

Decent day in terms of ev:



Quite pleased overall with the way 5nl is going after having to drop down from my ill-fated sojourn into 10nl!



15.5k hands for the month so I'm on track to hit my goal (normally 25k hands per month, but reduced this month due to irl stuff).

A few hands from today:

Hand 1

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 110.4 BB
SB: 100.4 BB (VPIP: 11.43, PFR: 5.71, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 35)
BB: 226 BB (VPIP: 36.92, PFR: 35.38, 3Bet Preflop: 10.00, Hands: 66)
UTG: 131.6 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
MP: 102.4 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 50.00, Hands: 7)
CO: 100.4 BB (VPIP: 35.71, PFR: 35.71, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 14)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has A Q

fold, fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, fold, BB raises to 8.4 BB, Hero calls 6 BB

Flop: (17.2 BB, 2 players) J A 8
BB bets 11 BB, Hero calls 11 BB

Turn: (39.2 BB, 2 players) K
BB bets 18.8 BB, Hero calls 18.8 BB

River: (76.8 BB, 2 players) 4
BB checks, Hero checks



Pre flop: happy to call here in position. Don't want to 4 bet here. Flop I think is a call, no need to raise here, I have a very strong hand in position and a raise here only gets called by better hands. Call turn for the same reason. I think this hand is ok.


Hand 2

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

Hero (BTN): 115 BB
SB: 700.6 BB (VPIP: 30.00, PFR: 25.00, 3Bet Preflop: 25.00, Hands: 20)
BB: 86.6 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 3)
UTG: 171.6 BB (VPIP: 18.18, PFR: 9.09, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 11)
MP: 111.2 BB (VPIP: 20.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 50.00, Hands: 5)
CO: 385.4 BB (VPIP: 33.33, PFR: 33.33, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has T T

fold, MP raises to 3 BB, fold, Hero calls 3 BB, fold, BB calls 2 BB

Flop: (9.4 BB, 3 players) T 9 3
BB checks, MP bets 6.4 BB, Hero calls 6.4 BB, BB calls 6.4 BB

Turn: (28.6 BB, 3 players) K
BB checks, MP checks, Hero bets 13.8 BB, fold, MP calls 13.8 BB

River: (56.2 BB, 2 players) 4
MP bets 3.2 BB, Hero raises to 91.8 BB and is all-in, fold

Hero wins 60 BB

Not sure on the flop. I have the nuts so could definitely raise here. I elect to call multiway so as to keep villain betting. Not sure if a raise is better. I have to bet on the turn to build the pot.

Hand 3

Really not sure about this one...

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 63.6 BB (VPIP: 28.57, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 7)
SB: 123.4 BB (VPIP: 23.08, PFR: 17.52, 3Bet Preflop: 11.24, Hands: 239)
BB: 182.2 BB (VPIP: 22.45, PFR: 16.33, 3Bet Preflop: 13.64, Hands: 51)
UTG: 126.6 BB (VPIP: 27.78, PFR: 20.37, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 55)
MP: 52.6 BB (VPIP: 100.00, PFR: 100.00, 3Bet Preflop: -, Hands: 1)
Hero (CO): 197.4 BB

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, BB posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has Q 9

fold, fold, Hero raises to 2.4 BB, BTN calls 2.4 BB, fold, BB calls 1.4 BB

Flop: (7.6 BB, 3 players) J 4 T
BB checks, Hero bets 3.6 BB, BTN raises to 18 BB, fold, Hero calls 14.4 BB

Turn: (43.6 BB, 2 players) 5
Hero checks, BTN checks

River: (43.6 BB, 2 players) T
Hero bets 21 BB, BTN raises to 43.2 BB and is all-in, fold

BTN wins 82 BB


Pre flop I think is fine. Cbet on the flop with the oesd (snowie prefers a check here). I call the check raise, there is a flush draw on the board but I think I'm getting the odds to call here. Snowie says to fold here so any thoughts appreciated! Villain is short stacked so I likely don't have the implied odds to call. So thinking about it now I agree with snowie! Turn checks though and I lead out on the river to attempt to take it down which I think is correct.


Hand 4

Final hand (normally finish on a winner but not tonight!)

PokerStars - $0.05 NL FAST (6 max) - Holdem - 6 players
Hand converted by PokerTracker 4

BTN: 100 BB (VPIP: 26.32, PFR: 21.05, 3Bet Preflop: 12.50, Hands: 58)
SB: 109.4 BB (VPIP: 0.00, PFR: 0.00, 3Bet Preflop: 0.00, Hands: 3)
Hero (BB): 129.4 BB
UTG: 171.2 BB (VPIP: 25.00, PFR: 19.44, 3Bet Preflop: 11.11, Hands: 38)
MP: 126.6 BB (VPIP: 24.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 7.69, Hands: 25)
CO: 124.4 BB (VPIP: 24.00, PFR: 20.00, 3Bet Preflop: 9.09, Hands: 26)

SB posts SB 0.4 BB, Hero posts BB 1 BB

Pre Flop: (pot: 1.4 BB) Hero has 5 4

fold, fold, fold, fold, SB raises to 3 BB, Hero raises to 9 BB, SB calls 6 BB

Flop: (18 BB, 2 players) 9 9 A
SB checks, Hero bets 8.6 BB, SB calls 8.6 BB

Turn: (35.2 BB, 2 players) Q
SB checks, Hero bets 13.6 BB, SB raises to 36 BB, fold

SB wins 59.8 BB

Postflop I think is ok. Preflop may be better as call being in position.


I actually have some cash that I could use to increase my bank. Currently at $250 and I have the funds to deposit £500. This would allow me to play 10nl comfortably and give me a big boost on my journey to 25nl. Right not though I feel like my game is not good enough and it would be horrible to deposit and lose. A repeat of my 10nl experience would not feel good! So my plan is to continue the month at 5nl, with a bit of luck start June back at 10nl, and then see how it goes. Once I feel confident in my game and have faith that I am actually a winner at these stakes, I'll consider depositing to move on.

Btw please feel free to share any thoughts on the hands I post. My commentary is not supposed to be the right way to play, I write this down to show my thought process so I can be corrected if I'm way off!!! I'm basically pushing buttons here and I hope slowly but surely starting to play in a somewhat better way!

Thanks for reading and good luck at the tables!!

Should probably shut down once u get called on such a dry board with the 45s. When you bet turn the only thing you're hoping to get to fold is a hand like TT, JJ probably 4bets pre, QQ and KK almost certainly do. Him calling a hand like 88 on that board is somewhat unlikely and he won't have any floats either. Might not be a bad rule at 5NL just to bet once and give up in those spots on Axx boards, especially paired ones.

The Q9 you should probably shutdown, you block KQ which is one of the hands you're hoping he has OTR, the flush and boat both complete and even if he has a hand like KJ/AJ you'd imagine most 5nl players will still call there.

I like the way you played the AQ and TT although I might size up a tad on the turn to setup a better SPR to shove river, GL man

Hand 1 looks fine looks too thin to value bet river .

Hand 2 can raise flop , bet turn bigger , river size smaller get some crying calls from QQ JJ Tx , id probably go half to 3/4 pot

Hand 3 I would cbet . Fold to raise , his sizing is huge , we are going to be OOP , out are potentially dirty. Never bluffing that river as played villians range is just too strong.

Hand 4 not sure about 3bet , post flop just giving up on the turn when villians called cbet in 3bet pot on that board

Gl

What nuxx said about TT bet turn bigger so our sizings can be better on river but as played I wouldn't have 2x pot river I'd have targeted what his range looks like which is 2nd pair hands.

Hey. 45s I agree. I need to do better at giving up on my bluffs. I too often get drawn in and ending up punting too much money away unnecessarily. Key for me is remembering why I'm betting. Eg I'll 3 bet bluff, get called and end up firing away and losing a chunk, whereas if I check myself and remember the 3bet was a bluff, when I get called and the flop is not suitable, I can just shrug and move on to a better spot knowing the 3bet was +ev.

Q9, yeh I need to spend some more time with this one. I agree, leading on the T which helps villain more than me is likely the wrong play.

Cheers for the feedback. How's your zoom grind going?

Hey Cantor, cheers for the feedback, agree with most of that. How's your grind going?I remember you mentioning you were in a similar situation to me in terms of life and poker?

Needed a few days to sort my head out, some stuff IRL. Will be playing tonight for a few hours

Nice one. Your results (tilt aside) were fantastic. I also found the vid you posted a good help. I enjoy studying and looking to be balanced etc, but that's often a hindrance at micros so it's good to see real life play from others who play these stakes.

Hope you run good tonight mate!

Going ok mate winning at a decent clip so far at 10nl but sample way too small. I will try moving to 16nl though for a few shots. When I get like 25 buy ins for it. Got like 22 at min. I played a few hands there earlier in week and the bet sizings were tilting me massively lol