Should you "specialise" in a type of poker?
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 35
Thinking about how Doug Polk has success in tournaments but males an absolute shitload from heads-up as that's his specialty. Do you think it's beneficial to target one area of poker (HU, 6-max, etc) and try and become especially good at that as well as the game in general?
should be called sevenfour
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 74,770
Here's me thinking that this was going to be a discussion about sticking to NLHE or whether you should also learn interesting forms of poker
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 2,048
You'll do better specializing in one format for sure. But you won't know which format you might excel in unless you try out lots of stuff.
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,621
You don't have to.
If you enjoy playing different types of poker, you'll most likely make more money doing that, since you'll be enjoying yourself.
Same logic goes if you prefer one type of poker.
Obviously you're going to improve faster if you specialize.
But if that burns you out or makes you lose interest in the game then it would be better not to specialize.
Why do you want to specialize? Or why do you think you should?
Join Date: Feb 2021
Posts: 7
From what I’ve heard from a video was to get good at one lane. You can play 3 things:
1. SNG
2. Cash - 6max 9max
3. Tournament
Just pick one. Cash either pick 6max or 9max. Pick a lane. It’s all about volume. Pay your dues at the smaller stakes and move up gradually. Once your ready to move up. You can play 20,000 hands to see if you’re a winning player or a break even player.
That’s like 1500 hands for 2 weeks. If your back roll is going up then move up. Try to have at least 40 buy ins even 50 buy ins. Once you lose 10 buy ins move back down and try to win some of those buy ins back and try it again. It may take a few attempts.
Don’t rush it or chase your losses.
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 4,669
Yes. By facing similar decisions on a repeat basis you will maximize your chance of making +EV decisions and minimize your chance of making massive mistakes.
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 73
Absolutely going forward with one format, if your goal is getting very good on poker. Stuff you learn can implement for other formats afterwards. As for choosing example cash games or mtts? What are your personal preferences? Test out different things and choose what suits best for you.
