Poker: hands analysis, useful stuff and general discussions

[Bolt Brownie]

I've been looking for a thread like this for a long time. Thanks for the work. As a poker player I need to say that I'm quite familiar with almost all of the resources you posted here, and I consider them top-notch! I've actually started developing my poker game once I went to pokerstrategy.com. I will definitely keep an eye on this thread, to see how hand analysis will go.

I will also link this thread to my "merit give away thread", to help promote it.
I will leave you that thread here, please stop by and share any other good threads like this one, if you happen to know them.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2850321.0

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[marlboroza]

Great and very helpful topic, finally something refreshing in this section.
Ever heard of https://www.sharkscope.com/ ?
When I was playing poker it was very useful site to see statistics from your opponent.

[Betwrong]

Great topic! I hope it will be updated with some poker related info on a regular basis. Among the links listed in the OP I recommend Pokerstars Youtube channel to every poker lover who still doesn't know of its existence(highly improbable, I know ) .

I'd like to see your opinions guys about bluffing in online poker. Do you think it is the same as in a live casino or there is a big difference since we can't see faces of each other? I personally think it is the same because in reality no one can actually read the face of an opponent. Well, I mean, you can try of course, but even the greatest players make mistakes in the reading, and based on my observations I can say those mistakes are not rare.

On the other hand even when playing online poker there is a feeling that you can read someone and it's not so rare when it turns out you were right.

So, what do you guys think? Is there a difference?

[HugoStiglitz]

Great and very helpful topic, finally something refreshing in this section.
Ever heard of https://www.sharkscope.com/ ?
When I was playing poker it was very useful site to see statistics from your opponent.

Yes, surely I heard about it and used it a lot during my career of "advanced amateur". Sharkscope still stays the best resource to track online tournament results (MTT and Sit&Go), but there are also 2 another useful sites, where you can check your stats or stats of your opponents:

1. Whotfru
Checking results in online cash games. Registration is available only with an invite from another user. I don't have such invites because I play online cash very rarely.

2. OfficialPokerRankings
A very convenient resource, where you can find player's results in 36+ players tournament on PokerStars, PartyPoker, FullTilt, and Carbon.

Thanks for your question. I forgot about it, but these links have to be in the OP.

Great topic! I hope it will be updated with some poker related info on a regular basis. Among the links listed in the OP I recommend Pokerstars Youtube channel to every poker lover who still doesn't know of its existence(highly improbable, I know ) .

I'd like to see your opinions guys about bluffing in online poker. Do you think it is the same as in a live casino or there is a big difference since we can't see faces of each other? I personally think it is the same because in reality no one can actually read the face of an opponent. Well, I mean, you can try of course, but even the greatest players make mistakes in the reading, and based on my observations I can say those mistakes are not rare.

On the other hand even when playing online poker there is a feeling that you can read someone and it's not so rare when it turns out you were right.

So, what do you guys think? Is there a difference?

I think, there is a very big difference between bluffing online and live and I have a really valid reason to claim so - my own experience. By today, I managed to play only 1 major offline tournament (PSC Sochi 2017) and one of the most important pots I lost was a result of my fear to make a big bluff. I had to go all-in on the river and I had played many similar spots online, where I successfully did it. But in that situation, I didn't manage to handle the pressure, checked and lost the pot.

Surely, there are a lot of players, who are not afraid of big bluffing and aggressive game right after starting playing offline. But if you think you can act like me in a stressful live game spot, you should prepare yourself for such kind of moments in advance. I have already got a memorable lesson for the future.


Added 3 links in the last section of OP:

1. TheHendonMob
A database of live tournaments results and schedules

2. Pokerdope
2.1. Pokerdope cash game variance calculator
2.2. Pokerdope tournament variance calculator
A great tool to calculate probability of up streaks and down streaks of different length

[Betwrong]

~

Great topic! I hope it will be updated with some poker related info on a regular basis. Among the links listed in the OP I recommend Pokerstars Youtube channel to every poker lover who still doesn't know of its existence(highly improbable, I know ) .

I'd like to see your opinions guys about bluffing in online poker. Do you think it is the same as in a live casino or there is a big difference since we can't see faces of each other? I personally think it is the same because in reality no one can actually read the face of an opponent. Well, I mean, you can try of course, but even the greatest players make mistakes in the reading, and based on my observations I can say those mistakes are not rare.

On the other hand even when playing online poker there is a feeling that you can read someone and it's not so rare when it turns out you were right.

So, what do you guys think? Is there a difference?

I think, there is a very big difference between bluffing online and live and I have a really valid reason to claim so - my own experience. By today, I managed to play only 1 major offline tournament (PSC Sochi 2017) and one of the most important pots I lost was a result of my fear to make a big bluff. I had to go all-in on the river and I had played many similar spots online, where I successfully did it. But in that situation, I didn't manage to handle the pressure, checked and lost the pot.

Surely, there are a lot of players, who are not afraid of big bluffing and aggressive game right after starting playing offline. But if you think you can act like me in a stressful live game spot, you should prepare yourself for such kind of moments in advance. I have already got a memorable lesson for the future.
~

Thanks for your reply! Wow. Participating in a PokerStars Championship is something valuable in itself. I've read that the buy-in for the Main Event was around $3,000. Is that true? I've been always wondering do players pay it themselves or is it paid by sponsors mostly?

Regarding the big bluff you think you should've made, it's only post-factum looks obvious what should be done. For example if your opponent had a great hand he wouldn't fold and you'd lose everything. But anyway, I can see your point, it's probably not the same. I just never participated in off-line championships so I don't know how it feels.

[Wonder_woman]

Hi all.

I have been playing poker for 9 years and still love the game very much. However, today I don't have enough time to play, so I need some other ways to maintain my skill in this fastly developing poker world. As far as I know, there is a big amount of ex or current poker players of different level here, so it would be great, if we start a topic to ask for any kind of related advice, sharing useful material of how to improve your game and general discussions about the latest news.

To begin with, I would like to share a list of different stuff, which I still consider to be great despite reducing of poker role in my life (no referral links)
If you want me to add anything, feel free to write about it in the topic.


Educational resources

1. For beginners.
1.1. PokerStrategy
1.2. PokerStarsSchool

2. RunItOnce
An educational site by Phil Galfond - PLO legend, who has been one of the most dangerous high stakes regulars for many years.

3. UpswingPoker
Training courses by Doug Polk and other top players.

4. ThePokerBank (Thanks for user eternalgloom, who provided the link here)
A very nice site/blog by a passionate guy, who claims to have started it in 2007. It can be really valuable for beginners, but I think others may also find here something useful.


Useful soft
I know that highly-skilled professionals work with much more complicated programs, but I think this list will help someone.

1.1. Holdem Manager.
1.2. PokerTracker.
The most popular programs to collect statistics and output it in HUD on a table.

2. Flopzilla.
The best program to improve understanding of ranges.

3. CardRunnersEV.
Calculation of EV in Holdem with very easy and practical interface.

4.1. ICMIZER
4.2. HoldemResources
4.3. SimpleNash (free, but less functional)
ICM and push-or-fold calculators

5. StackAndTile
Very simple, but useful soft to make multi-tabling easier.


Tracking online results

1. SharkScope
The best site to check statistic of online MTT and Sit&Go with a great number of filters, ratings, and leaderboards

2. OfficialPokerRankings
Another convenient resource, where you can find player's results in 36+ players tournament on PokerStars, PartyPoker, FullTilt, and Carbon.

3. Whotfru
Checking results in online cash games. Registration is available only with an invite from another user (I don't have such invites because I play online cash very rarely)


Interesting web pages connected to poker

1. TwoPlusTwo
Legendary forum, where you can find nearly everything you want about poker

2. Gipsyteam
The biggest Russian poker site, where I lost a big part of my youth.

3. Doug Polk Poker
To my mind, the best poker vlog in the net. If you are keen on poker, there is no need to tell, who is Doug Polk. His videos are as great as his high stakes results. Moreover, he also has a channel about crypto.

4. joeingram1
Another nice channel with a ton of extremely interesting interviews. Joe has already invited such well-known poker personalities as Phil Galfond, Mike McDonald, Bill Perkins and many many others.

5. Dusk Till Dawn
Broadcasts of PartyPoker live events.

6. Pokerstars Youtube channel
A big number of various videos including broadcasts from PokerStars live events.

7. PokerShares
Investing in famous players by buying shares. Founded by Mike McDonald and his friends.

8. Gripsed Poker Training (Thanks for user SyGambler, who provided the link here)
A nine years old youtube channel. It consists of streams, reviews, manuals for poker soft and different basic concepts, which may be very helpful for beginners.

9. TheHendonMob
A database of live tournaments results and schedules

10.1. Pokerdope cash game variance calculator
10.2. Pokerdope tournament variance calculator
A great tool to calculate probability of up streaks and down streaks of different length


P.S. I have few hands, which I would like to analyze, and some topics I want to discuss. However, I think it would better other users to choose opening theme here. Waiting for the feedback  

Thank you this is really helpful especially to those who are still starting to gamble in online. They can pick something that you've said. This really useful for the beginners and also to those already gambler they can use this. You are very professional in about advising about gambling.

[patt0]

Cool compilation man. I actually gave my first steps using pokerstrategy. Never got that far, and only got the gold level there, but it was a nice place to learn poker and start playing with no risk. I actually get some decent profit on my short climb. I also used holdem manager, and the one provided by pokerstrategy itself, since I won the license there. TwoPlusTwo is a legendary forum like you said, so really nice compilation man. I definitely know your ways through poker.

I will be waiting for some hand analysis as well. Maybe this is what I was missing to get back on the game.

[HugoStiglitz]

Thanks for your reply! Wow. Participating in a PokerStars Championship is something valuable in itself. I've read that the buy-in for the Main Event was around $3,000. Is that true? I've been always wondering do players pay it themselves or is it paid by sponsors mostly?

The buy-in was something around 5.5k$, 3k$ is the buy-in for the EPT Main Event, which will be held soon. Top pros, of course, pay it themselves. Not so successful regulars usually sell shares, but it depends on everybody's own preferences. From one side, I know those, who always try to play as safe as it possible. On the other hand, there are players, who consider such tournaments as an opportunity to skyrocket and sometimes decide to play 100% from themselves. As for me, I qualified online in one of starting attempts and spent on satellites something like 20$, so I chose not to sell anything. And yes, I was very lucky even without reaching money in the main tournament)

Regarding the big bluff you think you should've made, it's only post-factum looks obvious what should be done. For example if your opponent had a great hand he wouldn't fold and you'd lose everything. But anyway, I can see your point, it's probably not the same. I just never participated in off-line championships so I don't know how it feels.

Yes, you are right in some measure. It's called being result oriented, but I don't think it's related to my story. I consider my line to be bad because the only reason I chose it was a fear of elimination from so important tournament.


Wonder_woman, patt0, thanks for the feedback. Please, don't think about me as about poker guru. I used to be an ordinary low-stakes grinder with rare shots on high limits in case of good shape or winning satellite. Today I prefer to call myself an advanced amateur 

P.S. I wanted to share first hand to analyse, but unfortunately my laptop broke down, so I need some time to reload hands to the database

[akishang]

The best way to have a good read is to play the game multiple times, play with different players for you to get used to different styles. You can try playing online, you will a lot hands to play compared to the real poker table. Practice a bluff. It will help if you will wait for your moment to have a good card, play low profile until you have something. Silent killer moves.

[Don Pedro Dinero]

The best way to have a good read is to play the game multiple times, play with different players for you to get used to different styles. You can try playing online, you will a lot hands to play compared to the real poker table. Practice a bluff. It will help if you will wait for your moment to have a good card, play low profile until you have something. Silent killer moves.

Actually, if you are starting and trying to learn, it is better not to bluff. Just learn to select your pre-flop hands and to value betting. Maybe better to seme-bluff at some spots using projects.

[crydevil_crypto]

Hey. If you play pokerstars, then you probably wonder how often prizes of valuable prizes from the chests. In our community there is a player who has accumulated 183 platinum chests and opened them on the stream! I can translate his words if necessary)
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/237305043

[crydevil_crypto]

I myself professionally play spin and go on pokerstars. I can explain the basic strategy for this kind of poker. Even earlier I played a lot of Omaha and I know a lot of good information about it. If you are interested, let me know!

[mOgliE]

Hey,

Thanks for the tracking programs!
I've never used one because I didn't find any one free and I don't play enough to feel like a 500$ program is worth it.
But I'm pretty sure it's a very good data base to work.

Fact is that yes techniques are important but there is nothing universal.
So you have to gather your own data to know which techniques work on your play style ^^

[Don Pedro Dinero]

Hey,

Thanks for the tracking programs!
I've never used one because I didn't find any one free and I don't play enough to feel like a 500$ program is worth it.
But I'm pretty sure it's a very good data base to work.

Holdem manager 2 is just 99$. If you get the small stakes version is just 59$:

http://www.holdemmanager.com/buy/211/holdem-manager-2

Poker tracker 4 costs the same as HM2: https://www.pokertracker.com/products/PT4/purchase.php

So, it's not a lot of money. You can download the trial versions and use them for free for a month.

If you only play for entertainment, you don't need them, but if you want to make money they are necessary not only because you will have more advantage versus bad players, but also because you are in disadvantage versus other players if you don't use them. Nowadays people use them even in micro limits.

[michkima]

Hey,

Thanks for the tracking programs!
I've never used one because I didn't find any one free and I don't play enough to feel like a 500$ program is worth it.
But I'm pretty sure it's a very good data base to work.

Holdem manager 2 is just 99$. If you get the small stakes version is just 59$:

http://www.holdemmanager.com/buy/211/holdem-manager-2

Poker tracker 4 costs the same as HM2: https://www.pokertracker.com/products/PT4/purchase.php

So, it's not a lot of money. You can download the trial versions and use them for free for a month.

If you only play for entertainment, you don't need them, but if you want to make money they are necessary not only because you will have more advantage versus bad players, but also because you are in disadvantage versus other players if you don't use them. Nowadays people use them even in micro limits.

It's still quite an investment for other people, especially to those that are just starting to get the hang of it. But the free trial period might make them enough money to be able to  buy the license in time, but of course for sure there is a very steep learning curve here and it would take a long time to be able to play well. Heck we can even say that poker itself takes a lot of time to master.

[Don Pedro Dinero]

It's still quite an investment for other people, especially to those that are just starting to get the hang of it. But the free trial period might make them enough money to be able to  buy the license in time, but of course for sure there is a very steep learning curve here and it would take a long time to be able to play well. Heck we can even say that poker itself takes a lot of time to master.

Yes, and it takes some time to know how to use the programs, at first is a bit confusing and you’ll have to learn how to configure them, decide which stats to use, to adjust the size, etc. But once you do that and start using them, it pays the price.

[tokeweed]

Hey,

Thanks for the tracking programs!
I've never used one because I didn't find any one free and I don't play enough to feel like a 500$ program is worth it.
But I'm pretty sure it's a very good data base to work.

Holdem manager 2 is just 99$. If you get the small stakes version is just 59$:

http://www.holdemmanager.com/buy/211/holdem-manager-2

Poker tracker 4 costs the same as HM2: https://www.pokertracker.com/products/PT4/purchase.php

So, it's not a lot of money. You can download the trial versions and use them for free for a month.

If you only play for entertainment, you don't need them, but if you want to make money they are necessary not only because you will have more advantage versus bad players, but also because you are in disadvantage versus other players if you don't use them. Nowadays people use them even in micro limits.

Almost everyone has been using poker tracking software and HUDs since around 2005 or so.  It was right when the poker teaching sites like Cardrunners, one of the first, started gaining some popularity...

It's also what tightened the games. 

[HugoStiglitz]

As it was said above, Holdem Manager and PokerTracker are necessary for those, who have the intention to make money playing poker not only on microstakes. If you play something like NL5 or 2$ tournaments, you may beat them without such soft and earn for the full version to go higher. But if you are not sure of your skill, there is another way - to register in some room with HM invite and get money for buying as a rakeback: http://www.holdemmanager.com/store/poker-sites.php


Added some links to the OP. All of them were already mentioned here. It will be great, if anybody knows skillful and successful teams to fill this section. Unfortunately, I currently know just 4.

1. Link about getting HM free.

2. GTO software
2.1. PioSolver
2.2. SimplePostflop

3. Stacking and coaching teams
3.1. bitB Stacking (MTT team founded by Patrick Leonard aka "Pleno1", "pads1161")
3.2. FunFarm (The biggest Russian MTT team)
3.3. SmartSpin (Spin&Go team)
3.4. StealPhoenix (The best Russian Spin&Go team)


Cards-Up broadcasts from EPT Sochi are starting tomorrow. It will last for 5 days and if I understand it correctly, this time only English and Russian commentators will be available.
http://www.pokerstars.tv/en/tv/

[crydevil_crypto]

Add more programs to transfer your stacks from chips to big blind (bb)
I know three programs:
1) starshelper (I recommend it is her)
official site: https://starshelper.net
The program is multilanguage.
screen:

2) starscaption
official site: https://sites.google.com/site/starscaption/home
screen:

3) Jivaro (a good program for advanced poker fans)
official site: https://jivaro.com/
screen:


The programs are paid, but have a period of free use.
Good luck at the poker tables friends!

[HugoStiglitz]

Add more programs to transfer your stacks from chips to big blind (bb)
I know three programs:
1) starshelper (I recommend it is her)
official site: https://starshelper.net
The program is multilanguage.
2) starscaption
official site: https://sites.google.com/site/starscaption/home
3) Jivaro (a good program for advanced poker fans)
official site: https://jivaro.com/
The programs are paid, but have a period of free use.
Good luck at the poker tables friends!

Thanks. I used StarsHelper and heard about others, but forgot to include them in the list. Added all three and three more:

1. 888Caption
Same, as StarsCaption, but for 888

2. PartyCaption
Same, as StarsCaption and 888Caption, but for PartyPoker

3. Hand2Note
Much more powerful than HM and PT stats collecting and outputting soft. I've never used it, so it will be better if you read about all its advantages in the guide on the website.


The final table of the EPT Sochi Main Event has been set. There are no big names, but, for example, the chipleader Arseniy Karmatskiy is a well known online as "josef_shvejk" and he is currently on 15 place of Worldwide and on 2 place of Russian Pocketfives MTT rankings. The cards-up broadcast will resume in 7 hours on pokerstars.tv and PS youtube channel.