Hello,
For a while now, I’ve been watching Holdem on cable. By the way, I live in the UK. Luckily, your site has helped me a lot about playing real games.
So far, I understand the rules, percentages, or the like. But of course, I have to admit, I’m not yet an expert so some things aren’t that clear to me still.
Well, as of now, I’m trying to evaluate my games and look for some possible areas by which I guess I need improvement. One thing I noticed is that oftentimes, I’m not sure if I win or lose because of luck or because of my playing style. I really wonder, how a certified beginner like me make judgment calls or the like?
Just last night, I was playing with 10 players. I’m actually seated behind the dealer therefore I thought I can play a little bit looser. Well, I get dealt T, 6 off-suit which normally I would fold. At some point, everyone was still in and a call paved the way for me to see the flop. Thus, I decided to have a look and fold. I can’t fairly remember the exact cards but I believe there was a T, 6 and perhaps a 2 or a 3.
Eventually, with two pair and top pair showing I thought I may not just fold. Normally, most players fold but I stayed in to see the turn. Unfortunately, the card was no help, I believe it was a not a T, 6 or picture card.
The next thing happened was that I called for a check and so a player around raised. But still, I decided to stay in and call. Then, the river came but it was no help as well.
Eventually, I decided to check, get raised and then call for the laying down of cards. Well, I admit, I have nothing better than what I have flopped, the two pair. Unlike the other player who had “pocket rockets” since the beginning.
Any comment on how I play? If I’ve been aggressive after the flop and then been tough about folding after the other player with the AA stayed in, do you think things have been better? And do you think if I’ve been suspicious while at the table, I could have won?
By the way, nice site!
Thanks,
Marky
Marky,
From what you explained to me, everyone saw the flop. First, this is highly irregular. In a game with a $1-2 blind structure and nine players, there would be $13 in the pot by the time it got to you. That is 6.5 to 1 on your money. I would have called with 7-2 offsuit in that spot and saw a flop. You were very fortunate to flop two pair in that scenario. Regarding your aggression, you did play the hand a little passively. If you were heads-up in that hand, I would have put in a raise at least on the turn or river.
Your result of flopping two pair with a garbage hand was obviously a lucky flop, but I do not think you played poorly preflop. When you are getting 6 to 1 or better on your money, speculating with hands is normal. I think you may have won more money if you would have bet out on the flop based on what hit the board. Of course, without knowing for sure what the cards were on the turn or river, I cannot comment intelligently on the other streets.