Turbo Texas Hold 'em Basics

I just got Turbo Texas Hold'em last week, and I'm already addicted. I've already logged about 3000 hands, but before I get more serious about it, I'd like to hear what people think of the software.


Do you mostly use the lineup that comes standard with the game, or do you switch the players to make the game more realistic. Specifically, which players would you use to mimic a normal low-mid limit casino game?


I'm doing my best to follow the advice that they give when I'm uncertain, but I find some of it to be a little strange. Limping under the gun with AJo, or calling cold an UTG raise with AQo seems to be an incorrect play. Regardless, my current ratings are 94, 94. Approximately what rating should I be shooting for? I am at approximately 1.15 dollars profit/hand playing 20/40, so probably a little over 1 big bet per hour.


How many hands should I log before I really begin to look at the results and analyze them? What statistics should I pay close attention to once I have logged a significant number of hands.


Thanks in advance for any info or recommendations.


-Matt

If you know what type of players you are normally up against, you can pretty much match them with the premade lineups. I mainly use three: loose, lowlimit, and moderate.


One thing to keep in mind is their memory about you is limited and general. Yes, the advice is strange. I think they take the remaining players into consideration for your play, maybe not. Also, it doesn't consider you may be able to bluff and win.


At any rate it seems I get different advice in the same circumstance on different occasions. I challenged Mike yesterday at a moderate 4-8 table and made $267.00 to his $67.00. Other days I get creamed and do not know how Mike made a profit.


You may find you disagree with the advisor quite often, but it does help your game in that you think more about what you are doing, why you are disagreeing, and what is the better play.


The one statistic I ignore is tightness. I am always too loose early, too tight on the turn, and too loose at the river - even when I followed their advice. A good statistic is the winning hands. It changes depending on the lineup and helps in money games.


But for generalizing players and learning the basics, it can't be beat spending less money. I enjoy the ability to try different playing styles without risking financial ruin. Hmmm, maybe weak flush draws are not good in a tight game against this crowd... You can really understand why certain types of play are the best at certain times.


It also helps your poker books make better sense, at least for me. I have a good understanding of when AKo is and isn't a good hand. Good luck, other opinions will differ, this is mine.

If you are inexperienced you should play against the lowlimit or loose lineups. Whichever is closer to you're game conditions. If you are experienced you should play vs. the tough or tight lineups. This will teach you a lot more about poker than playing the loose lineups.