Post your pre-game routine
 

Hi all,

I'm still trying to get a solid routine going when I start a session, Unfortunately, my impatience usually gets the best of me and I end up in frantic-mode for the first half-hour or so before I finally settle in.

I'd like to know what others do to get set up at tables (waiting lists, table selection, time spent scouting etc.)

Here's what I'm doing at the moment.

I fire up PT for auto-importing, PA HUD, Empire and Eurobet.

Starting with Empire, I sort by pot-size and put myself on the waiting lists of the first 6-8 tables. Then at Eurobet I sort by waiting list size and put myself on the first 6-8 tables with the smallest waiting list, preferably with pot sizes of 5BB or more. This strategy hopefully prevents me from being on the same table lists at Empire/Euro.

Now I wait. It usually begins as a trickle, with one or two tables opening up. I sit at the tables and deal myself out, expecting to wait until I have 8 good tables running before I start playing.

This is normally when all hell breaks loose. Some of the initial tables suck, so I leave, but by the time I'm "sitting out" at 3 juicy tables, I get restless. I don't want the fish to bust out before I start playing, so I sit in. Within a few minutes, the tables open up like wildfire, and I'm stuck trying to play hands, select tables, close tables etc.

What frustrates me most is when I've just played the blinds at an "OK" table, and all these tables are opening up and I have 4 Empire and/or Euro tabes open already so I must make the decision to leave "OK" tables in the middle of an orbit while risking sitting down at "even worse" tables, or sitting down at tables that I'm already sitting at (on the other skin). The "let me think about it" button gives you like 5 seconds to think about it, and that thing popping up constantly while I'm in the middle of hands and all this other crap popping up makes me want to pull my hair out.

After about half an hour of this, I just give up and take the first tables available until I have 8 tables going. Now 5-6 my tables are 17-22 vpip and I won't leave until they get below 15, for fear of going through the stress of table selection all over again.

There's gotta be a better way.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

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Now I wait. It usually begins as a trickle, with one or two tables opening up. I sit at the tables and deal myself out, expecting to wait until I have 8 good tables running before I start playing.

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start playing the first couple of tables, getting reads and deciding if you like the table. Leave or stay, then repeat the process until you have the desired number of tables. you'll get to 8, just do it 1 or 2 at a time.

I hope its obvious that its more important to pay attention and play well at a few tables you sit in on than to be seated at 8 tables at once.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

I make sure I have something to drink.

I load up the site.

I join some tables.

I start my stopwatch to time how long I play.

Very simple.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

[ QUOTE ]
It usually begins as a trickle, with one or two tables opening up. I sit at the tables and deal myself out, expecting to wait until I have 8 good tables running before I start playing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why wait until you have 8 tables open to start playing? If you start playing them as soon as you open them up, you won't have to deal with the pop up things all at once. And if playing 8 tables is so stressful, why not play just 5-6 tables? If you're not feeling so stressed out, you'll be able to play a longer session and make up for the reduction in hands per hour.


As for my pregame routine, I like to flex the GUNZ in front of the mirror and shout "Who's the Man? Me! IMDAMAN! I'm gonna CRUSH this game punk! Bring it on bitches!"

Then I turn on my computer, start up the games while I read email, then read 2+2, then watch some porn, then eat lunch, then take a nap.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

I also get on the waiting lists with the largest average pots (although they change enough that I'm likely wasting my time), but I avoid overlap by joining all numbered tables on Empire and named tables on another skin.

When a table pops up I first look at where the open seats are, because I like the ends. After that I look at stack sizes and only sit if there are a few people with well under the default buyin. I never sit if several people are significantly above the default buyin.

It will usually take a little while to get a couple of tables lined up, so I go back and get on some more lists and do it again. I leave a spot (or more) open for inspecting new tables, in case one comes along that looks way better than my current ones. I stay at tables way longer than a lot of people seem to, but once I see a couple of no flop hands go by I'm ready to move on.

I don't worry too much about paying blinds, and will post if I'm in late position rather than wait for my BB, so I definitely don't sit out and wait to be seated at all the tables before I start playing.

I don't use a HUD and would rather not know if I'm up or down while playing, so I don't start PT until afterwards. My pre-game is putting the kids to bed and finding something my wife and I both like on the Tivo [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Martin

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

sit down. open 4 empire/euro tables. and start playing.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

[ QUOTE ]
I make sure I have something to drink.

I load up the site.

I join some tables.

I start my stopwatch to time how long I play.

Very simple.

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I do this all minus the stopwatch. Instead I just say "Money money money money money" for an hour.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

Get drink
Take dump (always)
Fire up PT
Select and open tables
Play when BB gets to me.
Open GT+ or PA HUD

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

1) Wake up.
2) Turn on PC.
3) Go to toilett.
4) Put on coffee.
5) Get back to PC, that have started up by now. Start playing.
6) Run for coffee while folding at early levels of tournaments.
7) Play like a fool because i am not awake yet.
8) Make note to myself to never play before i am properly waken up again.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

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I fire up PT for auto-importing, PA HUD, Empire and Eurobet.

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You fire up Empire, and Eurobet? Is this allowed?

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

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[ QUOTE ]

I fire up PT for auto-importing, PA HUD, Empire and Eurobet.

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You fire up Empire, and Eurobet? Is this allowed?

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At this moment I have Party, Empire, Multi, and Eurobet going. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I am playing on two, mining on two.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

I would pay $50 for a program that automatically got you on the waiting lists of the 8 games with the highest average pot sizes.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

Similar to your setup but I think you're missing a few steps. I'm sure along your travels you've come across absolute wild money donors. These people need to be on your buddy list and your first stop should be the search function. Pop those tables up and wait for a seat to their left.

Other thing you should probably do, if you're not doing it already, is exporting your notes from PT. Again, look for some loose players in your waiting list tables and get seats on their left as well.

I do those two things first. If none of the above are available, I'll take a seat at the first table with an open seat with the largest avg pot.

You didn't mention having the tables open while you're on the wait list. Add that in so you can get a 20+ hand start on any new players you encounter. After I've found my way into a seat at the tables I've been observing I'll hang out and play until it becomes rocked down to %20 VP$iP. Then it's time to move on.

With two skin capability I might suggest you use one to scout and play on the other. Random scattered thoughts. Hope it made some kind of sense.

-Ryan

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

I go to the toilet.
I get a huge glass of water.
I sit down at the computer.
Load up Empire+Eurobet. (Well, actually I stop datamining those two skins...)
I search for my online buddies.
I get on the waiting lists for tables with my buddies on em, as long as the table in toto looks decent.
Unless my seat is in some horrible position I accept it when offered. (Across from buddy and surrounded by 2+2'ers would be horrible for example.)
Play commences a table at a time until I have the required number of tables.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

I never play within the first hour of waking up.
I grind coffee
Brew coffee
Open 2+2 (the stage I am at right now)
Read the BS since last night
Respond with some of my own BS
Pour Coffee
Light a cigarette
Check RB numbers
Check affiliate numbers
Read some more 2+2
Check News/Portfolio
Load Up Some Poker..............

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

My pregame routine:

-Drink 5 or 6 beers
-A few shots

Now I'm ready to go out!

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

1) Pick a DVD to watch/listen. Mostly listen so I choose ones with more dialogue. Seasons of Family Guy, South Park, Simpsons work well.

2) Get something to drink.

3) Put my cigarettes anywhere but by my computer. Keeps me from chain smoking. Forces me to sit out on tables and leave the room to smoke and I don't like to sit out.

4) take a leak.

5) Load my DVD, PT, PA, Euro.

6) Start looking for tables. Find a table I like and sit. Usually takes me about 5 minutes to find 4 tables I like. The only time I use the waiting list is when an empty seat I want has been resesrved for a while but won't switch back to available.

6) Open the little screen on Euro that shows time started and hands played.

7) Play.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

[ QUOTE ]
1) Wake up.
2) Turn on PC.
3) Go to toilett.
4) Put on coffee.
5) Get back to PC, that have started up by now. Start playing.
6) Run for coffee while folding at early levels of tournaments.
7) Play like a fool because i am not awake yet.
8) Make note to myself to never play before i am properly waken up again.
9. Repeat again the following morning

[/ QUOTE ]

FYP

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

Um. Yeah.

I just went into the kitchen. Poured the coffee. Reached into the fridge for the milk and poured it. I looked down and had just poured orange juice into my coffee.

Guess I'm ready to play!

You all disgust me!
 

Not one of you said you listen to Kenny Roger's "The Gambler" before you play. Shame on you! May the Poker Gods deal you KK vs AA time and time again until you correct the error of your ways! Heathens!

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

1. As a lot of people have mentioned it's important for me too to take a big ole dump too
2. Drive to get some coffee and perhaps a donut. I try not to play right when I get out of bed or on an empty stomach.
3. Open Empire/party and collect data on the games I didn't mine the night before (in typing this I should put this up at number 1).
4. check my buddy list and put my names on those tables.
5. Put my name on the list if the pot is at least 7x the BB. If I get called and it's at least 8x BB I take the seat.
6. When I get called for a game I usually sit out at least one round to make sure the pot is still w/in my criteria. Sometimes I take the maniac's seat and find that the action has died down. If the average pot drops below 8x the BB that's usually a good indication that the game is slowing down. I used to look for 10x the BB, but those are much harder to find nowadays.
7. If I'm sitting at a table w/ 3 or more players who see the flop 20% of the time or less I leave and move on unless there are some real, real live ones or unless the rock is a big loser over the many, many hands I've observed. Most of my sessions last about half an hour. Often I find myself back at the same table I started with, but w/ so many games why play at a bad one?

I haven't played at more than 4 tables at once yet (until I get my new dell). I generally play 10-20 up to 20-40 right now. When I get my 2001fp I plan to play more tables at other sites and take advantage of the bonuses as long as going after a small amount of bonus at the low limits (2-4, 3-6, maybe 5-10) doesn't distract me too much from the profit at the bigger games.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

4x rum and coke
2x beers in the freezer(fast and easy no time to mix a capt/coke while playing)
2-3x good cigars ready to be chewed on.
Chips and salas covered cream cheese
Porno in the vcr
Heavy rock playing on the 5.1 surround

I then take off my pants and get my game on!

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

Thanks a lot for the replies so far, although some of them weren't exactly what I was looking for lol.

Anyway, many of you talk about morning coffees, donuts, dumps etc. Is this actually in the morning?

And I thought I played at subprime times of the day (1pm CST+). Wow.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

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[ QUOTE ]
It usually begins as a trickle, with one or two tables opening up. I sit at the tables and deal myself out, expecting to wait until I have 8 good tables running before I start playing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why wait until you have 8 tables open to start playing?

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Because I am trying to avoid this:

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Within a few minutes, the tables open up like wildfire, and I'm stuck trying to play hands, select tables, close tables etc.

What frustrates me most is when I've just played the blinds at an "OK" table, and all these tables are opening up and I have 4 Empire and/or Euro tabes open already so I must make the decision to leave "OK" tables in the middle of an orbit while risking sitting down at "even worse" tables, or sitting down at tables that I'm already sitting at (on the other skin). The "let me think about it" button gives you like 5 seconds to think about it, and that thing popping up constantly while I'm in the middle of hands and all this other crap popping up makes me want to pull my hair out.

[/ QUOTE ]

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And if playing 8 tables is so stressful, why not play just 5-6 tables? If you're not feeling so stressed out, you'll be able to play a longer session and make up for the reduction in hands per hour.

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Playing 8-tables isn't stressful... Getting them all set up is. Hence my OP.

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As for my pregame routine, I like to flex the GUNZ in front of the mirror and shout "Who's the Man? Me! IMDAMAN! I'm gonna CRUSH this game punk! Bring it on bitches!"

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, this is a given. You absolutely cannot win if you omit this part [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

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I also get on the waiting lists with the largest average pots (although they change enough that I'm likely wasting my time), but I avoid overlap by joining all numbered tables on Empire and named tables on another skin.

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Great idea. Thanks!

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I look at stack sizes and only sit if there are a few people with well under the default buyin. I never sit if several people are significantly above the default buyin.

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Is this for limit games? If so, care to explain why?

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

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Similar to your setup but I think you're missing a few steps. I'm sure along your travels you've come across absolute wild money donors. These people need to be on your buddy list and your first stop should be the search function. Pop those tables up and wait for a seat to their left.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've never really bothered with the buddy list. I tried it for a few days, but didn't like sitting at tables that normally had 9 TAGs milking the "buddy".

I'd rather sit at random tables with a few more bad players instead of just one super-fish. I dunno, perhaps my buddy-listing sample size was too small.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In Antwort auf:</font><hr />
Is this for limit games? If so, care to explain why?

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Yes, limit. They might have bought in short, which almost certainly means they're not very good, or they don't know enough (or don't have enough money) to rebuy when they can't cap all streets if the situation calls for it.

Also, a lot of bad players have a strange mentality where they just "play out their stack". Once they make some expensive mistakes or take a few beats they just give the rest of it away. I like that.

As far as staying away from a table with a few big stacks, I figure at that point I'm getting the seat of the guy who was giving all his money away, and the table is about to tighten up.

Martin

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

No one else does wrist/hand/arm stretches before a long session? I have a whole routine that takes about 5 minutes that I do every time I am going to play poker for several hours. I don't have any pain issues right now and I'm looking to keep it that way.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

Are you serious? this seems like the most annoying process for such small sessions....

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

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I would pay $50 for a program that automatically got you on the waiting lists of the 8 games with the highest average pot sizes.

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Same here. Joining waiting lists almost constantly (tables breaking up, fish leaving, etc) has to be the one thing I dislike the most about online poker. Anyone know anyone that could code this up?

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

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Is this for limit games? If so, care to explain why?

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Yes, limit. They might have bought in short, which almost certainly means they're not very good, or they don't know enough (or don't have enough money) to rebuy when they can't cap all streets if the situation calls for it.

Also, a lot of bad players have a strange mentality where they just "play out their stack". Once they make some expensive mistakes or take a few beats they just give the rest of it away. I like that.

As far as staying away from a table with a few big stacks, I figure at that point I'm getting the seat of the guy who was giving all his money away, and the table is about to tighten up.

Martin

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Good points... Thanks for the follow-up

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

have you improved your living habits? i think i predicted death for you not to long ago. please prove me wrong.

Re: You all disgust me!
 

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Not one of you said you listen to Kenny Roger's "The Gambler" before you play. Shame on you! May the Poker Gods deal you KK vs AA time and time again until you correct the error of your ways! Heathens!

[/ QUOTE ]

How about "Take the Money and Run?" Party skins makes the start up process so much more complicated and stressful than it has to be. PokerStars' system is so nice, I hated Party when I first moved there. It's nice to sit out at a table and get a few hands on everyone at the table, but I either come back too soon and only have like 10 hands on each person, or I come back too late and it has picked me up from the tables. Just to make sure, you can't datamine unless you are seated at the table, right? I usually just sit at the first 4 tables I can get an open seat at, otherwise I'm waiting forever and don't have the same attention span I would if I had just sat down.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

Hardly. I play until the game gets bad. Why sit in games that are constantly battled between the blinds or being played w/ good players? With so many games to choose from it doesn't hurt to be choosy.

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

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have you improved your living habits? i think i predicted death for you not to long ago. please prove me wrong.

[/ QUOTE ]

I enjoyed a salad last night.



The drinking has tapered off significantly, but I didn't quit completely.

The smoking's gotta stop, and I need to exercise more... I should make a follow-up post.

Thanks for reminding me [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Post your pre-game routine
 

no, but that sure sounds like a great idea.