Basic newbie questions
 

Am just starting out in HE. I've read and re-read HEP & WLLHE and just started using TTH for practice. Plan on using WLLHE for B&M casinos. How did the rest of you memorize the starting hand guidelines from Jones' book?

I come from cardcounting blackjack. I realize that there are more variables in poker than in BJ, but want to use the crutch of pre-flop hand charts in the beginning.

Any and all advice will be appreciated.

Re: Basic newbie questions
 

Just an observation, but coming from counting cards at blackjack, I'd think Hold'em would be the worst place to begin your poker education. Blackjack is highly structured and strategy is mechanical. Hold'em may well be the most subtle and nuanced form of poker that exists.

Your card-memory skills will help you ramp up quicker at stud (or better yet, stud/8).

Of course, the biggest hurdle to get over moving from blackjack to poker is adjusting from playing against a single, robotic opponent to playing against multiple variably predictable opponents.

Re: Basic newbie questions
 

I haven't read Jones' book, I have read about 15 others, and shaped my own opinions after playing 200+ hours of poker, don't rely only on some charts, if you do, good players will know it and read you like a book...

I have suggestions, but I need to save them for my own book. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Read several books.... play.... read more.... play... repeat...

Key is to learn from mistakes.... and work on patience...

All the rest is gravy. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

-t

Re: Basic newbie questions
 

I understand what you are saying and I agree. However, I feel I should at least have the pre-flop hand charts memorized as a starting point. Again, this is only a strating point and is subject to change contingent on the character of the other players.

I would think post flop is where the game becomes less mechanical. If I misunderstand please let me know. I have thick skin and welcome constructive criticism and suggestions.
TIA.

AZ

Re: Basic newbie questions
 

I would suggest picking up Lou Krieger's book Hold'em Excellence. It provides a nice chart for suited and unsuited cards to play.

If you are good at counting blackjack, you'll do fine in poker. Primarily you will use your blackjack skills to count down the pot.

Re: Basic newbie questions
 

I based a lot of my early play on HPFAP. I didn't commit it to memory, I just tried to understand the principles. After several sessions of play, I re-read the entire book, paying a good amount of attention to starting hand requirements and preflop play. I played for several months and reread it again, paying attention to the same things. Just remember - YOU ARE PLAYING TOO MANY HANDS!!!!

You are definitely playing too many hands in poor position.