[troymclur]

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Once in a while plays at NL100 are like saying "I usually prefer $20 to $10 but once in a while I like to take the $10. Just to mix it up." I never take that line in that game.

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I don't agree. From a player development standpoint, its good to take an occasional unorthodox line if only to give yourself experience with the situations that follow it even if it is less optimal from both an immediate EV and metagame standpoint to do so. It'll save money later when the player takes a non-standard line against smarter players in a bigger game.

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This reply is logical and makes sense theoretically. It is wrong though.

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A bit arrogant aren't we?

It also makes sense when you can play the table accordingly. Playing off peoples weaknesses while placing more trust in your reads can be hugely beneficial in making more money, and gets better along with the rise of ones own skill. Your $20 v. $10 argument is ridiculous, top poker isn't binary.

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How does practicing less than optimal play help you save money? I understand practicing LAG play at a lower limit to gain experience, but shouldn't every play you make should be optimal based upon the circumstance?


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Yeah, but what qualifies as "optimal" is dependent on the table. Books and strategy and meta-games are all fine for giving you a good base, but you can't just take x idea and apply it across the board. You adjust to the table, and find the ways that extract the most money, specific to that grouping of players.