[Mason Malmuth]

Hi Spee:

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Who in their right mind considers open pushing all in preflop as playing poker? Pre-flop open push is a betting strategy, not a poker strategy. Out-thinking and out-playing opponents on the flop, turn and river is playing poker. IMHO, there is a difference.


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You're absolutely right, but so what. One of the criticisms that top side game players have of tournaments is precisely what you say. That is it's a betting exercise as opposed to a poker exercise.

Now while this is certainly an oversimplification, it's also somewhat true, especially late in the tournament where the Ms (see Harrington: Volume II) are low.

However, that's the way it is, and that's why the Matros article is interesting. He's essentially asking the question: When do I quit playing poker and just concentrate on the betting?

Best wishes,
Mason