Playing against a Sklansky Disciple

Yawkey · #1 08-04-2005, 04:48 PM

I've been playing in a regular game for about a year now (tourney between 8 and 12 people usually). I consistantly finish in the top two, playing moderately tight while the first 5-6 players go out and then I loosen way up and play very agressive. It's a pretty average game, a couple guys are consistant winners, a couple guys who know a bit and hit the money everyonce in a while, and a couple fish giving their money away every week. Now the guy in question shows up about once a month or so, the first time I played against him I assumed he was just lucky. The second time I played him I got the distinct impression that Sklansky's Theory of Poker had crossed his nose. Last week he showed up again (probably the 4th or 5th time I've played him now), he got lucky and busted me on the bubble so now I'm looking for vengence (runner-runner straight after calling my all-in A-K vs. A-6 on the flop, board comes A85 9 7). As this is a 'freindly' game I poked around for some information as to what he's studied, sure enough Sklansky was his favorite.

So what I'm looking for is the best ways to play against players relying mainly on Sklansky's TOP. I own the book however it has been awhile since I've read it, so if you can think of any sections/pages in particular I should browse because they are important concepts this guy uses it would be helpful.

Thanks

Onaflag · #2 08-04-2005, 06:50 PM

Okay, let me get this straight. There is a Sklansky follower you'd like to beat and want to know, from Sklansky followers, how to beat him. I'm going to go out on a limb here and recommend you become a Sklansky follower. How's that?

Onaflag........

Yawkey · #3 08-04-2005, 07:02 PM

Close, lets rephrase the question, as a Sklansky follower what types of (good) players give you the most trouble? Right now I would classify myself as a Doyle Brunson follower, and I find it to be profitable for me. So the other thing I am looking for is like a Cliff's Notes on TOP to point out what you have found playing with his style as some of his most important points. This way I can continue to play my regualar game that works against most of the guys I play with, yet have an understanding of where this one guy who I play with every once in awhile is coming from.

smokingrobot · #4 08-04-2005, 07:33 PM

I recommend Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil, specificaly the passages rearding the philosopher and the philosophical worker.

To break it down by example, you have your Platos (philosopher) and your Kants (philosophical worker).

I think that would help.

After that, i'd read all of TOP as I dont think there are specific sections regarding how to crack the Sklansky system.

Yawkey · #5 08-04-2005, 07:48 PM

Haha, ok that's probably a better book to ask for Cliff's notes on. Fine I'll go re-read the whole book, cause poker was cancelled tonight [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img], I suppose if my TOP book looked as worn as my SS books I wouldn't have this problem. Anyone have any favorite sections I should pay special attention to?

#6 08-04-2005, 08:22 PM

There is no "Sklansky Way." In his book he discusses using math to help with decisions to be made in a poker game. It isn't a "Sklansky Way," or if you follow it you will be a "Sklansky follower." There is not a good poker player out there that does not take pot odds, implied odds, bluffing odds, etc. into consideration.

No offense to you, but if you had played with this guy and just thought he was winning by "luck," then you should probably read a lot of your books over again. As Doyle said, "if you cannot identify the fish at the game it is probably you." I am not saying you are THE fish at the table, but if you are playing w/ these guys consistently you should really know not only who is good and bad, but play styles, tells, etc. as well.

troy5168 · #7 08-05-2005, 09:41 AM

here's a thought, and what I try to do. I've read practically all of them and I apply what works for me and at the most beneficial times. I don't consider myself a follower of any of them. Play YOUR OWN game. Take their ideas and suggestions, use some, throw some out. Learn to play your own game, if you have the skills and of course a little luck at the right time you can beat the follower of any of them.

Peter Olley · #8 08-05-2005, 10:57 AM

I haven't responded to many posts here so let me review your situation. You are a very good player and make great reads.Been playing for a long time and have a good fundamental knowledge of Poker. Am I right so far?

You gave the answer to your question in your question. You said that he figured the pot odds very well and took advantage of that.(excuse me for the paraphrasing).So your solution is obvious. When in a pot against him, make the pot odds for the hand you have him drawing to wrong to draw to. Simple solution to what is thought to be a complex problem. Hope it helps. Have a Great Day. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Peter Olley · #9 08-05-2005, 10:59 AM

A Little add on here. This will take him out of his game and make him make tougher decisions thus increasing his chances of making a mistake. Which as we all know is the answer to winning Poker. Capitalize on the other guys mistake and keep yours to a minimum. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Yawkey · #10 08-05-2005, 12:56 PM

Ok, I got a couple helpful posts here (thanks lehighguy, Shandray, and Peter). You're right bernie, this I suppose was a bit ridiculous, because I was looking for a quick fix to a long term problem (I was hoping to gain some insight hours before my game incase he showed up). So now I'm going to be re-reading TOP, to hopefully improve my game all around. Honestly the first time I read it (had to be a year ago) I didn't get much out of it for probably a bunch of different reasons including being too early in my poker career to fully understand it. This time around I want to make sure I don't miss the important points. So if you guys could help me out and point out the chapters I need to make sure I pay special attention to that would be great.

Thanks