Overthinking Micro Stakes?

#1 09-01-2005, 11:48 AM

Im wondering about this. Im trying to build my br up so I can play at 400nl... right now Im more suited monetarily to 25 and 50nl. The problem is, it feels like Im overthinking the opponents... and end up losing because of some "smart" play that it seems they dont understand. During the limited times I jumped to 100nl, I fared better. anyone else feel this way? is it hubris? do I ABC it up, or jump?

thoughts.

jkkkk · #2 09-01-2005, 11:53 AM

Its a common phase amongst ssnl'ers, I've been through it myself. at the $25/$50 level and possibly higher levels you need to stick to an ABC strategy, making adjustments against paticular styles of play. I'm currently playing mostly ABC at the 100's and its working, there is a lot of donkeys on party.

I'm not really sure where ABC ends and real thinking begins..

vulturesrow · #3 09-01-2005, 11:57 AM

Even ABC requires thinking. You still have to adjust your play to the other players. You still have to put people ranges of hand. And I would say even at the higher stakes, 90 percent of the time the decision is a routine "ABC" one.

jkkkk · #4 09-01-2005, 12:05 PM

You always have to adjust, but like you said its to their range of hands / playing style. At the higher limits I imagine a lot more psychological play is involved.

vulturesrow · #5 09-01-2005, 12:08 PM

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You always have to adjust, but like you said its to their range of hands / playing style. At the higher limits I imagine a lot more psychological play is involved.

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To a degree Im sure.Not having played at higher stakes, my suspicion is that this factor is overrated unless you are in a game with someone you have played with a lot.

ScottTheFish · #6 09-01-2005, 12:09 PM

Agree with everyone else, fancy play is usually not what's needed.

And don't fall into the trap of thinking you'll do better against better players. You won't. Learn to beat up on the bad players first.

kurto · #7 09-01-2005, 12:20 PM

[ QUOTE ]
And don't fall into the trap of thinking you'll do better against better players. You won't. Learn to beat up on the bad players first.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't agree with that. Playing against a bunch of so-so ABC players can be easier then playing at a table full of unpredictable fish. If the players are a little better, your ability to read players hands increases. And if they think a little (1st and 2nd level thinking) you can now make calculated bluffs.

jkkkk · #8 09-01-2005, 12:25 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And don't fall into the trap of thinking you'll do better against better players. You won't. Learn to beat up on the bad players first.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't agree with that. Playing against a bunch of so-so ABC players can be easier then playing at a table full of unpredictable fish. If the players are a little better, your ability to read players hands increases. And if they think a little (1st and 2nd level thinking) you can now make calculated bluffs.

[/ QUOTE ]

Playing against good players is easier than playing against bad players eh?

Poker must be the exception to the rule when it comes to the genre of games.

kurto · #9 09-01-2005, 02:47 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Playing against good players is easier than playing against bad players eh?

Poker must be the exception to the rule when it comes to the genre of games.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think its so black and white. I don't think you're going to do better playing against people better then you. But your style might do better against people who are thinking but NOT as good as you then you would against people who don't know what they're doing.

I believe there was an article about how playing poker against a bunch of loose people bad players who won't fold can have a negative EV effect... where essentially so many players stay in with very outs each, but as a group, they dominate you.

I'm only saying different skills are used/needed depending on the skills/knowledge and playing styles of your opponents. It is possible that one person plays better against thinking opponents then a bunch of idiots.

vulturesrow · #10 09-01-2005, 12:26 PM

Conversely, they probably read you better, actually think about what cards you have, and dont get sucked in as much when they are way behind. The small bit of +EV you pick up by being able to make a few more bluffs probably doesnt outweigh the +EV you lose for general donkishness by your opponents.