Ciaffone's Mid Limit Holdem book

[SoBeDude]

I'm reading this book and finding myself disagreeing with many of the quizes.

I find myself at odds with his Preflop and especially with his flop play.

I like his turn play section so far (haven't quite finished it) and have not read the river section.

It seems to me that I'd want to play against a guy who plays like this, not play this way myself. The plays seems preditable and basically "weak-tight".

Especially with draws, there are spots where a bet is +EV due to the number of opponents, and he has you checking because your semi-bluff has no chance of winning. He also misses some raising situations that are +EV as well.

And he seems to see monsters in every opponent's hand.


Either that, or I'm too loose and too aggressive.

I'm quite willing to entertain the concept that his advice is spot-on, and that I need to overhaul my game for these limits.

But I'd like to hear some of your comments first.

Thanks!

-Scott

P.S. I'm lousy at archive searches so if all this has been discussed before, I'd be greatful for a link.

[AceHigh]

[ QUOTE ]
Especially with draws, there are spots where a bet is +EV due to the number of opponents, and he has you checking because your semi-bluff has no chance of winning. He also misses some raising situations that are +EV as well.


[/ QUOTE ]

I don't specifically remember this part, but everything else you say is pretty much spot on.

The book seems to assume a passive, unimaginitive type game/opponent. So take that as a baseline and adjust your play for your opponents skill level and aggressiveness.

[King_J]

...but it seems like I shouldn´t?

I beat the midstakes game already. Then It´s a bad idea for me to buy it?

[Ed Miller]

It's a good book, but you have to be aware that it has a slightly troublesome weak-tight bent. As long as you realize that, it's quite a good book.

[SoBeDude]

I too think the book has value.

If nothing else, the task of evaluating all the hands, deciding how you'd play, then reading his recommended play, is a great excercise.

-Scott

[Jim Brier]

Perhaps you would care to be a little more specific on some of the hands you disagree with. I would be happy to respond.

As an aside, the book was reviewed by several professional players, one of whom is cited on the front cover of the book.

[SoBeDude]

I'd love to.

I'll review and post a few.

Thanks

-Scott

[AceHigh]

I highly recommend the book, sorry if I didn't make that clear.

It just assumes certain game conditions and you (probably) have to adjust your play to meet your game conditions.

[Tyler Durden]

Who was that player? I don't have the book.

[mikelow]

Why I don't have poker books anymore. The game keeps changing, and the advice given just doesn't keep up. IMO,
the only way to win is through experience and reading the other players.