being too predictable

[SheridanCat]

When playing online, people really aren't paying that much attention to you at the lower limits. Sit and watch how quickly the table turns over - most folks are not sticking around to really get a read on you.

What you're seeing could easily be coincidence if you play very few hands.

My suggestion would be to consider loosening up slightly if you find you're not getting action. Perhaps you're not playing speculative hands cheaply. Limp with the good limping hands. Just because you enter a pot cheaply doesn't mean you have to do anything other than see a flop. Be prepared to let the hand go, even if you catch a piece of the flop.

As for playing a ridiculous hand up front to set an "image" - don't bother. No one is really paying attention to your image at those games.

Regards,

T

I mean a B&M cardroom where players are indeed paying attention and stay at a table for hours

How did you pick the ring you are playing at in the B&M?

Did you look for the looser tables (number of players staying in the action), tourist in the action (some are obvious look at the clothes), drinks flowing, chat in full progress, pot sizes, players looking away from the table when they are not in active hands, and much laughter?

I seldom enter a B&M, even those I frequently go to, without planning on just observing who's doing what in the card room first.

I don't just stand around looking obvious but usually will get someone into a conversation while im really paying attention to whats going on in the room. A few minutes spent doing that can have a dramatic effect on what you encounter when you do get seated and rack up.

Sheridan was speaking to online games but he also is correct in many ways to B&M action. Not every table at a B&M gives a crap about what really is happening at the tables. I have played countless B&M tables where it is more a matter of social gathering than serious poker.

The bottom line here is if you think your too predictable then you may be at the wrong table at the wrong time.

Other than what I have said I would agree to comments about changing style of play especially when you can cheaply explore a few marginal hands that have great +EV potential.

Monty

[AKQJ10]

To summarize two important themes in the above replies:

1. Beware overcompensation to fix a problem that may never really be that acute in the first place!

2. Rather than playing "ridiculous hands", consider semibluffing, playing hands that already have some drawing value more aggressively. Preflop this could mean raising suited connectors the same way you raise a big pair -- as Harrington points out, waiting on SCs will randomize your steals better than you could do yourself. Postflop this could mean playing more aggressively with strong draws (flushes, OESDs) and perhaps a few weaker draws (such as gutshot straights or a so-called five-outer like bottom pair).

This is at the Hawaiian Gardens Casino in LA. It is large and generally packed. There is usually a list to get on the table so I don't choose the table. I just started to go about a month ago. I get the sense from the conversations that it is a locals spot. Same people play day in and day out. I never played on-line til yesterday...I am finding on-line play a different ball of wax....WAY easier....I sense a lot of experience at the B&M casino that appears lacking on-line. But playing on-line is annoyingly slow!

[SheridanCat]

[ QUOTE ]
I mean a B&M cardroom where players are indeed paying attention and stay at a table for hours

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$20 NL and 1/2 limit in B&M play? Didn't know they existed.

Regards,

T

I have seen 1-2 - but never a $20 NL - that sounds like its online to me.

[SheridanCat]

Wow 1/2 limit. The rake must be a killer.

Regards,

T

The rake IS a killer but as a newbie...what am I to do? That is why I also have money management questions...maybe I should just gamble in Las Vegas with the tourists instead of trying to learn with experienced, serious locals who don't drink. BTW, I appreciate the advice...and help from the veterans...very kind..

[AKQJ10]

[ QUOTE ]
The rake IS a killer but as a newbie...what am I to do?

[/ QUOTE ]

I ask myself the same thing (although it's $2/4, so rake's not nearly as bad). I've pretty much decided that online is where I play to build bankroll so that eventually I can afford to play at higher limits at B&M.

It's not that the rake can't be beaten at $2/4; it's that once you factor out tips, meals (minus comps), gas, and slower rate of hands, it's not very lucrative.