Notes

I definitely took the worst of it last night.  Probably the single biggest losing session I've had but I'm doing OK for a few reasons.

1. Deep down, I knew nights like these would come along.  That's why I made a bankroll so I would never be in a position to lose money I need to support myself.  I can weather sessions like this because I don't ever have to worry about where the house payment is coming from.
2. I conducted myself well at the table.  Stuck badly for pretty much the entire session, I joked, teased in a good natured way, chatted up other players about where they are from and what they do and made sure to greet my fellow regulars.  I even found the good cheer to tip the dealer my last $4.  Conducting myself in a calm and affable manner (even when what I want to do is just loose my SH*T) helps me feel more in control of myself and manage tilt better.  My opponents are smart enough to know when I'm taking the worst of it.  However, if they see that it's not setting me off or shaking my confidence, they are less likely to try and take a shot at me.
3. I took the time after the session to jot a few notes.  Usually after a good beating I'm mostly interested in distracting or trying to reassure myself that I didn't play badly and that I was simply a victim of bad cards and suckouts.  I honestly think this is largely true.  The big pots I lost were the result of coming up strong but second best and I don't think I hit my "fair share" of draws.  But, it would be a shame to not come away with SOMETHING for my money, even if it's just a lesson or two.  There will always be room for improvement in my game.  Probably none of the decisions that I would have made differently would have led to a better outcome.  But, my goal is to play the game as well as I can.  If I can do that, over the long haul it will mean success but not necessarily on a session by session basis.

So, here are some of my reflections:


Calling one bet on the flop (peeling) with only a small pair might be a big leak in my game.  Even getting 6 or 7:1 may not be enough drawing to only 5 outs.  If I cut this out, in a 4 hour session I would save almost $60.  Even if I end up wining two of these hands a session I'm still only breaking even.

With high pot equity hands I've been trying to raise more pre flop.  C-betting on a missed flop with 3 or 4 other players may not be working for me. It might be worth checking behind for a free turn card and folding if I don't improve, especially considering poisoned anchors (see post Loose Passive Players II).  

In mid-late position I have been limping in behind one or two other players open limp (aka over limping) with unsuited paint cards (as opposed to raising).  When I miss I can fold or check-fold without loosing the extra small bet I would have put in with the raise.   When I connect, I can add a little deception to my play as opponents won't suspect I have a strong kicker because I didn't raise pre-flop.  They are more likely to call down and turn over a dominated hand.

I need to cut back on limping in with suited trash.  Games I've been in lately are so passive that I can see a flop with at least six players for only one small bet, making it tempting to play hands as bad as suited two-gappers.  However, out of position, expectation is just too low to make up for all the lost small bets when I miss. In position it might be OK because I can try a free card play if I make four cards to a draw.

I like my raising only premium made hands if first in, pocket 10's and up. I stand a chance of thinning the field and taking the pot on the turn. If an over card comes I can check-fold the turn or I can check behind on the flop in position and fold to a bet on the turn.  10's thru Q's I've been over limping for the same reason as above.  I can fold to a bet when an over card comes.  I can also induce opponents to call down with their worse top pair because they don't suspect my over pair without a pre-flop raise.

If connecting on the flop and get two or three callers I need to pay close attention to flop texture. I need to charge opponents to draw but beware of made flushes and straights.

I seem to be winning the table image battle. Players seem scared of me when I raise on the flop. Post flop play is coming along but still needs work. I have to get up the balls to use check-raise more effectively. Especially in the blinds. When players start giving me free turn cards I know I'm making progress.