Poker Education, Free Online Coaching, Brought to You By - Web Surfing

Yesterday and Today was an Internet surfing forage. Started in the Full Tilt Forums. They are having deposit, withdrawal issues, and someone noted the Regulation Authority (which gets a little confusing on the bottom of the page). So, I went to googling of the actual owners of FTP (whom are supposed to be in the US, hence the crackdown of the Feds more on FTP than the rest of the Poker sites).

This led to - indeed, Filco is located in the US. And, they seem to have switched main regulation over to the UK from Kahnawake. Which led to a forum and topic later in this post. Which led to revisiting the FTP forums, which led to finding some REALLY great Videos on YouTube (from more googling).

Now, there are many aspects to furthering your study of Poker. As one popular site said, Phil Ivey does more studying of the game (or at least he Used to), offline, than actually playing. As such, us low limit players can use ALL the edge we can get. Analyzing your own game is very good (one blogger is playing during the day, and analyzing at night). You can read this blog and other blogs (they are really helpful, and the blogs I study are listed at the bottom of the blog, under the Copyright notice), and frequent forums - such as 2+2. There is also the Full Tilt Academy, which is free to those with A full Tilt Account, and as you earn Points, more Videos and Challenges are open to you.

Others advocate books, DVDs, Online Videos, and personal Coaching (though the latter should really be reserved for those new to the scene). As to coaching and Online Videos such as those offered by Cardrunners, Stox, and Sharkscope - they are good, but self proclaimed pros are popping up all over the place (such as moi). I say, why pay for it when you can get it for free? I've also discovered, that surfing through the different sites I get my info from, I've come close to getting the same information as reading the Harrington Books (though those are still probably on my list).

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Our first catch, is a channel on YouTube from Tight Poker. I haven't visited the Web Site Yet, but its STRONGLY suggested you watch all the videos. There's a segment on Huds, but his use of Holdem Manger to review stats via the Hand Replayer is very informative. All those using Holdem Manager should watch all the Videos. Those looking for basic low limit (microstackes from 2NL to 100NL) should watch all the Hand Review Videos (or just watch them all). Now, as stated before, I don't really use the Huds, but this may get me started as I climb the limits. I am, however, with "microstakes bankroll builder" on not relying so much on Huds, as direct observation of your opponent (you will notice the difference when you watch the videos, as to what the Huds can tell you, and what you can see in 50 hands of play against your opponent - his blog is good for education too, but remember, as in my blog, its still an opinion - we differ on buy in strategies and bankroll managment).

Check out tightpokerdotcom's Channel, and start from the bottom of the list (PS, the Pokerstars video has to download fully before playing).

My next find, I haven't watched many videos yet. After each video with Tight Poker, you get some related videos, and I clicked on this one to check out the channel. Looks to be good, and worth a study (I will file a later report if this is not the case).

sitngogenius's Channel (ps, also contains videos on lotto, roulette, etc). I'll collect and post more channels as I continue the Web Search.

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Two forum posts Submitted for your Approval, long reads, but interesting:

Banned from FT without evidence - full disclosure. While I haven't read the entire thing, I did skip to the end for a cliff notes version (which prompted me to re read the thread). Apparently, he proved to be cheating (for those wondering about programs such as PT3 and HEM, don't be scared, they are allowed on Full Tilt, PokerStars and UB. Cake Poker-and all sites on the network- disallow the use of Huds, and they won't work).

Another Long Read (but the beginning of withdrawal issues), Full Tilt Poker Seized 25K from my account. This guy also proved to be doing some cheating with a friend, though haven't read the full scoop. For more on banned software, and how to avoid these problems, read my posts under the label Banned Software.

I have plenty of resources listed along the sidebar of this blog, and at the bottom. The serious Poker Player will do in depth research, as opposed to a newbie who complained about losing over 1k, and when asked what he did to help study/better his game, said he bought a HUD. Please judge accordingly, and read more of my blog on the matter.

Now, off to watch some videos (PS, you can also get a lot of info from watching Poker After Dark, they don't water down the play when folks keep folding or go in the tank, shows the full play for both Cash Games and Single Table SNG play).

The Full Tilt Poker Bankroll Challenge Explained

Now, this site is being run differently than the PokerStars Challenge. I initially invested a sum, and found it tough going no matter what game I played. I then discovered the Full Tilt Academy, and have vastly improved (the players DO tend to be tougher on Tilt than Stars).

I had built up a nice nest egg running challenges, and playing within the Bankroll limits. Then came along Rush Poker (and with it, a little greed). Instead of sticking with my usual Bankroll Management rules, I went in with larger stacks (since folks were decrying this was the way to go), or found luck at higher limits than I should be playing (since folks were making fun of the limit I was playing). Twas my own fault. And - a few times I didn't cash when it would have meant over $200 in Bankroll, only to find I lost my whole stack to KK vs AA, or AA vs KK, and a K falls on the river.

Disgusted, I promptly cashed out my roll (while building a roll is good, I DO use my winnings as a supplemental income). When discussing this with support on the phone, they suggested a simple self-exclusion. I stated that cashing a roll was REALLY GOOD self exclusion. I later re deposited with Echeck, and all problems have been solved.

Now, my account on Full Tilt is a little different. I was raking in the Bonus Dollars (since Rush came, it was fairly easy). I am also set up for Rakeback. I had started the Bankroll Building Challenge by Chris Ferguson, but with deposits coming in and out of account, the Bankroll was continually reset. So, I put it on hold to run the courses.

I am considering the cash out to be part of my overall Bankroll (for live games and Full Tilt). Ergo, when I did a trial deposit for $40, and with better discipline in mind, sat at a few sessions of rush, to succeed in doubling or tripling my buy in. The dollars on Full Tilt are actually to work the challenges, and are considered investment in my Poker Education. Between the cash and the $$ on site, my roll would be considered over $200. So I do give myself a little leeway when it comes to Rush Poker and Bankroll Management.

With the introduction of Rush Poker, I became interested in the Iron Man Challenge (noting the points REALLY rack up, especially during Happy Hour). You can find out all the promotions and points under My Promotions in the Full Tilt Client. Right now, between the 2 sites, I don't see having enough time to spread the required points over 15 to 25 days. However, there is a point a day qualifier for a freeroll, and that will be my first attempt starting March 1st.

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First part of challenge, use the $53+ in account to complete the MTT Challenge I'm currently in. I have found that after a couple of tournaments, a quick run through on Rush 10NL (remember my lax rules here), catch me back up rather quickly. This Challenge is a little perplexing, because the first one has cost me some tournies (in fact, since starting the challenge, haven't made one final table).

With a stack of at least 50x the big blind in a real money, 45+ player, NLH MTT or MT S&G, call a raise and see a flop with small to medium suited no-gap or one-gap connectors (10-9 or lower) or with a small suited ace (A-8 or lower). Repeat twice.

Since this portion is completed (and you have to play so many number of tournaments JUST to get these cards at the right moment, AND hope someone raises), I can see some smoother sailing ahead. Check out the Tournament Checklist Challenge for yourself.

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Challenges/Lessons I have completed (and, in this order):

1. The Academy's Guide to Sit-n-Gos, Phil Gordon


2. Betting Basics, Howard Lederer (this one is really good)


3. Understanding Position, Bill Edler


4. Sit & Gos by the Numbers, Aaron Bartely


5. Mastering the Bubble, Howard Lederer


6. 5 Common Leaks, Phil Gordon


7. The Mathematics of Poker, Andy Bloch


8. Pre-Flop Strategy, Chris Ferguson (another really good one)


9. I've also completed 5 steps for the Serious Beginner, Phil Gordon (though I wasn't a beginner at the time, points out some new topics not covered in the other lessons)

Challenges Working On, Yet to Complete:

1. The Tournament Checklist, Andy Bloch


2. Bankroll Management, Chris Ferguson

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Now, before moving on to the more advanced courses, and before continuing the Bankroll Management Challenge, I might repeat some Lessons, starting with the Micro Stakes (since they introduced a 5NL Rush game). I want to redo, and refresh, strategies as I climb the limits here, WHILE building the roll up back to where it SHOULD be. There are also some mid level lessons to add on, that are not listed as part of the Course List.

So this is a different kind of Challenge, and one that can be complimented with other forms of Poker Education. However, to know only one style of player is not helpful, so challenges on TWO sites is warranted, in my Opinion.

P.S. My Favorite Pro is Chris Ferguson.

The PokerStars $5 to $10k Challenge Explained

I did clock some Poker time on Stars yesterday, more on that later. Per request of a previous commenter, I've decided to post a more detailed explanation of how I will work this challenge.

Note: I have 2 different challenges, one on PokerStars, and one on Full Tilt. Whether I decide to do a BlackJack challenge on UB is debatable at this point.

The inspiration started with a redeposit of $10 on PokerStars (I think it was to qualify for some freerolls, that never worked out). I then started some .10 cent SNG MTTS, more explanation of how I got down to $5+ can be found in The Challenge Begins.

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There are 2 aspects to this challenge:

• The $5 to $100k Challenge by boku87, which was inspired by the $100 into $10k Challenge


• Bankroll Management, using the Concepts taught in the Bankroll Building Challenge by Chris Ferguson

We'll cover the second aspect first, since it is very important. Chris Ferguson stuck to these rules quite adamantly throughout his entire challenge to build $0 into $10k (except, somewhere there was a loophole posted on his progress that allowed for events of $2.25 regardless of bankroll size, but that I am ignoring). I built an excel spreadsheet to help with the calculations for each Poker Site I was on, and also to calculate ROI and $$ earned (manual entry, no macros, just linking cells, not ready to be sold on the market heehee).

Basically, only 2 calculations to consider: 5% of Bankroll (.05 X your site $$$), for ring games and single table SNG's. 2% of Bankroll (.02 X your site $$$$), for multi-table tournaments and SNG MTT's. This includes the buyin. If you are playing ring games with your 5%, you need to get up from the table (mo matter how juicy the game), when the stack reaches 10% of your bankroll (essentially, double what you sat down with, also known in circles as RATHOLING, but when you are building, do you really care what others think?) There are other, more stringent guidelines - like 300 to 500 times the Big Blind for Fixed limit, and 50 times table max buyins for no limit/pot limit. I decided to Stick with Chris's rules here, simply for SNG MTTs.

Boku87 started the premise of his $5 with .10 cent SNG MTTs only. Since he massively multitables (was 50 at a time), quickly scored up to over $100. His other Bankroll builder was the option of .01/.02 cent fixed limit Holdem, with a buyin of .20 cents. He works off the starting rule of the 50 buyin rule (until reaches a certain level, then wants to keep 70 to 80 buyins for the SNGs).

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Having studied Boku for awhile, I have decided on the challenge of SNG MTTs only, for the PokerStars site. I incorporated the downgrade and mix of buyins depending on downswings and upswings. So, Here are the Guidelines and Marks to Reach:

• At $5, this allows 50 buyins for .10 cents SNG MTTs


• At $12, I can add .25 cents SNGs, MTTs. If start to run bad, add back in 50% .10 cent SNGs.


• At $50, will add $1.10 SNGs MTT. If running bad, can play 70% $.25 cents, and 30% $1. If running good, can play 70% $1 to 30% .25.


• If drop back to $20, will return to .25 cents games.


• Once hit over $100, pretty stable in the Bankroll.


• Over $100, can add some 1.75 18 player SNGs, I've played $2.20 profitably at $120. If at any time drop, will lower stakes.


• At $180, play $1, $2, and $3 SNG (working on a 70, 80 buy in rule). If running bad, can play 70% $1, and 30% other. If running good, can play 70% other to 30% $1.


• So for $5, need about $350, etc. In this case, will still keep the split in mind for running bad and good. A mix will keep the Bankroll Steady, and minimize losses due to Variance.

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I have not added the pressure of time lines, because I can see where falling off the track increases your play when you are running bad (trying to play catch up). If you are running bad no matter what level you are playing, it is time to stop. As I observed Boku's Bad Streak, and have noticed that when running cold myself, the bad cards keep following me to new tables - its best just to lay down the Poker (that's why its handy to have accounts on 2 sites).

I am currently at $6, and have played 19 tourneys plus one freeroll since the challenge started. So I currently have 60 buyins left. Noticed on my third game yesterday the bad beat, cold card streak, and stopped playing money games. When you play enough, you will recognize this path too. However, switching over to No Limit ring games is not an option on this Bankroll, so patience is the key (and while hopping onto $1 single table SNGs are tempting, this is outside of Bankroll Management, and I am trying AT ALL COSTS not to redeposit).

Well, Starting to get a Little Tired

As you can see, did a little tweaking of the site. Hope you like some of the Blogs at the Bottom. Some of the Newbies need your Support, (just like me), so give them a cheer. Others are great from everything to stats, strategy, and rush poker. Something for everyone out there.

While trying to get to one of the blogs, "areallybigfish.com", Avast sent off a JS:Small-C Trojan warning. This site must be using Wordpress, because googling has shown an exploit in the older programs. Would have loved to read it, but it redirects to oriental porn sites, NOT exactly what I was looking for. So if you don't have Avast, please don't follow the link (unless you have a Mac). And if anyone knows the site owner, might want to email them (I may start a chain later on that, but fairly busy).

Tomorrow is Full Tilt day, because of the freeroll for the FTP Academy. Starts at 1:59 PST (I think). Happy Valentines Day to everyone. I have a purchased movie, and some TV to catch up on. Might play another game on Stars, or not. Might just observe some small play or large play. Pizza is in my future I believe.

Just Dealing with Life Here

There are a ton of Poker Blogs out there, decided to follow a few. This takes time and research. If you check my profile, you will find some good reads.

Decided for a small subscription to Sharkscope (200 searches, plus your 5 free a day, for 9.99). This allowed for some more searches above and beyond, plus I can do advanced searches on myself.

Played tweaks on Holdem Manager and Postgres SQL, will be changing those. Might switch to Poker Tracker 3 Trial, see what it is like, if I can get the databases to cooperate.

Usually, I tend to rest after 12 or 1 pm pst. So if doing research, not much time left for poker.

Check out the Full Tilt Poker Academy. My game has greatly improved because of them. Work the challenges, not just the sit n gos. I personally am not in rush to earn points (as some are), so I work them one at time.

P.S. Rebooting, cleaning Temp Files, and defragging are very important. Not only do these actions extend the life of your system, helps to keep memory optimal, and helps those constant connection client (Full Tilt, PokerStars, any online Gaming Client, Holdem Manager, Poker Tracker, etc.) to run optimally on yur machine. Just an FYI.

Links Useful to This Article:

• Full Tilt Poker Academy


• Shark Scope

P.S. - Sharkscope is not allowed while you are playing on site, Stars checks if you are at a table when you run it. Once again, it is a centralized database.