Why am I so crap at poker?

breadmonkey

I don't know what it is, but I'm just terrible at poker. (I'm only talking about playing with a few mates). It seems as if I never get a good hand and I can't bluff to compensate. Any tips on how I could improve? I sure I'm even missing the absolute fundamentals

DeLaBass

When the hands aren't coming your way there's not too much you can do about it. however, maybe your friends aren't getting great hands either. Take note of what hands they consider to be worth playing. maybe you're just being a little tight but remember if a hand is not worth calling with, it probably isn't worth raising with either. Also when you do get that much wanted nut hand try slow playing it not to give the game away. if you feel yourself getting blinded away you'll have to go all in. hopefully you'll have a mid pair of an over card on you. you'd be surprised about what hands can win an all-in showdown, it really is just a lottery sometimes. also next time you play try to be the aggressor at the start of the game.
if all that fails, just get yourself a pair of shades, at least you'll look cool failing!

NickyOD

breadmonkey wrote:

I sure I'm even missing the absolute fundamentals

So get reading!

Imposter

Get Winning Low-Limit Hold'em by Lee Jones and read it. Then play in some low-limit games like 5c-10c online somewhere. I'd start with limit if I was you, just until you think you are getting the hang of things. Otherwise start with low buy-in NL sit and goes. Something like 50c or 1$ games.

Once you feel like you are getting somewhere, or even beginning to understand something, then get The Theory of Poker and study it. Then gradually move up the limits and learn about bankrolls and such things. Oh and enjoy yourself!

NickyOD

Personally I don't think micro limits will do a thing to improve your game. I think $5 SnGs are the way to go. Also go read up on the following

Starting Hand Strategy
Pot Odds
Implied Odds
Gap Concept.
EV

Once you know what all of those mean and actually put them to use, you'll be a better player than 90% of your oponents.

tim3115

Nicky, you play many of the $5 SnG's?

okidoki987

Have to agree with the $5 SnG's suggestions.
Learn the basics on the 0.5/.10c and then when you have done this,
go onto the lowest SnG's (which I think is $5).
This is what I did and after 4 months of finishing between 4th and 9th,
I eventually got to finishing in the money and winning the odd one.
Then try the $10/$15 games.

Imposter

VC (and presumably Paddy Power) and other sites have SnG's that have lower buy-ins than 5$. If you can afford the 5$ games are a good way of learning but if not play the lower ones and gradually work up. Try and get out of the 5$ games asap though as the casino take is 20% on a lot of sites as opposed to 10% at higher buy-in games.