How do you study poker?
Hi guys,
I've been playing poker for some years now in the microstakes and i've reached a point where I am going completely even.
So i decided that starting to study the hands I've played is a good way to improve so that I can stop my leaks. The problem is I don't know how or where to start. The only thing that I have is pokerstars hand history but it feels really slow to take every single hand from my table and study it by myself without even knowing what really was thee mistake.
Any pointers, like software that I can use or maybe some kind of tracker that would help me would be really appreciated.
Thank you and good luck at the tables!
9 Replies
Pokertracker 4, Holdem Manager, hand2note are a few of the software you could be using to review hands. Most have free trials.
think about different variables
then experiment with them: for example, playing smallball (making your bets smaller against better opponents or when you think you're ahead or drawing yourself, playing more hands preflop but minraising with them)
I think the way to study poker has changed a lot, the best way now is to pay ChatGPT, give it a software specification, learn how to run the software and drill yourself in a way that you find fun.
Twoplustwo forums used to be an amazing place to talk strategy, you might want to try reddit now as we are still using PT4, HEM, Hand2note when we should be building our own software to drill ourselves and the advice isn't great anymore. avoid coaching sites if you can't afford to lose money, just build software and drill yourself.
Develop a winning strategy, rinse repeat.
I would recommend getting Pokertracker 4. It will make it much easier to save and replay hands. Next I would start posting some hands in the strategy forums to get some feedback (you could also post your pokertracker stats).
Also watch some live play videos on YouTube, then compare your own play and thought processes. When you look through hands in PT4, try to ask questions and make notes. "Did I correctly range my opponent?" "What if I bet larger or smaller" "Should I have folded earlier".
The main thing is to get started with this feedback loop - The more you study the better you get at studying.
Have a look at what software is available for the types of games you wish to play.
What games are you playing?
I think the way to study poker has changed a lot, the best way now is to pay ChatGPT, give it a software specification, learn how to run the software and drill yourself in a way that you find fun.
Fascinating. Can you please explain this in more detail? ... Perhaps give an example? .... It makes no sense to this old man.
combined with something technical from ChatGPT or Gemini.
Youtube Bolt.new and play around and then come back.
there's a ton of decent content on YT. it's not necessarily specific spots you need to study but more getting a grasp of how you played your overall percieved range of hands vs your opponents range. studying individual spots is slow, boring and not the best way to spend your time as a beginner player
