Two Plus Two Newer Archives - Carpal Tunnel post: common leaks in the 2+2 game (long)

It seems weird to have hit this mark, since I consider myself more of a lurker, but here I am. I've been considering writing this post for a while, and I guess this "milestone" has given me the motivation to do it.

Earlier this year, I took a fair amount of time off from 2+2. I reflected on the game a lot (as always) and did a lot of coaching. Being forced to think critically on my own led me to see several subtle errors in my game that had crept in by following the "raise-bet-bet-bet" mantra on this site.

Not surprisingly, I see these and other mistakes routinely in the hands of the students I coach. I've written up essays about them and charge for access to them, so I am conflicted about giving away this material. Partly as a "thanks 2+2", and partly as a promo for my site, I'm detailing below several common and key mistakes made by most TAG players. Here goes:

Mistake #1. Missing pure bluffs.

TAGs are taught to fold crap. That's the "tight" part of the tight-aggressive game, and generally it's very good advice.

Unfortunately, almost all players take this too far. Their first instinct is to look at their hand, and if it doesn't connect with the flop and they aren't the preflop raiser, they give up.

Always think about what your opponent holds. Does this flop hit him? How much would you have to risk to bluff at this pot? Is it worth it? You'll be amazed at how many profitable pure bluffs you are missing.

Here's an example: you are the BB holding 7 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 2 [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]. MP limps, SB limps, you check. Flop: Q83. SB checks, you bet!

Mistake #2. Protecting hands that don't need protection.

Ed Miller's book taught us that hand protection is critical in big pots. Sometimes it's good to raise a hand like middle pair just to increase your chances of winning a pot that has grown large. That's great.

The problem is, most of you play every pot as though it is a big pot. You don't understand how different the strategy is for small pots. You raise and force out players that you want to call. You bet when there are players behind you waiting to bluff.

In short, you are terrified to lose a pot.

Here's an example: you are the BB, this time holding Q [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 2 [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]. MP limps, SB limps, you check. Flop: Q83. SB checks, you check!

Mistake #3. Handling the initiative.

Basically, you think the initiative is something, and it isn't. This leads you to make two related mistakes. First, you bet way too much when you have the initiative. Second, you check to the guy with initiative way too much.

This combination causes you to have more trouble than necessary when out of position. You feel uncomfortable when you are the one doing the calling.

Aggression and position are advantages. They just aren't as great as you think. Donk bet more. Check behind more.

Here's an example: You are the BB holding T [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 9 [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]. Button raises, you call. Flop: A [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 7 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] 3 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]. You bet!

Here's another one. You raise the button holding A [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 7 [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]. BB calls. Flop: 5 [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 5 [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] 8 [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]. BB checks. You check!

I could go on, but this is already pretty long. To sign off, I'd like to thanks 2+2 for years of forcing me to think more clearly about why I make the plays I make. I'm 4-tabling 30/60 and just had my best month ever. With this poker income, I can stay at home, spend time with my wife and watch my son grow up. Life is good, and I know this forum has helped me get there. Thanks.

good luck.
Eric