Re: HU Improvement
Seriously, with 2K HU matches under your belt you should know exactly what your opponents styles are. Some are very common, some are rare, but it doesn't take very long to dial in an opponent. There just aren't that many ways they mix it up down low. More importantly look for the holes.
Use the early hands to figure out how he responds to aggression. Will he punish a limp, does he understand position, does he always raise, is he too loose pf, too tight pf. How much of a pf raise before he thinks you are serious? Does he call the flop with anything, does he bet draws, does he bet bottom pair, is he passive, will he chase. How does he play a monster, is he trappy, aggressive, straightforward. Can he get value? Will he semi-bluff, will he crai. How often is he bluffing, will he go after orphans, will he fold to a c-bet, does he float, will a second barrel work, can he even fold? How often does he mix it up, can he change gears, what chip level does he panic at, how can you frustrate him, is he sizing his bets with the strength of his hands?
The second thing I am looking at is how does he view me, can he put me on a semi-bluff or a draw. If I am betting can he put me on bottom pair? Do I always have an ace or king when I bet an a/k high board. Does he see monsters or BS. Is he even looking past his cards?
Third thing I look at is my own play against him. What pots have I lost against him, was I ahead when I got it in, did I overplay a hand, was he tricky or trappy. How will I lose the most chips against, are we just going to flip after trading blinds for 50 hands? What does it look like he is taking advantage of, what gear do I need to hit to counteract and exploit. Where do I need to adjust my range to play optimally against him. What tools does he have in his bag, how is he using them against me.
The basic loose/tight, passive/aggressive styles help you know where to look and exploit. They help you determine ranges and read hands, but you are looking for specific weaknesses. You apply systematic pressure until you spot the cracks.
Mike
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