Input needed - Ten things a newbie can do to improve quickly

[philr]

I am writing a list to post online to help newbies improve their game quickly. Emphasis on the word improve, i.e. get better - not neccessarily become great overnight.

At the moment i am just working out the topic headings and then i will expand on each one where needed.

Take a look at the list and give me your thoughts and suggestions please. Keep in mind i want this to be something that can be read quickly - it is designed to get newbies to play a little better and be more interested in the game without overwhelming them.

Ten things a newbie can do to improve quickly

1. Stop and think before you act
2. Learn to spot dangerous boards
3. Define a set of hand you will generally play when not in the blinds
4. Learn what a raise is, why you raise?
5. Observe other players and the cards they play with
6. Stop playing out of position
7. Stop chasing draws
8. Don’t overplay your hand –
a. Remember the average winning hand is two pair – don’t be too over confident with just one.
b. Beware of a bad kicker
9. Stop being a tell magnet
a. Adopt a tell prevention posture
10. Read at least one poker book

[KurtSF]

If you don't want to overwhelm them, I'd do "3 things to do to improve."

1. Play fewer hands.
2. Learn to fold.
3. Bet when you have it.

Also, depending on the game or structure some of your advice is actually bad.

[Befolder]

Is this something you plan to post at your home game?

Unless you have folks who <u>want</u> to improve, I'd advise against it. Also, if you have folks who come to mostly play for fun and gamble, a sign like this is only going to make them feel like it is more serious than they'd like to be, and might drive some of them away eventually. I say all this not knowing your situation or intentions though so take it only if it applies.

As far as the list, I have these comments:

1. Stop and think before you act.

Think about what? You and I know, but this may not say anything to them. It also may be more advanced than they're ready for anyway.

2. Learn to spot dangerous boards

Might be better worded as something like, "Adjust your play according to the texture of the board," or something more specific. Again, I don't know the experience of your players nor their understanding of the game.

3. Define a set of hand you will generally play when not in the blinds

This seems too complicated and general for beginners to understand. Something like "don't cold call raises" seems more specific, but that's more of a limit philosophy and this is likely for an NL game.

4. Learn what a raise is, why you raise?

"Raise with a reason."

5. Observe other players and the cards they play with

Watch hands that are shown down by players and remember how they played them.

6. Stop playing out of position

Avoid playing out of position. Never isn't correct.

7. Stop chasing draws

It can often be correct to chase draws if you have odds to.

8. Don’t overplay your hand

I don't know why we want to teach this.

a. Remember the average winning hand is two pair – don’t be too over confident with just one.
b. Beware of a bad kicker
9. Stop being a tell magnet

Again, why are we teaching these things?

a. Adopt a tell prevention posture
10. Read at least one poker book

Just my comments. Teaching over all is just a bad idea though especially if your players aren't there to learn. Only one player in my game would be interested in hearing my opinion on how to play a hand. All the other 30 would be scared that I was talking in so much detail.

[philr]

To Clarify:
The goal of the list is to be put online for those who want to read it to read it. The advice would be targeted towards new players playing No Limit at small home tournaments. 8 -25 players.

I want to follow this up with another list of things that can be done after this one.

Breaking it down in to smaller chunks might be a good idea

Totally appreciate the comment about not teaching those who don't want to be taught.

[Javanewt]

I think it's pretty good, except for a few grammatical errors that probably only I would notice, anyway. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

If newbies want to read it and learn, great. If not, it's their choice. As OP stated, if they want more detail, they can get it.

[DavidNB]

[ QUOTE ]
If you don't want to overwhelm them, I'd do "3 things to do to improve."

1. Play fewer hands.
2. Learn to fold.
3. Bet when you have it.

Also, depending on the game or structure some of your advice is actually bad.

[/ QUOTE ]
I agree, very good point

[pismeyer]

OMG!!

7 &amp; 8 ?!?!?

No wonder (Said with light bulb flickering in dark dark head) !!

Good list to start with however, Comment on #10 - You can never read too many poker books, the more the better.

Poker is a never ending learning session - I have yet to meet one master but have seen and/or played against some very good players.

P [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[FlyingCarpet]

[ QUOTE ]
If you don't want to overwhelm them, I'd do "3 things to do to improve."

1. Play fewer hands.
2. Learn to fold.
3. Bet when you have it.

Also, depending on the game or structure some of your advice is actually bad.

[/ QUOTE ]

If any noob wants to improve their game quickly, this is the best advice in this thread. All the other advice is useless if they don't first learn this.

[MoBetta]

[ QUOTE ]
1. Stop and think before you act.

Think about what? You and I know, but this may not say anything to them. It also may be more advanced than they're ready for anyway.

[/ QUOTE ]

The way I took it, I don't think it's too advanced for new players. I think he was just saying to take your time before making decisions. This doesn't mean to slow the game down and use 30 seconds, but don't insta call (slash) raise (slash) check on the turn, unless you have a clear purpose for doing so. Don't rush.

[KissDeGirl]

this is good thanks
[ QUOTE ]
Is this something you plan to post at your home game?

Unless you have folks who <u>want</u> to improve, I'd advise against it. Also, if you have folks who come to mostly play for fun and gamble, a sign like this is only going to make them feel like it is more serious than they'd like to be, and might drive some of them away eventually. I say all this not knowing your situation or intentions though so take it only if it applies.

As far as the list, I have these comments:

1. Stop and think before you act.

Think about what? You and I know, but this may not say anything to them. It also may be more advanced than they're ready for anyway.

2. Learn to spot dangerous boards

Might be better worded as something like, "Adjust your play according to the texture of the board," or something more specific. Again, I don't know the experience of your players nor their understanding of the game.

3. Define a set of hand you will generally play when not in the blinds

This seems too complicated and general for beginners to understand. Something like "don't cold call raises" seems more specific, but that's more of a limit philosophy and this is likely for an NL game.

4. Learn what a raise is, why you raise?

"Raise with a reason."

5. Observe other players and the cards they play with

Watch hands that are shown down by players and remember how they played them.

6. Stop playing out of position

Avoid playing out of position. Never isn't correct.

7. Stop chasing draws

It can often be correct to chase draws if you have odds to.

8. Don’t overplay your hand

I don't know why we want to teach this.

a. Remember the average winning hand is two pair – don’t be too over confident with just one.
b. Beware of a bad kicker
9. Stop being a tell magnet

Again, why are we teaching these things?

a. Adopt a tell prevention posture
10. Read at least one poker book

Just my comments. Teaching over all is just a bad idea though especially if your players aren't there to learn. Only one player in my game would be interested in hearing my opinion on how to play a hand. All the other 30 would be scared that I was talking in so much detail.

[/ QUOTE ]