Data Management of Opponents at the Table

[DonovanMD]

The answer is simple, hire a young mexican boy to stand behind you while you play and record data about your opponents and their holdings. Then when you get home input it into your database.

[that_pope]

Start with the people seated directly next to you, as they are the ones you will see in pots with you most likely. Get a good idea how they play, and talk to them, see if they will open up any insight into how they play.

As you are learning about the people around you, one or two other players will quickly identify themselves by either playing a ton of hands, or a huge suckout or some sort of memorable event. Also chip stacks are a good way to analyze people. The bigger the stack, the better the chance that the player is above average.

After you feel comfortable with the two people seated next to you, as well as the few odd balls who seem to be playing more hands than average, you can continue to expand your range. It comes natural as you play more, and recognize people more.

And like others said, showdowns are so very important, especially if you were following the action closely.

[carddown]

Thanks, guys, I'm getting some nice suggestions. Phat Mack's is a good one for me, I can see how giving yourself an imaginary hand will engage you in the events and hold your attention. I know pretty much what I'm supposed to be watching for, but I need tips like this to make it stick.

I do make player notes after sessions, but it does little good when most of it has already faded away. One of the areas where I need to focus is re-playing the hand backwards. I'm going to try using an internal monologue narrating the action as a memory tool.

Part of my woes are from playing long sessions- I need to break sessions into digestible chunks of data. The suggestions of using the chip abacus, or making notes on a pad or a Palm Pilot are probably just what I need, and I may try that down the line. First, I'll work at trying my best to improve my Poker memory crutch-free.

[otter]

Navarro's book is good. He has a good mental exercise in there for improving your observation skills.

[AngusThermopyle]

In an unfamiliar situation I tend to quickly focus on 3 players. The "Mosts"

1. Most chips. Probably either the most profitable or the most dangerous opponent at the table. Find out how he got the chips and adjust.

2. Most active. PlayerA in 70% of the pots. PlayerB in 15% of the pots. I am probably going to be in more pots with PlayerA so I want more info on him.

3. Most aggressive. Pre and post flop. Find out what the raises mean.

[carddown]

Following TT's lead, I sent Mike Gallo a message- here is his reply:

Hello Carddown,

Welcome to the forums, since you sent me a pm I replied here instead of your post.

You can repost it if you like, or respond via pm.


Quote:
Build an mental file on each of your opponents.

Good idea. Recognize and make yourself aware of the better players. How do you know the better players? the better players usually play at the same table day in day out with the most amount of chips. The good players three bet more, raise more and play less hands.They tend to cold call raises less than the average player.

Scan the table and look for memorable features of each player.

ok again not a bad idea, however sometimes overrated

Assign nicknames until names are learned.

not a bad idea, again not that important to know a players name

Assign probable playing styles based on appearance.

bad idea....assign playing styles based on how the player plays his or her hand...

Observe and analyze, continually revising and refining information on each player.

good idea, players will evolve or as you improve you will see the player's weakness's

If someone is still a blank, probe for information with small talk.




if you observe the way someone plays enough you will get information


Consider buying yourself a 5/1/2 x 3 1/2 notebook. I still keep notes of all of my sessions. This will help you in the long run by recognizing and determining your own leaks as well as that of your opponents.

If you have any questions send me a pm.

Take care good luck and play well.
...................................

Thank you, Mike!