Understanding of the game

[Hattifnatt]

didnt get any responses on the question about MoP. However I have started reading it and it seems great for improving/develop the things I thought about in this thread.

[Hattifnatt]

more answers on the question(s) in the original posts are welcome indeed.

[Big_Jim]

As I see it, there are a few types of understanding.

Fundamentals, the underlying mathematics of the game. From pot odds to complex multi-street EV calcs. Most of the more complex math is impractical to actually use at the table, but doing calcs away from the table can get your intuition pretty good.

Hand reading and pattern recognition. Knowing which players to give action to and which to shut down against. Figuring out how to detect strength and weakness from various betting patterns and tells. Knowing how various opponents react to getting running over or taking a horrendous beat. PT helps us with a lot of this.

Opponent manipulation. Figuring out how to set a player up for a big fall, how to make them tilt or get off their game, how to disguise your hand, and how to stay one level ahead of your opponents.

Synergy. Using your knowledge of the above to formulate plays/an overall gameplan.


Of course, knowing these things doesn't make you a good player. Most of these can be discussed at length in theoretical terms with great detail, but it doesn't do you much good if you can't recall it at the table. It's not always so easy to apply what you know in the heat of the moment. Especially if you're tilt prone.

On the other hand, of course, many successful players are severely lacking in fundamentals, but their superior hand reading and/or ability to manipulate their opponents make them winners.