Grinding Question

JerseyDonkey · #1 10-07-2007, 10:09 PM

Okay so I have a dumb question, when I go down to AC I can make about $100 - $150 in about 4 to 6 hours. Then if I stay any longer, I end up donking off my profits, or even sometimes my whole stack trying to work my way to a particular amount (say $200 - $300). Should I impose a time limit on myself, should I keep shooting for my goal of around $200 in profits, or do something else entirely like go to another casino or take an hour or so break and come back. I don't think it has anything to do with being tired, I think people adjust, or worse maybe I'm just too tight. Basically, what's a good grinding strategy?

Xibalba · #2 10-07-2007, 10:14 PM

Don't focus on making one amount. Focus on playing well. Make correct decisions.

RyverRat · #3 10-07-2007, 10:26 PM

As you get deeper more speculative hands will call your raises as their implied odds increase against you.

I wouldnt aim for a cash target either. Set yourself a time target instead as a cash target could make you make mistakes like bet sizing, playing too tight etc.

Bulla · #4 10-07-2007, 10:44 PM

It doesn't really matter if you set yourself a time limit each day, but do not try to make a certain amount each day. This will kill your playing ability. I noticed i would do this a lot and i lost way to much money this way. What ive been doin lately is just playing to play not to win the money and my thought process has been a lot better, making the right moves instead of trying to make the most amount of cash. Disipline is hard but it pays off im starting to see.

basementproject · #5 10-07-2007, 11:17 PM

It's possible people are catching on to you. There's tons of discussion floating around on these boards about learning to "switch gears" when playing long sessions. The only way you're going to stop opponents from exploiting you is by never allowing them to figure you out.

It's possible you start drifting off, mentally, after that amount of time even if you don't feel like you're getting tired.

Do an experiment next time you're out, and play your regular TAG strat for a couple hours, then go hyper or passive for a couple orbits. Even if you have to give up a BB or two making agressive moves, it's probably better off for your winrate in the long run.

When I play at the casino up here it's generally pretty easy to exploit alot of the guys, because you know they play the same way, hand after hand- that being said, don't let yourself fall into the same trap.

GL

JerseyDonkey · #6 10-26-2007, 11:44 AM

Oh man thanks for the help guys, I totally thought I was going to get completely ignored lol I think Ryver, that I didn't consider I'd be a juicer target for weaker hands that get in cheap for instance, that's something I definitely have to pay attention to. Disipline I don't think I have so much of a hard time with, but I could be losing it as time goes on, maybe I am playing a bit too long. I think Basement hit it though, I'm nervous about switching gears because I feel I can get myself in a lot of trouble playing too loose, particularly since I play NL. I'm going to have to look up some good LAG strats so I don't get too predictable. Thanks again guys =)

SellingtheDrama · #7 10-26-2007, 11:53 AM

yeah I have the same problem - its just about the only thing in poker that frustrates me anymore.

All I care about is playing in a game where I'm +EV, and I just let the rest take care of itself. Factors in that are both my opponents and myself (if I'm tired, my EV obviously decreases). When I don't think its worth playing anymore, I stop.

If you're playing NL in AC, I'm a bit concerned that you can never get over a $200 hump, that's less than one buyin.

scpi10 · #8 10-26-2007, 12:05 PM

If the table is good stay, if the table is bad you should leave. If your tired you should defintely quit. Playing when you're not 100% is -ev

SellingtheDrama · #9 10-26-2007, 12:13 PM

well not 100% -EV isn't quite true...it lowers your EV, yes. But its not often I feel 100%, so it would be awfully tough to only play then.

I do very well in the 2/5 game, and reasonably well in the 5/10 NL...part of it is knowing when to rack up and go home and when to stick out a certain player - especially at 5/10, where a donator can go through ALOT of money...you want to get your piece.