Ed Miller's 7 ez Steps to NL Success - Don't play OOP

[Avicenna]

Discussion thread for Ed Miller's
[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]7 Easy Steps to No-Limit Hold’em Success — Step 2: Don’t Play Out of Position [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]

While Ed allows for replies on his blog, I thought that it would be better discussed here. I hope that it is not a problem.

My thoughts on playing OOP:
I used to play with a "Raise or fold" philosophy. I guess that it was a limit heritage. Needless to say, when first in, I am always out-of-position. Agression helps of course but personaly, my profits were limited.
How to remedy? I read: "don't play OOP".
Okay, now, how do you "play in position"?

Personnaly I did two things.
a) I increased my 3-bets range. I pick up more pots pre-flop, but once called the pot in contested.
b) I started to "cold-call" on the Button (thus with absolute position) with some suited connectors. I've got to call (or raise) the c-bet then re-evaluate on the turn (i.e. firing when checked to).

Well I do not see a big increase in win-rate yet. I guess that I must practise and study.
Other advices, comments, etc..?

[joeblack]

I too have started 3-betting more and even 3-betting light on the button.

I play suited connectors OOP (limp) which I think is a personal flaw(?) but on the button I will raise.

Sounds like your doing good.

[plsfoldthx]

what do you do with small-medium pocket pairs OOP

[syphlix]

limping SC oop is pretty bad imo... cuz u just end up oop (obv) w a hand that mostly blows oop...

[loosbastard]

[ QUOTE ]
what do you do with small-medium pocket pairs OOP

[/ QUOTE ]

6-max I raise. FR I usually limp as I get farther from the button...but it really depends on the table.

[niffe9]

[ QUOTE ]


Personnaly I did two things.
a) I increased my 3-bets range. I pick up more pots pre-flop, but once called the pot in contested.
b) I started to "cold-call" on the Button (thus with absolute position) with some suited connectors. I've got to call (or raise) the c-bet then re-evaluate on the turn (i.e. firing when checked to).



[/ QUOTE ]

I think when talking about playing position we are not necesarily talking about the two things you mentioned. I think 3 betting and cold calling raises on the button are tools that you have that are more to do with combatting a 20/15 TAG. To play in position you should increase your opening range, decrease your defending from the blinds, and decrease your open limping.

[Avicenna]

[ QUOTE ]
I think when talking about playing position we are not necesarily talking about the two things you mentioned. I think 3 betting and cold calling raises on the button are tools that you have that are more to do with combatting a 20/15 TAG. To play in position you should increase your opening range, decrease your defending from the blinds, and decrease your open limping.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks. Let's discuss.
[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]increase your opening range
I suppose that you talk about punishing limpers, weak raisers, loose players and bad players. Also isolation play.

[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]decrease your defending from the blinds
Agreed. I play my 3-bet range from the blinds, and PP.

[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]decrease your open limping.
Open limping? What's that?

[niffe9]

[ QUOTE ]


Thanks. Let's discuss.
[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]increase your opening range
I suppose that you talk about punishing limpers, weak raisers, loose players and bad players. Also isolation play.

[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]decrease your defending from the blinds
Agreed. I play my 3-bet range from the blinds, and PP.

[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]decrease your open limping.
Open limping? What's that?

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All the the things I mentioned are done to increase the number and percentage of pots that you are playing in position.
1. I am not directly talking about punishing loose limpers and isolating. I am talking about raising with hands like 68s in late position instead of folding it so that you get a chance to play a pot in position.
2. I don't think you need to be as tight as your 3betting range, but you have the right mentality. You shouldn't be too excited to play a pot from the blinds against a raise from a solid TAG in EP or MP.
3. An open limp is just calling the blind when you are the first person to voluntarily put chips in the pot. For example, limping with 55 in MP as the first one in the pot. Instead, raise to give you a shot at position or just fold.

[tozzy]

who is ed miller?

[Vegas_VIP]

lol