Rec Poker

Many of the books, and even input from our resident pros, is within the context of a larger buy-in tournament which is generally much deeper stacked and longer blind levels. What are some the key things we need to bear in mind when considering input about those tournaments and how it translates to the small, weekly tournaments? These are tournaments where you perhaps start with 10,000 chips and face blind levels of 15-20 minutes. Although average stack should not be the benchmark, it is useful as a reference point -- and in these low buy-in weekly tournaments, often the final table has an average stack of 10-15 big blinds. How do we adjust our learning about larger tournament strategy and what are the key things to consider in these types of tournaments that is different than the larger buy-in, multiple day tournaments?

Steve discuss his strategies going into the Pot O' Gold tournament at Running Aces which features 6 day 1 flights, buy backs, and an accumulator bonus. He discusses how to approach the end of day 1 depending on your overall strategy in the tournament, some general tournament strategies he is fine-tuning, and a specific hand or two from the tournament.

In this episode we address a second question from rec player Don Dukate: When I have a decent stack nearing the bubble (bagging for day 2 or the money bubble), I think my play tends to become too loose/aggressive and I lose a lot (if not all) of my chips. Is this just a natural part of things or what things should I consider to see if I have a leak or am playing sub-optimally?

In this episode we address a question from rec player Don Dukate: I sometimes get a big stack early, maybe first three levels. I was looking for input how to play the big stack. Do you apply more pressure, see more flops, or other? I don't seem to capitalize on this advantage and am not sure what should be my overall approach; or changes to my current approach.

$11 6-max online tournament We are about 40th place of the 180 remaining from about 400 entries; top 54 will get paid. We have 28k chips with blinds at 25/500 (so 56 big blinds) Our opponent (or “villain”) in this had is about 3rd in chips with 67k •Villain in the cut-off has recently added quite a bit of chips to his stack and has picked up his aggression, he quickly went from 11k to 67k in the past 16 hands where he has played 10 of them. •Out of a total 56 hand sample size -- He is playing 38% VPIP (voluntarily put chips in) with 17% PR (preflop raise). •He has only 3 bet once and never 4 bet. •He has C-bet 100% of the time and folded to a c-bet 3/7 times. •He has won every hand (6/6) that he went showdown (this includes the 3 all-ins below). •In his big winning hands he open-limped and called a raise with 22 and then shoved All-In over a c-bet with a set (22k shove over a 2.1k c-bet). And then called two all-ins (16-20BBs) pre with KJo and AQo *** PRE-FLOP *** Player1(UTG): folds Villain(CO): raises 1

This situation if from the Running Aces Avalanche tournament submitted by Doug Behrens. It is broken down by Jonathan Little as well as host Steve Fredlund and other recreation players Steve Olson, Taylor Maas, and Rob Washam. 1.Level 6 of day 1, 12 levels played day 1 2. 58k chips, average 24k, blinds 50,200, 400 3. My table image TAG, table very TAG except 4. Villain seems LAG 65k 5. From hijack I raise 1100 w KsQc, Villain button calls, BB, calls 6. Flop 8s8cQh, BB checks, I bet 1800, Villain smooth calls, BB folds 7. Turn 8h, I bet 3000, Villain calls 8. River 3d, I bet 6000 Villain raises to 16000, I call 9. Villain shows 8d9s for quads to beat my boat

This situation if from the Running Aces Avalanche tournament submitted by Doug Behrens. It is broken down by Jonathan Little as well as host Steve Fredlund and other recreation players Steve Olson, Taylor Maas, and Rob Washam. 1.Level 6 of day 1, 12 levels played day 1 2. 58k chips, average 24k, blinds 50,200, 400 3. My table image TAG, table very TAG except 4. Villain seems LAG 65k 5. From hijack I raise 1100 w KsQc, Villain button calls, BB, calls 6. Flop 8s8cQh, BB checks, I bet 1800, Villain smooth calls, BB folds 7. Turn 8h, I bet 3000, Villain calls 8. River 3d, I bet 6000 Villain raises to 16000, I call 9. Villain shows 8d9s for quads to beat my boat

In this episode we hear from 10 players about a situation involving AQ suited under-the-gun. We hear from Professionals (Jonathan Little, Chris "Fox" Wallace, and Mike Schneider) along with Recreationals (Taylor Maas, Doug Behrens, Stacey Nelson, Steve Olson, Derek Smith, Rob Washam & host Steve Fredlund). Here’s the situation for this week; similar assumptions to last week but a different hand scenario * 10 person table in early stages of tourney * Blinds are 300/600 with 100 ante * Everyone has 30,000 chips (50 big blinds) * Every player is a standard tight aggressive player * We are under-the-gun with AQ suited and we raise to 1,500 * The UTG+2 player calls * The button raises to 5,300 * Both blinds fold and it's back on us 1) What is your typical course of action under the base assumptions? 2) Holding all else equal, how would the stack size of the UTG+2 caller have to change for us to change our action? 3) Holding all else equal, how would the stack size of the Button re-raiser have to change for u

In this episode, Jonathan Little, Chris "Fox" Wallace, Taylor Maas, Doug Behrens & host Steve Fredlund discuss a specific scenario facing a button raise with A5 suited in the big blind: * 10 person table in early stages of tourney * Blinds are 300/600 with 100 ante * Everyone has 30,000 chips (50 big blinds) * Every player is a standard tight aggressive player * Folds to player on button who raises to 1,800 * Folds to us in big blind with A5 suited The goal is to give thoughts on this base scenario, but then explore how some of the assumptions would have to change to change the action. So the questions posed to those providing input are: 1) What is your typical course of action under the base assumptions? 2) Holding all else equal, how would the stack size of the initial raiser have to change for us to change our action? 3) Holding all else equal, how would our stack size have to change for us to change our action? 4) Holding all else equal, how would the player type of the initial player have to change

In this episode, Jonathan Little, Chris "Fox" Wallace, Derek Smith, Taylor Maas, Doug Behrens & host Steve Fredlund discuss a specific scenario facing a raise with KQ suited in late position: * 10 person table in early stages of tourney * Blinds are 300/600 with 100 ante * Everyone has 30,000 chips (50 big blinds) * Every player is a standard tight aggressive player * Folds to player in UTG+2 who raises to 1,600 * Folds to us in cutoff with KQ hearts The goal is to give thoughts on this base scenario, but then explore how some of the assumptions would have to change to change the action. So the questions posed to those providing input are: 1) What is your typical course of action under the base assumptions? 2) Holding all else equal, how would the stack size of the initial raiser have to change for us to change our action? 3) Holding all else equal, how would our stack size have to change for us to change our action? 4) Holding all else equal, how would the stacks sizes of those behind us have to change

In this episode, Jonathan Little, Mike Schneider, Derek Smith, Taylor Maas & Steve Olson discuss some of their most difficult spots they have faced.

In this episode, host Steve Fredlund summarizes his key takeaways over the first 60 episodes. On the eve of Running Aces' "Cold Hard Cash" tournament, Steve is using this as a way to prepare to play his A-game for the event.

In this episode, host Steve Fredlund and several guest contributors explore how to play small & medium pocket pairs, including both preflop & postflop as well as in & out of position.

In this episode, host Steve Fredlund facilitates a discussion around a hand submitted by recreational player Jason Ackerman. Here is that situation: Couple hours into the tournament average chip stack is about 23,000. I have 35,000. I believe blinds are at 400/800. One limper we are on the button and I raise to 2000 with 9/7 of Clubs. BB calls has 14,000 behind. Limper calls and is big stack ~80,000 very aggressive player. Flop comes 10C 5C 6D. Checks to us, for pot control we elect to check back even though I have gut shot and flush draw. Turn brings the 3H. We now have a double belly buster straight draw and a flush draw. BB bets 4,000. Aggressive player raises to 10,000. I planned to snap call the 4K. I figure I have 15 outs to win the pot. I ask dealer if I call the 10,000 (which would leave me ~23,000) and if the BB re-raises all in: can big stack re-raise again? Dealer counts BB chips he has less than the raise count and says no. Then thinks about it and says yes (someone says if it is

Tilt is something most players struggle with and it can take many different forms. In this episode, you will hear advice from host Steve Fredlund, a few other recreational players, and our experts Jonathan Little, MIke Schneider, and Dr. Tricia Cardner.

Hand Scenario: $280 buy-in tournament with 6 day 1's which includes buy backs (if advance to day 2 twice, you play the bigger stack and get $1,200 for the small one that is forfeited). Start with 20,000 chips and will play 16 30 minute levels on day 1. Advanced with small stack in day 1A and playing day 1B. Have a very tough table but have managed to build from 20k up to 60k about half way through the day. We are in level 8 with the blinds at 300/600 and a 50 ante. 10-handed table. I am in the cut-off and it's folded to me. I have a very solid image as everything I have had to shown down has been a very good hand. I decide to open to 1500 with KJ offsuit (K spade, J clubs) (thoughts?) I get called by the button, a very solid player who doesn't get out of line but is definitely capable of floating and applying pressure. He is the only stack at the table bigger than me (of course) with about 70k (Derek Murphy for those of you in Minnesota). The blinds fold and Derek and I are heads up with a pot

In a special edition, we move away from strategy for a week and celebrate the success of the All-in for Africa VII tournament by hearing interviews with several players that were done at AIFA. Thanks to everyone who was involved in this great tournament with great impact.

In this episode, we consider the pros & cons of wearing sunglasses and hoods. This topic was triggered by Mike Johnson. You will hear thoughts from your host (Steve Fredlund) resident experts (Jonathan Little, Chris "Fox" Wallace, Mike Schneider), as well as Dr. Tricia Cardner and Zach Elwood.

In this episode, we look at playing post-flop when we were the pre-flop caller. This topic was triggered by Mike Johnson and others. You will hear thoughts from your host, Steve Fredlund and resident experts Jonathan Little, Chris "Fox" Wallace, and Mike Schneider.

In this episode, we look at playing post-flop when we were the pre-flop raiser. This topic was triggered by Mike Engelhaupt and others. You will hear thoughts from your host, Steve Fredlund, but also from our resident experts Jonathan Little, Chris "Fox" Wallace, and Mike Schneider as well as pulling some insight from on-line articles. Next week we will look at post-flop play against an opponent that was the pre-flop raiser.