Raise: AA-77, AKs-ATs, KQs, AKo-AQo
~10-12% of hands. Be tight - 8 players behind you.
Raise: AA-55, AKs-A9s, KQs-KTs, QJs-QTs, JTs, AKo-ATo, KQo
~15-18% of hands. Add suited connectors, more broadways.
Raise: AA-22, AKs-A2s, KQs-K9s, QJs-Q9s, JTs-J9s, T9s-98s, AKo-A9o, KQo-KJo
~22-25% of hands. Getting wider, but still selective.
Raise: All pairs, all suited aces, suited kings to K5s, suited connectors/gappers 54s+, suited broadways, offsuit broadways ATo+, KJo+
~28-32% of hands. Very profitable position.
Raise: All pairs, all suited aces, all suited kings, most suited queens, all suited connectors, most offsuit broadways
~40-50% of hands. You always act last postflop!
vs Limpers: Raise strong hands to isolate, complete with suited connectors
vs Raise: 3-bet or fold most hands, calling is usually bad OOP
Defense: You get great odds. Defend wider vs late position, tighter vs early position.
AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo - always 3-bet for value
JJ, AQs - 3-bet vs late position opens, flat vs early position
A5s-A2s: Blocker to AA, good playability, can make nuts
76s, 65s, 54s: Make straights, hard to put you on these
K9s, Q9s: Suited high cards with some equity
In Position: 3x the open raise
Out of Position: 3.5-4x the open raise
Live: Go even bigger - 4-5x works well
A c-bet is betting on the flop after you raised preflop. It's profitable because you have the perceived range advantage.
| Board Type | Example | C-Bet Freq | Size | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry/Static | Kโ 7โฅ2โฆ | 70-80% | 25-33% | Few draws, small bets work |
| Medium | Qโ Jโฅ4โฆ | 50-60% | 50-66% | Some draws, need protection |
| Wet/Dynamic | Jโ Tโ 8โฅ | 35-45% | 66-80% | Many draws, charge them! |
| Ace-High | Aโ 9โฅ3โฆ | 40-50% | 25-33% | Recreationals play more Ax than you - they're not folding |
Out of Position (OOP):
In Position (IP):
Bluffing: Use a BIG size (75-120% pot) to condense their range. This forces out marginal hands and lets you give up on river if called.
Value: Use a custom size - the BIGGEST bet you think will get called. Against calling stations, go big. Against tighter players, size down to keep them in.
River is the simplest street - no more cards to come.
As a general rule: don't bluff the river unless you're experienced.
However, there ARE spots where river bluffs work:
These spots are advanced. Until you're experienced at reading these situations, just check back your missed draws and move on.
Usually not recommended, but works on boards that favor your range:
Formula: Call Amount รท (Pot + Call Amount) = Required Equity
| Bet Size | Pot Odds | Equity Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 25% pot | 5:1 | 17% |
| 33% pot | 4:1 | 20% |
| 50% pot | 3:1 | 25% |
| 66% pot | 2.5:1 | 28% |
| 75% pot | 2.3:1 | 30% |
| 100% pot | 2:1 | 33% |
| 150% pot | 1.67:1 | 37% |
| 200% pot | 1.5:1 | 40% |
| Draw Type | Outs | FlopโRiver | TurnโRiver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flush draw | 9 | 36% | 18% |
| Open-ended straight | 8 | 32% | 16% |
| Gutshot straight | 4 | 16% | 8% |
| Two overcards | 6 | 24% | 12% |
| Flush + gutshot | 12 | 45% | 24% |
| Flush + OESD | 15 | 54% | 30% |
| Set to full house | 7 | 28% | 14% |
| Two pair to FH | 4 | 16% | 8% |
The extra money you expect to win on future streets if you hit your draw.
Good implied odds: Set mining, suited connectors, hidden draws
Bad implied odds: Obvious draws (4-flush on board), reverse implied odds
How often you need to continue to prevent opponent from profitably bluffing.
Formula: MDF = Pot Size รท (Pot Size + Bet Size)
| Bet Size | MDF |
|---|---|
| 33% pot | 75% |
| 50% pot | 67% |
| 75% pot | 57% |
| 100% pot | 50% |
Formula: Effective Stack รท Pot Size (on flop)
| Action | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| UTG open | Top 10-12% (77+, ATs+, KQs, AQo+) |
| MP open | Top 15-18% |
| CO open | Top 25-30% |
| BTN open | Top 40-50% |
| SB open | Top 35-45% |
| Limp | Weak range - small pairs, suited connectors, weak aces |
| 3-bet (live) | Usually QQ+, AK. Sometimes JJ, AQs |
| Cold call 3-bet | Usually medium pairs, suited connectors |
| Line | Usually Means |
|---|---|
| Bet-Bet-Bet (3 barrels) | Very strong OR big bluff (polarized) |
| Bet-Bet-Check | Medium strength, afraid of raise |
| Bet-Check-Bet | Pot control then value, or turned draw |
| Check-Raise Flop | Strong hand or big draw |
| Check-Call, Check-Raise Turn | Slowplayed monster |
| Overbet River | Polarized: Absolute nuts or total air |
| Min-bet River | Weak hand wanting cheap showdown, or trap |
When you want to get all-in by the river, use bets that "geometrically" build the pot.
| Board Type | Size | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Dry (K72r) | 25-33% | Few draws, cheap bluffs work |
| Medium (QJ4) | 50-66% | Some draws, need protection |
| Wet (JT9ss) | 66-80% | Many draws, charge maximum |
| Paired (KK4) | 25-33% | You have range advantage |
Use when:
Cards you hold that reduce combinations of hands your opponent can have.
Betting to prevent opponents from realizing equity with their draws.
| Stakes | Buy-In | Bankroll (Recreational) | Bankroll (Serious) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1/$2 | $200-$300 | $2,000-$3,000 | $4,000-$6,000 |
| $1/$3 | $300-$500 | $3,000-$5,000 | $6,000-$10,000 |
| $2/$5 | $500-$1,000 | $5,000-$10,000 | $10,000-$20,000 |
| $5/$10 | $1,000-$2,000 | $15,000-$25,000 | $25,000-$50,000 |
Track every session:
Choose your study area:
Early stages play similar to cash games. Key principles:
Many fish bust early. To get their chips, you must:
Stacks shrink, antes kick in, dynamics change significantly.
| Stack | Strategy |
|---|---|
| 40+ BB | Full poker - all options open |
| 25-40 BB | Tighten up vs 3-bets, look for reshove spots |
| 15-25 BB | Danger zone - shove or fold most hands |
| 10-15 BB | Pure push/fold territory |
From Nick Petrangelo's course - you can defend LOOSER at shorter depths:
Use early levels to build a tight image, then exploit it in middle stages:
Independent Chip Model - Converts tournament chips to real dollar value.
| Situation | ICM Impact |
|---|---|
| Money Bubble | HIGHEST - $0 to min-cash is infinite % jump |
| Final Table Bubble | Very High - massive pay jumps |
| Final Table | High - each elimination = big $ jump |
| Early/Middle | Low - play closer to chip EV |
Measures how chip odds differ from dollar odds. Higher = tighter play needed.
| Your Stack | ICM Strategy |
|---|---|
| Short (5-12bb) | Low bubble factor - must gamble to survive. Shove good hands. |
| Medium (15-30bb) | HIGH bubble factor - avoid marginal spots. Survival valuable. |
| Big (40bb+) | Apply pressure. You can bust others without risking your tournament. |
Use these to study: ICMIZER, HRC (Holdem Resources Calculator), GTO Wizard
When one or few eliminations remain until the money. Players do things on the bubble they don't do at any other stage.
| Your Stack | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Short (5-10bb) | MUST gamble. Your fold equity is your friend. Shove decent hands - survival by folding isn't sustainable. |
| Medium (15-25bb) | AVOID marginal spots. Survival has huge value. Fold solid hands to big stacks. |
| Big (40bb+) | APPLY MAXIMUM PRESSURE. Raise wide, bully medium stacks mercilessly. They can't fight back. |
Short stacks should seek spots to gamble with reasonable equity
Medium stacks should avoid marginal confrontations
Big stacks should exploit both situations
Daniel Negreanu: "Past the bubble, the entire dynamic shifts. Short stacks open up their game. They'll shove A7 now because there's less at risk. Big stack leverage disappears."
| Situation | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Pay jumps are huge | ICM matters more - tighten calling ranges |
| Short stacks loosen up | Call their shoves tighter than before bubble |
| Identifying player types | Who's "playing to win" vs "laddering up"? |
The jump from 2nd to 1st can be MASSIVE (often 50%+ of remaining prize pool).
When stacks are shallow and variance is high, consider ICM chops. Don't let ego cost you equity!
Below 15bb, your options narrow. Below 10bb, it's often pure push or fold.
| Position | Push Range | % of Hands |
|---|---|---|
| UTG | 44+, A4s+, K9s+, QTs+, A9o+, KJo+ | ~17% |
| UTG+1 | 33+, A2s+, K9s+, Q9s+, A9o+, KJo+ | ~20% |
| HJ | 22+, A2s+, K9s+, Q9s+, J9s+, A3o+, KTo+ | ~28% |
| CO | 22+, A2s+, K6s+, Q8s+, J8s+, A2o+, KTo+ | ~32% |
| BTN | 22+, A2s+, K2s+, Q5s+, J6s+, A2o+, K7o+ | ~39% |
| SB | 22+, A2s+, K2s+, Q2s+, J2s+, T2s+, most offsuit | ~78% |
At 15bb, you can sometimes min-raise instead of shoving:
| Situation | Calling Range |
|---|---|
| Short stack shoves 5bb | Very wide - any pair, A5o+, K9s+ |
| Medium stack shoves 12bb | Tighter - 77+, AJo+, ATs+ |
| Near bubble (you have medium stack) | VERY tight - TT+, AK only sometimes |
Nash calculators, ICMIZER, SnapShove app, HRC
Progressive Knockout: Half buy-in โ prize pool, half โ your bounty.
| Situation | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| You cover opponent | Play WIDER - bounty adds value to calls |
| Opponent covers you | Play TIGHTER - you can't win their bounty |
| Big bounty on opponent | Call much wider, even marginal hands |
| Big bounty on YOU | Expect wider calls - bluff less, value bet more |
Compare bounties to starting stacks:
Bounties are small. Play similar to regular MTT. Don't chase $5 bounties and bust.
Bounties are HUGE. Justify very loose all-ins when you cover short stacks with big bounties.
Blinds are low, but busting is permanent. Be selective.
Passive play gets exploited. Others stop giving action, then steal relentlessly.
People call down wider when you're always betting. Find balance.
Winning one tournament doesn't mean you can beat higher stakes. Progress steadily.
Jonathan Little: "Know effective stacks in every hand. A 10bb opponent changes everything."
Playing chip EV near bubbles = lighting money on fire.
Long tournaments amplify tilt. One bad decision can undo hours of good play.
Huge pay jump, but many players are weak HU. Study it!
Day 2s, long sessions - fatigue kills decision-making. Stay rested.
Tilt is anger that causes you to play sub-optimally. It's NOT just throwing chips around โ even subtle frustration affects decision quality. Jared Tendler (Mental Game of Poker) identifies 7 distinct types:
| Type | Trigger | Inner Monologue |
|---|---|---|
| Injustice Tilt | Bad beats, coolers | "This isn't fair! I always lose flips!" |
| Hate-Losing Tilt | Any loss | "How is it possible to lose like this again?!" |
| Mistake Tilt | Your own errors | "I knew better! How can I be so stupid?!" |
| Entitlement Tilt | Losing to "weaker" players | "I'm too good to lose to this donkey!" |
| Revenge Tilt | Specific opponent | "I'm gonna 3-bet this idiot every hand!" |
| Desperation Tilt | Need to win back losses | "I'll stay here all night until I'm even!" |
| Running Bad Tilt | Accumulated losses | Compound effect of all other tilts |
Which types affect YOU most? Rate yourself 1-10 for each:
The "zone" is when you're fully immersed, making clear decisions without distraction. Characteristics:
Performance requires the RIGHT amount of mental energy:
| Energy Level | Result |
|---|---|
| Too Low | Tired, bored, unmotivated, missing spots |
| Optimal | Alert, focused, making best decisions |
| Too High | Tilted, anxious, overexcited, mistakes |
Find your Goldilocks zone โ not too much, not too little.
Even 10-15 minutes daily builds focus and emotional control:
When you notice your mind wandering:
| Level | Description | When It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| A-Game | Your best poker. All skills engaged, optimal decisions. | Well-rested, focused, emotionally stable, prepared |
| B-Game | Solid but not peak. Conscious skills work, some mistakes. | Slightly tired, minor distractions, acceptable |
| C-Game | Poor performance. Only automatic habits remain. | Tilted, exhausted, distracted, emotional |
When you're at your best, you:
What pushes YOU to your worst?
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Unconscious Incompetence | You don't know what you don't know |
| Conscious Incompetence | You know the skill but can't execute |
| Conscious Competence | You can do it when focused |
| Unconscious Competence | It's automatic (only available in A/B game) |
Developed by Elliot Roe for consistent peak performance:
| Letter | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| A | Activate Your Mind | Watch a training video, review notes, solve a few GTO puzzles |
| G | Goal Setting | Pick 1-3 specific focus areas for this session |
| A | Assemble Things | Water, snacks, phone away, environment ready |
| M | Meditation | 5-15 minutes to clear mind, transition to performance mode |
| E | Eliminate Distractions | Social media closed, notifications off, family notified |
After every session, ask:
Poker is a mental game, but your brain runs on your body. Physical health directly impacts decision quality:
| Sleep | Cognitive Impact |
|---|---|
| 7-8 hours | Optimal decision-making, memory consolidation |
| 6 hours | Noticeable reduction in complex thinking |
| 5 hours | Similar to being legally drunk |
| <5 hours | Severely impaired judgment |
Poker burnout is real. Protect yourself:
Variance is the statistical measure of how results deviate from expectation. In poker, even winning players will have extended losing periods.
| Format | Potential Downswing |
|---|---|
| Cash 6-max | 10-20 buy-ins over 50,000 hands |
| Cash Full Ring | 10-15 buy-ins over 50,000 hands |
| MTT | 100+ buy-ins over months |
| PLO | 30-50 buy-ins (higher variance) |
| Format | Conservative BRM |
|---|---|
| NLHE Cash | 30-50 buy-ins |
| PLO Cash | 50-100 buy-ins |
| MTT | 100-200 buy-ins |
| Spin & Go | 100+ buy-ins |
How downswings become self-perpetuating:
Upswings have pitfalls too:
Top performers in every field โ athletes, musicians, surgeons โ use pre-performance routines. They prime the brain for optimal execution.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0-10 min | Light exercise or walking |
| 10-20 min | Review notes, watch training clip, solve puzzles |
| 20-25 min | Meditation or breathing exercises |
| 25-30 min | Set session goals, eliminate distractions |
Before playing, spend 2-3 minutes visualizing:
Ask yourself: "How do I want to show up today?"
Most players have a "graveyard of notes" โ they study, take notes, then never revisit them. Information without application is wasted.
| Passive (Less Effective) | Active (More Effective) |
|---|---|
| Watching videos without notes | Pause, think, write action steps |
| Reading strategy posts | Solve hands yourself first |
| Following along with coach | Try it yourself, then compare |
| Memorizing charts | Understanding WHY behind ranges |
Rate yourself 1-10 on each skill area:
Work on your LOWEST scores first for maximum improvement.
Self-efficacy is your belief in your ability to execute SPECIFIC tasks. It's not vague "confidence" โ it's targeted:
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Mastery Experiences | Succeed at increasingly difficult tasks |
| Vicarious Learning | Watch others similar to you succeed |
| Verbal Persuasion | Coaching, self-talk, affirmations |
| Emotional States | Associate calm, positive feelings with poker |
Common fears when taking shots at higher stakes:
| Fixed Mindset | Growth Mindset |
|---|---|
| "I'm bad at bluffing" | "I'm learning to bluff better" |
| "I can't beat this stake" | "I haven't beaten it YET" |
| "Mistakes mean I'm bad" | "Mistakes show where to improve" |
| "Natural talent determines success" | "Work and study determine success" |
Replace negative thoughts:
Keep a record of times you played courageously:
Review this log when confidence is low. Remind yourself: you CAN do this.
Even top pros feel like frauds sometimes. Remember:
Your brain uses 20% of your total energy. Poor nutrition = poor decisions. Top pros treat nutrition like any other edge.
| Include | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Lean protein (chicken, fish, eggs) | Heavy, greasy foods |
| Complex carbs (oats, brown rice) | Simple sugars (candy, soda) |
| Healthy fats (avocado, nuts) | Large portions that make you sleepy |
| Vegetables for fiber | Alcohol (even small amounts) |
| Timing | Effect |
|---|---|
| Morning session | Coffee 30 min before is fine |
| Afternoon session | Moderate caffeine OK, avoid after 2pm for sleep |
| Night session | Minimal caffeine - use other energy strategies |
| Multi-day tournament | Taper caffeine to avoid tolerance buildup |
Spikes and crashes affect mood and decisions:
| Hour | Strategy |
|---|---|
| 0-2 | Peak energy - play your A-game spots |
| 2-4 | Light snack, stretch break, water |
| 4-6 | Meal break if possible, reassess energy |
| 6+ | Honest assessment: are you still playing well? |
| Book | Author | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| The Mental Game of Poker | Jared Tendler | Tilt, confidence, motivation |
| The Mental Game of Poker 2 | Jared Tendler | A-C game, learning, zone |
| Zen and the Art of Poker | Larry Phillips | Mindfulness, patience, discipline |
| The Poker Mindset | Hilger & Taylor | Emotional control, bankroll |
| Elements of Poker | Tommy Angelo | Reciprocality, quitting, focus |
| App | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Primed Mind | Hypnotherapy for poker (Elliot Roe) | Subscription |
| Headspace | General meditation | Subscription |
| Calm | Sleep & meditation | Subscription |
| Insight Timer | Free meditation library | Free |
| Session tracker apps | Track mental states with results | Varies |
In PLO, you get 4 hole cards but must use EXACTLY 2. All 4 cards should work together!
| # | Hand | Why It's Strong |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aโ AโฆKโ Kโฆ | Best hand - high pairs + nut flush potential |
| 2 | Aโ AโฆJโ Tโฆ | Aces + broadway straight potential |
| 3 | Aโ AโฆQโ Qโฆ | Double premium pairs |
| 4 | Aโ AโฆJโ Jโฆ | Double premium pairs |
| 5 | Aโ AโฆTโ Tโฆ | Aces with solid backup |
| 6 | Aโ Aโฆ9โ 9โฆ | Aces with medium pair |
| 7 | Aโ Aโฆ7โ 5โฆ | Aces with hidden straight potential |
| 8 | Jโ Tโฆ9โ 8โฆ | Premium rundown - massive straight potential |
| 9 | Kโ KโฆQโ Qโฆ | High double pair |
| 10 | Kโ KโฆJโ Jโฆ | High double pair |
| Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High | KQJT, QJT9, JT98 | Best - make nut straights |
| Medium | T987, 9876, 8765 | Good - still strong |
| Low | 7654, 6543, 5432 | Caution - often 2nd nut straight |
| Gapped | JT97, T986, 9875 | OK with 1 gap, weak with 2+ |
| Concept | NLHE | PLO |
|---|---|---|
| Hole cards | 2 | 4 (use exactly 2) |
| AA preflop equity | ~85% vs random | ~65% vs random |
| Equities preflop | Can be 80/20 | Rarely better than 65/35 |
| Average winning hand | Often one pair | Two pair minimum |
| Bluffing | Common, effective | Rare, less effective |
| Slowplaying | Sometimes correct | Almost never correct |
| Variance | High | MUCH higher |
This means:
You MUST use exactly 2 of your hole cards and exactly 3 board cards.
Position matters even MORE in PLO than Hold'em:
Max Raise = Pot + Call Amount + Call Amount
A "wrap" is a straight draw that wraps around the board cards, giving you more outs than a standard straight draw.
| Your Hand | Board | Outs | Cards That Hit |
|---|---|---|---|
| JT87 | 96x | 20 | 5, 8, 8, 8, T, T, T, J, J, J, Q, Q, Q, Q |
| 9876 | T5x | 17 | 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, J |
| JT98 | Q7x | 13 | 8, 9, T, K |
| 8765 | 94x | 20 | 3, 6, 7, 8, T |
Compare to Hold'em OESD: only 8 outs!
When you have a wrap PLUS a flush draw:
| Draw Type | Outs | FlopโRiver | TurnโRiver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nut flush draw | 9 | 36% | 18% |
| 13-card wrap | 13 | 48% | 28% |
| 17-card wrap | 17 | 60% | 36% |
| 20-card wrap | 20 | 68% | 42% |
| Wrap + flush draw | 20-25 | 70-80% | 45-55% |
Sets are strong but VULNERABLE in PLO:
Always ask: "What is the nuts RIGHT NOW?"
| Situation | C-Bet Freq | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heads-up, dry board | 50-60% | Still less than Hold'em |
| Heads-up, wet board | 30-40% | Only with equity |
| Multiway | 20-30% | Need strong hand/draw |
| Hand | Strength | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Nut straight/flush/FH | Nuts | Bet/raise, build pot |
| Top set | Very strong | Bet big, protect |
| Wrap + flush draw | Very strong | Bet/raise aggressively |
| Bottom set | Strong but vulnerable | Bet, but be careful |
| Top two pair | Medium-strong | Bet, fold to heavy action |
| Nut flush draw | Medium | Semi-bluff or call |
| Overpair (AA) | Weak! | Bluff-catcher at best |
| One pair | Very weak | Usually fold to action |
Unlike Hold'em, donk betting can be correct in PLO:
Blockers are HUGE in PLO because there are more card combinations.
PLO hands LOOK playable - most are trash!
PLO has MUCH higher variance than Hold'em - you need a bigger bankroll!
| Risk Level | Buy-ins | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aggressive | 30-40 | High risk of ruin |
| Standard | 40-50 | Recommended for most |
| Conservative | 50-100 | Safe, can handle downswings |
Compare to Hold'em (20-30 buy-ins) - you need almost double!