First Step to Improvement

I generally hear and read about people wanting to improve their game. The problem I see with the issue of improvement towards poker is that the game is such a diverse game people never really know how to improve. Let me explain, the game of poker is so dynamic in so many ways the real question is where do you start in the learning process and how do you actually get better?

The first step to improvement is analyzing or grading your current game. We have all been there on report card day sitting and nervously waiting and hoping that you don’t get any terrible surprises that could inevitably leave you grounded or in some serious trouble when you come home. I bring this up because you need to give yourself a “report card” for your game. Once you do this you will be able to realize what part of your game needs the most attention and will give you the best opportunity to take your game to the next level.

Criteria for the Report Card

(In parentheses is my grade for the subject)

Mindset– This is a very broad topic but can be the biggest hinder in your growth as a poker player. The mindset you take can refer to but is not limited to; attitude, desire, tilt-control, drive, ambition, confidence, exc. I list this first because it is the most important. You have to want to succeed and play. You have to have the ambition to be the best. Have the confidence and self control that is what makes the best players stay on top. (B-)

Pre-flop Play – How is your play pre-flop? The type of style you choose whether it is a TAG, LAG, or NIT is fine and all can be profitable so basically it will depend on whether you are playing too weak pre-flop. You shouldn’t be calling more than half of the times you raise (24vpip-12pfr is not good). How often are you three-betting? I would accept three-betting ranges from 5%-12%. It is a tight window to achieve but less than 5% and you are turning your cards up and any higher than 12% you are giving too much action into big pots. Are you positionally aware when you play? This refers to the fact you should be playing your button more often than any other position. (A-)

Post-flop Play – The answer to this play is going to depend largely on your pre-flop play. If you are LAG player you should depend on outplaying your opponents and stealing some pots that you otherwise have no business taking. If you are a TAG are you effectively playing your hand and getting the most value out of made hands while limiting losses on your losing hands. It is very important to consider your post-flop play in terms of your hand reading ability and making the right decisions in the big pots. (B+)

End Game – This focus is for multi-table tournament and sit-n-go players. The end game refers to your push fold game. The big money in MTTs are won in the later stages and it can be very important for you to focus on your ability to be as optimal in this category as possible. (A-)

Miscellaneous – This would include anything the previous topics did not include. The situations I would include would be volume and time. How many hands/tournaments are you playing a week? How much time can you put towards poker. You can include studying and playing as part of your poker time. Another issue is “quality time” I add quality to time because a lot of people don’t get the most out of their time because they are distracted. Do you play or do you play and surf the web, talk on the phone, talk on messengers, and the other billion distractions the internet provides. (B-)

So now that you have your criteria to grade yourself where can you make your biggest improvement?

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