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Hello,

For more than a year now, I’ve been playing NL Holdem on and off over the internet. Well, I’ve tried reading some books before and I believe because of my effort I became a great, reasonable player.

Earlier part of the year, I took a $40 dep. bonus to $2000 in just two months time being at .25/.50 NL, 2-tables. Well, I played fairly tight with only the top 25 hands or so however I believe my play was weak and I’ve been stuck at $1800. In late position, I was able to pull off some steals however only small pots. I remember I almost gave up on suited connectors as I failed to release in case I hit a pair. And the cards, well, they’ve been coming in spouts. And in cases when I had good cards, I was okay however if not so good ones, my weakness was very obvious. Any advice for a weak player?

By the way, one time I missed on the flop the last five times, it was then hard for me to raise to $4 with AK. I then figured out that once I saw some players played AK differently. Some raised small, large and some all in with it. Now, say someone raises strong in early position, what’s the best way to play AK?

Many thanks,
Calvin
Calvin,

If someone in early position raises with A-K, the best play usually is to fold the hand. A-K is a drawing hand and must hit in order to actually become a hand. Otherwise it is ace high.

As far as your play, you are playing a cash game. If you play solid and have spout of no cards, then your best option is to sit back and wait for cards. You can try and play some marginal hands for cheap flops, but if your normal style is working, then stick with it.

You will at some point want to expand playing hand ranges some, but don’t do it just because you are having a dry run of cards. Those happen. When you get suited connectors, let them go if you don’t his strongly. Strong with 9-7 suited does not mean flopping a 9. It means flopping an open ended straight draw or a flush draw.

If you are still up $1760 on your $40 deposit, that’s good. Keep up the good work.

Hello,

I started playing Poker when I was still quite young. Just recently, already in my 70′s, I’ve tried internet TH and actually enjoyed it. Well, I started everything with the idea that at cheap tables, playing tightly to a set of rules should make money, and luckily I was able to get a profit particularly from $1-2 tables however every time I try $3-6 I usually lose almost everything.

Recently, I was in 250 $1-2 games with Noble Poker. I played very tightly and was actually able to earn $25. Later on I left to check some records, I then discovered that such games were only available in the gaming room, which I had left. But some staff were really good and have emailed me full details of all 250 hands as I have requested.

At my age, I believe I can still make some improvements on my own skills so do you know of any poker trainers who can help me?

Thanks!

Best regards,
Blake
Blake,

You can also pick up a couple of books or DVD’s on Holdem to help you improve your game. For tournaments, Harrington on Holdem is a great set of books. Rolf Slootboom has a set of DVD’s regarding NL Holdem that should provide a lot of insight.