Harrington on Cash

[slapdash]

Originally Posted by Nade

Have to remember Slapdash that the level of players is tonnes better now then what it was back in 2000. I imagine back then he could bully people easily and outplay them postflop anyway if needed. Now the fields are so aggressive he wouldn't be able to keep on raising people and get away with it.

That's true, but I'm not sure he saw it as a bullying strategy. He still seems to think it's a good strategy for people who think they are weaker than the field (and says he still plays more or less the same strategy in limit holdem tournaments). It means you see fewer flops (only when your opponents call, never when you call). It was a long time ago, and it's conceivable that in those days he didn't see himself as one of the favourites ... my impression is that he's not the kind of player to let his ego get in the way of playing what he thinks is his best strategy. And it sounds as though even now he'll call preflop very rarely.

Of course, to play this strategy you need to know when to raise and when to fold ... that's the tough part!

[voiceofjoe]

Originally Posted by slapdash

That's true, but I'm not sure he saw it as a bullying strategy. He still seems to think it's a good strategy for people who think they are weaker than the field (and says he still plays more or less the same strategy in limit holdem tournaments). It means you see fewer flops (only when your opponents call, never when you call). It was a long time ago, and it's conceivable that in those days he didn't see himself as one of the favourites ... my impression is that he's not the kind of player to let his ego get in the way of playing what he thinks is his best strategy. And it sounds as though even now he'll call preflop very rarely.

Of course, to play this strategy you need to know when to raise and when to fold ... that's the tough part!

Intresting though that in the same book the recommended tactic from Andy Bloch is never raise an early position limper. I agree with Brian (and Slap) this is an excellent book - and not solely limited to NLHE.

The Andy Bloch chapter on NLHE is excellent although a couple of the chapters I found poor in particular the Ted Forrest and Howard Ledererer NLHE chapters - although Ted Forrest on Razz was very informative.

[GotaFancy?]

I thought the Lederer(er sic ) chapter on Leverage was pretty good (though not groundbreaking)

Havent got past the Ted Forest chapter yet - another half read book

[slapdash]

Originally Posted by voiceofjoe

Intresting though that in the same book the recommended tactic from Andy Bloch is never raise an early position limper.

I don't think he said "never", did he? I remember him saying that the BB should very rarely raise a limp from the SB, but maybe that's not what you're talking about? I should reread it.

The Andy Bloch chapter on NLHE is excellent although a couple of the chapters I found poor in particular the Ted Forrest and Howard Ledererer NLHE chapters - although Ted Forrest on Razz was very informative.

I agree about the Ted Forrest NLHE chapter (haven't read the razz chapter yet). But it may be because he's more of a "feel" player than the "intellectual" authors (Bloch, Ferguson, Lederer), so it's harder for him to give precise reasons for what he does. I thought Lederer was OK, though (but not the best chapter): it helped me crystallize some vague ideas I had.

[voiceofjoe]

Originally Posted by slapdash

I don't think he said "never", did he? I remember him saying that the BB should very rarely raise a limp from the SB, but maybe that's not what you're talking about? I should reread it.

True - his words are 'more likely'.... but goes on to say 'The best way to punish them is to limp yourself'. He then goes on [for you] to encourage limpers and liberally play hands lke 7-6s 7-5s and maybe folding off-suit Ace Rag.

(Pages 76-77)