These first few months have been completely up and down. Online play has a dynamic to it that I am just not grabbing onto. . . yet.  A completely backwards train of thought, it is. I am out of my element. Not that my micro/low stakes games are breaking the bank. Rather, I am noticing large swings…very large. I will admit a fair chunk of these swings are of my own doing, but I’ll also tell you that micro/low stakes games are, at times, like pulling the handle on a Fruit Machine. Some eejit, more often than not, will do something that will make you shake your head something fierce. Such is the micro-stakes beast, I take my lumps with pride.

No, I am not admitting defeat. Rather, I am admitting that I am an utter noob to online play. Going back to my card club roots, there is an intimidating element of presence that each player brings to the table. As I mentioned in my last article, certain psychological quips can be used to take advantage of your foes. I, for example, was very aware of my dress, body language, and demeanor before and during game play (as you already know). I pride myself in the demeanor I project when I frequented card clubs.
 
Poker and general card-playing strategies aside; the following were my fundamental psychological rules of Live action survival:

-    Remain totally emotionless.
-    Watch your foes, not your cards.
-    Talk with your eyes, not your mouth.
-    If you feel like a million bucks, you will win a million bucks. (in theory)
-    Show your monster when bullying players into folding pre-flop (occasionally/depending).


Following those rules, I am sure would help anyone in live poker play. But aye, online? It’s all out the bloody window!  I can’t stare down “Fuzzy_Bunny69” from across the table. I can’t intimidate “ClownShoes1” with my mono-emotion and lethal demeanor, and I sure as heck can’t purposely ignore “DeezNutz” to put him on a “that ignorant ****!”  tilting spree - like I do to the drunk blokes sitting down to a Live game. The basic psychological elements of live poker are not there. How’s a Live-Action bogger to get by?  . . . aye, right, my Orwellian barn. (The more I say that, the more I want to take a picture of me and Lacey playing cards – the neighbours steed).

Do any psychologies play a role in online poker? This might be a good time to ask those reading to comment on this question (comment button at the bottom). What psychological elements play a role for your online game play? How do you impose your ‘poker will’ on players you cannot interact with live? I am interested to hear your answers, and I will post up any intriguing responses I may receive or want to try.

A particular strategy I have been playing around with is something I like to call ‘lag checking’:
Now, ‘lag checking’ is something that I have been toying with and I feel that it’s beneficial to use in early position. I still admit I am an online-noob, so experienced online players, chime in on this strategy as laughable or useful.
How I use “lag checking”: Playing in early to mid position, lag your check until the timer indicator lights up.  – If I can interrupt me self here - This is in any situation where you feel more comfortable checking than betting…lots of that happening in Micro/Low stakes games – Let me continue…

 I’m not an eejit, if I got fairly decent cards and there’s a checking team around me…they’re paying to play ; )  Else, in certain conditions I will hold off on “insta-checking” and wait 10 seconds or so for the counter to appear or dwindle just 10%.  In my humble opinion, the fact that you’re thinking about a free check shows that you thought about betting but refrained to see what others do (like a donk preying on other donks) - almost like you’re telling the table you’re slow playing them. This may prompt other players to be wary of your cards. Try it out, tell me what you think!  I imagine this dubious strategy is somewhat effective in micro/low stakes games with other beginners who play by the seat-of-their-pants, while I know the more experienced players have a regimen that would render that arbitrary move useless. I’m sure.  Against those who “gamble” when playing, this can be effective.

Although my work has kept me from reaching my Level 2 goal, I have committed me self to a schedule. Certainly enough to keep me busy in my free time:

- Monday eves, $1000 Player Loyalty Freeroll and a cash game  (or two) on the side, low-stakes of course : )
-Tower Hours is always Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, I’ll do my best to have a couple cash games open during these times. My mate won $500 in one hand! (nooo, not Beatty)!
-Saturday eves, Royal Tournament and a couple cash games going before, during, and after.


Being a serious online player is one thing, especially when you have the time to invest.  I now see my play online as purely recreational, and i kinda like that. I want to have some fun, I don’t want to sweat the small stuff and just enjoy me self.  I will proactively seek fun and excitement on Tower Gaming and report back on my findings (I saw a few “special promotions” that seems to be up my alley). Now, I can’t just flip from uber-protocol to loosey-goosey, there must be rigidity somewhere.  Aye, here’s what I’ll commit to: + 5% bankroll per session until I plateau and need to reassess direction. Fare enough?  If I can make it to $75 + in bankroll, I will stop at that point and look for your suggestions for my new direction!  Yup, you’ll then tell me what I should do!  

See you at the tables!


Pocket_Cows