How Winning Players Actually THINK About Poker

[@KamratKamala]

I LOVE THAT YOU ARE DELIVERING SO MANY POKER VIDEOS THESE DAYS!

[@alaskan2610]

What happened to the crypto vids? 🤔

[@rasmus7400]

Your name lol

[@KamratKamala]

@@rasmus7400 Det är OACCEPTABELT!

[@Marcus-gb7zu]

Fan gör Löfven här?

[@rasmus7400]

Det är bara käbbel

[@Jealod24]

“A lot of these guys aren’t the Smartest tools in the shed”... you don’t say. I always thought the saying was “sharpest” tools in the shed.

[@pugsnhogz]

Lmao

[@pugsnhogz]

DP balancing his idiom range

[@pugsnhogz]

Does he actually speak English? Does he think that I think he doesn't really know English? It doesn't matter. Just play your ranges, and assume people speak fucking English, and you'll get the comments eventually. It might take a bit longer--but you'll get them.

[@ericlolzz]

i think that was the point....

[@paulcarney8613]

SomeBODY once told me the world is gonna roll me

[@annarborgog7305]

Hey Doug I spend quite some years before I become a winning player. It was too damn hard but now I am making 22 straddles/100 hand over 70k hands. I started watching your vids since 2016. It just changed my entire approach to the game of poker. I also learned how to improve my game. What you offered to the poker community is just like giving out free money. What you are making here is the poker gospel, man. Thank you so much. Honestly you turned a degenerate college kid's life around....

[@Anthony-wp7tz]

What?

[@bertilsvensson7751]

Paul Anthony walter

[@lightonstillwaters6789]

Great win rate. Hi, I am Canadian about to begin playing low stakes online. Can I get your advice on a few things via this thread or email? What sites do you play on or recommend for NLHE cash games? Tourneys? Best Rake back? Easiest player field? Do you use HUD? PokerTracker or Hold'em Manager? Why that one? Thanks 😀.

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

All I need to get good at poker is to understand that everything I do conveys information, and that more rake is better

[@Yoman1289]

Put the sandwich down and you'll start winning more.

[@franjes9999]

If you don’t think more rake is better you’re the loosiest goosiest player around mate

[@joedwyer6339]

Oh baby I love it!

[@lozgod]

No there’s 3 things. 1. Is just the raw skill. 2. Is the math. And 3 is something I refer to as discipline.

[@cletus2941]

if you can remember these two things, you can go from billionaire to millionaire in no time...

[@Плут-с2о]

I don't even play poker i just like your vids.

[@rasmus7400]

Neither do Doug

[@lozgod]

If you like these but don’t care much about the poker you’ll love Vanessa Seblt’s videos. They aren’t too different once you take poker out of it.

[@The_Watcher86]

It okay doesn't play poker either.................He just makes vids....... lol

[@AnthonyShuker]

@@lozgod vanessa selbt is a melt

[@johanschultz-pedersen5716]

I love how you just sneak that clip of Charlie Carrel getting hero called by Patric Antonius in the video 😂

[@notrichaf9071]

I always hear about "always think about ranges". I think this is one of the best explaination about that topic.

[@chrismeates2770]

First time commenting, your short little comment at 14:05 was the most profound thing I've heard. As a pretty piss poor rec player who has a couple of good sessions, busts, reloads, rinse and repeat, hearing those words in particular really gave me a wake up call. Thank you!

[@ryanpegels9580]

Played my first tournament this weekend in Vegas and finished in the money. Your videos have been a huge help the last few weeks in my preparation. Keep up the good work.

[@zamanski7094]

That was a great video bro! Gives the new guys like me get a lil insight on to how we should be thinking Really appreciate the the wisdom Doug

[@iHuski27]

I think this is one of the best videos you have ever created. It's amazingly well informed and structured! Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@martelmichaels1982]

Huski yes correct

[@stevezagieboylo9172]

Here! Here! I came to say the same thing (only 2 years later). :-)

[@ygg9888]

Incorporate information to get a big picture of the field, until you see the field for what it is: one isolated element in itself. Thanks Doug!

[@bryanjohnson8162]

This is one of my favorite poker videos I've seen in a while it wasn't dry at all it was hitting on things that no one else talks about properly thanks!!

[@Charlie_Ses]

My strategy is whenever I get dealt 84 off-suit I sit and try calculate 40,862 x 633 in my head, then I 3-bet, 4-bet, go all in. It never works.

[@mikeschafer4440]

Same.. idk where were going wrong

[@mikeoxlong371]

But you are trying and thats what truly counts. He who never tries will never win

[@Galahad54]

When I get that hand, I always push P-QR5, like in the video. I usually lose, but it confuses the other player, and that makes me money in the long run.

[@diji5071]

@@Galahad54 that's exactly what he's saying you should NOT do.

[@michaelschafer205]

@@Galahad54 what is P-QR5

[@KerriBert]

"before i get to look at my cards i know what my range will be considering the action" - looks at an absolute trashhand and waits 20 seconds to fold it

[@briannairby3080]

It's for balance bro

[@iamamish]

yeah if you snap fold/snap call, it gives away information when you stop to think about your hand. It says that it is at the end of your range - either you're thinking about folding, or maybe raising.

[@KerriBert]

@@iamamish that was not meant serious, and btw snapfolding does not provided any useful information about your hand

[@tommyrjensen]

@@KerriBert If you snapfold 90% of your hands in that spot, it shows the other players that your range is at most 10%.

[@KerriBert]

@@tommyrjensen i and vanessa never talked about 90% 😉

[@lozgod]

That was a good video. This is the part of poker that ties all the pot odds and EV formulas and range vs range equity and every other concept together.

[@ricemenarq6230]

aren't you the bassist of Blink 182???

[@playy4110]

oui senor

[@Evergreen0021]

Of all the small things...

[@BasedNeptune]

Lmao bruh

[@JeffDime]

Lol. First world problems for me Polk. He has long been transitioning off the faux hawk but can’t quite get there. He has the backwards hat on now he’s got this hybrid in between. Doug I don’t know how old you are bro. But it’s time to let the faux hawk go. Sorry for the pain this must be causing you.

[@willowandluka5302]

Mark Hoppus, Vanessa Selbst, and Doug Polk are all the same person

[@viktorious11able]

I was thinking of purchasing one of those $999 classes, but after seeing this video, I no longer need to. Thanks Doug!

[@biggawinnacrapsa3870]

I'll sell you a half-price class. $500. Teach you everything you need to know to scam people out of five hundred bucks apiece. Or, you could just do it like Jeffrey Epstein did and 'win' the PowerBall in July, 2008 in a drawing that wasn't televised due to a computer glitch.

[@davidsam445]

Honestly, this is one of your best videos. Everything you said is so true.

[@startedinthe80s23]

Hey Doug just wanted to let you know that i loved this type of content, i've been dealing with a crisis in my game and this video was exactly what i needed. Ty for your work.

[@1994ramfan]

One of the points Polk makes helped me a lot in face-to-face poker which as watching, calculating and determine your range or calling/folding situations prior to looking at your cards when it's not your turn. Plus, it helps not to give any info away like eagerness to fold or raise. It's pretty crazy after awhile the things you pick up and the better decisions you make overall. If you're a player who plays tournaments and gets close to the bubble often but upset that you're not cashing enough of them try this. It flipped my ratio of bubbling and cashing.

[@Alex-Bunin]

Top top top quality video. One of your best. Please never leave us again.

[@timsullivan4566]

Perhaps the most useful general advice EVER on the mental approach to the game. The combined value of all other tips, tricks and situational strategies eagerly sought by up and coming players is as nothing compared to the value of a disciplined reliance on a sound mental framework, without which all other advice is largely wasted. So thanks for helping me see why I STILL suck despite what I've learned.

[@AndreasFroehliPoker]

Nice editing, some subtle shots fired :)

[@BasedNeptune]

Lmao win a bracelet and get back to us

[@youtubenchill6745]

"You will eventually win" "The results will be there in the end" is the standard fare from public persona poker players and was "another tough spot" where I was again questioning how much you actually know about Game Theory and/or are willing to share with others. The end (just before the promo commercial) was spot-on perfect and taken in conjunction with the rest of the video illustrates how solid your Game Theory game is. Being willing to admit that whether you had/have won millions or are a net loser/donator you could recognize that correct approach, decision making and only those things you can actually control are what truly matter. Results-based thinking is, sort of like you said, starting with an ending that can sometimes be wicked random and creating a narrative with more -maybe all of the information now known. You don't need me on my fake account here to validate you in anyway through the 420th comment on this vid so far... But I'd hope this is in line with what your paying customers get from "the lab" and that shows some value for them. Solid.

[@nikiyen6]

After watching this I can see clearly the path I would need to take to become a solid player, and I realize I do NOT want to take it.

[@ellypticosis3413]

This is the least toxic video you've ever done, and this is the best video you've ever done. Good job buddy thank you

[@faismasterx]

"Making better decisions, and making consistently good decisions." Once again, poker is a metaphor for life.

[@Thepre-fixfordeath]

Especially when blaming everything on luck

[@Kmartinusa888]

This isn’t dry at all, Doug. This may be the most helpful and useful video I’ve seen you do because it’s exactly why I’m in the rut I am and I couldn’t figure it out alone. These are the “secrets” that aren’t really secrets but what comes naturally to successful players. You’ve got the competence to clearly understand the mechanics, the ability to recognize what’s missing and communication skills to break what some have, few do and fewer still can even describe in a way that others can understand. You didn’t have to do this but you did. You’re definitely on the right track to toss in insightful and useful details that are critical to other people’s success and actionable if they want to. Success at your level is hard enough but much more fulfilling when you use it to help others. Well done.

[@wushu1984]

My favourite video you’ve done so far, no joke. Making better decisions is key to everything and also the most challenging aspect of the game.

[@jsr9422]

3:37 clearly been watching Negraunu masterclass. 3 elements that make a great poker player.

[@brandondaniels9471]

These approach videos help me just as much as the hand reviews. Keep em comin. And, in high level chess, preparation is like 70+% of the battle.

[@pugsnhogz]

Facts

[@EricPetersen2922]

Same for backgammon

[@biggawinnacrapsa3870]

@@EricPetersen2922 - There is NOTHING like playing high-stakes Backgammon (and winning)!!

[@EricPetersen2922]

Bigga Winna Crapsa it’s the best! Most I’ve ever played for is $1200/point with the cube no autos. I had one guy I used to play €100/point with autos and if you don’t like your opening roll turn the cube and re-roll. Played lots of 64 point games with him, he didn’t know much about the cube so it would get high often. I loved the $12,800 gammons!!!

[@biggawinnacrapsa3870]

@@EricPetersen2922 - That's what I need is a rich pigeon so I can live the life of luxury I deserve. I liked the good old days when everybody and their brother was playing and they all thought they were good (and they all loved to gamble). Now most people are more cautious with their money and it's not as easy to clean up. I don't have an 'Euro' symbol on this keyboard, but I can imagine your excitement getting ready to bear off your last man and your opponent saves the gammon if he rolls a six on either die. Pretty comfortable feeling knowing that the WORST you'll do is win 6400.

[@misomiso8228]

4:56 be cool if you did a video on Stu Ungar. Not enough people know about him. Plus maybe some Gin Rummy Strategy!

[@nikhilm4568]

Hey Doug can u do the hand analysis on the John Juanda hand , were he folds Quad 6's

[@thomasdavies4347]

Great advice applicable to many fields. As a golf coach so many of the things you discussed here ring very true

[@MatthewJayasekera]

Thank you for sharing your outlook on the game of poker. You don't have to do this, but you choose to to help the rest of us "get on the level" more or less. Thanks again.

[@GHOSTY345]

"Thinking about what things SHOULD mean, rather than what things MIGHT mean", excellent advice. Unless you're sitting on a table with friends or other people you play very regularly, this is some very solid information.

[@dihlund]

This is the most valuable poker video you have ever made. Thank you.

[@truthalwayswins9657]

These secrets are gold.....and it’s free, never heard a pro, cough!!! Ex-pro talking about how to think during a hand.....bravo Doug 👏🏼👏🏼

[@LouisTorrespoker]

I like it a lot was good information and how to think. Thinking was the same as it was before on this down swing I'm in. Needed to be reminded and refocus on what I have been learning in the lab. Thanks

[@dsanduk6691]

I was shocked hearing Doug stopped playing poker ! Think I will review all the ancient tournaments .. Thanks for the great videos !!

[@brandondorsey7204]

Thanks for this video. This was definitely one of the top five videos that you've made. I really appreciate your insight.

[@adamdaye]

bit weird tho as he is quoted as saying he is no longer good, the game passed him by, ggs

[@brandondorsey7204]

@@adamdaye the value imo was about the process of becoming world class at something. He made the conscious decision to stop doing those things, but that doesn't imply that he doesn't know what the process looks like. Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan are no longer world class athletes but they both know the process of becoming and developing into a world class athlete. Same thing applies here. It's why we all still consume all of Doug's content. In some ways him quitting poker has been better for those of us attempting to improve because he has no incentive to withhold information. His livelihood won't be negatively impacted if we all become crushers.

[@Chiefsfan757]

I’ve literally never seen Ivey as nervous as he was on that 10 9 hand

[@HelloWorld-ns7gt]

SAw him make a huge call with nine high. He looked spooked and the call was good

[@dkrumpenstein2370]

+1 for the background music

[@kylemccague7018]

"players that are weaker than you" - brings up photo of papi up BANG BANG

[@TeoGPoker]

@1:34 "Think about who you talk poker with" - Joey Ingram and Sauce123 SHOTS FIRED!

[@brandonwebster6197]

If the Flop is a Rainbow but the turn is a second suit card that matches one of the flop cards is that considered a wet turn?

[@aheroictaxidriver3180]

4:20 LOL this was a sick hand.

[@AzeOfSpadez]

THANK YOU. I've been playing for over a decade and have stagnated. You don't know how much i needed to watch you say this

[@Haanski]

same here! I needed this

[@user-zi8lg5qu1h]

In the background music there is this ping sound that always makes me think some is ringing my doorbell, since I'm in the far enough room

[@wyattd8423]

Amazing video and exactly what I needed and wanted to hear

[@leefaw1294]

Great advice. I'm trying to improve my game from the 'Harrington on Hold'em' days. Obviously, I've got a lot of work to do...............keep up the good video content......thanks

[@CJRoyalOfficial]

When you get dealt your hand, look at each player as they act. When it gets to you, you'd visualize, "What is my range going to be here?" You're already going to have a pretty good idea based on the action.

[@samvalentine4691]

I agree with doug in the fact that when he said preparation for poker has taken main stage more than it has ever been and thats just the reality of the change in the game nowadays.....I couldnt agree more and when poker players say like oh whoa is me and the poker world sucks now, like yea it is forsure not what it used to be.....it changed overtime its like any sport or industry..look at the NHL for example, 20 years ago it was a slower game guys would play a game then go out for about 30 beers and wings after and an 18 year old tearing up the league was virtually unheard of.....nowadays these young 18 year old studs are quick AF and are dominating the first year they play, and they have changed the game to where if you cant keep up you are out eg. nutrition, fitness, etc. the young kids coming in have realized that there is an edge to be had if they take it really seriously and they did......same thing with poker the fish and somewhat good players were the guys who went out for 30 beers after the game and didnt adapt to the changing conditions...and all these new kids that are coming into poker and are crushing have adapted and changed the landscape because they saw that there was an advantage to be had if they worked hard enough and they did.

[@vivavaldez87]

It's important to add to this that 5/10/15/20/25% VPIPs don't always look exactly the same. The "top 5/10/15/20/25%" charts (with some slight adjustments) look neat (that familiar top-heavy pick-axe shape), but not all players follow that. Some are like double headed pickaxes (they like Ax and small junky cards to outflop with, not much in the middle), some have "fat" diagonals (all connected cards from top to bottom, suited or otherwise). You can never really know an opponents range, so just focus on your own and streamline it to that familiar pick-axe shape.

[@iliyakalchev2551]

Very insightful comments for me at least around the 7th minute - i hadnt thought of ranging in that exact way before. Thanks Doug! Keep the videos coming, your content is always really good! Shoutout from Bulgaria!

[@Stefan_Heinrich]

great video again. I just can't help but think if you think that you can't beat poker anymore because you stopped playing. Or did you really just loose the fun in playing? Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@dr.mantistoboganmd7868]

The step by step thought process based on position and bet size and how you broke that down was fucking awesome Doug! Why cant more content take this approach???? Or ANY different approach! its frustrating! Thanks man that actually really helps! Bravo 👏

[@theoriginalvrlounge95]

Question... Wasn't that move by Ivey against you @ 14:16 considered forward action? Was that legal?

[@Shawk95]

Doug Volume too low. Please check into the sound system. Thanks.

[@stueyquinn9331]

I really enjoyed this simpler explanation about ranges as it's something I've been struggling with so far, thanks

[@wesyoung9150]

This is probably your best video perfecting your style of play and correct decision making is key to success

[@adambacome2687]

Thank you. It did truly help to hear this video. Might be a year behind but it held true to today.

[@joehackenstuff4648]

Good to see you back Doug

[@grantfoster9101]

I play chess; as a youth I studied a lot. I learned the strategies and tactics, got to be pretty good. But the best book I read was "How NOT to play chess" (by Znosko-Borovski), because its focus wasn't on the details, but on your *though process* when at the chessboard. Thanks for bringing this same concept to the poker table.

[@timsullivan4566]

imo one of your most helpful videos EVER.

[@davidstevens3934]

The detachment from decisions. That's how i've felt in the past when i've played well. I just had no idea why.

[@superpasi7315]

Very inspirational and insightful thank you for this video Doug

[@prisonmike3665]

One of my favorite videos of yours so far!

[@JackRehfuss]

Amazing video Doug! Love that you came back to poker content.

[@whodouthinkuare]

Doug I think this is one your best videos so far. Would it be possible you could post a video or comment regarding Loeligers comments towards Charlie Carrel after he won the triton event.

[@paulhiggins140]

didn't see anything about this (searched Google for a while), do you have a link?

[@whodouthinkuare]

Paul just watch Charlie Carel's last video.

[@paulhiggins140]

@@whodouthinkuare thanks my friend

[@cibumitalicum8008]

You’re a good man. Insane that this is free content.

[@ParissaKhoury]

Doug Polk is the greatest of all time and the best Poker channel on KZbin

[@NoSh1tSherlock]

I just thought everyone online used HUDs and trackers now and pretty much make it poker stats edging instead of playing.

[@lfgamble3924]

Maybe some1 can help me. Theres a video on youtube by doug. Ive seen most of his videos. He goes over.. how do i explain this. Say im reviewing a hand in a session from last night. And, i make what i think is a very accurate range for my opponent based on reads, and what happened in the hand step by step. And i have bluff/value ranges color coordinated in my hud. Doug talks about, creating my range for this same spot. And how to create or add bluff combos. Ne1 know what video im talking about??

[@CoZzyvvr]

Absolutely brilliant video. I think this will help a lot of people. Well done Doug! 👍👍

[@jackmorgan4930]

I've watched a ton of your videos, and this is the most helpful of them all. I think this video sold me on taking one of your classes.

[@N05177V]

I love how Doug throws RJD2 In the background!

[@tiddlewink101]

Decent video thanks with great content. Disagree with around 7 minutes: yes we need a good understanding of ranges and how we are perceived, etc. however this works well for you and is one of your strengths that you played to (in terms of poker strategy) - there are other factors in play though and different people will have different methods for beating poker, playing to their own strengths. It may not even be necessary to spend many hours learning ranges/frequency's etc. (although certainly would help) to become a winning or top poker player (it may even cap our level or mean we neglect other factors that are important), that is however a proven formula and will suit certain people.

[@Jon-dragonwolf]

Keep doing what you do... You are a inspiration to many grinders(pokerists) worldwide including myself

[@shmuelgoodman80]

Really great advice throughout this whole video. To choose one bit that will end up helping me personally, I hadn't considered visualizing my preflop ranges before looking at my cards. Will definitely incorporate that next time I'm in a live game.

[@johnoneill6975]

This wasn't dry... Pretty much what I needed to hear and cost a lot less than the Masterclass.

[@sheknowb2275]

Love the RJD2 track playing in the background.

[@MagentaSpikesImprov]

YES! I love RJD2.. Used to rock Deadringer nonstop.

[@brandonh8259]

Amazing video Mr. Polk. Your ability to explain the importance of both. Hours of preparation by studying the varying strategy & fundamentals of the game. Then most importantly, an ability to correctly apply strategy, in game, making + EV decision, as the action unfolds around u.. Starting at PF, through to the River.

[@Lado1677]

Mr. Polk, you're an outstanding human being, Sir! I thoroughly enjoy each video you put out there. You keep making these and I'll keep on trucking...

[@larryroane3337]

Hi Doug.....love your vlogs. I got a simple question that hopefully you can answer. Recently played in a home game low stakes 2/5 game. My friend got it all in pre-flop $980 pot. We decide to run it twice. I got pocket 9’s he has pocket 10’s. I would like to know the odds of both us hitting sets on both boards. What is more amazing is we both hit sets on both flops. Thanks

[@superjonboy873]

Doug Amazing Video, this was very informative and Helpful! Could you do a video on "downbetting"? I have noticed that when people downbet its almost always with their weakest hands, hardly anyone downbets with strong hands. Or maybe im looking at it wrong? I would love to hear your thoughts on it, as it seems like a very exploitable tendancy. Thanks!

[@matb7750]

Downbetting? Like betting 1/4th pot on flop? I do that with all my range if I do it

[@theejayzeeable]

Jonathan Angel If you're noticing that people in your games downbet with weaker hands, how could you be looking at it wrong? If you notice them doing that, raise them with your top pair and 2nd pair type hands, semi-bluff hands, and ocassionally with air.

[@uluvnic]

This was VERY helpful to me as I think I’m an emotional decision maker. Not a good trait for poker. 😂 I saved it because I want to take notes. The questions you ask yourself and how you put more concrete things to focus on mid-hand is going to be a game changer for me! I appreciate you taking the time to put this video out. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

[@bo_mccroskey]

Great video! I agree that I tend to lose more when I'm trying to "feel the game" instead of just playing my game. Mechanical poker may be more boring, but it's a more consistent way to win.

[@MarrkQMoore]

This is the BEST poker video I have ever watched!

[@benyap4398]

Great inspirational video doug! Just gonna keep grinding and sharpening it!

[@kmpolk253]

Thanks Doug, this was exactly what I needed for my poker toolbox.

[@investigence]

One of your best. You’re a true ambassador of the game.

[@alswearengen0000]

I'm new to the Lab. There's a lot to learn!!

[@SweetandSourohmy]

Doug is a very special person guys. Poker is not this complicated trust me. The best 5 card hand wins. Or you can bluff them into folding their cards. It's that simple. 😉

[@scott6655]

I'm not exactly sure how to articulate my personal opinion regarding this episode other than...yes it was alittle dry compared to other episodes you've put out...but for 'me', Doug, I thought this was an excellent episode! It helped me realize that I have alot of weakness in my game that can be overcome with the proper amount of time and discipline! Thank you for this episode.........

[@eduardorobalino3455]

OMG BEST VIDEO EVER !!! THANKS DOUG

[@Peilli]

The absolute perfect breakdown. You are the best

[@gregmoore66]

What does $25 off mean? If I get the $99 first month, $49 a month after that package, is it a one time $25 off deal for my first month, or would I get $25 a month off for every month? Thanks!

[@kingkong-jm5fz]

Your videos are excellent, absolutely great. Thank you for your valuable content ☺♥