If I Started Poker Again, I'd Do These 9 Things

[@BlackRain79Poker]

What are your best tips to win at poker? Also, here is the simple strategy I have been using to CRUSH cash games: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYS0pqpjnr9pZrc

[@embroi6055]

I’ve noticed the blinds call me very frequently when using the smaller size

[@HelloWorld-ns7gt]

Aggressive small ball. Like dnegs used to play.

[@tarlkudrick1174]

I've been studying under Alexander Fitzgerald, so "threebet more" is my newest tip.

[@gabealbuquerque1728]

Have fun, no point playing if you’re miserable.

[@justinkushable1668]

Be backed my millionaires like you. That way when I lose I lose nothing. Yeah bud you’re the greatest alright

[@steriopticon2687]

I watched this video two days ago, and yesterday I had the two best poker games in my 5 month 'career'. Thanks Mr. 79!

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Awesome, glad to hear my videos are helping you Steri!

[@GUK147]

5 month career? 😂 Don’t worry over the next so many years your gona get ur ass handed to you plenty times. That’s the only thing guaranteed 😂😂😂

[@agk696]

Low stakes is about the same as any other NLH game, except that there's more bad players. Figure out how players play. If they are very loose, lower your standards. I find a lot of profit in 1-2 comes from calling down bluffs. Play position though- if the table has players who raise often, don't enter with 7-8s from early position. You don't want to pay much to enter with speculative hands that seldom come through. It does not matter if low cards are Suited much- if the flush comes and there is a lot of betting, do you want your stack going in with a baby flush? I've seen players frequently loose with the king high flush to the ace-high flush.... busted a guy myself once in that situation. ALso most players in 1-2 usually raise 5-8 times the BB. Try to keep the pot small unless you have a big hand - top 2 at least, but preferably a set. ALSO MIX UP YOUR GAME do some limping with strong hands occasionally- I just limped with 10s and took the whole stack of someone with a set when he flopped bottom 2. If you read this you just got a lot of good advice for free.

[@davidoberry5309]

This is good advice

[@ArcaneTricksterRS]

One of the most important things is that all this advice is generally good, but you need to change your strategy based on the players that sit on your table. There are certain tables and certain players that will NEVER BE BLUFFED OFF THEIR HAND, no matter how bad it is. They might keep calling your 70% pot size bluff with jack high, just because. You need to understand the players you play with and play against their weaknesses. They like to call a lot? Get a big hand and try to move all-in in any way that seems possible, they will call you down as long as you are patient. They only like to follow on big hands? Be aggressive and have them fold their overcards! Adaptability is key. The advice here on this channel is generally great, it works most of the time, but in those few tables, against those few players, those few times, you might need to reconsider your strategy. After all, we are playing against players, not computers.

[@badvideo169]

agree 110%

[@HelloWorld-ns7gt]

Noobs can't work with all that info yet.

[@wise18525]

Thanks. I'm definitely gonna take this into consideration next time I play. Thank you for sharing

[@teejay6063]

Yeah, but this guy is a pro who sold books. How can you possibly throw shade at his incredible advice? 😅 These pros would quit if they spent one week in my shoes. They still think it's a game of skill 😂.

[@ArcaneTricksterRS]

@@teejay6063 What? How am I throwing shade to what he said? I said he is correct with all this advice, in most of the tables, it will earn you winnings. And no, this guy and any other pro would easily crush microstakes of your home games as well, as soon as they get an idea of how the table plays. It is a game of skill, a game of math. If you think that you cannot use math to beat the fishy friends of your home games, then you are a fish yourself.

[@InterWebGuy99]

It's amazing you can provide a novice player a very effective set of guidelines to quickly become a winner in an 18-min. video. The poker cheat sheet was icing on the cake. Way to give back to the game and keep it growing, bro.

[@armandofajardo219]

Best Poker channel on KZbin ! This guy knows what he’s talking about 100% 💯. Love the content Nate . I think about you all the time when I’m playing poker at the casino 😭😭😂😂 “what would Nate do , what would Nate do?!”

[@adcscooter4517]

Thank you, Nathan. I'm glad someone else was brave enough to say what I've been saying for years. GTO means nothing at low stakes like 1/2, 1/3, or even 2/5. I see so many players playing GTO at low stakes and getting upset when they lose.

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Thanks Adcscooter, I agree somebody needs to say it!

[@gregoryjones-hs6on]

What does GTO mean. I'm a weekend player and not familiar with the terminology of poker. Thanks

[@adcscooter4517]

GTO=Game Theory Optimsl. In short it's the optimal way to play poker as determined by computer simulation. The problem is no one plays 100% optimal poker.

[@mishaerementchouk]

How can you see players playing GTO? Do they check random numbers generators in their phones all the time?

[@garrydye2394]

AND GTO really does not exist for mutiway pots which seems to be the overwhelming vast majority of the time in low stakes. UTG bets 3x in 1-2 and nobody thinks in terms of 3x...they think in terms of $6. Then it goes limp...limp...limp....limp...limp...limp...limp...limp. And the IR is still trying to use GTO.

[@HystoriaReiss]

while playing and reading the free sheet literely won a 74€ pot ... i literely had finished reading how to play the flop, turn and river and also how to adapt depending on position and also your hand, work perfect , my AKo , won against a QQ ... Incredible tips and made me also think outside the box and understnad stuff and not just do it

[@kevinlindstrom8486]

Very good list. On the "adjust your play to fit the different types of players you run into" dynamic, keep in mind what your table image is, too. That adjustment goes both ways. Also, that Quit Tip around 13:00 - I like that very much.

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Savius1981]

Table selection is extremly important and putting notes and colors on every player you play against.

[@kevinlindstrom8486]

Totally right, live your focus. The truest thing said in Rounders is about how you're not playing the cards, you're playing the player. The more you get away from that, the more you lose.

[@justingagnier2871]

Been playing off and on for 15 yrs but recently been really putting in the work. Even as a player not brand new all this helps. Thanks

[@myracle001]

Wow. This was absolutely and completely one of the highest value videos I have watched in terms of simple, applicable strategy. Less than 20 minutes and got me feeling like I can conquer the world. Godspeed XD

[@Seantorky3]

I’d been playing quick fold poker for a while to learn how to play the ranges. When I started betting more aggressively I started to win quite a bit more but then noticed I lost more as well. I’d like to know which hands to fold on the flop.

[@kyochi111]

Best poker YT channel by far🙂

[@ORIGINALSECRETSCRATCHER]

I follow this strategy and just in the last two weeks placed in the top 3 of online tournaments. Not pro tournaments just to be clear.

[@stirfrybry1]

#9 tip is top of the list. Much love Nate!

[@CactusPatriot]

You have not explained play in the early, low blinds game. How do you evaluate LAG, TAG, NIT, when they have not played? What strategies do you suggest?

[@VimMitt]

What should i do if i am in middle position and have two pocket of aces or premium cards?

[@Survival-on-land-or-sea]

I watch all of your videos, and this might be the best one! Even as someone who plays 4 or 5x a week for the last 3 years, this was a GREAT reminder of the basic fundamentals that I find myself getting away from too often.

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Don_Winchester]

Ive seen in other videos of your's where you talk about how to play nut flush draws so, my question is should I also be playing AX sutied? Or only the weel ones? Or neither?

[@matchavez8530]

So I have a question for you. I started playing in 2004 (i literally learned at a new years party) I consider myself like..... semipro. Anyway 90% of my winnings are from 3 person tournament style games. Im sure you have seen them online. You buy in for X amount and they "spin a wheel" that decides what the prize pool is. I haven't found that the aggressive strategy that works so well against a 6-9 player table, doesn't work nearly as well as a loose-passive style. You can limp i on like 80% of flops and they seldom fold on the flop and almost never preflop. Its kind of a whole different thing.

[@robertbecker3959]

I am struggling a lot with bet sizing. Sometimes I push people out too easy other times I let them stay for cheap. How to find the balance? How to induce bluffs?

[@NickBham]

everyone talks about raising when you have a limper. But what if youre on the button and you have 3 to 5 limpers? Do you raise? And im not talking about premium hands but Im talking about hands you want to play in this position. In my experience, I raise after a few people already entered the pot, the first two call, and then everyone else feels they are priced in. I would love to see vidoes on this

[@brucehatton9013]

How about online ? Do you suggest folding even if you’re in the blinds ? And don’t have one of the hands you suggest?

[@adtiu2690]

Thanks for the tips. Do you have something on understanding the board like reading other's hand based on the cards on the board? 😅

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Yes I do! I made a video on hand reading recently: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWnWZnyClsxsd7M

[@leggy12]

Isn't that you win more playing in late position, and raising first contradictory? As in your chance of being the first raiser is lower the later your position?

[@FEHanzo]

I tried your style of play and played a guy who got more flush and 3 of a kinds in maybe 10 hands. And when I did make a hand it just went bust. How do you mentally deal with just getting hammered like that?

[@FEHanzo]

I think he got like 20 hands won all 2 pair 3 of a kind, full house and flush’s. Over and over again literally couldn’t believe it.

[@obbldudeTV]

14:18 I feel that. If it works run with it.

[@kaceydillin7367]

Zerg Master Race ❤️. Love your content. As a new player, your channel is very informative and to the point. I appreciate it.

[@brettmorton6513]

TY NATHAN!! YOU ARE A GREAT TEACHER!!! MUCH LOVE BROTHER!!

[@BlackRain79Poker]

I appreciate that!

[@richardsholly5329]

Your absolutely right,great stuff!!!

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Thanks for watching!

[@Lita-yr4wt]

Wait I change my answer! Poker tracker has an in-game note taking function and I think party poker has one too so you can take notes on each player. Use it!!! Tag the fish and the jerks with different colours. Take notes on their hands and how they played them. It's a double-edged sword though. Maybe last time they bluffed you hard but this time they were serious and took you in 😅 And when you go up a level online (move to a higher table) watch them play first and identify the sharks before you go in :p Still working out how to be the shark though 🦈

[@milk9720]

For number 2. Is it okay to limp as sb sometimes if everyone else folded to you

[@Silverback007]

Much Tony would you say I need in cash to start off with?

[@RebeccaDoyle-o8w]

2) When stealing the blinds (2.5x)is this what's in the pot?

[@kineahora8736]

Sorry Nathan-#4 AJo with no backdoor flush on a T54r board vs BB im gonna check this most of the time, and 50% sizing isn’t a “thing”; shld be 33% or 70% here, and im gonna choose 70% most of the time I decide to cbet it. I guess this feeds into your point #7🤣🤣

[@maxslowplaysHARP]

I keep thinking about my statistically crushing bad beats in online poker, I literally quit playing because of it ... 8 out of ten times my better hands were loosing ... Is this stil a part of varience??

[@ten4267]

6$ in a 1-2 game gets 3 bet like 90% of the time lol

[@ryangandy1127]

Lol that is not true

[@andrerivera2730]

@@ryangandy1127 right. You get 6 calls

[@armandofajardo219]

Not true at all . I just started playing live poker at my local casino (Horeshoe Casino in Indianapolis) and I was at a table where no one raised, let alone 3 bet. Lol . Everybody was just limping (including me because I’m new to poker and to chickenshit to raise or 3bet) 😭😭. Im terrible at poker

[@iv-kingroy-iv2225]

​@@armandofajardo219 1st tip: be agressive. Don't always take for granted your opponent "has it". A raise is actually a good way to know where you are in a hand: raising after someone bet will often make them fold. If they reraise you, you can sometimes know they have a made hand and want to make you pay to draw. On the other hand, a flat call indicates they might be on a draw. Don't be scared, play agressive. Good luck! 😀

[@cameronlynch2194]

@@armandofajardo219 I’m banned from that casino

[@BryanHill-i8c]

Where do you play online poker?? What are the safest sites??

[@alexanderroberts8579]

Where would you play online?? I’m Florida, global poker seems okay. And some clubs seem okay. Thanks for any commments

[@bc2568]

Try SwC 😊well if you don't mind uBTC / uBCH and the conversion. Global poker is ok too. They both do scheduled and pop up freerolls. If I had to make a comparison I'd say SwC feels more like...actual adults lol good luck

[@montanacowboy5265]

I've tried to get the cheat sheet twice with no luck no conformation email.

[@danielronnqvist685]

Awesome videos! What site do you recommend for somebody who is starting out?

[@martinquinn3382]

BlackRain, first thank you for this great tutorial !! Second, If you have time, I know you dont play spin & go, but if this was for a 3 game players, with blinds going pretty fast, what would be the starting hands, compare to those that you propose on your firs point : " Playing the right Hands " Thank you very much and keep going !

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Hey Martin, I would play far more hands than I recommended in this video if there were only 3 players. I would be playing around the top 50% of all hands dealt to me. You definitely need to make major adjustments depending on the number of players involved. Glad my videos are helping you, thanks for watching!

[@martinquinn3382]

@@BlackRain79Poker Thank you so much for your answer, it's very generous of you ! Take care !

[@famousj7483]

Where do I go to get started with playing cash games?

[@DesmoDadV2]

Do you consider 2-5NLH low stakes?

[@jaket1858]

Pretty much if your first in the pot you have an advantage. The range though seems tight.

[@spacecadetsMia]

I get bored online quickly and start bluffing and lose my stack or i lose a $10 hand in .5/.10 which took forever to get then i go on tilt and try buffing to get it back.

[@gregorykent3482]

Really great video Nathan!

[@BlackRain79Poker]

No prob, glad my poker videos are helping you!

[@TurritopsisNutriculaX]

Thank You!❤

[@dennisje2925]

nice summary of how to beat most small stakes. Thanks!!

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Thanks Dennis, glad this one helped you!

[@richardnicholas2957]

What does check/raise mean? I know what each means individually but you can’t do both?

[@hawkdykes9054]

Check/raise means to check initially, then raise to any bet that comes after your check in that round of betting.

[@richardnicholas2957]

@@hawkdykes9054 I thought what you are describing is "calling?" Raising is when I raise the bet. Calling is when I match someone else's raise. But at least now I know what people mean when they use that term. Thanks!

[@ericwick5367]

Would you ever play limit poker ?

[@alexbalayants8490]

Shocked KT is not on here. Still makes top straight, I play it on button and win often

[@philpowell3416]

Thank you very much. Great information.

[@BlackRain79Poker]

No prob Phil glad my videos are helping!

[@BlackRain79Poker]

No prob, glad my poker videos are helping you!

[@Stagesme]

How can we play online in the us?

[@jhl1657]

The problem with GTO is, 1. GTO is a strategy of being unexploitable, not exploiting weakness. In most games that ordinary people encounter, there are endless number of exploitable people. To avoid exploitation, you don't need to master GTO unless you are playing against highly skilled players. All you need is to learn some basic disciplines to balance your strategy. 2. GTO is very difficult to execute properly, and often clumsy GTO is much worse than playing by simple basic disciplines.

[@fuzzydice1]

Hello Nate, love your content really helpfull and explained perfectly, I want to know more about tournaments ( freerolls, micro buy ins )

[@stirfrybry1]

great advice on #5 example.

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Thanks!

[@flashback09]

Great video once again Nathan! Been watching your videos for a while now. What is holding me back the most is basically TIME. How to find the time to be able to play enough to make enough money in order to be a winning player? And continuing to that, how much should you play hands per month or hours per week in order to make some money? Do you have good recommendations for this and how much do you play hands or hours per month or week and do you keep track off these stats?

[@badvideo169]

yes it eats time, needs time

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Common problem for many, I have some articles on my website discussing how to manage your career as a semi-pro part time player. Thanks for watching my poker videos!

[@wowo29]

Had no idea you were a starcraft guy till recently, I've been playing that game since it came out and I think it's the best game ever! Btw, can you do more example hands where you're in position against LAGs & TAGs, miss the flop and they bet as well as more tournament based videos. Thx

[@diverob67]

Do you have a video or recommendation on how to deal Rec players who play every hand and go all in on shit cards that somehow lady luck always manages to give them trips on the river? Great videos by the way thanks for the help.

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Glad my videos are helping you! Yes, I have a video on how to beat loose rec players here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2K3aIuCZ7aXjLc

[@danielyang2943]

Thanks a lot;very helpful.

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Glad this one helped you Daniel, thanks for watching.

[@ManekiNeko1972]

65s is a mini-monster. I wouldn't underestimate that.

[@KarlSumner-cn3ds]

Counting this as "Day One" for a new start at NLHE online cash. 🙂

[@CoralEuphoria]

I like #9 the most

[@Majdeep]

Can’t find link for free book

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Link is in the description.

[@ericflores-9208]

I’m 30 yo, do you think it’s late to start to play poker to become pro?

[@patrickmanasco8772]

Is there any data on avg like sports or other hobbies?

[@idahogemlady8017]

No I started at 50

[@Alex-kp3hr]

I understand that the hands you are given are completely random. But, why do I keep getting the lowest cards in the deck consistantly hand after hand. It seems that the 2's just love me. When I get these types of hands, 72, 62, 82, 92 etc I just fold and scream internally.

[@johnsee7269]

Many thanks for all the videos! But... You're wrong about where the money comes from: weak players. I 'make money' playing promotions at Caesars in Louisville and Hard Rock in Cincinnati. I occasionally have a good day but I 'make more than I lose' through promotions such as 'High Hands'. I certainly can't make a living at it but it's nice to say... every couple months; go home with an extra $500 or $1000 in your pocket! My two best days in the last five years were $1,300 at Caesars and $1,200 and at JACK (later to be Hard Rock). It's fun to play and talk to the other players and play responsibly; hit (usually...) your loss limit and go home. It works for me!

[@michaelligue3842]

Sound advice , thanks .

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Thanks Michael, I appreciate it!

[@donkey7430]

Why did you have to hit everything right on the nail? :) :) :)

[@stirfrybry1]

LOL the NIT fold is critiial advice. Well done

[@nazarashvili]

what is ATS?

[@stevewheels9773]

Attempting To Steal

[@tejeda7324]

When it comes to life poker, there is no such thing as three times to big blind.. in 1/2$ games the typical open is $15-20

[@ronaldbarnes1746]

To not play KTs , 54s,76s makes no sense. Add these

[@fernandostudebaker5861]

i would add QT suited to that list

[@HelloWorld-ns7gt]

It's in the list as unsuited but all those are included as suited. Only those below it needed to be shown as suited because they are not there unsuited.

[@fernandostudebaker5861]

@@HelloWorld-ns7gt actually its not in that list. look at it again

[@fernandostudebaker5861]

@@HelloWorld-ns7gt id fold it unsuited by the way. Q 10 suited should definitely be on that list though, for sure

[@johnjohn-ne8fw]

You're good dude.

[@Lita-yr4wt]

"hero call" that's perfect 😂

[@andreasvukman3932]

Poker is a game of money, patience, and luck. Everything else is a bullshit. You can throw your strategies and theories in a thrash can. They are worthless in the real world. All these poker 'coaches' are like the martial arts 'experts' who get knocked out in the first street fight they encounter.

[@viccompton7820]

One of my biggest problems is getting blinded by having a good hand and not seeing all the possibilities that are still on the board

[@timgreene2138]

The biggest barrier to entry holding me back is that poker is illegal in Ohio. Any legal alternatives?

[@laurentgermain5678]

Crucial advises 🎉

[@xM3NTALITYx]

No Ax suited?

[@HelloWorld-ns7gt]

Noobs will get smashed by the opponents kicker far more often than they win with a flush.

[@mikehong2691]

Nathan!-You're Right!-It's-the Love Of Poker-Keeps Me-There!&Winning-Also!-Raymond "Mike" Hong!&(This Is-The Best-Poker Vlog!&I've Learned-Alot!-Nathan!&Thanks!-Mike!)😎👍!!!!!!!!!

[@BlackRain79Poker]

Thanks Mike! Appreciate all your support of my videos.

[@tmanno1987]

I've decided to only bring the money I'm willing to lose inside casino. That way I don't get caught trying to comeback full tilt.

[@okiepokertraveler1718]

T9 on a KQJ board is not the nut straight. It is the second nut straight. Also, if you do get a jack and your OP bets into you, or raises you on the river, a fold is often mandatory because of the fact you don't have the nut straight, you have what is known as the idiot end of the straight. You can call a good amount of the time depending on the player you're up against. But most people won't raise you in microstakes without having the nut straight. The reason you can call sometimes, is that you do have removal to the nut straight with your 10. So you can call about 40% of the time and be profitable here.

[@maxslowplaysHARP]

best of the best

[@stirfrybry1]

>Calling your draws is harder than folding

[@HelloWorld-ns7gt]

over time it is positive ev no doubt about it.

[@ScarletDeathweaverLegacy]

Happy Memorial Day!

[@stirfrybry1]

best advice would be" be ready to fold two pairs"

[@jackbauer789]

Why do you people hate in the comment section. Some of us like when Nate responds to our comments, but I wouldn't blame him if he left the comment section alone with some of you $#*@ &!%#@ Look, I'm in the red 10k since playing $1-$3 for 13 months now. I've gotten better yet still find it extremely difficult to strong two or more wins together in a row. I play exclusively at Encore Boston Harbor, and still can't figure how the regs have the bankroll to play EVERY day. I'm telling ya, I know that I'm better than many of these guys, yet my results do not reflect this (I've played around 22,000 hands in 13 months). I play tighter than most of them, and aggressive with my strong hands, but I keep getting stacked. When I do win, I usually win $1,000 or more, on a $100, or $200 buy in. Then, the deck goes ice on me for weeks straight. Is this normal?

[@gilo8721]

Pocket Aces and everything else gets called at a 1-2/ 1-3/2-3/2-5 game lol

[@mihnea_1734]

I had a good hand , the flop came I bet 80% of the pot, he calls, next i bet 80% of the pot, he calls , the river came, i bet half the pot , he calls and he had 3 Aces i lost all my money yuhu

[@robertwilkinson8421]

Make Peace with Variance, OK!

[@teejay6063]

Wow. You're a fucking genius. Where in your multiple books of such amazing wisdom does it explain how to dodge 2 outers on the fucking river?

[@floridaman6982]

There are like 2 cover pages for your videos lol

[@officialwickcity]

I won 533$ on friday the 13th watching this video in less then 30 minutes before the table broke 🤔

[@Eturnal1111]

What no 79 suited 😂

[@MissingWilson]

Not even suited aces? Flush over flush is very lucrative at those stakes.