What's the most important thing you've learned from visiting here?

[Reel Deal]

Thought it would be interesting to hear what information, thoughts or tips people have gained from visiting these boards that they feel have really helped/improved their game.

For me it's something that Z (and don't let this go to your head Z!) says quite often when analyzing hands on the "How should I have played this" board, and that's to ask yourself the question 'what hands do I have beat here?' and/or 'what am I hoping to make with this hand?' I've found that this is a great way to begin the analysis of your hand and once you've answered those questions, figured out where you think you stand and calculate the chances of making what you hope to make with that hand vis-a-vis the bets that have occurred in front of you, the decision to fold, raise or call becomes much clearer. There have been other great tips/information I've taken away from these boards but as of now, I think the above is the most important thought I've used to help my game.

What do others think has been the most important tip, thought or info they've gained here at the TP boards?

[Nikita]

This is a tough one because I've learned so much coming here.

But, I'd have to say the two things I've learned the most about is bankroll management and starting hand value. Starting hands have always been an issue for me. In my attempt to become a better poker player, I've gone from too loose to too aggressive (raising with marginal hands out of position). I've definitely learned a lot about which hands I should fold, which I should call and which I should raise. I think this has helped me to lose far fewer pots by not getting into action with the trouble hands unnecessarily.

[JPSmiley]

I'd have to say ive learned to control myself from trying to play limits higher than my bankroll can afford, hoping to get lucky and make up for a bad beat or a bad day... because in the end it will work itself out.

[2Tone]

But I learned the wisdom of check/calling the river. Before reading the threads on this, if first to act, I would try to punish anyone drawing on the turn, then bet again with, say, two pair on the river. If my opponent missed his gutshot straight or set, he’d fold. If he made his hand, he’d raise me. -EV move for sure. Now I check/call the river with good hands, bet the river on total bluffs or superior hands. Duh, but it helped my game.

[melioris]

I most valuable thing I that I have learned from this forum (so far) is not to be so short term results orientated. I am finally starting to understand that the only way money is made playing poker is from exploiting the bad play of opponents. Everyone gets the same opportunities, and so whoever plays the best poker, maximizing rewards while minimizing risk, will be the most successful. Although it isn’t often stated this way, a lot of the advice on this forum has to do with thinking about things in terms of EV. So I am trying to develop a style of play that focuses on identifying positive EV situations and acting strongly in these cases while avoiding negative EV situations. This forum helps me play poker soundly and not focus on the immediate results as the mathematics demand that sound poker playing be rewarded by long-term results.

[Tony Cheval]

Exactly, the concept of not betting when only better hands can call you is a subtle one, but well worth knowing. Of course, that assumes your opponent is that sensible, but that's another story.

[Reel Deal]

Bump

[drewjax]

I couldnt agree more. I lost so many more bets on the river, than I do now. And, ya, it seems simple now in retrospect, but it is a great edge in limit (against weaker players anyway). This forum has absolutely helped me in that regard.

Also bankroll management for sure.

And really just sorta common sense, non-donk stuff. Dont tilt and move up w/ entire bankroll etc.....

I dont post many hands etc. I should, and will try to do it more. The advise here is about as sound as you can get IMO.