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Played my first hand of poker at a bar back in Sep 2021. I thought it was interesting, I've always liked cards and games, and decided I wanted to try to get good at it. I watched some youtube videos, learned about some theory, deposited some onto Ignition and started to play some 25nl. I ran hot out of the gate and one 40 buy-ins in 15k hands and then bled most of it back over the next 50k hands. I got some coaching during this, a few lessons, but didn't think what I was learning was worth the price and decided it was a better use of money to rent a dedicated server and run GTO+ for my own solves in order to try and understand what is actually going on in poker for myself. I've been doing that in my free time for the past 5 months and started playing again. Once again, I'm running hot out of the gate, but am waiting for variance to catch up with me, although I feel much better about my game at the moment.

Unlike the first time I started playing, I have a much clearer idea of what I'm doing with my range in most spots and what other people are doing/what they're supposed to be doing. I created a spreadsheet for every common SRP and 3-bet spot and decided on a strategy for different types of board textures, etc. I also thought about and wrote notes on when an alternative strategy might be good. Probably the most important thing I've done is look at turn strategies in the solver, both in individual solves and in aggregate reports to see what the solver like to do, mostly taking note of the bet sizing it prefers, and seeing how much simplifying strategies to only 1 flop sizing and 1 turn sizing (multiple sizes, but one a specific turn card) works and what your range looks like when you do that. I created different solves where I simplified each flop and turn spot to a strategy that is digestible and used the trainer extensively, mostly working on 3 bet pots, both as the 3bettor and more importantly imo as the 3bet caller. My study routine right now is 1-2 hours of looking at the solver every day, both in aggregate reports, and in specific solves, trying to abstract heuristics about different spots and looking at how Villian is supposed to play and trying to guess where they might deviate.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup action continues with several exciting clashes on the schedule. Brazil face a tough test against Morocco, while Scotland take on Haiti as both sides look to start their campaigns strongly. Qatar meet Switzerland, and Australia battle Türkiye in another intriguing matchup.

Today's betting angles:

Brazil vs Morocco: Both Teams to Score

Scotland vs Haiti: Scotland to Win

Qatar vs Switzerland: Under 2.5 Goals

Australia vs Turkiye: Turkiye Draw No Bet

As always, manage your bankroll wisely and remember that value is more important than chasing big odds. Enjoy the World Cup and bet responsibly.

When you sit down to play poker several questions should be going through your mind during the game; "How much money am I willing to lose?" "Should I leave this table yet?" "What is the right bet to make in this situation?" There is more going on in mind of any decent poker player at any given moment than most people realize, especially when it comes to betting on poker games. Of all the questions you should be asking yourself during the game, one should be asked before any of them...

"Should I play this hand in this position?"

Let's take some time to discuss an important bit of strategy. Not how to play poker hands, but how to play poker positions. Poker is not just about the hands you play, but when you play them. In fact, some of the pros would argue that position is often even more important than the hand you hold when you play poker. One would be remiss to discuss poker strategies and not mention the importance of positional play.

Positional Play

Whether playing a full nine handed cash game, or getting down to the last three to four players when playing a tournament, where you are sitting in relationship to the blinds should be taken into consideration with every poker hand you play.

Sometimes referred to as the hot seat, the position directly to the left of the BB is most commonly known as early position, or being under the gun (UTG.) When you play poker from here, you are at a higher disadvantage than anybody at the table because you are the first to act. Everybody behind you can see how you are playing your hand before they have to make a decision on how to play theirs. As such, exceptional care should be taken when deciding to play a hand from this position. Many players will not even play poker hands as good as pocket kings from the hot seat. And two over-cards should definitely be folded when sitting under the gun. UTG+1 and UTG+2 are not much better and you should really only play poker hands like big slick or better from those two spots as well, if at all.

Care should also be taken when in middle position, but you should start to feel comfortable playing face cards from here.

The button, (the dealer chip) is the best spot on the table. When you play poker, play on the button as often as you can. From this position, you can see how everybody on the table is playing before you decide what to do. This can often lead to winning a hand even if the cards you're holding are worthless.

Remember, you don't have to have the winning hand when you play poker to win. You just have to make everybody else think you do.

Hello Y'all , I’m Ben Voutour and I’m officially joining the table. After years grinding poker, exploring casinos, and diving into sports betting, I’m excited to share the journey with you.

This world is about skill, psychology, discipline, and that rush when it all comes together. I'm here for practical poker strategy, smart betting tips, and real stories from the felt  no fluff, just straight talk.

I’m here to learn with you, drop useful insights, and talk about the games we love. Cards are in the air. Let’s play.

Recently got into poker, playing mostly house games. I’m alright at those, but I play online micro stakes and get destroyed. To learn to play online micro stakes, is it better to read books such as the ones below, or is watching videos online going to be more helpful?

Some books I found :

• The Grinder's Manual

• Mastering Small Stakes – Jonathan Little

• Applications of No-Limit Hold'em