Good note taking is something that almost every top online professional does. You should strive to take multiple notes every session you play with the goal of fine-tuning your reads on opponents. Any time you observe a player make a non-standard or unusual play, you will want to record it via a note.
Here are a few examples of notes you might take:
Stacks off light
Bets big when weak
Bets small when weak
Bets big when strong
Bets small when strong
Cannot fold a pair
Does not raise strong draws
Limps any suited cards
Limp reraises monsters UTG Capable of making big bluffs on river C-bets too often
Slow plays monsters on drawy boards Fit or fold
There are hundreds of variations of the above notes. Make sure your notes are constructive and easy to read for future use. Recording notes such as “no talent ass hat that sucked out on me” are not helpful.
If you are not completely sure about a note, I recommend putting a question mark next to it until you have confirmation that it applies. For example, if you see that a player calls an all-in with KTo, you might put a note of “stacks off light?” If you see the same person call an all-in with another mediocre hand at some point in the future, you would remove the question mark. However, if you realize later in the session that he had called a maniac’s any two cards shove, then you might remove the note altogether. Remember that notes are only to be used as a guide and should remain malleable if additional information comes to light in the future.
Beating Common Player Types
Whoever best adjusts to the competition while employing the soundest fundamentals wins in just about every game in the world. Poker is no different. There are several predominate player types you will encounter at the tables. Once you know how to adjust to each, the game gets a whole lot easier.
I have already shown you how to label the players who I feel are most important to get a bead on. Once you have identified the tendencies of a particular player, it is fine to have a standard adjustment strategy at the ready. In this chapter, I will show you how to quickly make specific pre-flop and post- flop adjustments on the fly and optimize your play to the current table conditions.
My system of labeling opponents has been designed to clarify adjustments that need to be made based on table dynamics. I have tried to make it as simple and effective as possible. I strongly suggest mastering it, as it will simplify and streamline your game.
