Poker Computer Setup
Posted by: April 1st | CommentsWhen you spend as much time as I do in front of the computer screen it’s nice to have a setup that makes you comfortable. While you don’t need a big multi-monitor setup to play winning poker, it can make the task more enjoyable. Here’s my setup and the reasons why I have it the way I do.
The Computer
Online poker hardly requires a crazy powerful computer. Where having a bit of extra processing power comes in useful is when working with a large database in Hold’em Manager or PokerTracker. Most any PC should run these programs just fine, but once you start logging a few hundred thousand hands, performance may begin to suffer. By that time your poker winnings should easily finance an upgraded computer.
My poker rig is a Dell XPS system with one of the less expensive Intel i7 processors and 8GB of RAM. It has a bunch of fancy crap that isn’t necessary for poker but that I purchased because I also use the system for video editing and some graphics work. Plus I just like buying fancy crap. The system runs everything I can throw at it without a hiccup.
I’m running Windows 7 and have had no compatibility issues with any poker related software, or any software for that matter. Online poker is becoming more Mac friendly, however, I’m not aware of a Mac version of Hold’em Manager or PokerTracker being available as of yet.
Monitors
Having plenty of screen real estate is nice when you’re multi-tabling and want to look up someone’s PokerTableRatings stats or do something in Hold’em Manager. This means either having a big monitor or having multiple monitors. I chose both. 
I was running two 22″ ViewSonic LCD’s but recently upgraded thanks to the PokerStars FPP program. I picked up a 27″ LG Monitor from the PokerStars store and flipped one of my 22″ monitors vertical… This allows me to play poker on the big monitor and have both Hold’em Manager and Firefox open on the smaller monitor. When I get bored with this I’m sure I’ll add the extra 22″ to the mix somehow. First I’ll need a desk upgrade.
If you want to go the multiple monitor route you need to make sure your video card can handle it. I’m using the ATI Radeon HD 4800 with 1GB of RAM and it handles the job nicely.
Other Stuff to Consider
Online poker requires constant use of a mouse. Just make sure the mouse you use is reliable and accurate and doesn’t end up causing any discomfort or fatigue. You can’t play your best if you aren’t comfortable. You can also check out Poker Controls, they make a pretty cool controller designed specifically for online poker players.
Also make sure you have a chair that allows you to sit comfortably for extended periods. If you’re ready for the ultimate in poker playing comfort, check out the Herman Miller Aeron chair. They are no joke.
The Bottom Line
The fact is that the computer you are on right now is almost certainly good enough to play winning poker on. All of the little extras might make playing long hours more manageable, but they are only luxuries. Only after you are properly bankrolled, have purchased Hold’em Manager or PokerTracker, and are a proven long term winner should you consider spending money on a fancy poker setup. Unless of course, you just like this kind of thing and have some money to burn.
All in all my computer setup cost me under $2,000 and I can’t think of a single thing I’d like to change… Well, maybe a second 27″ monitor next month when I have the extra PokerStars FPP’s to blow on it! I think I’m joking about that… No, no I’m not.
Still Dominating
Posted by: March 26th | CommentsI’ve played another 1,000+ hands in my $50 challenge and things are still looking good. I’ve completed a total of 2717 hands with a profit of $260.73, giving me a (still not possible to maintain) winrate of 37BB/100. The chart and graph are posted below.
Several months ago I threw about $1k on Ultimate Bet and ended up running bad and tilting my ass off to some pretty decent opponents. The players I’ve seen at .05/.10 and .10/.25 are so much softer than the .50/1.00 players. Another nice thing as that there is never any waiting for an opponent, within a minute I always get sat by someone ready to play.
HEM Graph
HEM Stats
I am focusing on avoiding tricky lines and relentlessly value betting my strong hands. Bluffs are certainly to be used sparingly, most of mine have been picked off by bottom pair or king high type hands. Not to say that bluffs aren’t important, once I get caught bluffing I never seem to get credit for anything the rest of the match.
There seems to be a good percentage of players at the micros that love to slow play. So, when it goes check, check, overbet, you can pretty safely lay down most of your holdings.
My next update on the challenge will include some of the big hands I’ve played so far. Until then, good luck skill at the tables!
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Running Like God
Posted by: March 21st | CommentsI started easing into my $50 challenge a little over a week ago. If you haven’t read my post announcing the challenge I’ll give you a quick rundown. I’m starting with a $50 bankroll on Ultimate Bet and trying to grind it up to $1,000. I admit that I’m using very aggressive bankroll management, but I’m perfectly willing to drop down to lower stakes if I’m at risk of losing the challenge.
I’ve been grinding mostly the .05/.10 HUNL games so far. I currently have my $50 starting roll up to $212.80, which is obviously awesome. Of course I’m not assuming that my current winrate is anywhere near attainable long term, but it’s still nice to see. I’m running at 51BB/100 (lol) over the last 1600 hands. We’ll see when the poker god’s start pissing all over me.
Here’s my graph and stats.
HEM Graph
HEM Stats
The most noticeable difference between .05/.10 and higher up in the low stakes is that you can value bet full pot on every street and still get called down quite often. This means you can take down big pots with your strong hands. That doesn’t mean that the player’s aren’t paying attention though, you still need to get caught with a bluff once in awhile… but once you do, it’s on!
I’ll update on this every 1,000 hands from here until I hit the goal or go busto. If you have any questions about the stats please ask.
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Calculatem Pro Review
Posted by: March 18th | CommentsI’ve never used a poker odds calculator while I play, however, some people that have a hard time calculating odds while at the tables may find this useful. I will be reviewing the software sometime in the near future. If I think it’s good I’ll make a video of it in action and add it to this post. Below is the sales copy from the company.
Calculatem Pro
From the makers of the hottest selling poker odds calculator comes Calculatem Pro – the most powerful Texas Holdem odds calculator on the market. Calculatem Pro has revolutionized the world of Texas Holdem poker calculators with its superior features and precise customization. It uses the latest, most sophisticated technology and algorithms to instantly calculate hand AND pot odds – bringing you the most accurate advice in a sleek, easy-to-use interface. Calculatem Pro is a “must-have” for any Texas Holdem poker player serious about winning at the tables!
*** Review on 4/22 ***
Calculatem Pro Review
I was going to post a video of this program in action, however, after some review I’ve decided… not to bother. The program might have some value to a limit hold’em player that has serious trouble estimating pot odds. However, there’s really no reason a no limit hold’em player should pay the high fee for a yearly license to this software.
Your money here is much better spent on some poker books, Holdem Manager, or an infusion to your bankroll.
Bottom Line
Overpriced unnecessary software. I guess I’m a shitty affiliate… what can i say? I say it like I see it.
Poker and Gambling
Posted by: February 6th | CommentsWhen I tell people that I play poker, they assume that I’m a gambler. Although I enjoy a gambling trip to Vegas as much as (more than) the next person, that’s not what poker is about. Not for me, anyway.
I actually just had my first losing month. It hurt. At the beginning of the month I ended up having a real bad run of cards at a stake higher than I usually play. That set me up to tilt off another… 7 to 10 buy ins at my regular stake. At one point I got so fed up with losing due to another bad river card that I just couldn’t play anymore. I took a couple of days off.
During my little vacation I reflected on my poor results over the last two weeks. I realized that I was expecting to lose and my play was suffering from it. I made crazy moves thinking that the only way I could win a pot was to bluff my opponent off the best hand. I made super light call downs thinking, “He can’t have it again!”. I just let it get to me, and it cost me.
From experience I know that even when I’m running bad I should still make a slight profit, provided I put in enough hands. If I maintain proper table selection and make the plays that I know to be correct, I’m still going to win. In January I didn’t do any of that. I was frustrated and I turned to gambling.
Poker doesn’t have to be a gamble. Once you pay your dues and establish a solid bankroll, you can play poker and earn a good hourly rate for your play. You’ll still have losing days and the occasional losing week, however, provided that you play your best and keep your emotions in check, you’ll end up on top.
So, when you feel control slipping away from you, do yourself a favor and quite playing until you get yourself back in check. Do whatever it takes, fly to Vegas and blow some cash on the Blackjack tables, whatever you do will end up saving you money in the long run. And that is really what this game is all about – maximizing your long term returns by playing better than your opponents.
