Eric Rizen Lynch

Question and answer

Couple of quick question and answer things from some of the comments I've seen. I was asked if I thought SNG play improves your HU play. I do think SNG play improves final table play in general, although final table play rarely starts with the deep stacks (in relation to the blinds) that most SNGs do. If you really want to improve HU play I highly recommend playing either HU SNGs or HU tournaments. If you can find someone whose play you respect, I also recommend seeing if you can get them to play HU 2 man SNGs with you. I've done that, and I even paid the guy's entry for him just for the learning experience.

I was also asked what tools/software I use. I primarily use Poker Tracker and Poker Ace HUD. I also use Poker Stove, although not while I play. If I get a confusing hand I'll often plug it into Poker Stove against villian's likely range and find out the math afterwards. Poker is a game of many situations, and the more you play the more you'll run into situations you've seen before. You owe it to yourself any time you get in a tricky situation to do the research necessary to be more prepared for it next time. If you keep coming across the same situations again and again and never learn from it, you will never become a better player. As far as ICM calculators and stuff, I've never used them. I should probably look into them, but most people use them to calculate for chops, and I never chop, so I've never felt the need to use one. It could be very useful at determining when gambling a little might be more +EV than other times, I'm pretty good at knowing that by feel though.

Also, my poker schedule this week will be extremely light. Because of all my Christmas obligations I will likely only be playing on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. I might play Thursday, but that's not looking super likely right now. So I should get a nice long break to recharge before going to the Bahamas.

-Rizen