Play the Software!

[Randy C]

Many a poker player will often tell you to "play the player"...and for all intents and purposes, that is sound advice especially when it comes to brick and mortar play. However, online poker is an altogether different horse, and while the same advice holds true, there is another element that OFTEN goes unnoticed.

Online poker utilizes software that is, by its very nature, is encoded with very non-random, sequential patterns. Yes, it's true, and if you don't believe me, sit back and watch how often certain hands play out...It's almost as if you can predict the next card to come. Sometimes I'll find myself doing that very thing; guessing the next card to come...and more often than not, I find that I can predict that next card. A miracle? Nah...just common sense...and having seen the same predicatble pattern played out dozens of time the same old way!!!

So, with the above information, I think that your next step should be learning the subtle nuances of whatever poker site you play on, and capitalize on them.

For instance: I personally have found that when I play on Bodog, if I am holding a pair of 2's in the pocket, I rarely will catch my 3rd 2 on the flop, but I DO catch on the turn. And the same holds true for 3's.

Also, I have found that if I am holding AK in the pocket on Bodog, I can expect to catch either an A or a K almost 47% of the time (slightly higher odds than live games).

And how about short stacks...Has anyone noticed that the short stack seems to win a showdown almost 84% of the time??? It's all software patterns that I have noticed and picked up on while playing on Bodog! These are patterns that Bodog's software seems to utilize.

Paying close attention to these subtle nuances will greatly enhance your game strategy and increase your odds of winning...And it should make perfect sense to you, because computer software programs are written. What's more, they are written by people, and as infalliable as poker sites would like to lead you to believe that they are, the harsh reality is there is holes that CAN and WILL be exposed, and if you aren't the one who is willing to take the time to expose them, then someone...perhaps your opponent, will!

My advise to you...Take a weekend when you really have nothing better to do, and watch with great interest and pen in hand...and watch the patterns of all pocket pairs, and some of the larger hands like AK and AQ and see how they play out. Then the following day...see if there is a pattern that is recognizable and key in on those factors. Also, pay attention to the things that I wrote about above, and see if what I am saying is not true most of the time; Partcularly when it comes to the short stack and their overwhelming amount of wins. Often times, I will make a fun side bet with players at a table and say, "I'll bet you 10 to 1 the short stack takes this"...and when he does, they all ask how I am privy to this information...Well, really I am not, but it sure gives them something to talk about, ya know?

All software, no matter whether it's poker, or some other type of game, they all have a pattern no matter how slight, although not readily visble over a short period, it can be detected over a long period of time. Do your homework and YOU be the one who capitalizes on those patterns.

As scary as this premise may be for some people to fathom, it is an undeniable fact. And don't just take MY word for it...read up on gaming software and programming. You will find, as did I, that software is very predictable and if you are diligent enough, you can spot the subtleties more and more.

Your input on patterns that you have seen would be most helpful. The more sulbtle patterns that we can compile, the better chance we have at being more effective when competing. And what the heck...better us than the other guy, right?

All In,

Randy C~

[doc333]

Nice post Randy and very true.
When i was reading it and got to the part about pocket 2's,
i knew even before i read on about the turn. I had noticed that a while back and i tend to hold on to them until the turn hits unless pushed too hard.


DOC333

[Randy C]

Just wondering if anyone else has any other software hickups or predictable patterns that they have witnessed. Please let us know...

All In,

Randy C~

[wtfadam]

I see different patterns come out at different times. It's usually more or less one of those gut feelings you get because you have seen this all before.

This morning I lost slow playing a pair of pocket kings, flop was 10 QQ I bet and get called turn is an Ace and the death of me. Next hand I play at the same table is what else? A pocket pair of Kings but this time I push all in and get called with a guy with 45 suited and of course he catches a flush. I leave that table and sit down at another table first hand pocket Kings. I tell Jen I'm going to loose this hand too. Sure enough I'm all in against a pair of nines and he catches another nine to kill my hand. Turn off bodog software and move on over to AP software and try to start all over again with some better luck.

[white22]

Two patterns I have noticed and used with unbelievable accuracy. The First one i noticed after a week of intense play (bored and wanted to see how much money i could win in a week playing the best poker that i thought i could) where four times i folded pocket 10's to multiple all ins. Each time i was in early position and i made a decent raise to be followed by multiple all ins. so playing smart to last in multiple tablte tourneys i graciously fold out. Just to see a ten every time on the flop. all four times i would have hit a set of 10's against AA, KK, QQ. Same bodog set up every time. I now watch for this set up and it hasnt let me down in about 3 times using it. nothing better than cracking A's and another pocket pair to triple up.

The next thing i have noticed and would only know about because of the amount of times that it was shown to me that i watched for it in my own hands. bodog loves to set up pocket 8's or 9's against pocket Q's both to hit a set on the flop. something to really watch for if u have 8 or 9's and hit your set on the flop and there is a queen, 10 to 1 the other player will not be able to keep his chips out of the pot. Very tough lay down, but i have been shown right too many times. Lately now that i know this I tell the guy i am folding trip 8's and then fold sure enough he shows his trip Q's. It sounds stupid to fold what is so close to the nuts, so you can TRY to keep the pot cheap until you build confidence in this one. Use this Info as you please.

[white22]

I have also noticed the pocket 2's, this is so true! I cant think of the number of big blinds called doomed to never see a duece.

[Randy C]

Hey White!

That's useful info, bro! Has anyone else noticed the tendency of the short stack who goes all in to double and sometimes triple up. One time, I saw a short stack player go all in with 45os against ppJ's, AQs and pp5's only to see the shorty win with a freaking straight against all 3 other players!!!

unreal! But it does happen on Bodog like that! Also, another pattern to beware of is those dreaded pocket aces on Bodog. I have stats on them, and it isn't reassuring. For every 10 times you hold PP A's, you will only win 4 of the 10 times....or 40%! These are stats that I have personally kept.

Also, PP K's...If an Ace comes on the flop..."BEWARE!" You are being set the (blank) up!

All In,

Randy C~

[drzappaman]

On BoDog another set that I've seen hit of the flop with above average odds is pocket 5s.

[Triple B333]

I like to play threes a bit too much. I dont get them very ofter either, not like other hands that tend to repeat themselves. I have noticed this tho, when i see alot of action ahead of me, say for instance i have kojack ( K J ) and someone raises about 3x the bb. He acts from first or sec position and gets at least 4 callers before it reaches me. I say to myself this, I bet i am sharing with at least one of the players. Meaning another player either has my jack or my king with some other card. I say to myself good pot odds to try and get a good flop. But unless it hits me dead square I am just as much a fool as the others for calling. Yes there are tendencies that I have noticed. But I measure the table to suit my calls instead of letting math and irratic play dictate what I do. These are a few of the tendencies that I have noticed and avoid at all costs.

1. Drawing hands, J10, 9 10 s, small to mid suit connectors J9, etc
2. Any pocket pair under Jacks for very cheap if anything.

I have found that if I stay out of pots with many people in them, stay away from large reraises even if I have Ace king or Ace queen and use only my position suited with a powerful hand then I can isolate my prey for the dominant kill. If you are constantly getting into hands where you are an underdog to the supreme hands then you will find yourself trying to draw out over someone. Yes you do get lucky but how many times over not? I think alot of people say that there are tendencies of flops to expect and maybe its true. But ask yourself this, when is the last time you sat down to a beginner and didnt call a thing until level 5. I mean fold it all till you get position and hand strength so that you can make a positive call or bet. I have had so many games where I have folded junk till level five and got in on one good hand and capitolized on it. Then I proceed to jump straight to chip lead with quality plays and good cards. I see so many people putting it all on the line with 7 8 9 kickers, mid pockets with huge reraises, and rediculous overbets at unraised flops. I agree with the seeing of certain cards and flops and such but I do tend to think that we ourselves put ourself into precarious positions without thinking of what to do after the flop and turn etc. I say to myself before every hand what is my hand strength. What is my position. What am I going to bet if everyone folds to me preflop. What am i willing to call if someone raises before me pre. If I do call or raise, what will I do if I miss, what will I do if I hit, what will I do if I hit big. After I see the flop I immediately think of the very best hand to go with the flop. Then I think would my opponent have such a hand. IF I catch a piece of the flop what will I do. Call thru or bet minimal amount to control betting to draw out. All are a series of questions I put myself thru. Just a thought but I avoid many personed hands, i call only cheap flops with ace junk suited and any pocket pair under jacks. All the rest goes to the muck. Chris Ferguson said it best if you dont feel comfortable raising with your hand then fold it out. Pick a better spot. Burke