PRO CHAT TRANSCRIPT - April 28th 2010
-
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Easiest chat i've ever done - everyone chatting with earlier stars
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: hi steve... care to share some good avatar tells?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: When I started on Tilt, Howard said my bankroll was endangered, so I got the Bald Eagle, an endangered species for an avatar. (I am happy to report that we have both come off the endangered list.)
QUESTION FROM SYLAER: Hey, I was just wondering you opinion on limping? I know someone who limps a lot of hands in all situations, what would your advice on this be?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: It is good to mix up your play - if your intend to limp with aces and kings, then you must limp with some weak hands or they know that limps = monsters. Chrise Ferguson says that mathematically it is wrong to ever limp first in in NLH
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: Hey I used to live on corner of 1st ave and St. Marks... Been Doc Holidays a handful of times back then... like late 90s
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I'll be back in NYC in about 2 weeks & expect to be there on the late shift a few times
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: how many Mathematicians have read and commented on some of the less than technically correct things in your Practical Probability series?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I think the series was basially correct although not technical. Amazingly Probabily for Dummies figures the odds wrong on one of its first pages of text
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: Will reading your columns in Card Player make me a better poker player?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Of course, the question is, will they make you a better person?
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: Why do people call raises out of positions or open pots and call 3 bets from small blinds only to fold the cbet?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: no idea, unless they have some deep read - players in general make a lot of mistakes
QUESTION FROM sorry hage: will reading your columns in Card Player make me a better person?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: that is a question we need to ponder, but it will make you a better (more thoughtful) player
QUESTION FROM EJ is Legend: how long did it take you to start building a good bankroll?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I was in my thirties by the time I learned how to build and hold on to a bankroll.
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: People always ask: “How much do I need to play in a certain stake game?” The usual answer to all poker questions is,” It depends.” But in this case, it is the wrong question. The question really should be, “Given my temperament and current financial
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: rrent financial situation, how much I can I risk in a game?
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: I have Ac Ad 7c 5h should I open for pot?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I assume PLO - depends on position & stack size, in general raise, or try to create a situation where at 60% of you stack goes in preflop (may need Raise & reraise or limp the raise
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: Steve, why are you so bad in a cash game? what do you think you can do better as a professional poker player to earn a better status as a cash game player?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I've actually done well in live cash games for a long time, my biggest strengths are not steaming & selecting good games. Online I tend to play for fun (oftern late at night after a few cocktails & my results are worse.)
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I certainly good play better online if I was under pressure. I play too many hands & adopt experimental strategies
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: Steve, why is your avatar an eagle?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: When I started on Tilt, Howard said my bankroll was endangered, so I got the Bald Eagle, an endangered species for an avatar. (I am happy to report that we have both come off the endangered list.)
QUESTION FROM EJ is Legend: how do you like to play in MTT's?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I think most players are too loose early & too tight late. They risk huge stacks with mediocre hands in the beginning
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: who will win the durrr challenge?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Seems like Durrr has given players who are on his level a great opportunity. If they are close to even with a few hundred hands to go, then can lock up a win getting a nice price on the bet
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: For players that good, playing that high,luck becomes a big factor even with all those hands. Remember one of two lucky breaks in 500K pots con control the results
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: I have A A in a tournament and 7 players limp. Should I open the pot, and if so, how much?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Why such a goofy question. Of course you should raise, perhaps go allin if stacks aren't too deep or you can trick someone into calling. Not a realistic question except in play money game ...
QUESTION FROM sorry hage: how many rebuys do you plan on doing in your tournament tonight?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Hard to predict. For players with large bankrolls, who want to get best value for money, only rebuy when necessary and then only if your table is good or bad players have a lot chips. If you goal is to win no matter what then max rebuys & addons
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: Who's the best cash game player? who's the best tournament player?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Phil I is best at all games right now
QUESTION FROM EJ is Legend: best tip you can give for improving ones game?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Spend time studying & thinking about poker. Read books & columns, watch big games on Tilt, talk to friends who play at about you level or a little better & discuss situations
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Focus on making the right play not on results
QUESTION FROM bspencer517: who is the best player besides Ivey?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I guess online Durrr & Patrick, tournaments there are a lot of good players Siedel, Juanda, Scotty, are all very tough
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Cash games Doyle is still a force, and Gus & David are the best when winning, when losing however ...
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: Are there pros who play stakes too high for them to handle?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Are there any that don't? Most pros, especially young ones, don't realize that a bad streak at moster stakes can wipe out any bankroll
QUESTION FROM 4Cash124: Steve, what's the best way to find your leaks...both cash and tourneys?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Review hand records, play & discuss later with friends, read & study to see if there are things you don't do. Also very important to keep records
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Record game, stake, day of the week, hours, opponents etc. or get software that does it
QUESTION FROM EJ is Legend: what should i be watching for when i observe tables online?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I sometimes put up a big game, then play somewhere else myself. If a big hand develops I watch the big game. I also can later hit last hand button, the go back to first hand, & then click forward to review big confrontations
QUESTION FROM halo gods: So Steve who is the hardest person to face heads up in a cashgame?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I try to avoid them all. I like to face Larry Moe & Curly
QUESTION FROM mejol23: How much time per day you spend to poker ?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I may trying to relax & enjoy life, so I play a little online and some big tournaments, but I'm trying to avoid anything so huge I feel uncomfortable losing
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: who's the worst big name poker player?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: There are a lot of players who are capable of bad days or going on tilt. I don't like to badmouth anyone, but some of the recent top finishers in the WSOP main event have been pretty weak
QUESTION FROM 4Cash124: Thank you....which of those is most important to record you if you had pick just one. Good Luck this year at the tables, I appreciate your help.
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I have found that when I look at the records that honest players keep about their play (amazing how many stop recording when they hit a losing streak) is that they play more hours when losing then winning. This is the opposite of what they should do.
QUESTION FROM dspsp123: Are you planning to compete in Ante Up For Africa this year as well?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: If I'm in town I try to play whatever events are good charities. Last year I collect around 13K which I donated to their charity (including donating my buyin)
QUESTION FROM chizilla21: Steve, are you really the inventor of thd semi-bluff, or was that Mike Caro?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: David Sklansky invented the term. I think the play has been around as long as poker
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: Do you think one of these guys would fold the last couple thousand hands for the money if they have it locked up (durrr challenge)?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I don't know why they shouldn't or at least tighten up a lot
QUESTION FROM 4Cash124: how strong should I be preflop to call a standard raise in the SB, or should I only raise or fold in that position?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: The modern trend is to talk about the raiser's range & do what is appropriate vs that range of hands. That means you must observe your opponents normal patterns & if they change when they are winning or losing
QUESTION FROM EJ is Legend: how do you gain confidence during a losing streak?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Very important to play smaller games vs easier opponents
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: be careful, they say lee watkinson likes to eat beans... don't say I didnt warn ya
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: he also raises chimps
QUESTION FROM poochy 16: why the big bird avatar?you like it?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: When I started on Tilt, Howard said my bankroll was endangered, so I got the Bald Eagle, an endangered species for an avatar. (I am happy to report that we have both come off the endangered list.)
QUESTION FROM Santiago78: hi bro.. how are you ?? your 3 favorit books ?? (non poker)
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: hanges day to day - but long time favorites include Shakespeare (sonnets or Hamlet), mystries from Conan A Doyle thru James M Cain,
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: have you ever lost your entire bankroll and had to borrow money?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Not in the last 35 or 40 years, although I have fluctuated a lot
QUESTION FROM chizilla21: Unlucky in love lucky in cards, can you comment on this topic?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: We use to say make love not war, i guess you should play cards not play with women
QUESTION FROM SYLAER: my friend is moaning to me on skype about how he is running so very bad, keeps saying "see how i roll", "when will I get a break" and "the blinds always have a hand" anythin you could suggest for me to tell him?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: tell him to focus on his play not his results
QUESTION FROM Subtle Chips: When making a decision in a poker hand do you rely more on your instincts and gut feel or logical deduction?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Live there is more to read, online is more mathematical.
QUESTION FROM peccounty: what should my bank roll be to play 2/5 no limit holdem
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: People always ask: “How much do I need to play in a certain stake game?” The usual answer to all poker questions is,” It depends.” But in this case, it is the wrong question. The question really should be, “Given my temperament and current financial
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: and current financial situation, how much I can I risk in a game
QUESTION FROM chizilla21: Steve, i'll get the most knowledge from reading which poker book ( no self promoting unless its honest )
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Sklansky esp poker theory & harrington on tournaments, also Super system i and ii
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: I find the 2c/5c opponents tougher than the 5c/10c opponents... odd?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: then play 5 10
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Before days of monster stakes, toughest games used to be 2nd highest (it got only good players, since rich pleasure players liked to play in the biggest games.)
QUESTION FROM smashed you bro: have you ever 3-bet anyone preflop whilst holding "the hammer" (7-2 offsuit)
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: If I haven't done it, it can't be done, but not recommended unless bonus for winning pot with 72 or u think big chance raiser will fold
QUESTION FROM ayotex: Hello, what in your opinion is the best way to increase a very low BR to something i can play 1/2 multitable and some smallball on?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Read some Chris Ferguson's blogs on how ran nothing, yes zero, into over 30K starting in freerolls
QUESTION FROM Subtle Chips: Which type of poker do you think requires the most skill?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I have always liked mixed games the most. Each game has its own set of important but different skills
QUESTION FROM poochy 16: whats your favourite game out of the usual 8 game?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I used to love hi-lo declare in home games, but there is too much chance for collusion in casino games I like both 8 or betters & PLO, both have good mix of skill & luck, also 2-7 NL single draw is a great game
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Razz is my least favorite, although good for winning money from bad players
QUESTION FROM smashed you bro: do you have any Stu Ungar stories?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I have a lot, but some are x-rated & they are al too long for busy chat box
QUESTION FROM RdeMan: Is your strategy different in a 300$ Rebuy tournament from a 30$ rebuy tournament?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: best strategy to increase equity is to rebuy at tables with bad opponents or at a few bad players with big stack else only if necessary or not at all
QUESTION FROM ayotex: in a large tournament (1000+ players) how many BBs would you say you want to have to be comfortable, and should i loosen up a lot if im below that?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: in general players are too loose early & too tight late, hard to pick specific numbers ( depends on players, if there are antes etc.) Never go below 5 Big blinds without trying to take a stand
QUESTION FROM Subtle Chips: Who's the better poker player - Stu Ungar or Phil Ivey?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Ivey, by a lot, Ungar was best gin player, but always broke
QUESTION FROM 4Cash124: What is the best piece of poker advice given to you?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Don't give up your day job
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: When you play best in a tournament, what's your % of flops seen usually?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Today 6 handed with rebuys I'll play more than usual, but normally tight at early levels, especially 9 handed
QUESTION FROM gatortilt: do you think the orlando magic can win the nba title? If no why? Didnt you used to bet on sports?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: If Shack was in his prime
QUESTION FROM chizilla21: Best female player?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Jennifer bbest cash & good allaround, Annie Duke, Kathy Leibert, Vanessa Rosso in tournaments
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: have you ever lost your mind in blackjack?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Lost my mind in the 60's, BJ is purely mathematical, but you can lose you mind trying to get away with counting & acting stupid
QUESTION FROM 4Cash124: Did you give up your day job running businesses to play poker?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: My last job was at Harper & Row (now Harper Collins) & I quit when they delayed a promised raise. I had just gotten my MBA & was ready to send out my resume when I won a backgammon tournament. Never went back to work at a regular job
QUESTION FROM bspencer517: When do you start to loosen up your play after starting tight in a tourny? After you feel out the other players or when you have a certain # of bb?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: First time to loosen up is when antes start, & always loosen up when you only have enough to play a few times around the table
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: what poker game do you think requires the most skill?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: ey all require different skills. All stud time games require the ability to remember cards & draw inferences from them. No limit & pot limit require ability to read opponents. Hi-lo requires math skills & ability to tell from their patterns if they
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: are hi or lo
QUESTION FROM bspencer517: Have you ever been kicked out of a casino for counting
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Both kicked out & backed off. Backed off they pleasantly say Mr Z you're too good at this game, no more BJ, but you can play craps or roulette
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Kicked out they tell you that you are tresspassing if you ever come back & security escorts you out
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I just lost a big pot with AK vs KJ all in preflop, but I'm happy i read him right
QUESTION FROM Santiago78: (blck jack) can i count cards if after a couple of time (2-3 hands) the cards go back into the shuffling machine (5-6 decks) ??
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: no way to count vs shuffle machines
QUESTION FROM 4Cash124: So many good poker players have a strong math background, do you know of any that play much more on instincts then odds?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I think most good players and all great ones develop good reading skills
QUESTION FROM pinkpanther2121: hey steve...when u first started playin...how did u become better an go pro? read books, play alot...any advice on helpin a guy move up an one day go pro?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: A lot of us played at the Mayfair every night & we always discussed hands and strategies. Players there include siedel, lederer, harrington heimowitch, appleman who all have multiple bracelets & some other experts who are not well known as turnament pla
QUESTION FROM dis ID taken: will getting a PhD in Math make me a better poker player if not a better person?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Learning probability, statistics & game theory will help a lot. I doubt number theory or linear algebra will help that much
QUESTION FROM chizilla21: Steve, is Tom Dwan really the next Phil Ivey? Also, cash or tourneys?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: He seems to have a lot of talent, but he has been successful mostly in PLO & NLH, especially online, Phile plays everything well, he is especially tough at stud.
QUESTION FROM Joseph 291987: are you a math guy or a feeling guy ?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: At poker i'm a feelings guy, with women its all math
QUESTION FROM pinkpanther2121: any books u recomend ?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: everyone should read sklansky esp poker theory, harrington on tournaments & supersystem 1 & 11
QUESTION FROM Santiago78: ..and i have a system 4 beat (win) a slot machine ??
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: do't tell anyone, just get quietly rich I look on machines as a way to spend $20 to get a free beer
QUESTION FROM KarlS2: which car do you have ?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Not a car person, but lexus
QUESTION FROM bspencer517: In bj what level do you have to start acting like youre drunk or dont know how to play?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: all levels, they bar some small stake players
QUESTION FROM smashed you bro: can you refer to K9 suited as groomed dogs from now on? I came up with the nickname myself (as far as I know) and would love for it to catch on
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: K9 canine pun is ancient, where does the grooming come in?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I played poker against a dog once & everytime he got a good hand he wagged his tail
QUESTION FROM PAT HAND 4 ME: hey Steve-ive watched u play yer good-u seem like a cool dude--do u ever do a bong hit before u play?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: not since i was a kid, but i often come home in NYC when the bars close & play for awhile
QUESTION FROM pinkpanther2121: i wag my tail when im horny
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: you should find a bit ch in heat to do it for you
QUESTION FROM LootInMyToot: I'm your typical 22 year old aggressive player. Since you've had experience and wisdom, what do you recommend me doing in the future with my poker game to achiee long term success?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Leave your options open to do other things. I know a lot of broke poker players & very few broke doctors, lawyers, or accountants
QUESTION FROM bspencer517: Whats your favorite sport to watch
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I used to like football. It is the only sport with a break in the action during which the offence, defence & you all can decide a strategy, then see who was right
QUESTION FROM pinkpanther2121: hey steve....i usually play 5 dollar to 75 dollar tourny...i notice a lot of bad players pllay at these levels...how do i win at these levels? i have a lot of trouble when 5 of 9 at my tourny table are garbage. any insight??
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: People in tourneys & cash games always complain they can't beat bad players-I assume this means they're doing something drastically wrong. In general very bad players can be beaten by playing good cards in a straightforward manner - no fancy footwork re
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: required, just ABC poker. When I have played in 1-2 and 2-5 casino games, tight players always beat weak players. Especially if tigt players are agressive & know where they are in a hand
QUESTION FROM sunny959: Hey steve I always get good going in the beginning of any tournament but when the stakes become high I just couldn't make anything...why do you thinkthis happens to me?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: my guess Because you play too loose early when it doesn't really matter & you can steal, when pot to stack ratio becomes more meaningful strong arm tactics don't work as well
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: going on break in tournament & here for a few minutes
QUESTION FROM pinkpanther2121: any advice on avoiding tilt at my level of play?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: develop ability to quit when losing, if you must continue switch tables & play lower stake. If you feel you've made two bad plays always quit
QUESTION FROM pinkpanther2121: ty so much for the help bro ! what is the best way to learn to read people online or in person? any good books. or just keep observing ther actions
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I really don't know online, except watch their betting patterns, & live begins with some of the books Caro on tells & Navarro/Helmuth read'em & weap
QUESTION FROM Subtle Chips: How do you think the game of poker will change in the next 10 years at the top levels? Will loose-aggressive eventually phase out tight-aggressive at the nosebleed stakes?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I wish some one would get people interest in other games besides NLH. So far that is all TV audience & tournament players want., but it really a dull game
QUESTION FROM Joseph 291987: Who do you consider to be better the late great chip reese or phil ivey and why?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Ivey is the best ever, but Chip was the best gambler.
QUESTION FROM Santiago78: you know Stu ungar ?? what can you us tell about stu ???
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: some day i'll do a chat about him, but too long to do now
QUESTION FROM pinkpanther2121: thanks for all the advice...most other pros ive seen chat. dont really give ya much help. ex) 1 or 2 word answers. thanks for actually giving good help to my questions.
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: thanks for support
QUESTION FROM Santiago78: i have read what you have written in the book super system.. have you written more ?? (in other books or so)
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I write regularly for CardPlayer magazine & columns available online
QUESTION FROM xXHeRbS416Xx: How are u fairing this yr so far on the tables. (Cash & Tourney's)
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: really taking it easy these days, a few tournaments getting fairly far without getting money
QUESTION FROM sunny959: so do you think I should play real tight in the late stages of tourneys with standard 3-4 times raise and not pushing allin's? because everytime I do push it i lose with the best hand
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Just the reverse you play tight early & become active later
QUESTION FROM smashed you bro: Has anyone ever reffered to you as the "Zolotov coktail"
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Yes - my nicknames have included, Zlotch, Chuckles, Bald Eagle, Zee Bisquit, Z, Zee Greatest and Zolotoff Cocktail
QUESTION FROM bspencer517: On the flop in plo how do you play a hand like a set and a straight draw against someone you think is drawing to flush with an overpair? With 50bb do you try to get it all in if they raise you or wait til the turn when you are at a bigger ad?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: I try to get allin whenever i think i am a favorite to win, but try to avoid situations where I have a tough decision for all my chips later
QUESTION FROM pinkpanther2121: where are you from steve?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: born in NY city
QUESTION FROM PAT HAND 4 ME: Steve--the best 4 u makin $ is online or live poker?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Tournaments are worst way to make a living, they don't give badplayers enough chance to throw away all their money. Live cash good if you can read people. Online cash great for multi-tables (lowers variance) & ennables you to earn without much risk
QUESTION FROM pinkpanther2121: how many years did it take you to go pro ?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Worked my last job in my early 30s, & full time gambler for over 30 now
QUESTION FROM bspencer517: Which has lower variance poker or counting?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: poker
QUESTION FROM OMG_duhhhh: are you still going to UNLV for school still?
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: yes trying to keep my brain alive
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: just made a hopeless bluff in tournament
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Done for now, thanks for chatting
ANSWER FROM Steve Zolotow: Play well & win