The Script

[bennymacca]

hey guys, i thought this was a really good, simple way of breaking down a hand. i try to do this most times, but i reckon it would be good to memorise and run through every single time

The Script
Phil Gordon
April 4, 2005

In an effort to simplify my decisions, every single time it's my turn to act, I try to run through the same script in my head:

Are my opponents playing conservatively? Aggressively? Tentatively?

What are some of the hands my opponents are likely to hold?

What do my opponents think I have?

Once I have the answer to the first question, and feel confident about my range of answers for the second and third questions, I move on to the most important question:

Should I bet or raise?

If I think I have the best hand, I nearly always answer "Yes" and I bet or raise.

If I think I can force weak opponents out of the pot with this bet or with future bets, I nearly always answer "Yes" and I bet or raise.

If I don't think betting or raising is the right decision, I move on to the last question:

Should I check (or fold)?

If I think I have the worst hand, I nearly always answer "Yes" and I check or fold. If I think my opponents are strong, I nearly always answer "Yes" and check or fold. After a careful analysis, if I'm not sure if I should raise and I'm not sure I should fold, I feel confident that calling a bet (or checking) is correct.

I find that even in straight-forward and obvious situations, by running through the script I often find opportunities that other players might miss. And by asking the "raise" question before the "fold" and "call" question, I ensure that I am playing aggressive, winning poker.

Try using this script next time you sit down at the table, and see if simplifying your inner dialog forces your opponents into making more complicated decisions.

[maccatak11]

It doesn't mention anything about when is the right time to bennyjam...

[BigPete33]

No luck on google finding that either!

I feel so uninformed and let down.

[muzzington]

You don't look for the bennyjam, the bennyjam will find you.

[AceLosesKing]

"That site" is really good for tips like that. Playing AK out of position, controlling pot size, when and how much to bet, etc.

I always find their tips really informative.