Observing the table routine/flowchart/mnemonic?

[alexander_670]

Hi all,

I was at the casino for a full 11-hour session yesterday playing $2/$4 limit.

I knew that I should have been observing the table, trying to detecting patterns and styles, etc from other players. I did not know exactly *how* to go about doing this.

What is your observation routine? Is there an algorithm/flowchart? What exactly are you looking for?

Each time a hand is dealt, what do you tell yourself as the bets come to pick up on the right information?

Is there a mnemonic or filing system that you use as you see information to make it easy to remember? How do you organize your info?

Thanks all. Really looking forward to getting some discussion on this aspect of the game.

[zachary_897]

I haven't played at a casino and at the table i lose focus with my friends. Online I try to look how much they raise with big hands, small hands...how they bet draws, what their checks mean, what hands they showdown, etc. Try focusing on the players left and right immediately of you. Then spread outward. One question I would like to ask do you play online poker? If yes then Poker pro lab has got a calculator which provides you with key statistics such as pot odds, chances of winning and outs These will have the most impact. Otherwise, it comes with playing many, many hands. Someone else will chime in.