Decision Checklist

[babiibear]

A few weeks ago I was doing a sweat with a buddy and I decided to make a quick checklist of things I think we should be thinking about before we play a hand.

It looked something like this:

Decision Checklist

1.Action infront
2.Position
3.M
4.Hand
5.Stack sizes to act behind
6.Players to act behind
7.Stage of tournament

I think its really weak, I think maybe bbs>M, and I kinda want it to be shorter, or maybe longer but with 2-3 bold lines that are the MAKE SURE YOU CONSIDER lines. That will prevent the most mistakes. I think if you practice running through these things it will make it automatic and get you closer to that champion model.

So anyway lets put together a good checklist that we all think is best!

[shaun]

I think I would add the table dynamic and your perceived image at the table, but they could be included under the headings you have given.

[bishamonten]

hmmm interesting

this will probably change 4 times before i can actually figure out what goes through my head before i make a decision but here goes

!) bb mine and tables (specifically who is at 10 or less and who is around 20 and then who is deep)
even more specific bb to my immediate left and right they control my action the most

2) my position
3) action in front
bet size, raise, re raise, ect
4) my cards
5) action players image (does it line up with his stack size and bet)

[Steve]

I was listening to a Kevin Schafel (sic) interview - and he was saying once he is in the money - he doesn't consider tournament standings, pay outs etc. Only plays the best poker he can based on situational (I imagine including everything we have listed).

I thought it was an interesting comment considering he final tabled the WSOP.

[mclucky]

I think the more factors the better (why would you ignore any information) provided you can consider each almost automatically which is just a practice thing. Sure some are more important than others in general but in specific situations some normally insignificant factors become critical.

Here's what I like to think I consider - not in order but as a piece unless my brain explodes or I am hungry

Stage in tournament - other factors change based on this e.g. I'm not trying to identify resteal stacks behind in the first couple of levels, I want to know who's trying to cash around the bubble or abusing it and at a final table I'm interested in who's likely to be playing for meaningful money & therefore possibly playing to move up.
Action in front
Stack sizes up front and behind - what story does the action up front tell me - e.g. LP steals with resteal stacks behind are often stronger
Likely ranges for up front villain(s)
My Stack
My Image
Tendencies / history / reads on any up front action opps
Tendencies / history / reads on players left to act
My Hand
If not folding what's my rough plan for the hand
If unopened then calling ranges of players yet to act

That's probably it

[huge]

This might go at the very bottom of the list, but I think it's worth paying a little bit of attention to: How soon will the blinds go up and should I be playing as fast as I can to get them before they go up or as slow as I can to get them going up on my button? Some might consider the latter option sleazy but other people are thinking about it and you should at least be aware.