Taking Notes

[wizard]

I have just had time to properly read through this months Poker Player magazine, and have been reading the article on taking notes. I personally dont take notes at the moment, but can see an advantage in doing so, however I have a few questions. How long should I observe a players play before deciding on their style? How lenghty should notes be? Should notes be the be all and end all of my decisions. e.g .... I have picked up that a player often plays rag aces. I am short stacked in an MTT holding 8-8. He puts me all in. - based on the information I should probably call, but bad players get dealt good hands just as often as good players do. Maybe he has AA or KK or QQ etc. How beneficial do you find note taking? Do you have any example notes to share?

[Valiant23]

Re: Taking Notes I have to say that although I haven't read the article yet, I'm coming round to the idea that they are bad (another flaming on its way :lol)!

I have picked up that a player often plays rag aces. I am short stacked in an MTT holding 8-8. He puts me all in. - based on the information I should probably call, but bad players get dealt good hands just as often as good players do. Maybe he has AA or KK or QQ etc.

Thats one of my reasons. How about;

• Players improving? You play against BillyTheFish who has been playing for a month (not that you know this), playing poorly and you make notes on his play. The next time you see him you get ready to catch a nice fishy, to discover he's playing you off the table, and on his way to the WSoP as the next bright young thing.

• Your own mental development. Most people want to take their online poker into BnM casino's/cardroom's. Do you think you can sit down with a pad and pen and make a note on Gripper sat next to you (you know him with "LOV" and "HAT" tattooed on his remaining fingers)? Do you think he'll apreciate catching a glance at your pad to see 'Gripper=

Whilst I appreciate and understand the uses of poker software such as Poker-Office and Poker Tracker, I think if you see something worthy of noting then you will be better served to remember this yourself. If you have forgotten the next time you see them at the table, then it couldn't have been that remarkable a point. Of course I suppose tagging fishes is worthwhile when you fancy some easy money.;)