How to take notes on poker players
Player notes are short reminders about how your opponents play. Online, most rooms let you add a note and a colour tag to each player. Good notes help you remember who bluffs, who calls too much and who only bets with strong hands, so your next decision against them is better.
What to write down
Section titled “What to write down”| Observation | Example note |
|---|---|
| Showdown hands | “Called 3 streets with bottom pair” |
| Unusual bet sizes | “Min-bets draws, pots strong hands” |
| Bluffs shown | “Overbet river bluff with missed flush draw” |
| Preflop habits | “Limps a lot, folds to raises” |
| Tilt signs | “Plays loose after losing a big pot” |
A simple format
Section titled “A simple format”[Spot] + [action] + [hand], for example: “BB, check-raised flop with a gutshot.” Keep notes short and factual, and add the date if you play the same player often.
Colour tags
Section titled “Colour tags”Use a simple system, for example:
- Red: loose/aggressive, bluffs a lot. See aggressive players.
- Yellow: calls too much. See calling stations.
- Blue: tight, only strong hands. See playing against nits.
- Green: solid regular.
See player types.
How to use notes
Section titled “How to use notes”- Before a big decision, check the note.
- Against a “calling station” note, value bet more; against a “nit” note, fold to big bets.
- Update notes when you see new information: one hand isn’t the whole picture.
Live games
Section titled “Live games”Live, you can’t type notes at the table, but you can remember a few key facts or jot them down on breaks.
See also VPIP and PFR and online tells.
Why take notes on poker players?
Section titled “Why take notes on poker players?”To remember how opponents play, such as who bluffs or calls too much, and make better decisions.
What should a poker note include?
Section titled “What should a poker note include?”The spot, the action and the hand shown, kept short and factual.
What are colour tags in online poker?
Section titled “What are colour tags in online poker?”Colours you assign to players in the app to mark their style at a glance.
How do you use notes against a calling station?
Section titled “How do you use notes against a calling station?”Value bet more often and avoid bluffing.