6-Max No-Limit Hold’em Cash Game Curriculum

Part 1: Epistemology & Quantitative Foundations

1.1 The Learning Model

  • The Bottom-Up Learning Model: Building from core mechanics to complex trees.
  • The Three Aspects of Poker Success: Technical skill, mental game, and bankroll management.

1.2 Expected Value (EV) and Decision Theory

  • EV: The primary currency of poker decision-making.
  • The EV Equation: EV = (Equity × Pot) - ((1 - Equity) × Bet).
  • Evaluating multiple lines (EV of Fold vs. Call vs. Raise).

1.3 Probability, Equity, and Variance

  • The Rule of 2 and 4 (and statistical deviations).
  • Converting odds to percentages and required equity.
  • Implied Odds vs. Reverse Implied Odds.
  • Standard Deviation, Risk of Ruin, and Kelly Criterion applications.
  • Realized Equity (EQR): The gap between Raw Equity and EV.
  • Factors that degrade EQR (Position, Playability, Multiway Dynamics, Opponent Aggression).

1.4 Pot Odds and Theoretical Defense

  • Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF): MDF = Pot / (Pot + Bet).
  • Alpha (Break-even Fold Percentage): α = Risk / (Risk + Reward).

1.5 Combinatorics and Card Removal

  • Calculating hand combinations (Pairs, Suited, Offsuit).
  • Using combos preflop (range construction) and postflop (hand reading).
  • Blockers: Card removal effects on value betting and bluffing frequencies.
  • Unblocking: Ensuring the opponent retains calling range combinations.
  • Nut vs. Range Advantage Combinatorics: Calculating how many combos of the nuts a range contains vs. how many airballs.

Part 2: Preflop Architecture

2.1 The 6-Handed Table and Positional Dynamics

  • Rating starting hands: Equity distributions and playability metrics.
  • The positional gradient: UTG, HJ, CO, BU, SB, and BB responsibilities.
  • Rake Structure Impact: Detailed mapping of RFI ranges based on % of pot capped (High Rake 5%+ uncapped vs. Low Rake 3% capped).

2.2 Raise First In (RFI) Strategies

  • Range construction and precise frequency targets for each seat.
  • Rake-adjusted range compression: Tightening RFI and eliminating marginal flats in high-rake micro/low stakes environments.
  • The “Micro Stakes” RFI Subset: Identifying hands that are +EV in solver land but -EV in reality due to high rake and poor fold equity.

2.3 Isolation (ISO) Raising vs. Limpers

  • The ISO Triangle: Position, Fold Equity, and Frequent Strength.
  • Sizing isolation raises based on position and limper tendencies.
  • The theory of limping behind (over-limping) in passive dynamics.
  • Post-Flop Limper Leaks: Targeting the “Fit-or-Fold” limper vs. the “Sticky” limper.

2.4 Calling Opens (Cold Calling)

  • Mathematical and strategic reasons to call an open.
  • Cold calling In Position (IP) vs. Out of Position (OOP).
  • Blind vs. Blind calling strategies and equity realization constraints.

2.5 3-Betting Dynamics

  • Polarized 3-betting (bluffs and premium value) vs. Linear 3-betting (top-down value).
  • Squeezing: Exploiting multiple callers with adjusted sizing multipliers.
  • 3-Bet sizing algorithms IP vs. OOP.
  • The 3-Bet Bluff Checklist: Suited Aces, Suited Broadways, Low Pocket Pairs (Set Mining in 3BP). Fold Equity Calculation vs. Specific VPIP/PFR stats.
  • Merged 3-Betting: Specific to SB vs. BU and specific high-stakes dynamics where linear ranges dominate.

2.6 Facing 3-Bets

  • Flatting 3-bets: Constructing complete defense ranges.
  • Preemptive adjustments and 4-betting (value and bluff ratios).
  • Facing a squeeze as the original raiser vs. as the caller.
  • Facing a 3-bet cold.
  • The “4-Bet or Fold” Node: Why calling 3-bets OOP at micros is a massive redline leak and how to construct a rigid 4-bet/fold strategy from UTG/MP.

Part 3: Postflop Value Betting & Sizing Mechanics

3.1 The Theory of the Value Bet

  • Introducing the value bet: Extracting maximum EV from inferior ranges.
  • Relative Hand Strength: Redefining “the nuts” based on board texture.

3.2 Pot Geometry and Execution

  • Building the pot: Geometric sizing and Stack-to-Pot Ratio (SPR) manipulation.
  • Slowplaying: Trapping thresholds based on board lock-down and opponent aggression.
  • Geometric Growth of the Pot (GGOP): Calculating the exact flop/turn bet size required to set up a 100% pot River Jam. Formula: Flop Bet = (Target River Pot - Current Pot) / (Future Multiplier).

3.3 Sizing and Range Elasticity

  • Thick vs. Thin value betting thresholds.
  • Elastic ranges (opponent fold frequency scales with bet size) vs. Inelastic ranges (opponent call frequency is static regardless of size).
  • Overbetting (150%+ pot) for maximum polarization.
  • Solver-Derived Sizing Schemes: The 33% (Range), 66% (Polar), 125% (Nutted/Bluff) framework. Board Texture Binning: Using “Ace High Dry,” “Two Broadways Wet,” “Paired Low” as triggers for specific sizes.

Part 4: Postflop Bluffing & Aggression

4.1 Continuation Betting (C-Betting) the Flop

  • Light C-Bet Factors: Range advantage, nut advantage, and board texture.
  • Sizing the C-Bet: Small sizing (25%-33%) for range bets vs. large sizing (66%-75%) for polarized advantage.

4.2 Turn and River Bluffing Mechanics

  • Double Barrel Bluffing: Identifying turn cards that improve range equity or fold equity.
  • Triple Barrel Bluffing: Executing maximum pressure on blank runouts.
  • Delaying the C-Bet: Strengthening the checking range and inducing bluffs.

4.3 Out of Flow Aggression

  • Probing the Turn: Betting OOP after the IP aggressor checks the flop.
  • Bluff Raising the Turn and River: Leveraging blockers to force folds from capped value ranges.
  • Dealing with and utilizing Donk Bets OOP.
  • The Check-Raise Bluff Node: Deep dive on when to check-raise draws vs. when to call them. Polarized Turn Check-Raises (The “Line of Death” at low stakes).
  • The Float Play: Floating OOP vs. Floating IP. The difference between floating with equity and “Stone Cold Floating” (high stakes meta).

Part 5: Facing Bets & Defense Theory

5.1 The Two-Part Thought Process

  • End of Action Spots: Closing the action (pure pot odds and MDF calculations).
  • Open Action Spots: Calling with players left to act (implied odds and squeeze risks).

5.2 Defending the Flop and Turn

  • Defending with Made-Hands: Vulnerability, protection, and check-raising.
  • Defending with Non-Made-Hands: Drawing to the nuts, floating, and utilizing backdoor equity.
  • Turn defense adjustments and assessing multiple barrels.

Part 6: Multiway Pot Mastery

6.1 Equity Realization Collapse

  • How raw equity drops exponentially with each additional caller.
  • The Rule of Inverse Implied Odds: Why TPTK loses money multiway on wet boards.

6.2 Preflop Adjustments (The Gap Concept Revisited)

  • Over-calling vs. Squeezing thresholds.
  • Why suited connectors go down in value multiway at low SPR but up in value multiway at high SPR.

6.3 Postflop C-Betting Multiway

  • The “Check-to-the-Raiser” Dynamic: Why checking range OOP in a 4-way pot is often higher EV than betting.
  • Nut Advantage Scanning: Identifying when you have a monopoly on the nuts in a multiway pot.

6.4 Postflop Defense Multiway

  • The Sandwich Effect: Defending from the middle position. Why MDF applies to the collective defense, not the individual. You fold significantly more in multiway nodes.

Part 7: Complex Nodes & 3-Bet Pots

7.1 3-Bet Pot Dynamics

  • Compressed SPR and its effect on commitment thresholds.
  • C-Betting 3-Bet pots: Sizing down due to range density.
  • The 1/3 Pot C-Bet Heuristic: Why this is the default size in 3-bet pots and how to defend against it.

7.2 Aggressor vs. Defender Strategy

  • 3-Bet pots as the Aggressor: Navigating low-equity boards OOP.
  • 3-Bet pots as the Defender: Float frequencies and check-raising against linear C-bets.
  • Delayed C-Betting in 3BP: The “Check Flop, Bet Small Turn” line with medium-strength made hands.

Part 8: River Play & The Final Decision Node

8.1 River Value Extraction

  • Targeting Inelastic Ranges: Overbetting for 2x pot when villain’s range is capped at Top Pair.
  • Block Betting/Fishing: Using 10-20% pot bets to induce raises from busted draws or get crying calls from bottom pair.
  • The “Bet/Fold” River Discipline: Identifying the Stack Depth Threshold where you are pot committed vs. when you can value bet and fold to a raise.

8.2 River Bluff Selection

  • The Blocker Matrix: Which specific combos are mandatory bluffs?
  • Population Read River Folds: Why bluffing missed straight draws on flush runouts is printing at 50NL but lighting money on fire at 500NL.

8.3 River Hero Calling

  • The Concept of Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF) in Practice: Calculating the exact MDF requirement of your river range.
  • Player Pool Timing Tells: The “Snap Jam” vs. “Time Bank Jam” heuristic.

Part 9: Stack Depth Variables

9.1 Deep Stack Play (150bb - 300bb+)

  • Pre-flop adjustments: Expanding implied odds hands (suited connectors, small pairs).
  • Post-flop adjustments: Increased required equity for stacking off, managing reverse implied odds, and utilizing overbets.
  • Reverse Implied Odds Analysis: Why 98s is great at 200bb, but KJo is a trap.
  • The 3-Bet/4-Bet Cold War: Adjusting to opponents who are not folding to 4-bets.

9.2 Shallow Stack Play (40bb - 60bb)

  • Pre-flop adjustments: Linearizing 3-bet ranges, reducing speculative flats, prioritizing high-card equity.
  • Post-flop adjustments: Commitment on the flop, utilizing block bets to dictate showdown prices.
  • Stop-and-Go: The Shallow Stacker’s secret weapon (Call 3-bet pre, open jam flop).

Part 10: Opponent Modeling & Database Utilization

10.1 HUD Statistics & Threshold Interrogation

  • VPIP/PFR matrices and identifying the gap ratio.
  • 3-Bet and Fold to 3-Bet frequencies (analyzing elasticity).
  • Postflop indicators: Fold to Flop C-Bet, Turn AF/AFq, WTSD (Went to Showdown), W$SD (Won at Showdown).
  • The “Fold to Probe Bet” Stat: The most underrated stat for 6max.
  • Check-Raise Percentage by Street: Identifying the Nits who only raise the nuts vs. the LAGs who raise draws.

10.2 Player Archetypes and Exploitative Play

  • Classifying nodes: The Maniac, The Calling Station, The Nit, The TAG/LAG.
  • Node Locking: Deviating from GTO baselines to exploit unbalanced frequencies.
  • The Reg (Regular): Differentiation between GTO-Wannabe (easy to run over on rivers) vs. Table Captain (needs immediate table change or 3-bet isolation).
  • Population Tendencies by Stake:
    • 2NL-10NL: Under-bluffed rivers, Over-fold to 3-bets, Sticky postflop with Top Pair.
    • 25NL-50NL: Increased turn aggression, awareness of position, but predictable river sizing.
    • 100NL-200NL: Merged 3-betting IP, high frequency probing.
    • 500NL+: Overbetting frequencies normalize, GTO baseline required.

Part 11: Hand Reading & Range Narrowing Process

11.1 The Preflop -> Flop Funnel

  • Assigning a baseline opening range (VPIP).
  • Removing combos based on Flop Action (Fold/Call/Raise).

11.2 The Turn Funnel

  • Action-Based Deduction: What does a check-call on a brick turn mean for a capped range?
  • Sizing Tells: Differentiating a weak blocker bet from a strong inducement bet based on sizing.

11.3 The River Categorization

  • Categorizing opponent’s remaining combos into: Nuts, Medium Value, Catcher, Air.
  • The “Logic Check”: Does this player’s line make sense?

Part 12: Mental Game & Professional Systems

12.1 Cognitive Optimization

  • Cognition 101: System 1 (heuristic) vs. System 2 (analytical) thinking.
  • The Tilt Taxonomy: Prevention, identification (the tilt log), and recovery.
  • A-Game optimization and emotional numbing (variance detachment).
  • Focus Cycling: 45-min deep work sprint -> 15-min database review -> Repeat. Avoiding the 6-hour “auto-pilot” doomscroll.
  • Table Selection as a Skill: The Bumhunting Algorithm (How to find 2+ VPIP 40+ players quickly).

12.2 Professionalism and Discipline

  • Embracing mistakes as data acquisition.
  • Session length management and strict stop-loss/stop-win criteria.
  • Bankroll Management Staking Plan: Differentiating a Conservative roll (100+ BI for 6max) vs. an Aggressive Shot-Taking roll (50 BI with strict stop-loss).
  • The Stop-Loss Framework: “3 Buy-ins Down” vs. “EV Adjusted Down.” When to quit based on mental fatigue, not just monetary loss.

Part 13: Study Mechanics & Software Stack

13.1 Database and Hand Study

  • Writing and saving hands for rigorous review.
  • Utilizing PokerTracker 4 / Hold’em Manager 3 for leak detection (Red Line vs. Blue Line analysis).
  • Node Locking in Database Review: How to adjust solver outputs to match the specific pool you are in.
  • Redline Leak Detection: Is your non-showdown winnings negative because you c-bet too much or because you fold to probes too often?

13.2 Technical Analysis Tools

  • Equity calculations: Flopzilla and Equilab.
  • Tree building and EV analysis: CardRunners EV.
  • Game Theory Optimal solvers: GTO+, PioSolver, and navigating multi-nodal outputs.
  • Range Research & GTO Wizard: Understanding aggregate reports and “Simple” vs. “Complex” strategy implementation.
  • The Aggregated Frequencies Chart: How to simplify a 5-size solver output into a 2-size human-executable strategy.

Part 14: Heads-Up Play (HU) & Blind Defense Deep Dive

14.1 Blind vs. Blind (BvB) Dynamics

  • Why BvB is the highest frequency and highest variance node in 6max.
  • SB Limp Strategy: When to use a limping strategy vs. a raise-only strategy.
  • BB Defense: Defending 60%+ of hands vs. SB open.

14.2 Postflop BvB

  • The Overbet Node: Why BB overbets turn so often on Q-high or K-high boards.

Part 15: Transitions & Stakes Migration

15.1 Moving from 10NL to 50NL

  • Adjusting to Light 3-Betting.
  • Recognizing and exploiting Reg-Induced Bet Sizing.

15.2 Moving from 100NL to 500NL

  • Frequency Merging: Understanding when to use 33% sizing with the nuts to protect a wide range.
  • Dealing with GTO Bots/RTA: Identifying suspicious bet timing and sizing patterns.

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