Observing the table routine/flowchart/mnemonic?

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.

[bluenoser]

I am not very big on keeping too much track on the feeling of the game. I will however label players after a few showdowns.

I label them loose, tight, very tight, and "Good Player"

The loose players I will call with meager hands, with tight players I will usually bet into and with very tight I will always bet into

With Good players I usually let them make the move first until I can get a better feel how they play. I will usually play a lot tighter against someone that I feel is good.

I find I get the best information about a players hand after I label them and then see how they handle MY raise.