Will my cash hold'em win rate be positive on 1 February, 2024?
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106
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resolved Feb 13
Resolved
YES

I have started an experiment described here: https://two-wrongs.com/poker-is-surprisingly-generous

The gist of it is that I try to use my forecasting skills to beat low-stakes cash poker, where beat means a positive win rate. (More details on computation linked in that article.)

I am currently at 871 hands played, win rate point estimate at 11 bb/100, and standard error of 52 bb/100.

I hope to get to at least 5000 hands by 1 February -- but I don't have an upper limit. I will update my win rate estimation in the comments as often as I remember to.

It might seem like a conflict of interest that I'm buying shares in this market, but I assure you my interest in the actual experiment is much greater than that of this bet. I'm using the bet more as a commitment device than anything. (This means I will certainly not stop playing when I'm just barely positive just to win this bet – I will continue playing to the best of my ability and given the time I have available until that date.)


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I didn't end up playing more in the new year thanks to other commitments, which means the win rate stayed positive.

This means my attempt at disproving the hypothesis was weak, but on the other hand if anyone traded on my lack of focus and grit in this sort of thing, congrats! You were right!

predicted YES

2536, +7, 23

predicted YES

2274, +11, 25

predicted YES

2163, +12, 26

Certainly seems more likely than not to be positive, but I'm not ready to buy more shares at 80 % yet...

predicted YES

2068, +7.55, 27

predicted YES

1717, +13.31, 32

(just came off a couple of lucky sessions)

predicted YES

hands, win rate, standard error

1597, -0.96, 33

predicted YES

I've had a rough time the past week. 1498 hands in total, win rate now at -2.7 bb/100, standard error 35 bb/100.

predicted YES

What bet (bb) size are you playing at? My very limited experience (you might have more than me at this point) with online poker is that it matters a lot -- the small stakes tables aren't competitive, the high stakes ones are, and that measuring winnings in $/hr is a relevant metric.

predicted YES

@EvanDaniel small stakes only -- a mix of 2/5 and 5/10 depending mostly on the size of my bankroll.

predicted YES

Up to 1101 hands now, and win rate point estimation currently at 26 bb/100, standard error of 43 bb/100.