The Showdown – Episode 3, Part 2

The Showdown Episode 3 continues with the conversation with high stakes online pro John “Nicolak” Kim with host Jon Friedberg.

This is Part 2 of Episode 3 of The Showdown. Click Here for Part 1 of Episode 3.

One thing that Kim admits to now that he has been producing poker videos is if some opponents have been snap calling some of his bluffs, having found some tells and strategy after watching his videos on CardRunners.

Kim explains, “Regardless if they think that, it always comes down to the moment at hand and the situation. So, I don’t want to level myself and making a decision solely on that. I combine a lot of different factors, but that is a small factor that goes in to my decisions.”

Friedberg moves on to another topic, which is why you rarely see online tournament players jump into online cash games and succeed. He talks about how it’s a well known thing that whenever a well known tournament player jumps into a cash game, the sharks swarm in. Friedberg then asks Kim why online tournament players do so poorly at online cash games.

Kim replied, “I think the biggest reason is the deep stack in poker they are not familiar with. Tournament players are more attuned to 20 to 40 to 50 BB play and when you are at a cash game table it’s always at least a 100 BB stack. So, I don’t think they know how to approach hands post-flop, pre-flop when playing this deep so they make a lot of mistakes post-flop. Especially in the later streets in tournaments you are used to having your hands done on the flop, where you are usually all-in by the turn… For the most part tournament players are just not used to the deep stack play.”

Friedberg explains that was his first big issue and learning curve when transitioning to cash games. The discussion talks about the state of cash games now as opposed to five years ago. Friedberg also talks about a situation where on a dry Ace-high flop with top pair and top kicker you are looking to get it in during a tournament, while in a cash game you would very rarely be getting your money in good.

Another factor in tournament players failing in cash games is that a lot of cash games are played short-handed with only six players, when tournament players are almost all universally used to play nine or ten handed at a table.

Friedberg and Kim continue to talk about online tournament and cash games, with Kim bringing a great deal of experience having been a high stakes pro for many years. You can catch John “Nicolak” Kim on CardRunners exclusively.

Jon Friedberg then closes the show by thanking the audience for tuning in to The Showdown. He reminds viewers that he wants to hear feedback regarding the Krantz situation. You can send him a message on Twitter @JonFriedberg or via email at JonFriedberg@gmail.com.

Be sure to catch the next episode of The Showdown here exclusively at Poker News Daily next Tuesday.