low limit games - strategy instinct experience

[blue eyes]

I want to just throw out a few comments and I'm curious to see the feedback.

First of all, like the subject says, this is limited to lower limit games

First of all, I play texas, but not yet have played online for real money, that has more to do with time, and trust issues with online poker. It seems to me that the level of skill in lower limit games is understandably less than that of bigger games. I have watched a few games without participating to monitor results and I find that there is no advice to give someone who is starting out or looking to improve thier game. It seems like the low limit games appeal to similar people who play for fun. I don't think even a pro could master this game. I have found that first of all, forget looking for loose or tight players, secondly, bluffing, doesn't work, someone will always call to see the winning hand. Thirdly, forget pot odds, so many hands are won by that person getting that straight, or that full house, the same people who would fold in a big limit game. Maybe I have haven't watched enough online games to see if this is consistent, but so far it seems to me that luck is your only weapon. Before you jump all over that comment what I mean is, you will win the same amount of hands as everyone else, but yes, you can try and make your pots bigger than theirs when you do win the hands. Of coarse we always want that winning hand, but it matters more here than in the big games. I'd like to hear your thoughts and comments

[ballbp]

What's going on blue eyes? I play alot online and most of your points are valid as far as the type of players you will see at the tables. The players at the $5/$10 play $ tables yes, you'll rarely get by with a bluff and that's only if you've shown them for a couple of hours that you show big hands. But the further you move up $ wise the better the players, usually. The poorer players rarely sit at a $25/$50 table. As far as real $ is concerned, it's tighter even on the cheap tables and much better the higher up you go. Hope I helped somewhat.

[blue eyes]

thanks for your reply, I was considering playing online for the first time, but I would play a small table, but I just wonder if anything I've learned over the years playing at bigger tables will help me, the quick answer is no, I think it may actually hurt. I may have the experience to jump in at a 10-20 or 25-50 table right away but I do not wish to right now, but if I jump in to a small small table just to see if I like it, I think I'll have to play with less of my head and more instinct.

[ballbp]

Yeah, you'll see when you sit down. It doesn't take long to see if someone at the table is one of those raise and raise with nothing types. If so, you just switch tables.(I usually give them a little shit on the chat too) Most of what you'll see is just people hanging in with 10 7 when Q 7 J came on the flop. When you got the hand, in the end they either fold or lose to you.

[watchdawg68]

Blue Eyes, what site do you play on? I have played against someone with that name or a similar one. I just can't remember where.

I like to play at the small small tables. It has a good mix of people, most of them are very loose. I am able to figure out the playing types fairly easy and can then use that info to walk away with a little money. ( It did take me some time to figure out how to play No Fold-em poker succesfully)

I only play strong hands and will fold on the flop if it is not there (there are some exceptions to that rule, flush or straight draw). Be very careful when playing two pair for some reason they come back to bite me. There are a large number of flush's that seem to be made in online poker.

Now the golden rule, the one that I have learned the hard way. "Don't be afraid to fold a huge pocket hand" If it is not there. If all you have is a big pocket pair make sure you have read the other players in the hand well and use your best judgment (I for the most part trust my instints with the information I have aquired during the game) Get a good read on your opponents and alot of times if you just represent that you have the hand they will fold. Don't get carried away with this though.

You can make some money, it just takes a long time and you will experience some bad beats. Don't let this make you go on tilt. I have found there are some pretty good chips swing also. Just take your time have fun playing and you will do fine.

If your still SUPER nervous about playing in the money go to a site that offers penny blinds. Test that for a while then slowly move up. Just remember play tight. If at first your loosing at these penny games don't get discouraged. Just play better starting hands... Playing for money is so much more fun than the free games...

Watchdawg