Re: How do you know when to step up to tougher games? - Please respond

First of all, winning your first 2 times means little.  In fact, based on
your buyin and the amount you won in terms of BB/hr, you got very lucky.  I
don't care if you are the single greatest poker player on the face of the
earth and made all the right moves to get your stack where you did, you were
still lucky in either a) getting good cards  or b) catching good cards.

$80 is not enough money to play 5/10.  Look up the term "Variance".  In
fact, $80 is a little low for a $2/4 game.  If you are a solid player, a
minimum bankroll of $2,000-$3,000 is recommended to play 5/10 and overcome
the swings.  (The rule of thumb is 200 to 300 times the big bet).  A
standard buying is usually 30x the Big bet, so 5-10 is $250.  Anything less
and you stop playing poker and start "gambling"  (and there is nothing wrong
with that, as long as you understand that that is what you are doing).

AS far as your success at play money tables.  Congrats..I'm glad you like
the game.  But success there is meaningless.  You learned more reading the
books you mentioned than you ever did at a play money table.  Based on your
post, I would say that you need many, many more hours before you think of
taking "the next step."  In fact, I think if you stick at $5/10, you will
soon learn the meaning of the word "Variance."

Unless you have money to piss away, start with some 1/2 online (or even
.50/1).  If, after 200 hours or so you find you are a consistent winner, and
your bankroll is sufficient, then move up.

Or, you can take your winning at 5/10 and move up to $10/20 and roll the
dice until you either hit $10k (or whatever) or go broke.  It's your choice.

"Mike Cihak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> OK, I am a total newbie, got going about a month ago.  Bought a crappy $10
> game, busted it up, read hellmuth and brunson.  Played online for free,
> tore up the 5-10, needed bigger challenge, tried nl200, also free,
> consistenantly making lots of fake free money.
>
> Lets try the real world?
>
> Went to the casino with $80, expecting to lose it all and just pay for the
> experience of learing table manners.  Sat at the 5-10 Hold'em, Left 1.5
> hours later up $160.  Back home, more on-line free practice, re-read the
> books, back to the casino, went in with $100, Left 1 hour or so hour later
> up $120.
>
> Here are my questions
>
> 1. How much better is the play on the paying side of an online site vrs
> the free( asuuming we discount the maniacs who bet all crazy)
>
> 2. How much better or worse is the play in the casino vrs. the online pay
> sites.
>
> 3. How do you know when your ready to step up to tougher games.
>
> I have won twice at the local casino, in short periods of time, play very
> well against the free players on PartyPoker, but am hesitant to jump in
> and play for money fearing strong players who will fleece me fast.
>
> Any guidance?
>
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