The term 'mid stakes' in poker is used to define games that have buy-ins exceeding those termed 'low stakes', yet falling short of those seen in 'high stakes' games.
The specific interpretation of 'mid stakes' can vary based on who you consult and whether the discussion is about live poker or online formats. Generally, in the online realm , cash games that fall under $1/$2 to $3/$6 are considered mid stakes. Notably, online games that were once categorized as 'small stakes', such as $1/$2, are increasingly being recognized as 'mid stakes' by a significant number of players.
For players participating in live games , 'mid stakes' typically refers to cash games ranging from $5/$10 to $10/$25 . Interestingly, these same limits would qualify as 'high stakes' within the online poker environment.
This guide aims to explore several key topics:
- What types of poker games are classified as mid stakes?
- What factors contribute to the differences between online and live mid stakes?
- Is it feasible to earn a living by participating in mid stakes poker games?
- How tough are mid stakes poker games?
- Has the classification of mid stakes evolved in the world of poker?
What Types of Poker Games Are Considered Mid Stakes?
The classification largely depends on whether we are discussing live or online games. Online mid stakes cash games are generally viewed as occupying the range of $1/$2 to $3/$6 while live mid stakes encompass $5/$10 to $10/$25. The perspective might also change depending on who you ask, as some players might still label $1/$2 online games as ‘small stakes’. Furthermore, the interpretation of ‘mid stakes’ has experienced a shift over time.
What Makes Online Mid Stakes Different from Live Mid Stakes?
In the online setting, ‘mid-stakes’ begins at $1/$2, whereas in live poker, it kicks off at $5/$10. This disparity may stem from the fact that online games tend to be more competitive compared to their live counterparts. Therefore, players often enter online games with lower buy-ins on average. Additionally, when comparing a $1/$2 online player to a $1/$2 live player, it's noteworthy that the former typically invests more due to playing more hands per hour and possibly juggling multiple tables simultaneously.
Is It Possible to Make a Living Playing Mid Stakes Poker Games?
Certainly, mid-stakes games can indeed provide a sustainable income. In reality, they might be considered excessively challenging for anyone merely seeking to generate a stable livelihood. ‘Small stakes’, meaning games like ($1/$2 or $2/$5 live) or limits upwards to nl100 or nl200 online, are generally sufficient for securing a good living. The ability to make a living as an online player also depends significantly on the player's location and the respective cost of living. It's worth noting that there are professional players successfully engaging in cash games with as little as nl10 or nl25.
How Tough Are Mid Stakes Poker Games?
Mid stakes games represent a clear escalation when compared to small stakes games, although the perceived gap may be exaggerated by many players. A competent winner at small stakes may very well transition successfully to mid stakes games. However, it's crucial to understand that the divide between live and online play is much larger. A player excelling at mid stakes in live settings shouldn't automatically assume they will triumph over online mid stakes, as the online competition can be considerably tougher depending on the platform.
Has The Concept of 'Mid Stakes' Changed Within Poker?
There appears to be a trend over time where lower buy-in levels are increasingly categorized as ‘mid stakes’. For instance, in online settings, the $1/$2 stakes were once regarded as ‘small stakes’ for a considerable duration, but a growing number of players now recognize it as ‘mid stakes’. This change might be linked to the gradual increase in the competitiveness of games and the tendency for average online players to buy in with smaller amounts. Nonetheless, the labels ‘small stakes’, ‘mid stakes’, and ‘high stakes’ have always had relatively ambiguous definitions, greatly varying depending on whom you consult.
Summary
In the realm of poker, the term 'mid stakes' denotes games that require a buy-in amount greater than those labeled 'low stakes' yet lower than the buy-ins for 'high stakes' games. However, the precise definition can shift based on the individual we are asking and the type of poker games being referenced.