Not everyone finds pleasure in wagering significant amounts on the digital poker tables. If you've ever experienced anxious moments or intense unease when facing an all-in bet, this article could be particularly relevant for you.
While some of us relish the excitement of gambling, we might not have the financial means to engage in high-stakes games. Many people have monthly expenses, and it would be irresponsible to jeopardize those finances at the poker table.
Does this imply that achieving success in poker is unattainable for us? Absolutely not! Many successful players started at the lowest levels and gradually ascended. These intriguing individuals within the poker community are known as grinders.
Grinder – A player who adopts a conservative, low-risk approach to poker, leveraging small advantages to achieve steady profits.
Table of Contents
Choosing a Starting Limit
Low stakes poker generally includes cash games with buy-ins between $50 and $200. Tables with buy-ins under $50 are often termed 'micro-limit,' while those with $5 or less are sometimes classified as 'nano-limit.' So, how do we choose the right game for ourselves?
This choice is primarily influenced by two factors -
- Our bankroll
- Our skill level
Bankroll
One common pitfall for novice players is to gamble beyond their bankroll. The inherent volatility in poker can be substantial, necessitating a bankroll that can absorb these fluctuations. It's advisable to maintain at least 25 buy-ins for the stake you're playing. Therefore, should you decide to play at a $50nl table, a minimum bankroll of $1250 is recommended. The first step involves determining how much you are willing to risk, which will guide your choice of limits.
Skill Level
Research indicates that a larger upfront investment does not necessarily guarantee a quicker increase in your bankroll. This is largely due to the learning curve associated with the game. Imagine you have the $1250 ready to go, but lack the skills to profit at the $50nl tables.
Let's consider a hypothetical scenario. Two grinders embark on their journey at the same time.
Patrick invests $1250 and chooses to play at $50nl. Unfortunately, he lacks the expertise to succeed at this level and ends up losing a considerable portion of his bankroll. By the time he acquires the skills to become a profitable player, he's down to just $300. He then opts to drop to $10nl, where he finds success, and his bankroll starts to grow steadily.
Phil, who starts with a similar skill set, puts in $150 and plays at $5nl. These tables are softer, allowing him to win right from the start, leading to a gradual increase in his bankroll. Once he reaches $300, he moves up to $10nl, coinciding with the moment Patrick also hits $300 and begins to win at the tables.
Notice how their progress is relatively similar despite the disparity in initial investments? While a larger deposit can sometimes be advantageous, it's crucial to realistically assess our skills before deciding where to kick off.
Putting in the Volume
Let's be realistic: we can't expect to make a sustainable income by playing at $5nl a few times a week. To become true grinders, we need to commit to a significant volume of play. Remember, poker can be described as 'the most challenging way to earn an easy living.'
So, what strategies can we implement to enhance our playing volume? There are essentially two primary methods.
Create a structured playing timetable. Many of us may shy away from this kind of organization. Why put pen to paper when we can just go with the flow? However, individuals with this casual approach rarely achieve significant success. It's vital to maintain both motivation and proper organization.
Being a professional in online poker resembles managing a business. Everything needs to function efficiently, and this will not happen without a clear strategy. Establishing a quick schedule poses no risk and might be the determining factor between success and failure. Once created, the key is to adhere to the schedule no matter what comes your way.
Increase the number of tables you play at. One fantastic advantage of online poker online poker is that you're not restricted to just one table at a time. Playing several tables simultaneously is an excellent strategy for upping your playing volume.
However, this advice is best suited for more advanced players. Beginners should generally limit themselves to one table initially. Multi-tabling is a skill that develops with experience, allowing players to make quicker decisions. Overextending yourself by playing too many tables can severely undermine your win rate.
We can also consider playing 888's “ snap poker This is a fast-paced format of poker that can enable us to play more hands and generate real money faster.
Can it really work?
It is entirely feasible not only to earn money playing low stakes online poker but also to generate enough income to pursue poker as a full-time career. The journey may be extensive and challenging, typically suited for those with exceptional dedication, but it is achievable!
This article reflects the views of poker writer and editor Chad Holloway.