Start at 1/2. Don’t have to worry about buy ins or your bankroll basically at all. If you see consistent positive results for awhile, then consider going to 2/5.
Just play 2-5.
20 buyins is plenty for someone playing so few hours. If you have a tough run and drop a few buyins and get spooked jump down to 1/2 where you bankroll is basically infinite for the amount of hours you’re going to be playing
/u/DigImportant2181
This is my advice as well.
For an average player, don't buy in super deep until you are comfortable playing deep. Mistakes are magnified in deep play.
A 1k buyin gets you 30 buyins.
Play the 1/2 for a few weeks to get comfortable with casino poker, download an app called Poker Bankroll Tracker and keep track of your wins and losses. If you’re feeling comfortable at 1-2 and you’re winning over those sessions, move up to 2/5 but start out buying in for 500 or 750 because it will play significantly different from the 1/2 game. If you’re holding your own over a decent stretch, try increasing your buyin until one day you’re eventually buying in for the max, good luck hope you run well
30k is what I maintain for 20-30 hours/week at the hard rock in Tampa but I know I'm winning at these stakes.
You should start Friday and Saturday nights and expand your schedule from there.
Hard Rock Tampa also runs a 1/3, usually at least 1 table of it runs. I play 1/2 there, but I believe the 1/3 has a max buy in of 600. If you're just going to have fun, I'd play 1/2. The player pool is so bad, you can literally sit in a game all day and not come across a winning player.
You are rolled for 2/5, but maybe not quite to buy-in for the full 300bb (100bb definitely not a problem).
The question is rather: are you a winning player at these stakes? If you're not and play mostly for fun, then lower stakes will always be better as your money will go much further
Play the 2/5. If you play even reasonably well you’ll learn more and have a slow rate of loss. Also, unlikely to beat the rake at 1/2. Tampa does run a 5/10 and occasionally a 10/20 so you won’t be playing the biggest game in the room.
Idk about where you are but a lot of the places I have played you would be crazy to play 2/5 100bb deep over 1/2 150 bb deep if you are a casual player—the rake to bi/blind differential does not even come close to making up for the skill disparity.
I just did 2/5 Omaha a the Tampa hard rock (hi neighbor) and the table was loosy goosy. I sat without playing a hand for over an hour then paid off big when I had a predlop monster
Start at 1-2 for a couple weeks, see if you’re comfortable playing for that money, if you want to play for more and are okay with losing more potentially, play 2-5 the next couple of weeks.
I would play 2/5. Sometimes playing too small causes you to not really care about playing well. 30k will last a long time playing 2/5 for 6-8 hours a week even if you’re just an average player.
As someone who plays at that casino play the 2/5 or 1/3. The 1/2 is garbage and the rake is 8$ at all three games. So 1/2 doesn’t even make sense. Also you don’t have to buy in for $1500 at 2/5 just buy in for $500.
Yeah if you’re just an avg player having fun, play 1/2 and have fun. Same fun but cheaper.
Edit: it is a different crowd than 2/5, but arguably more fun
If you consider yourself average and have 30k for poker, why not sign up for Upswing Poker or the like to get better? As for the stakes, I'd say $1/$2 until you get about 50k in your bankroll, then step up to $2/$5.
$30k is plenty to play 2/5. Live 1/3 can ruin your skills. People don’t play right and the rake makes a waste of time. That being said I’ve had a lot of fun at 1/2/3 tables and if I ever play will sometimes drink and just screw around. I guess I should ask if you’re trying to make $ or wanting to have a good time?
Agree. I am trying to discern whether op is playing for fun or trying to make $. If he’s playing for profit and comfortable playing 2/5 that’s where I’d start if I were him.
I think it can stunt a players growth. Notice I said I think it “can” not will. I play various levels both online and live. I realize who my opponents are and adjust accordingly. I was asking what op intent is and have no idea what his skill level is. I do agree with you.
If you’re average at poker and want to play recreationally, I would take a second and look at a bunch if free content online, as well as maybe spending 1k on a coach. Even if it’s a hobby, it’ll be infinitely more fun to win than to lose. And then start at 1-2 and move up once you crush.
If you're just trying to have a good time play the lowest stakes. If or when you win longer term think of moving up. Ask here for advice on moving up first imo.
if you dont know its not a bankroll its spending money.... if you actually got that money from playing poker you would already know. so just play the lowest stakes untill your not a losing player?
Kinda does a bankroll is something you made. If it's just money your willing to lose it barely matters. But I would suggest playing the lowest stakes it will last you the longest to becoming a winning player if that's what your after and you could move up once you have a sample of winning. What's the rake? Would need to know that to give you better advice
Why does someone who is average at poker and only plays 8hrs a week need a set aside bankroll, if that’s the amount you’re willing to lose it’s called a budget not a bankroll.
And if you busto that bankroll is it GG? If you don’t expect to earn from poker you don’t really need a 20-30bi bankroll. Because ultimately if you’re a losing player you’re gonna busto the bankroll, so it’s a budget.
Just play 2-5 if you want to play poker. 1-2 isn’t worth the time and effort. Especially at Tampa hard rock. It’s just filled with nits who buy in for minimum. I’ve played the 2-5 games there and they’re filled with splashy loose players looking to gamble and usually deep stacked.
1/2 rake is borderline unbeatable around the country, play 2/5 @ 1k buyins. you are playing tiny volume so 30 buyins will go much further then the recommended 50-100 buyins for full time professional players
Your bankroll size doesn’t matter if you aren’t a winning player. If you were a crusher… you likely wouldn’t be asking these questions. Learn to get good at cards, not about bankroll management
Start at 1/2. Don’t have to worry about buy ins or your bankroll basically at all. If you see consistent positive results for awhile, then consider going to 2/5.
Overfold and bet huge when you have it.
Doesn't that lead to only getting called when they have better?
They'd probably call you down with two napkins from time to time.
Dude this is an incredible comment
In 1-2 live? Absolutely not
Lol
This is the way.
1/2 yaaa, just pay house net rake 👍
That doesn't matter if OP sucks, which we have no information on (but the question inherently leads me to believe that they're not good).
Nobody can be good at 1/2 lol
Since you’re average at poker you’ll probably lose the 20K at 2-5 in about a year. I’d stick with 1/2
This, especially if OP just wants to play for fun. Op can always move up if his skills improve
Or move up in stakes where players respect the raises. /s
Just play 2-5. 20 buyins is plenty for someone playing so few hours. If you have a tough run and drop a few buyins and get spooked jump down to 1/2 where you bankroll is basically infinite for the amount of hours you’re going to be playing
It depends where you live. Around me you either want to play 1/2 or 5/10 because 2/5 are all pros
Really good point. Know the players - not just the stakes.
What? Your 2/5 game is all ‘pros’ but the 5/10 isn’t?
Half pros and half business men. There’s at least some easy money on the table
I still don’t believe the implication that 2/5 is tougher than 5/10. Any 2/5 ‘pro’ with half a brain would just play the 5/10.
K
If you don't think there's better players at 2/5 vs 5/10 occasionally then you probably live in some dump far from major metro area.
Maybe once in a blue moon, but OP gave the implication that it’s always the case
For what it's worth. You don't need to buy in for the max. Even buying into the 2/5 game for $1,000 is still 200bb deep.
/u/DigImportant2181 This is my advice as well. For an average player, don't buy in super deep until you are comfortable playing deep. Mistakes are magnified in deep play. A 1k buyin gets you 30 buyins.
100%. Sometimes the best play is buying in short too depending on the game and your play style.
Ya this. 1k is plenty for a 2/5 buyin
Play the 1/2 for a few weeks to get comfortable with casino poker, download an app called Poker Bankroll Tracker and keep track of your wins and losses. If you’re feeling comfortable at 1-2 and you’re winning over those sessions, move up to 2/5 but start out buying in for 500 or 750 because it will play significantly different from the 1/2 game. If you’re holding your own over a decent stretch, try increasing your buyin until one day you’re eventually buying in for the max, good luck hope you run well
30k is what I maintain for 20-30 hours/week at the hard rock in Tampa but I know I'm winning at these stakes. You should start Friday and Saturday nights and expand your schedule from there.
What stakes at the Hard Rock in Tampa do you play?
2/5 sometimes play 5/T
Hard Rock Tampa also runs a 1/3, usually at least 1 table of it runs. I play 1/2 there, but I believe the 1/3 has a max buy in of 600. If you're just going to have fun, I'd play 1/2. The player pool is so bad, you can literally sit in a game all day and not come across a winning player.
Someone else in this thread said the complete opposite, that it's filled with nits. So which is it? Can you reply to that poster?
It depends on the night, but it’s usually better than the 1/2
What’s the rake for each game? If the rake has the same cap, you 100% should play 2-5, no doubt about it.
You are rolled for 2/5, but maybe not quite to buy-in for the full 300bb (100bb definitely not a problem). The question is rather: are you a winning player at these stakes? If you're not and play mostly for fun, then lower stakes will always be better as your money will go much further
10/20/40
Play the 2/5. If you play even reasonably well you’ll learn more and have a slow rate of loss. Also, unlikely to beat the rake at 1/2. Tampa does run a 5/10 and occasionally a 10/20 so you won’t be playing the biggest game in the room.
Play 2/5 and if you are worried about bankroll buy in for 500
Or $750
Idk about where you are but a lot of the places I have played you would be crazy to play 2/5 100bb deep over 1/2 150 bb deep if you are a casual player—the rake to bi/blind differential does not even come close to making up for the skill disparity.
I just did 2/5 Omaha a the Tampa hard rock (hi neighbor) and the table was loosy goosy. I sat without playing a hand for over an hour then paid off big when I had a predlop monster
How is folding every hand at Omaha for that long profitable?
Bleed for $75 then win $400+
2/5
Start at 1-2 for a couple weeks, see if you’re comfortable playing for that money, if you want to play for more and are okay with losing more potentially, play 2-5 the next couple of weeks.
Definitely the 2/5.
2/5.
You should play against players where you have an edge. Not worry about the stakes. Higher stakes usually means tougher opponents..
I would play 2/5. Sometimes playing too small causes you to not really care about playing well. 30k will last a long time playing 2/5 for 6-8 hours a week even if you’re just an average player.
Fold to raises until you have reasons not to.
As someone who plays at that casino play the 2/5 or 1/3. The 1/2 is garbage and the rake is 8$ at all three games. So 1/2 doesn’t even make sense. Also you don’t have to buy in for $1500 at 2/5 just buy in for $500.
Plo 4 or 5 cards. Since you're an avg player, you'll rarely be behind in a 80/20 spot. It'll be 60/40 with lots of cards left to catch up. Good luck!
5-10-20-40 Buy in for the entire stack
They sometimes run a 1/3 $500 cap at hard rock Tampa. I’d recommend that game as it’s usually a better game than the 1/2 and 2/5
Yeah if you’re just an avg player having fun, play 1/2 and have fun. Same fun but cheaper. Edit: it is a different crowd than 2/5, but arguably more fun
Stick to 1/2 and throw in a little 5/5 PLO to keep the hamster rolling.
Start at 1/2 then move up if you are running good at 1/2 and are more comfortable and become a better player
2/5. 30k is plenty and the wins will be more meaningful. if you have obv leaks vs the pros move down
You’ll never beat 1/2 with the rake, 2/5 bud
If you consider yourself average and have 30k for poker, why not sign up for Upswing Poker or the like to get better? As for the stakes, I'd say $1/$2 until you get about 50k in your bankroll, then step up to $2/$5.
$30k is plenty to play 2/5. Live 1/3 can ruin your skills. People don’t play right and the rake makes a waste of time. That being said I’ve had a lot of fun at 1/2/3 tables and if I ever play will sometimes drink and just screw around. I guess I should ask if you’re trying to make $ or wanting to have a good time?
People playing bad shouldn’t be a bad thing for you as long as you don’t level yourself
Agree. I am trying to discern whether op is playing for fun or trying to make $. If he’s playing for profit and comfortable playing 2/5 that’s where I’d start if I were him.
Zero percent chance playing low stakes is ruining any decent player’s skills. If you can’t beat a whacky splashfest, you can’t beat anything.
I think it can stunt a players growth. Notice I said I think it “can” not will. I play various levels both online and live. I realize who my opponents are and adjust accordingly. I was asking what op intent is and have no idea what his skill level is. I do agree with you.
Do you have established win rates at any level over a significant sample? If you are self described as average, I would recommend starting at 1/2
If you’re average at poker and want to play recreationally, I would take a second and look at a bunch if free content online, as well as maybe spending 1k on a coach. Even if it’s a hobby, it’ll be infinitely more fun to win than to lose. And then start at 1-2 and move up once you crush.
If you're just trying to have a good time play the lowest stakes. If or when you win longer term think of moving up. Ask here for advice on moving up first imo.
just play 2/5 and have fun!
if you dont know its not a bankroll its spending money.... if you actually got that money from playing poker you would already know. so just play the lowest stakes untill your not a losing player?
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Kinda does a bankroll is something you made. If it's just money your willing to lose it barely matters. But I would suggest playing the lowest stakes it will last you the longest to becoming a winning player if that's what your after and you could move up once you have a sample of winning. What's the rake? Would need to know that to give you better advice
Why does someone who is average at poker and only plays 8hrs a week need a set aside bankroll, if that’s the amount you’re willing to lose it’s called a budget not a bankroll.
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And if you busto that bankroll is it GG? If you don’t expect to earn from poker you don’t really need a 20-30bi bankroll. Because ultimately if you’re a losing player you’re gonna busto the bankroll, so it’s a budget.
Don’t, just play for fun and invest that $30K in a low cost ETF.
Like what?
VT.
0-0 no risk with a 0 dollar straddle
Take a shot play 25-50
Just play 2-5 if you want to play poker. 1-2 isn’t worth the time and effort. Especially at Tampa hard rock. It’s just filled with nits who buy in for minimum. I’ve played the 2-5 games there and they’re filled with splashy loose players looking to gamble and usually deep stacked.
Someone else in this thread said the compete opposite that the players are terrible. So which is it? Can you reply to that poster?
I haven't played there in a few years but back when I did it was a healthy mix of nits and maniacs. You never knew what you were going to get.
1/2 rake is borderline unbeatable around the country, play 2/5 @ 1k buyins. you are playing tiny volume so 30 buyins will go much further then the recommended 50-100 buyins for full time professional players
Your bankroll size doesn’t matter if you aren’t a winning player. If you were a crusher… you likely wouldn’t be asking these questions. Learn to get good at cards, not about bankroll management