08-25-04, LearnTexasHoldem:

Crappy Players At Low Limit Tourneys

Question: I just recently started playing online limit holdem. I play low limit tournaments b/w $5-$10 buy-in. One thing I've noticed is how many people call terrible pre-flop hands (10-5 off-suited, Q-2 off-suited, etc...) and continue to call bets and raises. I would think this kind of loose play wouldn't be beneficial, but someone always catches something on the turn or the river. I know in the long run if people continually play like this it's going to catch up to them, but it seems like there are so many loose players online that you're always playing against one and someone is going to chase and catch. Would playing NL holdem tournaments weed out these types of hands/players so you can actually protect your hand or will I find this type of play until I play higher limits or no matter what I do?

You're opinion would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work.

Top 3 Beginner Rooms

Answer: To answer your last question first, yes people play tighter at upper limits compared with lower ones. The games are more aggressive and there are still loose players but you won't find many people playing T5 off and just calling with it the whole way -- betting maybe but not calling.

The problem here is not that the players are bad, it is the venue you have chosen to try to beat them in. In short online sit and go tourneys, basically what is said is that you have a short amount of time to do the best you can and if you don't get cards you are out of luck. The advantage that good player has over a bad player in limit holdem is time.

Eventually luck runs out and good play and good cards hold up. You might not have this opportunity at low limit tournaments (sit and goes). I would suggest playing some cash games instead -- you'll make more money and you'll have greater control over your results. Consistency and tournaments don't go hand and hand. Even the pros just hope to win a few events a year, they still make a lot of their money in side games (cash games).

Online one table tournaments can be fun but if you are looking for building your bank roll then I wouldn't recommend playing those. Start playing some cash NL games or cash limit games.

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