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Hi,

I’ve been into No Limit Holdem for more or less a year now. Just two months ago, I decided to play online $10-$20 sit and go tourneys. Well, playing at such level has been profitable in a way but when I already think of the number of hours I’ve invested, it seems to me it’s not profitable at all.

Recently, I tried small cash games, $25 NL, maximum of 6 players. At such level, I was actually able to discover some stuff. First, short handed play allows me to play more hands. Second, game moves more quickly and can be very exciting. Third, lesser hands can win vs. 10 player table. Fourth, fewer maniac players in the cash game vs. $10-20 tourney, but frequent heads up situations. And lastly, more respect shown for raises and check raises and fewer large pots due to the short handed game.

Now, how do you find my realizations? And about the idea that cash games are the way to go, do you agree? And do you think sticking with short handed cash games is far better than moving to a full table? And if you’ll be asked, does the possibility of larger pots outweigh the potential advantage of playing short handed? Does that change as the money placed increase?

Glad to hear from you soon.

Thanks in advance.

Best regards,
Jenz
Jenz,

Cash games are better for some than others. It depends on how well you are doing. Some people play only tournaments and others play only cash games. In regards of hourly earn rate, you can play multiple tables at one time to increase your earn rate.

Also, if you have a bigger advantage in the short handed games, then you will probably want to stick with them. Yes, the pots in 10 handed games are bigger usually, but if you can win more pots in 6 handed, you will have a better long term rate. Would you rather win 5 pots of $20 each in a 6 handed game in an hour or 2 pots of $30 each in an hour for a 10 handed game. See my point?

Hello,

I’m curious if you have any idea about the strategy used when playing short handed. Once here on you site I’ve read something about a strategy for full tables of 9 players. But how about for tables with only 3 or 4 players, or just when you’re on heads up? Do you know which cards are best to play then? Well, to me, it seems that straights and flushes are not profitable.

By the way, I’ve been looking for hand held pocket poker games but haven’t found even one, do you know of a place I can have one?

Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Chester
Chester,

With short handed and heads up games, you need to play a wider array of cards. Pair, most suited aces, any two cards 10 and up, and suited connector all become playable. The best way to approach this is to try and play a small ball approach where the pots are kept small preflop to allow you to see cheap flops. When you hit your flop, you then try and extract maximum value for your hand.

You can find a hand held poker game in many stores and toy stores. You can also do a search online for hand held poker game and you should find plenty of places to find one.