Online Poker Forum - So frustrating.

risingalan · Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 1:38 am Post subject: So frustrating.

I don't understand how people can make a money off of Limit Stud Hi. It just boggles me. I consider myself a very good omaha hi-lo player (where i make my most money), and I thought it would be fun to venture out into Stud. I dabbled in it at friendly poker games at my home game, but online is so much different.

I guess I'm looking for a little help. So I will describe how I play because I get so frustrated with it.

I play pretty tight. When I have a hand I play it. I basically play 3 to a flush, if I see 0-2 of the same suit showing and no huge raising is taking place. I play connectors such as AKJ, or 678, stuff like that. And of course split pairs. So I basically play premium starting hands. When I play and hit I play them to the fullest.

My only problem is... When I have a hand, I try to isolate it to heads up so it is easier for me to read what they are trying to play. I bet big when I know they are chasing, but what can you do when they just, call, call, call, and finally on the river they catch their miracle card. I mean when I bet at them I know they are chasing. I wouldn't bet into a pot where I know I am beat.

Should I just move to higher limits because I just keep getting unlucky. Or is that just a stupid thought. I figure higher limits, less donks.

-To add I am playing $3/6 limit stud.-

Big Slick x13x · Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 1:51 am Post subject:

You're right about less donks at higher levels but you have to remember, we WANT these players chasing out their draws, most of the time they are not going to him them. I've turned a pretty good profit from Stud High on this website and on Party.

If you feel you are playing well and know when to fold, open up your game to include hands that sometimes include 2 connectors or 2 flushed if your cards and outs are live. I know I've made some nice sleeper hands that way.

I also know there is nothing more frustrating then making a boat on 5th just be called and reraised by a guy that has two pair. Then they check call 6th knowing you have ATLEAST trips, then they raise you on 7th so you can see they have aces full with three of the cards to the boat down.

Strasse · Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:28 am Post subject:

You can do it. I've made $200+ playing 1/2 stud here, while every single other cash game i am in the red(i make basically all my money in tournaments). I think you just need to learn to adapt how ppl play here. Also, you said you like to play split pairs, but that can get you into a lot of trouble if you play all of them. A good rule of thumb, is to play the pair if its higher that the opponent who completed's door card, and also if its lower, but your kicker is higher. If the pair and the kicker are lower, you should prolly fold. Also, if nobody has completed in front of you, you should prolly raise with it if there are 0 or 1 higher door cards left to act behind you, and proceed with caution if there are 2 or more. Hope this helps.

deathlooms · Pair Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 25

STAY OFF-LINE IF YOU WISH NOT TO BE FRUSTRATED!

dumwaldo · Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:39 am Post subject: Re: So frustrating.

byamamoto1 · Bay Area Bidness Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 2361

risingalan · Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:32 pm Post subject: Re: So frustrating.

mathman1115 · Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:06 pm Post subject:

Rising, i feel your pain as well. Limit stud is the most frustrating online game, especially at the low levels. Just a few strategies i can give here:

I have attempted time and time again to reraise on 3rd and 4th to eliminate the field. don't bother, it wont matter at the micros. Donks will see split 6s with a 3 and will call bring in, complete, or raise with garbage like this. They do not consider what you may have, what others may have, and sometimes even if their cards are live. I only like getting aggressive on these streets when i'm sure i have the best hand.

playing hands like 678 (rainbow especially) are usually not a good idea, even if cards like 9s, 10s, and 5s are live. Its one of those hands that can play well with a lot of players, but if a lot of players are in until 7th, the hand likely will not hold up even if you do make it. You will be vulnerable to flushes and higher str8s. It is very important in stud to be very certain you are drawing to the winning hand when you draw. If this is the case, you almost always will have the odds.

Tight is right, and never worry about your image. I've had sessions where i fold like 10 hands in a row, then i raise a complete bet with split Aces (an A showing) and 3 people still cold call two bets! Never fear you won't get action, more times than not you'll get more action than you want.

Also, remember your goal is to win a lot of money, not a lot of pots. I know this is true in any type of poker, but especially in stud. In a limit game with 5 betting rounds, a low card bring in, and antes, the pots will almost always be large. I've had sessions where i didn't win a pot in 50 hands, then i win like 2 of 3 and i'm ahead!

It is also important to know your players. Generally, most people are ignorant to the game and think its just a big calling fest. But their are some good players at the lower levels, and if you can identify them, some advanced plays will work

risingalan · Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:01 am Post subject:

Thanks for the advice. Laughing

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