Hey guys and gals,
I'm going to start playing quite a bit (5days a week) in a 1/1 $40 buy in NL game and 3/6 limit game.
I'm putting together a gameplan for the NL game and would appreciate any and all input. The game is pretty wild as you might imagine with the small buy in. No one likes to fold, think AT is a big hand from any position and they love to chase, etc.
First instinct is to play super tight, but they're also willing to pay off pretty much anything and wouldn't dream of laying down top pair so there's a part me inclined to treat it more like the low limit game and try to get in cheaply with hands that can become monsters, while never pushing too hard preflop.
Again, I'd just appreciate any and all thoughts. Thanks.
Mike D

Play Tight and MM

I've found that most super-aggressive beginners are very aggressive pre-flop but very passive after the flop. Just like anyone, once you show down a winning hand, they'll start to show some respect. If they are typical and routinely check the flop if they miss it or check the turn if you call their flop bet, then you should start playing more hands when you have position even if it's raised and raise or re-raise in position with anything that figures to be the best hand going in, middle pairs-big pairs-AK-AJ.

Value bet them to death with your strong holdings and don't worry about forcing them out, just bet enough to take away their drawing odds, 1/2-2/3 of the pot on each street. If you've got more than one player calling you and a straight or flush is possible, you have to know it's time to get out. If you pay them off, you are giving them the right implied odds to keep drawing on you. Over time, you'll get better at knowing when you are beat and when you can keep betting or check/call when the third of a suit or other scare card comes up.

This buy-in sucks. I hope it's a typo.

Just listen to Doyle who has been making a living at poker since the 60's!!!
If the game is tight loosen up, if the game is loose tighten up.

Tightening up in loose games is good... but loosening up in tight games can get you killed.

If you're the only one playing hands in a tight game, 9 other people are waiting for their best hands to beat you.

If they start playing back at you and you have nothing, you can fold, right? If they decide to make a stand at the wrong time, you can crush them.

What are you afraid of? I love a tight game where I'm taking the lead most of the time and running over my opponents, the last thing you want is for your opponents to start playing back at you. You want them to be docile tight little nut peddlers.

This buy-in sucks. I hope it's a typo.


Sadly it's not. Actuallyy, somehting important that I thought I posted but did not is, when you bust out you can rebuy for $60 and if you lose that you can rebuy for $80 so folks on their first $40 are even more willing to gamble.