Variance and Bankroll Building

Hi all,
I am new here. I normally play on FullTilt. Having started my poker career as a freeroll whore, I managed to build my BR up to a decent 60 bucks.

My problem is that, having won a decent amount of money in MTTs (roughly $90 off freerolls, the daily dollar, and 0.10 tourney, having invested no more than 20 bucks in total buy-ins), I tend to lose a lot in Sit n Gos. (I play $1 and 2$ sngs.) My understanding is that variance in MTTs is a lot higher than that of sng, but experience told me otherwise. So now I'm thinking of building my BR off ring games instead.

My question is, from your experience, is full-ring cash games more volatile than sngs? And would I be better off building my BR via ring games?

It seems that most players eventually gravitate towards cash games. Some of the main advantages being: you can be patient and pick your spots (no skyrocketing blinds) and you can exercise some game selection.

I'd say, get some bankroll guide lines and play all three (MTT's, SNG's, and cash). Keep good records (PT). After you get some meaningful stats built up then focus on whatever is more profitable for you.

i too built a BR from freerolls. i got quite a bit now. w/$60 the $0.02/$0.02 ring games are probably your safest bet. although i do agree the STT are the least volatile. each game MTT,STT, and ring games all require a different skill set. if you have been doing well in MTT stay with the daily doubles. and maybe try the $0.30 satellites to it.

In my opinion Cash Games! They are faster and more fun. Jumped from $4 that i won in a freeroll to $450 in 2days. Began .10/.20 till $10, .25/.50 till $150 then 1/2... Should be carefull, when gamble on .50/1 and up take care of your bankroll and dont make $200 bluffs with 7-2

micro cash games are a good way to win money that can be used to buy in to sit n gos. i think this strategy works really well. 10/25 cents tables have a good amount of action and the stakes aren't that low to bore you. works pretty well.

One of the biggest issues seems to be risking too much with a small bankroll - play stakes you can afford to lose a bit on while you learn, and if you're worried about losing money, keep playing in the freerolls to maintain a backup.

I would definitly go to ring games.
i am also usually a freeroll whore and when i even win half a dollar i go and play cash games on the micro stakes.
i just wait for one good hand and try to double up.
once in a while i get up to 10-15 bucks from those little 50 pennies.
anyway, im sure you'll find much good advice around here.
best of luck to you.

If you want to be a good MTT player than SNGs are the best training ground for you.
If you want to be a good cash game player than play cash tables.
As for the best way to build your bankroll, is to play what you can win at!
I believe that cash is far more volitile than Sngs and tourneys.Partly because there is more rake collected for the same amount of time played at each.Also the differance between a good and average cash player,the average player stands little chance over time.In Sngs and Tourneys,an average player can still take the money often enough to make a profit.
I would chose 1 and become a winner at it.Being good at both is very difficult imo,and would be easier to learn 1 right 1st!


Gl in whichever path you take!


Snow

If you want to try out the cash games, then do so. Just be careful, And don't stop what your playing now. Still play the games that got you where you are now, its not time to abandon them yet!! But starting to work in a few hours in a carefully picked cash game is not a bad idea. Theres nothing wrong with feeding this curiosity and branching out. Just branch out slowly and methodically. Remember the tortiose and the hare? SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE!!