Help Me Decide Which Games to Start With

SofaKingCrazy

SofaKingCrazy

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As many of you know for a US player starting out on a new site can be tough. One swing of variance can drain your BR to pennies.

After such a swing i will be putting some money in my account to finance my games and would like to hear some input.

Depositing is easy for me as i have a friend close by who has been doing very well and can just transfer the funds to me when i see him.

I have 3 games that i'm considering at the moment.

$3 All-in or Fold (3AoF)
$1 Double or Nothing (DoN)
and 6x$11 coupon (Coup)

3AoF - this game I have the highest return ratio to buy-in currently but due to the buy-in amount it hits the hardest when you downswing. buy in is $3.30

DoN - my average win rate for these are @ 80% but admittedly I play at different buy-ins and different sites so this hasn't been confirmed for this buy-in at this site (BlackChip) yet. I feel confident achieving this rate though at the $1 level. buy in is $1.08

Coup - there are several types of coupon games for the $11 coupon and this is the one i have my best ratio for. the advantage of these is i can either play an $11 MTT or keep going up and play for the $60 coupon. i can play them as i get them or play out the buy-ins then play the coupons won and see where it takes me. this is also how my friend jumped started his BR (not saying i would have the same results but just stating that the rewards for success here are far greater than the other 2 games) buy-in is $1.10

I feel comfortable with being able to finance for 10 buy-ins in the 3AoF or 20 buy-ins for the other two as well as just 10 buy-ins for each of the other two. I know this doesn't follow the rules of BRM but seeing as how I can add more if I want and the tight nature of starting out on these sites (not many low buy-in games that play well) i feel as if BRM doesn't apply here and would treat it as a personal stake for myself.

Any thoughts?

:evil:
 
fletchdad

fletchdad

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OK, I am not able to give you any advice on this, since the games are all not games I am experienced in. I personally hate AoF games and see little sense in playing them since IMO they are just lottery games. But maybe your games have a different format then the ones I know.

I have played DONs and think they are ok, but too much cheating can go on and I just dont prefer them anyway. I have heard some people say they are a great way to build a BR if you know how to play them correct. IMO 5thsi is the game of the 3 you mentioned I would choose, but, as I said, dont know the other 2.

Coup? Cant comment as I have no idea how they work.
 
SofaKingCrazy

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Hi fletchdad,

I really do appreciate you responding and it's regrettable to say it took a complaint on my part to get one but thank you.

To help explain these games further they are all on the Merge network and I'm currently playing from my BlackChip account.

Any STT can be infiltrated by those who wish to cheat and if it's obvious I would most certainly turn them in to support with tourney # and hand history. There are few forms of life lower than that of a cheat.

The All-in or Fold games I started playing on a whim and surprisingly found them to be fun. A low level of thought was needed so they work well while playing other games that require more concentration. The reason I gave them as an option was as stated I actually have the highest return rate compared to my buy-ins playing them. I believe winning these game are dependent on a good understanding of position, fold equity, hand strength and patience... lots of patience. I actually took 3rd in one with out ever playing one hand. (I went to the store and it took longer than expected, when I returned I was being forced all-in by blinds)

There are several coupon games to acquire an $11 ticket and I have tried them all. For some unknown reason it is the 6x$11 instead of the 10x$11 games I do best in, both of which are a $1.10 buy-in. Maybe it's due to a lower number of players, I'm not sure yet. The 3rd game for these coupons has a $2.20 buy-in and I play these when I win a $2.20 coupon from a overspill of the final prize pool in one of the other two games.

As I was trying to convey in the other thread I felt with such a large member base that I would have received a response sooner and more of them and this was a poor judgment call on my part.

Unfortunately I have already started this and according to the feed back I did receive along with the realization that I was willing to transfer $33 for the $3 AoFs, I decided to make the $33 transfer for 20 $1DoNs and 10 coupon games.

I will continue to update if it seems there is interest in my progress.

So far I started out the gate bad and lost the 1st 2 DoNs but rallied a (somewhat) break even by winning 3 of the last 4 for a total of 6 games played last night.

Thank you for your time to respond here and I apologize for any inconceivable notions I might have gave as to still awaiting a response. I was still waiting to see if this was going to get any but unfortunately have already made my decision yesterday.

:evil:
 
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fletchdad

fletchdad

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Hi fletchdad,

I really do appreciate you responding and it's regrettable to say it took a complaint on my part to get one but thank you.

To help explain these games further they are all on the Merge network and I'm currently playing from my BlackChip account.

Any STT can be infiltrated by those who wish to cheat and if it's obvious I would most certainly turn them in to support with tourney # and hand history. There are few forms of life lower than that of a cheat.

The All-in or Fold games I started playing on a whim and surprisingly found them to be fun. A low level of thought was needed so they work well while playing other games that require more concentration. The reason I gave them as an option was as stated I actually have the highest return rate compared to my buy-ins playing them. I believe winning these game are dependent on a good understanding of position, fold equity, hand strength and patience... lots of patience. I actually took 3rd in one with out ever playing one hand. (I went to the store and it took longer than expected, when I returned I was being forced all-in by blinds)

There are several coupon games to acquire an $11 ticket and I have tried them all. For some unknown reason it is the 6x$11 instead of the 10x$11 games I do best in, both of which are a $1.10 buy-in. Maybe it's due to a lower number of players, I'm not sure yet. The 3rd game for these coupons has a $2.20 buy-in and I play these when I win a $2.20 coupon from a overspill of the final prize pool in one of the other two games.

As I was trying to convey in the other thread I felt with such a large member base that I would have received a response sooner and more of them and this was a poor judgment call on my part.

Unfortunately I have already started this and according to the feed back I did receive along with the realization that I was willing to transfer $33 for the $3 AoFs, I decided to make the $33 transfer for 20 $1DoNs and 10 coupon games.

I will continue to update if it seems there is interest in my progress.

So far I started out the gate bad and lost the 1st 2 DoNs but rallied a (somewhat) break even by winning 3 of the last 4 for a total of 6 games played last night.

Thank you for your time to respond here and I apologize for any inconceivable notions I might have gave as to still awaiting a response. I was still waiting to see if this was going to get any but unfortunately have already made my decision yesterday.

:evil:


Please do update. And I understand your frustration at no responses. I was actually a bit surprised at the lack of response. It may be just the wrong section. Maybe a post like this one would get more response in the Tourney section. The general poker section may not get as much traffic from members who actually know anything about these games. I tend to only look in the cash games section, and respond to other posts only when they are on the CC main page when I log on cause I dont see them otherwise.

In any case. GL!
 
Debi

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Definitely in the wrong forum and definitely not a good thread title. I will move it when I get home.

I said it in the other thread - but members don't come to GP expecting to see threads like this so you are reaching out to the wrong members here.

In large forums like this it is important for threads to be in the right spot for responses. Will fix it for you!
 
SofaKingCrazy

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Definitely in the wrong forum and definitely not a good thread title. I will move it when I get home.

I said it in the other thread - but members don't come to GP expecting to see threads like this so you are reaching out to the wrong members here.

In large forums like this it is important for threads to be in the right spot for responses. Will fix it for you!


Thank you. I thought that since it was a certain game and more towards a bankroll or just "fun" poker post that this was the appropriate place. I'll try to pick a better spot next time.

Feel free to delete these posts that are unrelated and change the title to something you feel is more suited. Perhaps some kind of Poker Journal at this point in the post.

:evil:
 
Debi

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Moved to tournament poker. :)

I don't play any of those games - but from what you say about them I would play the DON's and try to build a decent bankroll up so you can start playing sng's or low buy-in tournaments - depending on your personal tastes and skills.

I can rock tournaments but suck at sng's - but know plenty of people who are the other way around.

But I am primarily a live tournament player since Black Friday so maybe others can better advise you.
 
B

bopo59

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Like Dakota said, it really depends on your style of play.

The DoN on Merge have 7 minute blinds, the $11 coupon satellites (like most other Sats) are 5 minute blinds.

Are you a patient player? Can u wait for a hand? Can you play a faster more aggressive game?

I found that the DoN on Merge, that just waiting for the impatient players to destroy themselves will payoff. But again if you are at a table where everyone is doing the same thing--it wont be that easy.

I personally try to avoid turbo's, but my buy-in level does not always allow for that.
 
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bopo59

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About the All-in or Fold--I learned a long time ago while I played on a Cake room, these are all just a way for the room to make money--not really a game of skill, just a lottery.
Again just my opinion
 
SofaKingCrazy

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Like Dakota said, it really depends on your style of play.

The DoN on Merge have 7 minute blinds, the $11 coupon satellites (like most other Sats) are 5 minute blinds.

Are you a patient player? Can u wait for a hand? Can you play a faster more aggressive game?

I found that the DoN on Merge, that just waiting for the impatient players to destroy themselves will payoff. But again if you are at a table where everyone is doing the same thing--it wont be that easy.

I personally try to avoid turbo's, but my buy-in level does not always allow for that.

I started on pokerstars playing the PSO league so early on i got used to a large field and 10 minute blinds. after BF as you state there just isn't many options to choose from so i adapted. Slowly worked my way to 3minute blinds and single table tourneys. So to answer you, i feel fine playing whatever structure is there and more concerned with % of ITM and extended registration as well as is it a re-buy/add-on.

About the All-in or Fold--I learned a long time ago while I played on a Cake room, these are all just a way for the room to make money--not really a game of skill, just a lottery.
Again just my opinion

I've found a lot of people with those sentiments towards the All-in or Folds. Personally I like them and have found where skill comes into play though i'll admit that skill is limited with the elimination of post flop play.

All games are "just a way to make money" for they collected the rake and the results of those games mean nothing to them so this game has no more bearing than any other $3.30 tourney in their lobby.

:evil:
 
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BlueNowhere

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I'd probably want at least a 100 bis for those all in or fold games. I presume they are 6-max and 10bbs deep? Variance will be absolutely brutal in those, even if you know the correct stratergy.
 
SofaKingCrazy

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Update:

My DoN record is in the toilet officially with a total to date of 6 wins for 20 games. Absolutely horrible.

I've also played 2 of the 6x$11Coup games with no win.

I've been under the belief that i am experiencing my 1st downswing and have decided to accept help from others in regards to my game. I feel this is best for a player in a downswing for we tend to get tunnel vision and become too self critical on ourselves to truly do ourselves good. Best to get an outside view from a trusted player preferably one who is better than you but at least as good.

Last night I switched from the DoNs to the Dollar Dazzler SNG. I've only played one game last night but proud to say i took 1st for $4.50 so that's a move in the right direction for once. I am back to playing cake as well now and won a 25cent tourney there yesterday as well for @ $7.50. Combine that with my shadow session I feel a bit better that I am making the right decisions on the felt and so far the most obvious of my problems is a lack of aggression, especially in mid to early position.

Good luck to all
:evil:
 
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cheaptrix

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About the All-in or Fold--I learned a long time ago while I played on a Cake room, these are all just a way for the room to make money--not really a game of skill, just a lottery.
Again just my opinion

i have only played a few All-in or Fold sng's. this format does seem profitable if you understand ICM. in the few games i played most (if not all) shoved way to wide in the early rounds. it's possible to make it to the bubble without playing a hand in these games. in 1 game we where HU at 25/50 level.
i think these games can be very profitable but the downside is very few ever get started.

don's or super turbo's are the only sng's that get any attention on merge. personally i'd focus on DON's if sng's are your thing.

I'd probably want at least a 100 bis for those all in or fold games. I presume they are 6-max and 10bbs deep? Variance will be absolutely brutal in those, even if you know the correct stratergy.

the games he is referring too have 1500 stack with normal blind levels. so you get many shoving 75bb's in the first round with all kinds of crap. only played a few but if all the games are filled with these types of players then this format would have low variance (or at least lower than super turbo) and high ROI imo.
 
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SofaKingCrazy

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I'd probably want at least a 100 bis for those all in or fold games. I presume they are 6-max and 10bbs deep? Variance will be absolutely brutal in those, even if you know the correct stratergy.

no those are the SNG all-in or folds
the $3.30 all-in or fold is a regular tourney with as many will join (so far i've found them to be 30-40 entrants

Hilarious

funny i can see some use of stack size, hand strength, position, reads = skill) in an all-in or fold?

:evil:

PS blue is right about getting ITM without playing
I went to the store with a game that was start in 20minutes thinking i'll be back 30-40 and it'll just be getting started. over an hour later i got back and watched myself get blinded out for 3rd place and $16.78 from my $3.30 buy-in
 
MediaBLITZ

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funny i can see some use of stack size, hand strength, position, reads = skill) in an all-in or fold?

I went to the store with a game that was start in 20minutes thinking i'll be back 30-40 and it'll just be getting started. over an hour later i got back and watched myself get blinded out for 3rd place and $16.78 from my $3.30 buy-in

well that's a real credibility killer - oh wait I get it - LOL
 
SofaKingCrazy

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well that's a real credibility killer - oh wait I get it - LOL

no it isn't. just because you could win by not playing i would never suggest that you could continue to do so. winning that way is a fluke and can only happen once in a while.

when you can come up with a better argument than "hilarious" i'll debate this further.

:evil:
 
MediaBLITZ

MediaBLITZ

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when you can come up with a better argument than "hilarious" i'll debate this further.

I think you are confused - I am only here to mock you. By saying that you are obviously convinced you are right and the one looking for an argument. The fact that you can find no humor or irony in your statements further supports your desperate need to be right. I have no interest in helping you correct your flawed thinking.
You already made it clear that it is you who is okay and it is everyone else who is messed up.
 
SofaKingCrazy

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i'm not confused and am aware of your purpose with such a lousy statement as "hilarious" as one to antagonize and belittle someone and refuse to debate against such a lack of response to a post.

If you interpret that as being "big headed" then that's your own fault.

:evil:
 
MediaBLITZ

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i'm not confused and am aware of your purpose with such a lousy statement as "hilarious" as one to antagonize and belittle someone and refuse to debate against such a lack of response to a post.

If you interpret that as being "big headed" then that's your own fault.

Once again - you want to debate. How do I debate "skill is limited with the elimination of post flop play". It's funny because it's true. Not only do you fail to see the humor, you are insulted because I do and want to issue debate challenges. JEEESH
 
SofaKingCrazy

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Once again - you want to debate. How do I debate "skill is limited with the elimination of post flop play". It's funny because it's true. Not only do you fail to see the humor, you are insulted because I do and want to issue debate challenges. JEEESH

and i'm to know that you "are seeing the humor" in my statement
it wasn't meant to be humorous

how do expect someone to react to your statement that doesn't know you? you think maybe a little more clarification could have been called for instead of just "hilarious"?

and for the record i don't think humor was your intention

:evil:
 
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MediaBLITZ

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and i'm to know that you "are seeing the humor" in my statement
it wasn't meant to be humorous

how do expect someone to react to your statement that doesn't know you? you think maybe a little more clarification could have been called for instead of just "hilarious"?

and for the record i don't think humor was your intention

Yeah you're right - I understand. The word hilarious could not be construed as a reaction to something funny or having to do with humor. I apologize for being so ambiguous in my communication.

Pretty awesome you can read intent in a one word post. I'm impressed.
 
SofaKingCrazy

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Yeah you're right - I understand. The word hilarious could not be construed as a reaction to something funny or having to do with humor. I apologize for being so ambiguous in my communication.

Pretty awesome you can read intent in a one word post. I'm impressed.

WOW!! you're absolutely right. hilarious could never have any other meaning than one of humor. what a brilliant deduction.

:evil:
 
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