Are 5-10 games "easier" than 2-4?

[JimGil]

For the past month I have been three-tabling 1/2 and 2/4 games on Paradise and cryptos (still bonus whoring.) Things have been going well at those levels.

While I don't have the bankroll for the 5-10 game, I saw a table on Paradise with over 50% of the players seeing the flop so I decided I'd take a look.

The game seemed to play more straightforward than the lower levels. (A lot less tricky plays and suckouts, raising would actually get people to fold when you wanted it to, my TPGK was good 90% of the time etc.) Within 2 hours I was up 30BB and the table died (only 4 players left) so I took my $ back to the 2-4 table.

I don't plan on playing at this level until I have the roll, and I understand that 2 hours is by far not enough time to make these generalizations, but is this straightforward play what I can expect or was this just a fluke?

[phillydilly]

well, according to my poker tracker stats
2/4 - I'm doing well, not out of this world but consistent winner over 20K+ hands
3/6 - slight loser, just dabbled in it slightly, very few hands
5/10 - I suck, I'm not even a fish, I'm more like the seaweed the fish feed on before the sharks get them. again, not a lot of hands

my thoughts
(this is all on party, some bad beat tables, some regular)

[Stupendous_Man]

No offense, but I think the stars were aligned nicely for you that night. I play mostly 2/4 and 3/6, but have taken a few stabs at 5/10. While my exposure to 5/10 is also limited, I don't think it's "easier".

Check out the Small Stakes forum. You'll see discussions on these limits and people posting hand histories. It's interesting to read people's replies and how they would play the hand.

[pudley4]

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Are 5-10 games "easier" than 2-4?

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No. It's not even close.

[Koller]

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No. It's not even close.


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[JimGil]

Ok, I realize it may have been a silly question - however, as far as table selection goes - if the lower level tables tables are all around 25% players seeing the flop, and there is a 5-10 where over half are, is it worth taking a shot?

[hardinda]

Yes, it's worth taking a shot. Be prepared to lose all that you are sitting down with, b/c even with a good table you can lose. I always think taking a "look" at higher levels is good for your game. But don't completely switch until your bankroll is right for the new game.

[phillydilly]

as far as preflop % goes, i think this stat can be deceiving for two reasons.

1. very dependant on how the site calculates it. Different sites use different methods

2. post flop play. 2/4 a good number of players will pay you off when they shouldn't. I haven't played a lot of 5/10, so I'm guessing, but even if they look at more flops, you're not getting payed off nearly as much.

[BradleyT]

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The game seemed to play more straightforward than the lower levels. (A lot less tricky plays and suckouts, raising would actually get people to fold when you wanted it to, my TPGK was good 90% of the time etc.)

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So playing with better players who "respect your raises" is the key to moving up? Interesting.

[Grisgra]

Raise preflop.

[StacysMom]

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No. It's not even close.


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[Rah]

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No. It's not even close.


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[gazarsgo]

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Raise preflop.

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When I take shots at 5/10 I like to post out of position and then raise blind. It's about as close as you can get to a live straddle online.

So, what I mean to say is, the real answer is to raise twice.

[BusterStacks]

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No. It's not even close.


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[Tosh]

Some 5/10 games are easier than 2/4 games but on average the higher limit will always be tougher.

[JimGil]

After last night at the 5-10 games, I now see how right you all are. It is A LOT harder to get paid at 5-10 than 2-4.