Poker Prop

[r2b2]

I did a search first, but I am not the greatest with search functions. What is the opinion playing as a Poker Prop? Is it worthwhile? Are there problems?

[DonkAlert]

Here's a good article from PokerAddict.

http://www.rakerebatereview.com/prop.asp

[Arnfinn Madsen]

Do people here find prop'ing worthwhile?

[r2b2]

Thanks for the link. Anyone here try it? If so, how did it go?

[Pokeraddict]

I found this link back in my logs so I figured I would put in my opinion. You really have to enjoy short handed games for this to work. If you can beat the 5/10 Party 6 max then you have a good shot. Of course the games you play in will not be anywhere near as good as that game but these skills will give you the edge many players do not have in short handed play.

You also cannot be an easily tilted player and also will probably have to set aside a certain number of hours a week. If you feel you can beat a tough 4-7 handed 3/6-5/10 game then this could be your next career. You dont even have to be a winning player to make money since you should be getting 2+ big bets per 100 hands back in pay every week. I was a prop for about 2 years and it is a roller coaster. You have to tae the big losses in stride and look at the big picture. Remember you cant just find another table when you are running bad, you really have to stick it out. If you decide to prop you have to give it 4-6 weeks before giving up and having a bankroll to cover 3 tabling short games is a must. As you prop at smaller rooms you will get to figure out how everyone plays since in a lot of cases it is the same 100 or so players, many are props. Dont try to prop 3/6 with $500, the variance will kill you. You also cant play like a rock because the LAG's will kill you stealing all of your blinds.

Propping is not for everyone so I dont want you to get that idea. I love the action of 4-5 handed games so it was a perfect fit for me, if you are the kind of player that sits at a full game and waits for the top 10 start hands to come in this isnt for you at all. Also if you cant take a 100+ big bet swing in stride this isnt for you either. You cant go running to the cashier after a big win or pay day because of these swings. It is best to figure out what your win rate will be and set a cashout amount every week and wait until you have a large buffer to cash out large amounts.

[r2b2]

Thank you! Your response was very enlightening. I think this is something I might like to do and your insight was just what I was looking for. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[hogua]

You can get a feel for it at the Cryptos sites. Play at a couple tables and you can expect to get an invite to play at a short handed table (or new game). They'll pay you for up to two hours of play.

I do this when clearing the monthly bonuses. Good way to improve my short handed game while earning a little extra.

[r2b2]

Thanks for the info.

[Alex/Mugaaz]

Is it possible to request a specific site?
Also what about no limit games? I'm not much of a limit player, though I don't mind it shorthanded.

[Pokeraddict]

[ QUOTE ]
Is it possible to request a specific site?
Also what about no limit games? I'm not much of a limit player, though I don't mind it shorthanded.

[/ QUOTE ]

The smaller sites will let you prop anything because they need any action they can get, they will even pay you rakeback on $.25/$.50 in some cases, more established rooms will most often not pay you for no limit or pot limit. The are specifically looking for a prop to prop a certain limit or range, say 3/6-5/10 or 10/20-15/30 limit.

As far as choosing your sites it is unlikely in your first prop job but maybe one of these prop mgr companies that offer many rooms will set you up in a couple. Remember the secrecy involved, the prop companies will probably not tell you the rooms they offer at first. The sites dont want to be known as prop havens, also if you are willing to play stud or omaha then you will be more helpful to a more established room then a player who only wants to play 2/4 or 3/6 holdem.

[Alex/Mugaaz]

I don't mind playing Omaha or Stud. I just mind playing at some of the sites that are lacking in the fish department, that's why I was asking. I have no problem playing shorthanded against weak players, but I don't have the skills to play shorthanded against the semi-pro SH specialists. By the way, can you still take advantage of bonuses/reloads as a prop?

[Pokeraddict]

By the way, can you still take advantage of bonuses/reloads as a prop?

Sometimes they will let you have a first deposit bonus, reloads are almost certainly out of the question. If the site has free point/freeroll type tournaments they will usually let you play in them. That is about the only perk.