Getting Started

[deception5]

Hi all!

I've been playing poker online since August - starting at .05/.10 limit with $20 and now at .25/.50 with $130. I plan to continue playing limit ring games online.

I've also played a number of live single and 2 table NL tournaments with friends which I really enjoy and around 50 of the free party sit-n-go's. I would like to eventually play NL sit-n-go's (probably 10+1's at least to start) in addition to my limit games and so my question is what is the best way to make this transition? Any must read books? I have Ciaffone's No-limit and Sklansky's Tournament Poker on order and have read through the No-Limit stuff in Super System (and a bunch of other 2+2 limit books). Should I continue to play the free sit-n-go's and just keep trying to improve my game until I can show 35% or so ITM finishes? Are there some less expensive games I should start with instead or is the free experience valuable enough (or worthless)?

Thanks for your help!
D5

[McBandit]

In regards to SnGs specifically, there is not much literature published on them. The general concepts of tournament NL HE are good to know nonetheless. I havn't read Dan Harrington's new book, but I've heard there is a section on SnGs.

I think the best source of info for you is right here at 2+2. There is also some bad advice given on these forums, but after a while reading posts here you learn who the most respected posters are.

If you are looking to beat the 10+1s, I doubt you will find any published literature that would be more helpful than Aleomagus's "Beating 10+1s Strategy" thread, which brings together a ton of advice given by many of the best SnGers here. That strategy is tailored specifically to the PP blind and payout structure.

[tigerite]

Sorry to tell you, but the free SnG's are a waste of time. I tried to help a friend get started by playing those, it tends to be 4 or 5 handed after the first 3 hands, because of the lunatics. Hardly any cash SnG is like that, even at the $5 level.

[deception5]

Sounds good - I've checked out the strategy thread and try to keep up with the posts in this and the micro forum!

I figured the free sng's weren't that great, but I was under the impression that once the all-in crew was gone at the beginning that strategy could prevail. Was hoping it would at least help with my end game :-)

Thanks for your replies!
D5

[McBandit]

I suppose the free SnGs won't hurt, i just don't think they'll help much. It might at least get you familiar with the tourney format and blind structure, because understanding how that affects hand selection and aggression are absolutely crucial to beating the SnGs. I personally find the single biggest mistake that players make at the 10s is not changing their playing style as the blinds go up. I have literaly went form 1000 chips to 3000 without getting past the turn.

McBandit

[bismillahno]

I think there is some merit to playing the play money SnG's, as long as you're aware of the differences. I played roughly 250 play money tournaments at pokerroom before I was willing to actually put money into the real games. I found it was a great way to learn how to play to Aleo's guide and how you should be adjusting your play with time. You really can't steal blinds much at that level, and it encourages you to just fold into the money but it can be good to learn the early level tightness you need to do well at real money. There are a few semi-decent players in these games too, who'll give you a bit of a game heads up at times.

I tracked all my results for the last 150 or so, and as my ROI got up to about 80% I figured it was time to give it a go for real. I was basically a winning player straight away this way, without having to risk any real money in the learning process. Just don't think you can sustain your play money numbers in real money games. There aren't too many 4 way all ins first hand in real tournaments, sadly... [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[El Maximo]

I got started playing SnGs at Pacific Poker. You make a deposit to gain the bonus. Than withdraw the money and play off the bonus. You wont work any bonus off playing the SnG but you can keep any profit. I actually withdrew all the money a few months later and they let me keep the bonus even though I didnt work it off yet. The games are weak and they have 2$ and 5$ 1 and 2 table SnGs. There are a few other sites that have 1 and 5 dollar SnGs like UB.

[deception5]

Pacific is actually where I've been playing my ring games. Maybe I'll have to start playing in some of those inexpensive s&g's there when I get my bankroll up a bit more.

Thanks all for the help!
D5

[PE101]

I agree. Same goes for the ring play.

It might be okay to use it learn where the buttons are, but not for "practice".

[se2schul]

My girlfriend plays the free SNGs. She is ITM almost 100%. You can usually get ITM just by folding your way in... no joke. The bubble usually bursts with the blinds at 25/50 or lower.

I'd say they're a waste of time.

ss