[jayheaps]

[ QUOTE ]
Returned from a quick trip to the Bellagio.

Won about $2800 playing 30-60 (+600, +1200, and +1000), but lost 1900 at 80-160 (game started out good but deteriorated when tight passive [checked a full house on the river with position!] old lady left. Baseball bets finished a slight plus.

Now I think there are significant differences between the two limits I played and why I think making this step up might be the most difficult in poker.

1. Aces are very seldom slowplayed UTG in 30-60. I was the victim of that in the 80-160 game, making two bad calls with KT after being turn check-raised with the board of T75A.

2. Position really counts for a lot more at 80-160. You can't play marginal hands up front and get away with it. Even in the big blind, having defended with A9o and dealing with a flop of 975 (two spades) is really difficult (at least for me). At 30-60 you can get away with this more as your opponent won't be putting you under so much pressure.

3. It's hard for me to come back from being stuck 5-6 big bets at 80-160. At 30-60 it's pretty easy. There are far fewer multiway pots, and your opponents are constantly looking for any sign of weakness. Admittedly my style of play is more based on catching opponents' mistakes.

So, I have conclude
d that my ceiling is 40-80. I just can't seem to step up in class? So should I be content with this?

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with alot of what you say, but the bellagio 80 game completely depends on the lineup. Sometimes, like big weekends I believe it is softer than the 30. With the tourney in town now, it is not a good time to judge. I do agree that position is more important in this game, but I will tend to play slight looser in this game since I know I am playing against players who can lay down hands.

HOwever, sometimes this game is so good, you should be playing. Last time I was in town, almost every hand was 4-5 handed. yummy.