rake to much for small stakes?

The local games that I play in are $3-$6, 9 to 10 handed with $1 and $3 blinds. The rake in these games comes before the flop so even though there is initially 4 dollard in the pot, by the time we get cards theres only 1 dollar in the pot. With the rake so high and the poor odds for coming into the pot, how tight or loose should i play? Also keep in mind that even tho the initial pot is so small, the blinds come around just as often. I need a strategy for how to beat these otherwise easy games ex. raising hands, calling hands, should i raise first in the pot getting only 1:3 on my money, if so with what hands? I seem to have lots of ups and downs in these games so far, any help would be much appreciated! thanks

[ebranig]

$3 rake is pretty much standard for these b&m games. Generally it's not taken until the flop. However, very few hands at this level don't make it to the flop so little difference. Many posters here make solid money despite this rake structure, so yes it can be beat. As for strategy advice, pick up any book, there's nothing special you need to play against this structure as it is, generally, common.

[Bodhi]

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The rake in these games comes before the flop

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That's ridiculous. Don't play in that game.

[Emperor]

Play Online... Rake is MUCH MUCH lower. a $3 preflop drop is insane..