Capone Flip-Flops on Party vs. Stars SNGs + POLL

[Ken Morris]

First, let me offer a bit more anecdotal evidence of the "toughening" of Party. In the only $10 S&G I played yesterday, all players remained at level V. The short stack was T635 and all others were over T1000. I went "like Broomcorn's Uncle" within a minute of level VII, to finish 7th!

I would suggest, however, that this increased toughness was inevitable. With thousands of new on-line players, some percentage will enjoy the game. A smaller, but still significant percentage will have some feel for the game, and be willing to commit to the requisite study. A smaller percentage yet (thank goodness) will discover 2+2, and begin to enjoy the wit and wisdom of this wonderful on-line poker community.

I don't know if I'm typical of this "uptick" in on-line play. I've never played in a B&M game, and currently have no desire to do so. I play Party S&Gs exclusively, with about a 50/50 mix of $5 and $10. My ROI over about 500 tournaments is 29%, with 44% ITM. I was at 33% ROI until the game toughened up (I began to notice a big difference in March), then slumped to 27%, made some adjustments and am back up to 29%). I'm starting to sample the $20 games, and am not finding the difference in competition that I'm sure existed even a year ago.

I have great respect and admiration for those who have the skill and desire to make a living - or second income - from this wonderful and exciting game. Like professionals of any kind, you all must "go where the work is." Fortunately, playing on-line makes that easy. I wish you all good luck on Party. In addition, I expect your exodus will add at least a percentage point to my ROI. I'll miss you all - sort of.

[Al_Capone_Junior]

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I've never played in a B&M game, and currently have no desire to do so.

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This is not meant to be personally offensive Ken, but I really pity you and all who take this approach to poker. Online really takes away a major part of the game, including the enjoyment of being around real people. And let's not forget the wealth of extra info you get playing live as well, something hardly ever mentioned anymore because everyone is stuck in the limit hold'em internet pit. Oh for the good ol' days when you looked your opponent in the eye, face to face, playing poker with him, instead of hiding behind a computer screen. Oh for the days when you could find all kinds of games. Oh for the day.

al

[Ken Morris]

No offense taken. I think it's more timidity than anything else. In any case, I shouldn't say I have no desire for something I've never tried. That's a bit over the top.

My concern is that others will "read me like a book." Not sure why. I routinely kill the couple of home games I play in. I'm an hour's drive from a casino that offers 3/6 and 6/12 (not much more, I think). Perhaps I should take a drive over there and actually see if I like it or not.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Che]

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I am only concerned with money when playing online.... I'll get back into playing for other reasons when I go back to playing live only poker.

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What other reasons are there?

Che

[Al_Capone_Junior]

Well, enjoyment and socialization are the two biggest, plus maybe just that I enjoy strategy games, whether for money or not. I used to play for tiny stakes for years before I got into playing for real $. There's far more to poker than just money.

al

[Che]

Wow, actually got a serious response out of you. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

I also enjoy strategy games and would probably continue to play holdem even if I thought I would never make any money at it. I just wouldn't play as much. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Socialization? Well, I'm not into that most of the time. I guess that explains why I'm perfectly happy playing online and don't really see any benefit to playing live. The chat box provides enough (frequently more than enough) socialization for me.

Later,
Che

[Stoneii]

oh no, Al's right, try live, it's sooooo much better.

[Tosh]

Playing live is just plain better than online IMO. I hate that I rarely get to play live. For 2 main reasons really. 1) That my biggest strength is being able to read people and 2) Its just far more enjoyable and sociable.

[Stoneii]

Don't get me wrong, I've only played in a local live (small fry) game and I'm sure I give some hideously obvious reads away, but you certainly can pick up on some - are you having an asthma attack???????.

It is a great, friendly atmosphere and although I love poker in general and do enjoy the online games, I absolutely love the real ones.

It's just hard to keep the noise of yer heartbeat down when you're in a biggy and being stared down and you're sitting with the stone cold (stone_eyed) nuts!!!!

stoneii