Moving from Limit to NL

[The Mang]

I have been playing 2-4 limit about 3 nights a week in a local casino, and I think I'm ready to move to 1-2 NL. For those of you that play 1-2 NL regularly:

How much do you usually buy in for? and why?

Thanks!!

[PokerMatt]

I've never played NL in a B&M (just limit), but a good friend of mine has played a few times in Atlantic City. He told me that people at his 1-2 NL table bought in with approx. $300, give or take. I don't remember if the table had a max buyin or not like Party does, however.

Edit: I just asked him and he told me the stacks were approx $300 or so when he arrived at the table. He bought in with $100 and said he was one of the shorter stacks. This was at the Borgata, but he's also played the same game at the Trop.

[Dorez]

Maximum is 80 or 100 depending on where you go. I usually go for the maximum. The only time I don't, is when the table is just starting and everyone is buying in for 40 or 50.
edit: read the above post, it's true though, some casinos allow a higher buy-in, depends on where you go.

Reason why, when you hit your big hand, do you want to double up with $80 in your stack or $40.

I have seen one instance where buying in for less would benefit, and that's when you want to go all in on the flop with a draw. There are situations where you'll have good odds because you're shortstacked. Where as if you have a big stack, you won't have odds because you also have to worry about bets on the turn and river.

I'd still rather buy in for the maximum and bring enough for 1 or 2 buy-ins. Bad beats a plenty in the casino.

[The Mang]

Thanks for the advice. I'm venturing into completely new territory here. I've played NL at a casino once. Bought in for 40 and lost it in about 15 minutes. My play has improved a lot since then though.