Friday 12 June 2009

Beating These Pesky Micro Tables

I've had some success beating the fast and loose micro tables over the past 2 months. Here are my tips:
  • DON'T fight with the loose aggressive bluffers. I know they're annoying and you just KNOW they're bluffing but don't get into a click/betting frenzy.
  • Stay Tight. You'll see them winning with 93o against AA but don't lower yourself to their level.
  • Respect the odds. The odds ALWAYS win in the end. If you don't have the pot odds don't bet. Ignore the times you fold and see that flush hit. It's worth repeating: The odds ALWAYS win in the end.
  • Get out of the hand when it's beaten. Hanging on to 2 jacks against a possible flush, a possible straight and always the potential of 2 pair or a set is a no-no.
  • Don't bluff. Unless you're heads-up or facing a max of 2 players. Even then you need some kind of hand.
  • Don't give away free cards. If you're drawing fair enough but if you flop a made hand like top pair or a set then bet into it. Make the drawers pay for their cards. You will get stung occasionally but in the long run it works in your favour. Don't believe me, believe the odds.
  • Pre-flop raise only with monster hands. Don't expect your raise to make much difference - you're doing it for value. See raises with excellent hands only.
  • Watch the betting. Tight players who've been checking will leap into action when they make a flush, set etc. Ignore this tell at your peril.
  • Table choice: Up to 45% see the flop and up to 15 times the big blind average pot size. Over that and it's a bit of a crap shoot but can still be beaten.
  • Finally: Patience & Discipline.