Reader Question:

Is there a 'best' way to play the low-limit games of no-fold'em limit hold'em so prevalent online? I've found that by tightening up my starting requirements I can be profitable, but at the cost of playing very, very few hands. An alternative is to loosen up in late position and join the throngs of limpers with Ax-suited in an effort to flop a flush / flush draw, but the variance involved is off-putting. Any thoughts? Or should I just focus on no-limit games and blast away?

CS:  Low-stakes Limit Hold’em online can be a frustrating experience. To be profitable, the easy answer is to simply tighten up and only play premium cards and premium position. This isn’t usually enough action to keep the casual player’s attention though, and quite bluntly – it can be very boring. 

I would never recommend that anyone loosens up his or her starting requirements, but you have to define what you want out of online poker. Do you want to play primarily for excitement, for profit, or for just the fun of the game? 

If you play just for fun and aren’t serious about making a long-term profit, then by all means play whatever cards you choose, though I personally find that the game is much more fun when you win. If you are playing for excitement, then you would probably enjoy the small-stakes NL games, as they are certainly never dull. 

However, if you are serious about the game and are playing to build a bankroll or even to support yourself off your earnings, then adjusting to the dull, tight play is mandatory if you want to play Limit Hold’em successfully. Maybe mix it up by playing a different game now and then (i.e. Omaha or Stud) and throw in the odd NL game to add to your game roster. This will help break up the monotony of folding hand after hand, session after session.

If you have questions of your own, or would you like to reply to the above question, let your response in the comment area below.