What is a good limit to begin playing on Pokerstars? I almost have the feeling that the .25-.50 games are not much different than the play money games.

I just activated a stars account myself so I am very curious as to how the play is there as well.

The lowest. Always the lowest. Once you feel you completely crush that game, move up ONE level. Stay at every level for at least a month.

I agree.

I deposited $500 3 times, starting higher limits...getting lucky in the short term...then losing it all.

You need to work your way up and learn the game. It's taken me years to develop an egde over my opponents at the higher limits. Start at .01/.02 NL and read some books....You will gradually become better and move up quickly.

Ok thanks thats what I needed to know. As for books I've read SS1,ToP and am reading Dan Harringhtons books right now.

Those are three excellent books. However, reading them is not enough, you actually have to learn and use the knowledge, don't forget that.

However, you need to realise:

SS is written for playing with deep stacks against good opposition. The opposite of what you will encounter at low levels. It still has some of the best advice written though.

Harrington is about tournament poker, many things apply to cash games, but many don't. However, I think this is the book for you if you plan to play tournaments and SnG's.

ToP is just great and applies to everything, however, it's a bit geared towards Fixed Limit. Concepts like implied odds and position become much more important in NL and PL. I've read this book at least 4 times.


If you're going to pick up more books I'd recommend Ciaffones "Pot Limit & No Limit Poker".

Tepshen73,

I started off at the $0.10 NL at Stars with $50, got lucky with outrageous calls at the time. So I moved up to the $0.25 and my lucky streak continued to near $200. Before my bad play caught up with me and my 'bankroll' went all the way down to $8 !!!

After re-reading all my poker books, and having nowhere else to play than at the bottom, the $0.02 NL level. I started again, playing solid ABC poker. I thought it would take years to get back to $50, but now PokerTracker says I've won over $150 at this level in just a few months. And I only play 2 or 3 times a week.

So like KennyG says, start at this level and play good solid poker and you can win consistently. Then try the next level when you're ready. I'm still only at the $0.10 level. I'm taking it really slowly this time.

Good luck,

SS

Stoneburg,KennyG and Sideswipe thanks for the advice I will definately take heed of it. And Stoneburg I'll be sure to get that book when I am done with Harringtons books.