I actually don't really like playing online all that much and highly prefer playing live.
That being said, there's not always something (affordable) going on.

My #1 goal for playing online is to improve at poker theory, hand reading, calculating odds and equity, ...

Now I wouldn't mind making some profit while doing this.

I currently have $60 on PokerStars, but depositing around $50-100 each month wouldn't be a problem.
I'm not playing online that much, like 1-2 nights a week, maybe a few in the weekend, so let's say an average of 5 tournaments each week.

I like playing the "Big $2.20 and $3.30" tournaments on Stars, for some reason I prefer big field MTTs.
But I'm also considering the $1 - $10 180 man SNG's.

Would I be better of playing slightly higher stakes, like $5 - $10 or would it be better to stick to the $1 - $3.30? Or even higher?

Where will I learn more / faster?
Where will I make a bigger profit? (Assuming I can even beat the $1's, which I have no proof of whatsoever, but let's assume I'm a quick learner.)

I recommend you to play $5-$10 deepstack regular speed tournaments. You have to invest more time for study to achieve your goals. After few hundred tournaments you can decide to go up/down or stay at that buy-in level.


Good luck

I prefer the deeper structures. Daily bigs are good. I like the daily dollar rebuy as it is a good structure. Avoid the turbos IMO. Also recommend watching some streamers on twitch. Good luck!

Do not do this you will bust your roll quickly. I'd stick to $1 mtts, maybe take a shot at $2.20 deep stacks on pstars (which is very soft). $11 + deepstacks on pstars are getting tougher and tougher, a good chunk of the field is semi-pros regs that play a ton. You can probably play higher on 888 and party poker as they are softer.

$50-$100 budget each month, 5 tourney in 2 night play time each week. most important he doesn't want to grind, he wants to dedicate his budget to learn the game. low buy-in low quality game high variance more tilt. $1 buy-ins are waste of time. it is better to play with regs between $5 and $10 deepstacks. if he plays seriously without a bankroll management, with a support of decent budget he can survive long enough to learn.

I assume he is not a beginner.

Why throw someone that's wanting to learn into Poker Stars $10 tournies? You want him to have 10 BIs for MTTs? That's a recipe for busto.

Do $1 tournies and move up accordingly. #bankrollmanagement

Bankroll management is necessary for whose goals are based on profit. For learning or advancing you don't need that. If he is a total stranger to the game, $1 is mandatory. But if he is ok with big 2.20 3.30 already, my advice is still good. I am advising a serious play and investment for study too.

Join me at the $1.50 9 player sit and gos. The player pool is softer and smaller so its easier to spot the regs and get to know their tendencies.

You'll also have 120 odd hands after each 1 hour session for review and if the larger MTTs is something you want to go for later you'll have loads of experience that'll transfer for navigating the final stages where the most EV is made.

I have tried the $1 180 tourneys and taken a few down but the variance is a killer.

Also - watch Dutch Boyd's youtube videos - Poker Clinic

My basics are (or should be) pretty decent.
My bankroll is not $100, it's $50 - $100 / month ...

definitely poker ones imo

That's not a bankroll, that's a budget.
Playing with a fixed amount and adjusting accordingly has psychological impact that can't be put into words. It mostly helps with discipline but feels rewarding when you're winning and painful when your losing.