For ages I was break-even at 10NL, and then went through a bad patch and decided to drop to 2NL to save my money and also get my confidence again.

However in terms of BB/100 I'm doing even worse there. Too often people call pot sized raises with nothing, and it's become apparent that the only way to win is to expect to go to showdown and just play hands that are sure to win in that situation. Things like cbetting from position or 3betting don't have much effect.

So, if the only edge you can have at 2NL are your cards, doesn't it make sense to play very loose-passive preflop? This goes against what you'd do 10NL+, but at these virtually play money stakes it might make sense, as long as long as you fit or fold after the flop?

The only thing is that if that is a good strategy for 2NL, it does nothing to help me gain experience for going back to 10NL...

The way to win from 2NL up to 10NL, is to be nitty. Tighten preflop, don't bluff. I can't emphasize enough that you shouldn't bluff. That doesn't mean don't c bet btw and also set mine.
Remember if a hand isn't good raise, its not good enough to play most of the time. Only don't raise if you a low pp UTG or sooted connectors after 4 limpers.

A little disclaimer, I dont play 2NL or 10NL. But I don't think the best way to win there is to be loose passive. I think you can call a lot more in position and isolate if the table is right for it. Then it's just valuebet - valuebet - valuebet. From what little I've seen, players call and go to showdown way to much.

Maybe try making smaller cbets since people at that limit don't pay attention to betsizing anyways.

I think you're coming to the exact opposite conclusion for this situation. The way to win in a very loose game is not to loosen up your own play and play passively. This is the mistake your opponents are making. How would playing like them make you a winner?

The correct adjustment you should be making (as previous posters have stated) is to tighten up your range, bluff very little, and value bet the hell out of the loose-passive calling stations when you make your hands.

Value bet
Value bet
Value bet

(This is actually really good practice for higher levels where being able to spot places to value bet thin can be a key component of your earn).

I think I did know this, but you've all stated it again with such clarity that it proves I must return to the yoke and just try harder!

Thanks. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger...

I ran the same direction. Then Patty Poker stopped accepting US players. You should try playing Baccarat online.

I played the Pokerstars .02/.05$ blinds to prove to myself that I could grind up $300. I had to play TIGHT Sub 19/xx or real close if you want to have smaller swings. And basically just learn when to get out of a SPECULATIVE HAND.

Learn to dump when you REALLY read them. I cant tell myself still when I put someone on a hand like J10 and they spike a ten on the river to beat my 99... I Call even when I know they have a ten. You have to learn that when you feel that, you gotta ditch it and save the 20bb call. Big variance cutter. Also, you can BURN alot of BB's always raising before flop. Take some dirt cheap flops
Also push PF and on flop usually if you flop anything with a high card because IMO people are calling this when they hit anything. And you can play with 200bb stacks at that level which helps you when you develop those reading skill sets.

Also, read/buy every poker book you can get your hands on. Dont put it all into action right away, but ease it into your game. You will lose a little bit but the whole of reading all of the books is greater than the sum of their parts. If you grasp that.

Key is PLay there until you have $500 and skip the .05/.10 - that level can put you on some swings.

Keep value betting. Pretty simple.

what this guy said.

I don't really like this. What's the point of skipping a level if you can't even beat 10NL. If the action is looser, play better hands. If the action is tighter, play semi-decent hands. Beat 10NL, then go to 25NL.

I agree with the no bluffing. Position I think is more important when you are playing with calling stations. Suited connectors can make a profit against a bunch of limpers IN position. Don't get carried away with it in early position though. You have to know when to dump them too when you make a pair with them and not call down and hope for the best.

For the first time this week I had a winning session, so hopefully that means I've listened to you all. Thanks for all your help...

I agree somewhat Bryce.

Listen to my brief logic for skipping it (applies only to my experience on stars).

The .02/.05 level allows you to buy in for 200bb - $10.

Max Buyin at next level up = $10 & .05/.10

THe shortstacks are still at $5 or so at both levels. And people play nearly the same way. I played .05/.10 for 10-12k hands when I got back into poker and won some, but not nearly the bb rate that I was at the .05 level. I think it was because of the advantage of the 200bb stacks. Again, this is an opinion and OPEN to be discussed. I will not take it as an attack.

Just my experience And I still play at the .25 level on stars as my roll limits me too. I withdraw (more lately - economy) small chunks on occasion and that cuts into my bankroll growing. I like good green kush and a bubbler.... Gf likes dinners, iphones e.t.c.

If not I might be playing higher, but thats not my lifes goal right now.

Good luck.

JC

p.s. If you get this, I am playing "higher" in effect as hinted to above, but not "Higher". Dig?

JC