I'm a winning 1/2 player ,but I've been struggling playing 2/5. I believe it is because of the players at 2/5 are forcing me into lines that I'm less comfortable with.

At 1/2 its normally a group of loose/tight passive players, with an occasional outlier. I know how to get value from these players and when to be aggressive.

At 2/5 where i play its more of a melting pot. You will have a tight aggressive/loose passive/loose aggressive/loose passive and everything in between.

I've been struggling in multiway pots with opponents of varying play styles. For example:

assume all 100BB stacks 2/5 game:

Villain1: Loose Passive
Villain2: Tight Aggressive

Folds to hero late position K 10
Hero Opens to 20
Villain 2 In CO calls
Villain 1 in BB Calls


Flop Q10 5

Villain 2 checks

Hero....

Now I know if these were both Loose passive players the line I would take would be a bet just under 2/3 Pot size. But going up against the Tight Aggressive player I don't know what the right line is.

Furthermore, I get lost going into the turn resulting in me playing weak passive losing poker....

What's your question?

We haven't had this discussion in a while, so I won't lock, but you should use the search function. Generally, tho ones with more posts are more useful.

Typically, 2/5 players are better at putting you to tough decisions with marginal hands. They are better hand readers and have more willingness to gamble. I play both 1/2 and 2/5 fairly regularly. My local game is 1/2 but I play 2/5 on casino trips.

I typically tighten up my preflop range a ton when I play 2/5, especially in the first hour or so at the table. This accomplishes a few things.

First and foremost, it allows you to get comfortable at the table and start to try to develop some reads;

Second, the table will usually pick up on this and give you some credit when you do enter into a pot.

Third, with a tight opening range, you aren't as likely to be put into marginal spots quite as often.

In regard to the example you posted, with the reads you have developed so far I think betting 35 or so is fine. I am folding if either player raises and probably slowing down if called by V2 and continue betting blank turns when called by V1.

I think that the jump from 1/2 to 2/5 can be a tough one. I am interested to see the responses in this thread.

As you know from the stickies (because you read them), there's no single answer to how to beat a level of poker.

I suggest looking the COTWs in the micro full ring forum for the COTW covering moving up/moving down. Even though it is old, I think it covers things pretty well. dgiharris's turning pro thread also has a lot of good stuff about moving up. From your question, I don't think you're ready to move up. I'd go back to playing 1/2 most of the time and start shot taking at 2/5 during Saturday nights when there are lots of weaker players at the tables. As you get used to handling maybe one or two tougher players, then start expanding your play to Friday nights and then to less than prime time hours.

why bet here. you are against two players who have decent hands as they came for a raise and are in a lousy position for betting.

play very tight when moving up and pick your bluffs carefully as you dont want them to know you bluff.

Great advice from Venice and Ray.

I check and evaluate turn here a lot. We may have the best hand but it's not a spot I'm trying to build a pot. Turn card and villain action will dictate how I proceed ott.

This is pretty good advice IMO, Although I would probably check turn if you bet and get called. Checking flop is also an option, but I don't really like giving free cards OTF when we have something that has a good chance to be the best hand.

Honestly, why would you be betting even against loose passives? It seems to me like the calls you get from Qx/JJ/AT would seem to outweigh (or at least make very thin) the value you get from worse.

I wonder if the reason you beat 1/2 is because you are making the right mistakes to exploit your player pool without realizing that they are in fact mistakes.

I consider this a must bet because we are ahead often enough and our opponents have enough outs often enough to require a bet in my estimate. If V2 calls we will be in a tough spot but that doesn't mean betting flop is wrong.

As a caveat, I admit that I've long thought that I push even the slightest perceived edge too hard and go to war too easily but I'm not sure.

OP- A bankroll is your best friend. If you are properly rolled then these spots won't bother you as much. A hefty bankroll will allow you to experiment and learn the stakes. I'm guessing you aren't ready for this level.

Honestly, this one is close... It's basically the bottom of my value betting range. Ill also add that I think that betting the flop makes the hand easier to play. Especially if the CO it the type to pounce on weakness. Checking opens the door to being bluffed and this isn't exactly a hand we want to just c/f.

betting definitely makes it easier to play. but also puts your money in a bad spot if you get played with. and here you are going to get played with . its not so clear cut.