I grind the low limits successfully, $1/$2 and sometimes $2/$4. My preflop stats are 33/23. I signed up to DeucesCracked and was watching the "Price Is Right" series and I was shocked at how tight the recommendations for low limits are. Again and again the reason for this was given as the rake. Is this really that big a factor? Could someone explain to me why that is? Surely the higher rake is offset by the lower standard of play, what I lose in rake I gain in my postflop play, if and when I have an edge. I might be missing something fundamental here so some insight would be appreciated.

Sorry if this topic has been discussed ad nauseam.

Most of the hands that you would play with a low rake fall in the marginal to very marginal category... higher rake general puts that marginal edge into the -EV realm. Also, alot of the value from playing marginal hands comes from the fact they they widen up your hand ranges more, letting you be more deceptive and allowing you to gain maximum value from the stronger part of your range. At 1/2 and 2/4, I'd assume that the level of play isn't strong enough to warrant the need to keep your range from being polarized... just some thoughts.

Thanks, just needed someone to put it into words.