Been playing poker for about 10 years recreationally. Started out playing live, then online tourneys, then since black Friday back to live. I've been more profitable online then live, but I think that's because of volume. When I play live I play cash games mainly. I have a real job but want to build up a roll part-time.
I've been able to win long-term but have never really worked on my game since I originally started playing poker(read a few Sklansky books). I've always play low stakes and been able to win with ABC TAG poker.
The last few months I've been reading a bunch of p2p threads, played around with pokerstove, and realized how elementary my game is...now I'm changing that.
I live in the Los Angeles area. I'm not ready for 2/5 NL as a $400 to $500 buy-in would be uncomfortable for me.
My question is this: for playing 1/2 or 1/3 NL how many BB do I need to be able to buy-in to give myself the best chances at being profitable?
For instance at Commerce the 1/2 NL has a $40 max buy-in. This seems tough as everything would be short stack play. Their next level up is $100 buy-in with 2/3 blinds, still a little short of you ask me. And after that they have the $200 with a 2/5 blind, which seems more playable. I'm comfortable buying for $200, but want to know in theory is this a good place to start.
When I lived in L.A. I played at the Bicycle Casino and you could buy-in up to 100BB in the 2/3NL game. And I think you could reload for more if you were under $50. The Bike offered free food up on the level where the 2/3NL and higher games were spread. If you are okay at $300 buy-in, the action there is/was decent. And they have small buy-in daily tournaments running constantly for $40 and up.
There used be a 1/2 game at Hustler as well that may be $100 buy-in max but it's been forever since I was there, might be worth checking out.
Thanks BTpoker, I'm definately going to check out the Bike. I can buy-in for $300, but if there was a 1/2NL available with $200 buy-in I'd take it. I guess its more about who is in the game then the difference between buying in 50-75BB as opposed to 100BB.
Anyone know in terms of theory am I putting myself at a disadvantage buying into a game for 50BB? Meaning the max buy-in is 50BB for a NL game.
