So I've been thinking about the best strategy in small and micro stakes, and wondering is playing anyway other than an ABC poker even worth it at these stakes? Seems like most players just shove on what seems like anything and then of course suckout! So why even waste energy and try to bluff or make any sort of move when most people are not competent enough to even read the board right.

I guess you play on Bodog

The whole point is to outplay your opponents, making complicated bluffs versus people that don't read hands is bad because of this.

Board reading is a MSNL concept imo.

Correct... in 2007 .

I think you can't beat NL200 (even on bodog) with a super ABC style. The game changed ... people get better, etc.

sounds like you've just had a pretty bad session

lol, i know, RIGHT?!?!

Be smart about it and step outside the ABC box from time to time. Play the situations that are presented.

Feel it out. When you have them beat make bigger bets than usual against players who will call those bets and slow play guys that will bluff if given the opportunity, etc.

Just play good poker.

I think you can't beat NL200 (even on bodog) with a super ABC style. The game changed ... people get better, etc.

True. Basically every reg in my DB who is ABC is losing money, maaaybe making a tiny few bucks with RB. And this is 100NL.

Times have changed.

no, bodog is definitely beatable with ABC style because you have two fish on every table
of course the table count is capped to 4, which is why regs don't like playing there

What's ABC poker?

Nice level OP. I nearly trolled you... then thought better of it.

Just depends on what you mean by ABC, and whether that includes blind defense, adjusting against light 3-bettors, recognizing floats, being able to catch triple barrels with semi-marginal (let's say, top pair any kicker), etc.

I think you can play a basically TAG strategy, and adjust just a little bit to deal with these kind of situations. I think that's likely the strongest way to play these stakes. But if by ABC you mean a TAG strategy only gets it in with the nuts/semi-nuts, then no. You will quickly be bluffed too often and fail to make strong value with your actual hands.

You should also be aware that much of the 'silly ridiculous play' is between regulars with history.

optimal poker is optimal

optimality is poker at its finest