Beating Penny Tables

Let me start off by saying that I do not see playing penny tables as a wise choice for a career. I don't care that I'm wasting my time (an hour each time I sit down) playing for only $15-$20 -- this isn't solely about the profit.

The reason I have an interest in this is because this may provide a foundation to build upon for higher limits. If this method holds true for .5/.10, the profit could average $75/hr. I realize this will never work for limits where people actually have a clue.

[09:33:30] <Ekos> i have a method
[09:33:40] <Ekos> that is profitable
[09:33:57] <Ekos> at the rate of about 15-20 dollars an hour at .01/.02 blinds
[09:34:02] <Ekos> raise to 5x the bb with kj or better and pp's of 88 and higher from any position
[09:34:22] <Ekos> if someone raises before you and you have a strong (better than just playable) hand, reraise them about 5x what they bet
[09:34:39] <Ekos> play suited connectors and kt only from the button
[09:34:59] <Ekos> bet the flop if you raise pf
[09:35:03] <Ekos> they will nearly always check to you
[09:35:11] <Ekos> bet half the pot no matter how you hit it
[09:35:24] <Ekos> then bet half the pot on the turn (even if you didn't hit the flop or turn)
[09:35:38] <Ekos> if they call your bet on the turn and you've been bluffing, you have to do a little thinking to figure out if they'll fold to an all-in (assuming there's only one opponent in the pot with you), otherwise you have to check
[09:37:06] <Ekos> play Ax where x>6 from late if there are a few calls and no raises
[09:38:10] <Ekos> play small pp's from anywhere for as little as possible
[09:38:31] <Ekos> only up to 3x the bb, and only 3x if there are a lot of callers
[09:40:00] <Ekos> only check the flop if you miss it completely, and there are more than 3 callers
[09:40:40] <Ekos> bet the pot size when you make a set with rags showing on the board if there were a lot of callers pf
[09:41:48] <Ekos> if your hand hit and you get called on the flop and turn, go all in if you think you've got the best hand
[09:42:11] <Ekos> unless you think they're unsure about their hand (have second pair with an ace showing) or for think some reason they won't call an all in, then bet at least half the pot
[09:42:24] <Ekos> that's pretty much all of it
[09:42:40] <Ekos> fold bad hands even if everyone calls and you're in the sb
[09:43:56] <Ekos> if someone raises you pf, and you only have a medium-good hand, call them instead of reraising

I will try this

what site do you play on?

This was done using PokerStars.

I should note that I no longer do this because there are easier ways of making money (sngs).

This was done using PokerStars.

I should note that I no longer do this because there are easier ways of making money (sngs).

really? Do share :)

How many tables at a time are we talking here?

Intersting strategy.

You neglected to have any provisions for when players raise you on the flop or turn whether you have a hand or not. Possible the .01/.02 NL players dont raise much after the flop too; Ive never played.

I still think no system can replace what a strong, thinking player can do in a game like that. Even using the system I figure you will be presented with decisions that a better player will make more correctly. Interesting idea though.

Intersting strategy.

You neglected to have any provisions for when players raise you on the flop or turn whether you have a hand or not. Possible the .01/.02 NL players dont raise much after the flop too; Ive never played.

I still think no system can replace what a strong, thinking player can do in a game like that. Even using the system I figure you will be presented with decisions that a better player will make more correctly. Interesting idea though.
Players at these limits almost always check to you when you have lead before the flop. If there is one person who I am in a pot against post-flop I stay aggressive when they lead into me. If I sense they aren't bluffing (micro limit players often give away the strength of their hands by changing how quickly they act... they may raise/call instantly post-flop one time, while other times they spend a lot of time thinking and then eventually fold) I will fold. If there are several people in the pot post-flop and someone leads out I will fold unless I have a hand.

I agree that there is no system of algorithms (currently ;)) that may substitute for a solid poker player who analyzes each individual hand. However, this guide is meant to realistically allow for anyone to 5-table .01/.02 while having very little knowledge of "true" poker strategy.

really? Do share :)
$10 and $20 sngs are great bankroll builders.

If you can stand to play several of these daily and you have a basic understanding of poker, you will turn a relatively good profit.

If you'd like some tips on how to play these, talk to me in #thenuts and I'll be happy to share what I know -- I'll compile a guide on how to beat these eventually, but I'm not in the mood yet :p:.

How many tables at a time are we talking here?
That depends on how much you want to win!

This guide was made to be as simple as possible so that it can be learned and applied quickly. I always sat at 5 tables (the most PS allows to normal users) when I played .01/.02.

sngs are the only way I play, Iv'e always varied my check/raise cadence

I have an analog clock that clicks away and after so many hands I switch to a 3 count or a 5 count to make my decisions etc etc Managed to slow play trip kings after someone hit an A on the river :]