[don11]

So I'm relative new to poker, played a bit online and not much at home( mostly heads up.)

I live in Germany and the casino in town offers now for the first time 2 poker tables(NLH) with a 2/4 game 100€ minimum stack. And they have 2 tournaments a month 5€ fee 100€ buy in, max 24 players. So probably really small for American standards.


I never played Sit & Go's for money online and I don't know how much money goes into the rake. (% or a fixed amount for every pot?)

I remeber a DVD(youtube) from Phil Hellmuth, where he gives the advice to stay away from the 2/4 game, because even he as pro can't beat the game.
Everything ends up in the rake and it's useless.

What kind of blind limits are normal casinos offering and what role does the rake play ?

[smoore]

A $100+$5 tournament is heaven. As long as that whole $100 goes into the prize pool it's only a 5% rake or "vig". That is insanely good, even online tournaments are 10%.

The $2/$4 game is so incredibly beatable even though a lot goes in the rake. Phil H. must know of MUCH tougher $2/$4 games than I play. You're only going to beat the rake, definitely doesn't have much potential for profit. Take your "profit" in comps (food, drink).

Now, for the 2/4 euro game we need to know how much is raked and when. If it's a max 4 euro rake you've got to play WELL to beat it. If it's a 5 euro rake, forget it. If they rake 10% it's not bad. If there is an additional "jackpot drop" after max rake is taken this must also be considered.

[Big Mike]

Is the 2/4 game No Limit or Limit? If it's limit, as Smoore says, it could be tough to beat. No limit, it is certainly beatable. Phil Hellmuth was certainly talking about the limit game.

[don11]

Originally Posted by Big Mike

Is the 2/4 game No Limit or Limit? If it's limit, as Smoore says, it could be tough to beat. No limit, it is certainly beatable. Phil Hellmuth was certainly talking about the limit game.

It's a no limit cash game with minimum 100€ buy in

[don11]

Originally Posted by smoore

A $100+$5 tournament is heaven. As long as that whole $100 goes into the prize pool it's only a 5% rake or "vig". That is insanely good, even online tournaments are 10%.

....

Now, for the 2/4 euro game we need to know how much is raked and when. If it's a max 4 euro rake you've got to play WELL to beat it. If it's a 5 euro rake, forget it. If they rake 10% it's not bad. If there is an additional "jackpot drop" after max rake is taken this must also be considered.

In the tournament 100 % of the 100€ buy-in are gooing into the prize pool.


I have no information on the rake, the website of the casino just says 2/4 no limit with min 100€ buy-in

[smoore]

PhilH was talking about limit poker, in 2/4 NL the rake is near negligible and it's certainly not the worst of your worries.

The reason 2/4 limit is hard to beat is because a full BB (big bet) goes into the rake hole every good sized pot (40). If your winrate is 1.5BB/hr before the rake... you can see the problem.

Do they rake or charge time in this 2/4 game? It's possible they just charge 10 euro (or something) per half hour per seat to play.

edit: just read that you don't know. Call them up and just ask, "Do you charge time in your NL game? a) OK, how much per down? (time each dealer sits, usually 1/2hr) -or- b) No? How much do you rake and when?"

[smoore]

Originally Posted by don11

In the tournament 100 % of the 100€ buy-in are gooing into the prize pool.

This is a great situation. Sit as often as possible. 5% vig is UNHEARD of here in the states.

Check the blind schedule though, make sure it's not a luckfest with doubling blinds every 20 minutes or something.

[don11]

Originally Posted by smoore

This is a great situation. Sit as often as possible. 5% vig is UNHEARD of here in the states.

Check the blind schedule though, make sure it's not a luckfest with doubling blinds every 20 minutes or something.

thanks for all the great info in this thread.

[xtwalker]

If and when you do play a 2/4 NL game, don't sit down with the minimum buy in. It will be a very painful experience for you if you do. (experience talking) 25BB in a small stakes cash game makes you a huge target, and takes a lot of flexibility from your own plays.

[Big Mike]

Originally Posted by xtwalker

If and when you do play a 2/4 NL game, don't sit down with the minimum buy in. It will be a very painful experience for you if you do. (experience talking) 25BB in a small stakes cash game makes you a huge target, and takes a lot of flexibility from your own plays.

Actually, if you do play, and aren't sure of your skills, buying in for the minimum is a GOOD idea. Provided you know how to play the short stack properly, you can neutralize the advantage good players have against you. It takes as much flexibility away from your opponents as it does from you.