What are the key differences between low- and mid-stakes cash games that you’ve noticed?

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Hi everyone,

I've been playing poker for some time and recently switched to medium stakes cash games ($2/$5 and $5/$10). I find the competition much tougher and I would like to know your opinion on the strategies that work at this level.
 
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20 buy-ins is sufficient for cash game (although some may opt for 30-40).


100buyins is suggested # of buyins for MTT play (well... it used to be. Now it is 200-to-400 buyins for those who are playing for a living)
 
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At medium stakes, focus on balancing aggression and exploiting opponents’ tendencies. Hand reading becomes crucial, and targeting weaker regs or overly tight players can yield consistent profits. Adaptability is key at this level.
 
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Poker Orifice said:
I think you're getting your info. confused. 20 buy-ins is sufficient for cash game (although some may opt for 30-40).

100buyins is suggested # of buyins for MTT play (well... it used to be. Now it is 200-to-400 buyins for those who are playing for a living)
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I respectfully disagree. I don’t subscribe to the 20 buy-in school. At certain levels the volatility is high and you can easy go broke. 100 buy-ins is more safe.
 
Poker Orifice said:
I think you're getting your info. confused. 20 buy-ins is sufficient for cash game (although some may opt for 30-40).

100buyins is suggested # of buyins for MTT play (well... it used to be. Now it is 200-to-400 buyins for those who are playing for a living)
Click to expand...

20 buy ins is way too low, should be 40-100 depending how aggressive you want to be with bankroll management.

Also as you move up the games get more aggressive, so the variance is higher, meaning more buyins needed.
 
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anasslaaleg said:
Hi everyone,

I've been playing poker for some time and recently switched to medium stakes cash games ($2/$5 and $5/$10). I find the competition much tougher and I would like to know your opinion on the strategies that work at this level.
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So first ? did you defeat each level in past before going up tot his point....I get you said switched to medium stakes....But going from micro 2 cents to 5 cents to 2 dollar 5 dollar be a mistake...heck 50cent a dollar to 2 -5 is a jump...not sure where your playing...how many people daily you know etc..me i go up one level at a time started with pennies have been to 10/20 is highest only rake i like is PLO now cause is way more bad players at decent levels then good players imo....so 2 to 5 plo is a great GAME even 1 to 2 dollar is very profitable in a quicker amount of time....I you feel uncomfortable do some studying on opponents on the site your playing sit and watch if can take notes etc...i am a big note taker for cash....More you know about them habits etc...better off you will be good luck
 
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Jean-Guy said:
Aujourd'hui, certains diront que le NL1000 en ligne est un jeu à enjeux élevés. Peu importe, c'est de la sémantique,
Vous rencontrerez des joueurs très compétents.

Le fait que vous deviez avoir 100 buy-ins - 100 000 $ - selon le BRM sonore réduit le champ.

A. Les joueurs savent à peu près tout sur GTO.

B. Les joueurs ne voient pas GTO comme le Saint Graal.

C. Les joueurs s'écartent légèrement du GTO chaque fois que cela est possible. Pour obtenir un avantage. Pour bluffer. Pour être imprévisible.

D. Les joueurs n'ont donc pas peur d'être exploitables. Le poker parfait, c'est ne pas jouer parfaitement.

E. Cela étant dit, il n’existe pas de poker parfait.

F. Vous ne rencontrerez que trois types de joueurs : TAG, TAG+ et LAG.

G. Attendez-vous à ce que les joueurs aient joué des millions de mains sur des milliers d’heures.

H. Attendez-vous à ce que les joueurs aient étudié le jeu en profondeur. Plus d'un millier d'heures facilement.

G. Le bluff est primordial. Bien plus que les petits enjeux. Les joueurs connaissent tous les types de bluffs et savent comment les exécuter.

H. Vous verrez des paris rusés et cliniques.

I. Le nombre de joueurs est limité et vous ne pourrez jouer que sur GG et PokerStars. Parfois, les tables de Stars sont vides en dehors des heures de pointe.

Si vous souhaitez plus de détails, je serais ravi de
obliger.
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I completely agree with you, on these points the players at these limits are not so easy to exploit, especially the margin of error is much lower, at the technical level the players at these limits, master the concepts perfectly, the rest of the psychological game, the psychological game, knowing how to manage emotions and knowing how to bluff would be an asset.
 
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If u are not yet another science fiction writer the best tactic would be probably to switch back to whatever games u came from if u were winning there.

Otherwise u will most likely drop a few K's very soon.
 
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accuratefern said:
I respectfully disagree. I don’t subscribe to the 20 buy-in school. At certain levels the volatility is high and you can easy go broke. 100 buy-ins is more safe.
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100 buyins for cash games? I think that's ridiculous. I can see 200 - to - 400 for MTT (if a person is attempting to play for a living) but in cash game... umm... no way.
Fall to 20, drop down a level.
Go above 40 > move up
 
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Poker Orifice said:
100 buyins for cash games? I think that's ridiculous. I can see 200 - to - 400 for MTT (if a person is attempting to play for a living) but in cash game... umm... no way.
Fall to 20, drop down a level.
Go above 40 > move up
Click to expand...
I agree, 40 is sufficient as you can always move down
 
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