Is Spin & Gold just a gamble?

Frappo · May 7, 2025

I have seen somewhere that due to the rapid pace of 1/2 minutes per blind level and a small amount of chips, it is really difficult to actually use the knowledge and proper strategy on Spin & Gold or other forms similar to that. Just wanted to ask for your opinion wether it is something not wortf playing due to high risk or is it just a negative opinion from one person on this topic.

Andyreas · May 7, 2025

There's probably some GTO strategy for Spin & Gold but I would highly recommend something with a more reasonable starting stack size and blind levels. It simply allows you to play the hands in a position you feel comfortable rather than having to play any two.

enno · May 7, 2025

Have played in quite a few of these games and enjoy them. You can’t play a standard method but watch for top hands, otherwise let the other players knock themselves out until you get to heads up.
However, there are times when you have to trust your gut and “gamble”.

Ivan Basic · May 7, 2025

everything is gamble. that's why it is called gambling.

and you have to be lucky, but yet I am about to figure out how to have a luck variable ON., because mine is broken it seems.

Tadi · May 7, 2025

As stated in the previous comment poker is gambling, only in this game especially luck prevails. I play that format and a lot of tournaments my opponents have got me lucky.

Robbie1583 · May 16, 2025

This mode is also frustrating as you may spin the lowest amount prize most of the time .
I play the freebies and from time to time an extra game " for fun " , but thats it .
For me it doesnt feel every time i have a fair chance and focusing on any mode on GG it has no use in my experience .

Sparta77 · May 16, 2025

Luck and ability. Ability is because bluff works in many cases.

Poker Orifice · May 16, 2025

Frappo said:
I have seen somewhere that due to the rapid pace of 1/2 minutes per blind level and a small amount of chips, it is really difficult to actually use the knowledge and proper strategy on Spin & Gold or other forms similar to that. Just wanted to ask for your opinion wether it is something not wortf playing due to high risk or is it just a negative opinion from one person on this topic.

Skill based, just as all poker is. ICM knowledge is a MUST!
One needs to know how to make the necessary adjustments for this format. Just from reading your post, it tells me you'd be at a disadvantage unless you were willing to put in some time studying this format and putting in some time playing a decent number of games.

When sites had decent rakeback and rake wasn't quite as high as it is now, AND when the games were newer, there was more money to be made in this format. There were actually a good sized number of people who played these games for a living. (I know of one (a poker acquaintance) who was making 6-figures from these games for 2.5 years). There was also some staking sites that staked players for this format. (they wouldn't do this if it wasn't profitable for both player and staker).

Lena M · May 17, 2025

In my opinion, tournaments of this format are definitely more about luck than skills. I don't play them that often, I mostly play at GGPoker when I get a free ticket.

black and · May 28, 2025

In general, I think you need both skills and luck. But if I had a choice, I would choose luck because I think it is the decisive factor

EarnDAStack · May 28, 2025

Minute edges and a huge amount of variance in spins.

I think there's a chips/game win rate that determines whether or not you're profitable in the games, but you can run bad for literally thousands of games, especially on GG with the mixed hyper turbo short stack structures.

If you have access to PS or other sites checking out a slower structure might help you get your feet wet.

Pretty much every level is still profitable after RB you just need to be really really really REALLY good...

There's some spin and go communities and coaching groups out there like TeamBAS and Team651 you should check out if you're looking to get into spins.

Hope this helps

GL

EDS

valeski 28 · May 30, 2025

I play them every now and then .and yes, I think you need a lot of luck in that format to be a profitable player.

monkeytilter · May 30, 2025

Poker Orifice said:
Skill based, just as all poker is. ICM knowledge is a MUST!
One needs to know how to make the necessary adjustments for this format. Just from reading your post, it tells me you'd be at a disadvantage unless you were willing to put in some time studying this format and putting in some time playing a decent number of games.

When sites had decent rakeback and rake wasn't quite as high as it is now, AND when the games were newer, there was more money to be made in this format. There were actually a good sized number of people who played these games for a living. (I know of one (a poker acquaintance) who was making 6-figures from these games for 2.5 years). There was also some staking sites that staked players for this format. (they wouldn't do this if it wasn't profitable for both player and staker).

Are we all on the same page here?
3 man, winner takes all SNG?

Poker Orifice · May 30, 2025

monkeytilter said:
Are we all on the same page here?
3 man, winner takes all SNG?

that is what I was referring to.

monkeytilter · May 30, 2025

Poker Orifice said:
that is what I was referring to.

it's just you said 'ICM knowledge is a MUST'🤔
Do you play Spins?

R.Holynskyi · May 30, 2025

Given my experience, I think that Spin & Go tournaments are more about luck than skills. But if you want to have fun and don't have a lot of time, then such tournaments are a good option

s0ftdumps · Jun 2, 2025

Your range has to expand and you have to read your opponents very quickly

Fuchun · Jun 2, 2025

The importance of knowing when you win and when to bluff and steal the blinds

Sunz of Beaches · Jun 2, 2025

Funny Poll making a difference between normal Poker and online poker lol. So what is "normal" Poker?

It's skill based, massive Volume is required and nerves of steel.

userX · Jun 3, 2025

Luck is definitely more important. Although skills will greatly increase your chances of winning, it will be very difficult to achieve a stable and regular profit without luck.

Kerasuss28 · Jun 3, 2025

Every sport you decide to put money in without knowing the result is a gamble

wushibala · Jun 28, 2025

888poker offers 4 Freebie freerolls every day with this kind of fast structure — 1-minute blinds and a small starting stack.
It’s true that it’s hard to apply deep strategy, but it can still be fun and a good challenge.
I think the best way to know if it’s for you is to just try a few and see how you feel about it.

MishkaZL · Jun 28, 2025

Just a gamble, absolutely.
Your skills and experience in tournaments of this format certainly matter, but the most important factor is your luck.

steve01991 · Jun 28, 2025

its ok until you run into a player who goes all in, every hand. then strategy changes and luck prevails

Mig32 · Jun 28, 2025

Good question — and I think it depends on your goals and mindset.

Spin & Gold definitely has a high-variance, gamble-like feel, especially with the fast blind levels and short starting stacks. It’s tough to apply deep strategy when most of the decisions revolve around push/fold ranges. That said, there is skill involved, especially in heads-up spots, ICM awareness, and adjusting quickly to opponents. But the edge is small — and the variance is huge.

If you're just playing for fun or enjoy the excitement, it's fine. But if you're trying to build a bankroll or improve long-term skills, it’s probably better to focus on regular SnGs or MTTs with better structures. Spin & Gold can be part of your game — but I wouldn’t rely on it as a main format.

Is Spin & Gold just a gamble?

Is Spin & Gold about skill?

Skill based ( to the level of normal poker )

Skill based ( to the level of online poker )

Luck based and Skill based

Mainly Luck based

Frappo

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