I run some micro stakes games with a rotating cast of friends and friends of friends. A few of the regulars are familiar with basic poker strategy, but I'd say about half the players are more or less completely new to hold em and have never viewed any strategy content. One or two of them have asked me for basic advice in what's generally a pretty loose and passive game (the regs are getting drunk and having fun trying to punt, the newbs are somehow donating anyways). What would do you think are some very concise digestible tips for players who don't know much terminology and just want to have an okay time playing? I figure fairly tight play is good for people who just want to sit and participate without busting or reloading often. Obviously you can assume they understand the most basic rules like betting orders and hand rankings, and these tips don't have to be anywhere near optimal play. This is strictly for micro stakes cash (.05/.10, .25/.25), 5 to 8 handed.
Some I've thought of myself:
Some I've thought of myself:
- Avoid limping unless multiple players have already limped in front of you. If there are a lot of limpers, increase your opening bet. (We get more family pots than we should, but there are usually 2~3 players willing to spoil the fun with a big raise)
- Raise strong hands (88+, KJs+ ATo+) before the flop, fold all other hands. Call raises with more or less the same range, 3 bet JJ+ and AQo+. This is a rough guide because they probably won't remember exact ranges. Trying to explain ranges by position is probably too much.
- Bet sizing should almost be between 1/4x and 1x pot. (Not joking, people will bet 50 cents into a $5 pot on the river)
- If you're betting 3/4+ of your stack, you should probably just be going all-in. (Not uncommon to make a $4~5 bet with 50 cents left behind)
- Check or bet small when there are multiple players in the hand after the flop (almost always)
- Don't try to bluff into multiple players. Consider not bluffing at all because people will call with a bottom pair they don't even know they have.
- Bet small on the flop, larger on the turn, largest on the river.
- Only bet with Top Pair+ or combo draws. Only call with decent pairs or OESDs and Flush Draws.
- Budget losing up to 3 buy-ins if you want to play the whole session.
- When you're in the hand make sure you pay attention to when the action is on you.
- Don't talk about your cards until the hand is over, ever.
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