Which Format is Best for Going Pro? (Online and B&M)

[12AX7]

Hi Everyone,
I've been reading the "Books and Publications" section as of late and am debating what to study next. As a result I find myself thinking about where to focus.

So, since my goal is to get good enough to go pro in as short a time period as possible, what format does everyone think is best to do this with. Both in Online and B&M venues?

Is it Cash Ring Games? 6-Max Cash Ring? SNGs? Multitable Tournaments? Limit, No Limit? Etc.?

What's the fastest way to get the most profitable?

I find I'm not really sure the answer to this.

What does everyone else say?

Any current pro's have an opinion?

Also, if any 2+2 authors are reading, what's your take?

[andyexpat]

SNG's = limited liability - possible to make a living
MTT's = very hard way to make money without sponsorship
Cash limit = "bread and butter" poker i.e., big game at Bellagio with all the top Pros playing $4k - $8k -- like work, a long hard grind
Cash PL/NL 9/10 handed = bigger bankroll swings and very profitable if you can keep a cool head and play a little more conservatively
Cash PL/NL 5/6 handed = more hands per hour = even greater profitability - need to be more aggressive and bluff more
Short handed PL/NL is probably the hardest variant here, but the most profitable. To play in these games successfully, you need to be able to LOSE to win big. If you're afraid to put all your money in the pot with a "stone cold bluff", then forget these games.
Cheers

[Python49]

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If you're afraid to put all your money in the pot with a "stone cold bluff", then forget these games

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I disagree completely. Unless you are talking about at 5knl and up.

[roundest]

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If you're afraid to put all your money in the pot with a "stone cold bluff", then forget these games

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I disagree completely. Unless you are talking about at 5knl and up.

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Same here. You don't make money at lower stakes trying to bluff players who never fold anyways. You make money by getting your good hands paid off by these same players who never fold.

[Niediam]

There is MUCH more varience in limit holdem than PL/NL.

[Perseus]

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There is MUCH more varience in limit holdem than PL/NL.

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The fact that so many people don't understand this is simply astounding.

[ChuckyB]

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There is MUCH more varience in limit holdem than PL/NL.

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The fact that so many people don't understand this is simply astounding.

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Can someone explain this for me? I would have thought variance would be smaller at limit because...well, there's limits.

[12AX7]

Did Mason just post exactly the opposite?

I have to admit to being confused on this point.


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There is MUCH more varience in limit holdem than PL/NL.

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The fact that so many people don't understand this is simply astounding.

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[Arnfinn Madsen]

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Did Mason just post exactly the opposite?

I have to admit to being confused on this point.


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There is MUCH more varience in limit holdem than PL/NL.

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The fact that so many people don't understand this is simply astounding.

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It used to be agreed upon those who had a qualified opinion that limit games had higher variance. However, many no limit players now claim the no limit games have gotten "wilder" (bigger bet sizes etc.) and thus the variance in no limit has become higher. It may be true, I don't know, haven't played no limit lately.

But to repeat, not to you:

VARIANCE IS NOT A FUNCTION OF SWINGS/BLIND SIZES. IT REFERS TO THE SWINGS IN WIN RATE.

EDIT: Sorry for the caps, but this is really a pet peeve of mine [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img].

[b33nz]

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There is MUCH more varience in limit holdem than PL/NL.

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Ditto.