So uh, how bad is the variance supposed to be at 2-7?

[monroe]

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...and oddly it becomes more beatable as the limits increase, which I would never say the same for any other game I play.

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What range of limits are you talking about? Do you think this a general quirk of today's TD games/players, or a result of your own style of play?

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This is also why the upper limit players should always play a few 1/2 type games on the side to keep their minds fresh.

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Yes. Also, I know some of you are playing for a living, so this may not be worth your time, but I will suggest it anyway: Single-Table micro-limit TD or even play money TD. Take it seriously and focus not only on beating the game (which is trivial for any of you), but on crushing it. Don't be content with 15 BB/100. Shoot for 20, or more. Don't be afraid to revamp your game in order to do it. Limp (more) if you have to. Play passive at all stages before the second draw if you have to. The style of play required to crush these games is, I think, unrecognizable from the style required to beat the real games.

I believe that higher limit players (both Pros and Enthusiasts) should occasionally drop down to the lowest of the low in any game, to learn new ways to beat different types of players. Especially in TD, the variety of fish are numerous. Learn to exploit them all. You just need to be focused and take it very seriously, which is something that I understand may be hard for some of you who are used to playing big.

To the OP:

I can't fathom a 150 BB downswing at .5/1 or 1/2. If your losses came at these limits, I think you need to step back and reevaluate your play. One thing I do is play very straight-forward during the first 4 stages of a TD hand (predraw betting, first draw, second round betting, second draw). I rarely get out of line (I think), and any FPS or trickery against other tricky opponents is saved for the final 3 stages (third betting round, final draw, river betting). I try not to put myself in tough spots early in the hand, and by the last 3 stages I usually know where I'm at against most opponents and can mix up my play more confidently. Also, it helps to run well.