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

[andyexpat]

And by the way, playing online is far superior to playing B & M, because you can play 24 hours a day, have an enormous choice of games, and an ocean of fish. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[Python49]

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

[/ QUOTE ]
I disagree completely. Unless you are talking about at 5knl and up.

[roundest]

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

[/ QUOTE ]
I disagree completely. Unless you are talking about at 5knl and up.

[/ QUOTE ]

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.

[rwanger]

It's good to get to know different formats (SNG's, MTT's, full ring, shorthanded), but my path seemed to ultimately land me at Short Handed NL. Once you know what you're doing, multi-table (I do 2-4) and you'll be at hundreds of hands per hour...10x what you'd see in a live game. You'd have to play MUCH higher stakes in a live game to be able to approach what you can make multitabling shorthanded games on the net.

That being said, at comparable stakes, players seem to be MUCH better online. Still definately beatable, but you'll have to pay attention and be able to make moves (200nl and up). Live 200nl (and ESPECIALLY 100nl) will often be boring because the best strategy is to just sit around and wait for good cards.

I haven't played a lot of full ring nl games, so I can't vouch for their level of profitability...but short handed is MUCH more exciting and engaging IMO.

[Perseus]

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

[/ QUOTE ]

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

[cpk]

I've observed that online 2/4 games are often more challenging than the local 12/24 is. While 4-to-6-tabling 2/4 should show less variance and require less bankroll, IMO it's more stress and aggravation than playing one game at a time against a bucket of fish.

[Note that the 12/24 isn't always this good, nor are online 2/4 games always that bad.]

At the same limit the average online player seems to be much better than the average live player. I am not sure of the reason, I just have observed it to be true.

Further, you are less likely to get into legal trouble playing in a B&M joint.

[b33nz]

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

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto.