Beginning 1/2 NL grinding in Vegas

[grasshopper22]

I've been playing NL online for the last two years and moved to vegas a couple months ago with the intention of playing live cash games for a living. I've saved up 1500 to get me started in the 1/2 games and I have a table waiting job to back me up. I just wanted to get advice from the locals that have already cut their teeth playing 1/2nl live in vegas.

My general strategy is raising up big cards and big pairs preflop to isolate against 1-2 players, and limping connecters and small pairs and going for the implied odds of hitting the sets, flushes straights etc against the fish that overplay their hands.

I've mainly been playing at Mirage but I was wondering where peoples favorite places and times to play are. Is it possible to get rated and comp'd anywhere for 1/2nl?

Any general advice and pitfalls to avoid I'd appreciate.

[Packard]

Try the Venetian 1/2 NL. Full of suckers and you get comped a little for playing.

[daveT]

study more.

[grasshopper22]

which book would apply the best for playing low stakes NL live? I've all the "must read" poker books and i'm a cardrunners member. But if I was going to reread something to sharpen my game, what would apply? other than caro's book of course.

[rafiki]

ok well the 1/2 game at Imperial is absolutely ridiculously soft. If there's a softer game during the drinking hours, I don't know of it.

But as everyone said, you're massively jumping the gun with your roll and even probably your skill level. Sounds like you're taking a much too simplistic strategic view of things.

Can you beat the 1/2 game online at all ? I mean if you can break even at that you'll crush the IP game. But if you're a net loses at the 1/2 game online, it's not time to go at this with any kind of ambition...

[steamboatin]

[ QUOTE ]
But if you're a net loses at the 1/2 game online, it's not time to go at this with any kind of ambition...

[/ QUOTE ]

He has a job. He gets a new bankroll every payday.

[blackize]

[ QUOTE ]

Can you beat the 1/2 game online at all ? I mean if you can break even at that you'll crush the IP game. But if you're a net loses at the 1/2 game online, it's not time to go at this with any kind of ambition...

[/ QUOTE ]

Live 1/2 plays more like .05/.10 online.

[BaldEaglePkr]

As a dealer at the IP I can verify he is not kidding. The games are so soft it is crazy. It is a high variance game with people calling down with 2nd pair, etc. Buy-ins are capped at 200, min of 60. You get $2 per hour when you are playing in cash games for comps... which goes a long way in that place as food is cheap.

Stay away from the buffet, 5th floor is good tho.

I work days, so if you are in there feel free to stop in and say Hello. Only bald white guy on Days... can't miss me.

[ QUOTE ]
ok well the 1/2 game at Imperial is absolutely ridiculously soft. If there's a softer game during the drinking hours, I don't know of it.

But as everyone said, you're massively jumping the gun with your roll and even probably your skill level. Sounds like you're taking a much too simplistic strategic view of things.

Can you beat the 1/2 game online at all ? I mean if you can break even at that you'll crush the IP game. But if you're a net loses at the 1/2 game online, it's not time to go at this with any kind of ambition...

[/ QUOTE ]

[AlaskaGal]

[ QUOTE ]
which book would apply the best for playing low stakes NL live? I've all the "must read" poker books and i'm a cardrunners member. But if I was going to reread something to sharpen my game, what would apply? other than caro's book of course.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is the book you need. Specific to low limit No Limit cash games:

http://www.amazon.com/No-Limit-Texas-Hol...5598&sr=8-1

[ubvol]

awesome. thanks! I just ordered the new 2+2 book that also seems to cover the same ground.