In low-stakes cash games, I often see players limping a lot. Do you think raising almost every time is the best exploit, or is it better to just isola

[Gilead]

In low-stakes cash games, I often see players limping a lot. Do you think raising almost every time is the best exploit, or is it better to just isolate selectively?

 

[Working Stiff]

All the info for cash games say limping isn't good so you should be raising most of the time. Of course done do anything in cards all the time is good because your opponents will get a read on you.

 

[Working Stiff]

Sorry last sentence should say don't do anything in cards the same all the time because your opponents will get a read on you.

 

[fishvolatil]

In low-stakes cash games, I often see players limping a lot. Do you think raising almost every time is the best exploit, or is it better to just isolate selectively?

It may also depend on what site you're playing on. On some sites, players use low stakes cash games to complete different challenges, so they may be limping because they're looking for specific hand combos etc for their challenges/jackpots, so whatever you do, would have little impact on final result, they'll change tables and find some place safe and warm to continue whatever they were after. So changing the environment may be more practical - changing pokerrooms, climbing up the stakes a bit, etc. Take a step back and analyse the big picture.

 

[blueskies]

Raising every time would be silly cuz unless you play with idiots, they will exploit you. I saw this guy constantly raise over limper(s) and then the guy on his left kept 3 betting him and the self-anointed "shark" lost every hand. Either he folded outright or he called and then just gave up under pressure after the flop. He lost half his stack doing that. I laughed so hard and I marked this dude for future exploitation when I am on his left.

Occasional limping is ok. It really depends on the situation, opponents, etc.

You basically should mix things up. At low stakes play exploitative poker. Also realize the regs are seeking to exploit you so be aware of your table image and take advantage of it.

 

[finaltable1]

Raising every time would be silly cuz unless you play with idiots, they will exploit you. I saw this guy constantly raise over limper(s) and then the guy on his left kept 3 betting him and the self-anointed "shark" lost every hand. Either he folded outright or he called and then just gave up under pressure after the flop. He lost half his stack doing that. I laughed so hard and I marked this dude for future exploitation when I am on his left.

Occasional limping is ok. It really depends on the situation, opponents, etc.

You basically should mix things up. At low stakes play exploitative poker. Also realize the regs are seeking to exploit you so be aware of your table image and take advantage of it.

I don't think you should change anything in your bet sizings... Why? Instead, you should mix your opening/3-betting ranges - that's for sure.

For example:

You open with 2-2.5 or 3BB (pick one size and use it) with, say, a 67s-AA range in LP-BU.

Postflop, you also want consistent bet values for 1 or 2+ opponents in all scenarios, whether bluffing or value betting.

So if you have consistent sizings and spend the same amount of time thinking about each decision, you will be almost impossible to exploit.

Where to mix things up?

- If an opponent 3-bets a prebet, your calling range narrows to KQs-99+, and your 4-betting range narrows to AKs-JJ+.

This is a great opportunity for creativity. Sometimes it's worth 4-bet-folding preflop with hands like 67s against tight opponents who are capable of folding to a 4-bet, if your table image is tight of course.

- If your opponent calls and you completely miss the flop, try to mix things up by betting the flop and turn with your standard sizings. Of course, consider your opponents' ranges, their position and the cards at the table. You don't want to show such a play with a hand like 8d9d on an As Ks 10s flop.

The most successful cash game players I've ever seen, both online and offline, were the ones who played like a bot. They had the same sizings for bluffs and nuts, no deviations, and a low fold rate on the flop and turn. This strategy does not work in tournaments.