Starting Buyin?
Is it advantageous to buy in for a large amount or just do the “recommended” (I’m just talking online for now)? For example, when joining a 50/1 table the default buy in is $25. Is it better to do more if you have it? The reason I ask this is that when I’m looking for a table, I generally avoid tables with a number of people who have a lot more money showing than the default. Since I have no prior knowledge as to whether or not they earned this or if they bought in with it, I err on the side of caution and figure they earned it. If there’s only one person like that, then I may join. If there are 3 or so, then I’ll look for another table. I try to watch an orbit or so in order to see if people look “good” or not, but that’s not always possible due to the large numbers of people playing who will take the seat. I just wonder if I should be worrying about this or not.
December 28th, 2003 at 7:06 pm
I have wondered about this many times. Feeney in “Inside the Poker Mind” writes about “the impact of stack size.” He believes that there is a small amount of truth to the idea that players with bigger stacks get a little more respect, and are harder to bluff. On the other hand, a big stack may prevent timid fish from sitting at the table. I’ve always thought that drawing fish was more important than getting slightly more respect for my raises, so I’ve bought in for the minimum. Most of the low limit players won’t respect raises anyway, so it’s probably better just to buy in for the default number of chips. But that’s just my 2 chips worth.
December 28th, 2003 at 7:11 pm
I think you’re right about scaring away the fish with a big stack is not something that I want to do. I’m going to stick with the minimum for now and just earn it
Thanks for your input!
December 29th, 2003 at 12:48 am
I tend to buy in for 10 to 20 Big Bets, depending on the makeup of the table. Wild tables I’ll put down more cash, when I catch a hand I want to bet the hell out of it, plus I psychologically HATE rebuying.
I’ve found that if I lose 20 bets, then unless I’ve suffered a terrible beat or two (or six), it’s time to take a walk.
Plus, having a small stack says “I’m just an everyday average guy, my friends are all boring and so am I” - the kind of guy who really isn’t likely to take much of your money or be an insane raiser (calling stations hate maniacs)
December 29th, 2003 at 4:44 pm
You just described my table-shopping totally. I’ve always wondered the same thing, too. There is a definite difference in the amount of respect you get. I’ve tried it with $15 at 50/1, and people seem to like that, giving me the calls that I want, because I don’t appear to be a good player. Of course, the way I’ve been running — I’m not a good player!