Low Limit Poker Strategy
submitted by RyanPlaying limit poker is very different than playing tournament style. The good cards that you are used to playing can often turn out to be losing hands.
Playing numerous ring games I have seen countless great hands lose. Low limit differs from tournament style because of the number of callers. A large majority of players at these tables will call with anything. They know their losses will be minimal and would prefer to see the flop rather than fold. This is much more common at low limit tables such as the .5/1 tables. I have seen a 27 off beat Pocket Aces.
So you ask yourself: what can I do to prevent this problem? Play conservative, play your better hands. You should also realize that your normal good hands such as AK do not hold up as well. You are more than likely going to need more than just one pair to win.
Just think about it, remember the last time you were playing NL tournament style and raised big to get most of the callers out. When the flop comes there is always someone with that sigh on their face saying there was my 2 pair. Well now in limit poker there is no way to push this hand out. He would see the flop smile and take you down.
Since most people at the table are going to call to the river you must be sure that you have the best hand. I would recommend calling down all of your own flush and open ended straight draws. This is limit and can afford to lose a few of those hands if you hit it every so often.
Play smart and you will end up ahead. Remember if you have the best hand your opponents are more than willing to donate to the pot.