Lessons learned

The announcement: reload bonus: 50% up to $200. Deadline is in 3 days. The problem: an existing bonus due to clear in 3-4 weeks. (I might be able to run them concurrently, but I have to write about something) The solution: clear the current bonus in less than 3 days, so the new bonus can start.

The bonus is paid a player collects player points (PP) based on rake. Currently at PokerRoom.com: for each dime in rake, you get .07 PP. At the max rake of $3, you get 2.1 PP.

The smallest table spread that collects the max $3 in rake is $1/$2. The choice is to play NL HE.

Problem: Bankroll. The minimum buyin at $1/$2 is 20, with a maximum buyin of $200. The current bankroll is only $340, and at one point in the session drops as low as $200. Variance is as high as total buyin which makes sense, since the average pot was almost the size of the buyin for each table. The object is to get raked at the maximum amount for minimum risk while making enough $ to cover the blinds, and maintain bankroll position.

Solution: Open 4 $1/$2 tables with $40 each, which is 2x the minimum buyin. These tables average pot was $30+ or 15x BB. There's risk with these very low amounts, but the defense is playing tight: AA thru TT and AK. AQ and lower PP in later positions only in unraised pots. Fold everything else. Of course, anything in an unchallenged BB. Once flopped bottom 2 pair in the BB, and doubled. Once played JJ to the river and lost table buyin.

On the other hand, considering 50 hands per hour, the button rotates by every 9 hands with a full table of 10, due to players coming and going. This means 5.5 rotations x $3 for blinds equals hemorrhage of $16.50 per hour. Times 4 tables is $66 per hour. Simply sitting at the table is not an option. Sitting at a short handed table where the blinds come more frequently is out of the question.

One bluff per hour in 2nd thru 5th position with any hand. (These are my favorite bluff positions). 3 bluffs work, generally getting 1 caller, and a strong bet after the flop ending the hand. One bluff picked off preflop by a very strong hand, and the bluff is folded. Minimal loss.

Rule: Do not stay on a table when the average pot drops below $25 since the goal is to gain player points, and the pots have to stay high. As a tight player, there is somewhat of a cooling effect on the table, so pay attention to the average pot sizes. Also, leave a table if the buyin gets doubled. AA preflop is not unbeatable, and the bankroll can't withstand more variance.

Results: Remaining 475 points and current $100 bonus cleared in 3 hours of play. A little luck serves up a run of good cards towards the end of the session and the bankroll gets an overall gain of $60 for play. Total gain on the bankroll of 47%!

Tight play is Very correct, and serves the bankroll quite well. Seeing about 200+ hands per hour, it is expected to see all the pocket pairs once each hour. AA showed 4x and KK once. That's just about right, if not a little lucky. All of them won, probably because the time(s) when a looser player might have sucked out, they figured, 'too tight' and just folded to the PF raises.

Individual hands got unlucky 3-4 times, and lucky 3-4 times. QQ lost to 34 suited, but TT won against AA.

It's just what the doctor ordered. Good practical examples of reinforcement demonstrating that the odds are true, personal luck is not running poorly, and logic does prevails over superstition.

There's a bit to be said about splitting concentration over 40 people over 4 tables. It is much harder to judge your situation when there is not time to pay attention to the table. It is noted that 3-4 other players were on at least 3 tables, and many others playing 2 at a time. However, a tight style helps to overcome the disadvantage of less attention.

All things considered, this was a great learning experience.