Square one.

So let's get started talking about poker. Maybe in the 1st post, I should talk about the limits that I play. I've played most forms of poker, but you have to admit that Texas Hold'em is the only game around right now. I play both limit and no limit.

My introduction to the casino version of the game was in SW Louisiana at Coushatta. In Louisiana, their low limit game is $3/6/12. This version is a hybrid of a typical limit game as the bets double twice over the board. The 1st river bet can be $6 or 12. If the 1st bet is 12, all raises must be 12; if the 1st bet is 6, raises may be 6 until the 1st raise of 12 is entered. It's a great format when a low number of players are in the pot and you are a good value better. It's not a bluffing format.

Most traditional limit poker is, of course, dual limit like $3/6. After playing in Louisiana, you'll soon tire of striaght $3/6 or lower as the action is lively on Fifth Street in Louisiana.

I don't go to Louisiana much, so I mostly play online. My normal limits are $3/6 and NL$100 (where the $100 is the max buy-in). Those limits may seem low, but you can easily multi-table online to see many more hands per hour. So while the $3/6 may be boring live, it's a rush playing 4 tables at once (w/ approx $600 in action).

My yearly trip to Vegas does include poker now, so I play $3/6 (only if there's a KILL), or $4/8. $4/8 is the min game at the Bellagio, so it's easy to play that limit. I usually go to Vegas during Rounds 1 and 2 of the NCAA Basketball tourney, so I avoid NL due to the unpredictability. I bet it's juicy, but I don't have the patience for it.

Home games with my friends focus on lower limits to keep everyone involved. We most often play $1/3 limit with a $2/4 kill. Those limits are low enough to encourage action, not break anyone, and still shows signs of profitability.

OK, there's a start on the limits I play. Later posts will discuss results, hand-analysis, and other life-experiences besides poker (gasp).