Always Buy in For The Table Max Right?

Well you may have heard on TV or read this in a poker book and I have no doubt mathematically it makes sense. You want to be able to win as much as possible if you get a good hand right? Unfortunately mathematically often doesn’t translate into practicality. Lets examine a few reasons why you might not want to buy in for the table maximum, instead buy in for the minimum. As the saying goes “you might just turn that tooth pick into a lumber yard”, specially at games like Omaha that are very receptive to short stack play.

Reasons To Buy in For The Table Minimum

1. Not everyone is a seasoned pro like Doyle Brunson, often a player doesn’t sit down and start playing their “A” game right away. You may make mistakes in the first 5-20 minutes of a session that you would not make once you are in your poker zone. When you first sit down you might also be dealing with other distractions like ordering a drink or getting comfortable and use to the surroundings. Its important to know when you do not play well, some players play good at the start and get tired. Knowing how long it takes before you get tired and start playing bad will help you decide how long each session should be.

2. This is a little different than your Saturday night game with the buddies, poker rooms in Las Vegas Casinos are usually filled with players who are complete strangers to you. Going several rounds with a short stack gives you time to get to know the players. In a sense your getting a education from their information for less exposure had you bought in for the table maximum. Poker is all about information and doesn’t it make sense to risk the least when you have zero information. A pro like Doyle is often sitting down at a game with other sharks he has known for years all trying to feed off 1-2 fish at the table. Watch closely try and get a line on who the tight and lose players are, pay the closest attention to the players on your left and right when you think you have a good table read you can take the elastic band off the money.

3. You might want to take a few chances early on. Maybe intentionally make a few plays that might defy conventional poker wisdom. By looking like a donkey at the start your setting up the table for later on when you do decide to buy in for the table max. If your going to advertise “donkey here” why not do it for the least possible dollars you can. This may help you get maximum value for that full house later.

4. Finally playing the table minimum will also give you a chance to practice your short stack tournament play.