The first three rules of poker are patience, patience & patience.

[imported_DocMicro]

In January a friend of mine accumulated over 16,000 Poker Points and almost $2,000. Originally, he came on a site in November and deposited $20 which he lost. One day on the chat we were discussing poker and he asked for advice.
We told, “The first three rules of poker are patience, patience & patience.
The first reality of Poker is, you are going to lose! If the New York Yankees win 100 games in a season, they have had a great year. But think about this, they lost 62 games that same year! That is the same way with poker.
Therefore, managing your bankroll is extremely important. Never put 100% of your bankroll up in a game because at some point there will be an “all-in” moment.
He deposited another $20, our advice, split it four ways. Play at the $.05/$.10 blind tables with $5 buy-ins.
If you have any familiarity with aviation, the first 20,000 feet is known to be very turbulent as you go higher the turbulence subsides. That isn’t to say that there isn’t turbulence at higher elevations which can be severe, it is just less frequent.
The same is true of Poker, the lower stakes games are a lot more turbulent, in that players make silly, obnoxious plays. In normal poker, the first three rules of poker are patience, in lower stakes poker, patience is the first ten rules! It is true that you will run into scenarios where your pocket Aces will be crushed by a 6 8 off suit. It is frustrating when it happens, consider the overall picture. You are playing against players that depend on luck rather than good play. So, don’t get angry, realize that you have an advantage and remember (Yankees 100 Wins 62 Loses). Plus you have managed for this eventuality by breaking up your bankroll.
It is difficult to be patient particularly in these small stakes games, if you find that your patience is wearing thin, go do something else for a while.
Once your bankroll hits, $100, divide it 4 ways and move up to the $25/$.50 blind tables. The only suggestion that I will venture in the play is that if you look at a table and two players have large stacks like $155 and $240; pass on the table. Because, if you sit down with $25, and if those big stacks are good, they will keep the pressure on. Where players with similar size stacks, will normally play tighter, this is just a suggestion!
When your bankroll hits $1,000, apply the 10% rule. Never risk over 10% of your bankroll. If someone comes along and says, “Hey big game, $1,000 buy-in”, and you have $2,200, well you have to pass. Being a good poker player requires good management skills and self discipline.
He plays well but he will tell you that one night he dropped $400, then made it back over the following couple of nights. That is exactly why a poker player must be disciplined in managing his bank.
I hope this is beneficial,
Doc..
This actually came to me in an email from a friend..I think its important enough to repeat here,,

[talkpkr2me]

Great post Doc...thanks!
I've played with drushbag many many times,good player btw.
It's tough grinding it out at the lower stakes tables,ppl get bored and etc,move up too soon and bingo,they're busted..Patience!

I've also seen far too many players win a few and suddenly think they are Poker Pro of the Day..jump up too quickly in stakes and find they are broke in no time flat... Patience Patience Patience!!!

The #1 fault of online players especially is playing waaay too many hands..a problem I have had to overcome myself.Everyone wants to see the flop.

I'm a cash game player who just muddles thru the tourneys,so I know how it is to have to grind it out in the beginning at the low stakes with a table full of idiots..but grind it out you must .. Learn the game,pick your spots,and 90% of the time..Fold.

PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE

Thanks Doc..very informative post!! :)

[gypsyangel]

Great advice Doc...I will definitely use some of those tips now that I am playing more and more cash tables now. I like them so much better than MTT. I think cash tables maybe my game! Nice to see ya here. Aways great to see a friendly face in my roamings around the net!

[mgb1966]

I like the suggestion of playing 10 buyins on a regular basis. I have been playing on the same deposit for over 3 years using 10bi.