Bankroll Builders, Vol. 7 Part I: Low-Limit Turbo SNGs
Tom Dwan. Dario Minieri. Annette Obrestad. These three online poker greats are only a few members of the army of internet poker pros who got their start grinding it out at low-limit sit-n-goes. SNGs are not only an excellent training ground when it comes to developing one��s no-limit hold��em game, but also they are a great way to earn a bankroll. These days, turbo SNGs have overtaken their slower-structured brethren in popularity, and in this edition of Bankroll Builders, we��ll get you well on your way to crushing the low-limit games and growing your account balance.
Where can I play?
Most online sites spread single-table turbo sit-n-goes. PokerStars spreads full-ring turbo SNGs with $3.40, $6.50, and $16 buy-ins and six-max turbo SNGs with $3.25, $6.50, and $13 buy-ins. Full Tilt's gamut of full-ring and six-max turbos start at $1.20 and include $2.25, $6.50, and $12 buy-ins.
How much do I need?
We're not going to lie to you �� turbo SNGs can be volatile and streaky, so it's wise to leave yourself a few more buy-ins than you might when playing regular-speed SNGs. Downswings to the tune of 20 or 25 buy-ins are common, but the speed of play allows one to get more games in per hour, which can go a long way toward a greater win rate. At these stakes, a bankroll of 50 buy-ins should be sufficient. With $50 or less in your account, stick to the $1 games. When you're up to $100 to $125, transition to the $2 and $3 games. Once you hit $250, think about moving up to the $6.50s.
Should I multitable?
Absolutely �� just don��t jump in thinking you��re ��ElkY�� and can handle 24 tables at once! Multitabling can actually go a long way toward improving concentration and alleviating boredom at the virtual tables. For your first 50 or so games, try two-tabling. If you find that pretty easy, go ahead and add a third and play another 50. Keep going until you discover your own ��max.�� Your computer setup may also dictate how many tables you��re able to play at once. If you��re on a 12-inch laptop, it will be hard to navigate more than four. If you have a desktop with a widescreen monitor, eight or even ten tables won��t be a problem.
How much can I earn?
A player��s potential return on investment depends on the limits he or she is grinding. In the smallest games, a return on investment (ROI) of 20 percent plus is certainly attainable in the short-term, but over thousands of games, a more realistic ROI would be between 5 and 10 percent.
Should I move up?
If you are adequately rolled for the next level and feel ready for it, by all means move up. The good news is, if you hit a losing streak or feel in over your head, you can always move back down. If you��re starting off playing the $1.20 and $2.25 games, it��s advisable to try and move up as quickly as possible. Why? The rake is a killer. In a $1 SNG, the rake is 20 percent and in a $2.25 game, the rake is 12.5 percent, compared to a $6.50 game where the rake is 8.3 percent.
In Part 2, we��ll tackle starting hands, basic strategy, and a funny little acronym called ��ICM.�� Stay tuned!
Ready to start building your own bankroll? Open an account at one of our online poker rooms today and get on the grind.
