Importance of rake back in site selection

[JoeStimpy]

Hi Terry,

Noticed from a few of your posts it sounds like you play at Poker Stars a fair bit, you mention rake back etc. in your book (which PS doesn't offer), how important do you feel rake back is when playing SH esp. at limits such as 5/10 to 10/20?

p.s. I really like the book, the format is great I find the hand examples and quizzes very useful.

[TerryBorer]

Thanks Joe! I'm glad you liked the book. Feel free to write an Amazon.com review if you'd like.

The importance of rakeback depends on what your goals are. If you want to profitable at the mid/high limits (1/2 through 30/60 or so) then you are unlikely to be able to beat the game by much without it. Sorry to say it, but the short-handed rake is simply too high. 5/10 is one of the worst limits - why don't you post how much you pay per hour. I suspect it will be around $25 an hour.

If you are playing for fun and like the PokerStars software and experience, by all means go ahead. Poker is a game and there is nothing wrong with treating like a hobby. With study, careful play, game selection and bonuses there is no reason why you can't eke out a small profit even as a hobbyist. Just set your expectations accordingly.

So I think rakeback is really important, especially since profits are going down as the games get tougher. This is why I don't play much at PS although I like their site. I'd love to see rakes be cut in half or have low-rake sites become more successful. I don't expect this to happen though.

Terry

[kenaces]

i looked at the rake on PS and FT and for 2/4+ they are about the same $1 on 20 up to $3. can anyone suggest other sites that have a better rake structure??

[kenaces]

i looked at the rake on PS and FT and for 2/4+ they are about the same $1 on 20 up to $3. can anyone suggest other sites that have a better rake structure??