When clearing a bonus, and you have to contribute to the pot, and see the flop for the hand to count, what is the best stratagy?

The only bonus I've cleared so far was a non-contributed type bonus. I actually played slightly above my BR (with 100BB at the time) and just played super tight because I was just trying to be dealt into the hand. It didn't matter if I saw the flop or not. That worked out really well... I cleared the bonus and tripled my BR.

The one I'm currently working on I need to contribte to the pot and see the the flop to get the points. I've been thinking about the best stratagy for this type of bonus and the best I can come up with is playing my normal game at my normal level.

Specifics: I have a $300BR, playing on Bodog, I would normally play .5/1 limit, but those games are difficult to find, so I've actually dropped to .25/.5. The points accumulation rate at this level is slow, but I go to 1/2 then I would probably be playing scared (tight) and not enter pots so it would probably equal out.

Should I play a little looser then normal to a) compensate for the lower limit, and B) clear the bonus faster...Should I play my normal game at the lower limit and just clear the bonus when I clear the bonus? Should I Increase in limits and play tighter...I'm not sure I could play my normal game at the higher limit from a purely phsychological stand point...

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Trons
JstTrons
Toyotatruck

I would imagine the greatest strategy would be to try your best to play your normal game, foget about the bonus and just treat it for exactly what it is - a bonus.

Clearing bonuses can get you in trouble if you focus on them I find. I have played whilst tired to "finish clearing my bonus". I may have got my full $500 cleared a day quicker, but only really earned a few dollars since it was going to come at some point anyway. I actually cost myself money by playing on further than I should in attempt to clear it and making errors.

Unless there is a special exception I feel you should just play your normal game.

I agree, just play your game, unless the bonus is larger than what you contribute.

Stud if they have it, the ante always counts as contributed rake.

If you play HE, then just play the limits you are comfortable with and play your normal game. It may take longer, but it will be alot more profitable.

You could also try some shorthanded games if they are offered, you'll end up playing alot more hands. I would definately suggest sticking to your limit or one lower, moving up another level inside a month my not be the best idea.

The answer, of course, depends on how much you value time vs. money.

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“There's no sense in being precise when you don't even know what you're talking about.” - John von Neumann

This I understand, but I'll give you my situation and ask you guys for suggestions. All through december Absolute Poker is offering a 200% intitial deposit bonus. The catch is I have to play 100 raked hands of $.50 or more to earn $10. So if my math is correct in order to get that $200 bonus (deposited $100) I have to play 2,000 raked hands of at least $.50. The problem is, at the limit tables where BB is $.25 (tryin to play within my means) the rake rarely exceeds $.50. I work at a hospital from 3-11:30 pm and I pretty much pass out when I get home, but I can play for about 5 hours. During that 5 hours I may get about 20 raked hands that qualify, but my bonus money will disappear after 60 days if it isnt claimed. So my question is with a limited amount of time to clear your bonus what do you think about playing slightly outside your means to clear your bonus?

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MTT Tourny Wins
Absolute Poker:
$30 NL Hold 'Em - $491.56
$5 PL Omaha - $55.76


I didn't come here to lose

You do know that AP has reloads ALL THE TIME right? You can even withdrawal, then redeposit for the bonus.

Also, you clear the bonus $10 at a time.


Is this $100 your whole bankroll?

I think if the games are soft enough, palyign a little underolled to clear bonuses is fine.

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“There's no sense in being precise when you don't even know what you're talking about.” - John von Neumann

No Beav, this $100 isnt my only bankroll, I've left myself $900 for live play, cause AC is only 2 hours from me, and I prefer those games to the online play, not to mention there are a couple weekly tournaments locally which I prefer as well. So I only deposited a little to keep me goin when there are no live games.

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MTT Tourny Wins
Absolute Poker:
$30 NL Hold 'Em - $491.56
$5 PL Omaha - $55.76


I didn't come here to lose

the 1/2 games on there are enough to clear the bonus... but they are incredibly rockish. I beat them... but I feel that it was probably a good run.

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-You may not know this, but poker is a game of incomplete information.