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.

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?

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?

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.