Cake Poker

Hey Guys,

I've only been playing poker for about 2 months now. Since starting in march, my initial bankroll has slowly dried up on Stars, mostly due initial lack of understanding and lack of discipline. Despite the state of my roll, I've really been enjoying the game and I can say without a doubt in the last few weeks I have become a lot better at the game.

I've taken a week or so off to study/read up and I'm considering making a second deposit so that I can keep playing, since I really enjoy the game. I was thinking of trying out a different site, just to get a feel for something different. I notice that Cake Poker gets a lot of hate, but after watching Jason Somerville's "Eating Cake" series, I'm really liking the look of the software. I hear the main negatives of the site are slow customer support services and slow cashouts. From watching microstakes videos on cake i also get the impression that the competition is much softer than Stars. I kind of like the idea of playing at a smaller site with a smaller community, so that note-taking and adapting to opponents can become a bigger part of my game.

Basically, I'm just looking for advice on where to play and if anyone has any personal experience with bigger sites vs smaller sites that they could share it would be really helpful. Also any recommendations of other sites to play on for a beginner would be really appreciated.

Sorry if this thread isn't in the right place and I hope the wall of text isn't too annoying either, just wanted to be thorough.

Thanks.

Welcome, Jon. I'm pretty new here, too. Take the time to read the sticky threads, and the poker strategy articles here on FTR. They will re-open your eyes every day.

Read everything in the "Poker Rooms - poker room reviews" tab. While there are certain things that we would all look for in a site (lots of fish, intuitive lobby menus, uncluttered table graphics...) The bottom line is that most sites are not that different; it comes down to personal choice. In general, the more active players, the more fish. Pokerstars might be the fishiest place around right now.

Are you using any tracking software or HUD? If not then consider Bovada for the reason that no one can use a tracker except on themselves; you wont be at a disadvantage to other player's software.

Or start using a tracker right away! Pokertracker and HoldEm Manager both have free trials. You can test them out and pick your favorite. Again, not much real difference between these programs. It's personal choice.

My understanding is that if you live outside the US cashing out on Cake doesn't take nearly as long. Customer service is atrocious but fortunately I've only had to deal with them once. I don't have any issues with the software but I don't have much of a clue what makes one sites software better than another. It's definitely not as user friendly as Stars but it works fine imo.

I am waiting for a check from Cake now. Cashed out 4/23 so I'll let you know how that goes.

Two things just as important as studying: rakeback and bankroll management. Nearly as important is tracking software.

A rakeback deal cuts down on the amount you need to win to break even, and even though the games can beaten without it, the rake kills your win rate. A rakeback deal can be the difference a new player needs to become successful.

The HUD / player stats on your own game really help you find any leaks in your game. Holdem Manager and Poker Tracker both have free trials.

Also, read in the Beginner's Digest about bankroll management. If your properly rolled and have the right tools, your skill level is probably adequate to stabilize your bankroll and start winning at the microstakes.

Thanks for the info guys, really appreciate the replies!

101 Series Free Texas Holdem Poker Strategy Videos « How to CRUSH at Texas Holdem Poker | Free Strategy Videos

load of free videos there explaining how you should play as a beginner at the micros.

Since you can play at stars there isn't really any point in exposing yourself to potential action by the doj.Look for deals at ipoker or ongame. Stars just doesnt reward you much for your play at the micros.

I'm currently playing a no deposit bonus promo at poker770. 25$ free and then another $140 clearing at ~33% rakeback . Also clearing a first deposit bonus there at the same time which clears 2$ of bonus per 5$ of rake at the micros or 40% rakeback.

i.e 73% rakeback + other promos on top.

I played Cake for a while (I'm from the US so have limited options). My only real complaint is the relative lack of tables. I'm now on Carbon (Merge) and find it much easier to get action.

Also new to poker (started for the first time in my life last fall) so take the above with a grain of salt - it's the view from a limited perspective. :)