What is Microstakes Poker?

Microstakes is a form of low-limit poker and is usually played online. In fact, it's considered the 'lowest rung' of poker online (apart from free games with no real money involved), and is usually the best place to start mastering the basic techniques of the game.

Microstakes can either be cash games or tournaments; in either case, the blinds can be from anything as small as five or ten cents, or all the way up to $1 and $2 blinds.

Microstakes, also known as micro-limit games, are often recommended as a place to learn the ropes so that you don't lose money, patience and inspiration once you get onto higher stake games. Many poker stars began in these low stake games and have gone on to fame and wealth!

Microstakes poker is a much better training method than play money poker. When the chips are actually worth something, you're much more likely to get a realistic game to practice with than if the chips are free. For example, why would you or your opponents ever fold if there's nothing to lose?

There are many different sites offering microstakes poker games, and many which provide training articles to go alongside the game. Here are a few of the most common bits of advice:

- use microstakes games to learn how to manage your bankroll - this skill will only get more important as you move up the ranks.

- you're going to be playing against a lot of bad players in the microstakes. This might make you feel like you should be practicing against more serious players at higher stakes, but don't fall for that trap. Bad players can be hard to play well against, but you'll get them all the way to the top, so it's best to learn how to deal with them now.

- use the microstakes games to learn patience. Whatever quality of player you find in the microstakes rooms, you must learn patience before you can move up the ranks.