small ball

[Skunkfunk9]

So, I've been reading Daniel Negreanu's book Power Hold'em Strategy, and was wondering if the section on small ball is applicable to cash games, or if it's strictly a tournament strategy. Anybody know? Thanks.

[ChicagoJoe]

One of Cash Plays best shows was with Rick Fuller on small ball. Rick had been successful using small ball with cash games on the internet. I have tried to apply small ball at 1-2 2-5 live games with not much success. However occasionally using a small ball strategy will add deception for a player with a tight aggressive style of play.

[Jeremiah Smith]

Originally Posted by ChicagoJoe

One of Cash Plays best shows was with Rick Fuller on small ball. Rick had been successful using small ball with cash games on the internet. I have tried to apply small ball at 1-2 2-5 live games with not much success. However occasionally using a small ball strategy will add deception for a player with a tight aggressive style of play.

Actually it was Thomas Fuller.

FWIW, Thomas and Daniel have both moved past being "just" small ball players. DN's game has totally evolved. Small ball is just one part of it now where it used to be the only way he played. Think of it as another "gear" to downshift into, another tool in your toolbox. But it's definitely not the be-all end-all Daniel's book made it out to be.

[John Kim]

Small ball is more applicable to tournament poker where pushing small edges isn't a must. Survival takes precedence.

In cash games you push every edge you can get, small or not (unless rare circumstances, eg playing w/ case money)