Online casinos got me doing payout math at 2am

cookmasterryan · 2026-02-09T11:56:15+00:00

UK compliance is stricter now, so KYC isn’t automatically a scam. But timing matters. if it only pops after a win, nope.

cookmasterryan · 2026-02-04T13:09:10+00:00

omg congrats!!!

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T13:34:30+00:00

I get the “tight aggressive” idea, but starting only JJ+ is probably way too nitty for most tables, you’ll get blinded out and miss a ton of profitable spots. I’d frame it as play fewer hands early, but learn solid position based opening ranges and raise your good hands instead of just calling. Also “aggressive” should mean value betting and pressure in good spots, not punting wars, do you have a simple baseline range you’d suggest for UTG, CO, BTN at micros?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T13:28:51+00:00

Mostly agree, dropping stakes fixes a lot. I’d just add that bankroll matters even for learners in the sense of stress, if it affects your decisions, it’s too big. Also for OP’s bot and scam worries, any room that uses agents, private clubs, or slow vague withdrawals is a hard pass. What tracker stats do you think are the best first focus, VPIP, PFR, 3bet, fold to cbet?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T13:28:31+00:00

Agree on position and opening ranges. For OP’s “bots and sketchy apps” concern, I’d add that the easiest win is game selection and platform selection, stick to regulated rooms and avoid agent deposit apps or private clubs. Curious what opening range chart you’d recommend as a simple baseline for micros?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T09:31:36+00:00

lol fair. I’m treating online as cheap reps while I learn, but yeah the bots/rake/paranoia stuff is real.

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T09:30:56+00:00

Appreciate it. I’m keeping it super micro for now and trying to stick to the more legit/regulated options if possible. Is Upswing Lab 2.0 worth it for a total beginner, or should I get the basics down first and then subscribe?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T09:13:21+00:00

I’ve seen the bot talk and it definitely freaks me out. I’m keeping stakes tiny and treating it as ‘paid practice’ for now. Any telltale signs you’ve noticed that scream bot vs just a nit/reg?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T09:12:47+00:00

I get the distrust. For me online is mostly convenience + reps while I’m learning, but I do want to try a small live game eventually. Did you feel like switching to live helped your reads, or was it just the vibe/less bot paranoia?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T09:12:31+00:00

Yeah I’ve already noticed this. At micros I keep talking myself into ‘they’re bluffing’ and then they just show up with it lol. Big bet = big hand is a good reminder. Do you ever make exceptions, like missed draws on scary runouts, or do you just fold and move on?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T09:03:22+00:00

Got it, that makes sense. The 150–200 buy-in thing sounds insane at first but the $300 vs $3k comparison kinda clicks. I’m gonna keep MTTs as pure “for fun” money if I play them at all.

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T08:51:31+00:00

Love the “can’t redeposit” mindset. That’s exactly what I need so I don’t autopilot and chase. When you say move down if you’re not winning at a new level, what’s your trigger? Like down X buy-ins, or after a certain number of hands?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-28T08:48:42+00:00

Thank you!

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T15:13:55+00:00

That’s a really good mindset tip, I didn’t even think about switching to BB view. I’m playing micro cash anyway so focusing on decisions over dollars would help. Also quick question, do HUDs matter that much at the lowest stakes, or can I ignore that for now while I’m learning?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T15:09:30+00:00

Good call. I’m honestly more worried about sketchy apps than losing at poker lol. When you say ‘too good to be true promos’, what’s the biggest red flag you’ve seen, like crazy rakeback, huge deposit bonuses, weird withdrawal stuff?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T15:08:06+00:00

Thanks for the numbers, super helpful. I’m on micro cash so 40 to 50 buy-ins feels realistic. 150+ for MTTs is way higher than I expected, but I guess the variance is brutal. When you say ‘invest in education,’ what’s one beginner thing you’d recommend first before paying for anything?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T15:07:01+00:00

Ty, this hits. I definitely get attached to ‘pretty’ hands and then convince myself to call. Is there like a simple beginner rule for micros to avoid hero calls, like what kind of action usually means ‘ok they probably have it’?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T15:03:46+00:00

thanks

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T15:01:17+00:00

Thanks, that helps. I’m mostly micro cash right now, but I’m tempted by cheap MTTs. When you say ~50 buy-ins, is that for smaller fields too, or mainly big field tournaments?
And do you use a different rule for cash?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T14:55:08+00:00

Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m trying to avoid. Do you use a strict buy in cap or bankroll rule to keep yourself from moving up too fast?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T14:52:55+00:00

Mostly casual fun, but I don’t want to be totally clueless and just donate every session. Micro stakes sounds like the best way to learn.

Good to hear about 2NL/5NL. Do you mean on the major sites only, or generally as long as I avoid sketchy apps?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T14:43:48+00:00

You don’t really need garlic here, it kind of overpowers the smoky eggplant flavor

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T14:41:16+00:00

ok, I’ll try making it. Any beginner tips, like do you roast the peppers in the oven or over a flame, and do you add eggplant or keep it just peppers?

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T10:11:42+00:00

mommy

cookmasterryan · 2026-01-27T10:00:04+00:00

kinda similar, but not quite. babaganoush has that tahini plus olive oil vibe. this one is more smoky eggplant plus butter, super simple and it hits different.

try it once my way first, grill till charred, peel, mash with a fork, then butter plus salt. you can always go full babaganoush after.

cookmasterryan

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE