Rake Race Strategy

Rake race strategy is not important if you plan to just compete in the competition, but rake race strategy is important if you plan on winning the competition. Rake races can pay winners hundreds or even thousands of dollars and therefore effective use of your efforts and time are important. Follow these rake race tips so that your strategy puts you in the best position to win the race.

1. Understand the scoring system and rules of the rake race

Not all rake races are created the same. Different scoring systems are in place for rake races, raked hands races and points races. Understanding the rules and point scoring for the rake race you enter is necessary to be able to maximize your chance for success.

2. Don't play at limits that you can not afford.

Your poker bankroll is the most important thing to consider when playing a rake race. There is no point to playing at limits your poker bankroll can not afford or limits you are not comfortable playing at just to win the rake race. Playing at limits that are to high for your comfort zone and losing a lot of money trying to win a rake race which will not even cover your losses does not make any sense. Stick to limits you are comfortable playing at and stick to those limits.

3. Balance playing at multiple tables with having enough time to pay attention to each them.

Rake races encourage players to play multiple tables in order to increase the number of raked hands. For each new table you open and play you will have less time to pay attention to the other tables you are already playing. Some players can play 10 or more tables at the same time but even with plenty of focus and the right computer equipment these players have so little time to make every decision that mistakes or missed opportunities occur often. Generally playing more then 4 tables requires a great deal of quick thinking and a strong understanding of basic poker strategy to be profitable. You should always play less than the maximum amount of tables you feel comfortable playing because playing poker poorly just to play more tables will result in you losing more money than you will win if you win the rake race.

4. Pay attention to the leader board

Rake race leader boards are updated hourly or daily so keeping a close eye on the leader board is important to see how you are progressing compared to your rake race opponents. Especially towards the end of the rake race you can adjust the amount of time you are playing in order to finish higher if you have opponents who you are barely trailing or if opponents are catching up to you.

5. Choose your tables wisely

Rake races usually are based on the amount of rake each players pays during the time period. To maximize your rake paid choose loose tables over tight tables. Loose tables ten to build big pots which in turn creates more rake taken from each pot. Playing at loose tables will have a large effect on your rake race results as you can easily rake twice as much at a loose table as you would a tight table in the same amount of time. Do not hesitate to jump from a tight poker game to a looser poker game.

6. 6. Play as much as you can

Rake races are built on stamina. The players who put in the most hours usually do the best during rake races. The more hours you play the more rake race points you will earn. If you play 14 hours two days in a row and then you get burned out and take a break for a week you will not be anywhere near the top of the leader board. Instead, try to play nearly everyday for a number of hours that is comfortable for you. Try to be consistent each day you play by planning on playing a certain number of hours each day that will not overexert you but will keep you competitive in the race.