How much money should I play with?

How much can you afford? If you are a casual player, Never, never, play with money you cannot afford to lose. (If you are a real professional player, you should already know how to manage your bankroll). Even if you usually win, Never, never play with money you cannot afford to lose.

Even if your bankroll can afford it, the fun player should probably stick to low limit games. As the limits increase, the players at the table become less amicable to "fun". Playing online you can also find micro limits like .25/.50 or even .01/.02. Your entertainment money can go a long way in a micro limit game. You can also find play money games online. Even though I see these as a good practice opportunity, the game is significantly different than even the micro limits. Just a little bit of risk adds significantly to the excitement and quality of play.

Money players should play at the highest limit their bankroll can afford. That said, never pass up a good $2/4 game for a bad $3/6 or $5/10 game. Go to the game with highest expectation; don't let pride put you in a bad high limit game when there are better low limit games. One special note, most $5/10 games are tough. This level is where the "Pro wannabe's" (those low limit players that want to move up to the big time) and the "busted semi-pros", (players that have had their bankroll busted, and moved to a lower level to center their game and rebuild their bankroll) meet. Both of these groups are trying to play their best game. This combination can provide the absolute best competition on the planet.

Online you should follow the same guidelines, but you are offered some additional information. Most sites post the pot size and percentage seeing the flop (for each table) in the lobby. Look through the table list. You should find that any table where 40% plus are seeing the flop is profitable. The admonition about $5/10 games applies to you also, but you generally want to avoid this level of play. If it has a high percentage seeing the flop, it is probably a pretty good game, but always enter these games carefully. The player you replaced may have been the action.

Sarge