Playing on micro stakes poker sites is a great way to build an initial bankroll. These games also allow you to get a feel for the game if it's been a while since you've played or if you're possibly a beginner.

These games can also be a bit easier to beat, which in turn will boost your confidence when later attempting to move up in stakes. I must admit that you're not going to make a whole lot of money playing these games unless you're multi-tabling.

But before you even attempt to play these games or find a site to play them, let's figure out where these stakes actually start.

Playing Micros

$.01-$.02 Cent

Okay, these are the real low-stakes poker games. These games are going to be the bare minimum for playing online poker overall. Don't expect to make much of anything playing these games other than some pizza money.

$.05-$.10

This is the next tier, which is going to be better than the first option, but you're still in the situation of being able to pay a couple of utility bills even if you put in a ton of hours.

$.10-$.25

I would consider this the last option for playing lower-stakes games. If you multi-table a few of these and are a winning player, the money starts to get a little better. Don't get me wrong, it's not going to be life-changing, but you could, in theory, make between $500 and $2,000 a month, putting in a ton of volume.

Where to Play Micro Stakes

Ignition Poker

Ignition Poker is currently the top poker site for American and Australian players. They've been operating since 2016 and have built a massive network with over 10,000 players at peak playing times. You can take advantage of the millions of dollars in monthly tournament prizes as well as lots of cash games that run at all times of the day.

Bovada Poker

Bovada Poker runs on the same network as Ignition. So, you will see a lot of similarities when it comes to software and game selection. The nice thing about Bovada, however, is that they also provide sports betting if you want to dabble in that a little bit. They also provide 24-hour customer service via live chat, which is another benefit of using them.

ACR Poker

ACR Poker has been around for a long time. They provide some of the biggest tournaments online, including the "Venom Series." This one series alone has a prize pool of over 10 million dollars, which is insane. I would say the cash games are a bit harder here for beginners, but they have tons of volume and lots of player traffic at all times of the day.

Benefits of Playing Low-Stakes

1. Develop Your Skills

Micro stakes poker serves as a way for you to test out different strategies to see what works. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, these games can help you learn and improve faster with less stress. With lower buy-ins and stakes, you can experiment with different strategies and not worry about losing tons of money out the gate.

2. Risk Management

I have already touched on this point, but one of the big benefits is minimal financial risk. Unlike high-stakes games, where the stakes can be intimidating, micro tables allow you to enjoy the thrill of poker without risking large sums of money. This makes it an ideal option for players looking to enjoy the game without putting their bankroll on the line.

3. Building Bankroll

If you don't have a lot of money to invest in playing poker, I get it. Playing these games is a pathway to building a bankroll from the ground up. While the profits may be small compared to higher stakes games, consistent play at the micro stakes can gradually accumulate winnings and provide a solid foundation for advancing to higher levels in the future. Patience and discipline are key to making this happen. So, take a step back and have some common sense about all of this.

4. Entertainment Value

At its core, poker is a form of entertainment, and these games deliver on that front in spades. The thrill of competition, the anticipation of big pots, and the satisfaction of making a well-timed bluff are just a few of the elements that make playing poker awesome. Whether you're playing for fun or aspiring to climb the ranks, small-stakes games offer endless entertainment value for players of all skill levels.

5. Lots of Options

Poker sites understand that people enjoy playing these games. Which is why you're going to see so many tables of them running more than in mid- or high-stake games. This will give you a lot of variety if you decide to play cash games or sit and go's. I would say play whatever you are most comfortable with at first, but eventually move to straight cash games because that is where the money is.

Should You Multi-Table?

This is something you will absolutely need to do to churn out some money faster. A good place to start is with two tables at a time. If you find that you can manage that, I will consider moving it up to four tables at a time.

Just don't overdo it; otherwise, you might find yourself playing bad poker and making bad decisions. There will come a time when you find your sweet spot for what you're capable of handling. But here are two reasons you absolutely should be multi-tabling these games:

Increased Volume

One of the primary advantages of multi-tabling low-stakes online poker is the ability to increase the volume of hands played per hour. By simultaneously playing multiple tables, players can significantly boost their overall hand count, leading to more opportunities to capitalize on favorable situations and extract value from their opponents.

Better Use of Time

Multi-tabling allows you to make more efficient use of your time spent on the virtual felt. Rather than waiting idly for hands to play out at a single table, players can stay engaged and productive by actively participating in multiple games simultaneously. This not only maximizes the entertainment value of each session but also ensures that players are constantly refining their skills and adapting to different game dynamics.

Strategy for These Games

Patience and Discipline

Patience is a virtue that holds immense value when playing poker. With smaller pots and more passive play, it's essential to exercise restraint and wait for profitable opportunities to come up. You should really avoid the temptation to play too many hands or chase marginal holdings, as this can lead to unnecessary losses.

Instead, focus on playing premium hands aggressively and capitalizing on favorable situations when they present themselves. Discipline is equally crucial; knowing when to fold, even in the face of pressure, can save you chips in the long run.

Use Position

Positional awareness is a fundamental aspect of poker strategy that holds particular significance in micro stakes games. Understanding your position relative to the dealer button and leveraging it to your advantage is essential for maximizing profitability.

In the early position, play tight and conservative, focusing on premium hands and avoiding marginal spots. As you move closer to the button, gradually widen your range and look for opportunities to steal blinds and exploit your opponents' weaknesses.

Stay Aggressive

I've often seen ridiculous plays at these games where some people will actually limp in hands with pocket aces or kings. If you do this kind of thing, you're almost always destroying the equity in your hand.

In micro stakes poker, aggression is often rewarded. Unlike higher-stakes games, where players may be more inclined to fold to aggression, players tend to call down more frequently, making aggressive play more profitable. Seize control of the action by betting and raising with strong hands, semi-bluffing with draws, and applying pressure to your opponents. This is how to do it!

Final Thoughts

Micro stakes poker sites are a good way to get a feel for the game. But eventually you should consider moving up in stakes so that you can attempt to make more money.

You don't want to be one of those people who gets too comfortable, because that will make your game stale. To improve at this game, you need to evolve and work on little skills that build over time.

Sure, you're going to have your losing days playing poker, but you will also have your winning days. You need to take everything in stride and have a long-term approach to playing this game.

Just remember to stay aggressive and be patient. Don't try to force action or bluff too much at these stakes because it rarely works out. Just use an ABC poker approach to playing these games, and you will be fine.

In time, when you're crushing the micros, you should set something aside and move up to the next level. The level to which you move up will be different for everyone, but at least you will be pushing yourself.