Quote Originally Posted by drtofu66
Quote Originally Posted by Jimmy Mac
I have played in these games alot (on stars), and I have to say that I don't see alot of players making big bluffs and moves. They're a pretty passive, honest bunch in the main, and a raise, particularly on the turn or river, usually means a pretty strong hand.
For the most part I'd agree, but then there's stuff like this:

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $0.10 BB (8 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: FlopTurnRiver)

saw flop|saw showdown

MP1 ($3.45)
MP2 ($10.70)
CO ($2.10)
Hero ($9.20)
SB ($9.90)
BB ($18.65)
UTG ($8.55)
UTG+1 ($7.80)

Preflop: Hero is Button with Q, A.
1 fold, UTG+1 calls $0.10, 1 fold, MP2 calls $0.10, CO calls $0.10, Hero raises to $0.7, 2 folds, UTG+1 calls $0.60, MP2 folds, CO folds.

Flop: ($1.75) 5, T, 4 (2 players)
UTG+1 checks, Hero checks.

Turn: ($1.75) A (2 players)
UTG+1 bets $0.6, Hero raises to $1.2, UTG+1 raises to $2, Hero calls $0.80.

River: ($5.75) 2 (2 players)
UTG+1 bets $5.1 (All-In), Hero calls $5.10.

Final Pot: $15.95

Results :
UTG+1 has Ks 6h (high card, ace).
Hero has Qh Ac (one pair, aces).
Outcome: Hero wins $15.95.

Yes-- lol I played this like a donkey with the minraise on the flop and calling that big bet on the river. I'm losing to any A5-2, pocket pair 2-5, flush, AT. I had some sort of logic going on that made me think this was a bluff or A8s or something that I beat though I'm sure that logic was all sorts of wrong, even though I was right in this one instance. I think this hand was the one that made me decide that I didn't like PS.

My point in posting this hand is just to show that PS players even at 10NL know how to play your cards instead of theirs. I mean, jeez-- UTG+1 limp/called 6bb more with K6o and ran a pretty standard set line into me and he didn't give up when I made it clear that I hit a big A on the turn. I don't think my game improves playing these guys and I don't make much money. I end up playing paranoid thinking that I'm getting played back at every time I run into resistance, spew chips to the nuts, and end up a weaker-tighter player because of it. Not conducive to improving one's poker game.
anywhere you play, stars making you weak-tight or otherwise, will improve your game. period. you will either adjust to the tables, or lose. and learning the proper adjustments IS impoving your game whether your win rate shows it or not.

i understand what you are saying about "playing scared" and feeling like it doesnt improve your game (thats the way i feel at UB and AP), but you are still forced to make a different set of decisions for the same sets of situations...and that makes you better.

i'm not saying "stick it out." i'm only saying whether you realize it or not, you are getting better when you play out of your comfort zone.