Little late getting to this thread, but it seems like the few people who responded kinda pinpointed the essentials: position, starting hands, blah blah blah.
What I have come to realize is that you have to recognize what game you're playing. For instance, beating the $25NL tables is, IMO, fucking cake. The players are so bad that THEY make mistakes, and all I have to do is sit back and capitalize on them. Sounds kind of devious? I guess it is, but they're lining my pockets.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again - know
why you're playing. (This isn't directed at you, penguin!) If you're trying to become a great player, then you have to sit in tough games and learn the tricks of the trade. Put moves on your opponents. Bluff more, etc. Read everything, post, criticize... the list goes on and on.
If you're just trying to make money, then find the softest games, and just play tight. Let your opponents beat themselves. This is what I do. Rarely - and I mean rarely - do I get fancy at low-limit-no-limit holdem.
Tidbits to Consider...
When you're sitting at these tables, play all pocket pairs. Even if it's raised preflop. (To something reasonable.) When you hit a set, slow play in early position, check/call in late position. One of those stupid idiots will make a big bet to bluff, and you can call or re-raise at that point. Cha-Ching!!
Let go of KJo in early position. It's a shit hand. It's only going to get you in trouble.
Open raise with the top 4 hands from any position.
If you're going to bluff, then you have to bet at least the size of the pot. Anything less is futile. Take my advice on this one.
Don't be stupid and decide to go all-in just to steal the pot. Even w/ top pair. Party players are river rats, and if you let them hang around too cheaply, there's a very good possibility that your TPTK is no good, or your two pair is counterfieted.
I could seriously write a book on PartyPoker's $25NL. I'll save you the trouble of going thru a long post.
