Spread Limit Hold'Em

[BlibbityBlabbity]

I was at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY this weekend and I went into the poker room to check it out. I was only there for 1/2 hour so I wasn't planning on playing, but I am in that area a lot so I would like to at some point.

Their minimum limit game is 1-3 spread limit holdem, then they also have 2-4 and up "regular" limit games. There are a few things I would like to get some opinions on from those who have played spread limits before, and those with experience with different rake structures.....

1) They are not allowed to charge a traditional rake there so they have a $3 fixed "tip to the house" and a $1 dealer tip from all pots over $10. To me this would be impossible to beat at 40% of a $10 pot. If the pot gets to $40-80 it would be 5-10% which is the norm, right? What are your opinions of this?

2) 1-3 spread (you can bet anything from 1-3 at any point in the hand), $1 SB, $1 BB. The only real advice I have seen about this is the chapter in Lee Jones book. Anything those of you who play this would share about what to watch for/ what the differences are from limit (mostly wondering when you would bet $1, $2, or $3). It seems like it would be very easy to pick up on if you bet $1 when you are on a draw and $3 when you have the best hand. How might you go about mixing things up without throwing money away?

3) Anyone know of any place to play spread limits (not NL, I know where to find those ) online?? I have never seen it offered anywhere.

4) Anyone know how this "non-rake" compares to the rake at the lowest limits at Foxwoods?

Thanks for any help you can give me here.

[PShabi]

Only thing I can help you with here is in regards to how much to bet. I read it in Ken Warren's book and other places. You bet the maximum everytime. You don't want to get into betting the amount that you consider "equal" to the strength of your hand. It's just not smart.

The only time I would bet anything less than max is when I'm trying to coax someone into a raise. Kinda like a check/raise only you're betting I guess. But again, you don't want to do this too often because a decent player will pick up on it.

If you're playing smart and playing good cards, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to bet the max.

[drewjax]

That would probably keep me away. Just more things to think about, and worry about. Of course if you want a game, and that what you can afford, what else is there.