RuleBritannia Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Where is the best place to start? Never played a hand in my life, but interested in doing so. Any books or internet sources worth checking out? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyhornet Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Wow, that is some question!! There are (literally) thousands of books out there. If you are looking at playing tournaments I'd recommend Harrington on Holdem, Doyle Brunson's Super System is often held as the 'bible' of poker. Trawling through the PL poker forums might help..or not as most people on here talk a load of rubbish:tongue2..the 2+2 forum is the biggest around and has thousands of boards. Once you have a feel for the game, download a site, and either play for fun money or in freerolls and see how you do:ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hooloovoo Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Re: Learning Poker As you surely want to try out Texas Holdem, i recommend low stakes Fixed Limit Holdem. Reduced variance and a great way to start out (was for me, anyway) and get a feel for the game. If you want to do tournaments instead of cash game (they are VERY different), then Blue Square have STT freerolls (1 table, free to enter) with cash prizes (very small, but still!) I have the deepest admire for those who starts out with freerolls and build a poker bankroll from nothing. Above all they get a good lesson in patience and discipline, two of the most important aspects in being a winning player :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAM Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Go to your local casino, most do free beginners classes and have newbie tournies. Don't play online it's fixed :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubermonkey1 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Re: Learning Poker the beginners guide thread is a great place to start(stickied in the poker strategy thread:ok) there are endless books/mags /forums (including here;))around and all the above advice is pretty good. i think the best way to learn once you get the basics is to play. freerolls are a reasonable place to start without costing you a bean,the only downside is they can be time consuming and a lot of players will not be playing "proper" poker but they give you a feel for the game. wasps casino idea also has it's merits for a complete beginner but i wouldn't get sucked into playing for your own money once the lesson is over ,at least till you have a reasonable understanding of the game. probably the best way to learn is for someone to take you under their wing so to speak.it's a lot easier explaining stuff in a live one to one enviroment, so if you know someone who plays at a decent level(that would be willing to help) that might be the best way to learn:ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaF Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Starting out - you will be outclassed and you will lose money, however it is all education. The quality of that education depends on how much you have to spend on it (i.e. how much you can lose). My recommendation would be that if you NEVER risk any of your own money, you wont go far wrong. Build up a bankroll online. Ringfence it - dont withdraw from it and see how far you can go. How high can you build it and how high will it let you play? Plenty of PLrs have followed this model for many thousands of dollars in profit. If you are the 10th best player in the world, and you play against the 9 players better than you, you WILL lose money. If you are the 10th worst player in the world, and you play against the 9 players worse than you, then you will make money. So whether you make a profit or whether you lose money will come down to your game selection and the games you choose to play in. Broadly speaking, the higher the buy in, the greater the skill level of your opponents. So dont play at buy ins beyond your skill level, without very good reason (i.e. happy to lose to pay for the "education"). If you want to do tournaments instead of cash game (they are VERY different)' date=' then Blue Square have STT freerolls (1 table, free to enter) with cash prizes (very small, but still!)[/quote'] I think these are a great place for you to start. - They are totally free - so you cannot lose money, you can only win money and with 30% of the players making money, you will win, no matter how poorly you might play!! Don't expect your opponents to play with any skill or discipline, so dont try and copy their play - but it's a great place for a grounding in the rules and to understand the game a bit better, and to start building a bankroll. - When you feel ready - they run buy in STTs for 10c+2c. The standard will be immeasurably higher, but still extremely poor. Track all your results at the buy in level - you cannot tell if what you are doing is good or bad over a small number of games (anyone can get lucky or unlucky in a small number of games - skill can only be seen over a larger sample) - only by tracking your results over a period of time can you see if what you are doing is working. - Take shots whenever you like at the 10c games - afterall, you can always replenish lost funds through the giveaway STTs (Single Table Tournaments). When you want to move higher than 10c though, start thinking of bankroll requirements. Never put down more than 5% of your bankroll on 1 tournament. So 20c+4c STTs should not be played until you have earnt $4.80. This discipline is essential if you want to build a bankroll from nothing. Watch the daily diary on PL - see what freerolls there are and if they are good value (value measured by total prizes divided by number of entrants) - then play them :ok There will be freerolls most days. For reading - I would suggest subscribing to "Poker Player" magazine - go through the advert on the APAT web site and it is £5 for 12xMonthly issues - a bargain and it will start to give you things to think about :ok It will also give you access to a large number of high value (thousands of dollars) freerolls with low entry (hundreds of players) So far as books is concerned - the best absolute starting point is probably David Sklanskys "Theory of Poker" - it's will introduce you to a wide range of the concepts that underpin Poker. Starting out - I would recommend - develop a good TAG game (Tight pre flop, play relatively few starting hands, AGgressive post flop - look to fold or raise but not to call). Just through a good starting hand requirement, you can be profitable at the lower levels no matter what else you do. You will probably be playing just 10 - 15% of hands (or even less!). If you're playing a tournament, then always be aware how much "time" you have left - "time" is measured by your stack divided by the cost of the blinds and antes every circuit. As your "time" decreases, you become more desperate and looser (play more starting hands), but still aggressive (raise instead of call). When your "time" is below about 8 circuits, then your only options should be to go all in or to fold. Generally you want to be going all in from late position and when no players before you have entered the pot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kippe6 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Re: Learning Poker on net go to poker tube thousands of hands and competitions for you to watch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hooloovoo Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Re: Learning Poker .....lots and lots of text..... Quality post GaF :clap Only thing i would disagree about: I don't consider Sklansky's "Theory of poker" to be a suitable text for the poker novice. Not only are the topics quite advanced, it's also an extremely boring read. Sklansky knows his stuff but fail to make it an enjoyable experience. If you are to play Fixed Limit holdem (cash game) as i suggested then i really recommend "Winning low limit holdem" by Lee Jones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuleBritannia Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Thanks :ok Doing a bit of reading up on "No limit texas Hold Em", before I even think about downloading any software or playing any games. Want to know or have an idea what Im doing and what the rules are first. :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pokerjace Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Do what i did mate,watch it on the tele and think "this is a piece of piss" then deposit £100 and lose it in 25 minutes! Seriously though all the advice above is good and remember that patience is the biggest virtue. Poker Player and Inside Poker are decent reads with some good articles on position and strategy(i wouldn't bother with play money unless you need to find out how the all-in or fold buttons work!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaF Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Want to know or have an idea what Im doing and what the rules are first. :ok Seriously - just give it a try :ok The Blue Square 10c giveaway games pose zero risk for you of your own cash - nothing to lose (and you'll be hooked before you know it :tongue2) Just sit at the table and learn as you go along..... then as the mechanics of the game start to make sense, you can work on educating yourself with a sound strategy :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaF Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Just in case you find the lobby a bit confusing at first - the highlighted game here is the one you are looking for...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosco Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Re: Learning Poker If your learning to start playing poker I suggest you play online and find some freeroll, they dont cost anything to enter and yes you can win money, but they are a great way to learn. dont play for free money/play chips which most sites offer. I would get used poker before you deposit anyway and dont me tempted by the bonus offers as they are difficult sometimes to reach as a begginer. casions are a good option but not always as welcoming I would try rileys snooker and pool places they have poker competitions, they are friendly and welcome new players. I also played a game recently in a pub in the uk and they were begginers and very friendly, they will have posters up in the pub. good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuleBritannia Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Just in case you find the lobby a bit confusing at first - the highlighted game here is the one you are looking for...... Ive got that far mate, and have got to the point where it says Go To Tournament, but for some reason I cannot get myself into the game, even when clicking register, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaF Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker They're pretty bizarre in the way they register - they fill pretty quickly, but dont confirm for a minute or two (or show that they are full) - as one game starts, you need to watch the lobby closely for the next game to appear, and then register straight away - then wait for the confirmation (or not). SO for example - in my screen print, you're probably too late for the game showing (despite it saying "waiting for 9 players") and need to be ready to jump straight into the next one to appear..... EDIT - Once you get the knack of it, you should be able to register for all of the games you want....). Also - whilst waiting for confirmation, dont close the lobby - I think that may lose you place in the queue.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve-C Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker I would say that you dont need to stay in the lobby.........I tried this the other night and after clicking register got no response at all. I then shut it down and went to bed. The next time I logged onto try it again, I had 0.02c in my account - hence it had registered me and id finished 3rd by sitting out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuleBritannia Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Thanks GaF, playing my very 1st game now. Dont have a fcuking clue what Im doing... lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thommo85 Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Best way I learned to play was by watching poker as the boom really started around 2003-04. Watching the guys at the top of the game is always a good and enjoyable way of learning the game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuleBritannia Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Result of my 1st game OK.... MIGHT NOT BE MUCH, BUT HAPPY WITH THAT Only played hands I reckonI had any sort of chance in percentage wise as well.... if I was sitting with fcuk all, I folded (unless I had the option to check for free) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samba_SamPa Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Nice one RB :clap It can only go down from here :lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuleBritannia Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Nice one RB :clap It can only go down from here :lol Cheers mate About to discover that..... Game #2 :lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaF Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Result of my 1st game :nana :cow :nana :cow That's it - you're hooked - no escape now :tongue2 welcome to the club :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuleBritannia Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Finished 7th in second game. Went all in with 2 Kings, against 2 sixes. Floop brings out 2 sevens and a three, then we get hit with a five and another 6!!! Fcuking killer...... :lol but aye GaF, Im hooked.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazdiamonds Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker congrats ruleb great start:clap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goater14 Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Well done:ok, welcome to the world of late, late nights;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbie1960 Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Good start RB...:clap:clap:clap Now make sure you tell the wife your gonna have to arrange your future nights out around poker tournaments :tongue2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuleBritannia Posted March 20, 2009 Author Share Posted March 20, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Thanks Guys,,,, Just a quick update and a question. Played 13 freerolls now, 1st x 2 2nd x 3 3rd x 3 4th x 1 5th x 1 6th x 1 7th x 2 Going to play a 10c game soon, Whats the deal with KO point games?? What are they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guppie Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Re: Learning Poker Link here for k/out points. http://www.bluesq.com/poker/knockoutvip.shtml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGremlin Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Re: Learning Poker You guys think he'll be ready for a MTT tournaments soon? Guess he knows the basics now after 13 SNG's :) Try your hand in some freerolls without requirements, just to get a feel about MTT's. If you dont mind downloading and registering for new pokerrooms that's an excellent way of getting more experience for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGremlin Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Re: Learning Poker oh, welcome to the poker section RB :ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.