Yet another on-line poker question...

[digamma]

While I've played in casinos several times over the past year or so, I hadn't delved into the world of on-line poker until recently. I have yet to deposit into an account and have simply been playing in play money tournaments.

For those who have played with play-money, is there a noticeable skill differential between the play money and real money tables?

Anyone need a referral bonus anywhere? :cool:

[RPI-Fan]

I'll refer you to PartyPoker...

[Chubby]

I'll refer ya to ultimatebet.com :)

[RPI-Fan]

FWIW, the only two sites I have experience with are PartyPoker and Pokerroom.com

Pokerroom.com isn't very good - I don't recommend it.

PartyPoker has lots of action - TOO much at times (it can be tough to get into some tourneys, thought if you wait a minute or two you'll be fine). There are some real fish there, but you have to be patient.

As for the increase in skill level, it's more than that. It's like a whole new game. When you first play you're going to want to sit at a .50/$1 table and watch the blinds go by a couple times so you get a feel for how loose/tight the game is.

It'll be MUCH, MUCH tighter than a play-money table, and depending on what limit you played in the casino, probably a good deal looser than that. I imagine that's the case no matter what software or site you play at.

[Subby]

Tell me again a good way for someone with zero poker experience to get started learning about No Limit Texas Hold 'Em...

[RPI-Fan]

If you have a friend who's played, have them show you the basics. That'll be the most tolerable.

If not, getting a beginner book (can probably get one used for $10) on Amazon. I never read a beginner one, though, so unfortunately I don't have any recommendations.

[MJ4H]

Play in free NL holdem tournaments to get your feet wet. Play money sit and go tournaments are usually good for this since they are frequent and reasonably easy to find. NL ring games with play money are usually just silly so dont bother. Join tournaments where the guys that raise raise raise everytime are quickly gone for a little bit closer approximation of reality.

Now, even though the play quality will probably be a little better than a ring game, you still are not going to be able to get real experience without something being on the line. Do some reading of poker books and check out the two plus two forums for lots of strategy discussions and hand dissections. (www.twoplustwo.com). Or just come sit at my table for lessons ;)

[Chubby]

Subby - Find a site you like that uses play chips as well tho be warned that play chip tables are usually VERY different that real money tables. Some sites (like UB) have $.01/.02 tables where a buck will last ya a while as you learn. Playing $5 sit and go's are good too when you go to cash.