OT - Newbie online poker questions thread

[JonInMiddleGA]

Hoping that I can't be the absolutely last person who still has newbie questions about online poker, I chose an optimistic "maybe this can be a thread that gets reused occcasionally" title.

But maybe it is just me, so I'll go ahead & get started with one that's been on my mind for a couple of days.

I'm wondering about veteran players views on "play money" tables -- specifically, whether they're worth anything to a newcomer other than a
chance to get familiar with the software (in my case, it's PokerStars).

IIRC, I've seen some mention of play money being a potential source for bad habits, and was wondering what those who've BTDT think of the value of those games in hindsight.

TIA,
Jon

[cartman]

In my experience, the play money tables do not reflect the poker that's played at cash games. When there is nothing on the line, people will do crazy things. There has to be some sort of risk for the player involved before more rational decisions are made.

[hhiipp]

It's always been my experience that the play money & the lower tables $.50/$1 and sometimes even the $1/$2 are just full of people that will call just about anything because, what the hell it's only $1! When you start to get to the $2/$4 range people seem to tighten up a little bit and not make totally irrational bets/calls.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

I'm wondering about veteran players views on "play money" tables -- specifically, whether they're worth anything to a newcomer other than a chance to get familiar with the software (in my case, it's PokerStars).

Learning the software and if you are new to poker in general(or worried about the speed of online poker) then it can be good practice for becoming adept at quickly recognizing the nuts on a board, and recognizing what you have, things like that...

but yeah, if you pick up any habits(espicially playing way too many hands, which would be correct at a play money table where 10 people see the flop but not correct anywhere else really) from the play money tables it'll cost you money until you correct them.

[rkmsuf]

the only thing entertaining about the play money is aggravating people via the chat.

[Cuckoo]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

the only thing entertaining about the play money is aggravating people via the chat.

So you're that guy?

[rkmsuf]

Originally Posted by Cuckoo

So you're that guy?

doh!

[Huckleberry]

The best part about play money tables is when people start getting angry in the chat because someone made a ridiculous call. I think some of the play money players are emotionally attached to their play chips.

[Draft Dodger]

I like the play money tables - it really gives me a feel for what my chances of turning a particular hand into a winner, and a feel for the odds that someone else is pulling a better hand. and that has really helped me in home play.

there is nothing to be learned about betting tendencies and bluffing - it's too crazy. But, if you're able to set that aside like I do, you can really improve the "cards" part of the game.

[digamma]

Originally Posted by Radii

Learning the software and if you are new to poker in general(or worried about the speed of online poker) then it can be good practice for becoming adept at quickly recognizing the nuts on a board, and recognizing what you have, things like that...

but yeah, if you pick up any habits(espicially playing way too many hands, which would be correct at a play money table where 10 people see the flop but not correct anywhere else really) from the play money tables it'll cost you money until you correct them.

I'd echo this, with the focus being on the speed of the game and recognizing what hands are possible on the board. As far as reading other players and making smart plays (with an expectation of winning), it isn't very useful.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Thanks for the feedback, it pretty much reinforced how I was looking at it.

If there's another newbie out there, I'd recommend strong consideration of the speed issue that has been mentioned. Sunday night's FOFC game was the first time I'd ever watched online poker being played via the software, and it took me at least a half an hour before I even had a grasp of WTH was going on most of the time. I can follow the TV coverage pretty well, even understand a lot of it, but this online stuff ... damn, more than a hand a minute was pretty incredible to see for the first time.

[rkmsuf]

after a couple times it will seem fine.

[Huckleberry]

The speed of online poker makes it more important that you have a really good feel for starting hands. You should be able to know your play as soon as you see your cards and recognize your position.

[rkmsuf]

Originally Posted by Huckleberry

The speed of online poker makes it more important that you have a really good feel for starting hands. You should be able to know your play as soon as you see your cards and recognize your position.

Or you could sit there and let everyone scream "hurry up" while you revel in the mischief you are causing.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I hope you're right rkmsuf, 'cause I was like a lost ball in high weeds just trying to watch Sunday night's game; I couldn't imagine trying to actually be a competent player while feeling so confused just by watching.

I'm figuring that, with having the house to myself most of Friday & all day Saturday, a few hours of playmoney action would work wonders for my comfort level. At least I wouldn't be in a "real" game stuck trying to figure out where to click, how to play my cards while watching everybody else's action, etc.

[rkmsuf]

I was the same way first couple of times but like the NFL, the game slows down.

[Huckleberry]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

Or you could sit there and let everyone scream "hurry up" while you revel in the mischief you are causing.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[rkmsuf]

I like to use every second of my timebank

[msf518]

Find the tightest play money table you can, it will be similar to the loosest real money table out there.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by msf518

Find the tightest play money table you can, it will be similar to the loosest real money table out there.

Would the way to go about following that advice (which seems pretty solid to me) be to find the open game with the lowest % of players who stick around to the end? (IIRC, that stat is displayed from the PokerStars lobby for every table)

[Radii]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Would the way to go about following that advice (which seems pretty solid to me) be to find the open game with the lowest % of players who stick around to the end? (IIRC, that stat is displayed from the PokerStars lobby for every table)

Yep.

[GoldenEagle]

Last night I started doing a poker journal. I wrote down every hand and what I did. It allowed me to analyze my play. I played at $15 PL and took notes on every player. To me, thats the best part of playing online. It makes for the fast pace of it.

Oh, by the way, last night I took home a profit of $60. Not great, but a solid night. I am up tonight as well.

[Draft Dodger]

so, my newbie question - how does one go about making a little dough at this? I think I'm close to finally putting in $50 through NETeller to poker stars, but I don't know where I should be playing to try to win some of that back.

[GoldenEagle]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

so, my newbie question - how does one go about making a little dough at this? I think I'm close to finally putting in $50 through NETeller to poker stars, but I don't know where I should be playing to try to win some of that back.

At Party Poker, you really do not have to good to win. I just play real tight. I only call when I have two over cards or a high pocket pair. In the words of a wise man, maximize your chances of winnign and minimize your chances of losing. I played 155 hands last night, saw the flop 21% of the time and made $60.

[GoldenEagle]

Of course, sometimes you just have bad luck. I just lost $20 on three hands

First Hand - I had a pretty high straight (10 to K) but I read a flush draw. I bet the pot limit. The guy calls and rivers a flush. He had a 8 and a 4 of spades in his hand.

Second Hand - I have pocket Kings and a 7h 2d 10h comes out on the flop. I again bet the pot to try to win what I have. Out comes a 10h. I again bet the pot. Guy calls. Out comes a 8d of the guy hits a set on the river.

Third Hand - I have KQo, the flop comes and its a 2s Kh 3c. The turn is a Ks and I hit my set. Of course, I bet high. The river comes and it does not matter. The guy had a set of threes which game a full house.

I am not too bad of tilt, but I am going to take a break. I just wish my copy of FM was here.

[Suicane75]

I bet out my K,A with no help from the flop, turn or river and lost 6 bucks, i quit right then and there, if i'm gonna be doing that than I shouldn't be playing. Not having anything else to hold your interest sucks.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

so, my newbie question - how does one go about making a little dough at this? I think I'm close to finally putting in $50 through NETeller to poker stars, but I don't know where I should be playing to try to win some of that back.

This is one of my favorite posts ever on 2+2 on generally how to take advantages of bonuses to build up from a very small starting bankroll:

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/sh...v=#Post1060198

[cthomer5000]

Party has by far the worst players, so I always suggest people play there.

[GoldenEagle]

I have seen some crazy things at part poker. I have a feeling I would see more if it showed both cards at show down.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by GoldenEagle

I have seen some crazy things at part poker. I have a feeling I would see more if it showed both cards at show down.

If you check the hand history, you can see what 2 cards any person held at the showdown (even if they didn't show them at the time).

[MJ4H]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

If you check the hand history, you can see what 2 cards any person held at the showdown (even if they didn't show them at the time).

Yes, yes. This is often the source of much hilarity.

[Suicane75]

freefiftydollars.com is giving away $50 to new users of PP, i suggest trying it out, I used it to start at PP and boy am I glad i did.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by MattJones4Heisman

Yes, yes. This is often the source of much hilarity.

It's also the source of much of my bankroll.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well, several hours later, I've now taken my turn through the play money tables.
And I know how to reload my pay money account

There's no way I suck that bad at poker, it's gotta be the cards

[Radii]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Well, several hours later, I've now taken my turn through the play money tables.
And I know how to reload my pay money account

There's no way I suck that bad at poker, it's gotta be the cards

"proper" play at the play money tables would lead to massive profit but also massive volatility.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Suicane75

freefiftydollars.com is giving away $50 to new users of PP, i suggest trying it out, I used it to start at PP and boy am I glad i did.

This works well? What are the "strings attached?" Do i have to give the "Free 50" people any personal information?"

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by stevew

This works well? What are the "strings attached?" Do i have to give the "Free 50" people any personal information?"

You almost certainly will have to give them all your basic personal info, as they'll likely be the ones actually setting up your account.

These dudes are willing to shell out $50, because if they can turn just a handful of these new signups into regular players they'll make a killing off you. They're getting a % of your rake from Party.

[TredWel]

Yep. If you want to become a relatively serious player, and don't need the money up front to pad your bankroll, I'd serioulsly suggest looking into a rakeback deal, where you get back a percentage of your rake.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I wish there were some kinds of deals for people who've already got accounts. I'd love to have a free $50 on Party Poker, but I've got an account (and already lost $50 there once back in June). I understand why these deals don't work for existing players, since everybody would be using them, but I just wish I'd waited before playing at Party Poker. Reload bonuses don't really help me much because my deposits are never bigger than $50, so the bonuses aren't big. For everyone who's getting in on this free $50, though, enjoy and good luck!

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by TredWel

Yep. If you want to become a relatively serious player, and don't need the money up front to pad your bankroll, I'd serioulsly suggest looking into a rakeback deal, where you get back a percentage of your rake.

Exactly. I heavily second this opinion. Of course you can take the free 50 then just sign up through another party skin....

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I wish there were some kinds of deals for people who've already got accounts.

Yeah, well we all do, but it wouldn't make any sense from the gaming company's perspective.