learning to play

[SmilinMark21]

Hello all,

I have recently started playing pot limit holdem, i have previously played with friends (i am 22) but the games we played weren't exactly as challenging more for fun

i am looking to play games and learn, and so far each time i have left the table i have left with a fair point on where i was weak or what i did wrong or could have done instead

but i am just asking an open question here for anyone who has been there learning early on and has some advice for a newbie like me on how best to play to learn the game, i want to win but id rather take my time and gain as much knowledge first (have been reading a book rated high on amazon which is helping also)

any points would be great

Thanks

Mark

[UnluckyKyle]

I'm 22 as well and have been playing for the better part of 9 months. I started with NL games with anywhere from 5-11 of us sitting around my apartment playing. When I went from home NL games to online limit games the way i looked at Hold'em was turned upside down. First of all, they're two totally different beasts altogether. IMO limit is easier to learn and easier to get a feel of how a person plays. You'll get river'd out 10x more in limit than you will in No Limit, and people will play hands that will make you pull out your hair.

At first i was a losing limit player, then i picked up a copy of Turbo Texas Hold'em. i hate to sound like i'm pushing this software too much, but i've used the program and loved it. Wilson's Software Turbo Texas Hold'em. Learn it, love it, but most of all... use it!!!

There are all sorts of statistical tools, analytical readouts, and most of all... tips! The program will give you a good feel of when to call, raise, fold, etc.

Personally, i'm all about live games. The internet poker rooms just arent as exciting for me. The nice thing about the internet games is that you can play multiple tables at once, so you wont have to sit around 20 minutes waiting for a solid hand to come up.

Another big question to ask yourself is: Am i learning anything, and how much is it costing me?

If you're playing and losing (which shouldnt be a big issue when starting, we all lose at first) see how much the losses are costing you. If i sit down and lose $20 every time i sit... then i better come away with $20 worth of knowledge every time. Dont go to someone's home game and buy in for $100 if you've been losing for a fraction of that consistently. Keep it within your spending range (maybe even on the low side) until you're winning consistently.

Hope that helps!

[Jauron]

You can read all you want, until you lose money your probably not learning though.

Most things I learned cost me money to learn. Those are the things that stick with you. I will say that if there is no money on the table your not learning, you can't be until it costs you more money than you care to lose to call a bet, your not really playing IMHO.

Basically get into a game where the money is slightly a factor, but not too hight as to freeze you up. Once you feel like you have that game under control move up again until you find a game that makes you slightly uncomfortable when the big bets come. Then repeat once you feel like you have a handle on that game. Usually the higher the money the better the players.

[nicthestick]

you havent played poker until you have bought in with the morgtage for the month.......