Pre-flop first in

[Phoenix88]

I'm new to the game and am beginning my education with Lee Jone's Winning Low Limit Holdem.He dosen't make 'specific' recommendations for which pairs to raise with. when first in and seated in middle and late position. Any "specific" suggestions would be appreciated.Thanks

[jimmer]

Ok, well firstly welcome to the forum.

The question you are asking has many many different responses depending on the specifics of the situation. (For example, if I was to say to you; where is the best place for me to go if I wanted to visit the USA? Your answer would probably be something along the lines of; It would depend on what type of things I like, how long I have, how much money I have, where I've been before etc etc).

Therefore although there are general answers, it probably wouldn't make you anymore the wiser.

Try asking a specific question relating to a game you've recently played in or watched.

Sorry I can't be anymore specific, but unfortunatley the answer is not black and white.

Once again, welcome to the forum.

[Phoenix88]

I'm brand new to the game, and if I follow your logic correctly, some of the variables determining my decision would be the nature/flow of the game (as in tight/loose,passive/aggressive) and my goal (which is to make money, as in slowly and patiently build an adequate bankroll and learn continuously to the point of eventually competing well in mid-limit and no limit games). To date I've just played online with play money and one day I lost/spent/invested $20 to observe the difference in the two. I'm pretty much clueless at this point as is this is the first book on my reading list. I'm just trying to determine an initial "preset" strategy to go in and learn with.In addition any advice regarding my goal and reading list would be very much appreciated.

[jimmer]

I'm brand new to the game, and if I follow your logic correctly, some of the variables determining my decision would be the nature/flow of the game (as in tight/loose,passive/aggressive)

Yes. Also, your chip stack size, other players chip stack sizes, your position, notes on players, the stake levels you are playing, whether it's a tourney or cash game, how many players are sat at the table........etc etc

...one day I lost/spent/invested $20 to observe the difference in the two.

So you spent $20 of 'real money'? Great which site did you play on? You should be able to access your hand history (HH). Choose a couple of the hands which lost you the most money, go to the beguinners forum
http://www.texasholdem-poker.com/forum/ ... -questions
and post the hands individually (one per post). The other site members will then give you loads of information on the hand, not only informing you of what you did wrong, but what you could do differently next time.

In addition any advice regarding......my reading list would be very much appreciated.

Firstly look through this forum
http://www.texasholdem-poker.com/forum/ ... literature
If this doesn't help, start a new thread explaining a little about yourself and stating that you want a beguinners guide to poker and see what replies you get.

Does this help?

[Kemics]

one word: Harrington

I would put any of dan Harrington's books at the top of your reading list.

[Muck]

one word: Harrington

Agree.

Easy to read and best return on investment of any book I've brought.

Although that's his tourney books, I don't know what his cash games ones are like.

[jimmer]

one word: Harrington

Agree.

Easy to read and best return on investment of any book I've brought.

Although that's his tourney books, I don't know what his cash games ones are like.

I agree in general, but what about for absolute beguinners?

Harrington is good, but if you are just learning the game isn't he a little advanced?

[HalfSugar]

I'm new to the game and am beginning my education with Lee Jone's Winning Low Limit Holdem.

That's a really good book for doing exactly what the title says. While I suggest you devour lots of poker literature, you already have one of the best for that specific type of game which probably suits a beginner better than almost anything.

[mortaleclipse]

In my personal opinion nothing beats experience, getting something to track hands so you can review them at a later time. I think being able to notice trends of bets will help you make your choices easier as you see these spots come up more often. The best help is the online poker sites such as www.cardrunners.com which I use, the insite of these pros is just incredible and can really help your game.