Jump to content

New To Poker, Need Some Advice


Recommended Posts

Hello Everyone,I recently picked up the game as a couple of my friends just shared it with me. Texas hold'em really interests me, but the thing is that I'm not sure where I can go to learn the game properly and have a good foundation. Happen to chance upon this forum, and you guys seem to be real pros that I can learn from. Any recommendations on where I should go to learn? Or are any materials available that will be good? Cause I'm playing a bit on facebook, but seem kinda lost as to what I should do to improve my game.Hope I get some replies here. Thanks a lot guys!Regards,NicholasP.S: Sorry if I'm too noob, hope no one will flame me. Thanks. =)

Link to post
Share on other sites

I first thought you were actually from Manchester United. :club: There's strategy forums here, for a start. Many good books available, aimed at beginners too (e.g - Harrington on Holdem for tournaments). There's also video training sites, if you're willing to invest some money.Most people here probably got into it just by watching poker on tv though.. then getting some money online and starting out at low stakes and learning the basics yourself. Can't beat learning through actually playing.. good luck!

Link to post
Share on other sites
What games/structures etc. are you specifically interested in? How much money/time are you willing to commit to your education? What are your goals; what do you hope to get out of poker this month, this year or 5 year from now?
If you answer these questions we could probably give you some good advice. It's really important to know what you want out of something before you get started. By the way, you will get flamed. Maybe not in this thread but somewhere along the line you will be a victim of flaming so take it in stride.
Link to post
Share on other sites

The 2+2 line of books is very good. Also there is strat forms here, and there are coaching sites that have excellent videos to help you learn. As others have said, with more details, we can probably tell/help you more. :)As a good start, I suggest Sklansky's Theory of Poker and Miller's Small Stakes Hold'Em. Both of these books have served me well in learning the fundamentals I could then apply to different things as I got more experience.Ray

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey guys, First of all, let me thank you for all the replies. =) I really appreciate it. Now, let me go into answering the questions.

What games/structures etc. are you specifically interested in? How much money/time are you willing to commit to your education? What are your goals; what do you hope to get out of poker this month, this year or 5 year from now?
Hmm. For now, the only game I kinda know how to play is Hold'Em. Seems to be the easiest poker game to learn and start off with. (Correct me if I'm wrong) At the moment, I only know that there is Pot Limit and No Limit. Not really sure how PL works, because playing on Facebook is NL. Would want to learn more about Hold'Em first, then maybe slowly progressing to the other variations of poker. What do you think? Regarding the time/money, maybe it'll be good to tell you guys a little bit more about myself. I'm from Singapore, but am now in the UK taking my first degree. So, I'm a student, and I do not have loads of money. Haha. Time, maybe a couple of hours a week, and Money, maybe not above £50 for now. My goals are to first learn the basics, get a good grounding and the right fundamentals to poker, because I know that it can be quite hard to change any bad habits or mistakes that new players tend to do or pick up. Maybe slowly be able to try some mini cash games @ pokerstars, or even go to the local casino for their Hold'Em tourney. Not really sure bout 5 years from now, gotta see the level of my progression first. But a year from now, I hope to be able to beat amateurs who do not have any kind of poker education.
I first thought you were actually from Manchester United. :club: There's strategy forums here, for a start. Many good books available, aimed at beginners too (e.g - Harrington on Holdem for tournaments). There's also video training sites, if you're willing to invest some money.Most people here probably got into it just by watching poker on tv though.. then getting some money online and starting out at low stakes and learning the basics yourself. Can't beat learning through actually playing.. good luck!
Haha, I just noticed the part on my location, and yeah. Looks like Manchester United at the first glance. loL. Yeah, I've been browsing through the strategy forums, but some stuff seems quite deep for me at the moment. Maybe a good book or two, or a dvd or two will be good for me i guess. Yup, saw Daniel's PokerVT, but don't quite have enough cash to splash out on that for now. That seems to be the most ideal, but maybe after I've saved enough and learn some fundamentals first.I would also want to try out online low stakes, but the thing is that I won't know if I'm making any mistakes or something, it'll really be like I'll find out once I lose quite a bit of my money kinda learning. Haha. At least maybe with some materials, I can monitor my play, and be able to make the required changes.
Quit now, before it's too late.
Haha. Haven't really started yet. Can't quit now. loL.
LIVERPOOL!!! FTW!!!!!!!
Haha. nono. Man Utd FTW =)
If you answer these questions we could probably give you some good advice. It's really important to know what you want out of something before you get started. By the way, you will get flamed. Maybe not in this thread but somewhere along the line you will be a victim of flaming so take it in stride.
Yeah. I've replied back at the first quote. Hmm. Yup, you're right. I'll learn to take it in my stride. Thanks =)
The 2+2 line of books is very good. Also there is strat forms here, and there are coaching sites that have excellent videos to help you learn. As others have said, with more details, we can probably tell/help you more. :)As a good start, I suggest Sklansky's Theory of Poker and Miller's Small Stakes Hold'Em. Both of these books have served me well in learning the fundamentals I could then apply to different things as I got more experience.Ray
What's "2+2"? (please nobody reply 4. haha) Sorry, still new and not sure about those stuff. Yeah, the details are at the first quote. Hmm. thanks for the recommendations, any good place to get a review of those books and to buy them?
Not in the LHE thread. 'Fruited; sure. Flamed; never.
what's Fruited? loL
Manchester! Safe :DWhere abouts?
Hey. You're from Manchester too? I'm staying near the university. =)Thanks a lot guys! Looking forward to your replies!Regards,Nicholas
Link to post
Share on other sites
first - read small stakes holdem by david sklanskythis is the foundation you search.then, if you still enjoy the game.. ask more questions
Actually, First.... there is a such thing as Limit Hold'EmSecond, now that book will make more sense.But either way, I don't think that's a great beginners book. Little Green book might be better.
Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh, I almost forgot...If you do signup for any online sites. Make sure you get Rakeback. (Check my site in link below.) It's pretty essential. (I'd explain in more detail, but the site does that too, just check the FAQ.) Definitely a must have though, and if you make an account without it, you can't go back and do it later.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Purchase "Getting Started in Hold'em" by Ed Miller. This is the perfect beginner's book, IMO. It briefly covers both Limit Hold'em and NL Holdem. I think Suited_Up mentioned Phil Gordon's Little Green Book as well. I think this one would be okay if you're only interested in No Limit, but I would definitely suggest Miller's book because it gives you exposure to all forms of Hold'em.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Purchase "Getting Started in Hold'em" by Ed Miller. This is the perfect beginner's book, IMO. It briefly covers both Limit Hold'em and NL Holdem. I think Suited_Up mentioned Phil Gordon's Little Green Book as well. I think this one would be okay if you're only interested in No Limit, but I would definitely suggest Miller's book because it gives you exposure to all forms of Hold'em.
Good call, forgot about that one.
Link to post
Share on other sites

I forgot about this thread. For people to recommend books and other material, you should probably specify whether you're interested in cash games or tournaments (unless you really just love the idea of tournaments or you're doing this to play tournaments with your friends or something, I feel like tournaments are a waste of time, but an argument could be made that they're a good way to start, because a) you can get more play for your money and B) if you're playing play money or freerolls, the competition is going to be trying harder and thus better prepare you for the jump to real money). (Further comment on this from someone who plays NLH or has more or more recent experience with this would be appreciated.)Also, buying books is really expensive, when you add it up. Like, there are at least 4 $30 books that would be helpful early on, I would guess. Also, I don't play NLH at all these days, and when I was reading books about it the popular stuff was completely different, so specify tourneys or cash games, have some one closer to NLH recommend one book for a beginner -- one that emphasizes tight, conservative play, I guess -- read it, play play money for a while just to get some basics down, then when you decide you're the shit, deposit on Stars and play some micro, realize you still suck and that poker is hard work, and ask/read a ton of questions in the strat forums. Good luck.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Here's what I did:Started off at play money tables and read some of the books mentioned above until I was comfortable with the nuances of the game (yes, I just said nuances)...then I deposited $75 and played small/micro stakes for 1-2 years until I could win at these lower levels (~100K hands). Eventually I couldn't improve my game any further on my own and subscribed to Cardrunners ( I wouldn't recommend this step too early though)...this by far made the biggest difference for me. Move up levels only when you have accumulated cash (a buffer/bankroll) at the lower levels.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey Guys,Once again, thanks a lot for all the replies here. I really appreciate the help that you more experienced players are sharing with a new player like me =)

first - read small stakes holdem by david sklanskythis is the foundation you search.then, if you still enjoy the game.. ask more questions
Actually, First.... there is a such thing as Limit Hold'EmSecond, now that book will make more sense.But either way, I don't think that's a great beginners book. Little Green book might be better.
Purchase "Getting Started in Hold'em" by Ed Miller. This is the perfect beginner's book, IMO. It briefly covers both Limit Hold'em and NL Holdem. I think Suited_Up mentioned Phil Gordon's Little Green Book as well. I think this one would be okay if you're only interested in No Limit, but I would definitely suggest Miller's book because it gives you exposure to all forms of Hold'em.
Good call, forgot about that one.
Thanks for the recommendation for books! I guess I'll look into "Getting Started in Hold'Em" by Ed Miller since you guys recommend that it'll be a good starter book. Will most probably get that one first and once again, we'll see how it goes and maybe progressing to other books in the future. =)
Finish school, get a high paying job, and then play a lot of poker for fun. Don't worry too much about trying to learn because poker is mostly luck.
Hmm, the reason why I want to learn is because in my opinion, compared to many other card games, poker has a lower luck factor than the rest. True, all card games require a certain amount of luck, but I guess poker has other factors such as reading your opponent, bluffing, getting the most our of your money and etc. Once again, since I'm new, correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks =)
Oh, I almost forgot...If you do signup for any online sites. Make sure you get Rakeback. (Check my site in link below.) It's pretty essential. (I'd explain in more detail, but the site does that too, just check the FAQ.) Definitely a must have though, and if you make an account without it, you can't go back and do it later.
Thanks =) I saw the FAQ, and the site looks quite good. Will sign up for it when I get into cash games.
If you are just starting and have a limited bankroll, play at PokerStars. You will be able to get the most play for your money there.
Actually I just got myself a PokerStars account yesterday, but have only been playing for play money. Joined some Sit & Go games and just played for fun. Will look into cash games soon. Thanks!
Link to post
Share on other sites
I forgot about this thread. For people to recommend books and other material, you should probably specify whether you're interested in cash games or tournaments (unless you really just love the idea of tournaments or you're doing this to play tournaments with your friends or something, I feel like tournaments are a waste of time, but an argument could be made that they're a good way to start, because a) you can get more play for your money and B) if you're playing play money or freerolls, the competition is going to be trying harder and thus better prepare you for the jump to real money). (Further comment on this from someone who plays NLH or has more or more recent experience with this would be appreciated.)Also, buying books is really expensive, when you add it up. Like, there are at least 4 $30 books that would be helpful early on, I would guess. Also, I don't play NLH at all these days, and when I was reading books about it the popular stuff was completely different, so specify tourneys or cash games, have some one closer to NLH recommend one book for a beginner -- one that emphasizes tight, conservative play, I guess -- read it, play play money for a while just to get some basics down, then when you decide you're the shit, deposit on Stars and play some micro, realize you still suck and that poker is hard work, and ask/read a ton of questions in the strat forums. Good luck.
Hey, I'm actually interested in both. Not really want to just specialize in one particular format. But the thing is that from my limited knowledge, I know that there are quite a lot of differences playing cash and tourneys. So would really want to know the differences and be able to try out both as well. By the way, would you mind if I ask why you don't play NL Hold'Em anymore?
this guys a quick learner i didnt know how to properly quote and use colors for months .. i say coach and steak him its a no loss garuntee.
you seem intelligent and are approaching this in a good way. i like your chances.
Thanks for the compliments guys, appreciate it, but still feel that there are a lot of things I still need to learn, getting good basics, the right fundamentals, and most importantly, the right experience as well. I will work hard and smart(try my best) to improve even more. =)
Here's what I did:Started off at play money tables and read some of the books mentioned above until I was comfortable with the nuances of the game (yes, I just said nuances)...then I deposited $75 and played small/micro stakes for 1-2 years until I could win at these lower levels (~100K hands). Eventually I couldn't improve my game any further on my own and subscribed to Cardrunners ( I wouldn't recommend this step too early though)...this by far made the biggest difference for me. Move up levels only when you have accumulated cash (a buffer/bankroll) at the lower levels.
Yeah, will want to move into micro stakes as well once I get some basics and am ready to try out cash games. Feel that if I get into cash games now, I'll just be a fish for the players there. loL.Some updates: Guys, as I've mentioned above, played some play money Sit & Go at PokerStars, found that people usually play a bit loose over there. Now, I'm basically playing quite tight, waiting for the right cards to come before going into the pot, and looking at the flop. Was able to win a 6man and 27man tourney and finish 4th for a 45man one, but for now, my play is mostly based on luck and having the right cards. Only pulled a couple of bluffs successfully, and totally suck at heads up. Hope to get more inputs from you guys here. Also, on books, as I mentioned above, will most probably get "Getting Started in Hold'Em" by Ed Miller, but will also be interested in looking into books on tourneys as well. Also, found from amazon that the book costs around £11. Is it a good price for the book, or do you guys have a better place to get poker books?Thanks again for taking the time to read my posts and to reply here as well. Cheers!Regards,Nicholas
Link to post
Share on other sites

I would recommend Harrington on Hold'em - Expert Strategy For No-Limit Tournaments (like i've been recommended on this forum months ago). If you are looking for the basics of NL Hold'em, this book is for you. The only flaw when you start with this book is that you don't have enough knowledge to hammer on Cash games right away but you would still have more knowledge than the average micro stake PokerStars player (as long as you play the lowest stakes of all).The book is really simple and covers a lot of information for a beginner.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Yeah I think a book is probably the easiest way for a total beginner to learn the basics and beyond. Supersystem by Doyle Brunson was the book that taught me to play goot, or at least not terribly.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...