Hi Everyone, I wanted to say thanks for all the sticky's and information. It's a little overwhelming to try and learn and also not post a redundant question. I appreciate all the posts with some of the basic explanations and tips on where/what to play.

I got in to (bad) home games about 6 years ago. I got out of it a while, but started playing a freeroll at a bar near my house (usually ~10 people, $3/person prize). Fun people, lots of bad players so I have a decent time going and have had some success. Thought I might try and spend some time at online tables.

I thought I knew more than the standard basics - I can figure my outs/odds pretty quick, I understand/use pot-odds most of the time, I avoid 'calling' and bet my made hands hard to make the weaker players pay for their draws. But of course I started reading here and I realize I have a lot to learn.

So I wanted to ask (since I didn't see it elsewhere), is it better to study up for awhile in the books/forums before bothering to deposit money in? Is it worth playing on the 'play money' tables to force myself in to some good habits and not worrying about results so much? Or should I go put $20-50 bucks in PokerStars, buy Sklansky and/or Harrington then read some, risk some?

Sorry for the long post and thanks for your help.

Hey Vinsanity,

First off I would recommend depositing a bit of money on either PS or FT and begin with a simple 2NL game. Nothing will teach you more than experience itself, however I would also recommend subscribing to a video training site such as Cardrunners, DeucesCracked, DragTheBar, or even checking out Grinder School where you will find plenty of content on Micro Stakes. Online poker is more statistical and theoretical based these days than many live cash games and tourneys at lower stakes which is why its important to understand how using a HUD can be beneficial to your game, etc. Slightly overwhelming at first but its the way the game has evolved and understanding these things will help put you ahead. Next, read the Theory of Poker, Harrington on Hold'em, and the NL section in Super System. Then check out SirCuddles posts, Verneers guide to the Micros, and post hand history questions when you have them -- this site alone is like a goldmine! Anyways, hope this helps.

I suppose you could try play money but I would just deposit a small amount like $20.00 and take it seriously. As long as you don't go on tilt and spew it all you can get good learning experience from playing whatever game suits you. Even if you have to deposit every once in awhile if you bust you'll be learning(at least in theory) which is the important part.

There is a lot of quality information to study on the forums and it is free so that is a great starting point. I'm new myself and often feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of it but focusing on one specific thing helps.

If you want something more structured you can borrow a beginners book from the library system as well as others as you progress. You will save money by doing that if it is a concern of yours.

Good Luck.

Play money is good for only two things - getting used to software and the speed of online games. Other than that, it is fairly useless at teaching you any thing.

My recommendation - deposit (check rake back issues before doing so) $50 or $100 and start playing and reading at the same time. Play 2NL. First read should be the Sir Cuddles post on beating the micros.

Don't choose games over 10% rake. Play, study, repeat. You'll need to practice as you learn.

why not play freeroll mtt's you find the same types of players like at 2nl or 5nl and you don't have to deposit ??????

I'd steer clear of play money.You'll pick up nothing there but bad habits.Also maybe get some software like HM or Poker Tracker and go back over hands.Good luck.

play money poker is sheet agree what do you think about freerolls ??

There not bad but I think he'll learn quicker playin against people who've some money invested.People just play crazy poker in the freerolls Ive played.Mirco SNGs/MTTs and take it from there would be my advice.

I'm not concerned with putting the money in to the books or even one of the trackers/HUD's, that's an investment IMO. I was just curious if it made any since to to be playing even 2NL if you're not sure where you're making mistakes. Losing 20 or 50 or 100 bucks wouldn't be that big of a deal, but I'd like to minimize those losses.

So the trackers would be suggested even at 2NL? Mostly to track progress and be able to review hands?

Also, does that keep good enough records to deal with the tax implications of online winnings? I'm not overly worried about it at 2NL, but I wanted to be prepared if I up my stakes/winnings to a level that the taxes become an issue on.

Thanks for the feedback guys.