Where to start
Hi folks,
I started to play hold'em with djw earlier this year for the first time and have been enjoying it more and more as time goes on. Like most things in life, it's important to establish a solid foundation by understanding the basics before moving on to more advances/complex topics. In order to do so, it seems the best place to start is books, resources like this forum, and of course, actually playing to gain experience.
In terms of books, I've picked up Sklansky's Theory of Poker, Hold'em Poker,' Hold'em Poker for Advanced Players, and Tournament Poker for Advanced Players, as well as lee jone's Winning Low Limit Hold'em. I've been studying the various topics and realize how complex the game, however I feel that I will be able to hold my own when I walk up to a table. I have a couple questions for you folks:
1. Based on where I'm at now, what should be my next move ? Play or continue to review theory? Or both?
2. Do you think playing online is a good first step for a new-comer?
3. Or maybe Focus on home games where the stakes are not as high before I hit the online or casio scene?
Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
I started to play hold'em with djw earlier this year for the first time and have been enjoying it more and more as time goes on. Like most things in life, it's important to establish a solid foundation by understanding the basics before moving on to more advances/complex topics. In order to do so, it seems the best place to start is books, resources like this forum, and of course, actually playing to gain experience.
In terms of books, I've picked up Sklansky's Theory of Poker, Hold'em Poker,' Hold'em Poker for Advanced Players, and Tournament Poker for Advanced Players, as well as lee jone's Winning Low Limit Hold'em. I've been studying the various topics and realize how complex the game, however I feel that I will be able to hold my own when I walk up to a table. I have a couple questions for you folks:
1. Based on where I'm at now, what should be my next move ? Play or continue to review theory? Or both?
2. Do you think playing online is a good first step for a new-comer?
3. Or maybe Focus on home games where the stakes are not as high before I hit the online or casio scene?
Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Comments
good to see you here on the boards, just means you have a serious interest in poker, not just a passive one like a lot of the new players out there. I like the internet aspect of learning as it allows you to see many more hands than you'd be able to see in a home game. You get used to having AK not hit the flop, you learn pocket 3s UTG are worthless, etc... you get a lot more experience, see way more hands per hour in a shorter amount of time.
But i still enjoy the home game the most. I love playing the other players cards and picking off the tells. For me, I think that is my stong point and i love exercising my reading skills at the table. Its also a lot more relaxing and usually in a home game $$$ is not the main motivating factor, its all about your friends and the poker moves.
I like how you have read some books, that gives you a good foundation to start with. But for me I learned from making mistakes and replaying them. That has been my best teacher, my mistakes.
One piece of advice i like is that if you do plan on going to the casino, try to not play with "scared money". Put aside some $$$ for your bankroll, play with it, if you lose you lose, if you win you win. Never think to yourself, oh I lost xx amount already, I better tighten up. Or I will go home after i take out some more $$$ and make back what I lost.
Now I know I am no pro, but that is my 2 cents... so when are we gonna play together at djw's place???
As soon as he builds a table worthy of playing on... haha j/k!
sorta...