Playing online...

[Talking Poker]

Instinctively, I would say Play Money tables can only hurt your game, but for a *brand new* player, I'm not so sure. It would help them familiarize themselves with the action and the absolute basics of the game - like reading their own hand and that sort of thing.

For even a semi-skilled player (anyone above an absolute beginner), I think it would not be worthwhile, and in fact may hurt one's game.

I would recommend you start small - say $100 ($500 if you can swing it), and start bonus whoring. Literally open a new acount, make your deposit, earn your bonus, cash out, and move on to the next site. This is a great way to build a bankroll - or, if you are losing in the beginning - to help yourself stay even because of the bonus money.

Ordinarily I would recomment working your way right down this list (and yes, using my afiliate links would be appreciated):


But if you want to guarantee yourself a boost to your bankroll, start with Pacific:


They have micro limits there, and I'll make you a sweet deal too. Deposit at least $100, play at least 250 raked hands (yes, even on the microlimits), and I'll give you another $25 free and clear (on top the the bonus they will give you). I can even put it into a Poker stars account for you or something, so you'll have a small roll for a new site.

I can make you a similar deal for Absolute Poker if you deposit just $50 there, so that would be a good second step:


Hmmmmm..... I really should put together a step by step process for people on how to build a bankroll, starting with little or nothing... It's very doable.

[Spidey44]

TP...thanks! I will try and do this tonight. Funny...can't get to most poker sites at work

[GeoffM]

I would also not recommend micro-limits even though TP said they might help. They work just about the same as free money, even the no-limit games. Hell, even at .25/.50, the play is still not so great. I would start at .50/1.00 on PP, play tight like a virgin and people will pay you off.

[Spidey44]

Thanks Geoff. I can see why the micros could create a problem. Glad I found this site...

[GeoffM]

I'm glad you found this site too, now do me a favour:

STOP SAYING THANKS.

I am always glad, as I'm sure just about everyone else on this board is, to help out.

[Spidey44]

Geoff...I'll make a deal with you...

I'll stop saying thanks, if you stop adding unnecessary "u"s to words

[Talking Poker]

LOL... Damn Canadians!

As for the micro-limits, I have never played them myself, but that HAVE to be better than play money, even if it's just a little. I was more suggesting playing those in order to build a bankroll, not to learn how to become a better player... It depends on how much you deposit, but I would think starting at .50/$1 or $1/$2 would be a reasonable starting place.

Oh - and welcome to the forum!

[eddo31]

definitely play for real money. there is really no point in playing the fake money tables. it will just create bad habits that you will then have to break in real money games. the only use for play money games is to help you understand the rules of a specific game (say if you wanted to familiarize yourself with omaha or stud), and that can be done just as easily at the micro limits.

take tp's advice here. there are so many deposit bonuses out there that as long as you can play close to break even poker, you can build your roll very quickly. play solid, tight poker, and you wil do well in the beginning. dont worry about fancy moves, just play it straight up.