Poker

Orlandu · Joined: 25 Sep 2004 Posts: 165

Never really tried playing anything serious, and I'm not good at all. Still, really want to get better at the game, eventually progressing to cash tables. Heard of alot of magic players doing really well playing poker, and I was wondering if anyone else here is pretty good. If so, where did you go to really learn how to play the game right? ie. where did you cut your teeth? Did you go to a free site and just play there? Did you just play lowstakes games? Any general advice for someone trying to get into it?

gypsy · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 811

try to stay away from play money sites like full tilt as the players there are rly bad and dont care cuz its not real money. start playing low cash value games, you play better when theres actual money on the line and dont just go all in first hand like half the people at a play money table.

onecleanceli · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 264

I personally have been playing poker for years (dad got me started on blackjack when i was 12, 14 years ago) and I have actually been a Texas Hold'em dealer for the past 2 years... i agree and say do not play for 'play chips' online b/c it is exactly that, 'free', and the players dont care, go all in first hand to either hurry up and get to start another tournament, or have a massive chip lead to play around with... pointless... if there is a casino near you, go play at the lowest lvl of cash value possible and enjoy yourself, or just play with your friends for change or something... I am however assuming by 'poker' you mean Texas Hold'em since its the only popular game really

as far as magic players being good at poker and vice versa, it is true, b/c both games are about reading your opponents and when to make the correct move... there are alot of top poker players that started off by playing magic prior to learning texas hold'em, Phil Ivy for one im positive of, b/c he is my favorite, he used to play magic back in the day, along with quite a few others

Dr_Stein · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 3

I know a page were u can get $50 dollars free (no previous deposit). If anyone is interested pm me here or in the channel. U have to be +18 and Usa players are not admitted.

Ludz · Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

Pokerstars is one of the bigger poker sites, and has reqular freerolls.

Both Dave Williams and Julien Nujiten went from magic to poker, maybe due to the money aspect?

gypsy · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 811

dave williams still plays magic

Trotsky1 · Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 745

Jon Finkel won a world series of poker bracelet right?

onecleanceli · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 264

dont think so... could be wrong... and yeh completely forgot about david williams... i remember when they interviewed him about poker and how he got into it and he talked about playing magic as a kid

Aellon · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 10

I've been playing poker off and on and have followed alot of magic to poker players.

The biggest and most important advice I could give anyone wanting to play competitive winning thinking poker are the www.twoplustwo.com boards. That forum is like a fountain of knowledge and you'd be surprised at the number of people that are winning players that offer up solid advice.

Good Times.

Orlandu · Joined: 25 Sep 2004 Posts: 165

Thanks for the advice everyone, and yeah I meant Hold Em, shoulda specified but either way. Closest casino for me is Atlantic City about 3 hours north. Definetly going this summer, but wanted to get some play time in before then. I guess there's no substitute for a real table. Talked to a friend today who basically said the same thing you all did, free play places are just a joke. Damn shame, but oh well. Price of admission I guess.

Are there any books in particular on the subject that anyone could suggest?

onecleanceli · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 264

if you play online on a site (pokerstars, etc.) get into a freeroll and just 'sit out' for awhile, to let all the stupid ass donkey's knock themselves out and wittle it down to only 'half-ass serious' players and you'll get a half-decent game going and you can play from there and at least just pretend you're doing what you are supposed to be doing... but other than, you're right... there's no substitute from a true live table

Crossbow · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 14

There is nothing that says you can't get a small money game going with the guys you play magic with, call up 3 or 4 of them and suggest it as an alternative like once a month. Do a 10 or 20 dollar stake and have the top 2 split the take 60/40. It will keep eveybody honest and give you some real experience. It won't break anyone because it is less than the price of a Fat Pack.

Crossbow

affinitommy · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 10

books u should read are:
Supersystem 2 by Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson(10 bracelet winner) if u don't want too much maths in ur poker strategy;
Sklansky on Texas Hold'Em if u like to overwhelm people with maths certainity;
Why you lose at poker(can't remember the author,u can see it on amazon i think),and understand why u are so suscettible to bad beat.
There are a lot more poker books,that i can suggest you,but these 3 seems like the basic of beginning play poker for tournament.
The only rule they have in common,is:
Don't play poker if u need money or if the buy-in is too much expensive for you.Never.

Dracon_ian · Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 24

I consider myself a good poker player (but then again, who does really), I play online for free, multi-table shoot outs are the best, it teaches you to wait, because as someone said, there is lots of really bad player who don't care b'cos it's free. In the multi-tabel format, you have to sit back and wait as the bad players knock themselves out, and in the late game you come into your own.

I also watch quite a bit on the tele', it's like watching the coverage from a PT. You learn some good moves.

I also play small stakes with friends, I usually have to deal, as i'm the only one that spends most of his day shuffling cards of some sort or another. I force shoot outs on them to make them play seriously (otherwise they just throw money about, then top-up, throw it about, then top-up). It's harder to play against people playing silly as you can't tell what they're playing.

So, my main tips, look around for a good site, even if they players aren't good, it will help you understand the format. And when playing with friends, make sure they want to play seriously.

Dracon_ian · Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 24

Just seen when the last post was made, can no-one have a go at me for replying, please.