Beginners Guide to Online Poker

[Tim]

I'm currently writing/editing a 'Beginners Guide to Online Poker' for the site. I'd like it to be as comprehensive as possible. I was wondering.... if you can think back to when you were new to online poker (or perhaps you are new to it, even better) - what would have been helpful to know?

[Harald Zone]

The new player should be advised to click on the automatic blind posting box when playing ring games. It will speed things up for everyone plus it will not draw attention to the new player's rookie status. I also recommend playing with play money for awhile to get used to the features of that specific poker site. Most of all play cautiously and be carefull with your bankroll. Play micro limits in the cash games and play for a dollar in the sit and goes until you cash at least 40% of the time. Keep a record of your playing. Maintain a spreadsheet for your sit and go results. Keep another spreadsheet for your cash games and another for your tournaments.

[Tango]

I started out at Bet365 and at the time I didn't understand what a 'skin' was. So something about skins and how they work would probably be helpful for a beginner to know. It's odd to think you're playing at a site and other people are playing at different sites but you're all playing together. That was a bit of a "how does that work!" moment for me.

I think things about the different game formats would also be nice to know. It's not just cash games and tournaments is it, I mean there's short handed, full ring games, turbo tournies, jackpot hands, shootouts and so on. It can all be a bit confsing for a beginner.

[Tim]

Some good suggestions there guys, nice one.

[malfunctioning]

I would like to toss in some patience. As we all know over playing your hands can be the death of the game. The we can also use follow those instincts. As a player grows their instincts will also. They need to be ready to know that instincts can be a huge tool.
Myself one of the big turning points in my game was when I really started paying attention to their moves. Reading the hands more like a book. Instead of assuming everyone is bluffing or shoving with the nuts. "When the glove don't fit, you must acquit!" them of their chips.

I am developing a complex spreadsheet for bankroll management. If you would like, when I am done you with it, you can have it to go with your guide.

[lp123]

I'd explain rakeback, and why it's really important to not click on just any link to set up your account on Full Tilt but choose one with rakeback. That you get locked into the affiliate terms forever. Wish I had understood that when I started.

[Tim]

Originally Posted by lp123

I'd explain rakeback, and why it's really important to not click on just any link to set up your account on Full Tilt but choose one with rakeback.

Yes, this will definetly be included. Thanks.

[EddieRich]

I would say keep the poker terminology to a minimum, and introduce new terms slowly. I guess it comes with experience, but I had no idea what a "blind" was, and couldn't find a good explanation. So, I had no idea whether I should check the "auto post blinds" box. I just read a post here asking what 2-bet, 3-bet means.

I know there are many poker terms and you can't learn them all at once, but most articles I've read and forum posts say things like "I raise on the turn and this donkey that called on the flop decides to 3-bet". What's a donkey, and a turn, and a 3-bet, and a flop ? I know what that means now, but 6 months ago I had no idea what that meant.

[Tim]

Originally Posted by EddieRich

I would say keep the poker terminology to a minimum, and introduce new terms slowly.

Good point Eddie. The online guide will be specific to online play, so terms like 3-betting will need to be explained. I remember how tough it was to avoid jargon (as much as possible) when overseeing the lessons in the main poker school section. Trying to explain the basic rules is not an easy task at all.