How do I get better at poker?

Question

I have been losing money. How do you win most money? In tournaments, sit n gos or cash games? Consistent money? I want to start winning. What are some tips?

Answer 1

You play a friendly game with people in reality and on line where there is NO money involved. You learn the statistics of the ability to complete a hand. You learn to pay close attention to what has been thrown away.

Go to the library and read books on poker from various "professionals." And if you are smart you learn that the odds of winning in most gaming are way, way, way against you.

DO NOT PLAY ONLINE FOR MONEY! You never know if someone is cheating.

Answer 2

Experience is a very important factor. I would recommend playing in some cash games and tournaments which you can afford. I personally play in sit 'n go's and multi table tournaments as well as cash games. I win more money in tournaments than in cash games, but, I also play tournaments a lot more frequently . There is some really good potential for profit in low stakes no limit hold'em cash games. Many of these players are "calling stations" and you will get paid with the nuts a lot of the time.

I think one of the best tips for improving your game is to work on reading your opponents hands. Go with your gut instinct, this will usually be the right call. Don't make decisions too quickly, even if you feel you can't possibly lose the hand. Mix it up, and don't play the same way all the time. Sometimes you have to play loose or tight in order to project a table image or for advertising.

Also, I think that you should probably read some good poker books. I would recommend books by David Sklansky.
You can check out some poker books that I recommend here:
http://www.ultimatepokerforum.com/pokerbooks.html

Answer 3

If you are totally new to the game learn the basic rules and mechanics by playing free poker on-line. Once you mastered the basic play money games will only serve to develop bad habits. A balance of studying quality material (there are many who claim to be experts but aren't) and practice. Keep records so that you can see if what you are doing is working for or against you. Sit n Go tournaments will be your best value as a practice venue because you will get to experience short handed and heads up play more often than in regular tournaments or ring games.

You also need to keep in mind that even the best players have bad streaks and lose money. Bad players sometimes get lucky and win money. The real trick is to play at a level were you can get through those bad times without losing your whole bank roll.

Answer 4

The only way to get better at Poker is with practice. Start by learning more about the game and about the odds. That way you can learn what your statistical odds are with each hand. One of the hardest things to learn is when to quit chasing your money into the pot – if you can’t win the hand, fold – don’t throw good money after bad. Remember the old song by Kenny Rogers? That’s how you learn – practice and experience. Poker is a lot like Life (says the Texan).

Answer 5

DO NOT PLAY ON-LINE FOR FREE. Playing on line for free or play chips is a great way to learn BAD HABBITS. When people play for free most are there just for somthing to do or pass the time. They have nothing at steak, nothing to gain and nothing to lose. This combination leads to slopy play and players playing stupid. There starting hand selection is week and therefore they are looking for the miracle river cards so to speak. Even low limit on-line poker is somwhat of a joke.

If you want to play a competative game and learn how to win somwhat consitantly try the sit and goes at full tilt poker. You have likley heard that playing a "tight agresive" game is the best style of play. The best advice I can give is play overly tight and overly agresive when playing on-line. This style will eliminate any dumb a$$es playing week hands against you. The peole who do call your bets will likley have a decent hand but since you are playing overly tight you should feel comfterble with your play. Be carfull playing this way as players will put you to the test after they get tiered of folding to your over agresivness so you better have the cards to back up your bets. Below is a link to the site I play (and make money) at.

Answer 6

To make the most consistent money in poker the best bet is No Limit Cash games. It may sound weird but these have less variance than Limit games. Maybe read these Tips from the Pros articles, they can help you out. http://www.theultimatepokerguide.com/index.php?topic=full-tilt-poker-tips

The problem with No Limit Cash games is they are a bit harder to learn than limit, so it might not be the best bet for you if you want to turn your game around right now.

Answer 7

Practice makes perfect..But you'te better off not playing online poker, you usually lose easier than win because people call on anything and usually catch ridiculous hands...If I were you I would just stick to home games or tournaments not online!

Answer 8

Practice

Answer 9

Practice

Answer 10

I am only a newbie at poker so I found an on-line version of poker and I found it really helped me with unerstanding of how it all works, I'm not sure if it will help you or not. I have herd protending you have a really good hand when you have a bad hand is a good way of tricking people.