Starting off, Go to the right resource

When I started poker a few years back, I wish I could have learned everything that I know now. The most important thing on starting is to always try to identify where you can find the right information and ask the right person. I would say its very important to pinpoint exactly what it is your trying to get out of poker, and ask why .Because in all honestly, only you can know the answer to what you want out of poker and what can it do for you .

Id like to hear on how you guys started off, and what inspired you to play. Because its a tough field and i respect any player pushing their chances on making money and who doesnt want to play for a living. Its the best thing when you can do what you love .

How is knowing how people started off going to make you or others better at poker. to improve you should talk about theory , post hands and get advice on your bet sizing, lines ranges etc. For instance , you say go to the right resource ....and then give none

my apologies, its my first post on here. I didn't really think this one through, But I think I was trying to say that its important for people to know what it is that they want from playing. But you couldn't have said it better with theory, hands and lines etc. I think all that comes all together at one point as you learn, but to actually find a certain particular game you play such as cash, or MTT, i was suggesting that its best to ask the right person and look into the right information on how to do it. I can't speak for what people are playing and maybe thats why i didn't post on where to look, but I wanted the player who reads this post to find the answer for themselves so that they can learn where to pick off from without other players telling them they should be doing this or that... so if your getting into cash, you should look and find on whos a reliable mentor/expert on cash , or if you like MTT, who can you ask on how to play mtt or where can you read on mtt. for example: if I was a new player, someone suggest I go to youtube on poker videos, and this person is an expert or has history on being recognized as a great coach, id look into youtube .. i hope that help answer it a bit. again I apologize its late and its my first post.

again ...that was pretty pointless. if you want to play cash look for someone who is good at coaching cash games, same for SNG and MTTs is essentially what you are saying and adds nothing to peoples learning about poker. If you had said things like number2intheworld one of the forum mods is a WSOP bracelet winner,gabe plays WSOP tournies ,jyms was a coach at grinderschool, renton coached at grinderschool and cardrunners etc, micro2macro played EPT barcelona and took a shot at supernova elite and spoonitnow produces regular strategy articles in the BC ,donkbee plays high ish stakes SNG's and featured in an episode of the big game, you'd have an idea of the quality players that may give you advice. there are also regular ask me anything sessions where you get to ask top pro's questions. Currently qustions are being lined up to ask mike "timex" macdonald

My Back to Basics strategy series and the rest of my strategy series here on FTR is a good start. Check out the Beginner's Circle forum and come chat with us in the FTR chat room (see my signature for details) to talk with FTR pros about how to get better at poker.

I started playing because late night ESPN aired poker, and there was nothing else on so I watched. I started understanding the basics and it looked fun. My passion for the game has grown since.