Hi and help

hello! I'm ronnie and not only am i new to the forum, i am very new to poker. i am really enjoying playing but i think i need a bit of advice from more experienced player. iam playing texas holdem at the moment. Some book recomendations would be a good start.

are you playing cash games, sng's, or MTT's? There are many books on each subject, but check out the stickies in each forum for a good place to start.

Regardless of what you play, grab a copy of Theory of Poker by David Sklansky. Then if you're playing No Limit Hold 'Em, a good newbie book is Getting Started in Hold'em by Ed Miller. Also grab No Limit Theory and Practice (Written by Miller and Sklansky) and also get Professional No Limit Hold'em. Those are pretty much the only no limit books around.

For LIMIT hold 'em, grab Small Stakes Hold'Em (Miller, Malmuth, Sklanksy), Hold'em Poker For Advanced Players (Malmuth, I think), and Weighing the Odds in Hold'em Poker (King Yao)

Those are all pretty much the "required" readings.

Originally Posted by euphoricism

Regardless of what you play, grab a copy of Theory of Poker by David Sklansky. Then if you're playing No Limit Hold 'Em, a good newbie book is Getting Started in Hold'em by Ed Miller. Also grab No Limit Theory and Practice (Written by Miller and Sklansky) and also get Professional No Limit Hold'em. Those are pretty much the only no limit books around.

For LIMIT hold 'em, grab Small Stakes Hold'Em (Miller, Malmuth, Sklanksy), Hold'em Poker For Advanced Players (Malmuth, I think), and Weighing the Odds in Hold'em Poker (King Yao)

Those are all pretty much the "required" readings.

I agree for the most part but maybe this is a bit much for a newbie.

I'd suggest reading the stickies in this forum, read some of the stuff from the Poker Strategy spot above, and give it hell at some play money tables for a few days and decide if you still want to play.

where can i get theory of poker? A few people on another forum suggested i get a copy of super system 2. what are peoples opinnions on this?

If you really are a beginner, it's too early for Theory of Poker and Super System 2, to be honest, isn't what you need either. I agree with Spoon that there are online guides for the beginner which are shorter, simpler and more basic than what you'll get in a book. But if we're really going to help, you'll need to answer questions like: how new are you? Do you know all the key terms, what variety of hold'em do you play, how long have you been playing, do you understand hold'em's betting structure etc? An article that might seem condescending after 2 months play and learning might be completely invaluable if you picked up your first pack of cards on the weekend, and vice versa.

Super system 2 is IMO

a) outdated
b) useless for a newbie


What games are you currently playing?

Originally Posted by Ronnie

i am very new to poker

Poker for Dummies is a good start

Where can i find poker for Dummies?

Amazon.[insert country suffix here]

Or you could forget books for now and read the stickies in this forum

Originally Posted by courtiebee

Or you could forget books for now and read the stickies in this forum

I COMPLETELY agree with this. I think if you start with the stickies here it will give you a very good basis of understanding that will help you understand what they are saying in the books.

Also, I too agree with Theory of Poker (ToP) and Supersystem are WAY to complex for someone who is brand new at poker.

Good Luck and welcome to FTR.

phil gordon has some streaming video on his website - plus watch the videos here on FTP and see what folks are doing - may be advanced but would give a reasonable introduction

Stick with FTR and read everything you can, This site has hours of reading. Also, www.grinderschool.com will be more helpful than any book, for a beginner, and cheaper.

If you're really set on getting a book, Getting Started in Hold'em by Ed Miller isn't a bad place to start.

Originally Posted by GatorJH

Originally Posted by courtiebee

Or you could forget books for now and read the stickies in this forum

I COMPLETELY agree with this. I think if you start with the stickies here it will give you a very good basis of understanding that will help you understand what they are saying in the books.

Also, I too agree with Theory of Poker (ToP) and Supersystem are WAY to complex for someone who is brand new at poker.

Good Luck and welcome to FTR.

what they said^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

FTR beats any book as a starting point

"Why you lose at poker" by Russel Fox and Scott Harker.
This is available from the POKERSTARS Fpp Store.

Good book

Originally Posted by TLR

FTR beats any book as a starting point

I disagree for one reason: you have to have some experience here to sift the advice based on limits, levels, games and other factors. The advice here is of high quality, no doubt. For the best poker read, check out Phil Gordon's "Little Green Book" and then "Little Blue Book." Gordon writes extremely well, in lucid but very small and digestible bites.

I did not read the Gordon books, however if I compare any of the books I read to FTR stickies in term of value per minute, I think FTR beats any book as a 'quick start' method, I am not saying books are not worthwhile and I highly recommend reading poker books, but I would start with the FTR stickies and guides

harrington on holdem 1&2 my favs for getting the basics.

Theory of poker is the dullest, hardest read out there.

Supersystem recommends limp reraising AA KK preflop. blloooarrg.

Originally Posted by MuddyWicket

Supersystem recommends limp reraising AA KK preflop. blloooarrg.

Is that where that comes from. It is the most transparent, and stupid preflop play ever invented.

Originally Posted by MuddyWicket

harrington on holdem 1&2 my favs for getting the basics.

Theory of poker is the dullest, hardest read out there.

Supersystem recommends limp reraising AA KK preflop. blloooarrg.

HoH is great if you play no limit Sngs or MTTs, it is not much help to cash players and limit players

- FTR Stickies (reading the basics and beyond for FREE).
- FTR Videos (watching some of the concepts play out).
- FTR Forums (asking the questions and posting hands for review).
- Poker Experience (playing lots more hands).

that ought to get you started in the right direction for VERY little money invested.

start small and work your way up. your time frame will be your own. dont get caught up in what other's say they have done. a poker career is VERY unique to the individual.

take your time, and good luck. hope to hear more from you.

Originally Posted by TLR

HoH is great if you play no limit Sngs or MTTs, it is not much help to cash players and limit players

I agree for limit, but not cash. HoH 1 is a great primer for NL cash games, explaining bet sizing, c-bets, how to play various hands, how to know when you're ahead or behind, and how to bet for information. Sure, it's designed more for the tournament player, but it explains the mechanics of poker extremely well. I learned tons of great ideas in HoH v.1 that apply to cash games, probably one of the main reasons I'm winning now instead of still donking off cash at NL10.

Originally Posted by Robb

Originally Posted by TLR

HoH is great if you play no limit Sngs or MTTs, it is not much help to cash players and limit players

I agree for limit, but not cash. HoH 1 is a great primer for NL cash games, explaining bet sizing, c-bets, how to play various hands, how to know when you're ahead or behind, and how to bet for information. Sure, it's designed more for the tournament player, but it explains the mechanics of poker extremely well. I learned tons of great ideas in HoH v.1 that apply to cash games, probably one of the main reasons I'm winning now instead of still donking off cash at NL10.

Agreed, HOH1 trranslates well to cash games, but HOH2, not so much.

Originally Posted by Trainer_jyms

[Agreed, HOH1 trranslates well to cash games, but HOH2, not so much.

For those not familiar with HOH, volume 1 is about general game play in MTT's during the early stages, where a typicall TAGG image is typical. Volume 2 is about short-handed play in MTT's. Volume 3 is interesting - a book of problems complete with quizzes about how to play. Perhaps half the hands relate to early game.

So...HoH1 is legitimately useful for cash full ring games. The others are simply about other things. But great books.

i am yet to read a poker book.
Go to beginner forum and read the stickies - especially those relating to bankroll. Read Aokrongly (sp?) starting hand post. Play some. Read fifty random posts from the forum that relates to what you decide to play (SHNL, Full Ring, SnG's, etc.)
Post some hand histories where you didn't know what to do, with ALL your thoughts on the hand. Read the responses.
You'll be fine.

I read through here and another thread looking for tips on how too play. Everyone was saying read the stickys, read the stickies, read the stickies.....And I've been around here for a while, so I thought to myself, SELF " whynot check out the stickies, again"
This has to be the best advice..
There is so much you forget, and re-reading the stickies brings you back to the basics. GOOD STUFF.

Originally Posted by Trainer_jyms

Stick with FTR and read everything you can, This site has hours of reading. Also, www.grinderschool.com will be more helpful than any book, for a beginner, and cheaper.

lol spammer

Any of harringtons books. There great reads. Supersystems is also really good

Originally Posted by bode

Originally Posted by Trainer_jyms

Stick with FTR and read everything you can, This site has hours of reading. Also, www.grinderschool.com will be more helpful than any book, for a beginner, and cheaper.

lol spammer

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Thankyou for the advice guys, i think to read the stickes was the best advice, these offer a very sound understanding and knowledge. I got harrington on holdem and have read bits but to be honest i feel like i am learning by actually playing.

I am new to the forum and one of the reasons i joined was to get some advice on some stuff to read to impove my game. this topic here seems good. i shall be checking out the stickes really soon

you guys should ALSO check out Grinderschool, though. there is some free stuff to look at and some other videos to compliment what FTR has to offer.

not too expensive (when compared to others), and dedicated to the microstakes player.

of course, FTR is free with lots of great articles and posters, but grinderschool is building a video archive like nobody's business.

just my .02.

There's free videos on this site too of guys playing online. Gotta love the beer swilling multi tabler. LOL.
I don't know what it is about Phil Gordon but I can't stand him. He might write well but when he announced for the WSOP on PPV I was about to stab my ear drums with a pencil.

Originally Posted by SGTChuck

There's free videos on this site too of guys playing online. Gotta love the beer swilling multi tabler. LOL.
I don't know what it is about Phil Gordon but I can't stand him. He might write well but when he announced for the WSOP on PPV I was about to stab my ear drums with a pencil.

I would take poker advice from Satan himself if it helped me win.

LMFAO. As long as you dont sell your soul I guess.
He is a terrible announcer though. He was trying to analyze the hands without seeing the cards and was doing a terrible job IMO.
Haven't read any of his books, maybe I'll check em out.

Originally Posted by SGTChuck

LMFAO. As long as you dont sell your soul I guess.
He is a terrible announcer though. He was trying to analyze the hands without seeing the cards and was doing a terrible job IMO.
Haven't read any of his books, maybe I'll check em out.

hey sarge,

dont contradict yourself here. you say phillyboy cant read hands for shit, but you would buy his book?

hey, i gotta get back to my writing...just thought i'd point that out. i'll contact you when i finish my book of hand reading, too. its only $50.

lol.

That's cool how you quoted me wish I knew how to do that. lol
I did however say "maybe I'll check em out" I need to save up for a PS3 before (if or when) I buy his book.
Is Satan helpin you write your poker book?

Originally Posted by SGTChuck

That's cool how you quoted me wish I knew how to do that. lol
I did however say "maybe I'll check em out" I need to save up for a PS3 before (if or when) I buy his book.
Is Satan helpin you write your poker book?

In the blue bar right above your post, at the far right, is the "quote" button. Some options only are enabled for users who have met a minimum number of posts (avatars, signatures, etc). I don't know if you have the quote option, yet, but you will after a few more posts if you don't already.

Chopper isn't getting help from Satan to write his book. Chopper is Satan.

nah, Hellmuth is.

its called, BLUFF EVERYTHING and CRY ABOUT IT LATER.

jk

to quote someone, just click the "quote" button in the upper right of the post you want to quote.

it appears in your reply space. from there, you can edit out the parts you dont want to repeat.

also, use the brackets ( [ ] ) and put ... quote="thename" ... inside the brackets to put the name of the person up there.

its something you may have to goof with. i am a complete computer tard myself. i have started threads, called them experimental, and posted all sorts of goofy looking shit in there just to learn how.

welcome aboard, btw.

damn you, robb. we must have been typing at the same time...lol.

Thanks gentlemen. Glad to be here Chopper. See ya on the forum and hopefully at the tables soon.

Originally Posted by SGTChuck

LMFAO. As long as you dont sell your soul I guess.
He is a terrible announcer though. He was trying to analyze the hands without seeing the cards and was doing a terrible job IMO.
Haven't read any of his books, maybe I'll check em out.

Here's my view on poker books. Most pros don't want amateurs and every would-be opponent reading their A-game notes. So you get drivel like Helmuth's book or something autobiographical like Annie Duke's. Sklansky and Malmuth keep everything so theoretical that it takes a math genius with lots of poker experience (and an incredible attention span) to benefit from their A-game notes.

So we're left with very few options for good poker books. HOH1,2,3 are VERY unusual in that a top pro wrote detailed and practical books about his A-game, not just general advice. With Phil Gordon, we have a 2nd tier pro (and multi-million dollar tourney winner) who writes extremely well, and who provided us with A-game notes. So we're getting the A-game notes from a pretty good player which is better than C-game notes from Hellmuth.

I learned a lot from him and Harrington. God bless them both.

How to Really Suck at Poker

by spoonitnow

Originally Posted by spoonitnow

[How to Really Suck at Poker

by spoonitnow

]

lol

Originally Posted by SGTChuck

Originally Posted by spoonitnow

How to Really Suck at Poker

by spoonitnow

lol

You learned to quote a prior post! congrats, good to see you active in the forums, and good luck at the tables!!

lol I still screw it up sometimes.

Originally Posted by SGTChuck

Thanks gentlemen. Glad to be here Chopper. See ya on the forum and hopefully at the tables soon.

where and what levels do you play?

i would ask your screen name, but i dont want anyone to know mine...lol. i tell WAY too much about how i play to want that out. granted, most of the players here already know it...lol.

Originally Posted by Chopper

where and what levels do you play?

i would ask your screen name, but i dont want anyone to know mine...lol. i tell WAY too much about how i play to want that out. granted, most of the players here already know it...lol.

Now I got this damn quoting thing figured out.
I been playing free rolls mostly lately. Spade Club, Poker Stars, Full Tilt, NLOP. I used to play on Paradise Poker alot before they booted US players. Another one Captain Cooks had poker as well as alot of gambling like craps and black jack.
As far as limits I was jumping around alot on Poker Stars when I made my last deposit. I'd play cheap sit n gos and .25-.50 NL. I'd built my 100 up to about 250 then decided to go play Omaha H/L got my ass handed to me for about $100 bucks then went on tilt and went to a 1-2 NLH game and blew the rest of my roll.
Hand where I lost most of it was AA vs J10 I raised preflop had like 2 callers flop comes x9Q I bet out at it and guy on the button calls and I say to myself he has to have a straight draw if a K or 8 comes I'm folding. Sure as shit an 8 comes I check he bets and I still call him to the river after telling myself not to like a dumb ass.
Was probably playing a little higher then I should be and was in a state of mind where I shouldn't have been playing.
Haven't made a deposit since but hell it's a new year and I've got new perspective... at least I think I do.
I'm SGTChuck on Pokerstars so it's pretty obvious.
Got names on other sites but you'll have to figure those out. lol

do yourself a favor and read what you can about bankroll management.

if you are a hobbyist and dont care about the money, carry on.

with $100, you shouldnt be playing 50NL. but, you may already know that.

Actually I didn't know that. Never been good at bankroll management. I do care about the money however and want to get better at poker as well.
I've read that bankroll management thread before. Read it more closely this time and it makes good common sense.
I think my plan's going to be to get on stars with $100 and start playing the $1.20 sng's, track my results with Poker Dominator and go from there.

I would echo very strongly what Chopper said. Bankroll management is critical to being a long-term successful poker player. The guidelines can seem incredibly conservative at first but once you've experienced the evil of a true downswing you'll understand why they're necessary. If you play under-rolled you dramatically increase your chances of going busto.

Whilst it may not hurt that much to replace that $100 that you lost at too high a buyin, it will certainly hurt more if you build up your roll to $1k or $5k and lose that, or if you continually have to make $100 deposits because a few unlucky hands lose you your entire roll.

Originally Posted by SGTChuck

Actually I didn't know that. Never been good at bankroll management. I do care about the money however and want to get better at poker as well.
I've read that bankroll management thread before. Read it more closely this time and it makes good common sense.
I think my plan's going to be to get on stars with $100 and start playing the $1.20 sng's, track my results with Poker Dominator and go from there.

Here are some links to get you started. The first br management link is one of the stickies in the Beginner's forum: BR MGMT 101

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...ers-t4971.html

Check out the "screw br management" thread for pointers on HOW NOT TO POST AS NEWBIE and for insights on how various FTR regs handle BR issues. Can't find it - I'm late to work already LOL!!

Edit1: here's the link for that one - there's flaming at the end that is funny (but deserved):

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...nt-t64610.html

That little gem spawned Spoon's BR Rant (very good):

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...nt-t64845.html

Also consider reading the "Newbie Circle of Death." I've certainly been there, and it sounds like you may have, too. That thread is also a Beginner's Forum "Beginner's Digest" sticky. The link for the digest is here:

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...circle-f4.html

The sticky for "Newbie Circle..." is here:

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...ath-t9214.html

Keep posting - keep learning. It's good to have you here - good luck at the tables.

I also don't like Phil Gordon, he's too much of a show off in my opinion.

But I like the "Little Green Book" very much, it has lots of of well structured, concise knowlegde on many aspects of the game that helps progressing from ABC play to advanced play.

It's not for beginners though, it doesnt teach the basic mechanisms and strategies of poker.