Learning Poker theory

Being new to poker, I have the problem of trying to learn everything at once. Obviously this doesn't work. I need to concentrate on a few factors at a time. I'm thinking for now, just learning to calculate outs, and pot odds would be a good start. Once I got that down I can move along, but for now is that enough?

Hey Xianti - Has there been enough time to sticky that FAQ?

linker, there is a permanent post that will be up in just a day or two that will help with a lot of your questions.

To learn everything, I'd suggest picking up a book. David Sklansky is a great place to start, Theory of Poker by David Sklansky would be good, he's also got one just called Texas Holdem I think.

I think starting hands is where you have to start.

Then comes pot odds.

Originally Posted by Humphrind

Hey Xianti - Has there been enough time to sticky that FAQ?

Yep. Thanks again for doing that, Humph.



Here it is, Linker:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...pic.php?t=2614

Read the starting hand descriptions and stick to 0-2 starting hands. Make a few rules of thumbs that are easy to use anywhere for pot odds.

On the flop, 4 outs = roughly 16% pot odds. (4 x 4)

On the turn, 4 outs = roughly 8% pot odds. (4 x 2)

Remember outs times 4 on the flop, outs times 2 on the turn.

Or if you're looking for a nice easy read with a description on how to play almost all the versions of poker. Try out "How To Play Winning Poker", by Avery Cardoza.

Really basic and concise. A good starter book.I then moved on to "Winner's Guide to Texas Hold'em", by Ken Warren. Now I basically just play my own style with all I've learned from FTR and some other forums.

You can't go wrong with Sklansky. It's not going to teach you "how" to play poker, but rather, it'll put you in the proper mindset to win poker, if that makes any sense.

I'd suggest you buy Lee Jones Winning Low Limit Holdem. I will teach you all the basics and then some, it's also aimed at new players. After you read this go for The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky, one of the best books ever written on poker.

I have been playing about 6 months and have over a dozen books. Skalansky is always recommended but he is by far one of the most difficult to read and understand. The book by Lee Jones is a decent one and my favorite is the book on Internet Holdem by Hilger. These are all books on Limit Holdem.

If you want to jump right into NLH then other books may be better than the above. There is much less material on NLH but most of it is pretty good reading. Also, read everything on this site!

If it's NLHE you are interested in. Pot Limit and NLH by Bob Ciaffione and Stuart Reuben is a good book.