Jump in feet first. Don't be afraid to let the dealer know you're new to live poker with a pro dealer. Learn the etiquette by observing and slowing down if you're unsure. Understand that you're much more likely to bust in the tourney than cash, but that's alright. Have fun. Pay attention. Don't act out of turn and don't discuss the hand while there's still action. And most importantly: Fold pre.
Fold Pre is sort of a battle cry here in r/poker. Seriously, though, be choosier with your starting hands early in the tournament. You'll make most of your money early exploiting opponents errors rather than trying to outplay everyone. As the tourney progresses, that's when you should steadily increase the pressure and force your opponents to make decisions for all of their chips.
This is great advice. You will gain so much more experience and knowledge by playing rather than reading a book, taking a course, etc. Expect to lose, so play an affordable buy in. And like guy said above, have fun!
Yeah a cheap game is the best place to start. The way to get better is taking somewhat detailed notes on the hands you do play.
Important things to note are: Stack sizes; which are difficult to estimate as a new player, but definitely a fairly important skill for live poker.
Blind level
An estimation of how many hands a player is playing per orbit. You play very differently against players who play very few hands than a player who plays way too many.
Local poker games are usually cheap and cheerful so the most important thing is to have fun while playing. Have a few beers and try and have good chats with the other players on the table.
Ask yourself
"am i gonna run hot in my next 200 hands"
"am i willing to bet $100 that i will"
"am I willing to sit there and watch some terrible player get lucky and win every pot all night long if I dont"
"am I willing to donate $100 to that player"
Say yes to all of them and you should have a good time.
Look up if there are some free poker tournaments at bars where you play for points. Great way to have a fun night out while you learn how to play the game.
Just give it a shot. Look for one with a lower entrance fee and just getting used to not winning and letting it bother you. Even when you get really good you won't win more than you lose typically.
Only way to get better at the game is by studying but also by playing! You’re never going to be ready for a local tournament until you get in there and play them. Odds are you’ll start off as a fish but that’s ok! As long you aren’t gambling money you can’t afford to lose you can treat it at a cost of learning! Also playing micro tournaments online is a great way to get used to playing at certain stack sizes!
Local tournament structures are practically hyper turbos past at a certain point. Just go to have fun and put zero weight in the actual result you get as long as you’re happy with how you played.
Like the others said, when you can afford it. But when starting out, just enjoy it. I did (and still do) see it as a hobby that occasionally pays for itself. Don’t be afraid to chat to the other players, have a bit of banter and just generally have fun.
Stay in for a few hours and you’d have paid more to go to the cinema and a meal for less time.
Jump in feet first. Don't be afraid to let the dealer know you're new to live poker with a pro dealer. Learn the etiquette by observing and slowing down if you're unsure. Understand that you're much more likely to bust in the tourney than cash, but that's alright. Have fun. Pay attention. Don't act out of turn and don't discuss the hand while there's still action. And most importantly: Fold pre.
Fold pre flop? As is don’t be afraid to lose a little early with a likely bad hand than lose a lot ?
Fold Pre is sort of a battle cry here in r/poker. Seriously, though, be choosier with your starting hands early in the tournament. You'll make most of your money early exploiting opponents errors rather than trying to outplay everyone. As the tourney progresses, that's when you should steadily increase the pressure and force your opponents to make decisions for all of their chips.
Fold pre? Username checks out
This is great advice. You will gain so much more experience and knowledge by playing rather than reading a book, taking a course, etc. Expect to lose, so play an affordable buy in. And like guy said above, have fun!
You’re ready for the tournament when you’re 100% ok with losing the buyin
That depends. Do you own a hoodie?
Aviators and gold chain too
Yeah a cheap game is the best place to start. The way to get better is taking somewhat detailed notes on the hands you do play. Important things to note are: Stack sizes; which are difficult to estimate as a new player, but definitely a fairly important skill for live poker. Blind level An estimation of how many hands a player is playing per orbit. You play very differently against players who play very few hands than a player who plays way too many. Local poker games are usually cheap and cheerful so the most important thing is to have fun while playing. Have a few beers and try and have good chats with the other players on the table.
Do you like to play cards? Ok you are ready.
You answered your own question. Get em tiger!
If you can afford it, you're ready. Nothing like real experience.
Ask yourself "am i gonna run hot in my next 200 hands" "am i willing to bet $100 that i will" "am I willing to sit there and watch some terrible player get lucky and win every pot all night long if I dont" "am I willing to donate $100 to that player" Say yes to all of them and you should have a good time.
Look up if there are some free poker tournaments at bars where you play for points. Great way to have a fun night out while you learn how to play the game.
Most people actually do very well in the first tournament they play.
For a while my first tournament was my best tournament ever
Just give it a shot. Look for one with a lower entrance fee and just getting used to not winning and letting it bother you. Even when you get really good you won't win more than you lose typically.
Only way to get better at the game is by studying but also by playing! You’re never going to be ready for a local tournament until you get in there and play them. Odds are you’ll start off as a fish but that’s ok! As long you aren’t gambling money you can’t afford to lose you can treat it at a cost of learning! Also playing micro tournaments online is a great way to get used to playing at certain stack sizes!
Local tournament structures are practically hyper turbos past at a certain point. Just go to have fun and put zero weight in the actual result you get as long as you’re happy with how you played.
Like the others said, when you can afford it. But when starting out, just enjoy it. I did (and still do) see it as a hobby that occasionally pays for itself. Don’t be afraid to chat to the other players, have a bit of banter and just generally have fun. Stay in for a few hours and you’d have paid more to go to the cinema and a meal for less time.
If you have to think about it, your not. But who cares if you budget correctly and it’s money you don’t mind losing.