recommendations for a 1st time internet player?

[Al_Capone_Junior]

I'm giving this internet poker thing a try. My concerns are not that I can't play well online, but that something I'm not aware of will rise up to bite me in the patukus. I'm particularly concerned about something I heard regarding the little boxes where you can pre-check what your intentions are, which speeds up the game. Can people really use this to see what you intend to do? My guess is that while cheating probably does occur at times, it's probably fairly difficult, and obviously getting caught is real bad.

Also, any comments on specific sites would be appreciated. I've tried paradise at the lowest limits a few times, and so far it seems pretty good. Any other recommeded cardrooms?

Please note that I don't want to hear any detailed conspiracy theories involving aliens, saddam, mike caro, etc! I already have my communicator tuned into the mother ship!

al

[beernutz]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
I'm particularly concerned about something I heard regarding the little boxes where you can pre-check what your intentions are, which speeds up the game. Can people really use this to see what you intend to do?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, but they have to be sitting in the same room you are in. I like party and AmericasCardroom. Party because the games are really good and there are usually plenty of them to choose from. ACR because I built, like a lot of people, a really good-sized bankroll there starting from nothing. Games there are better on one of their promobuck giveaway nights, Tues, Wed, Fri, or Sat. otherwise it is mostly very low limit.

Just my $.03.

[lorinda]

For first attempts, I would try Paradise for ring action or Pokerstars for tourneys.

These sites are tougher than the ones Beernutz mentioned, but the software is the best.

I would play at least two, and probably three or four limits lower than you would live to start with, the games are trickier online, but that is compensated for by extra speed, comfort and game selection.

The little boxes can't be used to cheat, because the site doesn't work out which one you have pressed until it is your turn to act. IE: If you get disconnected, the box doesn't work.

Let us know how you get on.

Lori

PS: Watch out for the aliens.

[SoBeDude]

Welcome to online poker Al!

I hope you'll find it as interesting and fun as I have.

I have a few words of advice if you don't mind (and you kinda asked):

1. Don't assume you're getting cheated. If you're losing its because you're getting outplayed, not because you got hacked and they can see your cards or collusion is occurring. (remember losing is nature's way of tell you YOU SUCK - j/k)

2. Don't assume your opponent is bluffing and call him down with crap. he'll have a hand...especially if he raised you.

3. Play a low limit, but not the bottom. $0.5/$1 is bingo, not poker. start at $1-2 or $2-4.

4. For sites, I play at paradise (always a table and they're busy), and partypoker. the games are a bit easier at party though.

5. There are a lot of very good/pro players on line. I find the 5-10 game at paradise tougher than the 10-20 game I play live.

6. Play well and stay focused. Close the porn site, turn off the TV and radio. Immerse yourself in the game, just like if you were playing live.

7. Feel free to play in your underwear.

OK, thats it for my pearls of wisdom. hope they help and good luck!

Scott

[mdlm]

something I'm not aware of will rise up to bite me in the patukus

That would be GrannyMae when she's feeling horny.

[beernutz]

[mbpoker]

If you want to play real low, you can try 2c/4c game at Stars (and no rake!), but the game is a bit wild. Always 2-3 full tables going.

[Sredni Vashtar]

Helllo Mr. Capone,

There are some things only long, low, yellow brown ferrets think of but here are some of them:

Comfort: Hey, you gotta get an ergonomically good set up- decent chair, correctly angled keyboard and mouse, the whole works. Many an unprepared ferret and found himself with poker paw. Don't be one of them! If you are one of those that considers a nearby beer fridge to be a comfort item, you will get only a feigned argument from Sredni, but you might want to consider some of the ramifications. Many a beered up ferret has found that calling three cold with gutshots becomes proportionately easier as the proximity and frequency of door openings of the nearby said beer fridge increases. For the precise math, perhaps BruceZ will assist.

As far as online sites are concerned, certainly partypoker.com, pokerstars and paradise are seemingly the most financially secure. Of course, many thought that of Enron too.

But life is not for the weak of heart, and certainly not poker, right? So measure your risk with your own personaly barometer. Do this BEFORE installation of above mentioned beer fridge [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

ACR has good promotions, although they have been barely afloat for some time. Again, measure your risk, take advantage of the promotions if you like, and buy in small if you do.

Other rooms Sredni has graced: Ultimatebet.com where once upon a time there was some fabulous headsup action, since waned. Truepoker: Too slow, not enough bigger games, no ferret avatars (how discriminatory).

Get a firewall, lots of free and cheap ones, and while it probably won't help you, it has some good placebo effects- oops- make that HAD good placebo effects. Apologies.

Lastly, don't stand on superman's cape, and don't spit into the wind.


Sredni Vashtar says peace,

if you wish more please present some stolen nutmeg [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[thwang99]

"Get a firewall, lots of free and cheap ones, and while it probably won't help you, it has some good placebo effects- oops- make that HAD good placebo effects. Apologies."

Also get a good antivirus program, and keep it updated! It'll prevent you from spamming all your friends with viral email, and protect your own system.

[Bartleby]

Well written, Sredni. I can tell you have spent many hours meditating in the barn with a holy ferret. Please, have another piece of toast. LMAO!!