Finding your gameThe first big decision you’ll have to make when starting out in poker isn’t which hand to play first, it’s which table to play it on. Choosing the right table is critical for reasons that will continue to apply throughout your poker career.
 Cash tables
First off, you’ll want to find a game that matches your style. Limit hold ‘em tables, where betting is capped, are popular with beginners because there is less chance you’ll lose your stack on one hand.
The next factor to consider is the table stakes. PKR offer cash poker tables with blinds starting in the pennies and going all the way up to $30/ $50. We don’t want to sound like your mother, but it’s important that you always select a game that suits your budget. Most poker rooms require you to sit down with a minimum buy-in of 10-times the lower stake level (so, to sit in a $2/$4 game you’ll need to bring at least $20 to the table). Just showing up with the bare minimum will leave you short stacked though and open to attack from aggressive players. Best to choose a blind level where you can afford a healthy buy-in.
Once you’ve determined your stakes you could just dive into the first game that matches your criteria. But you’ll be giving yourself a big edge if you look before you leap. Check out the average pot size on the tables in your range. Tables with bigger average pot sizes tell you that the play has been very aggressive on that table. Smaller averages indicate a more calculating (or just cautious) table. The latter might reward aggressive play, while the former is more suited to a conservative style. |
 Choosing a tournament
Tournaments are less complicated to budget for because your losses are capped from the outset – you can only lose as much money as you’ve paid to buy-in (unless it’s a re-buy tournament). The upside is pretty good too. Take down a multi-table tournament with 100 entrants and you should expect to see a 50-fold return on your investment.
When choosing a multi-table tournament, keep in mind that it will take upwards of two to three hours to complete (depending on how far along you make it). Make sure you’ve got enough time to see it through.
If you’re struggling for time but still like the idea of a tournament a sit and go single-table tournament or a sit and go might be the answer. A ten-seat sit and go will usually take about an hour to play, while a six-pack should be wrapped-up in about 45 minutes. |
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