Poker Newbie

JavaBear

Sorry if there is a topic covering this, but I didn't see it.

• First off, which is the best or preferred poker software (eh.. I think I'll stick to play money for now btw). I just downloaded Paddy Power Poker's software.
  
• Second, what do limit, no-limit, pot limit mean?
  
• Third, I find in game that I am being out betted. Example: I come to the table with 400, after blind on a 10/20 game I could be down to 380 before play. Other people at the table have 25k+. They can easily throw 400+ on an average hand and stop any chance i have of even playing.
  
• Fourth, I was watching the Irish open, and the Irish guy (can't remember his name) went all in on 55. Can someone explain why he might have done that? iirc it was preflop even I could be wrong on that though.

Hmmm I probably have more questions but can't think of them right now, thanks for any answers!

Rb

Software is up to yourself. FullTilt Poker has the best software by far though.
No limit means there's no limit to how much you can bet, limit is fixed limit betting and pot limit limits the bet sizes to the size of the pot.
If you've 1000 play money chips, sit at at 5/10 play money table, it's the maximum buyin and most will either have it, or slightly under it.
I saw that hand and wondered that myself.

ArmaniJeanss

OP,
Have a read of this thread and its linked threads, its invaluable.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=318504

rb.ie,
I was unsure at the time what the stacks where but I got the idea he had an awkward 12/13 BB which makes the small pairs very unplayable in EP.
I'm guessing he was fed up with his raises being snapped off, and felt a fold was too weak.

jimmii

• First off, which is the best or preferred poker software (eh.. I think I'll stick to play money for now btw). I just downloaded Paddy Power Poker's software.
  
  Full Tilt and Pokerstars are probably the best to start with. They are easy to use and loads of players so always plenty of games.
  
  
• Second, what do limit, no-limit, pot limit mean?
  
  There is also spread limit which you probably won't encounter online where you can only bet between the two amounts quoted in the spread. (EG spread limit 10-200 you can bet between those two amounts on any one street.)
  
  
• Third, I find in game that I am being out betted. Example: I come to the table with 400, after blind on a 10/20 game I could be down to 380 before play. Other people at the table have 25k+. They can easily throw 400+ on an average hand and stop any chance i have of even playing.
  
  In play money people will often just play crazy its hard to really learn a solid basic game from play money its often better to just to deposit a little and try play a few real money games. Most sites have tournaments from $1 so you can get a feel for playing with real money before moving to cash games.
  
  
• Fourth, I was watching the Irish open, and the Irish guy (can't remember his name) went all in on 55. Can someone explain why he might have done that? iirc it was preflop even I could be wrong on that though.
  
  Haven't checked the hands but from what I gather the blinds were pretty high so could have been that the stacks didn't allow much else.
  

The best way to learn is to play and post on sites like these to see what others think of certain plays. Also read as many strategy posts as you can to see the sort of things other, more experienced players do.

Mr.Plough

eh I don't think you should be playing 10/20 when you don't know what no limit means. Maybe try 25/50

Seriously though this, should suit you as a beginner

http://www.pokertips.org/strategy/strategy.php

edit you were on about play money. I was like wtf

HoLLLLLaments

the key to unlimited texas holdem is to put a man to a decision for all of his chips.

the key to limited texas holdem is to put a man to a decision for a fraction of his chips.

the key to pot limit holdem is putting yourself to a decision wondering why the **** you are playing live.

the key to pot limit omaha is to play it when all of the men you put to decisions for all of their chips in unlimited holdem keep making the right decision.

zuutroy

Mr.Plough wrote: »

edit you were on about play money. I was like wtf

I lol'd OP, I'd recommend a book on the basics. I read 'Playing Poker to Win' when I started playing and it helped me nail down the basics.