Munch Sized

Learning Poker 01

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Mark
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2 min read

Disclaimer: this blog is not advocating for gambling. It is simply my own thoughts and experiences.

This is a cliche tale of a young man who became interested in casino games after a singular trip to Vegas. Although I spent many hours playing blackjack and memorizing basic strategy, over the long run it's still a game where the casino has the edge. This made me set my eyes on poker - a game where you're competing against other players instead of the house.

To build myself a learning plan, I've consulted my trusty companion - ChatGPT. Given that I'm a complete poker beginner, my AI friend suggested the following for the first two weeks (summarized):

  • Learn the rules of Texas Holdem, since it's the most popular variant of poker
  • Learn the hand rankings to the point where I know them like the back of my hand. Although I'm not at that level yet, I can recite it with a little bit of thinking (Royal Flush Straight Flush > 4 of a kind > Full House > Flush > Straight > 3 of a kind > 2 pairs > 1 pair > high card)
  • Practice play money games (I'm using PokerStars)
  • Start a beginner friendly book like "Poker For Dummies" by Richard D. Harroch and Lou Krieger
  • Learn poker terminology (blinds, flop, turn, river, check, raise, fold, and all-in)

Currently, I am on my second day. I know most of the poker terminology like flop, turn, and river. I know the basic rules and I've begun playing a bit with play money, although I've already lost all the fictional money I've bought in with for my first table. I've also started to read the Poker For Dummies Book.

A few things I've learned

  • I don't have to play every single hand I get. In most cases, I should be folding more than I play. I'll need to think more about this as I learn which hands are good.
  • The first chapter of Poker For Dummies goes over the big picture of playing poker, such as what options you have every turn, how to put your name down for a table at the casino, and etiquette when you're playing. This would be good to revisit if I decide to go to an actual casino to play
  • Practicing at play money tables is good to learn the mechanics of the game, but not strategy, since people do whatever they want if the money isn't real. Eventually, I'm going to have to graduate to using real money.
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