I am a new member (also)

[Autocratic]

Hey everyone, just introducing myself.

I'm an 18 year old (well, 19 tomorrow, so I suppose I should practice saying that) college student living currently in D.C. I picked up Hold 'Em a few months ago (that is, I started playing - I knew the game a couple of years ago) when kids at my high school started gambling, and I figured with some practice I could take them for a few bucks (which I would have had anyone actually paid up).

I actually don't play for money unless it's with friends, which while not too profittable is a sure bet. I plan on throwing 50 bucks at PartyPoker (I play play money games there plenty, but clearly that is a diversion rather than something to be taken seriously) when I get some more winnings here and trying some $10+1 NL single tables...which brings me to my first question - how is the play at those tables? I figured that with a higher buy-in people might not be too reckless, but in college I don't exactly have money to chuck around if it turns out that I'm not up to par. Anyone with insight into these tables before I dive in? Thanks.

[Les_Worm]

Those games are pretty soft but for someone like you who hasn't played much poker you are sure to make some mistakes. Mostly calling when you should fold. I would recommend that you put $50 into Poker Stars instead and play some of their microlimit games until you are able to read a couple poker books.

worm

[Autocratic]

Well I read Hellmuth's book, and I'm buying Super System soon. If the tables are weak, how weak? I've heard there are plenty of all-in maniacs there, and I can deal with that. Is it like the play money tables in that sense (to a lesser degree, I'd assume)?

The way I figure, if it's weak enough I could at least finish in the money half the time I play (or if I lose twice, just stop playing til I improve).

[Humphrind]

Welcome aboard. I look forward to hearing from you. Ask us questions, give us answers.

But let me start by giving you a razzing. Just remember, it's tough love. I don't mean to offend, but I will often ask very blunt questions and give blunt answers.

(or if I lose twice, just stop playing til I improve).

You expect to get better by not playing? no. The biggest key to finding and playing winning poker is experience. You can never pick it up from a book, and no matter how hard you study, you will hit a learning ceiling if you don't play.

Most people lose their 1st buy in, and some lose their first few buy-ins.

If you are looking to not be around fish I would suggest a site different from party Poker. Go to Poker Stars or Full Tilt. Full Tilt is still a little empty, but most players I have seen there are pretty good. And if you are putting $50 into online poker, you may want to stay away from $10 SnGs at first. Poker Stars has $.05 / $.10 ring games. $50 would be a good amount to play this, and they have $5 SnGs. Both are good options. But don't waste too much on buy-ins with a limited bankroll, especially if you are just getting started. You could only afford to play in 4 $10 SnGs with $50. Why not get more bang for your buck.

[Autocratic]

I'm not really a cash player - when playing with friends for smaller amounts of money it gets annoying trying to pay everyone off at the end, so we usually play winner take all (second gets his money back). I'd start off with $10 buy-ins because that's what I always play.

However...I'd rather do $5 buy-ins if possible, so thanks for the suggestion.

As for fish...well...I am used to playing weak/maniacal players, so it's not a big deal. I fare well against decent players, too, so I don't have much of a preference.

[pokerfanatic]

Well I read Hellmuth's book, and I'm buying Super System soon. If the tables are weak, how weak? I've heard there are plenty of all-in maniacs there, and I can deal with that. Is it like the play money tables in that sense (to a lesser degree, I'd assume)?

The way I figure, if it's weak enough I could at least finish in the money half the time I play (or if I lose twice, just stop playing til I improve).

Those games are pretty soft but for someone like you who hasn't played much poker you are sure to make some mistakes. Mostly calling when you should fold. I would recommend that you put $50 into Poker Stars instead and play some of their microlimit games until you are able to read a couple poker books.

Super system is great book… Hellmuth's book is on the boarder line... I read both these books, Hellmuth's style is relied heavily on poker tells and you don't get many online... there are a few but not as much as a live game... I have to agree with Les_'worm' on this one get a fell for it before you go to deep with the bank roll it sounds you have...

[JJgoneMAD]

Welcome Autocratic. Another young member i see, i think humph's children might be older than you.

But let me start by giving you a razzing. Just remember, it's tough love. I don't mean to offend, but I will often ask very blunt questions and give blunt answers.

Hey humph, you never gave me a friendly warning like that? I got bitchslapped the first time i ever asked a question to humph, but it's true though, he does dish out some good advices.

However...I'd rather do $5 buy-ins if possible, so thanks for the suggestion.

If you are planning to start things out with SnGs, you should definitely stick with $5 SnGs. $50 is too little to be playing $10 SnGs. I think it'd be better for you to start with microlimit games like Les_'worm' suggested though.
Anyways, good luck.