Poker Forum

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was working on a guide to help beginners pick an online site. Here's what I've got so far......

So, you're thinking about playing poker online. You've watched the shows on TV. You think it looks easy. You've even regularly destroyed the "family" poker game every time you play. Of course your wife has never played cards and the kids are 12 and 10, but that's OK. It's time to look for an online site to begin your play. You've seen the sites advertised during the poker telecasts. But which one is the best or which one is right for you?

There are many things to consider when looking for an online poker site to play on. While it may seem simple—download the site, see if you like it, and either play if you do or remove it from your computer if you don't. That was pretty much my method but there are a few problems with that idea. Eventually, you will find yourself unable to take advantage of terrific offers (like the ones here on PokerNews) because the offers are only good for "NEW" accounts. Following this method, I have severely limited myself on which freerolls and qualifiers I can play. So I don't recommend this method.

Some of the most important things to think of are:
1. What types of games do you want to play?
2. Why do you want to play?
3. How much of a bankroll will you be able to start with?

What types of games do you want to play? At this point, you're probably not exactly sure how to answer this question. There are sites that excel on tournament selections. There are sites that excel at offering various types of poker. There are sites that offer a large quantity of freerolls. There are sites that offer a wide array of limits for all ring games and tourneys. So you must think about what type of game you want to play to help you in site selection.

Why do you want to play? The answer seems obvious but actually people play poker for a multitude of reasons. Some enjoy the social aspect. Some couldn't care less if there was no chat option at all. Some people play because they enjoy some of the competitiveness but really could care less if they win or lose. Some are playing to build their bankroll for live play while some will never play live. Some play simply for the large live tournament satellites while others play micro-limits and never have any intention of moving up in levels. So you see, why you are playing helps you determine what type of site and limits you might want to play.

How much of a bankroll will you be able to start with? This is important because this determines what limit games you should play. Personally, I have difficulty playing the micro-limits. I just can't get excited winning that $0.95 pot. But I have a decent amount of disposable income. If you do not, then the micro-limits are the place to start in ring games. Slowly build your bankroll up through the micro-limit games and freerolls until you can afford to move up to the higher stakes games.

Beyond content of the sites, there are other things to consider:
1. Bonuses
2. Ease of play
3. Size of site

Bonuses. When starting out, it's not a bad idea to take advantage of the sign up and deposit bonuses that various sites offer. Through your play, you basically earn free money to help your bankroll grow.

Ease of play. This one is simple, "To each his own". Everybody likes and dislikes different things so it's impossible for somebody else to be able to distinguish which sites YOU like the play on. It's sort of a feel good thing.

Size of site. The size of the site will control how many tournaments and ring games are available. The larger the site, the more plentiful the games are at each level. This also controls how many players are in each of the tournaments. Large sites have large tournaments where you must play through the masses to reach the payouts. These tournaments do have the advantage of larger payouts. Smaller sites have smaller fields where it can be easier to get into the money but the payouts are also small.

So again, when you are starting out in online poker, there are many things to consider BEFORE jumping site to site. Do your research on the site. Read reviews. Post questions in the forum. Ask a friend. With knowledge comes power and the ability to make educated decisions.

Good luck and see you at the tables.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Yeh, that pretty much says it all. Except, if you're a US player, your site options are very limited as are your deposit methods. Research these carefully.

Since I am a US player, I know exactly what you mean.

I'll write it for you....

Poker Guide for Beginners
by Dave

"Play at Stars"

That is all

Condensed version, eh?

I agree on the fact that the three things you mention that should be considered are really important,

1. Bonuses: I just did some research since my DH is starting to play online...so I thought it might be interesting for people beginning to deposit.

Site Bonus Offered
Fulltilt.com 100% Bonus up to $600
Pokerstars.com 100% bonus up to $50
ActionPoker.com 100% Bonus on your First Deposit up to $2,500
Pacific Poker 25% Bonus up to $100 on first deposit
Bodoglife 110% signup bonus
Players Only 100% bonus up to $650
Sportsbook Poker 100% bonus up to $650
Carbon Poker 100% bonus on deposits up to $500
Poker Room 50% up to $100 bonus

2. Ease of play: I believe that any new player needs to find his/her comfort zone and it depends their your personality, skill and many other factors....a good software is basic and that it is not toooo complicated

3. Size of site This has been an issue with me since I like playing at smaller sites from time to time given the fact that I feel more comfortable and it is easier for me to win....but most people like the overcrowded places that have the most players and I have found that they are not precisely the best places to get started. IMO

You might also mention that some sites are part of a ring (micro-gaming network, etc); also, many potential online players are cautious of the Internet regarding security and depositing/withdrawal methods, so you might want to touch on them.

Hands down PokerStars.