Places to Learn the Basics of Poker
Poker is a game that appeals to people due to the social interaction, plus the fact that there’s some strategy involved, unlike a lot of other forms of gaming where it is pure luck. People who are interested in mastering the basics of poker are pleased to find out there are numerous resources available to help you get started, from books and courses to taking part in games.
Any skill is easier to learn now than it once was, as there are so many online resources. Poker may be a game played for hundreds of years but it has become very modern in the way it is taught and played.
Poker Books
Having talked about how there are more modern methods to learn now, it is worth saying a lot of poker books contain loads of great knowledge.
Visual learners may also find that books and websites can give them quick reference guides that are a great help, and many players may have a Texas Hold’Em strategy chart on hand when they start out to ensure that they know which hands are strong or have an idea of how to approach the game.
Some classic books provide a thorough grounding in the principles of poker, offering insights from seasoned professionals who can help budding players understand the game better.
The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky is one that comes up a lot when discussing poker books, and it is often considered the most important example of a book of poker theory, this book breaks down fundamental concepts that apply to all forms of poker. Sklansky’s explanations of odds, implied odds, and the importance of position are top-drawer resources for any aspiring poker player. He’s also written many other books in his time.
Poker For Dummies by Richard Harroch and Lou Krieger is another option that demystifies poker, explaining the game in a way that’s simple for anyone to understand.
YouTube
YouTube is a great resource for pretty much any skill, too. The video site offers a plethora of poker tutorials that cater to all skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced players who want to work on strategy. Watching these videos can help you see the concepts in action and understand how they apply in real games, and players can watch the actual games and competitions poker players take part in, allowing them to see how the pros do it.
We don’t need to recommend specifics as there are so many resources out there, and people will usually latch onto a channel based on their specific strategies. Some offer what is called “hard analysis” which means videos that break down the thought process behind each decision, with insights into advanced strategies and situational play.
MasterClass
MasterClass has multiple different poker courses for people to learn how to play. Dan Negreanu’s iconic course is probably the best-known and has been available for some years now. The Canadian boasts amazing reading abilities and strategic thinking, Negreanu shares his expertise in a series of detailed lessons on MasterClass including videos and blogs.
His course covers a wide range of topics, including the fundamentals of poker, and then on to more advanced areas. Negreanu’s cool persona and teaching style, plus a deep knowledge make this a top resource for poker.
“Dive into anything” is the strapline for Reddit’s site, and that “anything” can include poker! Checking out the poker communities on the site can be incredibly beneficial for learning and improving a player’s game. Reddit, particularly the r/poker subreddit, has a lot of people who will debate and discuss the game in detail
The r/poker subreddit is packed with information, but there are other subreddits too, all with their own takes. Players can find discussions on various poker topics, from beginner questions to advanced strategy. Not everybody is as helpful as each other, and it is like any internet forum, where there are some people that are happy to help and others less so.
Loads of Redditors share their own experiences and even share blog posts and full, highly-considered posts. Players and coaches can offer unique insights and tips. As well as knowing how to play the game, Reddit can be a great way to stay updated on the latest trends and tactics in poker, as breaking news and trending topics are always shared.
Conclusion
People all have their own learning styles and ways of doing things, and some prefer written information while others are more visual. Whatever their preference, they’ll find that there are a lot of ways to find information online and that the poker industry has a wide community around it. Competitive, it may be, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t people and places where players can get some help and loads of info on the industry and tactics of the game.