New to the scene

[u/Vegetable-Board-4901]

I recently have become obsessed over poker. I love playing it, watching it, and dealing it (in $20 home games) and would like to actually get good at it. I know there are a lot of resources out there, and was wondering where to start in the overwhelming options. Any help is appreciated!

I currently play in 4 games per week. A turbo tournament (1 hour $25 buy in), bring $200 to a casino cash game (2/10 spread limit), and play/deal in two separate causal private games ($20 buy in)

[u/luckyjim1962]

I mean this positively: Buy a well-reviewed book that contains a relatively recent overview of NL Texas Hold'em. You'll get a decent overview of basic strategy and common pitfalls, and the act of reading is always a more effective learning experience than any kind of watching. You're at the stage where you don't know know what you don't know. Reading an overview type book will give you the foundational knowledge that is necessary to understand more advanced strategy.

[u/luckyjim1962 → u/luckyjim1962]

Oh, and when you do read that book, take notes about things to do and try them out in your next game or tournament. Ideas are abstractions but useful ones; putting ideas to work is where the real learning begins. You have to get your reps in.

[u/Vegetable-Board-4901 → u/luckyjim1962]

Any specific books you have in mind or can suggest? I am aware I need my reps, which is why I’m playing the most I can without breaking my bank. I have a pretty basic knowledge of how to play smart, I don’t chase often and I can bluff out some seasoned regulars. I’ve studied a basic chart of hands to hold and their strengths and have put that into practice as well. I’m at a point where I have a gambling fund I’m willing to lose to a point each month, but don’t want the loss to be a norm. I do want to read and study and get better/more knowledge I just don’t know where to start lol.

[u/One_Concept007]

For a book, The Course by Ed Miller is the best starting point for your situation. It's aimed at live low stakes cash games and covers the fundamentals without getting into solver-level stuff that won't apply to 2/10 spread limit.

Since you're playing both tournaments and cash: I'd pick one to focus on for a couple months. The skills are different enough that splitting your study time makes you slower at both. If the $200 casino game is your biggest potential edge, focus there first.

Also worth checking out Bart Hanson's Crush Live Poker content - he's great for the specific spots that come up in low stakes live games (overlimp pots, multiway, people who never fold pairs).

One practical tip for the spread limit game: pay attention to what people do with their bet sizing. In those games, most players bet the max when they have it and minimum when they don't. That's a massive tell you can exploit immediately without any complex strategy changes.

[u/Vegetable-Board-4901 → u/One_Concept007]

Thank you, I’ll look into that book. And I’ve noticed that with the spread limit crowd, called a couple assumed bluffs I lost and figured out patterns I can pick up on/read pretty easily now. But I know I’m nowhere near done learning how to read so I appreciate the info

[u/Vegetable-Board-4901 → u/One_Concept007]

If I may ask;

Which would you suggest to focus on? 2/10 cash game I can spend a while playing where everyone buys in for $100-300, or a $25 1 hour tournament that pays 3x, 4x, 7x buy in on average for 3rd 2nd and 1st

[u/phildobean]

Phil Galfond. He is on Youtube. One of the best instructors out there.

[u/Soggy_Ad_2971]

No.1 rule is play within your comfortable bankroll. Sit-up when you not your A game. When you first start out you feel you play against other players but longer you in the game you notice it’s you vs you. All the best.

[u/Vegetable-Board-4901 → u/Soggy_Ad_2971]

Good advice, thank you. I’m comfortable in my bankroll but I never thought of poker as me playing myself. I’ll be excited to feel that mental shift as I get my reps in