5 Easy Ways To Improve Your Texas Holdem Game Through Practice

January 24th, 2008

5 Easy Ways To Improve Your Texas Holdem Game Through Practice

Doyle Brunson has said that the best way to get better at Texas hold’em is to play a lot of Texas Holdem hands, and most poker players would probably agree.


The problem is that learning to play poker is potentially expensive. Texas hold’em is generally played for money and if you don’t know what you are doing, you could potentially lose that money. So how can you practice without decimating your bankroll before it’s even been formed? Here are five easy ways around this problem.

1. Play Free Online Texas Hold’em

If you’ve seen any television commercials for poker websites, you know that there is an option to play poker free. All the best poker rooms has a play money section where you can play with virtual dollars and not risk any actual funds. While the game selection is not as wide, you can play “cash” games and tournaments in games like Texas hold’em and Omaha. While the competition may not be that stiff, it will give you an opportunity to get a feel for the flow of the action.

2. Play Low-Limit Texas Hold’em Online

Sites like Poker Stars actually feature “Micro limit” games, where you can play tournaments for as little as one dollar and cash games where the blinds are literally only a few cents. The quality of play increases dramatically from the free games, and even an extended run of bad luck or mistakes shouldn’t put too big a dent in your disposable income.

3. Play Home Texas Hold’em Games

If you can find friends who will play with you for free, you have a great opportunity to improve. This is especially true if your friends are experienced at poker. It will help to have something to play for; perhaps a trophy or a free dinner for the player who amasses the most chips by the end of the night, to keep the action competitive.

4. Play PC/Video Texas Hold’em Games

There are now video games for most major gaming platforms that are endorsed by poker professionals such as World Championship Poker and Stacked. There is also software that will play Texas Hold’em against you, most notably Wilson Turbo Texas Hold’em. These games have an advantage over free online games in that your virtual opponents will always play their best game, something humans playing for play money rarely do.

5. Play “Fun” Tournaments

You can sometimes find tournaments played for fun or small prizes at bars or charity events. These events are another good, fun way to get some tournament Texas hold’em experience without investing too much money.

Read More About (Tags): easy tips > holdem poker > improve skills > practice > texas holdem > texas holdem tips

Entry Filed under:
Strategies & tips