Can Play Money Internet Poker Improve Your Game?

In addition to home games and occasional casino trips, I play a fair amount of internet poker. I am a firm believer that the more you play the better you'll get. I've seen TV promotions that suggest that play money internet poker is a good, risk free way to learn and improve. But, I don't think that it does and I will tell you why. I will also tell you of a much more effective way to learn and improve your play that is also risk free.

Play money ring games are nothing like real money poker. In fact, I believe I've heard it said that without money poker is meaningless. With no cash at stake there is no incentive for players to play correctly or soundly. And, if other players are not playing correctly you won't be able to do so either. Just watch a play money game. Everyone is betting and raising no matter what cards they hold. Everyone is in to see the flop and any hand or draw at all will play until the river. Try any routine stategy: check-raise, free-card raise, you name it, they will not work. Playing poker for real money is the only way to learn and improve as a poker player.

That being said, I think free roll tournaments can be helpful. While it will not cost the player any real money to enter, there are usually real money prizes at stake. That changes the way most people will play. Overall, it's been my observation that most players will play correctly and rationally at least to the level of their ability or skill level. A check raise will mean something and players will react accordingly. The pot odds for drawing hands will be important. Early position raises will signal a real hand. These are the conditions you need in order to develop and improve as a poker player.

While it may be somewhat helpful to play in freeroll tournaments, the only way to improve your play is to play for real money. Even at micro betting limits as low $0.02 to $0.04, the introduction of real money will have a big impact on the game. They will be played far more realistically and you will be able to learn and improve the skills you need to play poker successfully. When you feel ready for real money play, investigate free poker money offers first before you risk your own money. They provide a great opportunity to play in real money games, while insulating you from actually losing your own money.