Why Play Poker for Real Money?

Playing poker for fun is great and is a good way of increasing your level of play but it's just not the same and playing for real. Going all-in on a fun money hand is easy but when your down to your last few chips in a real money poker game, the chips really are down and it's a battle of wits and skill.

Real money tournaments are a good way to start playing with your hard earned cash. Small buy-ins are available which can lead to a lot of poker playing and that means experience! Practice makes perfect so they say and in tournament play, the other players will be playing differently than they would at the fun money tables. There's a prize pot to be won and a few tournament games will sharpen your skills quickly and for little outlay.

If, however, you think that your skills have been honed enough to play in a real money game, then have a go at some of the smaller betting tables. When starting playing Texas Hold Em, for example, I'd concentrate on the tables offering 50c/$1 bets. Once you get better at the game, you can work your way up the stakes until your at a level your comfortable with. Again, this is a great way to play for real and get the feel for the differing tactics without having to take a great wad of your cash to the tables.

Remember that winning on the small betting tables is easier that when your in with the high rollers, so start small and build your way up slowly. You'll make more money and you'll enjoy the game more.

Playing poker for real money will quickly change your outlook on the game and the excitement builds and your skill level quickly develops, making you a better poker player.

The more you practice, the more you learn, the better you get and the more money you earn!

Lets face it, playing for money is way more exciting than playing for fun. What would the film the Cincinnati Kid have been like if Steve McQueen was playing for matches. Money play is thrilling and once you start winning, there's nothing stopping you apart from yourself - anyone can get good at poker, it's just practice that you need.

When playing a real money game always stay focused on winning and remember that each hand is a different hand, play each like it's your first of the night. Go with the swings and don't go on tilt when you've lost a bit, stay steady and it'll come.

Try playing poker for real money and give it a go, you can always stop playing if you don't like it.