Is there any point to playing just for fun?

[bryan]

Since I'm a relative noobie, I think it would be unwise to start handing my money out at every game. However, if you're just playing for fun, then nobody really cares and you don't learn anything...

[adaugust]

I tend to disagree to some extent. I have played 3 times so far and most people play pretty seriously, but there are some that dont give a damn. i know I play fairly serious, and I also know that if you are going to win you cant be playing 7-2's all night!

[WSoP21]

ok here lets try to go about this from someone who has been there. I for one have a second love for another game. Basketball (im 6'4" almost 6'5") now i remember back when i first started play BBall i was like 10 and i was horriable. I really started to hate the game. My dad a a divison 1 collage basketball player took me aside and told me the only why i would get and better is with practices.

point to this stroy is you cant just jump into something and expect to tops at it. So yes i do belive that fun games can improve your game. play them with friends that are new to the game and want to get better. play for a 12 pack of beer or soda. Sit down and make it a rule that u have to play with the intent that the game is for real money. I could have never played in the NBA when i was 10 i need to play in a few friendly games first. (not that i can really play now but you get my point.) poker is a game of skill just like any other an in order to be a good or even a great player one has to hone there skills with lots and lots and lots and lots of hands.

[adaugust]

I totally agree with that. I play so much differently when I play live games as apposed to when I play Hoyle Casino at home. First off I dont really want to go home after 5 min of playing, and secondly I really want to learn the game. I will take chances on crap hands once in a while, but not very often. I usually need at least two cards of the same suit or a connector in the mid to high range for me to play. I will even fold those from time to time depending on my position, and what the current bet is. I base a lot of stuff on what the bet is at the time, and if I feel comfortable playing the hand. It also depends on chip count. I am not going to take a chance on a crap hand on the short stack. I will wait(if I can) for at least an above average hand. Example last week I was on the short stack and everyone one above me had at least double the chips as me. I drew a Q-2 suited and decided that may be as good as it gets and went all-in. Someone with pocket 10's called and it was heads up. I drew a queen on the flop, be he hit is 3rd 10 on the turn and I lost. Would I always play Q-2 suited? Probably not, but the situation called for it there.

[tjholdem]

I love to get together with a group of people and just play...for nothing....and have each player discuss why they made a certain move...then discuss it with the group. I learn alot that way.

[bryan]

I'd like to get a group together and play for fun sometime...maybe help me figure out if I have any tells.

[Rage00]

Since I am new as well I wouldnt mind a group of Newbies for a game of fun.

[jasondeus]

I've played a few times up in Blackhawk. I never lost a lot of money, but that is because I played too conservatively. Playing for fun and getting several hands in front of you should teach you when to be aggressive and when to play conservatively. I hope. I haven'y played any of the free tournaments yet, but I am signed up to play at Bank Shots this Wednesday....looking forward to it.

[dreagan]

I think playing for fun is very different than playing for money. If you beat all your friends playing for Monopoly money at home then think you can go to Blackhawk and play for real and take the table, you are probably wrong. Your mindset is different. You automatically play more conservatively if you aren't used to playing for real money.
I think playing for fun has it's benefits, but you will play a completely diferent game when it's for real. Even if you are playing for pennies or a 12 pack of beer like WSoP21 suggested, you play a little differently. You have something tangible to lose. You will protect it more. Maybe have everyone put $1 in a hat and have a tournement for 8 bucks. It will help you with your strategy.

[adaugust]

I made it deep into a tourney yesterday and I noticed that I started playing a lot tighter as the stakes rose. I know it still isnt the same as playing with real money, but it is as close as I have come before

[jasondeus]

whether it is free poker or not....when you get to the final table......specifically the final two, it is a different game. just hope you are the one in control