You’ve got the basics down, you’ve practiced folding bad hands like a pro, and your bankroll isn’t on fire. Time to find a table. But where?
Whether you’re looking for real money games or just want to get some experience, there are plenty of options. Some are friendly. Some are shady. All of them come with pros and cons.
1. Online Poker Sites
Pros:
- Available 24/7
- Variety of stakes and formats
- Great for learning quickly
Cons:
- Tougher competition
- No physical tells
- Can be addictive if you don’t pace yourself
Popular Sites: PokerStars, 888poker, WSOP.com, GGPoker
2. Casino Poker Rooms
Pros:
- Real chips, real people
- Live table dynamics
- Builds experience
Cons:
- Slower pace
- Higher minimum buy-ins
- Can be intimidating
3. Home Games
Pros:
- Casual and social
- Cheap or free
- Low pressure
Cons:
- Varying skill levels
- Rule inconsistencies
- Emotions can run high (hello, Dave)
4. Mobile Poker Apps (For Fun)
Good Free Apps: PokerStars Play, Zynga Poker, PPPoker
These won’t train you for high-stakes mind games, but they’re great for learning rhythm and rules.
5. Training Sites & Simulators
- Upswing Poker
- Run It Once
- PokerCoaching.com
- PokerStove, Equilab, Flopzilla for hand analysis
TL;DR – Where Should You Play?
| Goal | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Just starting out | Free apps, low-stakes online |
| Want live experience | Home games, casino poker rooms |
| Improve fast | Online + training tools |
| Play for fun with friends | Home games or mobile apps |
No matter where you play, start small, stay sharp, and remember: every hand is a lesson—win or lose.
Next Up: Resources to Level Up