Play money vs real money

#1 July 26th, 2020, 7:51 PM

Is it possible to improve your game by playing with play money?
I still need to improve my game before starting to play with real money. I deposited 45 bucks on tree dif platforms ( with bonuses it's around 70 bucks) but with no return in the investment. I learned a lot but not enough, should i stick to freerolls and play money before depositing again. I also started studying with blogs, guide's, forum's etc.

#2 July 26th, 2020, 7:57 PM

I think there is a lot of learning benefit from playing with play money, but many will disagree. The only thing that you won't learn is how to play against aggressive, smart players. For that you'll have to invest the bucks. BUT, until you get to that point, yes, play with play money.

#3 July 26th, 2020, 8:00 PM

Originally Posted by Rowdy Greg

I think there is a lot of learning benefit from playing with play money, but many will disagree. The only thing that you won't learn is how to play against aggressive, smart players. For that you'll have to invest the bucks. BUT, until you get to that point, yes, play with play money.

Well, i still need to learn to better read ranges, with what when to bet etc.

#4 July 26th, 2020, 8:01 PM

I think it can help you in terms of getting a good feel for the game and the deeper you go in a play money tourney the more it becomes like a real money game, but obviously in the real money games you run into superior players with aggressive styles and are usually more knowledgable about exploiting the passive players. Still even in the real money games picking your spots is essential Play money can help with that

#5 July 26th, 2020, 8:06 PM

Originally Posted by Rowdy Greg

I think there is a lot of learning benefit from playing with play money, but many will disagree. The only thing that you won't learn is how to play against aggressive, smart players. For that you'll have to invest the bucks. BUT, until you get to that point, yes, play with play money.

I also have a comment about Freerolls vs regular cash/tourney play:

Have you ever noticed, that Freeroll players are incredibly loose, and right from the start, you get an "All-in Fest"?

I find that if you have money invested in the game, that you are much more serious about what hands you play, and your attentiveness to the other players in the game.

Just for that alone, I think that you benefit much more from real money play, from a learning prospective, than a play money strategy.

When you switch from play money, to real money, it's like stepping out of a plane when it's still in the air. A real shocker.

You can always start low with real money, so as not to hurt yourself, and get disenchanted with the game, and learn lots at the same time.

#6 July 26th, 2020, 8:12 PM

The person really only feels the weight of the stock when he is playing for his hard-earned money. It is a natural tendency to play looser when you are in a freeroll.

#7 July 26th, 2020, 10:41 PM

I think it doesn't worth it to play with play money, because the few times I've played I saw that the level of the players is the same or worse to what you will find in freerolls tournaments. I would only play freerolls for a while, win some money and play real money with the freerolls winnings.

#8 July 26th, 2020, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by SillentHunterZ

Is it possible to improve your game by playing with play money?
I still need to improve my game before starting to play with real money. I deposited 45 bucks on tree dif platforms ( with bonuses it's around 70 bucks) but with no return in the investment. I learned a lot but not enough, should i stick to freerolls and play money before depositing again. I also started studying with blogs, guide's, forum's etc.

I will say big no. The play money pool is fill of people that doesn't care if the win or they lose(I'm not talking about you here).

Emotions comes to play when you are using your own money. You�ll discover who you really are, trust me. You will start to understand patterns and behaviours of other people, since we do the same things over and over again.

I'm in the process of creating a discord study group, but I'm looking for players that likes exploitative strategy. If you are one of them PM me.

#9 July 26th, 2020, 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by Cooking

I think it doesn't worth it to play with play money, because the few times I've played I saw that the level of the players is the same or worse to what you will find in freerolls tournaments. I would only play freerolls for a while, win some money and play real money with the freerolls winnings.

True that, when i join play money it feels too easy compared to even freerolls ( after the frist 5 min and all-in kamikazes Play money vs real money

).

#10 July 29th, 2020, 1:47 AM

Play money players are not good. But, that doesn't mean you won't get any benefit from playing against them. If you can't beat players who don't care and will just give you their chips, you're going to have a real hard time beating those who are really trying.

You will learn a little, about value betting and playing against wide ranges. You'll learn how to take a suckout, it will happen a lot but you'll make more from the hands where they don't suckout and you win.

I've played a LOT of play money recently. I'm not at my computer, but in the next day or two I'll probably post about it. I was trying to meet a personal goal and prove a point to a friend. I can assure you that the play barely improves no matter how high up you go, at least on Stars. So, I wouldn't bother trying to move up too high in the stakes (maybe get out of the lowest games and above the games where people can reload and sit in them easily). But, you're not going to be playing against tough competition.

The only concern would be picking up bad habits, like limping. Just don't play like the rest of the table. None of them are good. If they're doing something, you should never try and copy them.

#11 July 29th, 2020, 8:24 PM

Originally Posted by SillentHunterZ

Is it possible to improve your game by playing with play money?
I still need to improve my game before starting to play with real money. I deposited 45 bucks on tree dif platforms ( with bonuses it's around 70 bucks) but with no return in the investment. I learned a lot but not enough, should i stick to freerolls and play money before depositing again. I also started studying with blogs, guide's, forum's etc.

It is possible yes, but it will only take you so far.
I'd play for real money but at the lowest stakes until I was a winning ROI player before moving up in stakes. Something too many people just don't understand and make the mistake of playing at stakes much higher than their skill level when just starting out - which is great for all the players that take their money I guess...lol

#12 July 29th, 2020, 9:03 PM

You feel a lot better when your loss is play money. Still play those games you can play hands you'd normally wouldn't in a cash game. Do some bluffing and shoving. It can be a confidence builder plus it allows you to try different strategies. You can still learn things from play money that you can use when you want to put your cash at risk

#13 August 14th, 2020, 6:35 AM

One way I to build up a bankroll, in addition to no-deposit bankrolls/bonuses and freerolls is by selling PS chips online. A bit more than 10 yrs ago, one site paid $10/1M Pokerstars chips and $3/1M Full Tilt chips. Then a year later, due to supply and demand, he was paying $5/1M PS chips. These days, I see one site offering $3/1M PS chips. Not sure if it's legit or not. The website of the guy I used to use in no longer up.

#14 August 14th, 2020, 7:31 AM

Play money I think is just as fun as real money. There is a lot to be learned in play money especially when you start making the final tables. I have won the Sunday Million and the Platinum Elite invitational in play money. This was no easy challenge. I have always gone further into play money games vs. cash money. I think when one has a limitless cash flow they take more chances then the rest of us. It is still a rewarding challenge when you place or win a real money game. I love both and will continue to play both play and real money. So with that said enjoy playing and practice practice,practice. Capo1014

#15 August 14th, 2020, 7:43 AM

I do not recommend playing poker with play money. Nobody plays it seriously, because the money is conditional and the players do not care whether they win or lose.

#16 August 14th, 2020, 8:45 AM

Hello! You can stick to freerolls, but why did you put on a deposit? Try your hand at micro limits. Best regards, Sergey.

#17 August 14th, 2020, 9:22 AM

Of course, you can improve your game by playing with play money, perfect for practicing and improving your game. There's so much wrong with playing with money that they play more cards than real money tables, saying they have nothing to lose.

#18 August 14th, 2020, 2:02 PM

I don�t know for sure, but the play for play money is completely different, people go to Allin much more often, because they do not risk anything. When you play for real money, the game is more professional, and you really learn and avoid mistakes, as you can lose money. Play money vs real money

#19 August 14th, 2020, 7:04 PM

If you don't want to stake real money, you can gain SOME experience playing money multi-table tournaments (MTT) at Pokerstars at 100k entry fee. At least at later stages of the tournament (e.g., final table), the play becomes slightly realistic. At 50k entry fee, the play is much less realistic, especially at the start of the tournament.

#20 August 14th, 2020, 7:52 PM

Originally Posted by SillentHunterZ

Is it possible to improve your game by playing with play money?
I still need to improve my game before starting to play with real money. I deposited 45 bucks on tree dif platforms ( with bonuses it's around 70 bucks) but with no return in the investment. I learned a lot but not enough, should i stick to freerolls and play money before depositing again. I also started studying with blogs, guide's, forum's etc.

It`s impossible, you will learn wrong poker from playing for play money, and then it much harder to re-learn playing poker for real money, so don`t even try

#21 August 14th, 2020, 9:59 PM

You can learn the basics by using play money, but when you start using real money you will never want to go back. It's just not rewarding enough anymore. Another thing about the play money games is that they much softer than the real money games, You might also try playing the freerolls instead, since they don't cost anything to register.

#22 August 15th, 2020, 8:57 PM

Real money is more instresting than Play money.
Because, it makes profits of real money.

#23 September 5th, 2020, 9:48 PM

I was wondering the same question. In the past I played a lot of real money games, but for a while I haven't played poker (in the last 5years)
Now, I'd like just refresh my "skills" and I try to play with play money.
I think, the freeroll and play money players can't feel the point of the poker. They decisons are very irresponsible and often incomprehensible. So I'm thinking about that I'll have to play again with real money to play enjoyable parties Play money vs real money

)
If you can lose money you'lL think twice before you react Play money vs real money

#24 September 5th, 2020, 9:54 PM

How much skill is really needed when there is a "alogrythim" picking the cards "for you". I used to play on BetOnline and they changed their format.

Suddenly, it was extremely hard to win and they had less free rolls, (no more nooner for $300), and I lost like $100 of their money I had made on that site prior to the site change.

I've played for years but you could "tell" something changed and the game automatically "took you OUT" even though my game play remained basically the same (or even better!).

I think every poker site (that's not a skin on a bot motor) has to based on a software ALOGRYTHIM. And they make sure it's very very hard to beat. You know like a kids video game.....

#25 September 5th, 2020, 10:27 PM

But you play agains the other human players not against the algorithm.
So I don't understand your point. The conditions are the same for all of us.

#26 September 5th, 2020, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by Laynester

How much skill is really needed when there is a "alogrythim" picking the cards "for you". I used to play on BetOnline and they changed their format.

Suddenly, it was extremely hard to win and they had less free rolls, (no more nooner for $300), and I lost like $100 of their money I had made on that site prior to the site change.

I've played for years but you could "tell" something changed and the game automatically "took you OUT" even though my game play remained basically the same (or even better!).

I think every poker site (that's not a skin on a bot motor) has to based on a software ALOGRYTHIM. And they make sure it's very very hard to beat. You know like a kids video game.....

We have a whole thread dedicated to rigged accusations. Please keep this garbage confined to that. It has no place in any serious discussion.

#27 September 6th, 2020, 8:08 PM

Play money helps a lot to introduce some to the the poker environment, but there's no poker game improvement at all.

#28 September 7th, 2020, 11:29 PM

Hello. From a conservative viewpoint, there is nothing wrong playing play money. Besides, it's great practice!

#29 September 8th, 2020, 12:20 AM

There are plenty of similar threads to this and I have replied to several to advocate for playing with play money to gain experience.

Note the answers to these threads are frequently cliched and uninformed.

There are levels on specific sites where people compete in play money poker seriously so there is a lot to gain. You just have to make an effort to find them.

As for saying people play wildly with play chips, its a lazy generalization. If true at the lowest levels then fight to rise above those levels - if you can compete there and learn to succeed then its stands you in good stead to develop your game.

Life often consists of what you put into it to get something out of it. When anyone dismisses play money out of hand the impression I get is they never invested in the idea - if they had taken it seriously at any point they would know better.

Naturally, you will outgrow play money as your game develops but it is still a useful tool. If you know where to play seriously, and can experiment with ranges and aggression etc, with no downside that is invaluable.

.

#30 September 8th, 2020, 12:34 PM

if you care about money like me and you want win you should try play with play money to improve and than deposit Play money vs real money

#31 October 7th, 2020, 1:01 AM

Originally Posted by SillentHunterZ

Is it possible to improve your game by playing with play money?
I still need to improve my game before starting to play with real money. I deposited 45 bucks on tree dif platforms ( with bonuses it's around 70 bucks) but with no return in the investment. I learned a lot but not enough, should i stick to freerolls and play money before depositing again. I also started studying with blogs, guide's, forum's etc.

Play money is a waste of time. People just splash around. Don't ever put money in. Challenge yourself to win a bankroll through freerolls instead. You'll thank yourself later for all the money you never lost.

#32 October 7th, 2020, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by Chief talking bull

Play money is a waste of time. People just splash around. Don't ever put money in. Challenge yourself to win a bankroll through freerolls instead. You'll thank yourself later for all the money you never lost.

I stopped play money, it is really waste of time, but also the freerolls with 3-4k players is also waste of time, too many people go all in ll the time and get lucky with cards 59 for example.

#33 October 7th, 2020, 12:47 PM

Don't think about it, Deposit $100 and play for fun. For $100, you can beat the edge if you play from micro to medium. Even $ 50 is enough to play a lot of the same MTT or Sng tournaments from $1.10 to $22. Thus, you will get a great experience and a good mood for a long time. Personally, I do not play chips at all, I think this is empty.

#34 October 7th, 2020, 1:21 PM

I believe if you play money that you can't improve your game. IF you play with real money, even microstakes, it does help you improve your game. Certain websites may be softer than others, however, the competition is way better than play money.

#35 October 7th, 2020, 5:21 PM

I started off as a play chip player for a couple years and transitioned into the real money field,.. start at lower tables to get a feel thats normally what i do or enter a few small tourneys.

#36 October 7th, 2020, 5:30 PM

Its a good place to start, a lot people learnt from play money but I think freerolls would be good too, you risk nothing and if you play well you can become consistent with cashing, then you can move onto buy-in mtts witht the money you win.

#37 October 7th, 2020, 5:52 PM

Playing with play money or freerolls, you will not be able to completely learn how to play poker. Only playing for money will you finally understand how to play correctly in order to be profitable.

#38 October 7th, 2020, 7:55 PM

Originally Posted by SillentHunterZ

Is it possible to improve your game by playing with play money?
I still need to improve my game before starting to play with real money. I deposited 45 bucks on tree dif platforms ( with bonuses it's around 70 bucks) but with no return in the investment. I learned a lot but not enough, should i stick to freerolls and play money before depositing again. I also started studying with blogs, guide's, forum's etc.

Play with real money but with micro tournaments if u don�t want risk large and then move to free tools who offer satellite tickets

#39 October 13th, 2020, 6:40 PM

If you are able to play any freerolls, then there is no need to play any play money.

#40 October 13th, 2020, 6:48 PM

Always money, although I see many people enjoying the fictitious chips, but the truth is, I cannot concentrate thinking that they are only fictitious, and I start with the lanterns

#41 October 13th, 2020, 9:56 PM

It's odd those who pronounce on this matter (the idea playing with play money is a waste of time) appear to be unaware Cards Chat is holding a promotion through October with Replay Poker.

Replay Poker has over a million members, has a vast array of games and tournaments on offer 24/7 (comparable to any pay site) and has ultra competative leagues (as well as the fact that each individual player is ranked). It is also RNG certified.

Replay Poker being a play money site.

Unfortunately a lot of poker players opine from a narrow perspective, Numerous people take poker seriously without wagering a dime. Anyone who states others, sorry to say, does not know what they are talking about.

#42 October 14th, 2020, 10:27 AM

Play in them as a first step before the second step (real money) on the big or giant online poker rooms , yes I agree , sb can go to try play money games , or try them only for fun with friends or for homegames .
But play only in them or try them in order TO LEARN POKER , no , f*** NO , is the not debatable answer of mine Play money vs real money

#43 October 14th, 2020, 11:17 AM

I think they are good just to get familiar with the software etc. How can you play if you are against 5-6 players in every pot , they play any two or they don't want to fold pre flop?

I used to play a period with play money in order to hone my multi-tabling skills , I wanted to test my ability to remain concentrated but again , it's not easy or serious to play family posts in every single of table. You can't narrow down and read your opponents' ranges , it's impossible!

#44 October 14th, 2020, 5:55 PM

I don't find myself motivated in play money so i don't play there.
You can start from micro stakes and improve your skills

#45 October 14th, 2020, 6:54 PM

In both you can find joy and beauty.
It depends on which one you like better.

#46 October 15th, 2020, 5:13 AM

I think with play money many players don't take the game so seriously and make plays that with real money, they wouldn't do that, I think the best thing is to train in the freerolls.

#47 October 17th, 2020, 5:45 PM

I think there is no point of comparison between play money and playing for real money. Especially for the other players, you. You can take play money gambling very seriously, but at some point, your opponents won't, and you will. you will have to make decisions based on people who are not playing seriously. It is my opinion. Best regards. Play money vs real money

#48 October 17th, 2020, 5:48 PM

Play money to me is good for Start. Know the game and practice once in a while.
But to real level up your game you need to play with Real Money.
It is very different. Try and you will see. You also will manage your real money bankroll.

Cheers,
M.D.

#49 October 17th, 2020, 5:55 PM

playing for play chips spoils the game very much! people take more risks, especially where it was possible to play carefully, due to the lack of fear of losing money!

#50 October 17th, 2020, 5:58 PM

my opinion: playing play money is a waste of time

Similar Threads for: Play money vs real money
Thread	Replies	Last Post	Forum
Real difference between online and real life	80	Yesterday 7:43 PM	Online Poker
Play money. You play poker on play money?	203	December 20th, 2020 2:14 PM	Online Poker
Is playing play money game with digital payment of real money illegal?	7	November 10th, 2020 8:40 AM	Online Poker
Play money vs Real money	1	May 16th, 2020 4:28 PM	Cash Games

Similar Threads for: Play money vs real money > Texas Hold'em Poker
Thread	Replies	Last Post	Forum
Real difference between online and real life	80	Yesterday 7:43 PM	Online Poker
Play money. You play poker on play money?	203	December 20th, 2020 2:14 PM	Online Poker
Is playing play money game with digital payment of real money illegal?	7	November 10th, 2020 8:40 AM	Online Poker
Play money vs Real money	1	May 16th, 2020 4:28 PM	Cash Games

Play money vs real money

Why more than 329,841 poker players have joined CardsChat