When I started playing poker back in 2004, the world of poker learning was very different. During the peak of the ‘Moneymaker Boom’, there were only a few poker forums, some basic poker software, and a handful of good poker books.
Today, learning poker is a completely different experience.
There’s an almost endless number of poker forums to join (and now even Discord channels and Facebook groups for poker discussions!). There are hundreds of poker programs to help you train, learn, and refine your game. The number of poker books available is immense, with new authors and titles appearing all the time.
When I consider whether I’d prefer to start learning poker in 2004 or 2025, it’s a tough question.
In 2004, learning poker required much more personal effort, manual calculations, and collaborative study to move beyond basic strategies.
In 2025, we have software for almost every poker situation and a vast amount of high-quality free poker content. However, this abundance of content also includes a lot of low-value material that won’t help you improve and might even hinder your progress.
This is why I decided to write this article to answer the question: ‘If I had to learn poker from scratch today, where would I begin?’
What resources would I use first? Which study methods would be most effective? And what would be my strategy to go from beginner to competent as quickly as possible?
Let’s dive in…
POKER LEARNING IN 4 PHASES
When I approach learning something new, I always try to break it down into core components. What are the essential areas of knowledge I need to understand to truly grasp this subject?
For poker, I believe these are the four key areas:
- Poker Math
- Poker Strategy
- Poker Tactics (Playbook)
- Poker Psychology & Mental Game
We could certainly expand this list, but focusing on these four initially provides a strong foundation.
As you study and learn, you can categorize the material into these areas.
This list is also in order of importance, based on my experience. Poker math is fundamental for strategy and tactics. However, if tilt constantly erodes your winnings, then mental game might become your top priority.
Here are my recommendations for starting with each area*. My aim is to offer both free and paid options for each phase, catering to different budgets. However, don’t automatically dismiss paid resources in favor of free ones. Consider the value of your poker learning time (ROI).
For effective learning, remember that your results will reflect your effort. Studying for just 30 minutes a week won’t lead to rapid improvement. I’ve created a guide and video on setting up an effective poker study routine to maximize each study hour.
*My real goal here is to help you avoid wasting time on ineffective resources (like outdated strategy guides) and focus on content that truly enhances your game. You’re reading this to make the most of your time, so I’ve blended my personal starting point with my current knowledge of valuable resources.
Hope you find it helpful! ♥
MASTERING POKER MATH
Many people don’t see themselves as mathematically inclined.
Math can be challenging and complex, and poker math can seem especially daunting.
The good news is, you don’t need to be a math whiz to excel at poker. Basic addition and multiplication are enough to get you started.
In fact, many poker calculations become intuitive over time as you see them repeatedly in training videos and software outputs. So, don’t be intimidated by poker math!
The four most essential math concepts in poker are:
- Pot Odds
- Expected Value (EV)
- Frequencies
- Combinations/Blockers
(For SNGs/tournaments, I’d also include ICM – Independent Chip Model).
You can grasp these concepts in a single afternoon.
Once you understand these concepts, you’ll see them everywhere in poker. Your ability to apply them will improve, and you’ll develop an intuition for frequencies and EV estimation. Counting combinations and blockers will become second nature during hands.
Here are resources to Learn Poker math effectively:
Recommended Poker Math Book: Poker Math That Matters
While there are numerous poker math books, Poker Math That Matters by Owen Gaines is the best value. It comprehensively covers the crucial concepts mentioned above, explains them clearly, and includes quizzes with answers to reinforce learning.
You can purchase Poker Math That Matters for $25 here. Reading it in a week will significantly strengthen your mathematical understanding of poker.
Free Poker Math Articles & Videos
I’ve created videos explaining most of these math concepts. While they may not be as in-depth as “Poker Math That Matters,” they provide a solid overview quickly. Here are essential links:
[Link to free math articles and videos (replace with actual links)]
Essential Poker Math Software
The amount of poker software available today is incredible. When I started, we had PokerStove and later CardRunners EV.
Now, software ranges from bot practice tools to advanced GTO range construction. If I were starting today, I’d immediately download these:
Equilab (PC & Mac)
Equilab is free software for quick equity calculations. It’s vital for understanding EV and how hands/ranges perform in different scenarios.
Download Equilab | Guide to using Equilab
Flopzilla (PC)
Flopzilla is a low-cost tool that revolutionized how I study, visualize, and exploit poker. It answers questions like, ‘How often does 77 flop a set?’ or ‘How often does that K♠ give my opponent a flush on the river?’
Download Flopzilla | Guide to using Flopzilla
PokerTracker 4 (PC & Mac)
If you play online poker, tracking your results is essential. PokerTracker 4 automatically tracks your results on most sites, along with stats and leaks. It also provides a HUD (Heads-Up Display) for real-time opponent stats during play. Prices start at $59.99, and you can get a free 30-day trial of PT4 here.
PokerSnowie (PC)
PokerSnowie is particularly useful for live players. It allows you to practice against a strong AI, get advice on your play, and see optimal lines. It’s one of the toughest AIs I’ve encountered, pushing you to stay competitive. Learn more about PokerSnowie here.
DEVELOPING POKER STRATEGY
Once you’re comfortable with poker math, it’s time to delve into poker hands, lines, and overall strategy.
Many players confuse strategy and tactics. Here’s a simple distinction:
- Strategy is your overall approach to poker. It’s a zoomed-out view of your game, focusing on holistic methods for range construction and +EV decisions.
- Tactics are zoomed-in, situation-specific plays, often analyzing individual hands in isolation. A tactic might be +EV in a specific scenario but not strategically sound.
Confused?
Think of it this way: strategy considers all hands you play from middle position and your barreling plan for your range when facing a single caller. Tactics focus on whether to double barrel AK-high on an overcard turn against a tight opponent.
Strategy is the big picture. Tactics are the details.
Good poker strategy advice is rarely free. Building a profitable strategy takes significant time and can’t be taught in a short YouTube video or article.
To develop a solid poker strategy, I recommend my course, The One Percent. This course provides a comprehensive view of the game, analyzes the underlying math, and presents a robust strategy to compete even against top players. You’ll gain a complete strategy, rules to follow, methods to exploit rule-breakers, and a framework for refining your game with tactics and hand reading.
Honestly, if I were learning poker from scratch today, this is where I would start. It offers insights that 99% of players miss, giving the top 1% a huge edge.
If you prefer books, here are some poker books I recommend for building a strategic foundation:
Recommended Poker Strategy Books
No Limit Hold ’em: Theory and Practice
This book was the first I read multiple times, and it has been incredibly valuable. It bridges poker math and application, highlighting my strategic errors. NLTAP effectively balances strategy and tactics.
Applications of No-Limit Hold’em
This advanced book dives deep into the math and application of poker. Matt Janda explores balance, frequencies, and ranges in great detail. It’s complex and best read after understanding the basics, perhaps after completing “The One Percent” course.
Get your copy of Applications of NLHE
Easy Game Vol 3
The final edition of Andrew Seidman’s ‘Easy Game’ provides a great high-level perspective on poker. Each chapter poses key questions and discussions to help you develop a complete approach to the game.
Get your copy of Easy Game
MASTERING POKER TACTICS
With math and basic strategy understood, focus on tactics. Tactics are the detailed plays within poker. A strong tactical playbook helps you win more pots.
Most poker content is tactical.
However, much tactical advice is poor quality.
But, with a solid strategy, you can easily distinguish good from bad tactical advice.
Strategy comes first!
When evaluating tactical advice (often labeled misleadingly as ‘3betting strategy’ or ‘double barreling strategy’), consider:
- The coach’s assumptions.
- The mathematical profitability of the suggested play.
- How it fits within a broader strategy.
New players often seek simple rules like “always 3bet X hands” or “always check-raise flush draws.” But poker situations are unique. A coach’s advice to barrel Ace-high in one spot might not apply universally.
Good poker coaches explain the math and assumptions behind their advice. Be wary of coaches or writers who don’t provide this context. Understanding the ‘why’ is crucial.
Many resources offer good tactical advice. Here’s where to start:
Recommended Poker Tactics Books
Dynamic Full Ring Poker
My first book, while intended as a strategy guide, is largely tactical. It outlines assumptions, ranges, and adjustments for 7-10 handed games, presenting a tactical playbook.
Get your copy of DFRP
Poker Plays You Can Use 2
Written by my Red Chip Poker co-founder, this book is a tactical playbook. James “SplitSuit” Sweeney shares his plays, assumptions, and math for practical application.
Free Poker Tactics Resources
SplitSuit YouTube Videos
My YouTube videos are primarily tactics-focused, analyzing individual hands. I explain assumptions, line construction, and bet sizing at each decision point.
Bookmark my free poker video page and check for regular updates.
Free Poker Playbook
This free email course delivers 8 common poker plays with our thought process, showing you how to implement them.
Sign up for the free poker playbook here
STRENGTHENING POKER PSYCHOLOGY
Poker has a significant mental component. While playing like an emotionless robot would be ideal, it’s not realistic.
Tilt is a common mental challenge, but many other psychological factors impact poker success, from “happy tilt” to self-sabotage and fatigue.
Improving your poker psychology benefits your real life too. Studying mindset is valuable for poker and personal growth.
Resources for Poker Psychology
The Mental Advantage
In this comprehensive course, Dr. Tricia Cardner and I cover the six key aspects of poker mindset: tilt, emotional control, mental preparation, and more, offering a professional poker player’s perspective.
Get your copy of The Mental Advantage
Positive Poker
Dr. Tricia Cardner’s book offers a broad view of the mental game. It provides practical psychological advice to address known and hidden mental game issues.
Get your copy of Positive Poker
Red Chip Poker PRO Membership
Dr. Cardner also creates videos for Red Chip Poker PRO, covering topics like ‘setting poker goals’, ‘the science of learning’, ‘A-game’, and ‘managing mental energy’.
Start your Red Chip Poker PRO Membership
TMA Podcast
Elliot Roe & Dr. Cardner discuss poker mindset with athletes and poker players, exploring routines, mental obstacles, and practical advice for mindset improvement.
Final Thoughts on Learning Poker
Returning to the question of ‘how to learn poker from scratch?’, this is my recommended path: start with math, progress to strategy, expand with tactics, and address mental game leaks. Easier said than done, but a plan is essential.
For rapid learning with a budget, I suggest:
This is under $1000 and about 5 hours of weekly study. If you can recoup this investment within a few months of playing, it’s worthwhile. For micro-stakes or small games, focus on “The One Percent” and supplement with free resources.
Remember, strategy is paramount.
Simply folding everything but premium hands isn’t a strategy. Folding to every raise isn’t a strategy. Relying solely on flopping sets isn’t a strategy.
Develop a robust poker strategy, then enhance your playbook with intelligent tactical adjustments.
Are You Regularly “Lost” Postflop?
Over the years, I’ve significantly improved my postflop strategy by studying core concepts, accurately estimating outcomes, and understanding technical aspects. My Postflop Poker Workbook provides the exercises I use, with a complete answer key and video course. Get your copy today and gain clarity in postflop situations.
I know this was lengthy, but thank you for reading. I hope this guide helps you chart your poker learning journey. Good luck, and happy grinding!
