Most people who start playing poker, start out with free demos where they don't have to pay any money. As we said in a previous post, this can be a good tactic to get you comfortable with playing a new game. If you're not finding yourself comfortable playing demo poker games, you shouldn't move into playing real money games too quickly. On the other hand, don't wait too long — eventually it's good to get on the money table and give yourself the added pressure to win.

When you play for real money, you start to really learn how to play poker. The players are on the table, the money is in the pot and you're risking something — making you and others more conscious and careful with their moves. Sometimes, especially if you're learning a new type of poker, it can be a good idea to play the demo games — or come back to them after you find yourself fumbling over the basics and the intensity making you nervous. You should make sure that you feel like a novice before you enter the ring, because once you step inside, it's unlikely that you'll go back.

At the same time, don't play it too safe. The biggest confidence booster can only come from real money poker games. You have to be in the atmosphere to start to unravel the game, to get to know how other players react and to see how you deal with the pressure. Your job is to stay cool, be aware and make the best plays you can. Take everytihng as a learning experience, jump into the ring, and realize that even your losses are gains — you've just learned more about poker and will be able to play the next round better if you don't win the pot this time.

Tags: demo games, Play Poker, play poker online, real money