Free Online Poker - A Great Way To Get Started

Free online poker is alive and plentiful. In fact, there are a couple of ways to play poker without paying. First let's understand the difference between computerized poker and online poker.

" If you have to insert a CD/ROM into your computer to install game, it's not online poker unless it ultimately connects to an online poker room.

" If you have to download poker software from the Internet, it's not online poker unless it ultimately connects to an online poker room.

" And if you have to pay anything to play, whether you connect to the Internet or not, it's certainly not free online poker!

Most reputable poker sites give players the opportunity to learn how to play poker online using fun money. You simply download the necessary software, create a players account, and start playing. You are usually playing against other free players, but with some sites you are playing against a computer.

They are hoping that you will become comfortable enough, and have so much fun, that you'll eventually make a real money deposit into your account. And, of course, they are hoping that when you do - you'll play at their online poker room.

But there's another free online poker option that's very intriguing. It involves what poker players call freeroll. Pay attention, because this is pretty interesting. A freeroll is something in-between playing poker with real money and playing poker with fun money. Here's how freerolls work:

Freerolls are online poker tournaments in which you can join without paying any entry fee and without having to bet any of your own money. And get this - if you win, or end up with a high placement, you collect real money! How's that for amazing?

It can be very difficult to get into a freeroll tournament. The rules vary among online poker rooms. Some will only let you play if you had been a paying player on their site at least once in your past. Other sites require nothing more than having you fill out a quick and easy form.

You've got to keep your eyes open so you don't miss out. As you can imagine, freeroll fill up pretty quickly and if you snooze, you lose. Whether it's fun money or freeroles, there definitely is such as thing as free online poker.

For more information on this and other poker related topics, visit our website at http://www.holdem-news.com

Johnny is a poker pro who has written a number of educational products including Sit n Go Pro. He is highly interested in helping all poker players understand the game and win lots of money.