I have experience playing poker casually on my phone and with friends, but recently I tried playing in a casino for the first time with $200. Initially, I was successful and turned my $200 into $700 by confidently bluffing and calling bluffs. However, I ended up losing everything on a poor all-in bet when I felt bored and decided to push my luck. Now, I play lower-stakes poker online to reassure myself that the loss was due to my bad decisions instead of a lack of skill. Unfortunately, I lost another $200 online. So, I’m curious: what steps should beginners take to improve at poker? Should I focus on gaining experience with online play before moving to higher stakes at a casino, or should I prioritize watching tutorials and learning strategies?
One approach that can significantly improve your poker skills is to practice bankroll management diligently. Sometimes it’s not just your poker skills but also managing your money efficiently that keeps you in the game longer. Set clear limits for how much you’re willing to risk in a session and stick to that, regardless of short-term wins or losses. This discipline helps prevent impulsive decisions, like the all-in move you mentioned, and ensures you can play consistently and learn from each experience.
Hey there GrowingFlower! 
I think it’s awesome you’re looking to improve your poker game. One thing that really helped me in the beginning was developing a good understanding of the different poker hands and probabilities. It can feel like you’re playing blind if you’re not fully comfortable with what beats what or the odds of getting that perfect card on the river. I used to play little quizzes online or even flashcards to drum them into my head.
Also, try watching some live games with commentary. It’s pretty insightful to see how pros read opponents and when they decide to fold, bluff, or go all-in. Sometimes you pick up neat tricks and nuances that aren’t covered in tutorials but are just as valuable. Plus, it’s kind of fun to see it all go down in real-time! 
Just keep at it and don’t get discouraged by the losses – it’s all part of the learning curve!