What is the difference between play-money and real-money games?

Question

What is the difference between play-money and real-money games?

Answer 1

I agree with what's been said. People at the highest limit play money SNGs are pretty similar in ability to people at low limit real money tables. On the other hand, people at the low limit play money tables are pretty much worthless. You can sit at these tables and just wait for good hands, and build up a hefty bankroll without a single bluff. This same style of play will get you creamed much of the time at real money tables.

If you're thinking about switching to real money, my advice is to build up the bankroll to play at the high limit, play money SNGs (get at least 20 times the buy in before entering), and stop playing the small time tables altogether. If you're not winning consistently, you probably will lose at the real money tables.

Answer 2

The obvious difference is that one is for real money and the other is for fake money.

In terms of the play, I'd say that if you play a high stakes sit and go for play money (e.g. Poker Stars $80,000 S&G), it is about the same as a real money $10 sit and go.

There is some correlation, and it is worth playing play money games, but real money is certainly a lot harder.

Answer 3

Basically, you get looser calls with worse hands in play money. Also, there's a lot of di<ks in play money that will just sit out after winning a hand. since the play is so loose, doubling up just once is often enough to place in the money.

also, there's an ongoing argument (at the tables i sit at) about whether playing for play money hurts you when you play for real money (e.g. the strategies you learn in play money make you a fish in real money.)

i'm conflicted about this issue. personally, i learned a lot from play money as well, and I often experiment with playing styles opposite of the one I prefer. also, you *can* find good poker in play money, but usually only at the highest PM limits. at the lowest limits are the highest density of bad players.

Answer 4

A play money game does not really require a deposit on the part of the player. These games are played with "fake money," which do not represent anything of value.

A play-money game is much different than a real-money since players have nothing to lose by recklessly wagering. It's as simple as that actually.

Answer 5

Obviously real money games are where you can win real cash...but you can win real money without investing any money at all...if you play for play money you are wasting your time...because you can play freerolls for real money and it costs nothing...sign up to any of these sites for some good freerolls http://www.thetop10pokersites.com or http://www.carbknpoker.com