It is probably a combination of things that have them looking for free poker sites.  The natural caution when it comes to putting your money online is probably the major reason for wanting to play free poker first.

And that is a good thing.

There is a lot of benefit to playing the free poker tables option in online poker rooms. For beginners, it is a great way to familiarize yourself with the poker software of that particular room. Plus it will get you used to the betting rounds and the action of your chosen card game.

Without the pressure of worrying about making a mistake with actual real hard cash, it can be a pleasant learning experience, and is definitely recommended for players that are new to online poker.

But don’t get carried away with the free poker option. If you do well at these free tables don’t go thinking that you are a natural poker player and dive straight in to the high roller tables for real cash.

The same holds true if you do not do well at these tables, and lose all your free play chips. Don’t worry too much about that. Yes, you may be a terribly bad poker player, but losing your play chips may actually mean that you are a good player too.

Whatever happens, just realize that the only real value to be had with these tables is to learn how the software works, and get familiar with your chosen poker room before you hit the cash tables or the cash tournaments. Playing the play money tables will not teach you how to play real poker.

I can’t stress that enough. Just because you can beat the free play tables does not mean you are good enough to go to the WSOP.

No value to the chips means that no one values them. Simple. If the players don’t take the money seriously then you cannot bluff, or force someone off a draw. So just use this option to get familiar with the software, nothing more.

In fact, staying and playing for too long at the free chip tables will actually harm your game. Don’t do it.

Related posts:

1. Free Poker Bots
2. Online poker bankroll building
3. Free Poker Money