Hi,

I am just starting into poker and am thinking about making my first deposit of around $50.

Currently I am playing on Paradise Poker and I never hear of anyone else playing there. I was thinking that this might be a good place to put my 1st deposit because I can get a frist deposit bonus of 25% (or $12.50 on my $50), but not waste my first deposit bonuses on PP or Empire.

I had only been playing for play money, and I know that isn't even real poker. After awhile, I got a free $2 to play with on the micro-limit tables.

I played on the .02/.04 limit tables and have lost my free money. I think it was mostly on good play but due to loose players at low levels drawing me out. I am sure that my post-flop betting needs work, which is why I would like to stay at a low-level table for now.

I have my hand history from my first "real money" experience and I plan to look at it again. After looking at it quickly I think I am staying in too long when the flop misses and opens up for flush/straight draws that I don't have a peice of (especially at such low limits). I feel sometimes though, that with 6 people in that drawing for over cards would usually beat them. Most of the time it would, I just don't get the draws. I also notice sometimes that I fold 2nd pair only to see 3rd or 4th win.

I had been playing at micro-limit tables, but I noticed (after spending my free $2) that there are micro-no-limit tables $2 max buy-in.

I have a few questions that I would like to ask before I make my first deposit:

1) Is there anything generally wrong with Paradise Poker? There seems to be tonnes of different games to play: limit, no-limit, tournament. What else should I be looking for. Plus, I actually like the game interface better than Empire/PP (personal preference - it just feels more comfortable).

2) I know that Poker Stars doesn't offer any first deposit bonus, so it is widely encouraged to start there. If I am not planning on staying at Paradise then I am really not wasting anything and I'm getting a free $12.50 to start at lower level tables. Does this sound logical or should I save it anyway and cash it in later (assuming I make money)?

3) I think I have seen some really bad hands beat me in limit games, would even moving to the $2 max buy-in tables be a better choice for me?

4) How do I know when my 2nd pair is going to beat the "seeming-less intelligent" guys raising with 3rd or 4th pair? I think it's more frustrating to see that happen then to lose KK on a draw or something.

Sorry if this post went on a little too long, hopefully the helpful people don't get lost. If I should break my questions into multiple different posts, let me know.