Recommendations for online Poker sites

[vegeta1215]

I watch Poker games every now and then on TV, and got a No-Limit Texas Hold'em book for my b-day so I can learn and start to play. I'd like to play online games where no real money is involved, and possibly play real money games in the future. (though this is not necessary) Can anyone recommend some sites? They have to meet these reqs:

- Free to sign up and play
- Can play No-Limit Texas Hold'em with no money (or fake money, whatever you want to call it)
- Works with Mac or Linux, either with a download client or java client

Other things that are important to me include sites whose clients have clean interfaces and are easy to use, have a lot of players with varying skill levels (I'm a beginner and don't want to play against pros), etc. Recommendations?

[goKi]

I'd say PokerStars.com would be the best, but i'm done with online poker. It's nothing compared to a live game, it doesn't even come close, and since i'm playing in 4-5 home games a week, i've got no need for online. Good to see you getting into some poker, Vegeta.

[vegeta1215]

If I can find some people in my area, that will be cool. But I'd like to mess around online for a bit regardless. PokerStars.com would only work for me with the Java client right? (which seems to be buried in their website)

btw, the book I got is the "Illustrated Guide to No-Limit Texas Hold'em". It has basic strategies, but goes through real situations and asks you what you _would_ do, and then explains what you _should_ do and why. I like it so far.

[Modus Ponens]

Don't listen to him, Vegeta. You just know this "goKi" is an adbot for PokerStars.

[goKi]

I'd suggest picking up 'Doyle Brunson's Super System' When you've got a slightly better understanding of the game. That book is the best book ever written on poker.

[AlexMax]

Some useful threads from SA on the subject of Poker that you might find enlightening. Don't play poker myeslf, but the more informed you are, the better off you are.

Poker in the Rear: The FAQ (http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1668026)
Poker book reviews (http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1667350)
Poker site Bonuses and Promotions (http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2157223)