Question 1

What is Pocketcherries?

Accepted Answer

Pocketcherries is a free Texas Hold'em poker trainer that runs entirely in your browser — no download, no real money. You sit at a live-looking seven-player play-money table, get dealt real preflop spots, and learn from instant coaching as you play.

Question 2

Is Pocketcherries really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every feature, including Practice Spots and the coaching panels, is free. There is nothing to buy and no play-money balance to top up — the training table is always open.

Question 3

Do I need to download or install anything?

Accepted Answer

No download is required. Pocketcherries works in any modern browser on desktop and phone. Just open the site and take a seat at the table.

Question 4

Do I need an account to play?

Accepted Answer

You can start playing right away. Creating a free account with your email lets you keep your progress and notes on opponents, and it takes less than a minute.

Question 5

I've never played poker. Can Pocketcherries teach me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pocketcherries is built for beginners: you learn the cards, the betting rounds, and table basics while playing real hands. The goal is to make you comfortable playing with family and friends.

Question 6

What is a poker "spot"?

Accepted Answer

A spot is one specific decision: your position, your two cards, and what the players before you did. Good players don't memorise whole hands — they learn to read spots and pick the right action quickly. Practicing spots is the fastest way to improve at Texas Hold'em.

Question 7

What do the numbers on the stats panel mean?

Accepted Answer

The panel shows your position, hand rank, win percentage, equity, pot odds and expected value. Each metric explains the decision in front of you, and the coaching panel breaks down what the numbers are telling you after every action.

Question 8

How does the coaching work?

Accepted Answer

The coach watches each hand with you. It stays quiet while you decide, then reviews your action — explaining whether a fold, call or raise made sense given your cards, your position and the price you were getting.

Question 9

What is Practice Spots?

Accepted Answer

Practice Spots is the poker training table. You play preflop Texas Hold'em spots at a play-money 1/2 cherry-blind seven-player cash table against animated bots, each with its own hidden playing style.

Question 10

Am I playing for real money?

Accepted Answer

No. Every hand is a training hand at a play-money table against bots. Nothing is wagered, nothing is at risk, and no payment is ever involved.

Question 11

Do the bots play like real opponents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each bot has a distinct style — tight, loose, aggressive or passive — reshuffled each session and hidden until you figure it out. Learning to read those styles is part of the practice.

Question 12

Why does the practice focus on preflop?

Accepted Answer

Preflop is the decision every hand starts with, and the one most players get wrong most often. Locking in solid preflop habits — which hands to play, from which position, against which action — improves everything that comes after.

Question 13

Does it work on my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The table, your cards, the action buttons and the coaching panels are laid out for portrait screens as well as desktop, so you can drill a few hands anywhere.

Question 14

Can I set up a game and play with friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pocketcherries lets you create a game and bring your friends to the table, so you can enjoy a poker night together from wherever you are.

Question 15

Can beginners learn before game night?

Accepted Answer

That's the idea. New players can learn the basics and practice real spots first, so they show up to the game with friends and family feeling ready instead of lost.

Question 16

How do I create an account?

Accepted Answer

Tap "Get Started" on the home page and sign up with your email — or use Google. You can also choose a player name if you'd rather not show your email at the table.

Question 17

Why do I need to confirm my email?

Accepted Answer

Confirming your email secures your account and keeps your progress safe. You get a 7-day grace period to play first — a small reminder bar with a resend link appears until you confirm.

Question 18

How do I change my player name or sign out?

Accepted Answer

Open your account page from the top of the site. There you can edit your display name, check your email confirmation status, and sign out.

Getting Started

Learning Poker

Practice Spots

Playing With Friends

Account & Progress