Hiya Brian, I just played 50 hands on TTH (Turbo Texas Hold'em) before I jumped on the board. I'm a tyro too. Probably the best part of the software is the hands-per-hour you can play on this simulation. As for using it to learn to play it works best as a tool in conjunction with other sources such as books and kibitzing at rec.gambling.poker or 2+2 forums. In fact 2+2 has a very worthwhile books/software forum! http://www.twoplustwo.com Most people find value in the software to varying degrees. There are lots of features contained and you might want to consider downloading the demo. http://www.wilsonsoftware.com/ I'm happy with it but I don't play outside of club tournies. Good luck!