The thought of poker being an easy game, is very far from the truth. Its a very complex game, that even at the basic free poker level pits player against player. To be a great player you will need math and people skills. You will need these attributes when playing advanced level poker if you want to stand a chance of winning.
If you are new to poker then there are some basic skills you can start with to get some wins behind you. Read my poker terms glossary to find out what the terms used below mean.
First, playing quality cards only is a good starting rule.
Pocket pairs, Aces with high kickers, and suited connectors are a good start.
As you become more comfortable, then you can expand the hands you play to suit different circumstances and opposing players
Next, learning how to bet is essential.
Generally limping into a hand, this is where there is no raise when you bet, is a good start.
This can help you in a couple ways. It does not allow other players a “tell” (meaning you give away an indication of what your hand might be) and it also allows you to play, and not put too much of your chip stack in play.
Now, there are times you need to call a raise, or make one yourself.
If you have a killer hand like a pocket pair, learn how to raise and call. Don’t limp in!.
This will greatly reduce your chances of a winning hand. The more cards out, the greater the chances of straights, flushes, or even higher winning hands become.
Now when you make a raise, the general rule is too bet the pot amount, this is the total amount on the table when the betting comes to you.
Of course this all changes based on the number of players at a table, and the chip stack in front of you. If you have a very good hand, and a pot bet would put more then 50% of your total stack in play, then it is better to go All-In. This will also help in keeping weaker hands from calling.
It is important for new players to pay attention at the table too.
Watch players, look at hands being played. The nice thing about tournament poker is it won’t cost you much of your chip stack to just watch and observe the first couple times around the table. You will find you can learn more when your out of a hand, then when your actually playing.
A great tip for leaning how to be a great poker player is by reading. Many great players are happy to offer their tips and advice on their poker play, so its worth reading as many articles as you can to keep your knowledge polished. Its also worth playing on free poker sites which will help you study other players techniques at no cost to yourself.