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10 Free Poker Lessons
By Tom Shannahan
1. Practice
Don’t start spending money until you know how to play the game. Find a game that you like and study that poker variation. Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker game out there, but if you want to Hold’em get in on the madness, you got to know what you’re doing. Chance plays a big factor in the game of poker, but the effects of luck can be diminished by experience. The more hand you play the better you be at knowing when to hold and when to fold.
2. Don’t play every hand.
It’s really not necessary. Poker is all about patience and observation. Take the time to observe your opponents. When you’re playing in an online poker room, you obviously have a more difficult time reading the players around you, but you can still take note of their betting patterns and adjust you game accordingly. If there’s a bully at the table muscling his way through multiple hands with big chip raises, wait for something decent and then milk the situation for all it’s worth. When you’re out of a hand, pay attention to the continuing action. Just be patient and know that eventually you’ll be dealt cards that you can do some damage with.
3. Don’t fish for cards when you don’t have to.
Sure it might be great to chase a straight and win the pot, but do you really need to gamble when the odds aren’t really in your favor? When you play poker online, especially in tournaments, you need to fight off the need to fish for cards. Play smart, wait for your opportunities and don’t waste your chips chasing a low-probability hand.
4. Know when to fold
One of the best moves you can make in poker is knowing exactly when to give up. Do the math, play the odds, listen to your gut, whatever you do, don’t force it. In the long run, poker punishes people who push there luck.
5. Don’t think everyone’s always bluffing.
Bluffs are like seasoning. Just the right amount can really add some flavor, but to much tends to create a bitter taste. If you play smart, there’s no need to try to bluff your way out of every hand. And if your not sure whether the guy in front of you has the nuts (the best hand available), or whether he’s just bluffing, lean towards the safe side and know when to let go.
6. Develop you own style
Don’t try to be Doyle Brunson or Phil Ivey because you think they’re cool people. Learn how to play the game your own way. Don’t try to just copy a certain style of play, or strictly follow a specific poker “system.” Find out what works for you by playing lots of hands and learning from your mistakes.
7. Take your time to decide
Don’t feel rushed to make a quick decision. If you need some time to consider your next move, relax, think and don’t make a move until you’re satisfied you’ve thought it through.
8. Know you’re limitations
Don’t gamble if you’re broke and don’t battle against players that you know will take you to the cleaners.
9. Mix it up
Don’t give everyone at the table the same look every hand. Vary you’re style of play.
10. It’s just a game
Sure you’re playing for money, but in the end, poker’s just a game. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment and don’t let anybody put you on tilt. Be calm, play smart and just enjoy the game.
Tom Shannahan has been playing poker since he was 16. He grew up watching his father play with friends once a week. He currently writes part time for Pokerlistings.com where you can find more great information about Online Poker Rooms or many Poker Tournaments around the world.
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