The Secrets of Great Poker
1. Don't play too big too soon. When deciding at what poker table to play, choose
your game size. Start out at the smaller stakes and move up to bigger stakes gradually
as you become a more accomplished player. The exact stakes depend on your bankroll.
Feel comfortable with the game you've chosen and don't overextend yourself.
2. Watch other players and learn. Observe a game before joining and after you
join, look carefully at the players at your table. Look at how they play hands,
the size of their bets, and the hands they choose to play. Careful observations
of others can guide your own play.
3. Play good starting cards, but be patient! If you don't have the cards, it's
preferable to fold. But if you have good starting cards, and sometimes you just
have to wait until they come, it's time to take action. What starting cards
should you play? As a general rule, play pairs and big Ace hands (A-K, A-Q).
Don't feel you have to play every single hand. Wait for the cards - they'll
come.
4. Play when you're ready to play. Play poker when you're in a good frame of
mind and able to concentrate on the cards and the action. Remember that people
make mistakes when they're not focused. Play when you have the time to play,
not when you're under pressure for some reason.
5. Gain experience at small satellites. Participating in small satellite tournaments,
whether they lead to larger cash tournaments or mainland poker competitions,
gives you the maximum chance of a big payday without a large payout. It all
depends on the size of your bankroll. Small satellites offer you a good way
to learn cheaply.
6. Take advantage of promotions. Freerolls may seem like free-for-alls with
many inexperienced players, but playing in them is a great learning experience
at no risk. Look for other exciting poker competitions in which you can participate
at a low cost.
7. Favor on the side of caution. If you're not sure whether to pass or to bet,
better to be steady and pass. Remember Rule #3 - be patient! The good cards
will come.
8. Play as much as you can. The only way to learn how to play great poker is
by gaining experience. There are no shortcuts. More experience means more accomplishments.
Practice in play is far better than reading poker books or trying to learn by
watching television. You learn more at the table, even if several lessons of
how to lose are included.
9. Never be ashamed to ask questions. If you find yourself at a table facing
a poker professional (like one of Noble Poker's poker experts), feel free to
ask questions so that you can learn.
10. Choose the right game. Selecting what type of poker game to play is important.
The most popular game is Texas Hold'em and there's no need to buck this trend
while learning the ropes. Only try other variations of poker when you're confident
in your abilities. However, once you've mastered Hold'em, feel free to try other
games. And if you find yourself losing at Hold'em, try Omaha or Omaha Hi-Lo.
Shake it up a bit to get out of a losing trend. Remember, the whole purpose
of playing poker is to have fun.
