Don't Play Pro's if You're Not a Pro!

Firstly, if you're not a pro player, don't play against pro players! Just like a basketball rookie wouldn't play a professional player, playing a pro poker player is a sure fire way to not only lose money, but take the fun out of the game as you get creamed by superior player skill.

Start by finding tables full of apprehensive, inexperienced people like yourself, with low amounts being played. Playing amongst friends for low or zero amounts is a good beginners move, but don't tarry there too long.

Set Yourself A Limit

Poker is primarily a gambling game. Every poker player, including the best, lose games every now and again and you should be prepared to lose an odd game. Make sure that you gamble responsibly, set yourself a limit on how much you can afford to gamble with.

Many people have been bitten by gambling away the week's grocery money, their bill money or worse. Tell yourself how much you are going to play with tonight and stick to it.

Don't be Afraid to Take Risks

As long as you have set yourself a limit, do not also be afraid to take risks. Pro poker players know when to take risks, and become very good at choosing the appropriate time. Some big winners are noted for taking a single giant risk or a series of smaller calculated risks as the game warranted and such risks have paid off well.

The best you can hope for by "playing it safe", is the very rare occasional win when your cards are right, but usually you will lose, or maybe break even. Take risks and play the game!

Be In It to Win It

To know when to take risks, small or large, you need to get thoroughly used to the game.

You can't get used to the real thing playing at home or with friends forever. You have to go out to the casino or poker den and have a crack at others and get experienced. Yes, you will probably lose some games, but if you are attentive, you will hopefully learn why and become a shrewd player.

Know when to Bluff

Bluffing is key to a great game of poker. Bluffing adds an element of uncertainty for other opponents, and like in any competitive game and war, bluffing can mean victory. In poker it's a more subtle, complex art, but once you've mastered bluffing, games are far easier to win, especially against players that wear their "cards on their sleeves", who fail to rein in emotion. Consider buying The Big Book of Bluffs , an excellent compilation on the art of bluffing in poker game, it's inexpensive and I highly recommend it.

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