Poker guide for beginners

Whether you’re a beginner or have played more than your fair share of hands in the past there are always ways that you can sharpen up your game. That way you’ll be winning more often – and you may well be heading for the big time.

In fact, even if you’re pretty confident in your ability it’s vital to remember that there’s always more that you can learn as well as tricks and techniques that could put you head and shoulders above the competition.

Keep up with the latest trends

So many people play poker these days, and there are so many experts out there, that new ideas are always emerging. So it really does pay to keep up with them by checking out some of the online poker strategy magazines that are available. These can give you invaluable insights from leading players of the game. And once you start to think like a pro them maybe you’ll really start to play like one too.

Spot the weaker players

As you get better and better at playing it becomes much more straightforward to spot novices and others who are, quite simply, not very good at poker. When you do it’s a sure sign that easy winnings could be on the way so look out for these pointers that there may be a fish in your sights.

The first is that they’ll be inclined to call on almost every hand and they’ll also have a distinct tendency to over-bet.

Often when they’re nervous most people talk twenty to the dozen so this is another sure sign that an opponent is well outside their comfort zone, especially if they’re giving a running commentary.

But, just like real fishing, subtlety and stealth is key. So avoid going in hard with with a big bet. Gradually ease them in to the contest placing a series of smaller bets – and then hit them with the money-maker when you think they’re going to call.

Stay one step ahead

As you scrutinise the other players round the table to check out habits, foibles and preferences you can bet that they’ll be doing the same to you. There’s one sure-fire way to frustrate them and that’s to dance clever. So however you like to play in the normal course of events start to play completely out of character from time to time. It’ll be even better if you manage to add some false tells to your armoury and really leave them guessing. Pretty soon you’ll have bamboozled them so much that you can just get on and play the game you want to play.

Take a deep breath

Sure, a rush of adrenaline can definitely help you play better but it can also encourage you to make wild and illogical decisions. So always keep a check on your emotions at the table and, if you do end up getting wound-up or over-eager, take five and re-join the game when you’re back on an even keel.

Of course these are just a very few of the ways to take your game to the next level, but everything’s got to start somewhere. So follow them closely and, before long, you could even be on your way to taking on the big names!