Tips And Advice

Things you will learn:

• Basic tips and strategies to help you play successful poker

You've got the rules of poker figured out and you're ready to play. When you sit down a table for the first time, though, things may seem a bit daunting, especially if you have no battle plan. Take some time to look over the following tips and you'll be armed with enough basic tactics to ensure you'll be confident in your first few games.

Watch who's playing in an aggressive or loose way and who's playing tight. Always try to play the loose players and avoid the tight players, unless you've got a strong hand.

Always be aware of everyone's chip count. Know who has more chips than you and play more carefully against them - a mistake could knock you out. It's usually better to play pots with players who have fewer chips than you do.

If your cards don't match any of the community cards, throw your hand away when someone else bets.

Don't play every time you have an ace in your hand. However, play an ace if it's accompanied by a card of the same suit or by a 10 or higher.

Play with pairs (7-7, 9-9), two face cards (K-Q, Q-J), or hands that can make both a straight and a flush (8-9, 6-7 of the same suit). Be patient and fold other hands, unless you're in the blind.

In No-limit Texas Hold'em, players can bet all of their chips at any time, so bet aggressively when you have a good hand.

Play fewer hands when you're one of the first players to act, because you'll be 'out of position' and vulnerable to raises from the remaining players.

Do not act until it is your turn; play proceeds clockwise at the poker table.

Being aggressive is good.

If someone raises in a late position (near or on the button), re-raise them a good amount if you are on the blind. Chances are, they don't have a big hand and they're just trying to steal your blinds. This style of play, known as going 'over the top', is probably the strongest play one can make in No-limit Texas Hold'em.

The biggest mistake most players make is to act too quickly. When you're making an important decision pause to think about how the betting has gone and what your opponent might have. Take your time.