Author -> Master-Texasholdem -> 27/10/07

Lets Get Started ..

You know the rules and you have read the basics now you want to get in there and start playing some real live poker games. Well for a start i would download one of the many poker programs available on the internet and have a go at some play money poker games. Nearly all poker sites have a play money section and its great to get a heads up about what its like to play in a real game without the possibility of losing money!

Your first Real Money Game!

Some great advice i received was in your first game hold off and watch the game, fold every hand unless it is one of the real powerhouse hands. Keep folding until you hit the likes of K-K or A-K. This will pretty much ensure that you win your first hand, be prepared to raise pre-flop with enough chips to see off any straggling competition. Chances are you will scare people off since its your first big bet of the game, if not and you happen to be beaten by an even more powerful hand continue to play this very strict game until you win that first hand (shouldnt be long).

Once you start to win a few hands and hopefully have maintained a nice pot you will see that more risky players are getting knocked out by over playing weak hands. As the amount of players drop the use of less powerful cards can come into play. Remember the chance of winning with a 10-10 is a lot higher if there are only 4 players over a full 10 player table.

Choosing the right table

Something that many budding poker players struggle with is table selection. I personally think that tournament style tables are a great way for new players too enjoy full games with small risks.

These are the tables that generally seat 6 or 10 players and have a set buy in which the top two or three places take a share of. You can get tables for just $1 buy in with no risk of losing anymore. Tables at this price are generally full of beginners also learning the ropes as the small financial benifits would not interest more experienced players.

Once you starting hitting $5-$10 dollar buy ins then the competition quickly steps up as the potential to win decent amounts of cash arises. You will find people play these games more seriously and cautiously.