If you are a beginner poker player, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the volume of information on poker and poker strategies available in magazines, books and on the Internet. Although this information will be useful to you in the future, it is not very helpful when you do not know much about poker fundamentals. It is crucial to learn the basics of poker before you decide to play in an actual game.
The Standard Card Deck
The most basic and critical piece of information you need in poker is how a typical deck of cards operates. The total number of cards in a standard deck is 52, there are 13 card rankings and each are divided into 4 suits. Poker players use these cards to create the highest combination as possible that is established by the rules of the game they are playing. It is important to remember that a winning hand in one variant of poker does not mean it will be a winning hand in a different variant. Therefore, it is essential that you understand the rules of the poker game before playing it. With a few exceptions, most poker games award the pot to the player who has the highest 5 card hand.
Types of Poker Games
When you know how a standard deck operates and its attendant ranking of poker hands, you should decide what poker variant you wish to play. There are many poker variants that can be played in land-based casinos or at online poker rooms including stud games, draws and flop games. For a fast paced game, Texas Holdem is a good option as each hand is played quickly and it is easy to learn. For a more relaxed game, then Stud (especially Stud Hi-Lo) is a good choice. Out of all the possible variants available for play, you should play one that will give you the most advantage. In the end, you have to play a game in which will be most successful.
Selective Starting Hands
Once you have a grasp on poker game types and rules, you need to turn your attention to playing well. Because poker does have an element of chance, any player can win every once and awhile, but it takes practice to be a consistently successful player. The most elementary poker strategy that a player can use is to be selective with his/her starting hands. If you have ever seen an unsuccessful poker player during a game, you will probably see these types of players play most of their starting hands in an attempt to hit a winning hand later in the game. It cannot be denied that they will get a great hand from time to time, but their loose play style will cause them to lose more money than they are making. It is necessary to play a tight game, particularly for beginners, because it will be tougher for beginners to play an average hand later in the game than it is for experienced players. When you have some experience under your belt and you begin to use additional strategies, you will be able to comfortably open up your game play in the right situations.
Choosing a Game
Besides playing selective starting hands, selecting a game is another important decision to make. When you stay in the best game, it will increase your profit potential, known as expected value. If you play poker online, you should choose a game that has a pot of average size and an appropriate number of players who see the flop that conform to your style of play. For many players, this means choosing a game with a high average pot size and a large number of players who see the flop. You will find this information listed near each table in the online poker lobby so you can find a game that works for you. If you are playing at a casino, you should pay attention to other tables. If you are playing against tough or tight players, feel free to ask the floor staff for a change in table.
Basic Poker Strategy
As every poker table you sit at will have different opponents with different playing styles, you must be able to adjust and change your game so you can be successful. A basic strategy to adopt is playing opposite to the way your opponents are playing. As an example, if you are up against a loose player, it is best to keep a tight game and to pick your spots cautiously. On the other hand, if you are playing against tight opponents who are not entering a lot of pots, you should try to play a more aggressive game. If you are able to raise tight players out of the game, you will win a lot of pots that no one else is willing to battle for.