Many people start off thinking that poker is a pretty easy game, they couldn’t be more wrong. Poker is pretty complex evenwhen playing free poker. To be a great player you will need math and people skills. You will need these attributes when playing advanced level poker if you want to stand a chance of winning.

If you are new to poker then there are some basic skills you can start with to get some wins behind you. Read my poker terms glossary to find out what the terms used below mean.

First, playing quality cards only is a good starting rule.
Pocket pairs, Aces with high kickers, and suited connectors are a good start.

As you become more comfortable, then you can expand the hands you play to suit different circumstances and opposing players

Knowing how to bet is a must.
Generally limping into a hand, this is where there is no raise when you bet, is a good start.

This can help you in a couple ways. It does not allow other players a “tell” (meaning you give away an indication of what your hand might be) and it also allows you to play, and not put too much of your chip stack in play.

Now, there are times you need to call a raise, or make one yourself.
Even if holding a killer hand, such as a high pocket pair, just limping in can let too many players see a flop.

This will greatly reduce your chances of a winning hand. The more cards out, the greater the chances of straights, flushes, or even higher winning hands become.

Now when you make a raise, the general rule is too bet the pot amount, this is the total amount on the table when the betting comes to you.

Depending on the amount of players and the chip stack you have, can change all of this. If you have a very good hand, and a pot bet would put more then 50% of your total stack in play, then it is better to go All-In. This will also help in keeping weaker hands from calling.

It is important for new players to pay attention at the table too.
One of the biggest and most important part of playing poker is watching and paying attention to the other players. Poker tournaments are great for this as you can sit and observe for the first couple of table rounds without it costing you too many chips.

Also, with all the books, and web sites promoting poker, its always a good idea to read, and learn. Poker is a fantastic game, and can be very rewarding. Like anything you want to do well, practice play free poker sites and study and you’ll win more and more.