Poker Tips

This collection of poker tips was put together by Mike Sexton (PartyPoker.net ambassador and commentator for the World Poker Tour), and Linda Johnson (a noted poker player and personality).

Pay attention

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

Watch the chips

Alwaysbe aware of everyone's chip count. Know who has more chips than you andplay more carefully against them - a mistake could knock you out. It'susually better to play pots with players who have fewer chips than youdo.

No match

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

Ace in the hand

Don'tplay every time you have an ace in your hand. However, play an ace ifit's accompanied by a card of the same suit or by a 10 or higher.

Hands to stay with before the flop

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

Good hand? Bet strong

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.

Watch and wait

Playfewer hands when you're one of the first players to act, because you'llbe 'out of position' and vulnerable to raises from the remainingplayers.

Wait your turn

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

Be a 'bettor,' not a 'caller'

Being aggressive is good.

Call their bluff

Ifsomeone raises in a late position (near or on the button), re-raisethem a good amount if you are on the blind. Chances are, they don'thave a big hand and they're just trying to steal your blinds. (Thisstyle of play, known as going 'over the top', is probably the strongestplay one can make in no-limit Texas Hold'em.)

Be patient

Thebiggest mistake most players make is to act too quickly. When you'remaking an important decision pause to think about how the betting hasgone and what your opponent might have. Take your time.