Basic Poker Tips

S. Stoynova

Svetlana is a seasoned iGaming writer who has been contributing to CasinoGamesPro.com since 2015. She specialises in in-depth reviews of casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, and video poker. Her expertise also extends to evaluating payment methods, mobile casino apps, and leading online gambling platforms.

(editor) | Updated: 2025-08-14 15:31:21

Ask any skilled poker player and they will tell you that poker is relatively easy to learn, but mastering it can take a lifetime. Unlike most casino games, poker is not based on chance; it requires players to acquire a set of skills in order to prevail over their opponents. Some of the fundamental skills include reading your opponents, maintaining concentration for prolonged periods, understanding mathematical probability, and controlling one’s emotions.

Above all, mastering the game takes Patience, Practice, and Perseverance—the three P’s of becoming a successful poker player. If you are new to this fascinating game of skill, reviewing the basic tips we have outlined below is a good way to start your poker training.

Never Underestimate the Power of Observation

The main idea in poker is to gather as much information from your opponents as possible without giving any away in return. One way to achieve this is to keep close track of fellow players’ reactions and observe how they behave in different situations. Closely observing how each of your opponents plays various pots will enable you to pick up important tells about their style of play. Watch for the gestures and facial expressions your opponents display throughout the game, as these may prove useful.

One such tell is the so-called “slanting”, when a player leans forward during the pre-flop after checking the hole cards they have been dealt. This movement may indicate the player is satisfied with their starting hand and is preparing for action on the flop, in which case it might be best for you to fold unless you hold an exceptionally strong hand. Watching your opponent’s eyes is equally important. If a player’s eyes dart to their chips immediately after the flop, this might mean the flop has greatly improved their hand and they are getting ready to act.

Avoid Becoming Predictable

Bluffing is what many poker players resort to when they judge their hand is not good enough. While bluffing is indeed an essential part of poker, overdoing it is by no means a suitable course of action. If you bluff just for the sake of it, you risk becoming too predictable in the eyes of your opponents, which will sooner or later render your bluffs ineffective.

It is important to remember that the main purpose of a bluff is to trick your opponent into folding, and this is unlikely to happen if they hold a hand they consider superior, no matter how hard you try to intimidate them. A good poker player seeks to diversify their style as much as possible and act less conventionally so their opponents are unable to pick up any tells. Predictability will render you exploitable and, thus, an easy target for your opponents.

Consider Your Table Position

Table position is another factor that needs consideration, and by that, we do not mean taking the seat closest to the restroom. In cash games and tournaments, two players are required to “feed” the pot by posting forced bets called the small blind and the big blind. These two players sit to the left of the player who assumes the role of the “button”. The positions of the button, small blind, and big blind rotate clockwise after every hand.

This is important because the button acts last during the betting round, which, needless to say, gives them a considerable tactical advantage over their fellow players. The opponents have already acted in turn, which provides the button with plenty of information.

In addition, players who are in early position—i.e., close to the blinds—have no way of knowing how large the pot will become toward the end of the betting round or how many opponents will compete for it. Because of this, it is generally recommended to play a greater number of hands when you are in late position, as this enables you to make better-informed decisions on every betting round.

Choose the Starting Hands You Play Carefully

There is little point in fighting a losing battle, which is why players should always carefully select which starting hands to play and which to skip. If you have been dealt a starting hand that is not good enough, it is sometimes better to fold altogether instead of pushing it and pouring more money into the pot.

Of course, poker novices may experience difficulties in evaluating how good their starting hand is, which is natural at the beginning. The good news is that starting-hand charts can be used as reference points, especially in online poker tournaments. Note that such charts should be used mainly as guides and are by no means applicable to all situations. In poker, as in other card games, there are far too many variables. Once you understand the game better, you can gradually deviate from the chart.

Do Not Overvalue Suited Cards

One of the most widespread mistakes poker novices make is overestimating the value of suited cards, which may potentially enable the player to complete one of the strongest hands in the game—the flush. However, because it is one of the highest-ranking hands in poker, a flush does not occur all that often. In fact, the probability of forming a flush is well below 1%, which is far from impressive.

If you intend to invest a substantial amount in the pot simply because you hold two low-rank suited cards, you’d better reconsider. Even if the flush eventually comes, a higher flush may still beat yours. Remember that obtaining cards of the same suit provides only a marginal improvement—less than 2%, which is not enough to justify calling other players’ pre-flop raises. As mentioned earlier, sometimes the best course of action is to fold a hand, especially if it consists of low-rank suited cards.

Select the Games You Play Depending on Your Skill Level

One of the biggest advantages of playing poker online is that you can choose from an extensive range of variations and betting limits. Some tables are suitable for high rollers; others are designed for less experienced players who are still mastering the game. Until then, players are advised to stick to tables with betting limits that correspond to their skill level and bankroll size. If you start at a $2/$4 table, you can expect to compete against players who are at roughly your own level of skill and experience.

However, do not make the mistake of hopping over to a table with higher limits, such as $5/$10, even if you have built a good stack in lower-limit games. One important thing to remember is that with higher limits come higher variance, and you will experience swings more frequently. If you wonder why, the explanation is quite simple: the players who vie for the pot at higher-limit tables are more experienced and, therefore, possess a much higher level of skill. It takes time, practice, and plenty of discipline to reach that level.

Try Not to Tilt on Losing Hands

Our final tip is perhaps the most important. In poker, it is essential for players to remain in control of their emotions at all times. If you fail to do so and your opponents notice, there is a good chance they will exploit it. Losing a hand or two is part of the game and unavoidable; how you cope with it is what matters.

When players get angry and frustrated, they are said to “go on tilt”. This clouds their judgment and prevents them from playing at their best because it affects their decision-making. Poor decision-making, in turn, leads to losses. If you think about it, this applies to almost all aspects of life, and poker is no exception. Whenever you feel frustration getting the best of you, it is better to quit the game for the moment until you regain mastery over your emotions.