Are you looking to get started playing poker? To rise through the ranks until you finally conquer the fabled final table of The World Series of Poker Main Event? Well, all I can say is easy there. Small steps, my friend. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!
The fact is that it can cost you, the novice poker player, a lot of money if you start playing and learning poker the wrong way. Because, there is such a thing as learning the wrong way. This article will give you some pointers and tips on the best way to get started. A few pitfalls, things to avoid, will also be mentioned. But, first, let us talk a little about patience.
Rome Wasn't Build in a Day
In poker, remaining patient is crucial in numerous ways. In the learning process, as you slowly improve your skills and theoretical knowledge, it is important not to get carried away. When you watch the top professionals, always remember that they didn't get there overnight. They, literally, played millions of hands to get where they are. You will not become a top player overnight. It takes time and effort!
Another point is the swings. You have to stay calm. Some days you will get all the right cards at all the right times, and you will win big. Other days, you won't receive any of the right cards at any of the right times, and you will lose big. For the inexperienced player, this can easily be mistaken for playing great or playing lousy, and not just as the stroke of good fortune/misfortune that it actually is. Always keep it in the back of your head, that one good night does not make you an all pro, just as one bad night does not make you a "donkey". Instead, when you are learning how to play, focus on whether you made the right decisions. In the long run, making the right decisions is what will make you a successful player.
Where to Start When You Want to Learn to Play Poker Well
When you want to learn to play poker well, you need to focus on two aspects. Theoretical knowledge and practice. You need both, as theoretical knowledge can not replace actual experience at the table, and experience at the table won't do you any good, if you do not understand the right and the wrong moves.
Theoretical Knowledge
Theoretical knowledge can be obtained many places these days. There are poker sites, poker forums, and video tutorials to name some examples. Still, picking up a book by a competent poker writer might be your best bet. Personally, I have always recommended David Sklansky. He has written several books, but, obviously, you should select one aimed at beginners.
After reading, and re-reading, a few beginner's books. Move on to books covering more advanced subjects, and start visiting the various poker sites, forums, and video tutorials. A concept crucial to keep in mind, is that anyone can dole out advice. Anyone can start a poker site or write a book. Do not take any advice you receive to be the end all of the discussion. Always remain critical and ponder if what is being told is logical. You will find a lot of useful and thoughtful advice, but, unfortunately, you will also find plenty of garbage.
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