How to Get Better at Poker

Poker is, by far, the most popular casino, card game of all time. People all over the world have weekly, or monthly poker nights with friends and neighbors, there is not a casino anywhere that doesn't have at least one poker table, and there are multiple poker tournaments, some of which are even televised. Poker fans all over play small-stake, or even no-stake games with friends, family, neighbors, or acquaintances. For those amateur players, this is a list that will help you get a bit better at one of the most fun card games out there.

Just Play the Game

As with anything, the easiest, and most guaranteed way to get better at something is to just do it over and over again. Find friends who are just a passionate about the game as you are, and just keep playing for low-or-no stakes until all of you improve. And even if you don't have any friends who like Poker as much as you do, the internet will provide.

Become more Observant

Practice your observational skills in daily life, as observation skills are super important on the poker table. Even the most hardened pros have certain tells to them, which reveal when they are bluffing, when they are happy with their hand, or when they are disappointed. Observational skills will help you pick up on these tells, and become a better player.

Know Your Hand

Another important aspect of poker is to, as the song goes, "know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em". Sometimes, bluffing isn't enough to take you to a win. If you pick up on the "tells" of the other players on the table, it is important to know when your bluffs can't compete. If you have a losing hand, it is better to fold, than to try and bluff your way to the top.

However, on the other side of the coin, also remember that, if you have a winning hand, you shouldn't be frightened by more experienced players who are better at bluffing than you. Sometimes a winning hand is just what it is.

Study the Pros

Another way to get better, not just in poker, but any game, is to study how the pros play it. Look up some of the most famous, televised, or recorded poker matches, and pay attention to how the professionals handle themselves, how they play their hands, and more importantly, how they play their opponent. Look up who the most popular poker players are, and what you can learn from them

Maintain a Pokerface

There is a reason why the word for maintaining a stoic face in the face of adversity is called a "pokerface". An important aspect of poker is to maintain a facade of stoicism, no matter whether your cards are good, bad, or average.