How to Play Poker: Beyond the Basics!

Semi-recently, ‘professional poker games’ were televised, including brief pre-commercial briefings on how to play the game. Texas Hold-em Poker swept the nation and become a common hobby for many. It’s a very simple poker game to learn. In fact, I was able to teach my 10 and 8 year old step-daughters to play. 

Everyone has 2 cards in their hands (pocket) and 5 shared cards (community) on the table. There are 4 rounds of betting, whether you are playing for fun or gambling. After the cards are dealt, you decide if your hand is playable, and how much it is worth playing for. That is the pre-flop betting round. Then, the flop (first 3 community cards) is turned, and another round of betting takes place. One more card is turned (known as either ‘the turn’ or ‘4th street’), another round of betting and then the final card, the river. Then everyone bets again before the winning hand, or the winner, rakes its profit. (It takes a damn good player to convince the winning hand to fold.) 

Even the terminology is easy to learn. ‘Pocket rockets’, ‘big slick’, ‘sailboats’, and even ‘dead man’s hand’ are all phrases my stepdaughters understand. However, I can not teach them to play well. It’s okay if you play for fun, but if you want to play for money there is more to the game than ‘the basics’ you learn from tv. Here are some poker tips for those who take that next step and play poker for money.


1.) Unlike 5 card draw poker, a pair is not that great of a hand. Especially if you have a low pair, like deuces. Low pocket pairs are literally worthless, unless you actually hit a third on the flop. If not, it’s not worth playing after the flop unless it’s free.