I'm assuming that you know generally about paying blinds such as in a flop game like Texas hold'em from your experience at home games and/or online play. But it's best if you help them forget that about you by your disarming, friendly demeanor. Of course, every player at the table is your foe, your prey, and your target. Many players don't like being distracted during a hand.)īe especially nice to the player to your left - chat him up, buy him a drink, make him your buddy - because he's in the best position to make your life difficult with raises and reraises, and he may be less inclined to do so if he perceives you as a friend rather than a foe.

Take a few seconds to introduce yourself at least to the players on your immediate right and left. You may not believe this at first, but it's true - you will win more money from people who like you than from people who don't, all else being equal. This not only makes the game more enjoyable for everybody, but it's a strategic advantage. Now what? Introductionsįirst, be sociable. So now we picture you sitting in the game, stacks of chips in front of you, ready to get started. In the first two installments of this series, I have tried to guide those who are new to live poker through the process of getting seated in your first cash poker game at a casino. The series is great for newcomers, and likely useful as well to those with experience playing in casinos and poker rooms. note: For those who might have missed it before, we're reprising Robert Woolley's series of articles for poker players who are new to live poker.

Texas holdem strategy beginners