Free Poker Games

The thought of poker being an easy game, is very far from the truth. Its a very complex game, that even at the basic free poker level pits player against player. To be a great player you will need math and people skills. You will need these attributes when playing advanced level poker if you want to stand a chance of winning.

If you are new to poker then there are some basic skills you can start with to get some wins behind you. Read my poker terms glossary to find out what the terms used below mean.

First, playing quality cards only is a good starting rule.
Pocket pairs, Aces with high kickers, and suited connectors are a good start.

As you become more comfortable, then you can expand the hands you play to suit different circumstances and opposing players

Next, learning how to bet is essential.
Generally limping into a hand, this is where there is no raise when you bet, is a good start.

This can help you in a couple ways. It does not allow other players a “tell” (meaning you give away an indication of what your hand might be) and it also allows you to play, and not put too much of your chip stack in play.

Now, there are times you need to call a raise, or make one yourself.
If you have a killer hand like a pocket pair, learn how to raise and call. Don’t limp in!.

This will greatly reduce your chances of a winning hand. The more cards out, the greater the chances of straights, flushes, or even higher winning hands become.

Now when you make a raise, the general rule is too bet the pot amount, this is the total amount on the table when the betting comes to you.

Depending on the amount of players and the chip stack you have, can change all of this. If you have a very good hand, and a pot bet would put more then 50% of your total stack in play, then it is better to go All-In. This will also help in keeping weaker hands from calling.

It is important for new players to pay attention at the table too.
One of the biggest and most important part of playing poker is watching and paying attention to the other players. Poker tournaments are great for this as you can sit and observe for the first couple of table rounds without it costing you too many chips.

A great tip for leaning how to be a great poker player is by reading. Many great players are happy to offer their tips and advice on their poker play, so its worth reading as many articles as you can to keep your knowledge polished. Its also worth playing on free poker sites which will help you study other players techniques at no cost to yourself.

If you are a beginner or a more experienced poker player, whether you play in a casino or play free poker online, bluffing is an integral part of the game. Much of the discussion on winning at poker deals with strategies, mathematical calculations, position, and poker tells. However, the art of bluffing is rarely discussed.

Why? Well, many poker players feel that bluffing is immoral. Historically, bluffing has been a part of poker since its inception and adds a psychological component to poker that makes it more interesting and complex. Bluffing in poker has been around since the inception of the game several hundred years ago.

Bluffing is multi-faceted and has many strategies. The most obvious purpose it to win the pot at hand. Aside from greed, there is also another purpose for bluffing that is more strategic. One strategy for bluffing is to bluff and get caught. Once other players know that you are a “bluffer”, they will be more likely to call your bets in the future. This strategy will lead to getter gains when you are in a winning hand.

Bluffing is an advertisement that you are not a conservative, tight player who will only play premium cards and bet with a winning hand. Giving your self the moniker of being a loose, bluffing player will create a more competitive atmosphere at the table resulting in more calls when you are involved in a hand. After all, who doesn’t want to beat the table “donk”.

A strategy for when and how to bluff in casino tournaments and free poker online is also important and needs to be strategic and planned. Bluffing a hand needs to be planned in advance. Being in the proper position, reading the other players bets, and being aware that a big hand is not being raised prior to your bet is critical. Imagining the cards that you want to be represented when you play will help with the bluff process. Playing the hand the way you would with premium cards will lead your opponents to believe you hold the cards you are representing. Planning and consistency is important in a bluff to deter a good player from spotting your bluff.

Whether you win or lose you bluff is not important. If you win a big pot with a bluff then you have succeeded. However, if you lose the bluff then you have gained a reputation that will serve you well in future hands. Use this reputation to your advantage when you are in a winning hand and your rewards will be great.

I look forward to playing you at the free poker tournament tables, whether you are bluffing or not!