Here are 6 ways to avoid looking like a newbie when playing poker

 Six Ways to Avoid Looking Newbie When Playing Poker

Chris Moneymaker was an amateur poker player and accountant from Tennessee in 2002. He was a frequent online player, as well as in casinos, but he mostly ended up in debt. By May 2003, Moneymaker had won the World Series of Poker -- the $2.5 million main award. Moneymaker defeated some of the most skilled players in the world. It was also the first ever live tournament he participated in. The online game had a $39 fee and was the beginning of it all.

You can see that Texas Hold'Em poker gained popularity after this. People all over the world began to seek out the rules of the game once reserved only for outlaws or back-alley hucksters. People began to organize weekly or monthly house poker games as they honed their poker skills, hoping to make it big someday.

Although the popularity of amateur poker players seeking big paydays has waned a little since 2007, poker retains its old respect. Groups of friends, coworkers and coworkers discovered that playing casually with cards could be both entertaining and competitive. Texas Hold'Em became the most popular game for bachelor parties and men's nights.

That sentiment was what inspired me to host a poker tournament at my house for a friend’s bachelor party. Although I had no clue what I was doing, I did have a poker table and some chips so I thought it would be a fun time. It turned out to be so much fun that I now host an annual game at home with 7-10 men. It is always a hit. (Check out this article to learn how you can start your own poker club.)

At the beginning, my knowledge was limited. Even though I was the host of the game, I had to rely on others to understand the rules and etiquette. Although my friends didn’t seem to care, it was embarrassing to be reminded of which hands won and what protocol keeps the game going. I feel like I know the basics now that we are 6 months in.

Many times, new players join our group feeling a lot like I did. They can also cause financial losses and disrupt the flow of the game. We understand that this is not a problem, but it is more fun for everyone when everyone has a clear understanding of the game.

If you're in the situation of playing your first Texas Hold'Em game, chances are you're not trying to win big or move on to the World Series of Poker. You simply want to be able and confident enough to play with your friends without appearing like a complete beginner. These tips will help you be confident playing with your friends and winning a few hands. We will discuss basic terms and table etiquette as well as general strategic tips. Let's dig in!

Note: While there are many variations of poker, this article is devoted to Texas Hold'Em. It's by far the most popular.

1. The Rules of the Games

Truthfully, the game play is not that difficult compared to betting strategies or knowing your table's position. (More on these later). You should be familiar with Texas Hold'Em before you start playing. This is a good introduction on rules and game play. This short video visually guides you through a hand. How to Play Poker - 7 Important Secrets to Play Poker