Do control your emotions

Whether it’s bluffing, having an effective poker face when you land pocket aces or controlling your temper when you suffer a bad beat, you must be in control. Why do you think so many actors like James Woods gravitate toward poker? They can compete and act at the same time.

The Don’ts

Don’t play under the influence

Playing after having a few drinks is not a good idea. Same goes for prescription medications and recreational drugs. Your perception changes when you use a drug of any kind. That’s why you drank in the first place. If you’re seeing the world differently (or more than 1 screen), you’re going to play differently. A drunk and his/her money are quickly separated.

Don’t chase away the fish

When you are having a good session, don’t ridicule opponents for their poor play. Sometimes weak or recreational players - fish - will be very poor sports when they’re losing their money. Don’t embarrass them further. They will just leave the game. There goes your easy money because of your big mouth. Other players won’t be impressed by this foolish move either, because they see the easy money too.

Don’t play with money you don’t have

Playing poker should be a gradual increase of a float. Large cash buy-ins are not recommended for the novice player despite the lure of a big 1st deposit bonus. Start small and work your way up. You will hear this often: Play with your head, not over your head.

Don’t play the same way all the time

Good players are going to get a feel for your play if you’re around them long enough. Periodically, change up your play, even if you have to spend a bit of money to do it. Misleading your opponents can be profitable for you and frustrating for them.

Don’t become a calling machine

A common mistake new players practice calling too many bets. Good poker is about folding and betting. Controlling the pace and mood of a game requires taking the lead or getting out of the way.

Don’t be in a hurry

Becoming a winning player takes time. It will take hours of reading and playing before you begin to see profit. Stay the course and maintain your disciplined play.

Don’t be afraid to fold

The best players in the world fold often. A good player will fold when they feel they are behind in a hand. Most pro’s only play 20 per cent of their starting hands. That's OK. Remember, impatience is seldom rewarded in poker!

Don’t draw to the low end of a straight..

Drawing to the low end of a straight is one of the first lessons most players learn the hard way. You get your card, while some other guy was waiting for the same card that gave him an even higher straight than yours. Plays like this should happen to you only once.

Don’t go on "tilt"

Going on tilt will surely break you. When you experience a couple of bad beats and get frustrated, don’t lose your cool discipline. Players will recognize that you're upset and take advantage of it. Walk away from the computer and go get something to drink like coffee. It might cost you a couple of blinds, but it’s better than your whole chip stack.

Don’t waste your best moves on bad players

Straight-up play seems to be the best method against weak players. Using fancy moves will only scare away a poor player. You don’t want to crush weak players. Encourage their play as you milk them. They’re paying you for this knowledge, it’s the least you can do. Then the player doesn’t run the next time you are at a table together.

Well, why not try your newly acquired poker tips by logging on to BetUS?

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