There are a variety of approaches to play poker for almost every one.  There is a method that a beginner player should use to play poker and there is a totally different method that an intermediate player should use to play poker and an advanced player should follow a totally different kind of playing methodology when it comes to playing poker.To play poker one should have a good deal of approach of how to deal with the knowledge of poker basics.  For anyone that is a beginner level player it is better that they understand the game rules and hand rankings and basic strategies by reading through articles and books.  After a bit of reading they need not start right away to play games, rather they can learn how to play poker by watching others player and after watching others play poker in an online card room, they can start playing free poker games.To play poker as a beginner is quite simple to do.  All you need to do is to download the software or in some sites you can just play without downloading in any poker software, yet you might have to sign up with them.  In many cases, it does not cost anything to sign up to play for free games and eventually you can start playing for real money by making a paid membership.Just make a comparative search on the good poker sites and then click on one of the very active tables in the poker room and watch keenly how the game is progression and also look in to how different people play the same hand in a different way.  Once you have got an understanding, you can have your feet we.  If you feel you are okay to play then you can click on an open seat in a free poker room table and you can start playing. The learning process will be greatly valuable in this regard because you are not dependent on anyone to practice the game; you need not hunt for friends to put a game together, because there is always someone to play poker online round the clock.In terms of giving a way to learn the basics and to put them to proper track free poker games is the best way to go.  If you do not wish to play with humans there are several free games where you can play poker against computer opponents that can be a right hit start.