10 Tips to Winning Poker

A couple of childhood friends and I were having coffee at the Coffee Shop, formerly known as Miller's Place in my hometown of Sutersville, PA. They had been pumping me for information about my experiences playing poker.

Eddie, who had caddied with me at Youghiogheny Country Club near Boston, PA., was avidly interested in what I had to say. When I was through talking, he came out with what was really on his mind.

'I don't have much money to gamble with,' he said. 'I play a little poker sometimes over at the Volunteer Fire Department, but I have never been a winner.'

'Never?,' I said.

'Well, maybe once or twice, but not like you. Anyhow, my wife and I are planning a vacation of a lifetime. We're going to Las Vegas. It will be our first visit there. If you can give me some tips on how to win at poker, I will keep you in my prayers and even burn a candle for you.'

That was an offer I could not refuse.

Here is what I told Eddie and it's also what I would advise the members of this website to do the next time they enter a poker room.

RULE NO. ONE: Get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast and have enough money to play on.

RULE NO. TWO: Find a limit game that won't strain your bankroll and where the other players don't intimidate you. If you have a choice of a table with all male players or one where there are a couple of females, choose the one with the women.

RULE NO. THREE: Spend the first hour of play observing the other players rather than trying to win. It is important for you to quickly discover who the bluffers are, who the raisers are if any, and who plays poorly.

RULE NO. FOUR: Limit the number of hands you play. Only enter pots when you have high pairs, two high cards, or two connectors like jack 10 of diamonds.

RULE NO. FIVE: If you have a premium hand, it's always better to raise than to call. A raise might win the hand on the spot without having to play it to the end.

RULE NO. SIX: If there is a frequent raiser at your table, assume that he is often raising with less than premium hands and act accordingly. If you have a small pair and a scary flop comes like 10-10-8, don't be afraid to come out betting. The chances are great that the flop did not hit the raiser's hand and he will probably fold, giving you the flop.

RULE NO. SEVEN: Talk with the other players, the dealer and the cocktail waitress. Play a relaxed game and build your confidence. The more you do this, the easier it will come to you.

RULE NO. EIGHT: If a player raises and an ace falls, check. If the player also checks, come out betting on fourth street regardless of what falls. You will probably win the pot by default.

RULE NO. NINE: When you have connectors, raise 80 percent of the time. On the flop bet even if you miss your hand. If you get a caller, bet on fourth street .

RULE NO. 10: Enjoy the game. That is what poker is all about.

Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.

(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).