15 Poker Tips to Help You Become a Better Player

Discipline is the first skill every poker player must learn. Playing too many hands is the quickest way to lose chips and confidence. Strong players understand that folding is often the smartest move, while waiting for profitable situations to arise.

Online poker can magnify this habit, as hands come faster and players are tempted to get involved in more pots. Impatience can quickly lead to reckless play. So, remember, folding is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of control. The best players know that selective aggression wins over time, while loose hopeful calls drain a bankroll.

Low-stakes poker is where you should cut your teeth.  It allows you to experiment with formats like cash games, multi-table tournaments, and sit-and-gos without risking significant money. These are also ideal to help you practice poker strategy. Start with stakes that fit your bankroll, and aim to have around 100 buy-ins so that a long run of losses can be easily absorbed. For example, a $1,000 bankroll will find $0.05/$0.10 a comfortable level.

While playing lower limits, you’ll quickly gain crucial knowledge that will serve you well in the long run. Once you can consistently beat lower stakes, move up gradually. Confidence built through repetition is the safest path toward long-term success.

Consider your bankroll your ticket to keep playing; don’t view it as spare cash or a backup fund. It fuels every poker session you play and, just as you wouldn’t let the gas tank in your car run dry, you should maintain your bankroll with the same caution.

Great bankroll management starts with never chasing losses. From time to time, even the best players will lose a hand or even experience a longer dip in form. Move down the stakes when required, and cautiously step up when times are good. Keep track of your bankroll in relation to the stakes you’re playing. If you’re new to poker, give yourself around 100 buy-ins. More experienced players can usually get by comfortably with a lower 30 – 50 times buy-in.

Position refers to where you’re sitting at the poker table and how early or late you act in each hand. This is also a fundamental poker strategy to master – when you’re in position, you can play more hands and apply pressure with extra information. When you’re out of position, tighten up and focus on strong starting hands to avoid tough spots. Once you start paying attention to position, your decision-making becomes clearer and your results improve.

In poker, you can make the right play and still lose. Bad beats are simply a part of the game; you’ll frequently be on the disappointing and lucky ends of those. That is part of poker variance, and you should treat those two impostors just the same.

When a big hand goes against you, take a moment and reset. Even skilled players winning five big blinds per 100 hands can experience swings of plus/minus 300 big blinds over a few thousand hands. That’s pure variance, not poor play.

Multiple screens with dozens of tables are the domain of experienced poker players. When beginners try to multi-table too soon, they often lose focus and miss valuable reads.

If you’re just learning to recognize player types like tight, loose, or the occasional maniac whale, then start with one or two tables until every decision feels natural. While it can be very tempting to juggle lots of tables with dozens of opponents in online poker games, trying to track patterns can be difficult for new players.

A heads-up display, or HUD, is a tool that tracks data from your games and shows it right on your screen.  It reveals patterns like how often players raise, call, or fold. Using a HUD helps you make more informed decisions instead of relying on guesswork. Since many online poker sites support HUD, it can be a good idea to invest in one.

HUDs and trackers have undoubtedly helped some players to advance in the game, but they shouldn’t be 100% relied upon. Pay attention to table dynamics and use the HUD as support, not a crutch.

Playing poker in the right environment makes a big difference to your results. Trying to focus while the TV is on, your phone keeps buzzing, or a pet needs attention can hurt your game more than you realize. Online poker rewards calm and focus, so it helps to plan ahead.

Before you start your session, make sure pets are fed and walked, and any family needs are met. That way, you can play without interruptions and stay fully in the moment. Turn off notifications and keep your space tidy and comfortable. That clear and calm setup helps you think faster and make better decisions.

Each poker format has a different pace and strategy. To begin with, it’s essential to identify the one that returns the most profit for you and stick to it. While Texas Hold’em often offers the potential for the highest profit statistically, that does not mean it is the best choice for every player. Some players may feel more comfortable and perform better in Pot Limit Omaha or other formats.

Specializing in one format helps you spot patterns in your opponents’ play and better understand strategy. Once you feel confident and skilled in one game, you can gradually branch out to other formats without losing momentum.

Good poker players treat improvement like a project. They track wins and losses, review hands, and look for patterns in their play. Tracking your play gives you a clear picture of what works, what doesn’t, and where you can make better decisions.

At a minimum, track your wins and losses, starting hands, position, bet sizing, and key decisions like folds, calls, and raises. Note patterns in your opponents’ play and remember to record your own tendencies as well. If your results are not where you want them to be, review your hands to identify mistakes and opportunities for adjustment.

In live poker, you observe opponents in ways you cannot online. Poker tells, such as subtle body movements, gestures, and facial expressions, can reveal information about hands. Look for patterns such as shaky hands or repeated behaviors.

Remember that tells usually only work in context and over time. Newer player tells are often more apparent, while experienced players may fake cues to try to confuse others. You also need to control your own body language. Other players are watching you too, so stay aware and keep your reactions in check.

Every live poker room has its own rules and procedures. Understanding these rules keeps you from making mistakes and helps you feel confident at any table. Often, you’ll discover variations for things like straddling, buying the button, or using time banks. So, even if you’re familiar with your regular cardroom haunt, don’t expect the same rules to apply at other venues.

Ignoring rules can make you a target for angle shooting. Ask the dealer or floor staff if you’re unsure about anything. It also helps to check rake structures, minimum buy-ins, and other local cardroom basics before playing.

Live poker is a social pastime, and just like any social event, atmospheres can differ widely. Some tables have chatty and relaxed players, while others are serious and competitive. Scanning the table early helps you understand the mood and adjust your play accordingly.

Pay attention to how players behave and react to bets and bluffs. Tight tables reward patience, while looser tables offer opportunities for aggressive play. Matching your energy to the table helps you blend in, maintain control, and make better reads. Understanding the room also helps with table selection before you even start playing.

An aspect of live poker loosely tied to the house rules, table etiquette is a key element that builds respect and creates a positive experience for everyone. Always act in turn, avoid slow rolling, and get it quietly (keep winning celebrations modest) to show your best poker etiquette.

You will become a target if you ignore table etiquette. Being polite and professional earns trust and improves the overall table dynamic. Leave the more extreme behaviours to Phil Hellmuth and Tony G!

The action can be slow-moving in live games, but paying attention is still essential when you’re not involved in hands. Watch showdowns to see whether an opponent’s hand actually connected or if they were bluffing. Observe betting patterns, timing, and reactions, which can reveal tendencies like aggression, caution, or bluff frequency.

How others play over time helps you understand their approach, and this observation gives you an edge on future hands. Poker is a game packed with information, so every action you see contributes to making better decisions later. Stay engaged even when your hand is folded for long-term success.