When we think about Poker, we think about gambling. What most of us fail to see is that this is also a sport, and for any Poker player, as an athlete that practices a sport, there's always room for improvement. Professionals like Daniel Negreanu, Dan Bilzerian, or Erik Seidel are the living proof that Poker is not only about luck, but also about skill and a lot of training. With a bit of etiquette and practice, you can start on the path of becoming a pro and even participate in tournaments online or offline.

What is Poker?

To start with, we need to talk a bit about Poker and how it can be played since our aim is to offer guidance to all players regardless of their experience.

So far, the game doesn't sound too complicated and can be played by everyone online on any gambling platform or offline in a real brick-and-mortar establishment. But if you're in for more than just a casual play, you have to pay a bit of attention to the following tips and tricks.
Poker first appeared in America during the 19th century and grew more and more popular ever since. During its development, a lot of versions were created, such as Texas Hold'em or Caribbean Poker, but it is usually played with a deck of 52 cards and the players are given 5 cards each for the initial hand. When everyone receives their cards, the game's next phase can proceed. Out of all the 5 cards, players can select one, none, all of them or only a few to exchange for new ones that could form a combination. The combinations start at two of a kind and end at the best out of the best, Straight Flush.

Do some research and understand the game

Rather than just memorizing the basic rules of the game and trying to follow them, it's for the best to take some time and understand it step by step. You have to start by researching its meaning and what strategies the professionals are using to keep their wins in line. Some of them are giving away their secrets to the new generation of players in order to contribute to the development of brand new champions.

As there are many different versions of Poker, you might also like to check out their rules and particularities and see which ones are the one that works better with your play style. In order to become the best is just natural to know everything about the domain you're aspiring to take over.

Practice makes perfect

Just know that the theory is, most of the times, not enough. Even more when it comes to Poker. We could say that it is a very sophisticated game that needs a lot of practice in order to be mastered, but the fact that the odds are involved and it's pretty much gambling aside from skill makes it trickier. The theory is, undoubtedly, a must, but without polishing your skills through practice, you'll never make it too far in this field. The competition is pretty fierce, but as long as you have some real experience playing, you should be just fine.

As they always say “practice makes perfect”. If you don't have someone to play with to earn some experience, you can always go online on video table games or Live Casino and play until you think you're ready for the real deal.

Know The Best Hand To Play

As you may already know, not every hand is meant for greatness. Some may seem promising in the beginning, some are perfect and some are just not worth betting on. You have to know which hands are worth playing and when to fold. If possible, don't get caught up by the moment. It's never a good thing to play every single hand, hoping for better cards that sometimes never come. It's impossible to win every single hand, which means that on the long run you'll save energy and funds by approaching a more reserved play style. Be true to yourself, get over your ego that tells you a champion has to win every single round and things will definitely turn out to be more profitable for you.

Bluffing

If you're aiming for a real competition where you have to face your opponents, bluffing it's one of the main skills you must achieve. It is a Poker strategy that works like a charm if you know when and how to use it. It is already a tradition among professional players to successfully use this strategy sparingly when they're between a rock and hard place. But when it comes to the inexperienced greenhorns, it does not always working go according to the plan and they end up losing. In order to successfully master this skill, be sure to study it closely and avoid overusing it.

Stay Alert

Your hand is not the only one that matters, as in a competition you are set against other players. It's a must to stay aware of your surroundings and what is happening around the table. It's absolutely necessary to know where you stand and act accordingly. Although it is usually pretty impossible for you to get a glimpse at the other's cards, the competitor's behaviour and their facial expressions might give you a fair idea of how much confidence they have in their hand.

As you check the people you're playing against, they are doing the same. Don't crack under the pressure of the game! It is a must to maintain your composure and always be confident.

Play Consistently

Pro Poker Players invested hours in their hobby to get to the current point they're at in their career. If you aim to reach that same level in gambling they are at, you should be consistent in your activity. Use the skills you've achieved and the strategies you've learned to evolve your gameplay. Regardless of the wins or the losses, playing regularly will always help you improve yourself and get closer to perfection. 

Always Keep An Eye On Your Bankroll

Bankroll management is one of the essential things you have to know in order to get in the upper class of pros. You should choose carefully the stakes and the table you want to play matching both your skill level and your budget. It's never a good idea to use high stakes right at the beginning as you might lose everything before you even warm up. If it's for the sake of practice, it is indicated to go for smaller stake tables, like the ones where you can bet only a few bucks on each round. This way, you'll keep the losses to a minimum while gaining experience.

Don't Play Based On Your Emotions

Poker is, more than anything, a game for the mind. There is a lot involved at a psychological level that you won't be able to keep up with if you're not in the right state of mind. Strong emotions like anger can influence your concentration power and also the observation capacities leaving you defenceless, leading you to a certain defeat. Avoid engaging in any gambling activities when you're in a bad mood, drunk, or when you just can't think straight to avoid an incontestable row of losses.

Play Responsibly And Know When To Stop

There is always a possibility for gambling to get out of hand and take control of your mind. While it is important to practice daily to keep consistency, it's also extremely important to play responsibly if you intend to continue playing. Set limits and make sure you never cross them as even getting close to them can give you some sort of addiction. When it comes down to Poker, it's easy to see why it's catalogued as an extremely addictive game. It's very easy to overspend time and money while delighting with its perks.

Most of us have no idea when to stop. When losing all the money while gambling, it always looks like a good idea to gamble some more to win it all back and break even. In most cases, the players end up by losing some more. It is extremely important to know when to stop, especially after a series of losses, as it might save you from bankruptcy. We all know that the strong essences come in small bottles, so don't let your burning passion for gambling take you to the dark side of this activity.

In the end, it goes down to you what kind of strategy you find to fit your gaming style like a glove. Our tips and tricks give you a brief idea to all the players out there about what's like to be part of the pros club. The outcome highly depends on how you choose to put into practice the advice we presented above. Nevertheless, you should improve a lot if you take them into consideration so simply give them a try and see how much better your gaming sessions get!