The first time you play poker at the casino, there’s always that worry about whether or not you’ve got what it takes to be successful. The good news is, if you’re like most people, you probably do! We’ll help you get started with these tips. This article serves as a crash course in how to blend in and feel at ease in that public poker room setting. You won’t learn the essential tactics for triumphing from it. I suggest a variety of articles, instructional videos, and Poker Online strategy books for that. But if you adhere to these 12 suggestions, you’ll be able to feel at ease when you’re sitting down for the first time.

1. Don’t Over-Analyze 

No matter how much you read up on the game of poker before your first trip to the casino, there will still be some aspects of the game that you don’t know. That’s OK; take your time and enjoy the experience. In fact, if you can put aside any preconceived notions or expectations that are keeping you from enjoying yourself, you might actually find that you have more fun than you thought possible. 

2. Play Your Hands 

Your goal when playing poker is to win money, so make sure you keep your wits about you and follow basic strategy. If you’re looking to improve your game, try playing against other experienced players instead of the house. 

3. Be Prepared to Lose Money 

If you lose all the money you bring to the table during your very first visit to the casino, don’t let this discourage you. As long as you continue to play the game well enough to earn a living wage, you can come back again tomorrow. Just remember, if you’re going to gamble, you should expect to lose. 

4. Make Sure You Know How Much to Bet 

When you sit down at a poker table, you need to know how much you want to bet. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should bet everything on every hand, but it does mean you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable betting too little either. A decent starting point would be $20 per hand. If you’re confident in your ability to win, you can go higher. On the other hand, if you’re unsure, then start out small and build your way up. 

5. Choose Your Tablemates Wisely 

Although everyone plays differently, each player has his or her own style. Some people are aggressive, others are cautious, and some are just plain lucky. By choosing friends who share similar styles, you can increase your chances of winning big. 

6. Be Careful About Drinking 

While alcohol may enhance your enjoyment of an exciting pastime such as poker, it can also cause you to make poor decisions. If you feel like you’re about to make a bad decision, think twice about drinking. 

7. Watch What Others Are Doing 

Poker tells are based upon body language, and you can learn a lot by watching other players’ reactions to their hands. For example, if a player is holding a strong pair, you’ll see him place a large amount of chips into the pot as soon as he receives them. Pay attention to what other players are doing and you’ll be able to figure out what they’re thinking. 

8. Watch Your Fingers 

It’s important to pay attention to your fingers at all times. Sometimes, even though you are aware of what cards you hold, you may accidentally reveal them to your opponent. To avoid this, concentrate on your fingers while you’re dealing your cards. 

9. Learn About Cards, Not People 

Most people enjoy telling stories about themselves while playing poker, but this isn’t the best approach. Instead, focus on learning about the cards you’re holding. Look closely at the cards, and try to determine what their value could be. 

10. Have Fun 

Playing poker is supposed to be fun, and although it can sometimes be a stressful activity, it shouldn’t be anything close to boring. When you’re having fun, you’ll be more likely to make good decisions and win games. 

11. Follow Basic Strategy 

In order to win at poker, you must follow a few basic strategies. For example, many people believe that when they have an ace and another card, the best move is to check it. However, if you’re holding two pairs, you would never make that mistake because you’d be giving away information about your hand. So, if you have two pairs, you should raise your bets. 

12. Check Yourself Before Calling 

Sometimes, poker players tend to call prematurely. While it’s okay to call early if you’re holding top pair, you should wait until you’ve established a good position before calling. If you’re holding pocket fives, for example, you should wait to see what kind of cards you’re dealt before deciding whether or not to call.