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Poker is a game of skill more than luck so be prepared to make some mistakes. It is also a game of PATIENCE. You cannot win by trying to 'force' your hand unless you are sure that your bluff will work. Wait for the cards. They will come and when they do, that's when you make your move and push your chips into the game. Chips are power so you want to use them at the best time with the best cards. The longer you play, the better you will get ( hopefully ) and the more you will win. You will need to show a lot of restraint at the start and learn as you play every hand. There are many good poker players out there and every one of them will try to take you to "school". It's all part of the game and as you get better, you will be the one doing the "schooling".
Here are a few pointers that you will need to remember. It will eventually become second nature and even seem like a no brainer, but you will see people at the tables that make mistakes in every game.
These are not strategy type mistakes. There are volumes written on that and could not be covered in a few paragraphs online, but the smaller, technical type errors that are far too common in online poker games.
Not controlling your emotions
Keep your emotions in check. The table is not the place for foul language or temper tantrums. It will not be tolerated. Besides it makes you look foolish. Veteran players as well as new comers occasionally make this mistake.
Throwing a winning hand into the muck (Discards)
The cards speak for themselves. Don't immediately throw in your cards if someone calls out a better hand. The dealer will declare the winner of the hand. If you missed a better hand than you thought you had you might just be the winner.
Folding instead of checking
Sometimes if the player does not like the flop or turn he will immediately fold when it is his turn. If you are first to act you can check. If everyone else checks, you get to see the next card for free. The same is true if everyone checks before it is your turn, you should also check. The free card may just make your hand.
Not knowing what the bet is. (No limit / Pot Limit Games)
You have to know what the bet is when it is your turn. After the turn in a limit game the bets are double the amount they were before and after the flop. You must also be aware if the bet was raised.
Know your limits and limitations
Do NOT start playing on a $10/$20 table when you first start out. Work your way up through the 'ranks'. The higher the limit, the better your opponents are. You will get far more experience and play, even if you are not 'great' at the $1/$2 tables to start and this is a game where experience does count.
Never play intoxicated
While you are sure you are in control and you are the greatest player ever to walk the face of the earth, it is not true. Your judgment, which you need in every minute of this game, needs to be 100%. Anything less and you will not last very long.
Never risk more than you can afford to lose
This should go without saying but needs to be said anyway. You will find that the cards will run in streaks. Don't chase a bad streak to try to win back your money. Change tables or leave and come back another time.
Consider your playing name carefully
You may want to consider using a 'gender neutral' screen name to play. At some online poker rooms you will run across, well lets just say, plain rude people. Also you will find that some 'male' players will not respect your play no matter how good you are. You can, and should, use that to your advantage. Some of the male players freely admit to using a female persona online because they feel it gives them an edge.
The Goddess Asks
Who do you think is currently the best female poker player?
