Welcome to poker! This comprehensive guide covers everything new players need to know to start playing winning poker. Master these fundamentals and you’ll be ahead of most recreational players at the tables.
Step 1: Learn the Hand Rankings
Before playing a single hand, memorize the poker hand rankings. From Royal Flush to High Card, knowing what beats what is non-negotiable. Print out a hand rankings chart and keep it nearby until the order becomes second nature.
Step 2: Understand Position
Position refers to where you sit relative to the dealer button. The later you act in a betting round, the more information you have about what other players are doing.
- Early Position (UTG, UTG+1): Act first, play only premium hands
- Middle Position: Slightly wider range, still relatively tight
- Late Position (Cutoff, Button): Best seats, can play more hands profitably
- Blinds: Forced to put in money, most difficult positions to play
The button is the most profitable seat because you always act last post-flop. You’ll win more money from the button than any other position.
Step 3: Starting Hand Selection
One of the biggest beginner mistakes is playing too many hands. Discipline yourself to fold weak holdings and wait for quality starting hands.
Premium Hands (Always Play)
AA, KK, QQ, JJ, AKs, AKo — Raise or re-raise with these hands from any position.
Strong Hands (Usually Play)
TT, 99, AQs, AQo, AJs, KQs — Play from most positions, especially when you can be the aggressor.
Playable Hands (Situational)
88-22, suited connectors, suited aces — Best from late position with deep stacks and good implied odds.
Step 4: Bet Sizing Basics
How much you bet matters as much as whether you bet. General guidelines for beginners:
- Preflop Raises: 2.5-3x the big blind, plus one big blind per limper
- Continuation Bets: 50-75% of the pot on most flops
- Value Bets: Size to get called by worse hands
- Bluffs: Use the same sizing as your value bets
Step 5: Reading the Board
After the flop, evaluate how the community cards interact with your hand and potential opponent holdings:
- Dry Boards (K-7-2 rainbow): Few draws possible, your hand is usually what it is
- Wet Boards (J-T-9 two-suited): Many draws possible, be cautious with one-pair hands
- Paired Boards: Consider full houses and trips in opponents’ ranges
Step 6: Bankroll Management
Never play with money you can’t afford to lose. For beginners, we recommend:
- Cash Games: Minimum 20 buy-ins for your stake
- Tournaments: Minimum 50 buy-ins for your average tournament
- Moving Up: Only when you have the bankroll AND the skills
- Moving Down: No shame in dropping stakes during downswings
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Playing Too Many Hands
Fold more. Most winning players fold 70-85% of hands before the flop. Patience is profitable.
Calling Too Much
New players call when they should fold or raise. “When in doubt, fold” is better advice than “when in doubt, call.”
Ignoring Position
Don’t play the same hands from every position. Tighten up early, loosen up on the button.
Showing Cards
Never show your cards unless required at showdown. Giving away free information hurts your win rate.
Playing Scared
If losing your buy-in would be painful, you’re playing too high. Move down to stakes you’re comfortable with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What stakes should I start at?
A: Start at the lowest stakes available (typically $0.01/$0.02 or $0.02/$0.05 online). The goal is to learn, not to make money immediately. Move up only when you’re consistently beating your current stake.
Q: How many tables should I play?
A: Start with one table and focus on making quality decisions. Add tables only when you’re comfortable and not feeling rushed. Quality decisions beat quantity of hands.
Q: Should I bluff as a beginner?
A: Focus on value betting strong hands before worrying about bluffing. At low stakes, players call too much, so bluffing is less effective. As you improve, incorporate bluffs into your game strategically.
Q: When should I raise versus call?
A: Default to raising when you enter a pot. Raising builds the pot with strong hands, folds out some opponents, and takes control of the hand. Calling (“limping”) is usually a weaker play.