How to Learn Poker Inside a Casino

May 19th, 2010  |  Published in Casino Tips

Many people looking to learn the skills of poker, look towards resources outside the casino. They read books written by professional poker players, check out blogs written on their favorite poker game, or watch the many televised poker tournaments and poker shows. While these are great resources for improving your poker game, there is a lot you can learn inside the casino itself. The key to great poker playing is to learn everything you can from any resource you can get, so take advantage of what the casino has to teach you.

Poker Classes Hosted by the Casino

Several large casinos hosts classes on various games played at the casino. These classes are almost always free to join. The class is often taught by a dealer, a professional poker player, or a member of the casino staff. Many people shy away from these classes simply because they think the casino will only teach them in a way that causes them to loose. On the outside that makes sense, after all, why would a casino want to create people to take all of their money? However, casinos thrive much better on repeat business then they do on sore losers who never return. These classes have valuable information. Best of all, most of the classes offer promotional items, such as free play.

Learn from the Dealer

Many dealers are happy to share their knowledge of the game, especially during slow times. Dealers can be very insightful. After all, they had to know a great deal about the game to get the job in the first place and they spend the majority of their time watching it be played. The next time you are at the casino, look for a dealer with a small table. Chances are he or she will be happy to answer your questions. Some casinos even have poker tables specifically meant for beginners. Dealers at these tables help to teach the game while it is being played live.

Learn From the Other Players

Most people, especially new poker players, shy away from other players. In reality, there is a lot you can learn from your opponents. Most poker players love to talk, so why not ask someone you respected at the table a question or two after the game? Chances are they will be more then happy to give you some advice.

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Five Ways to Learn More About Poker

April 30th, 2010  |  Published in Inrodution

Even the most experienced poker player knows the importance of staying on top of the game. The more you know about the game of poker, the better you will play. Even if you have the best strategy, you can always find a way to improve it, and an improved game means more winnings. Inspiration and knowledge can come from many sources in poker. To get the most out of your poker education, you need to turn over every stone you find.

Five Ways to Learn More About Poker

1. Autobiographies of the Poker Pros: You can learn a lot reading books written by Poker Professionals. Professionals have written dozens of books on poker strategy and styles that will help you in your own game. However, most of us overlook autobiographies. While most of the book may just be an interesting read, you can find some hidden poker gems between the pages.

2. Social Networking Sites: Social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook are taking over the internet. Almost everyone has a subscription, including professional poker players. Add some poker players to your social networking accounts. They often blurb about poker tournaments and their thoughts on the game. You can pick up great tips this way.

3. Casino Websites: Most every casino has their own websites highlighting their casino, promotions, and tournaments. Several casinos, especially those based online, go a step further and have included poker game tutorials and tips. Visit the sites of the popular casinos and look for their educational sections. There are often some really helpful tips in there.

4. Poker DVDs: Most of us do not think of poker when we are renting a movie, but several poker professionals have made educational films highlighting their game of choice. These DVDs can be a great resource as you can see the game in action.

5. Other Poker Players: How often do you study the other players at the poker table? If the answer is never, then you need to rethink your strategy. Other poker players can teach you a lot about betting style, table etiquette, and even the game itself. Watch your opponents closely during every game you play.

Poker education is a never ending cycle. To play your best, you have to stay on top of the game. Learn everything you can, in every way you can and you will be on top of your game.

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