Beginner Poker Advice: What the Pros and Players Say

_{Poker requires a skill set. (Image Jeff Gilbert/Alamy)}

New poker players often ask what they should focus on first. A recent online discussion on Facebook drew dozens of responses, ranging from blunt one-liners to detailed beginner poker tips. Together, they paint a picture of what really matters when you’re just starting out. We extracted the best suggestions and nuggets of wisdom for new and seasoned poker players.

Folding Is a Skill, Not a Weakness

The most common piece of advice was simple: fold more. Many players stressed that beginners play too many hands.

“Fold pre,” said Shane McElhone. Hank Terford echoed the point: “Fold… don’t hope for the river.”

Others agreed that letting go of hands is the cornerstone of survival. Andrew Mann put it plainly: “It’s okay to fold.” Dylan Wardwell, reflecting on his own early mistakes, added: “Don’t get married to a hand, if you have aces and the runout is bad let it go, folding is a skill.”

The consensus: knowing when to quit a hand saves far more money than bluffing ever will. I guess Kenny Rogers was right.

Money Management Matters

Bankroll discipline came up repeatedly. Richard Reid said, 

“Bankroll management is key. Treat poker like a business. Always have money to keep the business afloat.”

Others warned against betting more than you can handle. Barry Bryant advised, “Don’t bet what you can’t afford to lose.” Teresa Sykes Collins added a hard-learned lesson: 

“Don’t put all your chips in the middle on a draw.”

Some were more dramatic in their warnings. Joseph Mckeever said, “Don’t start,” while Sully Sullivan quipped, “If you want to make a small fortune playing cards start with a large fortune.”

The Psychology of Poker

Beyond math and money, several responses focused on emotional control. Kerry Zock compared poker to life: “It’s not what happens to you. It’s how you react.” He noted that players who tilt are “so easily exploitable.”

Dan Dollevoet kept it concise: “Temper your expectations. Pack away your emotions.” 

Similarly, Jodey Stinehart highlighted the importance of discipline: “The only thing you can absolutely control is how much money you lose.”

Emotional balance, they suggested, often separates long-term winners from those who go broke quickly.

Learn the Basics Before Bluffing

For many, the priority was mastering fundamentals like position, outs, and pot odds. Barry Bryant listed the essentials: “Learn all hand values. Learn the importance of position. Learn how to count outs and the basics of pot odds.”

Cardano Poker Players offered a warning: 

“Don’t bluff until you control the game.” Chris Shumilak recommended starting with a straightforward strategy: “Play tight aggressive and go with your gut.”

Several also stressed freeroll poker tournaments and low-stakes games as training grounds. Howard L. Steinberg said, “Start with freerolls.” Tony Bakutochi suggested, “Play low stakes, mostly small tournaments.”

Practice and Perspective

A few players emphasised persistence. Lucky Carmello wrote: “Practice on every level and here’s the kicker DON'T STOP. Most players stop challenging the self and that’s where the skill levels end.”

Others took a more humorous or fatalistic view. Robert Hulsey advised simply, “Play bingo.” Jonathan Bernard offered a sobering truth: 

“Playing for a living is the toughest job you will never have.”

And Barry Poole reminded beginners to walk away while ahead: “Always quit when you’re winning.”

Poker Requires a Skill Set

Poker remains one of the most popular casino games worldwide, with millions playing both live and online. But unlike slots or roulette, skill plays a major role in long-term results.

The advice here, fold often, manage your bankroll, master the basics, and control your emotions, reflects the foundation of poker strategy taught by top professionals. Beginners who follow it stand a far better chance of avoiding costly mistakes, while also enjoying the game more.