1. Never play with money you cannot afford to lose. You hurt yourself and play much worse than usual.
2. Read everything you come across from good literature on poker. I especially recommend “Theory of Poker” by David Sklansky and “Winning Low Limit Holdem” by Lee Jones.
3. Visit chat rooms on the internet to discuss poker. There you will find many useful tips and ideas on how to improve your skills.
4. Play money tournaments on the internet are a great way to start. Free games can also be used to try out new strategies.
5. Start small. Wait with the big bets until you come into the game and have won some small pots.
6. A tight and aggressive style of play is best. But when the opportunity arises, it may pay to play more loosely.
7. Don’t try to deceive your opponents by being an actor. It may work on amateurs, but against real poker players you are exposed and crushed.
8. If you do not play well one night, stop immediately. You don’t have to quit because of bad luck, but unless your brain is in shape, you should not continue to lose.
9. Think carefully about your opponent’s moves. Why did he do as he did and what kind of card does it probably have? Never make a move without carefully considering the situation and give yourself a reason for the move. It is not the cards that decide, but the situation around the table.
10. Talk to your poker buddies after playing. What did you do wrong and what did you do right. Give each other tips and share knowledge. If you stand together, you will become ever better poker players.
11. Don’t give any free information to your opponents. For example, do not throw your chips aggressively on the table. Sooner or later, someone may read your behavior and you are revealed.
12. If your strength is to read players and the psychic part of poker, I recommend you bet on “live” poker. However, if you are the best at analytical and mathematical, internet poker may be better for you.
13. Do not believe that you have been taught. A player who believes that will never get better. Rather the opposite. I know myself that I have things I can improve on, and I am constantly trying to improve my game.
14. Try not to bluff before you are really experienced.
15. And most importantly: Remember to have fun! Don’t play if you are not having fun!
16. A trick tip in the end: Don’t get excited if an opponent wins the pot on a lucky river card, when he really should have thrown for the longest time. Congratulate him rather on the pot and say it was well played. Then he makes exactly the same mistake next time, but loses.