Poker is a game of chance. You play the hand you are dealt and the highest wins. So how can you improve your odds in such a game where your hand depends on the cards you hold? There are several strategies used to do this.

Though there are many different poker variants, that is, different types of poker games, each with a slightly different set of rules, the general concepts remain the same.

Even though the game is based on luck, there are tips you can use to help improve your hand and know how to play even the bad ones. Remember, it is a game of chance, so even if you have a bad hand, there is still a chance you could win should you implement a technique such as bluffing, or use a different strategy.

First keep reading. There are various books available on poker, hand strengths, and strategies, many of which were written by pros. These people have been there and know what it takes to be successful. They have also been on both sides, so can provide both angles. The more information you arm yourself with, the better off you'll be in the long run.

Next, play the game often. Though repetitively playing the same game can seem to be boring, it will help you use the information you gained when reading about it. When you read, you will learn how to improve your game, as well as learn why other players play the way they do. When you play, you'll see how that works. Use your knowledge to gain more. Though you have the "textbook" perspective, so to speak, there is still nothing like the true experience to learn how it really works.

Next, play for keeps. If you are serious about playing to win, and wish to play in a large stakes game, playing at a free table will not get you where you need to be. Though doing so is a good way to learn and practice, it will not give you the practical experience of playing a large stakes game. This is because when nothing or next to nothing is at stake, people aren't concerned with losing much so they aren't playing to win. Some will even do things such as bluffing for no good reason because they have nothing to lose by doing so. Instead, play with others who are interested in the same thing as you, that is, to win. This will teach you how to be more competitive and give you a more realistic idea of the strategies and techniques employed in this type of game.

Lastly, don't give up. Everyone will lose, that's how you learn more about winning.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. For more information on Poker, please visit Texas Holdem Poker for a wealth of information. You may also want to visit keith's own web site at http://keithlondrie.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Londrie