This collection of poker tips was put together by Mike Sexton, host of PartyPoker.com and commentator for the World Poker Tour, and Linda Johnson, noted poker player and personality.
• Always be aware of everyone’s chip count. Know who has more chips than you and be more careful against them (as a mistake against them could knock you out). It`s usually better to play pots with those who have fewer chips than you.
• Pay attention. Watch and see who the aggressive/loose players are and who the tight players are. (Generally, you should try to play with the loose players. Avoid the tight players when they come into a pot unless you have a strong hand.)
• If your cards do not match the community cards, throw your hand away if someone bets.
• Don’t play every time you have an ace in your hand; you may play an ace if it is accompanied by another card of the same suit or by a ten or higher. Hands to stay with before the flop: pairs (7-7, 9-9), two face cards (K-Q, A-J), or hands that can make both a straight and a flush (8-9, 6-7 of the same suit). Be patient and fold other hands unless you are in the blind.
• In no-limit Texas Hold’em, players can bet all of their chips at any time, so bet aggressively when you have a good hand.
• Play few hands when you are one of the first players to act, because you are "out of position" and vulnerable to raises from remaining players.
• Do not act until it is your turn; play proceeds clockwise at the poker table.
• Be a "bettor" not a "caller". (Being aggressive is good.)
• If someone raises in late position (back by or on the button), re-raise them a good amount if you are in the blind. Chances are, they don`t have a real big hand and they are just trying to steal your blinds. (This play, going "over the top" is probably the strongest play one can make in no limit Hold`em.)
• The biggest mistake most players make is to act too quickly. When you have an important decision to make, take your time and re-think how the betting has gone and what your opponent might have. Take your time.
