Obviously, what you learn here won't automatically turn you into a poker pro, but you should pick up enough to make you comfortable enough to start playing low-limit games right away and avoid the most common beginners' mistakes. The only way to improve is to play, play, play. Remember, though, that in poker, even years of practice will never make perfect, because every game includes some degree of luck. The golden trick is learning when and how to capitalize on the twists and turns, the good and bad, of that luck.

The bottom line is that in this game, you're always learning. That goes for the pros, too.

Basic Poker

Can't tell a Royal flush from a flush toilet? Can't get your straights straight? When you think of a full house, do you think of the Olsen twins? If you aspire to play poker and you answered yes to any of the above, we suggest you go through pages for rank (pun intended) beginners.

Poker Hands: Go here for an overview of the various hands that matter -- and don't matter -- in poker.

Styles of Play: Learn the difference between loose, tight, passive and aggressive play.

Betting: Poker games can have different betting structures. Read about them here.

Glossary:  Need help figuring out the lingo at the table? Our Poker Dictionary can teach you how to talk the talk.

Poker Game Rules

There are a variety of poker games out there. The most popular by far is Texas Holdem, and that's the game most play. But the other games have their fans, too, and each requires slightly different poker skills. Click on the links below to read how each game is played.

Texas Holdem, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, 5 Card Draw

Variations on Poker Games

These games are not as hard as they sound to the beginner. They are actually very simple variations that anyone can play.

Omaha Hi/Lo, 7-Card Stud Hi/Lo

Advanced Techniques

Once you have a grasp of the basics and a bunch of games behind you, you'll probably want to read up on some of the more advanced playing techniques. Having a knowledge of this stuff is what separates the dabblers from the more serious players.

Good Texas Hold-em Starting Hand Strategies Pay attention as this can change as you gain experience.

Bluffing. We think you should definitely read this. Or maybe we don't. :)

Short Handed Texas Hold'em Strategies A lot of online tournaments are short handed. This strategy will keep you alive.