At first a player needs to learn what starting hands to play. One major mistake by beginners is that they play too many hands. This is essential in poker as it is impossible to win if you play too many hands. Generally in Texas Hold’em the rule is higher cards are better.

The premium hands in Texas Hold’em are the high pocket pairs, such as A-A, K-K and Q-Q, then the high suited connectors like A-K and A-Q of the same suit. These hands are very strong hands pre-flop against few opponents and could always be played.

Second tier hands are J-J, 10-10, 9-9 and A-J, A-10, K-Q, that still are pretty good hands but not as strong as the premium hands.
The other hands such as low pairs and middle suited connectors, for example J-10, 9-10 and 6-6 to 8-8. These hands are trickier for complete beginners and should not be played too often.

Try to play good starting hands when you begin you poker career. Tighten up and keep it safe to minimize losses. Once you get to know all the intricacies then you can bluff or stay in a while longer. Your style of play will become your own, but when starting it's important to stay alive long enough to watch others play.

Related:

Poker Hand Rankings