The following tables are only the tip of the iceberg for beginners. Several of the links below lead to complete lesson series and classrooms created by our poker instructors. As many of these series are ongoing, be sure to check out The Latest News for any updates if you've been away. To practise the lessons learned in this section, download and use the Cardroom Software. Please scroll to the bottom to get an idea of the lessons offered in this section before starting.
Also please note, we have a New Members Section to help make your first few weeks here easier.
If you are just starting out in poker, the table below will give you a good foundation on the principles of poker. Be sure to print out a copy of the ranking of hands and memorize it.
Basic How-to-Play Tutorials. The following table contains basic tutorials on how to play several different games. They do not include any strategy information. However, its important that you know at least how each game is played before continuing to strategies. For more in depth information on each game and lessons in strategy, scroll down to the games you are interested in.
Poker Games Basics - How to Play |
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| Games Overview | Poker Rules | Betting Limits | No Limit Hold'em |
| Limit Hold'em | Pot Limit Hold'em | Limit Omaha Hi | Limit Omaha Hi/Lo |
| Limit 7 Card Stud Hi | Limit 7 Stud HiLo | ||
The Difference Between Tournaments & Ring Games. Tournament Poker is by far the most widely known of all of the poker formats. It's often featured on TV, in movies and other media. However, many professionals consider ring games to be their 'bread & butter' and format of choice. Read a little about both below to understand the differences.
Ring Games (Cash Games) Basics |
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| Overview | High & Low Stakes | Online Cash Games | Live Cash Games |
Tournament Basics |
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| Overview | Live Tournaments | Online Tournaments | Major Tournaments |
| Andy Glazer's Tournament Lessons | |||
Texas Holdem. The most popular poker game in the United States has to be Texas Hold'em. The table below contains lessons, tips & strategies on how to play this exciting game. The lesson series most recommended by your fellow PSO members is our Beginner's Lessons which is also linked below. Follow all of the links to build a strong foundation and competitive edge in hold'em.
7 Card Stud Hi is Mark Napolitano's best game. It used to be the most popular poker game before Hold'em took over in the 1970's. It is still the most popular game on the east coast of the United States.
7 Card Stud Hi/Lo is a game that continues to grow in popularity. Because it is a split pot game, there are often very large pots. If you can master this game, it can be very profitable.
Lessons & Strategies for 7 Card Stud Hi and HiLO (8-or-Better) |
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| Introduction | Limit 7 Card Stud Hi | Limit 7 Stud HiLo | 7 Stud 8-or-Better |
| Rolf Slotboom's 7-Card Stud Lessons | Rolf Slotboom's 7-Card Stud/8 Lessons | ||
| Russel Fox's 7-Card Stud Lessons | Al Spath's 7-card Stud Hi Lessons | ||
| Doyle Brunson's Super System 7-card Stud | |||
Razz You don't need terrific ability to read a hand, as you do in other games, because the betting situations in razz are fairly automatic.
Lessons & Strategies for Razz |
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| Introduction by Linda Johnson | Strategy by Linda Johnson | ||
Omaha Hi/Lo is a split pot game. Half of the pot is won by the best high hand and the other half is won by the best low hand. The aim of this game is to win both halves of the pot (scoop). In the USA, the game is played with a limit structure and in Europe, it is played pot limit.
Omaha Hi is mostly played in Europe with a pot limit betting structure. Because of the gambling nature of this game, most pot limit omaha tournaments are played with re-buys... not for the feint of heart.
Lessons & Strategies for Omaha Hi |
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| How to Play | Strategy | Betting Limits | |
| Rolf Slotboom's Limit Omaha Hi Lessons -Ace Extras | |||