Core Poker Lessons

This series of articles will deal with the core concepts that apply to all forms of poker.

In the first section you will learn about tight aggressive style – which means playing only a few hands, but playing them decisively. The second article explains how to distinguish a good starting hand from a bad one. After that you'll learn how to count outs – cards that will improve your hand – and how to decide whether to play the hand or fold. The last two articles deal with variance, the luck factor and how to manage your money when things don't go your way.

The quiz will help you find out if you are ready to play for real money, and if you pass, you become eligible to compete in our monthly Skill League which is starting out with prize money of over $15,000.

Playing Style and Position It is important in poker to pick your spots and to act decisively. This article explains why and gives examples of how to do it.  Read more

Starting Hands Playing the first round of betting correctly is the basis of your game. This article will teach you how to distinguish good starting hands from bad, and explain how to gain an advantage before the flop.  Read more

Starting Hands and Position Video Which starting hands should we play? In which position? What does it depend on? This video gives you an overview.  Read more

Odds & Outs Sometimes you will have four cards to a strong hand like a straight or a flush. Here you can see how likely you are to complete your hand.  Read more

Odds, Outs & Probabilities Video Outs, odds and probabilities are important decision criteria for every successful poker player. In this video we will explain how to determine outs, calculate pot odds and how to make the right decisions.  Read more

Probabilities, Variance & Badbeats Sometimes you will get lucky for a while and win big, and sometimes you won't. This section shows you how to deal with these streaks of good or bad luck.  Read more

Bankroll Management To make sure you don't run out of money when the cards don't go your way, it's important to follow some rules. This article will teach you how to protect your bankroll.  Read more

Core Quiz Test what you have learned with the quiz. You must pass this quiz to earn your PSO Member Ticket required for all League tournaments.  Read more

Once you have passed the quiz you are on your way to competing for real money at PokerStars and you are a step closer to becoming eligible for competing in our new monthly Skill League promotion where you can win your share of big cash prizes every month.

Once you've completed this course, you're ready to play real money poker. You can also go on and learn more about Sit & Go Tournaments.