::Best Player ::

Had Enough of Bad Beats? 3 Tips on Handling New Poker Players

Because of the proliferation of poker in pop culture, more people are becoming interested in this game. Several TV shows host poker tournaments, some even with celebrities as players. Thus, people have been flocking to poker tables even though they have only the most basic knowledge about the game.

Seems like a good thing? Think again: because more and more players with insufficient knowledge sit at a poker table, more and more bad beats occur. These new players raise and call like all hell broke loose. They will call even with a bad hand of 2 - 5. And sometimes they win, miraculously improving these hands into a straight, even when faced with a player who has pocket aces in hand.

The main problem is not that they are not playing poker 'the right way,' but that the game seemingly changes to a game of luck instead of strategy. If you have had enough of bad beats, here are a few tips on how to handle new poker players at a table.

1. Renew your strategy. Most players with little knowledge of poker strategy will call everything you throw at them. This means that bluffing is never a good idea with a new player around, as most often every hand will lead to a showdown.

Still, stick to a strategy and do not rely on just luck. Playing with fewer hands but playing them very aggressively will lead you to a large enough pot. Also, do not fret if you have a bad beat, since in the long run, the new player will lose much more than you do. Lucky improvements do occur, but not that frequently.

2. If you get a bad beat, don't engage in a fight. Remember, if you continue playing with strategy, you will get more wins than the new player who just relies on luck And another thing: if you engage in a fight with the new player, chances are they will walk away from the table, bringing their money with them. Thus, you will have smaller pots.

3. Don't solicit unwanted advice. Let the new players learn by themselves. They will learn, eventually. More so if they lose all of their money quickly. After the game, you may refer some books, or even websites which offer valuable strategic advice. If they don't want it, then let them be. It's their loss, not yours.

Always keep in mind that you also started out as a new player. Be friendly to them. If you don't like amateurish plays like calling each time, then maybe you should transfer to another table. Or else, you could simply stick to having a great strategy, and eventually you will win.