PokerStrategy.com: How to start your poker career

In a single article, we have collected all the info you need for a successful start in the world of online poker.

Before you get started - the basics!

The great thing about poker is that you can start playing for real money without risking your own bank balance. That's because online poker rooms give away free starting money to give you a taste of the game. We have some of the best free poker money deals from €5 free at bet365 to $88 for free at 888poker.

You are required to make a deposit into a new account to activate the free money offer, for example if you donate $20 you get a free $20, meaning you actually have $40 to play with. In many cases the free poker money is more than the required deposit, for example a deposit of £10 to Betfair Poker gets you €25 in benefits. Pick one (or more) rooms and get started today!

Play real money poker for free

Now you are playing poker for real money at no risk to your bank balance, the rules have to be clear! Skip the following video only if you already know how poker is played:

The rules of Texas Hold'em

Poker also involves psychology

Don't try this at home! In this hand, you can witness one of the best players in the game taking care of business. His great bluff only works because besides perfectly reading his opponent Tom "durrrr" Dwan is also familiar with hidden probabilities.

The hand analysed in detail

Jump-start your career with our beginner strategies!

Games are learnt by playing them. In the beginning, you should first gain some experience and develop a feel for the game. Here are out best strategies for beginners:

• Beginner strategy for cash games (recommended)
• Beginner course for tournaments
• Beginner strategy for Sit & Go
• Beginner strategy for Spin & Go

Now take a look over the shoulders of our more experienced players:

So far, your approach to the game will still be a bit static. In order for you to play more freely, enabling you to make your own decisions, we've created a video for every single hand you can be dealt. Besides specific tips for each possible hand, you will also learn more about the relevant concepts:

Time for a break and a bit of entertainment

Before diving deeper into the content, you should allow yourself a small break in our fun & facts section in order for the things you've learnt so far to sink in:

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