Some general Hints for the Beginners among us
This is a collection of recommendations, not static rules, but beginners should gear to it.
Strictly stick to the Starting Hands Chart. Print it out and always keep it in range. Take your time to take a close look for every single hand. CALL 4 means that 4 players have to put money into the pot in front of you. Pay attention on your position. Inexperienced players often make mistakes like calling 87s all the time, thinking: �Everything in the chart can be played.� That is not the case. Remember that.
Use English whilst chatting. PartyPoker allows only English chat. I recommend to obey this directive, as violations can lead to exclusion from the chat and in severe cases even to exclusion from playing at all. And that would be sad, wouldn�t it?
Restrict using the chat to the essentials (or even don�t chat at all) and concentrate on the game. Do not engage in argumentations. Ignore minor insults. Do not waste your time reporting such people unless you really feel insulted.
Be nice to newbies. Even if they caused a bad beat with some luck on the river. Do not insult them or tell them that they are bad players. Be nice to them. E.g. say �Nice Hand!� and pet his ego. Try to keep him at the table, as he will lose his money on the long run�
Be sober. Do not play poker when coming home from a bar or a club after some beers. You will just play worse than you normally do and you will probably lose money.
Be unemotional. It�s not as simple as it seems to be! If you start to wack out and notice it, stop playing. At least take a break. And if you quit a session with a loss: That�s just normal! You have to remember that it is all just one big session. You will make profit in the long run, so it is absolutely okay to end a session with a loss.
Stick to the bankroll management! It has its purpose. I know that it can be annoying not to advance on 2c/4c. And a lot of people might think: �Why not switch to 5c/10c with $10, as I have to switch back to 2c/4c not until I fall back to $8!� Do not do that. You won�t do yourself a favour.
The best time to play is when all the Northern American hobby-players knock off work and play poker, being tired or even drunk. If you can, align your playing times to that. Consider the time difference. But remember: You have to be fit yourself. Do not extend your sessions too long just to �exploit all those newbies�.
Carefully read the strategy-articles in the beginners section and use the board. I know, the tables are more interesting, but studying the boards with all its articles, essays, exemplary hands and discussions will be more profitable � we promise!
To be continued�
Written by Pius
Translated from German by Marcus Berg and Lutz Enke
