Tips for Poker Beginners New poker players who begin to study the game can be overwhelmed at all the tactics, nuances and analysis involved. It does seem like a lot to grasp all at once, but there are a few basic tenets to remember and follow that will help you win more often. Keep these pointers in mind when you play poker at Everest: * Fold most hands and stick to premium cards, like highly ranked pairs, and an Ace with a face card or high suited card. * Bet or raise when you do have a good starting hand to force others to fold. The fewer players in contention for the pot, the better your chances of winning it. * Fold if the flop does not improve your hand unless you are holding a pair higher to the cards on the board. * When the flop does improve your poker hand, such as completing a set or two pair, raise. * If the turn and river do not improve your hand, but open the possibility for someone else to get a better hand, such as a flush to beat your set, fold to a bet. Do bet if your opponent checks, but fold if you are raised. * When the turn or river improves your hand, bet or raise.