Tips on poker for a teen?

Question

I'm 15, love poker, barely started playing 2 weeks ago, practiced with my dad for 3 hours then that same day I barely started learning I played actual poker with my friends with real money 20$ pitch in to play, 7 people, well I lost, but it was h**l of a good time with my old friends! You know poker just seemed to click with me and my friends something, and I never click with them It was very relaxing and fun at same time even tho I lost I loved it, but I want to be better!

What are some awesome tips on poker, checking other faces, expressions, if she shake/stutter, sweat or something

I noticed myself the others didn't but I my hands started shaking when I had "3 of a Kind" and I won, but I want to stop shaking, how can I learn to stop? I can't get that feeling again unless I'm playing for reals I can't just play fake with brother it wouldn't be same?

Help thanx y'all =]

Answer 1

First of all, "fun" poker is not winning poker, and winning poker is not fun. This is because in most poker games, you should be throwing away (without betting) FOUR OUT OF EVERY FIVE HANDS. Remember, every hand you do play, to be profitable, has to beat EVERYONE ELSE.

So if you want to win, throw all but the best hands away, and use that time to observe your opponents' expressions and mannerisms as they relate to the strength of the hands they hold. You will be able to use this information later where you ARE in a pot.

As far as controlling your OWN reactions, that takes time, and comes with experience, but you do have to practice. Concentrate on NOT reacting one way or the other to "good" or "bad" cards.

Answer 2

Dude, I think reads are overrated in my book. What I'm thinking of is that you should be checking peoples betting patterns and the cards that they show down. You should only be playing about 25 percent of the hands your dealt if your playing 7 handed. If they bet the pot on the river, you have to watch what hands they turn over. If it was a complete bluff, you'll know that the next time he bets the pot, he might be bluffing. Also, some helpful reading tips are that if the flop comes and they immediately look at your chips or their own chips, they might have a hand. Also check if they are relaxed when they make a big bet because then they might feel comfortable with their hand. These are only some universal tells I'm giving you. Remember everyone has their own tell.

How to stop giving away tells yourself is just to feel extremely comfortable in your environment. If your friends are being quiet and you notice yourself shaking when you have a hand, it might just go away if you play more because you'll be used to it. Normally you can always distract them away from your hands or just start talking.

Playing online in the fake money sites can also help you some.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

I started playing poker at a very young age, and started playing professionally after I was of age to play online & go to casinos.  I found myself in the same situation and wanting to improve my game and not allow opponents to get a "read" on me.  My best suggestion would be to read "Doyle Brunson's Super System - A Course in Power Poker."  Although it is a lengthy book, it offers many suggestions and styles that will help your game.  You can also purchase poker magazines from your local store and watch tournaments on TV....

Some tips:

- although some may wear sunglasses during play, you can still see a person's facial expressions/actions.  Practice in front of a mirror, and try to keep a "poker face."  

- practice a distinct method of keeping your expressions & betting the same for each hand.

- avoid conversation during games while you're playing a hand as this can be a giveaway for your hand.

- only look at your hand once, and memorize your cards.  If you keep looking, it makes you look uncertain of your hand, or may give off the effect that you have a good hand you like to keep looking at...

- pay attention to the way your opponents play (mannerisms, betting patterns, etc).  Look for "tells" like fidgiting, hand movements, and looking around.  

Good luck to you and with anything, practice makes perfect!!