Learn To Play Poker

	Texas Holdem Omaha Omaha Hi/Lo 7 Card Stud 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo 5 Card Draw
	Statistics, Analysis & Pot OddsBluffingBettingStyles of Play

Welcome to the Hollywood Poker School! If you're a beginner looking for lessons on how to play, you've come to the right place.

Obviously, what you learn here won't automatically turn you into a poker pro, but you should pick up enough to make you comfortable enough to start playing low-limit games right away and avoid the most common beginners' mistakes. The only way to improve is to play, play, play. Remember, though, that in poker, even years of practice will never make perfect, because every game includes some degree of luck. The golden trick is learning when and how to capitalize on the twists and turns, the good and bad, of that luck.

The bottom line is that in this game, you're always learning. That goes for the pros, too.

This page outlines some of the major games and tactics for poker neophytes. If you'd like to dig deeper, here are the names of some excellent books about poker.

Lastly, when you see the "Ask The Coach" icon (pictured below) you can click on it to ask the Hollywood Poker Coach any question you want regarding online poker.

Ready, grasshopper? Grab your deck!

Basic Poker

Can't tell a Royal flush from a flush toilet? Can't get your straights straight? When you think of a full house, do you think of the Olsen twins? If you aspire to play poker and you answered yes to any of the above, we suggest you go through pages for rank (pun intended) beginners.

Poker Hands: Go here for an overview of the various hands that matter -- and don't matter -- in poker.

Styles of Play: Learn the difference between loose, tight, passive and aggressive play.

Betting: Poker games can have different betting structures. Read about them here.

Glossary:  Need help figuring out the lingo at the table? Poker school can teach you how to talk the talk.

Poker Rules

There are a variety of poker games out there. The most popular by far is Texas Holdem, and that's the game most Hollywood Poker members play. But the other games have their fans, too, and each requires slightly different poker skills. Click on the links below to read how each game is played.

Texas Holdem, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7-Card Stud
7-Card Stud Hi/Lo, 5 Card Draw

Advanced Techniques

Once you have a grasp of the basics and a bunch of games behind you, you'll probably want to read up on some of the more advanced playing techniques. Having a knowledge of this stuff is what separates the dabblers from the more serious players.

Bluffing. We think you should definitely read this. Or maybe we don't.