You might be asking yourself why all these players are so hooked on poker. Whilst you have no idea how the game works, I am giving you some tips and guidelines to help you find your way out in the world of poker and learn to play poker professionally.

1. The first thing you need to do to learn to play poker is to research on the terms of the game. You should get a copy of the list of terms used in playing poker. For your easy access, here is a rundown of the terms:

HAND - pertains to the combination of cards that a player holds.

PLAY - refers to the single game from one shuffle to the next shuffle

POT - means the pool of bet placed by players

HAND TIE - if two of the players have the same hand, then there is a division of the pot between the two of them. If ever the division of the pool is not exact and has leftover, then the latter would go to the player with highest bet.

ANTE - refers the money that players place in the pot prior to seeing the cards. Sometimes, players call it as blind bets.

RAKE - pertains to the commissions of poker rooms

SHOWDOWN - describes the final act in identifying the real winner of the pot after betting is complete.

2. Understand the betting rules on how to learn to play poker by using your mind and heart as well if you really want to get serious with poker playing. Here is a short review on betting rules:
CALL - A rule that refers to the bet that is exactly equivalent to the highest bet placed by the existing player just to stay in the play; also known as stay in.

FOLD - A rule that refers to a player that discards his hand and gives up his opportunity to win the pot; also referred to as drop out.

RAISE - A rule that pertains to the bet equal to the highest bet made by any of the players at the moment with some extra amount of bet included. This extra amount is the amount that he added to raise the bet. Each of the players must then call, fold, or raise all over again.
CHECK - A rule that is like a pass: allows the player to stay in the game while not providing any bet at all.

3. Read the complete instructional on how to learn to play poker. You can secure a copy from the internet, or you can also ask other pokers whom you know play the game well. He or she can probably make the game easier for you to understand.

Like any other serious betting games, it is not easy to learn to play poker. Winning the game and becoming a profitable player need continuous practice and observation of the game. Besides, after all the losing has been done at first, you may soon be on your way to becoming a professional poker player.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1490367