“You’ve got to know when to hold them and know when to fold them.” Cards have been an ongoing attraction for young and old for generations. Poker has recently hit the charts and become its own world of entertainment. Casino poker, home based poker parties, television poker and online poker all offer interactive card play – the same but different.

Once reserved for small groups of men in a smoked filled room at the back of a bar, poker is now much more in the mainstream. Poker audiences are starting to challenge the popularity of other sports such as golf, billiards and tennis. The thrill of poker is that one day you’re average and the next day you could be very special.

To win at cards, especially poker, takes a mixture of ingredients: skill, memory, concentration, luck, finesse, endurance and stamina.

Whether you’re playing online, a friendly game around your card table or with a league, poker is fun! Learning some poker tips may prove to be helpful.

Sitting for lengthy periods of time requires stamina, good posture, core strength, and concentration. Good nutrition and fitness are essential. Staying physically fit will also keep you mentally sharp and alert.

Patience is a key ingredient. A great poker player will learn to wait for the “good cards” to come when the hands are just not going his or her way. Have you heard the expression “poker face”? In all actuality a “poker face” is referring to the expression not just on your face but also in your eyes. Sunglasses may look odd or cool or just plain goofy, but they cover up the emotions that the eyes express. You don’t want to lose that perfect hand because of the twinkle in your eye.

In the game of poker, to be really good, you truly do need to know when you are losing and accept when it is time to stop. Learn “when to hold and when to fold.”

Poker is entertaining, develops concentration, and leaves some room for “Lady Luck” to share the wealth. This rage about poker is just getting started!