Apply a little bit of knowledge and you can play for fun and turn a profit.



Look at yourself as a player and understand your strengths and weaknesses, are you a loose or a tight player, do you make the cards you are holding obvious to everyone else at the table.

Below are ten fantastic tips to help you turn a profit whether you are new to the game or a seasoned professional.

1.Pay Attention ? Watch who's playing in an aggressive or loose and who's playing tight. Play the loose players and avoid the tight players ? unless you know you are on a winner.

2.Watch the Chips ? Always watch the chips and know who has what. Be careful when playing against players who have a great deal more chips than you. One mistake and you could be leaving the table.

3.Be a bettor, not a caller ? Be aggressive, if you can lead the game, do so. Make other players watch and be wary of you.

4.No match, no contest ? If the community cards do not work in your favour throw the hand away as soon as somebody else bets.

5.Ace in the hand ? Just because you have an Ace doesn't mean you have to play. Only play if it is with a card of the same suit or by a 10 or higher.

6.Only play ? Always play when you have the following hands, Pairs (8-8, 10-10), 2 face cards (J-K, Q-K), cards that can make both a straight or a flush, (8-9, 7-8, both of the same suit). Always be patient ? folding is the most profitable move in poker. Only play when in the blinds when you have other hands.

7.Bet strong ? If you have a good hand, make sure you play it aggressively. Let other players know you mean business.

8.Patience ? If you are left of the blinds and one of the first to act play fewer hands, you are in a bad position and vulnerable to raises from other players.

9.Call their bluff ? If someone raises in a late position (near/on the button), re-raise with a good amount if you are on the blind. A lot of player bluff here in an attempt to steal the blind.

10.Be patient ? Always let your timer tick away a few seconds before you act. If making an important decision think how the betting has gone and how your opponents have been playing.

Most importantly of all ? Take your time and always play cool.

If you follow these 10 simple tips you will see your profits start to increase and your poker abilities greatly improve.

By Adam McKinnon