Poker is one of the most-played casino games in the world. Easy to set up and play with friends, it is a straightforward process to become relatively decent at the game. But how to progress to higher levels? The following article outlines a few simple tips that should be followed when beginning in the poker world, and should see your game significantly improve. The first point to note is that you should always play poker with a clear head. This is a game about focus, so turning up angry, sad or drunk will alter the way you view the game entirely. Being in any of these emotional states will put you at the greatest risk of making the biggest mistakes, and having the most egregious lapses of judgment. Next up is the way you play the game. Many players think that once they are in the game and playing a hand, that is it. It is not. Do not be scared to fold part-way through a round. This actually shows that you are paying attention to the goings-on at the table. Contrary to popular belief, playing more hands will not win you more money. Save the bluff for when you need it. Another common misconception is that poker is all about the poker-face and bluffing. It is, and it isn’t. In fact, you want to bluff as infrequently as possible. Beginners are usually not very good at it and, as a consequence, are likely to lose a large amount of money to the more experienced players at the table. Finally, know all the rules; stick to your bankroll; don’t play above your skill level and play to win. Following these simple rules won’t see you becoming a pro overnight, but practicing like this will definitely show an improvement.