If you are going to learn to play poker, then you must learn to play Texas Hold'em. Before you jump right into a game, take a moment and study the following tips:

1. First, before you step into the world of an online Texas Hold'em poker room, decide what you feel comfortable wagering. Never put more money into your online account than you can comfortably afford to lose.

2. Don't ever get into the habit of chasing loses. If you do, you'll inevitably find yourself making bad plays, such as calling or raising when you should fold.

3. Play small tournaments or ring games before you jump into the larger tournaments. Players with a lot more experience than a beginner will dominate in these games. They read players well and can quickly determine what the best possible hand is.

4. Take notes on other players when you're playing. You will have plenty of time to do this as many players take their time in making proper play decisions. It's smart to take notes on the other players every time you play because you are likely to come across them again in another tournament. Use what you have learned about them, against them.

David Walker runs free bets and UK poker websites. A free email course: "Seven Days to Better Betting" is available at both of these websites.