A quickie but goodie for you today, class.

 The game has begun. Youíve received your cards and now itís time to select your hand. This is the most critical part of your game, since this determines the final outcome.

When making the decision of hand selection, try not to think of the highest overall winning combination. Instead, use your cards to decide your highest-valued hand by considering the most practical winning combination. Itís often that people go for hands that are hard to come by; we think itís better to stop and take a look around, since thereís usually an easier way. When it comes to going for the practical winning combination, you can use the poker tools of bluffing and semi-bluffing to keep your opponents off guard. In fact, these tools are necessary when youíre playing at more than just a beginnerís level. For an in-depth look at all of the psychological tools at your disposal, check out our strategy section.

In the meantime, have fun.

Good luck and have fun.