The title says pretty much what you need to know. I have a couple of friends who play Texas hold'em 4-5 times/week. They play w/ pretty much the same crowd and they just put in $5 a game and then just play w/ chips as markers, I guess. (The chips don't represent the actual $$ amount.)

I've watched them play and I've been playing tournament games on my computer (not online). I know that playing real people will be very different, so I'm looking for tips and advice on everything (etiquette, betting, strategy...). SO:

What do you wish someone had told you before your first game?

Really looking forward to hearing from all of you

Rynn

Do not coment on peoples play / give advice. Don't show your cards unless you have to.

But they do show the cards after each hand

Originally Posted by Rynn01

But they do show the cards after each hand

They shouldn't. It gives too much info about your playing style.

Do they actually do things like raise pre flop or do they all play every hand and then show their cards at the end?

They might play a lot but they maybe aren't as experienced as you might be thinking.

Originally Posted by Rynn01

What do you wish someone had told you before your first game?

Play tight at the start, only keep good starting hands. You can then loosen up later and bluff a bit more successfully.

When you get good cards, don't sigh, pokerclack (google it), or otherwise try to pretend your hand is weak.

As fish said, don't show your cards unless it's a showdown.

Originally Posted by RakeGuard.Com

Most importantly, have fun.

Seconded!

If you can't afford to lose the amount you are playing for, don't play. Don't get angry with anyone if you have a bad beat or get outplayed. You don't want to lose friends over a card game.

uh huh! if it's only a game, then play it... If you win then be thankful because you won and still have good sets of friends. If you loose still be thankful because i can assure you that your friends will treat you guys...

Hey. i am new here but i have been playing quite a while now.

However, when i am against people i don't know i tend to lose my 'playing style' (whatever that is, but it's borderline aggressive) because i am immediately distracted by the fact that i don't know these guys. My question is what is the correct mindset in sitting in tables you've never been before against people you've never met.

I suppose just fold a couple of rounds and observe all the other players. Who are the rocks, who are the fish, and who are the hyperaggressive types. Watch them on the flop to see if anyone gives away any obvious tells. It will cost you a couple of blinds but you will get right back into your stride.