Poker is one of the oldest card games. It's fun, challenging, and sometimes can make you a little money. Poker is currently undergoing a surge in popularity, due in part to its prominence on television and popularity with celebrities. Poker is one of the most adaptable card games around. There are almost infinite variations played in homes across the world.

1. Understand that there is no one poker game. Classic games like 5- and 7-card stud, and 5-card draw, are still played today. Texas Hold 'em is the most popular format today.

2. Know that learning the rules is only the first step. Poker is a game that is simple to understand but hard to master.

3. This wikiHow will show you how to play texas hold'em.

4. Consider finding an experienced friend, and ask him or her to teach you how to play.

5. Print out a ranking of the poker hands and memorize the hands.

6. Concentrate on learning the basic rules and procedures, such as when to ante, what to say when you want to bet, etc. Once you feel comfortable you will be better able to learn the nuances of the game.

7. As a general rule, beginners play too many hands. When in doubt, fold.

8. Position in the hand is very important. When you are first to act, you have less information on your opponents than if you were to act last. You should fold more hands when you are one of the first people to act, and play more hands when you are one of the last people to act.