Best Way to Learn Poker As A BEGINNER (2025)

Learn my proven poker system. 17+ hours of advanced poker lessons, 200+ step by step example hands. For serious poker players only.
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Learn the simple but effective strategies I use as a 10+ year pro.
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In this poker lesson I break down several key strategy fundamentals — including which hands to play and when to bet, raise, bluff, or fold.

If you're new to the channel, my name is Nathan "BlackRain79" Williams and I am a 10+ year professional poker player and 3-time best selling author.

Poker is fundamentally a game of skill and I believe that focusing on the basics is the most effective way to improve your game.

IG: @officialblackrain79

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Disclaimer: This video does not include any real money gambling or promote any gambling sites. It is intended for educational purposes only. Most people lose at poker over the long term. The information provided here is not a guarantee of success. Individual results may vary.

[Reanymation]

for real, watching your videos has stepped up my game in prominence poker

[chrissusa]

Adding to my previous comment. One thing that is so important to learn and one of the hardest I think is to know when to pull yourself off a table. A true key to consistent wins!

[agk]

Training usually assumes players at a table won't call raises with weak hands. Reality is that most low stakes games will have mostly multi-way pots. Learning how to manage multi-way play is key. In mostly multiway games, I offer two main pre-flop options: 1. Raise for a small amount to build the pot, as you expect several callers or 2. raise for a very big amount (even all-in) to limit the field. Most players don't bet at a multi-player pot without something, so most of the time you'll want to fold if you don't flop a strong hand. C-bets are usually hopeless multiway, especially since those who flop a strong hand like trips will sandbag. Make flop bets based upon the strength of your hand, and the likelihood that your hand is best. Usually top two pair or better should bet but maybe not when the flop is monotone or 3 to a straight. Anyhow, there's my book for you.

[EproxE]

Pocket Aces - pre flop raise - miss the set on the flop 3H, 6S, JD - CBet half pot - Turn brings 7C - half pot raise as top pair - river brings 2 clubs - raise again - lose pot to fish that has pocket 2s and gets the set on the river.
This is how I play poker

[austinadams]

Are you...holding your pinky out while holding the microphone? Classy 👍

[kevinlindstrom]

Additional thought relative to hesitating to be aggressive - you are playing low stakes for a reason. Not just because of the opponents, but also the stakes. Makes it easier to shake it off when the fish hits the flop.

[seanmclaughlin]

Trying to imagine how a game can literally skyrocket.

[lexdiamonds]

He’s the first person to express what I felt and that’s that I was cursed and unlucky

[andytaylor]

Having the correct aggression in poker is the hardest step up to make, everything is telling you it won’t work but long term it’s been proven too . When you lose one you’ve raised it feels hard till your used to it and seeing profit

[georgeloutaif]

Love your videos. My main problem is controlling my emotions. I make some dumb mistakes and go on tilt a lot. How do you control that?

[HaitianBlue]

I don’t play poker for money but just with friends for chips while we drink alcohol or whatever and there might be like an occasional side bet but this video helped me. Thank you.

[patricklemmon]

It's next to impossible to be successful, at least All of the time, against clueless callers. I just exercise patience, fold or check when called, and get value from my small & medium hands. But oh, brother, when I flop the mortal nuts, I use their call all attitudes against them and clean up. Best of luck

[badbeatbilly]

I've noticed the loose/bad players get lucky

[nofaithrequired]

Do I get this right: If you are still in after the Flop: raise half the pot. If you are still in after the River: raise 75% of the pot?

[luisif]

I just 😢the casino I raise AJ fish calls and drills a set on the turn. It’s very hard to win consistently in poker !

[bionicle]

If I play AJo against someone loose and agressive and the flop comes random isn't there a good chance that they hit? Their range is wide and all I beat is a bluff

[andypilson]

I played lastnight. Bought in for $300 at $1-3 got pocket Aces 30 min in and opened to $25. Had one caller…flop comes QT5…I c-bet $25 he calls…turn is a 5…I bet $50 he calls…river is a 5. I bet $100 he raise to $200 which puts me all-in after I call. He turn over 75off! Wth!! what could I have done differently?

[virajdharmarathne]

No offense, where do u play poker cash game or tournament?
If it’s online, what is the site and why don’t u stream and show it to community by action?

[oldegolfer]

I think you are seriously out of touch. The level of play at low stakes is much better than you describe. Do you still play or just post. Remember those that can do, and those that can't teach.

[philc]

I never hit the flop. I kinda like J9 but fold the flop with a good bet.
But most players are amateurs and will call anything. But that’s gambling
And people do it.