Poker is a tough game no matter what variation you typically play. What we mean to say is that if you seek to upgrade your gaming skills, you sure need to invest a lot of time and effort. Successful poker play involves numerous aspects, like reading your opponents and calculating the outs. Some people get it, while others just don't. The first category of players will eventually become victorious, while the second is very likely to remain mediocre.

To help you raise above the average poker player, we have gathered the following list of Frequently Asked Questions for the intermediate poker player. (FAQ's for beginners and advanced players are also on hand.)

Beginner Player Questions

Advanced Player Questions

1.How do I know whether my connection is secure or not? Can somebody hack into my computer?

A.: Well, reputable Internet poker rooms are typically employ mechanisms designed to protect both their players and the poker website itself. We recommend that you look for gaming destinations secured either Verisign's or its subsidiary Thawte. Verisign or Thawte mechanisms ensure that all communications between the poker room server and the gaming platform running on your computer are shielded by a special encryption algorithm.

2. What is 'pot-limit'?

A.: The term 'pot limit' refers to a betting structure in which players can not make a bet larger than the amount already placed in the pot. During a regular betting round, the pot amount is just the amount of money presently invested in the pot. Nevertheless, when someone at the table has made a bet in a round, the maximum amount you can raise must be equal to: the amount already in the pot + the amount bet in the round + the amount you are required to call.

3. What's a burn card and why is it dealt?

A.: The term "burn card" refers to a playing card a dealer deals from the top of a deck that is discarded. Burning is typically performed to prevent any cheating attempts by players who mark cards. In Texas Hold 'em poker, for example, the first card off the deck is burned at the beginning of each round of betting to prevent card reading by possible cheaters.

4.What is the 'Dead Man's Hand'?

A.: Some poker players believe that legendary poker pro Wild Bill Hickok was murdered during a poker game in Deadwood, South Dakota, while holding two pair, black aces and black eights. On that most poker enthusiasts agree. However, the value of the fifth card is not known for certain. Some people say that it was Five of Diamonds others maintain it was Nine of Diamonds. Other speculations, although less common, regarding Hickok's fifth card also exist.

5. What is the difference between a shill and a prop. player?

A.: There is a great difference between props and shills. A shill is a poker player who receives a stipend from poker room operators and plays with the house money. His sole job is to win money at the tables and hand it over to the poker room. Poker players typically do not want to play at a gaming establishment that employs shills due to trust issues.

Props are another thing all together. While they also receive hourly payment from poker room operators, they play with their own money. Their sole goal is to keep poker room action alive. Props typically play at the more unpopular tables just to keep the game running. While shill employment is perceived as unethical, props are completely legal.

6. How does tournament strategy differ from that of regular games?

A.: Tournament play is indeed very different from regular game play. Tournaments have their own payout structures which affect greatly a participant's playing strategy. Today, there is a wide variety of tournaments poker lovers typically play, including sit-n-go's and freezouts. The strategy a player uses should take into consideration tournament rules. For example, if the tournament allows rebuys or add-ons, you need to know the exact costs of each offered option.

7. What is a kill pot?

A.: The term 'kill pot' refers to a hand in which the betting limits are increased compared to the game's regular limits due to certain pre-established criteria having been met. 'Kill' is when a player who wins two pots in a row is required to place a big blind bet too.

7. What is a useful preflop strategy for Texas Hold 'em?

A.: There are several factors a good Texas Hold 'em player must take into consideration before adopting a preflop strategy. The list if these factors includes the number of players at the table, the level of your opponents' aggressiveness, your own bankroll and how much risk you're willing to take. If you are playing a game with nine other players at the table you need to be extremely careful, because other game participants are very likely to have strong hands. Additionally, if you happen to be seated in a later position, you should of course take advantage of the information that comes your way from players required to make a move before you. Finally, your preflop strategy depends on your own personal playing style. If you seek to land rich amounts, but don't really mind the risk of losing a few hands, you should raise pre-flop, especially from a late position. However, if you don't wish to take unnecessary risks, then it's our advice that you be more selective regarding the hands you stay in the hand with...

8. How can you be sure that the poker room you play at will deliver when you request a withdrawal?

A.: That's actually a wonderful question. Today's cyberspace is virtually packed with virtual gaming destinations offering online poker entertainment. However, it's also true that not all of them are reliable and safe when it comes to financial transactions. It is our advice to you to take a pick at our Poker Room review section as it provides our readers with valuable info regarding the most secure and trustworthy (not to mention bonus rich) online poker rooms.

9. What is the difference between S-n-G's and scheduled tournaments?

A.: There is quite a distinction between S-n-G's (short for 'sit and go') and scheduled tournaments. S-n-G's are tournaments that kick off as soon as a predetermined number of participants fill the player seats. Sit and go tournaments are very common in online poker rooms, but they are somewhat rare in land-based casinos.

Conversely, scheduled tournaments are tournaments that start on a designated time. A players can always unregister for any scheduled tournament as long as this is done prior to start. Prizes paid depend on the number tournament participants at start.

10. Are there any good magazines on the poker industry?

A.: Of course, there are! The list of highly popular informative publications on the poker industry includes such prominent gaming magazines as 'Poker Pro,' 'Card Player,' 'WPT Poker' and 'Bluff.' There are of course many others...