Some thoughts on poker

Let me start by saying I am no expert in poker. Far from it.
I have been playing on a phone mostly, but got my first chance at live competition a couple of weeks ago at a company function.
The only other consideration to keep in mind is that many people who know me will state I am good with numbers. Percentages and probability are things I generally understand. Probability is a major component in poker. My first observation is that the popular fad, "Texas Hold 'em" poker changes the odds a bit, but not the overall scheme.

That said, here are osme things I've learned:

1. Bet with two pair the same as you'd bet with a pair of aces. 
In Texas Hold Em, two pair does not seem to win a lot more hands than a pair of Kings or Aces.

2. When determining whether to look at the "flop," here are some good general guidelines when looking at your own hand:
- A pair of any sort is a good thing.
- A "face card" is a good thing.
- Suited cards that are either successive, or really close, are a good thing. You can play for the straight, flush, and pairs and triples.

3. Ego is a bad thing. 
Never bet with your ego. Be cold, heartless, and extremely calculating when calling bets, raising, or otherwise moving money. Look at what you have, not what might be.

4. Measure the bluff. 
Lots of people like to bluff, thinking they are good at it. Commonly, these people lose hands. Have a slid hand, and get their ego involved, and you will win.

5. Playing conservatively is not a bad thing. 
It guarantees you will win when you want to. A good way to disguise conservative play is to buy into hands, at least to the flop, with some regularity.

6. Beware the flush.
People get so caught up looking for pairs and triples, that they rarely see the flush. If you have suited cards, it only takes three of the same suit on the table to help you win.

7. Beware the straight.
People seem to read a potential straight better than they do a flush. This ability degrades, however, if the successive cards are not next to each other, and if the other players are drunk.

8. Beware the full house. 
If there is a pair on the table, and someone is betting like they have two pair, be mindful that they might have a full house. This is the highest hand you will commonly see - four of a kind and straight flushes are extremely rare. These can beat your flush or straight, so be mindful. But still bet to win if you have a flush or straight.


9. Don't get discouraged with a loss despite a strong hand. 
If you have a full house, but theirs is better, that's just bad luck (and just slightly more likely than four of a kind). Leave the emotion behind on the next game.

10. People's reactions can be easily read. 
Even for a non-emotional, robotic player like me.



So - for all the experts out there - what do you think? I am open to suggestion / criticism.
Naturally we will have to play, and see whose ideas work in practice. :)

Oh, and I'd really like to play with jokers in the deck.