Observe Holdem Table Before Sitting

Before you sit down to a poker game with strangers it is suggested that you observe the game for at least an hour, studying the players' characteristics. See who plays the cards loose and who plays tight. When you do join in, play a conservative game at first, just in case it might be a steer game (crooked game). If you are dealt an exceptionally good hand in a strange poker game, don't bet everything you have with you. Be satisfied with small winnings on the hand; if it is a steer game your losses will be small, and perhaps the cheaters will decide you are too hep to be taken in.