From the Big Screen to the Final Table: The New Guy

Eddie Griffin offers a funny turn as a convict who helps The New Guy star DJ Qualls successfully navigate high school. Griffin's character, Luther, offers Qualls some great advice throughout the move that is applicable to poker players but few hit the mark like this zinger:

"If you're gonna talk the talk, you gotta walk the walk. Otherwise you'll be lined in chalk." Luther

Don't Write Checks You Can't Cash

This advice may seem simple enough, but there are far too many horror stories about players getting in over their heads and their bankrolls to ignore. Make sure when you are selecting a game or deciding on which tournament to play that you consider the potential damage to your bankroll because you may lose your whole roll in one shot if you aren't careful. Although it is tempting to move up in limits, if you are not ready to swim with the sharks, you are better off swimming in the shallow end of the pool.

Let Your Play Speak For You

Although you may see certain pros talk to other players to try to get a read on them during a hand of televised poker, this tactic can backfire for two reason if you don't know what you are doing. The first reason is that you will potentially give tells of your own while trying to pull information from other players. The second reason why this play can be disastrous if not used properly is that your opponent could be giving you false tells to try to force your play. Either way, you put yourself in a bad position, often sacrificing information while trying to pick up some yourself. Unless you can't control yourself, it is best to let your hand do the talking for you.

Do Your Homework

Considering that a wealth of information is available to today's poker players, there is no excuse for taking care of business before you sit down at the felt. This means that before you try to conquer the poker world, you should read as much as you can and try to learn the tactics that have made others successful. It pays to do some research and learn nuances of the game before risking your hard-earned money.

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