The Pros Who Taught Us How to Play Poker

When you’re first learning how to play poker, who better to learn from than the legends who have shaped the sport as we know it? The ones who have not only mastered but redefined the poker rules of today. The ones who have inspired generations of poker players, from total beginners to seasoned pros.

Today, we’re shining a light on these experts and all the valuable lessons they’ve taught us. From Doyle Brunson to Hollywood star Matt Damon, let’s meet the pros who have made poker the game it is today.

Daniel Negreanu: Your Position is Your Power

Anyone who knows anything about poker knows that Daniel Negreanu is a household name in the sport. With seven World Series of Poker (WSOP) and two World Poker Tour (WPT) titles under his belt, the Canadian native is one of the most accomplished poker pros of his generation.

And one of his most important lessons for up-and-coming poker players is all about position. Specifically, how to manipulate your position at the table and make it your ultimate superpower.

Negreanu is so into the power of position that he based an entire module around it in his masterclass. In it, he breaks things down as simply as you could imagine: you’re either in position or out of position.

Let’s say you’re playing Texas Hold’em poker. If you’re betting last, you’re in position; in this situation, you’re in control. If it was a boxing match, you’d be the one throwing jabs and uppercuts. Here, you can be a little more aggressive and place bigger bets. But if you’re not wagering last, you’re out of position. That means you’re vulnerable. In the boxing ring, you’d want to be keeping your arms up to protect yourself. On the poker felt, play a bit more conservatively to keep your chips by your side.

Doyle Brunson: Never Stop Learning

Known as The Godfather of Poker, Doyle Brunson played poker professionally for over 60 years. Though he first started playing illegally, he later went on to win 10 WSOP bracelets and write multiple books exploring how to play poker for beginners.

Suffice it to say he played a huge role in shaping the game as we know it today.

But if we had to pick one of his biggest lessons, it would boil down to a single quote: “The education of a poker player is never complete until he dies.”

A lifelong poker player, Brunson knew better than anyone that, no matter how experienced or skilled you are, there’s always more to learn about the game. With its endless strategies, unpredictable outcomes, and different opponents, poker is ever-evolving. And if you hope to come out on top, especially as a beginner, you’ll need to commit to a life of learning and adapting.

Matt Damon: Know When to Fold

We know what you’re thinking: yes, we’re talking about that Matt Damon. In one of the most iconic poker films of all time, Rounders, Damon plays Mike McDermott, a law student and high-stakes poker player who gets caught up in the wrong crowd. The penultimate scene features Damon’s character going up against a KGB boss in a round of Texas Hold’em poker. After spotting his opponent’s tell — blame the Oreos (IYKYK) — Mike folds during a crucial hand, knowing he’d go bust if he went any further.

Here lies one of the most poker rules of all: know when to fold. Putting aside your pride, reading your competitors’ tells, and playing accordingly will save you (and your wallet) from heaps of grief.

Folding a Monster

Matt Damon shows us how to lay down a monster hand in Hold’em.

Phil Hellmuth: Never Underestimate the Underdog

When you’re first learning how to play poker, it can feel like you’re a little fish swimming in a sea of sharks. But the more you learn about the sport, the more you’ll grasp one of the most important poker rules of all: never underestimate a newbie.

Just ask poker pro Phil Hellmuth. In 1988, he made his first in-the-money finish at WSOP, placing 33rd overall after being knocked out by that year’s champ, Johnny Chan. After that performance, it’s safe to say no one really thought Hellmuth was one to watch when he returned to WSOP the next year.

But, boy, were they wrong.

Hellmuth won the WSOP Main Event, beating out his previous foe, Johnny Chan. At just 24 years old, the victory made him the youngest person in history (at that time) to win the event. Hellmuth’s career hasn’t slowed down at all since then. He now holds a whopping 17 WSOP bracelets and over 200 money finishes. So, we repeat: never underestimate an underdog.

Scotty Nguyen: Resilience Breeds Rewards

Known as The Prince of Poker, Scott Nguyen has taught us some valuable lessons over the years. But the standout for people learning how to play poker? Resilience can lead to incredible riches.

By the mid-80s, Nguyen had won $1 million, largely by playing Texas Hold’em poker in competitions around California. Eventually, he made his way to Las Vegas, where he lost his entire fortune and had to rebuild from the ground up.

But Nguyen never let this setback define him. He spent years refining his craft, competing with some huge names, and redefining poker rules. And in 1998, his fortune came back to him. After going head-to-head with Kevin McBride, Nguyen placed first in the 1998 WSOP, claiming a prize of $1 million.

In the years since then, Scotty has continued to build his bankroll and has even been inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame.

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Now that you’ve studied the lessons, it’s time to take the test. Take the knowledge you’ve gained from these poker pros and apply it on the felt. Whether you’re keen on a few rounds of Texas Hold’em poker or Omaha, these lessons could be your ticket to the jackpot of a lifetime.