Readers in three different time zones have questions or comments this week. Let's start with California and work our way east.

Q: I just started playing poker for the first time ever — Texas hold 'em once a month with friends. What are the three most important things to remember as a beginner? — Andrea F. in Los Angeles.

A: First of all, Andrea, congrats on taking up the game! You are starting out exactly the way you should — using a tournament-style format with a low-cost fixed buy-in and playing with friends in a relaxed setting.

You wrote, "It seems like there are so many things going on, between remembering the blinds, keeping track of which hands are best and trying to read what opponents are doing that three good tips are all I can keep in my head right now."

Rest assured, you're not the first poker novice to feel that way. To ease your anxiety and increase your chances to win, do these three things:

First, make a cheat sheet showing hand rankings and keep it handy at the table. The best hold 'em hands, in descending order, are:

— Royal flush (A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit, an unbeatable hand).

— Straight flush (five cards in sequence, suited, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5).

— Quads (four cards of the same rank, such as 7-7-7-7-x, with 'x' being the next best card, called a kicker).

— Full house (for example, 6-6-6-Q-Q, which would beat 5-5-5-Q-Q but lose to 6-6-6-K-K).

— Flush (five cards of the same suit; if more than one player makes a flush, the player with the highest suited card in the hole wins; the ace is highest).

— Straight (five cards of mixed suits in sequence, with the best being A-K-Q-J-10).

— Two pair (for example, 9-9-6-6-x, with 'x' being the best kicker from your hand or the board. K-K-2-2-x would beat Q-Q-J-J-x but lose to K-K-3-3-x).

— One pair (any two cards of the same rank; aces are highest).

— High card/no pair (ace is highest, then king, queen, etc.).

Second, pay attention to what's happening on each hand. Be ready to post your blinds when they come, and always wait to act until it's your turn. Follow the betting action around the table, watching for raises, calls and folds. If you intend to raise, say so before putting in your chips.

Third, reduce your stress (and conserve chips!) by folding marginal and weak hands pre-flop. Yes, any two starting cards CAN win, but beginners should only enter pots with reasonable holdings such as pairs, big cards (ace through 10) and suited connectors down to 8-7. If the flop hits you, play on until you think you're beat; if it doesn't, usually just fold.

Happily, Andrea, your anxieties about the game's mechanics will disappear soon, and you can then begin attacking opponents' weaknesses and mixing up your play. Enjoy!

Q: Russ, love your columns and Website. However, I'm not sure I agree with promoting political candidates there. As a Republican, I disagree with my party's stand on Internet gaming among other things, but how can anyone make such an important decision as selecting a candidate on a single issue, especially poker? — John C. in Sherrard, Ill.

A: Thank you for the kind words, John. You're right, no one should choose a candidate based on a single issue.

My news-based column a few weeks ago outlining the legal status of online poker was an attempt to inform, not opine or coerce. I have no party-line agenda to advance, but I get concerned when government — from the left or right — tries to erode our personal freedoms.

Online poker's fate is of interest to millions of U.S. players, which makes it a topic for my readers. That's why I posted a news story on my blog when the GOP convention reinstated a platform plank strongly condemning Internet gambling.

As you correctly suggest, our nation faces bigger issues than online poker. Getting some of those solved first would be wonderful, no matter who's in the White House.

Q: Scotty Nguyen's bad behavior in the World Series H.O.R.S.E. event reminds me of what I used to do — drink too much while playing poker. I was somewhat successful, but the reputation I received was absolutely not worth it. Now that I don't drink while playing, I am respected a lot more, as a person and a player. — Scott H. in Lancaster, Pa.

A: Thanks for sharing your experience, Scott. I'm sure there are plenty of others out there who have been down that same road. You found your way back. For his sake, I hope Nguyen does, too.

E-mail your poker questions and comments to [email protected] for use in future columns. To find out more about Russ Scott and read previous LuckyDog Poker columns, visit www.creators.com or www.luckydogpoker.com.