question More first-timers are having a crack at poker lately — what should they learn first?

Seeing heaps more beginner poker chat pop up lately - starter tables, quick guides, even a couple mates asking where to begin. Feels like a fresh batch of people are giving it a go, which is fair enough... looks easy when you're watching, then you sit down and get cooked by one bloke who only plays about 3 hands an hour.

If someone's brand new, what do you reckon matters first? Starting hand selection, position, folding more than feels comfortable, not punting the whole bankroll in one arvo? I still reckon the big killer for newbies is playing too many rubbish hands just because they're keen to be involved in every pot.

Also curious if the advice has shifted a bit now with so much online content around. Some of the older stuff still seems solid, some of it feels dated as. If you've helped a mate learn recently, or you're just getting into it yourself, chuck in the best early lesson you got told - or the mistake that cost you the most haha.

I actually don't reckon the main leak is playing too many hands. Most newbies can be talked into folding junk pretty quick. What burns them is sticking around after the flop with any pair and no real plan, calling twice then hating life on the river. If someone learns position and when to just let one pair go, results change fast.