The 2008 World Series of Poker is only a few weeks away and thousands of players from all over the planet are already preparing themselves for what is the biggest and most relevant poker event of the year. The WSOP gathers the best and most successful players on the world in one of the toughest fields known by the poker community. Having good preparation before the tournament is fundamental, and that’s why the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino is opening free poker lessons for players who think that they may need to sharp their skills and refresh their poker play before such an important event. The poker teaching program is aimed for players and beginners interested in learning more about poker play and basic strategy and during the free poker lessons, players will remain seated in a special teaching table conceived and created by poker room staff at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino.

Used as a coaching and instructional device, the special poker table uses a felt which visually highlights the most important elements of the game, including hand rankings, when to bet, fold and check as well as some other important issues that a player will always have to take in consideration during a game of poker. The lessons will also let the students study and practice the basics using tournament like chips to recreate the usual poker room play. A series of instructors will conduct the students through every step of the game while they answer all the questions during the lessons.

“Most people that take lessons have either seen poker on television, or played casually online or with friends. These folks sometimes just want to become more familiar with the process of the game as it plays out in a poker room. This teaching felt really gives beginners a great level of confidence and comfort.” said Poker Room Manager Jerome Stone.

The Rio Hotel and Casino will have free lessons running every hour from10:00 am to 8:00 pm.