Guernica's jestful answer had some good points in it actually.

"You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em"

Good starting hand selection is very important. Most poker books have a breakdown of playable hands that you can look at to get yourself started.


"Know when to walk away and know when to run"

Size up the competition. You shouldn't play in a game where the other players are too good for you. When starting out, find weak, lower-limit games, and gradually move up. And if you feel like your health, safety, or bankroll is threatened, walk quickly (actual running probably wont be necessary in a casino) away.


"You never count your money, when you're sittin' at the table *
There'll be time enough for countin', when the dealin's done"

Don't consider the chips on the table money. Consider poker like a chess game, and the chips are the pieces. Don't be afraid to risk chips to put yourself in better position in the game, or to get back more chips. But don't throw away chips and get yourself in a bad situation either. However, don't take this in a superstitious way. Don't be a superstitious card player, that's a sure sign you're not going to be doing well.

So between that and getting a begginers poker book, you should be putting yourself on the right path for poker.