Playing poker online can be a great way to enjoy your favorite game in your free time, or it can be something lucrative enough to lead to a new career. From the Las Vegas veteran to the first-time player, online poker is a game that can be enjoyed by everyone. With over 100 million players worldwide, there has never been a better time to get started. That being said, if there is money on the line, you don’t want to be the only novice at the table. There are mistakes and pitfalls the beginner online player can fall into, and some hints and strategies that can help them succeed, so we have brought you 6 things to keep in mind when getting started with online poker.
Know-How To Play
It sounds a bit elementary, but knowing the rules of poker, the different hands, and their rankings, and the different games are going to save you time, money, and embarrassment. If you are new to poker, you may want to make a poker hand ranking chart for reference. Knowing what hands your opponents could potentially have will be key to not making hasty decisions.
Follow the positions, Big Blind and Little Blind, and where your position on the table is. The more players playing before you, the more information you will have to make your decision. Get some practice to get to grips with the rules before you start playing with money online.
Find The Right Rooms For You
You don’t want to jump in that deep end with high stakes and professionals. Ego will get you nowhere. Starting low, and keeping your stakes reasonable, will help you get experience without damaging your win rate too badly. Getting swings in smaller games will help you move up the stakes quicker. You can get advice from experts on how to find the best online poker room for you. Stick to playing just one table, concentrate on your strategy and what the other players are doing. You can look for peak traffic times with more of a chance of recreational or less experienced players, and try to avoid multi-tabling with the big boys until you are ready for them.
Try The Different Types Of Games
There are several different types of poker out there. Texas Hold’em is the most popular and well-known of all of them, and you will have no problem finding games online at any time at any different level. Simple to learn, but difficult to win. Get to grips with Texas Hold’em, and you will get to play a lot, but it might not be your winning game, so here are a few others to check out. Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em in style, but very different in strategy, with each player starting with 4 cards instead of 2. The seven-card stud was previously the most popular version of poker and involves a total of 4 up cards and 3 down cards. Other games include Razz, Five Card Draw, 2-7 Triple Draw. Learn the different games and see which ones fit you.
Record Your Winnings And Play With Your Bankroll
Taking note of your game information is something that will help you improve and ultimately make more money. All the top players will record and review information such as what hands were played, when did you and other players make bets, and did you win, lose or break even. Also, record your wins in different games and get a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Playing within your bankroll is important, there’s no need to step up to a higher limit or buy-in level if you don’t have the cash in the bank. Think carefully before you invest more money, check your records on your plays, and don’t bet what you don’t have.
Joining Online Tournaments
There are several different types and sizes of online tournaments you can join. Tournaments can potentially earn you big money for a small buy-in and can be great for experience. There are big tournaments with buy-ins of $1 million or more, and there are also lower buy-in satellite tournaments that feed into the big ones. A great place to get started. Sit & Gos are small tournaments, usually, with just one table, that can be played a lot faster. They can be super fast-paced with high stakes or more relaxed affairs. The smaller number of players allows for some extra camaraderie. Cash Games are just like classic poker with each chip being worth a certain amount of money. Cash games are flexible, allowing you to play for as long or short as you desire, and you can buy in more or cash out when you are ready.
Check Laws And Use Reputable Sites
Depending on where you are in the world, online poker may have a different legal status. Make sure you know the laws before you get yourself in trouble. You also want to protect yourself from risky websites, so make sure the sites you use have the correct gaming licenses from the right authorities. You can look for licenses from internationally recognized bodies such as UKGC and MGA.
The world of online poker is exciting, challenging, and huge. Getting into online poker can be a lot of fun and has the potential to earn you some big money. Follow some of these simple tips, and you are sure to get off to a great start with your online poker career.