There’s no doubt that poker has become a lot more popular in the last decade or so and online poker is arguably one of the reasons why. The game can be played from any computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone and players can find a table to play for almost any stakes, whether it’s just for fun or to win real money. From free games to satellite entries into the biggest live tournaments in the world, there’s something for everyone when they play poker online.
When playing poker online it’s important to eliminate distractions as much as possible. This can be difficult when you’re at home in your own environment but it’s essential to your success. Top athletes wouldn’t play with their TV on, music blaring or their phone buzzing in their ear and you should treat your poker sessions with the same level of seriousness. This will help you improve your concentration and focus when it comes to the game, meaning you’ll have a better chance of making more winning hands.
Another tip for new players is to start with just one online poker table. This will allow you to get a feel for the game without becoming overwhelmed by too many distractions at once. Once you’ve started to understand the nuances of the game and can win consistently, you can then move on to adding more tables.
Lastly, it’s always best to sign up with a reputable poker site. Look for a poker room that’s licensed by an independent gaming authority and offers regular software audits from a third party firm. These safeguards will ensure that you’re dealing with a legitimate company that won’t cheat its customers.
Once you’ve signed up, look for a poker room that has a ‘beginner’ section or similar that allows players to play in a special category. This will ensure that you’re dealt cards with other players who are rated as beginners and levels the playing field. It’s also a great way to get familiar with the speed of online poker.
There are plenty of poker-specific software tools that can be used to help you improve your game. Two of the most basic are a hand history tracker and a heads-up display (HUD). The former will let you log and review your results while the latter will overlay your poker screen and give you real-time information on your opponents such as their pre-flop raise percentage or how often they fold to 3-bets.
Finally, remember that it’s completely normal to have some bad runs when you play poker online. Even professional players run bad streaks from time to time and you should never take it personally. Just drop down the stakes for a while, grind it out and try again. Eventually, you’ll be able to climb the ranks and make a living from the game!
