Getting started with online poker
Do you know that over 50 million people play online poker in the USA alone? It’s clearly big business and an exciting, enjoyable pastime that could see you enjoy a little extra cash in your pocket. If you’ve decided that 2019 is the year you finally master the world of online line poker games – we’ve got you covered. Here are our five tips for getting started…
1 – Choose your online poker room
There are hundreds of places to play online, so how do you possibly decide which site to go for? Primarily, you must choose somewhere that is safe. We recommend WSOP.com – the same guys behind the world’s most prestigious and longest-running poker tournament, the World Series of Poker. Next, you should base your decision on whether the site offers the games you want to master and free and easy account set-up. It’s also important that you like the look and feel of it. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time online, the last thing you want is a poker room that hurts your eyes or that confuses you.
2 – Learn the basics
While it’s human nature to want to rush straight to real money games, it’s important to take time to learn the rules of poker and to practice before upping the stakes. Of course, you might have natural talent, but getting to know the game in and out will give you more confidence and set you on the right path to victory. Fortunately, there is lots of content out there to help you – books about poker strategy and online footage are a great place to start. Remember, there is no rush to start playing for cash – make sure you’re ready before taking that leap.
3 – Start small
When it’s time to start playing for cash, do yourself a favour and start small. Online poker sites offer the option to play micro-stakes games in the first instance. These tables allow you to get the hang of things, and with blinds as small as 1 or 2 cents, you won’t make a big dent in your bankroll. Playing small and often will quickly raise your game to a level where you can start to bet higher amounts.
4 – Hone your focus
Let’s be honest – we’re all easily distracted nowadays – whether it’s by our ever-beeping phones or something new on the TV. To succeed in poker, you need to develop laser focus and be 100% focused on the game at all times. Turn that phone off! You need to be observing the behaviour of your opponents – how they bet, how often they enter the pot, what hands they show. Understanding your opponents will give you more chance of winning and will help improve your game. It’s a good idea to set time periods for your online play – know when to walk away and when to take breaks.
5 – Set sensible limits
It’s important to only gamble with money that you can afford to lose. Set yourself a monthly budget and only ever play with that amount.
Follow these tips and you’ll be a master of the online poker world in no time.
