If you are an old hand at playing poker in land-based venues, then you might be skeptical about what the ever-growing online poker scene has to offer.
Even if you are intrigued by the prospect of playing poker online, it is worth remembering that this can be quite a different experience from playing against others in the flesh.
With that in mind, here are ten tips to take on board that will help live poker players adapt to what online poker sites have to offer.
Knowing the rules of the game is essential
It might sound obvious, but in order to learn how to play poker in a digital world, you need to be aware that most top web-based platforms have many different variants to enjoy.
While the most popular is Texas Hold ‘Em, this is just a single iteration of poker that can be played.
So rather than assuming that any game you jump into will be one you understand intimately, it is important to check the rules carefully to see if there are any specific differences that could influence your strategy.
Reading opponents is a different skill online
Playing poker and being face-to-face with the others at the table gives you an insight into what they are thinking, what they might have in their hand and how you should handle the next move you make based on the vibes you are getting.
Online poker typically prevents you from seeing how opponents are reacting because of course, they are faceless individuals represented by usernames. However, this just means you need to look at other calls instead. Keeping track of how hands are played, how bets are placed, and who folds under what circumstances is the way to read your opponents online.
Top players run several games simultaneously
Professional online poker players make a living by dividing their attention between multiple games at the same time, and if you are a skilled and experienced player then you could do this too.
This will require some multitasking, and usually means having accounts with several different poker sites, so it is not for everyone. If you just want to play for fun, keep focused on one game and one hand.
Budgeting is a must
Just because online poker makes it easier to access your favorite pastime, that doesn’t mean you should overstretch yourself from a financial perspective.
Choose a budget that works for you and always play within the bounds of it. Lots of casino sites let you set limits to stop your overspending, so look out for this feature if you think you won’t be able to stop yourself under your own willpower.
Security is a concern
Using any online service comes with risks, and this is no different when playing poker on the web rather than in person.
Make sure you pick a reputable casino site operator and look for independent reviews if in doubt. Also make sure the site is licensed to operate in your area, as this will give you added protections as a consumer which are not available when playing at an overseas online casino.
Playing for free can be informative
Before you dive straight into big money games, consider that you can get a taste for online poker by playing in the free editions that many casinos offer. You will not be able to win anything, of course, but you will also not be exposed to the likelihood of a costly loss before you have learned the ropes.
Bonuses are beneficial
Another way to play online poker without risking your own money is to use the sign-up bonuses that new customers are offered by lots of the top sites. There may be minimum wagering requirements to fulfill before you can withdraw anything, so bear this in mind.
Stats are useful
Playing poker online lets you look into your stats after every session of play, so if you are winning big or making mistakes that are costing you over time, you can see this data in a matter of clicks, rather than having to track this manually.
Connectivity is a consideration
A dropped connection can ruin a game of online poker, so playing via a stable Wi-Fi network or a wired link-up is better than potentially losing a hand because your coverage is patchy.
Live dealer games are available
Lastly, you don’t just have to play the wholly digital editions of poker online, as plenty of casino sites have games hosted by live dealers that you can interact with remotely. So if you are missing some of the thrills of land-based poker, this can bridge the gap!