While it takes anywhere between several minutes to a few hours to learn how to play poker, it takes several years to be good at the game. Success at competitive poker requires a complex approach that entails a combination of skill, strategy, and a competitive spirit, according to poker experts. Many veteran poker players began by honing their poker game by first trying their hand at online poker, while others started out on an actual table and ended up coming to like the convenience of online poker. Whichever one of the two, you’re sure to find something valuable in our top tips on assisting beginners in becoming better online poker players.
Know all the basics
While this is a given, it is good for new players to refresh their knowledge on the basics with a beginner’s guide to poker, or perhaps watching a few basic gameplay videos online. Make sure you know all the hand rankings, like the royal flush, straight flush, four-of-a-kind, and other combinations. Moreover, there are over half a dozen poker variants, but you are most likely going to be playing using Texas Hold’em poker rules, which is easily the most popular form of poker in the world. Study everything there is to know, from the blinds, preflop, all the way to the showdown.
Transitioning into the digital
There are differences between live and online poker, and making the switch to online poker requires you to familiarize yourself with aspects that are only present in online poker, such as a different rake, stack depths, stakes, and the time-bank feature. Online poker also has much faster gameplay, as there isn’t time spent on conversation and table talk. This could also mean facing tougher opponents who are used to making decisions at much faster speeds. Lastly, ensure that your devices and their hardware can support your games for a smoother experience.
Try out different platforms
As mentioned above, no matter what device you’re playing on, odds are there’s a poker game for you. Most people prefer to play on a desktop computer and an ergonomic setup, especially for long hauls or tournaments. Having a large monitor can also help with reducing eye strain and make multi-tabling less grueling. However, some people prefer the convenience and portability that come with mobile poker games. Mobile poker games can provide a wide array of game styles, free chips, and online tournaments as well. So, when you begin playing online poker, try out both platforms to see what suits your tastes more.
Apply strategies
Once you get the hang of playing poker online, you can then try to add more strategies to your games by playing aggressively, bluffing, defending, or folding. Start with lower stakes to practice your strategies and slowly work your way up. But always remember; you win some, you lose some. Because online poker flows faster than your average poker game, make sure you aren’t tilted during games. “Tilt” refers to episodes wherein the player loses control of the game and is unable to make rational decisions. Staying in control and rational is also a necessary poker skill.
Invest in a coaching platform
While luck also plays a part in the success of your games, part of becoming a good online poker player requires good reflexes and reactions to whatever cards are dealt to you. There’s an abundance of strategy videos and training programs available online that you can access to enhance your decision-making skills. You can also invest in online training sites that can assess your standing, and provide poker quizzes and techniques.
Luckily, you can hone your online poker skills with enough practice. If you want to practice in a less tense environment, consider hosting a gaming night with your friends! With the right gear, prizes, and some delicious snacks, you and your buddies can have an enjoyable poker night.
Leave a Reply