Playing online poker may be an alluring pastime, particularly in the post-covid era of isolation and complete transition to virtual activity environments, but it can also be a highly profitable hobby. You might have been looking up various tricks and easy ways to win big but being at the very beginning of your gambling career, you need to establish the basics in order to learn the most optimal playing strategies. Look at the list of tips we prepared to get you started on your exciting new adventure.
- Learn the Rules
Perhaps you can play the game without knowing the rules, but you definitely can’t master the game unless you master the rules first. Poker games have lots of excitement and potential gains, but it takes certain knowledge and skill in order to be able to enjoy the perks of the game. Online poker options may seem easy-peasy, but it does not differ much from the traditional gambling in in-land casinos. What’s more, different card rooms and online casinos could have different sets of rules a player must abide by. Therefore, you need to go thoroughly through the rules before you jump ahead and start bluffing.
- Don’t Try to Bluff Your Way Up
Talking about bluffing, the more the merrier does not apply here. You could be a professional actor or the best liar there is, but soon enough you will learn that bluffing in poker is an art for itself, and more importantly, only successful if it is properly done. Moreover, one of the greatest misconceptions about the game of poker is that you can’t win without bluffing. Being a beginner, it is always better to play safe than be sorry – focus on playing your cards well instead of relying heavily on tricks like bluffing. Don’t worry, in no time, you will be a pro at estimating when is the right time to bluff, and when is the time to bust other players’ bluffs.
- Start Small
Beginners easily get way ahead of themselves when it comes to stakes. The first phase of your poker experience should have nothing to do with earning money. Just like everything else, the prize comes later. Try to see your goal from afar but keep at low stakes for as long as it is needed, that is, until you have had enough experience and can assess that you know how to play poker and you’re ready to move up. Starting big may seem like a fun and an exciting way to go, but it will only bring you great losses and potentially turn the magnificent game of poker into an ugly vice. By placing small stakes, you will be more relaxed and comfortable, and therefore there will be more room for you to practice, familiarize yourself with the specifics of the game, and learn from the more experienced poker players. This is an all-time tip for any casino game, always start small to win big.
- Play Weaker Players
You may be rolling your eyes now, but the reality is – if you keep battling against better players, you will never win. This is why you need to pick your games wisely – good table selections can help you find fishy poker tables in the lobby. The math is easy, even if you are somehow the poker genius, the 5th best player in the world but if you choose to play the other 4 who are better than you, you will go broke sooner or later. Many players find it hard to get over their ego and go against the players worse than them, however, the alleged bravery in the sense won’t get you nowhere. Being a winner in the long run to a great extent depends on the table you play at. This is why it is as important to choose your games and limits as meticulously as you choose the cards to play with.
- Synchronize Your Game with Your Mood
In poker, you literally cannot afford to have your emotions involved. No wonder where the ‘’poker face’’ expression comes from. Emotions being the greatest enemy of every poker player, you have to tune in your gambling personality with your mood swings – play only when you’re feeling good, relaxed and comfortable. Even the minor emotional distraction can cause chaos to your poker strategy, your wallet and your life overall. The same thing applies to your emotions as a result of the game. If you recognize an increased level of anger or sadness as a result of a game, you need to take a step back and check-in with yourself on whether poker is the game for you or you need to take a break. Moreover, you could also try meditative activities right before playing that can relax you and help you get into the right state of mind.
- Take Things Slowly
Do not expect to become a pro poker player overnight and remember to take things as they come, calmly and slowly. Poker is not a simple game, and especially at the beginning, it can seem overwhelming, and one might get easily discouraged, but just like with everything else in life – patience is perseverance.
If you were uncertain before whether poker is the game for you and how to get prepared, your troubles are over. With the tips above in mind, you are more than ready to dive into the exciting world of online poker!