Getting Started in Online Poker
Getting Started in Online Poker Part 1 of 2
By the PokerStrategyKing
Over the past several weeks, I have discussed many aspects in the
hopes that by reading my articles, you will become a more profitable
poker player. I’ve discussed strategy for winning online tournaments,
advanced strategy such as bluffing and things to avoid such as going
on tilt, but I just realized something. I have neglected to go over
the basics that all poker players should keep in mind. There are
certain things you must keep in mind before sitting at a table and
throwing your hard earned money into the mix.
Today I will begin a 2-part series on the subject of getting started
in online poker
Here are the first 5 of 10 Internet Poker Strategies that, when
followed, will get you on your way to becoming a winning online
poker player.
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#1: Play within your bankroll
One of the most common mistakes for poker players just starting
out is to play beyond their bankroll. For example, if you are planning
to play a $5-$10 limit game, don't expect to deposit $100 and last
very long at the table as many hands cost as much as $50-$100 to
get to the showdown.. You need to choose a smaller limit game, and
deposit enough chips so that you are comfortable having a few losing
sessions in a row, and not lose most of your bankroll. To calculate
your poker bankroll, you will need at least 100 times the big bet
for your bankroll. For example, if you want to play $1/$2 dollar
holdem at a minimum, you should bring $200. If you are thinking
of playing professionally (as a job), you will need at least 400
times the big bet. Swings in your bankroll are normal, and you need
to be able to have a few losing sessions and still be able to keep
playing. Choosing your game, and figuring out your bankroll is the
first thing to keep in mind when sitting down for a game.
#2: Become a master of one game
Another important decision to make is what game you will specialize
in. Find a game that you enjoy playing, and learn that game inside
and out. Read poker books, online strategy guides, and practice
and perfect your game. For beginners, I recommend limit Texas Holdem Poker
poker, as the games are fast, popular, easy to understand, and there
are plenty of weak players to be found. In addition, at these lower
limits you won’t lose all of your money in one ill-fated hand.
Many players like to dabble in Stud or Omaha as well. These are
great games of course, but I recommend that you master one game
before branching out so as to avoid spreading yourself too thin.
#3: Patience, patience, patience.....
When playing online, you must remember that you will play many
more hands per hour then when playing in real life. Shuffling, dealing,
and betting is done much quicker, with quick "auto buttons"
speeding up play considerably. If you struggle with boredom playing
in only a small number of pots, try playing at 2 tables at once.
Many sites allow for this, but be sure to keep track of them, as
it is easy to become confused. But whatever you do, do not go into
hands with marginal cards simply because you are bored. What’s
more boring, not playing in a few hands for an hour or not playing
until your next payday because you got bored and lost all your money
making questionable plays?
#4: Know when to take a break
When you are playing poker on the internet, it is much easier to
"go on tilt", as there is no one watching you. Going on
tilt simply means losing a big pot when you were the favorite, and
playing poorly for several hands after because you are mad. When
this happens the losses will pile up and it can cripple your bankroll.
When you take a bad beat, or lose several hands in a row to people
who should not have been in the hand, it is easy to lose your cool.
Set specific guidelines for what limit tables you will play at,
and do not go against them. When you are mad, you should not be
playing poker. Take a break, go to another table, or stop playing
all together. Most poker players would agree that their bottom line
would be much more favorable had they had the discipline to just
walk away when things go wrong.
#5: Take advantage of online chat
Be nice to your opponents. Tell them nice hand (nh) when they have
one. When someone makes a big draw against you, tell them it was
a good idea. Never, never, never correct an opponents mistakes.
When your opponent calls you all the way, and loses, don't try to
correct his strategy. It is a good thing when you are being out
drawn. You want your opponents to have worse hands then you, and
have to improve them to beat you. Don't correct their poor play,
and don't insult them when you beat them. Treat them with respect,
and make them feel like your friend. A friend they will be easy
on when they do have the 'nuts' (the best possible hand). Conversely,
by not correcting their poor play, you will be able to cash in on
them more often than not because their luck won’t last forever.
Because of online chat, I have seen countless players mouth off
after winning a hand or taking a bad beat. Keep in mind if you would
say these things at a live table. Some things people say to each
other would earn them a class A beating if they were sitting at
a brick and mortar cardroom.
Read these tips, re-read them and digest them. Remember, the goal
here is to make money, not just pass the time…
Until next time, may the chips fall your way.
(For more poker strategy and tips, please visit the PokerStrategyKing’s
website at www.pokerstrategyking.com )
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