Poker is a game of skill. Some players win because they are good at reading other players’ cards or their opponents’ intentions. Others become successful poker players because they understand how to play against certain types of hands. Still, others know how to bluff their opponents into folding their weak playing hand. Some poker pros don’t even play the game themselves. They instead look at opponents’ tendencies and bet accordingly. Poker has always been a game of luck and strategy. For centuries, professional gamblers played poker games with real cash and real stakes. The high-stakes gambling was called “craps,” and it became a favourite game of 19th century American railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt who once wagered $1 million in one night. Today, however, the game of poker is mostly played in casinos where the stakes are much lower. Let’s see in the article below the strategies one can use to win big when playing online casino poker.
steps on how to win when playing poker online
Step 1
- Be patient. It takes time to learn new things, including how to win when playing online poker. Therefore, do not expect results immediately. Start slowly and practice only what you need for success. As soon as you feel comfortable, try another strategy that will help you succeed.
If you have never tried online poker before, I recommend looking up an expert (a true pro) to show you the ropes. These people also teach those who want to join them and make money from the comfort of their own homes.
Step 2
- Understand basic betting psychology on your opponent. When you play card poker, each player receives four cards face down and turns over just two of his cards (one at a time). If you win, you receive all five cards from the table; if you lose, you get nothing back. Now consider this: If you are dealt three Aces but your opponent holds Kings, does he fold? Do you think he would win by raising? No, he’d probably call you since his hand could beat yours. So why did your opponent raise from under the gun? He may have thought he had better cards than you, but he underestimated your ability and folded. This is the same thing with online poker. You must recognize your opponents’ tendencies so you’ll know when to hit him with your best hand.
Step 3
- Use the right strategy based on your situation. Are you facing a tight player who checks behind every pot? Play aggressive, bluffing like crazy until you have won the pot and then drop out. On the flip side, do you find yourself holding a mediocre hand most of the time? Try to fold and wait for an opportune moment to rejoin the fray. Your goal should be to increase your winning percentage as well as your winning pots.
If you’re having trouble deciding whether to bluff or check or fold, take a cue from top poker professionals and ask yourself these questions to figure it out: Is my read correct? Would someone else likely bet more if I checked? Could he possibly improve his position? What’s the probability of me being able to push off my opponent? Think about how fast/slow the dealer shuffles the deck. Then decide whether to act or stand pat. And remember – don’t bluff when you’re drawing dead!
Step 4
- Have fun. Don’t play for the sake of beating players faster. Simply focus on enjoying the game and making money. Most importantly, stay loose. You’re competing against thousands of other online players, and no matter how good you are, your skills will be trumped eventually. So relax and enjoy yourself.
Step 5
- Practice with free online. While the Internet has made playing for real money easier than ever — especially for beginners — it’s important to hone your skills first. Free software allows you to test your new poker tactics without risking real funds.
The free version of PokerStars Plus Online Poker includes a virtual tournament room where you can test the waters before taking the plunge. Once you’ve decided which table fits your style, register your account and start playing.
The final step
Once you’ve practised enough and figured out which strategy works best for you, don’t hesitate to give it a try in live games. But please don’t quit cold turkey. Many poker pros suggest starting slow and building up gradually while you establish your bankroll. Remember, there is plenty of money involved, so treat it responsibly!
Online poker is very different from traditional land-based casinos. It was invented to help regular people make big amounts of easy money, unlike many land-based gambling games that reward high rollers. As such, the rules can seem overwhelming at first. However, just a few simple steps can turn you into a successful online poker pro. Just follow our advice and you’ll be on your way!