We all dream of becoming the best online poker player that ever lived. But achieving that grandiose goal is not easy whatsoever. The main problem, which beginners in the field often face, is the fact they don’t know where to start their journey!
The game has so many aspects and facets to it, and they all can influence your ability to become a great poker player. Therefore, it can sometimes be hard to focus on what needs to be done to deserve the coveted title.
So, to help you on the journey of perfecting your poker play, we’ve created a checklist. It includes things you need to do - or pay attention to - as you play poker online. The list can help you understand what your strong points are and what you need to change to be a better player.
The Checklist
Create the appropriate setting - Before you even start thinking about the game itself, you need to make sure you have the right conditions to be able to focus on the game. Find a quiet place with minimal distractions, and make sure your internet connection is good enough. Once you start playing for a few hours straight, you should consider preparing a snack in advance to keep your energy levels up for longer.
Know the basics – Before you can even consider placing bets, you need to know the rules of the game by heart. Make sure that you know what poker style you’re playing, learn all the hand rankings, and approach the tables with a general understanding of what’s going on around you.
Practice – The only way to become better at whatever you do, including playing poker, is to practice as much as you can. You can learn from every game and every situation, no matter how slow or action-less things are at the tables.
Manage your bankroll from the start – You have to have money to be able to practice as much as you need. By keeping a close eye on your bankroll from the beginning of your journey, you will be able to stay in the black for longer, and always have some money to fund your bets. Your bankroll also has a lot of influence on the size of your bets and the amount of risk you should take in different situations.
Start with a tight and aggressive gambling style – There are four main types of poker players, as you can choose between being a tight or loose player, and whether you should play passively or aggressively. While poker pros can alternate between different playing styles, you should stick to the simplest and most undemanding playing style.
Analyse your gameplay – keep track of your games to learn from everything you do. You should also give yourself some credit where credit’s due, and even if a good play doesn’t yield the desired results, it’s OK to feel confident with your abilities. Rely on facts to remember that the bad games shouldn’t affect your confidence!
Recognize your opponent’s weakness – Learning how to read the table is crucial. Understanding whether your opponent is a shark or a nervous newbie can change the way you should play.
Be patient – It takes a lot of effort to improve your poker play, so don’t give up too easily!
Don’t multi-table straight away – To play at multiple tables at once, you have to master winning a single game first. Then, and only then, you can consider multi-tabling.
Keep it fun – Remember that online poker should provide you with a fun and unique experience, and is it stresses you out – take a step back and relax!
Are You Ready to Place Your Bets?
Following a checklist can help you become a better poker player sooner rather than later. Do you think you’re ready to face the best players out there?