When you're learning how to play poker, you take into account two main things: the poker variant you prefer the most and whether you're going to play live or online. Playing poker online requires some adjustments to the strategy you build, as you don't have the luxury of using body language and human interactions to outsmart your opponents.
So, if you're planning on playing online rather than visiting land-based casinos, you need to think about which online poker strategies can help you become a better player. Here are three strategy tips you should take into account:
- Start at the micro-stakes level – On average, online poker players are much younger than those who play the game live. Therefore, they often start out with a small amount of cash under their belt, which makes it impossible for them to play high-stakes games.
Building your bankroll slowly but surely is important, and you can achieve that by playing at the micro-stakes level. However, that's not the only reason for you to try games with low stakes (with $0.01/$0.02 to $0.25/$0.5 blinds).
At this level of the game, you won't be concerned about making bold moves just to win the pot. You will only focus on the fundamentals of the game, allowing you to learn the art of poker with minimal fuss and distractions. - Be wary of the bluff – Bluffing is probably the most renowned move in poker, and players are simply dying to use this tactic to make a big and unexpected win. However, when you're playing online poker, your ability to bluff successfully diminishes substantially since you can't use body language and speech to psych out your opponents.
You can still bluff your way out of tough situations, but this poker strategy should be used less often than in live games. Take the time to get to know your opponents better, document their betting patterns – when they fold and when they raise, and use that info to strike them with a bluff at the right moment. - Don't be afraid to be a bit more aggressive than usual – Making a strong first impression is always important when it comes to poker, but it is doubly important when you're planning on playing online. Raising and re-raising at the pre-flop stage can help you look confident in your hand, allowing you to eliminate the weakest link without a second thought.
Of course, if a tight player chooses to challenge you on your actions, it might mean he has a stronger hand, and you should fold. Also, your position at the table can change the way you act pre-flop and post-flop. But in general, adding money to the pot creates the impression that you are a strong player who shouldn't be trifled with.
Are You Ready to Start Playing?
Playing Everygame Poker online and visiting a brick-and-mortar casino are two vastly different experiences. There are pros and cons to both options, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter where you gamble as long as you adjust your poker strategy accordingly.
If you are planning on placing bets from the comfort of your own home, make sure you are ready for the challenge and that you know all the bet tips and tricks that can help you win bigger prizes as you enjoy the game you love.