Mike Caro spoke like an oracle when he declared that online poker would be a hit. Despite the near-complete absence of tells which are a major feature of live poker, the online version has seen resounding success. Poker, more than any other game, can be credited for the continued growth of internet gambling. If you are a new player intending to practice your skills online, take our advice below.
Ways to Play Better Poker Online: Do's and Don'ts
Do not play in too many tables.
Avoid multi-tabling especially if you are a beginner. Even if you are experienced, you must not play in too many tables. More tables played does not necessarily equate to more profits. In fact, the more tables you play, the harder it is to win since your attention is divided.
This doesn't mean you should never do multi-tabling. You can do it. But you have to find your limit. Compute not just the money you earn per hour on a number of tables, but also how many hours you can play that many tables. (No use multi-tabling and earning $30 per hour if you get exhausted in 90 minutes.)
Never reveal you cards.
Poker software lets you show your cards after a hand if you want to. Don't do it. While it's beneficial for you to see other players' cards, it is never a good idea for you to let them see yours. If you show your cards, your opponents will know what hands you play and how you bet with them.
Avoid the chat box.
Do not chat. Block the chat if you're really serious about playing. Any distraction is a bad thing and any word spoken can be a tell. You might be tempted to say something about the last hand or to brag about a bluff. Don't do it. Be quiet!
Take notes and use tracking software.
Let computer technology work for you. With poker software, you can take notes easily and also keep track of players' activities. This kind of information is invaluable. Use it as much as you are able.
Take your time acting.
Use the timer to your advantage. A quick bet is often a dead giveaway. For example, a prompt check after a street tells everyone it didn't help you hand. Disguise your motives by regularly changing the pace of your game. Taking your time acting also serves another purpose: it can irritate your opponents and set them on off.
Be patient playing poker.
Just because you can play fast, it doesn't mean you should. When you join a table, wait for the button instead of posting the big blind immediately. Give yourself time to observe the other players first. And when you play, play only a small percentage of your hands. About 20% would be tight enough. Be patient. When the better hands come your way, your wait will pay off.
Take advantage of money-saving opportunities.
Rakebacks, freerolls, bonus money and play money sites will all save you money. Use them all and you can practice at less or no cost at all. With rakebacks, you get back some of the commissions the poker host takes from pots. Freerolls are tournaments with no entry-fees. And play money sites let you play for free. With bonus money, you can play more poker at no additional charge.
Play no limit games.
No limit games may scare you, but they shouldn't. No limit games are not only more exciting; poker techniques like bluffing and aggression work better there than in limit games. They pay off faster and they pay off more. You can play looser hands too.
