How to Become a Better Online Poker Player

Poker online is a virtual version of the popular card game that you can play from home or any location with an internet connection. It’s safe, regulated and offers players a chance to win real money for pennies or even satellite entries into live tournaments around the world.

Poker is a fun and intellectual game that requires skill to play. It also comes with a variety of stakes that appeal to all types of players from casual to professional. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, there are several key tips to help you become a better online poker player.

Avoid Distractions

One of the biggest mistakes amateur and beginner players make is getting distracted while playing online poker. It’s easy to lose focus when you’re watching television or listening to music, or when your phone is ringing with notifications. These distractions can prevent you from focusing on the hand and could lead to a poor decision.

Invest in Training and Software Tools

The first step to becoming a successful online poker player is to learn the rules of the game. Fortunately, there are many free poker strategy videos and training programs available online. These can provide you with the basic rules, as well as quizzes and more advanced strategies.

When you’re learning the game, it’s important to start out in lower stakes games. This is a great way to get used to the feel of the game and see how your bankroll will handle it. It’s also a good idea to stick with the same stakes until you’ve built up a few wins, because moving up in stakes isn’t always an easy task.

Choose the Right Time to Play

The best times to play poker online are 4pm to 12am, when recreational players are most active. This is especially true on weekends and holidays. Paycheck days such as the 1st and 15th every month are also prime for recreational players to hit the tables.

Use a Table Statistics Tool

The table statistics tools that are available on most poker sites allow you to analyze your opponents’ betting habits. These tools will give you information like pre-flop raise percentages, number of times players fold to a raise and more. By understanding these numbers and taking notes, you can better identify your opponents and make a more informed call.

Practice makes perfect

When you first begin playing poker online, it’s important to practice your skills in the lowest stakes games. This will help you develop a solid foundation in the game and will give you a greater understanding of how to handle larger pots and more aggressive opponents.

If you are new to the game, it’s also a good idea to choose an online site with a good bonus offer. Most poker sites release bonuses based on the number of frequent player points you earn.

Rather than waiting for your bonus to come through, try playing a few hands of poker each day for a few weeks to accumulate enough points to qualify for the bonus.