About Online Poker
Online poker is far more accessible than traditional land-based poker. You can quit whenever you like, stop playing, withdraw when it suits you, and then come back to play whenever you wish. While it’s still poker, there are some adjustments to make when you move from the online world to the live one. It is often asked how easy it is for online poker players to make money.
The short answer to that question is “Yes”, and it’s a lot. This doesn’t necessarily mean everyone makes money online. Online gambling is losing for the vast majority of players. There are many reasons for this. I believe that many of these players will lose when playing live. Some of these players won’t even play live, I think. Many of these players are only recreational and prefer the convenience of playing online. Many don’t feel good enough to play live. It is a fact that far fewer people venture into live gaming. Online gaming offers the advantage of anonymity which some find very appealing. It’s not enough to pretend that you don’t have to see the eyes of a player when you are caught in the cookie jar, or make a poor play. You need to maintain the same control over your emotions and game. If you are able to play a winning online game, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t also be able play in cash games or tournaments.
It is surprising that only a few players make money online. It is simple. There are simply too many people who don’t want to take the time and learn the game. As with all skill games, it’s a game that requires skill. The skills can be honed and improved over time. Here are some easy things you can do online to help improve your game.
Bankroll Management.
You must ensure that your bankroll is adequate. This means you have enough cash and chips in case you go bust. There are always swings in the game and the element of chance that the game brings can mean that the final result will not go your way. Even if you’re a huge favorite, it’s possible for the outcome to be skewed against you. Online poker is just as business-oriented as gambling. Virtual chips don’t make money less real.
We now know that it is possible to lose as the overwhelming favorite or win with fluke cards when you appear to be in a dead end, but we need to protect ourselves against such runs. You should not take more than 10% from your bankroll to the tables at one time. Or buy into tournaments at more than 10%. This will ensure that you don’t get bankrupt if you have a bad run. It’s much easier to part ways with virtual chips than it is with real cash.
Get a welcome bonus.
Online poker rooms offer the same type of promotion or bonus that companies offer to help them grow their business. No matter how much you play, there is nothing to lose. Most bonuses are based on how much you play poker. The more you play the better. Many online casinos offer freerolls to new players. This can help you build your bankroll.
Affiliate links to poker rooms are not a problem. They do not take any cut of the money you receive. They get paid directly by the poker room to refer your business (which is separate and distinct from your bonus offer).
Play games idn poker and excel.
Online poker can be played in many different ways. It should be obvious that you shouldn’t take unnecessary risks when playing online poker games that you don’t know much about, especially if you want to win cash. Before you try to learn a new game, master it first. You will not be able to master all the games you play at once. This is not a trait that makes you a winning player. You can practice your skills at the tables and also do your research. You can also watch televised games and read books about the game. Start low, and then crush the game at that level. Then move up. You will always know when it is time to quit. It is important to not wager more than you have the ability to afford. If you lose a few hands during a winning streak, it is acceptable to withdraw.
Take decisions for a reason.
This is an important point that is often forgotten. Online players try to imitate the poker shown on television, but they don’t know why. Have a plan if you want to raise a pot. What should you do if they call you? What number of bullets will you fire at the pot? You should take calculated risks and never play without knowing why. You won’t make much if you raise every hand you see others do. This is a bad move, as good players will quickly pick up on your moves.
Know your opponents so you can plan how to play. You need to have the same discipline and control in your game as you would in a live match.