Category: Poker Page 6 of 8

Getting Started in Online Poker

On March 16, 2010

Many, if not most, of the people who get interested in online poker know little or nothing about poker.

Perhaps they played a few hands years of poker ago in college or the military, or on a trip to a casino or they’ve seen poker on TV and in the movies. Either way, these people know little or nothing about poker. They know only a few things about poker and when they actually try to play online, they loose their shirts. That’s exactly what the online poker rooms and professional players want; they want you to loose your money.

Fortunately, it’s never been easier to learn poker and become a good player. There are lots of incredible resources out there that can help you learn how to play poker.

A good place to start is to read a few poker books; Doyle Brunson’s Super System: A Course in Power Poker is still considered the best. Many of the top players have written poker books and have shared a lot of their secrets.

Another great resource a lot of players don’t take advantage of is poker lessons. Many casinos and most online poker rooms have free poker lessons available. There are also streaming video and DVD poker lessons available from some of the best players in the game including Phil Hellmuth, the winner of 11 World Series of Poker titles. Lessons can familiarize you with the basics of the game and help you improve your player.

You should familiarize yourself with poker slang or lingo but don’t get caught up on it. Reading a few good poker books will tell what you need. Concentrate on the game itself, learn the strategy, the plays and the cards.

Remember using a lot of poker slang you’re not familiar with will brand you as a newbie or neophyte player. The sharks will smell this and start circling so don’t do it.

The best way to learn how to play poker is to play a lot of poker. Start playing the free online games as soon as you can and play them a lot. This will familiarize you with the game and give you actual hands on experience. There are also poker computer games that you can play poker against. Some of these are designed to teach you poker, and they can help you get familiar with the basics.

Online players should also play offline. See if you can locate a weekly poker game in your area and join it. If you can’t, see if you can get a game going among your friends and others. If you can afford it, occasionally go and play at a casino or card room. Playing off line will teach you important lessons about the game you can’t get from books or online.

Bluffing Online

By admin

On March 16, 2010

In Poker

Playing online poker presents a lot of challenges you don’t have when you’re playing at the table.

One of the biggest is spotting the bluff; when you’re online you can’t actually see the other players. This means you can’t spot physical tells, you can’t look the other players in the other eyes or see what they’re doing with their hands. Instead, you have to watch their patterns of play and their cards and trust your gut.

A big advantage to online play is that you are forced to watch the cards. Many players get caught up in the trap of trying to “read” the other players and ignore the cards. This gives the players who bet their cards, and only make the occasional bluff, a big advantage.

Watching the pattern of play is the best way to catch bluffing online. Watch the other players closely and when somebody does bluff, take a note a note. Write down what they did and watch them again. Since you’re at home and the other players don’t see you, they can’t complain about what you’re doing.

Keep track of the players you regularly play with, take notes about what they do and look over the notes after the game. Always note when they bluff; some people only bluff when the pot is small or when they have a strong hand. Others bluff all the time, or when they have a lot of chips.

Every player is different and every player has a different pattern of bluffing. If you can spot the pattern of bluffing, you can anticipate their moves. This can help you decide when to bet and when to fold.

Savvy players are aware of these patterns and will deliberately vary them by playing erratically or doing something stupid. They will try to fool you by making a stupid play or trying to bluff you out when they know they don’t have the cards to back it up. Watch out for this erratic play and be particularly leery when somebody who seems really erratic or bad suddenly gets good when there’s a lot of money in the game.

Adjusting Your Online Poker Style on the Fly

By admin

On March 10, 2010

In Poker

What’s your poker style? It’s a question that naturally gets asked a lot in the world of online poker. Whether you try to play a more passive poker game or if you like to go on the offensive to scare weaker players, it goes without saying that everyone has a specific poker playing style. it’s better to make sure that you will have no trouble at all developing your sense of style within the poker game, but it is just as important to make sure that you handle your online poker style in an efficient manner.

Generally speaking, every poker game is different. This means that you will not only need to develop your poker style, but you will need to make sure that it can be adapted to the situation at hand. For example, if you’re used to playing a loose and passive style of poker on a Internet Casino, you will need to adjust that based on the more aggressive players. These are two specific types that will clash in virtually any online poker game, making it very important to ensure that you stay as fluid as possible.

If you’re serious about learning how to adjust your online poker style on the fly, there are a few things that you will need to keep in mind. First and foremost, you will need to analyze your previous poker games. If you aren’t keeping track of all the hands you’ve played in online poker or Online Casino, this is definitely where you’ll need to begin. The only way to really know your style for sure is to have a strict record that you can fall back on. From there, it’s a matter of looking at the actual statistics that come into play during the actual game. For example, you might think that you play an aggressive style, yet when you look at your statistics, you find that you’re actually jumping into each and every pot without any respect for the cards.

Another point to consider is that you don’t have to learn how to adjust your style on your own. Indeed, there is a vibrant online poker community online that is very welcoming to new players. As long as you show willingness to adapt, you will have plenty of people offering to help you go over your statistics. A lot of poker comes from experience, so don’t be afraid to play a few games as you learn to really adapt your style. In fact, this is really the only way to make sure that you’re capable of adjusting your style on the fly.

Overall, if you really make sure that you will be able to modify your playing style on a whim, you will truly achieve your goal of becoming a fantastic poker player!

Acquiring the Discipline Necessary to Win at Online Poker

By admin

On March 8, 2010

In Poker

For most people, the words “discipline” and “online poker” are pretty hard to put into the same sentence. That’s because online poker is a truly entertaining way to spend some time, and the people that you will need in the world of online poker are truly worth their weight in gold. However, there is something to be said about the nature of discipline as it relates to playing poker or online casino.

First and foremost, the subject of achieving discipline in an online card game is naturally something that will only apply to a few specific types of poker players. If you’re someone that just wants to play poker occasionally as a way to break away from the stress of everyday life, then acquiring discipline is something that probably will not apply to your situation. On the other hand, if you’re very determined to become the best poker player that you can be, then it goes without saying that you need to make sure that you have as much discipline as possible. It’s better to really focus on the game from all angles so that you can sharpen the areas that need sharpening and continue to excel in the areas that you’re already proficient at.

When you’re starting out, making the decision to become a serious poker player is something that should be applauded. However, to get to the ranks of the top poker players, there are a few things that you need to understand before you can achieve your goals.

First and foremost, when the word discipline is used within the poker world online, it usually means having the inner concentration necessary to focus on the strategy elements of the game. For beginning players, this means taking the time to make decisions carefully rather than just pushing forward. It’s better to make sure that you have all the information possible at your disposal, rather than just trying to push forward without knowing what’s going on. In poker, it’s very easy to just think that you will always have control of the situation, but this is an illusion of the mind. It’s better to know your own strengths and weaknesses so that you can make the right calls.

As you can see, discipline in poker is not something that’s gained overnight. Naturally, there are things in the world of poker that will undoubtedly upset you — after all, it’s hard to take losing easily. However, if you really take the time to understand your emotions and control them, you will be one step closer to joining the ranks of online poker players!

For other poker or casino related tips – visit legacy casino.

How to Select the Best Possible Online Poker Room

By admin

On March 5, 2010

In Poker

One of the mistakes many people make when they decide to play poker online, is they just enter the very first online poker room they come to. This is a very bad idea. When you are choosing an online poker room, you want to make sure the room you choose provides you with safety, quality and comfort.

Safety First

Without a doubt, safety should be your very first priority when you are selecting an online poker room. As of right now there are very few regulations when it comes to online poker rooms, so it is up to you to make sure the one you select is as safe as it possibly can be.

The first thing you want to look for is a poker room that has been around for a long time and has a solid reputation. The safest online poker rooms are ones that have set themselves up with a third party check. They also have a poker algorithm that consistently work and routinely deals fair hands. If you find yourself in an online poker room that does not meet these standards, you should deal yourself out and look for one which does.

Quality

Everyone has a different idea of what they are looking for in the quality of an online poker room. For the purposes of this article, I am looking at a few different things that I feel set some online poker rooms apart from others. The first is the quality of the software the online poker room uses. There is no reason for you to be playing poker online if the poker room is unable to provide you with satisfactory visuals, good game play, and if it isn’t reliable. The best way to make sure you will be getting the quality you deserve is to find a poker room that allows you to download a version of their software and play a few hands with fake money before you start using your credit card.

The online poker room you choose should have a reliable server that isn’t prone to crashing in the middle of a hand.

Comfort

There is very little point in playing online poker if the quality of the game play is substandard. The room you select should be able to provide you with a game that is easy and fun to play.

It is really hard to enjoy yourself if you aren’t comfortable in the online poker room you selected. You should enjoy the other players who routinely play in the same room. You should also be comfortable with the knowledge that you will get your winnings quickly and that the customer service will be prompt about answering your questions and addressing your concerns.

Basic Information About Playing Poker Online

By admin

On March 5, 2010

In Poker

One of the most popular online games, which is currently being played in this day and age, is online poker. And, as time goes on, more and more people are developing an interest in playing it. The problem is that if you are new to poker, getting started can be a little intimidating. Not only do you need to develop a working knowledge of the game, you also have to figure out how to select the safest online poker room you can find.

Familiarize Yourself With the Game

If you have never played poker before, or if you don’t have a great deal of experience, you should take a trip to your local bookstore and pick up a couple of ‘how to’ guides about poker playing. Not only should you read through the book, but you also should keep it close to your computer so you can flip through it if you ever get stuck while you are playing poker online.

Playing a couple of games of poker with your friends is also an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the game, and have a great time.

Know Your Skill Level

The really great thing about playing poker online, is that there are currently so many options; you can find a game that perfectly suits your experience level. If you have only been playing poker for a short while and are still developing your skills, you should look for an online poker room that caters to the novice player. On the other hand, if you have been playing for years, you should have no problem finding an advanced game.

Know Your Financial Limit

Before you start looking for an online poker room, you need to know how much money you can afford to lose while you are playing. Once you set your financial limit, you need to stick to it, if you lose all of your money, you need to stop playing. Knowing you budget will make it easier to select an online poker room that will let you get the most bang for your buck.

Choosing an Online Poker Room

One of the hardest things about playing poker online, is choosing an online poker room. You want to make sure you choose a room that has great games, good quality software, a reliable server, and is safe. The best way to do this is to consult with your friends and family; they should be able to provide you with some good suggestions. If you don’t know anybody who plays online poker, you should visit some online forums. The people who routinely post on the discussion boards will not only be able to provide you with the addresses of reputable online poker rooms, but will also be able to tell you what rooms you should avoid.

Once you get really good at playing online poker, you will be able to participate in tournaments. Additionally, you might even make enough money from playing that you will be able to quit your job and become a professional online poker player.

Winning at Online Poker

By admin

On March 4, 2010

In Poker

The secret to playing and winning at online poker is obvious; simply play a lot of online poker. Although mastering online poker can take months of frustrating losses, there are a few things you can do to improve your odds while you’re learning. Simply following a few of the tips listed below should make your playing experience significantly easier and thus, increase your chances of success. Most importantly, these tips will help you build the confidence you need to become a winning online poker player.

The biggest mistake most poker players make is that they bet on too many hands. Some novices will try to bet on every hand even if these cards are lousy. Learn the first rule of poker; there will be a new hand dealt soon and there’s always a new game coming up. If you have a lousy hand, don’t bet call or fold. Folding when you have a bad hand isn’t a sign of cowardice it’s a sign of sensible play.

When you do fold, you get a chance to sit back and watch how the others are playing. This can help you spot any patterns of play for the next game.

Learning how to discern patterns of play in your opponents is critical to success at online poker, and since you can’t see your opponents’ physical tells, they are pretty much useless. The good news is that there are other tells which you can look out for. For example you can spot if another player only bets or raises when he has a good hand. Spotting patterns of behavior can help you win.

Although you are looking for patterns in the way people play, you don’t want to get stuck in a pattern of play yourself. The last thing you want is for your opponents to know what you’re going to do. The way to avoid this is to vary your play, for example, if you usually fold when dealt a lousy hand, try betting on a bad hand. If you don’t usually bluff, try bluffing for a couple of hands. Varying your play can confuse your opponents and make it easier to win. They won’t know what to expect or how to bet against you.

Your strategy isn’t the only thing you should vary in poker. You should also play different kinds of games and players. If you usually play Texas Hold Em, try a few hands of stud or Omaha High Low. This will help you develop skills and make you a better player.

Another suggestion is to play players at various levels of skill and experience. Playing experts, or really good players, can increase your skills by challenging you. Playing players who aren’t as good as you are, can build confidence and help you learn how to spot patterns of play.

Playing Omaha Hi Low

By admin

On March 4, 2010

In Poker

When poker players get bored with playing Texas Hold Em, they often try Omaha Hi Low. Omaha Hi Low is the second most popular poker game that exists within the world of poker.

The first difference between Texas Hold Em and Omaha High Low is that a player can build a hand from nine cards at Omaha. Another big difference is that you are issued four cards instead of two. Having four cards gives you a better chance of creating a good hand and ultimately winning the pot. It also makes the game a little more fun because it stimulates more action.

The betting in Omaha is usually the same as in Texas Hold Em, and the lay out of the community cards is the same as in Texas Hold Em. One really noticeable difference is that Omaha is usually played pot limit while Texas Hold Em is played no limit. Having a pot limit means that no player can raise more than the pot. This takes some of the excitement out of the game but it’s easier on the wallet. Some online poker rooms have no limit Omaha games and tournaments.

To win in Omaha, a player needs to get the best five card at the showdown. One big challenge to Omaha is that you’ll have to get a really good hand, sometimes called the nuts, to win the showdown. This is because there are more cards on the table which increases the possibility of two or more players drawing really good hands at once.

As in Texas Hold Em, players are trying to get the strongest hand needed to win. The excitement in Omaha comes from the chance that more than one player will draw a strong hand which will lead to a showdown. In the showdown, a player tries to make the best hand they can from three of the cards on the table and two in their hand. Omaha players can’t use four of the cards to make a hand like Texas Hold Em players can.

One thing to remember is that two pair on the table can’t be used to make a full house. In Omaha you have to have three of a kind in your hand to make a full house.

The best strategy in Omaha is to play for flushes which are usually the strongest hand in game. Players should remember that you need two cards from the same suite in your hand to make a flush with what’s on the table in Omaha. One card such as the ace and three or four cards, of the same suite on the table, won’t make a flush.

Omaha Hi Low is fun but it takes some getting used to. The best way to learn Omaha Hi Low is to play the game.

Extra Money From Online Poker

By admin

On March 4, 2010

In Poker

Playing online poker is a lot of fun and it’s a good way to win some extra money in your spare time.

Winning the game isn’t the only way to make some extra money from your online poker. There are lots of online poker sites out there and all of them are desperate for players. This means they’re willing to give away all sorts of bonuses to get you to play. A smart player can increase his/her bankroll by taking advantage of these deals.

The most common incentive at online poker rooms is called the deposit bonus. Basically this is credit that a poker room gives you when you open an account. You deposit $300 and they’ll give you an extra $300 in credit to play with.

The poker room isn’t doubling your money here; they’re giving you $300 in credit in exchange for playing with them. This isn’t extra money but is a lot of extra play and more chances to win. Most deposit bonuses are limited usually to $600. It isn’t free money but it’s certainly free play.

Poker sites give out lots of other freebies as well for example free poker lessons, free tournament entry, and so on. You might also be able to win prizes at some sites.

A good way to find this free stuff is to go to a batch of different poker sites and see what they offer. If you’ve been playing only at one site for awhile it might be a good idea to do some surfing and see what else is available out there. In particular, visit the big poker sites to see what they’re offering.

One really great perk that some sites give out is called a free roll. A free roll is a tournament or game you can play at for free where you can win real money. These are often used to attract new players to sites and are fairly easy to find.

Non-American players could get some really great benefits in the next few months because playing poker for money will soon be illegal in the US. This means that poker rooms will be scrambling for players so it’ll be a buyer’s market at least at first.

Players can also take advantage of one of the best online poker freebies there is free play. If you just want to play for fun or get some practice in you can play for free at many sites. This will test your skills and get you used to playing poker.