April 11, 2013
4 Online Poker Strategies that Lead to Success
The world of online poker is not only fun, it’s convenient and a great way to get that casino atmosphere in the comfort of your own home. Are there strategies to playing online poker you can use to be the champ? Here are four sure-fire way to help you win.
1. Start with Low Stakes First
Image via Flickr JohnSeb
As much as you want to jump into the high betting tables, start out where the stakes are lower so you get a feel for the game. This gives you the opportunity to check out what other players are doing as well as learning the rules of the game.
Even if you know how to play Texas Hold ‘Em, draw poker, blackjack, seven-card stud or Omaha poker and you’ve found a gaming site that offers great casino bonuses, online games are faster than those in traditional casinos, so part of your strategy is to learn the venue. This way you won’t lose it all fast through that initial getting-to-know period.
2. Don’t Jump Into Multi-Playing Right Away
During your low stakes learning process, it’s also a good idea to skip playing at numerous tables at one setting.
One of the nice things of online gaming beyond finding those that offer no deposit bonuses is the ability to play at more than one table. You could play Black Jack on one and Omaha on another—or as many as feels comfortable.
The problem with playing too many at once is it never offers you the time you need to learn the poker site itself or player habits. And, if you end up playing too slow, this only annoys expert players who may block you from their playing tables—and these are the players to learn from.
3. Learn How to Calculate “Outs”
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In any poker game, no matter the type, there are “outs.” These are unseen or un-played cards you need to consider to help you win the hand. To calculate outs, you need to value the cards in your hand as well as any on the table, such as in Texas Hold ‘Em.
For example, if you’re playing Texas Hold ‘Em and you’re holding the Jack and 10 of Diamonds and after the flop, the 2, King, and Queen of Diamonds is revealed, you need to determine the number of outs before placing your bet in order to win with a flush or a straight.
To do this, remember there are 13 Diamonds in total and if you’re holding the Jack and 10 and the Queen and King are revealed in the flop, cards to consider as outs would be the Ace of Diamonds of 9 of Diamonds to win with a straight flush. Or, you could win with a flush by subtracting the missing diamond cards from the 13 available and count these as outs. Because you are holding two diamonds (Jack and 10) and there are three diamonds after the flop (2, King, and Queen), that’s a total of five diamonds so your total outs is 13 minus five, leaving eight possible outs.
Out calculations are essential in all types of poker games from five-card draw to seven-card stud.
4. Treat the Game Seriously
Image via Flickr G.C.
One expert blogger on online poker strategies, Sean Lind, writes about the importance of being serious and skipping the casual attitude. You are playing with online chips but each chip represents real money.
Lind recommends limiting the distractions around you when playing online poker. This means avoid watching television, talking on the telephone, or doing some other activity. To stay sharp in the fast-paced world of online gaming, you need to focus. Find a quiet area if you want to increase your bankroll.
Playing poker online does involve strategies and these four may help you win more but above all, once you feel ready, do follow certain player habits and keep notes for even more success.