Online Poker Guide
Online poker has evolved dramatically in recent years and there are millions of people who take regularly take part. One of the main attractions has always been the fact that it is easy to learn and with online poker sites offering games 24 hours a day it is now a lot more accessible. It's great playing against other players, not the house, and if you can learn to get better than your opponents it is possible to win consistently.
Check out our guide to finding the best online poker sites or choose from the list below:
Where To Play Poker Online
Although the game is easy to pick up, there is much to learn if you want to become a competent player. Our online poker guide provides you with the tips, advice and strategy you need to get yourself well on the way to success. There is no magic formula that guarantees untold riches, but with a bit of effort and dedication it is certainly possible to make some decent money.
A lot of players are not serious about the game, playing for real money only recreationally. They play for a bit of fun and entertainment, usually having just basic knowledge and largely relying on luck rather than skill. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this approach as poker can be great fun even if you are not a particularly strong player.
There is always an element of luck involved and everyone will have fortune shine on them from time to time. However, if you are prepared to spend some time improving, then you can reduce the element of luck and rely on your skill to win more often.
Choosing Real Money Poker Sites
Whether you are a complete beginner and already an experienced player, you should be playing at only the best poker sites. There is a lot of choice out there and so many players just stick to the first provider they find without trying out other brands. Playing at one of the top rooms will greatly improve your playing experience and ensure you get the best value for your money.
There are many things to consider when choosing which places you should play at. Ideally, you should secure a good sign up bonus to get extra value on your first deposit. You also want to make sure you are playing at a site which gets plenty of traffic. A busy room is usually a good indication of happy customers and also ensures you will always find someone to play against.
Software quality can vary quite greatly, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The top brands usually have the best software, which has been tweaked and developed over time. Not everyone has the same preferences of course, so it is advisable to try out a few different establishments and find out for yourself which one you like the best.
Comparing Sign Up Bonuses
Given the number of online poker sites out there, the competition to get new customers is quite strong. This is good news for players as it provides opportunities to take advantage of marketing offers, such as a sign up bonus.
Usually online poker bonuses will take the form of a initial deposit match. For example if you fund your account with $300 – then the site will award you $300 in extra chips. The promotion will usually have to be “cleared” by playing for real money and then released into your account in small increments, such as $20 at a time.
We strongly recommend looking over the terms and conditions of the incentives offered before signing up. Sometimes, the requirements to clear it can be quite strict or you might only have a certain amount of time to release the funds. Make sure the rules are achievable to you.
Loyalty Schemes and VIP Programs
Poker sites work hard to retain their customers in many ways. Loyalty rewards are a common method that can be a great benefit to any player. VIP schemes and cash promotions come in many forms but essentially they all work on the principle that the more you play, the more you will be rewarded. To learn more have a look at our rewards guide.
Knowing your site has a good rewards program is an excellent way to get extra value out and keep your bankroll topped up.
Poker Games, Variations, And Betting Rules
If you are going to become a competent internet poker player, then you need to understand the rules of the game you are going to stake money at. As we’ve already mentioned, the rules of Texas Hold’em – the most common form of poker – are relatively simple to grasp. However, there are other forms of poker, such as Omaha, Stud, and Draw that are growing in popularity and provide further opportunities to win money.
It can be a good idea to experiment with some of these other forms of online poker games, but always ensure you fully understand the rules first. Also be aware that some of the rules and regulations on certain things may vary from one site to the next.
- Online Poker Tournaments - sit and go's, multi-table tournaments.
- Online Poker Cash Games - short handed, heads up, and full ring cash ring games.
Strategy Winning Players Use
It is difficult to simplify basic poker strategy – there are many facets to the game and many different styles that can be used. The game is also played at more than one mental level. If you are just starting out, learning some basic strategy about the will help early on. As you start to improve, then put the effort in to grasping some of the more complex strategies involved. Be an active learner, read the latest books or consider joining a training service.
Bankroll Management Tips
Managing your bankroll is important right from the very beginning. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, just make sure that you play the right stakes for the amount you have. Playing outside your bankroll is a sure fire way to go bust.