Poker has grown more accessible with the rise of internet play. Whether a seasoned pro or a complete novice, there’s an online poker room for you. However, while the game may be the same, the way you approach it needs to be different when playing online. If you’re used to playing live poker, here are 10 things you need to do differently when playing online poker.
1. Don’t Play Too Many Hands
Playing too many hands is one of the live players’ biggest mistakes when transitioning online. You can play many more hands with online poker than in a live game. However, this doesn’t mean that you should. It would help if you still were selective with the hands you play. Playing too many hands, especially if you’re new to the transition, can be costly and quickly deplete your bankroll.
2. Be More Aggressive
To succeed in online poker, you need to be more aggressive than in a live game because online players tend to be more timid and will often fold if they sense any aggression from their opponents. As a result, you need to be the one applying the pressure by betting and raising more often. However, be careful not to overdo it, as this can also be costly. Weigh out each situation and decide based on the strength of your hand and the players remaining in the pot.
3. Play at Multiple Tables
One advantage you have when playing online is playing at multiple tables simultaneously. This feature isn’t possible in live games as you can only focus on one table at a time. When first starting, it’s best to stick to two or three tables so you don’t spread yourself too thin. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase the number of tables you’re playing on. Just be sure not to overdo it, as this can lead to mistakes. You can practice playing multiple tables when you play poker online at free online poker sites.
4. Bluff More Often
Since online poker is primarily a game of numbers, players tend to rely on them too much when making decisions. As a result, they’re often reluctant to bluff. You can make use of this to benefit you. If you sense that a player is playing too tight and relying too much on their hand strength, don’t be afraid to bluff them more often.
5. Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions
Playing online poker gives you access to bonuses and promotions that aren’t available in live games. Be sure to take advantage of these, as they can provide a nice boost to your bankroll. To fully understand your agreement, read the terms and conditions first.
6. Use a Poker Tracker
Poker tracking software allows you to track your opponents’ hands and statistics. This information can be extremely valuable as it allows you to adjust your strategy. While some online poker rooms don’t allow the use of third-party software, others do. If you’re not sure, be sure to check the room’s policy before using one.
7. Study Your Opponents
Because of the multitude of online poker players, you’ll encounter several playing styles and strategies. Being mindful to study your opponents gives you the perfect opportunity to learn and study different playing styles and develop a strategy for how to beat them. By paying attention to their play and making mental notes, you get to train yourself on how to deal with different types of players and situations, preparing you better. Unlike live poker, players can’t see each other playing online, so it’s more difficult to “read” their tells. Instead of body language, you’ll need to focus on betting patterns and tendencies. You can also monitor the chat function to see if players are giving away any information. The way they talk and their word choices can often be revealing.
8. Take Breaks Often
Playing online poker makes it easy to get caught up in action and play for long periods without taking a break. However, this can lead to fatigue, which can cause you to make mistakes. Take frequent pauses to prevent this. Get up, walk around, or do something else for a few minutes to clear your head and come back refreshed.
9. Manage Your Bankroll Carefully
Your bankroll is the amount you have set aside expressly for poker. It’s essential to manage it carefully as it can be easy to lose track of how much you’re spending. A good rule of thumb is to never risk more than 5% of your bankroll on any one hand. Managing your bankroll well will help ensure you don’t go broke if you have a losing streak.
10. Have Fun!
Poker should be enjoyable, so be sure to take some time to relax and have fun. Don’t get too wrapped up trying to succeed every hand, or you’ll put too much pressure on yourself. Playing online over live can often be more enjoyable as you can manage your time better, and there isn’t as much social pressure to perform well. Instead of feeling like you need to make small talk with the other players, you can focus on your game and have fun!
Hopefully, these tips will help you transition from live to online poker. Just remember to take your time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed. With enough practice, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time! Start practicing by playing free poker games and other variations, such as free Texas Holdem, Omaha, and many more, on GGPoker!