Tag: online poker Page 1 of 2

A Return To Creatively Developing Your Poker Strategy

Getting more strategic in the world of poker isn’t something that’s just nice to do — it’s actually part of your survival blueprint. We hate to break it to you, but if you’re not willing to polish your poker game as time passes, you won’t be able to make big wins. There’s just no getting around it. The time is now to return back to creatively developing your poker strategy. There’s nothing more important when it comes to maintaining your bankroll. The broken road of failure is paved not with poker players that took too many calculated risks, but ones that never broke out of their comfort zone. Do you really want to be one of those poker players?

Of course not. So if you’re really thinking about trying to become a better poker player, here are some tips to refine your strategy.

First and foremost, if you’re not reviewing past games, then you’re definitely doing yourself a disservice. Even if you have to play poker with a notepad right next to the computer, then that’s what you need to do. Being able to go back and look at past games turn by turn can help you become a better player because you will be able to spot patterns. Now, we’re not just talking about the patterns that you are engaging in. You will also be able to see some of the patterns that people use in order to overcome you. Are they bluffing more than you? Are they engaging in loose play while you’re trying to be tight all the time? You might be telegraphing your strategy without even thinking about it. There’s nothing wrong with having a favorite strategy, but learning to mix it up will help you do a lot better.

Second, if you’re really going to make a better name for yourself in the world of poker, you’re going to have to increase your knowledge base. If you don’t fully grasp the fundamentals of poker, then you will need to make sure that you check out some books and read them. Even if you’re playing poker on a budget, you can’t say that the local library doesn’t have a few poker books to look at. Just as you have a budget for gambling, you should have a budget for education too — this can lead to bigger gains just because you understand more about the theory of poker and not just the practice of poker.

Are we saying that theory is more important than actually going out and playing poker? Absolutely not — you need both in order to not only become a successful poker player but you will also need them both in order to stay a successful poker player.

The long term game is really where you want to be, and you need to make sure that you’re thinking about short term poker goals as well as long term ones. We know that it sucks trying to go out there and get all of these poker resources to study, but it’s all worth it in the end.

The final point that we want to bring up here is that if you’re going to work on your raw strategy at the poker tables, you can’t ignore the psychological element. If you’re not where you need to be in other areas of your life, it’s going to bleed over into your poker game. You might think that you can separate it all out, but every mistake you make on the tables will be magnified if there are other problems that you’re facing. It’s not possible to leave the stresses of everyday life aside when you’re really trying to make real money at the poker tables. If you have support in your real life, and you mess up a poker game, you tend to take it a lot more personally than someone that already has a strong support group. Is the answer to shun the outside world just to make sure that you can play your best poker game ever?

Definitely not! The real answer is that you need to make sure that you’re really open to getting help from other people. Even if they haven’t been playing poker as long as you, you never know what type of advice that people will have in order to help you become the best poker player that you can be.

Overall, all of these tips lead you to being able to make sure that you can actually develop your poker game for the long haul, which is exactly what you want for success. Why not get started today?

The Recent US Online Poker Shut Downs are Damaging

The recent shut down of US online poker rooms has affected a huge number people in America. Apart from in a few regions, such as Washington, online poker playing is not illegal for most Americans. The DoJ are enforcing an obscure 2006 law that sates it is illegal for financial organizations to move money between US citizens and offshore companies that provide online poker. It is quite clear that this money was being transferred. The US authorities set up a fake company to process payments so that these transactions could be proven, online poker company executives could be indicted and funds could be seized.

Many see these shut downs as an infringement of privacy and the government interfering in the daily lives of US citizens. People are angry as their ability to make their own personal choices has been impacted upon. The lottery and other forms of gambling are allowed to continue for example. The companies that have been indicted provided a service that was in demand and the majority of their customers were pleased with the service that was provided many will argue.

Many Americans are very angry that they are effectively being told what they can, and cannot do, with their own money in the privacy of their own homes. Americans have long prided themselves on being a people who embrace free choice and also the free market. They believe that nearly an entire industry has been shut down because of the decisions of a few.

Most poker players do not need protection from the government and the vast majority of players do not live off the money they generate from online poker. This form of gambling is a hobby and something to enjoy at the weekend. Unlike casino poker, the online variation can be played with small amounts of money with many games have nickel and dime limits. It is a cheap form of entertainment with no travelling expenses.

The online poker industry has actually called for the federal government to introduce taxation and regulation. The government has done nothing to answer these demands so foreign businesses have benefited. Now the government has made it difficult for these foreign companies to return money that is owed to US players.

The shut downs have had a knock on effect on other businesses connected to online poker. Most Americans agree that individuals and companies should be allowed to make their own choices, within a legal and regulated industry, without the interference of the government.

Online Poker Sites are Truly Here to Stay – Don’t Get Left Behind!

One of the best ways to occupy your time online is to gamble — where else can you sit in the complete comfort, privacy, and security of your home and have such a great time? The Internet has brought us a lot of conveniences these days, and being able to pass away the time is just one of them. If you’ve worked hard all week, chances are good that you just want to be able to sit back and enjoy life for a change. However, you might have heard a few people say that online poker sites are going away or that it’s not worth it to play. That’s not the case at all, and here’s why, in a nutshell: there are just too many people that love playing poker online!

If you don’t want to get left behind in the new poker craze, you’re going to want to jump in today. No, delaying isn’t going to help — not unless you want to leave money on the table. The truth is that the fastest you get involved in the world of poker, the more you will be able to learn poker well enough to make money. Are you going to always be winning every hand, every round? Not at all. Even the best poker players don’t even do that. However, if you can indeed work on your game, then you’re going to build your profits over time. It’s really like a form of investing once you get serious. The more time that you spend playing poker, the more time that you will gain in the actual learning process. Sure, you can go down to the local library and read up on the theory of poker, but you have to throw a lot of things out of the window when you start playing poker head on.

Another thing that you will need to do is look through the selection of online poker sites with the idea that you’re going to be playing at a casino for a long time — so you want to pick the right one. The last thing that you want to do is go to a casino that isn’t going to treat you like a treasured asset. That’s really what you are, and it’s a partnership between yourself and the casino. The best casinos online are going to reward you for playing there, much like their offline counterparts would with comps and other goodies.

To find the best online casinos, you need to make sure that you look into a good directory that lists the best casinos outright. You’ll also be able to read reviews from real poker players so that you can make the smartest decision from every angle.

Overall, the time is just right to play poker online, so why delay when you can start playing…today!

Is Poker Software Overrated?

When it comes time to really jump into the world of online poker, chances are good that you already have a few ideas on how to make your game the best ever. We don’t mind your enthusiasm at all, but the question that has to be asked is simple: is it really worth it? Indeed, the question is something you need to hear, even though you might not want to actually hear the question asked openly. This is because you have to step back and realize that you will be spending money. Now, if you are the child of Daddy Warbucks and money isn’t really an issue, then don’t mind us at all. However, if you are like most people, poker is something that you’re doing on a budget. Therefore there are a few things that you need to think about before you just plunge into the world of poker, especially buying software.

The first thing that you will want to think about is what type of return can you expect? If you’re playing low level games like 5$NL, then you need to make sure that your software buy makes sense. If the software is $100, then you should realize that it’s actually a 20-blind purchase. Are you really willing to commit that much of your bankroll to a piece of software?

Make sure that you are looking into poker software reviews and even free trials. You should never buy software that you can’t review. In addition, you want to also look into free software online that can replicate the things that the big software packages can do.

Tracking your results is something that is worth paying for — if you’re going to pay constantly at the big poker outlets, then feeding into a tracker that can catch your stats is definitely a good idea.

However, we’re against the idea that software will ever be able to replace good common sense and a solid foundation in poker theory. You don’t want to get too worked up if software isn’t in your budget. Keep playing hands, keep sharing your notes with other poker players, and don’t give up — you will become a better poker player over time, even if you don’t use software!

Avoid the Temptation to Cheat at Online Poker

Online poker is a fun online pastime for millions of people. In fact, the pursuit of playing poker online is so great that there are even books and instructional videos devoted tot he subject, not to mention plenty of blogs and other online guides to help you become a great online poker player. However, when it comes to actually playing the game of poker online, you will want to avoid the temptation to cheat.

Cheating when it comes to online poker can take on many different forms. The most obvious form of cheating at poker is using automated software, but most sits have technology to scan and block this type of cheating. More subtle forms of cheating include teaming up with another person at the table in order to control the play at that table and increase the chances of winning.

The problem with cheating is that eventually, you will get caught and be banned from playing. If you’re serious about making big money with online poker, then you already know this isn’t the way you really want to go.

Cheating has social consequences to consider as well. If you are caught cheating and banned because of it, the chances of you still fitting into the social group that you’ve gotten to know are very slim. Even though online poker is very competitive, it’s also a great way to make new friendships. Most honest players can’t stand to play next to cheaters, and will generally not associate with them once it’s known that they’ve cheated. If the social aspect of online poker is important to you, then you will want to make sure to avoid the temptation to cheat at online poker.

Overall, it’s just a better idea to play poker online as an honest player instead of trying to cheat the system. If you start off on an honest path from the beginning, then you will not have a problem enjoying your online poker hobby for many years to come!

When choosing a casino online make sure they offer a wide variety of casino games including online video poker to ensure a great gambling experience.

Getting Started in Online Poker

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.

Basic Information About Playing Poker Online

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

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

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.