An Introduction to Online Poker
Figure 1 Newcomers should take their time with online poker
This site is dedicated to spreading the gospel when it comes to poker. We love the game and want more people around the world to discover the beauty of the most popular card game. That means we let you know where you can go to play poker in dedicated venues – but also how to play online.
The last few years have seen more people than ever before turning to online and poker fans have been well looked after. But we do understand that the game can seem a little inclusive to an outsider, so how do you take those first steps into a poker playing future? Read on to discover how to find the best online sports books and casinos to begin your journey.
Know the Basics
This might seem like an obvious thing to consider but there are plenty of examples of people who thought they knew poker and then were found out at the table. You should memorize poker hands and betting etiquette before you get anywhere near a playing for real money table.
Unless you are completely confident in your poker knowledge and skills you should really take a look at one of the countless online sites explaining the game. That way you will also learn how to bluff properly and also get to know what to expect when you do finally take the plunge.
Choose a Good Online Site
If you are also a newcomer to betting sites you may be thinking that all online sportsbooks and casinos are the same – and you would kind of be right. There is very little to choose between most sites, although it is the details that make all the difference.
You will need to sign up for a customer account, so look for ones that offer attractive welcome bonuses. You will need to take a close look at the terms and conditions, but you might be able to find a site that offers free games or deposit matches that make those first few games less risky.
Play for Free
Another way of honing your craft before you start playing for real money is to make the most of free gaming. Even though online casinos are in the business of taking your money, there are some that realize that customers may be turned off quite quickly if they start by losing a lot of money straight away.
That is why there are sites that allow beginners to play for free. You will probably want to get past this phase fairly quickly, but this is a great opportunity to practice and get used to interacting and dealing with other players. This kind of experience could turn out to be invaluable once you start betting.
Figure 2 Always try to play with live dealers and players - even online
Play Live Poker
It may seem quite daunting at first, but we would always recommend heading for the live casino sections of online sites. All the other games are basically just computer simulations that follow programs. Choosing a live dealer and a live game gives you a better experience of poker in our opinion.
Just like those free games we advised earlier, even some unsuccessful first few outings in a live poker room will do a lot for your game. You will build a lot of confidence very quickly and hopefully also develop your poker skills at the same time.
Progress and Test Yourself
There is no point in over-reaching yourself and just losing all the time. We hope that you have understood from this guide that there is always time for more practice – and it doesn’t always have to be for real money. But it will really help your game to push yourself as you play more.
Many online poker sites will highlight the level of play to be expected in certain rooms and games, so you can record your progress and move up the tables as you get better and learn more. Poker should be all about enjoying yourself and part of that enjoyment is playing against better players as you go on.