The online gaming market has grown immensely in the past few years. Research shows that by 2023, it will be valued at over $93 billion, rising at over 11.5% annually. A large share (32.1%) of the market is taken up by virtual casinos, with online poker making up 6.1% of the total share.
Playing casino games online has become increasingly popular since the pandemic hit, with many people turning to websites instead of visiting physical locations. Playing online is a much more accessible experience as players don’t need to travel, potentially find a suitable lodging, book cheap flights, or be wary in an unfamiliar location. As mentioned above the online version of poker is the casino game that has seen the most uptake, and this is because online play is very similar to playing the physical game. If you are looking to start playing poker online here are some tips.
Choose a reliable website
Before jumping into the world of online poker, it is important to try and find a reputable site where you know that your data and information are safe. Some factors that you have to remember are the security precautions of the website, the reliability of customer support, payment methods, and the help and guides made available to players. If these resources are openly available, chances are that it is safe to play on the platform.
Know the different poker games
This is an important rule, especially for beginners since the poker rules for each type of game varies. For example, in Texas Hold’em, players are given two cards before the dealer puts down three community cards. Omaha, on the other hand, deals the players four cards. Five Draw Poker, Crazy Pineapple, and Seven Card Stud also have different regulations to follow. The game you participate in also dictates what kind of plays and strategies you can use, so learning them will be immensely helpful in getting better and learning more plans of action.
Know the pot rules
The pot rules among different games can also vary depending on the game. There are normally two different kinds of limits known as No-limit or Pot-limit, which means that players can go all-in at any time they want to. The second kind, also known as Fixed-limit, means that there is a maximum amount you can put down every round. This does not change depending on what game you’re playing but on what the house (or in this case, the platform) decides to impose on players. Knowing this is important so you don’t get caught out by other players’ bets.
Study plays
When learning a new skill, the best way to learn is from the way more experienced people in the poker world. You can do this by watching past tournaments or reading tips that pros give out. There is a lot of content online you can use. Learning different plays will help you develop new strategies or figure out moves that will help you win during tight situations. These are different calculated actions that you can do to either counter an opponent’s move or bluff your way to victory. Learning how to do them will definitely help you to become a better player and more knowledgeable in the game.
Play often
Developing skills always requires a lot of practice, and as mentioned earlier, a lot of learning. Even professionals had to start somewhere before being able to play in big leagues and championships. For beginners, training is even more important because it helps you understand the game, know what mistakes you can stop making in the future, and begin to see plays being set up by different opponents before they’re executed. Try to set aside some time during the day (or week) solely for practicing the game. This will definitely help you in the long run on the journey to becoming a better player.
Online poker can be intimidating for some, or strange for those who are used to playing in physical establishments. But if you want to try your hand at it, use some of these tips to try and develop more online poker skills.